Sven Hassel

Camarazi de front
Camarades of War Cea mai nensemnat durere a degetului tu cel mic e pentru mine mai dureroas dect moartea a milioane de oameni.

Am fost adui la Centrul de pansare, unde murdria noastr respingtoare i paraziii ce ne colciau pe rnile deschise l-au fcut pe chirurg s turbeze de furie. u mi-a fost dat n !iaa mea s !d asemenea porci" e#clam el. $edicul acesta foarte tnr, proaspt ieit din coala de la %raz nu !zuse, ntr- ade!r, mare lucru n !iaa lui. $icuul l blagoslo!i cu o ploaie de n&urturi, ceea ce i- a sporit i mai mult furia. 'e &ur pe onoarea lui de soldat c !a fi aspru pedepsit, dac bineneles !a scpa cu !ia. (n atunci se distr cu delicii auzindu- l cum zbiar n timp ce i scotea schi&ele de obuz care mpnau muntele acesta de carne. )nrul medic nu tia altce!a, nu era dect un copil care nu a!ea s mai creasc. *u mpucat trei sptmni mai trziu, legat de un plop. +perase un general ce fusese mucat de o !iper i generalul murise sub cuitul copilului. Chirurgul statului- ma&or fiind beat, nu putuse face operaia, ns cine!a ceruse anchet, iar chirurgul de la statul-ma&or se grbi s dea !ina pe tnrul su coleg. ,ncompeten i nendeplinire a datoriei, declarase consiliul de rzboi. )nrul zbier necu!iincios n timp ce era legat de plop, au trebuit patru oameni s-l care i au obser!at c inima i se zbtea s- i sparg pieptul. 'oldaii l-au mbrbtat spunndu-i c trebuie s se poarte ca un brbat. -ar e tare greu s fi brbat cnd nu ai dect ./ de ani i iluzia c eti cine!a pentru c ai dou stele la mnec. Cei din pluton au po!estit c a fost o e#ecuie urt. 0rau !echi infanteriti care !zuser multe" Aii regimentului 12. TRENUL-SPITAL AUXILIAR 877 EST Gerul !"a #n or"$e ma er"e v"e or" moar !% &re$um o lam! #nro'" ! #n fo$( )n de&!r are% se au*ea $um ro*neau ar+or"" #n &!dure( Lo$omo "va% $are r!,ea lun,ul ren san" ar% flu"era va"e ul e" sf-'"e or '" &-n! '" va&or"" al+" &!reau re$" "n a$eas ! *" de "arn! ruseas$!( .e$an"$"" &ur au $!$"ul" ,rele de +lan! '" s$ur e #m+l!n" e( Su e de r!n"/" *!$eau #n,r!m!d"/" #n va,oanele de marf! #nsemna e $u mar" $ru$" ro'""% "ar *!&ada s&ul+era ! de &e- ram+leu de ,oana renulu" &! rundea #n v-r e0ur" &r"n &ere/"" a$o&er"/" $u &romoroa$!( 1!$eam #n va,onul 28% #m&reun! $u ."$u/ul '" $u Le,"onarul( ."$u/ulu" #" &! runsese o s$3"0! #n s&a e% "ar o m"n! #" smulsese 0um! a e d"n fese( Era $ul$a &e +ur !% #n &a"e( 4 Nu $re*" $!-" ros de-un $3"ul *drav!n5 6reau s! *"$ $u fesa as a $are "-a r!mas lu" Ivan5 Le,"onarul% $are #'" &r"vea oa ! *"ua #n o,l"nd! nenum!ra ele% s r"$!$"un" &ersonale% se &orn" s! r-d! #n$e "'or( 4 E' " mare '" &ros ( )n +a al"oanele d"s$"&l"nare nu &o/" $3"ul" de$- a un$" $-nd /"-a" l!sa '" $a&ul( Tu #ns! e ve" #n oar$e &e fron s!-/" la'" 0um! a ea $ealal ! de fund( ."$u/ul re$!*u &e &a"e +les em-nd( Le,"onarul #l +! u &e umer"(

4 L"n"' e' e- e% &or$ mare $e e' "% al fel r"' " s! e arun$e 0os d"n va,on la urm! oarea de+ar$are a ero"lor defun$/"7 Ceva ma" #n$olo% l-n,! &ere e% Hu+er #n$e ase $u r!$ne ele( 4 Cred $! a $r!&a % 'o& " ."$u/ul( 4 8a% '" nu va f" s"n,urul% murmur! Le,"onarul% ' er,-ndu-'" frun ea de sudoare( Avea fe+r! mare '" d"n &ansamen ul ve$3" de o& *"le% $e nu "*+u ea s!-" a$o&ere um!rul r!n" % #" $ur,ea &uro"( Era $ea de a 9:-a ran! a sa( Pr"mele 92 da au d"n vremea $-nd era #n Le,"unea S r!"n!% unde serv"se "m& de 9; an"% as fel #n$- se $ons"dera ma" mul fran$e* de$- neam/% $u o+ra*ul s!u !+!$" % $u s a ura s$und! '" ve'n"$ul s!u% $3"' o$ #n re +u*e( 4 A&!% &en ru 8umne*eu% a&!7 "m&lor! su+of"/erul Hu3n% $are avea &-n e$ul des$3"s( C"neva de l-n,! u'! #l #n0ur!( 4 Gura7 N-avem de +!u de$- &ro&r"a ur"n!% '" da$! fa$" una $a as a "$!lo'"" e &un la *"d &en ru #m+oln!v"re "n en/"ona !( <mul $u &-n e$ul des$3"s #n$e&u s! &l-n,!( Un al ul% de la $el!lal $a&! al va,onulu"% r-se r!u !$"os= 4 N-a" de$- s! fa$" $a no"% l"n,e ,3ea/!( Cel de l-n,! m"ne% >eld?e+el-ul% se r"d"$! &e 0um! a e% #n $"uda durer"lor &e $are " le &r"$"nu"a +ur a ,!ur" ! de un ,lon/ de m" ral"er!( 4 Camara*"7 >@3rer-ul va avea ,r"0! de no"( R"d"$! +ra/ul% salu -nd /ea&!n% '" "n on! #n$e&u ul unu" mar' na*"s % #ns! $!*u #na&o" &e &a"e% e&u"*a ( Ho3o ele $elorlal/" ur$ar! s&re &lafonul a$o&er" $u &romoroa$!( 4 Eroul a o+os" % m-r-" un ,las% "ar #n re "m& Adolf se #m+u"+! $u de oa e( 4 6! r"m" #n f-/a $ons"l"ulu" de r!*+o"% *+"er! >eld?e+el-ul( ."$u/ul #" *v-rl" #n $a& o oal! $u var*! #m&u/" !( 4 Ta$!-/" $lan/a7 8a$! fundul nu m"-ar f" #n 3alul !s a% /"-a' s$oa e $eea $e-/" serve' e dre& $re"er s!-l r"m" &ar "dulu" !u( Trenul se o&r" $u o *,udu" ur! &u ern"$! $are ne f!$u s! /"&!m de durere( Gerul &! rundea '" ma" mul % amor/"ndu-ne de,e ele de la m-"n" '" &"$"oare( Promoroa$a ne $r"s&a nem"los $3"&ur"le( Un"" se d"s rau desen-nd $u v-rful +a"one e" &e &ere/"" #n,3e/a/" an"male m"$" '" nos "me% $are d"s&!reau #n$e % #ns! un $!/elu'% +o e*a &e lo$ <s$ar% a fos redesena de nenum!ra e or"% &en ru $! #n$e&use s! ne f"e dra,( A un$" $-nd% $3"nu"/" de se e% l"n,eam &ere ele #n,3e/a % aveam mare ,r"0! s! nu ne a "n,em de <s$ar( 4 Unde mer,em5 #n re+! m"$ul "nfan er"s de 97 an"% $are avea am+ele &"$"oare s r"v" e( 4 A$as!% &u' "ule% #" 'o& " un su+of"/er r!n" la $a&( 4 Au*" la el7 r-se mar"narul de la .area Nea,r!% $u femurul *dro+" ( Ce-" a"a% $as!5 Ra"ul lu" H" ler% #n $are #n,er"" lu" Adolf% $u *vas "$a &e $!&!/-n!% $-n ! AHors WesselB5 Se s r-m+! s&re s ala$ " ele $e s$-n e"au re$e( Trenul &orn" d"n nou% a$es $"uda ren san" ar al$! u" d"n 8: de va,oane &en ru v" e% murdare '" #n,3e/a e% &l"ne $u m"*er"a uman! num" ! noro"( Ero" $are +les emau% #n0urau% &l-n,eau% e&ave #ns&!"m-n a e *v-r$ol"ndu-se de durere% a$es so" de ero" de $are &"e rele de morm-n nu &omenes$ n"$"oda !( 4 Ia s&une% ara+ule% s r",! ."$u/ul% ' "" $are va f" &r"mul lu$ru &e $are-l vo" fa$e $-nd vom a0un,e la afur"s" ul !la de s&" al5 .! vo" ,3"f u" +"ne '" a&o" m! vo" n!&us " &es e &u"$u/e(((7 <$3"" #" erau s r!lu$" or" de dor"n/!( Pen ru &r"ma da ! #n v"a/! se du$ea la s&" al% "ar a$es a #n o$3"" lu" era un fel de +ordel% unde $l"en/"" se +u$urau de serv"$"" $om&le e( Le,"onarul r-se #n +! a"e de 0o$( 4 )/" va ven" /"e m"n ea la $a&% +!"e e( )n &r"mul r-nd ve" n!du'" s$o/-nd f!r-me de fler &r"n o/" &or"" '"-/" va &"er" &of a de $ra"l-$%$rede-m!7 4 8oare r!u $-nd m!$elar"" !' "a #/" a"e #n $arne v"e5 #n re+! ur"a'ul s&er"a ( Le,"onarul #n oarse $a&ul '" &r"v" $3"&ul mare '" +es "al% &al"d de fr"$! la au*ul $elor $e-l a' e& au( 4 Cum&l" ( )/" a"e 3!l$" #n re," d"n sl!n"n! '" nu &o/" s&une n"$" of7 4 .a"$! Pre$"s !% ,emu ."$u/ul(

Trenul se a&le$! s$-r/-"nd #n r-o $ur+! lun,!( 4 8u&! $e m! vor $oase la s&" al% am ,-nd" eu $u ,las are% #m" vo" ,!s" o aman !% #ns! una s$um&!% $u &al on de v"*on '" meser"a'!( 4 Pr"$e& $am $e-a" vrea% f!$u Le,"onarul &les$!"nd( < +u$!/"$! fa"n!7 4 Ce-" a"a o aman !5 #n reru&se ."$u/ul( I-am da l!mur"r" am!nun/" e( 4 Ad"$! o -rf! #n afara +ordelulu"7 Nu se &oa e(((7 C" &o/" s! sal/" de-as ea5 )n$3"se o$3"" '" #n$e&u s! v"se*e +a al"oane de fe e frumoase $are dau d"n fund( 4 C" $am $- $os ! una5 #n re+! m"0"nd un o$3"( 4 Solda &e un an de *"le% "-am 'o& " % u" -nd de durerea d"n s&a e% #n "m& $e m! ,-ndeam la aman a $u v"*on( 4 Am avu oda ! o "u+" ! la Casa+lan$a% v"s! Le,"onarul( As a a fos "med"a du&! $e am fos num" ser,en #n $om&an"a a D-a( Eun! $om&an"e% un 'ef de rea+!% nu unul afur"s" ( 4 8!-l dra$ulu" de 'ef% am m-r-" eu( To/" 'ef"" sun afur"s"/"% ma" +"ne vor+e' e-ne des&re &u"$u/a a( 4 Era so/"a de&rava ! a unu" arma or &u red de +o,a ( Nu ma" avea dou!*e$" de an" '" avea dam+la s!-'" &l! eas$! aman/"% $!rora le d!dea a&o" &a&u$""% unul du&! al ul( 4 C" /"-a da '" /"e &las!5 Ca $elorlal/"5 4 Nu% m"n/" Le,"onarul% eu am ' ers-o( Avea &"elea m!sl"n"e% &!rul ne,ru $a *moala '" dessous-ur" $are e ame/eau &re$um un Roederer se$ 9F;:( 8a$! a" f" v!*u -o% m!" +!"e e7 Su+of"/erul r!n" la $a& r-se #n$e "'or= 4 E' " un $unos$! or% m"-ar &l!$ea s! e v!d la rea+!( Le,"onarul% $u o$3"" #n$3"'"% $u o $u "e de mas$! de ,a*e su+ $eaf!% nu-l #nvredn"$" m!$ar $u o &r"v"re( 4 >eme"le nu m! "n eresea*!% sun doar am"n "r" d"n re$u ( 4 Ce5 f!$u su+of"/erul ulu" % a" re$u $umva la "nam"$5 R-se ele $e "*+u$n"r! #l "r" ar! &e Le,"onar( 4 Ce v! &r"ve' e as a &e vo"% &"fan" nenoro$"/"5 >ur"os% *v-rl" o $"*m! $! re su+of"/er% $are se fer"( C"*ma a "nse &e av"a orul mur"+und% $are n"$" nu o+serv!( 4 E"ne /"n " % r-n0" $el!lal ( S a ura ur"a'! a ."$u/ulu" se r"d"$! #n$e ( N"men" al ul% $u asemenea ran!% nu ar f" fos "n s are de a'a $eva( Cu s$l"&"r" de ne+un"e #n &r"v"r"% #n'f!$! &e su+of"/erul #n,ro*" % $are a er"*! #n $a&! ul o&us al va,onulu"% $u *,omo #nfunda ( 4 I-au !"a +"lu/ele nomadulu"7 r!$n" ur"a'ul( C-"n"" d"n la,!rul de la >a,en( 8a$! ma" aud o vor+! des&re nomad% v! fr-n, ,- ul7 U" e a'a7 Ru&se &a ul une" $ara+"ne '" arun$! +u$!/"le &e &ere/"" va,onulu"% du&! $are $!*u la lo$ ,em-nd #n &a"e( Le,"onarul fredona #n surd"n! A6"no% dul$e moar e% v"no(((B( 4 E' " $am &ros $res$u % ."$u/ule( Ur"a'ul "*+u$n" #n r-s( 4 As a-m" &la$e( .a" &oves e' e de -rfa a d"n Casa+lan$a( Ce +ordel e '" Casa+lan$a as a5 Le,"onarul #'" drese ,lasul( 4 Casa nu-" un +ordel% e un ora' de &e $oas a Afr"$""% unde le,"onar"" de m-na a doua #nva/! s!-'" +ea sudoarea% s! 3aleas$! n"s"& '" unde% noa& ea% e &o/" $!& u'" $u un 'an$ru( La Casa &-n! '" "d"o/"" $are '"-au #n$3"&u" $! Le,"unea #nseamn! o v"a/! de aven ur" afl! $! nu-s de$- n"' e &or$"% f"" de &or$" $a "ne '" $a m"ne% la fel $a #n oa e arma ele d"n lumea #n rea,!( 4 T"$!lo'"lor7 *+"er! >eld?e+el-ul na*"s ( 6a" vou! a un$" $-nd mare'alul von .ans e"n va re$e de Lod* '" se va #ndre& a s&re .os$ova7 4 Ca &r"*on"er% #n drum $! re S"+er"a5 s&use $"neva #n +! a"e de 0o$( 4 Gura7 r!$n" ."$u/ul( .a" s&une $eva des&re Afr"$a( 4 8umne*eule% $- &o/" f" de &ros $res$u 7 Era o fa ! &e $"ns e% $on "nu! Le,"onarul( Alla3 m"-e mar or $! o "u+eam( Se a&le$! '" 'o& "= 4 C"uda $! dra,os ea &oa e s! doar! a - de are( 4 )/" "n rase #n sufle 5 #n re+! ."$u/ul% $are #'" s$!r&"na fundul $u +a"one a( Am

&!du$3" #n fund% *"se #n $3"& de s$u*!( 4 P!du$3"" au ,eneral" "s e/"% af"rm! un $"un,% al $!ru" un"$ +ra/ era ros de ,an,ren!( G!ses$ #n o deauna lo$ul $el ma" &o r"v" &en ru a a a$a( )'" m"ros" +ra/ul( 4 Gan,rena #ns! nu le &la$e% #" fa$e s! verse( 4 C-nd vo" "e'" d"n s&" al vo" $af " un "n enden % m!r ur"s" ."$u/ul% $u o$3"" &"erdu/" &e &ere/"" va,onulu"( 4 Ce a" $u "n enden/""5 4 6" e #m&u/" e7 N-a" o+serva n"$"oda ! $! sun em u*" su+ "m&ermea+"lele noas re5 Pr"$e&" $um v"ne $3es "a5 In enden ul $-' ",! $- e re" m!r$" la f"e$are "m&ermea+"l% "ar no" renun/!m la unul sau dou! &en ru a ,!s" $eva ma" +un% #/" da" seama $u $- se ale,e5 4 Eun! afa$ere% o+serv! Le,"onarul( Alla37 8e-a' &u ea deven" "n enden ( 4 C" &u"$u a a5 ,emu ."$u/ul% u" -nd de "n enden ( Le,"onarul r!s&unse $a '" $um '"-ar f" vor+" s"e'"= 4 8oar Alla3 ' "e $- o "u+eam( 8e dou! or" am #n$er$a s! m! omor du&! $e m"-a da &a&u$""( A$o&er"nd *,omo ul renulu" &-n! la no"% r!*+" un al ul( Erus$ s-a f!$u !$ere( C"uleam ure$3"le asemen" unor an"male 3!" u" e( 4 Ga+os9% murmur! $"neva( Am #n$e&u s! d-rd-"m% nu de fr",% $" &en ru $! moar ea &! runsese #n va,on( Un av"on( Se ro " '" reven"% *um*e ul $res$u( Cu mo orul url-nd *+ura #n lun,ul renulu"( S eaua ro'"e /"n ea ne#ndur! or $ru$"le ro'"" $e &un$ au a$o&er"'ur"le $onvo"ulu"( A&ara ul lu! #n!l/"me% a&o" $o+or# #n &"$a0( 4 6"no% d"avol ro'u7 url! ."$u/ul( C-"nele "adulu"% v"no% s! se erm"ne o da !7 Ca '" $um &"lo ul l-ar f" au*" % ,loan/ele r!&!"r! #n &ere/" "e'"nd &e $ealal ! &ar e( Se au*"r! /"&e e% a&o" 3or$!" ur"( Le,"onarul fredona A6"no% dul$e moar e% v"no(((B( C"neva 3o3o ea% al ul ,emea /"n-ndu-se de +ur !( Lo$omo "va 'u"er!( In ram #n r-o &!dure( >!r! #ndo"al! $! av"onul se m"s u"se undeva% #n $erul a$es e" d"m"ne/" sen"ne '" ,eroase( Ro/"le r!sunau &e '"ne% fr",ul $um&l" &! rundea &r"n ,!ur"le l!sa e de &ro"e$ "le( 4 Alfred7 8e mul nu ma" &ronun/asem &renumele m"$ulu" le,"onar( N"$" nu ' "u +"ne da$! o f!$usem vreoda !( 4 Alfred((( &oa e s&un &ros ""( Nu /"-a" dor" n"$"oda ! o $as! a a5 Cu mo+"le '" a'a ma" de&ar e5 4 Nu% Sven% a re$u vremea a$eea% s&use r-n0"nd( C- de mul #m" &l!$ea $3"&ul s!u smead( 4 Am &es e re"*e$" de an"(La 9: am "n ra #n Le,"une% ad!u,-ndu-m" do"( Sun de &rea mul a vreme un &or$( Guno"ul es e elemen ul meu( Camera #m&u/" ! de la S"d0-+el-A++es va r!m-ne ul "ma( 4 C" as a nu e ne$!0e' e5 4 N"m"$ nu re+u"e s! e ne$!0eas$!( 6"a/a e frumoas!% vremea e frumoas!( 4 E a - de fr",% Alfred( 4 C" fr",ul e +un( <r"$e vreme e +un!% a - a "m& $- e' " #n v"a/!( P-n! '" o &u'$!r"e e +un!% a un$" $-nd #n$! ma" r!"e' " '" nu e ,-nde' " la $e ar f" &u u f" da$!((( A$es Ada$!B #" su&!r! &e oamen"( 4 Nu /"-e fr"$! de o ran! la ,- 5 #n re+! $el $u ,an,rena( Poa e va re+u" s! &or/" un $ol"er de f"er( 4 E" '"7 C-nd oa e se vor sf-r'"% #m" vo" ,!s" o slu0+! #n r-un de&o*" al Le,"un""( )n f"e$are sear! o s "$l!% a&o" '" +ursa nea,r! $u ma er"alele( C" nu m! ,-ndes$ la *"ua de m-"neH la mos$3e"e de dou! or" &e *"( 8e res % &u/"n #m" &as!( 4 Eu% s&use s e,arul% du&! $e va f" da 0os H" ler% m! vo" du$e la 6ene/"a( Am lo$u" a$olo "m& de do"s&re*e$e an"% #m&reun! $u +a+a$ul( >rumos ora'( C"ne $unoa' e 6ene/"a5 4 Eu% ros " un ,las s "ns #n r-un $ol/( Era av"a orul &e moar e( Am #n$remen" ( Ule"ul #n$"ns #" arsese o+ra*ul% o$3"" nu ma" erau de$- dou! &e e ro'"" #n r-o mas! $enu'"e% $u refleIe v"ne/""(
9 Pres$ur

are de la AGa,d+om+erB 4 av"on de v-n! oare '" +om+ardamen

Infan er"s ulu" #" $ur,eau +aleleH f!r! s! &r"veas$! s&re mur"+und% #n re+!= 4 A" fos de$" la 6ene/"a5 < !$ere lun,!% &e $are n"men" nu $u e*! s-o #n reru&!( Se #n -m&la rar $a un om &e moar e s! vor+eas$! des&re un ora'( 4 Canalul $el mare; e ma" frumos #n lum"na ser""( Gondolele seam!n! $u d"aman ele l!s-nd #n urma lor 0er+e de &erle((( Es e $el ma" frumos ora' d"n lume% #n $are m"-ar f" &l!$u s! mor% s&use $el a&roa&e mor % ' ""nd +"ne $! va mur" #n r-un va,on de v" e% undeva &e l-n,! Eres -L" ovsJ( 4 Un solda +! r-n es e #n o deauna mul/um" % v"s! ma" de&ar e Le,"onarul% &en ru $! r!"e' e '" ' "e $e #nseamn! as a( Numa" $! nu sun &rea mul/" solda/" +! r-n"( Cea $u $oasa n"$" nu-" ' "e( Trenul fr-n! s$r-'n"nd( )na"n ! #n s$u ur! ur" s$ur e% a&o" fr-n! d"n nou( Se o&r" $u un urle &relun, '" lo$omo "va se #nde&!r ! s! se al"men e*e $u oa e $- e re+u"au une" lo$omo "ve( Ne aflam #n r-o ,ar!( 1,omo de $"*me% s r",! e% $omen*"( Se au*"r! r-se e% ma" ales un r-s au or" ar% de ,rada % un am!r- de ru&e e nu &u ea r-de #n felul !s a( 4 Unde sun em5 #n re+! &"on"erul( 4 )n Rus"a% "d"o ule( C"neva des$3"se u'a va,onulu" '" a&!ru fa/a n! -n,! a unu" su+of"/er san" ar( 4 He"l% $amara*"7 ne$3e*! el( 4 A&!7 se au*" un ,eam! $e "e'ea d"n re &a"ele so"oase( 4 Pu/"n! r!+dare% ve/" &r"m" a&! '" su&!( Ave/" ,rav-r!n"/" a"$"5 4 Te /"" de +an$ur"7 Sun em &roas&e/" $a /"&ar""% 3o3o " s e,arul( To$ma" ne #n oar$em de la un me$" de fo +al( Su+of"/erul d"s&!ru #n ,ra+!( Tre$u o vreme% a&o" se "v"r! $-/"va &r"*on"er" de r!*+o"% &!*"/" de un os a' er" or"al% $are du$eau o ,!lea ! $u su&! $!ldu/!( < urnar! #n ,amelele noas re de*,us ! oare( Am m-n$a -o '" n" se f!$u '" ma" foame( <s a'ul ne f!,!du" s! ne ma" adu$!% dar nu f!$u n"m"$% #n s$3"m+ sos"r! al/" &r"*on"er" s! dea 0os $adavrele( Pa"s&re*e$e $adavre% d"n $are nou! #n urma a a$ulu" aer"an( Au vru s!-l "a '" &e av"a or% dar a$es a "*+u " s!-" $onv"n,! $! #n$! ma" r!"a( Ceva ma" -r*"u sos" un med"$ -n!r% #nso/" de $-/"va su+of"/er" san" ar"( Arun$! "$" '" $olo o &r"v"re '" de f"e$are da ! s&use a$ela'" lu$ru= ATre$e% nu-" n"m"$ ,rav(B C-nd a0unse l-n,! ."$u/ul% "*+u$n" fur una( 4 Le&!d! ur! de -rf!7 ."-au smuls 0um! a e de $ur% #ns! nu-" n"m"$ ,rav% a"5 Cul$!- e a"$"% fa$3"rule% s!-/" smul, &e al !u '" s!-m" s&u" da$!-" de r-s7 )l a&u$! de ,le*n! &e med"$% $are se lun," #n &a"ele &u uroase( 4 Eravo7 se +u$ur! ,an,renosul '" #n$e&u s!-l loveas$! &e med"$ &es e fa/! $u +ra/ul s!u &u red% d"n &ansamen ul $!ru"a se s$ur,ea s-n,e '" &uro"( .ed"$ul fu ras afar! de do" su+of"/er" #n ul "ma $l"&!% &l"n de &uro" '" $um&l" la vedere( 4 Nu-" n"m"$ ,rav7 *+"era ."$u/ul( N! !r!ule7 4 As a e va $os a s$um&7 amen"n/! med"$ul fur"os( 4 8u- e dra$ulu"7 Ce" re" au s!r" 0os '" au ras u'a ,l"san !( Trenul a &orn" ma" de&ar e a doua *" d"m"nea/a% dar au u" a s! ne ma" adu$! m"$ul de0un( Av"a orul #n$! ma" r!"a% un al ul mur"se #n "m&ul no&/"" '" do" d"n re no" se luar! la +! a"e &en ru $"*mele sale( C"*me frumoase '" mo"% $are mer" au s! e +a/" &en ru ele% f""nd f!$u e $u s",uran/! #na"n e de r!*+o"% $!& u'" e $u &"ele de $uloare des$3"s!( Le do+-nd" un >eld?e+el ar "ler"s ( Pumnul s!u &o$n" +!r+"a su+of"/erulu" de v-n! or"% f!$-ndu-l s! u" e $- va "m& de $"*me( 4 Ce $"*me ,ro*ave7 eI$lam! >eld?e+el-ul% s r!lu$"nd de +u$ur"e( S$u"&! &e ele '" le lus ru" $u m-ne$a( 4 .a" +"ne a" da mor ulu" &e ale ale% #l &reven" $"neva% al fel s-ar &u ea s! le &"er*" &e $ele no" foar e $ur"nd( 4 S! #ndr!*neas$! $"neva7 s r",! >eld?e+el-ul% $a un $-"ne $are #'" a&!r! osul(
; Canal

Grande

4 Gefu"rea '" des&u"erea $adavrelor% as a #nseamn! Cons"l"ul de r!*+o"% s! ' ""7 Su+of"/erul rase o #n0ur! ur!% dar #'" s$oase $"*mele% $u $are #n$!l/! mor ul( 8u&! o or!% n"$" $adavrul nu '"-ar ma" f" re$unos$u &ro&r"ul e$3"&amen % &-n! la $el ma" ne#nsemna ar "$ol( Su+of"/erul Hu3n% $el $u +ur a des$3"s!% $erea #n runa a&!( Le,"onarul #" arun$! o +u$a ! de ,3ea/! s-o su,!( ."e au #n$e&u s!-m" ard! &"$"oarele '" #n re, ru&ul #m" era s r!+! u de #m&uns! ur"% oasele mele &!reau $u&r"nse de fl!$!r"( C "am des&re $e e vor+a= la #n$e&u sun durer"% $are a&o" se l"n"' es$( Urmea*! fl!$!r"le% &-n! $e &"$"oarele dev"n "nsens"+"le( A$eas a e ,an,rena '" &"$"oarele mor% a un$" durer"le ur$! '" ma" sus( La s&" al se a"e $a&! ul $u&r"ns de ,an,ren!( .! #nf"or((( Am&u area((( Numa" as a nu7 I-am 'o& " ,roa*a mea( Le,"onarulu"% $are m! &r"v"= 4 Pen ru "ne as a ar #nsemna sf-r'" ul r!*+o"ulu"( .a" +"ne #/" &"er*" un &"$"or de$$a&ul((( 8a% r!*+o"ul ar lua sf-r'" ( Am #n$er$a s! m! $onsole* #n "m& $e &an"$a m! ,- u"a( P"$"oarele% f"re' e((( Cu m-"n"le ar f" ma" r!u( S&a"ma m! f!$ea s! m! $u remur( Nu% nu% f!r! $-r0e7 Nu vreau s! f"u "nval"d((( 4 Ce e-a a&u$a 5 m! #n re+! Le,"onarul ulu" ( S r",asem A"nval"d7B f!r! s!-m" dau seama( Am adorm" d"n nou( .-au re*" durer"le% #ns! eram mul/um" H &"$"oarele m! dureau% &r"n urmare #n$! ma" r!"au( .a" aveam &"$"oare +une( Au urma #n$! dou! o&r"r"( 8e f"e$are da ! l-am au*" s&un-nd= 4 Nu-" ,rav( 4 Pe +ar+a Profe ulu"% $e e ,rav a un$"5 Le,"onarul #l ar! ! &e av"a or% $are o$ma" mur"se( 8ar el% n"$" el nu-" ,rav5 Nu a r!s&uns n"men"( C"uda ul ren san" ar auI"l"ar #'" urma drumul s&re ves ( 8u&! dou!s&re*e$e *"le de $!l! or"e% la Cra"ova% :;K d"n re r!n"/" au fos des$!r$a/" su+ form! de $adavre(

4 3leaht de smiorciti, bombni preotul. 4i cerei lui -umnezeu s ! a&ute, ce are ns -umnezeu de a face cu nite tlhari ca !oi5 Chem infirmierele s ia doi mori. 4n dup- amiaza aceea, preotul czu pe scri i i rupse braul n trei locuri. 4 %eme ct !oi toi la un loc" ne spuse infirmiera rznd. ,nfirmiera aceasta a!ea ne!oie de dou mperecheri pe zi pentru a-i pstra buna dispoziie. Ce oameni ciudai" murmur micuul 6egionar. 'e ntoarse cu faa spre noi i ne po!esti despre un sihastru care se retrsese n deertul 7iful-ui. .AGA1IA .<RLII )n fos ul sem"nar d"n Cra$ov"a% $are &ur a a$um numele de AS&" alul auI"l"ar nr(DB% med"$"" o&erau #n !$ere( E"roul s are/ulu" servea dre& sal! de o&era/"e( N"$"$-nd +unul &!r"n e nu '"-ar f" &u u #n$3"&u" $! a"$" vor mur" a -/"a oamen"( Eram #n "ns &e o ar,!% are $a a+la ondula !% '" a' e& am s! f"e o&era un r!n" la $a&( <mul mur"( 6en" a&o" r-ndul unu" v-n! or% r!n" la +ur a( .ur" '" el( 8u&! el au ma" mur" #n$! re"% du&! a$eea do" au fos s$o'" afar! #n$! #n v"a/!( )m" ven"se r-ndul( 4 P!s ra/"-m" &"$"oarele7 au fos ul "mele $uv"n e &e $are le-am ros " #na"n e de anes e*"e( C3"rur,ul !$ea( .-am re*" #n r-o $amer! '" ma" aveam &"$"oare( Pr"mele ore au fos des ul de &l!$u e% a&o" au #n$e&u #ns! sufer"n/ele( 8urer" a ro$e% sufer"n/e $um&l" e a - &en ru m"ne $- '" &en ru $e"lal/"( )n oda"a $e &u/ea a "od '" fenol se #n!l/au ne#n reru& ,eme e% #n "m& $e #n uner"$ul &ro e$ or se l!sa #n$e asu&ra &a ur"lor(

< "nf"rm"er! se &le$! deasu&a mea% #m" lu! &ulsul '" #'" v!*u de drum ma" de&ar e( >e+ra $re' ea% $3"nur"le mor/"" se -rau #n 0urul nos ru% m! #n$ol!$eau $a 'er&""( )n r-un $ol/ al #n$!&er"" &-ndea >eme"a $u $oasa( >eme"a $enu'"e% #nv!lu" ! #n ne,ru% avea mul de lu$ru( 4 >a"n! &rad!% mor !$"une% nu-" a'a5 Prad! fa"n!((( 8ar nu $red $! m"-e fr"$!((( Tremuram de fr"$!( 4 Plea$! de a"$"% &u oare a fenolulu"7 A' ea& ! u &u/"n% s! v"n! ru'""% #/" vor ar! a e" /"e% m"$-+ur,3e*! nem/oa"$!7 >eme"a $u $oasa r-se r!,u'" % remur-nd de ner!+dare( Era la $a&! ul r!+d!r""( Le,"onarul fredona #n r-una A6"no% dul$e moar e% v"no(((B( ."-am a$o&er" ure$3"le $u &almele s! nu ma" aud $-n e$ul !s a +les ema % dar m"" de ,lasur" "n onau #n $or= A6"no% dul$e moar e% v"no(((B( >eme"a $enu'"e r"d"$! #n$-n a ! &r"v"r"le '" #n$er$! !"'ul $oase"% o $oas! s r!lu$" oare( La fel de !"oas! $a ,3"lo "na de la Plo *ensee sau de la Len,r"es( Cu oa e $! Ursule" $a&ul "-a fos !"a $u o +ard!% la Mol"maD((( 4 Ce o #ndru,"% n! !r!ule5 8oar ' "" +"ne $! "u+" a a era la Eerl"n '" se $ul$a $u SS-"' ""% s! ma" rea$! "m&ul((( ."nuna ! fa !7 Nu e ma" sm"or$!"% $re "nule((( Era o vreme $-nd ma" era" un solda adev!ra '" a$um remur" de s&a"m! #na"n ea >eme"" $u $oasa7 Ea e $!l$-"ele% s a" dre&/"% '" "a-/" r!mas-+un( Cum ve" re$e &ra,ul% o/" e vor u" a( 6"no% vul urule% v"no '" "a-m!7 Cre*"((( $! m"-e eam! de "ne5 >eme"a $enu'"e se r"d"$!( )nv!lu" ! #n man "a e" nea,r!% se a&ro&"e de &a ul meu((( )n$e ((( Am s$os un r!$ne ( Inf"rm"era a ven" #n fu,! s!-m" ' ear,! frun ea( 8oamne% $e m-n,-"ere r!$oroas!((( Ploua( P"$! ur"le mono one #m" &o oleau nerv""( >eme"a $u $oasa d"s&!ruse% lu-nd $u ea &e do" d"n re no"( 8u&! o s!& !m-n! am fos mu a #n al salon% unde "-am #n -ln" &e ."$u/ul '" &e Le,"onar( ."$u/ul se alesese $u 'a& e *"le de $ar$er!% la "e'"re% &en ru $! s r",ase AUra7 Au ven" -rfele7 Re&ede #n s$u e$e% $amara*"7B la a&ar"/"a "nf"rm"ere"-'efe% $are era #nso/" ! de a0u oarele e"( A urma un s$andal mons ru '" +"ne#n/eles san$/"un" d"n &ar ea med"$ulu"-'ef( Nefer"$" ul nos ru &r"e en nu ma" &r"$e&ea n"m"$( )n$! nu #n/elesese d"feren/a #n re un s&" al '" un +ordel( 4 C"uda e lu$rur" ma" ve*" &e a"$"7 f!$u Le,"onarul #n +! a"e de 0o$( Unele d"n re "nf"rm"ere sun rele de mus$!( Am &r"ns oa e &on ur"le de la Hansen% $are-" a"$" de 97 lun"( U" e% de &"ld!% sora L"se% a #n$er$a un re,"men #n re, n!d!0du"nd s! fa$! un +!"a ( 8e,ea+a( 8ar $on "nu!( 1"$e $!-" o da or"e &a r"o "$!7 4ntr- o zi cu !reme frumoas am fost instalai, nfofolii n pturi, pe o teras de unde puteam !edea 0lba sclipind i lepurile trase mpotri!a curentului. 4n faa acestei pri!eliti, orele se scurgeau molcom, n zgomotul ritmic al ciocanelor de nituit din uzina de la 'tulpen. (icioarele mele nepenite trebuiau reeducate. 8ltima schi& de obuz, pe care o luasem pe cnd m cram pe falez, atinsese coloana !ertebral. + infirmier m n!a s merg. Am suferit cumplit, ns, ncetul cu ncetul, rbdarea acestei femei urte i de!otate a fcut minuni. umele ei5 6- am uitat. umele prietenilor l uii, pe al dumanilor niciodat. $icuul i pre!eni to!arii si de salon9 4 0 mai bine s tii dinainte. -ac d dracu s m lsai fr bere, ! putei numra morii" 8ICTATURA .ICULULUI Rus"a% sau ma" eIa$ $eea $e $uno' eam no" d"n Rus"a% ad"$! fron ul de es % &!rea de&ar e( Numele a$es a r!m!sese &en ru no" s"m+olul "adulu"% #ns! un "ad ale $!ru" ,ro*!v"" de&!'eau #n sad"sm o $e n!s$o$"ser! rel",""le &en ru a-" #ns&!"m-n a &e &!$! o'"( )n r-adev!r% eram de&ar e% #ns! eram r!n"/"% +olnav"% desfr-na/"% #m+! a/" de v"a/! '" de
D La,!r

&en ru &r"*on"er"" ,erman"

dor"n/a de a u" a( Ne +! eam 0o$ de oa e% deoare$e m-"ne vom mur"( Ham+ur,( Un s&" al +un% $-/"va med"$" +un"% al/"" ma" &u/"n +un"% "nf"rm"ere de oa e felur"le( Pre u "nden" &e unde fusesem ne-au m!$el!r" % dar a$um se erm"nase( Eram &e &"$"oare% aveam dre& ul s! "e'"m% +ordelur"% #n$!"er!r" '" oa e $- e ne l"&s"ser!( Ne #m&ere$3eam $u or"$e feme"e #n -lneam% eI$e&/"e f!$-nd des",ur Le,"onarul% $are nu ma" era #n s are% de $-nd fusese mu "la de SS-"s ul d"n la,!rul de la >a,en( Alfred Mal+ se d"s ra #ns! al fel= +ea( C-nd s&uneam Anomadul se /"ne +"neB #nsemna $! era #n r-a - de +ea #n$al/"" #n lo$ul lu" ar f" fos mor/"( >oar e $ur-nd% #n re" $-r$"um" d"n ora'% n" s-a da #n mod &ol" "$os a #n/ele,e $! &re*en/a noas r! era nedor" !( Pol" e/e $are #" d"s&l!$u ."$u/ulu" '" $os ! &e au or" dou! $omo/"" $ere+rale% un nas ru& '" $- eva fra$ ur" de m"$! "m&or an/!( 8u&! $are nam"la se &r!+u'" #n &ro&r"a-" v!rs! ur!% #n s&a ele s a u"" lu" E"smarJ% de unde fu r"d"$a de &a ru 3a"dama$" d"n Pol"/"a m"l" ar!( .ed"$ul-'ef 3o !r# $! "-ar re+u" &u/"n re&aus( 1e$e *"le #n $amera de "*olare% *e$e *"le $are l-au do+or- ( )n f"e$are *" s&!l! ur" s oma$ale% #n f"e$are *" $l"sm!% la f"e$are dou! *"le es am"+"an% &lus dou! "n0e$/"" #m&o r"va A+o/"" &or ulu"B% $u urmarea $! s!rmanul ."$u/ul +les ema oa e feme"le% d"n lume( 8r( Ha3ler nu &unea n"$"oda ! &e $"neva #n $ar$er!( Nu% $amera de "*olare era suf"$"en !H f!$ea de *e$e or" ma" mul de$- or"$e m!sur! d"s$"&l"nar!( Ne aflam o/" la s&" al d"n $au*a fe+re"% fe+ra mla' "n""% malar"e% "fo"d!% s&an"ol! sau ma" ' "u eu $are( .uream de fe+r! $a mu' ele( 4 E o $3es "une de "n"m!% s&unea dr% Ha3ler% $are #'" #m&odo+ea #n o deauna fra*ele $u A?ellB sau A<MB% a'a $um Le,"onarul s&unea A+onB( Unul r!"se mul ! vreme &r"n re en,le*"% $el!lal &r"n re fran$e*"( .an""le as ea s r!"ne #" enervau &e un""% al ora #ns! le "ns&"ra #n$redere( N"$" med"$ul '" n"$" nomadul nu erau de-a" no' r"( 8r( Ha3ler nu &ur a n"$" una d"n numeroasele sale d"s "n$/""% '" ele oa e s r!"ne% a$orda e de du'man"" $elu" de-al III-lea Re"$3( 8e$ora/"" ,lor"oase '" umane% r!u-v!*u e #n domn"a +ru elor( 8u&! ;N "ul"e% 9F22 au #n$er$a s!-l s&-n*ure &e dr( Ha3ler% noro$ul #ns! l-a a0u a '" lu$rea*! '" a$um #n a$es s&" al de fe+r"l"% #n $are a - a lume #" da orea*! v"a/a( )n s&" al ,!se' " de oa e% de la $ele ma" +une la $ele ma" rele= s uden/" la med"$"n! na*"' "% "n$a&a+"l"% forma/" #n ,ra+!% '" med"$" l"&s"/" de "n"m!% $are nu $unos$ de$- un s"n,ur lu$ru% re,ulamen ul( 4 S! re$em #n +"roul meu% s&unea dr( Ha3ler% de f"e$are da ! $-nd se &e re$ea vreo dandana( 8u&! o 0um! a e de or! #l vedea" &e #m&r"$"na "e'"nd ro'u la fa/! '" ru'"na ( 4 Se$! ur"7 re*um! Ha3ler( Era un $ondu$! or &edan % #n/ele,! or% "nv"*"+"l '" omn"&re*en ( Toa ! lumea ' "a a$eas a% #n$e&-nd $u "$!losul do$ or >ranJendorf% med"$ de s a -ma0or% &-n! la solda ul Geor, >reO a, d"n salonul nos ru( Geor, avea o +oal! $"uda ! $are nu &u ea f" "den "f"$a !( I se luau mereu &ro+e de s-n,e% dar f!r! n"$" un re*ul a ( C-nd &!rea $! o ul mer,e s&re +"ne% fe+ra #n$e&ea d"n nou s! ur$e( Con rolau% $!u au% +!nu"nd $! s"mulea*!% #ns! fe+ra era au en "$!( Se f!$eau ra*"" ful,er% la ord"nul +and" ulu" de >ranJendorf% &en ru a des$o&er" *a3!rul $u +en*"n!% or" al m"0lo$ de &rovo$a em&era ura( >ranJendorf $ondu$ea &ersonal o&era/""le% m!,ulea% amen"n/a% dar era nevo" s! se re ra,! #nv"ns( Geor, avea fe+r!( ."$u/ul '"-a &"erdu o du&!-am"a*! #n rea,! f!,!du"ndu-" mun/" de m"nun!/"" $a &re/ al se$re ulu"% dar Geor, $l! "na d"n $a&= 4 >e+ra mea e adev!ra !% &o/" s! m! $re*"% $amarade( Un "& $"uda % nu +ea% nu 0u$!% nu-l &reo$u&au fe ele( Se &l"m+a #n o deauna s"n,ur( Era +!"a frumos% un +!"a +un &e $are oa ! lumea #l adora% ma" &u/"n >ranJendorf% $are #n$e&use a-l ur" &e os a'ul a$es a de ;2 de an"( <$u&am $amera 7;% $u vedere s&re Ree&ers+a3n2 '" Pala ul Gus "/"e"% de la $a&! ul
2 Cele+ra

s rad! a &l!$er"lor d"n a&ro&"erea &or ulu" Ham+ur,% #n lun,ul $!re"a &e vremea $or!+""lor se #n "ndeau fun""le PRee& Q fun"eR( Adev!ra a rue (igale de la ,ur"le El+e"% afe$ a ! '" ea #n &re*en de fla,elul SI8A% +ordelur"le '" lo$alur"le deo$3ea e f!$-nd lo$ maf"e" 0o$ur"lor me$an"$e(

+ulevardulu"( Le,"onarul s$oase la "veal! de su+ sal ea o s "$l! de +ere( 8e fa& era o s "$l! mare de M@mmelS% $are re$u d"n m-n! #n m-n!( He"n* Eauer se '" #m+! ase( 4 A/" v!*u fe ele $are au fos r!$" e5 Afur"s" de nos "me7 s&use S e"n% adu$-nd vor+a de o ser"e de $r"me $om"se re$en ( Poves " $! fe ele fuseser! v"ola e% a&o" de f"e$are da ! su,ruma e $u un $"ora& or" al ! &"es! d"n len0er"a lor "n "m!% du&! $are !"a e $u $u/" ul &e +ur !( >!r! #ndo"al!% o&era unu" sad"$( Pol"/"a era la $a&! ul r!+d!r""( 4 Poa e $!-" >ranJendorf% em"se ."$u/ul( Ce +af ! am avea da$! l-am &u ea urna7 4 Toa e as ea vor sf-r'" r!u% s r",! sude ul .our" *% un volun ar &e $are nu-l &u eam sufer"( 6o" $are v! &"erde/" vremea $u -rfele7 6! +!l!$"/" #n noro"7 ."-e s$-r+! de vo" o/"7 T"&ul era $am &ur" an( 4 Tu vor+e' "5 f!$u ."$u/ul amen"n/! or( E' " un Iuda v-ndu lu" Adolf7 .es e$a un +o/ de sl!n"n!% d"n $are *v-rl" o +u$a ! #n mu ra $e3ulu" $are &!l" '" se #ndre& ! s&re el( Cu un r!$ne de ,roa*!% .our" * se s re$ur! su+ &a % &e $are ."$u/ul se ol!n" a'a #n$!l/a $um era% r!,-nd de sl!n"na &e $are nu "*+u ea s-o ru&! $u d"n/""( )n $l"&a a$eea% o "nf"rm"er! #n redes$3"se u'a% nu v!*u al $eva de$- &e ur"a'ul #n$!l/a &e &a '" aler,! $u o$3"" "e'"ndu-" d"n $a& s-o $3eme &e sora-'ef!( A$eas a ven" #n ra&( Pr"vel"' ea nam"le" $are se l!f!"a $u sl!n"na #n r-o m-n! '" $u s "$la #n $ealal ! #" !"e r!suflarea( 4 A" #ne+un" 5 ."$u/ul s$oase s "$la de la ,ur! '" s$u"&! &e deasu&ra &a ulu" dre& #n s$u"&! oarea de l-n,! u'!( Inf"rm"era se fer" la "m&( Trase $u &u ere aer #n &"e& adulme$-nd( 4 Ce vre"% s&er"e oare +! r-n!5 Ne /"neam res&"ra/"a( Era +ea '" #n s are de or"$e( 8e $ur-nd se #n$!"erase $u o fa !% #n r-o $amer! de la e a0ul D( >a a avusese &re en/"a s! fa$! +a"e #na"n e de a se $ul$a $u ea( )n $3"& de &ro es % arun$ase $ada &e fereas r! '" *,omo ul "-a f!$u &e o/" s! se re&ead! #n &"vn"/! $re*-nd $! e +om+ardamen ( <$3"" "nf"rm"ere"-'efe% &ore$l" ! AE"l! de seuB d"s&!ruser! de &e fa/a e" $a o lun! &l"n!( 4 )ndr!*ne' "5 'u"er! ea% '" se a&le$! asu&ra ur"a'ulu"% $ul$a foar e l"n"' " &e &a ( 4 R"d"$!- e% &or$ule7 da$! nu vre" s! fa$" $uno' "n/! $u m"ne( 4 P!s rea*!-/" mun"/"a% ,raso( Te ' "u eu( Te $3eam! AE"l! de seuB% dar eu #/" *"$ AGr!mad! de sl!n"n!B( Ha"de% #n "nde-o7 C3"&ul feme"" se #nro'"( 4 Sus% v" !7 )l #n'f!$! &e ."$u/ul% #l r"d"$!% s&re ulu"rea noas r!% '"-l arun$! &e &odea% unde a er"*! *,omo os( To al vr!0" % se a'e*! '" o &r"v" f!r! o vor+!( E"l!-de-seu #n "nse $ear$eaful% arun$! sl!n"na '" ra$3"ul #n $u "a $u ,uno" '" "e'" f!r! a ma" s&une $eva( 4 Sf-n ! N!s$! oare% ar "$ul! +ru a% $e m-a' +a e $u ea7 Ce $af eal! ar "e'"% v! &u e/" #n$3"&u"% +!"e/"5 4 Te-ar s r"v" $a &e un &u" de ,!"n!% fu de &!rere Eauer( 4 Ce-a' ma" v"ola-o &e s&er"e oarea as a% a37 Ce "-a' fa$e7 U'a se des$3"se '" E"l! de seu o+ ur! des$3"*! ura( 4 A" *+"era des ul% +es "e( .a" sun '" +olnav"( 8a$! nu e &o ole' "% a" de a fa$e $u m"ne( Tr-n " u'a f!r! s! se s"n$3"seas$! de +olnav"( 4 Ce feme"e7 s&use ."$u/ul vesel( Se duse s! &es$u"as$! s "$la d"n $o'ul de ,uno" '" o ,ol" d"n r-o sor+" ur!( 4 )n r-o +un! *" #/" ve" fr-n,e ,- ul% de &ros $res$u $e e' "% #" s&use $u +l-nde/e Le,"onarul% de &e &a ul s!u de la &ere e( Era $el ma" +un &a d"n sa0on '" #l o$u&ase d"n &r"ma $l"&! $-nd sos"se( Pa ul era al $e3ulu" .our" *% $are &ro es ase "m"d( Le,"onarul #l &r"v"se de sus% f!r! a-" r!s&unde( Cum .our" * se #n$!&!/-na% Mal+ d!du *"arul de o &ar e '" se r"d"$! #n$e ( 4 Ra3a % $amarade7 4 Ce-a" *"s5 f!$u .our" *(% &!r"nd $! nu e #n/eles( S"m/eam $! urmea*! $af ul( ."$u/ul ven" ma" a&roa&e% $a un urs $e s"m e m"erea%
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de $3"m"on

.our" * nu v!*u fur una a&ro&""ndu-se% dar se s"m/" a&u$a de ,3eare de o/el '" a*v-rl" &e $el ma" r!u &a % $el de l-n,! u'!( Cel $are #l o$u&a era ve'n"$ re*" de $e"lal/"% $are a&r"ndeau or" s "n,eau lum"na( 4 E' " doar un &or$% s&use #n$e "'or ur"a'ul% '" a" $eru &a ul !s a% nu-" a'a5 4 8a% $a&" ul! .our" *( ."$u/ul r"d"$! o s&r"n$ean!( 4 8omnule rean,a0a $lasa I% se ,r!+" s! adau,e $e3ul( 4 Eun% s&use $el!lal % mul/um" ( )l s"l" &e .our" * s! $-n e un &salm de F verse e des&re m-n u"rea lum""% du&! $are #" &orun$" s! mear,! la $ul$are( )n s$3"m+ el se &orn" s! *+"ere un $-n e$ $are l-ar f" &u u du$e la ' rean,% &en ru #nal ! r!dare% a&o" arun$! s "$la &e fereas ra des$3"s!H de 0os se au*"r! &ro es e ve3emen e( Era d"n $e #n $e ma" +ea ( )n $ele d"n urm!% un &umn +"ne /"n " #l ame/" '" #n salon se l!s! l"n"' ea(

)anti -ora nu se gndea dect la bani. )ria n spatele te&ghelei, chiar sub petele-spad mpiat i sorbea ct e ziua de lung a:ua!it cu angustura, nelsnd nimic s- i scape din cele ce se petreceau n local. $icul 6egionar edea n faa ei i bea pernod. 4 + nscocire a dia!olului, spunea el, dar nu-i dai seama dect la al optulea pahar. 7se i l ddu fetei pe al noulea. Aceasta se dezbrc ntr-una din niele nguste. A!ea len&eria neagr ca noaptea i transparent. -oar chiloii erau roii, de un rou corai. -ar numai 'tein i 0;ald i- au !zut. TANTI 8<RA Ne &e re$eam "m&ul la A6"nds OrJe II:% o +om+! d"n s&a ele ,!r""( Tan " 8ora% &a roana a$es e" $-r$"um" de luI% era o feme"e dur! '" ur- ! &en ru $are nu $on a n"m"$ al $eva de$- +an""( No"% $ra"" mor/""% nu &u eam de$- s!-" d!m dre& a e= ACu +an" #/" &o/" $um&!ra v"a/a ve'n"$! l-n,! Alla3% #n v!"le al+as reB% s&unea Le,"onarul% a&le$-ndu-'" frun ea $! re sud-es ( 4 Cu +an" &o/" ven" la Tan " 8ora% am s&us eu% r"m"/-ndu-" +e*ele d"n v-rful de,e elor( Eram &l"n" de +an"% "ar +ursa nea,r! d"n Ham+ur, era $el ma" +un vad d"n lume( Pu ea" $um&!ra a"$" o $e-/" dorea"% &-n! '" un $adavru( La Tan " 8ora lum"na era ro'"e% d"fu*! '" se dansa% $u oa e $! era "n er*"s '" &ol"/"a #'" f!$ea a&ar"/"a des ul de des( 8ar ,a*da noas r! era un d"avol $u fus !% "ar ,"n" or"" nu o+servau n"$"oda ! n"m"$( Pe f"'a s a+"l"men ulu" era s$r"s= ALo$al s&e$"al% ne"n eresan &ol" "$B% #ns! nu era lo$ unde s! se &e rea$! ma" mul e lu$rur" "n er*"se $a la A6"nds OrJe IIB( 6eneau a"$" dame #n $!u are de eI&er"en/e &ro3"+" e% $are 'ov!"au% emo/"ona e% s! rea$! &ra,ul% or" oamen" $are se #m+! au #na"n e $a o m-n! m"s er"oas! s! le a"e +ere,a a( Cadavrul era ,!s" a&o" #n El+a% "ar vama #l de&unea #n an re&o*" ul de l-n,! Lan,en+r@$Je( < fa ! $u ro$3"a &-n! la ,enun$3" #l #n re+! &e Le,"onar da$! dansea*!( Nu-" a$ord! n"$" m!$ar o &r"v"re( 4 8ans!m% m"$ule5 "ns"s ! fa a% &r"v"nd $u "n eres mu ra +ru al!% s r!+! u ! de o $"$a r"$e lun,!% de un ro'u a&r"ns( 4 8u- e dra$ulu"% s r"$a o7 m-r-" Le,"onarul( >a a #n$e&u s! /"&e fur"oas!( Un +!r+a -n!r #na"n ! &e la s&a e s&re s$aunul Le,"onarulu" '" #'" #ndre& ! m-"n"le $! re ,- ul lu"% dar #n a$eea'" $l"&! o lov" ur! #n re &"$"oare '" al a #n m!rul lu" Adam #l $ul$ar! la &!m-n ( Le,"onarul se a'e*! la lo$ '" ma" $eru o vo $!( Tan " 8ora f!$u semn &or arulu"% un +el,"an sol"d% $are r"d"$! ru&ul
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AT!r"a v-n ulu"( IIB% #n 0ar,on 3am+ur,3e* P"nfluen/a de $on a$ ul $u a&ro&"a a &o&ula/"e dane*!R

ne#nsufle/" '"-l arun$! #n s&a ele une" u'"% de unde al/"" #l rans&or ar! #n r-un lo$ de&!r a ( >a a s-a ales $u o s$!rm!neala +un!% #n r-o $!m!ru/! de l-n,! +u$! !r"e( Nu s r",!% f""nd &e 0um! a e sufo$a ! su+ o &ern! murdar! $e #n!+u'"se mul e al e /"&e e( Un fos &roIene '"-a asuma sar$"na s-o &ede&seas$! $u un +"$" s$ur $!*!$es$% &r"m" $-ndva de la un SS-"s ( A$es a avea dou!= unul $um&!ra de la E?ald% $!l!ul de la Tan " 8ora% $el!lal de la un a,en de &ol"/"e 0ud"$"ar!% $are #l so$o "se numa" +un &en ru a s oar$e m!r ur"s"r" $u el( )n r-adev!r% +"$"ul a$es a $on r"+u"se la avansarea sa% deoare$e #n r-o d"$ a ur! re+u"e s! da" randamen ( SS-"s ul $!*u &r"*on"er l-n,! S3" om"r '" a fos s&-n*ura deasu&ra fo$ulu"( Nu a m!r ur"s" mare lu$ru% $!$" oamen"" de la GPU #n "nseser! &u/"n &rea are &lo&ul( Nu "-au re+u" de$- dou! m"nu e s! moar!( E?ald o +"$"u" &e fa ! de dou! or"% du&! $are se $ul$! $u ea% a'a $um o+"'nu"a( )n *"ua urm! oare% fa a fu v!*u ! d"n nou la Tan " 8ora &r"m"nd $a de o+"$e" DSK d"n #n$as!r"% nu-" ma" $eru n"$"oda ! Le,"onarulu" s! danse*e eu ea( )n r-o sear!% dou! dame +"ne au lua lo$ l-n,! Le,"onar( Nu erau -rfe% una d"n re ele #'" arun$! &r"v"rea asu&ra $amaradulu" nos ru '" se "ns al! &"$"or &es e &"$"or r"d"$-ndu-'" fus a( Se vedea $ol/ul unu" 0u&on al+% s$ro+" % '" len0er"a &arfuma !( Le,"onarul #'" a&r"nse o nou! /",ar! de la ve'n"$ul $3"' o$ &e $are #l /"nea #n re +u*e '" se u" ! $3"or"' la 'am&an"a lor( 4 C3- eauneuf5 E $u adev!ra $ea ma" +un!5 8amele se f!$ur! $! nu au au*" ( Le,"onarul $3"$o " a&le$-ndu-se s&re +rune !% &e $are &r"e ena e" o numea G"sele( 4 6re/" s! ne 0u$!m #m&reun! &e o su ! de m!r$"5 8ama nu r!s&unse% dar ro'" '" Le,"onarul "*+u$n" #n r-s( Tan " 8ora% $are urm!rea mane0ul &r"n r-o o,l"nd!% se &orn" '" ea s! r-d!( 4 8a$! am ur$a #m&reun!% /"-a' da dou! su e de m!r$" '" o &ere$3e de $3"lo/" no"% 'o& " &r"e enul nos ru( Tan " 8ora se #ne$! $u +" erul e"% un ames e$ de ra$3"u dane* $u an,us ura( As a $"$! ar $ur!/a sufle ul de &!$a e% s&unea ea% dar un &reo #" *"sese $! sufle ul e" era $am ,reu de $ur!/a ( 4 Ar re+u" s!-/" f"e ru'"ne7 L"sa #l res&"n,ea &e Le,"onar( )'" ,ol"se &a3arul d"n r-o s"n,ur! sor+" ur!% #n "m& $e &r"e ena e" a+"a se a "nsese de al s!u( Le,"onarul r-se &e su+ mus a/! '" f!$u semn $3elner"/e" $are o a0u a &e Tan " 8ora la +ar% ar! -ndu-" &a3arul ,ol( )n &a3arul L"se" au fos urna e "med"a $- eva &"$! ur" d"n r-o s "$l! al $!re" $on/"nu era se$re ul &a roane"( Re*ul a ul era #n o deauna mul/um" or( Tan " 8ora murmur! #n "m& $e um&lea &a3arul Le,"onarulu"= 4 E' " un &or$% dar s! f"e #n r-un $eas +unH &or$!r"oarele sun ren a+"le% +!"e e( Le,"onarul r-se d"n nou( 4 8oamn!% &a ru su e de m!r$" '" len0er"e nou! de la Par"s5 #" &ro&use s$o/-nd ro o$oale de fum( Trude sufl! &e un &a3ar foar e $ura '" #n$e&u s!-l ' ear,! $u #nd-r0"re( C "a la fel de +"ne $a no" $! Le,"onarul nu &u ea avea le,! ur" $u o feme"e( Tan " 8ora s$oase o /",ar! lun,!( 4 8!-m" un fo$% +as ard afr"$an( Le,"onarul se eIe$u ! '" se rase de nas( 4 8u&! "ne% $am $- ar re+u" s! dau doamne" &en ru o ra" ! &r"n &a 5 Se #n oarse s&re L"sa= 4 A" &"$"oare frumoase% doamn!% a" &"$"oare foar e frumoase( ."-ar &l!$ea s! e de*+ra$( Case su e de m!r$" &en ru a e de*+r!$a% #na"n e #ns! a" vrea s! danse*" $u m"ne% doamn!5 4 Nu7 Las!-m! #n &a$e% nu sun $eea $e $re*"( R"d"$! d"n r-o s&r-n$ean!( 4 Adev!ra 5 .are &!$a ( 1-m+" &ol" "$os( 8ar nu ne &u e/" &!r!s" #n felul a$es a% doamn!( G"sele nu +ea% #n s$3"m+ fum! '" #" era $ald( Lu! lo$ l-n,! m"ne '" o #n re+a" #n r-o doar! da$! vrea s! se $ul$e $u m"ne( Eram '" eu +ea % #m" dam seama $! sun +!d!ran% dar &u/"n #m" &!sa( G"sele $l! "n! d"n $a& #n "m& $e #'" +alansa &"$"orul #n$!l/a $u &an of de

sear!% d"n m! ase ro*( ATre+u"e $! e +o,a !B% m"-am *"s( 4 Cul$!- e $u m"ne( Se &ref!$u $! nu aude '"% &rof" -nd de o nou! #n$!"erare a ."$u/ulu"% d"s&!ru% u" -ndu-'" #ns! &o'e a( )n ea era o $ar e de "den " a e #m&reun! $u adresa e" '" +an"% d"n $are Le,"onarul lu! o su ! de m!r$"( 4 Us a-" &re/ul eI&er"en/e"% s&use el '" $omand! $el de-al o& s&re*e$elea &a3ar( 6a ven" s"n,ur! du&! a$ e% nu re+u"e s! " le du$"% urm! el% $a '" $um m"-ar f" ,3"$" ,-ndur"le( L"sa avea un nume $u !on '" lo$u"a nu de&ar e de El+a% era f!r! #ndo"al! o feme"e +o,a !( 4 Tre+u"e $!-" &l"n! de +"' ar"% f!$u E?ald% l"n,-ndu-se &e +o ( 4 8a$! e a "n," de ea(((% #n$e&u #n 'oa& ! Le,"onarul% #n "m& $e se 0u$a $u '"'ul( E?ald se s$u ur! $a de un f"or '" r-se ,al+en% o$3"" s!" or"+"l" de &e' e " se ro eau #n $a&( L-am v!*u &e ."$u/ul $um se r"d"$! '" arun$! $u/" ul% $are se #nf"&se #n re de,e ele lu" E?ald% f!r! s!-l r!neas$!( 4 Ce e' " u5 4 Un $-"ne &u uros% +-l+-" E?ald% &r"v"nd $a 3"&no "*a $u/" ul( A$es a a&ar/"nuse unu" om d"n #nde&!r a a S"+er"e% un om &e $are #l omor"sem $u lov" ur" de $"*m!% l-n,! CerJasO% &en ru $! s$osese un o$3" lo$o enen ulu" de v-n! or" d"n re,"men ul 9N2( ."$u/ul luase $u/" ul d"n $"*ma "&ulu" '" se folosea de el $u m!"es r"e( )n r-o *"% &e fron ul de r!s!r" % am &le$a #n re$unoa' ere &es e un &od $e &!rea ve$3"% nef""nd n"men" $are s!-l #n re/"n!% era un &od d"n f"er '" d"n lemn( Am re$u &odul #n ,ra+!% $"*mele noas re r!sunau &e me al% &r"n re raverse% r-ul r-n0ea r!u !$"os% deoare$e% ' "a $eea $e no" n"$" nu +!nu"am% +u$ur"a &e $are ne-o &re,! ea Ivan( .er,eam &!l!vr!,"nd $a de o+"$e"% "ar ."$u/ul venea d"n urm!( Era foar e &ros d"s&us $!$" de re" *"le nu ma" fusesem a&rov"*"ona/" '" ma" ales &en ru $! E! r-nul #" "n er*"sese s! v"ole*e una d"n re feme"le #n un"form!% $e $!*user! &r"*on"ere noa& ea re$u !( 4 Te omor $a &e un $-"ne da$! e a "n," de ea% m-r-"se amen"n/! or E! r-nul( Pr"n urmare% ."$u/ul r!m!sese #n urm!% #m+ufna '" fr!m-n a de ,-ndur" u$",a'e( Pa rula se m"s u"se #n $ea/a d"n $are ma" r!*+! ea doar *vonul ,lasur"lor( Erus$% se o&r"( Ie'"nd d"n &-$la ,roas!% o um+r! !$u ! #n$!le$ase &ara&e ul '" alune$a du&! no" $u &a'" de &"s"$!( )n r-o $l"&!% ."$u/ul deven" un al ul% $"*mele sale #n$e ar! s! s$-r/-"e '" ,or"la% &res$3"m+a ! #n &an er! nea,r!% d"s&!ru #n s&a ele omulu"% &r"n a+ur"" $enu'""( Un /"&! r!,u'" ( Pa rula amu/" deoda !% res!r"nd $a un s"n,ur om( Se au*"r! ,eme e% a&o" &a'" ,re" r!sun-nd &e f"er( Luasem au oma ele #n m-n!( E! r-nul $l"&ea% des% Por a &re,! ea o ,renad!% "ar S e,e remura% $a de f"e$are da ! $-nd se #n -m&la $eva( 8"n ne,ur" a&!ru ."$u/ul% r!,-nd de &"$"or o form! l"&s" ! de v"a/!( < arun$! #n fa/a noas r! r-n0"nd( 4 L-a/" v!*u &e !s a5 G- ul s"+er"anulu" era des$3"s% ro'u &re$um ure$3"le unu" &e' e mare% "ar s-n,ele se s$ur,ea &e &od( ."$u/ul #'" ' erse s-n,ele #n une$a de &e o+ra*( 4 Por$ul m-a murd!r" o $-nd l-am u$"s( E! r-nul rase ad-n$ aer #n &"e& ( 4 Unde a" da de el5 4 Ie'ea d"n r-u% #n s&a ele vos ru% dar l-am $res a &u/"n &e s al"n"s ul !s a( 4 Ne-a" salva % *"se E! r-nul% '" ne ar! ! #n$!r$! ura de eI&lo*"+"l de su+ 3a"na mor ulu"( 4 6-n! or s"nu$",a'% +-l+-" S e,e $u remur-ndu-se( Por a 'u"er! lun,( 4 ."$u/ule% ma" s&use E! r-nul% ne-a" salva v"a/a(Ind"v"dul !s a ne-ar f" ransforma #n ra$3e e( Ur"a'ul se fo" 0ena % nef""nd o+"'nu" s! f"e l!uda ( 4 E' " "u e de $u/" % *"se Le,"onarul $u m-ndr"e% f""nd$! #" fusese &rofesor ."$u/ulu"( Nam"la se umfl! #n &ene de &l!$ere% &r"v" s&re E! r-nul "m&lor-ndu-l= 4 A un$" &o s-o "au &e a"a $u fundul mare5 E! r-nul f!$u nu d"n $a&% #'" arun$! au oma ul &e um!r '" &orn" d"n nou la drum( )l

urmam #n !$ere( ."$u/ul /"&a '" ,lasul s!u &u ern"$ re+u"e $! se au*ea &-n! la ru'"% &e &ar ea $ealal ! a r"ulu"( E! r-nul se o&r" '" &use arma su+ nasul ur"a'ulu"= 4 L"ne- e de&ar e de sold!/oa"$!% or" e du$" dre& #n "ad '" m"-ar &!rea r!u( Nu ,lumes$% ."$u/ule7 A$es a /"nu seama de amen"n/are% dar se &erfe$/"on! '" ma" mul #n m-nu"rea $u/" ulu"% s&re marea mul/um"re a Le,"onarulu"( E?ald ' "a oa e a$es ea '" el #nsu'" m-nu"a $u des ul! #ndem-nare '"'ul s!u $u ar$% lua $-ndva unu" mar"nar &or u,3e*( .ar"narul era +ea '" d"n $au*a lu" E?ald se alesese $u $ea de-a doua $ondamnare( < &oves e ur- !( E?ald s$!&ase de la,!rul de eI erm"nare a $r"m"nal"lor &rofes"on"' "% nu se ' "a +"ne $um% ar! -ndu-se foar e d"s$re #n a$eas ! &r"v"n/!( Se$re arul se$/"e" 0ud"$"are% Nauer% d"n &os ul de &ol"/"e d"n s rada S ad 3aus+r@$Je 8% #" smulsese o ure$3e lu" E?ald '" #" *dro+"se de,e ele de la &"$"oare unul $- e unul( Nu &en ru asas"narea mar"narulu"% nu% #n vremur"le a$es ea lu$rul era de m"$! "m&or an/!( Erau u$"'" a -/"a mar"nar"7 C- "m& $adavrele s au la $oad!% de $e s! s -rne' " a - a *arv! &en ru ma" n"m"$5 8ar Herr Nauer $redea $! E?ald ' "a $eva des&re a$ "v" a ea ACa&ele" ro'""B '" dorea $u #nfo$are s! rea$! la se$/"unea an "$omun"s ! a &ol"/"e" se$re e% la "ns&e$ orul Mraus% $el ma" mare asas"n &e $are l-a r!+da vreoda ! &!m-n ul% #ns! un &ol" "$"an a+"l% $onform normelor $elu" de al III-lea Re"$3( Mraus a fos s&-n*ura #n 9F2:% #n r-o *" &lo"oas!% #n r-o $elul! de la >u3ls+@ el( Era #n r-adev!r o *" mo3or- !( Mraus /"&a $a un 'oare$e $are se #nea$! '" sem!na realmen e $u a$e' " ro*! or"( A re+u" s! f"e dus &e sus &-n! su+ la/ul nou% $e m"rosea &l!$u a nou% &en ru $e" $!rora le &la$e m"rosul de fun"e( 8o" "ner" #l sus/"neau &e s$!unel #n "m& $e el /o&!"a sm"or$!"ndu-se% a&o" $"neva lov" $u &"$"orul s$aunul r!s urn-ndu-l( G-l,"" &u/"n% ,- ul " se lun,"% o$3"" #" "e'"r! #n afar! #n mod $"uda ( Unul d"n re "ner" s&use= 4 8amn" 7 '" &le$!( Cel!lal ma" r!mase &en ru a fa$e o fo o,raf"e% la re&e*eal!% deoare$e era "n er*"s( 4 A damne ,ood souven"r7 #" s&use el &r"e ene" sale d"n Ham+ur,% o fa ! frumoas! $are adora ,enul a$es a de fo o,raf""( Ta !l e" fusese u$"s de $ur-nd undeva #n r!s!r" % #m&u'$a #n $eaf!% $u un Na,an% &en ru n"m"$% a$um #ns! $-nd r!*+o"ul se #n$3e"ase Ivan re+u"a s! ma" u$"d! $-/"va $u Na,anul #n $eaf!( >a a #n$! nu aflaseH #n fo o,raf"e se vedea l"m+a mare a lu" Mraus( T-n!rul r-se( 4 S$oa e l"m+a la no"7 N"$" el nu ' "a $! AMr"m"nalra BT Mraus% d"n +"roul :N al se$/"e" an "$omun"s e a Ges a&o-ulu"% '"-ar f" v-ndu mam!% a ! '" $o&"" &en ru a "n ra #n serv"$""le se$re e ale /!r"" -n!rul""( Se ofer"se volun ar '" dase "nforma/"" "m& de un an #n re,% a$um #ns! s$o ea l"m+a% a'a $um fa$ o/" 'er&""( E?ald% &e' ele% sad"$ul '" afeme"a ul% "*+u " s! s$a&e d"n &os ul de &ol"/"e f!r! a f" f!$u $uno' "n/! $u Mraus( Se *vonea $! s&usese mul e% ames e$-nd adev!rul $u m"n$"una( Tan " 8ora rase d"n ra+u$ '" *"se= 4 As ea nu m! &r"ves$% da$! #ns! &or$ul s$a&! o vor+! $are m-ar fa$e s! a0un, la m-na A.arelu" NauerB% e" +"ne% a un$"((( 1-m+" '" f!$u $u o$3"ul( <are d"n &r"$"na fumulu" d"n ve'n"$ul e" ra+u$% sau era un semn $! re $"neva $are era a'e*a l-n,! n"'ele $ele m"$"5 N"men" nu o &u ea s&une% dar E?ald "e'" de-a-ndara elea% $a un m!s$!r"$" 3u"du" ( A un$" $-nd am a&!ru no" la Tan " 8ora oa e a$es ea erau de domen"ul re$u ulu" '" #n $l"&a a$eas a E?ald era +lo$a #n re dou! s$aune #nal e d"n fa/a +arulu"% remur-nd $a un 'a$al $e era( ."$u/ul r-dea '" se 0u$! vo"os $u '"'ul de la $are E?ald nu-'" &u ea des&r"nde &r"v"rea( Tan " 8ora se s$o+ea #n d"n/" $u o fur$ul"/! '" se u" a $-nd la% unul $-nd la $el!lal ( 4 >!r! +! a"e% +!"e/"( 8a$! ave/" de ,-nd s!-l #m&u'$a/" &e $-"nele% !s a s$oa e/"-l na"+"" afar!% dar f!r! +! !" &e a"$"( E?ald #n$er$! s! s$a&e% dar o &"ed"$! #l f!$u s! se lun,eas$! &e &ar$3e ( C-nd se r"d"$!% un $u/" #" 'u"er! &e la ure$3e '" se #nf"&se #n u'a $amere" #n $are o+"'nu"a s! +"$"u"as$! fe ele( Se o&r" +rus$ '" 'o& " r!,u'" = 4 8oar nu v-am f!$u n"m"$7 S e"n se &ref!$u $! #l a0u !% dar E?ald% $are remura% fu arun$a #n sus &r"n r-o &r"*! de 0udo '" $!*u ,reo" la &!m-n % unde r!mase nem"'$a ( )n $l"&a de #n$3e"ere% ."$u/ul se a&le$!

asu&ra ru&ulu" $3"r$" '" #" arse una $u &"$"orul% du&! $are am &!r!s" A6"nds OrJe IIB% foar e mul/um"/" de no"(

4 <oi, e!reii din lagrele lui =immler, suntei marf de pre. +biecte, i nu altce!a, asta suntei, spuse >rand, camionagiul. 4 u- i ade!rat" strig btrnul e!reu n uniform !rgat. Am izbucnit cu toii ntr- un rs lipsit de !eselie. 0!reul cel btrn a rmas cu gura deschis, cu ochii nfundai, plini de durere. u-i ade!rat" 6anurile !or cdea, ca pe !remea lui $oise, care ne- a eliberat din robie n 0gipt. >trnul rse cu amrciune9 4 Astzi n-ar mai putea s- o fac i, chiar dac ai scpa de haitele lui =immler, altunde!a !ei da peste ali =immleri. +riunde !ei fi, tot prigonii !ei fi. (orta i nmn moului .?? de mrci. 4 ' ai n noua ta !ia, cnd o !ei ncepe s- mi trimii o carte potal" 0!reul mngie banii zmbind i ntreb9 4 8nde s-i scriu5 (orta ridic din umeri. 4 Cine tie5 8rm cu glas gra!9 4 Cnd !ei gsi o casc ruginit zcnd pe pmnt, ciocnete n ea i ntreab9 @Cine putrezete aici5A -ac e casca mea i !oi rspunde9 @8n tmpit din armata germanA. Atunci las-mi un bileel sub casc i !oi !eni s- l iau ntr-o noapte cu lun plin. E6REUL 4 Te "u+es$% "-am s&us( Era &en ru $el &u/"n a dou!s&re*e$ea oar!( <are #n sf-r'" #m" dau seama5 Ea #n$e&u s! r-d! #n$re/"ndu-'" &l"ur"le f"ne de la o$3"% ne-am a'e*a &e $ana&ea s! &r"v"m El+a &e fereas r!( Pe fluv"u re$ea le,!n-ndu-se un vas ve$3"% su&ra-n$!r$a $u oamen"% #'" re$u de,e ul &es e nasul meu s -l$" ( 4 Te-a duru $-nd /"-au s&ar nasul5 4 Pe momen &u/"n% ma" mul du&! a$eea( 4 A" o$3"" re$"% Sven% $3"ar '" a un$" $-nd r-*" r!m-n dur"( )n$ear$! s!-" ma" #m+l-n*e' " &u/"n( Am r"d"$a d"n umer"( 4 <s a'"" lu" H" ler sun f!$u/" s! f"e f!r! m"l!( 4 8a de unde% u nu a" n"m"$ d"n r-un solda de-al lu" H" ler( E' " un &u' " $are s-a &omen" #n un"form!% $u a+le la &"e& ( R!*+o"ul es e r!u% '# nu oamen""( S!ru !-m!% s r-n,e-m! la &"e& % ara !-m" $! u nu e' " r!u7 Am s!ru a -o #n$! o da !% am s r-ns-o la &"e& ( Afar! #n s rad! un ramva" fr-na *,omo os( 4 Cum ar!/" #n $"v"l5 4 Ca un "m+e$"l( 4 6or+e' " ur- ( 4 C "u% dar a'a vor+"m #n meser"a noas r!( Nu &o/" u$"de &ol" "$os( Nu &o/" s&un= A.! du$ la oale !B% $a a&o" s! e la'" &e v"ne l-n,! $alea fera !% de fa/! $u 8NN de +!r+a/" '" SN de /!r!n$"% $are #/" aud +!'"n"le '" e v!d $um e ' er," $u o frun*!( 4 E' " #n,ro*" or( Se r"d"$! #n r-un $o &r"v"ndu-m! dre& #n o$3"( 4 Nu "*+u e' " s! f" $a $e"lal/"% /"-e fr"$! de "ne #nsu/"( .! s!ru ! $u '" ma" mul ! #nfo$are(

