Philip K - Omul Din Castelul Inalt

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\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 , fu gata pentru o nou
\uc1 \u259 ? zi, cur\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?it lun\uc1 \u259 ?, sertarul ma\uc1
\u351 ?inii de marcat umplut cu m\uc1 \u259 ?run\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?, o vaz
\uc1 \u259 ? aranjat\uc1 \u259 ? cu g\uc1 \u259 ?lbenele proaspete \uc1 \u351 ?i
radioul deschis pe un post care transmitea muzic\uc1 \u259 ? instrumental\uc1 \
u259 ? discret\uc1 \u259 ?. Afar\uc1 \u259 ?, pe trotuar, oameni de afaceri gr\u
c1 \u259 ?bi\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n drum spre birourile lor de pe Mont-gome
ry Street. \uc1 \u206 ?n dep\uc1 \u259 ?rtare trecu un tramvai cu cablu; Childan
se opri s\uc1 \u259 ?-l priveasc\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?ntat. F
emei \uc1 \u238 ?n rochii lungi, din m\uc1 \u259 ?tase colorat\uc1 \u259 ?... le
privi \uc1 \u351 ?i pe ele. Apoi sun\uc1 \u259 ? telefonul. Se r\uc1 \u259 ?suc
i s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?spund\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
ch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567
\li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \
fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfen
p1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \la
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da! zise o voce cunoscut\uc1 \u259 ?; lu
i Childan i se str\uc1 \u226 ?nse inima.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \
ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \d
bch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {
\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfen
p1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp104
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi la telefon. A sosit posterul meu
cu recruta-rea \uc1 \u238 ?n R\uc1 \u259 ?zboiul Civil}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \
hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard
\plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0
\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langf
enp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lan
g1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af6 \loch
\f6 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 R\uc1 \u259 ?zboiul}{\
1033 \cf1 civil american (1861 \uc1 \u8211 ? 1865)}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \a
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 , domnule? V\u
c1 \u259 ? rog s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? aminti\uc1 \u355 ?i; mi l-a\uc1 \u355
?i promis \uc1 \u238 ?n cursul s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nii t}{\
1033 \cf1 recute.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowi
dctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \lo
ch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich

\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ton aferat,
repezit, abia politicos, abia inteligibil.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0
\ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20
\dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033
{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langf
enp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu v-am l\uc1 \u259 ?sat eu, domnule Childan,
o sum\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n acest sens? \uc1 \u206 ?l voi face cadou, \uc1
\u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i? V-am explicat: un client.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi5
67 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0
enp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Investiga\uc1 \u355 ?ii extinse, \uc1
\u238 ?ncepu Childan, pe care le f\uc1 \u259 ?cusem pe propria mea cheltuial\uc1
\u259 ?, domnule Tagomi, cu privire la lucrul promis, care, v\uc1 \u259 ? da\uc
1 \u355 ?i seama, nu se g\uc1 \u259 ?se\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?n regiunile as
tea \uc1 \u351 ?i prin urmare este...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
ng1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0
\af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs
24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp10
33 \cf1 Tagomi \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \f
i567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \ita
p0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \lan
gfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
33 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ?adar, n-a sosit?}{\fs24
\par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \li
n0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langn
p1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
\langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, domnule Ta
gomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adj
ustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lan
g1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O pauz\uc1 \u259 ? glaci
al\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidc
tlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch
\af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs
33 \cf1 Nu mai pot a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta, spuse Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \
fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \it
ap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
ngfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, domnule.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \pl
ain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat1
6 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
3 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Childan privi moroc\uc1 \u259 ?nos prin vitrina maga
zinului la ziua str\uc1 \u259 ?-lucitoare de afar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i la c
l\uc1 \u259 ?dirile pentru birouri: San Francisco.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi
567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap
0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \lang
fenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Atunci, altceva \uc1 \u238 ?n loc. Ce
-mi recomanda\uc1 \u355 ?i, domnule Chil-dan}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5
\loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s1
6 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \db
cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \lan
gnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af6 \loch \f6 \lang
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Childan se poate pronun\uc1 \u35
5 ?a asem\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?tor cu "children" = copii (engl.)}}}{\fs24 \db
ch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf
1 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i st\uc1 \u226 ?lci Tagomi numele \uc1 \u238 ?n mod inten\uc1 \u
355 ?ionat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \s17 \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowid
ctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loc
h \af4 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \h
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Insult\u
c1 \u259 ?, implicit, f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ca urechile lui Childan s\uc1
\u259 ? ia foc. Scaun smuls de sub fund, \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u22
6 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?toare mortificare a situa\uc1 \u355 ?iei. Aspira-\uc1 \u355 ?ii
le \uc1 \u351 ?i temerile \uc1 \u351 ?i chinurile lui Robert Childan fur\uc1 \u2
59 ? st\uc1 \u226 ?rnite \uc1 \u351 ?i ie\uc1 \u351 ?ir\uc1 \u259 ? la iveal\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?l invadar\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?mpiedic\uc1 \u226 ?ndui limba. Se b\uc1 \u226 ?lb\uc1 \u226 ?i, cu m\uc1 \u226 ?na umezit\uc1 \u259 ?
pe receptor. Aerul din magazin mirosea a g\uc1 \u259 ?lbenele; muzica se auzea \
uc1 \u238 ?n continuare, dar el se sim\uc1 \u355 ?i ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum s-ar fi
pr\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o mare \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u25
9 ?rtat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp104
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lis
a0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich
\af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af
4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u82
12 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \
langfenp1033 \cf1 P\uc1 \u259 ?i..., reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? morm\uc1 \u2
59 ?ie. Centrifug\uc1 \u259 ? pentru sm\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?.
Ma\uc1 \u351 ?i-n\uc1 \u259 ? de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?at
\uc1 \u259 ?, de pe la 19}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lang
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 00.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0
\ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \
dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033
{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfe
np1033 \cf1 Mintea \uc1 \u238 ?i refuza s\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeasc\uc1 \u
259 ?. Tocmai atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ui\uc1 \u355 ?i, tocmai atunci c\uc1 \u226
?nd te proste\uc1 \u351 ?ti de unul singur. Avea treizeci \uc1 \u351 ?i opt de a
ni \uc1 \u351 ?i-\uc1 \u351 ?i amintea de zilele de dinainte de r\uc1 \u259 ?zbo
i, de celelalte vremuri. Franklin D. Roosevelt \uc1 \u351 ?i T\uc1 \u226 ?rgul I
nterna\uc1 \u355 ?ional; alt\uc1 \u259 ? lume, mai bun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par
}\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \ri
n0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lang
np1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \lo
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ? putea

aduce la dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, la birou, diverse obiecte greu de g\uc1 \u259
?sit, s\uc1 \u259 ? alege\uc1 \u355 ?i? murmur\uc1 \u259 ? el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af
4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pa
rd \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \
cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp10
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Fu stabilit\uc1 \u259 ? o \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \
u226 ?lnire pentru ora dou\uc1 \u259 ?. Va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nchi
d\uc1 \u259 ? magazinul, realiz\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?nchise t
elefonul. Nu-i de ales. Trebuie p\uc1 \u259 ?s-trat\uc1 \u259 ? bun\uc1 \u259 ?v
oin\uc1 \u355 ?a unor asemenea clien\uc1 \u355 ?i; afacerile de ei depind.}{\fs2
3 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \l
in0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \lang
np1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang104
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cum st\uc1 \u259 ?tea tremur\uc1 \u
226 ?nd, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du seama c\uc1 \u259 ? cineva \u
c1 \u8211 ? o pereche de tineri \uc1 \u8211 ? intrase \uc1 \u238 ?n magazin. Tin
eri, b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat \uc1 \u351 ?i femeie, am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi chipe\uc1 \u351
?i, bine \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u355 ?i. Ideal. Se lini\uc1 \u351 ?t
i \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?or, z\uc1 \u226 ?
mbind profesio-nal c\uc1 \u259 ?tre ei. Erau apleca\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? c
erceteze o vitrin\uc1 \u259 ?, puseser\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?na pe o scrumier
\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?toare. C\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \
u259 ?tori\uc1 \u355 ?i, ghici el. Locuiesc \uc1 \u238 ?n City of the Winding Mi
sts, \uc1 \u238 ?n noile apartamente de lux de pe Skyline, cu vedere c\uc1 \u259
?tre Belmont.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidct
lpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch
\af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs2
3 \cf1 Bun\uc1 \u259 ? ziua, zise, \uc1 \u351 ?i se sim\uc1 \u355 ?i mai bine.}{
p1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustrigh
t \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \
langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
g1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i z\uc1 \u2
26 ?mbir\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? pic de superioritate, numai amab
ilitate. Vitri-nele lui, care \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r erau cele mai bu
ne din genul lor de pe Coast\uc1 \u259 ?, le impuseser\uc1 \u259 ? oarecare resp
ect; v\uc1 \u259 ?zu asta \uc1 \u351 ?i le fu recunosc\uc1 \u259 ?-tor. Ei \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?ele-ser\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Piese \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r excelen
te, domnule, zise t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
och \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi56
\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfe
np1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Childan se \uc1 \u238 ?nclin\uc1 \u259 ? spontan.}{\fs24 \dbc
h \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par
}\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \r
in0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lan
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ochii lor, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lzi\
uc1 \u355 ?i nu numai de \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegere omeneasc\uc1 \u259 ? c
i \uc1 \u351 ?i de \uc1 \u238 ?n-c\uc1 \u226 ?ntarea \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?r
t\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de obiectele
de art\uc1 \u259 ? pe care le vindea el, de gusturile \uc1 \u351 ?i satisfac\uc1
\u355 ?iile lor comune, r\uc1 \u259 ?maser\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u355 ?inti\uc1 \u
355 ?i asupra lui; \uc1 \u238 ?i mul\uc1 \u355 ?umeau pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? avea
asemenea lucruri pe care s\uc1 \u259 ? le priveasc\uc1 \u259 ? ei, s\uc1 \u259 ?
le ia \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? le e
xamineze, s\uc1 \u259 ? le \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ? pe toate p\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u355 ?ile, poate chiar f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? cumpere.
Da, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, \uc1 \u351 ?tiu \uc1 \u238 ?n ce fel de magazin se afl\
uc1 \u259 ?; nu-i dughean\uc1 \u259 ? cu prostioare pentru turi\uc1 \u351 ?ti: f
\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?cu\uc1 \u355 ?e din lemn de sequoia pe c
are scrie MUIR WOODS, MARIN COUNTY, S.P.A.}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \l
och \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16
\li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch
\af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs
15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langn
p1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang10
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Statele Pacifice ale Americii}}}{\
1033 \cf1 , sau zdr\uc1 \u259 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?nele nostime, sau cercei pentru fet
i\uc1 \u355 ?e, sau c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i po\uc1 \u351 ?tale cu imaginea P
odului}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3
\super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar
\adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang103
3 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbc
h \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\
1033 \cf1 Golden Gate Bridge}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 . Ochii fetei mai ales, mari, negri.
Ce u\uc1 \u351 ?or, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Childan, m-a\uc1 \u351 ? putea \uc1 \u23
8 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti de o fat\uc1 \u259 ? ca asta. Ce tragic\uc1 \u259 ? mi-a
r fi via\uc1 \u355 ?a atunci; ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum n-ar fi deja destul de rea. P
\uc1 \u259 ?rul negru, elegant, unghiile f\uc1 \u259 ?cute, urechile cu g\uc1 \u
259 ?uri pentru cerceii lungi, din alam\uc1 \u259 ?, lucra\uc1 \u355 ?i de m\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0
\nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212
? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \lan
gfenp1033 \cf1 Cerceii dumitale, murmur\uc1 \u259 ? el. Cump\uc1 \u259 ?ra\uc1 \
u355 ?i de aici, oare?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
gfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, zise ea. De acas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Childan d\uc1 \u259 ?du din cap. Nu-s obiecte de art\uc1 \u25
9 ? american\uc1 \u259 ? contem-poran\uc1 \u259 ?; doar trecutul putea fi reprez
entat aici, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un astfel de magazin ca al lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \
plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpa
t16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sta\uc1 \u355 ?i mult aici?
\uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?. La noi, \uc1 \u238 ?n San Francisco?}{\fs24 \dbch
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sunt det}{\fs24 \dbc
h \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1
a\uc1 \u351 ?at pentru o perioad\uc1 \u259 ? nedefinit\uc1 \u259 ?, zise b\uc1
\u259 ?rbatul. Cu Comisia de Evaluare a Proiectului privind Nivelul de Via\uc1 \
u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n zonele Dezavantajate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain
\fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \
itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langf
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? i se citea m\uc1 \u226 ?n
dria. Nicidecum cazn\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu a r\uc1 \u259 ?canilor necio-pli\uc1 \u355
?i, care mestec\uc1 \u259 ? gum\uc1 \u259 ?, cu mutrele lor lacome de \uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u259 ?rani, f\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?indu-se pe Market Stree
t}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \supe
r1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adj
ustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \la
ngnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af
4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24
\cf1 Arter\uc1 \u259 ? principal\uc1 \u259 ?, loc tradi\uc1 \u355 ?ional de prom
enad\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n San Francisco}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \lo
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 , holb\uc1 \u226 ?nd
u-se la spectacolele deo-cheate, la filmele sexy, c\uc1 \u259 ?sc\uc1 \u226 ?nd
gura prin pasajele str\uc1 \u226 ?mte, prin barurile de noapte ief-tine cu fotog
rafii de blonde \uc1 \u238 ?ntre dou\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u226 ?rste \uc1 \u355 ?i
n\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i sf\uc1 \u226 ?rcurile \uc1 \u238 ?n-tre degetele
lor zb\uc1 \u226 ?rcite \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u226 ?njind... la locuin\uc1 \u355
?ele mizere, cu muzic\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?gioas\uc1 \u259 ? de
jazz, care alc\uc1 \u259 ?tuiesc cea mai mare parte a zonei f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? co-line din San Francisco \uc1 \u8211 ? bar\uc1 \u259 ?ci \uc1 \u351 ?ub
rede din cutii de conserve \uc1 \u351 ?i sc\uc1 \u226 ?n-duri, care r\uc1 \u259
?s\uc1 \u259 ?riser\uc1 \u259 ? din ruine \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238
?nainte s\uc1 \u259 ? cad\uc1 \u259 ? ultima bom-b\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu \uc1 \u8211 ?
omul apar\uc1 \u355 ?inea elitei. Cult, instruit, chiar mai mult dec\uc1 \u226
?t domnul Tagomi, care \uc1 \u238 ?n defi-nitiv era un \uc1 \u238 ?nalt demnitar
, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u206 ?nalta Misiune Co-mer-cial\uc1 \u259 ? de pe Coasta P
acificului. Tagomi era \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?rst\uc1 \u259 ?. Atitudinile i
se formaser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul Guvernului Militar.}{\fs24 \dbch \
1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u355 ?i fi dori
t ni\uc1 \u351 ?te obiecte de art\uc1 \u259 ? etnografic\uc1 \u259 ? american\uc
1 \u259 ? tra-di\uc1 \u355 ?io-nal\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru cadouri? \uc1 \u238 ?ntre
b\uc1 \u259 ? Childan. Sau poate ca s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? decora\uc1 \u355
?i no-ul apartament pentru c\uc1 \u226 ?t sta\uc1 \u355 ?i aici?}{\fs24 \dbch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? era vorba de aceasta din urm
\uc1 \u259 ?... inima \uc1 \u238 ?i zv\uc1 \u226 ?cni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Presupunere exact\uc1 \u259 ?, sp
use fata. \uc1 \u206 ?ncepem decorarea. Un pic ne-deci\uc1 \u351 ?i. Crede\uc1 \
u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? ne pute\uc1 \u355 ?i ajuta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ? putea aranja s\uc1 \u259
? vin la dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? acas\uc1 \u259 ?, da, zise Chil-dan. S\uc1 \u
259 ? iau cu mine c\uc1 \u226 ?teva mostre, s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? pot suge
ra \uc1 \u238 ?n context, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum dori\uc1 \u355 ?i dumneavoastr\uc1
\u259 ?. Este, desigur, specialitatea noas-tr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i l\uc1 \u259 ?s\u
c1 \u259 ? ochii \uc1 \u238 ?n jos, pentru a-\uc1 \u351 ?i ascunde speran\uc1 \u
355 ?a. Putea fi vorba de mii de dolari.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Primesc o mas\uc1 \u259 ? New England, ar\uc1 \
u355 ?ar, \uc1 \u238 ?ncheiat\uc1 \u259 ? numai \uc1 \u238 ?n lemn, f\uc1 \u259
?r\uc1 \u259 ? cuie. Imens\uc1 \u259 ? frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i valoar
e. \uc1 \u350 ?i o oglind\uc1 \u259 ? din vremea R\uc1 \u259 ?zbo-iului din 1812
. De asemenea, art\uc1 \u259 ? indigen\uc1 \u259 ?: c\uc1 \u226 ?teva covoare di
n p\uc1 \u259 ?r de capr\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n culori vegetale.}{\fs24 \dbc
gnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \l
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Eu unul, zise b\uc1
\u259 ?rbatul, prefer arta citadin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
\langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \l
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, f\uc1 \u259 ?cu Childan cu entuzias
m. Asculta\uc1 \u355 ?i, domnule. Am o pic-tur\uc1 \u259 ? mural\uc1 \u259 ?, di
n anii '30, pe lemn, patru panouri, \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1
\u351 ?\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l pe Hor}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 -ace Greeley}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2
\hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \par
d \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \ita
gfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \l
ang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af6 \lo
ch \f6 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ziarist \uc1 \u351 ?
i lider politic american }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1048 \lang
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 (1811 \uc1 \u8211 ? 1872)}}}{\fs24 \dbch \
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ,
pies\uc1 \u259 ? de colec\uc1 \u355 ?ie de valoare inestimabil\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs
33 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \
33 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O, f\uc1 \u2
59 ?cu b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul cu ochii lui negri \uc1 \u238 ?n fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1
\u259 ?ri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar
\adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4
\lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
och \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \d
bch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \c
f1 \uc1 \u350 ?i un fonograf Victrola, de la 1920, montat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o como
d\uc1 \u259 ? l\uc1 \u259 ?cu-it\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
ngfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lang
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O!}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i, domnule, asculta\uc1 \u355 ?i: }
{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \la
ngfenp1033 \cf1 pictur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nr\uc1 \u259 ?mat\uc1 \u259 ?, se
mnat\uc1 \u259 ? de Jean Har-low}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \
lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0
\lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hic
h \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \
super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af6 \loch \f6 \lang1048 \langnp
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Actri\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? american\uc1 \
u259 ? din perioada filmului mut (1911 \uc1 \u8211 ? 1937)}}}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \a
f4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 .}{
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 B\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul f\uc1 \u259
?cu ochii mari.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowid
h \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\f
s24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1
033 \cf1 Facem aranjamentele? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Childan, prinz\uc1 \
u226 ?nd corect mo-mentul psihologic. \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i scoase din buzun
arul interior al hainei pixul \uc1 \u351 ?i carne\uc1 \u355 ?elul.}{\fs24 \dbch
\af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }
\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin
0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
p1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loc
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi n
otez numele \uc1 \u351 ?i adresa dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, domnule \uc1 \u351 ?i
doamn\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \no
widctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \
loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hic
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u
259 ? aceea, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd perechea ie\uc1 \u351 ?i agale din magazinul lui, C
hildan st\uc1 \u259 ?tu, cu m\uc1 \u226 ?inile la spate, privind \uc1 \u238 ?n s
trad\uc1 \u259 ?. Bucurie. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? toate zilele de afaceri ar fi ca asta
... dar era mai mult dec\uc1 \u226 ?t o afacere, era succesul magazinului lui. A
fost o \uc1 \u351 ?ans\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? intre \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o rela\u
c1 \u355 ?ie social\uc1 \u259 ? cu o t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? per
eche de japonezi, acceptat mai degrab\uc1 \u259 ? ca om dec\uc1 \u226 ?t ca }{\i
1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langf
enp1033 \cf1 yankeu, }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp10
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 sau \uc1 \u351 ?i mai bine, ca negustor de obi
ecte de art\uc1 \u259 ?. Da, tinerii de azi, din genera\uc1 \u355 ?ia care se ri
dic\uc1 \u259 ? acum, care nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i aduc aminte de vre-murile dinainte d
e r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi sau chiar de r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiul \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u8211 ? erau speran\uc1 \u355 ?a omenirii. Diferen\uc1 \u355 ?ele dintre
pozi\uc1 \u355 ?iile sociale nu aveau semnifica\uc1 \u355 ?ie pen-tru ei.}{\fs2
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se va sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?i,
se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Childan. C\uc1 \u226 ?ndva. \uc1 \u206 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i ideea de pozi\uc1 \u355 ?ie so-cial\uc1 \u259 ?. Nici guvernan\uc1 \u35
5 ?i, nici guverna\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u8211 ? oameni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain
\fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \i
tap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
angfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i tremura de fric\uc1 \u25
9 ?, imagin\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se cum le va bate la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1
\u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i examin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nsemn\uc1 \u259 ?rile. Famil
ia Kasoura. Odat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndo-ial\uc1 \u259 ?, i s-ar oferi ceai. Ar face oare totul c
um se cuvine? Ar \uc1 \u351 ?ti gestul \uc1 \u351 ?i vorbele potrivite fiec\uc1
\u259 ?rui moment? Ori s-ar umple de ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine, ca un bar-bar, prin cine
\uc1 \u351 ?tie ce gre\uc1 \u351 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ? nefericit\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pe fat\uc1 \u259 ? o chema Betty. C\
uc1 \u226 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegere pe chipul ei, se g\uc1
\u226 ?ndi. O-chii bl\uc1 \u226 ?nzi, plini de simpatie. Desigur, chiar \uc1 \u
351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul scurt c\uc1 \u226 ?t a stat \uc1 \u238 ?n magazin, \
uc1 \u238 ?i citise n\uc1 \u259 ?zuin\uc1 \u355 ?ele \uc1 \u351 ?i ne\uc1 \u238
?mplinirile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
e1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlp
ar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \a
f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5

\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Speran\uc1 \u355
?ele lui... se sim\uc1 \u355 ?i deodat\uc1 \u259 ? ame\uc1 \u355 ?it. Ce aspira\
uc1 \u355 ?ii vecine cu nebunia, dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu sinuciga\uc1 \u351 ?e, avea
el? Dar, se \uc1 \u351 ?tia, rela\uc1 \u355 ?iile dintre ja-ponezi \uc1 \u351 ?i
}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \
langfenp1033 \cf1 yankei, }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lan
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n general, erau \uc1 \u238 ?n
tre b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?i japonezi \uc1 \u351 ?i femei }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch
yankee. }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe103
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Asta... ideea \uc1 \u238 ?l f\uc1 \u259 ?cu s\uc1 \u259 ?-\
uc1 \u351 ?i piard\uc1 \u259 ? curajul. \uc1 \u350 ?i mai era \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc
1 \u259 ?rita-t\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i goni din minte procesiune
a g\uc1 \u226 ?ndurilor involuntare \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259
? deschid\uc1 \u259 ? preocupat po\uc1 \u351 ?ta de diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u25
9 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
angfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adju
stright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang
1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Descoperi c\uc1 \u259 ? \
uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i tremurau m\uc1 \u226 ?inile. Apoi \uc1 \
u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aduse aminte de \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnirea de la ora d
ou\uc1 \u259 ?, cu domnul Tagomi; \uc1 \u238 ?n acel moment, m\uc1 \u226 ?inile
\uc1 \u238 ?ncetar\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-i mai tremure \uc1 \u351 ?i nervozi
tatea i se transform\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?re. T
rebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fac o propunere acceptabil\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u
351 ?i spuse. Unde? Cum? Ce? Un telefon. Ponturi. Abilitate \uc1 \u238 ?n afacer
i. S\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? rost de un Ford 1929 perfect recondi\uc1 \u355
?ionat, inclusiv capot\uc1 \u259 ? din material textil (negru). Un avion trimoto
r de po\uc1 \u351 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?, original, nou-nou\uc1 \u355 ?, ambalat cu totu
l, descope-rit \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un hangar din Alabama etc. S\uc1 \u259 ? scoat\uc
1 \u259 ? la iveal\uc1 \u259 ? capul mumifi-cat al domnului B. Bill}{\cs15 \fs24
\dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\fo
otnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0
\rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
fe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \
loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
ch \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \super1 1
enp1033 \cf1 Buffalo Bill (1848 \uc1 \u8211 ? 1917), figur\uc1 \u259 ? aproape
legendar\uc1 \u259 ? american\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u355 ?inta\uc1 \u351 ? redutabi
l}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \la
ngfenp1033 \cf1 , cu tot cu fire de p\uc1 \u259 ?r alb, senza\uc1 \u355 ?ional p
rodus artizanal american. S\uc1 \u259 ? fac s\uc1 \u259 ? circule reputa\uc1 \u3
55 ?ia mea de fin cunosc\uc1 \u259 ?tor prin tot Pacificul, nel\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1
\u226 ?nd deoparte nici Home Islands}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \
af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0
\ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4
\hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \f
s20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1048 \l
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Japonia}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 .}{\fs24 \dbch \a
f4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\p
ard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0
\cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ca s\uc1 \u259 ? se inspire, aprinse o \uc1 \
u355 ?igar\uc1 \u259 ? cu marihuana, excelenta marc\uc1 \u259 ? Land-O-Smiles.}{
g1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0
\af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs2
3 \cf1 *}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
3 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \
adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \
lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
h \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567
\li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \f
s20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp
1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
angfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langn
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n camera lui de pe Hayes Street, Frank Frin
k st\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?ntins \uc1 \u238 ?n pat, \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \
u226 ?ndu-se cum s\uc1 \u259 ? se scoale. Soarele str\uc1 \u259 ?lucea prin jalu
zele peste mormanul de haine c\uc1 \u259 ?zute pe du\uc1 \u351 ?umea. Ca \uc1 \u
351 ?i ochelarii. S\uc1 \u259 ? calce pe ele? S\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerce s
\uc1 \u259 ? ajung\uc1 \u259 ? la baie pe cealalt\uc1 \u259 ? rut\uc1 \u259 ?, s
e g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. T\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ? sau de-a rostogolul.
Capul \uc1 \u238 ?l durea, dar nu era trist. Nu te uita nicio-da-t\uc1 \u259 ? \
uc1 \u238 ?napoi, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?. Ora? Ceasul pe servant\uc1 \u259
?. Unsprezece treizeci! Doamne! De-ar r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ne tot \uc1 \u2
38 ?ntins.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sunt concediat, se
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ieri, o f\uc
1 \u259 ?cuse lat\uc1 \u259 ? la fabric\uc1 \u259 ?. Vorbise gura f\uc1 \u259 ?r
\uc1 \u259 ? el \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a domnului Wyndam-Matson, care avea
o fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? turtit\uc1 \u259 ? ca o farfurie \uc1 \u351 ?}{\fs2
3 \cf1 i un nas }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \l
angfe1024 \langfenp1024 \cf1 \uc1 \u224 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 la Socrate, inel cu diama
nt, \uc1 \u351 ?i fermoare din aur la prohab. Cu alte cuvin-te, o putere. Un tro
n. G\uc1 \u226 ?ndurile lui Frink o luar\uc1 \u259 ? razna, ame\uc1 \u355 ?ite.}
np1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustrig
ht \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033
\langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, iar a
cum m\uc1 \u259 ? vor pune pe lista neagr\uc1 \u259 ?; cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin-\uc1
\u355 ?ele mele practice n-au nici o valoare \uc1 \u8211 ? n-am nici o c\uc1 \u2
59 ?utare. Cincisprezece ani de experien\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Du\uc1 \u351 ?
i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \lan
gfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjust
right \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang10
33 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Iar acum ar trebui s\uc1 \u
259 ? se prezinte la Comisia de Atestare a Munci-to-rilor pentru a i se revizui
\uc1 \u238 ?ncadrarea. Cum el nu fusese niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n stare
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleag\uc1 \u259 ? rela\uc1 \u355 ?iile l
ui Wyndam-Matson cu pinocii \uc1 \u8211 ? guvernul marionet\uc1 \u259 ?, format
din albi, de la Sacramento \uc1 \u8211 ? nu-i putea aprecia fos-tului lui patron
puterea de a influen\uc1 \u355 ?a adev\uc1 \u259 ?-rata autoritate, pe japo-nez
i. C.A.M.}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \c
f3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctl
par \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang
1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \
dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033
enp1033 \cf1 Comisia de Atestare a Muncitorilor}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 era administrat\u
c1 \u259 ? de pinoci. Ar avea de-a face cu patru sau cinci mutre dolofane, de al
bi \uc1 \u238 ?ntre dou\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u226 ?rste la ordinele lui Wyn-dam-Ma
tson. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?ea s\uc1 \u259 ? ob\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u
259 ? atestarea acolo, trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i fac\uc1 \u259 ? drum
la una dintre Misiu-nile Comerciale de Import-Export care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351
?i aveau sediul \uc1 \u238 ?n Tokyo \uc1 \u351 ?i care avea ofi\uc1 \u355 ?eri
pretutindeni \uc1 \u238 ?n California, Oregon, Washington \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u2
38 ?n p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile din Nevada incluse \uc1 \u238 ?n Statele Pac
ifice ale Americii. Iar dac\uc1 \u259 ? acolo rata cu succes pledoaria...}{\fs24
\par }\pard \plain \s17 \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustrigh
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 St\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u23
8 ?ntins \uc1 \u238 ?n pat \uc1 \u351 ?i privind la vechea lustr\uc1 \u259 ? din
tavan, prin min-te \uc1 \u238 ?i b\uc1 \u226 ?ntuiau planuri peste planuri. Se
putea, de pild\uc1 \u259 ?, stre-cura dincolo, \uc1 \u238 ?n Statele Mun\uc1 \u3
55 ?ilor St\uc1 \u226 ?nco\uc1 \u351 ?i. Dar erau \uc1 \u238 ?n rela\uc1 \u355 ?
ii destul de bu-ne cu S.P.A. \uc1 \u351 ?i ar putea fi extr\uc1 \u259 ?dat. Dar
\uc1 \u238 ?n Sud? Corpul i se scutur\uc1 \u259 ? de oroare. Uh! Asta nu. Ca alb
, ar avea spa\uc1 \u355 ?iu din bel\uc1 \u351 ?ug, de fapt mai mult dec\uc1 \u22
6 ?t are aici, \uc1 \u238 ?n S.P.A. Dar... nu-i trebuia genul \uc1 \u259 ?la de
spa\uc1 \u355 ?iu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0
\nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
f4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af6
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \
u350 ?i, cel mai r\uc1 \u259 ?u, Sudul avea o sumedenie de leg\uc1 \u259 ?turi e
conomi-ce, ideologice, \uc1 \u351 ?i Dumnezeu \uc1 \u351 ?tie mai de care, cu Re
ich-ul. Iar Frank Frink era evreu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \l
isb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \a
f4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24
\cf1 Frank Frink era numele lui original. Se n\uc1 \u259 ?scuse pe Coasta de Est
, \uc1 \u238 ?n New York, iar \uc1 \u238 ?n 1941 fusese \uc1 \u238 ?nrolat \uc1
\u238 ?n armata Statelor Unite ale Americii, imediat dup\uc1 \u259 ? colapsul Ru
siei. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce japo-nezii luaser\uc1 \u259 ? Hawaii-ul, fusese trimis
pe Coasta de Vest. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd s-a sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it r\uc1 \u259
?zboiul, se afla acolo, de partea japonez\uc1 \u259 ? a liniei de demarca\uc1 \
u355 ?ie. \uc1 \u350 ?i tot aici se afla \uc1 \u351 ?i azi, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cinc
isprezece ani.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24
\cf1 n 1947, \uc1 \u238 ?n Ziua Capitul\uc1 \u259 ?rii, o luase razna, mai mult
sau mai pu-\uc1 \u355 ?in. Ur\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i pe japonezi a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum \u
c1 \u238 ?i ura el, jurase s\uc1 \u259 ? se r\uc1 \u259 ?zbune; \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ngropase armele din dotare la trei metri sub p\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u226 ?nt, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o pivni\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nf
\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?urate \uc1 \u351 ?i unse bine, pentru ziua c\uc1 \u226 ?
nd avea s\uc1 \u259 ? se ridice, \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu ai lui. Oricu
m, timpul avea darul s\uc1 \u259 ? vindece multe, fapt pe care nu-l pusese la so
coteal\uc1 \u259 ?. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndea acum la imensa baie de
s\uc1 \u226 ?nge, la epur\uc1 \u259 ?rile }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 pinocilor }{\fs24 \db
1 \uc1 \u351 ?i ale st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nilor lor se sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea ca
\uc1 \u351 ?i cum, r\uc1 \u259 ?sfoind un album p\uc1 \u259 ?tat de timp, din v
remea liceului, ar fi dat peste consemnarea aspira\uc1 \u355 ?iilor adolescen\uc
1 \u355 ?ei sale. Frank "Pe\uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u351 ?orul de aur" Frink va fi pa
leontolog \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?duie\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259
? se \uc1 \u238 ?nsoare cu Norma Prout. Norma Prout era }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1031 \langnp1031 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 sch\uc
1 \u246 ?nes}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \l
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
031 \langnp1031 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u228 ?dchen}{\cs15 \fs24 \
dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1031 \langnp1031 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\foot
note \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \
rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \lo
ch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich
\af6 \loch \f6 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Feti\uc1 \u
355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? dr\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? (germ.)}}}{\i1 \fs24
\cf1 }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \super1 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang104
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse leg
\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt de-adev\uc1 \u259 ?ra-telea s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u
238 ?nsoare cu ea. Toate astea erau acum al naibii de departe, la fel de departe
ca a-l asculta pe Fred Allen}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lan
g1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \li
sb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \
af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \sup
er1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af6 \loch \f6 \lang1048 \langnp104
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Actor \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?
re\uc1 \u355 ? american (1894 \uc1 \u8211 ? 1956), \uc1 \u238 ?n vog\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n anii 90}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langn
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 sau a vedea un film cu W. C. Fields}{\cs15
\fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chft
n {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright
\lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich
\af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \a
f6 \hich \af6 \loch \f6 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Act
or american (1879 \uc1 \u8211 ? 1946) de teatru \uc1 \u351 ?i film, considerat a
fi cel mai mare comediant al lumii}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 . Din 1947 \uc1 \u238 ?ncoace,
probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?zuse sau vorbise cu \uc1 \u351 ?a-se sute d
e mii de japonezi, dar dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a violenta pe vreunul dintre ei sau
pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i nu se materializase vreodat\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? pri
mele c\uc1 \u226 ?teva luni. Pur \uc1 \u351 ?i simplu nu mai avea nici un rost.}
np1033 \par }\pard \plain \s17 \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adju
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \lo
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dar, ia stai. A fost
unul, un oarecare domn Omuro, care ob\uc1 \u355 ?inuse cu bani controlul asupra
unei mari p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i a propriet\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ilor de
\uc1 \u238 ?nchiriat din San Francisco, zona central\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i
care fusese pentru un timp proprietarul lui Frank. Era o sc\uc1 \u226 ?rb\uc1 \
u259 ?. Un rechin, care nu f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? repara\uc1 \u3
55 ?ii, mic\uc1 \u351 ?orase din ce \uc1 \u238 ?n ce spa\uc1 \u355 ?iile, sporis
e chiriile... Omuro \uc1 \u238 ?i spoliase pe cei s\uc1 \u259 ?rmani, mai ales p
e fo\uc1 \u351 ?tii militari aproape lefteri, r\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u351 ?omeri \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul crizei de la \uc1 \u238 ?nce-putul anilor cinc
izeci. Oricum, una dintre Misiunile Comerciale japoneze \uc1 \u238 ?i t\uc1 \u25
9 ?iase lui Omuro capul pentru l\uc1 \u259 ?comia lui. Iar acum, nici nu se mai
auzea de o aseme-nea \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lcare a asprelor, rigidelor, dar
justelor legi civile japoneze. Era o m\uc1 \u226 ?ndrie a incoruptibilit\uc1 \u2
59 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii oficialit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ilor de ocupa\uc1 \u355 ?ie
japonez\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n spe-cial a celor care veniser\uc1 \u259 ? dup
\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?derea Guvernului Militar.}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \pla
in \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16
\itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \lan
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Evoc\uc1 \u226 ?nd cinstea col\uc1 \u355 ?uroas\uc1 \
u259 ?, plin\uc1 \u259 ? de stoicism a Misiunii Co-mer-ciale, Frink se sim\uc1 \
u355 ?i mai lini\uc1 \u351 ?tit. Chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i Wyndam-Matson ar fi \uc1 \u
238 ?nl\uc1 \u259 ?tu-rat, ca o musc\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?gioas
\uc1 \u259 ?. C\uc1 \u226 ?t e el de patron la W.-M. Corporation}{\cs15 \fs24 \d
bch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footn
ote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \r
in0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loc
h \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
\af4 \loch \f4 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Wyndam-Matso
n Corporation}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 . Cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, a\uc1 \u351 ?a spera. Cred c
\uc1 \u259 ? am \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n chestia asta cu Alian\uc1 \u3
55 ?a Co-Prosperit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii Pacifice, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
spuse. Ciudat. Privind \uc1 \u238 ?napoi c\uc1 \u259 ?tre zilele de \uc1 \u238
?nceput... p\uc1 \u259 ?ruse o p\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?leal\uc1 \u259 ? sigur\
uc1 \u259 ?, atunci. Propagand\uc1 \u259 ? goal\uc1 \u259 ?. Acum \uc1 \u238 ?ns
\uc1 \u259 ?...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se ridic\uc1 \
u259 ? din pat \uc1 \u351 ?i-\uc1 \u351 ?i g\uc1 \u259 ?si, \uc1 \u351 ?ov\uc1 \
u259 ?itor, drumul spre baie. \uc1 \u206 ?n timp ce-\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?c
u du\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i se b\uc1 \u259 ?rbieri, ascult\uc1 \u259 ? la rad
io \uc1 \u351 ?tirile de la miezul zilei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
np1033 \cf1 "S\uc1 \u259 ? nu ne batem joc de efortul depus", zicea radioul, toc
mai c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?nchidea el apa cald\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, nu ne vom bate, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Frink
cu am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?ciune. \uc1 \u350 ?tia el ce anume efort aveau \u
c1 \u238 ?n minte, la radio. Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, era ceva hazliu \uc1 \u238 ?n as
ta, imaginea nem\uc1 \u355 ?ilor greoi \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?fno
\uc1 \u351 ?i plimb\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se pe Marte, prin nisipul ro\uc1 \u351 ?u pe
care nu mai c\uc1 \u259 ?lcase picior de om. S\uc1 \u259 ?punin-du-se pe obraji,
Frink \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? scandeze o satir\uc1 \u259 ? adresat\uc1
\u259 ? sie\uc1 \u351 ?i. }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Gott, Herr Kreisleiter. Ist dies viel
leicht der Ort wo man das Konzentrationslager bilden Kann? Das Wetter ist so }{\
i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1031 \langnp1031 \langfe1033 \lang
fenp1033 \cf1 sch\uc1 \u246 ?n}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 . Heiss, aber doch }{\i1 \fs24 \d
f1 sch\uc1 \u246 ?n}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
1033 \cf1 Radioul spunea: "Civiliza\uc1 \u355 ?ia Co-Prosperit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \
u355 ?ii trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? se opreasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259
? cump\uc1 \u259 ?neasc\uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu cumva \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1
\u238 ?ncercarea noastr\uc1 \u259 ? de a asigura o echilibrare a \uc1 \u238 ?nda
toririlor \uc1 \u351 ?i obliga\uc1 \u355 ?iilor reciproce cuplate cu remunera\uc
1 \u355 ?iile..." Limbaj tipic pentru ierarhia conduc\uc1 \u259 ?-toare, observ\
uc1 \u259 ? Frink. "...nu am sc\uc1 \u259 ?pat din vedere scena viitorului, pe c
are se vor desf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ura afacerile omului, fie el nordic, japo
nez, negroid..." \uc1 \u350 ?i o \uc1 \u355 ?inu tot a\uc1 \u351 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbc
gnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loc
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 mbr\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1
\u226 ?ndu-se, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i rumeg\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u
226 ?ntat satira. }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vremea este }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1031 \langnp1031 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 sch\uc1 \u246 ?n
}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1031 \langnp1031 \cf3 \super
1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adju
stright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \lan
gnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4
\hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }}}{\i1 \
1033 \cf1 , at\uc1 \u226 ?t de }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
1031 \langnp1031 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 sch\uc1 \u246 ?n}{\i1 \fs24 \dbc
. Dar n-am ce respira.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \s17 \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \
lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
ch \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 {\fs24 \
dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \
cf1 Oricum, era cert: Pacificul nu f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse nimic pentru a coloniza alt
e planete. Fusese implicat \uc1 \u8211 ? mai degrab\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u226 ?r\u
c1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n Africa de Sud. \uc1 \u206 ?n timp ce nem
\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?deau zor cu enormele sisteme roboti-za
te de cons-truc\uc1 \u355 ?ie spa\uc1 \u355 ?ial\uc1 \u259 ?, japonezii \uc1 \u2
38 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? mai ardeau junglele din interiorul Bra-ziliei, \uc1 \u238 ?n\
uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?nd blocuri de apartamente, cu opt nive-luri,
din c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?mid\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru fo\uc1 \u351 ?tii v\uc1 \
u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?tori de capete. P\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? lans
eze japonezii prima lor nav\uc1 \u259 ? spa\uc1 \u355 ?ial\uc1 \u259 ?, nem\uc1
\u355 ?ii vor \uc1 \u355 ?ine \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u23
8 ?ntregul sistem solar. \uc1 \u206 ?n vremu-rile ciudate de demult, din c\uc1 \
u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile de istorie, nem\uc1 \u355 ?ii o zb\uc1 \u226 ?rci-ser\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce restul Europei \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i des\uc1
\u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ea imperiile coloniale. Ori-cum, re-flect\uc1
\u259 ? Frink, de data asta nu mai aveau s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226
?n\uc1 \u259 ? de c\uc1 \u259 ?ru\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?; \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u
259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?a-ser\uc1 \u259 ? lec\uc1 \u355 ?ia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \a
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \p
lain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat
33 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \l
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Apoi se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi la Africa \uc1 \u351 ?i la
experimentele naziste de acolo. Iar s\uc1 \u226 ?ngele i se opri \uc1 \u238 ?n
vene, ezit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, \u
c1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i relu\uc1 \u259 ? curgerea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ruina aceea uria\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pust
ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
ngfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjus
tright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Radioul zicea:"... trebuie
, oricum, s\uc1 \u259 ? ne m\uc1 \u226 ?ndrim cu accentul pus de noi pe nevoile
fundamentale fizice ale popoarelor de pretutindeni, pe aspira\uc1 \u355 ?iile lo
r spirituale care trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fie..."}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
langfenp1033 \cf1 Frink \uc1 \u238 ?nchise radioul. Apoi, mai calm, \uc1 \u238 ?
l deschise iar.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cristos e \uc1
\u238 ?n bud\uc1 \u259 ?, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Africa. Pentru spiritele triburi
lor moar-te. Nimicite pentru a face un teritoriu de... ce? Cine \uc1 \u351 ?tia?
Poate nici mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii arhitec\uc1 \u355 ?i din Berlin nu \uc1 \u351 ?t
iau. O adun\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? de robo\uc1 \u355 ?i, construind \uc1 \u3
51 ?i tr\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u226 ?nd aiurea clopotele. Construind? D\uc1 \u259 ?r
\uc1 \u226 ?-m\uc1 \u226 ?nd la p\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u226 ?nt. C\uc1 \u259 ?pc\u
c1 \u259 ?uni sco\uc1 \u351 ?i dintr-o expozi\uc1 \u355 ?ie paleontologic\uc1 \u
259 ?, av\uc1 \u226 ?nd drept sarcin\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? d
in \uc1 \u355 ?easta du\uc1 \u351 ?manului cup\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga
familie scobin-du-i cu h\uc1 \u259 ?rnicie con\uc1 \u355 ?inutul \uc1 \u8211 ? c
reierii cruzi \uc1 \u8211 ? ca mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? m\u
c1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?nce. Apoi unelte folositoare din ciolane. Chibzuit, s\uc1
\u259 ? te g\uc1 \u226 ?nde\uc1 \u351 ?ti nu numai s\uc1 \u259 ?-i m\uc1 \u259
?n\uc1 \u226 ?nci pe oamenii care nu \uc1 \u355 ?i-au pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut, dar s\u
c1 \u259 ?-i m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?nci din propriile lor cranii. Tehnicieni
de frunte! Omul preistoric \uc1 \u238 ?n halat alb, steril, de laborator, \uc1 \
u238 ?n laboratorul unei universit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i din Berlin, experi-m
ent\uc1 \u226 ?nd la ce ar putea folosi craniul, pielea, urechile, gr\uc1 \u259
?simea altor oameni. Ja, Herr Doktor. O nou\uc1 \u259 ? folosin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? pentru degetul mare de la picior; vezi bine, se poate acomoda \uc1 \u238
?ncheietura pentru o ac\uc1 \u355 ?ionare ra-pid\uc1 \u259 ? a brichetei. Acum,
numai dac\uc1 \u259 ? Herr Krupp ar putea-o produce \uc1 \u238 ?n cantitatea...
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 G\uc1 \u226 ?ndul \uc1 \u238
?l \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozi: ur}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lang
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ia\uc1 \u351 ?ul canibal din vechime, subuman, prolife-r\uc1 \u226 ?nd acum, conduc\uc1 \u226 ?nd lumea \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc
1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ?. Ne-a luat un milion de ani s\uc1 \u259 ? sc\uc1 \u2
59 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?m de el, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Frink, ca acum s\uc1 \u259 ? revin
\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i nu numai ca adversar... ci ca st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u
226 ?n.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 "... putem depl\uc1 \u
226 ?nge", spunea radioul, vocea burtici}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 lor galbe-ne din Tokyo. Doa
mne, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Frink; \uc1 \u351 ?i noi le spuneam maimu\uc1 \u355 ?e
creve\uc1 \u355 ?ilor \uc1 \u259 ?stora civiliza\uc1 \u355 ?i, cu picioare str\u
c1 \u226 ?mbe, care ar face araga-ze numai ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i topeas
c\uc1 \u259 ? nevestele \uc1 \u238 ?n cear\uc1 \u259 ? de sigiliu."... \uc1 \u35
1 ?i am \uc1 \u351 ?i depl\uc1 \u226 ?ns adese-ori \uc1 \u238 ?n trecut \uc1 \u2
38 ?nfior\uc1 \u259 ?toarea irosire de vie\uc1 \u355 ?i omene\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1
\u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? lupt\uc1 \u259 ? pli-n\uc1 \u259 ? de fanatism, car
e pune cea mai mare parte a oamenilor complet \uc1 \u238 ?n afara comunit\uc1 \u
259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii legale". Ei, japonezii, erau at\uc1 \u226 ?t de tari \uc1 \u
238 ?n legi."... Pen-tru a cita un sf\uc1 \u226 ?nt apusean cunoscut tuturor: }{
\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \lan
gfenp1033 \cf1 La ce i-ar folosi}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 unui om s\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u
226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tige \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga lume dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n sch
imb \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pierde sufletul?" }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \l
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Radioul se opri; Fr
ink, f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i nod la cravat\uc1 \u259 ?, se o
pri \uc1 \u351 ?i el. Era ablu\uc1 \u355 ?iunea de diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259
?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc
1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpac cu ei azi, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du
seama. Pus sau nu pe lis-ta neagr\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru mine ar \uc1 \u238 ?nsemna
moartea s\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sesc teritoriile con-trolate de
japonezi \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? azv\uc1 \u226 ?rl \uc1 \u238
?n Sud sau \uc1 \u238 ?n Europa \uc1 \u8211 ? oriunde \uc1 \u238 ?n Reich.}{\fs
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung la o
\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegere cu b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul Wyndam-Matso
n.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \lan
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ?ezat pe pat, c