Eram #n "n'" d"n nou al! ur" '" &r"veam &lafonul( 4 ."-ar &l!$ea s! mer, la v-n! oare% am v"sa eu $u ,las are( La vremea as a ra/ele sun o$ma" +une '" v"n d"ns&re es ( 4 8a% v-nam ra/e #m&reun! $u so/ul meu% s&use ea( )'" mu'$! +u*ele% dar era &rea -r*"u( 4 Unde e a$um so/ul !u5 am #n re+a % $u oa e $! #m" era "nd"feren ( 4 )n Rus"a% $u d"v"*"a lu"( Es e $olonel% are frun*ele de s e0ar la ,uler( Am *-m+" ( 4 No" le *"$em sala !( E!r+a ul !u e un erou5 Pro+a+"l $! da% de vreme $e are $ru$ea de f"er '" sala a( 4 E' " r!u !$"os% Sven( Es e $a '" "ne of"/er #n re*erv!( 4 Eu nu sun of"/er #n re*erv!% m-a fer" 8umne*eu7 am r!+ufn" eu( 4 6reau s! s&un% es e la fel $a "ne% nu "u+e' e r!*+o"ul '" n"$" &e >@3rer( 4 E de ne$re*u $- de &u/"n" oamen" #l "u+es$ &e Adolf( Te #n re+" $um de ne s ! #n $-r$!( 4 Cu adev!ra % l-a" &u u sufer" vreoda !5 #n re+! &r"v"ndu-m! $u a en/"e( 4 Ea da% G"sele% $-ndva% demul % am $re*u #n el( 8oamne7 Cum am fos #n s are s! $red #n m!s$!r"$"ul !s a5 4 .!s$!r"$"5 r-se ea ne#n$re*! oare( Ce ve*" de r-s la el5 4 Nu% a" dre& a e% nu e fa$e s! r-*"% a$um #ns! nu ma" $red #n el( C" so/ul !u #l "u+ea5 4 La #n$e&u % da( Credea $! va salva German"a( 4 8e la $e5 4 Nu ' "u% a'a s&uneau o/"( )n or"$e $a*% a da de lu$ru '" &-"ne &o&orulu"( 4 P-"nea es e ra/"onal"*a !% "ar mun$a s-a s$3"m+a % dar a$" a$um% vr!0" oareo% nu am $3ef s! vor+"m des&re as a( 4 E' " "m&os"+"l% Sven( Se s&une vr!0" oare $ele" &e $are o "u+e' "5 4 Toa e feme"le sun vr!0" oare or" -rfe( Nu a" ven" #n r-o sear! la A6"nds OrJe IIB s! #n$er$" s! f"" -rf!5 8orea" s! e &ros " ue*"( L"sa a ,!s" $e $!u a% u #ns! /"-a" &"erdu $ura0ul% #n mod la'( 4 E' " #n,ro*" or( 4 E"ne#n/eles( Te &o/" a' e& a la al $eva de la $e" ma" res&"n,! or" sold!/o" &e $are "-a *!m"sl" &!m-n ul5 S!rman! so$"e a e $are ne va mo' en" $-ndva7 )'" arun$! +ra/ele #n 0urul ,- ulu" meu '" m! s!ru ! a - de s!l+a e$ #n$- am s"m/" ,us ul s-n,elu" &e +u*e( Era *!&u'eal!( Pur a un 0u&on mov% de -rf!% #" s&usesem( Unul d"n a$elea $are e a/-/!( 8"n s rad! r!suna *,omo ul ramva"elor( Tun"$a mea nea,r! '" ur- ! *!$ea arun$a ! #n m"0lo$ul "n$!&er""( Unul d"n re $a&e ele de mor r-n0ea $! re avan( )n de&!r are o s"ren! &orn" s! urle s"n"s ru% re*"ndu-ne( 4 Alarm!% *"se dama #n 0u&on mov% &r"v"nd $erul f!r! nor"% #nro'" de #nserare( 4 8!-o dra$ulu" de alarm!% 3a" s! fa$em dra,os e% "-am s&us r!s urn-nd-o &e s&a e( Am f!$u dra,os e &-n! s-a ru& 0u&onul( Eram ne+un% ea s r",a% eu ,-f-"am(U" asem lumea( >oar e sus% deasu&ra noas r!% mar"le +om+ard"ere l!sau urme al+e #n urma lor% +om+ele $!deau% dar undeva de&ar e% &oa e &e l-n,! Ma"ser-W"l3elms rasse( <f !% a&ro&""ndu-se d"n nou de m"ne( )" s"m/eam ru&ul frumos '" su+/"re l"&" de al meu% era su&lu '" ne ed '" m"rosea a &roas&! ( R"d"$ase un &"$"or '" su+ $"ora&ul su+/"re se vedeau un,3""le ro'""( Avea &"$"oare frumoase '" lun,"% &e $are m-na mea le urm!rea de la ,le*n! '" &-n! la ro un0"mea 'oldulu"( 4 8a$! ar ven" so/ul !u% ne-ar omor-5 4 Nu va ven"( Es e $u d"v"*"a lu"% o d"v"*"e de lu& !% a ;8-a de v-n! or"( 8re& "ns",n! are un 'o"m( 4 < ' "u% #" s&uneam d"v"*"a 'o"mulu"( A fos la Gome" '" la N"$o&ol% o adev!ra ! d"v"*"e a mor/""( Nu-/" ve" revedea n"$"oda ! +!r+a ul( 4 Nu vor+" a'a( )n$e&u s! &l-n,! !$u % la$r"m"le " se s$ur,eau ne#n$e a % #n "m& $e o +! eam u'urel &e s&a e '" #" m-n,-"am &-rul% a'a $um m-n,-" un &"so"( 4 Toa e as ea sun d"n $au*a r!*+o"ulu"% 'o& " ea(

)n $ele d"n urm! sun! #n$e area alarme" '" *,omo ul s r!*"" ur$! "ar!'" &-n! la no" #n *!&u'eala ser""( <amen"" r-deau l"n"' "/"% nu fusese de$- o alarm! m!run !% doar $- eva su e de mor/" '" r!n"/"( 4 Poves e' e-m" &u/"n $um e &e a$olo( S !ru" mul '" nu #n/ele,eam $e nevo"e avea s! ' "e $e se &e re$e #n "ad( 4 Cre*" $!-" +"ne s! u$"*" oamen" &en ru $! sun de al ! ras!5 8e &"ld! evre""( 4 >a$ ma" mul de$- s!-" u$"d! &ur '" s"m&lu( Po/" $um&!ra un sa$ $u evre"% sau /",an" mor/" $a $enu'! de #n,r!'!m-n ( 4 Nu se &oa e7 4 Nu *!u5 Sun al ele '" ma" '"( N-a" "dee $- e &o/" vedea( 4 8ar de $e sun oare evre"" a - de ur-/"5 4 Nu ' "u( Eu nu am n"m"$ #m&o r"va lor% am #n -ln" #ns! adesea oamen" $are nu-" #n,3"/eau '" o u'" nu erau na*"' "% d"m&o r"v!( 4 Sun ne+un"5 4 >!r! #ndo"al!% #ns! /"$n"/" sun em $u o/""( Ce" $are nu-s s au #n$3"'" #n s&a ele s-rme" ,3"m&a e( Lumea s-a #n ors $u fundul #n sus '" doar ne+un"" ma" au dre& ur" $e !/ene' "( Nu &o u" a *"ua $-nd am da &es e un evreu% &e $-nd v-nam &ar "*an"( 4 Poves e' e% m! ru,!% #n "n*-ndu-se lene'( 4 Poves ea e des ul de lun,!% dar mer" ! s! f"e s&us!( Eram &e a un$" #n mun/"" Ce3oslova$"e"% #n $!u area &ar "*an"lor( < rea+! &l!$u !% &en ru $! eram de $a&ul nos ru% #m&!r/"/" #n $e e m"$"% f!r! n"$" o su&rave,3ere( 8"n $-nd #n $-nd ma" r!,eam #n aer% de form!( R"s"&a ur"a'! de mun"/"e 0us "f"$a ra&oar ele noas re% &e $- de r!*+o"n"$e% &e a - de m"n$"noase( )n real" a e nu se #n -m&lase s! ne #n -ln"m $u $"neva( C" no"% '" &ar "*an"" ne ev" am re$"&ro$( Lu$rul de $!&e en"e era s! ,!s"m mereu $eva de m-n$are '" a un$" $-nd nu ma" r!m-nea n"m"$% +!"e/"" &le$au s! v-ne*e $a&re ne,re% o v-n! oare $are $os a Re"$3-ul o $an " a e ulu" oare de mun"/"e( Se #n -m&la des ul de rar s! reven"m $u o $a&r! or" un $er+% de $ele ma" mul e or" #ns! adu$eam un &or$ sau un v"/el% ma" lesne de #m&u'$a f""nd le,a/"( )n r-o sear!% #na"n e de a&usul soarelu"% am a0uns la o $ol"+! de mun e &!r!s" !% unde ne-am 3o !r- s! #no& !m( 4 ANo"B5 Ad"$! $"ne5 4 Nu-" $uno' "( < 'lea3 ! de afur"s"/" d"n r-un re,"men de r!*n"/"% ve'n"$ $u un &"$"or #n ,roa&!( C-nd am "n ra #n $ol"+! am s"m/" un m"ros dul$ea,% &! run*! or( )n vreme $e m-n$am% m"rosul deven" '" ma" s !ru" or( Por a ur$! s! vad! des&re $e e vor+a '" &es e &u/"n "m& se #n oarse r-n0"nd '" #'" ' erse 0o+enul $u m-ne$a( 4 Am ,!s" un n! !r!u mor #n &a % el &u e a'a( 4 Ce neru'"nare7 f!$u +a 0o$or" or He"de( S! e #nal/" la $er #n &a ul !u% &e vremur"le as ea7 4 Por a avea 0o+en5 se m"r! G"sele( 4 8a% Por a f!$use ros de unul #n Rom-n"a '" nu se des&!r/ea de el n"$" #n &r"ma l"n"e( C"% $um s&uneam% am ur$a o/" do"s&re*e$e s!-l vedem &e "&ul mor #n &a ul lu"( Era un +! r-n $e se od"3nea $uv""n$"os% #n $!ma'a lu" al+!( 4 S-a s$!&a #n s$u e$e% *"se Por a% $are s re$urase o &r"v"re su+ &la&uma ,rea /!r!neas$!( Ce &or$7 Un &a a - de fa"n7 4 Ce &u e7 s r-m+! S e,e d"n nas( 4 8omnulu" s uden nu-" &la$e &arfumul5 r-n0" Por a '" #n/e&! $adavrul $u +a"one a( 4 A" ,r"0! s! nu ,!ure' " &!r/"le &e unde &o s$!&a ,a*ele% #l $er ! E! r-nul% as a n-am ma" &u ea su&or a( Am fa$e +"ne s!-l #n,ro&!m( Ha"% a&u$a/"-v! de rea+! '" #n,ro&a/"-l( ."$u/ul '" Por a au a&u$a f"e$are de un $a&! al $ear$eafulu" '" au $!ra $adavrul( P!m-n ul era #ns! a - de #n,3e/a #n$- a fos $u ne&u "n/! de s!&a ,roa&a( L-am #n,ro&a #n +!le,ar% $eea $e era mul ma" u'or% du&! $are ne-am rea&u$a s! +em '" s! 0u$!m $!r/"( 4 E $eva #n $ol"+a as a +les ema !7 m-r-" deoda ! He"de% &r"v"nd nervos #n 0ur( Lam&a $u ,a* fume,a arun$-nd o lum"n! s"n"s r!( 4 .a" a$!-/" $lan/a7 se o/!r# Por a( Goa$! or" du- e l-n,! mo'% #n +!le,ar( ."$u/ul s$oase un m-r-" % #" d!du un ,3"on lu" He"de '" 0o$ul $on "nu!( 8ar a$um ne era &es e &u "n/! s! ne $on$en r!m( Cu oa e s"m/ur"le re*e% $"uleam ure$3"le( He"de nu eI&r"mase de$- nel"n"' ea $are ne a&!sa &e o/"( Era $eva $are alarma "ns "n$ ul nos ru m"lenarH asu&ra $ol"+e" &lu ea un m"s er(

8u&! o 0um! a e de or!% E! r-nul nu ma" r!+d!% a*v-rl" $!r/"le &e mas! '" s r",! $u ,las un! or= 4 8a$! e $"neva &e a"$"% s! se ara e7 T!$ere( < !$ere a&!s! oare( N"$" $el ma" m"$ *,omo ( Cu oa e a$es ea $eva era% o s"m/eam% $eva v"u% $eva $are nu f!$ea &ar e d"n $as!( 4 E $"neva as$uns a"$"% morm!" S e,e '" se l"&" de &ere e $u &"s olul- m" ral"er! la 'old( Eu*ele #" remurau de enervare( 4 Poa e am &"$a &es e un $u"+ de &ar "*an"% 'o& " E! r-nul( ."$u/ul s$oase la "veal! o #n$!r$! ur! de d"nam" !% d"n $are avea ve'n"$ +u*unarele &l"ne( 4 Ce-ar f" s! arun$!m #n aer $o$"na as a5 4 S !&-ne' e- e% #l &o ol" E! r-nul( S! $er$e !m &es e o % al fel #nne+un"m( Ne-am $!/!ra &e s$ar! $- e &a ru deoda !% $u armele &re,! " e s! $ul$e la &!m-n or"$e ar f" a&!ru #n fa/!( < u'! *+ur! #n /!nd!r" d"n r-o lov" ur! de &"$"or( )n "m& $e m"$ul Le,"onar s ro&ea d"n +el'u, #n$!&erea $u o salv! d"n &"s olul-m" ral"er!( He"de *v-rl" o ,renad! #n $amera al! ura !( 4 Pe e"% &e d"avol"7 url! Por a( Pu' "le '" au oma ele s$u"&au fl!$!r" m-n"oase #n +e*n!( 4 Tr!"as$! Le,"unea7 *+"era s r"den Le,"onarul% f!$-nd sal ur" de ",ru( 8eoda ! se au*" un *,omo $a de une % $a '" $um am f" des$o&er" un $u"+ de &ar "*an"% dar nu era de$un dula& mare &l"n $u 3a"ne $are se &r!+u'"se &es e el% &r"n*-ndu-l $a &e un 'oare$e( 8u&! un sfer de $eas% e a0ul era devas a ma" $um&l" de$- ar f" f!$u -o un ura,an( 8"n &l!&um"le /!r!ne' "% &e $are le s&"n e$asem #ns&!"m-n a/"% ful,"" n"n,eau asu&ra noas r!% #n "m& $e as$ul am $u ure$3"le $"ul" e% mu/" $a &e' ""( 8e la e a0ul de sus ne &arven" o u'" un fo'ne u'or( 4 8umne*eule7 murmur! Le,"onarul( >r"$a n" se ur$a &e '"ra s&"n!r""( Pr"mul $are '"-a &"erdu s !&-n"rea de s"ne a fos He"de( 4 C"ne-" a$olo5 Sun e/" #n$er$u"/"% d"avol"lor7 r!$n" el% f!$-nd s! r!sune #n rea,a $l!d"re( A&o" !$erea se l!s! a&!s! oare( Tremuram d"n $re' e &-n! #n !l&"( 4 S! fu,"m7 'o& " ."$u/ul% alune$-nd s&re una d"n feres re( 8"n nou un *,omo nedeslu'" deasu&ra noas r!( ."$u/ul s$oa e un urle '" s!r" &r"n fereas r!% f!$-nd /!nd!r" ,eamul( Ne $u&r"nse &an"$a% ne #m+ul*eam s! fu,"m( He"de #'" arun$! au oma ul $are se +lo$ase #n "m&ul v-n! or"" de s r",o"( C-nd am a0uns afar!% ne-am da seama $! l"&se' e S e,e( 4 Tre+u"e s! ne #n oar$em s!-l $!u !m% 3o !r# E! r-nul% $eea $e ne f!$u s! d!m d"n nou +u*na #n $asa +les ema !( 4 Hu,o% unde e' "5 Am s$!&!ra un $3"+r" s! a&r"nd lam&a $u ,a* '"% la lum"na remur-nd!% am *!r" o ar! are #nal !% #n 3a"ne v!r,a e( E! r-nul #'" reven" &r"mul( 4 He"% *e+ra ule7 S"lue a m"*era+"l! se #ndre& ! $a la m"l" !r"e% $u &r"v"rea a/"n " ! asu&ra E! r-nulu" '" &re*en ! ra&or ul= 4 8omnule >eld?e+el% &r"*on"erul nr( D:78FSNF se de$lar! fu," d"n $om&an"a de lu$ru de la $alea fera ! 2DS: es ( 4 Nu se &oa e7 "*+u$n" Por a( .a" sun '" al/"" $a "ne &e a"$"5 4 Nu% domnule solda ( 4 Is&r!ve' e $u " lur"le as ea $ara,3"oase% f!$u E! r-nul enerva ( 4 E"% e"7 "n erven" Por a( .! s"m m!,ul" s! f"u ,ra "f"$a $u AdomnuleB( Nu m" s-a ma" #n "m&la n"$"oda ! una $a as a7 .o'nea,ul #n 3a"ne v!r,a e &r"vea em! or #n 0ur% r!m!sese #n &o*"/"e de dre&/"% #n m"0lo$ul #n$!&er""( 4 Ia lo$% #" s&use Por a% ar! -ndu-" masa #m+el'u,a !( Ia-/" un $ol/ de &-"ne '" o +u$a ! de $arne% $u o #n,3"/" ur! de $afea( E! r-nul de/"nu #'" m"'$! +u*ele remur-"nd(

4 8omnule solda de s a -ma0or% de/"nu ul nr% D:78FSNF $ere &erm"s"unea s! vor+eas$!( 4 8!-" drumul% fr!/"oare% m-r-" ."$u/ul( 8e/"nu ul $el v-rs n"$ r!mase mu ( P!rea s!-'" $au e $uv"n ele% ' ""nd &rea +"ne $- e de &r"me0d"os s! s&un! $eva $e ar &u ea d"s&la$e( < vor+! ne&o r"v" ! &u ea #nsemna moar ea( Pen ru el no" eram du'man"% #n $"uda +anderolelor $u $a& de mor % #nsemnul un" !/"lor d"s$"&l"nare( 4 Ha"% v!r,a ule7 Ce vre" s! ne 'o& e' "5 l! r! Por a '" #n "nse $a o &"s"$! de,e ul s&re $3"&ul $enu'"u al mo'nea,ulu"% &e $are murd!r"a se l"&"se #n s ra ur" #n une$a e( <mul #'" &l"m+! &r"v"r"le o+os" e ale o$3"lor s!" "n0e$ a/" &e f"e$are d"n re u$",a'"" le,al" $e eram( 4 Ce vre" s! ne s&u"5 #n re+! Erand% $am"ona,"ul% $are &u/ea res&"n,! or $a #n o deauna( Nu #ndr!*nea s! se du$! la den "s &refer-nd s! #ndure sufer"n/e $3"nu" oare( 8e oa e #" +!,asem #n d"n/"" lu" s r"$a/"% de la &raf de &u'$! '" sal&e ru &-n! la ,!"na/ de &as!re( 4 8ar !$e/" o da !% "d"o/"lor7 se r!s " E! r-nul( Nu vede/" $! e mor de fr"$!5 8a$! v-a/" u" a #n o,l"nd! a/" #n/ele,e de $e al! ur" de vo" '" dra$u-" ma" frumos7 Se duse la mo'nea,% #l $u&r"nse $u m-na &e du&! umer" '" #" s&use #n felul s!u% s$!r&"n-ndu-'" o s&r"n$ean! $u &"&a= 4 Nu-/" f"e eam!% &r"e ene% nu sun em $3"ar a - de f"oro'" $um &!rem( Ce-a" vru s! s&u"5 8e/"nu ul r!sufl! ad-n$ &r"v"nd omul s$und% vo"n"$% $u $3"&ul $umse$ade de su+ $as$a nea,r!( <$3"" lor se #n -ln"r!% $e" a - de ne,r" a" de/"nu ulu" $u $e" l"m&e*" '" al+a' r" a" E! r-nulu"( Ne-am da seama $! $e" do" au f!$u % d"n r-o s"n,ur! &r"v"re% un le,!m-n $e nu se ma" &u ea desfa$e( 4 Herr >eld?e+el% a lua $el ma" m!run lu$ru de a"$" #nseamn! a 0efu"% am fos as$uns a"$" re" *"le% dar nu am &us m-na &e n"m"$( E! r-nul se s$u ur! de r-s( 4 U" ! a"urel"le as ea( A'a*!- e '" m!n-n$!( Se #n oarse $! re He"de( 4 Cau ! $eva de m-n$are% dar m"'$!- e ma" re&ede( He"de r!m!sese $u ,ura $!s$a ! #n fa/a de/"nu ulu"% $a '" $um ar f" avu veden""( ."$u/ul se a&le$! s&re el= 4 >! &a'"% +-*o" de ra3a % s! n-o "e" &e $oa0!7 He"de se re*" '" se re&e*" #n +u$! !r"e( E! r-nul urm!= 4 Unde a" dorm" #n a$es e re" *"le5 4 Pe 0os% #n +u$! !r"e% Herr >eld?e+el% &en ru $! am &!du$3" '" nu doream s! murd!res$ $ear$eafur"le as ea $ura e( 4 .a"$! Pre$"s !7 3o3o " Por a% &r!&!d"ndu-se de r-s( 8a$! o/" ar f" la fel de s"m/"/"% r!*+o"ul ar deven" o adev!ra ! &l!$ere7 He"de se #n oarse $u +ra/ele #n$!r$a e $u ra$3"u '" sl!n"n! afuma !( Arun$! *,omo os o ul &e mas!( S e,e des$o&er"se o $ar e &e un raf '" o #n "nse E! r-nulu"( 4 Ga*dele noas re sun oamen" $" "/"( Car ea% era "n " ula ! AMarl .arIB( 4 Taman $e ne-ar re+u" la Ges a&o% m-r-" He"de( 4 Gura% &u&!-m!-n fund or" #/" a" ,ramofonul s! nu e ma" aud s$-r/-"nd( Nu $umva $re*" $! am u" a $! a" fos $-ndva urn! or5 He"de #l &r"v" $u ur! &e vl!0,anul de Por a% $u 0o+en &e $a&H au oma ul $u $are se 0u$! ne,l"0en #l /"nea #ns! la res&e$ ( 4 E &!$a de masa as a frumoas!% s&use de/"nu ul% v!*-nd $um Le,"onarul a"e sl!n"na d"re$ &e !+l"e( 4 Ia nu ne ma" +a e la $a&% #l re&e*" Erand% $are f!$ea la fel $u &-"nea( 4 Tre+u"e s! a" ,r"0! de lu$rur"% s !ru" #n$!&!/-na mo'nea,ul( 4 Gura% 0"dane7 r!$n" He"de s$u"&-nd( Se a&le$! &es e mas!% l"&"ndu-'" a&roa&e o+ra*ul de $el al +! r-nulu"( <$3"" lu" de al$ool"$% s r!+! u/" de v"n"'oare ro'""% s$l"&eau de r!u a e( R-,-"( 4 As$ul !% v!r,a ule7 Eu% Gul"us He"de% su+of"/er #n re,"men ul ;7 de +l"nda e% s&un $! e' " un 0"dan #m&u/" (

Pr"v" r"umf! or #n 0ur( 4 Ce-a" de *"s de as a% s$-rn!v"e5 8e &e s$!unelul &e $are 'edea% mo'nea,ul #l &r"vea ulu" ( P!rea $! nu #'" d! seama $! des&re el e vor+aH "nsul ele lune$au &es e el% &rea de mul e or" " se vor+"se as fel( Nu ma" &! rundeau #n el% era "mun"*a ( He"de se r!su$ea #n oa e d"re$/""le% $a un aur ,a a s! #m&un,! oreadorul( 4 Cu "ne am vor+" % mor ule% 'u"er! el d"n $ol/ul +u*elor( E' " un 0"dan &u uros% un ra3a de 0"dan( )'" arun$! &e s&a e $a&ul r-*-nd de &ro&r""le-" $uv"n e s$-rnave% re&e -ndu-le de $- eva or"% $a &e o l" an"e &!,-n! #n $are $uv-n ul 0"dan revenea o+sedan ( Se #nf"er+-n ase% s$u"&a% *+"era% #" $ur,eau +alele( No" !$eam( E! r-nul m-n$a% ne&!s! or% $a '" $um nu ar f" au*" 'uvo"ul de $uv"n e s$-r+oase( Por a *-m+ea r!,-ndu-se foar e a en de ure$3e% Le,"onarul flu"era A6"no% dul$e moar e% v"no(((B( E! r-nul #m&!r/" $!r/"le $u #n$e "neal! '" mare ,r"0!( Erus$% #n m-na lu" He"de a&!ru un revolver mare( )nde&!r ! $u un &o$ne se$ &"ed"$a% un *,omo $e nou! n" se &!ru de o+u*( 4 )/" *+or $re"er""% 0"dane7 R-dea +es "al #n "m& $e r"d"$! #n$e revolverul /"n "nd $a&ul mo'nea,ulu"( Se l!sase o !$ere amen"n/! oare( .o'ul se r"d"$! f"I-ndu-l &e He"de $u o &r"v"re $"uda !( 4 8a$! vre/" s! ra,e/" #n m"ne% domnule su+of"/er% nu am $e fa$e( 8a$! m! omor-/" &e m"ne or" omor-/" un $-"ne% o un dra$( Nu-" de$- o deose+"re= $-"nelu" #" e fr"$! de moar e% m"e #ns! nu( Tra,e/"% da$! as a v! e &of a% s! "e'"m #ns! afar!( A"$" s-ar murd!r" o ul% n"m"$ nu murd!re' e ma" r!u $a $re"erul% domnule su+of"/er% $-nd se #m&r!' "e '" se s$ur,e( 4 8ra$u s! e "a7 *+"er! He"de% al $!ru" de,e #n$e&use s! se *,-r$eas$! &e r!,a$"( N"$" a$um E! r-nul nu s&use n"m"$( )n oarse l"n"' " o $ar e s!-'" erm"ne &as"en/aH era dama de &"$!( 4 Pune arma 0os% ordon! +rus$( He"de &!ru ulu" ( 4 )" ur!s$ &e evre"7 )n o deauna am avu &of ! s! u$"d unul7 4 Pune "med"a arma 0os7 ."$u/ul se r"d"$ase% a$/"on-nd ar$ul '"'ulu" de ran'ee( E! r-nul " se adres! d"re$ = 4 Gul"us He"de% las! revolverul( Le,"onarul fredona A6"no% dul$e moar e% v"no(((B a+"a 'o& " ( He"de l!s! m-na #n 0os% revolverul $!*u *orn!"nd( Pe fa/! " se $" ea o s&a"m! ve$"n! $u ne+un"a( Le,"onarul #" &use o &"ed"$!% r-n "ndu-l la &odea( ."$u/ul r"d"$! '"'ul 3o !r- s! "-l #nf",! VWeen s&a e% dar mo'nea,ul #l o&r" la "m&% a&u$-ndu-l de +ra/( 4 Nu% nu-l u$"de% $amarade( Am #n$remen" ( ."$u/ul #l l!s! &e He"de '" se u" ! fur"os la +! r-nul evreu% &al"d '" remur-nd% $e " se a,!/ase de +ra/( 4 8e $e e o&u" s! r!$es$ +es "a as a &u uroas!5 8oar e-a "nsul a 7 8e/"nu ul $l! "n! d"n $a&( 4 Nu% $amarade% nu m-a "nsul a % eu sun evreu% "ar el e +olnav( Toa e as ea se vor u" a a un$" $-nd lumea va f" v"nde$a !( 4 Eolnav5 s r",! Por a( E &rea &u/"n s&us% e $el ma" mare "$!los &e $are l-a &ur a vreoda ! &!m-n ul7 E- r-nul f!$u un ,es $u m-na( 4 Nu ma" f"/" a - de se o'" de s-n,e% l!sa/"-l #n &a$e '" a'e*a/"-v! s! &u em 0u$a #n sf-r'" ( 6re" s! 0o$"5 #l #n re+! &e fos ul de/"nu ( 4 Nu% domnule >eld?e+el( 4 Nefer"$" ule% nu-m" &o/" s&une $amarade% a'a $um "-a" s&us +and" ulu" !s a mare $are e ."$u/ul5 .o'nea,ul $l! "n! $a&ul '" des$3"se ,ura% dar dur! o ve'n"$"e &-n! s! au*"m= 4 6o" #n$er$a% #ns! va f" ,reu( Am 0u$a #n !$ere &-n! $-nd Erand #'" arun$! $!r/"le &e mas!( 4 Nu ma" am $3ef% m-am &l"$ "s" ( 4 E' " un -m&" de $al"+ru mare% se #nfur"e Por a% am s!-/" s -l$es$ mu ra &o$" !( Arun$-ndu-se ful,er! or #n r-o &ar e% Erand ev" ! s "$la $are% a*v-rl" ! $u oa !

&u erea% se s&arse #n m"" de $"o+ur" #n &ere e( 4 E &!$a s! murd!r"m oa e as ea% murmur! d"n nou +! r-nul de/"nu ( Ce" $are au a+andona $asa au do" $o&""% $are #" vor mo' en"( 4 8e unde ' ""5 4 )n dula& sun 3!"nu/e de $o&"l( 4 Ia s&une% de fa& a" '" u o $as!5 4 Am avu % #ns! m"-a fos lua ! de mul ( 4 C"ne /"-a lua -o5 Por !re""5 #n re+! $u na"v" a e Mraus% SS-"s ul $e fusese ransfera la no" d"n &r"$"na la'" !/"" doved" e &e fron ( Ne-a &ufn" r-sul% #ns! evreul $el v-rs n"$ $onven"= 4 Por !rel5 8a% se &oa e s&une '" a'a( 4 <" f" ' er&el" $asa $u"va% &e vremea Re&u+l"$"" de la We"mar7 r-n0" Mraus( 4 Poa e f!r! ' "rea mea% r"&os ! se$ de/"nu ul( 4 Cum e-au #n3!/a % v!r,a ule5 #l $3es "on! Por a( E! r-nul evreu #nfule$! la$om #n$! o +u$a ! de $arne% #'" s&r"0"n" $a&ul #n &alm! '" #n$e&u s! vor+eas$!( 6or+ea $a '" $um ar f" fos s"n,ur% a'a $um vor+es$ doar $e" $are au fos #n$3"'" '" "*ola/" un "m& #ndelun,a ( Nu vor+es$% s$u"&!% u'es$ $uv"n ele% v"sea*! $u ,las are( 4 )n WD8 ne-au lua ( Eu am s$!&a &en ru $! aveam rela/""( 4 6o" !' "a d"n Lara sf-n !% ave/" #n o deauna &"le% *,-nd!r" He"de( Ura lu" era a - de mare #n$- nu 'ov!"a s! '"-o ara e r"s$-ndu-'" v"a/a( )'" des$o&er"se $ol/"" &re$um un $-"ne( 4 A" re+u" s&-n*ura % s&ur$!$"une7 E! r-nul evreu urm! f!r! a se l!sa +! u ( 4 Tr!"am la Ham+ur,% &e AHo$3 AlleeB% #n a&ro&"ere de Ro 3er+aum% un lo$ #n$-n ! or( <f !% ,-nd"ndu-se la Ham+ur,% $-nd ora'ul m"roase a aer s!ra de mare '" fum de la va&oare% $-nd m"$"le lun r"" de &e El+a r!sun! de r-se e( 4 Eram% $3"rur,-s oma olo,% aveam mul/" $l"en/" '" &r"e en"( Am "*+u " s! o+/"n nu &a'a&or $u v"*a Par "dulu" '" m-am ,-nd" s! s r!+a Rus"a &en ru a a0un,e #n C3"na( Cl! "n! $a&ul( Proas ! "dee( No"% evre""% sun em &r",on"/" '" a$olo( E! r-nul r-se a le3am" e( 4 )n r-adev!r% sun e/" &r",on"/" la sov"e "$"% la &olone*"% a&roa&e #n oa ! lumea sun e/" &r",on"/"( 8e $e5 S"n,ur 8umne*eu ' "e( Se #n oarse $! re He"de( 4 Gul"us% u ar re+u" s! ' "" de $e% oda ! $e-" ur!' " &e evre"( 4 Sun &or$" '" +and"/"7 $3el!l!" He"de( 8ovad! Talmudul( Gul"us He"de #" ura &e evre" &en ru $! $el ma" "n el",en +!"a d"n $lasa lu" era un evreu &e numele de .our" *( ."$ul .our" * #l a0u a &e vo"n"$ul Gul"usH #" sufla '" #" &asa f"/u"$"( )n de$ursul an"lor% Gul"us res"m/"se f"e$are $uv-n 'o& " % f"e$are f"/u"$! &re$um o um"l"n/! ar*! oare% "ar ura lu" $res$use a"n"$( )n afar! de as a% n"$" He"de nu ' "a ma" mul de$- no" des&re ura de ras!( 8oar $! #nv!/ase &e de ros lun,"le "rade na*"s e( Am re#n$e&u s! 0u$!m #n !$ere% f!r! mul ! ra,ere de "n"m!( Por a s$oase flau ul% #'" sufl! nasul% s$u"&! &e de,e e '" #n$e&u s! $-n e A."$a serenad!B( As$ul am vr!0"/"( Era s&lendoarea &r"m!ver""% $-n e$ul m""lor de &!s!rele $e &! runseser! #n $ol"+a #n une$a ! &res$3"m+-nd-o #n r-un &ala de $r"s al% #n $are &r"n/" #n 3a"ne de m! ase &!reau $! dansea*! un menue ( Au*eam o or$3es r! #n rea,! d"r"0a ! de $a&elma"s rul $ur/""( Evreul #n$e&u '" el s! $-n e( Avea un ,las ,rav '" r!,u'" ( 6"sa% am"n "ndu-'"((( Casa d"na"n e de WD8% o feme"e #n ro$3"e de un al+as ru des$3"s% $ea $are #" &l!$ea((( Ana lu" "u+" !((( Cum ma" r-dea7 R-dea ar! -ndu-'" d"n/"" al+"% $- era de dr!,u/!7 Ana% dra,a lu" Ana% &e $are a ,!s" -o u$"s!% su+ o &oar !% &en ru $! era ru'"nea rase"( Erau +!r+a/" "ner" '" are vesel"% #n un"forme +rune% $e" $are au omor- -o% #'" adu$ea foar e +"ne am"n e( )n r-o sear! se duseser! #m&reun! la ea ru s! vad! AW"l3elm TellB '"% &e $-nd se #n or$eau% el r!m!sese #n urm! s!-'" $um&ere /",!r"( Ea o luase #na"n e% &e o$ur"le e" #nal e% al $!ror /!$!n" fu d"n r-o da ! a$o&er" de *,omo de $"*me /"n u" e( < au*"se /"&-nd((( de dou! or"( Pr"ma oar! un s r",! lun, '" as$u/" % "ar a doua oar! $a un 3or$!" ( R!m!sese #nlemn" % v!*-nd $um o $ul$! la &!m-n ( .a" au*ea '" a$um lov" ur"le fa ale( Un &u' " de la SA%

+lon*"u '" $u un $3"& an,el"$% &e $are or"$e mam! l-ar f" adora % o lov"se $u o s$-ndur! #n $a&( Era la ;D "un"e 9FDS% $3"ar I-n,! 8arma or( )na"n e s! se #n -m&le a$eas a% &e re$user! adesea ser" mu*"$ale% el $-n a la fa,o or" v"oar!% ea la &"an( Ana $-n a a&roa&e #n o deauna .o*ar % $u a$eea'" &rofun*"me de sen "men $a solda ul a$es a ro'$ovan% 0e,os '" $u 0o+en ur " ( Le,"onarul #'" lu! mu*"$u/a '" a$om&an"e un mar' r!*+o"n"$ &e $are nu-l $uno' eam% dar ne l!s! v"s! or"( 8eoda ! r!sun! un dans $!*!$es$ #m&r!' ""nd or"$e urm! de melan$ol"e( 8even"r!m '" no" s!l+a "$"% +e/" '" url-nd s! d!r-m!m $ol"+a( E! r-nul evreu r-dea '" el% u" -nd de so/"a lu" asas"na !% de $asa fura !% de m""le de lov" ur" #n$asa e de la "ner" #n un"forme frumoase #m&odo+" e $u "ns",ne $u $a& de mor ( 6ru s! danse*e '" dans! $u He"de% $are u" ase $u o ul $! ura &e evre"( Se +! eau &e s&"nare '" se $l! "nau #n r" m( Lo&!"am o/"( Le,"onarul% #n$-n a % s r",a ATr!"as$! Le,"unea7B% &ar "$"&-nd la dans #n a&lau*ele u urora( )n $ele d"n urm!% o+os"/"% ne-am &r!+u'" &e s$aune '" am re#n$e&u s! +em &-n! ne-am $3er$3el" de o ( Pe su+ ,r"n*"le +! r-ne r!sunau +ol+orosel" de +e/"v"( Evreul $el v-rs n"$% $are su,3"/a un &"$% re#n$e&u s! &oves eas$!( 4 C!l! or"a mea s&re C3"na m"-au $urma -o #n r-un or!'el murdar( )n s!n! a ea voas r!( Se r"d"$! '" rase o #n,3"/" ur!( Gum! a e d"n l"$3"d " se s$urse &e +!r+"e( 4 .! $3eam! Ger3ard S "ef '" $um sun em #n re os a'"% lo$o enen de "nfan er"e Ger3ard S "ef( C3"$o " '" f!$u $u o$3"ul% $a '" $um ne-ar f" #n$red"n/a un mare se$re ( No" am "*+u$n" #n r-s &le*n"ndu-ne &e &ul&e( ."$u/ul se r!s urn! de &e s$aun de a - a r-s '" vom" !( Erand #" urn! #n $a& o ,!lea ! $u a&!( Evreul $on "nu! ne ul+ura = 4 Eram #n re,"men ul 7: de "nfan er"e% de I-n,! Al ona( 6ro"au s! m! r"m" ! la re,"men ul de ,ard!% Ia Po sdam% dar m"e &u/"n #m" &!sa de ,ard!% #n 9F9F m-au el"+era '" m"-am relua s ud""le( Era la GX "n,en% o e&o$! de aur( .a" rase o #n,3"/" ur!( 4 8a% e +"ne la GX "n,en% s&use E! r-nul( Am fos a$olo $a u$en"$ la -m&larul Rada0saJ( L-a" $unos$u % *e+ra ule5 8omnule lo$o enen 5 Toa ! lumea r-se( E! r-nul #'" #ndes! &"&a lu" ve$3e $u $a&a$( 4 C "" $afeneaua a"a fa"n!% d"n $ol/% de-" *"$e AHol*au,eB5 4 < ' "u% aveau o fa ! &e $are o $3ema Eer 3a7 eI$lam! Ger3ard % fer"$" de a-'" am"n " fa a &e $are o $3ema Eer 3a( 4 C" $e s-a ma" #n -m&la du&! a$eea5 #n re+! Erand % s$u"&-nd &e He"de% $are adorm"se( 4 .-au $3ema la +"roul NM68-ulu"( Unul m!run/el% foar e ama+"l% m-a &of " #n!un ru '"% *-m+"nd #n runa% m"-a eI&l"$a $! sun re/"nu f""nd +!nu" de s&"ona0( 8ar as ea se vor l!mur"% +"ne#n/eles% f!r! urm! de #ndo"al!( 8es",ur $! se vor l!mur"7 6o" f" #m&u'$a or" #n,ro&a de v"u la Mol"ma% $e a - ea f"/e 0ur"d"$e7 Se &une o ' am&"l! '" o ul dev"ne s"m&lu( Am v!*u mul e #n Rus"a sov"e "$!% de du&! s-rma ,3"m&a !% '" am a0uns s! ur!s$ dou! $ulor"% verdele NM68-ulu" '" ne,rul ,!r*"lor SS( E! r-nul s$oase &"&a d"n ,ur! '" $l! "n! $a&ul( 4 Tovar!'uW Ger3ard % e #n/ele,em( < $!$"ul! $u $ru$e verde e &oa e fa$e '" ea s! e $u remur"( 4 Pe $-nd eram la Eor"*ov% re+u"a s! ne #n,r"0"m s"n,ur" de-ale ,ur""( .-n$area o ,!seam #n fluv"ul $e $ur,ea $3"ar #n mar,"nea la,!rulu"( Eor"sov e #n C3"na% #n r-o m"$! re&u+l"$! am!r- ! sov"e "$!( 4 C-nd a" $e m-n$a% #n$! ma" mer,e% *"se Erand % mu'$-nd d"n r-un $-rna ( S "ef #l &r"v" lun, '" rase o du'$! +un! d"n s "$la $u ra$3"u( 4 Cre*"5 A" au*" de &e' ele ro'u5 ."$ul Le,"onar se a&le$! &es e mas! &r"v"ndu-l a en &e do$ orul S "ef( 4 Cel $are #/" d! v"erm" la f"$a 5 >lu"er! lun,( Sun da/" na"+"" "&"" de la Eor"*ov( Pr"n urmare% a" &ara*"/" #n f"$a % lo$o enen e5 S "ef #n$uv""n/! ,rav( 4 8a% '" as a doare( Te roade &e d"n!un ru% 3a&ur"le &e $are /" le dau nu fa$ de$- s! &relun,eas$! durer"le( 8e la &e' "" ro'"" am re$u la o$nele de la Gaslanov( Le ' "/"% marele

&us "u s!ra d"n sudul As"e"( 8u&! a$eea ne-au r"m"s #n Ural"( La .arrosov( la fa+r"$a de lo$omo "ve( )n $ele d"n urm! "-au s r-ns &e nem/"% $e3"% aus r"e$"% &olone*" '" ne-au dus la #n$3"soarea de r"a0 de la GorJ"% a&o" la Lem+er,( A$olo ne a' e& a $ea ma" mare sur&r"*! a v"e/"" noas re( SS-"' "" '" sov"e "$"" au #n$ro&" un adev!ra -r, de oamen"( )n s r",! e '" r-se e d"s&re/u" oare am fos &reda/" d"n nou SS-ulu"% #n s$3"m+ul $elor &e $are na*"' "" #" #na&o"au ru'"lor( Camara*"% a/" #n$er$a vreoda ! s! r!m-ne/" &e v"ne $easur" #n re,"5 Lu! /",are a &e $are "-o arun$ase Erand '" rase un fum% #n$3"*-nd o$3"" de &l!$ere( 4 A/" fos vreoda ! #n$3"'" #n va,oane de f"er% a - de #n,3esu"/" #n$- 0um! a e s! se sufo$e5 A/" $ons a a $- de moale se &!s rea*! un $adavru a un$" $-nd s a" &e el $u orele5 Us a e felul modern de a rans&or a $arnea v"e( C "am( Nu eIa,era $u n"m"$( Cunos$usem '" no" Tor,au( La fel '" Len,r"es '" >or -Pl"ve( Gus asem '" no" d"$ a ura( 4 La sov"e "$" nu-" ma" r!u5 #n re+! fos ul SS-"s ( 4 Sun eIa$ a$e"a'" oamen"( )n la,!rul 287% d"n Ural"% n" se da &e' e ve$3" de o su ! de an"% &e' e &u red% s!ra '" #m&u/" ul &e' e "ulJa% $are '" v"u &u e% a'a se na' e( La .a0daneJ% aveam &ar e de &-"ne $u v"erm"% &"l" ur! de f"er '" ala'( 8e/"nu/"" se #ne$au $u ea '" mureau( S! e +a ! $u &a ul arme" or" $u &"s"$a $u nou! $o*" e a$ela'" lu$ru% ru'"" foloseau '" e" lan/ur" s! ne sno&eas$! &es e 'ale% "ar eIe$u/""le erau ma" ales $u Na,anul #n $eaf!( SS-"' "" &referau fun"a( 6e*" '" u% SS-"s ule% e $am a$ela'" lu$ru( 4 Nu sun SS-"s % &ro es ! Mraus( Un *-m+e f"n #n$re/" +u*ele lu" S "ef( 4 As a o vor s&une mul/" $-nd va sos" *"ua so$o el"lor( Por a m-r-"= 4 To/" d"n NM68 '" SS au fos volun ar"( )l ar! ! &e Mraus% $are ne,a( 6e" r!m-ne #n o deauna un +and" de SS-"s '" da$! nu /"-am f!$u felul &-n! a$um% e &ur '" s"m&lu &en ru $! e &!s r!m &en ru o o$a*"e fes "v!( S "ef "n erven"( 4 Nu f"" a - de s-n,eros( Cu s",uran/! $! e +-n u" de $o'marur"% $eea $e e mul ma" r!u de$- s! f"" s&-n*ura ( 8ar s! $on "nu"( La >or -Pl"ve $-nd vo"am s! ne u'ur!m re+u"a s! ne a'e*!m &e o s$-ndur! lun,!( Cel $are $!dea #n 'an/ se #ne$a #n ra3a ( SS-"' "" &uneau r!m!'a, &e r!,a*ul $e-" re+u"a s! d"s&ar!( La .a0daneJ% la ru'"% era la fel% mul/" au $r!&a a$olo #ne$a/"( 8"s&!reau #n r-o +ol+oroseal! de +!'"$" de aer( ."$u/ul s$u"&! un os de ,-s$! '" rase un ,- de +ere= 4 La Eru$Jendorf D% de l-n,! Tor,au% $-nd ne s$!&am #n &an alon"% &en ru $! ,ul""le ne &rovo$au d"aree% ne &uneau s! ur"n!m un"" &e al/""( Ne-am u" a m"ra/" la ur"a'( Era &en ru &r"ma oar! $! vor+ea de vremea $-nd fusese la &u'$!r"e( Nu ' "am $e f!$use '" n"$" unde fusese #n$3"s( Urm!% $u ,ura &l"n!= 4 ."-au ru& +ra/ul #n re" lo$ur" '" m"-au smuls de,e ul m"$ de la &"$"or $u $le' ele( Se r"d"$!% a&u$! un fo ol"u ,reu '"-l f!$u /!nd!r" de &ere e( 4 U" e a'a #" vo" fa$e d"avolulu" a$elu"a de la Tor,au $-nd #l vo" ,!s"( C "u $! lu$rea*! #n r-un la,!r de l-n,! Weser( 4 La >a,en au $as ra &e $-/"va doar $a s! r-d!% s&use Le,"onarul $u o$3"" arun$-nd s$-n e"% $um au maur"" $-nd s"m $! se a&ro&"e $l"&a r!*+un!r""( 4 Eu am #n$er$a s! m! s&-n*ur% $-nd m-am #n ors de la >or -1"nna% s&use E! r-nul( Se f!$u !$ere( .a" au*"sem $! E! r-nul se s&-n*urase% dar so/"a sa !"ase fun"a la "m& '" un &r"e en l-a readus la v"a/!( E! r-nul nu ma" #n$er$ase n"$"oda ! s! se omoare( Am re#n$e&u s! 0u$!m( Ger3ard $-' ",! $- eva su e de m!r$" '" l-am l!sa s! $-' ",e $u +un!-' ""n/!( Nu &!rea s!-'" dea seama( Ne +u$uram o/" $-nd r!,ea o $ar e +un!( 4 La na"+a% Ger3ard % e #m+o,!/e' "7 C"neva #m&"nse s "$la s&re el( 4 Tra,e o du'$!% lo$o enen e7 S "ef +!u '" &use s "$la 0os lov"nd-o de fund% a'a $um f!$eam '" no"( Ges ul a$es a avea un #n/eles% #nsemna o+"'nu"n/a $u s "$la% un semn de +!r+!/"e( Su+of"/erul He"de se adunase de &e 0os '"-l #m+r-n$" &e Mraus de l-n,! Ger3ard ( Se "s$! n"/"$! ,-l$eav!% $- eva #n0ur! ur" '" He"de lu! lo$ul lu" Mraus &lesn"nd d"n l"m+!( Se u" ! $u $oada o$3"ulu" la Ger3ard ( 4 Ha" s!-" $ur!/!m &e $!$!$"o'"" !' "a(

Ger3ard #n$uv""n/! '" am 0u$a $u ma" mul ! a en/"e( Ger3ard $on "nu! s! $-' ",e( He"de &!rea 0",n" ( )n $ele d"n urm! se l!s! &!,u+a'( 4 Sun $ur!/a 7 Ger3ard r-se( 4 Po/" s! #m&rumu/" de la m"ne% da$! vre"( 4 Cu $e do+-nd!5 4 Cu :NK% $um se "a a un$" $-nd a" de a fa$e $u "&" du+"o'"% 3o !r# Le,"onarul( Afar! s r!lu$ea luna% &""n! '" ro und!% $a '" $um &r"vel"' ea $elor re"s&re*e$e $and"da/" la moar e ar f" amu*a -o( Le,"onarul m! ur! $!r/"le '" *v-rl" s$aunul $- $olo $u &"$"orul( 4 Go$ul !s a m! &l"$ "se' e% ma" +"ne 3a" s! ne +a em7 C- a" +a e d"n &alme am fos ,a a s! #n$e&em +oIul( ."$u/ul '" He"de s-au #nf!/"'a dre& &r"m"" $om+a an/"( R"n,ul fu #n$on0ura $u fun"" lua e d"n $ana&ea '" fo ol""( Pa$3e e de &ansamen deven"r! m!nu'" de +oI( Cele dou! mar" +ru e s-au #n$"ns #n r-o lu& ! $e de,ener! "u e #n r-o +! a"e de &om"n!( Pl"n" de v-n! !" '" de s-n,e% la fel de #nd-r0"/" am-ndo"= He"de ne,l"0! #ns! o $l"&! ,arda '" as a "-a fos fa al( ."$u/ul% url-nd &re$um o ,or"l!% #l a&u$! de ,le*n! f!$-ndu-l s! $ad! '" #l lov" $u $a&ul de &odea% &-n! $-nd a$es a a -rn! $a o $-r&!( Arun$! a&o" ru&ul ne#nsufle/" #n r-un $ol/ '" se &r!+u'"% la r-ndul s!u% do+or- de un somn &rofund( Afar!% luna lum"na ma" de&ar e $o&a$"" #n,3e/a/"( Adorm"sem o/"% $la"e &es e ,r!mad!% &re$um $!/e""( T!$erea s"n"s r! a mun elu" #nv!lu" &e $e" re"s&re*e$e $and"da/" la moar e% #n $a+ana #n $are &e vremur" veneau s! se od"3neas$! s$3"or" vesel"( ."$u/ul a fos &r"mul $are "-a *!r" #n d"m"nea/a urm! oare( 6eneau #n '"r "nd"an% &!'"nd ,r!+" #n "m& $e $o+orau mun ele% &e unde s -n$a era &ar$! des&"$a !( .-r-" ul ."$u/ulu" ne adun! "n ,ra+!( Eram #n,3e/a/"( P!reau mul ma" numero'" de$- no" '" erau #narma/" $u arun$! oare de fl!$!r"% re" m" ral"ere ,rele% &re$um '" $u o +a*ooJa d"n $ele no"( Soarele $are #n$e&use s! s$alde #n aur"u $ulm"le f!$ea s! s$l"&eas$! ar,"n ul $a&e elor de mor ( Cu +"no$lul am &u u o+serva $! #n frun e era un <+ers urmf@3rer( S e,e sus/"nea &e +un!-dre& a e $! era o $om&an"e #n rea,!( E! r-nul lu! +"no$lul de la o$3" '"% f!r! a #n oar$e $a&ul% 'o& "= 4 S&une/" lu" Ger3ard s-o #n "nd!( 4 Unde s! m! du$5 #n re+! Ger3ard S "ef% $are era #n &ra, '" &r"vea &e deasu&ra um!rulu" lu" Por a( )n r-adev!r% unde5 Ne-am &r"v" d"s&era/"( ."$u/ul '" He"de r"d"$ar! mu rele lor s -l$" e $! re $er% $l"&"nd( 1"ua #n$e&use r!u( A$olo sus% &e &o e$a #n,us !% unul se #m&"ed"$! '" am v!*u $um <+ers$3arf@3rerul *+"era la el ,es "$ul-nd $u un &"s ol m" ral"er! #n m-n!( 4 N"' e ,unoa"e% m-r-" He"de% &"&!"ndu-'" o$3"ul umfla % o adun! ur! de ,unoa"e7 4 S! &unem m" ral"era #n &o*"/"e '" s! le fa$em de &e re$an"e la o/"% &ro&use Por a( 4 Gro*av% a&o" #" '" $res !m7 su,3"/! ."$u/ul 0on,l-nd $u '"'ul s!u mare( 4 T!$e/"% n! !r!"lor% se s ro&'" E! r-nul la e"( Sun em unu la dou!*e$"( Tre+u"e s!-" du$em $u *!3!relul( 4 N"$" u nu $re*" $e s&u"% morm!" S e,e( Ne vor $!s!&" #nda ! $e vor ,!s" urmele $3"ol3anulu" '" &e Ger3ard ( 4 E"ne *"$"% Hu,o% "n erven" Le,"onarul( C3"ar !s a ne va u$"de( )" ar! ! ma a3ala $are re&e*ea a$um un al v-n! or( 8"s&!rur! $- e unul #n s&a ele unor +ra*" f"rav"( )n r-un sfer de $eas vor f" d"n$oa$e '" a&o" foar e re&ede la no"( Au a&!ru &re$um r!*ne ul( S e,e s r-nse d"n/"" '" &use m-na &e au oma ( E! r-nul r"d"$! d"n r-o s&ran$ean! f!$-ndu-ne semn s! r!m-nem l"n"' "/"( ."$u/ul #'" alese al ! &o*"/"e( Armele $om&an"e" de SS-"' " $l!m&!neau( Mraus% $el $are fusese ransfera la no" &en ru la'" a e% fu a&u$a de o use $avernoas!( 4 S-o #n "ndem7 4 L"-e fr"$! de fra/"" !"5 #n re+! #n$e Por a( Le,"onarul 'u"era $-n e$ul s!u &refera ( <+ers urmf""3rer-ul SS mer,ea re&ede% $u m-ne$"le sufle$a e% " se vedeau +ra/ele a$o&er" e de &!r ne,ru( S"m/eam $! moar ea e foar e a&roa&e% n!r"le noas re frem! au $a la v-na ul #n$ol/" de ,ona$"( Ger3ard se f!$u nev!*u #n $a+an!% urma de ."$u/ul '" de Eauer( Soseau((( To/" +!"e/" "ner"% frumo'" '" +"ne 3r!n"/"(

4 Com&an"eee% s a"7 la &"$"oor arm7 Pe lo$ re&aus((( <rd"nele r!sunau% se$" '" dure% a'a $um era '" d"m"nea/a( E! r-nul $l"&" s&re $!&e en"a $u &!r ne,ru '" o$3"" lor se #n -ln"r!( E! r-nul &!'" #n$e &e "ar+a "n$red"+"l de verde% $are #" &l!$use a - de mul evreulu" $el v-rs n"$( ."$ul le,"onar #'" f!$ea de lu$ru #n s&a ele lu"% #n &o*"/"e de ra,ere% s re$ur-ndu-se f!r! a a ra,e a en/"a du&! o ,r!mad! de lemne( Por a se "ns alase #n $as! '" &u ea" +!nu" o ,ur! nea,r!-al+!s ru"e #n s&a ele feres re" $u ,ra ""% as$uns! de s$-ndur"( E! r-nul era a&!ra de do" d"n re $e" ma" +un" r!,! or" a" fron ulu"( <f"/erul SS #'" r!,ea o$ma" n!dra,"" #n,reuna/" de .auserul s!u% $-nd d"n!un rul $ase" se au*" $l"n$3e ul de farfur"" '" &a3are( SS-"' "" #n!l/ar! $a&ul( Ce *,omo #m+"e or7 Ra&or ul E! r-nulu" fu s$ur '" se$( AN"m"$ deose+" de semnala B( >arfur""le '" &a3arele r!sunar! d"n nou '" su&lul of"/er SS &r"v" r"d"$-nd d"n s&r-n$ene s&re u'a des$3"s!( Se #ndre& ! u'or% $u o #n$e "neal! #n,r"0or! oare% $! re $as!( Curelele sale no" s$-r/-"au( A0unse l-n,! +u u$ul de l-n,! "n rare% unde se o&r"% a&u$! o&orul '" re e*! o +u$a ! de lemn d"n r-o s"n,ur! lov" ur!( To&orul fusese as$u/" de un meser"a'( 8-nd $u &"$"orul #n lemnul !"a % r-se #n$e "'or( C3"&ul " se #n!s&r" $-nd se #n oarse $! re E! r-nul( 4 8umnea a% >eld?e+el% #/" s r-n," oamen"" '" &le$a/" re&ede de a"$"( C-nd r"d"$! +ra/ul &en ru salu ul na*"s % la #n$3e"e ura m-"n"" s$l"&" un $eas mare de aur( Glasul E! r-nulu" un!= 4 )na"n e% mar'% +and"/"lor7 Ne-am aduna % &osa$"( Ne #m+r-n$eam morm!"nd( ."$u/ul '" He"de au "e'" d"n $as! $l! "n-ndu-se( ."$u/ul /"nea #n m-n! $u/" ul s!u lun, s"+er"an( 4 Lua/"-v! armele( )na"n e% mar'7 ordon! E! r-nul $u ,las de s en or( Am re$u foar e a&roa&e de SS-"' "% $are ne &r"veau de sus( 4 C!$!$"o'"7 *"se unul d"n re e"( ."$u/ul res!r"% dar Le,"onarul '" E! r-nul #l #n$adrar! "med"a ( T!un"" ro"au #n/e&-ndu-ne $um&l" % #n o deauna $3"ar l-n,! mar,"nea ,ulerulu"( Am s r!+! u +r!de ul f!r! s! #n oar$em $a&ul '" a+"a $-nd am a0uns 0os% l-n,! &odul $el ve$3"% ne-am o&r" ( >!r! un $uv-n % ne-am arun$a la &!m-n % $u $a&e ele #ndre& a e s&re $a+an!% &e $are soarele o lum"na a$um d"n &l"n( L-am v!*u &e <+ers urmf@3rer-ul $el #nal "n r-nd #n $as!% urma de do" SS-"' "( Au r!mas mul "m& #n!un ru% f!r! s! se #n -m&le $eva( C-/"va se ol!n"ser! &e "ar+a verde '" 0u$au *arur" sau $!r/"% f!r! n"$" o ,ra+!( 4 Pr"e enul nos ru% lo$o enen ul S "ef% s-a as$uns +"ne% *"se Por a( 4 S! n!d!0du"m% 'o& " E! r-nul #n,r"0ora % mu'$-ndu-'" &"&a( ."$u/ul d!du un r-nd de 'na&s '" am +!u #ndelun,% $u l!$om"e( < da ! $u arsura al$oolulu"% #n v"ne n" se s$ur,ea fur"a% ,us ul s-n,elu"( ."$u/ul s$u"&! &e o frun*!( 4 C-"n" +les ema/"7 S!-" $!s!&"m7 Ha"% E! r-nule7 f!$u el r!,u'" +! -nd dara+ana &e m"nerul $u/" ulu"( E! r-nul su,ea #n $on "nuare de mu' "u$ul &"&e"( 8eoda !% l"n"' ea fu s&ar ! de un /"&! &relun,( Ins "n$ "v ne-am l"&" '" ma" mul la &!m-n ( 4 .o'ul nu s-a as$uns des ul de +"ne% ,emu S e,e( S r",! ul r!sun! d"n nou% s r",! ul a$ela &e $are no" #l $uno' eam &rea +"ne% &en ru $! #l au*"sem de a - ea or" #n #n$3"sor" '" #n la,!re( 4 Ce-" fa$5 #n re+! &ros e' e Erand ( 4 .oar e len !% l! r! Le,"onarul% a'e*-ndu-'" arun$! orul de fl!$!r" #n &o*"/"e( C-nd eram #n R"f ne r!*+unam de f"e$are da ! $-nd $!s!&eau &e unul d"n re a" no' r"( Pr"vea $! re E! r-nul% $are s a #n "ns #n s&a ele unu" uf"'% $u &r"v"rea a/"n " ! asu&ra $a+ane"( To$ma" se &re,! ea s! $on "nue% $-nd "e'"r! afar! r!,-ndu-l &e Ger3ard du&! e"( .o'ul se -ra #n &a ru la+e '" /"&a #n runa( SS-"' "" #l loveau Cu $"*mele '" #" fr-nser! un +ra/( >"e$are ,es al lor ne sfredelea $re"er""% a&roa&e #nne+un"sem( L-au lov" &es e fa/! '" se &r!+u'"( <+ers$3arf@3rer-ul se &le$! asu&ra lu"% $u un $u/" #n m-n!( E!nu"am $e avea de ,-nd s! fa$!% ma" v!*usem de as ea '" o u'" de f"e$are da ! ne lua &r"n sur&r"ndere( L"&! ul a$ela% &relun, '" neomenes$% a un$" $-nd ru&ul se des "nde $a

un ar$( .em+rul #n$! v"u% arun$a &e &o e$!% $o+ora la vale s!l -nd( I-au /"nu $a&ul &e +u u$ '" $!&e en"a nu lov" de$- de dou! or" $u o&orul( S-n,ele /-'n" &-n! de&ar e( R-deau #n "m& $e au s!&a o ,roa&! #n +!le,ar% #n $are #ndesar! $or&ul #m&reun! $u $!&!/-na% a&o" &orn"r! la drum $-n -nd( Cur-nd d"s&!rur! &e du&! +ra*"( S e,e &l-n,ea $u su,3"/ur"% ."$u/ul +les ema% "ar E! r-nul ne "m&lora= 4 >"/" re*ona+"l"7 Le,"onarul #ns! 'u"era &re$um un 'ar&e( 4 Tr!"as$! Le,"unea7 S! fa$em $a &e vremur" #n R"f7 >ur"a lu" se #n "nse $a un "n$end"u de &!dure '" #n numa" $- eva se$unde ne-am 3o !r- ( Lu&"" aveau s! se lu& e $u lu&" '" ma" fero$"% o 3a" ! $ondus! de f"ara maro$an!(

A-i ucide semenul poate fi uneori o uurare. Cel care trebuia s moar se prbui. Bgrie pmntul cu unghiile i picioarele, ochii i se nchiser. 6egionarul lo!i gura care horcise nc o dat @=eil"A, iar membrele ticlosului fur smulse de plopul brusc destins. 'oarele se nl ncet deasupra crestelor muntelui pentru a contempla rzbunarea, iar !ictimele de la Ausch;itz trebuie c s- au bucurat de adierea dreptii. RU1EUNAREA As$un'" #n $o loanele mun elu"% #" a' e& am &e u$",a'"" lu" Ger3ard ( G-ndul de a-" u$"de ne um&lea de fer"$"re% o fer"$"re $are #m" am"n ea de a$eea &e $are o s"m/eam &e vremea $o&"l!r"e"% de Cr!$"un% a un$" $-nd a' e& am #n s&a ele u'"" #n$! #n$3"se s! vedem &omul ferme$a ( S e,e &l-n,ea% avea sufle ul $el ma" sens"+"l d"n oa ! 'lea3 a noas r!( Por a #n0ura% m"$ul le,"onar morm!"a +les eme ar!+e' "( Lo$ul ales de no" era o adev!ra ! for !rea/! na ural!% o $a&$an! de &r"ns SS-"' "% un &ol",on de ras la /"n !( 4 Ce +!'$!l"e va f"% *"se Erand $am"ona,"ul% su,-ndu-'" #n runa d"n/"" ,!uno'"( 4 Pe <+eruW !la mare #l s$al&e*% s r",! Gul"us He"de% d"n #n!l/"mea $o&a$ulu" de unde &-ndeau( 4 Nu% Gul"us% rea+a as a eu o fa$% "-o re e*! Por a s!ru -ndu-'" $u/" ul( 4 Sun e/" ne+un" de-a +"nelea% "n erven" E! r-nul( 6-a/" ,-nd" $e urm!r" vor f" la $ele $e ave/" de ,-nd5 4 N-a" s&or% s&use Por a% s$u"&-nd &e 0os( Po/" s! m! $re*"% n"$" unul d"n re e" nu se va #n oar$e a$as! la m!-sa s! &oves eas$! $e s-a #n -m&la ( P-n! la noa& e $or+"" le vor 3al" la o/" o$3""( 4 Sun e/" n"' e -m&"/"7 "*+u$n" fur"os E! r-nul( Nu v! da/" seama $!-" vor+a de o $r"m!5 Am r!mas $u ,ura $!s$a !( 4 Cum a" s&us5 s r",! Por a% u" -nd $! #n mun e se aude &-n! de&ar e( 8ar $eea $e fa$em no" de &a ru an" #n$oa$e $um nume' "% domnule >eld?e+el5 4 N! !r!ule7 P-n! as !*" a" u$"s doar du'man"% nu $om&a r"o/"( 4 8u'man"7 3o3o " Por a +a 0o$or" or( 8u'man"" me" sun numa" SS-"' ""( Pl"n de "nd",nare% E! r-nul s!r" afar! d"n ,roa&a &e $are o #m&!r/ea $u S e,e '" $u m"ne '" #'" #ndre& ! revolverul s&re Por a% $are se lun,"se du&! o s -n$!( 4 E' " $am u" u$% +!"e e% dar #/" vo" #m&ros&! a memor"a7 )/" am"n e' " de NM68-"' "" &e $are "-am #m&u'$a l-n,! Eo+rusJ5 A" u" a $um ."$u/ul '" Le,"onarul le-au !"a +ere,a a volun ar"lor s"nu$",a'" la M"ev5 I-a" u" a &e +osn"a$ul '" feme"le d"n $om&an"a de +rand"' "5 Erau $umva &r"e en"5 )n a$es $a* a" un fel $"uda de a-/" ra a &r"e en""7 >!r! s! ma" &omenes$ de "nfan er"' "" de la $o a 7S2% $"v"l"" d"n $analele HarJovulu"% de &ersonalul &en" en$"arulu" d"n Pol ava7 To &r"e en" au fos 5 S! ma" $on "nu"5 E! r-nul se f!$use ro'u $a fo$ul la fa/!(

4 Ce l"m+ar"/! ma" a"7 'u"er! Por a( .a" +"ne e f!$ea" &o&! #n ru&ele de 'o$ ale .-n u" orulu"7 4 )n$3"de ,ura a s&ur$a ! de +erl"ne*% or" e $ul$ la &!m-n $3"ar a$um7 url! E! r-nul% s$os d"n f"re( Au oma ul /"nu la 'old /"n ea s&re Por a( S-a f!$u !$ere( Era &en ru &r"ma oar! $-nd #l vedeam #n asemenea s are( Nu se ma" #n -m&lase n"$" m!$ar o da ! #n $ursul $elor re" an" de $-nd eram #m&reun!( )l &r"veam ulu"/" &e dra,ul nos ru W"l3elm EaOer% $are r!sufla ,reu% $a '" $um s-ar f" sufo$a ( Re#n$e&u s! vor+eas$! +-l+-"ndu-se( 4 Sun n"' e f"are% SS-"' "" !' "a% asas"n"% e adev!ra % ar mer" a o $e le-a/" fa$e( C" da$! e $"neva $are s! v! #n/elea,!% a$ela sun $3"ar eu( 8use m-na la ,- '" arun$a o &r"v"re s&re $ulmea de unde #" au*eam &e SS-"' " $-n -nd= 'o ;eit die braune =eide geht, %ehCrt das alles mir. Ct se ntinde castania cmpie, )oate mi aparin numai mie. 4 8ar u" a/" $! nu s -r&e' " m!$elur"le &r"n $r"m!( Glasul #" deven"se o 'oa& !( Por a #n$er$! s! s&un! $eva% dar E! r-nul #l o&r" $u un ,es ( 4 6! am"n "/" *"ua #n $are l-a/" u$"s &e "$!losul a$ela de lo$o enen la Lem+er,5 Ne &r"vea &e o/" &e r-nd '" &r"v"rea lu" ne sfredelea( 4 6! adu$e/" am"n e5 Nu a r!s&uns n"men"( Ne am"n eam $a '" $um ar f" fos "er"( Un of"/er d"n &ol"/"a fron ulu" fusese u$"s $u un ,lon e #n $a&% #n &l"n! s rad! Pa3lev"% d"n Lem+er,( )n $ursul ra*"e" $are a urma au fos ares a e 'a"*e$" de &ersoane% $are au fos eIe$u a e $3"ar #n fa/a $ase" unde fusese ,!s" mor lo$o enen ul( Pr"n re v"$ "me erau nou!s&re*e$e $o&"" su+ do"s&re*e$e an"( Toa e lo$u"n/ele d"n 0ur au fos f!$u e s$rum( < feme"e a fos omor- ! #m&reun! $u &run$ul e" $u &a ul arme"( 4 <are u$",a'ul of"/erulu" nu '"-a re,re a fa& a5 #n$3e"e E! r-nul murmur-nd( )'" smulse $as$a% "ar a$eas a se ros o,ol" &e &an !% a&o" #'" $on "nu! vo"os $ursa la vale an ren-nd ,ro3o "'ul #n urma e"( 4 I-a/" u" a &e $e" do" SS-"' " &e $are "-a/" #n0un,3"a la S al"no5 urm! el $u #n$!&!/-nare( R!s&la a a fos masa$rarea lo$u" or"lor d"n Er",aden3of( 8ar elefon"s a a$eea $are &re "ndea $! fusese v"ola ! de $"v"l" ru'"5 Tre"*e$" de feme" '" $o&"" au lua drumul ro+"e" #n la,!rele Re"$3-ulu"((( 8a% ne am"n eam( Telefon"s a a m!r ur"s" ma" -r*"u $! nu fusese v"ola !( ."n/"se( Au r"d"$a d"n umer" '" au +!,a -o *e$e *"le la &-rna"e &en ru $! #'" +! use 0o$ de &ol"/"a se$re !% #ns! #n sa $o&""" mureau de foame% #n "m& $e mamele lor $r!&au mun$"nd #n German"a( Cu o$3"" #n$3"'"% E! r-nul $on "nu! s! am"n eas$! mul e al ele( Por a $l"&ea des% S e,e ,emea% He"de s$u"&a% Le,"onarul flu"era &r"n re d"n/" A6"no% dul$e moar e(((B% doar ."$u/ul nu &!rea "m&res"ona (B 4 8a$! #" m!$el!r"/" &e SS-"' "% urm! E! r-nul% o fa$e/" $u +un!-' ""n/!( 6a &l! " #n rea,a &o&ula/"e d"m&re0ur% $- '" de/"nu/""% ad!u,! el du&! o $l"&!( 6o" ve/" &ur a v"na &en ru f"e$are $e va f" #m&u'$a ( >"e$are ,lon e #n $eaf! al vos ru va f" '" $-nd o ul se va #n$3e"a% ve/" &u ea s&une $u m-na &e "n"m! $! #n r-adev!r sun e/" asas"n"( 8u&! $e ne &r"v" d"n nou &e r-nd% ne s r",!= 4 C" a$um ra,e/"% da$! #ndr!*n"/"7 Nu u" a/" #ns! $! de f"e$are da$! $-nd un SS-"s #'" d! ul "ma suflare da or" ! vou!% u$"de/" #n a$ela'" "m& '" dou!*e$" de $"v"l"% $u s",uran/! feme" '" $o&""% &run$"% elev"% +"e/" $o&"" #nfome a/"% $are #n $l"&a as a #n$! se ma" 0oa$!% f!r! a +!nu" $e-" a' ea& !7 Tra,e/" '" r!*+una/"-l &e evreul Ger3ard S "ef% $el $are refu*a s! se +a,e #n &a &en ru a nu-l um&le de &!du$3"( 6-ar s$u"&a da$! ar afla $e ave/" de ,-nd s! fa$e/"( 6re/" s!-l r!*+una/"5 A un$" s r",a/" #n ,ura mare $e a/" v!*u ( S! nu u" a/" vreoda !7 C-nd oa ! lumea se va #nfofol" #n +un!s are du&! r!*+o"% vo" s! s r",a/" #n $on "nuare( A$eas a s! f"e r!*+unarea &en ru m""le de Ger3ard &e $are "-au or ura (

Le,"onarul se r"d"$! o+os" ( 4 A" dre& a e% E! r-nule% $a #n o deauna( )'" arun$! m-n"os /eava arun$! orulu" de fl!$!r"% o s r"v" su+ &"$"oare '" s r",! r!,u'" = 4 S! f"e +les ema/"7 N" s-a lua o ul% +u$ur"a% l"+er a ea '" $ura0ul nu folose' e la n"m"$( C- &r"ve' e armele% e s",ur $! nu &o f" de$- #n slu0+a a$es or "$!lo'"% m-nu" e $3"ar de no"% &or$" #n un"form!( Se l!s! la &!m-n % s$oase $ovora'ul de ru,!$"une% #'" des$!l/! +o$an$""% #n,enun$3e $u fa/a $! re r!s!r" '" se ru,! #ndelun,( Pr"veam #n !$ere a$es lu& d"n mun/"" +er+er"% $are nu &u ea n"$" m!$ar s! mu' e $u/" ul $are% #n$e % ne u$"dea( Unul $- e unul% ne-am r"d"$a ( E! r-nul &orn" la vale% "ar no" l-am urma $u "n"ma ,rea( Por a s$u"&! $u n!duf% #'" #ndes! 0o+enul &e $!&!/-n!% #'" arun$! arma ,rea &e um!r% &!'"nd '" el #n urma omulu" s$und '" vo"n"$ $e $o+ora f!r! a #n oar$e $a&ul( SS-"' "" $-n au '" a$um( S r-n,eam &umn"" de durere '" fur"e( He"de morm!"= 4 I-am f" avu &e o/"7 Nu ar f" dura n"$" $"n$" m"nu e( E! r-nul ,r!+" &asul #n vreme $e no" #l urmam ,reo"( Co+or-'ul se ma" #ndul$"se $-nd un m"ros #n!+u'" or ne #nv!lu" deoda !% ven"nd &e deasu&ra &!dur""( Ne-am o&r" foar e m"ra/" s! vedem v!l! u$" ,ro'" de fum r"d"$-ndu-se d"n re $o&a$"( 4 Ce-ar &u ea f"5 murmur! E! r-nul ,-nd" or( 4 Cred $! e #n &!dure% $u oa e $! &are a ven" de ma" de&ar e% s&use Por a( )'" #m&"nse &!l!r"a s&re $eaf!( Par$! ar f" la Ma o?" *e% dar de $e na"+a arde5 S e,e s$oase 3ar a '" +usola( 4 Arde TeJolo?"$3% ne anun/! se$( Ne-am re&e*" $a ne+un"" de-a dre& ul &e mun e #n sus% &r"n re s -n$"% &!'un" '" s$ur ! ur"( Sudoarea ne &! rundea #n o$3"( Le,"onarul s$oase un s r",! % ar! -nd s&re sud-es % unde o al ! $oloan! de urn se #n!l/a $! re $erul al+as ru( S e,e s$oase d"n nou 3ar a( 4 8e da a as a arde la Erano?"$3( Ce se #n -m&l! oare5 4 Re&resal""% s&use E! r-nul( 8ar &en ru $e5 Erand #'" s!l ! la lo$ &e um!r +urlanul de &l" ! '" &ro&use= 4 Tre+u"e s! mer,em s! vedem des&re $e-" vor+a( C" d"ns&re sud se *!rea al "n$end"u( 4 Ce dra$u se #n -m&l!5 "*+u$n" He"de( 4 Re&resal""% re&e ! E! r-nul( 6reun sm"n " $are "-a f!$u felul unu"a d"n re +!"e/"" lu" H"mmler '" a$um o/" d"n #m&re0ur"m" re+u"e s! &l! eas$!( Pe &an ! $o+ora un $-"ne l! r-nd #n runa% Por a #l &r"nse( Era o $or$" ur! mare de $-"ne lu&% a'a $um aveau &e a"$" $e" ma" mul/" d"n re /!ran"% $u *,arda ru& ! '" +lana #nro'" ! de s-n,e( E"e ul $-"ne era #nne+un" de fr"$! '" durere( E! r-nul rase ,-nd" or d"n &"&!% $u &r"v"rea a/"n " ! asu&ra $-"nelu"( 4 An"malul a$es a v"ne de la o ferm! de mun e% '" nu d"n r-un sa ( Le,"onarul% $are m-n,-"a $-"nele &e $a&% se #n re+!= 4 As a ar &u ea #nsemna $! l"$3"dea*! '" ,os&od!r""le m"$"5 Ce na"+a s-o f" #n -m&la 5 )'" ver"f"$! $u a en/"e arma '"% $um E! r-nul se &re,! ea s! $on "nue $o+or-'ul% Le,"onarul #l o&r" $u un ,es ( A'e*-nd $u &ruden/! arma% &r"v" $! re es '" $eru o /",ar!( 4 E!"e/"% E! r-nul ne-a /"nu o &red"$! mare% "ar no" am fos #n/ele,! or" &en ru $! erau des ule mo "ve( 8ar a$um% a$olo sus o ul e $u&r"ns de fl!$!r"( Se &rea &oa e $a &e &ar ea $ealal ! un"" s! f" fos ma" &u/"n #n/ele,! or"( )n a$es $a* eu $ons"der $! nu ma" avem n"$" no" mo "ve s! f"m #n $on "nuare #n/ele,! or"( 4 Gura% f!$u E! r-nul( Aduna/"-v! armele% &orn"m( 4 A' ea& ! &u/"n% s! au*"m $e are de s&us nomadul( Le,"onarul r-n0" r!u !$"os( <$3"" #" s r!lu$eau de ur! fana "$!( 4 Pe Alla37 S!-" u$"dem &e SS-"' "7 4 Nu% s&use E! r-nul( 4 C-"n"" ur+a/" re+u"e omor-/"7 r!$n" Le,"onarul( Eas ar*"" lu" H"mmler nu sun al $eva7 C"ne m! urmea*!5 R"d"$a/" m-na( Por a% ."$u/ul% He"de '" Erand r"d"$ar! &umnul( I-am urma $u "n"ma #ndo" !( Ul "mul "n r! #n r"nd S e,e% &r"v"nd #n $3"& de s$u*! s&re E! r-nul(