u o cea\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ? de ceai c\uc1 \u259 ?ldu\uc1 \u355 ? al\uc1 \u2
59 ?turi, Frink preg\uc1 \u259 ?ti us-tens}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ilele pentru }{\i1 \fs24
\cf1 I}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033
\langfenp1033 \cf1 }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langn
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ching. }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Trase afar\uc1 \u259 ?
din tocul de piele cele patruzeci \uc1 \u351 ?i nou\uc1 \u259 ? de be\uc1 \u355
?i\uc1 \u351 ?oare de coada-\uc1 \u351 ?oricelului. Se concentr\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc
1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ce \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i a-du-n\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u2
26 ?ndurile cum se cuvine \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i formul\uc1 \u2
59 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?rile. Spuse cu voce tare:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cum s\uc1 \u259 ?-l iau pe W
yndam-Matson ca s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?mpac cu el?
enp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adj
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Scrise \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb
area pe t\uc1 \u259 ?bli\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, apoi \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \
u259 ? treac\uc1 \u259 ? beti\uc1 \u351 ?oarele de coada-\uc1 \u351 ?oricelului
dintr-o m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-alta, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u25
9 ? ce-i ie\uc1 \u351 ?i prima linie, \uc1 \u238 ?n-ceputul. Un opt. Jum\uc1 \u2
59 ?tate din cele \uc1 \u351 ?aizeci \uc1 \u351 ?i patru de hexagrame deja elimi
nate. Desp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i beti\uc1 \u351 ?oarele \uc1 \u351 ?i ob\uc1
\u355 ?inu cea de-a doua linie. Cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd, fiind at\uc1 \u226 ?t de exp
ert, avu toate \uc1 \u351 ?ase liniile; hexagrama \uc1 \u238 ?i st\uc1 \u259 ?te
a \uc1 \u238 ?nainte \uc1 \u351 ?i nu avea nevoie s-o identifice cu ajutorul tab
elului. Putea recunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?n ea Hexagrama Cincispre-zece. C
h'ien. Modestia. Ah. Cel umil va fi \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?at, ce
l seme\uc1 \u355 ? va fi dobor\uc1 \u226 ?t, familiile puternice smerite; nu tre
buia s\uc1 \u259 ? se mai uite pe text \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u351 ?t
ia pe dinafar\uc1 \u259 ?. Semn bun. Oracolul \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?-dea av
iz favorabil. \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, era pu\uc1 \u355 ?in dezam\uc1 \u
259 ?git. Era ceva stupid cu Hexagrama Cincisprezece. Prea bun\uc1 \u259 ?. }{\i
enp1033 \cf1 Natural }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp10
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 c\uc1 \u259 ? va fi modest. Proba-bil con\uc1
\u355 ?inea ea vreo idee, oricum. \uc1 \u206 ?n definitiv, el nu avea nici o put
ere asupra b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nului W.-M. Nu-l putea sili s\uc1 \u259 ?l primeasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?napoi. Tot ce putea face era s\uc1 \u259 ? ad
opte punctul de vedere al Hexagramei Cincispre-ze-ce; era genul de situa\uc1 \u3
55 ?ie \uc1 \u238 ?n care cineva trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? solicite, s\uc1 \u259 ? s
pere, s\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tepte cu credin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Cerul,
la timpul potrivit, \uc1 \u238 ?l va \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?a \u
c1 \u238 ?n vechea lui slujb\uc1 \u259 ? sau chiar p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la
ceva mai bun.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu avea de citi
t nici o linie, nici un nou\uc1 \u259 ?, nici un \uc1 \u351 ?ase, era sta-\uc1 \
u355 ?ionar. A\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? t}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 erminase. Nu se trecea \
uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o a doua hexagrama.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
\cf1 O alt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebare, a\uc1 \u351 ?adar. Preg\uc1 \u259 ?
tindu-se, spuse cu voce tare:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0
\lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \h
ich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch
\af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1
\u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe10
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am s-o mai v\uc1 \u259 ?d pe Juliana?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nevast\uc1 \u259 ?-sa. Sau mai bine zis, fosta nev
ast\uc1 \u259 ?. Juliana divor\uc1 \u355 ?ase de el cu un an \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\u
c1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i nu o mai v\uc1 \u259 ?zuse de luni de zile; de fapt nic
i m\uc1 \u259 ?-car nu \uc1 \u351 ?tia unde locuia. Evident, p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ?sise San Francisco. Poate chiar S.P.A. Prietenii lor comuni fie nu \uc1 \
u351 ?tiau, fie nu-i spuneau despre ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u226 ?nui preocupat be\uc1 \u355 ?ele de codi\uc1 \u355 ?a-\uc1
\u351 ?oricelului, cu ochii \uc1 \u355 ?int\uc1 \u259 ? la semne. De c\uc1 \u22
6 ?te ori \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebase despre Juliana, despre una sau alta? Uite hexagra
ma, z\uc1 \u259 ?mislit\uc1 \u259 ? prin jocul \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1
\u259 ?rii de tulpinile usca-te de plant\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?nt\uc1 \u226
?mplare, \uc1 \u351 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i av\uc1 \u226 ?nd r\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u2
59 ?cini \uc1 \u238 ?n momentul \uc1 \u238 ?n care tr\uc1 \u259 ?ia el, \uc1 \u2
38 ?n care via\uc1 \u355 ?a lui era legat\uc1 \u259 ? laolalt\uc1 \u259 ? cu toa
te celelalte vie\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i particu-le din univers. Hexagrama ne
cesar\uc1 \u259 ?, descriind \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?ezarea limbilor ei fr\uc
1 \u226 ?nte \uc1 \u351 ?i continue }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 situa\uc1 \u355 ?ia. }{\fs2
3 \cf1 El, Juliana, fabrica de pe Gough Street, Mi-siunile Comerciale care condu
ceau, explo-rarea planetelor, miliardele de gr\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?joare chi
mice din Africa, acum nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car cadavre, n\uc1 \u259 ?zuin\uc1 \u355
?e-le a mii \uc1 \u351 ?i mii din jurul lui \uc1 \u238 ?n cartierele suprapopul
ate, de cocioabe, din San Francisco, creatu-rile demente din Berlin, cu fe\uc1 \
u355 ?ele lor calme \uc1 \u351 ?i planurile lor diabo-lice \uc1 \u8211 ? toate u
nite \uc1 \u238 ?n acest moment al distribuirii be-\uc1 \u355 ?i-\uc1 \u351 ?oar
elor de coada-\uc1 \u351 ?oricelului pentru a se alege exact sentin\uc1 \u355 ?a
potrivi-t\uc1 \u259 ? dintr-o carte care a ap\uc1 \u259 ?rut \uc1 \u238 ?n al t
reisprezecelea secol dinaintea lui Cristos. O carte creat\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u
238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elep\uc1 \u355 ?ii Chinei \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un r\uc1 \u259 ?stim
p de cinci mii de ani, pritocit\uc1 \u259 ?, superb\uc1 \u259 ? cosmologie \uc1
\u8211 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? co
dificat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nainte ca Europa s\uc1 \u259 ? fi \uc1 \u238 ?nv
\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at m\uc1 \u259 ?car s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \
u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?iri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
33 \cf1 Hexagrama. Inima i se opri. Patruzeci \uc1 \u351 ?i patru. Kou. Venind l
a \uc1 \u206 ?n-t\uc1 \u226 ?lnire. Judecata ei lini\uc1 \u351 ?titoare. }{\i1 \
1033 \cf1 Fecioara este puternic\uc1 \u259 ?. S\uc1 \u259 ? nu te \uc1 \u238 ?ns
ori cu o asemenea fecioar\uc1 \u259 ?. }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O mai ob\uc1 \u355 ?inuse \u
c1 \u238 ?n leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu Juliana.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \l
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Oy vey, }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, l\uc1 \u2
59 ?s\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se pe spate. A\uc1 \u351 ?adar nu era bun\uc1 \u259 ? pen-t
ru mine; \uc1 \u351 ?tiu. N-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat asta. De ce trebuie oracolul
s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi amin-teasc\uc1 \u259 ?? Un ghinion c\uc1 \u259 ? am \uc1 \u238
?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnit-o \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? am iubit-o \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1
\u259 ? o iubesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \now
idctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \l
och \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Juliana \uc
1 \u8211 ? cea mai ar\uc1 \u259 ?toas\uc1 \u259 ? femeie cu care se \uc1 \u238 ?
nsurase vreodat\uc1 \u259 ?. Spr\uc1 \u226 ?ncene \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?r n
egru t\uc1 \u259 ?ciune: urme de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge spaniol, distribuite sub form\
uc1 \u259 ? de culoare pur\uc1 \u259 ?, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
la buze. Mersul ei elastic, neauzit; avea sandale uzate care \uc1 \u238 ?i r\uc
1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?seser\uc1 \u259 ? din liceu. De fapt toate hainele ei avea
u un aspect ponosit \uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?deau impresia clar\uc1 \u259 ? c\
uc1 \u259 ? sunt vechi \uc1 \u351 ?i sp\uc1 \u259 ?late des. Fuseser\uc1 \u259 ?
am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi at\uc1 \u226 ?ta timp f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? bani \uc1 \
u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t, \uc1 \u238 ?n ciuda \uc1 \u238 ?n-f\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355
?i\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rii ei, trebuise s\uc1 \u259 ? poarte un jerseu din b
umbac, jachet\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncheiat\uc1 \u259 ? cu fermoar, bluz\uc1 \
u259 ? din p\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ? maronie \uc1 \u351 ?i ciorapi trei-sfertu
ri; \uc1 \u351 ?i-l ur\uc1 \u226 ?se pe el \uc1 \u351 ?i situa\uc1 \u355 ?ia lor
, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? o f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse s\uc1 \u259 ? arate, spusese asta, ca
o ju-c\uc1 \u259 ?-toare de tenis sau (mai r\uc1 \u259 ?u) ca una care aduna ci
uperci prin p\uc1 \u259 ?du-re.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
\langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb
0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4
\hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \db
1 Dar mai presus de orice, fusese atras la \uc1 \u238 ?nceput de expresia ei a-i
u-rit\uc1 \u259 ?; f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nici un motiv, Juliana saluta necu
noscu\uc1 \u355 ?ii cu un z\uc1 \u226 ?mbet plictisit, prevestitor de rele, gen
Mona Lisa, pun\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i \uc1 \u238 ?n dificultate, dac\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ?-i r\uc1 \u259 ?spund\uc1 \u259 ? sau nu. \uc1 \u350 ?i era at\uc1 \u226
?t de atr\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?toare \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t de cele mai
multe ori \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?deau bun\uc1 \u259 ? ziua, cuvinte pe care
Juliana le l\uc1 \u259 ?sa s\uc1 \u259 ? alunece pe l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?
ea. La \uc1 \u238 ?nceput se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndise c\uc1 \u259 ? nu era dec\uc1 \u
226 ?t o priveli\uc1 \u351 ?te nepl\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?, dar \uc1 \u238 ?
n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ? hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?se c\uc1 \u259 ? dovedea
o des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ?, alt-fel bine ascuns\u
c1 \u259 ?, prostie, s\uc1 \u259 ?dit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ea. A\uc1 \u351
?a c\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la urm\uc1 \u259 ? semna-lizarea ei
c\uc1 \u259 ?tre necunoscu\uc1 \u355 ?ii pe care-i saluta \uc1 \u238 ?l enervase
, la fel ca \uc1 \u351 ?i sti-lul ei de a veni \uc1 \u351 ?i a pleca t\uc1 \u259
?cut, ca o plant\uc1 \u259 ?, gen sunt-\uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o-misiune- se-cret\uc1 \
u259 ?. Dar chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i atunci, c\uc1 \u259 ?tre sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u3
51 ?it, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd se certau at\uc1 \u226 ?t de des, el \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u259 ? tot nu vedea \uc1 \u238 ?n ea altceva dec\uc1 \u226 ?t o inven\uc1 \u355
?ie direct\uc1 \u259 ?, copie a lui Dumnezeu, picat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n v
ia\uc1 \u355 ?a lui din ra\uc1 \u355 ?iuni pe care nu avea s\uc1 \u259 ? le afle
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ? \
uc1 \u8211 ? un fel de intui\uc1 \u355 ?ie ori credin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \u
c1 \u238 ?n pri-vin\uc1 \u355 ?a ei \uc1 \u8211 ? nu se putea \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1
\u259 ?ca cu g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul c\uc1 \u259 ? o pierduse.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 P\uc1 \u259 ?rea at\uc1 \u226 ?t de aproape, chiar a
cum... ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum ar mai fi avut-o. Fantoma ei, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u2
59 ? prezent\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?a lui, lip\uc1 \u259 ?ind
cu picioarele goale prin camera lui, ori de c\uc1 \u226 ?te ori citea oracolul.}
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ?ezat pe pat, \uc1
\u238 ?nconjurat de dezordinea deprimant\uc1 \u259 ?, preg\uc1 \u259 ?tin-du-se
s\uc1 \u259 ? ias\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u
238 ?nceap\uc1 \u259 ? ziua, Frank Frink se \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? cine o
are, \uc1 \u238 ?n vastul \uc1 \u351 ?i complicatul San Francisco, mai consult\u
c1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n acest moment oracolul. \uc1 \u350 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1
\u259 ?tau oare r\uc1 \u259 ?spunsuri la fel de triste ca ale lui? Le era Momen
tul tot at\uc1 \u226 ?t de potrivnic ca \uc1 \u351 ?i lui?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \p
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 2}{\fs24 \dbch \a
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 DOMNUL
NOBOSUKE TAGOMI consulta Cartea a Cincea a \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?e-lepciunii,
atribuit\uc1 \u259 ? lui Confucius, oracolul taoist denumit, de secole, }{\i1 \
1033 \cf1 I}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ching }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 sau }{\i1 \fs24 \db
1 Cartea Schimb\uc1 \u259 ?rilor. }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u206 ?n acea zi, la amiaz\u
c1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ncepuse s\uc1 \u259 ? se team\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u238
?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnirea cu domnul Childan, care urma s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ?
loc peste dou\uc1 \u259 ? ore.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1 Birourile lui, de la etajul dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci al Nippon Times Building-ului
de pe Taylor Street d\uc1 \u259 ?deau c\uc1 \u259 ?tre Bay}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \a
f2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \p
ard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \i
angfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4
\lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \
loch \f4 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Golful din San Fra
ncisco}}}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langf
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 . }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \la
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Prin peretele din sticl\uc1 \u259 ? pute
a urm\uc1 \u259 ?ri cum intr\uc1 \u259 ? vapoarele, trec\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe sub Go
lden Gate Bridge. \uc1 \u206 ?n a-cel moment, dincolo de Alcatraz}{\cs15 \fs24 \
\af6 \loch \f6 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Insul\uc1 \
u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n Golful San Francisco, pe care se afl\uc1 \u259 ? o veche fo
rt\uc1 \u259 ?rea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, fost\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nchisoar
e a Statelor Unite}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp104
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 , se vedea un cargou, dar domnului Tagomi nu-i
p\uc1 \u259 ?sa. Duc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se c\uc1 \u259 ?tre perete, cobor\uc1 \u238
? jaluzelele din bam-bus asupra priveli\uc1 \u351 ?tii. \uc1 \u206 ?nc\uc1 \u259
?p\uc1 \u259 ?torul birou central se \uc1 \u238 ?ntunec\uc1 \u259 ?; nu tre-buia s\uc1 \u259 ? fie \uc1 \u238 ?nconjurat de lumina puternic\uc1 \u259 ? de afa
r\uc1 \u259 ?. Acum putea g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi mai limpede.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plai
n \s17 \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbp
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu-i st\uc1 \u259 ?tea lui \uc1 \u238 ?n put
ere, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fac\uc1 \u259 ? pe plac clien
tului. Indi-ferent cu ce venea domnul Childan, clientul nu avea s\uc1 \u259 ? fi
e impresio-nat. Hai s\uc1 \u259 ? spunem lucrurilor pe nume. Dar putea evita s\u
c1 \u259 ? devin\uc1 \u259 ? ne-mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit, cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in.}{\fs2
3 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustrig
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ne putem ab\uc1 \u355 ?ine de
la a-l insulta cu un dar muceg\uc1 \u259 ?it.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Clientul avea s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cur\
uc1 \u226 ?nd pe aeroportul din San Francis-co, la bordul noii \uc1 \u351 ?i apr
eciatei rachete germane, Messers-chmitt 9-E. Domnul Tagomi nu c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1
\u259 ?torise niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? cu o aseme-nea nav\uc1 \u259 ?; c\uc1 \u226
?nd va face cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cu domnul Baynes, va tre
bui s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? grij\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? par\uc1 \u259 ?
langfenp1033 \cf1 blas\uc1 \u233 ?}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 , }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \a
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 oric\uc1 \u226
?t de mare se va v\uc1 \u259 ?di a}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 fi racheta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Acum, la treab\uc1 \u259 ?. Se post\uc1 \u259 ? \
uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a oglinzii de pe peretele biroului \uc1 \u351 ?i-\uc1
\u351 ?i compuse o figur\uc1 \u259 ? calm\uc1 \u259 ?, u\uc1 \u351 ?or plictisi
t\uc1 \u259 ?, cercet\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i proprii-le tr\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc
1 \u259 ?turi reci, pentru a nu se da de gol. Da, domnule Baynes, foarte zgomoto
s, domnule. Nu se poate citi. Dar, la urma ur-mei, zborul de la Stockholm la San
Francisco nu dureaz\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t patruzeci \uc1 \u351 ?i cinci
de mi-nute. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? care, poate, o vorb\uc1 \u259 ? despre e\uc1 \u351 ?
ecurile tehnice ale germa-ni-lor? Presupun c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u355 ?i auzit la
radio. Pr\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?irea aceea deasupra Mada-gas-carului. Trebui
e s\uc1 \u259 ? spun c\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi ceva de zis \uc1 \u238 ?n sprijinul vec
hilor a-vi-oane, cu motor cu piston.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
3 \cf1 Esen\uc1 \u355 ?ial de evitat politica. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu cuno\uc1
\u351 ?tea vederile dom-nu-lui Baynes \uc1 \u238 ?n leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259
? cu cele mai importante evenimente ale zilei. Fiind suedez, domnul Baynes o fi
neutru. Cu toate astea, alesese Luft-hansa \uc1 \u238 ?n loc de S.A.S. O strata
gem\uc1 \u259 ? prudent\uc1 \u259 ?... Dom-nule Baynes, se vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?te c
\uc1 \u259 ? Herr Bormann este cam bolnav. C\uc1 \u259 ? Partei va alege la toam
-n\uc1 \u259 ? un nou Cancelar al Reich-ului. Numai zvonuri? C\uc1 \u226 ?te sec
rete, domnule, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre Pa}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 cific si Reich.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\par
d \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \c
bpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
fe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
3 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n mapa de pe biroul lui, t\
uc1 \u259 ?ieturi din New York Times, dintr-un re-cent discurs al domnului Bayne
s. Domnul Tagomi \uc1 \u238 ?l studia acum cri-tic, aplec\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se, din
cauza unui u\uc1 \u351 ?or defect de corec\uc1 \u355 ?ie al lentile-lor lui de
contact. Discursul avea de a face cu nevoia de a explora \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u25
9 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? a nou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci \uc1 \u351 ?i noua oar
\uc1 \u259 ?? \uc1 \u8211 ? Luna, \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?utarea unor surse d
e ap\uc1 \u259 ?. "Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? rezolv\uc1 \u259 ?m totu\uc1 \u351 ?i ace
ast\uc1 \u259 ? dilem\uc1 \u259 ? care ne fr\uc1 \u226 ?nge inimile", era citat
domnul Baynes. "Cel mai apropiat vecin al nostru \uc1 \u351 ?i deocam-dat\uc1 \u
259 ? cel mai neutilizat, cu excep\uc1 \u355 ?ia scopurilor militare." }{\i1 \fs
33 \cf1 Sic! }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \lang
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi domnul Tagomi, folo-sind un cuv\uc
1 \u226 ?nt latin, elevat. Un indiciu \uc1 \u238 ?n privin\uc1 \u355 ?a domnului
Baynes. Pare a dezaproba tot ce-i militar. Domnul Tagomi lu\uc1 \u259 ?, mental
, not\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ap\uc1 \u25
9 ?s\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe butonul interfonului, domnu}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 l Tagomi spuse:}{\
1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hic
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domni\uc1
\u351 ?oar\uc1 \u259 ? Ephreikian, a\uc1 \u351 ? sugera s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u25
9 ? aduce\uc1 \u355 ?i magnetofo-nul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
33 \cf1 U\uc1 \u351 ?a biroului exterior alunec\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o pa
rte \uc1 \u351 ?i domni\uc1 \u351 ?oara Eph-rei-ki-an, frumos g\uc1 \u259 ?tit\u
c1 \u259 ? ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi cu flori albastre \uc1 \u238 ?n p\uc1 \u259 ?r, ap\
uc1 \u259 ?ru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
3 \cf1 Liliac, observ\uc1 \u259 ? domnul Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
\langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u226 ?ndva, cultivase}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \lo
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 el \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\
uc1 \u351 ?i flori ca profesionist, acas\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n Hokka-ido.}{
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domni\uc1 \u351 ?oara Ephreikia
n, o armeanc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nalt\uc1 \u259 ?, cu p\uc1 \u259 ?r castani
u, se \uc1 \u238 ?nclin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
3 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \l
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Gata cu Zip-Track Speed Master-ul? \uc1 \u238 ?ntre
b\uc1 \u259 ? domnul Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
angnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \
ch \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch
\af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \
u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe103
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, domnule Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
p1033 \cf1 Domni\uc1 \u351 ?oara Ephreikian se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ?, cu m
agnetofonul portabil, cu baterii, preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat oracolu
l: "Va fi util\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnirea de ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi
dintre mine \uc1 \u351 ?i domnul Childan?" \uc1 \u350 ?i am ob\uc1 \u355 ?inut,
spre spaima mea, hexagra-ma prevestitoare de rele Dominat de Cel Puternic. Sche
-letul acoperi-\uc1 \u351 ?ului se \uc1 \u238 ?ncovoaie. Prea mult\uc1 \u259 ? g
reutate la mijloc; cu totul dezechili-brat. Clar, departe de Tao}{\cs15 \fs24 \d
h \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \h
ich \af6 \loch \f6 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Calea ce
a dreapt\uc1 \u259 ?, }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af6 \loch \f6 \lang1048 \langnp1
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n vechea g\uc1 \u226 ?ndire filos
ofic\uc1 \u259 ? chinez\uc1 \u259 ?}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 .}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Magnetofonul f\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u226 ?ia.}{\fs
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Oprindu-se, domnul Tagomi reflect\
uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domni\uc1 \u351 ?
oara Ephreikian \uc1 \u238 ?l urm\uc1 \u259 ?rea, \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?tep
tare. F\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u226 ?itul \uc1 \u238 ?ncet\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Chema\uc1
\u355 ?i-l, v\uc1 \u259 ? rog, pe domnul Ramsey pentru o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, ceru
dom-nul Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
33 \cf1 Da, domnule Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
ngnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \l
isa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hic
h \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ea
se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? jos magnetofonul;
tocurile \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?nir\uc1 \u259 ? c\u
c1 \u226 ?nd p\uc1 \u259 ?-r\uc1 \u259 ?si biroul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Ramsey ap\uc1 \u259 ?ru, cu o map\uc1 \u259 ? mare c
u facturi sub bra\uc1 \u355 ?. T\uc1 \u226 ?-n\uc1 \u259 ?r, z\uc1 \u226 ?mbitor
, \uc1 \u238 ?naint\uc1 \u259 ? purt\uc1 \u226 ?nd cocheta cravat\uc1 \u259 ? di
n \uc1 \u351 ?nur }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 a U.S. Mid-west Plains}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \h
ich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \
plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0
np1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang
1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch
\f4 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Statele Unite ale C\uc1
\u226 ?mpurilor Central-Vestice (engl.)}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 , c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u3
51 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n carouri \uc1 \u351 ?i blugi str\uc1 \u226 ?m\uc1
\u355 ?i, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? curea, conside-ra\uc1 \u355 ?i at\uc1 \u226
?t de \uc1 \u351 ?ic printre cunosc\uc1 \u259 ?torii zilei \uc1 \u238 ?n ale mo
dei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \a
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 'Zi
ua, domnule Tagomi, zise. Chiar c\uc1 \u259 ?-i frumoas\uc1 \u259 ?, domnule.}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi se \uc1 \u238 ?ncl
in\uc1 \u259 ?. La care, domnul Ramsey pufni brusc \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?
nclin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
\uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am consultat oracolul, zise domnul Tagomi \uc1 \u238
?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce dom-ni-\uc1 \u351 ?oara Ephreikian \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351
?i relu\uc1 \u259 ? locul, cu magnetofonul. \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elege\uc1 \
u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? dom-nul Baynes, care, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum \uc1 \u351 ?ti\u
c1 \u355 ?i, va sosi personal \uc1 \u238 ?n cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd, \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\u
c1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i-\uc1 \u351 ?eaz\uc1 \u259 ? ideologia nordic\uc1 \u259 ?
cu privire la a\uc1 \u351 ?a-numita cultur\uc1 \u259 ? oriental\uc1 \u259 ?. A\
uc1 \u351 ? putea face efortul de a-l lumina \uc1 \u238 ?ntru o mai bun\uc1 \u25
9 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegere a operelor de art\uc1 \u259 ? autentice chi
neze\uc1 \u351 ?ti, caligrafie sau ceramic\uc1 \u259 ?, sau a perioadei Tokugawa
de la noi... dar nu este treaba noastr\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? convertim.}{\f
\lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \la
ngnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbc
n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg, spuse domnul Ramsey. Figura lui caucazian\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc
1 \u238 ?ncre-\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o concentrare dureroas\uc1 \u259 ?.}
ng1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \h
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u
351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? ne vom ocupa de prejudec\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile lui \uc
1 \u351 ?i-l vom mitui \uc1 \u238 ?n schimb cu un nepre\uc1 \u355 ?uit obiect de
artizanat american.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
3 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \n
owidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4
\loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ?
enp1033 \cf1 Da.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
033 \cf1 Dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, domnule, sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i de origine americ
an\uc1 \u259 ?. De\uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u355 ?i trecut prin opera\uc1 \u355 ?ia d
e \uc1 \u238 ?nchidere a culorii pielii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
p1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 l cercet\uc1 \u259 ? cu aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie pe dom
nul Ramsey.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpa
r \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af
4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \
cf1 Bronz ob\uc1 \u355 ?inut la lamp\uc1 \u259 ?, murmur\uc1 \u259 ? domnul Rams
ey. Numai pentru a c\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?ta vitamina D.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dar expresia lui de umilin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?l d\uc1 \u259 ?du de gol.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
ang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri
0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbc
h \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\f
033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 V\uc1 \u259 ? asigur c\uc1 \u259 ? de\uc1 \u355 ?
in r\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?cini autentice \uc1 \u238 ?n..., domnul Ramsey se \
uc1 \u238 ?mpiedic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cuvinte. Nu am t\uc1 \u259 ?iat toa
te leg\uc1 \u259 ?turile cu... mo\uc1 \u351 ?teni-rea et-nic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse do