4 Pe Alla37 E o *" mare% s&use Le,"onarul r"d"$-ndu-se( )" &use m-na &e um!r E! r-nulu"( 4 No" e #n/ele,em% dar #n/ele,e-ne '" u( SS-"' "" nu se ma" &o r!*+una% '"-au erm"na rea+a% o ul arde( Ne $ondu$"% a'a $um a" f!$u -o #n o deauna &e fron 5 E! r-nul s$u ur! d"n $a&( 4 6! urme* &en ru $! nu am #n$o ro% un asas"na #ns! nu vo" $ondu$e( Le,"onarul r"d"$! d"n umer"( 4 >oar e +"ne( E!"e/"% Urma/"-m!( Am a "ns l"*"era &!dur"" $!/!r-ndu-ne &es e o+s a$ole $are "-ar f" f!$u s! 'ov!"e &e v-n! or"" de mun e% #ns! dorul r!*+un!r"" ne d!dea ar"&"( Am #na"n a as fel ore #n re,"% des$3"*-ndu-ne drum &r"n m!r!$"n"' $u o&oarele '" $a*malele noas re( Aveam m-"n"le #ns-n,era e% dar Le,"onarul ne #m+oldea o$!r-ndu-ne% ma" fana "$ de$- o/"( Is ov"/"% #l amen"n/am $u armele% el #ns! r-dea d"s&re/u" or r"m"/-nd #n oa e d"re$/""le s r",! ul s!u de lu& ! maro$an( Am a0uns #n sf-r'" la &r"ma ,os&od!r"e( R!m!seser! doar ru"nele fume,-nde '" re" $adavre $3"r$" e% dou! feme" '" un $o&"l( E! r-nul #n$3"se o$3""% era l"v"d( Eram f"are o/el" e #n r!*+o"% $are v!*usem de oa e% #ns! m-"n"le n" s-au $r"s&a s r-n,-nd '" ma" are armele( Ne-am re&e*" ma" de&ar e% #n urma Le,"onarulu"( 8u&! o or!% am des$o&er" #n$! dou! le'ur"H do" +! r-n" #m&u'$a/" #n $eafa( Le,"onarul le r!su$"% $3"&ur"le lor nu ma" erau deo- o ,aur!( 4 P-D8% s a+"l" Por a &"&!"nd or"f"$"ul $u de,e ul( Asu&ra $adavrelor n"$" o 3-r "e( To ul fusese lua ( 4 Poa e f" la fel de +"ne o&era &ar "*an"lor% su,er! Mraus% la'ul( 4 E"ne#n/eles7 f!$u Eauer% "*+u$n"nd #n r-s #m&reun! $u no"( E! r-nul #'" s$oase &"&a d"n ,ur! '" " se adres! SS-"s ulu"= 4 )/" &o s&une $uv-n $u $uv-n $e va s$r"e m-"ne #n *"arele d"n /ar!( Dranii panici au fost asasinai de bandii. 0i au incendiat i trei sate i mai multe gospodrii. 7epresaliile !or urma ct de curnd. Semna % He"nr"$3 H"mmler( 8u&! $are% S andar enf@3rer-ul SS Elo+el% num" de >@3rer 'eful &ol"/"e" d"n Era$3% va &ro$eda la eIe$u/""le u*uale( Pen ru ma" mul ! s",uran/! se va men/"ona $! +and"/"" &ur au un"forme ,ermane( Ce" de la RSHA se ,-ndes$ la oa e( Por a #'" &use de,e ul &e rana une"a d"n re v"$ "me% a&o" #l m"ros"( 4 Gan,ren! #n &r"ma fa*!( 4 Ia e u" !7 EIa$ la fel $a la $adavrele ,al+ene de la 8o+rov"na% s&use Le,"onarul( Por a #n$l"n! $a&ul% m"ros"nd d"n nou( 4 Cel!lal s-a s$!&a #n &an alon"( 4 A'a f!$eau #n o deauna a un$" $-nd #" ,a*am la E"rJenau% *"se deoda ! SS-"s ul Mraus( Se l!s! o !$ere $um&l" !( Am u" a de $adavre &en ru $! se &rodusese $eva $are era al dra$ulu" de "n eresan ( Toa e &r"v"r"le s-au #n ors $! re vo"n"$ul SS-"s % $el $e fusese "*,on" d"n re a" s!"% de,rada '" r"m"s #n r-un re,"men d"s$"&l"nar $a de*er or( 4 Ca s! ve*"((( C" $e-a" ma" v!*u la E"rJenau5 SS-"s ul &!l"% f!$-ndu-se a&roa&e verde( Ceea $e as$unsese $u a - a ,r"0e "m& de re" an" #" s$!&ase a$um f!r! vo"e( )n no&/"le de nesomn se emuse s! nu f"e r!da % de $"neva de la se$re ar"a % de &"ld! su+of"/erul Gul"us He"de% &r"n re al/""% &e $are #l re#n -ln"se la no"( Ce s&a"m! r!sese a un$" $-nd #l v!*use &e He"de7<are re+u"a s!-l "m&lore s! a$!% &l! "ndu-" or"$e5 8ar &oa e $! He"de nu ' "use o ul((( Al fel era "neI&l"$a+"l $! !$use a - a vreme((( Mraus #n$er$ase des",ur s! f"e mu a % $!&" anul von Earr"n, #ns! 3o !r-se= AN"$" vor+!B( AT"$!losul a$ela de von Earr"n,% la fel $a o/" $e"lal/" d"n &lu onul !s a +les ema 7 Tr!d! or" de &a r"e $are ar re+u" nea&!ra l"$3"da/"(((B( Se &rodusese un lu$ru de ne$re*u % n"men" nu-l r!dase% o f!$use el% $u ,ura lu"( Adres! o ru,!$"une lu" 8umne*eu% de $are se le&!dase #n 9FD8% $-nd "n rase #n SS( C- de m-ndru fusese s! se #m&!une*e a$as! la el #n un"forma na*"s !% verde% $u $a&e e de mor ar,"n ""7 Cu $- ! ,r"0! $osese +anderola nea,r! &ur -nd l" erele de ar,"n ATo enJo&fver+andB PUn"unea Ca&ulu" de .or R &e m-ne$a s -n,!( I*+u$n"se #n r-s v!*-nd s&a"ma mame" sale a un$" $-nd a&!ruse a$as! #m+r!$a #n un"forma a$eas a mul -ur- !( )l amen"n/ase &e a !l s!u $u #n$3"soarea $-nd a$es a "nvo$ase dre& a ea lu" 8umne*eu( Ce

fer"$"re s! ve*" oa e le&!d! ur"le d"n $ar "er &r"v"ndu- e eror"*a/"7((( To/" $e" $are fuseser! o+ra*n"$" $u el se #n re$eau s!-l !m-"e*e( C-nd $-r$"umarul refu*ase a-" da &e $red" % arun$ase &e e0,3ea $- eva m!r$" so"oase '" #n !$erea ,rea $e se l!sase% "-a s r",a = A>oar e $ur-nd va ven" vremea $-nd e ve" -r# la &"$"oarele mele7B Nu a dura mul % #n r-adev!r((( Un +"le/el s re$ura #n $u "a de s$r"sor" a un" !/""% $ea &e $are nu o des$3"dea de$- E"$Je% 'eful SS% $u numele '" adresa $-r$"umarulu"% &ur -nd men/"unea ATr!d! or de &a r"eB( 8u&! re" s!& !m-n" $-r$"umarul a fos $3ema '"% #n a$eea'" *"% " s-au a&l"$a *e$e +as oane% #n "ns &e o $a&r! de lemn( S! se #nve/e m"n e% m-r'avul7 )n r-o *" de "anuar"e% #n 9FD8% a fos &r"ns #n s-rmele ,3"m&a e '" a&o" #n,ro&a #m&reun! $u vreo $"n$"*e$" de evre"% s&-n*ura/" #n a0un #n s&a ele ,ra0dur"lor( A&o" *"ua #n $are sos"se la Gross Rosen% una d"n re $ele ma" frumoase d"n v"a/a lu"( C"-o am"n ea mereu $u emo/"e( I se #n$red"n/! ,r"0a $-"n"lor( Adora $-"n""% dar Hau& s urmf@3rer-ul SS S re"$3er era un n! !r!u( Pen ru fa& ul $! un"" d"n re r!d! or"" de &a r"e fuseser! mu'$a/" &u/"n de $-"n"" s!"% S re"$3er f!$use !r!+o"( E adev!ra % fusese '" un mor % $e "m&or an/! avea #ns! a$eas a5 <r"$um ar f" mur" ( Un +o'oro,% fos m"n"s ru al Re&u+l"$""% $are le'"na de f"e$are da ! $-nd lua un +as on &e s&"nare((( Hau& s urmf@3rer-ul S re"$3er $eru an$3e ! '"% da$! nu ar f" fos '" &oves ea $u AHo&a-3o&7B% afa$erea ar f" fos $lasa !( Mraus re$uno' ea $! s!r"se n"/elu' &es e $al $u AHo&a-3o&B% $3"ar '" fa/! de n"' e r!d! or" de &a r"e( >usese "nven/"a lu" S e"nm@ller% <+ers$3arf@3rer-ul d"n +lo$ul 7% "ar 0o$ul avea ma" mul e var"an e( 8e &"ld!% $-/"va de/"nu/" erau adu'" &e &la oul $el mare d"n s&a ele s -ne"H l" se a'e*a o $u "e &e $a& '" re+u"au s-o /"n! su+ amen"n/area $u +! a"a( SS-"' "" r!,eau a&o" #n $u "" '"% des",ur% se ma" #n -m&la $a un de/"nu s! se alea,! $u un ,lon/ #n s$!f-rl"e( 8ar $e m"nuna eIer$"/"u de "r '" $- de amu*an era7 Se ma" or,an"*au de asemenea '" aler,!r" &e deasu&ra 'an/ur"lor la r"nelor% "ar $-nd de/"nu/"" re$eau &es e s$-ndur"% l" se r!,eau de su+ &"$"oare( Era 3a"os s!-" ve*" *+! -ndu-se #n ra3a % un"" mureau #n$e % e adev!ra % dar $e "m&or an/! ma" avea5 8oamne% $- r-deau #n +a al"onul a$ela7 .a" erau #n$! mul e al e e un de a 0u$! AHo&a-3o&B7H #n r-o *" #ns!% S e"nm@ller a de&!'" o u'" m!sura( Le,ase #m&reun! re" de/"nu/"% #n &"elea ,oal!% de a,re,a ul de $!ldur!% s! vad! da$! erau $ura0o'"( Eru a a$eea de S re"$3er #" des$o&er"se( Ce !r!+o" se "s$ase7 )n $ele d"n urm! #ns! "$!losul de S re"$3er a &!/" -o '" el( A a&!ru #n fa/a $ons"l"ulu" de r!*+o"% &en ru a f" lua a&!rarea r!d! or"lor de &a r"e% a fos alun,a d"n SS '" ransfera la av"a/"e( Se s&unea $! fusese do+or- #n Polon"a( 8u&! Gross Rosen% Mavens+r@$J( Numa" feme"( Era a$olo un S a+sf@3rer $are &ur a "ns",na de s-n,e a &ar "dulu" d"n 9F;D Un v"*"onar( C- e &u ea n!s$o$" $u fe ele((( Pu ea" s! #nne+une' " du&! asemenea 'ed"n/e7 < de/"nu !% fos avo$a % $u e*! s! a$u*e &e SS-"' " de a+u* de &u ere( A fos sno&" ! #n +! a"e $u o $oad! de m! ur!% du&! $are au s!r" &e ea de la #n!l/"mea mese"% sf!r-m-nd-& $a &e o $oa0! de ou( Comandan ul de la Ravens+r@$J nu a $eru an$3e !% $el &u/"n el ' "a $um re+u"e ra a ! &leava a$eas a( C" $e d"s ra$/"e s! +"$"u"e' " feme"le7 Te dureau $oas ele de a - a r-sH s-a #n -m&la o u'" #n r-un r-nd $a lu$rur"le s! se #n$ur$e% &en ru $! una d"n re s$or&"" &ro es ase $u !r"e% sus/"n-nd $! fusese #ns!r$"na ! de Mraus( Avusese ,r"0e $a "a&a s! $ra&e la "m&% mul/um" ! +unelor sale rela/"" $u med"$ul-'ef( 8e ne$re*u $- era de ,reu s! omor" o feme"e((( >usese nevo"e s!-" fa$! o "n0e$/"e $u +en*"n!( Un lu$ru +un fusese '" num"rea lu" la E"rJenau% la $om&an"a de eI erm"nare( La #n$e&u era" o u'"% $- de $- % "m&res"ona a un$" $-nd soseau m"" de evre" &en ru a-'" &r"m" &or/"a de CO$lon E( 8ar e o+"'nu"e' " $u oa e( )n r-adev!r n"$" nu ma" ' "a num!rul evre"$elor &e $are le l"$3"dase( )n r-o +un! *" #ns! noro$ul l-a &!r!s" % a fos *"ua $ea ma" #n une$a ! a v"e/"" sale% $ea #n $are a fos da afar! d"n e$3"&a de eI erm"nare( .ul/um" ! Un ers urmf@3rer-ulu" SS Ro$3ner '" doar &en ru $! v"olase o rom-n$!( S! ma" a" #n$redere #n $amara*"7 S-au #nver'una #m&o r"va lu" '" a $elor &a ru $om&l"$" a" s!"% 3o !r-nd s! f"e r"m"'" la se$/"a de "ns ru"re de lu& ! d"n Cra$ov"a( 8ar s$!&! da or" ! unu" &"$"or "nfe$ a ( < m"e de m!r$" l-a $os a "nfe$/"a de la &"$"or% $u oa e a$es ea% ,3"n"onul se #n$!&!/-n! s!-l urm!reas$!( A fos v!rsa d"re$ la re,"men ul SS A8er >@3rerB( Un re,"men de "$!lo'"% $are nu v"sau de$- o moar e ero"$!(((

Au urma lun" de sudoare% de d"s&erare '" s&a"m!% &-n! fu," de &e fron % la HarJov% $3"ar d"n &r"ma *"( Cons"l"ul de r!*+o"% de,radarea% #n$3"soarea de la Tor,au( C" a$um remura am"n "ndu-'" de Tor,au% $ea ma" $um&l" ! d"n re &u'$!r""7 8u&! $are $ulmea((( re,"men ul a$es a #n,ro*" or d"s$"&l"nar% $u u$",a'" de $ea ma" 0osn"$! s&e/!( Iar a$um% o$ma" nele,"u"/"" !' "a #ndr!*neau s!-l 0ude$e% &e el% os a'ul >@3rer-ulu"% ve eran na*"s 7 Se umfl!% dar% &r"v"ndu-" &e ."$u/ul '" &e Por a% $ura0ul #l &!r!s" &r"n o/" &or""( Nu &u ea" ' " n"$"oda ! de $e erau #n s are sm"n "/"" !' "a((( adev!ra e +ru e((( &u eau n!s$o$" $e e ma" r!u( Mraus #'" am"n " de $!&" anul .eOer% de <+ers urmf@3rer-ul Gra ?o3l% de Sonderf@3rer-ul Hansen (((Sudoarea #n,3e/a ! #" &"$ura de &e frun e( S! $ear! a0u or5 Poa e $! #n ve$"n! a e s-ar afla $-/"va $amara*" d"n SS5 Ce &l!$ere s!-" denun/e #n sf-r'" &e &or$"" !' "a7 S-ar l!sa $u $- eva ,loan/e #n $eaf! '" #n$! ar f" &rea &u/"n7 8ar $e na"+a e as a5 Ia !-l &e Por a a&ro&""ndu-se((( foar e #n$e ( Nu m! a "n,e7 vru s! s r",e% de &e +u*ele sale #ns! nu "e'" n"$" un sune ( Avea l"m+a umfla !% us$a !% &e s&a e #" $ur,ea sudoarea( Le,"onarul% mons rul a$es a maro$an% f"ara as a $u $"$a r"$e% se #ndre& a *-m+"nd s&re el( C" ,or"la de ."$u/ul((( +a $3"ar '" Gul"us He"de% fra ele s!u de arme((( veneau &u/"n adu'" de s&a e% $a '" $um s-ar &re,! " s!-l a a$e( Erand % 3o/ul de Erand % s$oase $u/" ul( 8oar nu-l vor omor#7 Nu se &oa e7 E! r-nul vor+"se de $r"m!( Cu oa e a$es ea #l u$"seser! &e Hannsen% #n$e % fusese un omor( Iar &e Gra ?o3l #l s&-n*uraser!% o omor fusese( Pe $!&" anul .eOer #l #m&u'$aser!% al omor((( A$e' " oamen" #n,ro*" or"7 A$e' " r!d! or" de &a r"e( Se va a&!ra((( va ra,e((( Un *,omo me al"$( 8umne*eule7 Por a #l f!$use s! s$a&e arma d"n m-n!( 4 Nu7 s r",! $-nd Le,"onarul #l lov" $u +o$an$ul #n re &"$"oare( 1-m+eau% !$u/"% $u d"n/"" #n$le' a/" '" des$o&er"/"( Urma s! moar! as !*"5 8ar era $um&l" ((( v"a/a% frumoasa v"a/!(((7 Nu #'" f!$use de$- da or"a '" n"m"$ al $eva( <are &u eau #n/ele,e as a u$",a'""5 E! r-nul #l &r"v"% f!r! o vor+!% $u &r"v"rea #n une$a !% $u o$3" $are nu ma" erau a" s!"( Era du'manul s!u% nu s&use AEs e un asas"na B( Cer$ul se s r-n,ea( L-au #n$on0ura % foar e de a&roa&e( Mraus era #n m"0lo$% &re$um &a a al+! d"n $en rul /"n e"( Au #n$e&u s! loveas$!( < durere "nsu&or a+"l! #" s !+! u $or&ul d"n $a& &-n! #n &"$"oare( S$oase un /"&! #n "m& $e se & !+u'ea% a'a $um /"&ase '" Ger3ard ( 4 Isuse C3r"s oase% a0u !-m!( Sf-n ! >e$"oar!% a0u !-m!( A37 "m&lor! f!r! a f" au*" % m! vo" fa$e &reo &en ru res ul v"e/""( 8oamne% e vo" slu0"% nu e vo" rene,a n"$"oda !( Salvea*!-m! de d"avol"" !' "a7 .un/"" s-au r!s urna % $erul s-a des$3"s((( L-au le,a s r-ns $u fun"" '" l-au l!sa a$olo% s-n,er-nd% f!r! a-" a$orda "m&or an/!% #n "m& $e fumau #n !$ere( A&o" &lo&ul a fos #ndo" $! re &!m-n ( C "a $e avea s! urme*e( Urle ul s!u era de f"ar!% &oa e &en ru $! #nne+un"se( 8ar nu-l au*" de$- Sa an% $are se +u$ur!( As fel mur" SS-"s ul% $u mem+rele '" ar "$ula/""le smulse( 1+"er! *e$e m"nu e #na"n e de a mur"( Por a fu de &!rere $! avusese &ar e de o moar e &rea ra&"d!( Am arun$a 3o" ul #n r-o r-&! #n,us ! '" +a al"onul #'" $on "nu! drumul( )n a&ro&"erea unor al e ru"ne fume,-nde am da &es e o +and! de SS-"' "% #ns! n"men" nu a ras% "ar s r",! ul Le,"onarulu" AAlla3 el AJ+ar7B nu r!sun! #n mun e( Se ea noas r! de r!*+unare era &o ol" !( G"sYle dormea( Am #m+r!/"'a -o% se re*"% se #n "nse '" m! s!ru ! $u fo$( 8orm"se foar e mul "m&( 4 C"% s&use% evreul &e $are l-a/" #n -ln" a mur" #n $ele d"n urm!5 Am s!ru a -o f!r! a-" r!s&unde( R-se '" am re$!*u #nl!n/u"/"% a&o" m! #n re+! d"n nou= 4 A mur" 5 4 Nu% evre"" nu mor n"$"oda !( 4 P-n! #n r-o *" o re+u"e s! moar!% f!$u ea m"ra !( 4 Nu( Nu &o/" u$"de un evreu( Con "nu! s! r!"as$!% #n $"uda ur""% #n $"uda &erse$u/"lor( 4 Nu #n/ele,% dar n-are a fa$e( Lu$rur"le as ea m! &l"$ "ses$% &refer s! fa$em dra,os e(

4n bordelul cel mare se fcuse curenie cu prile&ul sosirii noilor pensionare. (etele uria, cel care fusese spnzurat deasupra biroului la care edea )anti -ora, dispruse i fu nlocuit cu un cap de taur. Cine!a agase de un corn un ciorap foarte finE de cellalt atrna o pereche de chiloi albastru-deschis. + femeie complet dezbrcat dansa pe irul de mese, n timp ce proiectoarele fceau s &oace lumini colorate pe prile cele mai intime ale anatomiei dansatoarei. (ublicul rcnea, $icuul depea orice nchipuire. A fost ne!oie s-l doborm cu o sticl n cap pentru a-l potoli. .ICULUL SE L<G<8ECTE )n *"ua a$eea am sos" la s&" al $3"ar #na"n e de v"*" !( 8o$ orul .a3ler se o&r" la &a ul lu" .our "* '"% a'a $um f!$ea #n o deauna% arun$! o &r"v"re &e 3-r ""le &e $are " le &re*en a E"l! de seu( Cu"er! &u/"n &r"n re d"n/"% a&o" #l &r"v" $u a en/"e &e .our" *% volun arul sude ( 4 Cum se s"m e as !*" fl!$!ul nos ru5 4 Nu &rea +"ne% domnule med"$-'ef% s&use .our" *% res&e$ -nd $ele ma" +une rad"/"" m"l" are( 4 Adev!ra 5 Nu e' " $3"ar a - de +olnav% dra,! &r"e ene( Se r!su$" eIam"n-ndu-l &e ."$u/ul% $are era #n "ns $a o s$-ndur! &e &a % $u m-"n"le a'e*a e #n lun,ul ru&ulu" &e $ear$eaf '" ar+ora o mu r! $- se &oa e ma" -m&" !( 8o$ orul .a3ler *-m+" '" re#n$e&u s! flu"ere su+/"re( 4 Pa$"en ul se s"m e ma" +"ne5 ."$u/ul su,3"/! de fr"$!% med"$ul #ns! nu &!rea $! o+serv!( 4 S area &a$"en ulu" es e #n ,eneral +un!( Cere s! f"e r"m"s la +a al"onul de $onvales$en/! al d"v"*"e"( ."$u/ul se r"d"$! d"n r-o s"n,ur! m"'$are% $u o &r"v"re &o r"v" ! a sf-'"a "n"ma( 4 Am &u ea s!-" semn!m "e'"rea% s! vedem $-nd((( 4 .ar/"% &e 'a& e% #" sufl! E"l! de seu( 8o$ orul .a3ler *-m+" &e su+ mus !/"( 4 8e a$ord% sor!% &e 'a& e( ."$u/ul des$3"se ,ura% fr"$a " se vedea #n o$3" '" nu &r"$e&ea% la fel $a no"% $e #l a&u$ase &e do$ orul .a3ler( 8ar% s&re u'urarea ,eneral!% med"$ul se #n oarse +rus$ s&re .our" * #n "n*-ndu-" m-na( 4 .ul noro$7 N!d!0du"es$ $! e-a" od"3n" +"ne la no"( ."$u/ul se &r!+u'" la lo$ &e &ern!% av-nd "m&res"a $! se afl! #n &arad"s( 4 Pa$"en ul &are $am &al"d% af"rm! do$ orul $-nd a0unse #n dre& ul &a ulu" ur"a'ulu"( E"l! de seu &ufn" &e nas '" #" #nm-n! o foa"e #n $are era vor+a ma" mul de &ede&se d"s$"&l"nare de$- de +oal!( .ed"$ul se ded"$! une" as$ul !r" a en e a *dravene" $u "" ora$"$e( 4 Pa$"en ul are d"f"$ul !/" ev"den e de res&"ra/"e% d"$ !( Res&"ra/"a remar$a+"l de r!u m"ros" oare% "ar l"m+a foar e #n$!r$a !( PL"m+a ."$u/ulu" a -rna afar! &re$um o 3al$! de $arne &u re*" ! #n u un '" al$ool(R C" al fel% $um o ma" du$"% &r"e ene5 urm! do$ orul sar$as "$( 4 8omnule do$ or% $-nd s au lun," % des ul de +"ne% #ns! #nda ! $e m! r"d"$% m" se fa$e r!u% r!s&unse $u ,las de mur"+und( 4 Hm% 3m((( #n/ele,( L"&s! de a&e " % doar se e mare5 4 8a% s&use ."$u/ul% $are 3a+ar nu avea $e &u ea s! #nsemne $uv-n ul a&e " ( 8o$ orul *-m+" '" d"$ != 4 Pa$"en ul va re$e la re,"m% "m& de o& *"le( Nu se va r"d"$a d"n &a % se vor al erna +!" '" s&!l! ur" s oma$ale( E"l! de seu #'" ar! ! d"n/"" ,al+en" $u un r"n0e d"a+ol"$% $-nd do$ orul salu ! '" #'"

$on "nu! "ns&e$/"a( A+"a du&! $e #n re, salonul fu re$u #n rev"s !% ."$u/ul '"-a da seama de n!&as a $are se a+! use asu&ra lu"( 8ar nu era n"m"$ de f!$u ( 6en" ora s&!l! ur""% adm"n"s ra ! de E"l! de seu &ersonal( Ced"n/a a r!mas de &om"n!( 4 6o" $3ema 0andarm"" '" ve" a0un,e #n fa/a $ons"l"ulu" de r!*+o"% urla E"l! de seu% #m&un,"nd $u oa e &u er"le $anula #r fundul $el mare al ."$u/ulu"( 4 N"$" un $ons"l"u de r!*+o" nu m! &oa e #m&"ed"$a s! fa$ &e "ne% r"&os ! ."$u/ul r!,-nd o +!'"n!( A&a #n$e&u s! $lo$o eas$! '" se rev!rs! d"n "r",a or( Inf"rm"era /"&a% ."$u/ul ne$3e*a% dar s&!l! ura a fos $u oa e a$es ea #n,3"/" ! &-n! la ul "ma &"$! ur!( 4 C" a" s- o /"" #n "ne7 un! E"l! de seu( )n0ur-nd '" +les em-nd% ."$u/ul &!s r! l"$3"dul ma" mul de o or! #n el% ' ""nd $! "nf"rm"era se va #n oar$e s!-" fa$! o "n0e$/"e( A$ul era #n o deauna $el ma" ve$3" '" ma" mare d"n $- e &u ea ,!s"% #l #nf",ea foar e #n$e &en ru a-l au*" &e ur"a' *+"er-nd( Era $l"&a e" de r!*+unare( )n *"ua a$eea% n"$" nu se a&le$ase +"ne deasu&ra fundulu" &!ros% $-nd un ,3e"*er r!sun! or "*+u$n" $u &u ere( E"l! de seu s!r" #na&o" s$o/-nd un s r",! de s&a"m!% #n "m& $e r-sul ."$u/ulu" f!$ea s! se $u remure &a ur"le( Inf"rm"era% #m&ro'$a ! de sus &-n! 0os% &u/ea s!-/" mu e nasul( 4 Por$ neru'"na 7 +-l+-"% vo" avea ,r"0! s! e #n$3"d! &-n! la sf-r'" ul *"lelor ale7 4 Ta$" d"n ,ur!% +urduf de &"&"7 3o3o " ."$u/ul vesel( E"l! de seu em"se $- eva sune e s!l+a "$e '" a&u$-nd &a$"en ul de ure$3"% #l lov" $u $a&ul de mar,"nea &a ulu"( 4 8ra$e7 s&use $u adm"ra/"e Le,"onarul% du&! $are se $ufund! d"n nou #n $" "rea Coranulu"( < sor! #'" s re$ur! $a&ul &r"n des$3"*! ura u'"" '" du&! $e v!*u s$ena% d"s&!ru $a &r"n m"nune( Cu oa e a$es ea% ."$u/ul a avu ul "mul $uv-n % $!$"% #n$e&-nd d"n *"ua a$eea% s&!l! ur"le au fos su&r"ma e( Pes e o s!& !m-n!% #n $al" a e de $onvales$en % du&! $e +!u &re$um o ,ur! de $anal% &! runse #n $amera #n $are E"l! de seu #'" &e re$ea ora de od"3n!% #n "ns! &e &a '" $" "nd romanul e" favor" A>eme"a $u do" +!r+a/"B( 8eoda !% se au*" un !r!+o" mons ru% &e $are n"men" nu #ndr!*n" s!-l #n reru&!( .ed"$ul de serv"$"u% unul nou% anun/a #n ,ra+!% se doved" des ul de &re$au s!-'" l"&eas$! doar ure$3ea la u'!% f!r! #ns! a "n erven" #n a$eas ! +! !l"e a " an"lor( 8u&! lun," m"nu e de a' e& are% deoda ! se "ns aur! !$erea( Ne emeam s! nu se f" l!sa $u moar e de om( T!$erea a dura dou! ore '" 0um! a e '" oa ! lumea #n$e&use s! se nel"n"' eas$! de-a +"nelea% $-nd am v!*u a&!r"nd &e E"l! de seu +ra/ la +ra/ $u ."$u/ul% $o+or-nd s$!r"le( ."$u/ul avea un o$3" #nv"ne/" '" un"forma u"m" or de +"ne &er"a !( C"*mele '" $en ura% lus ru" e% s r!lu$eau $a n"$"oda ! ma" #na"n e( E"l! de seu ar+ora un &al on ro'u '" o &!l!r"e +leu% #m&odo+" ! $u &ene de fa*an mul "$olore( >!r! a ne a$orda o &r"v"re% &ere$3ea se f!$u nev!*u ! #n d"re$/"a Ree&er+a3n '" nu reven" de$- -r*"u #n $ursul no&/""( ."$u/ul mor de +ea % "ar E"l! de seu "*+u$n"nd #n r-sul de feme"e ame/" ! '" 0u$-ndu-se $u un +alon d"n r-o +!'"$! de oa"e% &e $are #l avea le,a de #n$3e"e ura m-"n""( Nam"la se l!s! s! $ad! &e un &a s r!"n% lo$a arul f""nd s"l" s! se mu e #n $a&! ul $el!lal al salonulu"( R-dea '" sfor!"a $a un &or$ ,3"f u" % #m&u/"nd aerul $u m"asme de $-r$"um!( )n *"ua urm! oare% ne anun/! $! es e #ndr!,os " '" #n$e&u s! se fer$3e*u"as$! #n r-un fel de $are n"men" nu $u e*! s!-'" +a ! 0o$( 4 Er"an "n!7 'o& " Le,"onarul( Er"an "n!% #n "ns! $u &er"a de 3a"ne% nu &u ea fa$e n"m"$ la o asemenea $3"$!( 4 Sun frumos% nomadule5 Le,"onarul se #nv-r " #n 0urul lu" #n$re/"nd d"n nas( 4 E' " frumos% $u oa e $! a" &rea mul $ur #n &an alon"( Poa e $! o u'" nu se va o+serva% ad!u,! #m&!$"u" or( >u," '" f"" fer"$" (

Nu re$u mul '" "a !-l #na&o"% $o+or-nd re& ele ver ","nos% $a un aur fur"os( Cu &r"v"rea $run !% &! runse #n salon $a un +ol"d '" se a'e*! &e 0os morm!"nd( 4 Plo'n"/a7 S$-r+oasa7 Ce s$roaf!7 .-a da &e u'! afar! *"$-ndu-m" $! &u a &arfum $a un +ordel #n &ra,ul fal"men ulu"7 4 C" a" #n,3"/" u a'a $eva5 #n re+! Le,"onarul f!$-nd &e m"ra ul( 4 8a% m-a lua &r"n sur&r"ndereH dar o s! vad! ea7 8oar sun un r!*+o"n"$7 4 C" un n! !r!u% s&use ama+"l Le,"onarul( Eu% Alfred Mal+% d"n Le,"unea S r!"n!% #m" &erm" s-o s&un( Ur"a'ul d"n &al"d se f!$u ro'u( 8!du $u &"$"orul #n r-o ,!lea !% #" rase un &umn lu" .our" *% #l amen"n/! &e S e"n $!-l "a la &alme '" se r!s " &e fereas r! la un $"$l"s nev"nova ( A&o" &orun$" lu" .our" * s! ne $-n e &salm"( Cum nefer"$" ul se $odea% #l fu,!r" &e su+ oa e &a ur"le &-n! a0unse #n sf-r'" la al s!u% d"n $are se #n!l/ar! a&o" $-n e$e le'"na e( A" f" *"s $! e ,lasul unu" $re' "n d"n ,roa&a $u le"( ."$u/ul #'" &use $a&ul su+ ro+"ne % se ' erse $u $ear$eaful '" deoda ! ordon!= 4 S e"n% Eauer7 La drum% mer,em la $urve7 4 La ora as a5 #n re+! S e"n% #n vreme $e Eauer #n$e&ea s! se e$3"&e*e( Le,"onarul se &r!&!dea de r-s( 4 E"ne#n/eles% se s"m e nevo"a de eIer$"/"u( Am &orn" $u ,!l!,"e mare( )n drum% &e $or"dorul &r"n$"&al% am da de o ,!lea !% &e $are ."$u/ul o r!s urn! d"n r-o lov" ur! de &"$"or( A&a se rev!rs! &e &odeaua "ma$ula !( >eme"a de serv"$"u% "nd",na !% se re&e*" la ur"a'( 4 A" f!$u -o #nad"ns% "$!losule7 4 Ce-a" *"s5 1,r"&/uroa"$! 3" ler"s !7 G!lea a se alese $u un nou 'u % $are o &ro"e$ ! dre& &r"n u'a de s "$l!( Geamur"le se s&arser! $u *,omo de une % #n "m& $e feme"a &orn" s! urle $a d"n ,ur! de 'ar&e( A&!ru #n fu,! su+of"/erul de serv"$"u% $u $as$! &e $a& '" #narma &o r"v" re,ulamen ulu"( Era un "nerel l"&s" de eI&er"en/!% $u o$3" foar e al+a' r"% $are arun$au s$-n e"% $eea $e de asemen" f!$ea &ar e d"n re,ulamen ( 4 8re&/"7 ordon! el( Am &o$n" $al$-"ele des ul de moale lu-nd o a " ud"ne $are sem!na $umva $u &o*"/"a de dre&/"( C3"&ul feme"" se #nsen"n!( )'" ' erse m-"n"le &e 'or/ul murdar% #m&odo+" #n dre& ul +ur/"" $u un vul ur s&!l!$" '" se de*l!n/u" *+"er-nd &e $uloar( 4 Pe "ne% &or$ule% e vo" #nv!/a $e-" ord"nea% s&use su+of"/erul( ."$u/ul #n$l"n! $a&ul &r"v"ndu-l &"e*"' &e *elosul a+la,"u% $u $as$a &rea mare &en ru el% $a '" $um ar f" $!u a &e $3"&ul s!u &r"mele semne ale ne+un"e"( 4 Cu "ne vor+es$% ,olanule7 4 Cu m"ne5 s&use ."$u/ul m"ra % ar! -ndu-se $u de,e ul( A/" ma" &omen" a'a $eva5 ne sur-se $onf"den/"al( Conform re,ulamen ulu" re+u"e s! m" se adrese*e $u ,radul &e $are #l am% $3"ar da$! a' avea &-n e$!ra"e( )" &use su+of"/erulu" m-ne$a su+ nas% a - de a&roa&e #n$- a$es a f!$u un &as #na&o"% &en ru a nu f" r!s urna ( 4 A'a $um domnul su+of"/er &oa e vedea% eu sun <+er,efre" er '" a ra, a en/"a $! #n felul a$es a re+u"e s! f"u num" ( Ne-am #nv"ne/" de r-s( N"men" nu l-ar f" $re*u &e ."$u/ul #n s are de asemenea r!s&uns% demn de Por a( 4 6re" s! m! #nve/" &e m"ne5 r!$n" su+of"/era'ul( 8re&/" '" nu vor+" de$- a un$" $-nd e vo" #n re+a( 4 E' " un $ur $u ure$3"% s&use ."$u/ul( Grada ul eI&lod! $a o +om+!= 4 Sun e/" mar or" la $e m"-a s&us7 +-l+-" nes !&-n" ( Le,"onarul r-se #n$e "'or% $eea $e m!r" '" ma" mul fur"a $elu" d"n fa/a noas r!( 4- C" u% de $e r-*"% "d"o ule% ne,ru s$o&" 7 .! o$u& eu '" de "ne7 1-m+e ul se ' erse de &e fa/a Le,"onarulu" '" o$3"" " se f!$ur! $a de 'ar&e( Nov"$ele su+of"/er avea a$um un du'man de moar e( S e"n "n erven" foar e re&ede= 4 6! ra&or e*% domnule su+of"/er% $! nu &u em f" mar or"( Nu am v!*u n"m"$( 4 Re+el"une7 url! r!$anul( S! v"n! ,arda7

S-au #nf""n/a a&ro&""ndu-se #n *,omo "nfernal *e$e solda/" "nf"rm"er"% "e'"/" d"n $amera de ,ard!( 4 Ares a/"-"7 N"men" nu se m"'$!( 4 Nu avem dre& ul% f!$u un +! r-n <+er,efre" er% !r!,!n-nd $uv"n ele( Nu &u em% ad!u,! el( 4 As a-" re+el"une7 Re+el"une7 E! r-nul <+er,efre" er% #n$-n a % ne f!$ea $u o$3"ul% #n "m& $e no" urm!ream desf!'urarea even"men elor n!d!0du"nd $e-" ma" r!u( Su+of"/erul% "*+u "nd s! se s !&-neas$!% #" s r",!= 4 G-nde' e- e +"ne7 S-ar &u ea s! e $os e $a&ul( Sun >@3rer #n H" ler0u,end7 Smulse &"s olul s!u ,reu P-D8 d"n o$% #l arm! '" +-l+-"% ma" mul s$u"&-nd $uv"n ele= 4 )n numele >@3rer-ulu"% sun e/" ares a/" $u o/"" '" v" se va !"a $a&ul7 A un$" se #n -m&l! $e era f"res$ s! se #n -m&le( Revolverul se slo+o*" s"n,ur( 8"n re$ul% res&onsa+"lul $u 3-rda"ele se s&er"e a - de are #n$- ma" rase un fo$% re*"nd e$oul #n #n re, s&" alul '" f!$-nd-o &e feme"a de serv"$"u s-o "a la s!n! oasa% neu" -nd o u'" s!-'" "a ,!lea a '" $-r&a de ' ers &odelele( S-a des$3"s o u'! f!$-nd lo$ Hau& feld?e+el-ulu" 8omas% &e +u*e #n$! av-nd urmele m"$ulu" de0un( C-n !r" s" ua/"a d"n r-o &r"v"re% '" se #n oarse su&!ra s&re su+of"/erul $are #" d!dea #na"n e $u Are+el"uneB '" Asa+o a0B( 4 E' " s",ur $! ra&or ul dum" ale $ores&unde real" !/""5 #n re+! $"o$!n"nd $u de,e ele &e nas urele de sus al un"$"" "m&e$a+"le a su+of"/erulu"( C"ne a ras5 4 Eu7 l! r! m"$ul res&onsa+"l $u 3-rda"ele( 4 Nu *!u5 C" asu&ra $u"% m! ro,5 Nu v!d n"$" un mor ( Pr"v" #n 0ur $!u -nd un $adavru% $are ar f" 0",n" s&"r" ul s!u &en ru ord"ne( 4 A'a se #n -m&l! #n o deauna $-nd se a&u$! +o+o$"" s! ra,!( C" de $e a/" ras% domnule su+of"/er5 Pronun/a AdomnuleB '" Asu+of"/erB as fel #n$- s! eI&r"me #n re,ul s!u d"s&re/( Nu &r"m" r!s&uns( >eld?e+el-ul s&" alulu" se amu*a( Ar! ! $u de,e ul a$u*a or $ele dou! ,!ur" de nou! m"l"me r" d"n u'a la+ora orulu"% d"n $are "e'eau a$um $- eva fe e +londe &re$um ,r"ul( >eld?e+el-ul &lu ea( Ce s" ua/"e m"nuna !7 S! le ara e $um s r"ve' e &!du$3ele !s a de su+of"/era'7 Se l"n,ea &e +o de &l!$ere( 4 A" #nne+un" 5 Re+el"une5 Asemenea lu$rur" nu se &o &e re$e #n s&" alul AmeuB( Cred $! e' " de a$ord $u m"ne% r!s&unde7 4 Herr >eld?e+el((( 4 >!r! $uv-n !r" "d"oa e7 "-o re e*! su&er"orul% #n$-n a de el( 8eoda !% s&re nesf-r'" a sa de*"lu*"e% l-am v!*u a&!r-nd &e $or"dor &e do$ orul .a3ler #n $arne '" oase( Elu*a lu" al+! flu ura afar!% #n r-un fel &rea &u/"n m"l" ar( Se o&r" #n fa/a ,ru&ulu" aduna la &"$"oarele s$!r"lor '" $u m-na f!$u un ,es a le3am" e( 4 Ce m"*er"e7 Ad0u an % s$oa e-m" as ea de a"$"( Te-a" $rede #n r-o ,ar! +om+arda !( N" se adres! nou!= 4 Sun e/" #nvo"/"5 8a/"-" drumul7 A&o"% ar! -nd s&re u'a d"n s "$l!= C" vede/" s! f"e &us ,eamul la lo$% o ul e $u dosul #n sus( A"$" e s&" al% nu $"r$( 8o$ orul .a3ler s&unea #n o deauna As&" alB% '" nu Ala*are B% $um se o+"'nu"a #n arma !( .a" arun$! o &r"v"re s$ur ! '" asu&ra numeroaselor dame $e se adunaser! &e $or"dor( 4 Inf"rm"erele mele n-au al $eva ma" +un de f!$u de$- s! se +a,e #n $3es "un" sold!/e' "5 Salu ! '" #'" v!*u de drum( Inf"rm"erele s-au vola "l"*a % $e" d"n ,ard! s-au #n ors *,omo os #n $amera de ,ard!% "ar no" ne-am f!$u nev!*u/" &r"n u'"le ro a "ve( Ad0u an ul 'u"er! su+of"/erulu"= 4 6"n eu sus "med"a % s! m! o$u& de "ne( Pen ru #n$e&u ve" "n ra #n $ar$er!( 4 )n $ar$er!7 s r",! nefer"$" ul% a - de are #n$- do$ orul .a3ler% d"n $el!lal $a&! al $uloarulu"% se #n oarse +rus$( 4 A" s&us $eva% ad0u an ule5 4 Nu% domnule med"$-'ef(

)n re "m&% &en ru no"% d"m"nea/a se anun/a &rom"/! oare( Am n!v!l" $u 3!rm!la"e #n +ordelul #n $are o feme"e ur- ! #'" a' e& a $l"en/"" #n s&a ele +"roulu"( Pe &ere e era af"'a un av"* $are f!$ea $unos$u $!% #n $a* de nevo"e% s! f"e $3ema ! Gandarmer"a m"l" ar! nr( NNN9 '"% #n $a*ur" de eI rem! ur,en/!% un" a ea NN:N( .u ra de &u'$!r"a' a ."$u/ulu" nu-" s&unea +"ne#n/eles n"m"$ +un% a'a #n$- feme"a $ea ,ras! se ,-nd" d"n $a&ul lo$ulu" la nr( NNN9( ."$u/ul se a&le$! deasu&ra +"roulu"( 4 C "" nem/e' e5 o #n re+!( 8a5 A un$" as$ul !% ,raso% sun! alarma la -rfele ale% dar ma" re&e0or7 As !*" sun em &u'" &e fa& e mar"7 R-se mul/um" % se #ndre& ! la adev!ra a sa #n!l/"me '" a' e& !( Tan " se r"d"$!% $- un mun e% &"e& ul " se *+! ea s! s$a&e d"n su "en% o$3"" e" m"$" '" s&!l!$"/" arun$au ful,ere% "ar $ele $- eva f"re d"n +!r+"e " s-au *+url" +! !"oase( 4 Ie'" afar!7 *+"er!% sau $3em >eld,endarmer"a7 Se s ro&'ea la no" o/"( 8e su+ e0,3ea s$oase un +as on de 0andarm '" #" a&l"$! ."$u/ulu" una &es e $!&!/-n-( A$es a s$oase un *+"era '" du&! a$eea o ul se &e re$u $u v" e*a ful,erulu"( 8"n Tan " nu ma" r!mase de$- un &a&u$( Res ul &lu ea &r"n salonul #n $are o $"read! de fe e% &e 0um! a e de*+r!$a e% se #n,r!m!d"ser! &r"n $ol/ur"% $re*-nd $! &es e +ordelul 3am+ur,3e* a er"*ase un 6;( 4 Ha"de/"% frumoaselor7 url! ur"a'ul% +"ne d"s&us% "a !-ne d"n nou a"$"7 8e +!u '" a&o" re&ede #n s$u e$e7 4 Nu avem n"m"$ de +!u % s&use Elfr"ede( C3e"le sun la doamna( A&le$-ndu-se asu&ra mun elu" de $arne $e *!$ea &e 0os% ."$u/ul s$o o$" ,!s"nd $3e"le #n re s-n"( >e ele% ferme$a e% se re&e*"r! #n &"vn"/! '" se de*l!n/u" un $3"ol3an mons ru( Ne-am #m+! a $u o/""% urnam al$ool &e ,- le0ul -rfelor( S e"n &"$ a $u $erneal! &e fundul une"a d"n re ele% Eauer #'" f!$ea de lu$ru $u vo"n"$a Trude &e &"an% #n rea,a #n$!&ere era &l"n! de &a3are s&ar e '0 de v!rs! ur"( ."$u/ul% &rea o+os" s! $!l!reas$!% se o&"n ea $u Isa+ele $ul$a &e &odea% #n "m& $e no" d!deam m!sura $-n -nd= 'chCn ist die 6iebe im =afen, 'chCn ist die 6iebe zur 'ee... >un-i dragostea n port cnd eti, *rumos e marea s iubeti... C" soseau al/" $l"en/"% $!s$-nd o$3"" mar" de u"m"re( N"$" nu am &!r!s" +"ne a'e*!m-n ul% $-nd $e" d"n >eld,endarmer"e au des$"ns #n "ure'( Gandarm"" erau #narma/" &-n! #n d"n/" '" &!reau &u'" &e fa& e mar"( 8"n!un ru r!sunau /"&e ele "s er"$e ale feme"lor( 4 Pu or"le o "au &e $oa0!% *"se ."$u/ul% ma" +ea $a de o+"$e"( >!r! n"$" un mo "v se o&r" #n m"0lo$ul s r!*"" '"% $u m-"n"le &-ln"e la ,ur!% r!$n" &e ruse' e= 4 S o"7 Tre" 0andarm" $e r!m!seser! l-n,! ma'"n! se #n oarser! $a fr"&/" s&re no"( )l v!*ur! &e ."$u/ul flu ur-nd d"n m-"n" '" sf"d-nd ,loa a de 0andarm"( Se au*" ro&o de $"*me% *!n,!n" de arme% un mo or &u ern"$ &orn"( Gandarm""% $are sno&"ser! #n +! a"e nu numa" &ersonalul +ordelulu"% $" '" $l"en/"" ,!s"/" la f-/a lo$ulu"% '"-au #ndre& a a$um a en/"a asu&ra une" &r!*" ma" de so"( 4 A&ro&"a/"-v!% &!du$3"lor% s! v! masa$re*7 r!$nea ."$u/ul $! re 0andarm"" se o'" de m!$el '" foar e 3o !r-/" s! 3!$u"as$! o $e #n -lneau #n $ale( )n n"$" una d"n &ol"/""le d"n lume nu &o/" ,!s" &e $"neva $are s! se &oa ! $om&ara $u +ru ele ,ermane $are &oar ! &e &"e& sem"luna de me al( T"&"lor d"n >eld,endarmer"e le &l!$ea la ne+un"e s! ru&! +ra/ele #n ma" mul/" "m&"( Se &r"$e&eau s! loveas$! un "nd"v"d f!r! a-l fa$e s! le'"ne% adu$-ndu-l% #ns! #n &ra,ul ne+un"e"H '"% #n r-adev!r% nu &u/"n" solda/" au re$u d"n $elulele $u *!+rele ale 0andarmer"e" #n $ele $a&" ona e ale a*"lur"lorH &e $are nu le ma" &!r!seau de$- $u &"$"oarele #na"n e(

4 Alla3 e mare7 *"se Le,"onarul% #n "m& $e #'" $!u a +oIul s&an"ol $u /e&"( ."$u/ul se &ro/!&ea #n $on "nuare% $u &"$"oarele de&!r a e% &e l"n"a de ramva"% $e ma" &rad! &en ru +ru e7 S e"n #n0ura% Eauer r-dea r!,u'" % #nf!'ur-nd #n 0urul #n$3e"e ur"" $ureaua la $a&! ul $!re"a a -rna ea$a +a"one e" 4 o arm! $um&l" ! &en ru $"ne ' "a s-o foloseas$!% "ar Eauer re$ea dre& un maes ru( >eld?e+el-ul de 0andarm" Eraun% un aur $!ru"a #" &l!$eau ma" ales anum" e lov" ur" 0oase 4 $are f!$eau o ul 3ar$ea-&ar$ea 4 $o+ora s rada f!r! s! se ,r!+eas$!% urma de u$",a'"" lu"( Cas$a &!rea m"$! &e /eas a lu" enorm!( <+erfeld?e+el-ul Eraun% d"n +r",ada a D-a% era $el ma" mare "$!los $e &ur ase vreoda ! un"forma a$eas a( ."lo, #n fa/a su&er"or"lor '" od"os fa/! de o/" $e" $are de&"ndeau de el% avea '$oala $omandoulu" &ol"/"e" d"n Ham+ur,( .ul/" ,rev"' " r!m!seser! olo," du&! $e-" lu$rase Eraun% mul e -rfe d"n SanJ -Paul" 0uraser! r!*+unare du&! $e +enef"$"aser! de ra amen ul s&e$"al de la 8"s&ensarul nr(7 d"n 8av"ds rasse( Cum aerul d"n Ham+ur, #n$e&use a deven" nes!n! os &en ru el% $eruse mu area la Eerl"n% dar la de$lararea r!*+o"ulu" reven"se la Ham+ur,% #n frun ea unu" $omando s&e$"al( )n r-un r!s "m& foar e s$ur % Par"sul s-a +u$ura '" el de +"nefa$er"le sale% #ns! de ,roa*a re*"s en/e" fran$e*e reven"se #n ora'ul-&or ( )" &l!$ea s! loveas$! solda/"" &-n! $e mureau( S r",! ul &e $are #l s$o ea v"$ "ma a un$" $-nd o lovea #n re &"$"oare era &en ru el $ea m!" #n!l/! oare mu*"$! '" &e $-nd se a&ro&"a #n frun ea +ru elor sale de ."$u/ul% sem!na $u un demon a ras de m"rosul s-n,elu"( E- a " se lovea de $"*me% o +- ! $are% sus/"nea el% u$"sese do" solda/" d"n r-o s"n,ur! lov" ur!( I se s&unea AGor"laB% o &ore$l! $are #l #nfur"a( S r",! ul ."$u/ulu" +u+u" &re$um une ul= 4 Gor"l!7 .!la" mare% v"no s! e $!s!&es$7 4 Pe el7 6reau s!-l &r"nde/" v"u7 Ca& e 0andarm" s-au n!&us " asu&ra ur"a'ulu"% $are #" a' e& a% #nf"& $a o s -n$!% $3"ar #n m"0lo$ul drumulu"( Se au*"r! +u'" ur" #n!+u'" e% un 0andarm 3or$!"( ."$u/ul mu,ea &re$um un $er+% $e" d"n $omandoul lu" Eraun ,alo&au &e s rad!( To ul nu a dura n"$" $"n$" m"nu e( Le,a $a un +urduf% ."$u/ul fu arun$a #n ma'"na >eld,endarmer"e"( 4 Alla3 AJ+ar7 r!$n" Le,"onarul '" se n!&us " lov"nd $u +oIul #n $eafa unu" 0andarm( S$l"&" un $u/" % "*+u$n" un fo$ de arm!( )n lun,ul s r!*""% um+re a+"a +!nu" e se s re$urau &e l-n,! $ase fu,"nd #n fa/a 0andarm"lor a - de ur-/"( Le,"onarul #" s!r" unu"a #n $-r$! '" #l s r-nse de +ere,a ! &-n! se &r!+u'"( S e"n r-dea $a un ne+un% $u dosul m-"n"" do+or" &e unul $are #n$er$a s! s$oa ! revolverul d"n o$( 8eoda ! se au*"r! flu"er! ur" s r"den e( < feme"e s r",! d-nd alarma= 4 >u,"/"% +!"e/"% v! a a$! a$um o $omandoul7 8"ns&re Ree&er+a3r" se au*ea urle ul une" s"rene% se a&r"ndeau lum"n"% s rada r!suna de $"*me /"n u" e( >!r! a ma" $ere res ul '" $!r-nd $u no" ru&ul "ner al ."$u/ulu"% am ' ers-o $! re +er!r"a SanJ -Paul"% unde &or arul ne-a des$3"s o &oar ! s$ufunda ! #n +e*n!( Am au*" r!&!" ul une" m" ral"ere( ."$u/ul era &e de&ar e $el ma" &onos" % o+ra*ul #" era *e+ra de dou! r!n" mar" $e s-n,erau d"n +el'u,( Ne-am dus du&! un "nf"rm"er al s&" alulu"% $are% f!r! &rea mul e mena0amen e% #l $usu &e $amaradul nos ru( Nenoro$" ul +les ema de durere% d"n fer"$"re #ns! ma" avea m-"n"le le,a e% $eea $e #l #m&"ed"$a s! se #m&o r"veas$!( 8u&! $e a re$u des ul "m&% &e drumur" o$ol" e% a$ela'" "nf"rm""er ne-a $ondus #na&o" la s&" al( 8u&! re" *"le% #n saloane au &! runs r"umf! or *e$e 0andarm" $u $!' "% su+ $omanda &ersonal! a lu" Eraun% $are #l re$unos$u "med"a &e ."$u/ul( S-au arun$a asu&ra lu" '" l-au lua $u e"( Pe no" #ns! nu ne-au ma" ,!s" n"$"oda !( S-au ma" s$urs dou! *"le( S&re u"m"rea ,eneral!% am v!*u -o a un$" &e E"l! de seu &!r!s"nd s&" alul% o$ma" $-nd era ma" mul ! rea+! de f!$u ( Era #n mare /"nu != &!l!r"e ro'"e% +lu*! ,al+en! '" um+rel! verde% $eea $e o f!$ea s! semene $u marele &avoa* al Era*"l"e"( )n re, s&" alul o urm!rea de la feres re( Inf"rm"era-'ef! o lu! "u e &e 1"rJus?e, '" d"s&!ru &e s$ara s a/"e" SanJ -Paul" a me roulu"( Se #n oarse &e la ora 97 '" un sfer /"n-ndu-l &e ."$u/ul de m-n!( Ce s-a #n -m&la nu am f" afla n"$"oda ! da$! un 0andarm nu ar f" "s or"s" fan as "$a #n -m&lare( E"l! de seu avea rela/"" #nal e% &r"n re $are $3"ar '" un ,eneral( Au v!*u -o "n r-nd $a o fur un! #n >eld,endarmer"e% urma ! de un ,eneral de ar "ler"e% de re" of"/er" de s a -ma0or '"

de un Gru&&enf@3rer SA( A$es a d"n urm! nu ' "a s! *"$! de$- AA3% da5B la or"$e( )n$! d"n &ra, ,eneralul #n$e&u s! r-m+"/e*e= 4 8re&/"7 8"s$"&l"na las! de dor" a"$"7 re&e -nd a$es e $uv"n e de re" or"% #n r!s "m& de re"*e$" de se$unde( Her+er >re"3err von Senne% ar "ler"s $a '" ,eneralul% $eru s!-l vad! &e <+erfeld?e+el-ul Eraun Hans( Pronun/! AHansB $a '" $um ar f" da $u +arda( Ce"lal/" do" of"/er" #'" $"o$!neau vo"o'" o$ur"le revolverelor% &e $are le &ur au #n dre& ul +ur/""% $on rar re,ulamen ulu"( Generalul #'" &use mono$lul '" d!du un 'u E"+l"e" $are *!$ea &e 0os( < sen "nel! m"orl!"= 4 Gandarmer"a 7% n"m"$ de semnala 7 4 Por$ule7 #" r!s&unse E"l! de seu% #m&un,-nd sen "nela $u um+rela( 4 8a% doamn!% adm"se omul% $!ru"a vederea unu" ,eneral #" d!dea ame/el"( <+erfeld?e+el-ul Eraun ven" #n fu,! d"n $u'$a lu" d"n s&a ele $or"dorulu" $u $elule% lu! &o*"/"a de dre&/" '" #n'"r! un ra&or l"&s" de s r!lu$"re &e $are n"$" nu "*+u " s!-l erm"ne( 4 Cul$a % <+erfeld?e+el7 Eraun r!su$" $a&ul f!r! s! #n/elea,!( Tre$user! &e &u/"n *e$e an" de $-nd se de*o+"'nu"se de asemenea eIer$"/""( Generalul #l a/"n " &r"n mono$lu( E"l! de seu #m&"nse #na"n e ,u'a e" du+l!( 4 La &!m-n % &or$ule7 Pre$um se n!ru"e un mun e m"na % Eraun se &r!v!l" la &!m-n '" se v!*u s"l" s! eIe$u e re,ulamen ar eIer$"/"ul% &-n! $-nd ma"orul se de$lar! mul/um" ( 4 Clea3 a as a are nevo"e de d"s$"&l"n!7 un! ,eneralul de ar "ler"e s$u"&-nd &e fo o,raf"a une" $!&e en"" r!*+o"n"$e% &e nume Ludendorff( Se o$u&! ener,"$ de #n re, &ersonalul 0andarmer"e"% $eru &unerea #n l"+er a e a ."$u/ulu"% am"n " de fron ul de es '" "n$3e"e $u a$es e $uv"n e #ns&!"m-n ! oare= 4 Toa ! &or$!r"a as a va f" ra&or a ! >@3rer-ulu"( 6o" r"m" e ur,en &ro&unerea de mu are #n r-o un" a e $om+a an !( Se au*" sla+ un A8a% domnule ,eneralB( ."$u/ulu" #" s&use r!s&"$a = 4 8e "ne m! vo" o$u&a ma" -r*"u7 )n a$eea'" $l"&! #ns! o+serv! "ns",na re,"men elor d"s$"&l"nare '" ro'"( Res&"r! ad-n$= 4 >ron ul de r!s!r" e a' ea& !7 >!$u un semn '" E"l! de seu #l #n'f!$!( ."$u/ul &!rea d"n $e #n $e ma" n!u$" ( 4 La &r"ma #n$er$are de fu,!% doamna se va folos" de arm!7 8u&! $are s-au re ras( ."$u/ul s$u"&! &e 0os '" s&use= 4 6"no% Emma% s!-" l!s!m( Ea #l lu! de m-n! '"-l duse $a &e un +!"e/el( L-am $ul$a % #ns! se #m+! ! #m&reun! $u Le,"onarul '" #n l"n"' ea no&/"" "-am au*" 'o& "nd #ndelun,( 8"n $-nd #n $-nd la ure$3" ne &arveneau $uv"n e &re$um B0andarm"B '" AGor"laB((( )n r-o s-m+! ! seara s-au 3o !r- s! se du$! du&! AGor"laB( Erau #n &l"n! form!% form! $are se #m+un! !/" '" ma" mul #n$! mul/um" ! s "$le" de vo $! &e $are Le,"onarul o luase $u el( Eraun o$ma" se de*+r!$a '" &!ru sur&r"ns de v"*" a a$eas a ne&rev!*u !( Nu-l re$unos$u d"n &r"ma $l"&! &e ."$u/ul% $are era deose+" de &r"e enos% #l ,-d"la $u v-rful $u/" ulu"% #l $"u&ea de o+ra* '" #" f!,!du"a s!-" a"e +ere,a a( <+erfeld?e+el-ul Eraun nu "*+u " de$- s! em" ! un s r",! sla+% f""nd &e 0um! a e sufo$a de de,e ele de o/el ale Le,"onarulu" $are #l s r-n,eau de ,- ( 4 6reau s!-l omor eu% $u m-na mea% &ro es ! ."$u/ul a un$" $-nd Eraun se #nv"ne/"( C3"ar a un$" d"n dorm" or a "e'" doamna Eraun% mem+ru a$ "v #n or,an"*a/"a feme"lor na/"onal-so$"al"s e( )na"n e de a-'" da seama de $e se &e re$e% ordon!= 4 L"n"' e7 Imed"a l"n"' e7 )n &enum+r! " se &u eau *!r" moa/ele d"n &!r '" $!ma'a de noa& e% $are% $a o ul d"n a&ar amen % a&ar/"nuse fos ulu" &ro&r"e ar% o evre"$! v!duv!% moar ! la Neuen,amme( A&ar amen ul $ons " u"a un ve$3" v"s al doamne" Eraun% &e $are #n r-o +un! *" '"-l real"*ase( 6!duva% #m&reun! $u $e" re" $o&""% fusese r"d"$a ! de SS% f!r! a &u ea lua $u ea de$- $eea $e aveau &e e"% la ora re" d"m"nea/a( 8oamna Eraun fusese de fa/!% #m+r!$a ! #n &"ele de sus '" &-n! 0os( Pe s$!r" &r"$3"ndelul de re" an" &l-nse s&un-nd $!-" es e fr", #n &loa"e( Un SS-"s #l &!lmu"( 8oamna Eraun o s$u"&! &e v!duv! #n o+ra* '" o lov" $u &"$"orul #n flu"erul &"$"orulu"(

4 Tu '" /-n$"" !" ve/" f" &u'" +"ne #n la,!r( A&o"% ur$! s! s$3"m+e a&ar amen ul du&! ,us ul e"% #na"n e de a-" sos" +!r+a ul( Evre"$a '" $e" do" m"$u/" au fos r"m"'" la $amera de ,a*are% "ar fa a de re"s&re*e$e an" sf-r'" #n r-un +ordel de la,!r( ."$u/ul aflase des&re oa e a$es ea &e $!" a"n"$e% $unos$u e doar de $e" $are r!"es$ #n mar,"nea so$"e !/""( )'" r"d"$! &r"v"rea asu&ra doamne" Eraun( C-nd a a&u$a -o de &!r s-a au*" un morm!" ( >eme"a /"&!% nu &rea are( < lov" $u $a&ul de o$ul u'""% l-s-nd-o a&o" s! $ad! f!r! v"a/!( 4 A fos un d"avol% #" s&use Le,"onarulu"% s r"v"nd $a&ul doamne" su+ $"*mele sale( )l su,rum! &e Eraun $u un $a+lu de o/el '"% du&! $e se as",ur! $! a mur" % murmur! $- eva $uv"n e la "ne' " r!mase #n s r!fundur"le memor"e" d"n vremea $-nd fusese #n &ens"unea $a ol"$! d"n ."nden( La &le$are au ver"f"$a $u ,r"0! +roas$a de la u'!( 4 E-n u"e a -/"a "&" du+"o'" &e a"$"% ar &u ea s&ar,e a&ar amen ul7 s&use ."$u/ul( )'" rase &an alon"" #n sus '"-l urm! &e Le,"onar la Tan " 8ora% $are le &use $- e un &a3ar d"na"n e *"$-ndu-le= 4 )n$! un &!3!rel% +!"e/"5 Ca '" $um o$ma" erm"naser! un dans( 4 SJZl7 f!$u Le,"onarul d-ndu-l &es e $a&( 4 S-a f!$u 5 'o& " Tan " 8ora urn-ndu-'" un +" er( Le,"onarul o &r"v" '" $l"&" r"d"$-nd &a3arul( 4 SJZl7 re&e ! el( 4 )n s!n! a ea u uror $elor &e $are #" ve" aran0a% s&use Tan " 8ora% $are era ,a a s! 0ure or"$u" $! $e" do" $l"en/" nu se m"'$aser! oa ! noa& ea d"n +om+a e"( Nu #n re+! #ns! n"men"( )n *"ua urm! oare% av"oanele $anad"ene +om+ardau $ar "erul #n $are lo$u"se AGor"laB% ransform-ndu-l #n r-o mare de fl!$!r"( ."$u/ul #" s&use Le,"onarulu"= 4 Ce +af ! &e no" $! ne-am 3o -r" s! mer,em "er"% al fel am f" a0uns &rea -r*"u7 C" nu am ma" f" &u u "n ra #n &arad"sul lu" Alla3% nu-" a'a% nomadule5 4 Nu-/" +a e 0o$ de lu$rur"le ser"oase% r!s&unse Le,"onarul(

4 )rebuie s ai relaii, spunea )anti -ora. 0 la fel de necesar ca aerul pe care l respiri. @*rumosul (aulA era o relaie e#celent. )rimitea oameni la spnzurtoare sau le comuta pedeapsa n munc silnic dup bunul su plac i de altfel nu fcea nimic pentru nimeni, )anti -ora ns nu era nici ea o relaie de neluat n seam. @*rumosul (aulA era unul dintre cei mai !eninoi erpi ai celui de-al ,,,-lea 7eich. )anti -ora nu se temea de muctura lui. 7se, scrpinndu-i pulpele groase, n timp ce urmrea din ochi cum ies zbirii 'er!iciului de 'ecuritate. 7achiul de ienupr, pe care @*rumosul (aulA doar l mirosise, fu golit n chiu!et, pentru mai mult siguran9 $icuul zicea c- i pcat de el" A6IN8ST[RME IIB >"'a noas r! de "e'"re a fos semna ! #n r-o m"er$ur" oare$are( 8o$ orul .a3ler ne-a s r-ns m-na &r"v"ndu-ne #n o$3"% av-nd &en ru f"e$are $- eva vor+e +une( Ne-au re+u" re" *"le s! ne lu!m r!mas-+un de la oa ! lumea% "ar ."$u/ul se #n re$u &e s"ne la +ordel( Le,"onarul '" $u m"ne ne-am #m+! a *drav!n la A6"nds OrJe IIB% #nso/"/" de Tan " 8ora% $are morm!"a d"n vreme #n vreme $uv"n e ne"n el","+"le% &r"v"ndu-l &e Le,"onar #n r-un fel $"uda ( Eram a'e*a/" #n r-una d"n n"'ele $ele m"$"% su+ lum"na ro'"e voala !( 4 Ce ve/" fa$e vo" do" du&! r!*+o"5 am #n re+a eu% ma" mul s! *"$ '" eu $eva( 4 8u&! r!*+o"5 v"s! Le,"onarul% &r"v"nd $u "n eres $um #'" s$3"m+! a+s"n ul $uloarea

#n "m& $e ro ea &a3arul #n m-n!( Poa e m! vo" o$u&a &u/"n $u $omer/ul( 4 Traf"$ de $arne v"e% su,er! Tan " 8ora( 4 8e $e nu5 < marf! $a or"$are al a((( Sun lo$ur" unde feme"le sun rare '" $os ! mul ( 8a$! e-a' f" #n -ln" a$um $-/"va an"% dra,a mea ,ras!% /"-a' f" ,!s" o slu0+! +un!( Te-a" f" d"s ra $u un #n re, +a al"on la E.C-ul d"n Al,er( 4 S$-rn!v"e% r!s&unse Tan " 8ora( 4 8a$! a' "*+u "% dar as a numa" du&! $e a' !"a +ere,a a la $-/"va $are o mer" !% m-a' fof"la s! r!"es$ $a un +o,! a' d"n$olo de <$ean( Undeva unde s! nu f"e &ol"/"a as a #ndr!$" !( R-se s"n,ur la ,-ndul a$es a( 4 N"$" u nu $re*" $e s&u"% "-o !"e Tan " 8ora% a&r"n*-ndu-'" o nou! ma3or$!( 6re" s!-/" s&un eu $e ve" fa$e #nda ! $e se va #n$3e"a r!*+o"ul5 Te ve" &re*en a la &r"mul $en ru de re$ru are fran$e* '" ve" &o$n" d"n $!l$-"e &en ru a o+/"ne un $on ra$ #n Le,"une( Le,"onarul o &r"v" lun,( C"$a r"$ea lu" #n "ns! deven"se ro'"e $a fo$ul% $a '" $um s-n,ele era &e $ale s! /-'neas$! &r"n &"elea su+/"re( S r"v" /",ara &e 0um! a e fuma ! #n s$rum"er!( U'a ro a "v! s$-r/-" '" &erdeaua d"n m!r,ele $e a -rna #n fa/a e" *orn!"( < &erdea d"n m!r,ele $um se #n -lnes$ #n sudul S&an"e" or" #n >"l"&"ne% darul f!$u de mul de un mar"nar( )n r-o noa& e% mar"narul a$ela s r",ase #n nasul unu" "& de la Ges a&o= AS! e "a dra$u% &e "ne '" &e Adolf7B '" #" arun$ase #n fa/! un &a3ar &e $-nd "&ul #'" s$o ea revolverul( Tan " 8ora era &u/"n ma" de&ar e% dar "u e $a ful,erul r"d"$! m-na arun$-nd o &"a r!( Ges a&ov"s ul fu ,!s" $eva ma" -r*"u #n r-un 'an/ d"ns&re Ham+ur,( )n *"ua urm! oare mar"narul re+u"a s! se #m+ra$e% #ns! ven" s! adu$! &erdeaua de m!r,ele( Pes e &u/"n "m& "e'" #n lar,% la +ordul lu" E"smar$J% '" mur" #n a&a #n,3e/a !% $u o$3"" m-n$a/" de &es$!ru'"% &en ru dra&elul &e $are #l ur-se( 4 Alfred7 s&use Tan " 8ora $u o dul$ea/! neasemu" ! #n ,las% de $are nu a" f" $re*u -o #n s are( R!m-" l-n,! m"ne% ve" &u ea fa$e o $e ve" dor"% #/" f!,!du"es$% o % d"n $l"&a #n $are #/" ve" le&!da un"forma '" &-n! #n *"ua mor/""( <are era o "lu*"e sau erau #n r-adev!r la$r"m" $e s$l"&eau #n o$3"" a$es e" feme" dure 4 o$3"" a$e"a s&!l!$"/" $a a" une" $o+re $e se re&ede asu&ra &r!*""( Sem!nau #n re e"% &a roana de +ordel '" sold!/o"ul &-rl" de $e" $"n$"s&re*e$e an" &e re$u/" #n de'er ur"le Afr"$""( C"ud!/en""le v"e/""((( 4 8ora% +! r-na mea &r"e en!% 'o& "( Le,"onarul a"n"$% s! #n$er$!m s! f"m ar"% s! nu deven"m sen "men al"( >loarea al+as r! nu-" de no"( Tu e s"m/" +"ne &r"n re -rfe '" +and"/"% "ar eu #n de'er % $u o &u'$!-m" ral"er! &e um!r( Cu oa e a$es ea% #n r-o +un! *" $-nd vom f" $u adev!ra +! r-n"% ne vom re#n -ln" '" vom $um&!ra un lo$al m" " el% $u un +ar '" 'a& e s$aune( Tan " 8ora of !( 4 Alfred% nu va ven" n"$"oda ! vremea s! avem un +ar '" 'a& e s$aune% &en ru $! la ora a$eea u ve" f" mu'$a de mul /!r-na% &"er*-ndu-/" s-n,ele #n n"s"&% "ar eu vo" f" moar ! #n urma unu" del"r"um remens( Le,"onarul se r"d"$!% aduse $- eva s "$le% f!$u un ames e$ '" #n "nse un &a3ar mare lu" Tan " 8ora( 4 Eea% feme"e( C "m am-ndo" $e #nseamn! ,-ndur"le ne,re( < s"ren! #n$e&u s! sune alarma% de*l!n/u"nd un adev!ra $on$er ( 4 Alarm!7 s&use $"neva% $a '" $um nu am f" ' "u -o '" 0um! a e d"n lo$al se ,ol"( < doamn! $u &!rul 'a en "n r! '" #n re+! unde es e ad!&os ul( Era frumoas!% $u o$ur" #nal e '" fus ! s r-m !% $u $"ora&" des$3"'"% foar e f"n"( Nu era o -rf!( Pr"mele +om+e au #n$e&u s! $ad! $u remur-nd $asa% du&! $are o +a er"e an "aer"an! #n$e&u '" ea s! ra,!( Sus &e $er &lu eau m"$" nor" al+"( 4 )" au*"/"5 *"se $"neva( )n r-adev!r% se au*eau +om+ard"erele ,rele des$r""ndu-'" $er$ur"le deasu&ra Ham+ur,ulu"% #n *um*e de mo oare( 4 Unde e ad!&os ul5 #n re+! doamna( 4 A"$"% s&use $"neva ar! -nd a+ure ul ,ol d"n fa/a +arulu"( Un nou '"r de +om+e se a+! u asu&ra s r!*"lor( 4 Sun un"" $are a$um fa$ &e e"% r-se un mar"nar de la su+mar"ne% +!,-ndu-'" m-na

&e su+ fus ele une" fe e( 8oamna $are $!u a ad!&os ul "e'"% urma ! de un domn ,ras% foar e nervos( )n a$eea'" $l"&!% $asa fu *,udu" ! $a de r!*ne '" lum"na $l"&" amen"n/! or( 4 As a a fos una fa"n!7 *"se mar"narul a&le$-nd &e s&a e fa a% $are #n$e&u s! ,eam!( 8oamna '" domnul $el nervos au ven" #na&o" #n mare ,ra+!( Ea era dr!,!la'!% $u &!rul #n de*ord"ne '" o+ra0"" #nro'"/" de fr"$!( 8es",ur $! nu era #n$! o+"'nu" ! $u moar ea( Se a'e*! la +ar% &r"v"nd $u eam! #n 0ur( .ar"narul% $are #'" &"erduse &an,l"$a de la +ere !% a+andon! fa a '" se a&ro&"e de doamn!( >!r! o vor+!% #'" s re$ur! m-na sa mare #n lun,ul &"$"orulu" su+/"re( 4 Las!-m" so/"a #n &a$e% s&use domnul $el ,ras% r"d"$-ndu-se( .ar"narul nu-l v!*u '"% a&le$-ndu-se s&re $u$oan!% #" 'o& " $eva d"n $are se au*ea mereu $uv-n ul A&a B( 4 Las-o #n &a$e &e so/"a mea% mar"narule7 s&use d"n nou domnul "nd",na ( 4 8e $e5 #n re+! $ur"os mar"narul( 4 Pen ru $!-" nevas !-mea( 4 E +!r+a ul !u5 f!$u mar"narul s$e& "$( 8a5 )m" &la$ feme"le m!r" a e( 8omnul #l a&u$! de +ra/= 4 6e*" +"ne $!-" so/"a mea7 4 E" '"5 *"se mar"narul% $are era des ul de +ea ( 6reau s! m! $ul$ $u nevas !- a% #n/ele,"% fr!/"oare5 )'" l"&" &alma de &ul&ele doamne"% $are #l &!lmu"% fur"oas!( R-se $u 3o3o e% rase o du'$! '" r!$n"= 4 )m" &la$"% ador s! m" se o&un! re*"s en/!% dar m-"ne &le$ #n lar, $u U-l8F( Ad!u,! $onf"den/"al= Es e ul "ma mea $!l! or"e( Un ro*ne $um&l" ne a$o&er" deoda ! $u &raf m!run de ,"&s( .ar"narul #'" rase $a&ul #n re umer" *-m+"nd( 4 As a a fos foar e a&roa&e% dar la m"ne nu se &r"nde( ." s-a &re*"s $! m! vo" $ur!/a #n urm! oarea $!l! or"e( La &r"ma or&"l!((( f-sss7 U-l8F e o 3odoroa,!% "ar $omandan ul von Gra?" * o le&r!( Tu% 3-r'" ul de'er ulu"% l-a" $unos$u &e le&ra de von Gra?" *% $u $ru$ea lu" de la ,- % &r"m" ! dre& re$uno' "n/! &en ru o/" $e" &e $are "-a r"m"s la fund5 4 Gura% f!$u Le,"onarul% $are o$ma" #" eI&l"$a lu" Tan " 8ora% $u luI de am!nun e% re/e a une" anum" e su&e $e se m-n$a la 8amas$( 8omnul $el ,ras% $are $!*use ,reo" &e un s$aun la ro*ne ul +om+e"% se r"d"$! #ndre& -ndu-se /o&!"nd s&re mar"nar( Se o&r" amen"n/! or #n fa/a $elu" de la su+mar"ne( 4 )/" ordon s!-m" la'" so/"a #n &a$e '" s!-" $er" s$u*e( 4 Ra3a 7 *"se Le,"onarul( N! !r!ul vrea s! se +a ! $u mar"narul5 4 Trea+a lor% ros " Tan " 8ora% s$o/-nd un ro o$ol de fum( .a elo ul se a&le$! '" o s!ru ! &e doamn! dre& &e ,ur!( 8omnul se $l! "n!% #l lov" #n +!r+"e '" s r",! lu$rur" de ne#n/eles( So/"a lu" s r",a '" ea( 8omnul r"d"$! m-na '"-l n"mer" #n$! o da ! &e mar"nar% r!s urn-ndu-" +erea% o 3al+! A"n,efarB% ,reu de &ro$ura ( To$ma" a$eas a s -rn" m-n"a omulu"( )" arse un 'u domnulu"% $are se &r!+u'"% a&o" se n!&us " asu&ra feme""% r!s urn-nd-o &e s&a e( So/ul se r"d"$!% &al"d( Puse m-na &e un s$aun vr-nd s!-l s&ar,! #n $a&ul adversarulu" s!u% nu-l n"mer" #ns! '" o lov" &e feme"e% $are $!*u la &!m-n $a o &!&u'! near "$ula !( .ar"narul se re&e*" asu&ra lu"( 4 Por$ule7 S! da" #n r-o feme"e7 )/" ar! eu% /"e7 8omnul se n!ru" $u fa/a #na"n e% $u nasul #n &ul+ere '" &or arul +el,"an #l arun$! #n s rad!( 4 Ia mu"erea7 *+"er! un feld?e+el "nfan er"s ( 8!-" la +u$"7 4 Ta$!-/" $lan/a7 se enerv! Tan " 8ora( U'a s-a des$3"s '" un ,ard"an de s rad! "n r! $l! "n-ndu-se( 4 Arde #n re, M"r$3en3alle7 anun/! el( Arde $a-n "ad( )'" s$oase $as$a '" se v!*u $! &e $3"&ul foar e &al"d avea dun," de ne,real!( Un"forma #" era #m+"+a ! de fum( 4 8umne*eule% $um arde((( Ceru un ra$3"u du+lu '"-l +!u d"n r-o sor+" ur!( 4 Afar! #n s rad! e unul ,ras $are se sm"or$!"e( 6o" l-a/" arun$a afar!5