mni\uc1 \u351 ?oarei Ephreikian:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
3 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lis
b0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4
\hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \d
bch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \u
c1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langf
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 V\uc1 \u259 ? rog s\uc1 \u259 ? relua\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\f
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Magnetofonul f\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u
351 ?\uc1 \u226 ?i iar.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212
? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \la
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Consult\uc1 \u226 ?nd oracolul \uc1 \u351 ?i ob\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc
1 \u226 ?nd Hexagrama Ta Kuo, Dou\uc1 \u259 ?-zeci \uc1 \u351 ?i opt, am ob\uc1
\u355 ?inut \uc1 \u238 ?n continuare linia nefavorabil\uc1 \u259 ? nou\uc1 \u259
? pe pozi\uc1 \u355 ?ia a cincea. Care sun\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \pla
\af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Un plop ve\
uc1 \u351 ?ted ofer\uc1 \u259 ? flori,}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
h \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i
enp1033 \cf1 O femeie v\uc1 \u226 ?rstnic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
ia b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
33 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \
nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4
\loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nici
un repro\uc1 \u351 ?. Nici o laud\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 As
ta indic\uc1 \u259 ? limpede c\uc1 \u259 ? domnul Childan nu are nimic de valoare s\uc1 \u259 ? ne ofere la ora dou\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi f\uc1 \u259 ?cu o pauz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \db
ch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \pa
r }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \
rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp103
3 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
ngnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S\uc1 \u259 ? fim
cinsti\uc1 \u355 ?i. Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? pot bizui numai pe propria mea apreci-ere
cu privire la obiectele de art\uc1 \u259 ? americane. De aceea...}{\fs24 \dbch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Z\uc1 \u259 ?bovi, c\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u226
?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i cuvintele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
\langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0
\lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \
hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbc
h \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De aceea, dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, domnule Ramsey, care
sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i, s\uc1 \u259 ? zic, n\uc1 \u259 ?scut aici, deveni\uc1 \u355
?i de ne\uc1 \u238 ?nlocuit. Evident, trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? facem cum putem mai
bine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Ramsey nu avu nim
ic de spus. Dar, \uc1 \u238 ?n ciuda efortu-rilor lui de a ascunde faptul, pe ch
ipul lui se citea jignirea, furia, o reac\uc1 \u355 ?ie mut\uc1 \u259 ? de nemul
\uc1 \u355 ?umire.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{
p1033 \cf1 Acum, zise domnul Tagomi. Am consultat \uc1 \u238 ?n continuare ora-c
olul. Din motive politice, nu v\uc1 \u259 ? pot dezv\uc1 \u259 ?lui, domnule Ram
-sey, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre-barea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
Cu alte cuvinte, sugera tonul, tu \uc1 \u351 ?i ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i pinoci de te
apa ta nu sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u
259 ? vi se \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ?
problemele importante de care ne ocup\uc1 \u259 ?m.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Este suficient s\uc1 \u259 ? spun,
oricum, c\uc1 \u259 ? am primit cel mai incitant r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns. M-a f\uc1 \
u259 ?cut s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung.}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i domnul Ramsey \uc1
\u351 ?i domni\uc1 \u351 ?oara Ephreikian \uc1 \u238 ?l privir\uc1 \u259 ? cu i
nteres.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch
Este \uc1 \u238 ?n leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu domnul Baynes, zis}{\fs24 \
cf1 e domnul Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 D\uc1 \u2
59 ?dur\uc1 \u259 ? din cap.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp104
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ntrebarea mea privitoare la domnul Baynes a pro
dus, prin lucrarea ocult\uc1 \u259 ? a lui Tao, Hexagrama Shung, Patruzeci \uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?ase. O judecat\uc1 \u259 ? bun\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i l
iniile \uc1 \u351 ?ase la \uc1 \u238 ?nceput \uc1 \u351 ?i nou\uc1 \u259 ? pe pa
rtea a doua.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
\loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \d
f1 ntrebarea lui Tagomi fusese: }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang104
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 "Voi putea negocia cu succes cu dom
nul Baynes?", iar nou\uc1 \u259 ? pe pozi\uc1 \u355 ?ia a doua \uc1 \u238 ?l asi
gura c\uc1 \u259 ? da. Adic\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? cineva este
sincer,}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Urmeaz\uc1 \u259
? c\uc1 \u259 ? acela poate aduce \uc1 \u351 ?i o mic\uc1 \u259 ? ofrand\uc1 \u2
59 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
g1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \lo
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nici un repro\uc1 \u
351 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \ad
justright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \la
ng1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \l
i0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs2
33 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \lan
gfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u206 ?n mod evident, domnul Baynes avea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie s
atisf\uc1 \u259 ?cut de orice ca-dou i-ar fi oferit \uc1 \u206 ?nalta Misiune Co
mercial\uc1 \u259 ? prin bunele oficii ale dom-nu-lui Tagomi. Domnul Tagomi \uc1
\u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, pun\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebarea, avusese \uc1 \u
238 ?n minte o alta, mai ad\uc1 \u226 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?, de care \uc1 \u351 ?i el
abia dac\uc1 \u259 ? era con\uc1 \u351 ?tient. Ca de at\uc1 \u226 ?tea ori, orac
olul sesizase problema esen\uc1 \u355 ?ial\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i, r\uc1 \u25
9 ?spunz\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i ce-leilalte, o avusese \uc1 \u238 ?n vedere \uc1 \u351
?i pe aceea subcon-\uc1 \u351 ?tient\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum \uc1 \u351 ?tiu,
zise domnul Tagomi, domnul Baynes ne aduce informa\uc1 \u355 ?ii detaliate asupr
a noii metode de turnare prin injec\uc1 \u355 ?ie, pus\uc1 \u259 ? la punct \uc1
\u238 ?n Suedia. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? reu\uc1 \u351 ?im s\uc1 \u259 ? semn\uc1 \u259
?m acordul cu firma lui, vom putea, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoi
al\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nlocuim multe metale folosite azi, des
tul de rare, cu plasticul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
gnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \li
sa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich
\af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \a
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De
ani de zile, Pacificul \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ? ob\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u2
59 ? un ajutor substan\uc1 \u355 ?ial \uc1 \u238 ?n domeniul materialelor sintet
ice din partea Reich-ului. Oricum, marile cartele chimice germane, mai cu seam\u
c1 \u259 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 I. }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \la
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 G. Farben, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pro
tejeaz\uc1 \u259 ? pa-tentele; creaser\uc1 \u259 ?, de fapt, un monopol mondial
al materialelor plastice, \uc1 \u238 ?n special \uc1 \u238 ?n ob\uc1 \u355 ?iner
ea poliesterilor. Prin aceasta, comer\uc1 \u355 ?ul Reich-ului \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?strase un atu asupra comer\uc1 \u355 ?ului Pacificului, ia
r \uc1 \u238 ?n domeniul teh-nologiilor, Reich-ul era cu cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in ze
ce ani \uc1 \u238 ?n avans.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ra
chetele interplanetare ce p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?seau Festung Europa}{\cs15 \
fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn
{\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \
lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
f4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cetat
ea Europei (germ.)}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp104
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 erau fa-bricate \uc1 \u238 ?n principal din ma
teriale plastice rezistente la tempera-turi \uc1 \u238 ?-nalte, foarte u\uc1 \u3
51 ?oare \uc1 \u351 ?i at\uc1 \u226 ?t de dure \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t f\uc1
\u259 ?ceau fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i ciocnirilor cu meteo
ri\uc1 \u355 ?i mari. Pacificul nu avea nimic de felul \uc1 \u259 ?sta; fibrele
natura-le, ca l\uc1 \u226 ?na, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? se mai foloseau \uc1 \
u351 ?i, desigur, omnipre-zentele metale o-bi\uc1 \u351 ?-nuite. Domnul Tagomi s
e f\uc1 \u259 ?cea mic g\uc1 \u226 ?ndin-du-se la asta; v\uc1 \u259 ?zuse pe la
t\uc1 \u226 ?rgurile comerciale unele dintre reali-z\uc1 \u259 ?rile germane de
ultim\uc1 \u259 ? or\uc1 \u259 ?, inclusiv un automobil fabricat exclusiv din ma
teriale sintetice, D.S.S. -ul \uc1 \u8211 ? Der Schnelle Spuk}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch
\af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote
\pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0
\langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \
f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af
6 \loch \f6 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 N\uc1 \u259 ?lu
ca (germ.)}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langf
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u8211 ? care, v\uc1 \u226 ?ndut \uc1 \u238 ?n mo
ned\uc1 \u259 ? S.P.A., f\uc1 \u259 ?cea cam \uc1 \u351 ?ase sute de dolari.}{\f
033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ns\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebarea lui nerostit\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care nu ar fi putut-o nicio
dat\uc1 \u259 ? dezv\uc1 \u259 ?lui pinocilor care se agitau prin birourile Misi
unii Comer-ciale, era \uc1 \u238 ?n leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu un aspect
privindu-l pe domnul Baynes, sugerat de telegrama codificat\uc1 \u259 ? sosit\uc
1 \u259 ? de la Tokyo. \uc1 \u206 ?nainte de toate, materialele codificate erau
rare \uc1 \u351 ?i se refereau de obicei la probleme de securitate, nu la afacer
i comerciale. Iar cifrul era de tipul metaforic, folosind alu-zia poetic\uc1 \u2
59 ?, adoptat pentru a induce \uc1 \u238 ?n eroare interceptarea Reich-u-lui, ca
re putea sparge orice cod, oric\uc1 \u226 ?t de complicat. Era clar c\uc1 \u259
? auto-ri-t\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile din Tokyo aveau \uc1 \u238 ?n minte Reich
-ul, nu clicile semi-neloiale din New Islands. Fraza cheie, "Laptele cov\uc1 \u2
59 ?sit este dieta lui", se referea la }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pinafore, }{\fs24 \dbch
\af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 c
\uc1 \u226 ?ntecul misterios care dezvolt\uc1 \u259 ? doctrina "...Lucrurile sun
t arareori ceea ce par a fi/ Laptele cov\uc1 \u259 ?sit }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 se d\uc
1 \u259 ? drept }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \l
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 sm\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?". Iar }{\
fenp1033 \cf1 I}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ching, }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \a
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 c\uc1 \u226 ?n
d fusese consultat de domnul Tagomi, \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?ris
e \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elesul. Comen-tariul fusese:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
n \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16
\langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctl
par \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \
af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Aici este vo
rba de un om puternic. Cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat,}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe103
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nu se potrive\uc1 \u351 ?te mediului lui, \uc1 \u238 ?n ace
ea c\uc1 \u259 ? este pre}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 a}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li
0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20
3 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \
langfenp1033 \cf1 lipsit de curtoazie \uc1 \u351 ?i acord\uc1 \u259 ? prea pu\uc
1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie formei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
fenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langf
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dar, av\uc1 \u226 ?nd un caracter corect, ob\uc1 \u355
?ine r\uc1 \u259 ?spunsul...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Semnifica\uc1 \u355 ?ia era, pe scurt, c\uc
1 \u259 ? domnul Baynes nu era ceea ce p\uc1 \u259 ?rea, c\uc1 \u259 ? adev\uc1
\u259 ?ratul scop al venirii lui la San Francisco nu era semnarea unui acord cu
privire la turnarea prin injec\uc1 \u355 ?ie. C\uc1 \u259 ?, de fapt, domnul Bay
nes era spion.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dar, pe via\uc1
\u355 ?a lui, domnul Tagomi nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i putea da seama ce fel de spion, pe
ntru cine sau pentru ce.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
p1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa
0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \
af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0
La unu patruzeci \uc1 \u238 ?n acea dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiaz\uc1 \u259 ?, Robert C
hildan, cu enor-m\uc1 \u259 ? repulsie, \uc1 \u238 ?ncuie u\uc1 \u351 ?a de la i
ntrarea lui American Artistic Handcrafts Inc. \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i t\uc1 \u
226 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? valizele grele pe trotuar, strig\uc1 \u259 ? la un velotaxi \
uc1 \u351 ?i-i spuse chi-nezoiului s\uc1 \u259 ?-l duc\uc1 \u259 ? la Nippon Tim
es Building.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Chinezoiul, sfrij
it, adus de spate \uc1 \u351 ?i asudat, icni \uc1 \u238 ?n semn c\uc1 \u259 ? a
pri-ceput \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncarce bagaj
ele domnului Childan. Apoi, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce-l ajutase pe domnul Childan \uc1
\u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? se a\uc1 \u351 ?eze \uc1 \u238 ?n scaunul
acoperit cu o hus\uc1 \u259 ? din p\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ?, chinezoiul fix\uc
1 \u259 ?, cu un \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?nit, kilometrajul pe zero,
se urc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n scaunul lui \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\
uc1 \u259 ? pedaleze \uc1 \u238 ?n lungul lui Montgomery Street, printre automob
ile \uc1 \u351 ?i autobuze.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u
206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \
langfenp1033 \cf1 ntreaga zi fusese petrecut\uc1 \u259 ? pentru a g\uc1 \u259 ?s
i ceva pentru domnul Ta-gomi, \uc1 \u351 ?i am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea \u
c1 \u351 ?i nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tea aproape \uc1 \u238 ?l cople\uc1 \u351 ?iser\uc
1 \u259 ? pe Childan \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce privea trec\uc1 \u226 ?nd construc\u
c1 \u355 ?iile. \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, triumf. \uc1 \u206 ?ndem\uc1 \u
226 ?na-rea, calitate surprinz\uc1 \u259 ?toare fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de re
stul fiin\uc1 \u355 ?ei lui: g\uc1 \u259 ?si-se lucrul po-trivit \uc1 \u351 ?i d
omnul Tagomi va fi \uc1 \u238 ?mbunat, iar clientul lui, oricine ar fi, va fi ma
i mult dec\uc1 \u226 ?t bucuros. \uc1 \u206 ?ntotdeauna \uc1 \u238 ?i satisfac,
se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Childan. Pe clien\uc1 \u355 ?ii mei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Fusese \uc1 \u238 ?n stare }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 s\uc1 \u259 ?
procure, printr-o minune, un exemplar ca nou din Volumul \uc1 \u206 ?nt\uc1 \u2
26 ?i, Num\uc1 \u259 ?rul Unu, din }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Tip Top Comics. }{\fs24 \dbc
Dat\uc1 \u226 ?nd din anii treizeci, era o pies\uc1 \u259 ? aleas\uc1 \u259 ? a
Americanei; una dintre primele c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i dis-tractive, o pies
\uc1 \u259 ? pre\uc1 \u355 ?uit\uc1 \u259 ? de colec\uc1 \u355 ?ionari, perma-ne
nt solicitat\uc1 \u259 ?. Desi-gur, avea \uc1 \u351 ?i alte obiecte cu el, s\uc1
\u259 ? le arate la \uc1 \u238 ?nceput. Va \uc1 \u238 ?ndrepta lu-cru-rile grad
at c\uc1 \u259 ?tre cartea umoristic\uc1 \u259 ?, ce st\uc1 \u259 ?tea bine prot
ejat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o caset\uc1 \u259 ? din piele, \uc1 \u238 ?mpac
hetat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n foi\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n mijlo
cul valizei celei mari.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Radiou
l velotaxiului tr\uc1 \u226 ?mbi\uc1 \u355 ?a muzic\uc1 \u259 ? popular\uc1 \u25
9 ?, lu\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se la \uc1 \u238 ?n-trecere cu radiourile altor taxiuri,
automobile \uc1 \u351 ?i autobuze. Chil-dan nu auzea; era obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit. N
u observa nici enormele firme de neon cu per-ma-nentele lor reclame acoperind fa
\uc1 \u355 ?adele oric\uc1 \u259 ?rei cl\uc1 \u259 ?diri mai mari. \uc1 \u206 ?n
definitiv, are el \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i propria lui firm\uc1 \u259 ?; no
aptea, se aprindea \uc1 \u351 ?i se stingea laolalt\uc1 \u259 ? cu toate celelal
te din ora\uc1 \u351 ?. Cum altfel s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i faci recla-m\uc1
\u259 ?? Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? fii realist.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
3 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \lang
fenp1033 \cf1 De fapt, rumoarea radiourilor, zgomotele traficului, firmele \uc1
\u351 ?i oa-menii \uc1 \u238 ?l lini\uc1 \u351 ?teau. \uc1 \u206 ?i absorbeau \u
c1 \u238 ?ngrijorarea. \uc1 \u350 ?i era pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut s\uc1 \u259 ? fie pli
m-bat cu bicicleta de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre o alt\uc1 \u259 ? fiin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u
259 ? omeneasc\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? simt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncordarea
mu\uc1 \u351 ?chilor chinezoiului transmis\uc1 \u259 ? sub forma unor vi-bra\uc
1 \u355 ?ii regulate; un fel de ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? de relaxare, se g\u
c1 \u226 ?ndi Childan. S\uc1 \u259 ? fie tras \uc1 \u238 ?n loc de a tre-bui s\u
c1 \u259 ? trag\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i... s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ?, chi
ar \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru un moment, o pozi\uc1 \u355 ?ie superi-oar\uc1 \u259 ?.}
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se trezi, cu vinov\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Prea multe de pl\uc1 \u259 ?nuit, nu-i timp de mo\uc1 \u355 ?\uc
1 \u259 ?ia-l\uc1 \u259 ?. Era oare \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat potrivit pent
ru a p\uc1 \u259 ?trunde la Nippon Times Build-ing? Te pomene\uc1 \u351 ?ti c\uc
1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i va pierde cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u355 ?a \
uc1 \u238 ?n liftul ultra-rapid. Dar avea la el pastile contra r\uc1 \u259 ?ului
de vitez\uc1 \u259 ?, un produs german. Dife-ritele formule de adresare... le \
uc1 \u351 ?tia. Pe cine s\uc1 \u259 ? trateze cu polite\uc1 \u355 ?e, pe cine cu
grosol\uc1 \u259 ?nie. S\uc1 \u259 ? fie nepoliticos cu u\uc1 \u351 ?ierul, cu
liftierul, cu recep-\uc1 \u355 ?io-nerul, cu ghidul, cu portarul. S\uc1 \u259 ?
se \uc1 \u238 ?ncline, dar s\uc1 \u259 ? priveasc\uc1 \u259 ? drept prin ei, ca
\uc1 \u351 ?i cum n-ar fi existat. Erau acoperite astfel toate situa\uc1 \u355 ?
iile? Dar vizitatorii str\uc1 \u259 ?ini? La Misiunea Comer-cial\uc1 \u259 ? put
eau fi v\uc1 \u259 ?zu\uc1 \u355 ?i adese-ori \uc1 \u351 ?i germani, ca \uc1 \u3
51 ?i neutri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Iar apoi, putea,
de asemenea, vedea un sclav.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
Nave germane sau din Sud tr\uc1 \u259 ?geau \uc1 \u238 ?n permanen\uc1 \u355 ?\u
c1 \u259 ? la docurile din San Francisco, \uc1 \u351 ?i negrilor li se permitea
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? ias\uc1 \u259 ? pent
ru intervale scurte. \uc1 \u206 ?ntotdeauna \uc1 \u238 ?n grupuri mici de trei.
\uc1 \u350 ?i nu puteau r\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u226 ?ne afar\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \
u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?derea nop\uc1 \u355 ?ii; chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i potrivit legii
Pacificului, tre-buiau s\uc1 \u259 ? respecte aceast\uc1 \u259 ? restric\uc1 \u3
55 ?ie. Dar tot sclavii desc\uc1 \u259 ?rcau \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n do-curi
, iar ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia tr\uc1 \u259 ?iau \uc1 \u238 ?n permanen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc
1 \u259 ? pe \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rm, \uc1 \u238 ?n bar\uc1 \u259 ?ci, pe che
i, dea-supra conductelor de ap\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu se putea afla nici unul \uc1 \u23
8 ?n birourile Misi-unii Comerciale, dar dac\uc1 \u259 ? se desc\uc1 \u259 ?rca
ceva... spre exemplu, el avea s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i care singur bagajele l
a domnul Tagomi \uc1 \u238 ?n birou? Sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? nu. Va trebui g\uc1 \u2
59 ?sit un sclav, chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tepte
un ceas. Chiar da-c\uc1 \u259 ? era s\uc1 \u259 ? piard\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238
?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnirea. Nici nu se punea problema s\uc1 \u259 ? fie v\uc1 \u259 ?
zut de vreun sclav c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?nd ceva; trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fie
foarte atent la asta. O gre\uc1 \u351 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ? de genul \uc1 \u259 ?sta
l-ar costa serios; \uc1 \u351 ?i-ar pierde onoarea \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
celor care l-ar vedea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \lang
fenp1033 \cf1 ntr-un fel, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Childan, aproape c\uc1 \u259 ? miar pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi car singur bagajele \uc1 \u238 ?n Nippon T
imes Building ziua \uc1 \u238 ?n amiaza mare. Ce gest m\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355
?. Nu este propriu-zis ilegal; nu m-ar b\uc1 \u259 ?ga la \uc1 \u238 ?nchisoare.
\uc1 \u350 ?i mi-a\uc1 \u351 ? ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta adev\uc1 \u259 ?ratele sentimen
te, acea parte a omului care nu este ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta-t\uc1 \u259 ? niciodat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n public. \uc1 \u206 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ? putea-o face, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi,
dac\uc1 \u259 ? n-ar fi nenoroci\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tia de sc
lavi negrii care ard gazul prin preajm\uc1 \u259 ?; i-a\uc1 \u351 ? suporta pe c
ei de deasupra s-o vad\uc1 \u259 ?, dispre\uc1 \u355 ?ul lor \uc1 \u8211 ? de al
tfel, m\uc1 \u259 ? dispre\uc1 \u355 ?uiesc \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ? umilesc
zilnic. Dar s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? cei de jos, s\uc1 \u259
? le simt sfidarea. Spre exemplu, chinezo-iul \uc1 \u259 ?sta, care tot pedaleaz
\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?naintea mea. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu luam un velotaxi, dac\u
c1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? vedea \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? }{\
fenp1033 \cf1 merg pe jos }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lan
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 la o \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnire de a
faceri...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
\lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \lo
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nem\uc1 \u355 ?ii tr
ebuiau blama\uc1 \u355 ?i pentru situa\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Tendin\uc1 \u355 ?a lor de
a mu\uc1 \u351 ?ca mai mult dec\uc1 \u226 ?t pot mesteca. \uc1 \u206 ?n definit
iv, abia reu\uc1 \u351 ?iser\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
tige r\uc1 \u259 ?z-boiul \uc1 \u351 ?i, dintr-o dat\uc1 \u259 ?, trecuser\uc1 \
u259 ? la cucerirea sistemului solar, \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce acas\uc1 \u259 ? d\u
c1 \u259 ?duser\uc1 \u259 ? edicte care... ei bine, ideea, cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in,
era bun\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n fond, avuseser\uc1 \u259 ? su
cces cu evreii, \uc1 \u355 ?iganii \uc1 \u351 ?i studen\uc1 \u355 ?ii biblici. I
ar sla-vii fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpin\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?napoi c
u dou\uc1 \u259 ? mii de ani, \uc1 \u238 ?n patria lor, Asia. Afa-r\uc1 \u259 ?
cu totul din Europa, spre u\uc1 \u351 ?urarea tuturor. \uc1 \u206 ?napoi la cre\
uc1 \u351 ?terea ya-cilor \uc1 \u351 ?i la v\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?toarea cu a
rcul \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?geata. \uc1 \u350 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n frumoasele re
viste lu-cioase tip\uc1 \u259 ?rite \uc1 \u238 ?n M\uc1 \u252 ?nchen \uc1 \u351
?i r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndite \uc1 \u238 ?n toate bibliotecile \uc1 \u351
?i la toate standurile de ziare... oricine poate vedea singur poze color pe c\uc
1 \u226 ?te o pa-gin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreag\uc1 \u259 ?: blonzii coloni\
uc1 \u351 ?ti arieni, cu ochi alba\uc1 \u351 ?tri care acum, cu h\uc1 \u259 ?rni
cie, lucrau p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul, recoltau, arau \uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \
u351 ?a mai departe, \uc1 \u238 ?n mare-le gr\uc1 \u226 ?nar al lumii, Ucraina.
Tipii \uc1 \u259 ?ia p\uc1 \u259 ?reau de-a dreptul ferici\uc1 \u355 ?i. Iar gos
pod\uc1 \u259 ?riile \uc1 \u351 ?i casele lor erau curate. Nu vedeai imagini cu
polo-nezi be\uc1 \u355 ?i, imbeciliza\uc1 \u355 ?i, tol\uc1 \u259 ?ni\uc1 \u355
?i pe prispe, st\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? se pr\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?easc
\uc1 \u259 ? sau sco-\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?nd la v\uc1 \u226 ?nzare c\uc1 \u22
6 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva napi pr\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?di\uc1 \u355 ?i prin pie\uc1
\u355 ?e de \uc1 \u355 ?ar\uc1 \u259 ?. Totul este de domeniul trecutului, ca \u
c1 \u351 ?i drumurile pr\uc1 \u259 ?fuite, cu f\uc1 \u259 ?ga\uc1 \u351 ?e, c\uc
1 \u226 ?ndva trans-formate \uc1 \u238 ?n mocirle \uc1 \u238 ?n anotimpul ploios
, \uc1 \u238 ?m-potmolind c\uc1 \u259 ?ru\uc1 \u355 ?ele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dar Africa. Pur \uc1 \u351 ?i simplu \uc1 \u238 ?\uc
1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?duser\uc1 \u259 ? fr\uc1 \u226 ?u liber entuziasmului acolo \uc1 \u351 ?i trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? admiri faptul, cu toate c\uc1 \u259 ? o
p\uc1 \u259 ?rere mai avizat\uc1 \u259 ? i-ar fi aten\uc1 \u355 ?ionat poate s\
uc1 \u259 ? mai a\uc1 \u351 ?tepte pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, de pild\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \
u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd Proiectul Farmland ar fi fost terminat. Acum
, nazi\uc1 \u351 ?tii ar\uc1 \u259 ?taser\uc1 \u259 ? }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 acolo }{\
1033 \cf1 geniu; ar-tistul din ei ie\uc1 \u351 ?ise cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat la iv
eal\uc1 \u259 ?. Marea Mediteran\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nchis\uc1 \u259 ?, se-c
at\uc1 \u259 ?, transformat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n teren cultivabil, prin fol
osirea for\uc1 \u355 ?ei atomice \uc1 \u8211 ? ce \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?zne
\uc1 \u355 ?! Cum fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? pu\uc1 \u351 ?i cu botul pe labe b\uc1 \u2
26 ?rfitorii \uc1 \u8211 ? anumi\uc1 \u355 ?i co-mercian\uc1 \u355 ?i de pe Mont
gomery Street, spre exemplu. \uc1 \u350 ?i de fapt, Africa avusese \uc1 \u238 ?n
totdeauna succes...}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1
\u206 ?ntr-un pr}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \l
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 oiect de acest gen \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, }{\i
enp1033 \cf1 aproape }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp10
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 era un cuv\uc1 \u226 ?nt a c\uc1 \u259 ?rui ro
stire \uc1 \u238 ?ncepea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie prevestitoare de rele. Binecuv\uc1 \u
226 ?ntatul pamflet mu\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?tor al lui Rosenberg a ap\uc1 \u2
59 ?rut \uc1 \u238 ?n 1958; atunci s-a ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat pentru prima oar\uc1 \u
259 ? cuv\uc1 \u226 ?ntul. }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u206 ?n ceea ce prive\uc1 \u35
1 ?te Solu\uc1 \u355 ?ia Final\uc1 \u259 ? a Problemei Africane, aproape c\uc1 \
u259 ? ne-am atins obiectivele. Din nefericire, totu\uc1 \u351 ?i...}{\fs24 \dbc
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, trebuiser\uc1 \u259 ?
dou\uc1 \u259 ? sute de ani pentru a sc\uc1 \u259 ?pa de indienii americani. \uc
1 \u206 ?n Africa, germanilor le fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? suficien\uc1 \u355 ?i cinci
spre-zece. A\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? nici o critic\uc1 \u259 ? nu st\uc1 \u25
9 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare. Childan, de fapt, o sus\uc1 \u355 ?inu-se de cur\
uc1 \u226 ?nd, \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul unei mese luate cu unii dintre ceilal\uc1 \u
355 ?i comer-cian\uc1 \u355 ?i. Se a\uc1 \u351 ?teptau la miracole, era evident,
ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum nazi\uc1 \u351 ?tii puteau remodela lumea ca prin farmec.
Nu, era \uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i tehnologie \uc1 \
u351 ?i acel talent minunat pentru munca din greu; nem\uc1 \u355 ?ii nu se oprea
u niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? din str\uc1 \u259 ?danie. \uc1 \u350 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?nd f
\uc1 \u259 ?ceau o treab\uc1 \u259 ?, o f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 bine.
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Oricum, zborurile spre Marte
ab\uc1 \u259 ?tuser\uc1 \u259 ? aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia omenirii de la di-fi-cult\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile din Africa. Astfel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t totul rev
enea la ceea ce le spusese el amicilor lui, proprietari de magazine; ceea ce au
nazi\uc1 \u351 ?tii \uc1 \u351 ?i ne lipse\uc1 \u351 ?te nou\uc1 \u259 ? este...
noble\uc1 \u355 ?ea. Admir\uc1 \u259 ?-i pentru dragostea lor pentru munc\uc1 \
u259 ? sau pentru eficacitatea lor... dar visul este cel care-l st\uc1 \u226 ?rn
e\uc1 \u351 ?te pe om. Zboruri spa\uc1 \u355 ?iale, la \uc1 \u238 ?nceput c\uc1
\u259 ?tre Lun\uc1 \u259 ?, apoi c\uc1 \u259 ?tre Marte; dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu a-ce
asta este cea mai veche n\uc1 \u259 ?zuin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? a omului, cea
mai \uc1 \u238 ?nalt\uc1 \u259 ? speran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? a noastr\uc1 \u2
59 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?tre glorie. Acum, pe de alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte, japonezii. \uc1
\u206 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?tiu eu prea bine; doar fac afaceri cu ei toat\uc1 \u259 ?
ziua. Sunt \uc1 \u8211 ? s-o recunoa\uc1 \u351 ?tem \uc1 \u8211 ? orien-tali. Ga
lbeni. Noi, albii, trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? ne \uc1 \u238 ?nclin\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1
\u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lor deoarece ei de\uc1 \u355 ?in puterea. Dar suntem cu
ochii la Germania; vedem ce poate fi f\uc1 \u259 ?-cut acolo unde au cucerit al
bii \uc1 \u351 ?i este complet altceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ne apropiem de Nippon Times Building, domnule, z
ise chine-zoiul, cu r\uc1 \u259 ?suflarea \uc1 \u238 ?ntret\uc1 \u259 ?iat\uc1 \
u259 ? de efortul de a urca panta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
\uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langf
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ncetini, acum.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
1033 \cf1 Childan \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-l im
agineze pe clientul domnului Tago-mi. E-ra clar c\uc1 \u259 ? omul era neobi\uc1
\u351 ?nuit de important; tonul domnului Tagomi la telefon, imensa lui agita\uc
1 \u355 ?ie, l\uc1 \u259 ?saser\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \
u355 ?eleag\uc1 \u259 ? faptul. Imaginea unuia dintre cei mai importan\uc1 \u355
?i cump\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?tori sau, mai degrab\uc1 \u259 ?, clien\uc1 \u3
55 ?i ai lui \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i, i se \uc1 \u238 ?nfirip\uc1 \u259 ? \
uc1 \u238 ?n minte, un om care f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse multe pentru a-i crea lui Child
an o reputa\uc1 \u355 ?ie printre sus-pu-sele personaje locuind \uc1 \u238 ?n Ba
y Area}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3
1033 \cf1 Zona Golfului (San Francisco)}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 .}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
n \s17 \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbp
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cu patru ani \uc1 \u238 ?n ur}{\fs24 \dbch \
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 m\
uc1 \u259 ?, Childan nu fusese negustorul de rarit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1
\u351 ?i atrac\uc1 \u355 ?ii care era acum; \uc1 \u355 ?inuse un micu\uc1 \u355
? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecos anticariat pe Ge-a-ry. Magazinele vecine v
indeau mobil\uc1 \u259 ? folosit\uc1 \u259 ?, sau calcula-toare la m\uc1 \u226 ?
-na a doua, sau lenjerie confec\uc1 \u355 ?ionat\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu era o zon\uc1 \
u259 ? select\uc1 \u259 ?. Noap-tea, pe trotuar se petreceau t\uc1 \u226 ?lh\uc1
\u259 ?rii \uc1 \u351 ?i uneori violuri, \uc1 \u238 ?n ciuda efortu-rilor Depar
tamentului de Poli\uc1 \u355 ?ie San Francisco \uc1 \u351 ?i chiar ale Kempeitai
- ului mai marilor japonezi. Toate vitrinele magazinelor aveau gratii din fier c
are se fixau, odat\uc1 \u259 ? terminat\uc1 \u259 ? ziua de lucru, pentru a se p
reveni p\uc1 \u259 ?trunderile for\uc1 \u355 ?ate. \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1 \u351
?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n acest district al ora\uc1 \u351 ?ului venise un japonez b\uc1
\u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ior, retras din armat\uc1 \u259 ?, maiorul Ito Humo. \uc1 \
u206 ?nalt, sub\uc1 \u355 ?ire, cu p\uc1 \u259 ?rul alb, umbl\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se \uc1 \u355 ?eap\uc1 \u259 ?n, maiorul
Ito Humo \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?-duse lui Childan primul imbold \uc1 \u238
?n leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu cea ce se putea face cu genul lui de negust
orie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \
langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar
f1 Eu sunt colec\uc1 \u355 ?ionar, \uc1 \u238 ?i explicase maiorul Humo.}{\fs24
\par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin
0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp
1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
\langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i pet
recuse o \uc1 \u238 ?ntreag\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiaz\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ?ut\uc1 \u226 ?nd prin vrafurile de re-viste din magazin. Cu vocea lui dom
oal\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i explicase ceva ce Childan nu prea reu\uc1 \u351 ?e
a s\uc1 \u259 ? priceap\uc1 \u259 ? la momentul acela: pentru mul\uc1 \u355 ?i j
aponezi boga\uc1 \u355 ?i, cul\uc1 \u355 ?i, obiectele vechi ale civiliza\uc1 \u
355 ?iei autoh-tone americane erau de acela\uc1 \u351 ?i interes ca \uc1 \u351 ?
i antichit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile propriu-zise. }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De ce }{\fs
33 \cf1 era astfel, ma-io-rul \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i nu \uc1 \u351 ?tia; e
l era \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?timit de colec\uc1 \u355 ?ionarea revistelor vec
hi trat\uc1 \u226 ?nd despre nasturii americani de alam\uc1 \u259 ?, ca \uc1 \u3
51 ?i de nasturii \uc1 \u238 ?n sine. Era precum colec\uc1 \u355 ?ionarea de mon
ede sau de timbre; nici o explica\uc1 \u355 ?ie ra\uc1 \u355 ?ional\uc1 \u259 ?
nu putea fi dat\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i erau pl\uc1 \u259 ?tite pre\uc1 \u355
?uri mari de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre colec-\uc1 \u355 ?ionarii boga\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 V\uc1 \u259
? voi da un exemplu, spusese maiorul. \uc1 \u350 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i ce se \uc1 \u2
38 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elege prin vederi cu "Ororile r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiului"?}{\fs24 \d
bch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \p
ar }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0
\rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp10
33 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
angnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \l
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 l privise pe Childa
n cu sufletul la gur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
33 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \li
sb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af
4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \
cf1 Scotocindu-\uc1 \u351 ?i prin memorie, Childan \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i ami
ntise, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din ur-m\uc1 \u259 ?. Vederile se v\uc1 \u226 ?nduser\
uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n copil\uc1 \u259 ?ria lui, cu gum\uc1 \u259 ? de meste
cat. Un cent bucata. Fusese o serie cu ele, fiecare vedere prezent\uc1 \u226 ?nd
o alt\uc1 \u259 ? ne-norocire.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
ch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc
1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Un bun prieten al meu, continuase maiorul, colec\uc1 \u3
55 ?ioneaz\uc1 \u259 ? "Oro-rile R\uc1 \u259 ?zboiului". Nu-i lipse\uc1 \u351 ?t
e dec\uc1 \u226 ?t una, acum. }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Scufundarea lui Panay. }{\fs24 \d
f1 A oferit o sum\uc1 \u259 ? substan\uc1 \u355 ?ial\uc1 \u259 ? de bani pentru
acea vedere anume.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
p1033 \cf1 Vederi \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse, spusese Childan deodat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs2
3 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u259 ?
rog?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Le
\uc1 \u238 ?ntorceam. Fiecare vedere avea o fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cap \uc1
\u351 ?i o fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pajur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Avea cam opt ani pe atunci.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Aveam fiecare c\uc1 \u226 ?te un
pachet de vederi \uc1 \u238 ?ntoa}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 rse. St\uc1 \u259 ?team, doi copi
i, fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. L\uc1 \u
259 ?sam fiecare s\uc1 \u259 ? cad\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?te o vedere, astfel
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n aer. B\uc1 \u259 ?iatul a c\uc1 \u259 ?rui vedere ateriza cu fa\uc1 \u
355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n sus, fa\uc1 \u355 ?a cu imaginea, c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
tiga am\uc1 \u226 ?ndou\uc1 \u259 ? vederile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Ce pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i aminte\uc1 \u35
1 ?ti zilele acelea bune, zilele fericite de de-mult, ale copil\uc1 \u259 ?riei.
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pe g\uc1 \u226 ?nduri, maioru
l Humo spusese:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
33 \cf1 L-am auzit pe prietenul meu vorbind despre asta. }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dup\uc
1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?re-rea mea, nu \uc1 \u351 ?tie cum erau folosite de fapt
vedenie astea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u206 ?n c
ele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, prietenul maiorului se ar\uc1 \u259 ?tase la magazin s\
uc1 \u259 ? as-culte relatarea istoric\uc1 \u259 ? de prim\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u2
26 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? a lui Childan. Respectivul, el \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i of
i\uc1 \u355 ?er \uc1 \u238 ?n retragere al Armatei Imperiale, fusese fascinat.}{
g1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hi
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Capace de
sticle! exclamase Childan pe nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Japonezul clipise nedumerit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Str\uc1 \u226 ?ngeau capacele de la
sticlele }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 cu lapte. Copiii. Acoperi-torile rotunde pe care erau tre
cute zilele. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fi fost mii de asemenea capace cu zilele s\uc
1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nii \uc1 \u238 ?n Statele Unite. Fiecare era
tip\uc1 \u259 ?rit\uc1 \u259 ? altfel.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
1033 \cf1 Ochii ofi\uc1 \u355 ?erului luciser\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ave\uc1 \u355 ?i vreuna dintr
e colec\uc1 \u355 ?iile dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? de odinioar\uc1 \u259 ?, dom-nu
le?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Natural, Childan nu avea.
Dar... poate mai era \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? posibil s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u
259 ? rost de vechile, de demult uitatele capace din zilele dinainte de r\uc1 \u
259 ?zboi, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd laptele venea la sticle, nu \uc1 \u238 ?n cutii din c
arton impermeabil.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350
?i a\uc1 \u351 ?a, \uc1 \u238 ?n etape, intrase \uc1 \u238 ?n afaceri. \uc1 \u20
6 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i deschiseser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i al\uc1 \u355 ?ii magazi-n
e similare, profit\uc1 \u226 ?nd de nebunia mereu cresc\uc1 \u226 ?nd\uc1 \u259
? a japo-nezilor pen-tru americanisme... dar Childan \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i p
\uc1 \u259 ?strase \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeau-na locul \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i.}{\
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 V\uc1 \u25
9 ? cost\uc1 \u259 ?, zise chinezoiul, smulg\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l din medita\uc1 \u3
55 ?ie. Un dolar, domnu}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 le.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
1033 \cf1 Desc\uc1 \u259 ?rcase bagajele \uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta.}{\fs2
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Distrat, Childan \uc1 \u238 ?i pl\u
c1 \u259 ?ti. Da, era foarte probabil ca clientul dom-nu-lui Tagomi s\uc1 \u259
? semene cu maiorul Humo; cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Chil-dan cau
stic, din punctul meu de vedere. Avusese de-a face cu mul\uc1 \u355 ?i japonezi.
.. dar tot mai avea dificult\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n a-i deosebi.
Erau cei scur\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ndesa\uc1 \u355 ?i, cl\uc1
\u259 ?di\uc1 \u355 ?i ca lupt\uc1 \u259 ?torii. Apoi cei ca spi\uc1 \u355 ?eri
i. Gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinarii... \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i avea categoriile lui. \uc1
\u350 ?i tinerii, care pentru el nu erau de fel ca japonezii. Cli-entul domnulu
i Tagomi era probabil rotofei, om de afaceri, \uc1 \u351 ?i fuma tra-buc filipin
ez.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Apoi, st\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc
1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui Nippon Times Building, cu bagajele al\uc1 \u259 ?
turi, pe trotuar, Childan se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi dintr-o dat\uc1 \u259 ?, cu un fio
r: dac\uc1 \u259 ? clientul lui nu este japonez! Antichit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355
?ile fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? alese cu g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul la ei, la gustu-ri}{\fs24 \d
f1 le lor...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Omul \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ? trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? fie japonez. Comanda ini\uc1 \u355 ?ial\uc1
\u259 ? a domnului Tagomi fusese un poster cu recrutarea \uc1 \u238 ?n R\uc1 \u
259 ?zboiul Civil; cu siguran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, doar un japonez ar fi fos
t interesat de asemenea fleacuri. Mania lor ti-pic\uc1 \u259 ? pentru banalit\uc
1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i, fascina\uc1 \u355 ?ia lor legalist\uc1 \u259 ? fa\uc1 \u
355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de documente, pro-clama\uc1 \u355 ?ii, reclame. \uc1 \u350 ?il amintea pe unul care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i dedicase timpul liber colec\uc1
\u355 ?ion\uc1 \u259 ?rii reclamelor din ziare, cu privire la patentele medical
e ame-ricane de la 1900.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Altel
e erau problemele care trebuiau rezolvate. Probleme imedi}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hic
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 a-te. Prin
u\uc1 \u351 ?ile \uc1 \u238 ?nalte ale Nippon Times Building-ului, gr\uc1 \u259
?-beau b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i femei, to\uc1 \u355 ?i bine
\uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u355 ?i; vocile lor ajungeau p\uc1 \u226 ?n\u
c1 \u259 ? la urechile lui Chil-dan \uc1 \u351 ?i el se puse \uc1 \u238 ?n mi\uc
1 \u351 ?care. O privire aruncat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n sus, la edificiul \uc
1 \u238 ?n form\uc1 \u259 ? de turn, cea mai \uc1 \u238 ?nalt\uc1 \u259 ? cl\uc1
\u259 ?dire din San Francisco. Pere\uc1 \u355 ?i de birouri, ferestre, proiectu
l fabulos al arhitec\uc1 \u355 ?i-lor japonezi... \uc1 \u351 ?i gr\uc1 \u259 ?di
na \uc1 \u238 ?nconjur\uc1 \u259 ?toare, de brazi pitici, st\uc1 \u226 ?nci, pei
saj karesansui}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp10
48 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \now
idctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4
\lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\f
033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \
langfenp1033 \cf1 Aranjament tipic japonez}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af6 \loch \f
6 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 , din care lipse\uc1 \u35
1 ?te vegeta\uc1 \u355 ?ia ca element esen\uc1 \u355 ?ial al gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinii
; loc de medita\uc1 \u355 ?ie}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 , nisip \uc1 \u238 ?nchi-puind un p\
uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?u secat \uc1 \u351 ?erpuind prin-tre r\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1
\u259 ?cini, printre pietre simple, }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 neregulate, plate...}{\fs24 \db
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 V\uc1 \u259 ?zu un negru care c\uc1 \u25
9 ?rase bagaje, acum liber. \uc1 \u206 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ?, Childan strig\uc1 \u25
9 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
f4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ham
al!}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Negrul veni fuga spre el,
z\uc1 \u226 ?mbind.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }
np1033 \cf1 La etajul dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci, zise Childan pe cel mai aspru ton al
s\uc1 \u259 ?u. Zona B. Imediat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
f1 Indic\uc1 \u259 ? bagajele apoi gr\uc1 \u259 ?bi c\uc1 \u259 ?tre intrarea cl
\uc1 \u259 ?dirii. Bine\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ? nu privi \uc1
\u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Un
moment mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu se afla \uc1 \u238 ?nghesuit \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-unul d
intre ascen-soarele ultra-rapide; mai ales japonezi \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul lui, cu
fe\uc1 \u355 ?ele lor netede, lucind u\uc1 \u351 ?or \uc1 \u238 ?n lumina str\uc
1 \u259 ?lucitoare a liftului. Apoi ame\uc1 \u355 ?i-toarea \uc1 \u238 ?mpin-ger
e \uc1 \u238 ?n sus, clicul rapid al u\uc1 \u351 ?ilor de la etajele dep\uc1 \u2
59 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ite; \uc1 \u238 ?nchise ochii, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u
238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?epeni bine picioarele \uc1 \u238 ?n podea, se rug\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? se sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ? zborul. Negrul, de
bun\uc1 \u259 ? seam\uc1 \u259 ?, luase bagajele s\uc1 \u259 ? le urce cu un lif
t de serviciu. Nu ar fi fost de domeniul rezonabilului s\uc1 \u259 ? fie \uc1 \u
238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?duit aici. De fapt \uc1 \u8211 ? Childan deschise ochii \uc1
\u351 ?i privi scurt \uc1 \u8211 ? era unul dintre pu\uc1 \u355 ?inii albi din a
scensor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd ascen
sorul \uc1 \u238 ?l l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? la etajul dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci, Ch
ildan se \uc1 \u238 ?ncord\uc1 \u259 ?, mobiliz\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se pentru \uc1 \u
238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnirea din biroul domnului Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 3}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u206 ?
N ASFI}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033
\langfenp1033 \cf1 N\uc1 \u354 ?IT, arunc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i privirile
\uc1 \u238 ?n sus, Juliana Frink v\uc1 \u259 ?zu pe cer punctul de lumin\uc1 \u
259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?nind \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un arc \uc1 \u351
?i disp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?nd spre vest. Una dintre rachetele naziste, \uc
1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spuse. Zbur\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ?tre Coast\uc1 \u25
9 ?. Plin\uc1 \u259 ? cu pro-iectile, din cele mari. Iar pe mine iat\uc1 \u259 ?
-m\uc1 \u259 ? aici, jos. F\uc1 \u259 ?cu cu m\uc1 \u226 ?na, de\uc1 \u351 ?i, d
esigur, racheta disp\uc1 \u259 ?ruse deja.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
enp1033 \cf1 Umbre \uc1 \u238 ?naint\uc1 \u226 ?nd dinspre Mun\uc1 \u355 ?ii St\
uc1 \u226 ?nco\uc1 \u351 ?i. Piscuri albastre cu-fun-d\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se \uc1 \u
238 ?n noapte. Un stol de p\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u238 ?ncete, migrat
oare, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i ve-deau de drum, paralel cu mun\uc1 \u355 ?ii. I
ci-colo, c\uc1 \u226 ?te un automobil \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aprin-dea faruri
le; vedea punctele gemene \uc1 \u238 ?n lungul autostr\uc1 \u259 ?zii. \uc1 \u35
0 ?i luminile unei sta\uc1 \u355 ?ii de benzin\uc1 \u259 ?. Case.}{\fs24 \dbch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Erau luni de c\uc1 \u226 ?nd tr\uc1 \u259 ?i
a aici, \uc1 \u238 ?n Canon City, Colorado. Era in-struc-tor de judo.}{\fs24 \db
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ziua de lucru i se terminase \uc1 \u351
?i se preg\uc1 \u259 ?tea s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? un du\uc1 \u351 ?. Se si
m-\uc1 \u355 ?ea obosit\uc1 \u259 ?. Toate du\uc1 \u351 ?urile erau ocupate de c
lien\uc1 \u355 ?i ai s\uc1 \u259 ?lii de sport Ray's Gym, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \
u259 ? st\uc1 \u259 ?tea a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u226 ?nd, afar\uc1 \u259 ?, la r
\uc1 \u259 ?coare, bucu-r\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se de mirosul aerului de munte \uc1 \u3
51 ?i de lini\uc1 \u351 ?te. Tot ce auzea acum era ru-moarea estompat\uc1 \u259
? venind dinspre toneta cu hambur-geri din josul dru-mului, de la marginea autos
tr\uc1 \u259 ?zii. Parcaser\uc1 \u259 ? dou\uc1 \u259 ? trailere diesel uria-\uc
1 \u351 ?e, iar \uc1 \u351 ?oferii, prin \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecime, se vedeau mi\uc1
\u351 ?-c\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se primprejur, pu-n\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i jache
tele din piele \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a intra \uc1 \u238 ?n chio\uc1 \u351 ?cul c
u ham-bur-geri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se g\uc1 \u226
?ndi: nu se aruncase D}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 iesel pe fereastra cabinei lui? Sinuci-g\uc1
\u226 ?ndu-se prin \uc1 \u238 ?nec \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul unei c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1
\u259 ?torii pe ocean? Poate ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? fac \uc1 \u351 ?i eu asta.
Dar aici nu era nici un ocean. \uc1 \u206 ?ntotdeauna \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259
? exis-t\uc1 \u259 ? o cale. Ca \uc1 \u238 ?n Shakespeare. Un ac de p\uc1 \u259
?r \uc1 \u238 ?nfipt prin pieptul c\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ii \uc1
\u351 ?i la revedere, Frink. Fata care nu avea de ce se teme c\uc1 \u259 ? va fi
pr\uc1 \u259 ?dat\uc1 \u259 ? de oamenii de\uc1 \u351 ?ertului, cei f\uc1 \u259
?r\uc1 \u259 ? acoperi\uc1 \u351 ? deasupra capului. Umbl\uc1 \u259 ? dreapt\uc
1 \u259 ?, av\uc1 \u226 ?nd con\uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?a multor posibi-lit\u
c1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i, pe muchie de cu\uc1 \u355 ?it, de a-\uc1 \u351 ?i face
du\uc1 \u351 ?manii \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?run\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc
1 \u259 ? saliveze. Mai bine moartea prin, s\uc1 \u259 ? zicem, inhalarea gazelo
r de e\uc1 \u351 ?apament din ora\uc1 \u351 ?e, poate printr-un fur-tun lung.}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Asta-i \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259
?\uc1 \u355 ?at\uc1 \u259 ?, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, de la japonezi. Atitudine nep\
uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?toare \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a mor\uc1 \u355 ?i, pr
eluat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu judo-ul pe bani. Cum s\uc1 \
u259 ? ucizi, cum s\uc1 \u259 ? mori. Yang \uc1 \u351 ?i yin. Dar acum astea au
r\uc1 \u259 ?mas \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?; aici este un teritoriu protestan
t.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \lan
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Era un lucru bun s\uc1 \u25
9 ? vezi rachetele naziste trec\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe deasupra capului f\uc1 \u259 ?r
\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? opreasc\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ? arate vreun interes, de nici un fel, pentru Canon City, Colorado. Nici
pentru Utah sau Wyoming sau par-tea estic\uc1 \u259 ? a Nevadei, pentru nici unu
l dintre statele de de\uc1 \u351 ?ert deschis sau de c\uc1 \u226 ?mpie. Nu valor
\uc1 \u259 ?m nimic, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spuse. Ne putem tr\uc1 \u259 ?i v
ie\uc1 \u355 ?ile ne-\uc1 \u238 ?n-semnate. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? vrem. Dac\uc1 \u259
? are rost, pentru noi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dinspr
e unul dintre du\uc1 \u351 ?uri, zgomotul unei u\uc1 \u351 ?i deschiz\uc1 \u226
?ndu-se. O siluet\uc1 \u259 ?, masiva domni\uc1 \u351 ?oar\uc1 \u259 ? Davis, cu
du\uc1 \u351 ?ul terminat, \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat\uc1 \u259 ?, cu geant
a sub bra\uc1 \u355 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
gfenp1033 \cf1 A, a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta\uc1 \u355 ?i, doamn\uc1 \u259 ? Frink? \uc1
\u206 ?mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu-i nimic, zise Juliana.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i, doamn\uc1
\u259 ? Frink, am \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at at\uc1 \u226 ?tea di
n judo. Mai multe de-c\uc1 \u226 ?t din Zen. Vroiam s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?
enp1033 \cf1 spun.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
p1033 \cf1 Sub\uc1 \u355 ?ia\uc1 \u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?oldurile pri
n metoda Zen, spuse Juliana. Sl\uc1 \u259 ?bi\uc1 \u355 ?i printr-un satori f\uc
1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? efort. Ierta\uc1 \u355 ?i-m\uc1 \u259 ?, domni\uc1 \u351
?oar\uc1 \u259 ?, sunt distrat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
fenp1033 \cf1 Domni\uc1 \u351 ?oara Davis zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 V-au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut s\uc1 \u259 ? sufe
ri\uc1 \u355 ?i mult?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
\loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ?
}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \lang
fenp1033 \cf1 Cine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
np1033 \cf1 Japonezii. \uc1 \u206 ?nainte s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259
?\uc1 \u355 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? ap\uc1 \u259 ?ra\uc1 \u
355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
A fost}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033
\langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?tor,
spuse Juliana. N-a\uc1 \u355 ?i fost niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? aco-lo, pe Coast\uc1 \
u259 ?. Unde sunt ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
fenp1033 \cf1 N-am fost niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? afar\uc1 \u259 ? din Colorado, r\uc
1 \u259 ?spunse domni\uc1 \u351 ?oa-ra Davis, cu vocea alterat\uc1 \u259 ? de ti
miditate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
ch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \db
1 S-ar putea \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpla aici, zise Juliana. S-ar putea hot\u
c1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? o-cu-pe \uc1 \u351 ?i regiunea asta.}{\fs2
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nici chiar a\
uc1 \u351 ?a!}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
\loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24
\cf1 Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tii niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? ce au de g\uc1 \u226 ?nd, zise Jul
iana. \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i ascund adev\uc1 \u259 ?-ratele inten\uc1 \u355 ?
ii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
\lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce..
. v-au pus s\uc1 \u259 ? face\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
fenp1033 \cf1 Domni\uc1 \u351 ?oara Davis, str\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1
\u351 ?i geanta la piept cu ambele m\uc1 \u226 ?ini se d\uc1 \u259 ?du mai apro
ape, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul serii, s\uc1 \u259 ? asculte.}{\fs24 \
par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0
033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Totul, zise Juli
ana.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ah,
Doamne. M-a\uc1 \u351 ? opune.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1 Juliana se scuz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? c\
uc1 \u259 ?tre du\uc1 \u351 ?ul liber; se mai apropia cineva de el, cu un prosop
pe bra\uc1 \u355 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mai t\uc1
\u226 ?rziu, st\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un separeu la Tasty Charley's Ha
mbur-gers}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \c
f3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctl
par \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang
1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \
dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033
enp1033 \cf1 La Charley: hamburgeri gusto\uc1 \u351 ?i (engl.)}}}{\fs24 \dbch \a
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 , c
itind meniul f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-l vad\uc1 \u259 ?. Tonomat
ul c\uc1 \u226 ?nta muzic\uc1 \u259 ? proas-t\uc1 \u259 ?; chitar\uc1 \u259 ? el
ectric\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i gemete sentimentale... aerul era \uc1 \u238 ?nc
\uc1 \u259 ?rcat cu fum de gr\uc1 \u259 ?sime ars\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i tot
u\uc1 \u351 ?i, locul era cald \uc1 \u351 ?i str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitor \uc1 \u351 ?
i-i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea. Prezen-\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?oferilor de pe camioane
la tejghea, chelneri\uc1 \u355 ?a, masivul juc\uc1 \u259 ?tor ir-lan-dez, cu hai
na lui alb\uc1 \u259 ?, d\uc1 \u226 ?nd restul la cas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\pard \plain \s17 \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Z\uc1 \u259 ?rind-o, Charley se a
propie s-o serveasc\uc1 \u259 ? el \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i. Z\uc1 \u226 ?mb
ind larg, zise, cu vorbirea lui t\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?nat\uc1 \
u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033
\langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlp
\cf1 Vrea ceai, domni\uc1 \u351 ?oara?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cafea, zise Juliana, suport\uc1 \u226 ?nd umorul
frust al buc\uc1 \u259 ?tarului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ?a, deci, f\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 cu Char
ley d\uc1 \u226 ?nd din cap.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Iar hamburgerul fierbinte, cu carnea \uc1 \u238 ?n sucul ei
.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \lang
lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu \uc
1 \u351 ?i un bol cu sup\uc1 \u259 ? cuib de \uc1 \u351 ?obolan? Sau poate creie
r de ca-pr\uc1 \u259 ? fript \uc1 \u238 ?n ulei de m\uc1 \u259 ?sline?}{\fs24 \d
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Doi \uc1 \u351 ?oferi de camion, r\uc1
\u259 ?sucindu-se \uc1 \u238 ?n scaunele lor, r\uc1 \u226 ?njir\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i ei la auzul glumelor. \uc1 \u350 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n plus, le f\uc1 \u259
?cu pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere s\uc1 \u259 ? remarce c\uc1 \u226 ?t era de atr\uc1 \u25
9 ?-g\uc1 \u259 ?toare. Chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? glumele b
uc\uc1 \u259 ?tarului, \uc1 \u351 ?oferii s-ar fi holbat la ea. Lunile de judo a
ctiv \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?duser\uc1 \u259 ? un tonus muscular neobi\uc1 \u
351 ?nuit; \uc1 \u351 ?tia c\uc1 \u226 ?t de bine se \uc1 \u355 ?inea \uc1 \u351
?i ce \uc1 \u238 ?nsemna asta pentru silueta ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
\langfenp1033 \cf1 T}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp10
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 otul \uc1 \u355 ?ine de mu\uc1 \u351 ?chii um\
uc1 \u259 ?rului, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi ea c\uc1 \u226 ?nd le \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \
u226 ?lni privi-rile. \uc1 \u350 ?i la dansatori, la fel. N-are nici o leg\uc1 \
u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu m\uc1 \u259 ?rimea. Trimite-\uc1 \u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u259 ?
nevestele la sala de sport \uc1 \u351 ?i vi le \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \
u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m. \uc1 \u350 ?i-o s\uc1 \u259 ? fi\uc1 \u355 ?i mai mul\uc1 \
u355 ?u-mi\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 P\uc1 \u259 ?stra\uc1
\u355 ?i distan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?i avertiz\uc1 \u259 ? buc\
uc1 \u259 ?tarul pe \uc1 \u351 ?oferi, f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-le cu ochiu
l. V\uc1 \u259 ? azv\uc1 \u226 ?rle la cutie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Ea \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? pe cel mai t\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r dintre \uc1 \u351 ?oferi:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De unde sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Missouri, ziser\uc1
\u259 ? am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i din Statele Unite? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1
\u259 ? ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
cf1 Eu sunt, zise cel mai \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?rst\uc1 \u259 ?. Philadelph
ia. Am ac}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe10
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 olo trei copii. Cel mai mare are unsprezece ani.}{\fs24 \d
angnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Asculta\uc1 \u355
?i, spuse Juliana. Este... u\uc1 \u351 ?or s\uc1 \u259 ? faci rost de o slujb\u
c1 \u259 ? bun\uc1 \u259 ? acolo?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?oferul mai t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sigur. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ai p
ielea de culoarea care trebuie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1 El \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i avea o fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cam \uc1 \u2
38 ?ntunecat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?r negru, cre\uc1 \u355 ?. Ex
pre-sia \uc1 \u238 ?i devenise ostil\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i am\uc1 \u259 ?r\u
c1 \u226 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
2 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \l
angfenp1033 \cf1 E broscar, zise cel mai \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?rst\uc1 \u25
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Bin
e, f\uc1 \u259 ?cu Juliana, dar n-a c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tigat Italia r\uc1
\u259 ?zboiul?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
\cf1 i z\uc1 \u226 ?mbi \uc1 \u351 ?oferului cel t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r, da
r el nu-i r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse. \uc1 \u206 ?n schimb ochii \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneca\uc
1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i lucir\uc1 \u259 ? mai puternic \uc1 \u351 ?i, brusc, se
\uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse \uc1 \u238 ?n alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u, se g\uc1
\u226 ?ndi. Dar nu spuse nimic. N-am cum s\uc1 \u259 ? te ajut, pe tine sau pe
oricine altcineva, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai fi brunet. Se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi la Frank.
M\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb dac\uc1 \u259 ? n-o fi murit deja. Vorbea ce nu
trebuie; nu era pe linie. Nu, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Oarecum, \uc1 \u238 ?i place
pe japonezi. Poate se identifi-c\uc1 \u259 ? cu ei pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt ur
\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i. Ea \uc1 \u238 ?i spusese \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna c\uc1
\u259 ? era ur\uc1 \u226 ?t. Pori largi. Nas mare. Pielea ei era fin\uc1 \u259
?, neobi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit de fin\uc1 \u259 ?. A pierit f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
mine? Un ciripitor e un ciripoi}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Joc de cuvinte bazat pe pronun\uc1 \u355 ?ia
relativ asem\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?toare a trei cuvinte: Frink, numele lui Fr
ank, fink = ciripitor (engl.) \uc1 \u351 ?i finch = pas\uc1 \u259 ?re mic\uc1 \u
259 ?, cu cioc scurt \uc1 \u351 ?i gros (engl.)}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 , un neam de pas\u
c1 \u259 ?re. \uc1 \u350 ?i se zice c\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?-s\uc1 \u259 ?ril
e pe limba lor pier.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
enp1033 \cf1 Pleca\uc1 \u355 ?i iar la drum, la noapte? \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238
?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? ea pe \uc1 \u351 ?oferul cel t\uc1 \u226 ?-n\uc1 \u259 ?r, i
talian.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
M\uc1 \u226 ?ine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\
1033 \cf1 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti fericit \uc1 \u238 ?n Statele Unite
, de ce nu treci definitiv dincolo? zise ea. Eu am tr\uc1 \u259 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?
n St\uc1 \u226 ?nco\uc1 \u351 ?i}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Statele Mun\uc1 \u355 ?ilor St\uc1 \u226 ?nc
o\uc1 \u351 ?i}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \l
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 mult timp \uc1 \u351 ?i nu este chiar a\uc1 \u351
?a r\uc1 \u259 ?u. Am tr\uc1 \u259 ?it pe Coast\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n San F
rancisco. \uc1 \u350 ?i ei au chestia asta cu pielea, acolo.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Arunc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i o privire scurt\uc1 \u259
?, cum st\uc1 \u259 ?tea sprijinit de tejghea, t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rul ita
lian zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
f1 Doamn\uc1 \u259 ?, e destul de r\uc1 \u259 ?u s\uc1 \u259 ? trebuiasc\uc1 \u2
59 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? petreci o zi sau o noapte \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un ora\uc1 \u351 ?
ca \uc1 \u259 ?sta. S\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?iesc aici? Cristoase... dac\uc1
\u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? putea face rost de orice alt gen de slujb\uc1 \u259 ?, s\u
c1 \u259 ? nu mai trebuiasc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu pe drum, s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?nc \uc1 \u238 ?n locuri ca \uc1 \u259 ?sta...}{\fs24
\par }\pard \plain \s17 \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Observ\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1
\u259 ? buc\uc1 \u259 ?tarul era ro\uc1 \u351 ?u, \uc1 \u238 ?ncet\uc1 \u259 ? s
\uc1 \u259 ? mai vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n-cepu cafeaua.}
np1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adju
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?oferul mai \u
c1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?rst\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i spu}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 se:}{\fs2
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Joe, e\uc1 \u
351 ?ti un snob.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
033 \cf1 Ai putea tr\uc1 \u259 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n Denver, zise Juliana. Acolo e ma
i frumos.}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe10
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidct
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 V\uc1 \u259 ? \
uc1 \u351 ?tiu eu pe voi, americanii din Est, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. V\uc1 \u259 ?
plac distrac-\uc1 \u355 ?iile. Visa\uc1 \u355 ?i la preriile nesf\uc1 \u226 ?r\
uc1 \u351 ?ite. St\uc1 \u226 ?nco\uc1 \u351 ?ii \uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tia-s to
cmai la dracu-n praznic. Aici nu s-a mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat nimic d
inainte de r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi. B\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ni la pensie, \uc1 \u35
5 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rani, pro\uc1 \u351 ?ti, tolomaci, s\uc1 \u259 ?rmani... iar to\u
c1 \u355 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u355 ?ii iste\uc1 \u355 ?i s-au a-du-nat \uc1 \
u238 ?n est, la New York, au trecut grani\uc1 \u355 ?a, legal sau ilegal. Pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ?, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndea ea, acolo sunt banii, banii gr\uc1 \u259 ?m
ad\uc1 \u259 ?, din industrie. Ex-pan-siunea. Investi\uc1 \u355 ?iile germane au
f\uc1 \u259 ?-cut multe... nu le-a luat mult s\uc1 \u259 ? construiasc\uc1 \u25
9 ? baza material\uc1 \u259 ? a Statelor Unite.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
langfenp1033 \cf1 Buc\uc1 \u259 ?tarul zise, pe un ton aspru \uc1 \u351 ?i sup\u
c1 \u259 ?rat:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
3 \cf1 Amice, nu-i iubesc din cale afar\uc1 \u259 ? pe evrei, dar am v\uc1 \u259
?zut pe c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva dintre refugia\uc1 \u355 ?ii evrei fugind
din Statele Unite ale voastre \uc1 \u238 ?n '49 \uc1 \u351 ?i pute\uc1 \u355 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?stra\uc1 \u355 ?i Statele Unite. Dac\uc
1 \u259 ? ave\uc1 \u355 ?i o mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime de posibi-lit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u
355 ?i de a c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiga u\uc1 \u351 ?or banii este pentru c\uc
1 \u259 ? i-au furat pe evreii \uc1 \u259 ?ia a-tunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd i-au zbura
t din New York cu un \uc1 \u351 ?ut \uc1 \u238 ?n spate, cu nenorocita aia de Le
ge Nuremberg, nem\uc1 \u355 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ?. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd eram pu\uc1 \u351
?ti, am locuit \uc1 \u238 ?n Bos-ton \uc1 \u351 ?i nu m-am dat deloc \uc1 \u238
?n v\uc1 \u226 ?nt dup\uc1 \u259 ? evrei, dar nu m-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit nicioda
t\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? am s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d trec\uc1 \u226 ?nd \
uc1 \u238 ?n Statele Unite legea aia nazist\uc1 \u259 ?, ra-sist\uc1 \u259 ?, ch
iar dac\uc1 \u259 ? am pierdut r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiul. M\uc1 \u259 ? mir\uc1 \u259
? c\uc1 \u259 ? nu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?n armatele Statelor Unite, preg\u
c1 \u259 ?tindu-te s\uc1 \u259 ? invadezi vreo mic\uc1 \u259 ? republic\uc1 \u25
9 ? sud-a-me-rican\uc1 \u259 ?, ca front pentru nem\uc1 \u355 ?i, ca s\uc1 \u259
?-i poat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpinge pe japonezi \uc1 \u238 ?n-c\uc1 \u259 ?
pu\uc1 \u355 ?in \uc1 \u238 ?napoi...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
033 \cf1 Am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi \uc1 \u351 ?oferii erau \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare, cu f
e\uc1 \u355 ?ele crispate. Cel mai \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?rs-t\uc1 \u259 ? l
u\uc1 \u259 ? de pe tejghea o sticl\uc1 \u259 ? cu Ketchup \uc1 \u351 ?i o apuc\
uc1 \u259 ? de g\uc1 \u226 ?t. Buc\uc1 \u259 ?ta-rul, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ? cu spatele la ei se d\uc1 \u259
?du \uc1 \u238 ?napoi p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ce degetele \uc1 \u238 ?i atin
ser\uc1 \u259 ? una dintre \uc1 \u355 ?epu\uc1 \u351 ?ele lui pentru friptur\uc1
\u259 ?. O trase afar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o str\uc1 \u226 ?nse \uc1 \u238
?n pumn.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Juliana zise:}{\fs24
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Denverul \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i face o pist\uc1 \u259 ? de-aia rezistent\uc1 \u259 ? la tem
peraturi mari, s\uc1 \u259 ? poat\uc1 \u259 ? ateriza acolo rachetele Lufthansei
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nici unul dintre cei trei b\
uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?i nu se mi\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i nu s
puse nimic. Ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i clien\uc1 \u355 ?i st\uc1 \u259 ?teau p\uc1 \u25
9 ?str\uc1 \u226 ?nd t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, buc\uc1 \u259 ?tarul
zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A
trecut una, pe sea}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 r\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu se ducea spre Denver, spuse Juliana. Me
rgea spre vest, spre Coast\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \

1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ncet-\uc1 \u238 ?ncet, cei doi \uc1 \u351 ?oferi s
e a\uc1 \u351 ?ezar\uc1 \u259 ? la loc. Cel mai \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?rst\u
c1 \u259 ? mor-m\uc1 \u259 ?i:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mereu uit, sunt pu\uc1 \u355 ?ini galbeni pe aici.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Buc\uc1 \u259 ?tarul zise:}{\fs24 \d
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nici un japonez n
-a ucis evrei, \uc1 \u238 ?n r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi sau dup\uc1 \u259 ?. Nici un ja-p
onez n-a construit cuptoare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cu at\uc1 \u226 ?t mai r\uc1 \u259 ?u, zise \uc1 \u351 ?ofe
rul \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?rst\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
langfenp1033 \cf1 Dar, lu\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i cea\uc1 \u351 ?ca de cafe
a, se apuc\uc1 \u259 ? iar s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?nce.}{\fs24 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Galbeni, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Juliana.
Da, cred c\uc1 \u259 ?-i adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat. \uc1 \u206 ?i iubim pe ja-ponezi,
pe aici.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
h \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbc
Unde sta\uc1 \u355 ?i? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?, adres\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i-se
celui mai t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r dintre \uc1 \u351 ?o-feri, Joe. Peste noa
pte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu
\uc1 \u351 ?tiu, r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse el. Doar ne-am dat jos din camion \uc1 \u35
1 ?i-am in-trat aici. Nu-mi place statul \uc1 \u259 ?sta. Poate am s\uc1 \u259 ?
dorm \uc1 \u238 ?n ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Motelul Honey Bee nu-i prea r\uc1 \u25
9 ?u, zise buc\uc1 \u259 ?tarul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Okay, zise \uc1 \u351 ?oferul cel t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u
259 ?r. Poate am s\uc1 \u259 ? stau acolo. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i deranjeaz\uc1 \u
259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt italian.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
cf1 Avea un accent pronun\uc1 \u355 ?at, cu toate c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncer
ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-l ascund\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
033 \cf1 Privindu-l, Juliana se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, idealismul \uc1 \u238 ?l face
at\uc1 \u226 ?t de amar. Cere prea mult de la via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Mereu
\uc1 \u238 ?n mi\uc1 \u351 ?care, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? odihn\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncordat. \uc1 \u350 ?i eu sunt la fel; n-am putut s\uc
1 \u259 ? stau pe Coasta de Vest \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la urm
\uc1 \u259 ? n-am s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ? rezist nic
i aici. Nu a\uc1 \u351 ?a erau cei de demult? Dar, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, acum gra
ni\uc1 \u355 ?a nu-i aici, e pe alte planete.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi: El \uc1 \u351 ?i cu mine am putea semna pen
tru una din rachete-le alea de colonizare. Nem\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1
\u259 ? l-ar respinge pe el din cauza pielii iar pe mine din cauza p\uc1 \u259 ?
rului negru. Fe\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u259 ?ia frumo\uc1 \u351 ?i palizi, nordici,
S.S.- i\uc1 \u351 ?ti, din castelele de antrenament din Bavaria. Tipul \uc1 \u2
59 ?sta \uc1 \u8211 ? Joe \uc1 \u351 ?i mai cum \uc1 \u8211 ? nici m\uc1 \u259 ?
car nu are pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? expresia corect\uc1 \u259 ?; ar trebui
s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n-f\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u35
1 ?area aia rece, dar oarecum entu-ziast\uc1 \u259 ?, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum n-ar
crede \uc1 \u238 ?n ni-mic \uc1 \u351 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i ar avea credin\uc1 \u
355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? absolut\uc1 \u259 ?. Da, ei a\uc1 \u351 ?a sunt. Nu sunt ideali\uc1 \u351 ?ti, ca Joe \uc1 \u351 ?i ca mine, sunt cinici cu o credin\uc1 \u35
5 ?\uc1 \u259 ? total\uc1 \u259 ?. E un fel de de-fect al creierului, ca o lobot
omie \uc1 \u8211 ? mutilarea pe care o fac psihiatrii germani ca un slab substit
ut pentru psihoterapie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Proble
ma lor, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? ea, este cu sexul; au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut ceva
prostesc \uc1 \u238 ?n a-nii treizeci cu asta, iar acum e \uc1 \u351 ?i mai r\u
c1 \u259 ?u. A \uc1 \u238 ?nceput Hitler cu... ce era? Sora lui? M\uc1 \u259 ?tu
\uc1 \u351 ?a? Nepoata? \uc1 \u350 ?i familia lui era deja degenerat\uc1 \u259 ?
; mama \uc1 \u351 ?i tat\uc1 \u259 ?l lui erau veri. To\uc1 \u355 ?i comit inces
t, \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se la p\uc1 \u259 ?catul originar de a pofti
la propriile lor mame. De asta au ei elita blonzilor fe\uc1 \u355 ?i-frumo\uc1
\u351 ?i S.S., z\uc1 \u226 ?mbetul \uc1 \u259 ?la \uc1 \u238 ?ngeresc prostesc,
inocen\uc1 \u355 ?a aia de prunci b\uc1 \u259 ?lai; se p\uc1 \u259 ?streaz\uc1 \
u259 ? pentru Mama. Sau unul pentru altul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
enp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i cine-i Mama pentru ei? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259
? ea. Conduc\uc1 \u259 ?torul, Herr Bor-mann, despre care se crede c\uc1 \u259
? este pe moarte. Sau... Cel Bolnav.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
3 \cf1 B\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul Adolf, aflat probabil \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un s
anatoriu, pe undeva, t\uc1 \u226 ?-r\uc1 \u226 ?n-du-\uc1 \u351 ?i paralizia sen
il\uc1 \u259 ?. Sifilisul creierului, dat\uc1 \u226 ?nd din vremu-rile de mizeri
e, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd tr\uc1 \u259 ?ia de azi pe m\uc1 \u226 ?ine \uc1 \u238 ?n Vie
na... pardesiu lung, negru, lenjerie murdar\uc1 \u259 ?, hoteluri ieftine.}{\fs2
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Evident, a fost r\uc1 \u259 ?zbunar
ea sardonic\uc1 \u259 ? a lui Dumnezeu, exact ca \uc1 \u238 ?n filmele mute. Omu
l acela \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitor, dobor\uc1 \u226 ?t de o mizerie interioar\uc1 \u2
59 ?, pedeapsa dintotdeauna pentru tic\uc1 \u259 ?lo\uc1 \u351 ?ia b\uc1 \u259 ?
rbatului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Iar partea oribil\uc
1 \u259 ? era c\uc1 \u259 ? Imperiul German actual era un produs al acelui creie
r. La \uc1 \u238 ?nceput un partid politic, apoi o na\uc1 \u355 ?iune, apoi jum\
uc1 \u259 ?ta-te din lume. \uc1 \u350 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?i
nazi\uc1 \u351 ?tii o diagnosticaser\uc1 \u259 ?, o identifi-caser\uc1 \u259 ?;
vra-ciul acela care \uc1 \u238 ?l tratase pe Hitler, doctorul acela, Morell, ca
re-i pres-cri-sese lui Hitler un medicament brevetat, nu-mit "Pastilele Antigas
ale doctorului Koester", fusese la origine specialist \uc1 \u238 ?n boli veneric
e. Toat\uc1 \u259 ? lu-mea o \uc1 \u351 ?tia, dar cu toate astea, vorb\uc1 \u259
?ria conduc\uc1 \u259 ?torului \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? era ve-ne-rat\uc1 \u2
59 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? era Sf\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ? Scrip-tur\uc1
\u259 ?. Vederile lui infectaser\uc1 \u259 ? o civiliza\uc1 \u355 ?ie p\uc1 \u22
6 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acum \uc1 \u351 ?i, precum sporii otr\uc1 \u259 ?vitori, blonde
le regine naziste oarbe f\uc1 \u226 ?s\uc1 \u226 ?iau de pe P\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1
\u226 ?nt c\uc1 \u259 ?tre alte planete, r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndind contam
inarea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cu ce te alegi din inc
est: nebunie, orbire, moarte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
Brrr. Se cutremur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Charley, \uc1 \u238 ?l strig\uc1 \u259 ? pe buc\uc1 \u259
?tar. E\uc1 \u351 ?ti gata cu comanda mea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
fenp1033 \cf1 Se sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea absolut singur\uc1 \u259 ?; ridic\uc1 \u226 ?
ndu-se \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare, se duse la bar \uc1 \u351 ?i se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\u
c1 \u259 ? l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina de marcat.}{\fs24 \dbch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nimeni nu a b\uc1 \u259 ?gat de seam\uc1 \
u259 ?, cu excep\uc1 \u355 ?ia t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rului \uc1 \u351 ?ofer
italian; ochii lui negri erau a\uc1 \u355 ?inti\uc1 \u355 ?i asupra ei. Joe, a\u
c1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?l chema. Joe \uc1 \u351 ?i mai cum? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb
\uc1 \u259 ? ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mai ap}{\fs24
\cf1 roape de el, acum, v\uc1 \u259 ?zu c\uc1 \u259 ? nu era chiar a\uc1 \u351
?a de t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r cum crezuse. Greu de zis; intensitatea dimprej
urul lui \uc1 \u238 ?i perturba jude-cata. \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i trecea \uc1
\u238 ?ntruna m\uc1 \u226 ?na prin p\uc1 \u259 ?r, piept\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u226
?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i-l \uc1 \u238 ?nspre spate, cu de-getele rigide, \uc1 \u238 ?
ncovoiate. Este ceva special cu omul \uc1 \u259 ?sta, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi ea. Re
spir\uc1 \u259 ?... moarte. O enerva \uc1 \u351 ?i cu toate astea o atr\uc1 \u25
9 ?gea. Acum, \uc1 \u351 ?oferul mai \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?rst\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nclin\uc1 \u259 ? capul \uc1 \u351 ?i-i \u
c1 \u351 ?opti ceva. Apoi o scrutar\uc1 \u259 ? am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi, de ast\uc1 \
u259 ? dat\uc1 \u259 ? cu o privire care nu era obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuitul interes ma
sculin.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
Domni\uc1 \u351 ?oar\uc1 \u259 ?, zise cel mai \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?rst\uc
1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi
b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?ii erau destul de \uc1 \u238 ?ncorda\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u35
0 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i ce-i asta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
\u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033
\langfenp1033 \cf1 i ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? o cutie alb\uc1 \u259 ?, plat\
uc1 \u259 ?, nu prea mare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
f4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, zise Juliana. Ciorapi de naylon. Fibre sintetice f\uc1 \u
259 ?cute doar de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre marele cartel I.G. Farben, din New York. Foar
te greu de g\uc1 \u259 ?sit \uc1 \u351 ?i scumpi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nem\uc1 \u355 ?ilor s\uc1 \u259 ? le-o
spui; monopolul nu-i o idee rea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?oferul mai \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?rst\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238
?i trecu \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?itorului lui cutia, iar acesta o \uc1 \u238
?mpinse cu cotul, \uc1 \u238 ?n lungul tejghelei, c\uc1 \u259 ?tre ea.}{\fs24 \
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ai ma\uc1 \u351
?in\uc1 \u259 ?? o \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? italianul cel t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc
1 \u259 ?r, sorbindu-\uc1 \u351 ?i cafeaua.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
fenp1033 \cf1 Din buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?rie, ap\uc1 \u259 ?ru Charley; cu
farfuria ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
\cf1 M-ai putea duce cu ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acolo.}{\fs
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ochii s\uc1 \u259 ?lbatici, putern
ici, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o mai studiau \uc1 \u351 ?i ea deveni din ce \uc
1 \u238 ?n ce mai nervoas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i din ce \uc
1 \u238 ?n ce mai incapabil\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? vreo mi\uc
1 \u351 ?care.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
3 \cf1 Motelul \uc1 \u259 ?la sau oriunde a\uc1 \u351 ? putea sta la noapte. Nui a\uc1 \u351 ?a?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
1033 \cf1 Da, zise ea. Am o ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?. Un Studebaker vechi.}{
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Buc\uc1 \u259 ?tarul \uc1 \u238
?\uc1 \u351 ?i mut\uc1 \u259 ? privirile de la ea la t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
rul \uc1 \u351 ?ofer italian, apoi puse farfuria \uc1 \u238 ?naintea ei, pe tejg
hea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Difuzorul de la cap\uc1 \u259
?tul \uc1 \u351 ?irului de scaune se f\uc1 \u259 ?cu auzit: "Ach-tung, mei}{\fs
33 \cf1 ne Damen un Herren"}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1
048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb
0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super
1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Aten\uc1 \u355 ?iune, doamnelor \uc1 \u351 ?i dom
nilor (germ.)}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 . Pe locul lui, domnul Baynes tres\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc
1 \u351 ?i des-chise ochii. Prin fereastra din dreapta lui putea vedea jos, \uc1
\u238 ?n de-p\uc1 \u259 ?r-tare, maroniul \uc1 \u351 ?i verdele p\uc1 \u259 ?m\
uc1 \u226 ?ntului, apoi albastru. Pacificul. Ra-cheta, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
d\uc1 \u259 ?du seama, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepuse lunga \uc1
\u351 ?i lenta co}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 bor\uc1 \u226 ?re.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \s17
langfenp1033 \cf1 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n germ
an\uc1 \u259 ?, apoi \uc1 \u238 ?n japonez\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238
?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n en-glez\uc1 \u259 ?, difuzorul le prec
iz\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nimeni nu trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? fumeze sau s\uc1 \u
259 ? se dezlege din scaunul capitonat. Cobor\uc1 \u226 ?rea, explica el, va dur
a opt mi-nu-te.}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \n
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Retroreac
toarele pornir\uc1 \u259 ? apoi, at\uc1 \u226 ?t de brusc \uc1 \u351 ?i de zgomo
tos, zg\uc1 \u226 ?l-\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?ind nava at\uc1 \u226 ?t de violent
, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva pasageri \uc1 \u238 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i pierdur\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?sufla-rea. \uc1 \u206 ?nec\uc1 \u
226 ?ndu-se. Domnul Baynes z\uc1 \u226 ?mbi, iar de pe locul de la margi-ne, de
enp1033 \cf1 vis-\uc1 \u224 ?-vis}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 de el, un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat t\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r, cu p\uc1 \u259 ?rul blond t\uc1 \u259 ?iat scurt, z\uc1
\u226 ?m-bi \uc1 \u351 ?i el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sie }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1031 \lan
gnp1031 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 f\uc1 \u252 ?rchten}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hi
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 dasz...,
\uc1 \u238 ?ncepu t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rul, dar domnul Baynes zise \uc1 \u
238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n engleze\uc1 \u351 ?te:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 mi pare r\uc1 \u2
59 ?u, nu vorbesc germana.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 T\u
c1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rul german \uc1 \u238 ?l privi \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u25
9 ?tor a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse acela\uc1 \u351 ?i lucru
\uc1 \u238 ?n german\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
\uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \lan
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Deloc? zise t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rul german, ulu
it, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o englez\uc1 \u259 ? cu accent.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sunt suedez, spuse Baynes.}{\fs24 \d
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 V-a\uc1 \u355 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?mbarcat la Tempelhof}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Aeroportul Berlinului}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 .}{\fs24
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, am fost \u
c1 \u238 ?n Germania cu afaceri. Afacerile m\uc1 \u259 ? poart\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n multe \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?ri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \s17 \fi567
p1033 \cf1 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Era clar, t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rul neam\uc1 \u355 ?
nu putea crede c\uc1 \u259 ? cineva, \uc1 \u238 ?n lumea actu-al\uc1 \u259 ?, ci
neva care avea rela\uc1 \u355 ?ii de afaceri interna\uc1 \u355 ?ionale \uc1 \u35
1 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?to-rea \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pu
tea permite s\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?toreasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8
211 ? cu ultimul tip de rachet\uc1 \u259 ? Lufthansa nu putea sau nu vroia s\uc1
\u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? germana. \uc1 \u206 ?i spuse lui Baynes:}{\fs24 \d
f1 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cu ce v\uc1
\u259 ? ocupa\uc1 \u355 ?i, mein Herr?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Plastice. Poliesteri. R\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?in
i. Ersatz \uc1 \u8211 ? uz industrial. \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elege\uc1 \u355
?i, nu lucru}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langf
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ri de uz casnic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
np1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp10
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Suedia are o industrie }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 a plas
ticului?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncreder
e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \lan
\lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, u
na foarte bun\uc1 \u259 ?. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi da\uc1 \u355 ?i numele
dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, ve\uc1 \u355 ?i primi prin po\uc1 \u351 ?t\uc1 \u259
? un prospect al firmei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnu
l Baynes \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i scoase stiloul \uc1 \u351 ?i carne\uc1 \u355
?elul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 N
u v\uc1 \u259 ? deranja\uc1 \u355 ?i. Ar fi irosit cu mine. Sunt artist, nu come
r-ciant. Nici o sup\uc1 \u259 ?rare. Se poate s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi fi v\uc1 \u259 ?z
ut lucr\uc1 \u259 ?rile pe Conti-nent. Alex Lotze.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u259 ? tem c\uc1 \u259 ? nu s
unt interesat de arta modern\uc1 \u259 ?, zise domnul Baynes. \uc1 \u206 ?mi pla
c vechii cubi\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i abstrac\uc1 \u355 ?ioni\uc1 \u351 ?ti
de dinainte de r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi. \uc1 \u206 ?mi place ca pictura s\uc1 \u259 ?
aib\uc1 \u259 ? un \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles, nu doar s\uc1 \u259 ? reprezin
te idealul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se \uc1 \u238 ?nto
arse \uc1 \u238 ?n alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dar asta-i sarcina artei, zise Lotze. S\uc1 \u
259 ? reprezinte spirituali-tatea omului, \uc1 \u238 ?naintea senzualului. Arta
dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? abstract\uc1 \u259 ? a repre-zentat o perioad\uc1 \u259
? de decaden\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? spiritual\uc1 \u259 ?, de haos spiritual,
datorit\uc1 \u259 ? dezintegr\uc1 \u259 ?rii societ\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii, a
vechii plutocra\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Evreii \uc1 \u351 ?i mu-sulmanii capi-ta-li\uc1
\u351 ?ti, situa\uc1 \u355 ?ia interna\uc1 \u355 ?ional\uc1 \u259 ?, care au spr
ijinit arta decadent\uc1 \u259 ?. Timpu-rile alea au trecut, arta trebuie s\uc1
\u259 ? mearg\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nain-te... nu poate r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u2
26 ?ne pe loc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Baynes d\uc1 \u
259 ?du din cap, privind pe fereastr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u355 ?i mai fost \uc1 \u238 ?n
Pacific? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Lotze.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De c\uc1 \u226 ?teva ori.}{\fs24 \dbch \af
33 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Eu nu. Este o expozi\uc1
\u355 ?ie \uc1 \u238 ?n San Francisco, cu lucr\uc1 \u259 ?rile mele, aranjate p
rin grija Dr. Goebbels, cu autorit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile japoneze. Un schim
b cultural, pentru promovarea \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegerii \uc1 \u351 ?i a
bun\uc1 \u259 ?voin\uc1 \u355 ?ei. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? mic\uc1 \u351 ?or\uc1 \
u259 ?m tensiunile dintre Est \uc1 \u351 ?i Vest, nu crede\uc1 \u355 ?i? Trebuie
s\uc1 \u259 ? comu-nic\uc1 \u259 ?m mai mult, iar arta o poate face.}{\fs24 \db
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Baynes \uc1 \u238 ?ncuviin\uc1 \u355 ?\u
c1 \u259 ? din cap. Jos, dincolo de cercul de foc al rache-tei, se puteau vedea
acum San Francisco \uc1 \u351 ?i Golful.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Unde se poate m\uc1 \u226 ?nca \uc1 \u238 ?n Sa
n Francisco? continu\uc1 \u259 ? Lotze. Am rezervare la Palace Hotel, dar dup\uc
1 \u259 ? cum \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg eu, se poate g\uc1 \u259 ?si m\uc1 \
u226 ?ncare bun\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n sec\uc1 \u355 ?iunea interna\uc1 \u35
5 ?ional\uc1 \u259 ?, cum ar fi Chinatown}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \lo
ch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \
li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch
\af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs1
5 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp
1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang104
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cartierul chinezesc}}}{\fs24 \dbch
\af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 .
ang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Adev\uc
1 \u259 ?rat, zise Baynes.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Sunt ridicate pre\uc1 \u355 ?urile \uc1 \u238 ?n San Francisc
o? Cam fluier\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u226 ?ntul prin buzunarele mele. Ministerul est
e foarte cump\uc1 \u259 ?tat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
Lotze r\uc1 \u226 ?se.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
gfenp1033 \cf1 Depinde de rata de schimb pe care o pute\uc1 \u355 ?i ob\uc1 \u35
5 ?ine. Presupu-n\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? ave\uc1 \u355 ?i moneda Reich-ului
. V\uc1 \u259 ? sugerez s\uc1 \u259 ? merge\uc1 \u355 ?i la Bank of Kyo, pe Sams
on Street, s\uc1 \u259 ? schimba\uc1 \u355 ?i acolo.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Danke sehr}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2
\hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard
\plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap
fenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \la
ng1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af6 \loc
h \f6 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Foarte mul\uc1 \u355
?umesc (germ.)}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \l
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 , zise Lotze. A\uc1 \u351 ? fi f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o l
a hotel.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
3 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \s17 \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctl
af4 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Racheta apr
oape ajunsese la sol. Acum Baynes putu vedea aero-dromul \uc1 \u238 ?n sine, han
garele, zonele de parcare, autostrada \uc1 \u238 ?n-spre ora\uc1 \u351 ?, casele
... foarte dr\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? imagine, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi
. Mun\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i ap\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?teva
fu-ioare de cea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?nate de v\uc1 \u226 ?nt la
Golden Gate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langf
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowi
1033 \cf1 Ce este structura aceea enorm\uc1 \u259 ? de sub noi? \uc1 \u238 ?ntre
b\uc1 \u259 ? Lotze. Este terminat\uc1 \u259 ? pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate, deschis\u
c1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o parte. Un cosmodrom? Japonezii nu au nici o nav\uc1
\u259 ? spa\uc1 \u355 ?ial\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 redeam.}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cu un z\uc1 \u226 ?mbet, Baynes
af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 E
Golden Poppy Stadium. Terenul de baseball.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f

enp1033 \cf1 Lotze r\uc1 \u226 ?se.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, le place baseball-ul. Incredibil. Au \uc1 \u238
?nceput lucrul la struc-tura asta m\uc1 \u259 ?rea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pentr
u distrac\uc1 \u355 ?ie, un sport inutil, care m\uc1 \u259 ?-n\uc1 \u226 ?nc\uc1
\u259 ? timp...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs2
3 \cf1 ntrerup\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l, Baynes zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Este terminat. Asta este forma lui definit
iv\uc1 \u259 ?. Deschis \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o parte. Un nou proiect arhitectural. Su
nt foarte m\uc1 \u226 ?ndri de el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Arat\uc1 \u259 ?, zise Lotze, privind \uc1 \u238 ?n j
os, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum ar fi fost proiectat de un evreu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Baynes \uc1 \u238 ?l privi pe om un timp. Sim\uc1 \
u355 ?i, puternic pentru un mo-ment, dezechilibrul, urma de nebunie din mintea g
erman\uc1 \u259 ?. Chiar cre-dea Lotze ce zicea? Era o remarc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \
u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r spontan\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sper c\uc1 \u259 ? ne vom vedea mai t\u
c1 \u226 ?rziu, \uc1 \u238 ?n San Francisco, zise Lotze c\uc1 \u226 ?nd racheta
atinse p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul. Am s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? plictisesc
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? cineva din \uc1 \u355 ?a-r\uc1 \u259 ?, cu care s\uc
1 \u259 ? discut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
1033 \cf1 Nu sunt din \uc1 \u355 ?ara dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, zise Baynes.}{\f
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A, da; a\uc
1 \u351 ?a-i. Dar din punct de vedere rasial, sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i foarte a-pro-pi
at. Sub toate aspectele \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n toate sensurile la fel.}{\fs
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Lotze \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u25
9 ? se foiasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe scaun, preg\uc1 \u259 ?tindu-se s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1
\u351 ?i des-chid\uc1 \u259 ? complicata centur\uc1 \u259 ? de siguran\uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sunt \uc1 \u23
8 ?nrudit rasial cu omul \uc1 \u259 ?sta? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Bayne
s. At\uc1 \u226 ?t de str\uc1 \u226 ?ns \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259
? fim sub toate aspectele \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n toate sensurile la fel. Atunci, exist\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n mine urma de nebunie. Lumea
nebun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n care tr\uc1 \u259 ?-im. Nebunii sunt la putere.
De c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?tim asta? Ne confrunt\uc1 \u259 ?m cu as-ta? \uc
1 \u350 ?i... c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i dintre noi chiar o \uc1 \u351 ?tiu? Lot
ze nu. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tii c\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1
\u351 ?ti nebun, atunci nu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti nebun. Sau te \uc1 \u238 ?nzdr\uc1 \u
259 ?vene\uc1 \u351 ?ti, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din ur-m\uc1 \u259 ?. Trezindu-te. P
resupun c\uc1 \u259 ? doar c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva sunt con\uc1 \u351 ?ti-e
n\uc1 \u355 ?i de toate as-tea. Persoane izolate, ici-colo. \uc1 \u206 ?ns\uc1 \
u259 ? masele largi... ce g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc? Toate su-tele de mii din ora\uc1 \
u351 ?ul \uc1 \u259 ?sta, de aici. \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i imagineaz\uc1 \u259
? c\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?iesc \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o lume s\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u
259 ?toas\uc1 \u259 ?? Ori ghicesc, \uc1 \u238 ?ntrez\uc1 \u259 ?-resc, adev\uc1
\u259 ?rul...?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dar, se g\uc1
\u226 ?ndi, ce se \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?e}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 lege prin }{\i1 \fs24 \
cf1 nebun? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O defini\uc1 \u355 ?ie legal\uc1 \u259 ?. Ce \uc1 \u238
?n-\uc1 \u355 ?eleg eu? O simt, o v\uc1 \u259 ?d, dar ce este?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi: Este ceva ce fac ei, sunt
ei ceva. Este incon\uc1 \u351 ?tien\uc1 \u355 ?a lor. Lipsa lor de cuno\uc1 \u35
1 ?tin\uc1 \u355 ?e despre al\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Incon\uc1 \u351 ?tien\uc1 \u355 ?a
lor cu privire la ceea ce le fac celorlal\uc1 \u355 ?i, distrugerea pe care au p
rovocat-o \uc1 \u351 ?i o provoac\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Nu-i ast
a. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu; o simt, o intuiesc. Dar... sunt cruzi cu bu-n\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?... asta e? Nu, Doamne, se g\uc1 \u226
?ndi. N-o pot prinde, clarifica. Oare ignor\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355
?i ale societ\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii? Da. Dar este mai mult. Sunt planurile
lor. Da, planurile lor. Cucerirea planetelor. Ceva \uc1 \u238 ?nnebunitor \uc1 \
u351 ?i de-men-\uc1 \u355 ?ial, cum a fost cucerirea Africii \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1
\u238 ?nainte de asta a Europei \uc1 \u351 ?i a Asiei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Perspectiva lor este cosmic\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu un om aici
, un copil colo, ci o abstrac\uc1 \u355 ?iune: ras\uc1 \u259 ?-patrie. }{\i1 \fs
33 \cf1 Volk. Land. Blut. Ehre}{\cs15 \i1 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf1 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri
0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \h
ich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20
\super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af6 \loch \f6 \lang1048 \lang
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Popor. \uc1 \u354 ?ar\uc1 \u259 ?. S\uc1 \
u226 ?nge. Onoare. (germ.)}}}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang104
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 . }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \lo
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu despre oameni ono
rabili, ci despre \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ehre}
np1033 \cf1 , onoarea; abstractul este adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat, realul este invizibi
l pentru ei. }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Die G}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1024 \langfenp1024 \cf1 \uc1 \u252 ?}{\i1 \fs24 \dbc
te}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \su
per1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \a
djustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \
langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \
af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs2
3 \cf1 \super1 2}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af6 \loch \f6 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \l
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Bun\uc1 \u259 ?tatea (germ.)}}}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \a
f4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 , }
np1033 \cf1 nu oamenii buni, omul \uc1 \u259 ?sta bun. Sim\uc1 \u355 ?ul spa\uc1
\u355 ?iului \uc1 \u351 ?i al timpului este la ei. V\uc1 \u259 ?d prin aici, ac
um, prin vastul, \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecatul \uc1 \u351 ?i ad\uc1 \u226 ?ncul dincolo
, ne-schimb\uc1 \u259 ?torul. \uc1 \u350 ?i asta este fatal pentru via\uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u259 ?. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la sf\uc1 \u226
?r\uc1 \u351 ?it nu va mai fi nici o via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?; au fost c\uc1
\u226 ?ndva numai particule de praf prin spa\uc1 \u355 ?ii, gazele fierbin\uc1 \
u355 ?i de hidrogen, nimic mai mult, \uc1 \u351 ?i vor reveni. Acesta est}{\fs24
\cf1 e un interval, }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lang
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ein Augenblick}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hi
ch \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \p
lain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \
p1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1
033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \
f4 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Clipa...}}}{\i1 \fs24 \d
f1 . }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \
langfenp1033 \cf1 Procesul cosmic se gr\uc1 \u259 ?be\uc1 \u351 ?te, zdrobind vi
a\uc1 \u355 ?a, \uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1 \u238 ?n granit \uc1 \u351 ?i metan; roat
a se \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u226 ?rte\uc1 \u351 ?te pentru \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga f\uc
1 \u259 ?ptur\uc1 \u259 ?. Totul este vremelnic. Iar ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti... ace\uc
1 \u351 ?ti nebuni... reac\uc1 \u355 ?ioneaz\uc1 \u259 ? la granit, la praf, la

dorul de nefiin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?; vor s\uc1 \u259 ? ajute }{\i1 \fs24 \db
1 Natur}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3
\super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpa
r \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang10
33 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \db
ch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{
p1033 \cf1 Natura...}}}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lan
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 .}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \s17 \fi567 \
033 \cf1 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe103
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, \uc1 \u351 ?tiu de ce.
Vor s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? ei istoria, nu s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fie victime. Se
identific\uc1 \u259 ? cu puterea lui Dumnezeu \uc1 \u351 ?i se cred aseme-nea l
ui. Asta este principala lor nebunie. Sunt cople\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i de vr
eun arhetip; propriile euri li s-au extins nebune\uc1 \u351 ?te astfel \uc1 \u23
8 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t nu pot spune unde \uc1 \u238 ?ncep ei \uc1 \u351 ?i unde se s
f\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te dumnezeirea. Nu este arogan\uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u259 ?, nici m\uc1 \u226 ?ndrie; este umflarea eului p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \
u259 ? la cea din urm\uc1 \u259 ?... confuzie \uc1 \u238 ?ntre cel care ador\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ceea ce este adorat. Nu omul l-a m\uc1 \u226 ?ncat pe Dum
nezeu; Dumnezeu l-a}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 m\uc1 \u226 ?ncat pe om.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\par
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ceea ce nu \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg ei est
e }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033
\langfenp1033 \cf1 neajutorarea }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang104
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 omului. Sunt slab, mor, f\uc1 \u259
?r\uc1 \u259 ? importan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pentru univers. Nici nu m\uc1 \
u259 ? observ\uc1 \u259 ?; tr\uc1 \u259 ?iesc nev\uc1 \u259 ?zut. \uc1 \u350 ?i
ce-i r\uc1 \u259 ?u \uc1 \u238 ?n asta? Nu-i mai bine a\uc1 \u351 ?a? Zeii \uc1
\u238 ?i distrug pe cei care-i bag\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n seam\uc1 \u259 ?. F
ii mic... \uc1 \u351 ?i vei sc\uc1 \u259 ?pa}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 geloziei celui mare.}{
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Desf\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
u-\uc1 \u351 ?i centura, Baynes zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
33 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule Lotze, n-am mai spus nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui. E
u sunt evreu. \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?e-le-ge\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Lotze se uit\uc1 \u259 ? cu mil\uc1 \u259 ? la el
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 N-avea
\uc1 \u355 ?i de unde \uc1 \u351 ?ti, zise Baynes, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?, fizic n
u par evreu \uc1 \u238 ?n nici un fel; mi-am transformat nasul, mi-am mic\uc1 \u
351 ?orat porii largi, mi-am albit pielea prin procedee chimice \uc1 \u351 ?i mi
-am modificat forma ca-pului. Pe scurt, nu pot fi detectat, fizic. Pot \uc1 \u35
1 ?i am umblat adeseori prin cele mai \uc1 \u238 ?nalte cercuri ale societ\uc1 \
u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii naziste. Nimeni nu m\uc1 \u259 ? va descope-ri. \uc1 \u350
?i...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se opri, venind aproape,
foarte aproape de Lotze \uc1 \u351 ?i vorbind cu vo-ce joas\uc1 \u259 ?, ca num
ai Lotze s\uc1 \u259 ?-l poat\uc1 \u259 ? auzi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i mai sunt si al\uc1 \u355 ?
ii de-ai no\uc1 \u351 ?tri. Auzi? Nu am murit. \uc1 \u206 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? mai ex
ist\uc1 \u259 ?m. Tr\uc1 \u259 ?im Nev\uc1 \u259 ?zu\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? un moment, Lotze se b\uc1 \
u226 ?lb\uc1 \u226 ?i:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
gfenp1033 \cf1 Poli\uc1 \u355 ?ia...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S.D.-ul}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \a
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \
ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4
\hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs
20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af6 \loch \f6 \lang1048 \la
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Siecherheitsdienst (Siguran\uc1 \u355 ?a
statului)}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langf
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?mi poate parcurge dosarul, zise Baynes. M\
uc1 \u259 ? po\uc1 \u355 ?i de-nun\uc1 \u355 ?a. Dar am rela\uc1 \u355 ?ii foart
e \uc1 \u238 ?nalte. Unii din ei sunt arieni, unii sunt evrei \uc1 \u238 ?n pozi
\uc1 \u355 ?ii cheie la Berlin. Raportul t\uc1 \u259 ?u va fi neglijat \uc1 \u35
1 ?i apoi, ime-diat, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i vor face un raport \uc1 \u351 ?i
prin acelea\uc1 \u351 ?i rela\uc1 \u355 ?ii te vei trezi \uc1 \u238 ?n lag\uc1 \
u259 ?r.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Z\uc1 \u226 ?mbi, \uc
1 \u238 ?ncuviin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? d\uc1 \u226 ?nd din cap \uc1 \u351 ?i o
lu\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n sus pe culoarul navei, \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259
?rt\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se de Lotze, al\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se celorlal\uc1
\u355 ?i pasageri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cobor\uc1
\u226 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii rampa, \uc1 \u238 ?n frigul \uc1 \u351
?i v\uc1 \u226 ?ntul de pe pist\uc1 \u259 ?. Jos, Bay-nes se trezi iar\uc1 \u259
?\uc1 \u351 ?i l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? Lotze.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 fapt, zise Baynes, p\
uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ind al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de Lotze, nu-mi place cum ar\uc1 \
u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i, domnule Lotze, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ?, oricum, cred c
\uc1 \u259 ? am s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i fac raport.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u259 ?ri pasul, l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l
pe Lotze \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
p1033 \cf1 La cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt cap\uc1 \u259 ?t al pistei, la intrarea public
ului, a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta un mare num\uc1 \u259 ?r de oameni. Rude, prieteni ai p
asagerilor, unii dintre ei f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu m\uc1 \u226 ?na, c\uc
1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u226 ?nd din priviri, z\uc1 \u226 ?mbind, uit\uc1 \u226 ?n-du-s
e cu ner\uc1 \u259 ?bdare, cer-cet\uc1 \u226 ?nd chipuri. Un japonez greoi, \uc1
\u238 ?ntre dou\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u226 ?rste, bine \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?
cat, cu trenci englezesc, pantofi ascu\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i, tot engleze\uc
1 \u351 ?ti, gambet\uc1 \u259 ?, st\uc1 \u259 ?tea pu\uc1 \u355 ?in \uc1 \u238 ?
naintea celorlal\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?it de un altul mai t\u
c1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r. La reverul hainei pur-ta insigna \uc1 \u206 ?naltei Mi
siuni Comerciale Pacifice a Guvernului Imperial. El este, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351
?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du seama domnul Baynes. Domnul N. Tagomi, venit s\uc1 \u259 ? m
\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpine personal.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 P\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ind \uc1 \u238 ?nainte, japone
zul strig\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
gfenp1033 \cf1 Herr Baynes... bun\uc1 \u259 ? seara.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Capul i se \uc1 \u238 ?nclin\uc1 \u259 ?, ezitant.}{\fs24
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Bun\uc1 \u259
? seara, domnule Tagomi, zise Baynes, \uc1 \u238 ?ntinz\uc1 \u226 ?nd m\uc1 \u22
6 ?na.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \a
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc
1 \u351 ?i str\uc1 \u226 ?nser\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?inile, apoi se \uc1 \u23
8 ?nclinar\uc1 \u259 ?. Japonezul mai t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r se \uc1 \u238
?nclin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i el, z\uc1 \u226 ?mbind.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Frigu\uc1 \u355 ?, domnule, pe
pista asta expus\uc1 \u259 ?, zise domnul Tago-mi. Putem porni \uc1 \u238 ?napoi
, spre centrul ora\uc1 \u351 ?ului, cu elicopterul Misiunii. A\uc1 \u351 ?a? Sau
poate ave\uc1 \u355 ?i nevoie s\uc1 \u259 ? folosi\uc1 \u355 ?i toaleta \uc1 \u
351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?a mai departe?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
\cf1 Cercet\uc1 \u259 ? cu nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te chipul domnului Baynes.}{\fs24 \
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Putem porni chia
r acum, zise Baynes. Vrea}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lang
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 u s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi anun\uc1 \u355 ? so-sir
ea la hotel. Bagajul, oricum...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Kotomichi se va ocupa de asta, zise domnul Tagomi
. Va veni \uc1 \u238 ?n urma noastr\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i, do
mnule, la acest terminal dureaz\uc1 \u259 ? a-proape o or\uc1 \u259 ? statul la
r\uc1 \u226 ?nd pentru preluarea bagajelor. Mai mult dec\uc1 \u226 ?t c\uc1 \u25
9 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?toria dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Kotomichi z\uc1 \u226 ?mbi pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \d
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule, am s\uc1
\u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? mituiesc cu un cadou.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
gfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langn
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Poftim? f\uc1 \u259 ?cu Baynes.}{\fs24 \dbc
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ca s\uc1 \u259 ? v\
uc1 \u259 ? ob\uc1 \u355 ?in bun\uc1 \u259 ?voin\uc1 \u355 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi b\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u226 ?na \uc1 \u238 ?n buzunarul trendului \uc1 \u351 ?i scoase o cutiu\uc1 \u3
55 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
1033 \cf1 Ales dintre cele mai fine }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 objects d'art }{\fs24 \dbch
americane.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
och \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbc
ntinse cutia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
3 \cf1 M\uc1 \u259 ? rog, spuse Baynes. Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard
\plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cb
pat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
e1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Accept\uc1 \u259 ? cutia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Toat\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259
?-amiaza, diferite oficialit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i au examinat alterna-ti-ve
le, zise domnul Tagomi. Este cea mai autentic\uc1 \u259 ? pies\uc1 \u259 ? a vec
hii culturi pe cale de dispari\uc1 \u355 ?ie, a Statelor Unite, u}{\fs24 \dbch \
af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n
rar obiect artiza-nal, purt\uc1 \u226 ?nd parfumul trecutelor zile tihnite.}{\fs
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Baynes deschise cutia. \uc1
\u206 ?n ea se afla un ceas de m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? Mi-ckey Mouse, pus pe
o perni\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de catifea neagr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i juca domnul Tagomi o fars
\uc1 \u259 ?? \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?\u
c1 \u259 ? privirile, v\uc1 \u259 ?zu fa\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?ncor-dat\uc1 \
u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorat\uc1 \u259 ? a domnului Tagomi. Nu, nu era o glum\u
c1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
cf1 V\uc1 \u259 ? mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc frumos, zise Baynes. Este \uc1 \u238 ?ntr
-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r incre-di-bil.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Numai c\uc1 \u226 ?teva, poate zece ceasuri Mickey Mous
e autentice, din 1938, \uc1 \u238 ?n toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea la ora actual\uc1 \u
259 ?, zise domnul Tagomi, studiindu-l, sorbindu-i reac\uc1 \u355 ?ia, apreciere
a. Nici un colec\uc1 \u355 ?ionar cunoscut mie nu a-re unul, domnule.}{\fs24 \db
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Intrar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cl\uc1
\u259 ?direa terminalului \uc1 \u351 ?i urcar\uc1 \u259 ? rampa \uc1 \u238 ?mpre
un\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24
\cf1 n urma lor, domnul Kotomichi zise }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 "Harusame ni nuretsu-ts
uyane no ternari kana..."}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lang
np1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lis
langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ?? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259
? domnul Bay}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \lang
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nes pe domnul Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Un vechi poem, r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse domnu
l Tagomi. Perioada Tokugawa de mijloc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
033 \cf1 Domnul Kotomichi zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1 \u8212 ? }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd cad ploile de prim\uc1 \u259 ?var\uc
1 \u259 ?, muiat\uc1 \u259 ? de ele, pe acoperi\uc1 \u351 ?, se af-la mingea din
c\uc1 \u226 ?rp\uc1 \u259 ? a unui copil.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 4}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 UIT\uc1 \u194 ?NDU-SE L
A FOSTUL LUI PATRON cum}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 mergea le-g\uc1 \u259 ?nat \uc1 \u238 ?n lu
ngul coridorului \uc1 \u351 ?i intr\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n hala principal\u
c1 \u259 ? a W.-M. Corporation, Frank Frink se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi \uc1 \u238 ?n si
nea lui: ciud\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?enia cu Wyndam-Matson este c\uc1 \u259 ? nu
arat\uc1 \u259 ? ca un om care de\uc1 \u355 ?ine o fabric\uc1 \u259 ?. Arat\uc1
\u259 ? ca un pensionar de Tenderloin}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch
\af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0
\ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af
4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \
fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp103
3 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af6 \loch \f6 \lang1048 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cartier r\uc1 \u259 ?u famat al New Yo
rk-ului}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe10
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 , un be\uc1 \u355 ?ivan c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia i s-a administra
t o baie, haine noi, un ras, tuns, o doz\uc1 \u259 ? de vitamine \uc1 \u351 ?i i
s-a dat drumul \uc1 \u238 ?n lume cu cinci do-lari, s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i
fac\uc1 \u259 ? o nou\uc1 \u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. B\uc1 \u259 ?tr\
uc1 \u226 ?nul avea un fel de a se purta neho-t\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t, nervo
s, chiar ingrat, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum ar fi v\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u238 ?n fieca
re un du\uc1 \u351 ?man poten\uc1 \u355 ?ial, mai puternic dec\uc1 \u226 ?t el,
pe l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? care trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? se gudure \uc1 \u351 ?
i pe care trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?mpace. "Au s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u2
59 ? dea gata", p\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259 ? zice felul lui de a fi.}{\fs24 \d
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, b\uc1
\u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul W.-M. era \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r foarte pute
rnic. Avea interese \uc1 \u351 ?i control asupra a numeroase \uc1 \u238 ?ntrepri
nderi, specula\uc1 \u355 ?ii, afa-ceri imobiliare. Precum \uc1 \u351 ?i fabrica
W.-M. Corporation.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Lu\uc1 \u22
6 ?ndu-se dup\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n, Frink \uc1 \u238 ?mpinse
marea u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? din metal a halei de lucru. Zgomotul ma\uc1 \u3
51 ?inilor pe care-l auzise \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul lui zilnic, timp at\uc1 \u226 ?t
de \uc1 \u238 ?ndelungat... Vederea oamenilor la bancurile de lucru, aerul plin
de str\uc1 \u259 ?fulger\uc1 \u259 ?ri de lumin\uc1 \u259 ?, praful de prelucra
re, mi\uc1 \u351 ?carea. Acolo se ducea b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul. Frink m\
uc1 \u259 ?ri pasul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
enp1033 \cf1 Hei, domnule W.-M., strig\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 B\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul se oprise l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\u
c1 \u259 ? Ed McCarthy, \uc1 \u351 ?eful de atelier cu bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele p\uc1
\u259 ?roase. \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i ridicar\uc1 \u259 ? am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi p
rivirile c\uc1 \u226 ?nd Frink se apro-pie de ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Umezindu-\uc1 \u351 ?i nervos buzele, Wyndam-Matson zise:}{\
1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \db
1 mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u, Frank, n-am cum s\uc1 \u259 ? te iau \uc1 \u238 ?napoi
. Am luat-o de-ja \uc1 \u238 ?nainte \uc1 \u351 ?i am angajat pe cineva \uc1 \u2
38 ?n locul t\uc1 \u259 ?u, g\uc1 \u226 ?ndindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? n-ai
s\uc1 \u259 ? te mai \uc1 \u238 ?ntorci. Dup\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ce ai spu
s.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \lan
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ochii lui mici \uc1 \u351 ?
i rotunzi sclipir\uc1 \u259 ? de ceea ce Frink \uc1 \u351 ?tia c\uc1 \u259 ? est
e o ten-din\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? aproape ereditar\uc1 \u259 ? de a se fofila.
B\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul o avea \uc1 \u238 ?n s\uc1 \u226 ?nge.}{\fs24 \d
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Frink zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am venit s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi iau scule
le. At\uc1 \u226 ?ta tot.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lang
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Voce
a, fu bucuros s\uc1 \u259 ? o aud\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?i suna ferm, chiar as
pr}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \lan
gfenp1033 \cf1 u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
1033 \cf1 P\uc1 \u259 ?i, s\uc1 \u259 ? vedem, morm\uc1 \u259 ?i W.-M., evident
nel\uc1 \u259 ?murit \uc1 \u238 ?n mintea lui cu privire la statutul sculelor lu
i Frink.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
h \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch
\af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i
spuse lui Ed McCarthy:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?n parohia ta, Ed. Poate \uc
1 \u238 ?l aranjezi tu pe Frank, aici. Eu am alte treburi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se uit\uc1 \u259 ? la ceasul de buzunar.}{\fs24 \db
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?
, Ed. Vorbim mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu despre factura aia, trebuie s-o \uc1 \u238 ?n
tind.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 l b\

uc1 \u259 ?tu pe Ed McCarthy pe bra\uc1 \u355 ?, apoi o lu\uc1 \u259 ? repede di
n loc, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se mai uite \uc1 \u238 ?napoi.}{
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ed McCarthy \uc1 \u351 ?i Frink
r\uc1 \u259 ?maser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ai venit s\uc1 \u259 ?-\
uc1 \u355 ?i iei slujba \uc1 \u238 ?napoi, zise McCarthy dup\uc1 \u259 ? }{\fs24
\cf1 un timp.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
3 \cf1 Da, spuse Frink.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Am fost m\uc1 \u226 ?ndru de ceea ce ai spus ieri.}{\fs24 \dbch
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i eu la f
el, zise Frink. Dar... Dumnezeule, nu pot lucra \uc1 \u238 ?n alt\uc1 \u259 ? pa
rte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se sim\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?nfr\uc1 \u226 ?nt \uc1 \u351 ?i neajutorat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?tii cum e.}{\fs24 \dbch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vorbiser\uc1 \u259 ? am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi, ade
seori, \uc1 \u238 ?n trecut, despre problemele lor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 McCarthy spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu cum e. Tu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti mai b
un dec\uc1 \u226 ?t oricine de pe Coast\uc1 \u259 ? la strungul carusel. Te-am v
\uc1 \u259 ?zut d\uc1 \u226 ?nd gata o pies\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cinci minu
te, in-clu-siv lustruirea cu pulbere. Totul, de la Cratex-ul brut. \uc1 \u350 ?i
cu excep\uc1 \u355 ?ia sudurii...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 N-am zis niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u35
1 ?tiu s\uc1 \u259 ? sudez, spuse Frink.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Te-ai g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? s\u
c1 \u259 ? te apuci de afaceri pe cont propriu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
langfenp1033 \cf1 Frink, luat pe nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptate, se b\uc1 \u226 ?lb\uc1
\u226 ?i:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
1 Ce s\uc1 \u259 ? fac?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Bijuterii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Ah, pentru Dumnezeu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Comenzi, piese originale, nu lucruri de serie, c
omerciale.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 McCarthy \uc1 \u238
?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu semn cu m\uc1 \u226 ?na c\uc1 \u259 ?tre un col\uc1 \u355 ?
al atelierului, de-par-te de zgomot.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cu vreo dou\uc1 \u259 ? mii de dolari \uc1 \u238 ?\
uc1 \u355 ?i po\uc1 \u355 ?i amenaja un atelier \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un subsol sau \u
c1 \u238 ?ntr-un garaj. C\uc1 \u226 ?ndva, am desenat cercei \uc1 \u351 ?i panda
ntive pentru femei. \uc1 \u354 ?ii minte... contemporani, cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat
moderni}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe103
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 .}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Lu\uc1
\u226 ?nd ni\uc1 \u351 ?te glaspapir, \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? deseneze,
\uc1 \u238 ?ncet, ap\uc1 \u259 ?sat pe spa-tele ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Uit\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i-se peste um\uc1 \u259 ?r, Frink v\uc1
\u259 ?zu proiectul unei br\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?ri, o schi\uc1 \
u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cu linii nesigure.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Exist\uc1 \u259 ? o pia\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ??}{
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Tot ceea ce v\uc1 \u259 ?zuse e
l vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? erau tradi\uc1 \u355 ?ionalele \uc1 \u8211 ? chiar desue-t
ele \uc1 \u8211 ? obi}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp10
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ecte din trecut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nimeni nu vrea obiecte americane cont
emporane; nu exist\uc1 \u259 ? nimic de genul \uc1 \u259 ?sta, nu de la r\uc1 \u
259 ?zboi \uc1 \u238 ?ncoace.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Creeaz\uc1 \u259 ? tu pia\uc1 \u355 ?a, zise McCarthy cu o
str\uc1 \u226 ?mb\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? furioas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Adic\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc
1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u226 ?nd eu \uc1 \u238 ?nsumi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 D\uc1 \u259 ?-le prin consigna\uc1 \u355
?ii. Ca aia... cum \uc1 \u238 ?i zice? De pe Montgo-mery Street, magazinul \uc1
\u259 ?la select de obiecte de art\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 American Artistic Handcrafts, zise Frin
k.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \lan
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 El nu se ducea niciodat\uc1
\u259 ? prin magazine elegante \uc1 \u351 ?i scumpe ca a-ce-la. Pu\uc1 \u355 ?i
ni americani se duceau; japonezii aveau bani s\uc1 \u259 ? cumpe-re din asemene}
np1033 \cf1 a locuri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
fenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?tii ce v\uc1 \u226 ?nd asemenea consigna\uc1 \u355 ?ii
? zise McCarthy. \uc1 \u350 ?i ce averi se fac? Afurisite de catarame din alea,
de argint, din New Mexico, pe care le fac indienii. Porc\uc1 \u259 ?riile alea n
enorocite pentru turi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, toate la fel. A\uc1 \u351 ?a-zisa art\uc1 \
u259 ? naiv\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Frink
\uc1 \u238 ?l privi \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung pe McCarthy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?tiu \uc1 \u351 ?i ce a
ltceva mai v\uc1 \u226 ?nd, zise el \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1
\u350 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?tii \uc1 \u351 ?i tu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
fenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, spuse McCarthy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi \uc1 \u351 ?tiau \uc1 \u8211 ? pent
ru c\uc1 \u259 ? am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? implica\uc1 \u355 ?i dir
ect \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? mult timp.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Activitatea legal\uc1 \u259 ?, declarat\uc1 \u259 ?, a
lui W.-M. Corporation consta din producerea de sc\uc1 \u259 ?ri, garduri, grila
je pentru \uc1 \u351 ?emineuri din fier forjat \uc1 \u351 ?i ornamente pentru no
ile blocuri de apartamente, toate produse \uc1 \u238 ?n se-rie, conform unor pro
iecte standard. Pentru un bloc nou, cu patruzeci de camere, aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i p
ies\uc1 \u259 ? era executat\uc1 \u259 ? de patru-zeci de ori la r\uc1 \u226 ?nd
. Te-o-retic, W.-M. Corporation era o turn\uc1 \u259 ?torie de fier. Dar \uc1 \u
238 ?n plus, ea \uc1 \u238 ?n-tre\uc1 \u355 ?inea o alt\uc1 \u259 ? afacere, de
unde \uc1 \u238 ?i proveneau adev\uc1 \u259 ?ratele profituri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Folosind o mare varietate de unelte, materiale
\uc1 \u351 ?i ma\uc1 \u351 ?ini, W.-M. Cor-poration producea un flux continuu de
copii dup\uc1 \u259 ? obiecte de pro-duc\uc1 \u355 ?ie american\uc1 \u259 ?, de
dinainte de r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi. Aceste falsuri erau cu grij\uc1 \u259 ?, dar exp
ert plasate pe pia\uc1 \u355 ?a angrosi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor de obiecte de art\uc1 \
u259 ? pentru a se al\uc1 \u259 ?tura originalelor adunate de pe \uc1 \u238 ?ntr
eg continentul. Ca \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n filatelie \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u23
8 ?n numismatic\uc1 \u259 ?, nimeni nu putea estima procentul de falsuri aflate
\uc1 \u238 ?n circula\uc1 \u355 ?ie. \uc1 \u350 ?i nimeni \uc1 \u8211 ? mai cu s
eam\uc1 \u259 ? negustorii \uc1 \u351 ?i colec\uc1 \u355 ?ionarii \uc1 \u8211 ?
nu o dorea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd Fr
ink plecase, pe bancul lui de lucru se afla, pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate ga-ta, un re
volver Colt di}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \lan
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n Perioada Frontierei}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \
af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain
\s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20
3 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033
\langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Perioada expansiunii nord-am
ericane spre vest (sec XVIII-XIX)}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ; f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse el \uc1 \u23
8 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i tipa-re-le, turnarea \uc1 \u351 ?i se ocupase de \uc1 \u351
?lefuirea manual\uc1 \u259 ? a pieselor. Exista o pia\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? ne
limitat\uc1 \u259 ? pentru armele mici din timpul R\uc1 \u259 ?zboiului Civil Am
eri-can \uc1 \u351 ?i din Perioada Frontierei; W.-M. Corporation putea vinde tot
ce}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \la
ngfenp1033 \cf1 ea ce putea produce Frink. Era specialitatea lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Merg\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?ncet la bancu
l lui, Frink lu\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? vergeaua pe
ntru cur\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?irea revolverului, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? ne
\uc1 \u351 ?lefuit\uc1 \u259 ?. Peste trei zile, arma ar fi fost terminat\uc1 \u
259 ?. De, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, era treab\uc1 \u259 ? bun\uc1 \u259 ?. Un expert
ar fi putut-o deo-sebi, dar colec\uc1 \u355 ?ionarii japonezi nu erau ni\uc1 \u
351 ?te autorit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n adev\uc1 \u259 ?ratul \uc
1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles al cuv\uc1 \u226 ?ntului, nu aveau nici un standard s
au teste pe baza c\uc1 \u259 ?rora s\uc1 \u259 ? aprecieze.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De fapt, pe c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?tia el, nu
le trecuse niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? prin minte s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebe d
ac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a-numitele obiecte de art\uc1 \u259 ? care se vindea
u \uc1 \u238 ?n magazi-nele de pe Coasta de Vest erau veritabile. Poate \uc1 \u2
38 ?ntr-o zi o vor face... \uc1 \u351 ?i atunci, b\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ica se
va sparge, pia\uc1 \u355 ?a se va pr\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?i chiar \uc1 \u35
1 ?i pentru piesele autentice. O lege a lui Gresham: falsurile au determinat val
oarea origi-nalelor. \uc1 \u350 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial
\uc1 \u259 ?, acesta fusese motivul e\uc1 \u351 ?ecului investiga\uc1 \u355 ?iei
; \uc1 \u238 ?n definitiv, toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea era fericit\uc1 \u259 ?. Fabri
cile, ici-colo, \uc1 \u238 ?n diverse ora-\uc1 \u351 ?e, cele care produceau pie
sele, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i realizau profiturile lor. Angrosi\uc1 \u351 ?tii
le preluau, iar comercian\uc1 \u355 ?ii le prezentau \uc1 \u351 ?i le f\uc1 \u2
59 ?ceau reclam\uc1 \u259 ?. Colec\uc1 \u355 ?io-narii se scotoceau dup\uc1 \u25
9 ? bani \uc1 \u351 ?i-\uc1 \u351 ?i duceau ferici\uc1 \u355 ?i achizi\uc1 \u355
?iile acas\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru a-\uc1 \u351 ?i impresiona asocia\uc1 \u355 ?ii,
prietenii \uc1 \u351 ?i amantele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
\cf1 Ca \uc1 \u238 ?n cazul mitei oferite dup\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi \uc1
\u238 ?n bani din h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie, a fost per-fect p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd au ap\uc1 \u259 ?rut \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?rile. Nimeni
nu a p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?it nimic \uc1 \u8211 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n ziua socotelilor. \uc1 \u350 ?i atunci to\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u238
?n mod egal, au fost ruina\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
np1033 \cf1 Dar \uc1 \u238 ?ntre timp, nimeni nu vorbea despre asta, nici chiar
cei care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tigau existen\uc1 \u
355 ?a produc\uc1 \u226 ?nd falsuri; \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nchid
eau propriile min\uc1 \u355 ?i fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \
af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ce
fenp1033 \cf1 f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptau
aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia doar asupra proble-melor teh-nice.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?nce
rci s\uc1 \u259 ? execu\uc1 \u355 ?i proiecte originale? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \
u259 ? McCar-thy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Frink \uc1 \
u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? din umeri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ani. Pot produce cu o precizie n
emaipomenit\uc1 \u259 ?. Numai c\uc1 \u259 ?...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?tii ce cred eu? Eu cred c\uc
1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?i-ai \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?it ideea nazist\uc1 \u259
? c\uc1 \u259 ? evreii nu pot crea. C\uc1 \u259 ? nu pot dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1
\u259 ? imite \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u226 ?nd\uc1 \u259 ?. Mediocri.
ang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hi
1 ?i a\uc1 \u355 ?inti necru\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tor privirile asupra lui Fri
nk.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Poat
e-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a, zise Frink.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ncearc\uc1 \u259 ?. Execut\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u226 ?teva proiecte originale. Sau lucreaz\uc1 \u259 ? di-rect \uc1 \u238 ?n m
etal. Joac\uc1 \u259 ?-te. Cum se joac\uc1 \u259 ? copiii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, f\uc1 \u259 ?cu Frank.}{\
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 N-ai deloc
\uc1 \u238 ?ncredere, spuse McCarthy. \uc1 \u354 ?i-ai pierdut cu totul \uc1 \u
238 ?ncrederea \uc1 \u238 ?n tine \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u355 ?i, nu-i a\uc1 \u351
?a? P\uc1 \u259 ?cat. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? eu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? ai
pu-tea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\
uc1 \u259 ? spre banc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cu at\u
c1 \u226 ?t mai r\uc1 \u259 ?u, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Frink. Dar totu\uc1 \u351 ?i
, \uc1 \u259 ?sta-i adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul. E un fapt. Nu \uc1 \u238 ?mi pot c\uc1
\u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?ta \uc1 \u238 ?ncrederea sau entuziasmul numai dorind-o. Hot
\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?nd-o.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
McCarthy \uc1 \u259 ?sta, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, e un \uc1 \u351 ?ef de atelier a
l naibii de bun. Se pricepe cum s\uc1 \u259 ?-l ia pe om, s\uc1 \u259 ? se str\u
c1 \u259 ?duiasc\uc1 \u259 ? la maximum, s\uc1 \u259 ? scoat\uc1 \u259 ? din el
ce-are mai bun \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva lui \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i. E un condu
c\uc1 \u259 ?tor \uc1 \u238 ?nn\uc1 \u259 ?scut; aproape c\uc1 \u259 ? m-a convi
ns, pentru o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, acolo. Numai c\uc1 \u259 ?... McCarthy plecase ac
um; \uc1 \u238 ?ncercarea d\uc1 \u259 ?duse gre\uc1 \u351 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 P\uc1 \u259 ?cat c\uc1 \u259 ? nu am oracolul aic
i, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Frink. L-a\uc1 \u351 ? putea consulta \uc1 \u238 ?n treab
a asta; s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? cert cu el pentru cei cinci mii de ani de \u
c1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elep-ciune. Apoi \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aminti c\uc1 \
u259 ? exista un exemplar din }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 I Ching }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich
n holul cl\uc1 \u259 ?di-rii administrative a lui W.-M. Corporation. A\uc1 \u351
?a c\uc1 \u259 ? o porni din hala de lucru, de-a lungul coridorului, gr\uc1 \u2
59 ?bind prin corpul administrativ, c\uc1 \u259 ?-tre }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 hol.}{\fs24 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ?ezat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-unul
dintre scaunele din o\uc1 \u355 ?el cromat \uc1 \u351 ?i plastic din hol, \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i scrise \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebarea pe dosul unui plic: "S\uc1 \u2
59 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? apuc pe cont pro-priu de activitatea de crea\uc1 \u355 ?ie cu
m tocmai mi-a fost creionat\uc1 \u259 ??" Apoi \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? a
runce piesele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Linia de jos fu
un \uc1 \u351 ?apte, la fel \uc1 \u351 ?i a doua \uc1 \u351 ?i apoi a treia. Tr
igrama de jos este Ch'ien, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du seama. Suna
bine, Ch'ien era creativul. Apoi linia a patra, un opt. Yin. \uc1 \u350 ?i lini
a a cincea, tot un opt, o linie yin. Doamne Dumnezeule, tulburat; \uc1 \u238 ?nc
\uc1 \u259 ? o linie yin \uc1 \u351 ?i ob\uc1 \u355 ?in Hexagrama Unsprezece, T'
ai, Pace. O sentin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? foarte favorabil\uc1 \u259 ?. Sau...
m\uc1 \u226 ?inile \uc1 \u238 ?i tremurar\uc1 \u259 ? zorn\uc1 \u259 ?ind piesel
e. O linie yang \uc1 \u351 ?i, prin urmare, Hexagrama Dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci \uc1 \
u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?ase, Ta Ch'u, Puterea de a \uc1 \u238 ?mbl\uc1 \u226 ?nzi a
Celui Mare. Am\uc1 \u226 ?n-dou\uc1 \u259 ? au indica\uc1 \u355 ?ii favorabile \
uc1 \u351 ?i tre-buia s\uc1 \u259 ? ias\uc1 \u259 ? fie una, fie cealalt\uc1 \u2
59 ?. Arunc\uc1 \u259 ? cele trei piese.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
p1033 \cf1 Yin. Un \uc1 \u351 ?ase. Era Pacea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
angfenp1033 \cf1 Deschiz\uc1 \u226 ?nd cartea citi sentin\uc1 \u355 ?a:}{\fs24 \
ich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \
cf1 PACEA. Cel mic pleac\uc1 \u259 ?,}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
\af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1
\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfe
np1033 \cf1 Cel mare se apropie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
\hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs2
3 \cf1 Noroc. Succes.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Deci ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? fac a\uc1 \u351 ?a cu
m zice Ed McCarthy. S\uc1 \u259 ?-mi deschid mica mea afacere. Acum, \uc1 \u351
?asele de sus, linia mea de devenire. \uc1 \u206 ?n-toarse pagina. Cum suna text
ul. Nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i putea aminti; probabil favora-bil, de vreme ce hexagrama \u
c1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i era at\uc1 \u226 ?t de favorabil\uc1 \u259
?. Unirea ceru-lui cu p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul \uc1 \u8211 ? dar prima \u
c1 \u351 ?i ultima linie erau, \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna \uc1 \u238 ?n afara hexagr
amei, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? probabil \uc1 \u351 ?ase deasupra...}{\fs24 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ochii \uc1 \u238 ?i g\uc1 \u259 ?sir\u
c1 \u259 ? linia \uc1 \u351 ?i o citir\uc1 \u259 ? dintr-o fulgerare:}{\fs24 \db
h \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \db
1 Zidul cet\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii cade \uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1
\u351 ?an\uc1 \u355 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \a

mai folosi armate, acum.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch
\af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 F
\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i cunoscute ordinele \uc1 \u238 ?n propriul t\uc1 \u259
?u ora\uc1 \u351 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
\loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Perse
veren\uc1 \u355 ?a aduce umilire.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M-a coco\uc1 \u351 ?at, exclam\uc1 \u2
59 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ng}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 rozit. Apoi, comentariul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
\af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Schimbarea
la care se face aluzie \uc1 \u238 ?n mijlocul}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 hexagramei a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? se petreac\uc
1 \u259 ?. Zidul cet\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ora\uc1 \u351 ?ului se scufund\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?napo
i \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?an\uc1 \u355 ?ul din care a fost}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355
?at. Se apropie ora dezastrului...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Era, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ?, una dintre cele mai sinistre linii din toat\uc1 \u259
? cartea, din mai bine de trei mii. \uc1 \u350 ?i cu toate astea sentin\uc1 \u3
55 ?a hexagra-mei era bun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
033 \cf1 Pe care trebuia s-o urmeze?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0
np1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i cum puteau fi at\uc1 \u226 ?t de deosebite? Nu i se ma
i \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplase, noroc \uc1 \u351 ?i dezastru amestecate \uc1
\u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n profe\uc1 \u355 ?ia oracolului; ce soar
t\uc1 \u259 ? si-nis-tr\uc1 \u259 ?, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum oracolul ar fi r\uc1 \
u226 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?it fundul sacului, ar fi r\uc1 \u259 ?scolit tot felul de zdr
en\uc1 \u355 ?e, oase \uc1 \u351 ?i rahat al \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericului, apoi l-ar
fi \uc1 \u238 ?ntors \uc1 \u351 ?i l-ar fi scurs la lumin\uc1 \u259 ? ca pe o m
\uc1 \u226 ?ncare dospit\uc1 \u259 ?. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fi ap\uc1 \u259 ?sat
pe do-u\uc1 \u259 ? butoane deodat\uc1 \u259 ?, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?; a
m amestecat trebu-rile \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am ales cu imaginea asta de ochi de }{\i1
np1033 \cf1 schlimazl }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 asupra realit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Numa
i pentru o clip\uc1 \u259 ?. N-a durat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
1033 \cf1 La naiba, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fie ori una, ori
alta; nu pot fi am\uc1 \u226 ?n-dou\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu po\uc1 \u355 ?i avea \uc1 \u
351 ?i noroc \uc1 \u351 ?i nenorocire deodat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sau... po\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Orfevr\uc1 \u259 ?ria va aduce un c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351
?tig bun; la asta se refer\uc1 \u259 ? sentin\uc1 \u355 ?a. Dar linia, afurisita
de linie; ea se refer\uc1 \u259 ? la ceva mai ad\uc1 \u226 ?nc, la vreo catastr
o-f\uc1 \u259 ? viitoare probabil nelegat\uc1 \u259 ? de afacerea cu bijuteriile
. O soart\uc1 \u259 ? rea, care m\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?teapt\uc1 \u259 ? }{\
fenp1033 \cf1 oricum.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 R\uc1 \u
259 ?zboi, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Al treilea R\uc1 \u259 ?zboi Mondial omor\uc1 \u
226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n pa\uc1 \u351 ?tele m\uc1 \u259 ?-sii vreo dou\uc1 \u259 ?
miliarde dintre noi, m\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-ne civili-za\uc1 \u355 ?ia,
bombe cu hidrogen, c\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd ca grindina.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
e1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Oy gewalt? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \lo
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi.
Ce se va \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpla? Eu am pus-o \uc1 \u238 ?n mi\uc1 \u351
?ca-re? Sau o c\uc1 \u226 ?rp\uc1 \u259 ?ce\uc1 \u351 ?te altcineva, o persoan\
uc1 \u259 ? pe care eu nici n-o cunosc? Sau... noi, cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Este gr
e\uc1 \u351 ?eala fizicienilor sau a teoriei \uc1 \u259 ?leia a sin-cro-niz\uc1
\u259 ?rii, fiecare particul\uc1 \u259 ? fiind \uc1 \u238 ?n leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\
uc1 \u259 ? cu toate celelalte; nu po\uc1 \u355 ?i nici s\uc1 \u259 ? tragi o b\
uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? m
odifici echilibrul universu}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \la
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
gfenp1033 \cf1 Se na\uc1 \u351 ?te un joc plin de haz f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? cine r\uc1 \u226 ?de. Deschid \uc1 \u351 ?i eu o
carte \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ? aleg cu o relatare a evenimentelor viitoare pe
care p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i lui Dumnezeu i-ar pl\uc1 \u259 ?c
ea s-o claseze \uc1 \u351 ?i s-o uite. \uc1 \u350 ?i cine sunt eu? Per-soana nep
otrivit\uc1 \u259 ?; asta o pot spune.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
033 \cf1 Ar }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langf
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 trebui s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi iau sculele \uc1 \u351 ?i mater
ialele de la McCarthy, s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi deschid magazinul, s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi porn
esc mica afacere, s\uc1 \u259 ? merg mai departe, \uc1 \u238 ?n ciuda liniei \uc
1 \u259 ?leia \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitoare. S\uc1 \u259 ? muncesc, cre\uc1 \u226 ?nd,
\uc1 \u238 ?n felul meu, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la cap\uc1 \u259 ?t, tr\uc1
\u259 ?ind c\uc1 \u226 ?t voi putea de bine, c\uc1 \u226 ?t mai activ cu putin\
uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ce zidul va c\uc1 \u259 ?dea
\uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?an\uc1 \u355 ? pentru noi to\uc1 \u
355 ?i, omenirea \uc1 \u238 ?ntrea-g\uc1 \u259 ?. Asta \uc1 \u238 ?mi zice oraco
lul. Soarta ne va da cu halebarda la cap \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?,
oricum, dar \uc1 \u238 ?ntre timp am \uc1 \u351 ?i eu o slujb\uc1 \u259 ?; treb
uie s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi folosesc capul, m\uc1 \u226 ?inile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sentin\uc1 \u355 ?a a fost numai pentru mine, pentru
munca mea. Linia \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, a fost pentru noi to\uc1 \u355 ?i.}
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Eu sunt prea mic, se g\uc1 \u2
26 ?ndi. Nu pot dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? citesc ce-i scris, s\uc1 \u259 ?
arunc o privire \uc1 \u351 ?i apoi s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi plec capul \uc1 \u351 ?i s\u
c1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc cu greu de un-de am plecat, ca \uc1 \
u351 ?i cum n-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi v\uc1 \u259 ?zut; oracolul nu se a\uc1 \u351 ?tea
pt\uc1 \u259 ? de la mine s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncep s\uc1 \u259 ? alerg \uc
1 \u238 ?n sus \uc1 \u351 ?i-n jos pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zi, pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u
226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?i-n\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259
? pentru a atrage aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
033 \cf1 Poate }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 cineva }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 s\uc1 \u259 ?-l modifice? se
\uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?. Cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259
?... sau o mare personalitate... sau cineva strategic plasat, care se \uc1 \u23
8 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fie pe faz\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u35
0 ?ans\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplare. De care at\uc1 \u226 ?rn\u
c1 \u259 ? vie\uc1 \u355 ?ile, lumea noastr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nchiz\uc1 \u226 ?nd cartea, p\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?si holul \uc1 \u351 ?i merse \uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1 \u238 ?
n hala de lucru. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?i prinse privirile lui McCarthy, \u
c1 \u238 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu semn cu m\uc1 \u226 ?na c\uc1 \u259 ?tre o latur\uc1
\u259 ?, unde s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i poat\uc1 \u259 ? relua discu\uc1 \u35
5 ?ia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C
u c\uc1 \u226 ?t m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc mai mult, zise Frink, cu at\uc
1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?mi place mai mult ideea ta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Excelent, f\uc1 \u259 ?cu McCarthy. A
cum ascult\uc1 \u259 ?. Uite ce faci. Tre-buie s\uc1 \u259 ? iei bani de la Wynd
am-Matson.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 F\uc1 \u259 ?cu cu
ochiul, o lent\uc1 \u259 ?, ap\uc1 \u259 ?sat\uc1 \u259 ?, ferit\uc1 \u259 ? cli
pire a pleoapei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
033 \cf1 M-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 t cum. Am s\uc1 \u259 ? plec de-aici
\uc1 \u351 ?i-am s\uc1 \u259 ? vin cu tine. Pro-iectele mele, \uc1 \u351 ?tii. C
e-i r\uc1 \u259 ?u \uc1 \u238 ?n asta? \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ?-s bune.}{\f
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sigur, zise
Frink, pu\uc1 \u355 ?in n\uc1 \u259 ?ucit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ne vedem disear\uc1 \u259 ? la lucru, spuse
McCarthy. La mine acas\uc1 \u259 ?. Treci pe la \uc1 \u351 ?apte, s\uc1 \u259 ?
stai la mas\uc1 \u259 ? cu Jane \uc1 \u351 ?i cu mine... dac\uc1 \u259 ?-i po\uc
1 \u355 ?i su-porta pe copii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Okay, f\uc1 \u259 ?cu Frink.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 McCarthy \uc1 \u238 ?l plesni pe um\uc1 \u259 ?r \uc1 \u351
?i se duse.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am parcurs un dru
m lung, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spuse Frink. \uc1 \u206 ?n ultimele zece mi-nu
-te. Dar nu se sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea speriat, acum era emo\uc1 \u355 ?ionat.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat r
epede, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi duc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu
-se la bancul lui \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncep\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc
1 \u351 ?i str\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? sculele. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? genul \uc1
\u259 ?sta de lucruri a\uc1 \u351 ?a se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259
?. Momentul favorabil, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd apare...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
langfenp1033 \cf1 Toat\uc1 \u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?a l-am a\uc1 \u351 ?teptat. C\
uc1 \u226 ?nd oracolul spune "vei avea o reali-za-re" \uc1 \u8211 ? asta \uc1 \u
238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ?. Este cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat extraordinar, Timpul. Acum,
ce \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? timpul? Ce \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? mom
entul \uc1 \u259 ?sta? \uc1 \u350 ?ase pe ultima linie a Hexagramei Unsprezece t
ransform\uc1 \u259 ? totul \uc1 \u238 ?n Dou\uc1 \u259 ?-zeci \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u351 ?ase, Puterea de a \uc1 \u206 ?mbl\uc1 \u226 ?nzi a Celui Mare. Yin devin
e yang; linia se trans-for-m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i apare un nou Moment. \uc1
\u350 ?i au fost at\uc1 \u226 ?t de pe dinafar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \
u226 ?t nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car n-am observat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
gfenp1033 \cf1 Pun pariu c\uc1 \u259 ? de-aia am ob\uc1 \u355 ?inut linia aia gr
oaznic\uc1 \u259 ?; numai a\uc1 \u351 ?a poa-te trece Hexagrama Unsprezece \uc1
\u238 ?n Hexagrama Dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?ase, prin linia
aia \uc1 \u351 ?ase, de transformare, de sus. A\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? nu t
rebuia s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi pun fundul la b\uc1 \u259 ?taie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dar, \uc1 \u238 ?n ciuda entuziasmului \uc1 \u351 ?i
a optimismului, nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i putea scoa-te linia cu totul din minte.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Oricum, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi ironic, f
ac o \uc1 \u238 ?ncercare afurisit de bun\uc1 \u259 ?; p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259
? di-sear\uc1 \u259 ? la \uc1 \u351 ?apte poate-oi reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s-o uit ca \
uc1 \u351 ?i cum n-ar fi fost.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
Se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Sper din t}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang104
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 oat\uc1 \u259 ? inima. Pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ? combinare cu Ed este m\uc1 \u259 ?rea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc
1 \u259 ?. Are ni\uc1 \u351 ?te idei a-nt\uc1 \u226 ?ia; o pot spune. \uc1 \u350
?i nu am de g\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? trezesc pe dinafar\uc1
\u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
\af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n
momentul \uc1 \u259 ?sta, nu sunt nimic, dar dac\uc1 \u259 ? pot s-o sucesc, at
unci poate reu\uc1 \u351 ?esc s-o fac pe Juliana s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ? \
uc1 \u238 ?napoi. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu eu ce vrea \uc1 \u8211 ? meri-ta s\uc1 \u259 ?
fie m\uc1 \u259 ?ritat\uc1 \u259 ? cu un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat care conteaz\uc1 \u2
59 ?, o persoan\uc1 \u259 ? important\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n comunitate, nu v
reun oarecare }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 meshuggener. }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 B\uc1 \u259 ?r-ba\uc1 \
u355 ?ii erau b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?i, pe vremuri; \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de r
\uc1 \u259 ?zboi, de pild\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar acum toate astea s-au dus.}{\fs24 \db
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu-i de mirare c\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u226
?ntuie din loc \uc1 \u238 ?n loc, din b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat \uc1 \u238 ?n b\uc1 \u2
59 ?rbat, c\uc1 \u259 ?-u-t\uc1 \u226 ?nd. \uc1 \u350 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u25
9 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?car s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie cine este, care-i sunt nevoil
e biolo-gice. Eu \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?tiu \uc1 \u351 ?i prin
mi\uc1 \u351 ?carea asta de zile mari cu McCarthy \uc1 \u8211 ? orice-ar fi \uc1
\u8211 ? am s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? realizez pentru ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 La ora pr\uc1 \u226 ?nzului, Robert Childa}{\fs24 \db
1 n \uc1 \u238 ?nchisese American Artistic Hand-crafts Inc. De obicei, trecea st

rada \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u226 ?nca la bar. \uc1 \u206 ?n orice caz, nu lipsea m
ai mult de o jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate de or\uc1 \u259 ?, iar ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi pleca
doar dou\uc1 \u259 ?-zeci de minute. Amintirea calvarului \uc1 \u238 ?ndurat cu
domnul Tagomi \uc1 \u351 ?i cu personalul Misiunii Comerciale \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntorcea stomacul pe dos.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ntorc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se la mag
azin, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spuse: Poate o nou\uc1 \u259 ? politic\uc1 \u259
? de a nu mai da telefoane. F\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i toate afacerile \uc1 \u
238 ?n magazin.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dou\uc1 \u259
? ore de prezentare. Mult prea mult. Aproape patru ore cu totul; prea t\uc1 \u22
6 ?rziu s\uc1 \u259 ? deschid\uc1 \u259 ? iar magazinul. O dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiaz
\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrea-g\uc1 \u259 ? pentru a vinde un singur obiect, un
ceas Mickey Mouse, comoar\uc1 \u259 ? cos-tisitoare, dar... Deschise u\uc1 \u35
1 ?a magazinului, o fix\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? stea deschis\uc1 \u259 ?, se d
use \uc1 \u238 ?n spate s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i at\uc1 \u226 ?rne pardesiul.
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd reap\uc1 \u25
9 ?ru, descoperi c\uc1 \u259 ? avea un client. Un alb. Ei, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi.
Surpriz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
enp1033 \cf1 Bun\uc1 \u259 ? ziua, domnule, zise Childan, \uc1 \u238 ?nclin\uc1
\u226 ?ndu-se u\uc1 \u351 ?or.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
Probabil un}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \l
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 pinoc. }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 B\uc1 \u259 ?rbat sub\uc1 \u35
5 ?irel, cam brunet. Bine \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat, modern. Dar nu \uc1 \u
238 ?n largul lui. U\uc1 \u351 ?oar\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u259 ?lucire de transpi
ra\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
1033 \cf1 Bun\uc1 \u259 ? ziua, murmur\uc1 \u259 ? omul, d\uc1 \u226 ?nd roat\uc
1 \u259 ? magazinului, s\uc1 \u259 ? pri-veasc\uc1 \u259 ? vitrinele. Apoi, dint
r-o dat\uc1 \u259 ?, se apropie de tejghea. B\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u2
26 ?na \uc1 \u238 ?n hain\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i scoase un toc lucios din pie
le, depuse o carte de vizit\uc1 \u259 ? multicolor\uc1 \u259 ?, tip\uc1 \u259 ?r
it\uc1 \u259 ? complicat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lang
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pe c
artea de vizit\uc1 \u259 ?, emblema imperial\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i \uc1 \u2
38 ?nsemnele militare. Marin\uc1 \u259 ?. Amiralul Harusha. Robert Childan o exa
min\uc1 \u259 ?, impresio-nat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nava amiralului, explic\uc1 \u259 ? clientul, se afl\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n Golful San Fran-cisco \uc1 \u238 ?n momentul de fa\uc1 \u3
55 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Cruci\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?torul }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Syokaku.}{
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ah, f\uc1
\u259 ?cu Childan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
np1033 \cf1 Amiralul Harusha nu a mai vizitat Coasta de Vest, c}{\fs24 \dbch \af
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 onti
nu\uc1 \u259 ? clientul cu explica\uc1 \u355 ?iile. Are multe dorin\uc1 \u355 ?e
pentru c\uc1 \u226 ?t se afl\uc1 \u259 ? aici, iar una dintre ele este s\uc1 \u
259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? personal o vizit\uc1 \u259 ? faimosului dum-neavoastr\uc1
\u259 ? magazin. A auzit mereu, \uc1 \u238 ?n Home Islands, despre American Arti
stic Handcrafts Inc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Childan s
e \uc1 \u238 ?nclin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Oricum, continu\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul, datori
t\uc1 \u259 ? presiunii programului, amiralul nu poate veni personal s\uc1 \u259
? viziteze apreciatul dumnea-voastr\uc1 \u259 ? magazin. Dar m-a trimis pe mine
; sunt reprezentantul domniei sale.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Amiralul este colec\uc1 \u355 ?ionar? \uc1 \u238 ?nt
reb\uc1 \u259 ? Childan, cu mintea lu-}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 cr\uc1 \u226 ?n-du-i la vitez
a cea mai mare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la

33 \cf1 Este un iubitor al artei. Este un cunosc\uc1 \u259 ?tor. Dar nu colec\uc
1 \u355 ?io-nar. Ceea ce-\uc1 \u351 ?i dore\uc1 \u351 ?te este s\uc1 \u259 ? ofe
re cadouri; \uc1 \u351 ?i anume: dore\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nm\uc1 \u226 ?neze fiec\uc1 \u259 ?rui ofi\uc1 \u355 ?er de pe nava lui un produs
artizanal cu valoare istoric\uc1 \u259 ?, o arm\uc1 \u259 ? de buzunar din epop
eicul R\uc1 \u259 ?zboi Civil American.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
1033 \cf1 Omul se opri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Sunt doisprezece ofi\uc1 \u355 ?eri \uc1 \u238 ?n total.}{\fs24
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n sinea lui, Chil
dan se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi: dou\uc1 \u259 ?sprezece arme de buzunar din R\uc1 \u259
?zboiul Civil. Pre\uc1 \u355 ?ul pentru cump\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?tor: aproa
pe zece mii de dolari. Tremura.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum este bine \uc1 \u351 ?tiut, continu\
uc1 \u259 ? omul, magazinul dum-nea-voastr\uc1 \u259 ? vinde asemenea nepre\uc1
\u355 ?uite obiecte vechi, din paginile istoriei americane. Vai, prea repede pie
r toate sub nep\uc1 \u259 ?sarea tim-pului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
fenp1033 \cf1 Av\uc1 \u226 ?nd enorm\uc1 \u259 ? grij\uc1 \u259 ? la cuvinte \uc
1 \u8211 ? nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i putea permite s\uc1 \u259 ? piard\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1
\u351 ?a ceva, s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? vreo gre\uc1 \u351 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u8211 ? Childan spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, este adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat. Dintre toate magazinele din
S.P.A., eu posed cel mai deosebit stoc imaginabil de arme din R\uc1 \u259 ?zboiu
l Civil. Voi fi feri-cit s\uc1 \u259 ?-l servesc pe amiralul Harusha. S\uc1 \u25
9 ? alc\uc1 \u259 ?tuiesc o colec\uc1 \u355 ?ie superb\uc1 \u259 ? din acestea \
uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? le aduc la bordul lui }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Syokaku? }{\fs
33 \cf1 \uc1 \u206 ?n dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiaza asta se poate?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 B\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu. Am s\uc1 \u259 ? le examine
z aici.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dou\uc1 \u259 ?sprezec
e. Childan f\uc1 \u259 ?cu socoteala. Nu de\uc1 \u355 ?inea dou\uc1 \u259 ?spreze-ce... de fapt, nu avea dec\uc1 \u226 ?t trei. Dar putea face rost de dou\uc1
\u259 ?spre-zece, dac\uc1 \u259 ? norocul era de partea lui, prin diferitele can
ale, \uc1 \u238 ?n cursul s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u226 ?nii. Pe calea
aerului, de urgen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, din Est, spre exemplu. \uc1 \u350 ?i
contacte cu angrosi\uc1 \u351 ?tii locali.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, domnule, zise Chil
dan, v\uc1 \u259 ? pricepe\uc1 \u355 ?i la ase-me-nea arme?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Acceptabil, zise omu}{\fs24
\cf1 l. Am o colec\uc1 \u355 ?ie mic\uc1 \u259 ? de arme u\uc1 \u351 ?oare, in-c
lu-siv un pistolet minuscul, f\uc1 \u259 ?cut ca s\uc1 \u259 ? arate ca o pies\u
c1 \u259 ? de domino. Cir-ca 1840.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Excep\uc1 \u355 ?ional\uc1 \u259 ? pies\uc1 \u259 ?,
spuse Childan, duc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se la seiful \uc1 \u238 ?ncui-at, s\uc1 \u259
? ia c\uc1 \u226 ?teva arme pentru a le supune examin\uc1 \u259 ?rii reprezen-ta
ntulu}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \
langfenp1033 \cf1 i amiralului Harusha.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd reveni, \uc1 \u238 ?l g\uc1 \u259 ?si complet\uc1 \u22
6 ?nd un cec. Omul se opri \uc1 \u351 ?i spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Amiralul dore\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259
? pl\uc1 \u259 ?teasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nainte. Un depozit de cinci-spre-z

ece mii de dolari S.P.A.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \lan
gfenp1033 \cf1 nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? joace \uc1 \u
238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ochilor lui Childan. Dar reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-\
uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?streze nivelul vocii; reu\uc1 \u351 ?i chiar s\uc1 \u2
59 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-o fac\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? sune u\uc1 \u351 ?or plic-tis
it\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
33 \cf1 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? dori\uc1 \u355 ?i. Nu este nevoie; doar o formalitate \u
c1 \u238 ?n afaceri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sco\uc1 \
u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?nd o cutie din piele \uc1 \u351 ?i fetru, zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Iat\uc1 \u259 ? un Col
t 44, de la 1860, excep\uc1 \u355 ?ional.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
np1033 \cf1 Deschise cutia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Pulbere neagr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i bile. Fabricat pentr
u U.S. Army. B\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?n albastru purtau a\uc1 \
u351 ?a ceva, de pild\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n Second Bull Run}{\cs15 \fs24 \db
ch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footno
te \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \ri
n0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
33 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch
\f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \
af6 \loch \f6 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Campanie \uc1
\u238 ?n timpul R\uc1 \u259 ?zboiului Civil, 29 \uc1 \u8211 ? 30 august 1862, c
\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tigat\uc1 \u259 ? de confedera\uc1 \u355 ?i}}}{\fs24 \db
1 .}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Omul examin\uc1 \u259 ? \u
c1 \u238 ?ndelung Coltul 44. Apoi, ridic\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i ochii, spu
se calm:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
Domnule, aceasta este o imita\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Eh? f\uc1 \u259 ?cu Childan, ne\uc1 \u238
?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg\uc1 \u226 ?nd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \lang
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Piesa aceasta nu e}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ste mai veche de \uc1 \
u351 ?ase luni. Domnule, oferta dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? este un fals. Sunt dezo
lat. Dar privi\uc1 \u355 ?i. Aici, lemnul. \uc1 \u206 ?m-b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u2
26 ?nit artificial de un acid chimic. Ce ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 L\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? arma jos.}{\fs24 \dbch
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Childan o ridic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i r
\uc1 \u259 ?mase str\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?nd-o \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?in
i. Nu g\uc1 \u259 ?sea nimic s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?ntorc\u
c1 \u226 ?nd arma pe toate fe\uc1 \u355 ?ele, zise, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\u
c1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
cf1 Nu se poate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
033 \cf1 O imita\uc1 \u355 ?ie dup\uc1 \u259 ? o arm\uc1 \u259 ? istoric\uc1 \u2
59 ?, autentic\uc1 \u259 ?. Nimic mai mult. M\uc1 \u259 ? tem, domnule, c\uc1 \u
259 ? a\uc1 \u355 ?i fost \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?elat. Probabil vreun neobr\uc
1 \u259 ?zat, lipsit de scrupule. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? anun\uc1 \u355 ?a\uc1 \u
355 ?i poli\uc1 \u355 ?ia din San Fran}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 cisco.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Omul se \uc1 \u238 ?nclin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Lucrul m\uc1 \u259 ?
sup\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?. A\uc1 \u355 ?i putea avea \uc1 \u351 ?i alte imita
\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?n magazin. Este posibil, domnule, ca dumneavoastr\uc1
\u259 ?, patronul, care vinde\uc1 \u355 ?i asemenea obiecte, }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch
\af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 s
\uc1 \u259 ? nu pute\uc1 \u355 ?i deosebi falsurile de originale?}{\fs24 \dbch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Fu lini\uc1 \u351 ?te.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Aplec\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se, omul lu\uc1 \u259 ? cecul
pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate completat pe care-l \uc1 \u238 ?n-tocmise. \uc1 \u206 ?l
b\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n buzunar, puse stiloul deoparte, apoi se
\uc1 \u238 ?nclin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1 Childan privea fix la arm\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Este o ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine, domnule, zise omul. V
\uc1 \u259 ? rog s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi accepta\uc1 \u355 ?i umi-lul sfat: angaja\uc1
\u355 ?i un expert s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? examineze achizi\uc1 \u355 ?iile.
Repu-ta\uc1 \u355 ?ia dum-neavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?... sunt sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc
1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elege\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
np1033 \cf1 Childan murmur\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule, v\uc1 \u259 ? rog, dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc
1 \u355 ?i putea...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
np1033 \cf1 Fi\uc1 \u355 ?i lini\uc1 \u351 ?tit, domnule. N-am s\uc1 \u259 ? spu
n despre asta nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui. Am... s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun amiralului c\uc1 \u
259 ?, din nefericire, magazinul dumnea-voas-tr\uc1 \u259 ? era \uc1 \u238 ?nchi
s ast\uc1 \u259 ?z}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i. \uc1 \u206 ?n fond...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Omul se opri, \uc1 \u238 ?n u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ... Sun
tem, am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi, albi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nclin\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc
1 \u259 ?, plec\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
\af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S
ingur, Childan r\uc1 \u259 ?mase \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?nd pistolul \uc1 \u23
8 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
f1 Nu se poate, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
3 \cf1 Dar a\uc1 \u351 ?a trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fie. Doamne Dumnezeule din cerur
i. Sunt rui-nat. Am pierdut o v\uc1 \u226 ?nzare de cincisprezece mii de dolari.
\uc1 \u350 ?i reputa\uc1 \u355 ?ia mea, dac\uc1 \u259 ? se afl\uc1 \u259 ?. Dac
\uc1 \u259 ? omul acela, reprezentantul amiralului Haru-sha, nu este discret.}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u259 ? omor, hot\uc1 \u25
9 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?. Am pierdut locul. Nu mai pot continua; este un fapt \uc1 \u238
?mplinit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pe de alt\uc1 \u259
? parte, poate c\uc1 \u259 ? omul s-a \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?e}{\fs24 \dbch \
af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 la
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Poate a min\uc1 \u355 ?it.}
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A fost trimis de United States

Historic Objects}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langn
p1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \
nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \a
f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }
np1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe103
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Obiecte Istorice din Statele Unite (engl.)}}}{\fs24 \dbch \
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ,
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? distru-g\uc1 \u259 ?. Sau de West Coast Art Exclusiv
es}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \sup
er1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \ad
justright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \l
angnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \a
f4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24
\cf1 Obiecte de Art\uc1 \u259 ? de pe Coasta de Vest (engl.)}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af
4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 .}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Oricum, unul dintre cei din conc
uren\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
Arma este f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ? original\uc1
33 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \s17 \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidct
\af4 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hic
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cum pot af
la? Childan \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i stoarse creierii. Aha, am s\uc1 \u259 ? da
u arma la analiz\uc1 \u259 ? la Departamentul de Criminalistic\uc1 \u259 ? al Un
iversit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii din Cali-fornia. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu pe cineva aco
lo sau cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in \uc1 \u351 ?tiam odat\uc1 \u259 ?. Problema asta a m
ai ap\uc1 \u259 ?rut. Presupusa lips\uc1 \u259 ? de autenticitate a unui vechi \
uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?rc\uc1 \u259 ?tor de arm\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af6
np1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n grab\uc1 \u259 ?, te
lefon\uc1 \u259 ? unuia dintre serviciile de mesagerie prin curier din ora\uc1 \
u351 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i le ceru s\uc1 \u259 ?-i trimit\uc1 \u259 ? imediat un om. A
poi \uc1 \u238 ?mpa-chet\uc1 \u259 ? arma \uc1 \u351 ?i scrise o not\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ?tre laboratorul Universit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii, cer\uc1 \u226
?n-du-le s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fac\uc1 \u259 ? pe loc expertiza profesionist\uc1 \u25
9 ? a vechimii \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-l informeze telefonic. Curierul sosi;
Childan \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du nota \uc1 \u351 ?i pache-tul, adresa \uc1
\u351 ?i-i spuse s\uc1 \u259 ? se duc\uc1 \u259 ? cu elicopterul. Omul plec\uc1
\u259 ?, iar Childan \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? se plimbe cu pa\uc1 \u351
?i mici prin magazin, a\uc1 \u351 ?tep-t\uc1 \u226 ?nd... a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1
\u226 ?nd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 La ora trei Univers
itatea sun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule Childan, zise o voce, a\uc1 \u355 ?i vrut s\uc1 \u259 ?
test\uc1 \u259 ?m autentici-tatea acestei arme, Colt 44 militar, model 1860.}{\f
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O pauz\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n
care Childan str\uc1 \u226 ?nse telefonul cu team\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Iat\uc1 \u259 ? raportul
laboratorului. Este o reproducere turnat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n tipa-re din
plastic, cu excep\uc1 \u355 ?ia nucii. Seria complet incorect\uc1 \u259 ?. C\uc1
\u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?a ci-mentat\uc1 \u259 ? prin procesul de cianizare. Ambele
suprafe\uc1 \u355 ?e, maro \uc1 \u351 ?i albas-tr\uc1 \u259 ?, ob\uc1 \u355 ?in
ute printr-o tehnic\uc1 \u259 ? modern\uc1 \u259 ? rapid\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238
?ntrea-ga arm\uc1 \u259 ? artificial \uc1 \u238 ?mb\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ni
t\uc1 \u259 ?, tratat\uc1 \u259 ? pentru a p\uc1 \u259 ?rea veche \uc1 \u351 ?i
folosit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Childan s
puse r\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u351 ?it:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cel care mi-a adus-o pentru evaluare...}{\fs24 \dbch
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Spune\uc1 \u355 ?i-i
c\uc1 \u259 ? a fost p\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?lit, zise tehnicianul Universit\
uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii. \uc1 \u350 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? bine. Treaba
e f\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ? ca lumea. F\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ? de un ade
v\uc1 \u259 ?rat profe-sio-nist. Vede\uc1 \u355 ?i, armei autentice i s-a dat...
\uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i por\uc1 \u355 ?iunile de un al-bastru metalic? Acel
ea erau puse \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o cutie din f\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ii de piele, \
uc1 \u238 ?nchis\uc1 \u259 ? erme-tic, cu cianuri gazoase \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u2
38 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lzite. Prea greoi, la ora actual\uc1 \u259 ?. Am de-tec-tat pa
rticule din mai mul\uc1 \u355 ?i compu\uc1 \u351 ?i de \uc1 \u351 ?lefuire \uc1
\u351 ?i finisare, unii des-tul de neobi\uc1 \u351 ?nui\uc1 \u355 ?i. Acum, nu p
utem dovedi asta, dar \uc1 \u351 ?tim c\uc1 \u259 ? exist\uc1 \u259 ? o adev\uc1
\u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ? industrie care produce aseme-nea falsuri. Trebuie s\uc1
\u259 ? existe. Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut prea multe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, spuse Childan. Nu-i dec\uc1 \u226 ?t
un zvon. Pot s-o declar ca fapt absolut, domnule.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vocea i se \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u351 ?i i se fr\uc1 \u226 ?nse \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un \uc1 \u355 ?ip\uc1 \u
259 ?t.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
Sunt \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiu. D
e ce crede\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? vi l-am trimis? Mi-am dat seama de \uc1 \u
238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?el\uc1 \u259 ?ciune, fiind calificat de anii de activi-tate. A
\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva este o noutate, o ciud\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?enie. De fapt,
o glum\uc1 \u259 ?. O joac\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
1033 \cf1 Se \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupse g\uc1 \u226 ?f\uc1 \u226 ?ind.}{\fs24 \dbch \
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 V\uc1 \u259 ? mul\uc1
\u355 ?umesc pentru confirmarea propriilor mele obser-va\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Trimite\
uc1 \u355 ?i-mi nota de plat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
np1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nchise imediat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
langfenp1033 \cf1 Apoi, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? stea o clip\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i scoase registrele. C\uc1 \u259 ?uta s\uc1 \u
259 ? dea de urm\uc1 \u259 ? pistolului. Cum ajunsese la el? }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \
af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De
la cine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Venise, descoperi, d
e la unul dintre cei mai mari furnizori din San Francisco. Ray Calvin Associates
, de }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \
langfenp1033 \cf1 pe Van Ness. \uc1 \u206 ?i telefon\uc1 \u259 ? i-mediat.}{\fs2
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da\uc1 \u355
?i-mi-l pe domnul Calvin, spuse.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
f1 Vocea \uc1 \u238 ?i deveni pu\uc1 \u355 ?in mai ferm\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbc
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Imediat, o voce r\uc1 \u259 ?stit\uc1 \u2
59 ?, ocupat\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lang
langfenp1033 \cf1 Da.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
fenp1033 \cf1 Aici e Bob Childan. De la A.A.H. Inc. De pe Montgomery. Ray, am o
problem\uc1 \u259 ? delicat\uc1 \u259 ?. Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? te v\uc1 \u259 ?d,
\uc1 \u238 ?ntre patru ochi, ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi, la tine la birou sau \uc1 \u238
?n alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte. Crede-m\uc1 \u259 ?, domnule. Mai bine ai \uc1 \u355 ?
ine cont de rug\uc1 \u259 ?mintea mea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
033 \cf1 Acum, descoperi, urla la telefon.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Okay, spuse Ray Calvin.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu spune nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui.
Este absolut confiden\uc1 \u355 ?ial.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 La patru?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Patru, spuse Childan}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 . La tine la bi
rou. Bun\uc1 \u259 ? ziua.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Tr\
uc1 \u226 ?nti receptorul at\uc1 \u226 ?t de furios \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t
telefonul c\uc1 \u259 ?zu cu totul de pe tejghea; \uc1 \u238 ?ngenunchind, \uc1
\u238 ?l culese de pe jos \uc1 \u351 ?i-l a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? la locul l
ui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mai era o jum\uc1 \u259 ?t
ate de or\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd trebuia s\uc1 \
u259 ? plece; ar avea tot acest timp ca s\uc1 \u259 ? umble cu pa\uc1 \u351 ?i m
ari, neputincios, \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?teptare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ?? O idee. Telefon\uc1 \u
259 ? la biroul din San Francisco al lui }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 To-kyo Herald, }{\fs24
\cf1 de pe Market Street.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnilor, zise, spune\uc1 \u355 ?i-mi, v\uc1 \u259 ? rog, dac
\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n momentul de fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cruci\uc1 \u35
1 ?\uc1 \u259 ?torul }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lang
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Syokaku }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loc
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 se afl\uc1 \u259 ? \u
c1 \u238 ?n port \uc1 \u351 ?i, dac\uc1 \u259 ? da, pentru c\uc1 \u226 ?t timp.
A\uc1 \u351 ? fi recunosc\uc1 \u259 ?tor apreciatului dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? z
iar pentru aceast\uc1 \u259 ? infor-ma-\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O a\uc1 \u351 ?teptare chinuitoare. Apoi, fata reveni.}
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Potrivit
biroului nostru de informa\uc1 \u355 ?ii, domnule, spuse ea, chi-cotind, cruci\
uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?torul }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Syokaku }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 se afl\uc1 \u
259 ? pe fundul M\uc1 \u259 ?rii Filipinelor. A fost scufundat de un submarin am
erican, \uc1 \u238 ?n 1945. V\uc1 \u259 ? mai putem ajuta cu vreo alt\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebare, domnule?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
f1 Evident, cei de la ziar apreciaser\uc1 \u259 ? gluma nes\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \
u259 ? care-i fusese f\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
3 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \l
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nchise. Nici un cruci\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \
u259 ?tor }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \lan
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Syokaku, }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 de \uc1 \u351 ?aptesprezece ani
. Proba-bil nici un amiral Harusha. Omul fusese un impostor. \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\
uc1 \u351 ?i...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Avusese drepta
te. Coltul 44 era un fals.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
avea nici un sens.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Probabil c\
uc1 \u259 ? omul era un speculant; \uc1 \u238 ?ncercase s\uc1 \u259 ?-l bage \uc
1 \u238 ?n col\uc1 \u355 ? pe pia\uc1 \u355 ?a armelor de buzunar din perioada R
\uc1 \u259 ?zboiului Civil. Un expert. \uc1 \u350 ?i recunoscuse falsul. Era pro
fesionistul profesio-ni\uc1 \u351 ?tilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
np1033 \cf1 Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? fie un profesionist, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u3
51 ?tie. Cineva din domeniu. Nu doar colec\uc1 \u355 ?ionar.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Childan se sim\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o mic
\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? mai u\uc1 \u351 ?urat. Atunci pu\uc1 \
u355 ?ini al-\uc1 \u355 ?ii vor detecta. Poate nimeni altcineva. Siguran\uc1 \u3
55 ?\uc1 \u259 ? secret\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
3 \cf1 S\uc1 \u259 ? o lase balt\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Chibzui. Nu. Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? cercet\uc1 \u
259 ?ri. \uc1 \u206 ?nainte de orice, s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i re-cu-pereze i
nvesti\uc1 \u355 ?ia; s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i ia banii \uc1 \u238 ?napoi de
la Ray Calvin. \uc1 \u350 ?i... va tre-bui s\uc1 \u259 ? mai examineze la labora
torul Universit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u351 ?i alte obiecte din stoc.}{
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dar... presupun\uc1 \u226 ?nd c
\uc1 \u259 ? mai multe dintre ele nu sunt autenti-ce?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dificil\uc1 \u259 ? chestiune.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Asta e singura cale, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?. Era
\uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat, disperat chiar. S\uc1 \u259 ? mearg\uc1 \u259 ? la Ray Cal
vin. S\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?nfrunte. S\uc1 \u259 ? insiste s\uc1 \u259 ? ur
m\uc1 \u259 ?reasc\uc1 \u259 ? proble-ma p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la punctul d
e plecare. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? este \uc1 \u351 ?i el nevinovat. \uc1 \u206 ?n or
ice caz, s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun\uc1 \u259 ?: }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \lo
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \
u259 ? alte falsuri sau nu mai cump\uc1 \u259 ?r prin el niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 El va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? supo
rte pierderea, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? Childan. Nu eu. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu,
atunci voi lua leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura cu al\uc1 \u355 ?i comercian\uc1 \u355 ?i s\u
c1 \u259 ? le spun; \uc1 \u238 ?i voi dis-truge reputa\uc1 \u355 ?ia. De ce s\uc
1 \u259 ? fiu numai eu minat? S-o trec celor respon-sabili, s\uc1 \u259 ? trec c
artoful fierbinte din m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc
1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n lungul firului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
p1033 \cf1 Dar trebuie ac\uc1 \u355 ?ionat \uc1 \u238 ?n cel mai mare secret. S\
uc1 \u259 ? ne sp\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?m rufele \uc1 \u238 ?n familie.}{\fs24
af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 5}
33 \cf1 TELEFONUL LUI RAY CALVIN \uc1 \u238 ?l nedumeri pe Wyndam-Matson}{\fs24
\cf1 . Nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?ea s\uc1 \u259 ? priceap\uc1 \u259 ? nimic din asta, \u
c1 \u238 ?n parte din cauza felului re-pezit de a vorbi al lui Ray Calvin \uc1 \
u351 ?i pe de alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n mo-mentul
apelului \uc1 \u8211 ? unsprezece treizeci seara \uc1 \u8211 ? Wyndam-Matson se
\uc1 \u238 ?n-tre\uc1 \u355 ?inea cu o vizitatoare \uc1 \u238 ?n apartamentul l
ui de }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033
\langfenp1033 \cf1 la Muromachi Hotel.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
033 \cf1 Calvin spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
gfenp1033 \cf1 Uite ce-i, prietene, v\uc1 \u259 ? trimitem \uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc
1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntregime ultimul transport. \uc1 \u350 ?i v-am trimite \u
c1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1 \u351 ?i marfa dinainte, dar am pl\uc1 \u259 ?tit totul, cu
excep\uc1 \u355 ?ia ultimului lot. Scaden\uc1 \u355 ?a voastr\uc1 \u259 ? este
optsprezece mai.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Normal, Wynda
m-Mats}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033
\langfenp1033 \cf1 on voi s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie de ce.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
3 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sunt falsuri mizerabile,
spuse Calvin.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
\cf1 Dar ai \uc1 \u351 ?tiut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
Era uluit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
cf1 Adic\uc1 \u259 ?, Ray, ai fost \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna la curent cu situa\uc1
\u355 ?ia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se uit\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n jur; fata era ie\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? din \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u259 ?pere, probabil dus\uc1 \u259 ? la baie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
langfenp1033 \cf1 Calvin zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?tiam c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt falsuri. Nu despre as
ta vorbesc. Vorbesc despre partea proast\uc1 \u259 ?. Uite ce-i, nu-mi pas\uc1 \
u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ? unele dintre armele pe care mi le-ai trimis }{\i1 \fs24 \
cf1 chiar }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 au fost folosite \uc1 \u238 ?n R\uc1 \u259 ?zboiul Civil
sau nu; mie nu \uc1 \u238 ?mi pas\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t c\uc1 \u259 ? est
e un Colt 44 satisf\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?tor, nu-\uc1 \u351 ?tiu-cum denumit
\uc1 \u238 ?n catalogul t\uc1 \u259 ?u. Acesta trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238
?ndepli-neasc\uc1 \u259 ? standardele. Uite ce-i, \uc1 \u351 ?tii cine este Robe
rt Childan?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
cf1 Da.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \u
c1 \u351 ?i amintea, de\uc1 \u351 ?i pe moment nu prea \uc1 \u351 ?tia de unde s
\uc1 \u259 ?-l ia. Cineva important.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A fost azi aici. La mine, la birou. Sun de la birou
, nu de acas\uc1 \u259 ?; ne ocup\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? de ast
a. \uc1 \u206 ?n fine, a venit \uc1 \u351 ?i-a turuit o poveste lung\uc1 \u259 ?
. E-ra nebun de furie. \uc1 \u206 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r agitat. Ei bine, un cli
ent barosan de-al lui, un amiral japonez, a venit sau \uc1 \u351 ?i-a trimis omu
l la el. Childan zicea de o comand\uc1 \u259 ? de dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de mii de
dolari, dar probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? asta-i o exa-gerare. Oricum, ceea ce s-a \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat \uc1 \u8211 ? nu am nici un motiv s\uc1 \u259 ? pun
asta la \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? este c\uc1 \u259 ? japonezu
l a venit, a vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? cumpere, s-a uitat pu\uc1 \u355 ?in la un Colt 4
4 din alea pe care le produce\uc1 \u355 ?i voi, a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ?
es-te un fals, \uc1 \u351 ?i-a b\uc1 \u259 ?gat banii \uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1 \u
238 ?n buzunarul pantalonilor \uc1 \u351 ?i a ple-cat. Deci. Ce ai de spus?}{\fs
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Lui Wyndam-Matson nu-i venea nimic
\uc1 \u238 ?n minte s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi ime
diat, pentru el. Sunt Frink \uc1 \u351 ?i McCarthy. Ei au zis c\uc1 \u259 ? au s
\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? ceva \uc1 \u351 ?i uite ce-au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut. Dar
... nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i putea da seama ce f\uc1 \u259 ?cuser\uc1 \u259 ?; nu reu\uc
1 \u351 ?ea s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleag\uc1 \u259 ? din relatar
ea lui Calvin.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
\cf1 l umplu cu un fel de team\uc1 \u259 ? supersti\uc1 \u355 ?ioas\uc1 \u259 ?.
\uc1 \u258 ?ia doi... cum au pu-tut ei s\uc1 \u259 ? aranjeze un lucru f\uc1 \u
259 ?cut \uc1 \u238 ?n februarie trecut? Presupusese c\uc1 \u259 ? se vor duce l
a poli\uc1 \u355 ?ie, sau la ziare, sau chiar }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 la guvernul }{\i1 \fs
33 \cf1 pinoc }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \lan
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 de la Sac}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \a
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \
ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4
\hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs
20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1048 \la
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sacramento}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i,
desigur, avuseser\uc1 \u259 ? grij\uc1 \u259 ? de toate astea. Straniu. Ken \uc
1 \u351 ?tia ce s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun\uc1 \u259 ? lui Calvin; b\uc1 \u226 ?igui c
eva un timp care p\uc1 \u259 ?ru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu se mai sf\uc1 \u226 ?r-\uc1 \u
351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ? reu\uc
1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? pun\uc1 \u259 ? cap\uc1 \u259 ?t conversa\uc1 \u355 ?ie
i \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n-chid\uc1 \u259 ? telefonul.}{\fs24 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hi
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 puse \uc1
\u238 ?n furc\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du seama, cu
o tres\uc1 \u259 ?rire, c\uc1 \u259 ? Rita ie\uc1 \u351 ?ise din dormitor \uc1 \
u351 ?i ascultase \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga conversa\uc1 \u355 ?ie; se plimbase cu pa\
uc1 \u351 ?i mari, iritat\uc1 \u259 ?, de colo-colo, purt\uc1 \u226 ?nd numai un
slip negru, cu p\uc1 \u259 ?rul ei blond c\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i liber
pe umerii goi, u\uc1 \u351 ?or pistruia\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Anun\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? poli\
uc1 \u355 ?ia, zise.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ei bine,
probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi mai ieftin s\uc1 \u259 ? le ofere vreo dou\uc1 \u25
9 ? mii. Ar accepta; probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? asta era tot ce vroiau. Tipii m\uc1
\u259 ?run\uc1 \u355 ?i ca ei g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc la scar\uc1 \u259 ? redus\uc1 \