>!r! s! ma" a' e& e un r!s&uns% ar! ! $! re doamna #n "ns! &e e0,3ea% $are m"'$a d"n $a& ,em-nd( 4 Ce-" $u ea% e lov" ! la $a&5 4 Tare $ur"os ma" e' "7 /"&! >eld?e+el-ul $l! "n-ndu-se( 6re" s! e +a/" $u m"ne% $om+a an ule5 4 E"ne#n/eles $! nu% r!s&unse ,ard"anul% '/er,-ndu-'" ,ura $u dosul &alme"% $eea $e-l f!$u s! &ar! '" ma" murdar( 4 E' " un la'7 s r",! >eld?e+el-ul( 4 As$ul !% &"fanule% s&use ,ard"anul $u r!+dare% l"n"' e' e- e( Ce ma" arde7 relu! a&o" #n or$-ndu-se $! re Trude( )n$! o +ere% fumul !s a #/" d! o se e((( C" u% &"fanule% #n "nde-o% nu m! +a $u r!n"/""( >eld?e+el-ul $u $a&ul +anda0a #n$er$! s! a0un,! la &ol"/a"ul de s rad!% dar #'" &"erdu e$3"l"+rul( Cu foar e mare os eneal! a&u$! o s "$l! '" o a*v-rl" #n $a&ul ,ard"anulu"% $are s!r" #na&o" fer"ndu-se( 4 E' " ne+un5 #'" rase revolverul( 4 8a% +-l+-" +e/"vanul% ne+un de le,a ( Se s$o o$" &r"n +u*unare '" s$oase un &e e$ de 3-r "e% &e $are #l v-r# su+ nasul ,ard"anulu" ulu" ( 4 Ia e u" !7 eI$lam! a$es a% ' er,-ndu-'" s-n,ele $e-" $ur,ea d"n r-o *drel" ur! &rovo$a ! de s "$l!( Ca un &erm"s de v-n! oare7 Unul adev!ra 7 A" noro$% f!r! 3-r "a as a era" un om mor ( Ce lov" ur! m"-a da % +es "a7 .ar"narul #'" #nfund! "ar!'" m-na &e su+ fus ele doamne"( 4 Am s-o ,-d"l( 6e/" vedea $um #'" va reven"% *"se r-*-nd( 8oamna ,emu( Cu o s"n,ur! m"'$are mar"narul #" smulse fus a de &e ea( 4 C3"lo/e" ro*7 0u+"l! el% d-ndu-" o &alm! &es e fese( Ha"% re*e' e- e7 He"n* nu se va ma" #n oar$e n"$"oda ! la Ham+ur,( < nou! ser"e de +om+e( Pa3arele s-au r!s urna sun-nd% lum"na s-a s "ns% una d"n fe e /"&a de fr"$!( >eld?e+el-ul #n$e&u s! $-n e( Pol"/a"ul u'ea( Cas$a " se ros o,ol"se #n r-un $ol/ #n momen ul eI&lo*"e"( .ar"narul s!ru a feme"a $are ,emea #n runa( 4 )n s!n! a ea m"r"lor7 se au*" un ,las( Toa ! lumea a r-s '" am +!u #n s!n! a ea mar"narulu" '" a doamne"( 4 ."'$!- e% &u oare% se au*" #n #n uner"$( .-"ne e ul "mul meu drum $u U-l8F% a*" #ns! e r-ndul !u( Trude aduse lum-n!r" '" #n &enum+r! am deose+" dou! ru&ur" #n "nse &e 0os( 8oamna s$oase un /"&! as$u/" ( Pol"/a"ul m-r-"= 4 Por$ule% las-o #n &a$e7 Tan " 8ora se r"d"$! #n !$ere '" #na"n ! &e #n uner"$ s&re +!r+a ul $ul$a deasu&ra doamne"( )m+r!$!m"n ea feme"" era sf-'"a !% se a&!ra v"olen % dar ma elo ul era &e $ale de a-'" a "n,e s$o&ul( Gard"anul se &le$! s&re mar"nar '" #" smulse v"$ "ma( E!r+a ul se r"d"$! *+"er-nd +e*me "$((( Se re&e*" la u'!( 4 La &r"ma m"'$are ra,7 amen"n/! &ol"/a"ul( .ar"narul d"s&!ru morm!"nd &e s$!r"( A un$" am au*" $um &o$nes$ +om+ele "n$end"are( Pe asfal se r!s&-nd" un l"$3"d ar*! or% "ar fl!$!r"le s-au #n!l/a % v""% "s$-nd o $!ldur! $a de $u& or( C"neva s r",a $er-nd n"s"&( Um+rele oamen"lor se alun,eau #n lum"na a$eas a de "ad( S rada #n rea,! ardea( Tan " 8ora a&r"nse $alm! un ra+u$% al dou!*e$elea de la #n$e&u ul alarme"( Le,"onarul $-n a A6"no% dul$e moar e% v"no(((B( L-am v!*u &r"n fereas r! &e mar"nar a&r"n*-ndu-se &re$um o or/!% se o&" #n$e &-n! $-nd d"n el nu r!mase de$- un fel de &!&u'! ro'"a "$!( >eme"a v"ola ! 'edea &e 0os '" &r"vea dre& #na"n e% f!r! a vedea $eva( Se $l! "na /"&-nd mereu '" #n$e&u s! se loveas$! $u $a&ul de &ere/"% d"n $e #n $e ma" re&ede% $a un ren $are &r"nde v" e*!( Glasul e" ur$! #n r-un va"e as$u/" ( 4 A #nne+un" % s&use un su+of"/er de &"on"er"( Tan " 8ora #'" arun$! &r"v"r"le asu&ra feme"" $are se +alansa( 4 8u-o #n s&a e% &orun$"% f!$-nd semn lu" E?ald( 8"n nou +u+u" de une ( )n a&ro&"ere $asele se &r!+u'eau% s r",! ele #ns! fur! #n,3"/" e de fur una de fl!$!r" $are m! ura% &re$um un ura,an o ul d"n Hansa&la *(

Tan " 8ora% $alm! #n $on "nuare% ne-a adus un &la ou $u $as ane $oa& e% &e $are le-am m-n$a $u sare &-n! $-nd o &a rul! a Serv"$"ulu" de Se$ur" a e #'" f!$u o "n rare *,omo oas!( )n -" s-au u" a la ,ard"an% $are #'" &use la lo$ &e $a& $as$a% "ar <+ers$3arf@3rer-ul $are $omanda ru&a flu"er! lun,( 4 A3a7 Ia ! un a,en $are s ! la $!ldur"$!% $e sur&r"*! &l!$u !7 Gard"anul lu! &o*"/"a de dre&/" &re*en -ndu-'" ra&or ul( 4 Ins&e$ or de &ol"/"e Mrull% de la "nf"rmer"a G!r"" Cen rale( N"m"$ de semnala ( SS-"' "" au "*+u$n" #n r-s( 4 N-a" "ma,"na/"e% a a"e7 Gum! a e d"n $ar "er arde '" u n-a" n"m"$ de semnala 5 Afar!% $3"ar l-n,! "n rare% sun dou! $adavre '" nu a" n"m"$ de semnala 5 SS-"s ul #n "nse m-na r-*-nd( >!r! o vor+!% &ol"/a"ul "-a #nm-na ord"nul de &a rulare '" $arne ul( SS-"s ul r!sfo" ne&!s! or $arne/elul $enu'"u% f!r! s! $" eas$! ord"nul de serv"$"u% +!,! o ul #n +u*unarul de la &"e& '" " se adres!= 4 )/" dore' " un ,lon e-n $eaf!% a a"e5 Pol"/a"ul $l"&" des% #'" a," ! $a&ul '" ros " $eva ne"n el","+"l( 4 S! e &u" la ad!&os #n +ordelul !s a% #n "m& $e no" ne fa$em da or"a% e &rea de o 7 )l &er$3e*"/"on! a en % #nv-r "ndu-se #n 0urul &ol"/a"ulu"( .auserul d"s&!ru #n +u*unarul SS-"s ulu"( 4 Ha"% $u fa/a la &ere e% dar ma" re&ede7 Cu au oma ul #l #m&"nse $! re *"d( 4 Te ve" +!l!+!n" de-o fun"e% nene &ol"/a"ule% $u un anun/ &e +urd"3an= 8e*er or7 Ce"lal/" SS-"' " se &r!&!deau de r-s( 4 .-"n"le la $eaf!% or" #/" smul, ure$3"le7 *+"er! 'eful( )n or$-ndu-se $! re +ar $omand!= 4 C"n$" 3al+e% re&ede( Tan " 8ora se r"d"$! f!$-nd $u o$3"ul lu" Trude% $are d"s&!ru #n s&a e% a$olo unde era elefonul '" lu! lo$ul e" de la +ar( Puf!"a nervoas!( SS-"s ul o &r"vea "ns"s en ( S",uran/a sa &!rea $! s$ade #n fa/a a$es e" feme" ,rase $u o$3"" dur"% $are-l m!sura $u "nd"feren/!( 4 Am *"s $"n$" 3al+e( Tan " 8ora #'" s$oase foar e #n$e /",ara d"n ,ur! '" #" sufl! fumul #n o+ra*( 4 Nu( To/" au r!mas #nm!rmur"/"( Cuv-n ul r!sunase ea &o$ne ul une" $ara+"ne( Le,"onarul #'" des$o&er" d"n/""( Se r"d"$! '" el a'e*-ndu-se &e a+ure ul de l-n,! <+ers$3arf@3rer( 4 Cre*" $!-" meser"a'% omul5 o #n re+! &e Tan " 8ora ar! -ndu-l $u $a&ul( 4 Nu% $u s",uran/! #ns! un &ros ( 4 C"ne-" &ros 5 He"% ma roano7 r!$n" SS-"s ul( Tan " 8ora #" sufl! d"n nou fumul #n o+ra*( 4 Tu( 8a$! a" f" fos ma" 'me$3er% de mul e-a" f" $!ra de a"$"( 8"n s&a ele &r!v!l"e" a&!ru Trude% $are f!$u un semn a+"a v!*u $! re Tan " 8ora '"-l &r"v" $u vo"o'"e &e SS-"s ( A$es a se r!s " fur"os= 4 .! amen"n/"% *drean/o5 E "m&ul s! ne fa$" o v"*" !( .! vo" o$u&a &ersonal de "ne% $o&"la mea7 <amen"" s!" r-ser! are '" unul d"n re e" #'" &use au oma ul &e +ar( Le,"onarul #" #m&"nse $a d"n ,re'eal! '" arma $!*u &e 0os $u *,omo ( 4 N! !r!ule7 url! SS-"s ul( Tan " 8ora o &r"v" d"n nou &e Trude% $are #n$uv""n/! d"n $a&( 4 A&lea$!- e '" $ule,e-/" arma% ordon! 'eful omulu" s!u( A&o"% $! re Tan " 8ora= Ce se aude $u 3al+ele alea5 Tre+u"e s! n" le lu!m s"n,ur"5 4 Nu &r"m"/" n"m"$% s&use Tan " 8ora% a'e*-nd o s "$l! &e &enul "mul raf d"n s&a ele e"( 4 Ce-a" *"s5 Refu*" s! ne serve' "5 Un SS-"s se s re$ur! #n s&a ele e0,3ele"( 4 >! $e /" se s&une% &lo'n"/o% sau e va" de $a&ul !u( >eld?e+el-ul $el $u &erm"s de v-n! oare se r"d"$! '" se a&ro&"e #m&le "$"ndu-se de +ar( 4 Le&re de SS% $"ne vrea s! se +a ! $u m"ne5 SS-"s ul #" arun$! o &r"v"re "nd"feren !( 4 )n "nde-o% se$! ur!7

>el?e+el-ul% $l! "n-ndu-se d"n $e #n $e ma" are% #'" l"&" o+ra*ul de $el al 'efulu"( 4 6a s! *"$! o $au/"% le&!d! ur!7 Cel!lal nu-l lov" de$- o s"n,ur! da ! $u &a ul revolverulu" '" >eld?e+el-ul se &r!+u'" $a un +olovan( 8"n nas " se s$ur,ea un f"r"$el de s-n,e( 4 A$um a0un,e7 m-r"" Tan " 8ora% &un-nd 0os /",area( 8a$! nu d"s&!re/" la re&e*eal! o/" $"n$"% o &!/"/" s! /"ne/" m"n e( A*v-rl" au oma ul de &e +ar( A$es a e lo$al% nu arsenal( Se a&u$! s! ' ear,! frene "$ e0,3eaua% u" -ndu-se &e fur"' $! re u'!( Le,"onarul des$3"se ,ura s! s&un! $eva% dar #" 'o& "= 4 Ta$"% ve*"-/" de rea+a a( 4 Pe o/" dra$""7 un! <+ers$3arf@3rer-ul( T-rf! +! r-n!% e $!s!&"m% s! vedem $um #/" ara ! 3o" ul7 )" d!du un &"$"or >eld?e+el-ulu" #n nes"m/"re% f!$-nd s!-" $ad! &ansamen ul( A&!ru o $"$a r"$e lun,!% re$en !( Era des$3"s! #n ma" mul e lo$ur"% se &u ea vedea $arnea ro'"e s r!+! u ! de un dren( Una d"n fe e se a&le$! asu&ra r!n" ulu"= 4 Hans7 <3% s!rmanul Hans7 )l -r# $u mare ,reu a e &-n! la una d"n re n"'e( SS-"' "" r-deau% "ar 'eful r"d"$! d"n umer"( 4 La &le$are s!-l lua/" '" &e de$!*u ul !s a% #l vom da &u/"n la dara$( C" a$um s! v"n! +erea% or" a/" da de dra$u7 EIa$ #n $l"&a a$eea &or arul u'" u'or( Tan " 8ora r"d"$! re&ede $a&ul '" *-m+"( A&!ruse un +!r+a m!run/el% $u un fular al+ #n 0urul ,- ulu"% #n r-un "m&ermea+"l $enu'"u '" $u m-nu'" al+e( Avea o$3"" $"uda/"% o&ales$en/"% $a la mor/"( Tan " 8ora #'" a&r"nse al ra+u$% &o$n" d"n de,e e '" s&use= 4 Eun! seara% Paul( .!run/elul #n$l"n! $a&ul( 4 He"l H" ler7 Pan of"" lu" s$-r/-"au( >!r! s! se ,r!+eas$!% "n roduse o /",ar! #n r-un lun, /",are de ar,"n % $u $a&! ul de f"lde'% #n "m& $e SS-"' "" #l &r"veau 3"&no "*a/"( )ndre& ! /",are ul $! re <+ers$3arf@3rer-ul $!/!ra &e a+ure ( C!&e en"a *+"r"lor se ul+ur!( Nu &rea ' "a $e s! fa$!( S! se r"d"$e '" s!-'" &re*"n e ra&or ul% or" &ur '" s"m&lu s! r!$neas$!= AGura7B% $eea $e "-ar f" &l!$u ma" mul ( Glasul #" era #ns! &rea fam"l"ar% #" am"n ea de $a*arm! sau de $or"doarele #n une$a e de la &ol"/"e( Nu #ndr!*nea( Pe de al ! &ar e% eI&er"en/a #l #nv!/ase $! su+ /oalele r"d"$ole ale $"v"l"lor se &u eau as$unde sur&r"*e de ne$re*u ( Alune$! de &e a+ure % #ns! #n$e % '" nu-'" a&ro&"e de$- &e 0um! a e $!l$-"ele% f!r! a le &o$n"( S&use $! f!$ea o ra*"e o+"'nu" ! '" ,!s"se un ,ard"an de s rad! sus&e$ de de*er are( E!r+a ul $el s$und arun$! o &r"v"re ne&!s! oare s&re a,en ul #n &"$"oare de l-n,! &ere e( 4 <rd"nul de ra*"e5 SS-"s ul 'ov!"( < m-nu'! de &"ele al+! se #n "nse &orun$" oare( 4 <rd"nul5 4 Nu am% domnule( Un o$3" m"ra #l &r"v"% unul s"n,ur% $el s -n, de &e $3"&ul &al"d( Cel!lal &r"vea #n ,ol% era d"n s "$l!% la fel de nes"m/" or $a '" "n"ma omule/ulu"% foar e &o r"v" #ns! &en ru a-" #n,ro*" &e "n$ul&a/"( 4 Ce #nseamn! as a5 Nu a" ord"nul5 4 Nu% domnule((( SS-"s ul 'ov!"a s!-" a$orde un ,rad( C"ne na"+a era5 Am $re*u de $uv""n/! s! $on role* &u/"n $loa$a as a de a"$"( <mule/ul r"d"$! un $ol/ al +u*elor #n r-un sur-s $e sem!na $u o ,r"mas! #nf"or! oare( 4 C"ne a $re*u de $uv""n/!5 C" $e #n/ele," &r"n $loa$!5 A"$" nu-" de$- un s"n,ur &or$% "ar a$ela e' " $3"ar dumnea a% <+ers$3arf@3rer( Urm! o !$ere &relun,!( Undeva de&ar e se au*eau +om+ele $!*-nd( 4 8umnea a $ondu$" ru&a5 4 8a% domnule( 4 Nu ma" s&une7 Pr"n urmare% dumnea a e' " v"nova de "le,al" a ea as a5 Ra*"e &e $on &ro&r"u% f!r! ord"n( Cons"l"ul de r!*+o"% nu-" a'a% <+ers$3arf@3rer5 )/" re$uno' " des",ur v"nov!/"a5 SS-"s ul se +!l!+!nea nes",ur de &e un &"$"or &e $el!lal ( Avea a$um $!l$-"ele

a&ro&"a e% "ar de,e ul m"$ era &e $us! ura &an alon"lor( Ceva nu era #n re,ul! $u $"v"lul !s a( Tan " 8ora ' er,ea #n $on "nuare e0,3eaua% $u o$3"" s r!lu$" or" de +u$ur"e r!u !$"oas!( 4 <+ers$3arf@3rer-ul SS Erenner ra&or ea*! $! re$unoa' e( E!r+a ul $el s$und r"d"$! o s&r"n$ean!( <$3"ul v"u se ma" #n une$! &u/"n% $el mor r!mase de ,3ea/!( 4 6om ma" s a de vor+! la Car "erul ,eneral( Po/" &le$a $u oamen"" dum" ale( 4 6! ro, s!-m" s&une/"% domnule% unde s!-m" #na"n e* ra&or ul5 <mule/ul d!du roa ! lo$alulu" f!r! s! r!s&und!( Pr"v" #n numeroasele n"'e% "lum"na e $u $- e o lum-nare% '" ar! ! $! re a,en ul de s rad!% $are s a dre& % l"&" de &ere e% $u m-"n"le la $eafa( 4 Pe !s a lua/"-l $u vo"( <+ers$3arf@3rer-ul% #n $on "nuare #n &o*"/"e de dre&/"% se r!su$ea &en ru a se ,!s" mereu $u fa/ a la m!run/el( 4 Unde re+u"e s! ne &re*en !m% domnule5 N"$" un r!s&uns( E!r+a ul #n ne,ru era a$um #n fa/a +arulu" '" &r"vea s "$lele( Tan " 8ora fre$a ma" de&ar e% f!r! a &r"v" la n"men"( Trude #" urn! un &a3ar de ra$3"u de "enu&!r( ."ros" &a3arul( 4 8"n <landa% s&use% $a '" $um '"-ar f" vor+" s"n,ur( R!su$ea &a3arul &r"v"nd l"$3"dul( )n$e&u s! fredone*e= Fudenblut soll spritzen... S! $ur,! s-n,e de evreu((( &use &a3arul &e +ar% #l ma" adulme$! o da ! '" murmur!= 4 Ams erdam( Me"*ers,ra$3 ( )l ma" duse o da ! la nas% f!$u un semn d"n $a& '" se r"d"$! f!r! a f" ,us a ( Se #ndre& ! re&ede s&re u'!% dar% #n re$ere% #" &use m-na &e um!r lu" E?ald( 4 Tu e &re*"n/" m-"ne la ora 9; '" 9N la m"ne( Adresa /"-o s&une 'eful !u( ProIene ul se f!$u al+ la fa/! $a un mor ( )l a' e& au vremur" ,rele( 8e l-n,! u'! "&ul $el s$und se ma" #n oarse $! re $!&e en"a *+"r"lor( 4 Sun $ons"l"erul 0ud"$"ar Paul E"eler % de la S",uran/a Na/"onal!% Se$/"a a 2-a% II A( C" d"s&!ru( 4 8ra$e7 'o& " <+ers$3arf@3rer-ul% n!u$" ( A>rumosul PaulB #n &ersoan!7 )'" &r"v" ru&a( As a #nsemna &le$area a&ro&"a ! s&re fron ul de r!s!r" % #n r-o un" a e $om+a an !( Clea3 a l-a lua &e ,ard"an #n 'u ur"H l-au amen"n/a &e &or ar '" l-au s$u"&a &e E?ald% dar n-au s&us n"m"$ la adresa lu" Tan " 8ora( Era a"$" $eva $e nu &u eau &r"$e&e( Sun! #n$e area alarme"( Pre u "nden" #n ora' r!suna urle ul s"renelor &om&"er"lor% $are s r!+! eau s r!*"le( Ardea &es e o ( P-n! la no" a0unse m"ros de $arne ars!( Carne de om( >eld?e+el-ul $u &erm"sul de v-n! oare nu #'" ma" reven" '" mur" #n +ra/ele fe e" $are se v"ndea &e un '" $afea% ma" &re/"oase de$- l"n,our"le de aur( 4 >"r-ar s! f"e7 eI$lam! Le,"onarul( Ce sear!7 < &r"v" &e Tan " 8ora% $are #'" sor+ea ra$3"ul( 4 C"ne-" E"eler '" de unde #l $uno' "5 4 E' " $ur"os% nu-" a'a5 *-m+" ea( Paul E"eler es e s$ul! mare la &ol"/"a 0ud"$"ar!% a"$" la Ham+ur,( E $ons"l"er( Semn! ura lu" e &oa e r"m" e f!r! 0ude$a ! #n $a&! ul $el!lal al lum""( S urm+annf@3rer% sau a'a $eva( 4 C" u fre$ven e*" asemenea mons ru5 Tan " 8ora urm!% f!r! a-" &!sa de #n reru&ere( 4 Pe vremur"% Paul nu era mare lu$ru% un 'me$3er oare$are de la AMr"&o7B( L-am s$!&a o da ! d"n r-o +elea Pse s$o+" #n d"n/" $u un $3"+r" R( >!r! m"ne% A>rumosul PaulB '"-ar f" f((( noro$ul% dar% +"ne#n/eles% m"-am lua m!sur"le mele de s",uran/!( R-se #n$e "'or( 4 C-nd a" de a fa$e $u 'er&" de so"ul as a% #/" re+u"e ser +un( Le,"onarul se s$!r&"n! du&! ure$3e( 4 Hm((( f!$u el dus &e ,-ndur"( S-ar &u ea s! f"e $am nes!n! os( Ce s-ar #n -m&la da$! A>rumosulu" PaulB "-ar r!*n" &r"n m"n e $! e ma" &ruden s! s$a&e de "ne((( )n lo$ul
7 Mr"mm"nal&ol"*e"

4 Pol"/"a Gud"$"ar!

lu"% eu a'a a' fa$e% "e&ura'ule( Tan " 8ora se &use &e r"s( 4 Ia s&une% Alfred% $3"ar m! $re*" ul "ma $"*m!5 4 La dra$u% f"re' e $! nu7 8a$! a" f" fos fa ! mare% de mul n-a" ma" f" &e a"$"((( 8ar +!"a ul !s a are o mu r!7 ."e nu m"-ar &l!$ea s! ' "u $eva $are "-ar &u ea #" d!un! or( Tan " 8ora se d"s ra( 4 8a$! $"neva ar f" a - de &ros #n$- s! m! r!$eas$!% o $eea $e ' "u ar "e'" d"n morm-n % "ar r"+unalele ar re+u" s! fa$! 8N ore su&l"men are( < ' "u o/"( Es e #n "n eresul lor s! nu m" se #n -m&le n"m"$ '" s! s$a& $u v"a/! d"n r!*+o"ul !s a% &o/" s! m! $re*"( E foar e &os"+"l de al fel s! sf-r'es$ s"n,ur!% $u $- eva d"n re -rfe% #n $!u are de $l"en/"% undeva #n s&a ele +"ser"$"" Sf-n ul ."$3ael( A un$" #ns! Adolf va f" $r!&a de mul ( 8!du &es e $a& ra$3"ul '" #'" #nfo" $3"$a nea,r! $u am-ndou! m-"n"le( 4 Ceea $e ' "" des&re el e de na ur! &ol" "$!5 4 >"re' e( Cre*" oare $! "&"" de so"ul !s a se em de o s"m&l! $r"m!5 Am +!u #n !$ere( Pol"/a"ul $are "n rase doar s!-'" s&ele ,- le0ul de fum a fos 0ude$a de un r"+unal eI$e&/"onal% #n numa" dou!*e$" de m"nu e( Gude$! orul% un 0ude$! or +! r-n% avea de 0ude$a m"" de oamen"% $eea $e era $u mul &es e &u er"le lu"( So/"a sa s ud"a dosarele% #n "m& $e el m-n$a '" semna nenum!ra e do$umen e d"n $are nu $" "se n"$" m!$ar un s"n,ur r-nd( 8u&! r!*+o" s-a re ras la &ens"e% $ul "v-nd lalele '" ,aroafe l-n,! $!su/a sa d"n Aum@3le% la $"n$" m"nu e d"s an/! de s a u"a lu" E"smarJ( )n *"ua $-nd a &ronun/a verd"$ ul nefer"$" ulu" ,ard"an% avusese o d"m"nea/! deose+" de #n$!r$a ! '" se ,r!+ea s! v"n! a$as! la &r-n*( )n numele >@3rer-ulu"% a$u*a ul va &l! " $u v"a/a de*er area% av-nd #ns! #n vedere numero'"" an" &e re$u/" #n $adrul &ol"/"e"% es e "er a de de$a&" are '" va f" eIe$u a &r"n #m&u'$are( Pronun/! AHe"l H" lerB $-nd a&roa&e $! &!r!s"se sala( Pol"/a"ul de $"n$"*e$" de an"% $are avea re"*e$" de an" de serv"$"u% se &r!+u'" 3o3o "nd( C"neva &oves ea $! aman ul era &e 0um! a e mor de fr"$! #na"n e $3"ar de a f" s r!&uns de dou!s&re*e$e ,loan/e( Un os a' d"n &lu on #l a "nse la $a&% mu "l-ndu-l( As a era #m&o r"va re,ulamen ulu"% '" &u ea re$e dre& a$ de v"olen/! 4 $eva $e nu-'" are lo$ul #n $adrul une" eIe$u/"" m"l" are( Lo$o enen ul de &ol"/"e $are $omanda &lu onul se #nro'" de su&!rare '"-l &ede&s" &e v"nova % $are% du&! dou! s!& !m-n"% &le$! #n Polon"a s! urm!reas$! &ar "*an"( )n r-o noa& e #n une$os% $om&an"a lor a fos r"m"s! undeva la nord de Lem+er,( 8ou! $am"oane s-au #m&o mol" ( )n "m& $e mun$eau s! le el"+ere*e% au "*+u$n" deoda ! fo$ur" de arm!( Un fo$ "n ens% $u m"$" fl!$!r" al+as re( 6eneau d"n drea& a% d"n s -n,a '" d"n fa/a lor( To ul nu a dura de$- eIa$ &a rus&re*e$e m"nu e% a&o" s-a l!sa !$ereaH nu se ma" au*ea de$rosne ul fl!$!r"lor $are m"s u"au $am"oanele '" $- eva ,eme e( Um+re #m+r!$a e /!r!ne' e s-au "v" d"n #n uner"$( Au da $u &"$"orul #n mor/"% "ar r!n"/"lor lov" ura de ,ra/"e( Nu le luase mul "m& s! l"$3"de*e 97S de solda/" d"n &ol"/"e% lo$o enen ul Was"l"0 Polonef d"s&!ru a&o" !$u % a'a $um ven"se( Ce" 97S de solda/" omor-/" erau o/" oamen" #n v-rs !% $are +! user! an" de-a r"ndul s r!*"le d"n Ham+ur,% Eremen sau L@+e$J% f!r! a f" +!nu" vreoda ! eI"s en/a unor asemenea u$",a'" fana "$"% de ea&a lu" Was"l"0 Polonef( 8u&! un anum" "m&% fam"l""le vor &r"m" $- e o $ar e &o' al!= ASer,en ul ma0or S$3ul * Psau .@llerR a $!*u la da or"e% &en ru >@3rer '" &a r"e( >@3rer-ul v! mul/ume' eB( .a" ales nu re+u"a s! &l-n,"% $!$" a-/" ar! a durerea nu e demn de un ,erman% as a &u ea f" $ons"dera dre& sa+o a0H &-n! '" anun/ur"le mor uare nu re+u"au s! &omeneas$! de sufer"n/!( AAm &r"m" $u m-ndr"e ves ea mor/"" f"ulu" nos ru% lo$o enen ul #n re*erv! He"n* .@ller% $!*u &en ru &a r"e(((B Tre" s!& !m-n" ma" -r*"u% fam"l"a .@ller &r"m"se o s$r"soare lun,! $are anun/a eI&ed"erea a 927 m!r$" '" ;S de &fen"n,"% re$uno' "n/a arma e" &en ru sa$r"f"$"u( E! r-nul .@ller s-a #nfur"a '" s&use o mul/"me de lu$rur" &e seama &re/ulu" s-n,elu"% dar fu au*" de $"neva $are su&rave,3ea $asa( )n seara urm! oare% au a&!ru do" domn" +"ne #m+r!$a/"% $are #l s!l ar! &e .@ller( A fos '" un &ro$es( 8efe "sm% &ur are ne$ores&un*! oare &en ru un +un ,erman% ofense aduse

>@3rer-ulu" '" #ndemn la r!s$oal!( )n r-o d"m"nea/! de no"em+r"e% &e $-nd &loua m!run % $!l!ul #" !"e $a&ul lu" .@ller- a !l( 8oamna .@ller% $are r!"se a - a vreme al! ur" de Hans .@ller% a fos r"m"s! la Ravens+r@$J% &en ru reedu$are(

8n cor de strigte i chemri se nla din mii de guri. >ombele cdeau ca grindina. (e strzi alergau tore umane, prefcndu- se apoi n mici mumii. 4l chemau n a&utor pe -umnezeu, dar -omnul nu-i auzea. >iserica 'fntu icolaie era o mare de flcri. (reotul ncerc s sal!eze 'fintele +doare, dar un Christ mare de piatr se prbui peste el rupndu-i alele. Ardea =amburgul. oi beam n pi!nia spitalului, n timp ce tabii (artidului benchetuiau ntr- un restaurant subteran din >aum;all, unde (aul >ielert cuta un asasin. (entru &efuitorii de cada!re, noaptea se do!edea fructuoas. E<.EAR8A.ENT 8E N<APTE Asu&ra s&" alulu" $!deau or&"lele av"a/"e" "nam"$e( C!m"nul de $o&"" d"ns&re Landun,s+r@$Je fusese d"s rus #n$! ma" #na"n e( Un nor ur"a' de fum '" $!m"nul d"s&!ruse% #m&reun! $u 'o"m"" 3" ler"' " '" o/" $e"lal/" $o&"" d"n &"vn"/!( To a un$" au d"s&!ru '" $e" nou! +!"e/" de do"s&re*e$e an"% servan/"" unul an "aer"an( < ar"&! a s&" alulu"% $ea $are avea fa/ada &e Na$3 s rasse% fusese &e 0um! a e ras!( Se ma" &u eau vedea res ur"le $on ors"ona e ale &a ur"lor de f"er% un &"$"or ,ol smuls de la ,enun$3" su+ un ro" +-*-" or de mu' e '" o m-n!% o m-n! mare% as&r!% $u un "nel ne ed &e de,e ( C"-o d"s&u au do" $-"n" $os el"v"% $eea $e ne f!$u s! r-dem( 4 .are &or$!r"e% $amara*"% sufl! Le,"onarul( Sf-r'" ul e a&roa&e% Re"$3-ul dev"ne l"n"a #n -"( )n fa/a +er!r"e" Sf-n u Paul% o feme"e &e 0um! a e #nf!'ura ! #n ru-un $ovor ro*% ve$3"% a$o&er" ! oa ! de &raf de $al$ar $enu'"u% &l-n,ea de una s"n,ur!( )n *"ua a$eea erau mul/" $are &l-n,eau s"n,ur"( Pe &oar a d"ns&re m"a*!noa& e a Ham+ur,ulu" fu v!*u ! o lun,! &ro$es"une% erau mun$" or"" s r!"n" $are lu$rau $u $on ra$ ( N"men" nu #n$er$! s!-" ares e*e% &ol"/"a se &r!+u'"se( Cu &over" ,rele &e umer"% mun$" or"" s r!+! ur! Neum@ns er% re$ur! &odul de la Rens+our, '" se #ndre& ar! $! re ,ran"/!( Erau s! u" de r!*+o"ul ,erman( Au re$u ,ran"/a f!r! a f" $on rola/"% German"a oa ! &!rea $u&r"ns! de fl!$!r"( )n $eea $e ne &r"vea% "e'"rea d"n s&" al a fos am-na ! f!r! eI&l"$a/"" '" am fos re&ar "*a/" la de,a0area ru"nelor% dar $ea $are ne $omanda era mul &rea l"&s" ! de eI&er"en/!% &en ru $! ane ve$3" $a no"( Era o "nf"rm"er!-'ef!% nou-ven" !% $are &ur a un $o$ mare #n v-rful $a&ulu"% o feme"e "&"$ ,erman!% sla+! '" &l"n! de ea( Pe &"e& % deasu&ra +ro'e" de ar,"n % se l!f!"a em+lema Par "dulu"% oa ! d"n aur( 6or+ea ,u ural '" r!,u'" ( 4 6o" !"a &a ru% ne&r"$o&s"/"lor% fa$e/" +"ne '" m"'$a/"-v! ma" re&ede7 >a$e/" ros de o lo&a ! '" de,a0a/" s a/"a D( 4 < s"n,ur! lo&a !5 se "n eres! ."$u/ul( 4 <+ra*n"$ule7 l! r! mu"erea $ea sla+!( Le,"onarul se r"d"$! foar e ne&!s! or '" *"se #n fran/u*e' e= 4 Allons-O% les ,ars78 4 A"$" se vor+e' e #n ,erman!7 *+"er! ea( 4 .a" du- e dra$ulu"7 >eme"a s$r-'n" d"n d"n/" '" d"s&!ru &e s$!r"( < "nf"rm"er! m!run/"$!% $are v!*use s$ena% ne 'o& "= 4 >er"/"-v! de .a 3"lda7 Are un fra e la Ges a&o((( Le,"onarul se adres! ."$u/ulu"=
8 S! mer,em%

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4 Am"n e' e-m" s-o re$ &e .a 3"lda &e l"s a lu" Por a( 4 8e $e5 f!$u m"$a "nf"rm"er! m"ra !( Le,"onarul o &r"nse de +!r+"e( 4 Pen ru *"ua r!fu"el"lor% dr!,u/o( >a$em l"s a d"n fu,a $alulu"( 4 8umne*eule7 eI$lam! &ros u/a% n-o/" f" $omun"' "5 Cam"ona,"ul $el vo"n"$ W"llO Eauer "*+u$n" #n r-s '" fa a $l! "n! $a&ul v!*-ndu-ne &le$-nd( 4 S! a" ,r"0! $e s&u"% Gre 3e% 'o& " une" $ole,e( Comun"' "" #'" no ea*! numele% e "m&ul s-o ' er,em( Sora Gre 3e se &orn" s! r-d!( 4 Nu e $a*ul meu% fa o( Ta !l meu e de $"n$" an" #n r-un la,!r de $on$en rare( Era na/"onal-so$"al"s % dar nu ' "a s!-'" /"n! l"m+a-n fr-u( )n/ele,"% am as fel o &ol"/! de as",urare &en ru v"" or( Cealal ! se s$!r&"na ,-nd" oare( 4 .!$ar da$! a' &u ea s&une la fel( 8"n &!$a e #ns! a !l meu es e ma"or #n r-o d"v"*"e SA Adas Re"$3B( Con "nuar! s! s&ele #n !$ere $anule '" ser"n,"% "ar du&! un "m& $ea m"$! *"se% &"erdu ! #n ,-ndur"= 4 Poa e $! ar re+u" s! ra&or e* 'efulu"5 A'a s&une re,ulamen ul $-nd e vor+a de $uv"n e su+vers"ve( Gre 3e se u" ! lun, la ea( 4 .ar,are % s! nu fa$" as a7 Se &oa e #n oar$e #m&o r"va a #n *"ua $-nd Adolf nu va ma" f"( Re,ulamen ele as ea sun f!$u e s! le $al$" #n &"$"oare% am"n e' e-/" sfa ul meu= n-a" v!*u % n-a" au*" % n-a" vor+" 7 Se r!su$" s! &le$e '" #" ma" *"se o da != 4 8a$! vre" s! e /"" la su&rafa/!% /"ne m"n e $e /"-am s&us( .!n-n$!% dorm"% $ul$!- e $u $"ne vre"% dar /"ne-/" ,ura% as a e &r"n$"&alul( Sora Gre 3e lu$rea*! '" as !*" #n r-un s&" al( T"m& de &a ru an" a #n,r"0" solda/"% a #n$3"s o$3"" mor/"lor% "-a oro&" $u morf"n! a un$" $-nd erau #n &ra,ul ne+un"e"% s-a $ul$a $u e" $-nd era la $a&! ul nerv"lor( T"m& de do" an" a #n,r"0" solda/" en,le*"% f!$-ndu-le "n0e$/""% o$!r"ndu-" $um f!$use '" $u solda/"" ,erman"( A&o"% $"v"l"" au lua lo$ul solda/"lor% $u +ol" $"uda e '" ne$unos$u e &-n! a un$"( Inf"rm"era Gre 3e de la Cru$ea Ro'"e refu*! s! ur$e s$!r"le "erar3"$e '" $on "nu! s! fa$! "n0e$/""( 8"n $-nd #n $-nd #n -lnea $- e un fos &a$"en % ,erman% norve,"an% dane*% en,le* or" ne,ru $on,ole*% ara+ d"n Al,er% vreun le,"onar remur-nd de fe+r! $are se #n or$ea d"n Indo$3"na( Se +u$ura rev!*-ndu-"% +ea $u e"% uneor" se $ul$a $u unul or" $u al ul( 4 )n o deauna nu-" de$- o f""n/! omeneas$!% s&unea ea% '" am v!*u a - de mul e(((7 Gre 3e a fos o mare "nf"rm"er!% &e $are un"" o d"s&re/u"au #n numele morale"% dar al/"" mul ma" omeno'" 4 o salu au $u res&e$ ( C" " orule% da$! ve" re$e vreoda ! &r"n Ham+ur,% du- e la Landun,s+r@$Jen% nu de&ar e de Ree&ers+a3n( La s -n,a fa/! de HafenJranJ3e" % #n r-o $as! re ras!% $are es e o $l"n"$! de s&e$"al" a e% o ve" ,!s" &e sora Gre 3e '" mul/ume' e-" #n numele u uror +!r+a/"lor ne$unos$u/" #n un"form! verde sau JaJ"( ."$a .ar,are a fos s&-n*ura ! #n r-o *" de ma" d"n anul 9F2S% mur"nd o a - de &ros e' e &re$um r!"se% #n numele morale" '" d"n $au*a num!rulu" &rea mare de ra&oar e( <d"3neas$!-se #n &a$e% nu e s"n,ura de felul e"( )n $eea $e ne &r"vea% ,!s"sem m"0lo$ul s! $3"ul"m de la de,a0area erenulu" '" 0u$am $!r/" #n &"vn"/!% la "nf"rm"erul Pe ers( 4 C!$"% s&unea Le,"onarul% da$! a0u !m la de,a0!r"% a0u !m #n a$ela'" "m& '" &e $e" &e $are #" ur-m( Pe ers $-' ",a( Ne ,3"f u"a $u $-rna/" s ro&"/" $u al$ool de FN de ,rade% #ndo" $u a&! '" eram fer"$"/" $! sun em #n v"a/!( La Ham+ur,% #n 9F22% a$es a era lu$rul de $!&e en"e( >r!/"orul ar! ! $! re un +or$an #n $are &lu ea $eva ,reu de def"n" ( 4 Ce ma" e '" as a5 #n re+!% lun,"nd ,- ul( Pe ers &r"v" #na&o" '" r!s&unse= 4 Un a&end"$e "nfe$ a ( Pl"n de "n eres% ."$u/ul #l $ulese $u v-rful de,e elor '" flu"er! $-"nele al $!ru" +o se vedea se su+ a&ara ul $u ra*e X(

4 E' " un &or$7 #" *"se Le,"onarul an"malulu"% o+serv-nd $um #n,3" e +u$a a de "n es "n( 4 A" s! ve*"% &rofe/" Pe ers% &un r!m!'a, $-rn!$"or"" me" $on ra 'na&sulu" !u $! #l d! afar!( C-"nele% ol!n" #n r-un $ol/% ne &r"vea $u o$3"" s!" #nfome a/"% deoda ! se r"d"$!% su,3"/! v"olen '" s$u"&! a&end"$ele( 4 Adu ra$3"ul7 s r",! Pe ers #n$-n a ( Am ' "u -o( Cu un ,es de mare sen"or "-a #na&o"a o u'" ."$u/ulu" un $-rn!$"or% anun/-ndu-ne $a #n &lu onul 7 es e un ar "ler"s #n s are s! #n,3" ! or"$e( 4 A"urea% f!$u Le,"onarul% $are nu $redea( Am ma" v!*u eu un"" $are #n,3" 'er&"% s "$l! sau s$u"&! fo$( 4 Ha" s! vedem% &ro&use ."$u/ul% da$! nu-" de a$ord% #l $o ono,"m( )n drum $! re &lu onul 7 am $ules #n ,r!d"n! o +roas$!( Ar "ler"s ul era un mun ean *drav!n $u &almele $- lo&e/"le( Pe frun ea 0oas! '" e'" !% s&r-n$enele " se #m&reunau '" o$3"" s!" m"$" '" ne,r" ne f"Iau "m&( R-se% foar e m-ndru% $-nd Pe ers #l #n re+! da$! ar &u ea m-n$a +roas$a( 4 )n,3" or"$e da$! m" se d! $eva &en ru a$eas a( 4 < &alm!7 *"se ."$u/ul( 4 Pen ru as a% r!s&unse ar "ler"s ul% v! &o sno&" &e o/"% $u "ne #n frun e% se$! ur!7 >r!/"orul res!r"( Un v-n! or de mun e se a&ro&"e '" #n,!"m! #n r-un d"ale$ a&roa&e de ne#n/eles= 4 Em"l &oa e ru&e $u m-na &"$"orul mese"% &oa e ame/" o va$!% u" e a'a7 C" va$a se &r!+u'e' e( Poa e r"d"$a un $al de ar "ler"e% $u 3arna'amen $u o ( ."$u/ul rase aer #n &"e& % &l"n de d"s&re/( Se duse la fereas ra r"&l!% a&u$! rama% o *,udu" de $- eva or"% a&o" #'" &use #n rea,a for/!( 1"dul #n$e&u s! $ra&e% ur"a'ul r!mase $u rama #n m-"n"% r"umf! or( A*v-rl" o ul &r"n ,olul feres re" #n ,r!d"n!% de unde se #n!l/! un *,omo de une #nso/" de &ro es e( Ar "ler"s ul r"d"$! +!r+"a( Se r"d"$! #n$e % a&u$! masa $ea mare d"n m"0lo$ul #n$!&er""% smulse un &"$"or '"-l sf!r-m! de $ol/ul &a ulu"( ."$u/ul% r"d"$-nd d"n umer"% lu! &a ul $u $el $are #l o$u&a $u o '"% #n urle ele de s&a"m! ale +"e ulu" om% #l arun$! #n $el!lal $a&! al $amere"( 4 L"n"' e7 r!$n" un >eld?e+el d"n &a ul lu"( 8ou! &alme #l $um"n/"r!( C- #l &r"ve' e &e ar "ler"s % un &umn #l f!$u s! se #n "nd! &e 0os% $u ,ura des$3"s! de m"ra e( Le,"onarul ne f!$u semn( L-am #n$adra &e ."$u/ul lu-ndu-l $u no"( 4 As a se las! $u &-rna"e% dra,ul meu% &rofe/" Pe ers( Se vor da semnalmen ele ale% $el ma" r!u e +u$lu$ul $u fereas ra( 4 6e*"-/" de rea+!% &e vremur"le as ea d"s&ar a - ea((( S$oase +roas$a d"n +u*unar '" o arun$! &e +"roul "nf"rm"ere"% $are s!r" fr"& ! s$o/-nd un /"&! de ,roa*!( Av"oanele au reven" noa& ea( Ru,ur"le% rean"ma e de fosfor% s-au a&r"ns d"n nou f!$-nd al e v"$ "me( Co&""" se re&e*eau des$ul/" #n ad!&os ur" &en ru a &"er"% &r"n'" #n $urs! $a 'oare$""( Undeva% #n *ona &or ulu"% o $oloan! de &r"*on"er" &!*"/" de ,ard"en" d"n SS se #ndre& a de asemenea $! re un ad!&os ( N"men" nu au*" urle ul +om+e" $are #l lov" d"n &l"n( Nu r!mase de$- o ,r!mad! de $arne s-n,er"nd!% $are se $on ors"ona% urma ! de &u oarea o+"'nu" ! de s-n,e% sal&e ru '" $arne ars!( Un SS-"s f!r! &"$"oare se -r# &l-n,-nd &-n! la un &r"*on"er $are nu ma" avea &-n e$( .ur"r! unul #n +ra/ele $elu"lal ( Arun$! oarele de fl!$!r" ale ,en"' "lor "-au &ref!$u a&o" #n $enu'!( Pe l-n,! .on$Je+er,s rasse se &u ea vedea $um lune$! o um+r!% $are d"n $-nd #n $-nd se a&le$a asu&ra ru&ur"lor $e *!$eau a$olo( < lam! de $u/" s$l"&ea% se$/"on-nd $- e un de,e '" "nelul d"s&!rea #n r-un +u*unar #n$!&! or( Um+ra mer,ea ma" de&ar e% $! re $adavrul urm! or% un ,eam! % o lov" ur! de m!$"u$! '" de,e e a,"le $are &"&!"au ru&ul #n$! frem! -nd((( Pre u "nden"% l-n,! El+a% &e Hansa&la *% #n Mra"ser W"l3elms rasse% se &u ea vedea a$ela'" lu$ru( )n $ol/ul lu" Al er?all o feme"e urla de ,roa*!( < s"lue ! s$und! '" fel"n! se arun$! asu&ra e"% de,e e de o/el #" #n!+u'"r! s r",! ul #n ,- le0((( Cu ,enun$3"ul% +!r+a ul #" &use &"ed"$! r!s urn-nd-o% o m-n! s$o o$" &e su+ fus a s r-m !% sf-'""nd len0er"a su+/"re( P"$"oarele feme"" se *+! ur! $u d"s&erare% #n "m& $e o &ul&! su&l! '" mus$3"uloas! le de&!r a((( 6or+e f"er+"n/" '" dul$" " se 'o& eau la ure$3e% #n "m& $e o ,ur! la$om! #"

m-n,-"a $3"&ul $r"s&a ((( 4 Las!-m!((( nu vreau s!-/" fa$ r!u(((( >eme"a #l l!s!% ma" +"ne as a de$- moar ea(((( Pl-n,ea de s&a"m!((( 8easu&ra lor un &om de Cr!$"un s r!lu$" or se le,!na #n aer% a&a $l"&o$ea #n $analul El+e"% &ro"e$ oarele "lum"nau $erul% l"v"d de &raf '" fl!$!r"( P!m-n ul remura% la fel $a feme"a su+ m-na $elu" $are o v"ola( Cu &re$au/"e% m-na ur$! #n lun,ul &"$"oarelor desf!$u e% de*+r!$-nd v"$ "ma( Era o feme"e -n!r! $are se ,r!+ea s&re ad!&os '" d!duse &es e unul d"n mon' r"" &e $are #" *!m"sles$ as fel de no&/"( Se arun$! asu&ra e"((( N"$" nu ma" s r",!( < +om+! eI&lod! nu de&ar e((( Nu-" a$ordar! a en/"e% nu s"m/"r! &!m-n ul $are se $u remura su+ e"( Cu del"$a e/e% +!r+a ul s$oase unul d"n $"ora&"" su+/"r" de m! ase% #'" &l"m+! +u*ele &e el% #'" #nfund! o+ra*ul((( Res&"ra/"a #" deven" 'u"er! oare% o$3"" #" lu$eau #n lum"na fl!$!r"lor( .u'$! o+ra*ul feme""% o a&u$! de &!r '"% foar e re&ede% #" #nf!'ur! $"ora&ul #n 0urul ,- ulu"((( S r-nse((( >eme"a 3or$!"a% *+! -ndu-se $u #nd-r0"re( E!r+a ul r-se( Eu*ele " se #nv"ne/"r!% o$3"" "-au "e'" d"n $a&% ,ura " s-a des$3"s( Tru&ul se f!$u moale '" mur"( E!r+a ul s$oase $u #nfr",urare $3"lo/"" m"$" a" v"$ "me" '" #" &use #n +u*unar% du&! $are v"ol! $adavrul #n$! o da !% s!ru -nd ,ura l"&s" ! de v"a/!( Se l"n"' "% *-m+" $adavrulu" s"lu" % $!*u #n ,enun$3" '" #'" #m&reun! m-"n"le( 4 8oamne% sun m-na Ta( )n$! un d"avol de feme"e a fos &ede&s" % a'a $um m"-a" &orun$" ( Se a&le$! asu&ra ru&ulu" '"% $u v-rful $u/" ulu"% $res ! o $ru$e &e frun e% a&o" d"s&!ru $a o &"s"$! &r"n re ,r!me*"le de molo* '" ru"nele fume,-nde( Pu/"n ma" -r*"u% dou! feme" "nere au ,!s" $adavrul% dar% $u&r"nse de ,roa*!% au fu," $- le /"neau &"$"oarele( Era al $"n$"lea asas"na #n numa" $- eva s!& !m-n"% &ol"/"a era la &-nd!( Afa$erea re$u de la &ol"/"a 0ud"$"ar! la Ges a&o% "ar $ons"l"erul Paul E"eler &relu! an$3e a% A>rumosul PaulB #n &ersoan!% &ro e$ orul lu" Tan " 8ora( )n &al on '" m-nu'" al+e% $u /",are ul de ar,"n #n re +u*e% '" $u nasul as$uns #n r-o +a "s ! &arfuma !% &r"v" #ndelun, $adavrul% #n !$ere( To$ma" se #n$3e"aser! m!sur! or"le '" fo o,raf""le% un med"$ se r"d"$! de l-n,! ru&ul ne#nsufle/" % un med"$ v-rs n"$% $are se u" a d"n r-o &ar e la A>rumosul PaulB( 4 A v"ola -o #na"n e de a o su,ruma( R!n"le '" !"e ur"le au fos f!$u e du&! $e a mur" ( 4 .a" +"ne m"-a" s&une $"ne le-a f!$u 7 m-r-" E"eler ( Ar f" fos ma" folos" or7 )" #n oarse s&a ele med"$ulu" '" se #ndre& ! #n$e s&re .er$edes-ul s!u( ."n ea #" lu$ra d"n &l"n% m"n ea a$eea $are n!s$o$"se or ur" d"avole' " &en ru A"nam"$"" Re"$3-ulu"B '" $are era #n sf-r'" &reo$u&a ! de $eva re*ona+"l( La e a0ul re" al Prefe$ ur"" d"n Marl .u$J Pla * se #nre,"s rau v"$ "mele +om+ardamen ulu"% des",ur $u o a&roI"ma/"e de $- eva su e% $!$" era "m&os"+"l a al$! u" s a "s "$" eIa$ e( < fun$/"onar! #n v-rs !% roas! &ar$! de mol""% aduna l"s ele( 8u&! mul e d"s$u/""% se a0unsese la D 298 mor/"% a -/"a r!n"/" '" a -/"a d"s&!ru/"% $!$" foar e mul e $or&ur" fuseser! &res$3"m+a e #n $enu'!% du&! $e ,en"' "" $ur!/aser! lo$ul $u arun$! oarele de fl!$!r"( Au fos m-*,!l" e f"'e% a$es ea r"m"se la ar3"ve% a fos "m+ra un vraf de $er "f"$a e de de$es% #n a' e& area a a$ulu" urm! or( Es e nevo"e de ord"ne #n r-o so$"e a e $"v"l"*a !( La num!rul D:7% de la e a0ul do"% A>rumosul PaulB% #n$on0ura de $-/"va $ole,"% s ud"a fo o,raf""le $elor $"n$" feme" asas"na e( Cea ma" -n!r! de 9: an"% $ea ma" v-rs n"$! de D;% oa e s ran,ula e $u un $"ora&% oa e av-nd &e frun e o $ru$e s-n,er"eH #n oa e $a*ur"le $r"m"nalul luase $3"lo/"" $u el( 4 T"&ul e solda % s&use +rus$ Paul E"eler '" se r"d"$!( Ce" re" $ole," l-au &r"v" #nm!rmur"/"( Un SS-"s #l a0u ! s!-'" #m+ra$e &al onul( )'" rase $u ,r"0! m-nu'"le al+e &e m-"n" '"% &uf!"nd d"n /",are ul s!u lun,% &!r!s" Prefe$ ura( T"m& de ore #n '"r a &u u f" v!*u &l"m+-ndu-se &r"n s r!*"le r!u m"ros" oare% $u o +a "s ! &arfuma ! la nas% &r"v" $u d"s&re/ de un"" '" salu a um"l de al/""( A fos v!*u '" la Tan " 8ora% &!l!vr!," $u fe ele% se r!s " la E?ald% a&o" r! !$" &e Neuer Wall "n r-nd #n d"verse lo$ur"( C! re sear! a0unse la un res auran de luI% de l-n,! Eaum?all% la $- eva e a0e su+ &!m-n ( La su&rafa/! nu se vedea de$- o ve$3e &"vn"/! $u ve$3" ur"% dar du&! $e $o+ora" o s$ar! a+ru& !% $are du$ea mul su+ n"velul s r!*""% o nou! lume /" se des$3"dea( Lo0ele $u aer $ond"/"ona $u&r"ndeau mese a$o&er" e $u /es! ur" "ma$ula e% $u vesel! de &or/elan '"

ar,"n !r"e( L!m&"le $olora e% fo ol""le $omode '" $ovoarele ad-n$" $on r"+u"au la a mosfera "n "m!( < arma ! de $3elner" #n ves ! al+!% $u revere ro'""% se #n,r"0ea de $l"en/"" ele,an/" '" vesel"( )n a$es e res auran e su+ erane de luI nu ,!sea" l"s e de m-n$!rur" '" n"$" de v"nur"( Comanda" or"$e dorea"% "ar &re/ul era #n fun$/"e de $omand!( < $u$oan! foar e sumar #m+r!$a ! #" lu! &al onul A>rumosulu" PaulB% $are se arun$! ne&!s! or #n r-un fo ol"u% f!r! a-l #nvredn"$" &e o+erul fr-n de la m"0lo$ n"$" m!$ar $u o &r"v"re( Po -rn"$3e $u $"u&er$"% $ar of" &r!0"/"% s "$la de <&&en3e"mer((( du&! $are Paul E"eler se l!s! &e s&a e #n$e&-nd s! s ud"e*e numeroasa adunare( Ele,an/" of"/er" #n un"form! $enu'"e sau verde% of"/er" de mar"n! #n al+as ru #n$3"s% $u f"re ur" aur" e '" $!m!'" de o al+ea/! or+" oare% SS-"' " #n ne,ru $u ,ulerele $usu e $u ar,"n % fun$/"onar" de &ar "d% a - de #n$!r$a/" $u aur #n$- &-n! '" un mare'al de &e vremea lu" >ran*-Gose&3 "-ar f" &"*mu" % o/" r-deau% ne&!s! or"% $u damele #m+r!$a e #n m! !sur" '" +l!nur"( Un am"ral se umfla #n &ene #n re dou! doamne foar e vesele% la ,- #" a -rna $ru$ea de $avaler $u s&ade '" frun*e de s e0ar '" $ea B&en ru .er" B% d"n &r"mul r!*+o" mond"al( Paul E"eler &ufn" d"s&re/u" or v!*-nd $! am"ralul #" arun$! o &r"v"re de sus% am"ralul #ns! ar f" #n,3e/a da$! "-ar f" $" " ,-ndur"le S anda enf@3rer-ulu" SS Paul E"eler ( A>rumosul PaulB #" ura la fel &e of"/er"" su&er"or" $- '" &e 0unJer"% $eea $e o demons r! $u &r"sos"n/! du&! a en a ul d"n ;N "ul"e $-nd% #n $al" a ea sa de Gru&&enf@3rer SS% "n r! su+ $omanda d"re$ ! a 'efulu" Ges a&o-ulu"% Mal en+runner( P-n! una-al a% #'" devora #n !$ere &o -rn"$3ea% mu'$-nd de &e oase &re$um un an"mal de &rad!% f!r! s!-" &ese de &r"v"r"le &l"ne de d"s&re/ ale $elor d"n 0ur( <asele rosneau #n re d"n/"" s!" &u ern"$"% d"n $-nd #n $-nd s$u"&a $- e unul '" se s$o+ea $u fur$ul"/a( La sf-r'" s$!&! un r-,-" u'or( >u salu a &ol" "$os% mul &rea &ol" "$os% de un domn #n $"v"l% $are re$ea &e l-n,! masa lu" urma de o doamn!( E"eler r!s&unse f!r! a s$oa e d"n ,ur! $o&anul de &o -rn"$3e% &e $are #l /"nea $u am-ndou! m-"n"le( 4 A,en al Ges a&o-ulu"% foar e sus &us( 8umne*eu ' "e $e $au ! a"$"7 'o& " domnul #nso/" oare" sale( Un fun$/"onar de la Par "d% #n un"form! ou de ra/!% #'" f!$u a&ar"/"a flan$a de re" feme"( Ceru $on"a$ '"% #n re$ere% o &lesn" &es e fund &e &r"e ena unu" $avaler"s $are vru s! se su&ere% #ns! $-nd re$unos$u &e v"nova deven" +rus$ numa" *-m+e e( <mul Par "dulu" ma" rase o &alm! &es e fesele dansa oare" unu" ma"or d"n Luf ?affe( A$es a &ro es ! '" &rofer! sla+ $- eva amen"n/!r"( Na*"s ul &ufn" #n r-s% &r"v"nd $ru$ea de r!*+o" a ma"orulu"% $are s r!lu$ea s"n,ura "$! &e &an,l"$a #n dou! $ulor"( 4 T-n0e' " du&! o moar e de erou5 <f"/erulu" " se ur$! s-n,ele #n o+ra*% #ns! &ar enera lu" *-m+" omulu" de la Par "d( Av"a orul% v-n! % se #ndre& ! '" s&use #n$e = 4 6e" avea ve' " de la m"ne( 4 C" u de la m"ne% r!s&unse $el!lal % lu-ndu-'" $-rdul de dame la +ar% unde se ur$! seme/ &e un a+ure ( A>rumosul PaulB #'" ' erse ,ura $u 'erve/elul '" $eru o mo$a( >oar e de&ar e se au*ea /"&! ul de alarm! al s"renelor( Por/"le ,rele de o/el% &rev!*u e $u r!sufl! oare% au fos *!vor- e% ,on"nd afar! lumea fl!$!r"lor( Se s"m/ea $!derea +om+elor &r"n u'oare *,udu" ur"( <+er"" serveau $a de o+"$e"% f!r! ,ra+!% f!r! eam!H n"$" $ea ma" m"$! $om&as"une &en ru $e" $are% #n urle e de ,roa*!% /o&!"au a$olo sus &e asfal ul ar*-nd sau &en ru $o&""" $are se o&eau #n lum"na or+" oare a fosforulu"( <r$3es ra $-n a mu*"$! lan,uroas! &en ru floarea Ham+ur,ulu" '" a Par "dulu"% '"ra,ur"le s$l"&eau &e de$ol eur"le ad-n$" ale feme"lorH &"e rele de o valoare "nes "ma+"l! s r!lu$eau la m-"n"le rasa e ale dansa oarelor( Afar!% &e s r!*"le #nve$"na e% um+rele fan oma "$e ale no&/"lor de alarm! erau la &-nd!((( < +om+! asu&ra ele,an ulu" lo$al de noa& e% $e man! $ereas$! ar f" #nsemna &en ru 0efu" or"" de $adavre7 Unele um+re aveau *vas "$! la +u on"er!( Pr"n re mese re$u% s re$ur-ndu-se% o feme"e frumoas!% #n r-o ro$3"e al+as ru-des$3"s '" $u &an of" de$u&a/" $u o$ur" #nal e% se o&r" l-n,! Paul E"eler ( 4 Eun! *"ua% Paul( Tu% a"$"5 Cu o$3"" &e 0um! a e #n$3"'" #" f!$u sen"n s! "a lo$ &e s$aunul d"n fa/a sa(

4 A'a*!- e% Else+e 3% s! &!l!vr!,"m( Else+e 3 se a'e*! r"d"$-nd n"/elu' fus a% $eea $e des$o&er" &"$"oarele e" lun,"% #n $"ora&" eI rem de f"n"( 4 C3es "un" &ersonale sau de serv"$"u5 A>rumosul PaulB /u,u"e +u*ele( <$3"ul v"u lu$ea amen"n/! or( 4 E r!*+o"% Else+e 3% sun em #n o deauna de serv"$"u( Ea r-se sar$as "$( 4 ."-am da seama% Paul( C3"ar du&! $e am &"erdu &e so/ul meu '" re" fra/"( )'" a&r"nse o /",ar!( 8u&! o $l"&! de ,-nd"re% ad!u,!= 4 C" un f"u( Un"$ul meu f"u( )n/ele," $e #nseamn! as a% Paul5 4 Nu #nseamn! n"m"$% Else+e 3% a+solu n"m"$( S"n,urul lu$ru $are $on ea*! es e v"$ or"a German"e"( S! mor" &en ru >@3rer re+u"e s! f"e dor"n/a f"e$!ru" ,erman% +!r+a or" feme"e% '" es e o moar e frumoas!% Else+e 3% o moar e de &"*mu" ( Nu or"$"ne se &oa e f!l" $u $"n$" ero" $!*u/" la da or"e( >eme"a &r"v" lun, o$3"ul mor ( 4 A" s&us ero"5 4 8a% ero" $!*u/" &e $-m&ul onoare"% &en ru >@3rer% r!s&unse Paul% #ndre& -ndu-se $-nd &ronun/! A>@3rerB( Else+e 3 r-se for/a ( 4 E!"e/elul meu avea 'a& e an"% o ,r"nd! "-a fr-n s&a ele( ."$u/ul meu >r" *((( S!-l f" au*" $um &l-n,ea((( 4 Nu-" v"$ or"e f!r! la$r"m"% dra,a mea% e le,ea v"e/""( Pen ru a +"ru" re+u"e s! sufer"( P-n! '" >@3rer-ul re$e &r"n $l"&e ,rele( 4 A" fos vreoda ! &e fron 5 #n re+! ea dul$e( 4 Nu% nu &e fron ul la $are e ,-nde' "% #ns! &e un al ul% s&use E"eler !"os( Adolf H" ler 4 se r"d"$! 4 are nevo"e de oamen" $are s! fa$! s! mear,! ma'"na% oamen" f!r! m"l! &en ru r!d! or"% defe "' "% $are s! a&ere ero"$ul &o&or ,erman de $"uma as a( S! nu $re*" $! mun$a noas r! e u'oar!% fa a mea( Tre+u"e s! f"m dur"% ar" $a o/elul lu" Mru&&% s! nu avem n"m"$ d"n sens"+"l" !/"le $o&"l!re' "( Crede-m!% nu ' "u $e #nseamn! s! a" "n"m!( 4 Te $red% s&use% &r"v"ndu-l lun,( AC!u ! orul de ero"B avea un o$3" &re u "nden"% r!s$olea s&" alele% +a al"oanele de su&rave,3e or"% un" !/"le de &ol"/"e% fa+r"$"le% +"rour"le( Inval"*"% +! r-n"% &u' "% $u o/"" #" $!deau #n &las!( 4 A)na"n e% $amara*"7B Ple$au $-n -nd s&re un" !/"le de "ns ru"re( AEs e a - de frumos s! f"" solda 7B Tr!"as$! German"a% r!"as$! Adolf H" ler '" r!"as$! moar ea ero"lor7 A>rumosul PaulB r! !$ea &e s r!*" #n $on "nuare% era v!*u &re u "nden"( C-nd se &l"$ "sea% ordona s! " se adu$! dou! feme" &en ru Av"*" !B( As a #" lua $- va "m&% du&! $are% &u/"n $am ro'u #n o+ra0" '" &u/"n $am o+os" % Paul E"eler &le$a de la AGud"$"ar!B( >e ele Av"*" a eB erau el"+era e( To ul are &re/ul s!u( 8u&! al e re" *"le avu lo$ o nou! $r"m!% o o feme"e% la $-/"va &a'" de Ree&ers+a3n% #n He"n HoOers rasse% d"n a&ro&"erea s&" alulu"( Cons"l"erul 0ur"d"$ Paul E"eler $re*u $! #nne+une' e de fur"e( C!r-nd du&! el o du*"n! de eI&er/"% #" asmu/" &re$um o 3a" ! amen"n/-ndu-" de oa e relele( 4 S! nu v! #n oar$e/"% ,r!mad! de ne&u "n$"o'"% #na"n e de a adu$e un re*ul a 7 Ave/" $"n$" *"le% n"$" o se$und! ma" mul ( )n $a* $on rar% v! a' ea& ! d"v"*"a SS d"n se$ orul $en ral al fron ulu" de es ( S! $r!&a/" a$olo re,lemen ar% #n m"0lo$ul mla' "n"lor7 Co&o"" &!r!s"ser! $l!d"rea $enu'"e d"n Marl .u$J Pla *% do" $- e do"( Al 'aselea asas"na a fos $el al une" "nf"rm"ere de la no" d"n s&" al% o fa ! de ;9 de an"( Ca '" $elelal e% a fos v"ola !% "ar $3"lo/"" d"s&!ruser! '" e"(

(rincipiile mrginite ale unei mame absurde au fost n mare msur cauza crimelor sale. +mora pentru a face bine, fiind ncredinat de meritele lui.

)ot ceea ce i spusese mama rmsese nsemnat cu litere de foc n mintea bolna!, nceondu-i nelegerea. imeni ns nu ncerc s- l neleag. oi nine eram ucigai, ns ucigai n ser!iciu comandat, ceea ce era cu totul altce!a... firete nu ns i pentru cei ucii" UCIGACUL 8E >E.EI Hans Eauer a fos $el $are a des$o&er" $3"lo/""( A$eas ! des$o&er"re a s -rn" % $um era '" de a' e& a % ,lumele $ele ma" 0osn"$e% &-n! $-nd S e"n ne-a &us *"arul su+ nas( Era vor+a de o nou! $r"m!( )n$! o feme"e( Cadavrul% $a '" $ele ale v"$ "melor an er"oare% fusese de*+r!$a de $3"lo/" de $! re u$",a'% un adev!ra sad"$( 4 La na"+a7 s r",! Eauer( Pr"vea a"ur" sa$ul d"n $are s$osese $3"lo/"" '" #" num!ra nervos= 'ase7 Am ver"f"$a '" no"% $u a$ela'" re*ul a ( Le,"onarul flu"er! a &a,u+!( 4 T-r- ura7 Case $3"lo/" '" 'ase $adavre% so$o eala se &o r"ve' e7 ."$u/ul se #n "nse '" arun$! o &r"v"re s$ur ! #n sa$ul r!s urna l-n,! &a ( Con/"nea $- eva &a$3e e $u +"s$u"/" de se$ar! '" $eva len0er"e% #m&! ur" ! re,ulamen ar% $u vul urul av"a/"e" la vedere( 4 Cum "-a" ,!s" 5 #n re+! ."$u/ul% lov"nd sa$ul $u &"$"orul( 4 )n $e ra3a m-am +!,a % $o ro+!"ndu-l7 C!u am $eva de s$r"s '" am s"m/" $! alune$! $eva% as a-"7 s&use Eauer #n or$-nd $a&ul( 4 ."n/"7 3o !r# ."$u/ul( Adev!rul es e $! adulme$a" $eva de man,l" '" e-a" arun$a &e sa$ul lu" Geor,( )n $amer! nu eram de$- no" $"n$"% o/" $e"lal/" erau la $orvoad! sau la v"*" a med"$al!( 4 Ce ne fa$em5 #n re+! s u&ef"a Eauer( 4 6re" s! s&u" $e o s! fa$"5 #l $ore$ ! S e"n( Tu "-a" ,!s" % nu no"( No" nu ne +!,!m nasul #n lu$rur"le al ora( Eauer r-se r!u !$"os '" r"d"$! un de,e % &e $- de a$u*a or &e a - de 0e,os( 4 Tu vor+e' "57 Poa e $! nu e' " u $el $are "-a 'u " 'na&sul ."$u/ulu" #n "m& $e era la +ordel5 A" 5 Nu ma" s&u" n"m"$% ,!u*arule5 ."$u/ul s!r" $a ars( )l &r"nse &e S e"n de $eaf! '" r!$n" la el% s$u ur-ndu-l= APor$ule7 Es e adev!ra $! u m-a" fura 5B S e"n s ! ea #ns&!"m-n a #n m-"n"le ur"a'ulu"( 4 >ur" de la un &r"e en7 Ce &or$!r"e7 )l smu$" &e S e"n ma" s!-" ru&! +ere,a a% a&o" #l l!s! #n0ur-nd= 4 A" s!-m" adu$" #n $ea ma" mare v" e*! re" s "$le% e &r"ve' e de unde le fur"( 8ar $ma" re&ede% a" #n/eles5 Lu! un $3"lo '"-l adulme$!= )n$! ma" &u e a mu"ere( 4 Gura7 s&use Le,"onarul% #n or$-ndu-se $! re Eauer% $are s ! ea ol!n" #n &a ( Ce s&u"5 Arun$!m o vor+! la &ol"/"e5 4 E' " ne+un5 s!r" Eauer( 8re& $"ne m! "e"5 Cre*" $! am le,! ur" $u s "$le/""5 Le,"onarul $l! "n! d"n $a&= 4 C3"ar la as a m! ,-ndeam% or"$um re+u"e s! fa$em $eva( A" o al ! "dee5 A un$" am eu una '"% f!r! s! ma" a' e& e r!s&uns% #" arun$! lu" Eauer '"'ul( >olose' e-l $um re+u"e% s! &u em u" a &oves ea a$eas a $- ma" re&ede( Eauer /"nea '"'ul #n m-n! '" &r"v"rea lu" #ns&!"m-n a ! re$u de la arm! la Le,"onarul% $e-'" fum! &"&a l"n"' " ( 4 6re" s!-l u$"d &e m"$u/ul Geor,5 Nu se &oa e7 Le,"onarul #l &r"v" u"m" = 4 Cre "nule7 6re" s-o fa$ eu% sau Sven% sau S e"n5 Tu l-a" des$o&er" % e rea+a a% dar &en ru $! ne-a" &oves " % a$um e '" a noas r!( 8e as a vrem s! fa$em $eva( Nu-" $a*ul s! mer,em la Mr"&o% a" dre& a e( 8e mul nu ne ma" #n/ele,em $u &ol" "a( 8e$" re+u"e s! o fa$em no"( Geor, a omor- 'ase feme"% #m" ve" s&une $! no" am u$"s ma" mul e% es e adev!ra % dar nu-" a$ela'" lu$ru( C" m"$u/a "nf"rm"er!5 Era o $ole,!( U$",-nd-o% Geor, a f!$u un lu$ru 0osn"$% $!$" era '" $ole,a lu"( 6e*" +"ne $! nu ma" are dre& ul la v"a/! '" $! as a ne &r"ve' e &e no"( Eauer #n$3"se o$3""( Al+"se(

4 Nu &o s!-l u$"d( Nu m"-a f!$u n"m"$ '" #m" $er" s! fa$ o $r"m!( < s! f"u &r"ns '" dus #n fa/a &lu onulu" de eIe$u/"e( A$es e $uv"n e #l $u remurar!( Le,"onarul se r"d"$!% merse la Eauer% #" smulse $u/" ul d"n m-"n" '" +a"-l &use la $"*m!( S$r"'n"= 4 Tu re+u"e s!-l su&r"m"% la'ule7 Eauer se $l! "na #na"n e '" #na&o"% #n$ovo"a de ura Le,"onarulu"( ."$u/ul se ofer" s! a"e el ,- ul lu" Geor,( Le,"onarul se #n oarse '"-l &r"v" #ndelun,( 4 8e $e vre" s! o fa$" u5 Ur"a'ul se &use &e r-s= 4 Pen ru $! re+u"e s!-" su$eas$! ,- ul $"neva '" da$! o fa$ eu sau al ul o una e7 4 C" nu-/" &as!5 $on "nu! Le,"onarul( 4 8e $e5 Geor, es e un ,uno"% a" s&us-o $3"ar u% nomadule( Le,"onarul "*+u$n" #n r-s '" se r-n " &e &a = 4 Pe Allan7 E' " ,ro*av( Geor, es e un ,uno" '" &en ru as a #" a" +ere,a a $u s-n,e re$e7 Se r"d"$! #n r-un $o = Camarade7 )n numele so$"e !/"" $e va ven" #/" dores$ o moar e ero"$! #na"n e $a r!*+o"ul s! se f-s-"e7 S$oase de su+ sal ea o s "$l! de $on"a$ '" rase d"n ea un ,- #na"n e de a fa$e urul $amere"( 4 Eun% de$" o s!-l $ure/" &e a$es Geor,5 4 )/" ma" s&un o da !7 s r",! ."$u/ul% $are o$ma" se o$u&a de S e"n( Pe $-nd 'na&sul meu% 3o/ de la &r"e en"7 8!du $u &"$"orul unu" $3"lo al+as ru $are *!$ea% &e 0os( C" $- "m& vor ma" *!$ea a"$" am+ala0ele as ea de +u$"% $a s! eI$" e lumea5 Eauer se ,r!+" s! adune len0er"a fem"n"n! '" s-o #ndese #n sa$ul lu" Geor,% #m&"n,-ndu-l a&o" la lo$% su+ &a ( Se #n oarse s&re Le,"onar% $are 0on,la $u re" *arur"( 4 8oamne Isuse C3r"s oase7 murmur! Eauer $u o vo$e su,ruma !( )n "nse m-na( 8!-m" $u/" ul '" o s!-l fa$ +u$!/ele% de n"$" ma"$!-sa n-o s!-l ma" re$unoas$!( Le,"onarul #'" r"d"$! &r"v"reaH un *-m+e v"$lean " se #n "&!r" &e $3"&ul dur( >!r! un $uv-n % s$oase $u/" ul s"+er"an d"n $"*m! '"-l #n "nse lu" Eauer% $are% remur-nd% '"-l as$unse su+ &ern!( U'a se des$3"se( Geor,% #nso/" de al/""% #'" f!$u o "n rare vesel! '" *,omo oas!( Adu$ea un or &r"m" de la o "nf"rm"er!% $!$" oa e #l adorau &e m"$u/ul av"a or de dou!*e$" de an"% $are &!rea de 'a"s&re*e$e( Un *-m+e r!u !$"os a&!ru &e mu ra lu" Eauer( )'" rase arma de su+ &ern!( 4 Ia as a% $amarade7 Po/" s! a" $u el la fel de +"ne '" &r!0" ur" '" -rfe( Eauer #n$remen"% a&o" #n$e&u s! r-d! #n felul s!u $o&"l!res$ '" #m&!r/" &r!0" ura( 4 C"ne mer,e la +ordel5 s r",! Er"$3% ,en"s ul( )'" um&lu ,ura $u or '" #n$e&u s! +oIe*e $u un adversar "ma,"nar( 4 Prea mul ! r"s"&! de ener,"e7 s r",! ."$u/ul $u o vo$e ,rav!( Ia-/" +an"" '" $ar!- e du&! +ere% al fel #/" ar! eu +oI7 < lov" ur! +"ne /"n " ! #l arun$! &e ,en"s #n &a ul lu" T3omas Gensen( A$es a se r"d"$! '" se a'e*! &e un al &a ( T3omas nu se ames e$a n"$"oda !( Se 'o& ea $! fusese volun ar #n 9FDF '" el #nsu'" nu s&unea da sau nu( 8ar $!-" era dor de $as!% as a aflaser! $u o/""( 6olun ar or" +a% nu ma" su&or a r!*+o"ul '" se s&unea $!-'" !"ase venele% s$!&-nd la un f"r de &!r de $ur ea mar/"al!( T3omas se re r!,ea #n $ara&a$e $um devenea $"neva ma" $ur"os( Le,"onarul #" ordonase ."$u/ulu" s-o ra,! de l"m+! &e "nf"rm"era-'ef!% $are ' "a o ul des&re T3omas% dar s!rmanul "d"o ra ase o ul m!r ur"s"ndu-" a$es e"a d"n $a&ul lo$ulu" "n en/""le sale( Inf"rm"era Emma #l &r"v"se ,-nd" oare &e ."$u/ul% $l! "nase d"n $a&% a&o" se $ul$ase $u el( Ceva ma" -r*"u l-a $!u a #ns! &e Le,"onar% $are dormea #m&!$a '" l-a arun$a &e 0os d"n r-o s"n,ur! lov" ur!( 4 Car&e maro$an7 L-a" &us &e ."$u/ul s! m! s&"one*e7 E' " un nemern"$( A&o" #l s!ru ase &e ."$u/ul '" "e'"se #n "m& $e a$es a #" r"m" ea +e*ele( 4 E' " $el ma" mare "m+e$"l &e $are l-a su&or a vreoda ! &!m-n ul7 s r",ase Le,"onarul enerva ( 4 Sun un &ros % nomadule% o ' "u( 8ar% ve*" u% eu nu &o s! m"n ( 4 As a e% renun/! Le,"onarul(

4 Nu v"" $u no"% Geor,% s-o fa$em la !5 #l #n re+! Eauer &r"v"ndu-l f"I( 8ou!*e$" de an"% as a-" v-rs a "deal!( 4 .ul/umes$% dar nu-" de m"ne( Eu urme* sfa ur"le lu" Goe++els &en ru "ner"" solda/"( S! se /"n! de&ar e de +!u ur!% u un '" feme"( Eauer #n$e&u s! se s$o+eas$! #n re d"n/" $u '"'ul( 4 A" dre& a e( Toa e feme"le sun n"' e d"avol"% ele r!s&-ndes$ s"f"l"sul '" oa e $elelal e( Ar f" ma" +"ne s! le $ur!/!m &e oa e% nu-" a'a5 I*+u$n" #n r-s '" m"'$! su,es "v '"'ul( S! +a," #n oa e o s$ul! $a as a7 '" se &orn" &e r-s( Geor, se o&r" d"n m-n$a '" r!mase $u ,ura $!s$a ! #n fa/a lu" Eauer% $are #'" ro ea amen"n/! or $u/" ul deasu&ra $a&ulu" s!u( 4 8e $e s&u" as a5 #n re+! el l"n"' " ( 4 >eme"le sun n"' e ,unoa"e% nu-" as a &!rerea a5 su&ral"$" ! Eauer( 4 Nu #n/ele,% s&use Geor,( Nu e-am ma" v!*u a'a( )'" &use fel"a 0os '" #n$e&u s! se &l"m+e nervos &r"n $amer!( N-am n"m"$ #m&o r"va feme"lor% "ar $ele &e $are le $unos$ sun foar e dr!,u/e $u m"ne( C" mama era +un! $u m"ne= era a - de +"ne $-nd m! s!ru a% #na"n e de $ul$are% $-nd eram m"$( 8ar a$um e moar !(((( ars! $u fosfor( Cred $! se afl! #n $er( 4 8oar 8omnul ' "e unde s-o afla% s&use Eauer +ru al( Nu ma" r-dea '" #l &r"vea &e Le,"onar $are se 0u$a "nd"feren $u *arur"le( Nu e-a" $ul$a n"$"oda ! $u o feme"e5 relu! Eauer a&le$-ndu-se $a s!-l o+serve ma" +"ne &e -n!rul solda ( S e"n% &rea nervos% #n$e&u s! flu"ere( S"m/ea $a '" no" $! Eauer mer,e &rea re&ede( 4 Nu7 s r",! Geor,( Ur!s$ as a7 A" #n/eles #n sf-r'" 7 Ur!s$((( sun e/" n"' e an"male% n"' e f"are murdare a un$" $-nd v! ,-nd"/" la feme"7 C" $-nd feme"le au a$elea'" ,-ndur" $a vo"% ele sun unel ele 8"avolulu"7 Eauer se re rase% #n,ro*" % #n fa/a &r"v"r"" lu" Geor,% #n o$3"" lu" se $" ea ne+un"a( T-n!rul solda #'" &r"nse &!rul #n &umn"% $a '" $um ar f" vru s! '"-l smul,!% a&o" $!*u &e &a $u fa/a #n,ro&a ! #n m-"n" '" #n$e&u s! &l-n,!( Se l!s! o !$ere a&!s! oare( To/" #l &r"veau #nm!rmur"/" &e -n!rul solda % dar% d"n $e" $"n$"s&re*e$e% doar no" $"n$" #n/ele,eam des&re $e-" vor+a( ."$u/ul se r"d"$!% #'" rase &an alon"" '" &orn" s&re Geor,% dar% $a o &an er!% Le,"onarul s!r"% #" &use m-na &e um!r '" ros " ferm= 4 6"no% ."$u/ule% s! +em $eva( 4 >a$" $"ns e5 s&use ur"a'ul mul/um" ( Le,"onarul $onf"rm! '" #l lu! de a$olo( 4 Tre+u"e s!-l omor5 #n re+! "no$en ."$u/ul% ar! -ndu-l &e Geor, $are *!$ea #n &a 3o3o "nd de &l-ns% f!r! s!-" ma" &ese de $eva( S e"n '" $u m"ne l-am #n$adra "med"a '" se #ndu&le$! s! "as!( La #n oar$ere% $- eva ore ma" -r*"u% era l"n"' e( Geor, se afla la "nf"rmer"e '" a0u a un elev s! &re,! eas$! +anda0ele( R-deau am-ndo" fer"$"/"% #" au*eam de &e $uloar( Eauer se #n "nse #n &a murmur-nd= 4 < fa$ #n seara as a% re+u"e( Le,"onarul $l! "n! d"n $a&= 4 Cu $- ma" re&ede% $u a - ma" +"ne( Ne-am &us &e +!u f!r! eam!% a'a $um o f!$eam #n f"e$are *"% f!r! s! ne &ese de "n erd"$/""% #n "m& $e ."$u/ul a ur$a la Emma( Seara se s$ur,ea% "ar no" eram o ma" +e/"( 8eoda !% a&!ru "nf"rm"era-'ef!% f!r! un"form!% av-nd &e ea o ro$3"e de $as! verde( Un s&e$ a$ol "ned" 7 Cu &a'" de &"s"$!% ea se a&ro&"e de Eauer% #n "nse m-na '" 'o& "= 4 8!-m"-l7 4 Ce vre/" s! s&une/"5 Se a&le$! deasu&ra lu" '"% $a s! nu re*eas$! oa ! #n$!&erea% 'o& "= 4 < ' "" foar e +"ne% d!-m"-l7 Eauer se r"d"$! '" o &r"v" ne#n/ele,! or( 4 A37 Nu &r"$e&"( E" +"ne% &o/" s! f"" mul/um" $! sun eu '" nu &ol"/"a7 Co ro+!" su+ &erna $amaradulu" nos ru% lu! $u/" ul '"-l as$unse su+ ro$3"e( Ie'" f!r! s! &r"veas$! &e n"men"( 4 .!,arul de ."$u/ul a r!n$!n" 7 s!r" Le,"onarul( 4 Ce-" de f!$u 5 #n re+! Eauer d"s&era (

4 Ce se #n -m&l! a"$"5 se au*" o vo$e #n #n uner"$( N"men" nu-" r!s&unse( T-r*"u% s&re d"m"nea/!% a&!ru '" ."$u/ul% vesel nevo"e mare '" s r",-nd $- #l /"nea ,ura( Le,"onarul #l #n -m&"n!% 'u'o "r! $eva% "e'"r! '" #'" $on "nuar! d"s$u/"a la oale !( La #n oar$ere% ."$u/ul era so+ru% !$u '" $3"ar &u/"n r"s ( Le,"onarul se r-n " #n &a '" #'" a&r"nse o /",ar!% f!r! s! s$oa ! un $uv-n '" f!r! s! r!s&und! la semnele noas re( 8"m"nea/a $on "nu! $a de o+"$e" $u v"*" a med"$al!% $u do$ orul .a3ler #n frun e( Sora-'ef! era de o r","d" a e re,ulamen ar!% $3"&ul e" nu r!da n"m"$ #n le,! ur! $u $ele &e re$u e( Un ar "ler"s $u &"$"orul am&u a % un nou-ven" % #n$e&u s! r-d! &ros e' e $-nd .a3ler #l #n re+! $um se s"m e( 4 E"ne% domnule m!$elar-'ef% m"nuna 7 Am fos s! +eau $u fe "/ele un $on"a$( S$r"e/" $! m! s"m al na"+"" de +"ne% domnule m!$elar7 Ha"% s&al! &u "na7 To/" res!r"r!% a' e& -nd o eI&lo*"e% dar do$ orul #l &r"v" o $l"&!% a&o" #l +! u l"n"' " or &e um!r( 4 Cu a - ma" +"ne% >"s$3er% a' vrea s! &u em s&une $u o/"" as a( Le,"onarul m! &r"v"% $"o$n"ndu-'" frun ea( Sora-'ef! #l urm! &e do$ or '"% $3"ar #na"n e de a "e'" &e u'!% $!u ! &r"v"rea Le,"onarulu"( Se #n/ele,eau foar e +"ne= +!r+a ul dur '" feme"a nu ma" &u/"n dur!% unul sla+ '" us$a % $ealal ! o+e*! +u3!" !( U'a se #n$3"se $u un *,omo se$( ."$ul Geor, se r"d"$! '" #'" r!s$ol" #n sa$( L-am v!*u $um #'" #nal/! frun ea u"m" % $!u -nd $eva((( a&o" $um &r"v" d"n nou #n sa$ '"% lu-nd o 3o !r-re +rus$!% l-a le,a '" l-a arun$a su+ &a % s$o/-nd un /"&! '" "e'"nd &e u'! $a un ne+un( 4 Ce are5 #l #n re+! Le,"onarul &e Eauer( 4 Nu #n/ele,( S-a sona '" !s a7 4 Se ro es$% se ro es$ deasu&ra a '" e *dro+es$7 S r",! ar "ler"s ul "*+u$n"nd #n r-un r-s demen ( Te *dro+es$ #n$e "'or((( <s $u os((( Uraaa% $amara*"% #na"n e7 La lu& !7 No"% +l"nda ele% &or$""% $ea ma" +un! $arne de un d"n lume7 '" se &use d"n nou &e r-s( 4 Gura7 url! unul d"n Prus"a <r"en al!% $u s oma$ul &erfora ( >"s$3er #l &r"v" &ol" "$os% salu ! '"-" vor+" #n false = 4 8a% ,enerale7 )" erm"n!m( Cred doar #n Sf-n a Tre"me '" #n v"$ or"e( )n numele lu" Adolf% am"n7 4 Es e $om&le ne+un7 Le,"onarul #" f!$u semn ."$u/ulu" '" am-ndo" se &os ar! #n fa/a lu" >"s$3er% $are% &l-n,-nd% #n$er$a s! "a &o*"/"a de lu& !( 4 Re&aus% ar "ler"s ule7 $omand! Le,"onarul $a la "ns ru$/"e( >"s$3er se relaI!( )l &r"vea &e Le,"onar% dar nu &!rea s!-l vad!( 4 Cul$!- e '" dorm"7 $on "nu! vo$ea as&r!( Ar "ler"s ul l! r!= AEa er"e la &os ur"le de lu& !( >o$7 Ad!&os "/"-v!7B 8"n r-un sal se r-n " #n &a % se ros o,ol" &e s&a e '" /"n u" avanul( 4 Ra3a 7 eI$lam! &rusa$ul( E ne+un de-a +"nelea7 .asa o$ma" se #n$3e"ase% $-nd% deoda !% u'a se des$3"se% l!s-nd s! rea$! un ve eran $u &!l!r"a "role*! l!sa ! &e $eaf!% urma de un "nd"v"d ne,r"$"os% mas"v% $u &!l!r"a #nfunda ! &e $a& $a '" $um "-ar f" fos &rea mare( 4 He"l7 s r",! ve eranul( C"n$"s&re*e$e oamen" #'" r"d"$ar! nasur"le d"n su&a de ur*"$"% &r"v"ndu-l $u "n eres( 4 Ra3a 7 s&use &rusa$ul( Noul-ven" se &use &e r-s= 4 S! re$" &e la m"ne% erou de re" &arale% '" o s!-/" #n$!l*es$ +oa'ele de-o s! *"$" $!-s ou! r!s$oa& e( 4 S-n/e/" de la ,arn"*oan!5 #n re+! ."$u/ul% &r"v"ndu-" $ur"os &e $e" do" $"v"l"( 4 )n r-un fel% +!"a ule% '"-" f!$u semn amu*a $elu"lal ( Le,"onarul #" &r"v" &r"n re ,ene( 4 Pol"/"a5 #" #n re+!( 4 A" ,3"$" % Mr"&o( N-a/" ma" v!*u a'a $eva% a"5 Care d"n re vo"% ero" de do" +an"% se nume' e Geor, >reO a,% d"n re,"men ul 7 an "aer"an!5 Toa e &r"v"r"le se #ndre& ar! s&re Geor,% $are% al+ $a $ear$eaful% se s&r"0"nea de mas!H $el v-rs n"$ se o&r" #n fa/a lu"( 4 Pr"n urmare% #n,era'ule% u e' " Geor, >reO a,5

Geor, des$3"se ,ura f!r! s! s$oa ! un $uv-n ( Pol"/"s ul se a&le$! s&re el( 4 L"-a &"er" ,lasul% "e&ura'ule5 Pen ru $! nenea Mr"&o a ven" s! e vad!5 Poa e $! adu$em o ves e +un!((( &oa e a" &r"m" o mo' en"re nea' e& a !((( 8a$! a" $on' ""n/a $ura !% nu-/" e fr"$! de Mr"&o7 )n sal! se l!sase o l"n"' e de morm-n ( 4 Nu vre" n"m"$ de la nenea5 P!$a % e deran0ea*! da$! ne u" !m &r"n +a,a0ele ale% s! vedem da$! nu a" mo' en" $umva $e $!u !m5 >!r! s! a' e& e un r!s&uns% se a&le$! '" rase sa$ul -n!rulu" solda s&re el( 4 Nu7 url! Geor,( Nu-l a "n,e% e al meu7 Pol"/"s ul r!mase surd la $uv"n ele lu"% "ar ne,r"$"osul " se &os ! #n s&a e $a o s -n$!( Pol"/"s ul #n$e&u s! $o ro+!"e( Ha"na de &"ele nea,r! se #n redes$3"se '"-am *!r" $urelele $are sus/"neau o$ul unu" &"s ol D8( Geor, #l &r"vea 3"&no "*a ( Cu +ru al" a e% omul #" r!v!'" efe$ ele m"l" are a - de $on' ""n$"os #m&! ur" eH o $u "e de +om+oane $!*u urma ! de fo o,raf"a une" doamne $u &!rul ,r"( 4 .am!7 s r",! Geor, d"s&era % v!*-nd fo o,raf"a( C- eva manuale au fos '" ele arun$a e% a&o" o E"+l"e '" la sf-r'" un $u/" #n ea$! 4 un $u/" f"nlande*( Pol"/"s ul #l rase d"n ea$a d"n &"ele de ren '" eIam"n! o/elul s r!lu$" or% mar$a de o *,-r"e ur! ad-n$!( 4 Es e al !u% m"$u/ule5 '" arma d"s&!ru #n +u*unarul 3a"ne"( Cu dou! de,e e% &ol"/"s ul /"nea a$um un $3"lo de dam! al+% a&o" unul al+as ru% #n$! unul al+((( )n o al 'ase( Se r"d"$!( Aerul mal"/"os #" d"s&!ruse% r!m!sese H"ena( 4 8es ul $u ,luma7Tu a" asas"na fe ele( 8a$! ne,"% nu fa$" de$- s!-/" #n,reune*" s" ua/"a( Ha"7 '" $e" do" #l a&u$ar!( 4 L!sa/"-m!% sun +olnav7 s r",! Geor, d"s&era ( Ara fe+r!% s&use% #n$er$-nd s!-" loveas$! &e $e" do" $olo'"( 4 >"" $alm% s&use ne,r"$"osul $are vor+ea &en ru &r"ma da !( 8e de&ar e% de &e s$!r"% #n$! se ma" au*ea vo$ea lu" Geor, $are s r",a= AL!sa/"-m! l!sa/"-m!% am fe+r!7B C-nd% &es e $- eva $l"&e% ma'"na se o&r" la $ol/ul $u Ree&ers+a3n% Geor, reu'" s! le s$a&e '"% aler,-nd &e 'oseaua Gla$"s% s!r" &es e +ar"era de la S&or &la *( Ce" do" aler,au &e urmele lu"( 4 S a"7 s r",ar! de re" or"% re,ulamen ar( S a"7 A&o" se au*"r! #m&u'$! ur"le( Pro"e$ "lele au oma ulu" #l arun$ar! #n aer% o $l"&! &!ru $! &lu e' e% a&o" $!*u *dro+" ( R-$-" &!m-n ul '" s&use $eva de ne#n/eles( Pol"/"s ul se #n oarse &e $!l$-"e( 4 .or ( ."s"une #nde&l"n" !( S! du$em $or&ul la mor,!( Cu ne,r"$"osul la volan% &orn"r! s&re Mr"&o( 4 To no" sun em $e" ma" +un"( N"$" de da a as a nu ne &a' e fron ul de es (

4 4nc nu s- a nscut omul care mi !a cuceri inima, spunea mereu )anti -ora. 4 ' iubeti o singur femeie este mpotri!a naturii, pretindea 6egionarul. -ar cu!intele astea datau dinaintea ntlnirii lor. Acum, rede!eniser copii i !isau un paradis, adic un bar cu apte locuri. )anti -ora l ruga s dezerteze, dar el era prea btrn i prea !iclean ca s fac asemenea nebunie. )renul porni separndu-i ca pe atia alii. 7zboiul continua mai slbatic ca niciodat. )NT<ARCEREA PE >R<NT <f"/erul de serv"$"u d"n ,ar! ne ver"f"$! a$ ele '" s&use s$ur = 4 Trenul Eerl"n-6ar'ov"a-Lem+er,% &eronul 2( 4 A un$"% !s a e7 sus&"n! Le,"onarul(

C!&" anul #l &r"v" '" #" r!s&unse mu$al" = 4 Cam a'a $eva a *"s '" Ce*ar $-nd a re$u Ru+"$onul( 4 8a% alea &acta est. U"m" % of"/erul #l s ud"e &e solda ul $u $"$a r"$e( 4 E' " s uden % <+er,efre" er5 4 Nu% +a al"onul ; d"n Le,"unea S r!"n!% r!s&unse Le,"onarul% amu*a de sur&r"*a of"/erulu"( 4 C" ' "" $e #nseamn!5 "ns"s ! $el!lal ( 4 8a% #n$3"&u"/"-v!7 <f"/erul ro'" '" ne l!s! s! re$em( ."$u/ul r!$n" '" &orn" $a la $urse( < des$o&er"se &e E"l! de seu $are% s&re sur&r"*a ,eneral!% ven"se s!-'" "a r!mas-+un( Se re&e*"r! unul la $el!lal $a do" elefan/" de lu& !( Trenul% $a un 'ar&e fl!m-nd% a' e& a solda/"" $are se #n,3esu"au &e &eron( Pr"veam marea &endul! d"n ,ar! ale $!re" l"m+" se ro eau ne,re '" amen"n/! oare( L"m+"le se #nv-r eau% se #nv-r eau% se #n,3"/eau una &e al a((( )n $ur-nd se va erm"na o ul( Prusa$ul '" T3omas Gensen sos"r! #n$e % $o$o'a/" su+ +a,a0ul "nfan er"s ulu"( S e"n '" Eauer se a&le$ar! &e fereas ra $om&ar "men ulu" '" s r",ar! $! au $"n$" lo$ur"( Cum o$ma" le #n "ndeam +a,a0ele% o m!"$u/! de la Cru$ea Ro'"e ne #n re+! da$! vrem $afea% ad"$! o f"er ur! de sa$ de "u !( 4 )m+ar$area7 s r",! of"/erul de &eron &en ru a &a ra oar!% $!$" n"men" nu-l +!,a #n seam!( )m&"nse +ru al $-/"va oamen"% &r"n re $are '" &e ."$u/ul% $are #" r!s&unse &rom& $u un 'uvo" de #n0ur! ur"% dar ' ""nd $! nu-" +"ne s! e &u" $u $e" de &e fron % 0andarmul se f!$u nev!*u ( Trenur"le a$es ea &!reau f!$u e s! e #nne+uneas$!( Se au*" o vo$e de feme"e $are% s r",a= AAlfred7B Le,"onarul se #n oarse '" aler,! s&re $3"o'$ul l-n,! $are Tan " 8ora% $u ,ulerul r"d"$a % se as$unsese $u ,reu( Puse m-na &e um!rul m"$ulu" le,"onar '" #" 'o& "= 4 L"-am adus 3a"ne $"v"le( Gr!+e' e- e s! e s$3"m+" la oale ! '" fu,"7 Le,"onarul #'" &lea$! o$3""( 4 8ora% m"$u/a mea% f!r! &ros ""7 )" ' "" &e $-"n"" d"n 0andarmer"e( N"$" unu"a d"n r-o m"e nu-" "*+u e' e lov" ura '"% da$! m! &r"nd la "ne% o &!/e' " '" u( 4 Nu-m" e fr"$! de #n$3"sor"le lor7 4 Nu% dar m"e #m" es e de ,loan/ele lor7 S$oase un ar "$ol de$u&a d"n r-un 0urnal '" "-l &use su+ nas( Ea #'" mu'$! +u*ele $" "nd= A)n a en/"a de*er or"lor '" la'"lor7 4 Cer &o&orulu" ,erman '" ma" ales feme"lor s! f"e $u o$3"" #n &a ru $a s!-" des$o&ere &e la'"" $are se as$und #n $oloanele de refu,"a/" $a s! rea$! de la es la ves ( N"$" o m"l! &en ru a$e' " m"*era+"l" de*er or"7 6o"% demne feme" ,ermane% na/"onal-so$"al"s e% denun/a/"-" f!r! m"l!% f"e $! es e vor+a de s r!"n"% f"e $! sun so/"% f"" sau fra/"( Lo$ul lor nu es e #n marea noas r! German"e na/"onal-so$"al"s !7 Semna He"nr"$3 H"mmlerB( Tan " 8ora #'" #n!l/! &r"v"rea= 4 Ce mons ru7 8ar a" &u/"n! r!+dare% se va ,!s" a$ &en ru $o0o$ul lu"7 4 Sau &en ru al nos ru% da$! ne &ur !m $a &ro' ""( S"n,ura 'ans! de su&rav"e/u"re es e s! urm!m m"'$area ,eneral!((% #n !$ere( S! e as$un*" &e $- es e &os"+"l( < &r"nse de +!r+"e( C" s! a" #n +u*unar 3-r "" $are s! e fa$! s! re$" de $el ma" afur"s" $on rol( )l ar! ! &e >eld?e+el-ul $e sem!na ou un 3"&o&o am= 4 Pr"ve' e-l &e !la $u $eafa ,roas!% s-ar #nf"ora de &l!$ere s! ares e*e un de*er or '" s!-l s&-n*ure $u o &an$ar ! &e &"e& ( Pl-n,"% +! r-na mea 8ora5 Ce #nseamn! as a5 8ora% &o ole' e- e7 '" #n$er$! s -n,a$" s!-" ' ear,! la$r"m"le( 4 E' " un n! !r!u% un n! !r!u% 3o3o ea feme"a $u $a&ul &e um!rul lu"( < s!-/" s$r"u% Alfred% #n f"e$are s!& !m-n!((( .-n,-"a $"$a r"$ea lu" &r"v"nd lo$omo "va $are s a ,a a s! &lesneas$! su+ &res"unea va&or"lor $e /-'neau #n 0e ur" al+e '" se ,-ndea= APar$! ar f" o f"ar! $are se 3r!ne' e $u s-n,ele vos ru7 Unde $re*" $! v! du$e5B )na"n e de a-" r!s&unde% Le,"onarul &r"v" &odul &e $are *dr!n,!neau ramva"ele= 4 E! r-nul ne-a s$r"s $! re,"men ul se afl! a&roa&e de <r'a% #n se$ orul $en ral( <r'a es e la "n erse$/"a drumur"lor #n re ."nsJ% Tula '" .os$ova( 8rumul mer,e &-n! #n S"+er"a

'" se erm"n! la Mol"ma% a$olo unde $amara*"" no' r" lu$rea*! #n m"ne( A<r'a7B ,-nd" ea( Un nume( Un nume ne$unos$u % un &un$ &e 3ar a nem!r,"n" !( Un lo$ r"s '" murdar #n "mens" a ea Rus"e"% &r"n $are re$ m"" de solda/"% d"n re $are $e" ma" mul/" nu se ma" #n or$( Ea #" m-n,-"e m-"n"le% &e $are soar a nedrea& ! le o+l",! s! adu$! moar ea al or solda/" '" &e $are ar f" &refera s! le vad! ames e$-nd +!u ur"le((( 4 Alfred7 murmur! ea% #n,3"/"ndu-l d"n &r"v"r"( Nu #n/ele,"% "m+e$"lule% $! e "u+es$5 8e $e5 Ha+ar n-am( Am fos v"ola ! la do"s&re*e$e an"% la $"ns&re*e$e am #n$e&u s! "u+es$ $3es "a as a% dar a$um nu ma" #m" &as!( Co&""% no" do" nu ma" &u em s! avem% dar sun em dou! f""n/e $are se #n/ele, '" se &o "u+"( Am-ndo" ' "m $! v"a/a es e un $arnaval m"*era+"l #n $are re+u"e s! &or/" mas$a $ea +un!( Alfred% e a' e& '" re"*e$" de an" da$! es e nevo"e( )n r-o +un! *" ne vom re*" d"n a$es v"s ur- '" a un$" o s! v"ndem 'andramaua '" o s! &le$!m undeva unde &u em mun$"( Le,"onarul "*+u$n" #n r-s= 4 Unde% 8ora5 )n T"+e 5 4 Nu% #n Era*"l"a( Sora mea are un +ordel% unul adev!ra % es e lo$ a$olo '" &en ru no" do"( >!r! 0andarm"% f!r! Ges a&o% s! &o/" res&"ra #n l"n"' e( < m"$u/! "nf"rm"er!% &roas&! "e'" ! d"n '$ol"le >@3rer-ulu"% /o&!"a #n lun,ul &eronulu" a,!/-nd "$" '" $olo $- e o ramur! de +rad% a'a $um v!*use #n r-un f"lm de r!*+o"( )'" ' er,ea o$3"" $u +a "s a '"% arun$-ndu-'" $a&ul &e s&a e $a o ?alJ"r"e% s r",a= A6! mul/umes$% ero"7 6! mul/umes$ $! lu& a/" &en ru a ne a&!ra &e no"% feme"le ,ermane% de $"uma sov"e "$!7B Un "nfan er"s $u mu r! de vul&e rase un v-n '" #" s&use #n fa/!= AL"e #/" l"&se' e $eva% fe "/o7B '" o &o$n" &es e fund #n r-sul ,eneral( 4 Gr!+e' e- e s&re $as!% v"n #nv"n,! or""7 ."$u/a "nf"rm"er!% ul ra,"a !% smulse ramura de +rad '" fu," s! se &l-n,! unu" >eld?e+el d"n 0andarmer"e% $are r"d"$! "nd"feren d"n umer" '" o #nde&!r !(.a" #n$olo% o #n rea,! fam"l"e #nso/ea un &u' " de 'a& es&re*e$e an"% $are &le$a #n Polon"a la o un" a e de "ns ru"re( 4 S! f"" $ura0os '" demn7 s r",a a !l% $ons"l"er m"n"s er"al( C" s! fa$" $"ns e fam"l"e" ale( 4 C" a' e& !m o s$r"soare $- ma" $ur-nd% ne&oa e7 $3el!l!"e un mo' $u &!rul al+% #n r-o un"form! fan e*"s ! de $olonel d"n &r"mul r!*+o" mond"al( S! ne s$r"" $um >@3rer-ul /"-a #nm-na Cru$ea de f"er7 4 S! r"m"/" o fo o,raf"e $- de re&ede o s! &o/"% murmur! mama% ' er,-ndu-'" o l!$r"m!( 4 >eme"le ,ermane nu &l-n,% Lu"se7 #" s&use a !l $u re&ro'( Un &as or $u &!l!r"e ro und! #'" re$u +ra/ul &es e umer"" feme"" '" #" s&use% $onsola or= 4 Es e o onoare s!-/" r"m"/" f""" la lu& ! #m&o r"va +ar+ar"lor $are ne amen"n/! &a r"a7 Un al mem+ru al fam"l"e"% #n /"nu ! na*"s !% #l &r"v" $u as&r"me= 4 Cum5 Inam"$ul ne amen"n/! &a r"a5 N-a eI&l"$a a - de $lar >@3rer-ul $! e vor+a doar de a0us !r" ale l"n"e" fron ulu"5 4 A0us !r" &-n! la Eerl"n7 r-n0" un su+of"/er de la o al ! fereas r! a renulu"( Preo ul $l"&" #ns&!"m-n a ( )'" +!,! de,e ul #n re ,ulerul are '" ,- % "ar m!rul lu" Adam #n$e&u s! " se a," e #n "m& $e-l &r"vea $u um"l"n/! &e omul Par "dulu"( 4 6o"am s! s&un $! "nam"$ul a n!v!l" #n U$ra"na% $are% du&! s&usele >@3rer-ulu"% es e o &a r"a noas r!( 4 C-nd a s&us >""3rer-ul a'a $eva5 4 8e ma" mul e or"% vor+"nd des&re marele Re"$3 $e se va #n "nde &-n! #n Cau$a*% unde sun "nam"$"" no' r" a$um( Na*"s ul #" f!$u semn s! a$!( 4 N-ar f" ma" +"ne &en ru dumnea a% &as ore% s! ra," o ra" ! &e fron ul de es % s!-" a0u/" &e ero"" no' r" s!-l #nfr-n,! &e du'man5 '" rad"a de fer"$"re v!*-ndu-l &e &as or $um remur!( < s"lue ! ,r" se s re$ura #n lun,ul renulu" '" Eauer url! de +u$ur"e re$unos$-ndu-l &e E?ald de la Tan " 8ora% #n un"form! de $am&an"e( Cu dou! *"le #n urm! "n rase &e &oar a $enu'"e a $ar "erulu" ,eneral al Ges a&o-ulu"

d"n Marl .u$J Pla * '"% du&! o lun,! a' e& are% se re*"se #n +"roul lu" E"eler ( E"eler % a'e*a &e $ol/ul mese"% luase d"n m-"n"le lu" E?ald ra&or ul o+"'nu" % s$r"s $u l" ere m"$"( Lov" ra&or ul $u dosul &alme"( 4 C- e m"n$"un" '" "nven/"" sun a"$"5 4 N"$" una% domnule Er",adenf@3rer( To ul es e adev!ra 7 4 Renun/! la AdomnuleB( La no" se s&une d"re$ Er",adenf@3rer% r-n0" E"eler ( )n$ear$! s! /"" m"n e7 Un &o o& de #n0ur! ur" $!*u &es e E?ald% mu de u"m"re( La sf-r'" % E"eler s$oase o 3-r "e al+! $u dun,! ro'"e '" "-o &use su+ nas( 4 U" e% #n$or&orarea a #n r-un re,"men d"s$"&l"nar( A" fos solda doar 'ase s!& !m-n"% a'a-"5 4 8a% Er",adenf@3rer% *+"er! E?ald% &o$n"nd d"n $!l$-"e $a '" $um ar f" #nv!/a as a &e erenul de "ns ru$/"e de la Grafen?e3r( < am"n "re $are-l #n,3e/a( .a" +"ne la #n$3"soare de$- #n r-o $a*arm! de "nfan er"e% s&usese &e a un$"( C" fusese lua de a$olo% des$o&er"ndu-se $! o ul era o eroare '" $! ar f" re+u" dus la #n$3"soare &en ru fur '" al e $o/$!r""( S$!&a de arma !% du&! $e #'" "s&r!v"se $ondamnarea% r!"se #n med"ul "n erlo& al Ham+ur,ulu"% dar #" era o ma" ,reu( >ron ul #" aduna &e o/"% $3"ar '" &e $e" $a E?ald% "ar re,"men ele d"s$"&l"nare erau $rea e o$ma" &en ru +and"/" $a el( E"eler se a&le$ase deasu&ra lu" s&un-ndu-"= 4 .a" es e '" o al ! solu/"e% &r"e ene( .u ra lu" E?ald se lum"n!% se vedea s$!&a ( 8"n &-rna"e s$!&ase deven"nd urn! or( Pu/"n" erau $e" $are ma" "e'eau de la Ges a&o #n urma denun/ur"lor sale% "ar Paul E"eler #" da ora $3"ar num"rea $a Er",andenf@3rer% $!$" urn! orul% d"n #n -m&lare% $!*use &es e o afa$ere "m&or an !( 4 >a$ o $eea $e dor"/"% Er",andenf@3rer% se +-l+-" E?ald $u o &r"v"re de $-"ne +! u ( 4 Po/" s! ale," #n re dou! var"an e= +a al"onul d"s$"&l"nar sau r"+unalul $u &ro$edura de ur,en/! &en ru du'man"" &o&orulu"( E?ald se sufo$a= 4 8ar n-am f!$u n"m"$7 ,emu el( Nu m-am ames e$a n"$"oda ! #n &ol" "$!7 4 Nu ma" s&une7 #" r!s&unse E"eler ar! -ndu-" ra&or ul( C" as ea5 Sun oare ' "r" mondene5 E' " +!,a &-n! la ,- #n &ol" "$!% s$um&ule( Se #n oarse $! re u'! '" s r",!= AGe",e% Po *7B A&!rur! "med"a do" ,",an/" #n un"form! SS( 4 Pro$edura de ur,en/! &en ru !s a7 r-n0" E"eler % ar! -ndu-l &e E?ald $!ru"a #" $l!n/!neau d"n/"" '" era ,a a s! le'"ne( Ce" do" SS-"' " #l a&u$ar! de m-"n"% s&un-ndu-" re$e= 4 6"no% m"$u/ule( 4 Nu% nu7 url! nefer"$" ul( Nu &u e/" s!-m" fa$e/" una $a as a% Er",andenf@3rer7 6-am serv" $ore$ % v-am eIe$u a oa e" dor"n/ele7 4 Nu am de$- o s"n,ur! dor"n/!% #m&u/" ule% s! nu-/" ma" v!d mu ra7 #" r-se E"eler #n nas( E?ald s r",a #nne+un" ( ."*era+"lul urn! or fusese des ul de &ros "ns&"ra s! o &omeneas$! &e Tan " 8ora #n ul "mul s!u ra&or ( To ul se erm"nase &en ru el% n"men" nu se a "n,ea de Tan " 8ora( 4 E"ne% ,!s"/"-" o un"form! '" s! &le$e $u &r"mul $onvo"( As a era &r"$"na &en ru $are E?ald se s re$ura a$um #n lun,ul renulu"% #n r-o un"form! f!r! e&ole/" '" f!r! #nsemne de arm!( E"eler nu se mul/um"se s!-l r"m" ! #n r-un re,"men oare$are d"s$"&l"nar% $" $3"ar #n +a al"onul F9F de reedu$are d"s$"&l"nar!% afla la Eres -L" o?sJ( 8a$! E?ald ar f" +!nu" $e-l a' ea& !% ar f" #n "ns-o #n ma3alalele Ham+ur,ulu"( Ar f" avu ma" mul e 'anse s! s$a&e a'a de$- d"n $ea ma" $ele+r! un" a e a arma e" ,ermane% a$olo unde S a+sfel\?e+el-ul Neur"n, e &r"mea "nvar"a+"l $u a$elea'" $uv"n e= 4 8a$! v! re$e $umva &r"n $a& $! v! &u e/" s$!&a &"elea fu,"nd de a"$"% v! #n'ela/"( La am"a*! ve/" $!&! a un ,lon e re,ulamen ar #n $eaf!( )n lun,ul renulu" aler,au $-/"va 0andarm"% $u &l!$"le s r!lu$" oare &e &"e& ( ."$ul le,"onar o s r-nse &e an " 8ora la &"e& (

4 As a es e% 8ora% re+u"e s! &le$( A$es r!*+o" nu se &oa e erm"na f!r! $a&oralul Alfred Mal+ d"n al ;-lea% re,"men al Le,"un""( G-nde' e- e% da$! H" ler #nv"n,e% n-o s! ne f"e +"ne7 Tan " 8ora #l #n,ro&! la &"e& ul e" ur"a'( Gur"le lor se $!u ar!% &u ea" s! $re*" $! n-o s!-" ma" dea n"$"oda ! drumul( 4 Alfred% 'o& " ea% o s! e #n or$" s",ur7 Era a&roa&e un ord"n da lu" 8umne*eu( Le,"onarul nu re+u"a s! moar! &en ru o $au*! "d"oa !( )n!l/! &r"v"rea '" se for/! s! sur-d!( 4 < s! m! #n or$% s$um&a mea 8ora% &e Alla3 $! o s! m! #n or$( Ru'"" n-or s! &oa ! u$"de un $a&oral d"n Le,"une7 8oar un $a+"l ar &u ea-o fa$e( 4 Alfred% s$r"e-m"% s$r"e-m"7 )nne+unes$ da$! m! u"/"7 )" s&use% #m+r!/"'-ndu-l s!l+a e$% $u "n"ma sf-'"a !( Pl-n,ea% "ar la$r"m"le l!sau d-re &e o+ra*ul &udra ( 4 )n va,oane7 s r",! un 0andarm( Se #n$3"d u'"le7 Le,"onarul ur$! #n$e '" r!mase #n $adrul u'""( 8ora #ns! #" m-n,-"a fa/a sl!+" !( 4 Ad"o7 s&use el $u o vo$e su,ruma !( 4 Nu% maro$ane% nu ad"o% $" la revedere% s&use ea mu'$-ndu-'" +u*ele( 4 A" dre& a e% la revedere7 r-se '" el( ."$u/ul #'" arun$! &e ,eam sa$ul% a&o" farfur"a $u re" $-rna/"% o &-"ne de se$ar! '" $- eva s "$le de ra$3"u( Se re&e*" a&o" #n$! o da ! #n +ra/ele lu" E"l! de seu '" o r"d"$! #n sus #n r-o ul "m! #m+r!/"'are( 4 A" ,r"0! de "ne% ursule% s! nu e adun d"n +u$!/ele% r-se ea( 8u&! $e ne $!s! or"m o s! avem dou!*e$" '" re" de $o&"" la fel de ur"a'" $a "ne( 4 La na"+a7 r-se ."$u/ul( < s! f"e lu$rul $el ma" +un d"n v"a/a mea( Tr!"as$! #nfr-n,erea7 8ou!*e$" '" re" de mu$o'"% 8oamne7 4 < s! s$o om d"n "ne% 3o/ de +u*unare7 '" #" d!du o &alm! &e o+ra*( ."$u/ul r-se fer"$" = 4 .-am #ndr!,os " de "ne7 E' " $ea ma" are d"n re fe ele d"n 'andramaua de &e W"ener Neus ad '" o u'" e' " a - de s"m&a "$!7 Emma% s&use el lum"na % $-nd se erm"n! r!*+o"ul o s! ne a$"u"m am-ndo" #n r-un +ordel '" ve" vedea $! e' " $ea ma" +un! -rf!7 4 Por$ule7 s r",! E"l! de seu ul ra,"a !( Sun o doamn!% nu o -r- ur!% #n$ear$! s! /"" m"n e as a( 8e al fel o s! am eu ,r"0!((( ."$u/ul #'" &le$! /eas a ur"a'!( 4 Iar !-m!% da$! e-am su&!ra % dar adu-/" am"n e $! nu sun un ,en leman7 C" a" ,r"0! $-nd en,le*"" o s!-'" arun$e +om+ele% s!-/" as$un*" -r "/a7 Ea #" sur-se% '" o$3"" #" d"s&!rur! #n &ernu/ele de ,r!s"me( 4 Ursule% murmur! ea% e' " &ros $a un +ou7 8ar #m" &la$" &rea mul ( A' vrea s! e #n or$"% $3"ar '" $u un &"$"or l"&s!% as a n-are n"$" o "m&or an/!( Ea $3"ar ar f" ma" +"ne% a" f" ma" as$ul ! or( Un 0andarm se &lan ! #n f-/a lor% $u &"$"oarele $r!$!na e% '" #l #m&"nse &e ."$u/ul s&re ren= 4 S&une-m"% <+er,efre" er% a' e&/" o "nv" a/"e s&e$"al!5 4 )n $"n$"s&re*e$e *"le m! #n or$% Emma7 Perm"s"e &en ru #nsur! oare% ,!ses$ eu $eva% s r",! ur"a'ul( Trenul se urn" $u o smu$" ur! '" $a&ul lu" se lov" de un f"er% r-n"ndu-l( 4 Isuse% m"-am s&ar $a&ul7 .! vo" #n oar$e7 4 )n oar$e- e% #n oar$e- e7 s r",! Emma( Aler,a al! ur" de ren% /"n-ndu-'" &oalele fus e" $u m-na '" a," -nd $u $ealal ! +one a ro'"e de "nf"rm"er!( >a/a #" era s$!lda ! #n la$r"m"( )n oar$e- e% ursule% #n oar$e- e7 Tan " 8ora% &e 0um! a e as$uns! de $3"o'$% #" f!$ea semne Le,"onarulu" $are #n$! se /"nea #n u'a des$3"s!( < feme"e de $"n$"*e$" de an" $!*u% av-nd #n +ra/e un $o&"l de re" lun" $are se ros o,ol" &e asfal ( Se au*" /"&! ul #n,ro*" al unu" &u'$a' mar"n( .a" re&ede% ma" re&ede((( Nesf-r'" ul ren se -ra du$-nd $u el re" m"" '" o& su e de $a&e e de v" e #n un"form!% &r"n re ru"nele Ham+ur,ulu"% s&re Eerl"n( Un 0andarm #'" !"a drum &e $uloar= 4 )n$3"de/" feres rele% se ra,e asu&ra $elor $are se ara ! la fereas r!( 4 .us$! de ra3a 7 eI&lod! un su+of"/er de la #n!l/"mea &lase" &en ru +a,a0e( )n r-un al $om&ar "men $"neva #n$e&u s! $-n e=

4 )n oar$e- e% #n oar$e- e% e a' e& % $!$" &en ru m"ne u e' " fer"$"rea((( Pe &eron% su e de "u+" e% de mame% de feme" '" de $o&"" #n$! ma" f"Iau l"n"a or"*on ulu"% a$olo unde renul d"s&!ruse% l!s-nd #n urma lu" o $olon! de fum $are se #n!l/a s&re nor"( Ce" ma" mul/" urmau s! nu se ma" vad!( Tan " 8ora% s"n,ur! l-n,! $3"o'$% &r"vea a+sen ! '" +u*ele #" remurau( 4 )n oar$e- e% Alfred((( Pen ru numele 8omnulu"% #n oar$e- e la m"ne% nu $on ea*! $um% $3"ar '" #n $-r0e% dar #n oar$e- e((( E"l! de seu a0uns! la $a&! ul &eronulu"% $on "nua s!-'" a," e +one a ro'"e( G-f-"a% o+os" !% du&! a$es eIer$"/"u neo+"'nu" ( 4 Urs &ros % 'o& " ea% s! nu r!m-" &e a$olo((( C" f!$u un lu$ru de $are s"n,ur! nu se $redea $a&a+"l!= #n m"0lo$ul &eronulu"% su+ ,eamur"le s&ar e% #'" #m&reun! m-"n"le '" se ru,!( )n$e&u s! &lou!% o &loa"e f"n! '" a&!s! oare( Peronul se ,ol" #n$e % "ar s"renele #n$e&ur! s! urle( <amen"" aler,au $are #n$o ro( )n de&!r are $!*u &r"ma +om+!( La "n rarea &e &eron r!m!sese doar o -n!r! $u fa/a #m&"e r" !% $are #'" sf-'"a +a "s a $u d"n/""( 4 < o% +-",u"a ea $u vo$ea su,ruma !( <f% nu% < o7((( 8eoda !% s$oase un /"&! as$u/" '" #n$e&u s!-'" smul,! &!rul de d"s&erare= A< o% nu-" l!sa s! e u$"d!7 H" ler e un asas"n7 ,emu ea( H" ler e un asas"n7B 8o" "ner" $"v"l" #n 3a"ne ne,re au a&!ru +rus$ l-n,! ea( < "ns",n! de ar,"n s r!lu$" #n r-o m-n! '" se au*"= AGes a&oB( S-a *+! u $u #nd-r0"re% dar "*+u "r! s-o -ras$! #n &enum+ra m"s er"oas! a $l!d"r"" Pol"/"e"( )n ren% "nfan er"s ul < o murmura= ALo e% dra,a mea% o s! ne revedem #n $ur-ndB( )m&!r !'" unu" $amarad fa& ul $! Lo e era #ns!r$"na !( 8ar $o&"lul lu" Lo e nu a v!*u n"$"oda ! lum"n! *"le"( .ama sa s&usese adev!rul #n r-o /ar! #n $are adev!rul e$3"vala $u o $ondamnare la moar e( Trenul s r!+! ea German"a( Se o&rea $- eva $l"&e #n ,!r" su&raa,lomera e &en ru a #n,3"/" no" valur" de solda/" eI enua/"( Se $!/!rau &es e mun/" de sa$"% marm" e% m!' " de ,a*e% &u' "% m" ral"ere% &! ur" f!$u e sul '" &es e ru&ur" #m+r!$a e #n verde% #n al+as ru% #n ne,ru% #n $enu'"u( Toa e armele( Solda/" d"n mar"n! #n v-rs ! de 'a"s&re*e$e an"% $u "ns",na $elor de la su+mar"ne &e m-ne$!H SS-"' " fana "$" $u o$3"" f"$'"% $res$u/" #n $asa s a ulu" d"$ a or"al $u nume de "ns " u/"e edu$a "v!H &ol"/"' " #n re dou! v-rs e% #n r-un verde ven"nos% #n drum $! re un &os de &ol"/"e de /ar!% men"/" s! f"e /"n a &ar "*an"lor "nam"$"% $are #" v-nau $a &e f"are( Erau solda/" d"n d"v"*""le de +l"nda e% #n 0e,oasele lor un"forme ne,re% &u/"nd a +en*"n! '" ule"H $avaler"' " sol"*"% $a or"$e /!ran% $u e&ole/"" ,al+en-/"&! orH s$un*" v-n! or" de mun e $u floarea de &lum+ &e m-ne$!H ar "ler"' " f!r! de$ora/""H ,en"' " $u fe/ele #m&"e r" e de o+oseal! du&! mun$" "numane% r"' " $a e&ole/"" lor ne,r"( Erau ar "ler"' " d"n mar"n!% #nal/" '" ,ra'"% mul/um"/" $! a&ar/"n une" arme #nde&!r a e de fron % #n lun,ul $oas elorH a,en/" de le,! ur! $u o$3"" "n el",en/"% $are #'" #m&o&o/onau s&usele $u $uv"n e s r!"ne% &en ru a ar! a $- e l"m+" ' "u( 8ar $e" ma" mul/" erau "nfan er"' " #n un"forme a - de r!&$"u,oase #n$de*m"n/eau denum"rea ,lor"oas! de Are,"n! a armelorB( Pr"n oa e $ol/ur"le se +ea% se 0u$a( Un ,ru& 'u'o ea #n 0urul unu" "nf"rm"er% un <+er,efre" er( 4 Cu 3e&a " a% nu-" n"m"$ de f!$u % s&unea "nf"rm"erul% $u v!rsa ul '" ,r"&a% n"$" a - ((( &en ru a - de &u/"n v! r"m" la &l"m+are( Arun$! #n 0urul lu" o &r"v"re &ruden !% dar nu " se &!ru $! are vreun as$ul ! or &r"me0d"os #n a&ro&"ere( Con "nu! 'o& "nd= T"fo"da% +!"e/"% un adev!ra "fos% as a e $eva( As a-" do+oar!7 >e+r!% s! le $ra&e ermome rele( 8a$! unul s"n,ur es e a&roa&e mor % n"$" e" nu ma" re*"s !( N"$" nu $re*" $- de +un" dev"n $re*-nd $! e' " ,a a s! ur$" la $erur"( C" a&o" +oala durea*! foar e mul ( 4 C" $um &o/" s! fa$" "fo"d!5 #n re+! un "nfan er"s de'"ra ( C- eva &l"$ule/e #'" s$3"m+ar! &ro&r"e arul '" "nf"rm"erul #'" ma" #nfund! n"' e +an" #n +u*unar( 1-m+" $onf"den/"al% du&! o al ! &r"v"re #m&re0ur( 4 Praful d"n &a$3e e #l &une/" #n $afea '" &e urm! ra,e/" o du'$! de vod$!( )n $el

mul $"n$"s&re*e$e *"le sun e/" #n r-un &a +un '" a/" erm"na -o $u r!*+o"ul &en ru 'ase lun"( 4Po/" s! $r!&"5 #n re+! un $avaler"s ma" s$e& "$( 4 A" avu &ar e vreoda ! de $eva f!r! r"s$ur"% $re "nule5 s&use un av"a or #n r-o ele,an ! un"form! ,r"-+leu% $u &"e& ul &l"n de de$ora/""( Avea a&roa&e dou!*e$" de an"% dar r!*+o"ul #l #m+! r-n"se $u $el &u/"n *e$e an"( Se s! uraser! &-n! '" e"% ero"" *+ur! or" a" lu" Herman Goer"n,( Traversarea Eerl"nulu" a avu lo$ noa& ea% #n "m&ul une" alarme( Pes e o % #n lun,ul renulu" #n/esa % ne *+! eam s! a0un,em la oale e% #n a mosfera &es "len/"al! se s$3"m+au re&l"$" s u&"de( Le,"onarul% #n,3esu" #n re ."$u/ul '" m"ne% #l avea #n fa/! &e E?ald% v-n! de $"ud!% #n$adra de S e"n '" Eauer( 8e la #n!l/"mea &lase" &en ru +a,a0e% &rusa$ul ,lumea '" "m" a d"verse &ersona0e( 4 Ia s&une-ne $e &!rere are H" ler des&re s" ua/"e7 s r",! S e"n( Prusa$ul #'" r"d"$! f"l rul m!' "" de ,a*e $a &e un m"$rofon% #'" &o r"v" o 'uv"/! &e frun e '" #'" #m&"nse #na"n e +u*a de 0os( Sem!na $u o $ar"$a ur! #n,ro*" oare a lu" H" ler% vo$ea #ns! era u"m" oare( 4 >eme" ,ermane% +!r+a/" ,erman"7 N"$"oda ! nu am fos a - de a&roa&e de v"$ or"e7 L"n"a fron ulu" es e s"nuoas! '" fa$e o&era/""le d"f"$"le( Ne vom re&l"a &e &o*"/"" d"na"n e s a+"l" e% &en ru $a a$/"un"le noas re s! se desf!'oare $onform &lanulu"( 8u'man"" &o&orulu" s&un $! es e vor+a de o re ra,ere% dar ' "/" $! a$olo unde se afl! +rav"" me" solda/" nu &oa e f" vor+a de re ra,ere7 )n$! un m"$ efor '" a noas r! es e v"$ or"a f"nal!( 8ar% a' e& -nd-o% f"/" s",ur" $! ve/" mur" $a n"' e ero"7 R"d"$-ndu-'" +ra/ul &en ru salu % #'" &"erdu e$3"l"+rul '" se &r!+u'"( 4 >@3rer-ul a $!*u % s&use Eauer( ."$u/ul #'" r!su$ea me "$ulos o /",ar!( )n "m&ul $elor &a ru lun" &e re$u e la s&" al adunase $on' ""n$"os oa e mu$ur"le '" avea a$um un s!$ule/ de u un( Tre$u a lu" s!r!$"e #l #nv!/ase s! nu r"s"&eas$! n"m"$% or"$e &u ea deven" folos" or( 4 Crede/" $! o s! &r"mes$ o &erm"s"e da$! m! #nsor $u Emma5 #n re+! re$-nd $u l"m+a &e fo"/!( 4 E"ne#n/eles $! nu( Hau& feld?e+el-ul Edel va s&une $! e' " "d"o ul re,"men ulu" '" $! "d"o/"" nu re+u"e s! se #nsoare( C" &e urm! de $e s! la'" v!duv! o fa ! a - de dr!,u/!5 "*+u$n" Le,"onarul #n r-s( 4 .a" a$"7 )n -" '" #n -" $! Emma n-are n"m"$ d"n r-o fa ! dr!,u/!( Es e un an$ $are l-ar do+or# $3"ar '" &e Edel d"n r-o lov" ur!( 4 Edel va s&une de asemenea% $on "nu! Le,"onarul% $! moar ea ero"$! es e s"n,ura a 'ans!% al fel% du&! r!*+o"% o s! a0un," #n r-un la,!r de eI erm"nare% $a &er"$ol &u+l"$7 A$eas ! evo$are ne f!$u &e o/" s! ne s r-m+!m( 4 Nu #n/ele,7 s&use ."$u/ul( 4 N"$" nu m! m"r!% r-se Eauer( 4 Nu sun de$- un &or$ s$os d"n '$oala de $ore$/"e( .ame" nu-" &!sa de no"% "ar &e +! r-nul #l ' "u mereu +ea ( La "n erna ne +! eau '" #n res ul "m&ulu" ne +! eam #n re no"( C "e vreunul d"n re vo" $e-" a"a o '$oal! de $ore$/"e5 Nu5 .! a' e& am la as a( Iadul7 N"$" vor+! de '$oal!( N"$" n-o s! ave/" nevo"e% s&unea su&rave,3e orul% un r!s&o&" d"n T@r"nen% Se s&unea $! feme"a or,an"s ulu" #" fusese aman ! '" de as a fusese "*,on" d"n +"ser"$!( C" es e adev!ra $! n-avea" nevo"e s! ' "" s! s$r"" '" s! $" e' " $a s! $ar" ,r"n*" de f"er sau s! sa&" 'an/ur"( Pe urm!% am deven" solda % nu u" a/" $! fa$ &ar e d"n re $e" a$ "v"% nu sun re*erv"s ( ." s-a s&us= APle$" la r!*+o" $a s!-/" a&er" &a r"aB( )n s"nea mea m-am #n re+a de $e re+u"e s! o a&!r% da$! ea nu a f!$u n"m"$ &en ru m"ne '" n"$" m!$ar nu eram eu $au*a a$elu" r!*+o"( A)m&o r"va +ar+ar"lor% a du'man"lor f!r! m"l!B% au s&us( Eun( 8e$" e lu&/" $u +ar+ar" '" oamen" f!r! m"l!( Pro+a+"l $! e" ' "u a$olo sus $! du'man"" sun '" ma" r!" $a "ne% ."$u/ule( Tu e' " doar $arne de un( Am dus-o a'a% r!,-nd asu&ra a o $eea $e m" se d!dea ord"n% &-n! $-nd m" s-a s&us= ACar!- e7B% '" am #n "ns-o( C" "m& de 'ase an" m-am &l"m+a $u B,!"naB na*"s ! &e &"e& ( ."$u/ul se o&r" '" ne &r"v" r!u !$"os( 4 8ar a$um s-a "v" $eva nou '" as a m! ul+ur!( Sun lo,od" '" o s! am dou!*e$" '" re" de $o&"" $u $ea ma" +un! feme"e d"n lume% s&use% ' er,-ndu-'" fa/a( C" es e $eva $e nu mer,e( Celu" de d"n$olo% de la HarJov% M"ev% Sevas o&ol '" d"n $elelal e lo$ur" #n $are ne-am

a&!ra &a r"a% da$! #" s&u"= AAs$ul !% Ivan Ivanov"$"% de $e ra," #n m"ne5B < s!-/" s&un!= ATovar"'$" >r"/% n-am n"$" o #ndo"al!7 T! u$a S al"n a s&us $! re+u"e s! o fa$(B C"% &o$% e &omene' " $u o ,aur! #n frun e( 1"-m" da$! nu sun em sona/" am-ndo"5 Le,"onarul &r"v" #n,r"0ora #n 0urul lu"% #n$3"se +rus$ u'a $om&ar "men ulu" '" s&use $u as&r"me= 4 Ta$"% $re "nule7 8a$! nu% o s! e s&-n*ure $3"ar da$! e #n/ele," $u Ivan( 4 To$ma" as a '" s&un7 s r",! ."$u/ul( .ereu /" se s&une $e s! fa$"% mereu a$eea'" &la$!= AGura% f! $e /" se s&une% sau o s! a -rn" la $a&! ul fun"e"B( U" e $! eu nu #n/ele,( 4 N-are n"$" o "m&or an/!% s&use $u $ru*"me Le,"onarul( Su&une- e( Es e ma" s!n! os '" &en ru "ne% '" &en ru no"( < s! e #m+oln!ve' "% ,-nd"ndu- eH $a&ul !u nu-" f!$u &en ru a'a $eva% el re+u"e s! &oar e $as$a '" a - a o ( ."$u/ul r"d"$! d"n umer"= 4 Pro+a+"l $! a" dre& a e% nomadule(

43tiu ce- i asta, spuse 6egionarul. e uitam la soldaii spnzurai care se blbneau n !nt. =ienele poliiei a!eau mult de lucru n acel moment. 'e respecta cu strictee noul ordin al *Ghrer- ului9 Curtea marial sau procedura de urgen pentru urmtoarele cazuri9 -efetism, dezertare, sabota&. Ameninare la adresa siguranei statului. >anditismul, &efuirea cada!relor, trdarea. 4 3tiu ce- i asta, repet 6egionarul. 0ste nceputul sfritului. 7zboaiele se pierd ntotdeauna n acelai chip. R<CA8A C!l! or"a noas r! a dura dou!s&re*e$e *"le '" s-a #n$3e"a la ro$ada P"nsJ-Gomel% &u/"n s&re sud-ves de 8av"d GorodoJ( 8u&! Serv"$"ul de "nforma/""% re,"men ul ar f" re+u" s! se afle f"e la Pe r"Jovo% f"e la SJr",alov( Cel $are a v!*u m!$ar o s"n,ur! da ! ro$ada a$eas a nu o va u" a n"$"oda !( Es e un drum de &es e &a ru*e$" de me r" l!/"me% +! ! or" de re$erea a m"l"oane de ro/" '" 'en"le( Nu es e de$- un drum '" o u'" es e la fel de "m&or an &en ru arma ! $um es e aor a &en ru "n"m!( 1" '" no& e se s$ur, m"" de ve3"$ule #n r-un 'uvo" ne$on en" % $are da$! s-ar o&r" ar &rovo$a '" moar ea fron ulu"( )n r-un sens re$ $oloane lun," $u mun"/""% mer"nde% unur"% an$ur" '" ve3"$ule ale &o' e"( )n $elalal sens% &"ese de ar "ler"e d"s ruse% ve3"$ule /!nd!r"% e&ave de +l"nda e% f"are r!su$" e $are s-au num" $-ndva av"oane '" un '"r nesf-r'" de am+ulan e &l"ne $u ru&ur" de oamen"( La urma-urme"% o $eea $e #nseamn! $uv-n ul r!*+o"( A$eas ! ro$ad! era un su&l"$"u &en ru solda/"( Iarna% un &a "noar% vara% un fluv"u de &raf% #n "m&ul &lo"lor o mla' "n!% #n $are ma'"n"% an"male '" oamen" r!m-n #nn!mol" e( Ne -ram u'"nd% #n0ur-nd '" s$u"&-nd #n lun,ul unu" val de &!m-n % s&er-nd% $a o/" $e"lal/"% s! ,!s"m un m"0lo$ de rans&or ( )n "m&ul une" o&r"r"% ."$u/ul &le$! du&! $"ordeal!% a'a $um #" era o+"$e"ul% '" nu se #n oarse de$- du&! re" ore( T-ra du&! el un sa$ &l"n $u 3aleal!( 4 E' " ne+un7 s&use &rusa$ul( Gaf% +!"e e( 8a$! e &r"nd e a' ea& ! fun"a( 4 La'ule% r-n0" ."$u/ul( Tu nu ve*" $! se re$ "f"$! l"n"a fron ulu"% al fel s&us% $! ne re ra,em5 Aveam ord"n s! arun$!m o ul #n aer '" nu v! adu$e/" am"n e de Mu+an% a un$" $-nd au fos arun$a e #n aer dou! su e de one de 3aleal!5 )'" m-n,-"e sa$ul sur-*-nd r!u !$"os( 6" am"ne &en ru v"$ or"e7 A&o"% "*+u$n"nd #n r-s% #'" #ndes! d"n r-oda ! dou! +anane #n ,ur!( 4 8e $- e or" rev!d drumul !s a% s&use Eauer arun$-nd mu$ul /",!r""% m! a&u$! o/" dra$""7

."$u/ul% $are #n$e&use s! se &l"$ "seas$! '" $are avea $3ef de o $af eala% #l s r-nse de ,- &e Eauer '" nu ' "m $e s-ar ma" f" #n -m&la da$! nu s-ar f" o&r" l-n,! no" o $"s ern!( A&!ru un >eld?e+el= 4 )n$o ro% lene'"lor5 4 S&re re,"men ul ;7 +l"nda e( 4 Nu o s! a0un,e/" n"$"oda ! #n r" mul !s a7 l! r! el% r!u !$"os( Toa e $a&e ele se r"d"$ar!( Un"form! $ro" ! &e m!sur!% $as$3e ! ele,an !% $en ur! nere,ulamen ar!% $u revolver of"/eres$( 8e'" /"nea de "n enden/!% #'" &erm"sese rese ,al+ene de $avaler"s % #n lo$ul $elor al+as re% a - de ur- e% ale ru&elor de &e fron % &e $are re+u"a s! le &oar e '" "n enden/a( Cum eram s"n,urul $are se s$ulase #n &"$"oare% #n "m& $e o/" $e"lal/" r!m!seser! #n "n'" #n "ar+!% $om&le "nd"feren/"% >eld?e+el-ul s!r" d"n $am"on% r!,-nd $a un m!,ar( 4 )n &"$"oare% ,olan"lor7 C" la drum7 Cu fa/a s&re r!s!r" % a$olo unde v! a' ea& ! o moar e ero"$!7 S-au r"d"$a $u o #n$e "neal! eIas&eran !( ."$u/ul #'" arun$! sa$ul &e s&a e $a un 3amal '" &orn" la drum f!r! s!-" ma" arun$e vreo &r"v"re( 4 He"% <+er,efre" er% $e-" $u sa$ul !la5 4 Un sa$ de "u !( Su+of"/erul se sufo$! de fur"e= 4 )/" +a/" 0o$ de m"ne7 Ce-" #n!un ru5 4 Po' a '" 3aleala $omandan ulu" nos ru% lo$o enen -$olonelul H"nJa% r!s&unse ."$u/ul f!r! s! $l"&eas$!( 4 Ara !-m"7 4 Nu &o % s&use ."$u/ul% le,-nd ,ura sa$ulu"( 4 Ce s&u"5 4 GeJadosF7 murmur! ur"a'ul% f!$-nd semn $u o$3"ul( 4 E"ne 0u$a 7 'o& " Le,"onarul $u adm"ra/"e( 4 Ce-" +alamu$ul !s a5 url! >eld?e+el-ul( ."$u/ul #'" &le$! &r"v"rea= 4 Lo$o enen ul m"-a s&us= ASolda % n"men" s! nu-'" +a,e nasul a"$"( Es e se$re B( As a es e adev!rul adev!ra % domnule >eld?e+el7 '" f!$u un ,es ener,"$ $u m-na( >eld?e+el-ul ne &r"v" de*arma % o+serv-nd $! ne adun!m #n 0urul ."$u/ulu"( S!r" #n $am"on s r",-nd( 4 )n "nde/"-o7 < s! anun/ 0andarmer"a des&re vo"( Cam"onul d"s&!ru #n r-un nor de &raf% #n "m& $e ."$u/ul #m&!r/ea $u m!r"n"m"e $"o$ola !( Am &orn" la drum f!r! n"$" o ,ra+!% la fel $a /",an"" $are au oa ! v"a/a #na"n ea lor% "ar la $a&! ul a *e$e J"lome r" am $!*u de a$ord $! re+u"e s! fa$em un nou &o&as( Se a' ernuse de0a noa& ea $-nd ne-a re*" *,omo ul unu" mo or( 8rumul era #n/esa $u ve3"$ule= $am"oane% ma'"n"% unur"% +randur"% rans&or oare de ru&e% +l"nda e% o #n rea,! arma !( 4 Pe onoarea mea7 s r",! Eauer( A" s&une $!-" &arad! m"l" ar!7 4 8a% '" #n$! s&re ves 7 $om&le ! S e"n( 4 S-a erm"na r!*+o"ul% $amarade5 s r",! ."$u/ul unu" re*erv"s +! r-n% afla la volanul unu" $am"on $u mun"/"e( 4 Re&l"em l"n"a fron ulu"7 r-n0" $el!lal ( Un ma"or sos" #n frun ea al e" $oloane '" s!r" #n m"0lo$ul drumulu"% a," -ndu-'" revolverul( 4 >a$e/" lo$ &en ru re,"men ul meu% s r",! el% sau v! s&ar, $a&e ele( Nu l-a +!,a n"men" #n seam! '" $elelal e ve3"$ule au $on "nua s! #na"n e*e $u v" e*a unu" mele( < l"mu*"n! Hors$3 $u s e,ule/ me al"$ #'" !"a $u ,reu drumul( )n!un ru se *!reau of"/er" de s a -ma0or( A&!ru "med"a un lo$o enen -$olonel de 0andarmer"e #n$on0ura de un #n re, &lu on( 4 >a$e/" lo$ ,eneralulu"-$omandan de arma !7 Toa ! lumea se $!l$a &e &"$"oare '" ,eneralul nu reu'ea s! avanse*e( A un$"% 0andarm"" au da ord"n s! f"e #m&"nse &es e $reas a ala*ulu" ve3"$ulele $are +lo$au re$erea( Am
F 8o$umen

e se$re e PN(A(R

#n$e&u s! #m&"n,em ma" mul e d"n re ele( 4 As a-" $ulmea% s&use $"neva( 8"n &r"$"na "nd"v"dulu" !s u"a% s r"$!m ma'"n"le( Es e o ru'"ne7 4 Pes e $-/"va an" de r!*+o" o s! sf-r'e' " &r"n a #n/ele,e% +!"a ule7 r-se Le,"onarul( Un $olonel% $omand-nd re,"men ul de ar "ler"e ra$ a ! de $a"% &ro es ! v"olen % v!*-ndu-" &e 0andarm" $um #" #m&"n,eau ve3"$ulele% "ar #n momen ul #n $are lo$o enen -$olonelul de 0andarmer"e a &us m-na &e fr-"ele $alulu" s!u% l-a lov" de ma" mul e or" $u $rava'a &es e fa/!% s r",-ndu-"= 4 Gos la+ele7 )ndemn-ndu-'" $alul $are ne$3e*a% &le$! #n ,alo& s&re ,eneral% des$!le$!% lu! &o*"/"e de dre&/" '" #n$er$! s! vor+eas$!% dar nu " se l!s! "m&( 4 Ce vre"% $olonele5 s$3el!l!" ,eneralul( Am da un ord"n sau nu5 Cre*" $! am de ,-nd s! mu$e,!"es$ #n v!,!una as a5 4 Generale% r!s&unse $olonelul &e un on re$e% +a er""le mele nu &o &!r!s" drumul( Ca"" sun o+os"/" '" nu &o ur$a &e alu* n"$" m!$ar un s"n,ur un( 4 As a nu m! &r"ve' e( Tre+u"e s! &le$ "med"a ( 4 Refu* s! eIe$u ord"nul dumneavoas r!( <amen"" me" vor r!m-ne &e 'osea( Generalul #l m!sur! $u &r"v"re amen"n/! oare( 4 8a$! refu*a/" s! v! su&une/"% a un$"((( Colonelul se #ndre& !( )l #n re$ea $u un $a& &e ,eneral% "ar la ,- #" a -rna o de$ora/"e( 4 A un$"% ,enerale5 <$3"" ,eneralulu" se m"$'orar!( 4 Am s! u*e* de &u erea mea '" o s! v! r"m" #n fa/a Cur/"" .ar/"ale( Nu avem nevo"e de of"/er" $a dumneavoas r! #n arma a ,erman!( Colonelul &!l"( 4 Es e ul "mul dumneavoas r! $uv-n % ,enerale5 Generalul nu-" r!s&unse '" se #n oarse $! re of"/erul de 0andarm" $are se /"nea du&! el( 4 <+ers leu nan S$3oll( Colonelul #'" duse m-na la o$ul arme"% #'" soase &"s olul '" #l arm!( Generalul f!$u un &as #na&o"% &al"d $a un mor % #n "m& $e of"/erul de 0andarm" #n$remen"% u"m" ( Toa ! a," a/"a d"n ro$ad! se o&r" +rus$( Pe +u*ele $olonelulu" m"0" un *-m+e ( 4 Nu e eme% ,enerale% e' " &rea res&"n,! or $a s! e #m&u'$% dar refu* s! ma" serves$ #n a$ uala arma ! ,erman!( 4 Ares a/"-l% l! r! ,eneralul( )na"n e $a 0andarm"" s! a&u$e s! fa$! vreun ,es % $olonelul duse /eava arme" #n $erul ,ur"" '" rase( R!mase #n$! o se$und! #n &o*"/"a de dre&/"% se $l! "n! #na"n e '" #na&o"% &e urm! se &r!+u'" la &"$"oarele ,eneralulu"% $a un run$3" de s e0ar do+or- ( Generalul se #n oarse &e $!l$-"e '" se ur$! #n ma'"n!% o ordonan/! #" a$o&er" &"$"oarele $u o &! ur!( )l au*"r!m s&un-ndu-" 'efulu" s!u de s a -ma0or= APrea mul/" "m+e$"l" #n $l"&ele as eaB( Gandarm"" reu'"ser! s! #m&"n,! e$3"&a0ele de &ar ea $ealal ! a ala*ulu"% $a"" ne$3e*au d"s&era/" alune$-nd &e &an !% $or&ul $olonelulu" fu arun$a #n r-un $am"on% '"% #n s$ur "m&% Hors$3-ul d"s&!ru #n lun,ul drumulu"( 4 Pe $"ns ea mea7 eI$lam! &rusa$ul( Colonelul !s a s-a &r"$e&u $um s! &!r!seas$! s$ena( Urle ele ."$u/ulu" #l #n reru&ser!( 4 Un $am"on de-al nos ru7 )n r-adev!r% un $am"on $u &rela !% mar$a $u semnul nos ru d"s "n$ "v% dou! $ru$" al+e &e fond al+as ru% #na"n a &e drum( 4 He"% $amarade% s r",! Eauer( Unde e du$"5 Pu em s! ur$!m5 Coferul% un <+er,efre" er% m-r-" f!r! s! ne &r"veas$!( 4 .! du$ la MXln% "d"o ule7 4 Unde5 s&use Le,"onarul u"m" ( 4 A" do&ur" #n ure$3"5 Am s&us MXln% '" $uv"n ele lu" #" f!$ur! &e $e" d"n 0ur s! "*+u$neas$! #n r-s( 4 A" au*" % ne+unul vrea s! mear,! la MXln7

4 Nu u" a s! s$3"m+" renul la Ereslau7 R-se ele $on "nuar!( Un ar "ler"s s!r" &e s$ara $a+"ne"= 4 L"ne7 U" e un &erm"s $a s! o "e" &e s$ur ! ur!% '" #" arun$! una d"n re a$ele% 3-r "" &e $are or"$e solda de &e fron ul de es o avea #n +u*unar% #n $"uda &ede&selor severe( Erau man"fes e su+ form! de &erm"s de re$ere &e $are av"oanele ruse' " le arun$au $u m""le( 4 6re" s! ne du$" &-n! la Eerl"n5 se ru,! Le,"onarul( .!$ar &-n! la &r"ma s a/"e de me rou( 4 Ur$!- e% da$! a" $3ef% s&use ne ul+ura solda ul( Nu a re+u" s! o s&un! de dou! or"( Prusa$ul #l #n re+! &e 'ofer &r"n% ,eamul s&ar = 4 Es e adev!ra % mer," la MXln5 4 E"ne#n/eles% m"s"une "m&or an !( Ne ar! ! foa"a de drum '" am $" " m"ra/" $! mer,ea #n m"s"une s&e$"al! la MXln% re$-nd &r"n Lem+er,% 6ar'ov"a% Ereslau% Eerl"n '" 8or mund( 4 A'a7 s r",a Eauer( )n v"a/a mea nu am v!*u o r!sna"e ma" mare7 S! fa$" m"" de J"lome r" $u o ra+l!% $3"ar '" &en ru $eva "m&or an ( 4 Ce &oa e f" a - de "m&or an 5 #n re+ar! ma" mul e vo$"( 4 .an ale en,le*e' "% &en ru ru&ele de &e fron % $amara*"7 Se $!/!raser! '" al/" solda/" #n $am"on( 4 R!*+o"ul se erm"n! #n $ur-nd% s&use un su+of"/er 0e,os% s$u"&-nd &e drum( 4 A' e& -nd as a% $on "nu!m7 r-se un "nfan er"s s$und '" foar e &al"d( 4 C "/" de $e nu ma" a&are Adolf &e fron 5 )" es e eam! $!-" vom s r",a= A>@3rer% e urm!m7B '" o s! &orn"m du&! el% &-n! la Eerl"n( Un solda de o& s&re*e$e an"% &e a $!ru" un"form! /"&! or de nou! a&!reau "n"/"alele HG - H" ler0u,end% se r"d"$! &al"d $a un mor ( 4 6! "n er*"$ s! vor+"/" as fel7 Us a-" defe "sm( < s! v! no e*( C!$" es e de da or"a mea s! denun/ or"$e en a "v! de r!*vr! "re( S e"n #l &r"nse de umer" '"-l arun$! #n fundul $am"onulu"( 4 Gura% ne"s&r!v" ule7 C "m no" $e fa$em $u r!d! or"" $a "ne( E!"a ul #n$e&u s! s r",e '"% &en ru a-" a$o&er" /"&e ele( )n$e&usem de0a un $-n e$% $-nd ."$u/ul s-a &us &e urla = 4 Av"oanele7 A s!r" "med"a &es e o+lonul $am"onulu" '" s-a #n "ns &e $-m&= Le,"onarul '" &rusa$ul #l urmar! '" e"( 8e+andada a &us s !&-n"re &e drum( Un *,omo de une 7 Tre" av"oane de v-n! oare ruse' " ne /"n eau $u m" ral"erele lor( Ne-am l"&" de &!m-n $u $a&ul #n re umer"% s"m/"nd $uren ul de aer re$e &rovo$a de a&ara ele $are *+urau la rasul "er+""( Pe ar"&"le lor s eaua ro'"e s r!lu$ea s"n"s r!( 4 Pe o/" dra$""7 #n0ura un <+er,efre" er( Am #n $am"on *e$e m"" de l" r" de +en*"n!( Isuse% da$! as a &o$ne' e va f" un adev!ra fo$ de ar "f"$"" +en,ale*( Cele re" av"oane survolar! d"n nou 'oseaua( 6edeam ru&ur" de oamen" arun$a e #n aer( C-/"va "nfan er"' " "ner" au #n$e&u s! ra,! #n sus url-nd( 4 Se #m&u e rea+a% murmur! &rusa$ul% l"&"ndu-se de &!m-n ( .a" mul e ve3"$ule ardeau &e 'osea( Se au*eau s r",! e= Inf"rm"er"7 Inf"rm"er"7 8ar $u" #" &!sa7 Prusa$ul #l rase v"olen &e Le,"onar #n ,roa&a #n $are ne as$unsesem #n $l"&a #n $are 'ase av"oane $o+orau #n &"$a0% unul du&! al ul( AP-n! a"$" ne-a fos 7BIdeea #m" re$u &r"n $a& #n "m& $e ma ros o,oleam #n fundul unu" $ra er( Undeva% sus% fl!$!r" al+as re "e'eau d"n armele av"oanelor de v-n! oare% "ar &!m-n ul /-'n" #n sus &re$um un ,3e"*er ur"a' '" au*"r!m s r",! e #ns&!"m-n ! oare( Un $!&" an $u &r"v"rea ul+ure amen"n/a $u &umn"" av"oanele $are v"rau '" veneau d"n nou asu&ra noas r!( C!&" anul s-a &r!+u'" #n r-un r-u de s-n,e '" $a&ul s!u $u o$3"" lar, des$3"'" s-a ros o,ol" $a un &e&ene &e 'osea( Cas$3e a "-a s!r" $eva ma" de&ar e( Un "nfan er"s de o& s&re*e$e an"% url-nd% aler,a &e n"' e $"o ur"% $u am+ele &"$"oare !"a e deasu&ra ,le*nelor( L!sa #n urma lu" o d-r! &ur&ur"e( Pan"$a #" $u&r"nsese &e solda/"( S-au r"d"$a o/" '" au f!$u $el ma" r!u lu$ru $are &u ea f" f!$u % ad"$! s! fu,! #n lun,ul 'osele"( Av"a or"" se dedar! a un$" unu" ver" a+"l masa$ru '" salvele r!&!"r! &e $or&ur"le remur-nde( Un lo$o enen #n un"forma nea,r! a an$3"' "lor s!r" #n ,roa&a noas r! '"

+o$an$ul s!u #l lov" &e ."$u/ul $are #n0ur!( Lo$o enen ul #n$e&u s! r-d!% &re*en -ndu-se= A<3lsenB( Era $u adev!ra "&ul of"/erulu" de fron % $u m" ral"era a -rna ! de um!r '" &"e& ul &l"n de de$ora/""( Le,"onarul #'" r"d"$! &r"v"rea% #l $-n !r" '" se &re*en ! la r-ndul s!u( )n 0urul nos ru o ul &lesnea% fr",ea% &loua $u fo$( Av"oanele a a$ar! d"n nou( < eI&lo*"e asur*" oare ne smulse d"n ad!&os ul &ro e$ or( Pes e no" re$u un val de fo$% oa ! ro$ada era #n fl!$!r"( 4 Ce" *e$e m"" de l" r" a" me"7 ,emu <+er,efre" er-ul( C!*u o &loa"e de +om+eH o ul s!r" #n aer( Era sf-r'" ul( Av"oanele d"s&!rur! s&re r!s!r" % fusela0ul lor ar,"n "u s r!lu$ea #n lum"na soarelu"( Ne-am s$ula #n$e % des$o&er"nd $! drumul era #n/esa $u mor/"( Un of"/er de av"a/"e a lua $omanda '" am #n$e&u s! adun!m $adavrele '" ve3"$ulele $ar+on"*a e( <+er,erfre" er-ul $are re+u"a s! mear,! la MXln &r"vea d"s rus $am"onul #n fl!$!r"( 4 8oamne% 3-r ""le mele7 H-r ""le mele7 To ul a ars( Solda/"" $are nu f!$eau &ar e d"n r-o anume un" a e au fos aduna/" #n r-o $om&an"e e ero$l" !% ver" a+"l mo*a"$ $u oa e armele '" oa e /!r"le AIe"( Un,ur"% +ul,ar"% rom-n"% un $a&oral f"nlande*% $-/"va "u,oslav"% +a $3"ar '" un bersaglier " al"an% $u &ene de $o$o' &e $a&( ."$u/ul% &e $are a$eas ! adun! ur! #l enerv!% &o$n" un solda d"n &ol"/"a &olone*!= A)n "nde-o% r!d! orule7B Se au*"r! murmure #n $om&an"a #n $are ma" mul de un sfer erau volun ar"( Lo$o enen ul <3lsen #n$er$! s!-" $alme*e &e s$andala,"" enerva/" de $uv-n ul A r!d! orB( Un $a*a$ d"n T"fl"s #'" s$oase $3"ar $u/" ul '" #n0ur! #n ,erman!( ."$u/ul "*+u$n" #n r-s '"-l s r",! &e Le,"onar% $are mer,ea #n frun ea $om&an"e"% al! ur" de lo$o enen ul <3lsen( 4 .a" las!-ne #n &a$e7 ven" r!s&unsul( Lo$o enen ul #n$e&u s! r-d! '"-l amen"n/! &e ur"a'ul al $!ru" $a& r!s!rea deasu&ra adun! ur""( Se au*"r! o$!r" '" #n$e&u s! r!*+a ! un murmur de fur"e% #n "m& $e o &"a r! #l lov" &e ."$u/ul #n um!r( >usese arun$a ! de un $e3% $are &ur a un"forma &ol"/"e" de &e fron ( Ur"a'ul #'" mu'$! +u*ele '" &orn" s&re omul $are +! ea #n re ra,ere% o m-n! de f"er #l a&u$! de ,- '"-l arun$! #n,ro*" la mar,"nea drumulu"( Pe urm!% $amaradul nos ru n" se al! ur! '" #n$e&u s! $-n e( Tre" *"le ma" -r*"u am a0uns la ProsJuro?% unde $"uda a $om&an"e a fos d"*olva !% urm-nd $a f"e$are s! se des$ur$e $um &oa e( )n a$ela'" ora' am v!*u &en ru &r"ma oar! #n,ro*" orul &relud"u al une" s !r" de lu$rur" '" ma" #n,ro*" oare( 8o" "nfan er"' " +! r-n" erau s&-n*ura/"% f"e$are de $- e un s -l& de ele,raf% av-nd &e &"e& $- e o &an$ard! &e $are &ar$! ardeau l" ere ro'""= APrea la' $a s!-'" a&ere &a r"a7B Ne-am o&r" $a s! &r"v"m ru&ur"le $are se le,!nau #n v-n ( 4 Pen ru e" r!*+o"ul s-a 'f-r'" % f"lo*of! &rusa$ul( 4 C "u $e-" as a% s&use Le,"onarul% s$!r&"n-ndu-'" nasul( E semn +un( La fel &u ea" vedea '" #n mun/"" R"f% #na"n e de r!s$oala "nsur,en/"lor( Am $on "nua s! s r!+a em ora'ul #n $!u area unu" lo$ de dorm" ( )n fa/a noas r! a a&!ru o $l!d"re $are sem!na $u un 3am+ar% d"n $are e r!snea un m"ros &u ern"$ de $ar of" s r"$a/" '" de f-n mu$e,!" ( 4 .are s$ofal!% s&use &rusa$ul( Tre+u"e o u'" s! #no& !m a"$"( 4 E"ne% s&use ."$u/ul% dar u o s! f"" &r"mul $are o va #n "nde( Se re&e*" #n!un ru &re$um o lo$omo "v!% #n +e*na d"n $are se au*eau numa" #n0ur! ur" '" +les eme( 8ou! ru&ur" au *+ura afar! '" #n $- eva m"nu e eram la ad!&os ( Lo$o enen ul <3lsen r-se $-nd au*" o vo$e #n noa& e( 4 ."$u/ule% u e' "5 Le,"onarul #'" a&r"nse lan erna '" #l re$unos$u s u&ef"a &e E?ald% de la Tan " 8ora( 4 Sf-n ! N!s$! oare7 C" u e' " a"$"% eI$lam! ."$u/ul( A" r!+dare &-n! m-"ne% s!-'" $a&e/" $3elf!neal! &e $are o mer"/"7 8"n r-o da !% un urle de +u$ur"e "*+u$n" deasu&ra oamen"lor adorm"/"( Un /"&! de feme"e #" /"nu "sonul( 4 Am ,!s" o feme"e7 se au*"% #n $"uda &ro es elor fur"oase ale unor ,lasur" fem"n"ne(

6en"/"% +!"e/"% e a"$" un #n re, +ordel de $am&an"e( Se a&r"nse #n$! o lan ern! $e f!$u s! s r!lu$eas$! #n noa& e #nsemnele unu" $!&" an( Ceea $e ."$u/ul luase dre& +ordel era un de a'amen de Cru$e Ro'"e '" de elefon"s e d"n av"a/"e( Ur"a'ul se v!" a% a re+u" s!-l a'e*!m $u for/a% "ar lo$o enen ul <3lsen '"-a folos" #n rea,a d"&loma/"e &en ru a-l $alma &e $!&" an% $are amen"n/a $u Cur ea .ar/"al! &en ru en a "v! de v"ol( S-a &o,or- l"n"' ea( La m"e*ul no&/""% am fos re*"/" de &a'"" unor +o$an$" /"n u"/"( Lum"n" aler,au de $olo-$olo% ,lasur" +ru ale $ereau l"vre ele '" fo"le de drum( Erau 3"enele &ol"/"e"( )narma/" &-n!-n d"n/" '" sol"*" $a s -n$"le% ver"f"$au #n re, 3am+arul% &l!$"le #n form! de sem"lun! de la ,- ul lor lu$eau amen"n/! oare #n &enum+r!% de o m"e de or" ma" #n,ro*" oare de$- m" ral"erele "nam"$ulu"( >r"$a% o fr"$! $um&l" ! n" se s re$ur! su+ &"ele( Cu Ivan e ma" &u ea" #n/ele,e $- eoda !% $u a$es e +ru e n"$"oda !( Erau #n ru&area +es "al" !/""( Puseser! de0a m-na &e unul% un su+of"/er de ar "ler"e $are se *+! ea '" /"&a= AL!sa/"-m!% l!sa/"-m!7 8oar n-o s! m! u$"de/"7 Am re" $o&"" '" feme"a m"-a fos u$"s! #n r-un +om+ardamen ( Tre+u"e s! m! #n or$ la $o&""" me"7B 4 Gura% &or$ule7 m-r-" >eld?e+el-ul a $!ru" &la$! arun$a lu$"r" u$",a'e( Su+of"/erul #nne+un"= AL!sa/"-m!% m-r'av"lor7 U$",a'" de $amara*"7 Nu vreau s! mor% nu vreau s! mor7B dar se *+! ea "nu "l( L-au !+!$" +"ne( Un <+erfeld?e+el "-a ras un 'u #n re &"$"oare% $eea $e l-a f!$u s! se &r!+u'eas$!% url-nd( Ce" $are #l /"neau "-au da drumul( 8"n r-o da ! s-a n!&us " asu&ra $elu" ma" a&ro&"a &ol"/"s % do+or"ndu-l la &!m-n &r"n a$es a a$ nea' e& a ( >r"$a de moar e d!duse nefer"$" ulu" for/e no"( )'" mu'$! v"$ "ma de fa/!% s$o/-nd urle e de f"ar!% dar $e"lal/" ven"r! #n a0u orul $amaradulu" lor% lov"ndu-l $u &a ur"le armelor% ransform-ndu-" fa/a #n r-o mas! s-n,er-nd!( Su+of"/erul a fos arun$a #n r-un $am"on '"% f!r! s! $l"&eas$!% +ru ele '"-au $on "nua ra*"a( Un <+erfeld?e+el ne-a $eru a$ ele( 4 Un re,"men de +l"nda e #n m"s"une s&e$"al!7 murmur! el( )l $-n !r" &e Le,"onar '" #" arun$! ."$u/ulu" o s$ur ! &r"v"re( Tre$u a&o" de la m"ne la S e"n '" la &rusa$( 4 Un m"$ o$ol% e"% lene'"lor7 As a #m" m"roase a de*er are% nu-" a'a5 Ul "mele lu" $uv"n e ne-au #n,3e/a ( Tr"+unalul $u &ro$edura de ur,en/! nu as$ul a eI&l"$a/""le% ,ra+a era mul &rea mareH dou! m"nu e de del"+erare '" &e urm! &lu onul de eIe$u/"e sau ' rean,ul( 4 Ul "ma un" a e5 m-r-" el% /"n u"ndu-ne( 4 S&" alul 9F% Ham+ur,% "-a r!s&uns Le,"onarul( 4 C"-a$um "a !-v! a"$"% 0efu" or" de $adavre( Crede/" $! &u e/" s! a' e& a/" l"n"' "/" erm"narea r!*+o"ulu"% a"5 '" s r",! unu" su+of"/er $u arma la &"e& ( <$u&!- e de urma as a de &or$"% sun sus&e$/" de de*er are( Ha"% la drum7 Ne-am ars% m! ,-ndeam( C" #" &r"veam &e Le,"onar '" &e ."$u/ul% $are "e'eau d"n $l!d"re #m&"n'" de la s&a e% al+" $a varul% dar $u un aer "nd"feren ( Ne-am su" #n r-un $am"on $u $aroser"a &roas&! vo&s" !( 8u&! no" au fos arun$a e '" elefon"s ele( 4 >a$e/" lo$ doamnelor% r-se un &ol"/"s % s$u"&-nd-o &e una d"n re ele dre& #n fa/!( >eme"a s-a #n ors "ns "n$ "v( 4 Ca&ul sus% fe "/o7 < s! a" o$a*"a s!-l &le$"% /"-o &rom" 7 Pa ru "nf"rm"ere au "e'" aler,-nd '" una a $!*u &un-ndu-"-se &"ed"$!( Urm! o lov" ur! #n s&a e( L"&a '" un murmur se au*" &r"n re no"( 4 Gura7 Golan" de*er or"% s r",! un &ol"/"s ( E?ald fu '" el -r- % url-nd% s&re $am"on% de $! re dou! +ru e( Le,"onarul 'o& "H A8a$! s$!&!m% m! an,a0e* la Ivan% s! le eI erm"n &e +ru ele as eaB( Unul d"n re e" arun$! o &r"v"re #n $am"on% dar nu des$o&er" $"ne vor+"seH AL"n"' e% &or$"lor7B Tre" $am"oane &l"ne o$3" se #ndre& ar! s&re fos a #n$3"soare GPU afla ! #n $en rul ora'ulu"% unde am fos &r"m"/" $u 'u ur" '" #n0ur! ur"( 8"n $elule $enu'"" '" umede% #n/esa e $u feme" '" +!r+a/"% ur$au ,eme e% +les eme '" ru,!$"un"( Un m" ral"or #" +les ema% url-nd% &e H" ler% H"mmler% r!*+o"ul '" &e S al"n( < elefon"s ! se de*+r!$! '" se ofer" unu" &ol"/"s = A(((

da$! m! la'" &e urm! s! fu,B% 'o& " ea((( < /!ran$! rusoa"$!% s",ur! $! va f" #m&u'$a ! &en ru $! as$unsese de*er or"% #'" s r",a $u fana "sm ura #m&o r"va lu" H" ler( La $el!lal $a&! al $uloarulu"% un $!&" an #n,enun$3ea se ru,a #n !$ere( )n $- e lo$ur" fusese "nvo$a 8umne*eu #n "m&ul r!*+o"ulu"5 Pre u "nden"% f!r! n"$" o #ndo"al!% &r"*on"er"" $ereau #ndurare $u a$eea'" #nfo$are( Am v!*u un ,eneral de d"v"*"e ru,-ndu-l s!-l a0u e #m&o r"va +l"nda elor sov"e "$e% #n "m& $e ru&ele #" erau #n de+andad!% H" ler #l am"n ea #n "m&ul d"s$ursur"lor des&re German"a mare% #n "m& $e SS-"' "" #" s&-n*urau &e &reo/" #n la,!rele de eI erm"nare( Se au*ea numele 8omnulu" #n +ar!$" s"n"s re% $ol$!"nd de v"erm"% #na"n e $a fun"a s! su,rume ul "mul /"&! ( SS-"' ""% $u +u*unarele &l"ne de lu$rur" fura e% $ondamna/" la moar e du&! &ro$edura "de ur,en/!% "m&lorau '" e" m"la $ereas$!( Ad"$! $ereau a0u orul 8omnulu" $a s! re#m+ra$e 3a"nele na*"s e((( 8ar 8umne*eu &!rea $! nu-" aude n"$" &e $ondamna/"" la moar e d"n #n$3"sor"le GPU% n"$" &e &reo/"" d"n la,!reH n"$" &e ,eneralul #n$on0ura de an$ur"le sov"e "$e% n"$" &e am&u a/"" $are ,em &r"n s&" ale( Unul du&! al ul au fos du'" #n fa/a r"+unalulu" o/" &r"*on"er"" f!$u/" de 0andarm" '" #" s-a &us a$eea'" #n re+are( Numele% v-rs a% re,"men ul( C- eva 'oa& e #n re $e" re" 0ude$! or"% un fo'ne al 3-r ""lor% o ul #n :N de se$unde((( Pe urm! o #n re+are &us! de un 0ude$! or m!run/el $u o$3elar" f!r! ram!( 4 Ave/" $eva de s&us #n a&!rarea dumneavoas r!5 8ar $um des$3"dea ,ura "n$ul&a ul((( 4 8a% da% am ma" au*" as a( 8"n nou 'oa& e( < semn! ur! &us! &e $- eva 3-r ""% su,a "ve( 4 )n numele >@3rer-ulu" '" al &o&orulu" ,erman% $ondamna la moar e &r"n #m&u'$are( Urm! orul7 )n felul a$es a $el de-al III-a Re"$3 $redea $! ma" &oa e s! $-' ",e r!*+o"ul( La $el!lal $a&! al $uloarulu"% a$olo unde #n$e&eau s$!r"le% se au*ea un murmur de ,lasur" r!,u'" e= o$ma" sos"se &lu onul de eIe$u/"e( Cu v" e*a ful,erulu" erau des$3"se u'"le $elulelor% dar #n o deauna f!r! o ord"ne &re$"s!% #n a'a fel $a &r"*on"er"" s! nu ' "e $u" #" venea r-ndul( < "nf"rm"er! de $"n$"*e$" de an"% $are fusese dus! #n $ur e% se arun$! la &!m-n ( Au le,a -o de s -l& $u m-"n"le deasu&ra $a&ulu"( Tre" ord"ne '" dou!s&re*e$e fo$ur" de arm!( L-au adus &e urm! orul '"% $u m"$" &au*e% a'a s-a s$urs oa ! *"ua( La f"e$are dou! ore se s$3"m+a &lu onul( C!&" anul a fos -r- de &"$"oare( Se a,!/a de $ea ma" m"$! $r!&! ur! '" a &r"m" a - ea lov" ur" de &"$"or &es e m-"n"% &-n! " le-au *dro+" ( S r",a $a un an"mal r!n" '" a fos eIe$u a $ul$a ( E?ald urla $a un ne+un( Le-a s$!&a emn"$er"lor% a fu," '" s-a arun$a de le e a0ul re"% fra$ ur-ndu-'" am+ele &"$"oare( A re+u" le,a de s -l& $a s! f"e #m&u'$a ( 4 C" as a e o onoare &rea mare &en ru el% s&use Le,"onarul( Coferul $am"onulu" r"m"s la MXln% ale $!ru" a$ e r!m!seser! #n ma'"na ars!% a mers *dro+" '" s-a a'e*a s"n,ur l-n,! s -l&( 8ou! *"le ma" -r*"u% re,"men ul #" $onf"rm! de&o*"/"a% dar era ard"v( Noro$ul #n$! ma" era $u no"( )na"n e s! ne v"n! r-ndul% 3"enele &ol"/"e"% s&re marele lor re,re % au fos o+l",a e s! ne el"+ere*e( Lo$o enen ul <3lsen sos"se $u a$ e de la re,"men $are dovedeau $! eram #n "m&ul serv"$"ulu"% '" nu n"' e de*er or"( Salva/" #n ul "ma $l"&!% am &orn" s&re 8ru+n"a% unde se aflau &o*"/""le noas re(

*eld;ebel- ul necunoscut trimise o sal! la ntmplare spre inamicii in!izibili din pdure. 4n chip de rspuns, asupra noastr s-a abtut o ploaie de gloane ridicnd praful n &ur. 4 ,diotule" sri 6egionarul, smulgnd mitraliera din minile *eld;ebel-ului. u aa se trage" 8rc pe marginea traneei i, lipindu-se de pmnt, trase ochind fiecare tufi. (atru siluete au ncercat s fug, dar au fost doborte de gloane bine intite. 6egionarul i schimb ncrctorul i izbucni n rs.

8IN N<U PE >R<NT Hau& feld?e+el-ul Ear 3 a fos $el $are ne-a lua #n &r"m"re la $om&an"a a S-a( )l &ore$l"sem AEarosanulB( 8e su+ ur"a'a $as$3e ! de $avaler"e% nere,ulamen ar!% &e $are o &ur a% o$3"" lu" m"$" '" r!" ne-au "ns&e$ a d"n $a& &-n! #n &"$"oare '" $eea $e a v!*u l-a #nfur"a #n r-un 3al f!r! de 3al( Cu aerul unu" $o&"l r!sf!/a % $are fa$e mof ur" #n fa/a m-n$!r""% se +osumfl! '" #n$e&u s! se 0oa$e $u $ol/ul unu" $arne/el $are a&!rea #n re al do"lea '" al re"lea nas ure al ves onulu" s!u( )n!l/-ndu-'" $a&ul% $a '" $um $ele ma" rele v"se ale sale se #m&l"n"ser!% se &os ! #n fa/a &rusa$ulu" '" m-r-"= 4 Numele7 6o$ea lu" r!suna #n +urn"/a $eau'"e '" de&r"man !% ros o,ol"ndu-se &es e r"s ele $ase /!r!ne' "( 4 <+er,efre" er < o E@lo?% =err =auptfeld;ebel, m-am &re*en a % $onform ord"nulu" &r"m" % la re,"men ul ;7% $om&an"a a S-a% du&! $e am fos el"+era d"n s&" alul 9F% Ham+ur,( 4 Cul$a 7 'u"er! Umfla ul% '" omul se arun$! #n noro" $u v" e*a ful,erulu" '" lu! a&o" &o*"/"a re,ulamen ar!( Umfla ul #l &r"v" a en % a&o" se &lan ! #n fa/a Le,"onarulu"% dar% #na"n e s! a&u$e s! s$oa ! un $uv-n % a$es a &o$n" d"n $!l$-"e '" s r",! a'a $um ' "u s! o fa$! doar $! anele +! r-ne= 4 <+er,efre" er Alfred Mal+% =err =auptfeld;ebel, la ord"nele dumneavoas r!% du&! $e am fos el"+era d"n s&" alul 9F% Ham+ur,( Nu se #n -m&l! n"m"$( Le,"onarul se /"nea dre& % a'a $um doar un solda afla su+ arme an" #n '"r ' "a s-o fa$!7 Ear 3 #" lu! +one a '" $ons a ! s$ur = 4 P!rul de lun,"me nere,ulamen ar!( Cul$a % +as ard afr"$an% '" !s a5 $on "nu! el% &un-ndu-m" m-na &e um!r( 4 S e,ar Sven Hassel% =err =auptfeld;ebel, la ord"nele dumneavoas r!% du&! $e am fos el"+era d"n s&" alul 9F% Ham+ur,( Trase de $en ura mea= 4 Prea lar,!% e$3"&amen nere,ulamen ar( Cul$a 7 La fel s-au &e re$u lu$rur"le '" $u S e"n( 6en" r-ndul ."$u/ulu"% $are era la fel de #nal '" sol"d $a Hau& feld?e+el-ul Ear 3% dar al fel $ons ru" ( P"e& ul s!u se +om+a deasu&ra +ur/"" su& e% mu ra lu" $u frun e #n,us ! era lum"na ! de o$3"" v""% s r!lu$" or" $a $e" a" une" vul&"H nasul ur " de &umn" '" ,ura #n redes$3"s! #" d!deau aerul une" ma"mu/e( Umfla ul #l &r"v" s u&ef"a ( 4 C" !s a de unde a ma" r!s!r" 5 N-am v!*u n"$" oda ! $eva ma" 3"dos7 4 N"$" eu7 r!s&unse ."$u/ul% mul/um" '" sur-*-nd $u $a&ul a&le$a ( ." se s&une% de al fel% ."$u/ul% dar nu !s a e numele meu( .ama m-a +o e*a Wolf,an,% $a &e un oare$are .o*ar % &en ru $a*ul #n $are a' f" deven" mu*"$"an( C" m! ma" $3eam! '" Helmu 3% d"n $au*a mare'alulu" von H"nden+ur,( 8e la +! r-nul meu% un +e/"van% am mo' en" numele de Mreu *feld ( )n &lus am 3emoro"*" '" #m" &u &"$"oarele( Iar dumneavoas r!% dumneavoas r! sun e/" Hau& feld?e+el-ul Ear 3( C" a$um m! arun$ s"n,ur la &!m-n % $a s! nu v! ma" o+os"/" s!-m" s&une/"( >a$e r!u la ,- s! /"&a/"( C" ."$u/ul se #n "nse l-n,! no"( 8umne*eu ' "e $e se &e re$ea #n $re"erul Earosanulu"% &e $are d"s$ursul #l &aral"*ase o $l"&!( N"men" nu #ndr!*n"se vreoda ! s!-" r!s&und! &e a$es on( )n$e&u s! s r",e '" s! #n0ure $a or"$e su+of"/er $are e &e $ale s! eI&lode*e de fur"e( As a #/" l!sa #n o deauna "m& de ,-nd"re( C" a urla #ndelun,( ."$u/ul #l &r"vea $u "n eres( 4 )n noro"% &or$ule7 s r",! el( 8re&/"7 Sal #na"n e7 .a" re&ede% lene'"lor7 C-m&ul r!suna( ."$u/ul r-dea% aler,a% s!rea% se -ra r-*-nd mereu( Earosanul #'" &"erdu suflul( 4 C-nd v!d ,radele ale% 'u"er! el s$u"&-nd% m" se fa$e &!rul m!$"u$!( 8u&! m"ne%

or"$e "nd"v"d $are a a0uns <+er,efre" er% a r!" des ul7 '" s$u"&! d"n nou% &r"v"ndu-l &e ."$u/ul% /ea&!n #n fa/a lu" '" a$o&er" de noro" d"n $a& &-n! #n &"$"oare( <$3"" lor se #n -ln"r! '" ar f" r!mas a'a mul "m& da$! ."$u/ul n-ar f" ru& !$erea( 4 <+er,efre" er ."$(((% dar se ,r!+" s! re$ "f"$e( Wolf,an, Mreu *feld v! roa,! s!-" a$orda/"-o &erm"s"e% re" s!& !m-n" de &erm"s"e% &en ru #nsur! oare( Pe lo,odn"$a mea o $3eam! Emma% =err =auptfeld;ebel. Earosanul se sufo$!( Eu*a de 0os #" $!*u $a o u'! "e'" ! d"n /-/-n"( 4 Ce-m" $er"57 4 < &erm"s"e% s&use ."$u/ul% sur-*-nd( Tre+u"" s! m! #nsor% =err =auptfeld;ebel. <r"$e $uloare d"s&!ru de &e fa/a Earosanulu"( )n$e&u s! se le,ene% o$3"" +ul+u$a/" deven"r! f"$'"( As a &u ea s! f"e sf-r'" ul((( &!m-n ul urma s! se des$3"d! su+ !l&"le sale((( nu &u ea s! f"e adev!ra $! un "nd"v"d $u $are f!$use "ns ru$/"e d"s$"&l"nar! o 0um! a e de or! $u e*a s!-" $ear! &erm"s"e% $u un asemenea *-m+e -m& &e fa/!7 C" #n$! unul $are lenev"se &a ru lun" &r"n s&" ale((( Unul $are de-a+"a s$!&ase de Cur ea .ar/"al!7 Earosanul v"sa( Era un $o'mar((( 8ar nu7 Era $- se &oa e de adev!ra ((( Ursul s ! ea #n fa/a lu" sur-*-nd% un sur-s 0osn"$% "m+e$"l% +un s! e #nne+uneas$!7 C" as a #n fa/a lu"((( Hau& feld?e+el-ul Her+er Ear 3% su&ranum" AHer+er $el !"osB #n$! de la '$oala de su+of"/er" d"n Eerl"n% $el ma" as&ru su+of"/er al ru&elor de +l"nda e7((( )n$e&u s! remure% s! &!leas$!% s! se #nro'eas$!( 8"n ,- #" s$!&! un 3or$!" s!l+a "$((( 8ar se o&r" "med"a ( <+servase $! ."$u/ul sur-dea #n $on "nuare '"% $a or"$e +! r-n Hau& feld?e+el% ' "a $! &o/" s!-/" +a/" 0o$ or"$- de un <+er,efre" er% &-n! $-nd #n$e&e s! sur-d!( Pe urm! dev"ne &er"$ulos((( )n$e&e ne+un"a( < ne+un"e &e $are o &oa e o&r" doar un ,lon e +"ne /"n " % #na"n e de as a #ns!% el% Earosanul% ar f" fos f!$u f!r-me( )l &r"v" &e ."$u/ul '" s&use $u o vo$e s "ns!= 4 >u,"% fu,"/" $u o/""7 C" s! $" es$ numele vos ru &e l"s a $elor $!*u/" #n lu& !( Iar u% u s! nu ma" a&ar" #n fa/a mea% '" d"s&!ru a&roa&e aler,-nd( Ne-am #n ors &e &o*"/""le noas re #m&reun! $u $e" de la "n enden/! '" am des$o&er" $! d"n re,"men ul de +l"nda e% $a de o+"$e" r!mas f!r! an$ur"% +a al"oanele 9 '" D deven"ser! +a al"oane de "nfan er"e( Por a se &r!&!d" de r-s v!*-ndu-l &e ."$u/ul( 4 Ia !- e d"n nou a$as!% v" ! #n$!l/a !7 )m" fa$e o deose+" ! &l!$ere s! e rev!d7 Curul !u a su&rav"e/u" o&era/"e"5 Es e adev!ra % $! nu ma" a" de$- 0um! a e d"n el5 4 C-nd o s! &un m-na &e "ne% u n-o s! ma" r!m-" $u n"m"$7 Por a ev" ! la "m& o ,renad! ,oal!% #n "m& $e E! r-nul% $are se +!l!+!nea $a de o+"$e"% ne &r"v" #n felul lu"% so+ru% dar $!lduros( 4 .@ller nu ma" es e( Ivan l-a r!&" #n $ursul unu" a a$ '" l-am ,!s" re" *"le ma" -r*"u((( v! #n$3"&u"/" $um( Prusa$ul r"d"$! o s&r-n$ean!= AR!s ",n" 5B 4 8a( Hu,o S e,e es e #n &erm"s"e la Eerl"n% de'" ar f" re+u" s! a0un,! la 8or mund( < &oves e $u o fa !% a'a ne-a s$r"s #n ul "ma s$r"soare( 4 C"ne ' "e &es e $e -rf! a da 7 m-r-" ."$u/ul( Nu "-a r!s&uns n"men"( Ne s re$uram% #ndo"/" de 'ale% #n lun,ul ran'ee" $are du$ea #n l"n"a #n -"% $-nd s-a au*" un ,lon e 'u"er-nd( Un su+of"/er s$oase un s r",! '" se &r!+u'"( EIa$ #n re o$3"% su+ mar,"nea $!' "" de o/el( 4 Un r!,! or s"+er"an% s&use Por a( Am r"d"$a ru&ul arun$-ndu-l &e deasu&ra &ara&e ulu" de &e $are se ros o,ol" #n r-un nor de &raf( 4 Am"n% s&use Por a% $on "nu-ndu-'" drumul( S&re sear!% lo$o enen ul <3lsen ne-a des$o&er" #n r-un ad!&os #n $are ne as$unsesem $a s! 0u$!m $!r/"( Preluase $omanda $om&an"e"% du&! moar ea lo$o enen ulu" Hal er% $!*u $u &u/"n "m& #n urm!( <3lsen s-a a'e*a &e un $on a"ner $u m!' " de ,a*e '" ne-a &r"v" &e r-nd( Por a "-a #n "ns +urduful $u $on"a$( )'" &use de,e ul la ,ura +urdufulu"% #l r!s urn! '" rase o du'$!% a'a $um f!$eam '" no"% a&o" u'" s!-'" drea,! ,lasul '" se ' erse la ,ur! $u dosul m-ne$""( 4 Ee"er% s&use el #n or$-ndu-se s&re E! r-nul% vo" '" ,ru&a #n -" va re+u" s! &le$a/" la noa& e #n &a rulare( 8ar &o/" num" &e al $"neva s! "a $ondu$erea( Re,"men ul a da ord"n s! f"e $a& ura/" &r"*on"er"( 4 Sf-n ! >e$"oar!7 s r",! ."$u/ul fur"os( Cum ne ,!s"m '" no" un lo$'or l"n"' " % $um

se re*es$ $e" de sus s! ne +a,e &"elea-n saramur!( Lo$o enen ul *-m+"( 4 C"ne /"-a s&us $! "e" &ar e la a$/"une5 4 Lo$o enen e% re+u"e% ero"" !' "a "m+e$"l" au nevo"e de o d!da$!( C!u a/"-l &e Gul"us He"de( E! r-nul #n$e&use s! se e$3"&e*e $-nd Le,"onarul s-a r"d"$a #n &"$"oare( 4 R!m-" a"$"% vo" $omanda eu ,ru&a( A" $o&"" '" va f" nevo"e de oamen" $a "ne du&! r!*+o"( No"% o/" !' "a% sun em n"' e ,unoa"e f!r! "m&or an/!( 4 Nu% nomadule% s&use E! r-nul( Eu &le$% nu ,ru&a #n -"% $" ,ru&a a doua% &e $are o $ondu$ eu a fos desemna ! &en ru m"s"une( S e,arul Paus va $ondu$e &lu onul #n a+sen/a mea( 4 Cerule7 ,emu &rusa$ul% #m+r!$-ndu-'" 3a"na de &"ele( Ce adun! ur! de ero"% n"$" nu ' "u $um ma" &oa e f" vor+a de re ra,ere7 La uns&re*e$e noa& ea eram ,a a de drum( Comandan ul re,"men ulu"% lo$o enen -$olonelul H"nJa% ven" $3"ar el #n &ersoan!( ."$u/ul morm!"a( 4 8o$ orul .a3ler m"-a &res$r"s s! ev" efor ur"le% dar $u" #" &as!5 Sf-n ! >e$"oar!% $e m"*er"e '" r!*+o"ul !s a7 4 Gura% ."$u/ule% s&use H"nJa +la0"n( 8e-a+"a a" s$!&a de ' rean,( Ne-am &o r"v" $easur"leH era ora ;D '" F m"nu e du&! s&usele lu" H"nJa( )n flan$ul dre& +u+u"a ar "ler"a% un *,omo nu o$ma" l"n"' " or( 4 E *ona re,"men ulu" 9N2% s&use Le,"onarul% urm!r"nd $u &r"v"rea $oada $a de $ome ! a unu" o+u*( )n s&a ele lu"% Earosanul% sos" $u mer"ndele% l-a des$o&er" &e ."$u/ul s -nd &e alu* '" #ndo&-ndu-se $u +"s$u"/"( S-a f!$u s a$o0"u( 4 Ia !- e% +and" ule7 A3% da$! aflu $! s-a fura un s"n,ur +"s$u" % nu ma" dau do" +an" &e &"elea a7 C" va f" $ea ma" frumoas! *" d"n v"a/a mea( 4 8a% Hau& feld?e+el% s&use ."$u/ul $u $!l$-"ele l"&" e% dar f!r! s! se r"d"$e #n &"$"oare( 4 8e unde a" +"s$u"/""5 "ns"s ! $el!lal ( ."$u/ul #'" &o$n" d"n nou $!l$-"ele f!r! s! se r"d"$e( 4 8e la o -rf! d"n 8u+rasna( ." "-a r"m"s &r"n $ur"er s&e$"al( Su+of"/erul m-r-" s "n,3er" de &r"v"r"le lo$o enen -$olonelulu" H"nJa( 8a$! "-ar re$e $umva a$es u"a &r"n $a& s!-" dea $omanda &a rule"((( Earosanul remura numa" la ,-ndul !s a( H" ler% $el &u/"n% $are era '" el un s"m&lu su+of"/er% '" n"m"$ ma" mul % se ' er,ea undeva $u o/" #m&o&o/ona/"" !' "a de of"/er"((( Earosanul "*+u$n" #n r-s la ,-ndul ,eneral"lor s -nd dre& #n fa/a unu" su+of"/er( Lo$o enen -$olonelul H"nJa #l &r"v" u"m" '"-l #n re+! $e ,!se' e a - de amu*an ( Earosanul 'ov!"( 4 .! ,-ndeam la $eva% domnule $olonel( 4 )n r-adev!r5s&use H"nJa( Poa e la o ru&! de 'o$ &e $are a" vrea s-o $oman*"5 4 A '" f!$u &e el% r"se ."$u/ul( H"nJa #l &r"v" sever &e ur"a'( 4 .a" a$"% $u ,ura a s&ur$a !( Hau& feld?e+el-ul es e su&er"orul !u% nu u" a as a( ."$u/ul s!r" #n &o*"/"e de dre&/"( 4 8a% domnule $olonel% n-o u" n"$"oda !% dar m"-ar &l!$ea s-o fa$( H"nJa #'" &!s r! $u ,reu ser"o*" a ea% reu'"nd s! murmure= 4 >"/" a en/"7 4 Ga a% Ee"er5 'o& " <3lsen +! -ndu-l &e um!r &e E! r-n( ."$u/ul &orn" /"n-ndu-'" &"s olul-m" ral"er! $a &e o $a*ma% $eea $e-l f!$u s! resar! &e $olonelul H"nJa% dar a$es a renun/! s! ma" &omeneas$! des&re re,ulamen unu" asemenea $a& &! ra ( 4 L"ne/"-v! armele #n a'a fel $a s! nu se loveas$! #n re ele% s&use E! r-nul( C" /"ne/"-v! a&roa&e% s! nu v! r! !$"/"( Ne-am ros o,ol" de $ealal ! &ar e a alu*ulu"% #n no manHs land, s&re &o*"/""le ru'"lor( S re$ur-ndu-ne f!r! *,omo &e &o e$a l!sa ! #n re $-m&ur"le% de m"ne% ne-am -r- &e su+ s-rma ,3"m&a !% $a n"' e &an ere% #n noa& ea $e se #n "ndea #n fa/a noas r! $a un *"d de $a "fea( Le,"onarul '" $u m"ne eram $3"ar #n s&a ele E! r-nulu"% urmau ."$u/ul '" $u Por a%

"ar He"de -ra sa$ul $u ,renade de m-n!% le,a e sno&% &en ru arun$area #n aer a ad!&os ur"lor( Res&"ra *,omo os $a #n o deauna $-nd #" era fr"$!( < !$ere r!u-&reves " oare ne #n$on0ura% &!m-n ul res&"ra% d"n mla' "n! se r"d"$au va&or"% se s"m/ea m"ros de lemn ars( Aveam sen*a/"a $! sun em s"n,ur" &e lume((( $u moar ea &e urmele noas re( E! r-nul ver"f"$! m" ral"era ,rea% "ar ."$u/ul vru s!-'" a&r"nd! o /",ar!( 4 Im+e$"lule7 'o& " Le,"onarul( 6re" s! ne omor"5 4 .a" !$e/" oda !7 sufl! E! r-nul nervos( Eauer #'" s&r"0"n" $a&ul &e sa$ul $u ,renade% *"$-nd $! lu$rur"le se #n$ur$!( Cul$a/" unul l-n,! al ul% &r"veam &e deasu&ra unu" d-m+ &o*"/""le ru'"lor% afla e ne&l!$u de a&roa&e( 8a$! #n "ndeam m-na% &u eam a "n,e $-m&ul de m"ne al du'manulu"( ."$u/ul #'" &lan ! m" ral"era &e re&"ed '" #l &r"v" #n re+! or &e E! r-nul( 4 Cum vom s r!+a e as a5 .u'$-ndu-'" +u*ele% Le,"onarul ne aver "*! $! o s! s!r"m #n aer( Un *,omo ne &arven"((( un $l"n$3e sla+( >"e$are mu'$3" ne-a res!r" ( Por a ne f!$u semn s! f"m a en/" #n s -n,a( Al $l"n$3e ( 4 ,o t!oi mati" Ivan "n &ersoan!% s&use ."$u/ul l"n"' " ( E! r-nul #" rase un 'u enerva ( Ne /"neam res&"ra/"a((( Por a% a" $!ror o$3" lu$eau #n noa& e% #'" &re,! " +a"one a( Am au*" un r-s #n #n uner"$% &e urm! au r!s!r" $3"ar l-n,! no" &a ru s"lue e( Tre+u"a doar s! #n "n*" m-na $a s!-" fa$" &r"*on"er"((( n"m"$ ma" s"m&lu( 4 Ha"dem7 'o& " E! r-nul( Ca &"s"$"le am ur$a !$u/" $! re e"% #n "m& $e #'" vedeau ne&!s! or" de d"s$u/"a lor( 8eoda ! s-a au*" un *,omo '" un /"&! s$ur = He"de $!*use #n r-o ,roa&!( C- a" $l"&"% o ul s-a s$3"m+a ( Ce" &a ru ru'" au /-'n" s&re &o*"/""le lor /"&-nd= 4 GermansJ"7 GermansJ"7 ."$u/ul% url-nd% '"-a arun$a lo&a a s$ur ! de "nfan er"s $! re rusul $el ma" a&ro&"a % dar% d"ns&re l"n""le "nam"$e% au '" #n$e&u s! 'u"ere rasoare $are s$!ldau *ona #n r-o lum"n! or+" oare( He"de% "e'"nd d"n ,roa&!% m! ur! lo$ul d"n fa/a sa $u m" ral"era( < s"lue ! se re&e*" la m"ne( Am reu'" s! d"s "n, f",ura $r"s&a ! a unu" as"a "$( Avea o vo$e a&roa&e de $o&"l( Tre" ,loan/e dre& #n fa/a $u o$3"" o+l"$" '" s-a ros o,ol" la &!m-n % unde a r!mas nem"'$a ( 8e la ru'" se r!,ea rafal! du&! rafal!( Erand % #n$!r$! orul nos ru% fu lov" '" $!*u $u s-n,ele '"ro"ndu-" d"n r-o ran! ur- ! #n re $eaf! '" um!r( 6!*-ndu-l% ne-am &"erdu $a&ul '" ne-am +! u $a ne+un""% u" -nd de m"s"unea noas r! de a $a& ura &r"*on"er"( 4 Pomo0"% &omo0"7 Pm"l!% m"l!R% ,emea un r!n" $are *!$ea la m"$! d"s an/!( 4 N-a/" f!$u n"$" un &r"*on"er5 s&use E! r-nul $u re&ro' $-nd ne-am re,!s" ,-f-"nd #n r-un $ra er( Nu &u em s! ne #n oar$em% ord"nul e ord"n( Ne #n re+! $e-" $u rusul $are s r",a( 4 E 3ar$ea-&ar$ea7 r"d"$! d"n umer" ."$u/ul( Am #ndo" lo&a a &e el( 4 N! !r!ule% mereu #m" fa$" de-as ea7 Nu ' " de$- s! love' "7 .are ,3"n"on $! e avem $u no"( 4 S",ur $! da7 url! ."$u/ul% f!r! s!-" &ese de ru'"( .ereu e v"na mea7 8!du $u &umnul #n &!m-n '" se r"d"$! $- era de mare '" r!$n" de r!sun! $-m&ul= E"ne% +"ne7 .! du$ la Ivan '"-l vo" adu$e $3"ar &e $omandan ul lor% s&er $! a'a o s! f"/" #n sf-r'" mul/um"/"7 4 ."$u/ule7 s r",! E! r-nul #n,ro*" ( La &!m-n 7 8ar ur"a'ul #'" $on "nu! $ursa s&re l"n""le "nam"$% "nd"feren la 'u"erul ,loan/elor% '" d"s&!ru #n noa& e url-nd( 4 E ne+un de le,a 7 ,emu E! r"nu"( Tre+u"e s!-l &r"ndem #na"n e s! a0un,! la e"( Ne-am ,r!+" '" l-am a0uns #n r-o ,roa&! &re,! "ndu-'" ,renadele( Cear a noas r! se au*ea &-n! de&ar e( 8eoda !% "rul a #n$e a de am+ele &!r/"% o/" se $redeau #n fa/a une" $r"*e de ne+un"e $ole$ "v!( < or! ma" -r*"u ne aflam #n l"n""le noas re% f!r! &r"*on"er" '" eram &r"m"/" de lo$o enen -$olonelul H"nJa% #n $ulmea% fur"e"( 4 Com&an"a as a es e $ea ma" nenoro$" ! 'lea3 ! de "d"o/" d"n o re,"men ul7 .a" s !m no" de vor+!7 '" d"s&!ru f!r! s! ne ma" salu e( ."$u/ul as$ul a s&r"0"n" de &ere ele ran'ee"( )n noa& ea urm! oare% $om&an"a a &r"m" ord"nul s! r"m" ! dou! ,ru&e #n s&a ele l"n""lor "nam"$ulu"% &en ru a $er$e a $e se #n -m&l!

a$olo( <3lsen remar$! "med"a $! m"s"unea ne va $os a s$um&% dar H"nJa "-o re e*!= 4 8es ul% lo$o enen e( 8a or"a solda ulu" nu es e s!-'" s$a&e &"elea% $" s! lu& e( 8"v"*"a m"-a da ord"nul% eu nu fa$ de$- s!-l eIe$u ( G-nde' " &rea mul % lo$o enen e( Tre+u"e s! e su&u"% da$! nu vre" s! a0un," la Tor,au( U" ! $e a" #n $a& $- "m& &or/" $as$a de o/el( A"$"% #n ;7% sun em ul "m"" d"n re am!r-/"% #n/ele,e oda !( A' e& ra&or ul &es e 'ase ore( Lo$o enen ul a r!mas #n$remen" % $u re$e& orul #n m-n!( 8e $- va "m& se au*eau *,omo e de mo oare de &ar ea rus!% dar av"a/"a nu des$o&er"se n"m"$( Ca de o+"$e"% o ul era $amufla $u mul ! a+"l" a e( <r"$e urm! de 'en"l! era ' ears! de ,en"' " '" re+u"a folos" ! ve$3ea me od! de re$unoa' ere% $u "nfan er"a( S"m/eam $u o/"" $! se #n -m&l! $eva( 4 L"n"' ea as a nu-m" s&une n"m"$ +un% an "$"&! E! r-nul( Ivan a aduna mul ma er"al a$olo% #n s&a e( 4 8ar de $e no" sun em mereu $e" $are re+u"e s! &le$e5 m-r-" He"de( Cum e ros de s$!rm!neala% #na"n e% $om&an"a a S-a7 4 Pen ru $! e' " un ra3a % r-n0" Por a '" &en ru $! e afl" #n r-un re,"men s&e$"al% $are re+u"e s! f"e m!$el!r" a'a $um ,-ndes$ ero"" German"e" mar"( < s!-/" ve*" &or re ul !u s$r"s $u l" ere de aur( E"ne#n/eles #n $a*ul #n $are nu e vor $ur!/a ma" #na"n e7 4 ."e nu-m" e eam!7 +om+!n" ."$u/ul( C"% or"$um% sun $el ma" $ura0os d"n re vo"% ,olan"lor( )n a$eea'" $l"&! a&!ru lo$o enen ul $u &o' a( 4 A" '" u o s$r"soare% ."$u/ule( Ur"a'ul r!mase s u&ef"a = A< s$r"soare &en ru m"ne5B Pr"vea $u eam! &l"$ul $enu'"u '" so"os &e $are o m-n! s -n,a$e s$r"sese= ATan$3"s ulu" <+er,efre" er Wolf,an, Mreu *feld % &lu onul II Pader+ornB( EI&ed" orul nu ' "a n"m"$ des&re $amaradul nos ru de foar e mul "m&% $!$" el nu se ma" afla de mul la Pader+orn( Garn"*oana era a$eea $are no ase se$ orul &o' al= ;D 72S( 4 Sf-n ! N!s$! oare7 Es e &r"ma s$r"soare d"n v"a/a mea% 'o& " ur"a'ul( Cum se des$3"de $3es "a as a5 S -n,a$"% ru&se &l"$ul '" s$oase o 3-r "e de am+ala0 a$o&er" ! $u un s$r"s m!run ( Am r!mas u"m"/" v!*-ndu-l $um &!le' e #n "m& $e des$"fra $u ,reu( Gul"us He"de r"d"$! o s&r-n$ean!= 4 6e' " &roas e% $amarade5 Ur"a'ul nu-" r!s&unse% $on "nu-nd s! &r"veas$! 3"&no "*a 3-r "a( He"de #" rase un ,3"on = 4 Ce-"% s&une-ne7 ."$u/ul s!r"% #l &r"nse de $eaf!% #l "*+" de &ara&e '" #'" s$oase +a"one a% dar un 'u al Le,"onarulu" #l arun$! la &"$"oarele lu" He"de% #nne+un" de s&a"m!( ."$u/ul se r"d"$! '"-l &r"v" &e Le,"onar= 4 As a o s! e $os e $a&ul% s$ursur! ar!+eas$!7 Le,"onarul #'" a&r"nse o papiroIa f!r! s! ara e $ea ma" m"$! emo/"e( 4 N-o s! f"e n"$"oda ! un domn7 murmur! He"de% &al"d( 4 Gura7 s&use ur"a'ul( Se rase de o &ar e% r"d"$! s$r"soarea '" o ne e*" &e ,enun$3"( < re$" ea &e #ndele e( E! r-nul se a'e*! l-n,! el '" #" #n "nse o /",ar!% fumar! a&o" #n !$ere( E! r-nul #" &use m-na &e um!r( 4 Po s! e a0u % $amarade5 4 8a% murmur! $el!lal % l!s-ndu-m! #n &a$e &-n! $-nd Ivan sau un SS-"s o s!-m" ,!ureas$! &"elea7 Se r"d"$!% #l #m&"nse &e E! r-nul% arun$! s$r"soarea de&ar e '" &le$! lov"nd $u &"$"orul sa$ul $u ,renade= 4 < s"n,ur! vor+!% ,a'$! de ero"% '" v! su$es$ ,- ul( Ne arun$! au oma ul #n $a&% a&o" d"s&!ru( E! r-nul% $l! "n-nd d"n $a&% r"d"$! s$r"soarea '" o des&! ur"( 4 Tre+u"e s! f"e #n,ro*" oare% da$! l-a adus #n 3alul !s a7 4 Un $re "n7 s&use He"de% fre$-ndu-'" $eafa( 4 Am &u ea $ere s! f"e mu a % &ro&use un nou-ven" % Gefre" erul Tre&Ja% al $!ru" a !

era $olonel de "nfan er"e( 4 8a$! vre" s! e o$u&" u de rea+a as a% s&use He"de% fre$-ndu-'" #n $on "nuare $eafa( 4 8e $e nu5 '" Tre&Ja &orn" s&re mas!( Es e doar un $r"m"nal '" lo$ul lu" es e la *"d( Le,"onarul #n0ur! #n fran$e*! '" #l &r"v" &e E! r-nul( 4 6re" s!-l denun/" &e ."$u/ul5 #n re+! He"de( 4 Nu-" ,reu% s&use Tre&Ja% s$o/-nd o foa"e de 3-r "e '" #n$e&-nd s! m-*,!leas$! un ra&or ( 4 ."nuna 7 r-n0" He"de( 8a$! H"nJa $" e' e as a% e-a" a0uns( 4 N-o s! a0un,! la $olonel% r!s&unse Tre&Ja% $" la NSP<9N( Puse m-na &e ra&or ul $are ar f" #nsemna eIe$u area ."$u/ulu"( E! r-nul ne $3em!% &e Le,"onar '" &e m"ne '" ne ar! ! fa"moasa s$r"soare( Era de la mama ."$u/ulu"= @-ragul meu Jolfgang, m dor picioarele, dar trebuie s- i scriu ca s te anun c nu mai eti copilul meu, dei eu te-am adus pe lume. >lestemat fie ziua aceea. )atl tu, acel nenorocit, era un golan ade!rat, tu eti ns i mai ru. )u eti criminal i mama ta suport consecinele. Am primit ieri o pereche de ciorapi de ln de la doamna 'chultz, tii, cea care m- a a&utat s te bag la coala de biei. 4i !oia binele, la fel ca toat lumea, dar ai fost nerecunosctor i ai ntins- o de acolo pentru c uneori te mai i bteau. $ereu mi-ai adus numai necazuri. Au fost atia domni i doamne care au !rut s te a&ute, pentru c le fceam mena&ul i am fost att de umilit cnd ai furat o marc de la zarza!agiul $olerhans. (oliitii erau s te omoare n btaie cnd ai but laptele gardianului %rGner. Am fcut attea pentru tine, eu, srmana ta, mam. Ai primit nclri noi cnd ai intrat la coal i te-am btut de cte ori trebuia, n ciuda reumatismelor mele. )oate petele de pe scrisoare sunt urmele lacrimilor mele. 6a biroul de plasare mi s- a spus c eti un criminal notoriu, iar directorul Apel, care este un domn att de bine, mi-a spus c dac ai fi mort a putea gsi de lucru, dar tu eti un duman al societii i nefericirea mamei tale. Abia dup ce o s mori pentru patrie or s aib gri& de mine. -eci fii biat bun, Jolfgang, i ofer mamei tale aceast mic bucurie, toat lumea mi spune c este uor, dar tiu c n- o s- o faci. u mai a!em deloc crbuni i este !ina ta, aa spun cei care dau cota. @ emernicul dumnea!oastr de fiu mai triete, srmana doamn Kreutzfeldt5A a spus domnul 'chneider. $o&icul" $amei tale i este frig, JolfgangE a!ioanele !in n fiecare noapte i este ngrozitorE ieri am schimbat un tichet de unt pe unul de cafea. )rebuie s fii bun i s cazi pentru *Ghrer, dac asta mi rezol! problemele. 4mi !ine s plng cnd m gndesc ce fericii am fi fost dac te-ai fi nscris n (artid, aa cum a fcut Karl al doamnei 'chultz. Karl este acum un domn elegant i cu multe decoraii, iar doamna 'chultz spune c- i n antura&ul lui =immler. + face fericit pe mama sa i i-a adus un inel, un colier de aur ade!rat cu pietre roii i tichete de unt. A luat totul de la un inamic al poporului, care spera astfel s-i sal!eze !iaa, el, un L// monstru care ne trdeaz, dar i dai seama cum i trateaz Karl pe aceti oameni ngrozitori. Jolfgang, doamna 'chultz m cheam s beau o cafea. *ii biat bun, ho de buzunare, i mori ca un erou pentru ca mama ta s capete crbune. u- i trimit salutri, bastardule, cci n- ai tiut niciodat s faci ce!a bun pentru mama ta. P(S( 4 -up ce o s cazi pentru *Ghrer, spune camarazilor ti s-mi trimit o fotografie a mormntului, s o pot arta domnului director ApelA. 4 Pe Alla3% $e mam! $um&l" !7 eI$lam! Le,"onarul( 4 Pr"nde-l &e ."$u/ul #na"n e s! se #n -m&le o nenoro$"re% s&use E! r-nul $r"s&a ( L-am ,!s" as$uns #n r-un $u"+ de m" ral"er!% "ar la vederea noas r! a morm!" $eva ne"n el","+"l( 4 Am $" " s$r"soarea% s&use E! r-nul( .ama a es e #n,ro*" oare( S!rmanul #'" fuma papiroIa, '" $-nd ne-a r!s&uns am $re*u $! o s! sar! la no"( .-a r"m"s oda ! la Mr"&o &en ru $! s&!rsesem un d"s r"+u" or au oma ( 6o"a 0um! a e d"n +an"% dar nu m-am &r"ns% a'a $! m-a denun/a ( )n r-o *"% $-nd S a&o a
9N Su&rave,3e

orul Par "dulu" Na/"onal-So$"al"s

des$o&er" la no" man"fes e &e $are le u" ase aman ul e"% ea a s&us $! sun ale mele% de'" o/" $e" $are m! $unos$ ' "u $! nu m! +a, #n as fel de $3es ""( A'a era de f"e$are da ! '" v! 0ur $! d!dea mereu fu,a la Ges a&o s! m! oarne( C"-a +!,a #n $a& $! da$! mor s! se a0un,! 4 o$3"" s!" s r!lu$eau amen"n/! or" 4% ve*"% E! r-nule% m-am n!s$u $a un 'o+olan% am fos v-na $a un 'o+olan '" ea vrea s! f"u u$"s $a un 'o+olan( E! r-nul #l lov" &e um!r= 4 L"n"' e' e- e% ."$u/ule% a"$" o/" e "u+"m% $3"ar '" $olonelul H"nJa '" $omandan ul von Earr"n, /"n la "ne '" e vor fer" de SS( Le,"onarul #" d!du o &alm! am"$al!= 4 C-nd r!*+o"ul !s a nenoro$" se va erm"na% &o/" s! v"" $u m"ne( 4 C" Emma5 Cre*" $! nu era s"n$er!5 4 Ea da% dar ' "" $um sun feme"le( 4 Eram a'a fer"$" $! am &r"m" o s$r"soare% &r"ma d"n v"a/a mea( 4 Nu e ma" ,-nd"% s&use He"de% ames e$-ndu-se #n d"s$u/"a noas r!% se s$r"u a - ea lu$rur" $are le re,re/" ma" -r*"u7 4 Cre*"5 s&use ."$u/ul( Ar f" &rea frumos( C" se &e re$u un lu$ru nea' e& a = "*+u$n"r! la$r"m" d"n o$3"" nefer"$" ulu"% a$e" o$3" $are nu *-m+eau n"$"oda !% $3"ar a un$" $-nd ur"a'ul se s$u ura de r-s( La$r"m"le l!sau d-re &e o+ra0"" lu" murdar"( He"de #'" &e re$u m-na &es e umer"" lu"= 4 Pe na"+a% o&re' e- e $amarade%sau #n$e& '" eu% s! &l-n,7 8!-o-n$olo &e ma"$!- a% nu mer" ! s! &l-n," &en ru ea '" da$! $"neva vrea &"elea a% r"m" e-l la Gul"us He"de( 8ar ur"a'ul 3o3o ea de &l-ns( L-am #ndo&a $u ra$3"u% $u /",!r"% $u fo o,raf"" de fe e% #" #ndesam oa e #n ran"/!( Prusa$ul #" #n "nse &umnalul s!u '"-" s&use $u la$r"m" #n o$3"= 4 Ia-l% /"-l d!ru"es$( S!rmanul r!m-nea de ne$onsola ( < #n rea,! v"a/! nefer"$" ! fusese s$oas! la lum"n!H n"men" nu-" s&usese noa& e +un! $-nd era m"$% n"men" nu-l m-n,-"ase((( Lo$o enen ul <3lsen% a ras de *,omo % ven" s! ne #n re+e $e s-a #n -m&la ( A r!mas u"m" #n fa/a s&e$ a$olulu"( E! r-nul "-a #n "ns s$r"soarea% f!r! un $uv-n ( 4 8oamne7 C-nd e ,-nde' " $e r!" &o f" oamen""((( )l +! u &e um!r &e ."$u/ul= 4 Ca&ul sus% +!"e e% ne a" &e no" '" no" #/" sun em &r"e en"( S$r"soarea as a o s! a0un,! la $omandan ( +fierii superiori ai di!iziei benchetuiau i !inul le dezlegase limbile. imeni nu- i ascundea opoziia fa de gu!ernmnt. 4 (artidul5 spuse colonelul regimentului de artilerie, lsndu-i pri!irea s rtceasc pe cercul de oameni care- i ncon&ura 4 un cerc bine garnisit cu decoraii. Ce s- ar face fr noi5 A fi n opoziie era blnda manie a ofierilor superiori, dar era fcut @ntre patru ochiA. 0ra la mod s gndeti astfel. )otui declaraiile lor, ntotdeauna reinute, nu do!edeau o opoziie de principiu. u erau dect nite egoiti. 4n fond, nu a!eau prea multe moti!e s se plng mpotri!a (artidului, dar acceptau cu greu refuzul acestuia de a recunoate independena deplin a Armatei. u-i reproau lui =itler rzboiul, ci reproau doar soldatului simplu c pozeaz n strateg. -omnii acetia, ofierii de stat- ma&or, se n!oiser pe deplin s ctige rzboiul pentru (artid, dar doreau s-l ctige numai prin propriile fore. )N SPATELE P<1ILIIL<R INA.ICE Era $u &u/"n #na"n e de m"e*ul no&/""( A' e& am ora a a$ulu"( 4 Ra/"e du+l! de +!u ur! '" od"3n! oa ! d"m"nea/a% $ons a ! Por a( C "m no" $e #nseamn! as a7 Pe la &r-n*% ord"nele au fos s$3"m+a eH a$um nu ma" &le$au #n re$unoa' ere dou! &lu oane% $" oa ! $om&an"a a S-a% "m&!r/" ! #n dou!s&re*e$e ,ru&e% $e aveau s! a$/"one*e

"nde&enden ( 4 N"$" unul n-o s! s$a&e $u v"a/!% s&use% lo$o enen ul <3lsen $l! "n-nd d"n $a&( Le,"onarul #'" $ur!/a $u #nsufle/"re au oma ul% un .G 2;% arma $ea nou! $u ra,ere ra&"d!( 4 Te s"m/" o u'" $"neva $u un &u'$o$" $a !s a% s&use el sufl-nd un f"r de &raf( Am mul e de s&us #m&o r"va &l"m+!r"lor &r"n &!dure% dar n"m"$ #m&o r"va s$ule" !s e"a% $u ea e s"m/" #n s",uran/! a un$" $-nd m"'un! ru'""( Eram $u o/"" #m+r!$a/" d"n $a& &-n!-n &"$"oare #n /"nu ! de $amufla0( Adev!ra e n!lu$"7 Un '"r de n!lu$"% oa e la fel% #narma e &-n!-n d"n/"( 4 Tre"*e$" de se$unde% murmur! lo$o enen ul <3lsen% $are s ! ea $u $easul #n m-n! #n re ."$u/ul '" Le,"onarul( )na"n e7 ordon! el( <amen"" #n$e&ur! s! rea$! &es e &ara&e ul ran'e""( Un lo$o enen de ,renad"er" anun/! sum+ru= 4 Am #n$ur$a -o7 4 C!$!narule7 s r",! Por a% $are se ,r!+ea s!-" urme*e &e Le,"onar '" &e He"de( Gru&! du&! ,ru&!% oa ! lumea se m"s u" #n noa& e( Un s$ur a a$ de ar "ler"e +u+u" #n se$ orul ve$"n% $a s! le a+a ! ru'"lor a en/"a( 4 P!*ea7 ne &reven" ."$u/ul( Pe-a"$" sun m"ne% le m"ros de la *e$e me r"( )na"n e -r-' #n frun ea ,ru&e"% $!l!u*"nd s r!+a erea $-m&ulu"( )na"n e% ero"lor% /"ne/"-v! de ."$u/ul7 >!r! s! #n -m&"n!m re*"s en/!% am reu'" s! ne s re$ur!m &r"n l"n""le ru'"lor '" am a0uns #n r-un sa % la 'ase sau 'a& e J"lome r" #n s&a ele fron ulu"( Por a a fos $el $are a des$o&er" % &r"mul% an$ur"le eI$elen $amufla e( 4 Sf-n ! >e$"oar! d"n Ma*an7 eI$lam! ."$u/ul( < arma ! de T-D27 4 8a$! o "au d"n lo$% o s! re+u"as$! s! s r-n,em +u$"le7 4 T!$e/" oda !% *"se E! r-nul% $are &r"vea nervos #n 0ur( 4 6! dau un sfa +un% m-r-" ."$u/ul( S-o ro"m #n v" e*! s&re &o*"/""le noas re( A"$" m"roase de la o &o' ! a ,lon/ #n $eaf!( 4 A" dre& a e% s&use Le,"onarul( Ha" s-o ' er,em ur,en % am v!*u $e aveam de v!*u ( 4 8a% s-o ' er,em% a&ro+! E! r-nul( 4 Ga'$! de la'"% r-n0" Tre&Ja( >u,"/" de +es ""le as ea7 ."$u/ul &r"v" $ur"os fa/a as$u/" ! a lu" Tre&Ja% &e $are lu$eau o$3"" &l"n" de ur!( .-r-"= 4 R!m-" a"$" '" a' ea& !-"( N"men" nu e-m&"ed"$!( Cu ."$u/ul '" $u Por a #n frun e% ne-am n!&us " $a ne+un"" #n &!dure% unde un "ns "n$ s",ur ne-a $!l!u*" &e &o e$"le #n,us e $are +r!*dau mla' "na% $ele ma" a$o&er" e de a&!( To$ma" a0unsesem &e eren des$o&er" $-nd /-'n"r! &a ru ra$3e e ver*"% lum"n-nd s$ena $u o l"$!r"re &al"d!( Ne-am arun$a $u nasul #n &!m-n % dar% $a '" $um $"neva ar f" a&!sa &e un +u on% o ul #n$e&u s! remure #n 0urul nos ru( 6o$" as&re d!deau ord"ne% aerul r!sun! de 3uru" de mo oare% 'en"lele an$ur"lor ,rele *!n,!neau% &!m-n ul se $u remura su+ &"$"oarele noas re la re$erea ar "ler"e" '" a an$ur"lor T-D2% $are #na"n au s&re &o*"/""le de a a$( 4 La dra$u% s r",! ."$u/ul% r"d"$-ndu-se &e 0um! a e% am &"$a $3"ar% #n o"ul ofens"ve"( 4 Ce-o s! ne fa$em5 ,emu ,renad"erul S$3m"d ( 4 R!m-" $ul$a '" num!r! s elele% a&o" "a- e du&! no" $-nd o vom ' er,e% *"se Le,"onarul( 4 Eu 3o !r!s$ $-nd o ro"m% "-o re e*! ."$u/ul( C"-am 3o !r- $! o ro"m "med"a % $!$" #n r-o $l"&! o s-avem "nfan er"a &e $a& '" ne vom ale,e $u $- e-un ,lon/ #n $eaf!( Eu nu &o r!m-ne a"$"% "-am &rom"s lu" Emma s! m!-n or$( 4 8e unde ' "" $! v"ne "nfan er"a5 #n re+! Tre&Ja ne#n$re*! or( 4 Pros ule7 'u"er! He"de( .a" a" de #nv!/a 7 8u&! an$ur" v"ne "nfan er"a% '" da$! ne ,!se' e a"$" ve" u" a $! re+u"e s-o fa$" &e eroul( 4 Pr"v"/"% *"se Por a% ar! -nd s&re mar,"nea &!dur""( Un '"r lun, de s"lue e% #na"n -nd #n '"r "nd"an% "e'ea d"n uf"'ur"% era "nfan er"a sov"e "$!( Imed"a % an$ur"le #n$e&ur! s! #na"n e*e #n d"re$/"a l"n""lor ,ermane(

4 La revedere% s&use ."$u/ul '" d"s&!ru( E! r-nul #l urm! #ndea&roa&e% a&o" Le,"onarul '" eu( Tre&Ja #n$er$! s!-l /"n! &e He"de% dar se alese $u un &a de arm!( Ra$3e ele se #n!l/au #n s&a ele nos ru% "ar "nfan er"a urla= 4 Ura% S al"n7 Se au*eau de un! ur" #n oa e &!r/"le( 6al du&! val% "nfan er"' "" $enu'"" s!reau #n ran'eele du'mane% "adul s-a de*l!n/u" % ,renadele r!s$oleau &!m-n ul( Ar "ler"a rus! '" $ea ,erman! se #n re$eau #n umul ( Le,"onarul '" $u m"ne am s!r" #n r-o ,roa&! de +rand% $ald! #n$! de &e urma eI&lo*"e"( Pe fundul e" *!$ea un ru& f!$u +u$!/"( C"neva #m" $!*u #n s&a e '" urla" de ,roa*!( 4 Ta$" d"n ,ur!% v" !7 f!$u ,lasul ."$u/ulu"( To$ma" do+or-se un rus '" era m-n0" de s-n,e d"n $a& &-n!-n &"$"oare( 8eoda !% un *,omo de 'en"le ne #n,3e/! s-n,ele #n v"ne( 4 Un T-D27 Ne-au v!*u ((( Cul$a % $-nd va f" foar e a&roa&e% o ' er,em7 1,omo ul #ns&!"m-n - or se a&ro&"a( S"m/eam f"or" de s&a"m! &e '"ra s&"n!r""% dar ' "am $! a fu," o $l"&! &rea devreme #nseamn! moar ea( Le,"onarulu" #" remurau +u*ele $a unu" "e&ure '" #'" #nf"&sese de,e ele #n &!m-n % dar ."$u/ul &!rea &e de&l"n ne&!s! or( Erus$% url!= ARo"ul7B Am v!*u an$ul a&le$-ndu-se &es e mar,"nea ,ro&""((( Cum am "e'" d"n ea5 N"$" &-n! as !*" n-am afla ( P"$"oarele n" se m"'$au me$an"$( Tan$ul se le,!n! deasu&ra ,ro&"" s r"v"nd o $e se afla #n!un ru% a&o" #'" urm! drumul( Ne re&e*"ser!m #n al ! ,roa&!% $u ,ur"le $!s$a e% ,-f-"nd% un"formele noas re de $amufla0 ne s r-n,eau s! ne #n!+u'e((( ."$u/ul le,! #m&reun! 'ase ,renade '" 'o& "= 4 )" aran0e* eu &e "$!lo'"" !' "a $are nu vor s! m! lase s! m!-n or$ la Emma7 1,omo ul de 'en"le se au*" d"n nou((( Ne f!$ea s! ne &"erdem m"n/"le7 4 Nu ma" &o % nu ma" &o 7 urla" d"s&era ( 4 Tr"m" e-le o ele,ram! $a s!-" anun/"% s&use +a 0o$or" or Le,"onarul% r"d"$-ndu-'" foar e &u/"n $a&ul( 6!*u an$ul #n$e "n"nd% urela #nv-r "ndu-se '" unul $el lun, $!u -nd o /"n !((( A&o" an$ul &le$! ma" de&ar e% $u 'en"lele *!n,!n"nd((( < +u+u" ur! &u ern"$!% '" un o+u* *+ur! s&re un $u"+ de m" ral"er! ,erman% $are d"s&!ru #n r-un ,3e"*er de fo$( Era/ul ."$u/ulu" se ar$u" #na&o"% $u un sno& de ,renade #n m-n!( 4 Arun$!-le% arun$!-le7 s r",!( Le,"onarul% &r"v"ndu-" 3"&no "*a m-na( A' e& ! o $l"&! $are n" se &!ru un se$ol% a&o" se ros o,ol" #n ,roa&!( Ne-am s r"v" fe/ele de &!m-n ( EI&lo*"a ne smulse "m&anele((( o mare de fl!$!r"((( 4 Am ' ers-o% +!"e/"7 url! ."$u/ul r"umf! or( 8"n an$ul "n$end"a a -rna un ru& $e se $on ors"ona% &e $are Le,"onarul #l a$3" ! $u o rafal!( )n a$eea'" $l"&!% d"n &!dure% "e'" aler,-nd lo$o enen ul <3lsen% urma de o du*"n! de re$ru/" &roas&e/"( Un T-D2 #" des$o&er"( < ra$3e ! se #n!l/! '" #" &r"nse #n $onul e" de lum"n!( 4 >u,"/"7 url! lo$o enen ul% dar n"men" nu-l au*"( 8"n ad-n$" ura unde se as$unsese% v!*u ,loan/ele se$er-ndu-" &e $e" do"s&re*e$e re$ru/"( >eld?e+el-ul S$3ne"der fu,ea s&re ran'eele noas re sur&a e( Un o+u* de +rand $al"+rul 9S $!*u #n fa/a lu" '" fla$!ra #l #n,3"/"((( Su+of"/erul Gr@ner '" solda ul Hau+er au fos v!*u/" d"n r-un an$ $are s-a #n ors '" a ras asu&ra lor( Un ,lon/ s r!+! u &"e& ul lu" Hau+er( C!*u #na"n e url-nd( Tan$ul re$u &es e ru&ul lu"% #" s r"v" oasele% $arnea '" s-n,ele fur! #m&ro'$a e de-o &ar e '" de $ealal ! a 'en"lelor( La vederea mon' r"lor de o/el% Gr@ner #m&"e r" $u m-"n"le #n "nse #n fa/!% $a '" $-nd ar f" vru s! le o&reas$!( Tan$ul se le,!na &e 'en"le% $a #n r-un dans s"n"s ru( 8e 'en"la d"n s -n,a a -rna una d"n m-"n"le lu" Hau+er% $are &!rea $! ne fa$e semne( 8e &e +o ul an$ulu" se &rel"n,ea s-n,ele( Lu" Gr@ner #" "e'"r! o$3"" d"n $a&% /"&!% #n$e&u s! aler,e% $!*u% '"% #n r-o $l"&" !% an$ul de S; de one re$u &es e &"$"oarele lu"( Nenoro$" ul se -ra &e &!m-n ul r!s$ol" % r!,-ndu-'" du&! el &"$"oarele( Un "nfan er"s rus #l v!*u% #n0ur! '"-" rase #n s&a e o rafal! de &"s ol-m" ral"er!( Se &r!+u'" '" r!mase nem"'$a % dar "nfan er"s ul doar #" $"uru"se um!rul '" Gr@ner nu mur" de$- dou! ore ma" -r*"u( Lo$/"" orul $omandan ulu"% lo$o enen ul Eur,s ad % $!l$! &e o m"n! $are-" sf-'"e &-n e$ul( 8o" ru'" #l ,!s"r! a&!s-ndu-'" a+domenul $u m-"n"le '" #n$er$-nd s! o&reas$!

"n es "nele $e se rev!rsau% s-n,ele #" $ur,ea &r"n re de,e e% avea ,ura lar, des$3"s!% dar d"n ea nu "e'ea n"$" un sune ( 4 Ciort germansIi" s&use unul d"n re ru'"% #nf",-ndu-" #n &"e& +a"one a $u re" mu$3""( < #nf"&se #n$e % foar e #n$e ((( Sora lu" fusese s&-n*ura ! de SS-"' " la HarJov( Plu onul D% $omanda de <+erfeld?e+el-ul 8orn% ,alo&a #nne+un" #n no manHs land. Tre" T-D2 des$3"ser! fo$ul( <amen"" #n$er$ar! s! se as$und! #n r-o ,roa&!% unde se #n,r!m!d"r! un"" &es e al/""% "ar "nfan er"a sov"e "$! se n!&us " asu&ra lor d"n &!dure( 8orn d!du $- eva ord"ne '" #n$e&ur! s! ra,! #n ru'" $u $ele re" m" ral"ere .G-2;% dar an$ur"le r"&os ar! $u ,renade( )n $"uda amen"n/!r"lor 8+erfeld?e+el-ulu" #nfur"a % solda/"" r"d"$ar! m-"n"le( Infan er"' "" ru'" as$un'" "e'"r! '" e" la vedere% r"d"$ar! &"s oalele-m" ral"er! '" f!$ur! un eIer$"/"u de ra,ere la /"n ! asu&ra &lu onulu" D% &-n! $-nd $!*u '" ul "mul om( 4 .!$ar ' "m $e ne-a' ea& !% s&use E! r-nul( Nu avem de$- un s"n,ur lu$ru de f!$u % s! ne #n oar$em $- ma" re&ede &os"+"l(

(orta edea pe marginea parapetului, cu o cutie mare de carne conser!at n mn. <orbea !rute, i ne!rute, cnd a fost ntrerupt de bubuitul a o sut de tunuri. <iolena e#ploziei a fost att de mare nct (orta i cutia lui zburar n capul $icuului, care era aezat turcete pe fundul traneei. 4n cie!a minute, ntreaga reea de tranee a&unse de nerecunoscut. A!ioanele de !ntoare ieeau din nori i coborau toate odat n pica&E ploua cu bombe incendiare. u mai e#ista pmnt, nici cer, nici soare. 6umea nu mai era dect e#plozii, urlete, uruit, gemete sfietoare i strigte. Cei mori erau aruncai n aer a doua oarE cei !ii se mbiau ntr- o mare de foc. -i!izia ncetase s e#iste. PARTI1ANII R!m!'"/ele $oman"e" a S-a se ,!seau #n r-un $ol/ de &!dure% la ;7 de J"lome r" de $eea $e fuseser! &o*"/""le ,ermane% do"s&re*e$e oamen" $u o ul= lo$o enen ul <3lsen% Earosanul% Por a% ."$u/ul% Le,"onarul% Eauer% Prusa$ul% S e"n% He"de% Tre&Ja '" $u m"ne( ."$u/ul molf!"a o +u$!/"$! de lemn umed% $u s&eran/a $!-'" va &o ol" se ea nes "ns!% lo$o enen ul #m+! r-n"se &es e noa& e $u *e$e an"( <$3"" lu" f"$'"% #nfunda/" #n or+" e% erau "n0e$ a/" de s-n,e( 4 8o"s&re*e$e oamen"7 ,emu el( 8o"s&re*e$e d"n ;;S7 Ce s! fa$% 8umne*eule% $e s! fa$5 Pr"v"rea lu" se mu a de la unul la $el!lal % d"s&era !( 4 8omnule lo$o enen % s&use Earosanul% da/"-m" vo"e s! v! &ro&un $eva( Lo$o enen ul f!$u un semn de de*,us $u m-na( Pro&un s! ne &red!m ru'"lor( ."$u/ul "*+u$n" #n r-s '"-l s r",! &e Le,"onar% $are se od"3nea &e un run$3" $!*u = 4 E!losu s-a s! ura 7 Ne ofer! o va$an/! la Ivan7 Earosanul s!r"= 4 Ta$" d"n ,ur!% <+er,efre" er7 4 8u&! &ro&unerea &e $are a" s$u"&a -o% nu ma" a" dre& ul s! da" ord"ne% &ufn" ."$u/ul( Earosanul era ,a a s! eI&lode*e( 4 8omnule lo$o enen % $er un r"+unal eI$e&/"onal s!-l 0ude$e &e "nd"v"dul !s a &en ru ne#nde&l"n"rea ord"nulu"7 4 U'urel% u'urel% s&use Gul"us He"de( ."$u/ul '" $u m"ne &u em al$! u" &e lo$ un r"+unal eI$e&/"onal '" s! e s&-n*ur!m $3"ar de $o&a$ul !s a( 4 8omnule lo$o enen % as a-" r!*vr! "re7 4 Nu% Hau& feld?e+el( Pro&unerea dum" ale de a ne &reda du'manulu" e fa$e v"nova de re" lu$rur" &en ru $are a" mer" a ' rean,ul( ."$u/ul r-se '" #l ,-d"l! &e Earosanul du&! ure$3e= 4 Te-a" &r"ns% a"5

4 Las!-l% s&use E! r-nul% a fos o deauna un "$!los '"-a$um% #n &lus% ma" e '" la'( Ne r!fu"m $u el $-nd ne #n oar$em((( da$! ne #n oar$em( Arun$! o &r"v"re s&re drumul &e $are ru'"" se s$ur,eau #n r-un 'uvo" n!valn"$ s&re r!s!r" = Lem+er,% Eres -L" ovsJ% Tolo'"ne( 1,omo ul $oloanelor e f!$ea s! e ,-nde' " la $el al fur un""( Tan$ur"le 3-r-"au% mo oarele or$eau% 'en"lele *!n,!neau% $a"" ne$3e*au% ar "ler"a #na"n a &re$um un 'ar&e nesf-r'" ( Por a '" ."$u/ul ,!s"ser! &rov"*"" 4 nu mare lu$ru% $- eva $onserve% n"' e &a$3e e de +"s$u"/" ume*" '"((( o &"s"$!( To/" se u" ar! $u s$-r+! la &"s"$!% dar ."$u/ul r-se% d-ndu-'" &e s&a e melonul( 4 < s! v! r!*,-nd"/"% solda/" de luI7 Ar! ! &!durea= 6alea as a are o su ! de J"lome r" l!/"me '" e #n/esa ! de &ar "*an"( Pes e $- eva *"le o s! $l!m&!n"/" or"$e '"-o s! *+"era/" du&! un $o&an de m"/!7 4 Por$ s$-r+os7 S r",! raf"na ul Tre&Ja( )m" v"ne ,rea/! $-nd v!d $! un "nd"v"d $a "ne are dre& ul s! &oar e un"form!7 ."$u/ul se #n oarse d"n r-o m"'$are= 4 )n$! o vor+! '"-/" ru& 'alele7 Tre&Ja &!l"( Cu o &r"v"re #nven"na !% morm!" $eva ne"n el","+"l '" #n "nse m-na s&re revolver% dar se o&r" +rus$ $-nd o+serv! eI&res"a d"n o$3"" lu" He"de( 4 8omnule lo$o enen % s&use ."$u/ul% vre/" s! #m&!r/"/" &rov"*""le5 Lo$o enen ul <3lsen f!$u semn $! da '" #m&!r/" dou!s&re*e$e &or/"" r",uros e,ale( La sf-r'" % #nmu"a f"e$!ru"a un sfer de &esme ( ."$u/ul r"d"$! &"s"$a deasu&ra $a&ulu"( 4 C"ne vrea o &or/"e de &"s"$!5 N"$" un r!s&uns( >ra"er"lor7 8ar s! nu ma" ven"/" du&! a$eea s!-m" $ere/"7 )'" s$oase d"n +u*unar &un,a $u u un( U" e u un( )n f"e$e d"m"nea/! vo" fa$e dou!s&re*e$e /",!r" '" f"e$are o s! &r"meas$! $- e una% dar s! nu v! #n$3"&u"/" $! le fa$ $adou7 )m&rumu $u do+-nd! ;SK( )'" r"d"$! unul d"n &umn"" s!" mar"( C" s! dea dra$u s! m! ra,e/" &e sfoar!7 (animaei5 4 Ce mun"/"" ma" avem5 #n re+! lo$o enen ul( 4 >oar e &u/"ne% domnule lo$o enen % r!s&unse Por a% $are *v-rlea $u &"e re &e su&rafa/a a&e" unu" m"$ "a*( C- s! ne ra,em f"e$are un ,lon/ #n $a&( 4 .! o+ose' "% Por a( Lo$o enen ul #m&"nse l!*"le de mun"/"e s&re E! r-nul( As ea sun &l"ne( ." ral"era fun$/"onea*!5 C" $e arme ma" avem5 E! r-nul r!s$ol" #n r-un mu'uro" de furn"$" $u o $rean,! us$a ! '" r!s&unse &e un on foar e o+os" = 4 Tre" &"s oale-m" ral"er!% unul d"n re ele ruses$( Ca& es&re*e$e ,renade de m-n!% un arun$! or de fl!$!r" '" un +rand f!r! mun"/"e( 4 Sf"n ! >e$"oar!7 r-n0" Por a( Cu $e s-o du$em &-n! la sf-r'" ul r!*+o"ulu"( Numa" s! nu afle Ivan% al fel s-ar &une &e fu,!( 4 Ta$" oda !7 s r",! fur"os lo$o enen ul% -m&en""le ale nu foloses$ la n"m"$% ma" +"ne /"-ar ven" vreo "dee( Tre+u"e s! s r!+a em se$ orul !s a $u &ar "*an" $a s! a0un,em la l"n""le noas re( Tre+u"e s! se f" o&r" &e undeva7 4 )n ve$"n! a ea Eerl"nulu"% m-r"" ."$u/ul( 4 8e$lara/"" defe "s e7 s r",! Tre&Ja( Cer &ro$edura de ur,en/! $onform 3o !r-r"" nr( 8 a >@3rer-ulu"7 Lo$o enen ul se #n oarse #n$e s&re &u' "ul $el s-n,eros( 4 E' " mul &rea -m&" ( Cre*" $! avem "m& s! ne o$u&!m de asemenea $!$!n!r"" #n s&a ele l"n""lor ruse' "5 Tre&Ja #" arun$! o &r"v"re fana "$!( Po$n" d"n $!l$-"e '" de$lam! $a un $o$o'el &" "$= 4 8omnule lo$o enen % or"$e solda neam/% or"$are ar f" ,radul s!u% &oa e $ere a&l"$area &ro$edur"" de ur,en/! #m&o r"va r!d! or"lor '" defe "' "lor7 S$oase d"n +u*unar denun/ul $u &r"v"re la ."$u/ul '" #l #n "nse lu" <3lsen( A$es a #l $" " #n !$ere% #l ru&se '" #l &r"v" #n r-un fel $"uda &e Tre&Ja% dre& $a un A"B #n fa/a lu" '" m-ndru nevo"e-mare( 4 )n lo$ul !u nu m-a' umfla a - a #n &ene7 Ho !r- lu$ru% a" +oala &ro$edur"" de ur,en/!7 4 C-nd o s! &un! Ivan la+a &e no"% s r",! ."$u/ul% o s! vedem da$! ra3a ul !s a ma" vrea &ro$edur! de ur,en/!7 4 Term"n! $u urla ul sau ne re*"m la Mol"ma $- a" *"$e &e' e7

4 La na"+a7 m-r"" Le,"onarul( Prefer Sa3ara de$- S"+er"a7 4 Le dau dra$ulu" &e am-ndou!% s&use Por a( 6reau a$as!% la Eerl"n-.oa+" 99( 4 Po/" s! ne s&u" $um a" de ,-nd s! fa$"5 4 C er&el"m o ma'"n! de la Ivan% e ma" +"ne de$- s! mer,em &e 0os% s&use non'alan Por a( Lo$o enen ul se u" ! la E! r-nul '" d!du d"n $a&= ANe+un de le,a 7B Por a se r"d"$!% #'" arun$! &e um!r &"s olul-m" ral"er! '" o lu! la &as #ns&re &!dure( ."$u/ul% $a un $-"ne $red"n$"os% du$ea lada $u mun"/""( Lo$o enen ul% $u o #nf!/"'are resemna !% ordon!= 4 )n $oloan! $- e unul% du&! m"ne( C"% "m& de dou! ore% ne-am $ro" drum &r"n &!durea de &"n"% sle"/"% e&u"*a/"% &l-n,-nd uneor"% #n0ur-nd #n$on "nuu% dar "ns "n$ ul de $onservare '" ,roa*a de $eea $e le f!$eau ru'"" &r"*on"er"lor ne for/au s! mer,em ma" de&ar e( Cu s"m/ul s",ur al lu&"lor de s e&!% Por a '" ."$u/ul ne $!l!u*eau &r"n des"'ur" '" mla' "n" '"% du&! &a ru *"le de sfor/!r" su&raomene' "% am *!r" deoda ! lum"na $- orva fo$ur"( Ne-am as$uns $u "u/eala ful,erulu" '" o/"% $u eI$e&/"a $!l!u*elor% am fos de a$ord s-o ' er,em d"s$re ( 8ar% #n $ele d"n urm!% &!rerea lu" Por a avu $-' ", de $au*!% $u oa e $!% #n s"nea lu"% lo$o enen ul o $ons"dera ne+uneas$!( 4 A$olo unde-" fo$ e Ivan% '" a$olo unde-" Ivan sun ma'"n"( C" nou! ne re+u"e una( 6"no% ."$u/ule% 3a" s! $er$e !m erenul( Au d"s&!ru #n +e*n!% #nso/"/" de #n0ur! ur"le #n!+u'" e ale $omandan ulu"( 8ou! ore ma" -r*"u% "-am v!*u #n or$-ndu-se '" am-ndo" s-au a'e*a ur$e' e al! ur" de no"( ."$u/ul #'" d!du melonul &e s&a e '" #n$e&u s! r-d!( 4 8e mul ar f" re+u" s! ne $unoa' em% Gose&3 Por a( C- e-am f" &u u fa$e #m&reun! &e Re&ers+a3n7 4 .a'"n! avem% n"m"$ de *"s7 El"nda !% de eren% $u &l"nul f!$u % $- s-a0un," $u ea &e Eorn3olmers rasse7 4 C" ru'""5 #n re+! lo$o enen ul f"I-nd $u &r"v"rea v-rfur"le ne,re ale &"n"lor( 4 N"$" o ,r"0!( <& ma"mu/o" "ner" $are le su,eau #n 0urul fo$ulu"( (animaiei5 Au $el &u/"n *e$e l" r" de vod$! ' er&el" ! de la "n enden/!( Pun &ar"u $! s!r+! ores$ #n oar$erea a$as! $u ma'"na( Por a "*+u$n" #n r-s( C" no" o$ma" de-a"a sun em a"$"% &en ru ma'"n!7 Se l!s! !$erea( Por a #'" r!su$" o /",ar!( )n sf-r'" % lo$o enen ul se r"d"$!= 4 E"ne% 3a" s! lu!m ma'"na( )n s&a ele &o*"/""lor "nam"$e se &e re$u a&o" una d"n re nenum!ra ele ra,ed"" de $are n"$" un $omun"$a nu &omene' e( N-au r!mas de$- dou!s&re*e$e nume ' erse d"n efe$ "vele arma e"( Ca&oralul 6as"l" Ros ov '" solda ul Ivan SJol"ensJ"% d"n +r",ada D27 +l"nda e% se #ndre& au s&re m"nuna ul lor an$ nou-nou/ $a s! ma" "a &as ram! de oa"e% $-nd n"' e de,e e de o/el s-au #nf"& #n ,- le0ur"le lor( To ul l" se ' erse #n$e d"n fa/a o$3"lor% ve3"$ulul nou &!rea $! &lu e' e #n aer( 6as"l" reu'" s!-'" du$! m-na la ,- % a&o" mur"( Ivan rev!*u #n r-o s r!ful,erare "ma,"nea $elor do" $o&""% #n$er$! s! s r",e% dar n"$" un sune nu "e'" de &e +u*ele sale( Se *+! u% Le,"onarul s r-nse ma" are '" as fel mur"( Por a '" ."$u/ul #m+r!$ar! la re&e*eal! ves oanele ruse' " &es e un"$"le lor '" #'" &user! &e $a& $!' "le mor/"lor( < 'oa& !((( ne-am s re$ura s&re fo$ul la $are se #n$!l*ea res ul e$3"&a0ulu"( 4 ,o t!oi mati, #n0ur! Por a $u vo$e are( L-n,! fo$% ru'"" #n$e&ur! s! r-d! '" unul d"n re e" s r",!= AHa"% m!" re&ede7 A' e& !m 3alealaB( 4 Imed"a % +!"e e% "med"a % murmur! Le,"onarul( < s! $a&e/" #n ,r!d"na lu" Alla3( )na"n am &r"n fum% !$u/"% $a &an erele( Gul"us He"de avea #n m-n! lan/ul de o/el% Le,"onarul &umnalul s!u ara+% al ul lo&a a s$ur !% de "nfan er"s H f"e$are $u arma lu" &refera !((( Toa e s$-n e"ar! deoda ! #n lum"na fo$ulu"( Un ,eam! de ,roa*!((( ru&ur" *+! -ndu-se((( He"de se arun$! asu&ra ser,en ulu"% #" s r"v" fa/a #n !$"un"" $are se s "nser! sf-r-"nd '" nu-'" l!s! &rada de$- a un$" $-nd nu ma" m"'$!( Lo$o enen ul <3lsen #n$e&u s! verse( To ul se &e re$use ful,er! or% #n !$ere% f!r! ero"sm( Pr"veam u"m"/" $adavrele $alde #n$!% unul d"n re e" ma" avea #n m-n! o +u$a ! de &-"ne% al ul o ,amel! d"n $are m-n$area " se v!rsase
99 )n$3"soare d"n

Eerl"n

&e &"e& ( E! r-nul% $are #'" $u&r"nsese $a&ul #n m-"n"% era l"v"d% #'" arun$ase de&ar e lo&a a #ns-n,era !H lo$o enen ul $on "nua s! vom" e( A$e' "a do" nu se vor o+"'nu" n"$"oda !( 8ar ."$u/ul '" Por a s!r"ser! de0a #n an$ul nou-nou/% Por a la volan% ."$u/ul la m" ral"er!( He"de '" S e"n ur$ar! &r"n s&a e '" /"&ar! de +u$ur"e des$o&er"nd armele= dou! m" ral"ere '" un eI$elen arun$! or de ,renade ruses$( Por a% rad"os% &orn" mo orul $are re*" e$oul #n &!dure( 4 Ce s$ul!7 No" n-avem a'a $eva7 Lo$o enen ul '" E! r-nul res!r"r!= 4 E' " ne+un5 Se-aude o #n v!,!una as a7 >! mo orul s! mear,! ma" #n$e 7 4 Im&os"+"l% domWlo$o enen % Ivan nu ' "e s! fa+r"$e mo oare s"len/"oase% a'a $! &-r/-"e7 .a" f!$u o roa ! $u ve3"$ulul ,reu% fr-n! +rus$% #m&ro'$-nd $u &!m-n % '" a&r"nse farur"le% $eea $e-l f!$u &e <3lsen s- sar! "ar!'" #n sus( 4 >arur"le% 8umne*eule mare7 S "n,e-le7 4 8omW lo$o enen % da$! fa$ a'a $um *"$e/"% n-a0un,em de&ar e( Nu ma" sun em nem/" $are fu, #n de+andad!% $" Ivan" #nv"n,! or"% a un$" de $e s! mer,em &e-n uner"$ '" #n !$ere5 .ul ! lum"n!% m!r" de lum"n!% v"$ or"a-" a noas r!7 Tr!"as$! ! u$a S al"n7 ,o t!oi mati" Lo$o enen ul% *!&!$" % se lov" &es e frun e% u" -ndu-se la E! r-nul( Por a #" re*ea $ele ma" v"" nel"n"' "( Condu$ea $a un ne+un an$ul &r"n noa& eH ."$u/ul '" el% raves "/" #n un"formele ruse' "% s ! eau #n fa/!H a un$" $-nd a0un,eam la o ara+! $u ne&u "n/! de o$ol" % am-ndo" a$$elerau '" f!$eau $u &umnul semnul Afron ulu" ro'uB $! re +!r+a/"" +!r+o'"% $u #nf!/"'area s!l+a "$! #n ve'm"n ele lor $"uda e% $are ne r!s&undeau r"d"$-ndu-'" armele deasu&ra $a&ulu"( 4 Ura &en ru S al"n7 Tr!"as$! Arma a Ro'"e7 s r",au &ar "*an"" 4 $!$" e" erau 4 #m+! a/" de +u$ur"a v"$ or"e" la vederea +l"nda ulu"( 4 Gos nem/""7 s r",a Por a( < s! ne s&!l!m fundur"le la Eerl"n7 4 Lua/"-ne $u vo"7 r!s&undeau #n$-n a/" &ar "*an""( Ceas du&! $eas% $arul +l"nda #na"n ! d"n ,reu &r"n &!dure( C-nd ne o&ream #n "m&ul *"le"% $amuflam $u a - a ,r"0! ve3"$ulul #n$- nu &u ea f" v!*u de la $-/"va me r"( Gum! a e d"n re no" f!$ea de &a*! la m" ral"ere% #n vreme $e 0um! a ea $ealal ! dormea ad-n$( )n *"ua a$eea% a$olo unde &!durea era ma" deas!% o ,ru&! de &ar "*an" $omanda/" de un lo$o enen al arma e" sov"e "$e se o$u&a $u un fel de &ro$edur! de ur,en/!( Pr"nseser! o -n!r! rusoa"$!% de fel de l-n,! 6ol,a% $e slu0"se% &en ru $as! '" mas!% $a feme"e de serv"$"u la $ar "erul ,eneral al unu" re,"men ,erman( A #n$e&u ofens"va( .a" mul sau ma" &u/"n vo" % rusoa"$a a fos da ! u" !r""% erau a - ea fe e% &es e o 7 Un"formele $u f"re ur" ro'"" au fos d"n o deauna &e ,us ul fe elor( Pr"n urmare% fa a s-a &omen" &r"v"nd #n urma nor"lor de &raf r"d"$a/" de re,"men ul #n re ra,ere '"% adun-ndu-'" #n ,ra+! lu$rur"le% s-a arun$a #n 'uvo"ul arma e" ,ermane $e se s$ur,ea &e 'osea( <$!r- ! de +ru ele de 0andarm"% $!dea% se r"d"$a "ar '" se $l! "na% &l-n,-nd( C-/"va J"lome r" s-a a,!/a de 'aua unu"a d"n re $om&a r"o/"" s!" $a*a$"% dar $a*a$ul &le$! #n ,alo& '" fa a $!*u( <mul o lov" $u na,a"$a lu" $ea lun,! s&unand @nice!oA, s$u"&! &e ea '" d!du &"n en" $alulu"% #n vreme $e soarele se r!sfr-n,ea &e "ns",na de &e $!$"ula lu" ro'"e( < +u$a ! de drum a &u u mer,e #n remor$a une" +u$! !r"" de $am&an"e% &-n! $-nd un lo$o enen a alun,a -o( 8e &e a un$" #n$!% f!r! $a ea s-o ' "e% solda/"" Arma e" Ro'"" erau &e urmele e"( )nne+un" !% a "n ra #n &!dure% $u oa e $! a"$" se aflau du'man"" e" de moar e% $are nu erau solda/"" de fron % ore #n re," a r! !$" % &aral"*a ! de eroare% a&o"% #n r-o d"m"nea/!% d!du &es e do" &ar "*an" +!r+o'" '" fu -r- ! #n fa/a lo$o enen ulu" Tur"e/a% $omandan ul &lu onulu"( Era un +!r+a #nal '" sla+% $el ma" +un d"n $las! la '$oala m"l" ar! de la <msJ( La &a"s&re*e$e an" #'" denun/ase mama &en ru "de"le e" $on rarevolu/"onare% '" feme"a a mur" #n r-o alune$are de eren #n la,!rul de de&or are S"+C"Jo,o( C-nd a afla ves ea% P"o r Tur"e/a a r"d"$a d"n umer" '" a s&us= AA mer" a -oB( Era "n el",en % fana "$ '" r!,ea re&ede $on$lu*""le( C-nd .ar"a a&!ru es$or a ! de $e" do" &ar "*an"% o+serv! numa"de$- $"ora&"" nem/e' "( Sur"se ,la$"al( 4 Tr!d! oareo7 'u"er! el( < s$u"&! #n fa/! '" o lov" $u $!$"ula de +lan!( Cum e

nume' "5 Ce fa$" a"$"5 8e unde v""5 >a a #'" #n!l/! $a&ul su+ lov" ur"le lu"( )n$!&!/-narea s r!mo'"lor e" "e'" la "veal!( )n$3"se &e 0um! a e o$3"" e" frumo'"% de un al+as ru $a marea% #'" l"nse s-n,ele $are-" $ur,ea &e +u*e '" s r",!= 4 6"n d"n &-n e$ele mame" '" fu, de nem/"( Tu &oa e nu ' "" $e se &e re$e &r"n sa e% u% $are e-as$un*" #n &!dure '" u$"*" &e la s&a e7 4 A% de$" a'a% -rfo7 )'" $3em! lo$/"" orul% un $almu$ s$und% ser,en ul-ma0or I,or Pol oneJ( <$u&!- e de fa a as a( Calmu$ul *-m+" #n/ele,! or% #n$e&u &r"n a o +a e &e .ar"a% #" ru&se dou! de,e e% a&o" o m-n,-"e( 4 .ar"'a% s&use du&! a$eea lo$o enen ul% f!$ea" s&"ona0 &en ru nem/"5 4 iet, ,emu nenoro$" a( 4 A" vru s! ne v"n*"5 s&use lo$o enen ul *-m+"nd '"-" su$" ,- ul% ru&-ndu-"-l &e 0um! a e( >a a #n$e&u s! /"&e( 4 E' " o r!d! oare $are s-a $ul$a $u nem/""( Au lov" -o $u &"$"oarele% a&o" "-au smuls 3a"nele '" au arun$a -o #n r-un $o&a$ unde a r!mas a,!/a ! de o $rean,!% #n vreme $e-" 0u&u"au f-'"" su+/"r" de &e ru& '"-" &res!rau sare &e r!n"( Au da -o 0os '" ea a m!r ur"s" ( A s&us o $e vo"au% $! r!dase Rus"a% $! lu& ase #m&o r"va Arma e" Ro'""% $!-'" +! use 0o$ de S al"n% $! era o r!d! oare d"n $l"$a lu" 6lasov( Au o+l",a -o s! +ea vod$!% urn-ndu-"-o d"re$ &e ,- % a&o" lo$o enen ul r"d"$! d"n umer"= A>a$e/" $e vre/" $u eaB( Calmu$ul se n!&us " la ea '" o v"ol!% a&o" #" s$r"0el" &e frun e o svas "$! $u v-rful unu" $u" #nro'" #n fo$( Au ras-o &e $a& '" "-au ars &!rul% au s$u"&a -o '"% #n sf-r'" % au l!sa -o #n &a$e% le'"na !( )n *or" au &le$a ( Tur"e/a #l #n re+! &e I,or da$! mur"se( 4 8a% *"se $almu$ul% "*+u$n"nd #n r-s( N!d!0du"a $! va mur" $u #n$e ul #n &!dure% dar ea n-a mur" ( Era o fa ! de &r"n &!r/"le 6ol,!"% '" oamen"" de &e 6ol,a sun re*"s en/"( C-nd '"-a reven" % un s"n,ur ,-nd ma" r!m!sese #n m"n ea e" ar*-nd de durere= s!-l u$"d! &e $almu$ #na"n e de a mur"( Cl! "n-ndu-se '" &l-n,-nd% &orn" la drumH "ns "n$ "v% se #ndre& a s&re es ( Tre" *"le ma" -r*"u se a'e*! &e un run$3" de $o&a$% n!d!0du"nd $! va mur"( Sufer"n/ele $ele ma" $3"nu" oare se #m+l-n*"ser!% arsura de la frun e nu o ma" or ura% dar se s"m/ea $u&r"ns! de o o+oseal! de moar e( .es e$a ml!d"/e &l"ne de sev! $a s!-'" #n'ele se ea% dar #'" s r"$ase d"n/"" '" #'" r!n"se ,ura( 8eoda !% o m-n! se #n$le' ! &e ,- ul e" '" o rase #na&o"( Cre*u $! moare v!*-nd mu ra de -l3ar a ."$u/ulu" su+ $as$a ruseas$!( 4 < fa !7 s r",! el( < fa ! $u semnul &e frun e7 4 Id"o ule7 *"se E! r-nul% d!-" drumul +"e e" fe e% o su,rum"( ."$u/ul o a0u ! &e .ar"a s! se r"d"$e #n &"$"oare% nu f!r! a-'" &l"m+a m-"n"le mar" &e ru&ul +"ne f!$u % a+"a a$o&er" de $- eva *dren/e( 4 Sf-n ! >e$"oar! d"n Ma*an7 Ce +u$!/"$!7 4 Tre+u"e s-o du$em la lo$o enen % m-r-" E! r-nul( 8a$! e a "n," de ea% ra,( )" ar! ! revolverul( ."$u/ul o &"&!"a &e fa ! a'a $um se #n$ear$! o ,!"n! de ou!( 8oamne7 .! "a $u $ald #n fa/!7 ,emu el( 4 A0un,e7 )na"n e% mar'7 Au f!$u $-/"va &a'" &r"n re +ra*"% $-nd deoda ! ."$u/ul eI$lam!= ,o t!oi mati" .ar"a /"&!% #n vreme $e E! r-nul se #n or$ea #ns&!"m-n a ( 4 Pu"$u/a n-are $3"lo/"% a$um m"-am da seama7 4 A0un,e $u &or$!r""le7 m-r-" fur"os E! r-nul( )l lov" &e ."$u/ul $u &a ul arme" &es e m-n!( Par "*an"" sun &oa e foar e a&roa&e '" u nu e ,-nde' " de$- la &or$!r""le ale7 Pus la &un$ de E! r-nul% ."$u/ul "-a da drumul fe e" '" o/" re" au a0uns la no"( Por a flu"er! $a un $unos$! or v!*-nd-o &e .ar"a $u ve'm"n ele #n *dren/e '" fa/a vesel! a ."$u/ulu" $are *+"era= A< ,a,"$!7 N-are $3"lo/" &e ea% +!"e/"7 E o +u$!/"$! &e $"ns e7B Lo$o enen ul s!r" #n sus '" se o&r" #n fa/a E! r"nulu"( 4 Ce "-a/" f!$u 5

E! r-nul #l &r"v" $u o$3"" s!" l"n"' "/" '" r!mase !$u ( <3lsen se ul+ur!( 4 Iar !-m!% Ee"er( 8a$! dumnea a a" fos a$olo% nu se &u ea &e re$e n"m"$ r!u( )" #n "nse m-na E! r-nulu" $are "-o s r-nse% a&o" o "n ero,! &e fa !( La #n$e&u o as$ul ! $u ne#n$redere% dar svas "$a #ns-n,era - de &e frun ea e" era un ar,umen mul &rea $lar $a s! se ma" &oa ! #ndo" de &oves ea e"( .ar"a vor+" $u #n reru&er" vreme de un $eas '" 0um! a e( 4 Unde sun &ar "*an"" a$um5 #n re+! lo$o enen ul( .ar"a ar! ! s&re r!s!r" = #n &!dure( 4 Sun mul/"5 s&use E! r-nul( 4 8a( Ple$a/" re&ede( -a!ai, da!ai. i# nema. 8a% s&use lo$o enen ul% s-o ' er,em( >a a se a'e*! #n re Por a '" ."$u/ul% &e $a&o a +l"nda ulu"( Cu +one a de "nfan er"s rus &e $a& '" $u o$3"" e" m",dala/" &!rea un solda du'man( He"de #" #n "nse un &"s ol-m" ral"er! '" ea r-n0" s"m/"nd r!$eala o/elulu"( 4 Eu r!*+un( Calmu$ul I,or((( ra,% moare( Po ra,e5 s&use ea #n r-o ,erman! s -l$" !( Por a r"d"$! d"n umer"= 4 E ma" +"ne s! nu-l #n -lne' "% fa a mea% '" ma" ales nu a$um% $- e' " $u no"( L"-ar re+u" &e &u/"n $"n$"s&re*e$e *"le s! $r!&"( Am &orn" d"n nou de-a lun,ul drumulu" #n,us ( La f"e$are o&r"re% .ar"a ne &oves ea aven ur"le e" '" am au*" lu$rur" $are ne-au um&lu de m-n"e% dar de $ele ma" mul e or" lo$o enen ul #n reru&ea "s or"s"rea *or"ndu-ne s! &le$!m( Se s$3"m+ase $u o ul de $-nd ne aflam #n s&a ele l"n""lor ruse' "((( nervos% a," a % n-avea n"$" un $3ef s! a0un,! un erou( 4 Gra+a as a m! #nne+une' e% m-r-"a Gul"us He"de( 4 A" *"$e $! vrea s! $a&e e o de$ora/"e% ad!u,! al ul( )n r-o *"% &e $-nd +om+!neam% lo$o enen ul% $a '" $um ne ,3"$"se ,-ndur"le% ven" la no"( 4 C "u $e s&une/" des&re m"ne% dar v! #n'ela/"( Nu-m" &la$e /"nu ul% as a-" o % '" n-am de$- un s"n,ur ,-nd= s! "es d"n &!durea as a "nfernal! '" s! s$a&( S$oase un &or ofel '" rase d"n el o fo o,raf"e( So/"a '" +!"e/elul meu( Are 'a& e an"% nu l-am ma" v!*u de re" an"( A'a $! v! m-n de la s&a e d"n e,o"sm( S"n,ur nu &o s$!&a d"n /"nu ul !s a +les ema ( P!rea $! a' ea& ! un r!s&uns% dar no" !$eam( He"de fredon!= 0 foarte lung drumul care duce n patrie, Att de lung, att de lung... 4 Am nevo"e de vo"% a'a $um '" vo" ave " nevo"e de m"ne% $on "nu! lo$o enen ul( N-avem de ales= or" $r!&!m $a ro+"" #n /ara as a $u a",aua e" nesf-r'" !% or" #n$er$!m s! ne #n oar$em la a" no' r"( N-are sens s! mur"m #n &!durea as a &u red!( Por a r"d"$! $a&ul= 4 Toa ! lumea vrea s! r!"as$!% $e" de d"n$olo la fel $a '" no" '" o u'" re+u"e s! f"m de a$ord $! foar e &u/"n" vor s$!&a( 4 6" e n!s$u e &en ru a+a or% *"se Le,"onarul( Avem doar n"/el ma" mul "ns "n$ de $onservare de$- $amara*"" $u r- ( 4 A" dre& a e% a&ro+! He"de( 8o+" oa$e &roas e% &rea la'e $a s! renun/e( 4 Nu7 s r",! lo$o enen ul( E fals( 1elul nos ru nu re+u"e &us #n slu0+a lu" H" ler sau lu" S al"n% $" #n slu0+a v"e/""7 S! su&rav"e/u"m% s! r!"m7 Tre+u"e s! ne $ro"m drum &r"n mun/" '" &r"n &!dur" &en ru a ne #n oar$e7 )'" ' erse frun ea '" lov" $u &"$"orul o $as$! de o/el% f!$-nd-o s! se ros o,oleas$! de&ar e( E! r-nul "ns&"r! ad-n$= 4 Nu vreau s! v! des$ura0e*% dar nu $red $! ne vom ma" #n oar$e( Am nevas !% re" $o&"" '" un a el"er $are m! a' ea& ! '" ' "u $! n-am s!-" ma" v!d n"$"oda !( Lo$o enen ul #l a&u$! de ,uler &e E! r-nul '"-l rase s&re el( Co& ea% a&roa&e #l "m&lora= 4 E! r-ne% n-a" dre& ul s! vor+e' " a'a7 Tre+u"e s! $re*" d"n o sufle ul $! ne vom #n oar$e((( R!*+o"ul e &e sf-r'" e% re+u"e s! se erm"ne( Ru'"" ne v-nea*! $a &e "e&ur"% re$ru/"" nu sun +un" de n"m"$% nu ma" avem arme% n"$" +en*"n!% n"$" 3ran!( Pol"/"a ne

eror"*ea*! '" a$as! ora'ele se &r!+u'es$( E o &ro+lem! de s!& !m-n" sau de lun" $a s! vedem sf-r'" ul a$es u" "ad7 4 8a% dar #nv"n,! or""5 s&use +a 0o$or" or Le,"onarul( Ce-o s! ma" #n$as!m no"% solda/""7 S! nu v! #n$3"&u"/" $! am s$!&a &en ru $! r!*+o"ul s-a sf-r'" ( 8u&! a$eea o s! f"e al e ,ardur" de s-rm! ,3"m&a !% foame e '" o s! sf-r'"m sf-'""ndu-ne un"" &e al/""( 4 Nu% s r",! d"s&era lo$o enen ul% as a nu7 4 Ea da% urm! Le,"onarul( 8e no"% l!n$"er" o+os"/" '" !+!$"/"% $"ne va avea nevo"e5 In r!m #n $a e,or"a ma er"ale( Cu $- $r!&!m ma" re&ede% $u a - ma" +"ne( <r"$um% am u" a $e-" a"a o meser"e( R"d"$! d"n umer" '" sufl! un f"r de &raf de &e /eav! &"s olulu"-m" ral"er!( R!m-ne/" #n arma !% $a m"ne( Cas!% mas! '" #m+r!$!m"n e( Ceva +an" '" o moar e ra&"d!( 4 Ce ,ro*!v"e7 As a nu-" de m"ne% #l $on ra*"se Por a( G!ses$ eu un m"0lo$ s! "es deasu&ra adun! ur"" !s e"a de $!$!$"o'"( Plesn" d"n l"m+! '" r"d"$! un de,e % $a &en ru a ne #n$red"n/a un se$re ( C "/" $um5 6o" aduna feme" &en ru un +ordel a-n -"a% unde vo" f" d"re$ or( Se $-' ",! o ,r!mad! de +an" $u fe ele7 Se ' erse la ,ur! $u dosul m-"n""= Ce m"-ar &l!$ea% +!"e/"7 4 Un &or$7 s&use lo$o enen ul $u de*,us ( 4 8e $e% domWlo$o enen 5 #n re+! m"ra Por a( >e ele se dau #n v-n du&! a'a $eva% e $lar% dar n-au &rea des o$a*"a( C" #n$e&u s! #m&ar ! slu0+e #n s -n,a '"-n drea& a u uror $elor &e $are "-ar f" "n eresa % du&! r!*+o"% v"" orul lu" s a+"l"men de la Eerl"n( 8ou! *"le ma" -r*"u ne-am #n -ln" $u $e" d"n >eld,endarmer"e( He"de "-a v!*u &r"mul( In rase #n &!dure $u ."$u/ul '" $u .ar"a s! $au e $eva% nu ' "am &rea +"ne $e% dar eram $!l!u*"/" de "ns "n$ ( ."$u/ul% r-n0"nd% #'" '" &re,! "se la/ul de o/el% dar He"de #" f!$u semn s! se &o oleas$!( Am ven" d"n urm!% #m&reun! $u lo$o enen ul <3lsen( Eru ele 4 re" 0andarm" 4 au fos u"m"/" $-nd ne-au v!*u % dar au deven" re&ede o+ra*n"$"( Un"formele neo+"'nu" e #" f!$eau s! semene va, $u "nfan er"' ""( Unul d"n re e"% un lo$o enen -$olonel de vreo $"n$"*e$" de an"% #nal '" ,ras% #" $eru $u +ru al" a e ord"nul de mar' lo$o enen ulu"% $are-'" &"erdu r!suflarea( Urm! un momen de !$ere% a&o" of"/erul vor+" d"n nou= 4 L"-a &"er" ,ra"ul% lo$o enen e5 Sau &r"$e&" ,reu5 6reau s!-/" v!d 3-r ""le $a s!-m" dau seama da$! a" dre& ul s! e &l"m+" &r"n &!dure( 4 Ce *!&!$" 7 s&use He"de( 4 L"n"' e7 m-r-" of"/erul amen"n/! or( Leava &"s olulu" s!u m" ral"er! a "n,ea &"e& ul lo$o enen ulu" <3lsen( )n a$eea'" $l"&!% o vo$e dur!% s&!r,-nd l"n"' ea &!dur""% r!sun! #n des"'ul d"n s&a ele 0andarm"lor( 4 .-"n"le sus7 Cu "u/eala ful,erulu"% re" &ere$3" de m-"n" se r"d"$ar! '" armele $!*ur! $u *,omo ( Por a '" Le,"onarul "e'"r! d"n &!dure( Por a du$ea &e um!r m" ral"era ,rea '" Le,"onarul #" rase un &umn lo$o enen -$olonelulu"( 4 )n ,enun$3"% +as ardule7 )n $ur-nd o s! a" un fund '" ma" ,reu $a a$um7 Ce" do" su+of"/er" &r"m"r! o &alm! de la ."$u/ul= A)n ,enun$3"B% *"se el( 4 L!sa/"-" #n &a$e(((% #n$e&u lo$o enen ul <3lsen( 4 < s! &l! "/" s$um&7 *+"er! lo$o enen -$olonelul( C "/" $! &ara,raful F87 &ede&se' e $u moar ea &e or"$"ne mal ra ea*! un 0andarm #n eIer$"/"ul fun$/"un""5 4 Iar de*er area e &ede&s" ! $u s&-n*ur! oarea% "-o re e*! lo$o enen ul( Cele re" +es "" nu ' "au $! no" o #n -ln"sem &e .ar"a% $are #" $uno' ea( Slu0"se la e" $- !va vreme '" #" au*"se s&un-nd $! se vor &reda ru'"lor% de,3"*a/" #n "nfan er"' "% du&! $e vor l!sa s! rea$! ofens"va( <da ! $e s&a ele fron ulu" avea s! se l"n"' eas$!% &u eau s! rea$! dre& $omun"' "% $u a$ e eI$elen fals"f"$a e( 8u&! a$eea% urmau s! a0un,! #n Eal$an"% mer,-nd &e drumur" de mun e( .ar"a ' "a $! aveau +u*unarele &l"ne $u fo" de drum #n al+% $u semn! ura unu" ,eneral% fals"f"$a !% $u ' am&"l!% lo$o enen -$olonelul avea un ord"n de m"s"une men" s!-" des$3"d! oa e u'"le( 4 A/" $!*u d"n $!ru/a $u +!le,ar5 s&use +a 0o$or" or Por a% #n/e&-ndu-l &e Io$o enen -$olonel $u +a"one a( <f"/erul +ol+oros"= 4 < s! &l! e' " s$um&% "$!losule7

4 As a o vom afla% $u s",uran/!% #na"n e de r!s!r" ul soarelu"% dar #n $l"&a a$eea u o s! a" $urul re$e% +!"e e( ."$u/ul moare de &of ! s! e su,rume( 4 A0un,e7 *"se lo$o enen ul( Per$3e*"/"ona/"-"7 ad!u,! el &e un on se$( 4 Pro es e*7 url! of"/erul de 0andarm"( E o 0",n"re adus! onoare" mele( 4 Nu% s&use ."$u/ul% e &re,! "rea &en ru s&-n*ur! oare( E! r-nul ne ar! ! a$ ele lor% &r"n re $are am ,!s" re" ord"ne s&e$"ale #n al+% $u semn! ura unu" ,eneral( 4 To ul e &erfe$ l"m&ede% s&use lo$o enen ul flu ur-nd ean$ul de a$ e( ."$u/ul #'" lun," ,- ul% s$o/-nd d"n +u*unar o +u$a ! de s-rm! de o/el $u dou! m"nere de lemn% $are al$! u"au la/ul= 4 Tre+u"e s!-" eIe$u % domWlo$o enen 5 ]84 Nu7 s r",!% fur"os lo$o enen ul( )" du$em la &o*"/""le noas re( A - a vreme $$omand eu% nu &oa e f" vor+a de a'a-*"sele &ro$edur" de ur,en/!% s! v! f"e $lar( He"de '" Earosanul &r"m"r! ord"nul s!-" du$! &e $e" re" #n ve3"$ul% unde au fos le,a/" $u m-"n"le la s&a e( EIa$ #n $l"&a a$eea au v!*u -o &e .ar"a( Au &!l" ( >a a s-a #ndre& a #n$e s&re e"% s-a o&r" #n fa/a 0andarmulu" ,ras '" l-a s$u"&a #n fa/!% 'u"er-nd= AC"or 7B .ar"a #" su&or ase m-n,-"er"le #n r-o $ol"+! &!r!s" ! de l-n,! $ar"er!( Pen ru $! se *+! ea% a&roa&e o su,rumase% #" smulsese ro$3"a de &e ea '"% l"+"d"nos% o um&luse de +ale% mu'$-nd-o de &"e& ( Era o +es "e ,ras!% #m+r!$a ! #n un"form! de of"/er% #n $are $lo$o eau &of e an"mal"$e( 8u&! $e s-a s! ura % a da fa a &e m-na $amara*"lor s!"( 8"n ,ura 0andarmulu" ,ras "e'"r! $uv"n e de dra,os e &e $are le so$o ea ne$esare $3"ar '" #n "m&ul unu" v"ol( >a a a s a nem"'$a ! #n vreme $e +!r+a ul o &oseda( La sf-r'" % 0andarmul #" des$le' ase d"n/"" '"% foar e l"n"' " % s$u"&ase #n ,ura e"( .ar"a vom" ase( >usese ma" r!u de$- or ur"le &ar "*an"lor( < &"a r! #l lov" &e >eld?e+el #n $eaf! '" fa a r-se $a o 3"en!( ."$u/ul #" d!du #n$! una= 4 Arun$!-"-o #n mu r!7 8ar ea "*+u$n" #n &l-ns '" s$!&! &"a ra( ."$u/ul r"d"$! d"n umer" '"% &un-ndu-" &"ed"$!% #l f!$u &e >eld?e+el s! se #n "nd! &e 0os( Pr"v" o $l"&! ma a3ala $e se &r!+u'"se% a&o"% /"n "nd $u ,r"0!% #" rase un 'u &u ern"$ #n re &"$"oare( Un urle an"mal"$ r!sun! #n &!dure '" ru&ul se #n$ord! $a un ar$ ,a a s! se ru&!( Lo$o enen ul <3lsen sos" aler,-nd '"-l o$!r# &e ."$u/ul $are s ! ea ne&!s! or #n &o*"/"e de dre&/"( Lo$o enen -$olonelul% $u m-"n"le le,a e la s&a e% l! r! "nd",na = 4 As a-" or ura7 Sad"sm7 A lov" un su+of"/er a$ "v7 )l va $os a $a&ul7 N"men" nu $a ad"$s" s!-" r!s&und!( C-nd aveam s! ne #n oar$em #n l"n""le noas re% 0ude$a a lor va f" s$ur != de*er are% fals"f"$are de a$ e% ' "am &rea +"ne $e urma s! se #n -m&le( )n *or" #ns!% &u/"n #na"n e de r!s!r" ul soarelu"% E! r-nul des$o&er" $! evadaser!( Am fos u"m"/"((( Earosanul fusese san "nel!% l-am ,!s" le'"na % l-n,! $o&a$ul de $are fuseser! le,a/" &r"*on"er""% '" n-a fos #n s are s!-" s&un! n"m"$ lo$o enen ulu" <3lsen( Nu ' "a n"m"$( )'" am"n ea doar $! le'"nase +rus$( Lo$o enen ul #n0ur!% s&ume,-nd de fur"e% '" #" am"n " $! san "nela $are adoarme #n &os e &as"+"l! de 0ude$a a Cur/"" .ar/"ale% dar Earosanul se 0ur!% &l-n,-nd% $! nu adorm"seH remurau 'un$"le &e el v!*-nd $- de fur"os e lo$o enen ul( 4 Au a0uns de&ar e% s&use ."$u/ul% u" -ndu-se la Le,"onar '" la Por a% $are% a'e*a/" l-n,! .ar"a% molf!"au o sfe$l!( E! r-nul #" &r"v" l"n"' " &e f"e$are d"n re $e" re" '" &e feme"e( 8!du d"n $a&% !$u % #'" arun$! &"s olul-m" ral"er! &e um!r '" "n r! #n &!dure( 4 Sun em &r"e en"% nu-" a'a5 s r",! Por a( E! r-nul se #n oarse f!r! s! s&un! n"m"$% a&o" #'" urm! drumul( Term"nasem de #n$!r$a lu$rur"le #n ve3"$ul $-nd se #n oarse( 4 A" ,!s" $eva5 s&use lo$o enen ul( 4 8a% r!s&unse s$ur E! r-nul% arun$-nd o &r"v"re s&re Por a '" ."$u/ul% $are 0u$au l"n"' "/" *arur" '" r-deau% +! -ndu-se &es e $oa&se( 4 Ce s-a #n -m&la 5 "ns"s ! lo$o enen ul( 4 To$ma" as a nu ' "u((( Le,"onarul se a&ro&"e% mer,-nd ne&!s! or% $ur!/"ndu-'" un,3""le $u &umnalul( 4 Ce es e5 6e'n"$a lu" /",ar! remura &u/"n #n $ol/ul ,ur""( 4 Te-a" &l"m+a a*"-noa& e5

4 E"ne#n/eles% #n f"e$are noa& e m! re*es$ s! ur"ne*( 4 N-a" o+serva n"m"$5 4 Nu m"-era &rea somn% s&use el #nvesel" ( 4 .ar"a era $u "ne5 4 8a( )n ,lasul lu" se ,3"$ea o u'oar! amen"n/are( 8ar% "a s&une% nu $umva e' " de la Ges a&o5 4 Am ,!s" &r"*on"er""% ar "$ul! $3"nu" E! r-nul( 4 Ce5 s!r" lo$o enen ul( 4 Ce noro$7 s r",! Le,"onarul% arun$-nd &umnalul #n sus '" &r"n*-ndu-l( 8e da a as a #" s&-n*ur!m7 4 8e,ea+a% *"se E! r-nul( S-a f!$u ( Lo$o enen ul <3lsen se f!$u s a$o0"u( 4 Ha" s! vedem% s&use el s$ur % '" s!-l &!*eas$! 8umne*eu &e $el $are a f!$u -o7 Ne-am re&e*" #n &!dure '"% du&! o +u$a ! +un! de drum% am *!r" $ele re" ru&ur" ,oale( >urn"$"le '" #n$e&user! s! m"'une &e fe/ele v"ne eH mu' e mar"% al+as re% +-*-"au &e o$3"" "e'"/" d"n or+" e a" lo$o enen -$olonelulu"( Era o &r"vel"' e #n,ro*" oare( Por a se a&le$! deasu&ra $adavrulu" of"/erulu"= 4 Par "*an""% s&use el( E! r-nul #l &r"v" #n o$3"= 4 C" eu am $re*u o a'a% dar $-nd am v!*u $e aveau #n ,ur! $ele dou! $adavre mu "la e% m-am ,-nd" la &oves ea .ar"e" '" am o +!nu"al! ur- !( Arun$! o &r"v"re Le,"onarulu" '" $on "nu!% a&!s-nd &e f"e$are $uv-n = Nu fa$ a'a feme"le #n mun/"" R"ff-ulu"5 4 8e mul au &r"ns ru'"" m"'$area7 *-m+" sar$as "$ Le,"onarul( Lo$o enen ul #'" &use +ra/ul &e du&! umer"" E! r-nulu"= 4 .a" +"ne s! $redem $! au fos &ar "*an""( T"$!lo'"" au reu'" s! s$a&e '" au $!*u #n m-"n"le lor( E! r-nul d!du d"n $a&= 4 Cum &o s! f"e oamen""7 murmur! el( C" $um ."$u/ul /"&a $- #l /"nea ,ura% s!r" '"-l a&u$! de ,uler= 8a$! ma" des$3"*" o da ! ,ura% e-am erm"na 7 Le,"onarul se 0u$! #n $on "nuare $u &umnalul% &r"v"nd s$ena $u $oada o$3"ulu"( 6or+" &r"n re d"n/"= 4 Gunoa"ele as ea nu mer" au al $eva( Us a-" r!*+o"ul( 4 C3"ar a'a5 s&use E! r-nul% #n or$-ndu-se d"n r-o m"'$are( 4 8a% '" ma" $red $! ar re+u" s!-/" ra e*" nerv"" la #n oar$ere( E! r-nul r-se o+os" '" se u" ! la lo$o enen = 4 Nu-" rea "deea a= s!-" #n$3"*" &e oamen"" normal" '" s!-" la'" #n l"+er a e &e u$",a'"7 Am v!*u &umnalul Le,"onarulu" *+ur-nd $u "u/eala ful,erulu" '" #nf",-ndu-se #n $o&a$% $3"ar deasu&ra $a&e elor E! r-nulu" '" lo$o enen ulu"( 4 ." s-a &!ru $! v!d o vever"/!% s&use *-m+" or m"$ul le,"onar( 4 Noro$ $! nu-/" remur! m-"n"le% "-o !"e s$ur E! r-nul% al fel /"-ar remura $on' ""n/a( Ne-am #n ors #n$e la an$ s! ne erm"n!m &re,! "r"le de &le$are '" $! re sear! am f!$u un nou &o&as &e malul unu" r-u ad-n$( ."$u/ul se a&ro&"e d"s$re de a&! '" E! r-nul #l v!*u $um #'" arun$! la/ul de o/el% dar se fer" s! s&un! $eva( Le,"onarul #n$e&u s! r-d!% #n vreme $e Earosanul% a'e*a &e un run$3" de $o&a$% se &orn" d"n nou s! se 0ure( )l durea $a&ul '" nu &u ea s! #n/elea,! $um reu'"ser! re" &r"*on"er" le,a/" s! se el"+ere*e '" s!-l do+oare &e el% un Hau&feld?e+el d"n serv"$"ul a$ "v7 4 Nu &r"$e& n"m"$7 .! u" am la $e" re" $!$!$"o'"% $-nd m"-a +u+u" $a&ul7 4 .a" mul $a s",ur $! a fos un &ar "*an% su,er! ."$u/ul #m&!$"u" or% &"&!"nd $u$u"ul nefer"$" ulu" su+of"/er% $are era $- un ou de ,!"n!( 4 C" ' "a meser"e% ad!u,! Por a% m-n,-"ndu-l &e $a&( Se l!s! noa& ea( Tre+u"a a$um s!-" re$em r-ul &e do" d"n re a" no' r"% Earosanul '" Gre&Ja% $are nu ' "au s! #noa e( 4 S a" a&roa&e de m"ne% e re$ eu% #" &ro&use ."$u/ul lu" Tre&Ja( 4 C" &e m"ne $"ne m-a0u !5 ,emu Earosanul( A fos un r-s er"+"l $-nd Por a "-a s&us $! nu are de$- s! r!m-n! &e malul a$es a al r-ulu"( )n uner"$ul ne-a $u&r"ns re&ede( 8eoda !% &lesn" un fo$ de arm!% era o $ara+"n! F8(

Ne-am re&e*" = nu de&ar e de no"% la l"*"era &!dur""% *!$ea .ar"a% $u $a&ul sf!r-ma ( )'" &usese /eava &u' "" #n ,ur! '" a&!sase &e r!,a$" $u de,e ul mare de la &"$"or( ."$u/ul morm!" $eva d"n $are r!*+! ea re,re ul mas$ul"n '" lov" fur"os $u &"$"orul o +u$a ! de "eder! #nf!'ura ! #n 0urul ,le*ne"( Trea+a as a #l #nfur"e de-a +"nelea '" as a /"nu .ar"e" dre& slu0+! de #nmorm-n are( La m"e*ul no&/""% am re$u r-ul #no ( Tre&Ja a fos ,a a-,a a s! se #ne$e '" a s$!&a doar da or" ! ."$u/ulu"% $eea $e l-a f!$u s! &un! $ru$e fa"mosulu" denun/( Earosanul% $are ,-f-"a de s&a"m!% se a,!/ase de He"de '" de Por a( )na"n e de as a r!s urnaser!m +l"nda ul ruses$ #n r-o mla' "n!% nu de&ar e de r-u( Era morm-n ul .ar"e"(

)oat gaca l-a condus la gar. $icul <olIs;agen de patru locuri era gata s se prbueasc sub greutatea celor zece pasageri. (e capot se cocoaser =eide i $icuul, pe care i-am pierdut de dou ori pe drum. 4ntr-o ocazie att de important, toi l tutuiam pe locotenent. )renul a plecat i am stat pe loc fcnd semne de rmas-bun, pn cnd ultima u!i de fum a disprut. 6ocotenentul +hlsen, spri&init n coate la fereastr, !isa. u !edea copacii ari, ruinele, rmiele mainilor, locomoti!ele distruse aruncate lng rambleu. u-i !edea dect pe ,nge i pe %unni. ,nima i btea nebunete de fericirea re!ederii. ,nge i %unni, cntau roile de tren. <edea zmbetut cald al lui ,nge, ochii ei surztori. -e pe acum auzea glasul de copil al lui %unni9 )at, ncotro se duc norii5 )NT<ARCEREA Lo$o enen ul <3lsen &le$a #n &erm"s"e 4 &r"ma &erm"s"e #n re" an"7 .a" es e nevo"e sa s&un $! se des&!r/ea de no" ne+un de fer"$"re5 Iar% $-nd renul se o&r" #n ,ara d"n Ereslau% #n $om&ar "men &! runse nea' e& a $3"ar un &r"e en( ."nuna a #n -ln"re du&! a -/"a an"% aveau a - ea s!-'" s&un!7 Pr"e enul #n $au*! era a$ or( 4 6"no $u m"ne la Par"em% $-nd a0un,em la Eerl"n( >a$ &ar e d"n r-un so" de ru&! de ea ru- ea ru de r!*+o"% ad!u,! el r-*-nd *,omo os( Ne d"s r!m de m"nune7 >e e% 'uvoa"e de 'am&an"e% "$re ne,re $u &olon"$ul7 To $e-/" dore' "( 8"re$ or es e un <+er,ru&&enf@3rer SS( R-se d"n nou( Lo$o enen ul < 3lsen $l! "n! d"n $a& #n semn de refu*( 4 Nu vreau de$- un s"n,ur lu$ru% He"nr"$3% s! m! #n or$ ma" re&ede a$as!7 .-"n"le " se $r"s&aser! de ner!+dare( )m" v"ne s! $o+or d"n ren '" s-o "au la fu,! )na"n e% &e l"n"e7 4 Te #n/ele,% +! r-ne% r-se "ar!'" He"nr"$3% dar v"no s! ne ve*" #n r-o *"( )/" &un de-o &ar e o fa ! $lasa-n -"7 < vr!0" oare oa$3e'!((( >o$% dra,ul meu% s! e lase la 7 S!-" ve*" '" &e SS-"' "" no' r"% sun #n s are de or"$e% $rede-m!( C" da$! m"'$! unul(((Ho&7 L-au '" erm"na ( Cu s",uran/! $! n-a" v!*u $eva asem!n! or( 4 Nu ' "am $! e-a" #ns$r"s #n Par "d( 4 N"$" nu m-am #ns$r"s% Eern % dar $e vre"5 Prefer s! lu$re* $u e" de$- s! &u re*es$ #n ran'ee( C" $3"ar da$! a' f" #m&o r"v!% s-ar s$3"m+a oare $eva5 4 >ra ele !u n-a fos s&-n*ura la Eu$3en?ald5 #n re+! m"ra lo$o enen ul( 4 Ea da% '" a a la fel% r!s&unse foar e f"res$ He"nr"$3( 8ar $e &o fa$e5 Au vru s! fa$! &e de' e&/""% $u a - ma" r!u &en ru e"7 Tre+u"e s! ' "" s! s$3"m+" ma$a*ul la "m&( L"selo e '" $u m"ne am fos ma" 'me$3er"= am s"m/" $! re+u"e s! 0u$!m &e $ar ea lu" H" ler '" ne-am des$ur$a ( 4 8ar f"" a en s! s$3"m+" l"n"a la vreme% #l &reven" lo$o enen ul( 4 Nu-/" fa$e ,r"0"7 A*" SS% m-"ne NM68 sau >EI% da$! eu sun deasu&ra% &u/"n #m" &as! de res ul( 8a$! vre" s!-m" urme*" eIem&lul% Eern % n-o s! ma" ve*" n"$"oda ! fron ul( 4 ."-e eam! $! nu sun des ul de 'me$3er s! s$3"m+ l"n"a a un$" $-nd re+u"e%

*-m+" <3lsen( Au a0uns la Eerl"n seara '" s-au des&!r/" #n ,ara S"le*"a( He"nr"$3 #" d!du lo$o enen ulu" adresa% a&o" $o+or# #n fu,! S$!r"le% r-*-nd '" d"s&!ru( Lo$o enen ul lu! un ren de nave "' " $are se o&rea la >r"edr"$3s rasse '"% &u/"n de&r"ma % $o+or# #n +"ne$unos$u a ,ar!% #n m"0lo$ul unu" 'uvo" de oamen" ,r!+"/"( 8eoda ! " se f!$u fr"$!( )l $u&r"nse o s&a"m! $are-l sufo$a( 8"n mul/"me #l salu ! /ea&!n un +! r-n d"n ru&ele de a&!rare er" or"al!% dar <3lsen nu-" r!s&unse la salu % #" f!$u un semn d"n $a&% $a de la e,al la e,al% a'a $um avea o+"$e"ul( Imed"a % un $!&" an de $avaler"e ven" la el *-m+"nd &r"e ene' e% dar &r"v"rea #" era la fel de re$e $a e$usonul de o/el de &e $as$3e !( 4 Camarade% s&use el% &o s!-/" a ra, a en/"a $! re,ulamen ul $ere $a un of"/er s! r!s&und! m"l" !re' e la salu ul "nfer"or"lor #n ,rad '"% #n n"$" un $a*% $a de la e,al la e,al5 A$es a-" a&roa&e un a$ de sa+o a0( C!&" anul de $avaler"e #l salu != Perm"s"e &l!$u ! '" ur!r"le mele de +"ne ero"lor d"n ran'ee7 Se #nde&!r !% &"n en"" s!" *!n,!neau vesel &e &eron( A'a f!$ea el r!*+o"ul( Lo$o enen ul <3lsen #'" ' erse sudoarea de &e frun e '"-l urm!r" $u &r"v"rea &e $!&" anul $are% &u/"n ma" de&ar e% se r!/o"a la un >eld?e+el( R"d"$! d"n umer" '"% lu-ndu-'" $ele dou! ,en/"% $o+or# s$!r"le s&re >r"edr"$3s rasse( Se s"m/ea o+os" % #n,ro*" or de o+os" '" avea sen "men ul #ns&-"m-n ! or $! se ,!se' e #n r-o lume s r!"n!( )l $u&r"nse eama( <are Le,"onarul avusese dre& a e5 )'" &r"v" un"forma '"fona !% &r!fu" !% $"*mele $u !l&"le o$" e% $ureaua murdar! de $are a -rna o$ul &"s olulu" N%D8% $are nu sem!na delo$ $u o$ul ne,ru% ele,an al .auser-ulu" &e $are #l &ur au of"/er"" la s&a e( Era un ames e$ $ara,3"os de solda &ros '" of"/er% $!ru"a doar e&ole/"" de ar,"n #" de*v!lu"au ,radul( <3lsen res&"r! ad-n$ '" #'" re$u m-na &es e fa/!( 4 Eerl"n7 Eerl"nul meu7((( <+ra*ul a&r"ns al ."$u/ulu" #" a&!ru deoda ! #n fa/a o$3"lor% #l rev!*u lov"ndu-l $u &"$"orul &e 0andarm% rev!*u $u/" ul amen"n/! or al Le,"onarulu" #nf-,-ndu-se #n $o&a$ deasu&ra $a&ulu" s!u% $adavrele mu "la e% .ar"a moar ! #n r-o +al ! de s-n,e '" #n oarse $a&ul *!r"nd% #n sf-r'" % $u o ul al $eva #n 0urul lu"((( <ra'ul &!rea &us "u #n noa& e( Ru"ne &es e o % su+ &"$"oare s"m/ea $"o+ur" de ,eamur"H &e &ere/" mesa0e s$r"se $u $re a= A.ama e la m! u'a Anna% la Eer,en?aldeB% A.@ller de la D s! mear,! la un$3"ul T3eoB((( '" ,r!+" &asul s! nu ma" &"ard! n"$" m!$ar o $l"&! d"n &u/"nele *"le #n $are " se #n,!du"se% #n sf-r'" % s! f"e "ar!'" o f""n/! omeneas$!( Tre" s!& !m-n" #n re" an"((( Ca #n r-un v"s% " se &!ru $! vede s$r"sul lu" In,e= AGunn" a mur" % #n rea+! la a aB( )n$e&u s! sus&"ne de s&a"m! '" #'" d!du seama $! alear,!( N"men" nu-" d!dea a en/"e% $!$" nu era lu$ru rar s! ve*" oamen" aler,-nd '" &l-n,-nd &e s r!*"le Eerl"nulu"( 1"dur"le '" &"e rele #nse'" &l-n,eau((( Ga a% a0unsese #n fa/a $ase"( Nu-l a' e& ! n"$" un mesa0( )m&"e r"( Casa nu ma" eI"s a( Ras!( P!m-n ul ,ol( Lo$o enen ul se a'e*! ,reo" &e una d"n ,en/"% #'" l!s! $a&ul #n m-"n" '" #n$e&u s! &l-n,! $a un $o&"l( Camara*""7 8a% ar f" da or"$- s! f"e l-n,! el( Camara*"" s!"( ."$u/ul% o +es "e mare% E! r-nul% $a un a !% Por a% un 'me$3er% He"de mereu ele,an % Le,"onarul% la$on"$ '" dur((( Cu o/""% da% $u o/"" $amara*" &-n! la moar e( < m-n! " se las! &e um!r( Era m-na murdar! '" as&r! a unu" mun$" or( <3lsen r"d"$! $a&ul '" &r"v" m"ra fa/a ars! de soare% +r!*da !% a$o&er" ! de o +ar+! de $- eva *"le( 4 8omnule Grau&7 s r",! el s r-n,-nd m-na +! r-nulu"( 4 Te-a" #n ors% Eern 5 morm!" +!r+a ul( C" a" a0uns lo$o enen 7 Nevas !- a '" +!"e/elul au s$!&a % ne-au re+u" re" *"le $a s!-" de*,ro&!m( Am salva nou!s&re*e$e( S-m+! ! s-au #m&l"n" dou! s!& !m-n" de $-nd au ras s rad!( So/"a nu /"-a s$r"s5 Lo$o enen ul d!du d"n $a&= 4 In,e nu s$r"e &rea des% are a - ea de f!$u ( 4 8es",ur% s&use +! r-nul% s$u"&-nd o +u$a ! de u un( P!rea 0ena ( 4 Unde sun 5 4 La a"$!-s!u% sau ma" +"ne-*"s #n $asa lu"( So$ru- !u a re+u" s! &le$e( Telefonea*! #na"n e s! e du$"7 s r",! omul% dar lo$o enen ul nu au*"( Aler,a de0a( In,e% Gunn"% 'o& ea el ,-f-"nd( Sun e/" #n v"a/!7 8umne*eu f"e +"ne$uv-n a % sun e/" #n v"a/!7 )n urma lu"% +! r-nul s$u"&!% al ! +u$a ! de u un( 4 Nenoro$" ul7 'o& " el( 8ar fusese '" ma" r!u "er" &en ru a$el <+erfeld?e+el( So/"a '"

$e" $"n$" $o&"" omor-/"% "ar el la Plo *ensee a$um% &en ru de$lara/"" 0",n" oare la adresa >@3rer-ulu"( .-n,-"e o &"s"$! $e se fre$a de &"$"oarele sale= Tu a" noro$% numa" de $-"n" re+u"e s! e fere' "7 Lo$o enen ul <3lsen se #n oarse #n fu,! s&re >r"edr"$3s rasse '" lu! ramva"ul de H-lensee( Era ,a a s! " se #n -m&le o nenoro$"re% $!$" &e M@rf@rs endamm re$u &e l-n,! un ,eneral f!r! s!-l vad!( Lu! &o*"/"a de dre&/" 'o& "nd foar e #n$e = 4 Sun #n v"a/!7 In,e '" Gunn" ((( nu &r"$e&"% -m&" ule5 Tr!"es$((( 8a% domnule ,eneral% &e fron nu e d"s$"&l"n!((( Sun #n v"a/!((( 8a% domnule ,eneral% salu ul re,ulamen ar s ! la emel"a v"$ or"e"((( 8oamne% #/" mul/umes$ $! "-a" salva 7((( 8a% domnule ,eneral% nu se va ma" #n -m&la((( T"$!losule7 8e"e 8omnul o +om+! $are s! e arun$e &e &oar a Eranden+ur,(( ((( )" mul/umes$ domnulu" ,eneral &en ru $! a f!$u o eI$e&/"e de la re,ulamen ((( Generalul duse re" de,e e la 'a&$! '" &le$!% #n$-n a de el #nsu'"( Lo$o enen ul &orn" d"n $!l$-"ele o$" e '" #'" relu! ,oana( Reu'" o u'" s! salu e un ma"or de s a -ma0or% $u &an alon"" ,r"-des$3"s $u v"&u'$! ro'"e( 4 Eerl"n m"nuna '" &u red7 S! v"n! de &e fron s! $ure/e oa ! murd!r"a7 Ce frumos ar f"7 Por a '" ."$u/ul $u o m" ral"er! &e Eranden+ur,er Tor( To/" $3"ulan,"" !' "a l"$3"da/"((( 8oamne7 Tr!"es$((( Co " &e Goa$3"m->r"edr"$3s rasse% s$!&! una d"n ,en/"% o r"d"$! '" #'" $on "nu! ,oana( < fa ! #l s r",!% dar el nu au*" n"m"$( Ea r-se '"-" arun$!= Por$ule7 )" re$user! &e su+ nas o 0um! a e de l"vr! de un '" o s "$l! de vod$!( )n sf-r'" % $asa7 < $l!d"re &re en/"oas!% $u eras! de ,ran" lus ru" '" &oar ! de f"er for0a H s$ar! de marmur! '"% &e f"e$are &al"er% o,l"n*" #n rame aur" e &e $are #n,era'" suflau #n rom&e e( A - de mul r-sese v!*-nd a$e' " #n,er" la &r"ma lu" v"*" !7 To ul era ur"a'% &l"n de os en a/"e( La e a0ul #n -"% o u'! mare de s e0ar% $u o &la$! de aram! &e $are s$r"a $u $ara$ ere ,o "$e= <on 6ander '"% $u l" ere ma" m"$"% " lul de eI$elen/!= 7egierungsrat9;. Lo$o enen ul &r"v" &la$a% #'" am"n " de so$r"" s!" $u nasul &e sus '" de $umna a lu" +-rf" oare((( R!sufl! ad-n$ #na"n e s! a&ese &e +u onul soner"e" al $!re" /-r-" r!sun! #n a&ar amen ( T!$ere( Sun! d"n nou( N"$" un *,omo ( E! u% la #n$e&u #n$e % a&o" ma" are( Nu r!s&unse n"men"( 4 Nu-" n"men" a$as!5 #'" *"se el( C"uda 7 E! u dara+ana &e u'a s$ul& a ! de s e0ar( N"m"$( A un$" se a'e*! &e o rea& !% des$um&!n" ( )n de&!r are% un orolo,"u +! u de dou!s&re*e$e or"( Era m"e*ul no&/""( In,e re+u"a s! se f" #n ors a$as!% lu" Gunn" #" era mereu fr"$! a un$" $-nd r!m-nea s"n,ur( As$ul !( Ea da% $eva se m"'$ase( Avea "m&res"a $! era un fo'ne de m! ase( Era s",ur% $"neva era #n s&a ele u'""( U'a s$ul& a !% de s e0ar% &!rea s!-'" +a ! 0o$ de solda ul #n ors de &e fron ( C"neva se as$undea% $"neva $are nu vo"a s! des$3"d!( S!r" #n &"$"oare '" +! u "ar!'" dara+ana( N"$" un r!s&uns( )n$er$! s! se u" e &r"n #n$3e"e ur"le u'""% dar erau a$o&er" e de $eva% o /es! ur! ro'"e( )n$e&u s! loveas$! $u am-ndo" &umn""( To ul r!mase !$u ( I se &!ru $! aude o vo$e de +!r+a 'o& "nd( Un +!r+a 5 La ora as a5 La In,e a lu"5 Nu se &oa e7 Ea #l "u+ea( )n *"ua #n $are se des&!r/"r!% &e &eronul ,!r""% a$es ea fuseser! ul "mele vor+e &e $are le 'o& "se( )l "u+ea% avea s!-l a' e& e((( Co+or# s$ara $u &a'" a&!sa/"% l!s-nd s! se r-n eas$! u'a% al $!re" +u+u" % r!sun! #n oa ! $asa% a&o"% f!r! *,omo % ur$! d"n nou '" se as$unse #n r-un un,3er de unde &u ea su&rave,3ea &al"erul( G-f-"a% $u m-"n"le #n$le' a e &e ,en/"( )n,era'"" $u r-m+"/! &!reau $!-'" +a 0o$ de el '" s$u"&! #n d"re$/"a lor( Profe/"a Le,"onarulu" #" r!suna #n ure$3"= A6" e nefolos" oare% n!s$u e &en ru a+a or(((B Un domn ele,an '" o doamn! "n rar! #n 3ol '" se o&r"r! s! se s!ru e( R-deau( >eme"a #'" &lesn" $avalerul &rea #ndr!*ne/ &es e m-n!( 4 < o7 A' ea& ! un &"$((( .! o&es$ du&! "ne7 S$oase un m"$ s r",! ( Nu% nu a"$"% da$! v"ne $"neva5 Con "nuar! s! ur$e '" fur! foar e 0ena/" v!*-ndu-l &e lo$o enen % '" des ul de nel"n"' "/"(
9; Cons"l"er

m"n"s er"al

C3"ar '" nem/"" se &u eau #n'ela '" $onfundau un"forma nea,r! a ru&elor de +l"nda e $u $ea a SS-ulu"( S"n"s rele $a&e e de mor le am"n eau de &l"m+!r"le f!$u e noa& ea #n ma'"n" de asemenea ne,re( 8omnul '" doamna se ,r!+"r! '" ma" are '" se u" ar! &e deasu&ra +alus rade" de la e a0ul al re"lea( <3lsen au*" $uv"n ele 'o& " e= ARa*"e( Ges a&o(((B A&o" o u'! se #n$3"se +rus$( 4 S-a dus noa& ea lor% se ,-nd" a&r"n*-ndu-'" $ea de-a &a ru*e$" '" re"a /",ar!( Se u" ! la $eas( Pes e &u/"n% ora re"( 8eoda !% u'a a&ar amen ulu" se des$3"se f!r! *,omo ( Se a&le$! s&re +alus rad! '" &u u s! vad! &r"n re *!+rele $um un +!r+a se s re$ura afar!( Un +!r+a #nal '" vo"n"$% #n 3a"ne $"v"le +"ne $ro" e( Se au*"r! s!ru !r"% o vo$e de feme"e ,emu((( 4 La revedere% dra,a mea% s&use +!r+a ul #n 'oa& !( Pe% 0o"( < s!-" r"m" +!"a ulu" un &a$3e ( Co+or# s$!r"le f!r! s! vad! um+ra as$uns! #n s&a ele ram&e"( Un v!l ro'u re$u &r"n fa/a o$3"lor lo$o enen ulu"( Ure$3"le #n$e&ur! s!-" 'u"ere% #'" #nf"&se un,3""le #n $arne( Pl-n,ea $u asemenea d"s&erare% #n$- avea $-r$e"= 8e $e% In,e% de $e5 8eoda ! #" re$u &r"n m"n e un ,-nd #n,ro*" or= 8es&re Gunn" or+"se +!r+a ul $-nd s&usese A+!"a ulB5 Gunn"% $are era al lu"((( Gunn"% f"ul s!u7 Se va du$e la Ges a&o% la SS% #n "ad7((( N"m"$ &e lumea a$eas a nu-l va #m&"ed"$a s!-'" re$a&e e +!"a ul7 Camara*"" s!" #l vor rene,a da$! se va du$e la Ges a&o((( Pr"e en""% &r"e en"" lu" #" vor #n oar$e s&a ele( Le,"onarul #l va u$"de &oa e% dar nu-" ma" &!sa de n"m"$((( .a" de,ra+! d"s&re/ul $amara*"lor de$- s!-'" &"ard! f"ul( )n$e % $o+or# $ele $- eva re& e( Se o&r" #n fa/a u'""% a&o" sun! '" +! u( )n s&a ele u'"" #n$3"se% o vo$e 0oas! de feme"e #n re+!= C"ne-"5 Nu r!s&unse "med"a ( S! a' e& e((( s! a' e& e o $l"&! $a s!-'" l"n"' eas$! "n"ma #n fl!$!r"( C-nd vor+" #n sf-r'" % o f!$u $u un ,las &e $are nu '"-l re$unos$u= 4 In,e% sun eu% Eern ( >eme"a re+u"e $!-'" #n$3"sese o$3"" "m& de $- eva $l"&e '"-'" m"'$ase +u*ele% a&o" a&!ru% su+/"re% #nal ! '" +run!H o$3"" e" ne,r" r-deau% ,ura sur-dea% de*v!lu"nd un '"r de d"n/" s r!lu$" or"( 4 Eern 7 murmur! ea( Tu7 Se arun$! #n +ra/ele lu"( < #m+r!/"'!( < $l"&! $re*u $! v"sase((( 8a% o ul se &e re$use #n v"s( Se s!ru ar! ne+une' e( In rar! am-ndo" #n salon( Era o #n$!&ere mare% &l"n! de $ovoare or"en ale &e $are% al !da !% #" fusese eam! s! $al$e( C- rasese In,e7 Ea vor+ea% vor+ea((( Cuv"n ele a0un,eau $u ,reu #n m"n ea lo$o enen ulu"((( AEom+e% o ul d"s rus((( salva/"( Ta a $3ema ((( In enden de s a -ma0or la Le"&*",((( .ama fa$e o $ur! la Marls+ad( Ann" la m! u'a In,e+or,B( 6or+ea f!r! #n reru&ere #n fa/a &a3arelor &l"ne( <$3"" #" s r!lu$eau% un J"mono s r-m % verde $u ne,ru% se mula &e ru&ul e"( C-nd se a'e*! &"$"or- &es e-&"$"or% v!*u $! era ,oal! su+ /es! ura ,roas! de m! ase( AT-rf!B7 ,-nd" lo$o enen ul( AT-rf! de*,us ! oareB( )'" le,!na ne&!s! or &"$"orul( C"*mele #" erau &l"ne de &raf% &raf d"n Rus"a((( >a/a +a 0o$or" oare a Le,"onarulu" se "v" "ar!'"( 8eoda !% In,e #'" d!du seama $! el nu des$3"sese ,ura n"$" m!$ar o da !( Um&lu d"n nou &a3arele '" el #l ,ol" &e al s!u d"n r-o da !( Gura frumoas! a feme"" s$3"/! un *-m+e ( 4 6re" s! fa$" o +a"e5 Cl! "n! d"n $a&( 4 L"-e foame5 Am fr"& ur! re$e de $ur$an% r"m"s! de a a( >oame5 8a% #" era foame% dar $l! "n! "ar!'" d"n $a&( 4 E' " o+os" % vre" s! e $ul$"5 Era mor de o+oseal!% dar nu r!s&unse( Ea #l &r"v" '" #n re+! se$= 4 A un$" $e s-a #n -m&la 5 El *-m+" for/a = 4 S-a #n -m&la $! e r!*+o"% dra,a mea% $! nu ma" avem $as!% $! am &"erdu o ul( A&!s! &e $uv-n ul A o ulB '" #l re&e !( 4 8oar a - 5 r-se In,e u'ura !( S! nu-/" fa$" ,r"0"7 Ta a ne va da o $e ne re+u"e% '" $3"ar ma" mul de$- a - ( E #n $ele ma" +une ra&or ur" $u Par "dul(

4 Unde-" Gunn"5 Ea #'" r"d"$! o$3"" s&re $andela+ru '" a&r"nse o /",ar! #na"n e de a r!s&unde( 4 La '$oala Par "dulu" de la Eer,en% l-n,! L@ne+ur,( <3lsen &use 0os &a3arul $u un ,es +rus$% #'" m"0" o$3"" '" s&use $u un ,las amen"n/! or= 4 8e $e5 A' &u ea s! ' "u5 Ea d!du drumul la $- eva ro o$oale de fum( 4 >""nd$! m-am ,-nd" $! a'a e ma" +"ne% "ar &!r"n/"" me" au fos de a$eea'" &!rere( 4 1!u5 Tu '" fam"l"a a d"n lumea +un! nu ' "/"% &oa e% $! eu sun a !l lu" Gunn" '" $! &!rerea mea $on ea*! '" ea5 C "" $e #nseamn! ACas! de edu$are a Par "dulu"B5 L"-a" v-ndu $u s-n,e re$e f"ul na*"' "lor7 Ea #'" &le$! $a&ul= 4 C "am((( 4 Ce ' "a"5 s&use el $u d"s&re/( )l $u&r"nsese fur"a% -m&lele #" *v-$neau( )'" des$3"dea '"-'" s r-n,ea &umn""% s&un-ndu-'" &r"n re d"n/"= A>"" $alm% &en ru numele lu" 8umne*eu% l"n"' e' e- e(((B 4 C "am $! nu ve" #n/ele,e n"m"$7 *"se ea a&roa&e $u du'm!n"e( <$3"" e" arun$au ful,ere( E' " o a - de #n$!&!/-na '" de s",ur de "ne7 Se vede de unde v""7 Lo$o enen ul r-se de*,us a ( 4 8a% se vede de unde v"n% In,e( Sun un &re' de $are #'" ' er, &"$"oarele $e" d"n fam"l"a Lander((( 6on Lander7 Pronun/! ul "mul $uv-n s$r-'n"nd d"n d"n/"% a&o" #n$e&u s! se &l"m+e nervos &r"n $amer! '" lov" $u &"$"orul $ana&eaua( 4 To nu m"-a" s&us de $e e-a" des&!r/" de Gunn"7 4 Pen ru $! +!"a ul era "nsu&or a+"l7 s r",! In,e s$oas! d"n f"re( Seam!n! $u "ne% e #n,ro*" or% moro$!nos% #n$!&!/-na ( C-nd " se s&unea $eva% m! amen"n/a $!-/" &oves e' e o ( E m"n$"nos((( 4 S!-m" &oves eas$! o 5 Nu #n/ele,( Ce na"+a ar avea de &oves " $e n-ar re+u" eu s! aflu5 C! fam"l"a a m! vor+e' e de r!u% as a ' "u7 C! sor!- "" $ea ferme$! oare #" &la$e s! se-ames e$e #n $eea $e n-o &r"ve' e5 S$roafa a"a ,ras!((( 4 >"" a - de +un '" s$u e' e-m! de asemenea eI&res""% #" arun$! ea r"d"$-ndu-se( El se l!s! &e s&a e '" #n$e&u s! r-d!( S! r-d! $a un ne+un( Ea des$3"se ,ura= 4 L"-a" "e'" d"n m"n/"5 Erus$% r-sul lu" demen #n$e !( Se u" ! la ea $u o$3" ar*! or"( 4 8a$! e 'o$3ea*! $uv-n ul As$roaf!B% $e &!rere a" de As r"$a !B% A -rf!B% Afa ! de ro uarB5 Ea se r"d"$!( 6o$ea #" era foar e l"n"' " !( 4 A0un,e% Eern % &lea$!7 Ar! ! u'a $u de,e ul &e $are s r!lu$ea un d"aman ( 4 As a es e $asa a !lu" meu '" nu a a% nu a" $e $!u a a"$"( Pe m"ne m-a &r"m" % nu &e "ne( Lo$o enen ul arun$! de &odea &a3arul% $are se f!$u /!nd!r"( 4 8e $e n-a" des$3"s $-nd am suna '" am +! u a*"-noa& e5 )n fur"a lu"% #'" a&ro&"e fa/a r!v!'" ! de $ea a so/"e"( Ea #l &r"v" l"n"' " ! '" el #n/elese deoda ! $! #l d"s&re/u"a% &e el% $are s ! ea #n fa/a e" #m+r!$a #n un"forma *dren/u" !( 4 Pen ru $! nu aveam &of ! s!-/" des$3"d u'a( Pro+a+"l $! a" #n/eles de mul as a( Se #n!+u'ea((( )" era r!u( Rolur"le se "nversaser!= nu ma" era In,e $ea &r"ns! #n $urs!% el era a$ela( >a/a #" r!d! sufer"n/a de nedes$r"s( In,e7 In,e a lu"% &e $are o "u+ea a - de mul % #" s&usese l"n"' " ! $! nu avusese $3ef s!-" des$3"d!((( Nu-'" af"rmase v"nov!/"a% nu eI&l"$ase n"m"$( To ul &oa e f" "er a % $3"ar '" "nf"del" a ea% dar ea nu $eruse "er area( A$es a era oare sf-r'" ul5 <% 8oamne% nu #n,!du" a'a $eva7 Pu ea s! su&or e or"$e% "adul ruses$% or"$- avea s! dure*e% &u ea su&or a or"$e% numa" v"a/a f!r! In,e nu7 Nu% nu a'a $eva((( C" f"ul s!u((( G-f-"a% $ufund-ndu-se #n ad-n$ul &r"v"r"" $a "fela e( Ea #" #n oarse &r"v"rea f!r! s! dea #na&o" '" #'" re$u m-na m"$! '" #n,r"0" ! &r"n &!rul s$-n e"e or( 4 8e $e n-a" vru s!-m" des$3"*"% In,e5 Toa ! fur"a lu" d"s&!ruse% nu ma" r!m!sese de$- sufer"n/a% o sufer"n/! s!l+a "$!( 4 Am re" s!& !m-n" de &erm"s"e(

Ea r"d"$! d"n s&r"n$ene% se s r-m+!% a&o" se duse la &a efon '" &use o &la$!( 4 Pen ru $! aveam &e $"neva #n v"*" !% am"$e( 4 < v"*" !5 4 C "" des",ur foar e +"ne( Cred $! e-a" as$uns '" l-a" v!*u &e W"llO "e'"nd( 1-m+"( 4 8a% $ons"m/" el( Sle" % se &r!+u'" &e un fo ol"u '" #n oarse $a&ul( 6re" s! ne des&!r/"m5 Era a en la r" mul mu*"$""= A((( Lumea nu moare &en ru a - de &u/"n(((B( 4 S! ne des&!r/"m5 s&use ea urn-ndu-'" un &a3ar de $on"a$( Nu m! ,-nd"sem( Ar f" &oa e o solu/"e( E!u $u #n,3"/" ur" m"$" '" &use o /",ar! #n r-un &or -/",are lun,% #n$rus a $u $"n$" d"aman e m"$"( )n or"$e $a*% m-am s! ura s! a' e& ( 8eo$amda ! sun #ndr!,os " ! de W"llO% dar se &oa e $a u% $u m"n ea a de solda % s! nu &r"$e&" $! o feme"e nu &oa e r!" ve'n"$ s"n,ur!( )n fond% $!s! or"a noas r! a fos o ,re'eal!( 4 S&unea" $! m! "u+e' "% In,e% '" l-am avu &e Gunn"( Ea fum! $u nervo*" a e '" ma" +!u un &a3ar( < ven! " se *+! u &e frun e( 4 Am s&us a - ea lu$rur"7 C-/" d"n re $e" $!s! or"/" se "u+es$5 C!s! or"a dev"ne o o+"'nu"n/!( 8a$! a" f" avu veder" &u/"n ma" lar," '" n-a" f" da a - a "m&or an/!% am f" &u u ev" a s$ena as a -m&" ! '" am f" &u u r!" l"n"' "/"( Pr"v"rea " se f!$use as&r!% ,ura #" era +a 0o$or" oare( .-a' f" &u u $ul$a $u $e" $e-m" &la$% '" u la fel( Am f" r!mas &r"e en"% do" &r"e en" $u ver",3e !((( 4 In,e% dar e mons ruos7 Nu se &oa e7 4 Nu se &oa e5 Glasul #" era r!,u'" ( Ha+ar n-a" $e se &oa e( S"m/" un nod #n ,- ( Ce se &e re$use% 8umne*eule5 Nu In,e a lu" vor+"se a'a( )'" a'e*! $ureaua% s"m/" o$ul &"s olulu" '" &use m-na &e el f!r! s! #n$e e*e s! refle$ e*e( Ea v!*u ,es ul '" *-m+" $r"s&a != 4 >!r! drame $las"$e% &en ru numele lu" 8umne*eu7 Am f" am-ndo" a - de r"d"$ol"7 El l!s! m-na s!-" $ad! '" r"d"$! d"n umer"= 4 Tre+u"e s! &le$% In,e5 4 Ar f" ma" +"ne% d!du ea d"n $a&( <r"$um% e' " &rea demoda $a s! adm"/" felul meu de a vedea lu$rur"le( 8a$! vre" s! d"vor/e*"% Eern % n-a" de$- s!-m" s$r""( M"monoul " se desf!$use( )" v!*u &"$"oarele lun," '" su&le &e $are le m-n,-"ase de a - ea or"( <are s$ena a$eas a se &e re$ea $u adev!ra 5 To ul &!rea mul &rea s u&"d% &rea "real% $ara,3"os( S ! ea a$olo% sur-*! oare '" frumoas!% r!"a( C" o u'" era moar !% #n or"$e $a*% &en ru el( 8"n nou a "nse &"s olul( )n o$ul #n redes$3"s% de,e ele sale alune$ar! &e o/elul re$e% a&o" se ,-nd" la +!"a ((( C" v!*u "ar!'" &r"v"rea +a 0o$or" oare a Le,"onarulu"( .-na #" $!*u #n$! o da !( 4 Nu vre" un &a3ar #na"n e de a &le$a5 S&use da((( A."e% so/ul e"((( Un &a3ar #na"n e de a &le$a(((B( Au +!u #m&reun! '" ea ad!u,! $eva #n le,! ur! $u $"*mele lu" &r!fu" e '" $u un"forma &! a !( A&o" al ! remar$!% #n le,! ur! $u 3o elul unde avea s! doarm!( 8eoda ! #" s$!&ar! f!r! s! vrea $uv"n ele= 4 E' " #ndr!,os " ! de W"llO5 Ea #'" +!u $on"a$ul '" *-m+"( Pr"v"rea " se #n une$!( 4 L"-am s&us% #l "u+es$( 4 6-a/" $ul$a #m&reun!5 Ea #'" l!s! $a&ul &e S&a e '" #n$e&u s! r-d!( Un r-s &rovo$a or( S"m/" dor"n/a s! o +a ! '" m-na #" alune$! d"n nou s&re &"s ol% dar "ma,"nea f"ulu" s!u #l $alm! '" de a$eas ! da !( .-"ne se va du$e la a+!ra unde se afla Gunn"( Ple$-nd% #" f!$u un semn de ad"o '" v!*u la #n$3e"e ura e" o +r!/ar! &e $are "-o d!ru"se $-ndva% o +"0u er"e #n$rus a ! $u &"e re al+as re% $um&!ra ! d"n Rom-n"a( >er"$" !% In,e " se arun$ase de ,- % a&o" " se d!ru"se $a n"$"oda ! #na"n e((( Erau $"n$" an" de a un$"( C-nd u'a se #n$3"se% lo$o enen ul &u u #n sf-r'" s! &l-n,!% a&o" e'u! #n r-o $a*arm! a ,!r*"" de la Po sdam( A doua *" &le$! la Eer,en s!-'" vad! +!"a ul( Ta+!ra 4 +ar!$" s"m&le de lemn 4 se afla de&ar e% &e $-m&% fer" ! de &r"v"r"le $ur"oase( )n $"uda a&aren/elor% se &are $! le era o u'" ru'"ne% #n$- nu doreau $a $"neva s! vad! $um% $u s-n,e re$e% me od"$% erau u$"se sufle ele $o&""lor( Un <+ers urmf@3rer SS $are-'" &"erduse un +ra/ #n 9F29 #l duse $u ma'"na #n a+!r!% adres-ndu-"-se $u Adra,! $ole,aB% $eea $e #l s$oase d"n s!r" e &e <3lsen( SS-"s ul #" s&use $a era r!s&un*! or de edu$a/"a m"l" ar! a $o&""lor(

4 Sun n"' e $-r&e $-nd soses$ a"$"% s&use SS-"s ul% r"d"$-nd onul $a s! a$o&ere *,omo ul mo orulu"% dar nu ne re+u"e &rea mul ! vreme $a s! fa$em d"n e" n"' e d"avol"7 )'" flu ur!% #n$-n a % 0um! a ea de m-ne$! ,oal!( Sun #n s are s! le a"e +ere,a a '" &!r"n/"lor7 .a'"na se o&r" &e un $oln"$% la $-/"va J"lome r" de a+!r! '" SS-"s ul ar! ! s&re un &lu on de +!"e/" #m+r!$a/" #n ne,ru% $are se -rau( 4 Ia ! $omandoul nos ru &en ru sa+o a0e( A'a se #n$3e"e $ursur"le noas re( R-se are s&un-nd A$ursur"B( 8"n $-nd #n $-nd% le d!m '" $- e un evreu% $u " lu de eI&er"en/!( E ma" d"s ra$ "v &en ru e" s! omoare un evreu de$- s! as"s e la o lu& ! de $o$o'"( .a" -r*"u% or"$um vor re+u" s! u$"d! oamen"( Lo$o enen ul se #n oarse d"n r-o m"'$are '" #l &r"v" #n,ro*" ( Era un SS-"s $u #nf!/"'are &l!$u ! '" foar e ele,an ( A0unser! la $omandan ul a+ere"% S urm+annf@3rer-ul SS Gran( Sur-*-nd% #" s&use lu" <3lsen $! nu ma" avea f"u% a$um a&ar/"nea >@3rer-ulu"( N"$" nu &u ea f" vor+a s!-l $3eme &e Gunn" '" s!-" vor+eas$!% dar &u ea s!-" r"m" ! &a$3e e $are aveau s!-" f"e #nm-na e d"n &ar ea Par "dulu"( 4 No" o/" sun em Par "dul% s&use Gran *-m+"nd f!r! #n$e are( Lo$o enen ul &ro es !% $u ul "mele &u er"% #m&o r"va ado& !r"" f"ulu" s!u de $! re S a H nu semnase n"$" un a$ ( 4 N-are "m&or an/!% s&use #nvesel" Eannf@3rer-ul( Semn! ur"le so/"e" '" so$rulu" dumneavoas r! sun suf"$"en e '" nu ma" &u e/" $on es a su+ n"$" o form! fa& ul $! f"ul dumneavoas r! va f" edu$a $a un adev!ra d"s$"&ol al ."'$!r""( 6"a/a de fam"l"e nu e re$omanda+"l! &en ru "nere ul nos ru( A"$" sun $!l"/" $a o/elul Mru&&7 Au avu a - a +un!vo"n/! #n$- l-au $ondus &e lo$o enen ul <3lsen #na&o" la Eer,en% nu &en ru a f" &ol" "$o'" $u el% $" $a s!-l #m&"ed"$e s! #n$er$e% #n $"uda or"$!re" ra/"un"% s!-'" revad! f"ul(

4n faa !ilei edea un brbat cu braele i picioarele amputate, ce fusese aezat pe o main de &ucrie. 0ra n ci!il, dar pe hain strlucea Crucea de fier clasa inti. +bergruppenfG hrer-ul '' >erger cobor din $ercedes- ul su, ncrunt din sprncene i se uit cu rutate la &umtatea de om. 4 6uai-l de-aici, i opti ordonanei. Au pus mna pe indi!idul care ipa i l-au aruncat ntr-un cuptor, mpreun cu ci!a e!rei i igani. $ainua cu pedale se rostogoli n &osul strzii i a&unse &ucria unui puti. ici un alt obiect nu mai deran&a acum pri!irile in!itailor. SERATU LA SS- ICTI )n r-o sear!% He"nr"$3 l-a dus &e lo$o enen ul <3lsen #n r-o v"l! mare% d"n a&ro&"ere de Wannsee( Toa ! $rema Par "dulu" #'" d!duse #n -ln"re a$olo( 8e f"e$are &ar e a u'""% &e $are era s$ul& a vul urul SS% &!*eau dou! san "nele #n un"form! de ,al!( .ul/"mea se #n,3esu"a #n 3olul #n$!&! or% unde al/" SS-"' " #n 0a$3e e al+e luau 3a"nele "nv" a/"lor( Imed"a du&! a$eea se "n ra #n r-o sal! mare% lum"na ! s r!lu$" or de numeroase $andela+re de $r"s al% $are se r!sfr"n,eau #n o,l"n*" ur"a'e% #nal e $- &ere/""( )n m"0lo$ul #n$!&er"" se afla o mas! #n form! de &o $oav!% a$o&er" ! $u o /es! ur! d"n damas$% $u &or/elanur" de SYvres% sfe'n"$e $u dou!s&re*e$e +ra/e d"n aur mas"v% $u vesel! d"n $r"s al ,rava '" ar,"n !r"e ve$3e '" mas"v!( )n r-unul d"n $a&e ele s!l""% vreo dou!*e$" de of"/er" su&er"or" arun$au &r"n mono$lur" &r"v"r" a&r"nse la de$ol eur"le ur"a'e ale doamnelor( He"nr"$3 #l rase &e <3lsen s&re a$es ,ru& '" #l &re*en ! unu" +!r+a des ul de vo"n"$% #n un"form! nea,r!% a $!ru" &r"v"re #l #n,3e/! &e lo$o enen ( E!r+a ul a$es a era una d"n re ro/"le $ele ma" &erfe$ e ale me$an"smulu" adm"n"s ra/"e" SS( )" #n "nse lo$o enen ulu" o m-n! moale '" l"&"$"oas! '" morm!" $eva #n ,enul ASun onora s! s r-n, m-na unu" of"/er de &e fron B% a&o" #l #ndemn! &e lo$o enen s!

se serveas$! '"% f!r! al e mof ur"% se re&e*" la o doamn! #m+r!$a ! #n mov( Toa ! lumea se a'e*! la mas!( Un lun, '"r de SS-"' " #n 0a$3e e al+e% mer,-nd $a la "ns ru$/"e% "n r! adu$-nd felur"le de m-n$are a $!ror a+unden/! era de-a dre& ul neveros"m"l!( Era a$olo o $e-/" &u/ea &of " "n"ma( 4 As a da% men"u7 s&use r-*-nd Un ers urmf@3rer-ul S(S( Rudol&3 Eus$3 $are% de &e a$um $enu'"u la fa/!% s ! ea #n fa/a lo$o enen ulu"( S! ne f"e de +"ne7 +ol+oros" el% mu'$-nd d"n r-un &"$"or de fa*an &e $are-l /"nea $u am-ndou! m-"n"le% #n$er$-nd as fel s! semene $u ve$3"" ero" ,erman"$"( 8u&! s&usele lu" He"nr"$3% Eus$3 #'" s&-n*urase &ro&r"a sor! la Gross-Rosen% #n urm! $u do" an"( Avea #n r-adev!r o fa/! de u$",a'( 4 .en"u "n erna/"onal7 m-r-" el $u un ,es lar,% arun$-nd a&o" &es e um!r osul ros% &e $are un SS-"s se ,r!+" s!-l r"d"$e( N"men" nu &!rea sur&r"ns( German"" +en$3e u"au a'a $um f!$eau oas&e/"" lu" Wo an( 4 U" e an,3"nare d"n Iu,oslav"a% $on "nu! el% $u o #nf!/"'are r"umf! oare% rufe d"n Eel,"a% $"u&er$" d"n >ran/a% $av"ar ruses$% un '" 'un$! d"n 8anemar$a% somon norve,"an% $arne de oa"e d"n Un,ar"a% fa*an" d"n Eul,ar"a% ,!"n" d"n >"nlanda '" $ar of" de &e o,oarele n"s"&oase ale Polon"e"( Nu ne l"&se' e de$- un del"$"os rump-steaI en,le*es$7 Arun$! al do"lea os &es e um!r( 8ar $eea $e nu es e #n$! &e l"s ! &oa e f" 4 #'" l"nse +u*ele unsuroase 4% a' ea& ! &u/"n% lo$o enen e% s! s!r"m Canalul .-ne$""7 .! um&le de +u$ur"e ,-ndul $! vom r"d"$a la,!re de $on$en rare #n S$o/"a '" vom a -rna lor*"" #n ' rean,7 B8umne*eule mare7 ,-nd" lo$o enen ul% oare nu ' "e $! am &"erdu r!*+o"ul5B 4 Ce $re*"% dra,! $ole,a% des&re v"" orul German"e"5 morm!" Eus$3 #nf",-ndu-'" d"n/"" #n r-o +u$a ! de fr"& ur! de $!&r"oar!( P!rea un $an"+al #n un"form! de &arad!( Lo$o enen ul r"d"$! d"n umer" '" #'" $eru s$u*e &en ru $! nu ' "e( < m"n$"un! sfrun a !% #n r-o asemenea ov!r!'"e7)'" am"n " fa/a +a 0o$or" oare a Le,"onarulu" '" se #nf"or!( 4 German"a va f" $ea ma" mare /ar! d"n lume '" d"n #n rea,a "s or"e% #l as",ur! &u/"n ma" -r*"u of"/erul SS% d"n $e #n $e ma" +ea ( 8ar s! f"m &re,! "/" s! ne $ur,! +alele '" s! #nfrun !m foamea% ad!u,! el du&! o $l"&! de ,-nd"re( < foame de lu&7 Pr"v"/"-" &u/"n &e "nv" a/"" no' r"( R-n0"( As !*" &en ru a$e' " domn" e ma" "m&or an ! um&lerea ma/ulu" de$$ul ura sau lu& a( 6ede/" $um +a,! #n e"( .! refer la +!r+a/"( 4 )n r-adev!r% s&use lo$o enen ul% $are nu se &u u #m&"ed"$a s! nu #n re+e= C" feme"le5 Rudol&3 r"d"$! d"n s&r-n$ene( Al os% arun$a $u ne&!sare% a er"*! #n r-o fra&"er! &en ru 'am&an"e% a'e*a ! &e o mas! de serv"$"u( 4 A' e& a/" &u/"n '" ve/" vedea( R-se% $u un aer resemna '" +!u $u *,omo ( A"$" o ul se &e re$e du&! re,ulamen ul SS( Nu-" a - de ar "f"$"al $a reun"un"le voas re% lo$o enen e( Cu +ur a &l"n!% re$em la a$ ul do"( )n a$ela'" "m& mu'$! d"n r-o &"ers"$! '" *eama $urse &e un"forma lu" ,r"-des$3"s( A&o"% furioso grandiose, se s r-m+! '" &les$!" d"n l"m+!( C"% #n sf-r'" % lo$o enen e% pastorale amoroso. To ul #n l"m" ele +une"-$uv""n/e( Tre+u"e s!-/" s&un% lo$o enen e% $! no"% SS-"' ""% sun em% $um s&un en,le*""% ,en leman"( T!$u '" #'" l"nse un de,e m-n0" de sos( Arun$-ndu-" lo$o enen ulu" o &r"v"re &"e*"'!% $on "nu! s!-'" su,! de,e ul( Sosul $u 3rean m! fa$e #n o deauna s! m! ,-ndes$ la fe e% dar numa" la -rfele a-n -"a7 )l &r"v" &e lo$o enen '" se 3o !r# #n sf-r'" s! de+" e*e $eea $e dorea de mul ! vreme s!-" s&un! unu" "& d"n arma != 4 6o" !' "a% of"/er"" de fron % n-ave/" n"$" $ea ma" m"$! "dee des&re +unele man"ere7 Sun e/" n"' e adev!ra/" &r"m" "v"( I*+u$n" #n r-s% a' e& -nd &ro es ele lo$o enen ulu"( 8ar <3lsen nu-l as$ul a( Se ,-ndea $e-ar &u ea fa$e #m&o r"va so/"e" '" a so$rulu" s!u( 4 So$rul meu es e ul "mul &or$7 ros " el are( 4 S&une-m" numele lu" '"-l $omun"$ unu" &r"e en d"n Pr"n* Al+re$3 s rasse% +-",u" Eus$3( To/" &or$"" re+u"e l"$3"da/"( Tre+u"e s! fa$em $ur!/en"e% m!r ur"s" '" el $o+or-nd vo$ea( Pu/"n ma" de&ar e% un <+ers urm+annf@3rer SS s r",!= 4 L"ne-/" ,ura% Eus$3% +e/"vule% al fel o s! e us ure7 4 8a% <+ers urm% su,3"/! Eus$3% sor+"nd $on"a$ul( Arun$! o &r"v"re ul+ure( Tre+u"e s!-" l"$3"d!m% s!-" arun$!m la f"are( Sun +un" numa" de a f" da/" f"arelor7

Lo$o enen ul se u" ! la el f!r! s!-l vad!( < vedea &e In,e #n J"monoul 0a&one* desf!$u % de*vel"ndu-'" &"$"oarele frumoase( )n oarse $a&ul% +!u o #n,3"/" ur! '" nu au*" de$- &e 0um! a e d"n &ros ""le &e $are le de+" a Eus$3( 4 A"$" damele sun d"s "nse '" +o,a e( Le m!n-n$! a$olo unde ' "u eu7 R-se '" #n$e&u s! refle$ e*e= Cole,a% v"a/a e $"uda !( E' " of"/er de 3usar"% lo$o enen #n r-un re,"men de &e fron % "ar eu $e sun 5 Un am-r- de &a*n"$ de dra&el #n r-un la,!r( )'" #n$run ! r"s s&r-n$enele% m! ur! d"n farfur"e" ,r!m!0oara de oase roase '" arun$! farfur"a ,oal! #n s&a e( Sun foar e nefer"$" % $u des!v-r'"re nefer"$" 7 )'" ros o,ol" o$3"" d"s&era % $a '" $um s-ar f" #ne$a % '" se a&le$! s&re <3lsen $a s!-" 'o& eas$! un se$re = 6"a/a mea e o nereu'" !% $ole,a( Ar &u ea $"neva s! $read! $! dor"n/a mea $ea ma" f"er+"n e e s! "n ru la m!n!s "re5 4 Cu s",uran/!% nu% s&use lo$o enen ul $u $onv"n,ere( 4 C" o u'" a$es a-" adev!rul7 C"% de fa& % $e s-a #n -m&la 5 S$u"&! s$-r+" &e 0os% ,a a s-o n"mereas$! &e ve$"na lu"= Am a0uns of"/er de Gard!( Ce onoare7 8ar am o "dee( C-nd se va sf-r'" r!*+o"ul% o s!-m" "au d"&loma #n eolo,"e '" s&er s! sf-r'es$ $a ar3"e&"s$o& de MXln( Ar f" nema"&omen" 7 Se $l! "n! '" $on "nu!= C-nd damele frumoase de a"$" se vor s! ura de +!u 'am&an"e% vom mer,e #n l"n"a #n -"% a$olo sus( R-se '" f!$u $u o$3"ul= 6om s!r" $a&ra7 T!$u '" se $3"nu" s! se $on$en re*e( Pr"v"rea lu" $!u a &e $"neva( Ar! ! #n sf-r'" o +rune ! su&l!% #n ro$3"e ar,"n "e de lame% $u un de$ol eu neru'"na ( 4 Te &rev"n% as a-" $ea ma" are #n domen"u7 Lo$o enen ul #" urm!r" &r"v"rea '" re$unos$u o a$ r"/! de $"nema foar e renum" !( 4 <are oa e feme"le sun $u adev!ra -rfe5 s&use el &e un on de #ndo"al!% u" -ndu-se la a$ r"/a $e fl"r a foar e "n "m $u un ,eneral de &ol"/"e( 4 Nu oa e% re$unos$u Eus$3% dar &e $ele $are fa$ mof ur" le d!m afar!( A"a de-a$olo% $are s$l"&e' e% e una adev!ra !7 )n f"lme 0oa$! rolur" de "n,enu!% dar a"$"% o3o7 Pe $"ns ea mea% se ransform! #n r-o +a$((( )n r-o +a$((( )n f"ne% $eva #n ,enul !s a( 4 6re/" s! s&une/" +a$an !5 4 Nu fa$e &e de' e& ul% 'oare$e de fron 7 "*+u$n" fur"os +e/"vul( Lo$o enen ul #n$e&u s! r-d! '" r"d"$! d"n umer"( Eus$3 morm!" $uv"n e de ne#n/eles((( AL"$3"d!m oa ! arma a% adun! ur! de r!d! or"(((B 8eoda !% fa/a lu" lu$" oare se lum"n!( 4 C "" $e #nseamn! "n"/"alele de &e "ns",na a5 4 Jehrmacht =eer, r!s&unse lo$o enen ul( 4 N-a" ,3"$" 7 /"&! ,rasul% #n$-n a ( )nseamn! Jeg nacht hinten"9D )nvesel" % se lov" &es e $oa&se '"-" f!$u semn $u $o ul ve$"ne" sale( 4 8ar ' "/" $um sun &ore$l"/" SS-"' "" #n arma !5 #n re+! lo$o enen ul l!s-ndu-se &e s&a e( 4 Nu% s&use $ur"os Eus$3( 4 Ars$3% Ars$37 s&use lo$o enen ul( Se l!s! o !$ere s -n0en" oare( <3lsen se &use &e r-s% #'" r"d"$! &a3arul '" *"se= 4 )n s!n! a ea arma e"7 8ar $um &a3arele se r"d"$au #n$e % ad!u,! mal"/"os= )n s!n! a ea arma e" >@3rer-ulu"7 Re,ula $erea s! se /"n! oas ul '" a&o" s! f"e s&ar e &a3arele% $!$" a$es ea nu re+u"au s! ma" f"e folos" e la n"m"$ al $eva( Lo$o enen ul &r"v" $u sa "sfa$/"e ,r!mada de &a3are f!$u e /!nd!r" '" #'" &rom"se s! fa$! #n$! o da ! la fel #na"n e de &le$are( <da ! $"na sf-r'" !% lumea s-a r!s&-nd" &r"n v"l!( 4 Care-" s area de s&"r" &e fron #n $l"&a a$eas a5 'o& " un of"/er de &ol"/"e la ure$3ea lu" <3lsen( Lo$o enen ul f!$u un ,es va,= 4 Sun #n &erm"s"e '" nu ma" am n"$" o "nforma/"e re$en !( 4 Perm"s"e5 s r",! Eus$3( Ce-nseamn! as a5 )n SS n-avem &erm"s""( Cel mul m"s"unea de a-" ares a &e r!d! or" '" ,unoa"ele de so"ul !s a( 8ar "a s&une-m" de vo" !' "a% de &e fron 7 N"' e sala3or"7 )m" $re' e "n"ma $-nd se vor+e' e des&re arma !(<$3"" lu" ul+ur" #n$e&user! s! l!$r"me*e=U" !- e la fundur"le-as ea de ,eneral" $are se lea,!n!-n $"*me( Eu le *"$ &!du$3"7 Se #nfl!$!rase= 8a$! a' f" >@3rer-ul% se$urea% de ur,en/!7 Se #n oarse s&re ,rada/"" SS $are f!$user! $er$ #n 0urul lu"= N-am dre& a e% +!"e/"5 Arma a e o
9D 8rumul #na&o"

urm! de o"% o ,a'$! de la'"( A&ro+ar!( C"neva murmur!= A8a% ,a'$! de la'"B( 4 8omn"" a$e' "a frumo'" $u e&ole/"" ro'"" se #m&!unea*! #n fa/a noas r!% Garda >@3rer-ulu"7 Ne d"s&re/u"es$ $a &e n"' e ra3a/" 4 Eus$3 s$u"&! &e $ovorul &ersan 4% $!$!$"o'"" !' "a u" ! $om&le $! da or" ! nou! sun $eea $e sun % $!$" f!r! no"% v! #n re+% $e-ar f"5 Lo$o enen ul r"d"$! d"n umer"H Pr"v" o doamn! a $!re" fus ! era ras! mul deasu&ra ,enun$3"lor( Un SS-s #" m!sura $oa&sa $u o sfoar!( 4 Ce erau $-"n"" !' "a5 $on "nu! $u #n$!&!/-nare Eus$3 '"-" f!$u semn lo$o enen ulu" $u $o ul( N"' e ra3a/"7 Se &re*en au la ra&or doar &en ru a o+/"ne semn! ur"% $a &e vremea ve$3"ulu" s"s em( S$u"&! "ar!'" &e $ovor '" s r"v" &a a v-s$oas! $u &"$"orul( 6o"% !' "a% m-ndr"a We3rma$3 -ulu"% $!&! a/" de$ora/"" $u sa$ul &en ru flea$ul !s a de r!*+o"7 Au #n$er$a s!-l l"n"' eas$!% dar #n *adar( 4 C" no"5 Nu *"$" n"m"$% lo$o enen $u mu r! de erou5 C" no"5 4 A0un,e% Rud"7 4 Nu-" v"na a$es u" lo$o enen de +l"nda e da$! u #n$! n-a" de$ora/""( 4 Las!-m! s! sf-r'es$% $re "nule% &ro es ! Eus$3% $are #l a&u$ase de ,uler &e lo$o enen ( R!*+o"ul nos ru e mul ma" ,reu de$- al vos ru% u" e $um #m" remur! m-"n"le( Le flu ur! $u fur"eH su+ nasul lu" <3lsen( EIe$u/"" $u su ele% $ole,a% eIe$u/"" #n mas!( Ar re+u" s! #n$er$" 4 $eas de $eas% *" de *" 4 s! $oman*" &lu oanele de eIe$u/"e% $3"ar da$! $e" &e $are-" u$"dem nu sun de$- "nfer"or"( L"&! o u'"% &en ru $! le e eam! de moar e( )'" l"nse +u*ele( Uneor" #" #n,ro&!m #na"n e s! moar! de-a +"nelea% dar nu d"n $au*! $! sun em n"' e mon' r"( Adu-/" am"n e $! vreau s! "n ru la m!n!s "re7 R!sufl!% #'" ,ol" &a3arul $are fu "med"a um&lu '"-l ,ol" "ar% d"n r-o #n,3"/" ur!( 8ar avem rea+!% $ole,a% sun em ,r!+"/"% $e na"+a( To/" evre"" re+u"e l"$3"da/" #na"n e de sf-r'" ul r!*+o"ulu"% '" "n ele$ ual" a ea &olone*!% '" $ea rus!% a'a $!% #n/ele,"% lo$o enen e% re+u"e s!-" d!m +! a"e da$! vrem s! u$"dem a -/"a "nd"v"*"7 Lo$o enen ul% $!ru"a " se f!$use r!u% #" #n oarse s&a ele lu" Eus$3( A mosfera #n$! nu se #n$!l*"se +"ne( Pe s$ar! a+"a #n$e&user! s! +ea $on"a$ d"n &an of"" doamnelor( )n al ! &ar e se 0u$au $u s "$lele '" #'" d!deau 0os 3a"nele( )n r-un $ol/% do" of"/er" su&er"or" +eau '" se $3"nu"au s! dea 0os $3"lo/"" une" doamne $are $o $od!$ea( < fa ! #m+r!$a ! #n al+as ru dansa &e o mas!H #'" arun$! &an of"" #n avan '" a$e' "a lov"r! o lus r! de $r"s al $are $!*u '" se f!$u /!nd!r"( Imed"a % un Hau& s urmf@3rer #'" s$oase revolverul '" do+or# al e dou!( 4 Ee$ul m"-a $!*u #n $a&% s&use el( As$ul ord"nele >@3rer-ulu"% do" la unu( )'" #n$!r$! arma '" o &use la lo$ #n o$% no -nd $u sa "sfa$/"e $! doamnele de fa/! #l remar$aser!( Era un semn de v"r"l" a e s! ra," a - de +"ne( Lo$o enen ul era a+sor+" #n $on em&larea unu" a+lou m"nuna ( Un S andar enf@3rer SS se a&ro&"e( 4 >rumos% nu-" a'a5 Lo$o enen ul a&ro+! d"n $a&( 4 Ce $as! $"uda !% $on "nu! SS-"s ul( Era a unor evre"( A"$" #'" f!$eau "$!lo'"" or,""le( >!$u un ,es de de*,us = Era '" "m&ul s! $ur!/!m a$es e ,ra0dur" ale lu" Au,"as( )l +! u &e <3lsen &e um!r $u o m-n! #nm!nu'a ! #n al+( 6eneam '" eu a"$"( Era ma,n"f"$% som& uos% dra,ul meu7 4 Ce s-a #n -m&la $u &ro&r"e arul5 SS-"s ulu" " se !"e r!suflarea d"n $au*a na"v" !/"" #n re+!r""( 4 A a0uns #n r-un la,!r% ev"den 7 Ce era s! fa$em $u el5 8ar ma" #n -" l-am +o e*a ( 4 Eo e*a 5 #l &r"v" lo$o enen ul f!r! s! #n/elea,!( 4 8a% +"ne-n/eles% +o e*a ( E $am $eea $e le fa$e/" vo" &ar "*an"lor% $red( Se duse r-*-nd la o doamn!% #" sf-'"e ro$3"a '" #nnod! $ele dou! +u$!/"% $eea $e de*vel" fundul feme""( Era $ara,3"oas!% avea &"$"oarele s r-m+e( 4 Ha"% mer,em la $ul$are5 s r",! un S urm+annf@3rer SS d"n d"v"*"a T% Asu&rave,3erea la,!relorB( 4 E lo$/"" orul $omandan ulu" de la <ran"en+ur,% eI&l"$! un &ol"/"s % ofer"ndu-" lo$o enen ulu" o $u&! de 'am&an"e( 6euve Cl"$^uo ver" a+"l!% nu se ,!se' e &e la no"( Avea o s "$l! #n +u*unar '" um&lu "ar!'" &a3arele( L"-a" ,!s" o 0un"n$!% lo$o enen e5 4 < $e5

4 < 0un"n$! e una d"n re $ele no"% r"se &ol"/"s ul( < va$! e o doamn! $are a de&!'" v-rs a ma ur! '" o "a&! e o a$ro+a ! $are o fa$e #n fa/a u urora( 4 C" $e &ore$le le da/" +!r+a/"lor5 <f"/erul de &ol"/"e "*+u$n" #n r-s '" se re&e*" s&re dou! feme"( <3lsen se #n oarse #n $ol/ul unde era Eus$3% $are le eI&l"$a #n $on "nuare unor domn" #n $os ume $"v"le de $uloare #n$3"s! $e f!$eau valoro'"" SS-"' " #n vreme $e al/"" se d"s rau &e fron ( Unul d"n re domn" #'" a&r"nse #n$e un ra+u$ lun, '" ne,ru( Se vedea $! e $unos$! or( Era unul d"n re a$e" nem/" m"s er"o'" de $are era &l"n! Amer"$a de Sud #n re $ele dou! r!*+oa"e( < vreme fusese $ons"l"er al &ol"/"e" se$re e d"n Eol"v"a( .a" -r*"u a fos v!*u v-n*-nd unur" Mru&& #n Para,uaO% "nam"$ul Eol"v"e" #n lun,ul r!*+o" d"n re $ele dou! s a e( A$um avea o &o*"/"e #nal ! la Eerl"n% #n r-un +"rou de la ul "mul e a0 &e Pr"n* Al+re$3 s rasse( 4 )" l"$3"d!m &e o/"% +ol+orosea Eus$3% $l! "n-ndu-se &r"me0d"os '" urn-ndu-'" $on"a$ul &er un"form!( .a" #n -" #" omor-m &e evre" &-n! la ul "mul om7 8omnul d!du d"n $a& #n !$ere( A&o" /",an""( 8omnul a&ro+! d"n nou( Eus$3 duse ,- ul s "$le" la ,ur!% f!r! s! ' "e $! un &r"e en o um&luse 0um! a e $u vo $!% 0um! a e $u ra$3"u( Se $l! "n!( A&o" v"ne r-ndul &olone*"lor '"% #n sf-r'" % a un$" vom avea '" no"% ,erman""% lo$7 )na"n e% $amara*"7 Tr!"as$! SS-"' ""7 Po$n" d"n $!l$-"e% r"d"$! m-na '" url!= He"l7 6"$ or"e7 Toa ! lumea url! #n $or% a&o" "n on!= ...Fudenblut soll spritzen... C-n e$ul a fos #n reru& de o fa ! &e 0um! a e ,oal!% $are fu,ea /"&-nd &r"n saloane% urm!r" ! de un of"/er #n $!ma'!% $u +re elele flu ur-nd #n urma lu"( Un of"/er &ur -nd #nsemne de ,eneral SS $omand! $u vo$e de s en or= 4 A en/"e((( oa ! lumea #n s$u e$e7 Un une de vesel"e a&roa&e $! f!$u s! sar! a$o&er"'ul v"le"( Era semnalul ,oane" ne+une' " du&! doamne( Una d"n re ele% $are &ro es a% a fos v"ola ! #n n"'a une" feres re( Al a mer,ea #n m-"n"% ar! -ndu-'" $3"lo/"" d"n dan el! nea,r!% ma" mul de$- "nde$en/"H un of"/er #" urn! v"n% foar e #n$e % $u sen "men ( <+ers urmf@3rer-ul S en 3al a&ro+! modul de folos"re a v"nulu" no+"l fusese $-ndva $3elar la Eon% a$um $ondu$ea "n ero,a or""le la Eu$3en?ald( 8!du 0os $3"lo/"" fe e" '" f!$u $- eva eI&er"men e &orno,raf"$e $u ea( To/" se #n re$eau #n "nven "v" a e ero "$!H o/" mu,eau $a $er+"" #n $!ldur"( Lo$o enen ul <3lsen% a'e*a $!lare &e un s$aun% era +ea ( )n fa/a lu"% #n "ns! &e 0os% o feme"e ,oal!% $are nu &!s rase de$- $"ora&"" lun,"% &r"n'" de 0ar "ere $u randaf"r" ro'""% se mas ur+a #n +ra/ele unu" SS-"s #n $3"lo/" lun,"% $-r&"/" ,rosolan( Lo$o enen ul r-dea de $-r&eala ne#ndem-na "$!( 4 Su&er,ermanul #n "*mene% &ros $-r&" e7 S$u"&! '" a "nse fundul SS-0s ulu" $3"ar &e lo$ul $-r&" ( E' " un $ur% s&use el $u $onv"n,ere( .-"ne m! vo" du$e la Pr"n* Al+re$3 s rasse '" vo" &oves " $-"nelu" de la e a0ul &a ru% $are-l $unoa' e &e He"nr"$3% da% #" vo" &oves " o ,r!mad! de lu$rur" des&re $ealal ! -rf!% nevas !-mea( )n$e&u d"n nou s! r-d!( < +lond! &la "na ! se a'e*! &e ,enun$3"" lu" '"-" m-n,-"e &!rul( 4 Po/" s!-m" s&u" Ilse% *"se ea( 4 Ilse% s&use lo$o enen ul% s$u"&-nd "ar!'" &e &e "$ul $3"lo/"lor( R!maser! o vreme !$u/"% urm!r"nd *v-r$ol"r"le $elor dou! ru&ur" &e &ar$3e ( 4 E" #" &la$e foar e mul % $ons a ! +londa Ilse( < al ! feme"e l" se al! ur!( Pur a o ro$3"e aur"e% desf!$u ! &-n! sus% &e $oa&se( 4 Par" a - de r"s 7 #" s&use ea lo$o enen ulu"( 8e $e nu e d"s re*"5 Nu-/" &la$ feme"le5 4 E' " o -rf!5 #n re+! lo$o enen ul( 4 ." o$anule7 4 A'a-/" re+u"e% s&use +ru al <3lsen( < lov" &e fa ! $u &"$"orul% dar fu ,a a-,a a s! $ad! $u s$aunul% reu'" o u'" s! a&u$e &a3arul a'e*a 0os( Era o s a$an! de un l" ru '" 0um! a e% &l"n! $u vod$! '" $on"a$( Un lo$o enen de &ol"/"e #" s&usese $! a$es ames e$ alun,! r"s e/ea( A&!ru un Hau& s urmf@3rer SS% r!,-nd un s$aun #n urma lu"( N-avea de$- un o$3"% $el!lal era a$o&er" de un mono$lu ne,ru $are-" $!dea o "m&ul '" a un$" nu se vedea de$-

o ,aur! ro'"e '" umed!( )" &l!$ea la ne+un"e s!-'" ara e ,auraH lumea-'" &"erdea &of a de m-n$are( E!r+a ul se a'e*! ,reo" al! ur" de lo$o enen '" &r"v" #n 0ur $u s"n,urul s!u o$3"% ne,ru $a !$"unele( 4 6re" s! v"" #n la,!r s! +a," $u/" ul #n r!d! or"" &a r"e"5 )'" rase r!suflarea '" o ar! ! &e +londa &la "na != C" u% f"" ama+"l!% n-a" vrea s! fa$" dra,os e5 4 Nu $u "ne% *"se Ilse% e' " un adev!ra &or$( SS-"s ul se &use &e r-s '" s$!&! mono$lul $are se ros o,ol" su+ $ele dou! ru&ur" #nl!n/u" e &e 0os( <r+" a ro'"e lu$eaH fe ele se #nf"orar!( Lo$o enen ul r!,ea d"n /",ar! '" &r"vea ne&!s! or ,aura s-n,er"e $are nu vo"a s! se v"nde$e( 4 E' " #n r-adev!r o m"$! ",roa"$!% #" s&use SS-"s ul Ilse"( < &an er! $e re+u"e #m+l-n*" ! $u +"$"ul( R-sul lu" deven" amen"n/! or( 4 8e $e fa$" a'a d"n o$3"5 *"se lo$o enen ul +-nd $- eva #n,3"/" ur" d"n 3al+!( 4 E ne+un% murmur! +londa &la "na !% $om&le ne+un( Se s&une $! #n la,!r r!s ",ne' e oamen""( Lo$o enen ul se u" ! a en la SS-"s ul $e r-dea% #n vreme $e or+" a ro'"e #" d!dea o #nf!/"'are de demen ( 4 A'a es e% d!du SS-"s ul d"n $a&( Pa ru $u"e% o su an! nea,r! sau un &or$ de evreu( P!rea $! refle$ ea*!= T"&"" $u Talmudul sun ma" re*"s en/"% dar &o&"" s r",! ma" are% sun ma" $ara,3"o'"( Nu vre" s! v""% lo$o enen e5 I-a" &u ea vedea% o$ma" au adus o #n$!r$! ur! nou! &en ru $u& or( Se u" ! la $ele dou! ru&ur" de &e 0os% se a&le$!% r"d"$! mono$lul '" a&u$! unul d"n s-n"" fe e" ,oale% s r-n,-ndu-l &u ern"$( >a a /"&!( C3"orul $on "nu!% ne&!s! or( 4 )n $amera mea am dou! $a&e e de m!r"mea une" &or o$ale( Unul d"n re ele es e al une" evre"$e% $el!lal al une" &olone*e( )n la,!r e o fran/u*oa"$! '" vreau $a&ul e"( Cred $! &e +"rou $a&e ele sun de$ora "ve '"% $-nd r!*+o"ul se va sf-r'"% $u s",uran/! $! vor avea valoare( E ma" u'or s! le "e" de la Eerl"n de$- d"n "n"ma Amer"$"" de Sud% e m!" &u/"n &r"me0d"os7 Lo$o enen ul +!u "ar!'"( 4 Ce +e" a$olo5 #n re+! $3"orul( Lo$o enen ul #n oarse $a&ul s&re el% dar= nu r!s&unseH era f"*"$ "n$a&a+"l s!-" adrese*e $uv-n ul $ole$/"onarulu" de $a&e e( 4 Lo$o enen e% a" +!u vreoda ! $on"a$ $u s-n,e de feme"e5 Tre+u"e f"I un de,e ar la un &a3ar% dar e m"nuna ( < a&u$! &e Ilse de #n$3e"e ura m-"n""% o mu'$! +ru al '" r-$-" rana $u mar,"nea &a3arulu"( Ilse /"&! eror"*a !% $eea $e-l f!$u s! r-d! s!l+a "$( Ce"lal/" se s r-nser! #n 0urul lor( 8omnul #nal % #m+r!$a #n $os um #n$3"s% se a&ro&"e urma de $-/"va SS-"' " #n 0a$3e e al+e( >!r! un $uv-n % as$ul ! "s or"s"rea $elor #n -m&la e '" se #n oarse $u s&a ele% murmur-nd= 4 As a-" o 5 < ,lum!( Le 'o& " serv" oarelor= Ares a/"-o &e fa ! &en ru 0",n"re adus! unu" SS-"s ( 8ar nu a$um% ma" -r*"u( )'" a&r"nse al ra+u$ ne,ru% se u" ! amu*a la &ere$3ea afla ! #n r-o &o*"/"e ero "$! '" &!r!s" sala fredon-nd( 6-n! orul de $a&e e $are +ea s-n,e de feme"e se r"d"$! '" o #m&"nse $u &"$"orul &e fa a ,oal! de &e 0os( 4 T"&ul !u nu se &r"$e&e% ,!se' e unul ma" +un7 C" &le$! ma" de&ar e( Pu/"n du&! a$eea a&!ru% d"n nou% $u o man a $enu'"e &es e un"forma de &arad! &l"n! de &e e( .ono$lul ne,ru d"s&!ruse "ar!'" '" $arnea or+" e" "nflama e arun$a s$l"&"r" ro'"a "$e( Sal"va #" $ur,ea &r"n $ol/ul ,ur"" #n redes$3"se( )l lov" &e lo$o enen ul <3lsen $u m-nerul de aur al $rava'e"( 4 6"" #n la,!r% lo$o enen e% s! /"n u"m $-/"va 0"dan" &e $ru$e5 Lo$o enen ul r"d"$! &r"v"rea( )" ur$ar! &e +u*e $uv"n e &l"ne de ur!% dar nu era $el ma" &o r"v" momen ( Nu r!s&unse '" sor+" $u #n,3"/" ur" mar" d"n 3al+a &l"n!( S! u" e((( Cum ar &u ea vreoda ! s! u" e5 SS-"s ul r"d"$! d"n umer" '" &le$! le,!n-ndu-se( Cre*ur! $! va $!dea% dar se #ndre& ! +rus$ '"-'" ' erse $u m-nu'a al+! rana $are nu vo"a s! se v"nde$e( 4 Ple$% s r",! el( 8a$! e r!*,-nde' "% #n rea+! de <+ers$3arf@3rer-ul S$3enJ( Te vor $ondu$e #n la,!r '" ne vom d"s ra s! vedem $are s r",! ma" are% !"a/""-#m&re0ur sau &o&""( Ie'" *dr!n,!n"nd d"n &"n en"" aur"/" &r"n'" la $"*me( Erune a #l ru,! &e <3lsen s!-"

#n$3e"e su "enul( 4 E' " #n &erm"s"e5 #n re+! Ilse( 4 8a( 4 Nu a" fam"l"e5 ad!u,! +rune a $u o$3"" &e 0um! a e #n$3"'"% $a o &"s"$!( Lo$o enen ul nu r!s&unse( 4 Po/" s! v"" s! e $ul$" la m"ne% &ro&use +londa Ilse( 4 Am s! m! ,-ndes$% *"se el +-nd #n $on "nuare( Era +ea -$r"/!% dar n"men" nu-'" &u ea da seama( Pun-nd 3al+a 0os% se u" ! la +lond!( 8a$! a' f" #n lo$ul !u% a' ' er,e-o( 4 8e $e% eI$lam! ea arun$-ndu-'" &e s&a e% d"n r-o m"'$are a $a&ulu"% &!rul r!v!'" % s r!lu$" or $a m! asea( 4 E un sfa +un% $rede-m!% *-m+" <3lsen( C er,e-o f!r! s! e vad! n"men"( 4 Ce -m&en"e7 Se duse s&re un Un ers$3arf@3rer $are avea &e ,uler #nsemnele S8( )" m-n,-"e &"$"oarele '" ur$ar! #m&reun!( Lo$o enen ul n-a ma" v!*u -o vreoda !( 8u&! $e s-a $ul$a $u S8-"s ul a fos ares a !( A fos s$oas! &e u'a d"n s&a e $are da #n s rada #nve$"na ! '"% a doua *"% ru&ul e" a fos ,!s" #n Gr@ne?ald( Un ra&or de serv"$"u semnala $! fusese $!l$a ! de o ma'"n! ne"den "f"$a ! '"% #n &lus% era una d"n re feme"le Aaso$"aleB ale Eerl"nulu"( <amen"" au r"d"$a d"n umer"= A< -rf!7B C"neva #l +! u &e lo$o enen &e um!r( Era un foar e -n!r S urm+annf@3rer SS $e &ur a la ,- Cru$ea de f"er( Pe una d"n m-ne$" avea $usu ! +anderola nea,r! &e $are% #n $ara$ ere ,o "$e% se &u ea $" "= ALe"+s andar en SSB( Avea un '"r "m&res"onan de de$ora/"" de-a $urme*"'ul &"e& ulu"( 4 < +ere In,efar% $amarade5 #n re+! -n!rul ma"or( Era &en ru &r"ma da ! #n seara a$eea $-nd $"neva " se adresa $u ACamaradeB( ."ra % r"d"$! &r"v"rea( 4 Eere In,efar5 s&use el( )m" fa$e r!u( R"d"$! 3al+a '" +!u #n$e % dar u'"( .a"orul SS #n$e&u s! r-d! '" m"ros" 3al+a( 4 8umne*eule% $e are e7 4 8a% e are( Ca s! r!"e' "% de a'a $eva a" nevo"e% ad!u,! lo$o enen ul( .a"orul SS d"n ,arda &ersonal! a lu" H" ler d!du d"n $a& '" arun$! o &r"v"re de 0ur-#m&re0ur( 4 Ce &or$!r"e7 <3lsen nu r!s&unseH ermenul " se &!rea &rea +l-nd( 4 C-nd se va sf-r'" r!*+o"ul% va re+u" s! d!m so$o eal! &en ru o $e-au f!$u "nd"v"*"" !' "a% s&use ma"orul( 4 R!s ",nes$ oamen"( 4 8a% *"se SS-"s ul( Se a&le$! s&re lo$o enen '" 'o& "= C "" $e vo" fa$e% $amarade5 .! vo" s"nu$"de( Pr"v" d"n nou #n 0ur '" &e +u*e #" a&!ru un *-m+e "ron"$= 4 C" am s-o fa$ a"$"% $3"ar #n m"0lo$ul 3oarde"7 4 As a-" o &ros "e% s&use lo$o enen ul( 4 Poa e% $amarade% dar n-o s! le $ad! +"ne( 4 E' " +ea 5 4 8elo$% af"rm! ma"orul SS% $are avea $el mul dou!*e$" '" $"n$" de an"( Era foar e su+/"re% foar e #nal ( P!rul lu" am"n ea de $uloarea ,r-ulu" $o& % o$3"" de a*ur"ul $erulu" #n r-o *" $ald! de au,us ( Era foar e frumos( Se r"d"$! $- era de #nal = 4 .a" +"ne &r"ve' e% $amarade7 Se #ndre& ! s&re un ,eneral SS &u &"e& ul &l"n de de$ora/"" d"n &r"mul r!*+o" mond"al% $are #n$adrau "ns",na de aur a Par "dulu"( < res! #" #m&odo+ea m-ne$a drea& !( T-n!rul of"/er #l a&u$! de ,ulerul &e $are s r!lu$eau frun*ele de s e0ar d"n ar,"n ( Sur-se '" s&use foar e are= 4 Gru&&enf@3rer SS% ve/" vedea $eva $ara,3"os% o ,lum! deose+" !7 Generalul% re$u +"ne de 'a"*e$" de an"% #l &r"v"% "r" a % &e #nal ul '" frumosul of"/er( To$ma" d"s$u a $u domnul #n $os um #n$3"s '" $u re" doamne% a$ r"/e de la U>A( 4 C" $are es e ,luma a$eas a5 T-n!rul of"/er "*+u$n" #n r-un r-s ferme$! or '" $on a,"os( <3lsen ma" +!u &u/"n% a&o" se l!s! &e s&a e( Se s"m/ea "nv" a &ersonal la $eea $e urma s! se &e rea$!(

.a"orul #'" #ndre& ! de,e ul $! re ,eneral( 4 Gru&&enf@3rer SS% sun e/" un "$!los% un na*"s "$!los '" "nfe$ 7 Generalul s!r" #na&o"( >a/a lu" &u3av! &!l"se( R!mase $u ,ura $!s$a !((( .a"orul *-m+"( 4 6o" o/"% "nd"v"*"" d"n la,!re '" d"n &ol"/"e% sun e/" o adun! ura de asas"n" '" de mon' r"% dar $a s! v! fa$ o sur&r"*! &l!$u !% v! anun/ $! am &"erdu r!*+o"ul( Am"$"" d"n &ar ea $ealal ! sun #n drum s&re Eerl"n '" mer, re&ede7 < m-n! #l a&u$! de +ra/ '" #l s$u ur! +ru al( 4 Gos la+ele% "$!losule7 E!r+a ul $e-l a&u$ase de +ra/ #" d!du drumul '" f!$u un &as #na&o"( Colanul G!r*"" '" Cru$ea de $avaler "m&uneau o u'" res&e$ ul( T-n!rul ma"or s$oase &"s olul '" #l arm!( Se l!s! o !$ere de moar e( Generalul '" domnul #n 3a"ne $"v"le &r"veau 3"&no "*a/" &"s olul ,reu de arma ! #n m-na -n!rulu" of"/er( 4 ."-e ru'"ne de un"forma &e $are o &or % s&use ma"orul foar e #n$e % a&!s-nd &e f"e$are $uv-n ( ."-e ru'"ne &en ru mama mea ,erman!H m"-e ru'"ne &en ru /ara a$eas a des&re $are se s&une $! ar f" a mea( )n real" a e s&er $! #nv"n,! or"" no' r" vor avea #n/ele&$"unea s! v! #m&u' e &e o/"% $a &e o 3a" ! de 3"ene $e sun e/"% '" s! v! s&-n*ure $u &ro&r""le voas re% $en "roane de &ere/"" $a*!rm"lor '" #n$3"sor"lor voas re( )'" a&!s! /eava &"s olulu" &e &-n e$% &o$n" d"n $!l$-"e '" rase( P"s olul $!*u( .a"orul se $l! "n! &u/"n% dar nu $!*u( A&u$! &umnalul de &arad!% o arm! as$u/" ! &r"ns! de un lan/% '"% f!r! s! #n$e e*e s! *-m+eas$!% '"-l #nf"&se #n$e #n a+domen% des$3"*-ndu-'"% de la s -n,a la drea& a% o ran! ad-n$!( S-n,ele #" $ur,ea &e m-"n"( Se $l! "n! d"n nou $a un $o&a$ +! u de v-n % a&o" $!*u #n ,enun$3"( ANu v! a' e& a/" la as a% asas"n"lor7B% &!rea $! s&une% dar +u*ele lu" nu se des$3"ser!( Cu o sfor/are ur"a'! se #ndre& !% a&o" se &r!+u'"( )l &r"vea &e lo$o enen ul $e r!m!sese a'e*a $!lare &e s$aun '" r"d"$! m-na #n sem& de ad"o( < m-n! &l"n! de s-n,e( 4 L"-a &l!$u % $amarade5 'o& " el( Pr"v"rea " se #n une$!% dar #n$! ma" *-m+"( Cru$ea de $avaler s$o ea un $l"n$3e lov"ndu-se de nas ur"( A fos #n "ns &e o mas!H $"neva #" desf!$u un"forma '" &an alon""( .ur"+undul &r"v" fa/a +!r+oas! a of"/erulu" $e se a&le$ase deasu&ra lu"( 4 )na&o" $u o/""7 Am "e'" d"n ,a'$!( P!$a $! nu v-am v!*u s&-n*ura/"7 C- de are #l durea((( 8umne*eule% $- #l durea((( 4 Poa e $! es e #n r-adev!r o &ros "e% $amarade( AA'a*!- e #n ,enun$3" '" roa,!- e 8omnulu"B% s&unea mama lu"( Eun"$ul fusese &as or% #'" am"n ea((( Un ,uler /ea&!n% al+( Eun"$ul /"nea #n o deauna &red"$a sm"or$!"ndu-se% dar r"'a la $!r/" $-nd 0u$a la $afenea((( Lum"na $andela+rulu" de $r"s al lu$ra la Pra,a #" su&!ra o$3""( Pu ea au*" &e $"neva &l"m+-ndu-se nervos #n s&a ele lu"( 4 Nu re+u"e s! moar!% s&use un ,las( 1-m+"% ad"$! +u*ele " se $r"s&ar! '"-" de*vel"r! d"n/""( 4 N-a/" n"mer" -o% am s$!&a 7((( A$um &u ea s! moar!% dar era amu*an s!-" /"n! #n ens"une( To u'" $- de are &u ea s!-l doar!((( 8e $e se #n0un,3"ase5 A fos s u&"d% $amarade% e d"n v"na 0a&one*"lor( .a"mu/ele a$elea ,al+ene sun m-ndre $-nd #'" fa$ 3araJ"r"% dar n-ar f" $re*u o u'" $! doare a - de are((( C" ,- ul% '" s&a ele((( .!$ar da$! n-ar eI"s a 8umne*eu7 Ar f" un ,3"n"on( Nu se num!ra &r"n re $e" +un"% o ' "a( Poa e $! sufer"n/ele sale vor f" re$u e la so$o eal! da$! 8umne*eu a' ea& ! a$olo% sus((( Poa e $! +un"$ul $u ,ulerul s!u s$ro+" va &une o vor+! +un! &en ru el( Generalul% &al"d $a un mor % se a&le$! deasu&ra mese" &e $are fusese #n "ns ma"orul '" fa/a lu" ar! ! deoda ! $a a$eea a unu" om foar e +! r-n( Cu un efor de $are n"men" nu l-ar f" $re*u $a&a+"l% mur"+undul se r"d"$! fur"os( S-n,ele #" $ur,ea &e ,ur!( Tu'"% se #n!+u'"% +-",u" o #n0ur! ur!( Generalul fu s ro&" $u s-n,e% $eea $e #l f!$u s!-'" "as! d"n f"re( Se au*" $uv-n ul A&or$!r"eB( < fa ! &l-n,ea( .a"orul $!*u ,reo" &e mas!( A$um nu-l ma" durea((( Se s"m/ea +"ne((( >oar e +"ne((( .ur"(

*r s-i fi dat seama cum, se gsi deodat n faa unei cldiri mar i cenuii, la numrul M, de pe (rinz Albrechtstrasse. -oi !ulturi i meniunea @(oliia secretA erau gra!ate pe placa o!al de bronz. 8rc scrile ca un robot, deschise ua grea a crei clan se afla att de sus nct se simi la fel de mic ca un copil. 'antinela '' nu- i arunc nici o pri!ire, n ciuda uniformei lui de ofier. 6a eta&ul al patrulea se opri n faa unei ui cenuii, pe care se putea citi, pe o mic plac de aram9 ')A(+ >.. 'e nfior, ca i cnd i- ar fi fost frig. $ai departe se deschise alt u. Aprur cti negre i strlucitoareE o femeie trt n lift, care cobor iute spre beciuri. 8n brbat nalt i blond, cu nasul ac!ilin 4 o nfiare ideal pentru =immler 4 se interes ce cuta locotenentul +hlsen. 4 $- am nelat, opti locotenentul ca n !is. Cobor scara alergnd, iei n strad i rsufl uurat. <a putea s- i pri!easc n ochi pe >trnul i pe 6egionar fr s roeasc. 8RAG<STE 8E <CA1IE Ploua a un$" $-nd lo$o enen ul <3lsen &!r!s" v"la( Lo$o enen ul n-avea man a '"-'" /"nea $as$3e a #n m-n! $a &loa"a s! " se s$ur,! &r"n &!r( Se o&r"% #'" r"d"$! fa/a s&re $er% se +u$ur! de &loa"a $are-" r!$orea o+ra0"" ar*! or"((( Ce +"ne f!$use -n!rul ma"or7 8umne*eule7 E"ne f!$use7 Toa ! &e re$erea s r"$a !( Lo$o enen ul s"m/" un fel de +u$ur"e '" &le$! ma" de&ar e( <are el ar f" avu $ura0ul a$ela a+surd5 )" re$u &r"n m"n e un ,-nd% un ,-nd m"nuna ((( S! se #n oar$! a$as!% s! sune% s! sune #ndelun,% s! se #ndre& e l"n"' " s&re aro,an/"" s!" so$r"% s!-l &r"veas$! &e so$rul s!u 'e*-nd% "m&un! or '" o+e*% #n fo ol"u% s!-" s&un! o $e ,-ndea des&re e"((( N"' e &or$"% n"m"$ al $eva7 Por$" a$o&er"/" $u d"aman e( S! vad! o$3"" lor de &e' e a un$" $-nd #'" va #nf",e +a"one a #n &-n e$((( Ce $ara,3"os ar f"7 Un .er$edes ne,ru% $u num!r of"$"al de &ol"/"e% #l o$ol"( )n!un ru se #n re*!reau of"/er" '" doamne $e r-deau( Lo$o enen ul #'" s&use $! se &l"$ "sea( Camara*"" s!"7 Erau an" de $-nd se des&!r/"se de e"((( Poa e mur"ser! $u o/""( )l $u&r"nse eama '"-l rev!*u #n m"n e &e m"$ul le,"onar al $!ru" $3"& +ru al &!ru $! se "ve' e #n s&a ele uf"'ur"lor d"n a&ro&"ere( Un $3"& f!r! ru&( Lo$o enen ul s&use $u vo$e are= ASalu % Alfred7B( ."$ul le,"onar *-m+" $u *-m+e ul s!u de $a& de mor ( 8oar ,ura *-m+ea% o$3"" n"$"oda !( 8e mul ! vreme o$3"" '" "n"ma lu" #n$e aser! s! ma" *-m+eas$!( 4 A" avu dre& a e% Alfred7 8umne*eule7 C- ! dre& a e a" avu 7 Sun em n"' e v" e '" vom mur" #n +!le,ar( Tr!"as$! Le,"unea S r!"n!7 S r",! a$es e $uv"n e foar e are% "n$on' "en % #'" reven" '" &r"v" em! or #n 0ur( Un schupo venea a,ale( E!nu" or% #l m!sur! &e lo$o enen ul ud leoar$! d"n $a& &-n!-n &"$"oare( Pe $as$a lu" de &ol"/"s % vul urul lu$ea '" &loa"a " se s$ur,ea de &e $eaf! &e man aua de &loa"e% $u refleIe s r!lu$" oare( Lo$o enen ul ,r!+" &asul% #n vreme $e &ol"/"s ul se o&r" '"-l urm!rea $u &r"v"rea% ,-nd"ndu-se $! #n seara a$eas a avea o u'" noro$((( nu fusese n"$" o alarm!( )'" $on "nu! drumul( Lo$o enen ul $o " &e o s rad! la eral!( Am"n "r"le se #n,3esu"au #n m"n ea lu"((( 1"ua $-nd erau &e &o*"/"" #n a&ro&"erea v!"" El+rus-ulu"((( < $!ldur! or"d!( N"$" $o&a$"% n"$" um+r!( C- "m& re$use de a un$"( A -/"a $amara*" mor/"% $u un ,lon/ #n frun e% &e &o*"/""le a$elea7 8e ne$re*u 7 )" re$u &r"n fa/a o$3"lor un '"r de $3"&ur"% o/" $e" $e fuseser! #m&u'$a/" #n $a&= Un eroff"*"er S$3Xler% Gefre" er Eus$3% Pan*ers$3@ *e S$3ul *e% <+ers$3@ *e .all% >eld?e+el Elom((( $el $are% du&! r!*+o"% vo"a s! mear,! #n S&an"a s! $ul "ve &or o$al"( 6or+ea mereu des&re &lan a/"a de &or o$al"% nu fusese n"$"oda ! #n S&an"a '" #nv!/a s&an"ola d"n r-un d"$/"onar ve$3" '" *dren/u" ( )n *"ua $-nd a mur" 4 &u'$a'ul s"+er"an nu /"n "se +"ne% as fel $! a,on"a lu" a dura re" m"nu e 4 le-a s&us $elor $e s ! eau #n 0urul s!u= No no me figuraba. ."$ul le,"onar% $are ' "a s&an"ola% a&ro+! d"n $a& '"-" r!s&unse #n a$eea'" l"m+!( Elom a mur" #m&!$a % ,-nd"ndu-se la &lan a/"a lu" de &or o$al"( L-au #n,ro&a l-n,! un $a$ us r!su$" % $u o +u$!/"$! de &or o$al! &e $are Le,"onarul "-a &us-o #n m-n!% a&o" au +! ! or"

+"ne &!m-n ul% $a lu&"" de s e&! s! nu-l sf-'"e( N-aveau n"$"oda ! "m& s-o fa$! a'a $um re+u"e% mureau a -/"a7 8ar $u Elom era al $eva% oa ! lumea $uno' ea &oves ea &lan a/"e" de &or o$al"( A doua *" a fos r-ndul lo$o enen -$olonelulu" 6on Herl"n,% &e $are &u'$a'ul s"+er"an l-a lov" su+ mar,"nea $!' ""( A mur" &e lo$ '" &!m-n ul n-a fos +! ! or" &e morm-n ul lu" &en ru $! era un nou-ven" % dar #n *"ua urm! oare ma" r!m!sese foar e &u/"n d"n el% $!$" $-"n"" de s e&! #l de*,ro&aser!( Comandan ul% ne+un de fur"e% &omen" de Cur ea .ar/"al!% dar era a - de $ald #n valea El+rus-ulu" #n$- "n$"den ul a fos u" a #na"n e de $!derea ser""( A$es $omandan era $olonelul von L"ndenau $are% ma" -r*"u% a $!*u la M"ev% ars de v"u #n an$ul s!u( Tru&ul lu" $ar+on"*a a -rna #n afara urele" '" Por a a s&us $! seam!n! $u o fr"& ur! u" a ! #n $u& or( R-seser!( Cum n"men" nu-" s"m/ea l"&sa lu" von L"ndenau% au l!sa $ur!/en"a #n ,r"0a lu" Ivan% $are a '" f!$u -o( E$3"&a ru'"lor a des&r"ns $u a0u orul a dou! fur$" $or&ul $olonelulu"% $are a fos a'e*a #n r-o ,roa&!% $u &u/"n &!m-n &es e el '" n"men" n-a afla vreoda ! unde-'" doarme L"ndenau somnul de ve$"7 <3lsen d!du d"n $a&( Ce r!*+o"7 A0unsese &e malul Havel-ulu" '" se a'e*! &e o +an$!% #n &loa"e% '"ro"nd de a&!% dar &u/"n #" &!sa '" v!*u $! se afla al! ur" de Pr"n* Al+re$3 s rasse unde He"nr"$3 #'" avea +"roul% la e a0ul al &a rulea al STAP<( < fa ! venea a,ale% #m+r!$a ! #n r-o 3a"n! d"n &"ele ro'"e% $u o &!l!r"e ud! &e $a&( )" *-m+"( El #" #n oarse *-m+e ul '"-'" ' erse fa/a( >a a se a'e*! l-n,! el &e +an$a '"ro"nd de a&! '"-" ofer" o /",ar!( >umar! #n !$ere( L",!r"le erau umede( 4 Sun em u*" de-a +"nelea% s&use fa a% $are avea &"$"oare frumoase( Lo$o enen ul f!$u semn $! da( 4 )/" &la$e s! e &l"m+" &r"n &loa"e5 4 Nu% *"se el% a+solu de lo$( >a a fum! $u ,reu a e( 4 N"$" m"e( )n$e&ur! s! r-d! '" r!maser! un "m& $ufunda/" #n ,-ndur"( >a a ru&se !$erea= 4 6"" de &e fron 5 4 8a% d"n Es % '" m! #n or$ $ur-nd( 4 S! fa$em o +u$a ! de drum #m&reun!% &ro&use ea r"d"$-ndu-se( Porn"r! &e drumul $e mer,ea de-a lun,ul Havel-ulu"( 4 C" "u+" ul meu a avu o &erm"s"e% s&use fa a #n$e "n"nd &asul( 8ar n-a ma" vru s! &le$e( Lo$o enen ul o &r"v" $u $oada o$3"ulu"( Era dr!,u/!% $u nasul $-rn% $a o &"s"$u/!( 4 A de*er a 5 >a a f!$u AdaB d"n $a& '"-'" ' erse fa/a( 4 Nu vo"a s! se #n oar$! a$olo( )" !"aser! o ul( 4 )" !"aser! o ul5 #n re+! lo$o enen ul f!r! s! #n/elea,!( >a a $eru al ! /",ar!( 4 8a% un ,lon/% o ran! #n r-un lo$ ne&o r"v" % a fos nevo"e s!-l $as re*e( Ca s! ur"ne*e avea un u+% &u/ea( Lo$o enen ul nu ,!s" n"m"$ de s&us( C" $omandan ul >romm fusese $as ra % #ns! de ru'"( Com&an"a lu" #l ,!s"se le,a &e o mas! #n $asa unu" /!ran% $u or,anele &use #n r-o farfur"e l-n,! el% $a la m!$el!r"e( Era mor ( To a+domenul #" era v-n! ( Ca& e &r"*on"er" au fos eIe$u a/" $u un ,lon/ #n $eaf!% nu f""nd$! ar f" fos $u $eva "m&l"$a/"% $" &en ru $! re+u"a da un eIem&lu( Erau 'a& e ,eor,"en" d"n re,"men ul :8 ,r!n"$er"% o/" d"n T"fl"s% '" au $!*u $u fa/a #na"n e% $a ma3omedan"" a un$" $-nd #'" fa$ ru,!$"unea( 4 C"-a&o" $e s-a #n -m&la $u lo,odn"$ul !u5 < u u"a% "ns "n$ "v( Poves ea des&re solda ul $as ra #" le,ase% deven"se '" ea $"neva de &e fron ( Un "u+" $as ra ((( Tr"s ! &oves e% $e f!$ea o fa ! #n asemenea s" ua/"e5 ."$ul le,"onar fusese $as ra '" el% #ns! de $!l!"% #n r-un la,!r( 4 L-au &r"ns% s&use fa a% s$o/-ndu-'" &!l!r"a $a s-o s$u ure( 4 N-a avu noro$( 4 L-au #m&u'$a la .orellens$3lu$3 % #n a$ela'" "m& $u un ,eneral de av"a/"e( Am fos s!-" "au $enu'a de la Cur ea .ar/"al!( ALa na"+a7B ,-nd" lo$o enen ul( A8e fa& % $e m! &r"ve' e &e m"ne &oves ea as a5B

4 ."-au da -o #n r-o $u "e de &an of"% $u re$"&"s!% $a &e un $ole &o' al( 4 C" $e-a" f!$u $u $enu'a5 >a a *-m+" '" &r"v" r-ul( 4 Am arun$a -o #n Havel( Ar! ! a&a $enu'"e '" fur"oas! $are $ur,ea #n fa/a lor% ma" s r!lu$" oare $a de o+"$e" d"n $au*a &lo""= 8e-as a v"n #n f"e$are *" a"$"% s!-" s&un= AEun! *"ua% Ro+er 7B( Uneor" #" arun$ flor" '" $-nd &le$ #" s&un= ALa revedere% Ro+er % r!*+o"ul #n$! nu s-a sf-r'" B( 4 Te #n/ele,% s&use lo$o enen ul '" se m"r! $! o #n/ele,e #n r-adev!r( Am-ndo" au mers a$as! la fa !( Ea '"-a arun$a 3a"na ro'"e &e un s$aun '" a &ro&us s! fa$! $afea% dar a des$o&er" $! nu ma" aveaH nu ma" avea n"m"$ al $eva de$- $- eva s "$le de +ere '" do" l" r" de vod$! aduse de Ro+er de &e fron ul de es ( Au +!u vod$! d"n r-o 3al+! de +ere% a&o" fa a s-a #n "ns &e sofa( Lo$o enen ul o s!ru ! '"-" &oves " des&re In,e '" Gunn"% #" s&use '" $! vo"a s! se r!*+une( 4 Nu folose' e la n"m"$% 'o& " fa a% s r-n,-ndu-se l-n,! el( )" s r-nse #n m-"n" ,enun$3"" ro un*"% #n vreme $e ea #l m-n,-"a &e &!r( 4 A" &!r frumos% $el al lu" Ro+er era $a al !u% la fel de ne,ru( .-na lo$o enen ulu" alune$! ma" sus% dar fus a era a - de s r-m ! #n$- nu &u ea mer,e ma" de&ar eH fa a #'" desf!$u &"$"oarele a&roa&e f!r! s!-'" dea seama% sus&"n!% #l lu! de ,- ( 8e,e ele lo$o enen ulu" $on "nuau s! ur$eH s"m/" mar,"nea $"ora&ulu" '"% $3"ar deasu&ra% o $"$a r"$e ad-n$!( 4 Ce-" as a5 4 < s$3"0! de +om+!% a$um do" an"( Rana s-n,erase foar e mul #n noa& ea a$eea( Un mar"nar de &e dra,oarele de m"ne se ,r!+"se s!-" le,e un ,arou d"n &an,l"$a +ere e" sale% $u &ar ea &e $are s$r"a A.ar"na de r!*+o"B la 6edere( 8a$! rana n-ar f" fos a - de ,rav! ar f" r-s% dar suferea ,roa*n"$% s$3"0a a "nsese osul( AUn m"l"me ru ma" mul '" ad"o &"$"or7B s&usese $3"rur,ul( )'" r"d"$! &"$"orul $a s!-l &r"veas$!= 4 Am &"$"oare frumoase% nu-" a'a5 4 8a% s&use lo$o enen ul( < lu! #n +ra/e% o s!ru !( Ea des$3"se ,ura '" se $on o&"r! #n r-un lun, s!ru ( 8e,e ele #n$! nes",ure #" raser! fus a #n sus% #n vreme $e fa a se r"d"$! &u/"n( 4 Nu re+u"e% 'o& " ea $u o$3"" #n$3"'"( A+"a ne-am $unos$u 7 8ar se l"&" de el% #'" a&!s! ,ura &e ,ura lu" #n r-un s!ru la$om% murmur! n"' e +"e e $uv"n e( El o mu'$! de ,- % #" s!ru ! sf-r$ur"le s-n"lor de*vel"/" '" #'" &l"m+! de,e ele &e umer"" e"( U" ar! o ul% $ufund-ndu-se #n dra,os e( T"m& de o $l"&!% o $ulme a u" !r"" '" a v"e/""% d"n momen $e m-"ne avea s! moar!( Ea &l-n,ea% dar de $e5 >!r! #ndo"al! $! n-ar f" ' "u s! s&un!( )l &l-n,ea &e Ro+er % $enu'! r"s"&" ! &e fundul r-ulu"% se &l-n,ea &e ea #nse'"5 < s"ren! #n$e&u s! urle( Se r"d"$ar! &e 0um! a e '"( as$ul ar! $u a en/"e #n$orda ! $on$er ul "nfernal $are +-n u"a deasu&ra ora'ulu"% a&o" $!*ur! "ar!'" unul #n +ra/ele $elu"lal ( 4 Sun en,le*""% s&use ea( To deauna v"n *"ua( Pu eau f" au*" e av"oanele% foar e sus( Cum reu'es$ oare s! ,!seas$! Eerl"nul &e vremea as a5 )n$e&ur! eI&lo*""le% f!$-nd s! se $u remure ,eamur"le( 4 Co+or-m #n &"vn"/!5 #n re+! lo$o enen ul( 4 Nu% e ,roa*n"$!% umed! '" murdar!( S! r!m-nem a"$"( Se "u+"r! d"n nou '" adorm"r! #nl!n/u"/"% e&u"*a/"( Seara% $-nd s-au re*" % $on "nua s! &lou!( E!ur!% m-n$ar!% f!$ur! "ar!'" dra,os eH se s"m/"r! deoda ! foar e "ner"( A doua *" ven" sora e"% $are era fun$/"onar! la S8( EI&res"a e" favor" ! era $uv-n ul ra3a % &e $are-l folosea la f"e$are dou! m"nu e( Lo$o enen ul era eIas&era % o fa ! a - de frumoas! n-ar f" re+u" s! foloseas$! $uv"n e((( 4 La na"+a% vo" do" nu v-a/" &l"$ "s" &e #n uner"$5 s&use ea r-*-nd( C" da$! v! ale,e/" $u un $o&"l7 La dra$u5 Se duse la +u$! !r"e '" #n$e&u s! s$o o$eas$! &r"n re $r! "/"( 4 Sun &e &un$ ul s! #nf""n/e*e o nou! or,an"*a/"e% s r",! ea s$o/-nd $a&ul &e u'!( E se$re !( La na"+a% $e &oves e7 6or s! &un! m-na &e ul "m"" !"a/"-#m&re0ur $u un re,"men

S8 adus d"n Polon"a '" d"n Sude/"( Unul d"n re e"% un SS-"s % m-a #n,3esu" la oale !( Crede $! serv"$"ul e un +ordel% $eea $e% la urma-urme"% e des ul de adev!ra ( S$!&! d"n m-n! un ou( 4 Ra3a % s r",! ea% lov"nd $oa0a $u &"$"orul( 4 Al"$e e o adev!ra ! s$roaf!% #" s&use fa a lo$o enen ulu"% dar e de rea+!( )" &o/" &oves " or"$e% nu e denun/! n"$"oda !( A as$uns un evreu a"$"% al! ur"% dar n-a vru s!-l a0u e &e Ro+er &en ru $! nu-" &la$ de*er or""( 1"$e $! sun la'"( Lo$o enen ul f!$u un ,es va,( Ce era la'" a e sau nu #n a$es r!*+o"5 4 A" &u ea s! de*er e*"5 4 C"ne a de*er a 5 s r",! Al"$e d"n +u$! !r"e( Nu a' e& ! r!s&unsulH N-a" un 'or/5 Nu-l ,!ses$ delo$7 Ra3a % u" e-l7 4 Nu $red $! a' #ndr!*n"% r!s&unse lo$o enen ul( 4 Tre+u"e s! f"e a - de #ns&!"m-n ! or &e fron ul de es ( Nu /"-e n"$"oda ! fr"$!5 #n rea+! ea m-n,-"ndu-l &e o+ra*( 4 ."-e fr"$! o deauna% dar da$! r!m-n a$olo am o 'ans! s! s$a&( 8"m&o r"v!% da$! de*er e* '" &un m-na &e m"ne% nu ma" am s$!&are= &lu onul de eIe$u/"e la Senne sau la .orellens$3lu$3 ( 4 Sun mul/" eIe$u a/"5 4 Un num!r de ne$re*u ( 4 C" $-nd &le$"5 4 .-"ne( Ea of ! '"-l s!ru ! "ar!'" $u +u*ele &l"ne '" frem! ! oare% $a un r-u &r"m!vara( Al"$e ven" $u de0unul( 4 S&er s!-m" fa$e/" onoarea( He"n* v"ne d"sear!% vom f" o/" &a ru( AC"ne &oa e f" He"n*5B #'" s&use lo$o enen ul( Con"a$ul '" +erea re$eau d"n m-n! #n m-n!( Eeau o $e le $!dea su+ m-n! '" Al"$e o+/"nea mul e lu$rur"% sau ma" +"ne-*"s le fura% dar ' "a $! $e"lal/" furau '" e" '" a$e' "a ' "au $! ea ' "a7 A'a $! sf-r'ea &r"n a fura la lum"na *"le"( 4 Al"$e% n-a" n"$" o urm! de moral" a e% s&unea sora e"( Nu &o/" o u'" s! s a" #n $om+"ne*on #n fa/a lo$o enen ulu"( 4 Ra3a % *"se Al"$e% '" la na"+a $u morala( Num" ul He"n*% &e $are-l au*"r! ur$-nd s$!r"le #n fu,!% "n r! a'a $um "n r! $"neva $are are dre& ul s! fa$! *,omo H era Un ers$3arf@3rer SS( 4 Eun!% fe elor7 U" e% r!s$!u '" $afea( S$oase un 3o3o de +e/"v '" nu o+serv! ,radul lu" <3lsen% &e $are-l num" f!r! fasoane A$ole,aB% dar lo$o enen ulu" nu-" &!sa de n"m"$( E!ur! "ar!'"% ,lum"r!% a&o" se duser! la $ul$are( Al"$e ,emea de &l!$ere% He"n* r-dea $a un mer$enar '" r!sufla $a un aur( A doua *"% #n *or"% lo$o enen ul &le$! f!r! s! re*eas$! &e n"men"% f!r! m!$ar s! ' "e numele fe e"( Se duse #n ,ara >r"edr"$3s rasse( Peronul era #n/esa de solda/" #n &erm"s"e $e se #n or$eau &e fron % un"" #nso/"/" de $e" a&ro&"a/"% dar ma0or" a ea s"n,ur"% $!$" erau ev" a e des&!r/"r"le #n ,ar!% $are am"n eau &rea mul de #nmorm-n !r"( <3lsen se &l"m+a nervos &e &eron( ANu-" $eva o+"'nu" s! &le$" #na"n e de sf-r'" ul &erm"s"e"B% ,-nd" el( 4 8e $e na"+a nu lua/" renul de la C3arlo en+ur,5 #n re+! un fun$/"onar al ,!r"" un ,ru& de solda/"( G!s"/" ma" u'or lo$ur"% renul se formea*! a$olo( Un su+of"/er +! r-n% $e s ! ea a'e*a &e ran"/!% s&use d"s&re/u" or= 4 )n $el!lal sens ar re+u" s! lu!m renul% ar re+u" s! mer,em la S$3le"s"n,er Hof( 4 8e $e5 E ul "ma s a/"e d"n Eerl"n% &l"n! o$3"7( 4 To$ma"% r-n0" un <+er,efre" er #n "ns &e &eronul ud% $u o $u "e de mas$! de ,a*e su+ $a&( Nu e n"$" un ren de fron #n ,ara S"le*"a% dar% da$!-/" v"*e*" fo"le la $omandan ul ,!r""% $-' "," o *" '" &le$" #n *"ua urm! oare( Sos" un ra&"d% #n/esa de solda/" &e $are +! r-nul su+of"/er #" ar! ! r-*-nd( 4 U' "a au #n/eles7 Pun r!m!'a, &e $e vre/" $! renul se va ,ol" #n ,ara S"le*"a% dar re+u"e s! ne ,r!+"m( 8a$! #n -r*"e% $-"n"" de 0andarm" vor f" a$olo '" avem oa e 'ansele s! f"m &u'" la *"d( C-/"va solda/" s!r"r! s&re ren% #n$er$-nd s! se a,a/e(

4 Nu le e +"ne7 s&use su+of"/erul #nvesel" ( C" e" s-au &r"ns7 4 N"$" o o&r"re la ,ara S"le*"a7 s r",a $ondu$ orul $e fu,ea #n lun,ul &eronulu"( Se au*" un 3o3o de r-s asur*" or( ACe vor+e' "7 < s! f"m ma" re&ede a$as!7B( >un$/"onarul $e re$omandase ,ara C3arlo en+ur, &r"vea $u ,ura $!s$a ! renul ar3"&l"n( 4 >@3rer-ul nu va $-' ",a r!*+o"ul $u urma as a% s&use el% &le$-nd su&!ra ( Un lo$o enen de +l"nda e ven" la lo$o enen ul <3lsen '"-l salu ! $u fam"l"ar" a e( 4 )n$er$" 'me$3er"a $u ,ara S"le*"a5 4 Nu% r!s&unse <3lsen% $u ne&!sare( 4 8ra,! &r"e ene% dar e o *" de &erm"s"e #n &lus7 4 N-am $3ef% re&l"$! lo$o enen ul *-m+"nd( <f"/erul se #n oarse &e $!l$-"e '" se #nde&!r ! re&ede( ANa*"s sau -m&" % #'" s&use el% &ro+a+"l am-ndou!B( Se duse s&re do" lo$o enen/" de "nfan er"e% d"n re $are unul d"s&!ru "med"a #n ren( A,!/a e &e oa e ,arn" ur"le% &an$ar e s$r"se $u l" ere mar" &ur au lo*"n$" #n$ura0a oare% de eIem&lu= A.er,e/" s&re v"$ or"e7B Un su+of"/er s$u"&! &e una d"n re ele= AN-au de$- s! mear,!B7 8eoda ! se au*" un flu"era ( Era semnalul de aver "*are da de un >eld?e+el de la ar "ler"e( Tre" $!' " de o/el% re" 0andarm" se "v"r! &e &eron( <$3"" amen"n/! or" s$l"&eau su+ $!' "le s r!lu$" oare( Trenul &e $are-l a' e& a lo$o enen ul "n r! #n ,ar! '" se o&r" #n s$r-'ne de fr-ne( Solda/"" se re&e*"r!( S r",! e% $3em!r"% #n0ur! ur"% $er ur"( 4 Ur$a/" #n va,oane% renul &lea$!7 )n$e % renul s r!+! u Eerl"nul% re$u &es e S&ree% #n de&!r are se ,3"$eau AleIander&la * '" Prefe$ ura de &ol"/"e% unde su e de oamen" #n$3"'" #'" a' e& au f!r! #ndo"al! moar ea( )n ,ara S"le*"a era o mul/"me ur"a'!% dar &u/"n" au ur$a #n ren( Coada #n fa/a +"roulu" $omandan ulu" ,!r"" $re' ea mereu% o $oad! de oamen" mul/um"/" $! reu'"ser! s!-'" v"*e*e 3-r ""le '" un"" #m&"nseser! #ndr!*neala &-n! a$olo #n$- s! s&un! fam"l"e" s!-" a' e& e d"n$olo de +ar"ere( Un 'u"era lun,% me,afoanele em" eau ord"ne( Trenul lo$o enen ulu" #'" urm! drumul s&re es ( >"e$are $om&ar "men era &l"n $u o ,r!mad! de +!r+a/" #n drum s&re a+a or% $are aveau #n$! #n s-n,e am"n "rea $elor $"n$"s&re*e$e *"le m"nuna e( 8ar a$um #" a' e& a al $eva= fo$ul% +l"nda ele% lu& ele $or&-la-$or&% s-n,ele% mu "l!r"le% moar ea((( $uv"n e $u o asemenea #n$!r$! ur! de ,roa*! '" sufer"n/e #n$- de&!'ea or"$e #n$3"&u"re( G3emu" #n r-un $ol/% su+ man a% lo$o enen ul #n$3"se o$3""% #n vreme $e $e"lal/" 0u$au $!r/"% +eau sau s&uneau &ove' " o+s$ene( Lo$o enen ul <3lsen &l-n,ea((( #n !$ere( )'" &l-n,ea f"ul &"erdu % $!m"nul d"s rus% #'" 'l-n,ea s"n,ur! a ea((( Ea nu7 Nu era s"n,ur( A$olo unde #l du$ea renul erau fra/"" s!" de arme% $amara*"" s!"( C" #" revedea &e o/"= E! r-nul% $a o s -n$!% m"$ul le,"onar% Gose&3 Por a% ."$u/ul% a de #nal % a - de &ros % '" o/" $e"lal/"((( Trenul s r!+! ea German"a( )n $l"&a a$eea% #n s&a ele fron ulu" se #n$3e"a $on$en rarea de ru&e sov"e "$e( To ul fusese &re,! " &en ru $ea ma" mare ofens"v! d"n "s or"a r!*+o"ulu"( )n r-o ,roa&! ad-n$! de o+u* "-ar f" &u u vedea &e Por a% ."$u/ul '" un "nfan er"s rus $are 0u$au *arur"( P"s oalele lor m" ral"er! *!$eau arun$a e al! ur"( To/" re" a0unseser! a$olo #n "m&ul lu& e"( ."$u/ul $-' ",ase de0a o s "$l! de vod$! $-nd ur,"a $ea mare a fron ulu" r!+ufn" de la o *are fa $ealal ! '" &use $a&! 0o$ulu"( 8ou! su e 'a"*e$" '" re" de d"v"*"" de "nfan er"e '" o& *e$" '" $"n$" de d"v"*"" +l"nda e &orneau la a a$( TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT TTTTTTTTTTT