u259 ?; li s-ar p\uc1 \u259 ?rea o gr\uc1 \u259 ?mad\uc1 \u259 ? de bani. Au s\u
c1 \u259 ?-i bage \uc1 \u238 ?n noua lor afacere, \uc1 \u238 ?i vor pierde, vor
fi iar lefteri \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o lun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, zise el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De ce? \uc1 \u350 ?antajul este o
crim\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Era greu s\
uc1 \u259 ?-i explice. El era obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?te
asc\uc1 \u259 ? oameni; f\uc1 \u259 ?cea parte din cheltuielile curente, ca tele
fonul, lumina. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? suma era destul de mic\uc1 \u259 ?... dar avea \u
c1 \u351 ?i ea dreptate. \uc1 \u206 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? rumege.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am s\uc1 \u259 ? le dau dou\uc1 \u259 ? mii,
dar \uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i timp am s\uc1 \u259 ? iau \uc1 \u351 ?i leg
\uc1 \u259 ?tura cu tipul pe care-l \uc1 \u351 ?tiu la Centrul Civic, inspectoru
l \uc1 \u259 ?la de poli\uc1 \u355 ?ie. S\uc1 \u259 ?-l pun s\uc1 \u259 ? se uit
e la am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi, Frink \uc1 \u351 ?i McCarthy, s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u2
59 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i ceva ce se poate folosi. A\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ?,
dac\uc1 \u259 ? vin \uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncearc\uc1 \u25
9 ? iar... am s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ?-i m\uc1 \u226 ?nuiesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1 De pild\uc1 \u259 ?, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, cineva mi-a zis c\uc1 \u259 ? Frink
e jidan. \uc1 \u350 ?i-a schimbat nasul \uc1 \u351 ?i numele. Tot ce-am de f\uc1
\u259 ?cut este s\uc1 \u259 ?-l anun\uc1 \u355 ? pe consulul ger-man de aici. C
hestiuni de rutin\uc1 \u259 ?. Va cere autorit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ilor japon
eze extr\uc1 \u259 ?-darea. Au s\uc1 \u259 ?-l gazeze pe poponar \uc1 \u238 ?nda
t\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce-l vor avea dincolo de linia de demarca\uc1 \u35
5 ?ie. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? au vreun lag\uc1 \u259 ?r din alea, \uc1 \u238 ?n New
York, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Lag\uc1 \u259 ?re de-alea, cu cuptoare.}{\fs24 \dbch
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u259 ? surprin
de, zise fata, c\uc1 \u259 ? poate oricine s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?antaje}{\fs
33 \cf1 ze un om de talia ta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
\langfenp1033 \cf1 l privi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ei, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i zic eu, spuse el. Toat\uc1 \u
259 ? afurisita asta de afacere cu patina istoriei este o prostie. Japonezii \uc
1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tia sunt \uc1 \u355 ?icni\uc1 \u355 ?i. Am s\uc1 \u259 ?-\u
c1 \u355 ?i dovedesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ridic\uc
1 \u226 ?ndu-se, trecu repede \uc1 \u238 ?n camera de lucru \uc1 \u351 ?i reveni
ime-diat cu dou\uc1 \u259 ? brichete, pe care le puse pe m\uc1 \u259 ?su\uc1 \u
355 ?a de cafea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
033 \cf1 Uit\uc1 \u259 ?-te la astea. Par la fel, nu? Ei bine, fii atent\uc1 \u2
59 ?. Una are pati-na timpului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe10
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i z\uc1 \u226 ?mbi larg.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
angfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lan
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ia-le \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u
259 ?. Hai. Una valoreaz\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, vreo patruzeci s
au cinci-zeci de mii de dolari pe pia\uc1 \u355 ?a colec\uc1 \u355 ?ionarilor.}{
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Fata }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 lu\uc1 \u259
? cu pruden\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cele dou\uc1 \u259 ? brichete \uc1 \u351 ?i
le cercet\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
gfenp1033 \cf1 N-o sim\uc1 \u355 ?i? glumi el. Patina?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ea zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce-i aia "patina"?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd un lucru are istorie \uc1 \
u238 ?n el. Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?. Una dintre brichetele astea Zippo se afla \uc1 \
u238 ?n buzunarul lui Franklin D. Roosevelt}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \
loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16
\li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbc
h \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\c
s15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \lang
np1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af6 \loch \f6 \lang1
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882 \
uc1 \u8211 ? 1945), al treilea pre\uc1 \u351 ?edinte al SUA (1933 \uc1 \u8211 ?
1945)}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033
\langfenp1033 \cf1 c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a fost asasina}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 t. Cealalt\uc1 \
u259 ?, nu. Una are istorie, o gr\uc1 \u259 ?mad\uc1 \u259 ?, la naiba. At\uc1 \
u226 ?ta c\uc1 \u226 ?t a putut avea vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? un obiect. Iar cealalt\
uc1 \u259 ? nu are nimic. Po\uc1 \u355 ?i s-o sim\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af
rd \plain \s17 \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \r
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O \uc1 \u238 ?nghionti.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu po\uc1 \u355
?i. Nu po\uc1 \u355 ?i spune care e. Nu o \uc1 \u238 ?nconjoar\uc1 \u259 ? nici
o "prezen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? plasmatic\uc1 \u259 ? mistic\uc1 \u259 ?", ni
ci o "aur\uc1 \u259 ?".}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Ehei, f\uc1 \u259 ?cu fata, plin\uc1 \u259 ? de respect amesteca
t cu oarecare tea-m\uc1 \u259 ?. Chiar este adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat? C\uc1 \u259 ? a
avut una dintre astea la el \uc1 \u238 ?n ziua aia?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sigur. Iar eu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu care
este. Fii atent\uc1 \u259 ? aici, totul este o gogori\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?; \
uc1 \u351 ?i-o administreaz\uc1 \u259 ? singuri. Adic\uc1 \u259 ?, o arm\uc1 \u2
59 ? trece printr-o b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?lie faimoa-s\uc1 \u259 ?, ca cea d
e la Mense-Argonne, \uc1 \u351 ?i este exact la fel ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum n-ar fi
tre-cut, }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \lan
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 numai dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u351 ?tii. }{\fs24 \db
1 Aici e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se b\uc1 \u259 ?tu u
\uc1 \u351 ?or cu degetul \uc1 \u238 ?n cap.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
gfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n creier, nu \uc1 \u238 ?n arm\
uc1 \u259 ?. Am fost \uc1 \u351 ?i eu colec\uc1 \u355 ?ionar. De fapt, a\uc1 \u3
51 ?a m-am apucat de afaceri. Colec\uc1 \u355 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ionam timbre. Primel
e colonii britanice.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Fata st\u
c1 \u259 ?tea acum la fereastr\uc1 \u259 ?, cu bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele \uc1 \u238 ?nc
ruci\uc1 \u351 ?ate, privind afa-r\uc1 \u259 ? la luminile centrului civic al or
a\uc1 \u351 ?ului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
p1033 \cf1 Tata \uc1 \u351 ?i cu mama obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuiau s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc
1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? n-am fi pierdut r\uc1 \u259 ?zbo-iul dac\uc1 \u259 ? tr\
uc1 \u259 ?ia, zise.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
enp1033 \cf1 Okay, continu\uc1 \u259 ? Wyndam-Matson. Acum s\uc1 \u259 ? presupu
nem c\uc1 \u259 ?, a-nul trecut, s\uc1 \u259 ? zicem, guvernul canadian sau altc
ineva, oricine, g\uc1 \u259 ?se\uc1 \u351 ?te matri\uc1 \u355 ?ele cu care au fo
st tip\uc1 \u259 ?rite ni\uc1 \u351 ?te timbre vechi. \uc1 \u350 ?i tu\uc1 \u351
?ul. \uc1 \u350 ?i o can-ti-tate de...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Eu nu cred c\uc1 \u259 ? vreuna dintre brichetel
e astea i-au apar\uc1 \u355 ?in}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ut lui Franklin Roosevelt, spuse fat
a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \lan
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Wyndam-Matson chicoti.}{\fs
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Aici vroiam
s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung. Ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?i-o dovedesc cu vreun d
ocu-ment. Un act de autenticitate. A\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ?, totu-i un fals,
o iluzie de mas\uc1 \u259 ?. Actul dovede\uc1 \u351 ?te c\uc1 \u259 ? are valoa
re, nu obiectul \uc1 \u238 ?n sine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 rat\uc1 \u259 ?-mi documentul.}{\fs24
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Desigur.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S\uc1 \u259 ?lt\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se \u
c1 \u238 ?n picioare, se duse iar \uc1 \u238 ?n camera de lucru. Scoase din pere
te certificatul \uc1 \u238 ?nr\uc1 \u259 ?mat, eliberat de Smithsonian Instituti
on; documentul \uc1 \u351 ?i bricheta \uc1 \u238 ?l costaser\uc1 \u259 ? o avere
, dar meritau \uc1 \u8211 ? pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i permiteau s\uc1 \
u259 ? dovedeasc\uc1 \u259 ? faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? avea dreptate: cuv\uc1 \u226 ?
ntul "fals" nu \uc1 \u238 ?nsemna nimic \uc1 \u238 ?n sine, de vreme ce cuv\uc1
\u226 ?ntul "autentic" nu \uc1 \u238 ?nsemna nimic \uc1 \u238 ?n sine.}{\fs24 \d
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Un Colt 44 este u
n Colt 44, \uc1 \u238 ?i strig\uc1 \u259 ? fetei gr\uc1 \u259 ?bindu-se c\uc1 \u
259 ?tre su-fragerie. Este vorba de calibru \uc1 \u351 ?i de model, nu de data l
a care a fost f\uc1 \u259 ?cut. Este vorba despre...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Fata \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse m\uc1 \u226 ?na. \uc1 \u206 ?i d\
uc1 \u259 ?du certificatul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
\langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ?adar, este original\uc1 \u259 ?, zise ea \uc1 \
u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da. Asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
\cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i lu\uc1 \u259 ? bricheta cu o zg\uc1 \u226 ?rietur\uc1 \u259
? lung\uc1 \u259 ? pe spate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Eu a\uc1 \u351 ? pleca, spuse fata. Ne mai vedem \uc1 \u238
?n alt\uc1 \u259 ? sear\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
33 \cf1 Puse jos}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \l
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 certificatul \uc1 \u351 ?i bricheta \uc1 \u351 ?i
se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?tre baie, unde \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \
u351 ?i avea hainele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
fenp1033 \cf1 De ce, strig\uc1 \u259 ? el intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n agita\uc1 \u355 ?
ie, lu\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se dup\uc1 \u259 ? ea. \uc1 \u350 ?tii c\uc1 \u259 ? sun-t
em \uc1 \u238 ?n deplin\uc1 \u259 ? siguran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Nevast\uc1
\u259 ?-mea nu va fi acas\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u226 ?n
i \uc1 \u238 ?ntregi... \uc1 \u354 ?i-am explicat \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga situa\uc1
\u355 ?ie. O desprindere de retin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu de asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Atunci, de ce?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Rita zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cheam\uc1 \u259 ?, te rog, o ric\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1
\u259 ? pentru mine. P\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mbrac.

hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Te duc
eu acas\uc1 \u259 ? cu ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina, zise el \uc1 \u238 ?mbufnat.}{\fs24 \d
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Fata se \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc
1 \u259 ?, apoi, \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce el \uc1 \u238 ?i scoase haina din dulap,
se plimb\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?, chiar un pic deprimat\uc1 \u2
59 ?. Trecutul \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntristeaz\uc1 \u259 ? pe oa-meni, \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du el seama. Fir-ar s\uc1 \u259 ? fie, de ce a
trebuit s-o aduc? Dar, la naiba, este at\uc1 \u226 ?t de t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u2
59 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?... m-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit c\uc1 \u259 ? poate abia cunoa\uc1 \
u351 ?te nu-me-le.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ea \uc1 \u2
38 ?ngenunche \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a raftului de c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355
?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
f4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ai
citit asta? \uc1 \u238 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langn
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? ea, sco\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \
u226 ?nd o carte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
1033 \cf1 Nu, zise. Nevast\uc1 \u259 ?-mea a luat-o. Cite\uc1 \u351 ?te foarte m
ult.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ar
trebui s-o cite\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nc\uc1 \u259 ? sim\uc1 \u355 ?indu-se dezam\uc1 \u259 ?git,
lu\uc1 \u259 ? cartea \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc
1 \u351 ?i arunc\uc1 \u259 ? pri-virile pe ea. }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 L\uc1 \u259 ?cus
ta abia se t\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?te.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Asta-i una din c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \
u355 ?ile alea interzise \uc1 \u238 ?n Bos}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ton? zise el.}{\fs24 \dbc
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Interzis\uc1 \u259
? peste tot \uc1 \u238 ?n Statele Unite. \uc1 \u350 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n Europa, des
igur. Ea se duse la u\uc1 \u351 ?a dinspre hol \uc1 \u351 ?i acum st\uc1 \u259 ?
tea acolo, a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u226 ?nd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am auzit de acest Hawthorne Abendsen.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dar, de fapt, nu auzise. Tot ce-\uc1
\u351 ?i amintea \uc1 \u238 ?n leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu cartea era...
ce? C\uc1 \u259 ? era foarte popular\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n acest moment. O a
lt\uc1 \u259 ? glorie trec\uc1 \u259 ?-toare. O alt\uc1 \u259 ? nebunie \uc1 \u2
38 ?n mas\uc1 \u259 ?. Se aplec\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1 \u238 ?n raft.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu am timp s\uc1 \u259 ? citesc literatur\
uc1 \u259 ? de divertisment. Sunt prea prins cu munca.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Secretarele, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi el caustic, citesc fle
acurile}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033
\langfenp1033 \cf1 astea seara, \uc1 \u238 ?n pat. Se stimuleaz\uc1 \u259 ?. I
n loc de lucrul \uc1 \u259 ?la adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat. De care le e fric\uc1 \u259
?. Dar dup\uc1 \u259 ? care, desigur, t\uc1 \u226 ?njesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O poveste din aia, de dragoste
, zise deschiz\uc1 \u226 ?nd sup\uc1 \u259 ?rat u\uc1 \u351 ?a dinspre hol.}{\fs
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, spuse ea
. O poveste de r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
cf1 Merg\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe hol c\uc1 \u259 ?tre li}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ft, zise:}{\fs24 \

\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Spune \uc1 \u351
?i el acela\uc1 \u351 ?i lucru. Ca mama \uc1 \u351 ?i cu tat\uc1 \u259 ?l meu.}
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cine? Ab
botson, \uc1 \u259 ?sta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
angfenp1033 \cf1 Asta-i teoria lui. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? Ed Zangara nu-l nimerea, ar
fi scos A-me-rica din Criz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?narmat-o,
astfel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
033 \cf1 Se \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupse. Ajunseser\uc1 \u259 ? la lift \uc1 \u351 ?i m
ai a\uc1 \u351 ?teptau \uc1 \u351 ?i alte persoane. Mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, c\uc1
\u226 ?nd rulau prin traficul nop\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?n Mercedes-Benz-ul
lui Wyndam-Matson, relu\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Teoria lui Abendsen este c\uc1 \u259 ? Roosevelt ar
fi fost un pre\uc1 \u351 ?edin-te teribil de puternic. La fel de puternic ca Li
ncoln. A ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat-o \uc1 \u238 ?n anul c\uc1 \u226 ?t a fost pre\uc1 \u
351 ?edinte, toate m\uc1 \u259 ?surile alea pe care le-a introdus. Cartea es-te
fic\uc1 \u355 ?iune. Adic\uc1 \u259 ? e sub form\uc1 \u259 ? de roman. Roosevelt
nu este asasinat \uc1 \u238 ?n Miami; merge mai departe \uc1 \u351 ?i este real
es \uc1 \u238 ?n 1936, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? este pre\uc1 \u351 ?edin-te
p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n 1940, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \
u238 ?n timpul r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiului. Nu \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegi? Este \u
c1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? pre-\uc1 \u351 ?edinte c\uc1 \u226 ?nd Germania atac\uc
1 \u259 ? Anglia \uc1 \u351 ?i Fran\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i Polonia. \uc1 \u3
50 ?i vede toate astea. \uc1 \u206 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u351 ?te America. Garn
er}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \sup
er1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \ad
justright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \l
angnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \a
f4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24
\cf1 John Mance Garner (1868 \uc1 \u8211 ? 1967), vicepre\uc1 \u351 ?edinte al
SUA (1933-1941)}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \super1 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 a fost un pre\uc1 \u351 ?edi
nte cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat \uc1 \u238 ?n-gro-zitor. Multe din cele \uc1 \u238 ?n
t\uc1 \u226 ?m-plate au fost din vina lui. \uc1 \u350 ?i apoi, \uc1 \u238 ?n 194
0, \uc1 \u238 ?n locul lui Bri}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 cker, ar fi fost ales un democrat.}{\
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u
259 ? Abelson, \uc1 \u259 ?sta, o \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupse Wyndam-Matson.}{\fs24 \d
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i arunc\uc1 \u259 ?
o privire fetei de l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? el. Doamne, citesc \uc1 \u351 ?i
ei o carte, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, \uc1 \u351 ?i turuie la nesf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1
\u351 ?it.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
f1 Teoria lui a fost c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n locul unui izola\uc1 \u355 ?ion
ist ca Bricker, \uc1 \u238 ?n 1940, dup\uc1 \u259 ? Roosevelt, ar fi fost pre\uc
1 \u351 ?edinte Rexford Tugwell.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
f1 Fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ei neted\uc1 \u259 ?, reflect\uc1 \u226 ?nd luminile semafoar
elor, str\uc1 \u259 ?lucea de \uc1 \u238 ?n-sufle\uc1 \u355 ?ire; ochii i se m\u
c1 \u259 ?riser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i gesticula \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce vorbea
u350 ?i ar fi fost foarte activ \uc1 \u238 ?n continuarea politicii antinaziste
a lui Roosevelt. A\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? Germaniei i-ar fi fost fric\uc1 \u
259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-i vin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ajutor Japo-niei, \uc1 \u238
?n 1941. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?i-ar fi onorat tratatul, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegi
lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \h
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ntorc\uc
1 \u226 ?ndu-se pe scaun c\uc1 \u259 ?tre el, \uc1 \u238 ?ncle\uc1 \u351 ?t\uc1
\u226 ?ndu-i um\uc1 \u259 ?rul cu pute-re, zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?a, Germania
\uc1 \u351 ?i Japonia ar fi pierdut r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 El r\uc1 \u226 ?se.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
angfenp1033 \cf1 Uit\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se la el, c\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u226 ?nd ceva
pe chipul lui \uc1 \u8211 ? nu putea spune ce \uc1 \u351 ?i, oricum, el trebuie
s\uc1 \u259 ? fie atent la celelalte ma\uc1 \u351 ?ini \uc1 \u8211 ? zise:}{\fs
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu-i de r\uc
1 \u226 ?s. A\uc1 \u351 ?a ar fi fost, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r. Statel
e Unite ar fi fost \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ?-i bat\uc1 \u259 ? pe japone
zi. \uc1 \u350 ?i...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
enp1033 \cf1 Cum?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
1033 \cf1 A a}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \lang
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 r\uc1 \u259 ?tat totul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
\langfenp1033 \cf1 R\uc1 \u259 ?mase t\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ? pentru o clip
\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
\cf1 E sub form\uc1 \u259 ? de literatur\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse. Bine\uc1 \u238 ?n\
uc1 \u355 ?eles, are multe aspec-te de fic\uc1 \u355 ?iune; adic\uc1 \u259 ?, tr
ebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fie captivant\uc1 \u259 ?, altfel n-ar citi-o lumea. Are o t
em\uc1 \u259 ? interesant\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n plan uman; sunt \uc1 \u259 ?
ia doi tineri, b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul este \uc1 \u238 ?n armata american\uc1 \u259
?. Fata... ei, oricum, pre\uc1 \u351 ?e-dintele Tugwell e \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-a-dev\
uc1 \u259 ?r de\uc1 \u351 ?tept. \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ? seama c
e au de g\uc1 \u226 ?nd japonezii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
\cf1 Ner\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?toare, spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Este bine s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbim despre as
ta; japonezii ar trebui s-o lase s\uc1 \u259 ? circule \uc1 \u238 ?n Pacific. Am
aflat c\uc1 \u259 ? o gr\uc1 \u259 ?mad\uc1 \u259 ? dintre ei o citesc. Este fo
arte cunoscut\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n Home Islands. A st\uc1 \u226 ?rnit multe
discu\uc1 \u355 ?ii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Wyndam-M
atson spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
\cf1 Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?. Despre Pearl Harbor ce spune?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pre\uc1 \u351 ?edintele Tugwell e
ste at\uc1 \u226 ?t de de\uc1 \u351 ?tept \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t are toate
navele \uc1 \u238 ?n largul m\uc1 \u259 ?rii. A\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? flota
Statelor Unite nu-i distrus\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
np1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u
259 ?, de fapt, nu-i nici un Pearl Harbor. Atac\uc1 \u259 ?, dar tot ce g\uc1 \u
259 ?-sesc sunt ni\uc1 \u351 ?te vapora\uc1 \u351 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se nume\uc1 \u351 ?te "L\uc1 \u259
?custa nu-\uc1 \u351 ?tiu-cum"?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
c1 \u8212 ? }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \l
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 "L\uc1 \u259 ?custa abia se t\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u25
9 ?\uc1 \u351 ?te". }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp104
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Este un citat din Biblie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i Japonia este \u

c1 \u238 ?nfr\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ? pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu este nici un Pea
rl Har-bor. Japonia ar fi c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tigat oricum. Chiar dac\uc1 \
u259 ? n-ar fi fost Pearl Harbor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Flota Statelor Unite \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n carte
\uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mpiedic\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ia Fi
lipinele \uc1 \u351 ?i Australia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Le-ar fi luat oricum; flota le era superioar\uc1 \u259
?. \uc1 \u206 ?i cunosc destul de bine pe japonezi \uc1 \u351 ?i erau sorti\uc1
\u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i asume domina\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?n P
acific. State-le Unite au fost \uc1 \u238 ?n declin de la primul r\uc1 \u259 ?zb
oi mondial \uc1 \u238 ?ncoace. Toate \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?-rile Alia\uc1 \u35
5 ?ilor au fost ruinate \uc1 \u238 ?n r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiul \uc1 \u259 ?la, moral
\uc1 \u351 ?i spiritual.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cu \u
c1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?nare, fata spuse:}{
0 ?i dac\uc1 \u259 ? nem\uc1 \u355 ?ii nu luau Malta, Churchill ar fi r\uc1 \u25
9 ?mas la putere \uc1 \u351 ?i-ar fi condus Anglia c\uc1 \u259 ?tre victorie.}{\
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cum? Unde?
ang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24
\cf1 n Africa de Nord... Churchill l-ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?nfr\uc1 \u226 ?nt pe Romm
el p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la urm\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Wyndam-Matson izbucni \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un hohot de r\uc1 \u22
6 ?s.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \

c1 \u350 ?i o dat\uc1 \u259 ? ce englezii l-ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?nfr\uc1 \u226 ?nt
pe Rommel, s-ar fi putut mu-ta \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga armat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238
?napoi \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n sus prin Turcia s\uc1 \u259 ? se uneasc\uc1 \
u259 ? cu r\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?ele armatelor rus
e\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? un front \uc1 \u8211
? \uc1 \u238 ?n carte, au oprit \uc1 \u238 ?nain-tarea nem\uc1 \u355 ?ilor spre
vest, \uc1 \u238 ?n Rusia, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un ora\uc1 \u351 ? de pe Volga. N-am
au-zit niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? de ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul \uc1 \u259 ?sta, dar el exist\
uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n realitate, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? m-am uitat \uc1 \u238
?n atlas.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
1 Cum se nume\uc1 \u351 ?te?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Stalingrad. Iar englezii \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc soarta r\uc1 \u2
59 ?zboiului, acolo. Deci, \uc1 \u238 ?n carte, Rommel nu ar fi f\uc1 \u259 ?cut
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura cu armatele alea nem-\uc1 \u355 ?e\uc1
\u351 ?ti care au venit din Rusia, armatele lui von Paulus; \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u
355 ?i aminte\uc1 \u351 ?ti? Iar nem\uc1 \u355 ?ii n-ar fi fost niciodat\uc1 \u2
59 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ? mearg\uc1 \u259 ? mai departe \uc1 \u238
?n Ori-entul Mijlociu \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? ob\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? p
etrolul de care aveau nevoie, sau \uc1 \u238 ?n India, cum au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut \
uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? jonc\uc1 \u355 ?iunea cu japone-zii.
\uc1 \u350 ?i...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
033 \cf1 Nici o strategie d}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \la
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 in lume nu l-ar fi putut \uc1 \u238 ?nfr
\uc1 \u226 ?nge pe Erwin Rom-mel, spuse Wyndam-Matson. \uc1 \u350 ?i nici un eve
niment ca cele visate de tipul \uc1 \u259 ?sta, ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul \uc1 \u259 ?la
din Rusia, eroic denumit "Stalin-grad", nici o ac\uc1 \u355 ?iune de stopare nu
ar fi putut face dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?rzie
deznod\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?n-tul; nu le-ar fi putut schimba. Ascult\uc1 \u25
9 ?. }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe10
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 L-am cunoscut pe Rommel. }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u206 ?n New Yo
rk, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am fost acolo cu afacerile, \uc1 \u238 ?n 1948.}{\fs24 \dbch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De fapt doar \uc1 \u238 ?l v\uc1 \u259 ?zu
se pe guvernatorul militar al SUA la o recep\uc1 \u355 ?ie la Casa Alb\uc1 \u259
?, \uc1 \u351 ?i de la mare distan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce om. Ce demnitate \uc1 \u
351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?inut\uc1 \u259 ?. A\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?ti
u ce vorbesc, \uc1 \u238 ?ncheie el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A fost \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\
uc1 \u259 ?tor, spuse Rita, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd generalul Rommel a fost eliberat din
func\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n locul lui a fost numit acel \uc1
\u238 ?ngrozitor Lammers. Atunci, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r au \uc1 \u2
38 ?nceput crimele \uc1 \u351 ?i lag\uc1 \u259 ?rele alea de concentrare.}{\fs24
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Existau de c\u
c1 \u226 ?nd era Rommel guvernator militar.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dar...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
enp1033 \cf1 F\uc1 \u259 ?cu din m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu era oficial. Poate c\uc1
\u259 ? descreiera\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u259 ?ia de SS-i\uc1 \u351 ?ti au s\uc1
\u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r-\uc1 \u351 ?it atunci faptele alea... dar el nu era ca cei
lal\uc1 \u355 ?i; el sem\uc1 \u259 ?na mai mult cu vechii prusaci. Era aspru...}
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i spun eu cine a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1
\u259 ?r treab\uc1 \u259 ? bun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n SUA, zise Wyndam-Matson
, pe cine s\uc1 \u259 ? stimezi pentru rena\uc1 \u351 ?terea economi-c\uc1 \u259
?. Albert Speer. Nu Rommel \uc1 \u351 ?i nu Organiza\uc1 \u355 ?ia Todt. Speer
a fost cea mai bun\uc1 \u259 ? numire pe care a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o Partei \uc1 \
u238 ?n America de Nord; a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut afacerile \uc1 \u351 ?i corpora\uc1
\u355 ?iile \uc1 \u351 ?i fabricile \uc1 \u8211 ? totul \uc1 \u8211 ? s\uc1 \u25
9 ? mearg\uc1 \u259 ? iar, \uc1 \u351 ?i pe baze eficiente. A\uc1 \u351 ? vrea s
\uc1 \u259 ?-l fi avut \uc1 \u351 ?i noi aici \uc1 \u8211 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a, avem
c\uc1 \u226 ?te cinci \uc1 \u238 ?ntre-prinderi lupt\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se \uc1 \u2
38 ?n fiecare domeniu \uc1 \u351 ?i cu pierderi \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitoare. Ni-mic
nu este mai prostesc dec\uc1 \u226 ?t competi\uc1 \u355 ?ia economic\uc1 \u259 ?
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Rita spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 N-a\uc1 \u351 ? putea tr
\uc1 \u259 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n taberele alea de munc\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n dor
mitoarele pe care le au ei \uc1 \u238 ?n Est. O prieten\uc1 \u259 ? a mea a tr\u
c1 \u259 ?it acolo. \uc1 \u206 ?i cenzurau cores-ponden\uc1 \u355 ?a. Nu mi-a pu
tut spune despre asta dec\uc1 \u226 ?t dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce s-a mutat \uc1 \u238 ?
napoi aici. Trebuiau s\uc1 \u259 ? se scoale la \uc1 \u351 ?ase treizeci diminea
\uc1 \u355 ?a, \uc1 \u238 ?n muzic\uc1 \u259 ? }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 de fanfar\uc1 \u
\af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 T
e-ai obi\uc1 \u351 ?nui. Ai avea locuin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? curat\uc1 \u259
?, m\uc1 \u226 ?ncare adecvat\uc1 \u259 ?, dis-trac\uc1 \u355 ?ii, \uc1 \u238 ?n
grijire medical\uc1 \u259 ? asigurat\uc1 \u259 ?. Ce-ai vrea? \uc1 \u350 ?ampani
e \uc1 \u351 ?i caviar?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Prin c
ea\uc1 \u355 ?a rece a nop\uc1 \u355 ?ii l\uc1 \u259 ?sate peste San Francisco,
enorma lui ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? de fabrica\uc1 \u355 ?ie german\uc1 \u25
9 ? rula t\uc1 \u259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul
Tagomi se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? pe du\uc1 \u351 ?umea, cu picioarele \uc1
\u238 ?ndoite sub el. Lu\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?ini o cea\uc1 \u
351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? toart\uc1 \u259 ?, cu ceai galben
chinezesc, \uc1 \u238 ?n care sufla c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?n
d, z\uc1 \u226 ?mbindu-i domnului Baynes.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ave\uc1 \u355 ?i un loc \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u2
26 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?tor, aici, spuse domnul Baynes imediat. Este mult\uc1 \u259 ?
pace aici, pe Coasta Pacificului. Este cu totul diferit de... acolo.}{\fs24 \dbc
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu preciz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 "Dumnezeu vorbe\uc1 \u351
?te oamenilor sub semnul N\uc1 \u259 ?sc\uc1 \u259 ?toarei", murmur\uc1 \u259 ?
domnul Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
3 \cf1 Pardon?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
3 \cf1 Oracolul. Scuza\uc1 \u355 ?i-m\uc1 \u259 ?. Un reflex al creierului.}{\fs
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vis}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u259 ?tor, s
e g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Baynes. \uc1 \u258 ?sta-i limbajul lui. \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u35
1 ?i z\uc1 \u226 ?mbi sie\uc1 \u351 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Suntem absurzi, spuse domnul Tagomi, pentru c\uc
1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?im dup\uc1 \u259 ? o carte veche-de-cinci-mii-de-ani. \u
c1 \u206 ?i punem \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?ri de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi vie.
langfenp1033 \cf1 Este vie. }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \l
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Precum Biblia cre\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u
259 ?; sunt multe c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i vii. Nu \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?elesul metaforic. Le \uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te
spiritul. Vede\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
ercet\uc1 \u259 ? chipul domnului Baynes pentru a-i surprinde reac\uc1 \u355 ?ia
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Aleg\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u3
51 ?i cu grij\uc1 \u259 ? cuvintele, domnul Baynes spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Eu... pur \uc1 \u351 ?i simplu
nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu destule despre religie. Nu face parte din domeniul meu. Pref
er s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? limitez la subiectele \uc1 \u238 ?n care am oareca-re competen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
1033 \cf1 De fapt, nu prea \uc1 \u351 ?tia la ce se refer\uc1 \u259 ? domnul Tag
omi. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu obosit, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi domnul Baynes. A fost
, de c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am venit aici, \uc1 \u238 ?n seara asta un fel de... totul
a avut un caracter aforistic. Un caracter mai-mic-dec\uc1 \u226 ?t-\uc1 \u238 ?n
-realitate, cu un strop de nostimad\uc1 \u259 ?. Ce-i aceast\uc1 \u259 ? carte v
eche-de-cinci-mii-de-ani? Ceasul Mickey Mouse, domnul Tago-mi \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc
1 \u351 ?i, cea\uc1 \u351 ?ca fragil\uc1 \u259 ? din m\uc1 \u226 ?inile domnu-lu
i Tagomi... \uc1 \u351 ?i, pe peretele din fa\uc1 \u355 ?a domnului Baynes, un e
norm cap de bizon, ur\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i amenin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce
este capul acesta? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? deodat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbc
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Aceea, spuse domnul
Tagomi, nu este altceva dec\uc1 \u226 ?t creatura care i-a sus\uc1 \u355 ?inut
odinioar\uc1 \u259 ? pe b\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tina\uc1 \u351 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch
np1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \h
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n\uc1 \u
355 ?eleg.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
f1 S\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? demonstrez arta uciderii bizonilor?}{\fs24 \dbch
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pus
e cea\uc1 \u351 ?ca pe mas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \
u238 ?n picioa-re. Aici, acas\uc1 \u259 ? la el, purta un chimono din m\uc1 \u25
9 ?tase, papuci \uc1 \u351 ?i cravat\uc1 \u259 ? alb\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Iat\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lecat pe calul din fier.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 St\uc1 \u259 ?tu cu genunchii \uc1 \u238 ?ndoi\uc1
\u355 ?i, \uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n aer.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n poal\uc1 \u259 ?
, o carabin\uc1 \u259 ? Winchester model 1866, veritabil\uc1 \u259 ?, din co-lec
\uc1 \u355 ?ia mea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se uit\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?tor la domnul Baynes.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i obosit de
drum, domnule.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
33 \cf1 M\uc1 \u259 ? tem c\uc1 \u259 ? da, zise Baynes. Este un pic prea mult p
entru mine. O mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime de griji cu afacerile...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i alte griji, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. \uc1
\u206 ?l durea capul. Se \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ? exce}{\fs
33 \cf1 len-tele analgezice }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
angnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 I. }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 G. Farben se g\uc1 \u25
9 ?seau aici, pe Coasta Pacific\uc1 \u259 ?; se obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuise cu ele din
cauza durerilor de sinuzit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 To\uc1 \u355 ?i trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? credem \uc
1 \u238 ?n ceva, spuse domnul Tagomi. Nu pu-tem \uc1 \u351 ?ti r\uc1 \u259 ?spun
surile. Nu putem vedea \uc1 \u238 ?nainte, singuri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Baynes \uc1 \u238 ?ncu}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 viin\uc1 \u355 ?
\uc1 \u259 ?, d\uc1 \u226 ?nd din cap.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S-ar putea s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? so\uc1 \
u355 ?ia mea ceva pentru capul dumneavoas-tr\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse domnul Tagomi v\
uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l c\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i scoate ochelarii \uc1
\u351 ?i se freac\uc1 \u259 ? pe frunte. Mu\uc1 \u351 ?chii ochilor provoc\uc1 \
u226 ?nd durere. Scuza\uc1 \u355 ?i-m\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nclin\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se, p\uc1 \u259 ?r
\uc1 \u259 ?si \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
langfenp1033 \cf1 De somn am ne}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 voie, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Baynes. O
noapte de odihn\uc1 \u259 ?. Sau nu fac fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? situa\uc1 \u3
55 ?iei? Dau \uc1 \u238 ?napoi, fiindc\uc1 \u259 ? este greu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd domnul Tagomi reveni \uc1 \u8211
? aduc\uc1 \u226 ?nd un pahar cu ap\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ni\uc1 \u351 ?te
pastile \uc1 \u8211 ? domnul Baynes zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? spun noa
pte bun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? duc \uc1 \u238 ?n
camera mea de la hotel. Dar mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i, a\uc1 \u351 ? vrea
s\uc1 \u259 ? aflu ceva. Putem continua dis-cu-\uc1 \u355 ?ia m\uc1 \u226 ?ine,
dac\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? aranjeaz\uc1 \u259 ?. Vi s-a spus despre al treile
a partener ce va fi prezent la discu\uc1 \u355 ?ii?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pe chipul domnului Tagomi se citi pentru un moment surpriza; apoi surpriza pieri \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i compuse o expres
ie nep\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?toare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu s-a spus nimic \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
privin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Oricum... este intere-sant, desigur.}{\fs24 \db
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Din Home Islands.}
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Aha, f\u
c1 \u259 ?cu domnul Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
c1 \u350 ?i de ast\uc1 \u259 ? dat\uc1 \u259 ?, surpriza nu mai ap\uc1 \u259 ?ru
de loc. Fu complet st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?-nit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Un om de afaceri mai \u
c1 \u238 ?n v}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \lang
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u226 ?rst\uc1 \u259 ?, pensionar, spuse domnul B
ay-nes. Care c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?tore\uc1 \u351 ?te cu vaporul. A pornit l
a drum acum dou\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u226 ?ni. Are o p
rejudecat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?toriei pe c
alea aerului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
\cf1 B\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nelul cel ciudat, zise domnul Tagomi.}{\fs24 \d
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Interesele \uc1 \
u238 ?l fac s\uc1 \u259 ? fie informat de pia\uc1 \u355 ?a din Home Islands. Ne
va putea da informa\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u351 ?i oricum venea \uc1 \u238 ?n San F
rancisco, pentru o va-can\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu este extrem de important.
Dar va face ca discu\uc1 \u355 ?iile noastre s\uc1 \u259 ? fie mai la obiect.}{\
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, zise d
omnul Tagomi. Poate \uc1 \u238 ?ndrepta erori cu privire la pia-\uc1 \u355 ?a de
acas\uc1 \u259 ?. Lipsesc de doi ani.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vre\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi da\uc1 \u355 ?i
pastila aceea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Tres\uc1 \u259
?rind, domnul Tagomi privi \uc1 \u238 ?n jos \uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?zu c\uc
1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? mai avea \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \
u259 ? pastila \uc1 \u351 ?i apa.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Scuza\uc1 \u355 ?i-m\uc1 \u259 ?. Este puternic\uc1 \u
259 ?. Numit\uc1 \u259 ? zaracain\uc1 \u259 ?. Produs\uc1 \u259 ? de o firm\uc1
\u259 ? de medicamente din Provincia China.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
fenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp10
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ntinz\uc1 \u226 ?nd}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \a
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 palma, ad\uc1
\u259 ?ug\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Ne-provocatoare-de-dependen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbc
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
persoan\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?rst\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse domnul Bay
nes preg\uc1 \u259 ?tin-du-se s\uc1 \u259 ? ia pastila, se va adresa direct Misi
unii Comerciale. \uc1 \u206 ?i voi scrie numele, astfel ca oamenii dumneavoastr\
uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u
238 ?l refuze. Nu l-am cunoscut, dar \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg c\uc1 \u259 ?
este pu\uc1 \u355 ?in surd \uc1 \u351 ?i pu\uc1 \u355 ?in excentric. Vreau s\uc
1 \u259 ? ne asigur\uc1 \u259 ?m c\uc1 \u259 ? nu se va sim\uc1 \u355 ?i... ofen
sat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi p\uc1 \u259
?ru s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleag\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
3 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i plac rodode
ndronii. Va fi fericit dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u355 ?i putea s\uc1 \u259 ?-i pune
\uc1 \u355 ?i la dispozi\uc1 \u355 ?ie pe cineva cu care s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\
uc1 \u259 ? despre ei vreo jum\uc1 \u259 ?-tate de or\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?
t avem noi \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnirea. Numele. \uc1 \u206 ?l voi scrie.}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Lu\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i
pastila, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i scoase stiloul \uc1 \u351 ?i scrise.}{\fs24 \
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Shinjiro
Yatabe, citi domnul Tagomi, privind peti-cul de h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie; \uc1 \u238 ?l
puse cu \uc1 \u238 ?ndatorire \uc1 \u238 ?n carnetul s\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \db
ngnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nc\uc1
\u259 ? ceva}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \lang
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 .}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Do
mnul Tagomi ciupea u\uc1 \u351 ?or buza ce\uc1 \u351 ?tii, ascult\uc1 \u226 ?nd.
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Un am\u
c1 \u259 ?nunt delicat. B\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul domn... este st\uc1 \u226
?njenitor. Are aproape optzeci de ani. Unele afaceri ale sale, c\uc1 \u259 ?tre
sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul carierei nu au fost \uc1 \u238 ?ncununate de su
cces. \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elege\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu mai este \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226
?n\uc1 \u259 ?, zise domnul Tagomi. \uc1 \u350 ?i probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? trage
de o pensie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
\cf1 Exact. Iar pensia este dureros de mic\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i-o spore\uc
1 \u351 ?te, prin ur-ma-re, cum poate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O violare a unor reglement\uc1 \u259 ?ri meschine
, spuse domnul Tago-mi. Guvernul din Home Islands \uc1 \u351 ?i oficialit\uc1 \u
259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile lor birocrati-ce. \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg situa\uc1 \
u355 ?ia. B\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul domn prime\uc1 \u351 ?te un stipendiu p
entru consulta\uc1 \u355 ?ia cu noi \uc1 \u351 ?i nu \uc1 \u238 ?l declar\uc1 \u
259 ? la Oficiul lui de Pensii. A\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? nu trebuie s\uc1 \u
259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i dez-v\uc1 \u259 ?-luim vizita. Ei nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu dec\uc1
\u226 ?t c\uc1 \u259 ? se afl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n vacan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \
u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
Sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i subtil, zise domnul Baynes.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
angfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Tagomi r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse:}{\fs24 \dbch \a
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S-a mai ivit situa\uc1
\u355 ?ia asta. Nu am rezolvat \uc1 \u238 ?n societatea noastr\uc1 \u259 ? probl
emele b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nilor, care apar pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259
? ce se \uc1 \u238 ?mbun\uc1 \u259 ?-t\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te as
is-ten\uc1 \u355 ?a medical\uc1 \u259 ?. China ne \uc1 \u238 ?nva\uc1 \u355 ?\uc
1 \u259 ? pe bun\uc1 \u259 ? dreptate s\uc1 \u259 ?-i cinstim pe b\uc1 \u259 ?-t
r\uc1 \u226 ?ni. Germanii, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, fac, oricum, ca neglijen\
uc1 \u355 ?a noastr\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? par\uc1 \u259 ? a-proa-pe virtute
curat\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg c\uc1 \u259 ? ei \uc1 \u238 ?i
omoar\uc1 \u259 ? pe b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Germanii, murmur\uc1 \u259 ? Baynes,
frec\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se iar pe frunte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Fiind din Scandinavia, a\uc1 \u355 ?i avut f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ? mult de a face cu Festung Eu
ropa. De pild\uc1 \u259 ?, v-a\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mbarcat pe Tempelhof. Po
ate cineva s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? o asemenea atitudine? Dumneavoastr\uc1
\u259 ? sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i neu-tru. Spu-ne\uc1 \u355 ?i-mi ce p\uc1 \u259 ?rere
ave\uc1 \u355 ?i, dac\uc1 \u259 ? vre\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg, la
ce atitudine v\uc1 \u259 ? referi\uc1 \u355 ?i? spuse domnul Baynes.}{\fs24 \db
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? de b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ni, de bolnavi, de cei slabi, de nebuni,
de cei o-rop-si\uc1 \u355 ?i sub toate aspectele. "De ce folos este un nou n\uc1
\u259 ?scut?" se \uc1 \u238 ?ntre-ba, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum bine se \uc1 \u351 ?t
ie, un filozof anglo-saxon. Am \uc1 \u238 ?ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?at me-moriei aceas
t\uc1 \u259 ? spus\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-am reflectat asupra ei de multe ori
. Domnule, nu are nici o \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebuin\uc1 \u355 ?are. \uc1 \u206 ?n gene
ral.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 D}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 omnul Bayne
s murmur\uc1 \u259 ? un oarecare sunet; \uc1 \u238 ?l f\uc1 \u259 ?cu s\uc1 \u25
9 ? par\uc1 \u259 ? poli-ticos \uc1 \u351 ?i neutru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu este adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat, spuse
domnul Tagomi, c\uc1 \u259 ? nimeni nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fie instrumentul ne
voilor altcuiva?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se aplec\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nainte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
\langfenp1033 \cf1 V\uc1 \u259 ? rog spune\uc1 \u355 ?i-mi p\uc1 \u259 ?rerea d
umneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? scandinav\uc1 \u259 ?, neutr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu, sp
use domnul Baynes.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \u
c1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n timpul r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiului, zise domnul Tagomi, am de
\uc1 \u355 ?inut o mic\uc1 \u259 ? func\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u238 ?n Provincia Ch
ina. \uc1 \u206 ?n Shanghai. Acolo, la Hongkew, o a\uc1 \u351 ?ezare de evrei, i
nterna\uc1 \u355 ?i de guvernul imperial pe termen lung. \uc1 \u354 ?inu\uc1 \u3
55 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de organiza\uc1 \u355 ?ia de sal
vare JOINT. Ministrul nazist din Shanghai ne-a cerut s\uc1 \u259 ?-i masacr\uc1
\u259 ?m pe evrei. \uc1 \u206 ?mi amintesc r\uc1 \u259 ?spunsul superiorului meu
: "Aceasta nu este conform cu consi-derentele umanitare". Au res-pins cererea ca
fiind barbar\uc1 \u259 ?. M-a impresionat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
fenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg, murmur\uc1 \u
259 ? do}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe103
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 mnul Baynes.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ncearc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \
u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbesc? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?. Se alarm\uc1 \u2
59 ?. Mintea p\uc1 \u259 ?ru c\uc1 \u259 ? i se adun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Evreii, zise domnul Ta
gomi, erau \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna descri\uc1 \u351 ?i de na-zi\uc1 \u351 ?ti ca
asiatici \uc1 \u351 ?i ne-arabi. Domnule, implica\uc1 \u355 ?ia nu s-a pierdut \
uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? pentru anumite persoane \uc1 \u238 ?n Japonia, chiar \
uc1 \u351 ?i printre cei din Guvernul de R\uc1 \u259 ?zboi. Nu am discutat nicio
dat\uc1 \u259 ? aceasta cu cet\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?enii Reich-ului pe care iam \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
\cf1 Domnul Baynes \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ei bine, eu nu sunt german. A\uc
1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ?, cu greu a\uc1 \u351 ? putea vorbi \uc1 \u238 ?n numele
Germaniei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ridic\uc1 \u226 ?n
du-se}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \
langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare, se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spr
e u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Voi relua discu\uc1 \u355 ?ia cu dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? m
\uc1 \u226 ?ine. V\uc1 \u259 ? rog s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? scu-za\uc1 \u355
?i. Nu pot g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
\af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 D
ar de fapt, acum, g\uc1 \u226 ?ndurile \uc1 \u238 ?i erau complet limpezi. Trebu
ie s\uc1 \u259 ? ies de aici, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du seama. O
mul acesta m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpinge prea departe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ierta}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich
i prostia fanatismului, spuse domnul Tagomi, \uc1 \u238 ?ndrep-t\uc1 \u226 ?n-du
-se \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?tre u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Imp
licarea filosofic\uc1 \u259 ? m-a orbit fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de chestiu-ni
le pur umane. Pe aici.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Strig\u
c1 \u259 ? ceva \uc1 \u238 ?n japonez\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i u\uc1 \u351 ?a d
e la intrare se deschise. Un japo-nez t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r \uc1 \u238 ?\u
c1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu apari\uc1 \u355 ?ia, \uc1 \u238 ?nclin\uc1 \u226 ?nd
u-se u\uc1 \u351 ?or, cu ochii la domnul Baynes.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
\langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?oferul meu, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi domnul Baynes.}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? observa\u
c1 \u355 ?iile mele exaltate din timpul zborului cu Luft-hansa, se g\uc1 \u226 ?
ndi deodat\uc1 \u259 ?. Fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de... cum \uc1 \u238 ?l chema
. Lotze. Au ajuns cum-va aici, la japonezi. Ni\uc1 \u351 ?te leg\uc1 \u259 ?turi
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ? vrea s\uc1 \u2
59 ? nu-i fi spus nimic lui Lotze, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. \uc1 \u206 ?mi pare r\uc
1 \u259 ?u. Dar e prea t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
np1033 \cf1 Nu sunt persoana potrivit\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu pentru asta.}{\fs24 \dbch
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dar apoi, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, un suedez iar spune asta lui Lotze. Este \uc1 \u238 ?n regul\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu s-a \uc1 \u238
?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat nimic, \uc1 \u238 ?mi fac prea multe scrupule. Prelungind
deprinderile vechii situa\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?n prezent. De fapt, pot disc
uta deschis oric\uc1 \u226 ?t. }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Aceasta }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 este situa\
uc1 \u355 ?ia la care trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? adaptez.}{\fs24 \dbch
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, obi\uc1 \u
351 ?nuin\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?i era complet opus\uc1 \u259 ?. S\uc1 \u226 ?
ngele din vene. Oa-sele, organele i se r\uc1 \u259 ?zvr\uc1 \u259 ?teau. Deschid
e gura, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spuse. Zi ceva. Orice. O p\uc1 \u259 ?rere. Tr
ebuie, dac\uc1 \u259 ? vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? reu\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt condu\uc1
\u351 ?i de cine \uc1 \u351 ?tie ce arhetipuri subcon\uc1 \u351 ?ti-ente. \uc1
\u206 ?n sensul lui Jung.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lang
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domn
ul Tagomi \uc1 \u238 ?ncuviin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? d\uc1 \u226 ?nd din cap.}{
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 L-am citi
t pe Jung. \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i str\uc1 \u226 ?nser\uc1 \u259 ? m\
uc1 \u226 ?inile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
1033 \cf1 V\uc1 \u259 ? sun m\uc1 \u226 ?ine diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, sp
use domnul Baynes. Noapte bun\uc1 \u259 ?, domnule.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se \uc1 \u238 ?nclin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i la fel f\uc
1 \u259 ?cu \uc1 \u351 ?i domnul Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
p1033 \cf1 T\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rul japonez z\uc1 \u226 ?mbitor, p\uc1 \u25
9 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ind \uc1 \u238 ?nainte, \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse ceva dom-nului Baynes
, care nu \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elese...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 E? f\uc1 \u259 ?cu Baynes lu\uc1 \u226 ?ndu\uc1 \u351 ?i pardesiul \uc1 \u351 ?i ie\uc1 \u351 ?ind afar\uc1 \u259 ?, pe ter
as\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vi
se adreseaz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n suedez\uc1 \u259 ?, domnule. Urmeaz\uc1 \
u259 ? un curs la Uni-versitatea din Tokyo, asupra R\uc1 \u259 ?zboiului de Trei
zeci de Ani, \uc1 \u351 ?i este fas-cinat de marele dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? ero
u, Gustavus Adolphus.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul T
agomi z\uc1 \u226 ?mbi cu simpatie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ricum, este limpede c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ?rile lui de a st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?ni o limb\uc1
\u259 ? a-t\uc1 \u226 ?t de diferit\uc1 \u259 ? sunt lipsite de speran\uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u259 ?. Folose\uc1 \u351 ?te f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoi
al\uc1 \u259 ? un curs din acelea \uc1 \u238 ?nregistrate; este student, iar ase
menea cursuri, fiind iefti-ne, sunt destul de populare pentru studen\uc1 \u355 ?
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 T\uc1 \u226 ?}{\fs24 \dbch
\uc1 \u259 ?rul japonez, evident ne\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg\uc1 \u226 ?nd e
ngleza, se \uc1 \u238 ?nclin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i z\uc1 \u226 ?m-bi.}{\fs24
\langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n\
uc1 \u355 ?eleg, murmur\uc1 \u259 ? Baynes. Ei bine, \uc1 \u238 ?i urez noroc.}{
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am \uc1 \u351 ?i eu propriile m
ele probleme lingvistice, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Evident.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Doamne, Dumnezeule \uc1 \u8211 ? t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u
259 ?rul student japonez, duc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l spre hotel, va \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca
, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? conve
rseze cu el \uc1 \u238 ?n suedez\uc1 \u259 ? tot dru-mul. O limb\uc1 \u259 ? pe
care domnul Baynes abia o \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegea \uc1 \u351 ?i numai at
unci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd era vorbit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cea mai \uc1 \u238 ?ng
rijit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i corect\uc1 \u259 ? form\uc1 \u259 ?, cu siguran\
uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? nu atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd era abordat\uc1 \u259 ? de un
t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r japonez, care \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s-o prind\uc1 \u259
? dintr-un curs \uc1 \u238 ?nregistrat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
p1033 \cf1 N-o s-o scoat\uc1 \u259 ? deloc la cap\uc1 \u259 ?t cu mine, se g\uc1
\u226 ?ndi domnul Baynes. \uc1 \u350 ?i va tot \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca, pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? asta este \uc1 \u351 ?ansa lui; probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? nu va mai vedea
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? un alt suedez. Ce calvar va fi, pentru am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi.}
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 6}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 DIMINEA\uc1 \u354 ?A, DEVREM
E, bucur\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se de r\uc1 \u259 ?coare \uc1 \u351 ?i de soarele str\uc
1 \u259 ?lucitor, doamna Juliana Frink \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?ce
a cump\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?turile la b\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?nie. Mergea a
gale pe trotuar, duc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i cele dou\uc1 \u259 ? pungi de
h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie cafenie, oprindu-se la fiecare magazin s\uc1 \u259 ? studieze
vitri-nele. Nu se gr\uc1 \u259 ?be}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? cumpere ceva de la magazinul univer
sal? Hoi-n\uc1 \u259 ?ri prin el. Schimbul la sala de judo nu \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?ncepea dec\uc1 \u226 ?t la pr\uc1 \u226 ?nz; era tim-pul ei liber pe ziu
a de azi. A\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se pe un taburet l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u
259 ? casa de marcat, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i puse jos saco\uc1 \u351 ?ele cu
cump\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?turi \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ?sfoiasc\uc1 \u259 ? diversele reviste.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ultimul }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Life, }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \a
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 v\uc1 \u259 ?z
u, avea un articol mare, intitulat: TELEVI-ZIUNEA \uc1 \u206 ?N EUROPA: PREFIGUR
\uc1 \u258 ?RI ALE ZILEI DE M\uc1 \u194 ?I-NE. Merg\uc1 \u226 ?nd la el, in-tere
sat\uc1 \u259 ?, v\uc1 \u259 ?zu fotografia unei familii germa-ne privind la tel
evizor \uc1 \u238 ?n su-frageria locuin\uc1 \u355 ?ei. Deja, spunea artico-lul,
erau patru ore de emisie pe zi, de la Berlin. C\uc1 \u226 ?ndva, vor fi sta\uc1
\u355 ?ii de emisie TV \uc1 \u238 ?n toate marile ora\uc1 \u351 ?e europene. \uc
1 \u350 ?i p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n 1990, una va fi construit\uc
1 \u259 ? la New York.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Articol
ul ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta pe inginerii electroni\uc1 \u351 ?ti ai Reich-ului la New Yo
rk, ajut\uc1 \u226 ?nd personalul local \uc1 \u238 ?n rezolvarea problemelor. Er
a u\uc1 \u351 ?or de spus c\uc1 \u259 ? erau germani. Aveau \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \
u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?area aceea s\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?toas\uc1 \u2
59 ?, cura-t\uc1 \u259 ?, energic\uc1 \u259 ?, sigur\uc1 \u259 ?. Americanii, pe
de alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte... ar\uc1 \u259 ?tau simplu ca oamenii. Putea fi orici
ne.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Un tehnician german put}{\
1033 \cf1 ea fi v\uc1 \u259 ?zut ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u226 ?nd ceva, iar america
-nii \uc1 \u238 ?ncercau s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i dea seama ce. Cred c\uc1 \u
259 ? au vedere mai bun\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t noi, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \
u238 ? ea. Alimenta\uc1 \u355 ?ie mai bun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ultimii dou\
uc1 \u259 ?zeci de ani; dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum ni s-a spus; ei pot vedea lucruri pe
care nimeni altcineva nu poate. Vitamina A, te pomene\uc1 \u351 ?ti?}{\fs24 \db
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb cum o fi
s\uc1 \u259 ? stai acas\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n sufragerie \uc1 \u351 ?i s\u
c1 \u259 ? vezi lumea \uc1 \u238 ?n-treag\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un mic tub
cenu\uc1 \u351 ?iu, din sticl\uc1 \u259 ?. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nazi\uc1 \u351 ?tii
\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tia pot zbu-ra \uc1 \u238 ?ncolo \uc1 \u351 ?i-ncoace, \
uc1 \u238 ?ntre P\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt \uc1 \u351 ?i Marte, de ce nu pot s
\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? mearg\uc1 \u259 ? televiziunea? Cred
c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? prefera asta, s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d spectacolele alea de comedie, de fapt s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d cum arat\uc1 \u259 ?
Bob Hope \uc1 \u351 ?i Durante, dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? pli
mb pe Marte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Poate c\uc1 \u259
? asta e, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi pun\uc1 \u226 ?nd revista \uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1
\u238 ?n raft. Nazi\uc1 \u351 ?tii n-au deloc sim\uc1 \u355 ?ul umorului, a\uc1
\u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? de ce ar vrea televiziune? Oricum, i-au omor\uc1 \u226 ?t
pe cei mai mul\uc1 \u355 ?i dintre marii comedian\uc1 \u355 ?i. Pentru c\uc1 \u
259 ? cei mai mul\uc1 \u355 ?i dintre ei erau evrei. De fapt, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \
u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du ea seama, i-au ucis pe cei mai mul\uc1 \u355 ?i din dome
niul spectacolului. M\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb cum scap\uc1 \u259 ? Hope cu
tot ce zice. Desigur, trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? transmit\uc1 \u259 ? din Canada. Ia
r acolo este ceva mai liber. Dar Hope \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r spune an
umite lucruri. Ce glume despre G}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang104
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1024 \langfenp1024 \cf1 \uc1 \u246 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hic
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ring... \u
c1 \u206 ?n care G\uc1 \u246 ?ring cump\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?nd Roma \uc1 \u3
51 ?i-o transport\uc1 \u259 ? la lo-cul lui de vacan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, de
la munte, apoi o reconstituie. \uc1 \u350 ?i re\uc1 \u238 ?nvie cre\uc1 \u351 ?
ti-nis-mul ca s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? leii lui prefera\uc1 \u355 ?i, ceva
de...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vr
e\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? cump\uc1 \u259 ?ra\uc1 \u355 ?i revista aceea, doam
n\uc1 \u259 ?? strig\uc1 \u259 ? cu suspi-ciu-ne omule\uc1 \u355 ?ul usc\uc1 \u2
59 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iv, \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?rst\uc1 \u259 ?, care avea grij\u
c1 \u259 ? de magazin.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cu vino
v\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ie, puse jos exemplarul din }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Reader's D
iggest, }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe103
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 pe care apucase s\uc1 \u259 ?-l r\uc1 \u259 ?sfoiasc\uc1 \u
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Lu\uc1 \u226 ?nd-o}{\fs
33 \cf1 iar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nceti\uc1 \u351 ?or pe trotuar
, cu saco\uc1 \u351 ?ele, Juliana se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, poate G\uc1 \u246 ?ring v
a fi noul F}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe
1024 \langfenp1024 \cf1 \uc1 \u252 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 hrer dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce moare B
ormann. Pare a fi oa-re-cum diferit de ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i. Singurul mod \uc1 \u
238 ?n care a reu\uc1 \u351 ?it Bormann s\uc1 \u259 ? treac\uc1 \u259 ? pe locul
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i a fost strecur\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd H
itler era \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?dere \uc1 \u351 ?i numai cei afla\uc1 \u355
?i cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat aproape de Hitler \uc1 \u351 ?i-au dat seama c\uc1 \u
226 ?t de repede se ducea. B\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul G\uc1 \u246 ?ring era
plecat la palatul lui de la munte. G\uc1 \u246 ?ring trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? fie F
\uc1 \u252 ?hrer dup\uc1 \u259 ? Hitler, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? Luftwaffe a lui sc
o-sese din lupt\uc1 \u259 ? sta\uc1 \u355 ?iile alea radar ale englezilor \uc1 \
u351 ?i apoi terminase R.A.F. -ul. Hitler ar fi bombardat Londra cum au bombarda
t \uc1 \u351 ?i ei Rotter-da-mul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
cf1 Dar probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? G\uc1 \u246 ?ring va c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tig
a. A\uc1 \u351 ?a spunea toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea. C\uc1 \u226 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? vrem
e nu o face \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitorul \uc1 \u259 ?la de Heydrich. \uc1 \u258 ?la n
e-ar omor\uc1 \u238 ? pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i. Este \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r
\uc1 \u355 ?icnit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cel de car
e-mi place mie, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, este Baldur von Schirach. Es-te singurul ca
re arat\uc1 \u259 ? normal, oricum. Dar nu are nici o \uc1 \u351 ?ans\uc1 \u259
?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \lan
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cotind, urc\uc1 \u259 ? tre
ptele din fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? ale vechii cl\uc1 \u259 ?diri din lemn \uc1
\u238 ?n care locuia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \
u226 ?nd deschise u\uc1 \u351 ?a apartamentului, \uc1 \u238 ?l v\uc1 \u259 ?zu p
e Joe Cinnadella z\uc1 \u259 ?-c\uc1 \u226 ?nd tot unde \uc1 \u238 ?l l\uc1 \u25
9 ?sase, \uc1 \u238 ?n mijlocul patului, pe burt\uc1 \u259 ?, cu bra\uc1 \u355 ?
ele at\uc1 \u226 ?r-n\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i. Tot mai dormea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Nu poate fi tot aici, camionu
l a plecat. L-a sc\uc1 \u259 ?pat? Evident.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
fenp1033 \cf1 Duc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se \uc1 \u238 ?n buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ri
e, puse pungile de cump\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?turi pe mas\uc1 \u259 ?, printre
farfuriile de la masa de diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dar }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 a avut de g\uc1 \u226 ?nd }{\f
033 \cf1 s\uc1 \u259 ?-l scape? se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Asta m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u2
38 ?ntreb.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce om special... fu
sese at\uc1 \u226 ?t de activ cu ea, continu\uc1 \u226 ?nd aproape toat\uc1 \u25
9 ? noaptea. \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, fusese ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum nu s-a
r fi aflat de fapt acolo; f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?nd-o, dar nefiind deloc prez
ent. G\uc1 \u226 ?ndindu-se la altce-va, probabil.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Din obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238
?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? pun\uc1 \u259 ? alimentele \uc1 \u238 ?n b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\u
c1 \u226 ?nul frigider G.E.}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 General Electrics Co.}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 , cu congelat
or deasupra. Apoi se apuc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? cure\uc1 \u355 ?e masa.}{\fs
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Poate a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o prea mu
lt, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? ea. E cea de-a doua natur\uc1 \u259 ?; trupul \
uc1 \u238 ?i execut\uc1 \u259 ? mi\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?rile, la fel ca al me
u acum, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd pun farfuriile \uc1 \u351 ?i tac\uc1 \u226 ?murile \uc1
\u238 ?n chiuvet\uc1 \u259 ?. O putea face cu trei cincimi din creier deta-\uc1
\u351 ?ate, ca picioarele de broasc\uc1 \u259 ? la ora de biologie.}{\fs24 \dbch
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Hei, strig\uc1 \u259
?. Treze\uc1 \u351 ?te-te.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
langfenp1033 \cf1 n pat, Joe se r\uc1 \u259 ?suci, forn\uc1 \u259 ?i.}{\fs24 \db
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ai auzit spectacol
ul cu Hope din noaptea trecut\uc1 \u259 ?? strig\uc1 \u259 ? ea. A spus gluma ai
a teribil de nostim\uc1 \u259 ?, cu maiorul neam\uc1 \u355 ? care interoghea-z\u
c1 \u259 ? ni\uc1 \u351 ?te mar\uc1 \u355 ?ieni. Mar\uc1 \u355 ?ienii nu pot pre
zenta acte cu privire la originea arian\uc1 \u259 ? a bunicilor, \uc1 \u351 ?tii
. A\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? maiorul raportea-z\uc1 \u259 ? la Berlin c\uc1 \u
259 ? Marte e populat cu evrei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1 Venind \uc1 \u238 ?n sufragerie, unde Joe zace pe pat, spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i au cam tre
izeci de centimetri \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?ime \uc1 \u351 ?i au d
ou\uc1 \u259 ? capete... \uc1 \u351 ?tii cum face Bob Hope.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Joe deschise ochii. Nu spuse nimic; se uita la ea
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? clipeas-c\uc1 \u259 ?. Cu b\uc1 \u259 ?
rbia \uc1 \u238 ?nnegrit\uc1 \u259 ? de barba neras\uc1 \u259 ?, cu ochii negri
\uc1 \u238 ?ndurera\uc1 \u355 ?i... t\uc1 \u259 ?cu \uc1 \u351 ?i ea atunci.}{\f
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce este? sp
use ea \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u354 ?i-e fric\uc1 \u259 ??
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi; lui
Frank \uc1 \u238 ?i e fric\uc1 \u259 ?. El este... nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu cum.}{\fs2
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S-a dus c\uc1
\u259 ?ru\uc1 \u355 ?a, zise Joe, ridic\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se \uc1 \u238 ?n capul o
aselor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
Ce ai}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \
langfenp1033 \cf1 s\uc1 \u259 ? faci?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
033 \cf1 Se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ea pe marginea patului, \u
c1 \u351 ?terg\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se pe m\uc1 \u226 ?ini cu prosopul de vase.}{\fs24
\langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 l
prind la \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarcere. Nu va spune la nimeni nimic; \uc1 \u351 ?tie c\u
c1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i eu a\uc1 \u351 ? face la fel pentru el.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u355 ?i mai f\uc
1 \u259 ?cut a\uc1 \u351 ?a?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
\af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 J
oe nu r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse. Ai vrut s-o scapi, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spuse Ju
liana. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu eu; am \uc1 \u351 ?tiut dintr-o dat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dac\uc1 \u259 ?
o ia pe alt drum la \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarcere? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O ia \uc1 \u23
8 ?ntotdeauna pe Cincizeci. Niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? pe Patruzeci. A avut odat\uc1 \
u259 ? un accident pe Patruzeci; ni\uc1 \u351 ?te cai... au dat buzna pe autostr
a-d\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i i-a izbit. \uc1 \u206 ?n St\uc1 \u226 ?nco\uc1 \u3
51 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Lu\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1
\u351 ?i hainele de pe scaun, \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?mbr
ace.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\u
c1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i ani ai, Joe? \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce el \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i contempla trupul gol.}{\fs2
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Treizeci \uc1
\u351 ?i patru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Atunci, se g\
uc1 \u226 ?ndi, ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? fii pe front. Nu v\uc1 \u259 ?zu nici un
defect fizic aparent; avea, de fapt, un trup chiar bun, sub\uc1 \u355 ?ire, cu
picioare lungi. Joe, v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd-o c\uc1 \u259 ?-l m\uc1 \u259
?soar\uc1 \u259 ?, se uit\uc1 \u259 ? ur\uc1 \u226 ?t la ea \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc
1 \u238 ?ntoarse cu spatele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? pot uita? spuse ea \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \
u226 ?ndu-se de ce nu; toat\uc1 \u259 ? noap-tea \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?
cu el \uc1 \u351 ?i acum, at\uc1 \u226 ?ta modestie. Suntem insecte? f\uc1 \u259
?cu ea. Nu ne putem suporta privirile unul altuia la lumina zilei... trebuie s\
uc1 \u259 ? ne strecur\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u238 ?n pere\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbc
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Morm\uc1 \u259 ?ind acru, el o lu\uc1 \u2
59 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?tre baie, \uc1 \u238 ?n chilo\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?n ciorapi, frec\uc1 \u226 ?n-du-se pe b\uc1 \u259 ?rbie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Azi este la mine acas\uc1 \u259 ?, se g\uc1 \u
226 ?ndi Juliana. Eu te las s\uc1 \u259 ? stai aici, dar tu nu m\uc1 \u259 ? la\
uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? uit la tine. Atunci, de ce vrei s\uc1 \
u259 ? stai? Se lu\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? el, \uc1 \u238 ?n baie; d\uc1 \u2
59 ?duse drumul la apa cald\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? se rad\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs2
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pe bra\uc1 \u355 ?ul lui st\uc1 \u2
26 ?ng, v\uc1 \u259 ?zu un tatuaj, un C albastru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce-i aia? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259
? ea. Nevast\uc1 \u259 ?-ta? Connie? Corinne?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Sp\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?,
Joe spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
cf1 Cairo.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce nume exot}{\fs24
\cf1 ic, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi ea cu invidie. Apoi sim\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?
ia foc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
Hai c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt proast\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Un italian, de treizeci \uc1 \u351 ?i patru de ani, din par
tea nazist\uc1 \u259 ? a lumii... fusese pe front, bine\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
eles. Dar de partea Axei. \uc1 \u350 ?i luptase la Cairo; tatuajul era semnul di
stinctiv, al nem\uc1 \u355 ?ilor \uc1 \u351 ?i al italienilor veterani din acea
campanie \uc1 \u8211 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?derea armatei engleze \uc1 \u351 ?i australi
ene, comandate de generalul Gott, \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?inile lui Rommel \u
c1 \u351 ?i ale Afrika Corps a lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
\cf1 Ie\uc1 \u351 ?i din baie, se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse \uc1 \u238 ?n sufragerie
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? patul; m\uc1 \u226
?i-nile \uc1 \u238 ?i zbu}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lan
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 rau.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
fenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp10
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ntr-un teanc \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijit, pe scaun, se
aflau lucrurile lui Joe, hainele \uc1 \u351 ?i o valijoar\uc1 \u259 ?, obiecte
personale. Printre ele, z\uc1 \u259 ?ri o cutie \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat\u
c1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n catifea, o caset\uc1 \u259 ? micu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259
?, ca cele pentru ochelari; lu\uc1 \u226 ?nd-o, o deschise \uc1 \u351 ?i se uit
\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
gfenp1033 \cf1 E sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? ai luptat la Cairo, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi pri
vind Crucea de Fier, Cla-sa a Doua cu numele \uc1 \u351 ?i data \uc1 \u8211 ? 10
iunie, 1945 \uc1 \u8211 ? gravate pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu to\uc1 \u35
5 ?i au primit asta; numai cei mai curajo\uc1 \u351 ?i. M\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238
?ntreb ce-ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut... a-veai abia vreo \uc1 \u351 ?aptesprezece ani,
atunci.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Joe ap\uc1 \u259 ?ru
\uc1 \u238 ?n u\uc1 \u351 ?a b\uc1 \u259 ?ii chiar c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ea scotea med
alia din cutia ei de catifea; \uc1 \u238 ?i sim\uc1 \u355 ?i prezen\uc1 \u355 ?a
\uc1 \u351 ?i tres\uc1 \u259 ?ri vinovat\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar el nu p\uc1 \u259 ?re
a sup\uc1 \u259 ?rat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
fenp1033 \cf1 Doar m\uc1 \u259 ? uitam la ea, spuse Juliana. N-am mai v\uc1 \u25
9 ?zut nici una. \uc1 \u354 ?i-a pus-o pe piept Rommel \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351
?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
f4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Gen
eralul Bayerleim le-a \uc1 \u238 ?nm\uc1 \u226 ?nat. Romm}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hic
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 el fusese
deja trans-ferat \uc1 \u238 ?n Anglia, s\uc1 \u259 ? termine acolo.}{\fs24 \dbch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vocea \uc1 \u238 ?i era lini\uc1 \u351 ?ti
t\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar m\uc1 \u226 ?na \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepuse iar\uc1 \u2
59 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i netezirea mono-ton\uc1 \u259 ? a frun\uc1 \u355 ?ii, cu degete
le afund\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i-se \uc1 \u238 ?n p\uc1 \u259 ?r \uc1 \u238 ?n mi\uc1 \
u351 ?carea aceea de piept\uc1 \u259 ?nare care p\uc1 \u259 ?rea a fi un tic ner
vos.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\f
033 \cf1 mi poveste\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i mie? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259
? Juliana c\uc1 \u226 ?nd el se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse \uc1 \u238 ?n ba-ie, s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i continue rasul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
33 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n timp ce se rase \uc1 \u351 ?i dup\uc1 \u259 ? acee
a c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu un du\uc1 \u351 ? fie
rbinte, Joe Cinnadella \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse c\uc1 \u226 ?te ceva; nimic din genul
de povestire pe care i-ar fi pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut s\uc1 \u259 ?-l aud\uc1 \u259 ?.
Cei doi fra\uc1 \u355 ?i mai mari ai lui veniser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n camp
ania din Etiopia, \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce el, la treisprezece ani, f\uc1 \u259 ?ce
a parte dintr-o orga-ni-za\uc1 \u355 ?ie fascist\uc1 \u259 ? de tineret, din Mil
ano, ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul lui natal. Ulterior, fra\uc1 \u355 ?ii lui trecuser\uc1 \
u259 ? la o baterie de artilerie de elit\uc1 \u259 ?, cea a maiorului Ricardo Pa
rdi, \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?nd izbucnise Al Doilea R\uc1 \u259 ?zboi Mondial
, Joe li se putuse a-l\uc1 \u259 ?-tura. Luptaser\uc1 \u259 ? sub comanda lui Gr
aziani. Echipamentul lor, \uc1 \u238 ?n spe-cial tancurile, fusese \uc1 \u238 ?n
sp\uc1 \u259 ?i-m\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?tor. Englezii \uc1 \u238 ?i ciuruiser
\uc1 \u259 ?, chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i pe ofi\uc1 \u355 ?erii superiori, ca pe iepuri
. U\uc1 \u351 ?ile tancurilor trebuiau s\uc1 \u259 ? fie blocate cu saci de nisi
p \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul luptelor, pentru a le \uc1 \u238 ?mpiedica s\uc1 \u259 ?
se deschi-d\uc1 \u259 ? singure. Maiorul Pardi ceruse proiectile de artilerie re
butate, le \uc1 \u351 ?lefuise \uc1 \u351 ?i le unsese \uc1 \u351 ?i le folosise
; bateria lui oprise marea \uc1 \u238 ?naintare disperat\uc1 \u259 ? a tancurilo
r generalului Wavell, din 1943.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Fra\uc1 \u355 ?ii t\uc1 \u259 ?i mai tr\uc1 \u259 ?iesc?
\uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Juliana.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
1033 \cf1 Fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? uci\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n 1944, g\uc1 \u226 ?
tui\uc1 \u355 ?i cu s\uc1 \u226 ?rm\uc1 \u259 ? de comandourile en-gle-ze, Grupu
l de Interven\uc1 \u355 ?ie pentru De\uc1 \u351 ?ert, care operase \uc1 \u238 ?n
spatele liniilor Axei \uc1 \u351 ?i care devenise cu totul frenetic \uc1 \u238
?n timpul ultimelor faze ale r\uc1 \u259 ?z-bo-iului, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd era clar c
\uc1 \u259 ? Alia\uc1 \u355 ?ii nu pot \uc1 \u238 ?nvinge.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce sentimente ai acum fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de englezi? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? ea \uc1 \u351 ?ov\
uc1 \u259 ?ind.}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \n
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Joe spuse
:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \lang
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mi-ar
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se
Angliei ce-au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut ei \uc1 \u238 ?n Africa. Tonul lui fu egal.}{\fs2
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 D}{\fs24 \dbc
ar au trecut... optsprezece ani, zise Juliana. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? en
gle-zii, mai ales, au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut lucruri \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitoare. Dar...}{
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vorbesc a
t\uc1 \u226 ?ta despre ce le-au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut nem\uc1 \u355 ?ii evreilor, spu
se Joe. Englezii au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut mai mult r\uc1 \u259 ?u. \uc1 \u206 ?n B\uc
1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?lia Londrei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
\cf1 T\uc1 \u259 ?cu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
fenp1033 \cf1 Arunc\uc1 \u259 ?toarele alea de fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ri, fo
sfor \uc1 \u351 ?i ulei; am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut trupele germane, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ac
eea. Vapor dup\uc1 \u259 ? vapor transformat \uc1 \u238 ?n scrum. Con-ductele su
bmarine... transformau marea \uc1 \u238 ?n fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ri. \uc1 \
u350 ?i asupra popula\uc1 \u355 ?i-ei civile, cu raidurile alea de bombardament
cu bombe incendiare, ca-re credea Churchill c\uc1 \u259 ? aveau s\uc1 \u259 ? sa
lveze r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiul \uc1 \u238 ?n ultimul moment. Atacurile alea de teroar
e asupra Hamburgului \uc1 \u351 ?i Essexului \uc1 \u351 ?i...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai vorbi
m despre asta, spuse Juliana.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
\langfenp1033 \cf1 n buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?rie, \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \
u259 ? pr\uc1 \u259 ?jeasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?unc\uc1 \u259 ?; d\uc1 \u259
?du drumul micu\uc1 \u355 ?u-lui radio Emerson din plastic alb, pe care i-l d\uc
1 \u259 ?duse Frank de ziua ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u355 ?i preg\uc1 \u259 ?tesc ceva de m
\uc1 \u226 ?ncare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\f
033 \cf1 nv\uc1 \u226 ?rti butoanele, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u25
9 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?seasc\uc1 \u259 ? ceva muzic\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?oar\uc1 \
u259 ?, pl\uc1 \u259 ?-cut\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ia uite-aici, spuse Joe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n sufragerie, st\uc1 \u259 ?tea p
e pat, cu valijoara al\uc1 \u259 ?turi; o deschise \uc1 \u351 ?i scoase din ea o
carte jerpelit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ndoit\uc1 \u259 ?, care se
vedea c\uc1 \u259 ? fusese fo-losit\uc1 \u259 ? mult. Z\uc1 \u226 ?mbi larg c\u
c1 \u259 ?tre Juliana.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
gfenp1033 \cf1 Vino \uc1 \u238 ?ncoace. \uc1 \u350 ?tii ce spune cineva? Omul \u
c1 \u259 ?sta..., ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? el car-tea. Este foarte nostim. Ia
loc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O prinse de bra\uc1 \u35
5 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o trase \uc1 \u238 ?n jos al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de el.}{\fs24 \db
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vreau}{\fs24 \dbch
s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i citesc. S\uc1 \u259 ? presupunem c\uc1 \u259 ? ar f
i c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tigat ei. Cum ar fi fost? Nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? ne
batem capul; omul \uc1 \u259 ?sta a g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit totul pentru noi.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Deschiz\uc1 \u226 ?nd cartea, Joe \uc
1 \u238 ?ncepu, \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?ncet paginile:}{\fs2
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Imperiul engl
ez ar controla toat\uc1 \u259 ? Europa. \uc1 \u206 ?ntreaga Medite-ran\uc1 \u259
?. Nici urm\uc1 \u259 ? de Italia. Nici Germania. Bobbies}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \a
loch \f6 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Poli\uc1 \u355 ?i\
uc1 \u351 ?tii britanici}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lan
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i sold\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355
?ei din \uc1 \u259 ?ia cu c\uc1 \u259 ?-ciuli \uc1 \u238 ?nalte din blan\uc1 \u
259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i regele peste tot, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la Volga.}{\fs2
3 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ncet, Juliana s
puse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ar
fi chiar at\uc1 \u226 ?t de r\uc1 \u259 ?u?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ai citit cartea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, recunoscu, uit\uc1 \u226 ?nduse pe copert\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lang
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Auzi
se totu\uc1 \u351 ?i despre ea; o mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime de oameni o citeau.}{\fs24
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dar Frank \uc1
\u351 ?i cu mine \uc1 \u8211 ? fostul meu so\uc1 \u355 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cu mine \
uc1 \u8211 ? discutam deseori despre cum ar fi dac\uc1 \u259 ? Alia\uc1 \u355 ?i
i ar fi c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tigat r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Joe nu p\uc1 \u259 ?ru s\uc1 \u259 ? o aud\uc1 \u2
59 ?; se uita la cartea lui, }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 L\uc1 \u259 ?custa abia se t\uc1 \
u226 ?-r\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?te.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Iar aici, continu\uc1 \u259 ? el, \uc1 \u351 ?tii cu
m de c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tig\uc1 \u259 ? Anglia r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiul? Cum \u
c1 \u238 ?nvinge Axa?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ea scutu
r\uc1 \u259 ? din cap, sim\uc1 \u355 ?ind tensiunea cresc\uc1 \u226 ?nd\uc1 \u25
9 ? a b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatului de al\uc1 \u259 ?turi. B\uc1 \u259 ?rbia \uc1 \u238
?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ?-i tremure; \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i umezea buzele iar \uc1
\u351 ?i iar, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i tre-cea m\uc1 \u226 ?inile prin p\uc1 \
u259 ?r... C\uc1 \u226 ?nd vorbi, vocea \uc1 \u238 ?i fu aspr\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs2
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A }{\fs24 \db
1 pus Italia s\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?deze Axa, spuse Joe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O, f\uc1 \u259 ?cu ea.}{\f
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Italia se \
uc1 \u238 ?ndreapt\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?tre Alia\uc1 \u355 ?i. Se une\uc1 \u
351 ?te cu anglo-saxonii \uc1 \u351 ?i deschide ceea ce el nume\uc1 \u351 ?te "d
elicata vintre" a Europei. Dar este nor-mal ca el s\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?nde
asc\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a. Cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?tem fricoas
a armat\uc1 \u259 ? italia-n\uc1 \u259 ?, care o lua la fug\uc1 \u259 ? de fieca
re dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?i vedea pe englezi. Care bea vin.
F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nici o grij\uc1 \u259 ?, care nu-i f\uc1 \u259 ?cut\
uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? lupte. Tipul \uc1 \u259 ?sta..., Joe \uc1 \u238 ?nchise cartea \uc1 \u351 ?i o \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse s\uc1 \u259 ? se uite pe ultima co
pert\uc1 \u259 ?, Abendsen. Eu nu-l condamn. El scrie literatur\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc

1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i imagineaz\uc1 \u259 ? cum ar ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta lumea dac\u
c1 \u259 ? Axa pierdea. Cum altfel puteau pierde dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu prin tr\uc1
\u259 ?darea Italiei?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vocea i
se \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?spri:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ducele... el era un clovn; asta o \uc1 \u351 ?tim to\u
c1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
\cf1 Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc \uc1 \u351 ?unca.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Juliana alunec\uc1 \u259 ? de l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\u
c1 \u259 ? el \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse fuga \uc1 \u238 ?n buc\uc1 \u
259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?rie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Urm\uc1
\u226 ?nd-o, cu cartea \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, Joe continu\uc
1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
f1 \uc1 \u350 ?i apar Statele Unite. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce-i bat pe japonezi. Iar d
up\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?z-boi, Statele Unite \uc1 \u351 ?i Anglia \uc1 \u238
?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mpart lumea. Exact cum au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u23
8 ?n re-a-litate Germania \uc1 \u351 ?i Japonia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Juliana zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Germania, Japonia \uc1 \u351 ?i Ita}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 lia.}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 El se uit\uc1 \u259 ? fix la ea.

hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ai l\uc
1 \u259 ?sat deoparte Italia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
\langfenp1033 \cf1 l \uc1 \u238 ?nfrunt\uc1 \u259 ? lini\uc1 \u351 ?tit\uc1 \u2
59 ?. Ai uitat \uc1 \u351 ?i tu? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spuse ea. Ca to\uc1 \
u355 ?i ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i? Mi-cul imperiu din Orientul Mijlociu... comedia muz
ical\uc1 \u259 ? Noua Rom\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
033 \cf1 Imediat, \uc1 \u238 ?i servi o farfurie de ou\uc1 \u259 ? cu \uc1 \u351
?unc\uc1 \u259 ?, p\uc1 \u226 ?ine pr\uc1 \u259 ?jit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
mar-me-lad\uc1 \u259 ?, cafea. El \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?n
\uc1 \u226 ?nce.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
033 \cf1 Ce v\uc1 \u259 ? d\uc1 \u259 ?deau s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?nca\uc1 \
u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n Africa de Nord? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? ea, a\uc1 \u
351 ?e-z\uc1 \u226 ?n-du-se, la r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Joe zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Hoit de m\uc1 \u259 ?gar.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Oribil.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cu un z\uc1 \u226 ?mbet str\uc1 \u226 ?mb, Joe spuse:}{\fs
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Asina Morte.
Excep\uc1 \u355 ?ionalele conserve de carne de vac\uc1 \u259 ? aveau \uc1 \u351
?tan\uc1 \u355 ?ate pe ele ini\uc1 \u355 ?ialele A. M. Germanii le numeau Alter
Mann. B\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?-nul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
1033 \cf1 Continu\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?nce repezi
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mi-ar pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\u
c1 \u259 ? citesc asta, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Juliana \uc1 \u238 ?ntinz\uc1 \u226
?ndu-se s\uc1 \u259 ? ia cartea de sub cotul lui Joe. Va sta oare destul de mult
pe-aici? Cartea era p\uc1 \u259 ?tat\uc1 \u259 ? cu gr\uc1 \u259 ?sime; avea pa
gini rupte. Urme de degete peste tot. Ci-tit\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u351 ?oferi de
camion la drum lung, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. \uc1 \u206 ?n restaurante de m\uc1 \u
226 ?-na a doua, noaptea t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu... Pun pariu c\uc1 \u259 ? cite\uc1 \
u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?ncet, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Pun pariu c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u3
55 ?i-au trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ni de zile ca s\uc1 \u2
59 ? studiezi cartea asta, da-c\uc1 \u259 ? nu luni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Deschiz\uc1 \u226 ?nd la \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplare
, citi:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
ngfenp1033 \cf1 "... }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lang
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 acum, la b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ne\uc1
\u355 ?e avea \uc1 \u238 ?n vedere lini\uc1 \u351 ?tea, domeniu pe care cei din
vechime l-ar fi pizmuit dar nu \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles, vap
oare din Crimeea la Ma-drid \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntregul \uc1 \u238 ?n Impe
riu, toate cu aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i moned\uc1 \u259 ?, limb\uc1 \u259 ?, drapel. Ma
-re-le \uc1 \u351 ?i vechiul Union Jack, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?a
t pe catarg din z\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u
238 ?n asfin\uc1 \u355 ?it, \uc1 \u355 ?elul fusese atins \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din
urm\uc1 \u259 ?: \uc1 \u238 ?n leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu soarele \uc1 \
u351 ?i cu steagul."}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Singura carte pe care o port
dup\uc1 \u259 ? mine, spuse Juliana, nu-i de fapt o carte; es}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 te ora
colul }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 I}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langn
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ching \uc1 \u8211 ? }{\fs
33 \cf1 Frank m-a \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at cu el \uc1 \u351 ?i \
uc1 \u238 ?l folo-sesc \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna pentru a lua decizii. Nu-l pierd n
iciodat\uc1 \u259 ? din ochi. Niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
33 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nchise }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \a
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 L\uc1 \u259 ?c
usta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
ei s-o vezi? Vrei s-o r\uc1 \u259 ?sfoie\uc1 \u351 ?ti?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse Joe.}{\f
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sprijinindu-\uc1 \u351 ?i b\uc1 \
u259 ?rbia cu bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele \uc1 \u238 ?ndoite pe t\uc1 \u259 ?blia mesei \
uc1 \u351 ?i uit\uc1 \u226 ?n-du-se la el din lateral, Juliana zise:}{\fs24 \dbc
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Te-ai mutat aici de
finitiv? \uc1 \u350 ?i ce ai de g\uc1 \u226 ?nd?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
\langfenp1033 \cf1 S\uc1 \u259 ? rumegi insultele, calomniile. M\uc1 \u259 ? ulu
ie\uc1 \u351 ?ti, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi ea, cu ura ta fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? d
e via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar... ai tu ceva. E\uc1 \u351 ?ti un animal mic,
lipsit de impor-tan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, dar iste\uc1 \u355 ?. Studiindu-i
fa\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?ngust\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i inteli-gent\uc1 \u259 ?, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi: Cum am putut s\uc1 \
u259 ?-mi \uc1 \u238 ?nchipui c\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti la fel de t\uc1 \u22
6 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r ca mine? Dar \uc1 \u351 ?i asta-i adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat, e\uc1 \
u351 ?ti ca un copil; e\uc1 \u351 ?ti tot pr\uc1 \u226 ?slea, ador\uc1 \u226 ?nd
u-\uc1 \u355 ?i fra\uc1 \u355 ?ii mai mari \uc1 \u351 ?i pe maiorul Pardi al t\u
c1 \u259 ?u \uc1 \u351 ?i pe genera-lul Rommel, g\uc1 \u226 ?f\uc1 \u226 ?ind \u
c1 \u351 ?i asud\uc1 \u226 ?nd ca s\uc1 \u259 ? scapi \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259
? le vii de hac pifanilor englezi. Chiar \uc1 \u355 ?i-au g\uc1 \u226 ?tuit ei f
ra\uc1 \u355 ?ii cu la\uc1 \u355 ?uri de s\uc1 \u226 ?rm\uc1 \u259 ?? Am auzit c
\uc1 \u259 ? pove\uc1 \u351 ?tile despre atrocit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \
u351 ?i fotografiile scoase dup\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi... Se \uc1 \u238 ?
nfior\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar comandan\uc1 \u355 ?ii englezi au fost judeca\uc1 \u355 ?
i \uc1 \u351 ?i pedepsi\uc1 \u355 ?i de mult.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Radioul \uc1 \u238 ?ncetase s\uc1 \u259 ? transmit\uc1 \u259 ? m
uzic\uc1 \u259 ?; p\uc1 \u259 ?rea a fi un program de \uc1 \u351 ?tiri, zarv\uc1
\u259 ? pe unde scurte, din Europa. Vocea se stinse \uc1 \u351 ?i deveni dis-to
rsionat\uc1 \u259 ?. O pauz\uc1 \u259 ? lung\uc1 \u259 ?, doar lini\uc1 \u351 ?t
e. Apoi semnalul postului de radio Denver, foarte clar, apropiat. Se \uc1 \u238
?ntinse s\uc1 \u259 ? schimbe postul, dar Joe \uc1 \u238 ?i opri m\uc1 \u226 ?na
1033 \cf1 "... }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?tirea mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii cancelarului
Bormann a \uc1 \u351 ?ocat o Germanie \uc1 \u238 ?mpie-trit\uc1 \u259 ?, care f
usese asigurat\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai departe de ieri..."}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S\uc1 \u259 ?rir\u
c1 \u259 ? am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 "... }{\i1 \fs24 \
cf1 toate posturile Reich-ului \uc1 \u351 ?i-au anulat pro-gramele \uc1 \u351 ?i
ascult\uc1 \u259 ?torii au auzit glasurile solemne ale corului diviziei SS Das
Reich \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?ate \uc1 \u238 ?n imnul Horst Wessel
Lied, al Partei. Ulterior, \uc1 \u238 ?n Dresda, unde secretarul executiv al Pa
rtei \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?efii din Sicherheits-dienst, poli\uc1 \u355 ?ia n
a\uc1 \u355 ?ional\uc1 \u259 ?, }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 cea ca-re a \uc1 \u238 ?nlocuit
Gesta-po-ul, ca urmare..."}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Joe d\uc1 \u259 ?du mai tare.}{\fs24 \dbch \
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 "... }
ngfenp1033 \cf1 reorganiz\uc1 \u259 ?rii guvernului la \uc1 \u238 ?ndemnul deced
a-tului Reichsf}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1024 \langfenp1024 \cf1 \uc1 \u252 ?}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \l
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 hrer Himmler, al lu
i Albert Speer \uc1 \u351 ?i al altora, au fost declarate dou\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m-\uc1 \u226 ?ni de doliu oficial \uc1 \u351 ?i deja multe
magazine \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntreprinderi \uc1 \u351 ?i-au \uc1 \u238 ?ntr
e-rupt activitatea, s-a anun\uc1 \u355 ?at. P\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la aceast
\uc1 \u259 ? or\uc1 \u259 ? nu ne-a parvenit nici o \uc1 \u351 ?tire \uc1 \u238
?n leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu a\uc1 \u351 ?teptata \uc1 \u238 ?ntrunire a
Reichstag-ului, parlamentul ce-lui de-al Treilea Reich, a c\uc1 \u259 ?rui apel
are este necesar\uc1 \u259 ?..."}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Heydrich va fi, s
puse Joe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
1 A\uc1 \u351 ? vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie tipul \uc1 \u259 ?la mare \uc1 \u351 ?i b
lond, Schirach \uc1 \u259 ?la, zise ea. Doamne, \uc1 \u238 ?n sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc
1 \u351 ?it, a murit. Crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? Schirach are vreo \uc1 \u351 ?ans\uc1
\u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
Nu, r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse scurt Joe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? acum va fi r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi civ
il, zise ea. Dar tipii \uc1 \u259 ?ia sunt prea b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ni ac
um. G\uc1 \u246 ?ring \uc1 \u351 ?i Goebbels... to\uc1 \u355 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?ie\
uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u259 ?ia vechi ai partidului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Radioul spunea:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 "... }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \a
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 a ajuns la ref
ugiul s\uc1 \u259 ?u \uc1 \u238 ?n Alpi, de l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? Brenner.
.."}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
np1033 \cf1 Joe zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
fenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u258 ?sta-i Hermann Grasu'.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
g1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \lo
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 "...zis numai c\uc1
\u259 ? era lovit de \uc1 \u238 ?ntristare pentru pierderea nu numai a unui sold
at \uc1 \u351 ?i patriot \uc1 \u351 ?i credin-cios Conduc\uc1 \u259 ?tor al Part
ei, dar \uc1 \u351 ?i, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum a repetat de mai multe ori, a unui pr
ieten personal, pe care, unii \uc1 \u351 ?i-l pot aminti, l-a sprijinit \uc1 \u2
38 ?n disputa din timpul interimatului, pu\uc1 \u355 ?in dup\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \
u259 ?zboi, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd au ap\uc1 \u259 ?rut pentru un timp acele elemente o
stile ascensiunii lui Herr Bormann c\uc1 \u259 ?tre suprema autoritate..."}{\fs2
f1 Juliana \uc1 \u238 ?nchise radioul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu fac dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u25
9 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?ne, spuse. De ce folosesc asemenea cu-vinte? Se vorbe\uc1 \u351
?te despre uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ii \uc1 \u259 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitori ca \uc1 \u
351 ?i cum ar fi ca noi to\uc1 \u355 ?i ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sunt ca voi, spuse Joe.}{\f
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se rea\uc1 \u351 ?ezase \uc1 \u35
1 ?i m\uc1 \u226 ?nca lini\uc1 \u351 ?tit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut nimic din ce n-am fi f
\uc1 \u259 ?cut noi \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?ine dac\uc1 \u259 ? am fi fost \uc1
\u238 ?n locul lor. Ei au salvat lumea de comunism. Acum am fi tr\uc1 \u259 ?it
sub legea ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie, dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu era Germania. Ne-ar fi fost mult
mai r\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
enp1033 \cf1 Vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i tu, }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 spuse Juliana. C
a la radio. Vorbe goale.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
angfenp1033 \cf1 Am tr\uc1 \u259 ?it sub nazi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, spuse Joe. \uc1 \u3
50 ?tiu cum este. Asta-i vorb\uc1 \u259 ? goal\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1
\u259 ?ie\uc1 \u351 ?ti doisprezece, treisprezece ani \uc1 \u8211 ? mai mult de
c\uc1 \u226 ?t at\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u8211 ? aproape cincisprezece? Am primit o
carte de munc\uc1 \u259 ? de la O.T.; am lucrat pu\uc1 \u355 ?in pentru Organiza
\uc1 \u355 ?ia Todt din 1947, \uc1 \u238 ?n Africa de Nord \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u
238 ?n SUA. Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 mpunse cu degetul spre ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Eu am \uc1 \u238 ?n s\uc1 \u226 ?nge
m\uc1 \u259 ?iestria constructorilor italieni; O.T. m-a pre-\uc1 \u355 ?uit \uc1
\u238 ?n mod deosebit. Nu d\uc1 \u259 ?deam cu lopata la asfalt, nu ames-tecam
cimentul pentru autostr\uc1 \u259 ?zi; ajutam la proiectare. Inginer. \uc1 \u206
?ntr-o zi, Doctor Todt a trecut pe acolo \uc1 \u351 ?i a inspectat ce f\uc1 \u2
59 ?cea echipa noastr\uc1 \u259 ?. Mi-a spus: "Ai m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? bun
\uc1 \u259 ?". Asta-i o clip\uc1 \u259 ? mare, Juliana. Demnitatea muncii; ei nu
vorbesc doar ca s\uc1 \u259 ? se afle-n treab\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?naintea
lor, a na-zi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor, toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea se uita de sus la munca ma
nual\uc1 \u259 ?; inclusiv eu \uc1 \u238 ?n-sumi. Aristocratic. Frontul Muncii a
pus cap\uc1 \u259 ?t la toate. Mi-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut m\uc1 \u226 ?inile pentru
prima oar\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vorbea
at\uc1 \u226 ?t de repede \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t accentul \uc1 \u238 ?ncep
u s\uc1 \u259 ? i se fac\uc1 \u259 ? puternic sim\uc1 \u355 ?it; \uc1 \u238 ?l \
uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegea cu }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 greu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am tr\uc1 \u259 ?it cu to\uc1 \u355
?ii acolo, \uc1 \u238 ?n p\uc1 \u259 ?dure, \uc1 \u238 ?n statul New York, ca f
ra\uc1 \u355 ?ii. C\uc1 \u226 ?ntam. M\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?luiam
la lucru. Spiritul r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiului, numai reconstruc-\uc1 \u355 ?ie, nu d
emolare. Acelea au fost cele mai bune zile, reconstruc\uc1 \u355 ?ia de dup\uc1
\u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u351 ?iruri lungi, frumoase, curat
e, de cl\uc1 \u259 ?diri publice, cvartal dup\uc1 \u259 ? cvartal, cu totul alte
centre, New York \uc1 \u351 ?i Baltimore. Acum, desi-gur, munca aia s-a termina
t. Carteluri ca New Jersey Krupp und So-hn-en conduc\uc1 \u226 ?nd spectacolul.
Dar asta nu-i nazism; asta-i numai ve-chea putere european\uc1 \u259 ?. Mai r\uc
1 \u259 ?u, auzi? Nazi\uc1 \u351 ?ti ca Rommel \uc1 \u351 ?i Todt, oa-meni de un
milion de ori mai buni dec\uc1 \u226 ?t industria\uc1 \u351 ?ii precum Krupp \u
c1 \u351 ?i bancherii, to\uc1 \u355 ?i prusacii \uc1 \u259 ?ia; ar fi trebuit s\
uc1 \u259 ? fie gaza\uc1 \u355 ?i. To\uc1 \u355 ?i domnii aceia \uc1 \u238 ?n ve
st\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dar, se g\uc1
\u226 ?ndi Juliana, domnii \uc1 \u259 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?n vest\uc1 \u259 ? s-au in
stalat pentru totdeauna. Iar idolii t\uc1 \u259 ?i, Rommel \uc1 \u351 ?i Doctor
Todt, ei au venit exact dup\uc1 \u259 ? ostilit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i, s\uc1
\u259 ? cure\uc1 \u355 ?e molozul, s\uc1 \u259 ? construiasc\uc1 \u259 ? autostr
\uc1 \u259 ?zi, s\uc1 \u259 ? priveasc\uc1 \u259 ? zumzetul industriei. I-au l\u
c1 \u259 ?sat p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pe evrei s\uc1 \u259 ? tr
\uc1 \u259 ?ias-c\uc1 \u259 ?, surpriz\uc1 \u259 ? norocoas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8
211 ? astfel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s-au putut pune \uc1 \u351 ?i evreii pe
treab\uc1 \u259 ?. P\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n '49, \uc1 \u238 ?n
orice caz... dup\uc1 \u259 ? care, adio Todt \uc1 \u351 ?i Rommel, sco\uc1 \u351
?i la p\uc1 \u259 ?scut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lang
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu \
uc1 \u351 ?tiu eu, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Juliana. N-am auzit eu totul \uc1 \u238 ?
n leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu asta de la Frank? N-ai ce s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi s
pui mie despre via\uc1 \u355 ?a sub nazi\uc1 \u351 ?ti; so-\uc1 \u355 ?ul meu er
a \uc1 \u8211 ? este \uc1 \u8211 ? evreu. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? Doctor T
odt a fost cel mai modest, mai bl\uc1 \u226 ?nd om care a tr\uc1 \u259 ?it vreod
at\uc1 \u259 ?; \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? tot ceea ce voia el era s\uc1 \u25
9 ? dea de lucru \uc1 \u8211 ? munc\uc1 \u259 ? cinstit\uc1 \u259 ?, respectabil
\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? la milioane de b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u3
51 ?i femei, americani cu ochii du\uc1 \u351 ?i, dispera\uc1 \u355 ?i, care c\uc
1 \u259 ?utau printre ruine, dup\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu
c\uc1 \u259 ? voia s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? asigurarea medi-cal\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i sta\uc1 \u355 ?iuni de odihn\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i condi\uc1
\u355 ?ii de locuit pentru toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea, indiferent de ras\uc1 \u259 ?
; era un constructor, un g\uc1 \u226 ?nditor... \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n cele
mai multe cazuri a reu\uc1 \u351 ?it s\uc1 \u259 ? creeze ceea de voise \uc1 \u
8211 ? el, de fapt, a reu\uc1 \u351 ?it. Dar...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
langfenp1033 \cf1 Din subcon\uc1 \u351 ?tient, \uc1 \u238 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1
\u259 ?ri deodat\uc1 \u259 ? cu hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?re o idee care-i tot
d\uc1 \u259 ?dea t\uc1 \u226 ?rcoale:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Joe. Cartea asta, }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \a
usta; }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033
\langfenp1033 \cf1 nu-i interzis\uc1 \u259 ? pe Coasta de Est?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 El d\uc1 \u259 ?du din cap.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Atunci cum de o puteai citi
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ceva \uc1 \u238 ?n leg\uc1 \
u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu asta o \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijora}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 .}{\fs24 \dbch
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu-i mai \uc1 \u238 ?
mpu\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ? pe oameni pentru cititul...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Depinde de grupul social din ca
re faci parte. De vechea \uc1 \u351 ?i buna banderol\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ?a era. Sclavii, polonezii, port
oricanii erau cei mai limita\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n ceea ce puteau citi, fac
e, asculta. Anglo-saxonii o duceau mult mai bine; exista un \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \
u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt public pentru copiii lor, puteau m
erge la biblioteci, \uc1 \u238 ?n muzee \uc1 \u351 ?i la concerte. Dar chiar \uc
1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?a... }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 L\uc1 \u259 ?custa }{\fs24 \dbch \
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nu
era numai supus\uc1 \u259 ? restric\uc1 \u355 ?iilor; era interzis\uc1 \u259 ?,
\uc1 \u351 ?i asta pentru to\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
fenp1033 \cf1 Joe spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
angfenp1033 \cf1 O citeam la toalet\uc1 \u259 ?. O ascundeam \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o p
ern\uc1 \u259 ?. De fapt, am citit-o }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? }{\fs
33 \cf1 era interzis\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 E\uc1 \u351 ?ti foarte curajos, zise ea.}{\fs24 \dbch
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?, b\uc1 \u25
9 ?nuitor:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
f1 O spui sarcastic?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
enp1033 \cf1 Nu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se destinse p
u\uc1 \u355 ?in.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
033 \cf1 Este simplu pentru voi de aici; voi tr\uc1 \u259 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i o via\
uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? sigur\uc1 \u259 ?, lini\uc1 \u351 ?ti-t\uc1 \u259 ?, lip
sit\uc1 \u259 ? de scop, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nimic de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut, f
\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? griji. \uc1 \u206 ?n afara evenimente-lor, r\uc1 \u259
?ma\uc1 \u351 ?i uita\uc1 \u355 ?i din trecut, corect?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n ochi i se citea batjocura.}{\fs2
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Voi v\uc1 \u2
59 ? omor\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i, zise ea, cu cinism. Idolii v-au fost lua\uc1
\u355 ?i unul c\uc1 \u226 ?te unul, iar acum nu mai ave\uc1 \u355 ?i pe cine ad
ora.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i \uc
1 \u238 ?ntinse furculi\uc1 \u355 ?a; el o accept\uc1 \u259 ?. M\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc
1 \u226 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi ea, sau re-nun\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u25
9 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i la procesele biologice.}{\fs24 \dbc
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u226 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?nd, Joe ar\uc1
\u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? cu capul spre carte \uc1 \u351 ?i zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Abendsen \uc1 \u259 ?sta t
r\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u351 ?te pe aici, potrivit copertei. \uc1 \u206 ?n Cheyen-n
e. Are perspectiv\uc1 \u259 ? asupra lumii dintr-un loc sigur ca \uc1 \u259 ?sta
, ce credeai? Cite\uc1 \u351 ?te ce zice; cite\uc1 \u351 ?te cu voce tare.}{\fs2
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Lu\uc1 \u226 ?nd cartea, ea citi pe
spatele supracopertei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Este un fost militar. A servit \uc1 \u238 ?n Marina Statelor Uni
te \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul celui de-al doilea r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi mondial; r\uc1 \u25
9 ?nit \uc1 \u238 ?n Anglia de un tanc nazist. Ser-gent. Zice c\uc1 \u259 ? are
o fort\uc1 \u259 ?rea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n care scrie, arme pes
te tot.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pun\uc1 \u226 ?nd cart
ea jos, ad\uc1 \u259 ?ug\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i asta nu o zice aici, dar am auzit pe
cineva spun\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? este aproape un fel de paranoic; s\uc1
\u226 ?rm\uc1 \u259 ? ghimpat\uc1 \u259 ? sub tensiune de jur \uc1 \u238 ?m-prej
urul propriet\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u351 ?i totul amplasat \uc1 \u238
?n v\uc1 \u226 ?rf de munte. Gre}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang104
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 u de ajuns acolo.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Poate are dreptate, spuse
Joe, s\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?iasc\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a, dup\uc1 \u259
? ce a scris cartea asta. Mah\uc1 \u259 ?rii germani sar p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u2
59 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n tavan c\uc1 \u226 ?nd o citesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ?a tr\uc1 \u259 ?ia \uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nainte; acolo a scris cartea. Locul se nume\uc1 \u351 ?te..
. Se uit\uc1 \u259 ? pe coperta c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Castelul \uc1 \u206 ?nalt.
enp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?l alint\uc1 \u259 ? el.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Atunci n-au s\uc1 \u259
? pun\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?na pe el, zise Joe, mestec\uc1 \u226 ?nd repede.
Este \uc1 \u238 ?n gard\uc1 \u259 ?. Iste\uc1 \u355 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ea zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? are mult curaj, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? s
crie cartea asta. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? Axa pier-dea r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiul, putea s\uc1
\u259 ? zic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? scrie orice dorea, cum era \
uc1 \u238 ?nainte, noi eram o singur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?ar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i aveam un sistem legal corect, acela\uc1 \u351 ?i pentru toa-t\uc1 \u25
9 ? lumea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Spre surprinderea e
i, Joe d\uc1 \u259 ?du din cap, \uc1 \u238 ?ncuviin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?nd.}{
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu te \uc
1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg, zise ea. Tu ce crezi? Ce vrei? \uc1 \u206 ?i aperi p
e mon\uc1 \u351 ?trii aceia, pe exalta\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u259 ?ia care i-au ma
sacrat pe evrei \uc1 \u351 ?i dup\uc1 \u259 ? aia tot tu...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dezn\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?jduit\uc1 \u259 ?, \u
c1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?nh\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de urechi; el cli
pi surprins din cauza du-rerii, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ea se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u2
38 ?n picioare, tr\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l \uc1 \u238 ?n sus \uc1 \u351 ?i
pe el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se \uc1 \u238 ?nfrunta
r\uc1 \u259 ?, g\uc1 \u226 ?f\uc1 \u226 ?ind, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \
u259 ? poat\uc1 \u259 ? vorbi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Las\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? termin masa p
e care mi-ai preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit-o, spuse Joe \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u2
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu
spui? N-ai s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi spui. Tu \uc1 \u351 ?tii ce, tu \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1
\u355 ?i; \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegi, dar pur \uc1 \u351 ?i simplu continui
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?nci, f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-te c
\uc1 \u259 ? nici n-ai idee despre ce vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? spun.}{\fs24 \dbch \af
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i d\uc1 \u259 ?du drumul;
\uc1 \u238 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?sucise urechile p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ce, acum,
erau ro\uc1 \u351 ?ii ca focul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vorbe go}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang104
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ale, zise Joe. Nu conteaz\uc1 \u259
?. Ca la radio, ce-ai spus des-pre el. \uc1 \u350 ?tii termenul pentru c\uc1 \u
259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i brune}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Membrii partidului nazist, iar apoi ai
oric\uc1 \u259 ?rei organiza\uc1 \u355 ?ii fasciste}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 folosit de ce
i care fac filoso-fie? }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \la
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Eierkopf. }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cap de ou. Pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? marile capete goale, dou\uc1 \u259 ? jum\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u355 ?i rotunjite, se sparg at\uc1 \u226 ?t de u\uc1 \u351 ?or... \uc1 \u2
06 ?n timpul \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?ier\uc1 \u259 ?-rilor de strad\uc1 \u259
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dac\u
c1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a g\uc1 \u226 ?nde\uc1 \u351 ?ti despre mine, zise Julia
na, de ce nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i vezi de drum? De ce stai aici?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Grimasa lui enigmatic\uc1 \u259 ? o \uc1 \u238 ?nghe
\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lang
np1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \s17 \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0
hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 {\fs24
\cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ? vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-l fi l\uc1 \u259 ?sat niciodat\uc1 \u2
59 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ? cu mine, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Iar acum e prea
t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu; \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? n-am cum s\uc1 \u259 ? scap de
e}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \lan
gfenp1033 \cf1 l... e prea puternic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0
np1033 \cf1 Se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpla ceva \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitor, se g\u
c1 \u226 ?ndi ea. Venind din el. \uc1 \u350 ?i se pare c\uc1 \u259 ? eu contribu
i la asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
f1 Care-i problema?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se \uc1 \u
238 ?ntinse \uc1 \u351 ?i o prinse de sub b\uc1 \u259 ?rbie, o m\uc1 \u226 ?ng\u
c1 \u226 ?ie pe g\uc1 \u226 ?t, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u2
59 ? de-getele sub bluza ei \uc1 \u351 ?i o str\uc1 \u226 ?nse dr\uc1 \u259 ?g\u
c1 \u259 ?stos de umeri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
angfenp1033 \cf1 Un capriciu. Problema ta... am s\uc1 \u259 ? te analizez deschi
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Are s
\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?i se spun\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti un
jidan analist, z\uc1 \u226 ?mbi ea slab. Vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? te perpele\uc1 \u351
?ti \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un cuptor?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?i-e fric\uc1 \u259 ? de b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1
\u355 ?i? A\uc1 \u351 ?a-i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se putea zice, noaptea trecut\uc1 \u259 ?. Numa
i pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? eu...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033
\langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupse fraza la jum\uc1 \u259 ?t
ate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pen
tru c\uc1 \u259 ? am avut deosebit\uc1 \u259 ? grij\uc1 \u259 ? de dorin\uc1 \u3
55 ?ele tale.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
\cf1 Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? te-ai culcat cu at\uc1 \u226 ?tea fete, zise Juliana,
asta \uc1 \u238 ?nce-pusei s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi spui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dar eu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ?
am dreptate. Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?, n-am s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i fac nici un r\
uc1 \u259 ?u, Juliana. Pe trupul mamei mele... \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i dau cuv
\uc1 \u226 ?ntul meu. Voi fi foarte grijuliu \uc1 \u351 ?i dac\uc1 \u259 ? vrei
s\uc1 \u259 ? sco\uc1 \u355 ?i ceva din experien\uc1 \u355 ?a mea... am s\uc1 \u
259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i dau acest avantaj. Ai s\uc1 \u259 ? scapi de toate complexel
e; pot s\uc1 \u259 ? te lini\uc1 \u351 ?tesc \uc1 \u351 ?i pot s\uc1 \u259 ? te
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lzesc \uc1 \u238 ?n nu prea mult timp, una din dou\uc1
\u259 ?. Tu pur \uc1 \u351 ?i simplu ai avut ghinion.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ea d\uc1 \u259 ?du din cap, pu\uc1 \u355 ?in mai lumina
t\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar se sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea tot rece \uc1 \u351 ?i trist\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i tot nu prea \uc1 \u351 ?tia de ce.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Pentru a-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepe ziua, domnul Nobosuke T
agomi \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu pu\uc1 \u355 ?in timp, s\uc1 \u2
59 ? fie singur. St\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?n biroul lui de la Nippon Trade B
uilding \uc1 \u351 ?i medita.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
Deja \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a-\uc1 \u351 ?i fi p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sit locu
in\uc1 \u355 ?a pentru a veni la birou, pri-mise raportul lui Ito despre domnul
Baynes. \uc1 \u206 ?n mintea t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rului stu-dent nu exista
\uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ?; domnul Baynes nu era suedez. Domnul Bay-nes era
cel mai probabil de na\uc1 \u355 ?ionalitate german\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dar posibilit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile lui
Ito de a se descurca cu limbile germanice nu impresionaser\uc1 \u259 ? niciodat\
uc1 \u259 ? nici Misiunea Comercial\uc1 \u259 ?, nici Tok-koka, po-li-\uc1 \u355
?ia secret\uc1 \u259 ? japonez\uc1 \u259 ?. Se poate ca prostul s\uc1 \u259 ? n
u fi mirosit nimic des-pre care s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ?, se g\uc1 \u2
26 ?ndi domnul Tagomi. Entu-ziasm \uc1 \u238 ?mpiedi-cat, combinat cu doctrine r
omantice. S\uc1 \u259 ? detecteze, \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna cu sus-piciune.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Oricum, \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?ln
irea cu domnul Baynes \uc1 \u351 ?i cu b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul din Home I
slands va \uc1 \u238 ?ncepe cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd, conform programului, indiferent c
e na\uc1 \u355 ?io-nalitate avea domnul Baynes. Iar domnului Tagomi \uc1 \u238 ?
i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea omul. Acesta era, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?, probabil pri
ncipalul talent al oamenilor sus-pu\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u8211 ? ca el \uc1 \u238
?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i. S\uc1 \u259 ? recunoasc\uc1 \u259 ? omul bun c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
\uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lneau. Intui\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?n
privin\uc1 \u355 ?a oamenilor. Dincolo de toate convenien\uc1 \u355 ?ele \uc1 \
u351 ?i formele exteri-oare. S\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?trund\uc1 \u259 ? la ini
m\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Inima, \uc1 \u2
38 ?ncuiat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntre dou\uc1 \u259 ? linii yin de neagr\uc1 \
u259 ? pasiune. G\uc1 \u226 ?tuit\uc1 \u259 ?, uneori, \uc1 \u351 ?i totu\uc1 \u
351 ?i, chiar atunci, lumina lui yang, lic\uc1 \u259 ?rirea din centru. \uc1 \u2
06 ?mi place, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spuse domnul Tagomi. German sau suedez.
Sper ca za-racaina s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fi fost de ajutor pentru durerea de cap. Treb
uie s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi a-mintesc s\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb, \uc1 \u238 ?na
inte de orice.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Interfonul de p
e biroul lui b\uc1 \u226 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, se r\uc1 \u259 ?sti \uc1 \u238 ?n microfon
. Nici o discu\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Asta-i momentul pen-tru Adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul L\uc1
\u259 ?untric. Introspec\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
1033 \cf1 Din micu\uc1 \u355 ?ul difuzor, vocea domnului R}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 amsey:}{\
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule, t
ocmai au sosit \uc1 \u351 ?tiri de la serviciul de pres\uc1 \u259 ?. Cancelarul
Reich-ului a murit. Martin Bormann. Vocea lui Ram-sey se fr\uc1 \u226 ?nse. Lini
\uc1 \u351 ?te.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi
se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi: anulez toate afacerile de ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi. Se ridi-c\uc1
\u259 ? de la biroul lui \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? se plimbe
cu pa\uc1 \u351 ?i mari \uc1 \u351 ?i repezi, de co-lo-colo, prinz\uc1 \u226 ?n
du-\uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u226 ?inile una \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-alta. Ia s\uc1 \u259 ? v
\uc1 \u259 ?d. S\uc1 \u259 ? trimit o not\uc1 \u259 ? protocolar\uc1 \u259 ? Con
sulului Reich-ului. Chestiune mino-r\uc1 \u259 ?; o pot rezolva subordona\uc1 \u
355 ?ii. Ad\uc1 \u226 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? triste\uc1 \u355 ?e etc. To\uc1 \u355 ?i j
aponezii sunt al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de popo-rul german \uc1 \u238 ?n acest ceas...
Apoi? S\uc1 \u259 ? fiu extrem de receptiv; e vital. Tre-buie s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu
pe pozi\uc1 \u355 ?ie, s\uc1 \u259 ? primesc imediat informa\uc1 \u355 ?ii din T
okyo.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ap\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u22
6 ?nd pe butonul interfonului, spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule Ramsey, asigura\uc1 \u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ? suntem \uc1 \u238 ?n leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu To-kyo. Sp
une\uc1 \u355 ?i-le fetelor de la central\uc1 \u259 ?; s\uc1 \u259 ? fie atente.
Nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? ra-t\uc1 \u259 ?m comunicarea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, domnule, spuse domnul Ramse
y.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \lan
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De ac
um voi fi \uc1 \u238 ?n birou. Opre\uc1 \u351 ?te toate activit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?ile de rutin\uc1 \u259 ?. Re-fuz\uc1 \u259 ? orice \uc1 \u351 ?i pe orici
ne sun\uc1 \u259 ? cu probleme uzuale.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? am m\uc1 \u226 ?inile libe
re \uc1 \u238 ?n caz c\uc1 \u259 ? este necesar\uc1 \u259 ? vreo ac\uc1 \u355 ?i
-u-ne pe nepus\uc1 \u259 ? mas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, domnule.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
\langfenp1033 \cf1 O jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate de or\uc1 \u259 ? mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu
, la nou\uc1 \u259 ?, sosi un mesaj de la cel mai \uc1 \u238 ?nalt demnitar al g
uvernului imperial de pe Coasta de Vest, amba-sadorul Japoniei \uc1 \u238 ?n Sta
tele Pacifice ale Americii, Onorabilul baron L. B. Kaelemakule. Ministrul de Ext
erne convocase o \uc1 \u351 ?edin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? extraordi-nar\uc1 \u25
9 ? la sediul ambasadei de pe Sutter Street \uc1 \u351 ?i fiecare Misiune Comer-
cial\uc1 \u259 ? trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? trimit\uc1 \u259 ? un personaj sus-pus, s

\uc1 \u259 ? participe. \uc1 \u206 ?n acest caz, domnul Tagomi \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\u
c1 \u351 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu ma}{\fs24 \dbc
i era timp s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i schimbe \uc1 \u355 ?inuta. Domnul Tagomi
se gr\uc1 \u259 ?bi la ascensorul rapid, cobor\uc1 \u238 ? la parter \uc1 \u351
?i, un moment mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, era pe drum, \uc1 \u238 ?n limuzina Misiun
ii, un Cadillac negru, model 1940, condus de un experimentat \uc1 \u351 ?ofer ch
inez, \uc1 \u238 ?n uniform\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
p1033 \cf1 La sediul ambasad}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \l
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ei g\uc1 \u259 ?si ma\uc1 \u351 ?inile
altor demnitari parcate \uc1 \u238 ?mpre-jur, vreo duzin\uc1 \u259 ?, cu toate.
Persoane sus-puse, unele cunos-cute, iar al-tele necunoscute lui, puteau fi v\uc
1 \u259 ?zute urc\uc1 \u226 ?nd treptele largi ale cl\uc1 \u259 ?dirii ambasadei
, intr\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?oferul domnului Tagomi \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u3
55 ?inu u\uc1 \u351 ?a deschis\uc1 \u259 ?, iar el p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i af
ar\uc1 \u259 ?, lu-\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i servieta; era goal\uc1 \u259 ?,
deoarece nu avea de adus nici un docu-ment, dar era esen\uc1 \u355 ?ial s\uc1 \
u259 ? evite impresia c\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi un simplu spectator. P\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n sus pe sc\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un fel care suge
ra un rol esen\uc1 \u355 ?ial \uc1 \u238 ?n desf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?u-rarea
evenimentelor, cu toate c\uc1 \u259 ?, de fapt, nu i se spusese nici m\uc1 \u259
?car la ce se referea \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnirea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se formaser\uc1 \u259 ? grupuri mici de personaje; di
scu\uc1 \u355 ?ii murmurate pe hol. Domnul Tagomi se al\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259
? c\uc1 \u226 ?torva in\uc1 \u351 ?i pe care-i cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tea, d\uc1 \u226
?nd din cap \uc1 \u351 ?i uit\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se \uc1 \u8211 ? ca \uc1 \u351 ?i
ei \uc1 \u8211 ? sole}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp10
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 mn.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
33 \cf1 Imediat ap\uc1 \u259 ?ru un func\uc1 \u355 ?ionar al ambasadei \uc1 \u35
1 ?i-i conduse \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o sa-l\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc
1 \u259 ?toare. Scaune pliante aranjate. Intrar\uc1 \u259 ? to\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1
\u351 ?i se a\uc1 \u351 ?ezar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n li-ni\uc1 \u351 ?te, cu
excep\uc1 \u355 ?ia tusei \uc1 \u351 ?i a t\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u226
?itului picioarelor. Convorbirile \uc1 \u238 ?nceta-r\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
p1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u
259 ?, un domn cu bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele pline de documente \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \
u226 ?n-du-se c\uc1 \u259 ?tre masa \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?at\uc1
\u259 ? ceva mai sus. Pantaloni \uc1 \u238 ?n dungi: repre-zentantul Ministerul
ui de Externe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mici \uc1 \u238
?ncurc\uc1 \u259 ?turi. Alte personaje, discut\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu voce sc\uc1 \u2
59 ?zut\uc1 \u259 ?, cape-te aplecate unul spre altul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnilor, spuse persoana de la Mi
nis}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \la
ngfenp1033 \cf1 terul de Externe, cu voce tare, pe un ton de comand\uc1 \u259 ?.
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 To\uc1 \u355 ?i ochii se fixa
r\uc1 \u259 ? asupra sa.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
angfenp1033 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum \uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i, Reichskanzlerul se confirm\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? a murit. Dec-lara\uc1 \u355 ?ie oficial\
uc1 \u259 ?, de la Berlin. Aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrunire, care nu va d
ura mult \uc1 \u8211 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? ve\uc1 \u355 ?i putea \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce c
ur\uc1 \u226 ?nd la birourile dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? are ca scop
informarea dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? cu privire la evaluarea f\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc
1 \u259 ? de noi celor c\uc1 \u226 ?torva frac\uc1 \u355 ?iuni rivale din via\uc
1 \u355 ?a politic\uc1 \u259 ? a Germaniei, de la care se a\uc1 \u351 ?-teapt\uc
1 \u259 ? acum s\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u23
8 ?nainte \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? se angajeze \uc1 \u238 ?n disputa pentru l
ocul eliberat de Herr Bormann. Pe scurt, cei importan\uc1 \u355 ?i. Cel mai proe
-minent, Herr G\uc1 \u246 ?ring. Suporta\uc1 \u355 ?i obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuitele det
alii, v\uc1 \u259 ? rog. Grasul, de-nu-mit, datorit\uc1 \u259 ? capului, cu-rajo
s as al pilotajului, \uc1 \u238 ?n primul r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi mon-dial, a \uc1 \u2
38 ?nfiin\uc1 \u355 ?at Gesta-po-ul \uc1 \u351 ?i a ocupat un post \uc1 \u238 ?n
guvernul pru-sac, de vast\uc1 \u259 ? influen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Unul din
tre primii \uc1 \u351 ?i cei mai ne\uc1 \u238 ?ndur\uc1 \u259 ?tori na-zi\uc1 \u
351 ?ti, totu\uc1 \u351 ?i excese sibaritice ulterioare au dat na\uc1 \u351 ?ter
e la imaginea \uc1 \u238 ?n-\uc1 \u351 ?e-l\uc1 \u259 ?toare de \uc1 \u238 ?ncli
nare c\uc1 \u259 ?tre b\uc1 \u259 ?utur\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care guvernul nostru v\u
c1 \u259 ? sf\uc1 \u259 ?tu-ie\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ? o abandona\uc1 \u355
?i. Acest om, de\uc1 \u351 ?i considerat nes\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?tos, poate
chiar morbid, sub aspectul apetitului, seam\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? mult cu ant
icii, Cezari romani mul\uc1 \u355 ?umi\uc1 \u355 ?i de sine, a c\uc1 \u259 ?ror
putere mai degrab\uc1 \u259 ? cre\uc1 \u351 ?tea dec\uc1 \u226 ?t diminua pe m\u
c1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce \uc1 \u238 ?naintau \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?rst\
uc1 \u259 ?. Imaginea scandaloas\uc1 \u259 ? a a-ces-tei persoane \uc1 \u238 ?n
tog\uc1 \u259 ?, cu lei \uc1 \u238 ?mbl\uc1 \u226 ?nzi\uc1 \u355 ?i, de\uc1 \u35
5 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?nd un castel imens umplut cu trofee \uc1 \u351 ?i obiecte de ar
t\uc1 \u259 ?, este, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ?,
exact\uc1 \u259 ?. Trenuri de marf\uc1 \u259 ? cu bunuri furate se \uc1 \u238 ?n
dreptau spre pro-priet\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile lui, nesoco-tind necesit\uc1 \
u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile militare \uc1 \u238 ?n timp de r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi. Evaluare
a noastr\uc1 \u259 ?: acest om t\uc1 \u226 ?nje\uc1 \u351 ?te la puterea nelimit
at\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i este capabil s\uc1 \u259 ? o ob\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \
u259 ?. Cel mai \uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?mfat dintre to\uc1 \u355 ?i nazi\uc1 \
u351 ?tii contrasteaz\uc1 \u259 ? puternic cu decedatul H. Himmler, care tr\uc1
\u259 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?n lipsuri personale, cu un salariu modest. Herr G\uc1 \u24
6 ?ring, reprezentant al mentalit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii de r\uc1 \u259 ?sf\u
c1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?, folose\uc1 \u351 ?te puterea ca mijloc de a se \uc1 \u23
8 ?mbog\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i. Mentalitate primitiv\uc1 \u259 ?, vulgar\uc1 \
u259 ? chiar, dar un om destul de inteli-gent, probabil cel mai inteligent dintr
e to\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?efii nazi\uc1 \u351 ?ti. Obiectivul s\uc1 \u259 ?u
: autoglorificarea \uc1 \u238 ?n stilul vechilor \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?ra\uc
1 \u355 ?i}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 .}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
angfenp1033 \cf1 Urm\uc1 \u259 ?torul, Herr J. Goebbels. A suferit de polio \uc1
\u238 ?n tinere\uc1 \u355 ?e. Ini-\uc1 \u355 ?ial catolic. Orator str\uc1 \u259
?lucit, scriitor, minte flexibil\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i fanatic\uc1 \u259 ?,
spiri-tual, urban, cosmopolit. Foarte activ cu doamnele. Elegant. Educat. Foart
e capabil. Munce\uc1 \u351 ?te mult; dorin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? aproape nebun
\uc1 \u259 ? de a conduce. Se spune c\uc1 \u259 ? nu se odihne\uc1 \u351 ?te nic
iodat\uc1 \u259 ?. Personaj foarte respectat. Poa-te fi fermec\uc1 \u259 ?tor, d
ar se spune c\uc1 \u259 ? are accese de turbare neegalate de nici un alt nazist.
Orientare ideologic\uc1 \u259 ? suge-r\uc1 \u226 ?nd atitudinea medieval\uc1 \u
259 ? iezuit\uc1 \u259 ? exacerbat\uc1 \u259 ? de nihilismul germa-nic post-roma
ntic. Considerat unicul intelectual veritabil din Par-tei. A avut veleit\uc1 \u2
59 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i de dramaturg \uc1 \u238 ?n tinere\uc1 \u355 ?e. Pu\uc1 \u355 ?
ini prieteni. Nu este pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut de subalterni, dar, totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, e
ste un produs foarte rafinat al multora dintre cele mai bune elemente ale cultur
ii europene. Nu auto-mul\uc1 \u355 ?umirea \uc1 \u238 ?i este ambi\uc1 \u355 ?ia
ascuns\uc1 \u259 ?, ci pu-terea pentru pura ei folosire. Atitudine organizatori
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n sensul clasic al statului prusac.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Herr R. Heydrich.}{\fs24 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Demnitarul Ministerului De Externe se
opri, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i ridic\uc1 \u259 ? privirile \uc1 \u351 ?i-i cupr
inse pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
angfenp1033 \cf1 Persoan\uc1 \u259 ? mult mai t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u
259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t cei de mai sus, care a contri-buit la revolu\uc1 \u355 ?i
a ini\uc1 \u355 ?ial\uc1 \u259 ?, din 1932. Carier\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n eli
ta SS. Subaltern al lui H. Himmler, se poate s\uc1 \u259 ? fi jucat un rol \uc1
\u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? neexplicata sa moarte \uc1 \u238 ?n 1948. A
eliminat oficial al\uc1 \u355 ?i contestatari ai aparatului de poli\uc1 \u355 ?i
e, ca A. Eichmann, W. Schellenberg \uc1 \u351 ?i al\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Acest om se s
pune c\uc1 \u259 ? este te-mut de mul\uc1 \u355 ?i oameni din Partei. Responsabi
l pentru controlul elemen-telor din Wehrmacht dup\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncheie
rea ostilit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ilor \uc1 \u238 ?n faimoasa ciocnire dintre p
oli\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i armat\uc1 \u259 ?, care a condus la reorganizare
a aparatului gu-vernamental \uc1 \u351 ?i din care a ie\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u238
?nving\uc1 \u259 ?tor N.S.D.A.P. L-a sprijinit total pe M. Bor-mann. Produs al
sistemului de preg\uc1 \u259 ?tire a elitei \uc1 \u351 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i an-t
erior a\uc1 \u351 ?a-numitului sistem Cetate SS. Se spune c\uc1 \u259 ? este lip
sit de afec-ti-vitate \uc1 \u238 ?n sensul tradi\uc1 \u355 ?ional. Enigmatic sub
aspectul motiva\uc1 \u355 ?iei. Se poate spune c\uc1 \u259 ? are o perspectiv\u
c1 \u259 ? asupra societ\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii conform c\uc1 \u259 ?reia lup
-ta oamenilor ar fi planificat\uc1 \u259 ?; deta\uc1 \u351 ?are particular\uc1 \
u259 ?, cvasi-\uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?ific\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n-t\uc1
\u226 ?lnit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n anumite cercuri tehnologice.
Nu particip\uc1 \u259 ? la disputele ide-ologice. \uc1 \u206 ?n rezumat: poate
fi considerat post-moder-nist \uc1 \u238 ?n mentalitate; tipul post-iluminist, l
ipsindu-se de a\uc1 \u351 ?a-numi-tele iluzii necesare, pre-cum credin\uc1 \u355
?a \uc1 \u238 ?n Dumnezeu etc. \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elesul acestei a\uc1 \u
351 ?a-numite mentali-t\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i realiste nu poate fi sondat de
socio-logii din Tokyo, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? acest om trebuie considerat
un semn de \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebare. Oricum, trebuie observate asem\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1
\u259 ?rile cu deteriorarea afectivit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?n s
chizofrenia patologic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
\cf1 Domnului Tagomi}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp104
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i se f\uc1 \u259 ?cu r\uc1 \u259 ?u ascult\uc1
\u226 ?nd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
cf1 Baldur von Schirach. Fost \uc1 \u351 ?ef al Tineretului Hitlerist. Con-siderat idealist. Personal atr\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?tor \uc1 \u238 ?n aparen\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, dar considerat nu prea experimentat sau competent. Credinci
os sincer \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u355 ?elurile Partei. \uc1 \u350 ?i-a luat respons
abilitatea sec\uc1 \u259 ?rii Mediteranei \uc1 \u351 ?i recuper\uc1 \u259 ?-rii
unor uria\uc1 \u351 ?e suprafe\uc1 \u355 ?e agricole. De asemenea, a \uc1 \u238
?mbl\uc1 \u226 ?nzit poli-tica s\uc1 \u259 ?lbatic\uc1 \u259 ? de ex-ter-minare
rasial\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n teritoriile slave la \uc1 \u238 ?nceputul anilo
r cincizeci. A ple-dat direct cazul \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a poporului germ
an, \uc1 \u238 ?n favoarea popula\uc1 \u355 ?iei slave r\uc1 \u259 ?mase pentru
a-\uc1 \u351 ?i continua existen\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n regiuni \uc1 \u238 ?
nchise ca rezerva\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?n zona Heartland-ului}{\cs15 \fs24 \
\af6 \loch \f6 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Zona Centra
l\uc1 \u259 ? a \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rii considerat\uc1 \u259 ? vital\uc1 \u2
59 ? pentru o na\uc1 \u355 ?iune}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 . A apelat la \uc1 \u238 ?ncetare
a anumitor forme de omo-r\uc1 \u226 ?re miloas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de expe
riment\uc1 \u259 ?ri medicale, dar aici a e\uc1 \u351 ?uat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Doctor Seyss-Inquart. Fost n
azist austria}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \lang
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 c, acum ocup\uc1 \u226 ?n-du-se de coloniile Reich-ulu
i, responsabil cu politicile coloniale. Probabil cel mai ur\uc1 \u226 ?t om de p
e teritoriul Reich-ului. Se spune c\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi instigat cele mai multe, d
ac\uc1 \u259 ? nu toate m\uc1 \u259 ?surile represive la adresa popoarelor cu-ce
-rite. A lucrat \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu Rosenberg pen-tru victoriile i
deologice de cel mai alarmant tip grandios, precum \uc1 \u238 ?ncercarea de a st
eriliza \uc1 \u238 ?ntrea-ga popula\uc1 \u355 ?ie ruseasc\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u25
9 ?mas\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncheierea ostilit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?ilor. Nimic cert \uc1 \u238 ?n acest sens, dar considerat a fi unul dint
re cei c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva responsabili pentru decizia de a produce hol
ocaustul continentului African, cre\uc1 \u226 ?nd astfel condi\uc1 \u355 ?iile g
enoci-dului fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de popula\uc1 \u355 ?ia neagr\uc1 \u259 ?
. Probabil cel mai apropiat, tempe-ramental, de primul F\uc1 \u252 ?hrer, A. Hit
ler.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Purt\uc1 \u259 ?torul de
cuv\uc1 \u226 ?nt al Ministerului de Externe \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u23
8 ?ncet\uc1 \u259 ? lectura lent\uc1 \u259 ?, uscat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi: cred c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nnebunesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1 Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? ies de aici; am o criz\uc1 \u259 ?. Capul meu azv\uc1 \u
226 ?rle afar\uc1 \u259 ? lucru-rile sau le expulzeaz\uc1 \u259 ?... mor. Se rid
ic\uc1 \u259 ? greu \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare, o lu\uc1 \u259 ? pe cu-loar, pe l\uc
1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? alte scaune \uc1 \u351 ?i oameni. Abia dac\uc1 \u259 ? m
ai vedea. S\uc1 \u259 ? ajung\uc1 \u259 ? la toalet\uc1 \u259 ?. O lu\uc1 \u259
? la fug\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u
226 ?teva capete se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarser\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?l v\uc1 \u259
?zur\uc1 \u259 ?. Umilin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Bolnav la \uc1 \u238 ?ntru-nir
i importante. Loc pierdut. Trecu \uc1 \u238 ?n fug\uc1 \u259 ? prin u\uc1 \u351
?a \uc1 \u355 ?inut\uc1 \u259 ? de un func\uc1 \u355 ?-ionar al ambasadei.}{\fs2
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Imediat, panica \uc1 \u238 ?ncet\uc
1 \u259 ?. Privirea i se limpezi; v\uc1 \u259 ?zu iar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \
uc1 \u238 ?n jur. Podeaua stabil\uc1 \u259 ?, pere\uc1 \u355 ?ii.}{\fs24 \dbch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vertij. Defec\uc1 \u355 ?iune a urechii medi
i, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi: diencefalon, vechiul blocaj
al creierului, ac\uc1 \u355 ?ion\uc1 \u226 ?nd iar.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Scurtcircuite organice momentane.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc la ver
suri lini\uc1 \u351 ?titoare. S\uc1 \u259 ?-mi amintesc ordinea cu-vintelor. Din
ce s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? inspir? Religie? Se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi: }{\i1 \fs2
3 \cf1 Acum o gavot\uc1 \u259 ? grav\uc1 \u259 ?. Excelent am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi, e
xcelent am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi, a\uc1 \u355 ?i prins-o bini\uc1 \u351 ?or. Exact ace
sta este stilul lucrului. }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lan
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mic\uc1 \u259 ? form\uc1 \u259 ? a lumii
recunosc\uc1 \u259 ?toa-re, }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang104
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Gondolierii. }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hi
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 G. & S. \
uc1 \u206 ?nchise ochii \uc1 \u351 ?i-i imagin\uc1 \u259 ? pe cei de la D'Oyly C
arte Company a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum \uc1 \u238 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?zuse \uc1 \u238 ?n tu
rneul lor dup\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi. Finita, finita lume.}{\fs24 \dbch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Un func\uc1 \u355 ?ionar al ambasadei, la co
tul lui, \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u226 ?nd:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule, v\uc1 \u259 ? pot ajuta cu ceva?}{\fs
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi se \uc1 \u238 ?nclin
\cf1 Mi-am revenit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Chipul ce
luilalt, cal}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langf
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 m, \uc1 \u238 ?ndatoritor. F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? d
er\uc1 \u226 ?dere. R\uc1 \u226 ?d cu to\uc1 \u355 ?i de mine, poate? se g\uc1 \
u226 ?ndi domnul Tagomi. Pe \uc1 \u238 ?nfundate?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
\langfenp1033 \cf1 R\uc1 \u259 ?ul exist\uc1 \u259 ?! Este real, ca cimentul.}{
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu pot crede. Nu pot suporta. R
\uc1 \u259 ?ul nu este o imagine. R\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?cea prin hol, ascult
\uc1 \u226 ?nd traficul de pe Sutter Street, pe purt\uc1 \u259 ?torul de cu-v\uc
1 \u226 ?nt al Ministerului de Externe adres\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se auditoriului. \uc
1 \u206 ?n-treaga noastr\uc1 \u259 ? Religie este gre\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ?.
Ce s\uc1 \u259 ? fac? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?. Se duse la u\uc1 \u351
?a din fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? a ambasadei; un func\uc1 \u355 ?ionar o deschi
se, iar domnul Tagomi cobor\uc1 \u238 ? treptele c\uc1 \u259 ?tre alee. Ma\uc1 \
u351 ?inile parcate. A lui \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i. \uc1 \u350 ?oferii a\uc
1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Este un ingredient \uc1 \u238 ?n noi. \uc1 \u206 ?n lume.
Turnat peste voi, strecur\uc1 \u226 ?n-du-ni-se \uc1 \u238 ?n trupuri, \uc1 \u23
8 ?n minte, \uc1 \u238 ?n inimi, \uc1 \u238 ?n caldar\uc1 \u226 ?m.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De ce?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Suntem c\uc1 \u226 ?rti\uc1 \u355 ?e oarbe. T\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc
1 \u226 ?ndu-ne prin p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt, sim\uc1 \u355 ?ind cu r\uc1 \
u226 ?tu-rile. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tim nimic. Am priceput aceast\uc1 \u259 ?... acum
nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu \uc1 \u238 ?ncotro s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? duc. Urlu de f
ric\uc1 \u259 ?, numai. Fug.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
alnic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u2
26 ?d\uc1 \u259 ? de mine, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i p
e \uc1 \u351 ?oferi cum se uitau la el c\uc1 \u226 ?nd se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrepta c\
uc1 \u259 ?tre ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?. Mi-am uitat servieta. Am l\uc1 \u25
9 ?sat-o acolo, l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? scaun. To\uc1 \u355 ?i ochii pe el,
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd d\uc1 \u259 ?du din cap \uc1 \u238 ?nspre \uc1 \u351 ?oferul lui
. U-\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u355 ?inut\uc1 \u259 ? deschis\uc1 \u259 ?; se strecur\u
c1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? duc\uc1 \u259 ? la spital,
se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Nu, s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? duc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238
?napoi la birou.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
033 \cf1 Nippon Trade Building, spuse cu voce tare. Condu \uc1 \u238 ?ncet.}{\fs
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Privi ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul, ma\uc1 \u
351 ?inile, magazinele, \uc1 \u238 ?naltele construc\uc1 \u355 ?ii recente, foar
te moderne. Oamenii. To\uc1 \u355 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u351 ?
i femeile, continu\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i pro-priile afaceri.}{\fs24 \dbch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd ajunse la birou, \uc1 \u23
8 ?l instrui pe domnul Ramsey s\uc1 \u259 ? ia leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura cu una dintre
celelalte Misiuni Comerciale, Misiunea Minereurilor Ne-fe-roase \uc1 \u351 ?i s
\uc1 \u259 ? roage pe reprezentantul lor la \uc1 \u238 ?ntru-nirea de la Ministe
rul de Externe s\uc1 \u259 ?-l contacteze la \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarcere.}{\fs24 \dbch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pu\uc1 \u355 ?in dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiaz\uc1
\u259 ?, telefonul sosi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lang
langfenp1033 \cf1 Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? mi-a\uc1 \u355 ?i observat criza, la \u
c1 \u238 ?ntrunire, spuse domnul Tagomi \uc1 \u238 ?n receptor. A fost, f\uc1 \u
259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ?, vizibil pentru toat\uc1 \u259
? lumea, mai ales ie\uc1 \u351 ?irea mea gr\uc1 \u259 ?bit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu am observat
nimic, spuse omul de la Neferoase. Dar dup\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrunire nu t
e-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat ce se \uc1 \u238 ?n
t\uc1 \u226 ?mplase cu dum-neavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ave\uc1 \u355 ?i tact, spuse domnul Ta
gomi rece.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
f1 Nicidecum. Sunt sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea era prea absorbit\
uc1 \u259 ? de prezentarea Ministerului de Externe ca s\uc1 \u259 ? dea aten\uc1
\u355 ?ie oric\uc1 \u259 ?rui alt aspect. C\uc1 \u226 ?t prive\uc1 \u351 ?te ce
s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat dup\uc1 \u259 ? plecarea dumneavoastr\uc1 \
u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? a\uc1 \u355 ?i prins trecerea \uc1 \u238 ?n revist\uc1 \u25
9 ? a aspiran\uc1 \u355 ?ilor \uc1 \u238 ?n b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?lia pentru
putere? Asta a fost prima.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Am a}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langn
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 scultat p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la parte
a cu Doctor Seyss-Inquart.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceasta, vorbitorul s-a referit pe larg la si
tua\uc1 \u355 ?ia econo-mic\uc1 \u259 ? de acolo. Home Islands sunt de p\uc1 \u2
59 ?rere c\uc1 \u259 ? planul Germaniei de reducere a popula\uc1 \u355 ?iei Euro
pei \uc1 \u351 ?i Asiei de Nord la starea de sclavi \uc1 \u8211 ? plus uciderea
tuturor intelectualilor, a elementelor bur-gheze, a tine-rilor patrio\uc1 \u355
?i \uc1 \u351 ?i a nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu cui \uc1 \u8211 ? a reprezentat o catastro
f\uc1 \u259 ? economic\uc1 \u259 ?. Numai formidabilele realiz\uc1 \u259 ?ri teh
nologice ale \uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?ei \uc1 \u351 ?i industriei germane i-a
u salvat. Arme miraculoase, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? spunem a\uc1 \u351 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, zise domnul Tago
mi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ?ezat la birou
l lui \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu o m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
telefonul, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i turn\uc1 \u259 ? o cea\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u
259 ? de ceai fierbinte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
angfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u351 ?i armele lor
miraculoase }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 V }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \l
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 1 \uc1 \u351 ?i }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 V }{\fs24
\cf1 2 \uc1 \u351 ?i reac-toarele lor de lupt\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n r\uc1 \
u259 ?zboi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
cf1 Este o chestiune de iu\uc1 \u355 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ?-de-m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u25
9 ?, spuse omul de la Mi-ne-reuri Neferoase. \uc1 \u206 ?n mare, folosin\uc1 \u3
55 ?a pe care au dat-o ei energiei atomice a \uc1 \u355 ?inut lucrurile laolalt\
uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i dimensiunea c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?toriei ca de ci
rc a rache-telor lor spre Venus \uc1 \u351 ?i Marte. A ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat c\uc1 \
u259 ? pentru \uc1 \u238 ?ntregul lor comer\uc1 \u355 ? palpitant, un asemenea t
rafic nu a avut nici o valoare economic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dar sunt dramatici, spuse Tagomi.}{
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Prognoza
lui a fost trist\uc1 \u259 ?. Simte c\uc1 \u259 ? nazi\uc1 \u351 ?tii cei mai su
s-pu\uc1 \u351 ?i refuz\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nfrunte realitatea
langfenp1033 \cf1 vis-\uc1 \u224 ?-vis }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 de situa\uc1 \u355 ?ia lor e
conomic\uc1 \u259 ? proas-t\uc1 \u259 ?. Proced\uc1 \u226 ?nd astfel, accentueaz
\uc1 \u259 ? tendin\uc1 \u355 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ?tre \uc1 \u351 ?i mai mari \uc1 \u
238 ?ntreprin-deri aventuroase de tip }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 tour de force, }{\fs24 \d
f1 c\uc1 \u259 ?tre mai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? previzibilitate, c\uc1 \u25
9 ?tre mai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? stabilitate \uc1 \u238 ?n general. Ciclu
l de entuziasm maniac, a-poi fric\uc1 \u259 ?, apoi solu\uc1 \u355 ?ii ale Parte
i, de tip dispe-rat... \uc1 \u206 ?n fine, ceea ce a de-monstrat a fost c\uc1 \u
259 ? toate acestea tind s\uc1 \u259 ?-i duc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u2
26 ?rf pe cei mai ires-pon-sabili \uc1 \u351 ?i nes\uc1 \u259 ?bui\uc1 \u355 ?i
aspiran\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul T
agomi \uc1 \u238 ?ncuviin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? d\uc1 \u226 ?nd din cap.}{\fs2
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ?
a \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? presupunem c\uc1 \u259 ? cea
mai rea, mai degrab\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t cea mai bun\uc1 \u259 ? aleger
e va fi f\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?. Elementele sobre \uc1 \u351 ?i responsa-bi
le vor fi \uc1 \u238 ?nfr\uc1 \u226 ?nte \uc1 \u238 ?n actuala confruntare.}{\fs
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cine a spus
c\uc1 \u259 ? este cel mai r\uc1 \u259 ?u? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? domnul
Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
R. Heydrich. Doctor Seyss-Inquart. H. G\uc1 \u246 ?ring. \uc1 \u206 ?n opinia gu
ver-nului imperial.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
np1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i cel mai bun?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Probabil B. von Schirach \uc1 \u351 ?i Doctor Goe
bbels. Dar despre asta a fost mai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in explicit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Altceva?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ne-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? tr
ebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? avem \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u206 ?mp\uc1 \
u259 ?rat \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n Gu-vern acum mai mult dec\uc1 \u226 ?t ori
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd. C\uc1 \u259 ? putem privi c\uc1 \u259 ?tre Palat cu \uc1 \u238
?n-cre-dere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
\cf1 S-a \uc1 \u355 ?inut acolo un moment de reculegere?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi mul\uc1 \u355 ?umi omului de la Minereuri N
eferoase \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nchise.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
enp1033 \cf1 Cum st\uc1 \u259 ?tea b\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i ceaiul, sun\uc
1 \u259 ? interfonul. Se auzi vocea dom-ni\uc1 \u351 ?oarei Ephreikian:}{\fs24 \
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule, a\uc1 \
u355 ?i dorit s\uc1 \u259 ? trimite\uc1 \u355 ?i un mesaj consulului german.}{\f
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O pauz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u355 ?i dori s
\uc1 \u259 ?-mi dicta\uc1 \u355 ?i acum?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Veni\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n birou, spuse.}{
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ea intr\uc1 \u259 ? imediat, z\
uc1 \u226 ?mbindu-i plin\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 V\uc1 \u259 ? sim\uc1 \u35
5 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i mai bine, domnule?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da. O injec\uc1 \u355 ?ie cu vitamine a fost de aju
tor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 St\uc1 \u259 ?tu pe g\uc1
\u226 ?nduri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
3 \cf1 Aminti\uc1 \u355 ?i-mi. Cum \uc1 \u238 ?l cheam\uc1 \u259 ? pe consulul g
erman?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A
m notat, domnule. Freiherr Hugo Reiss.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mein Herr, \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu domnul Tagomi. Ne-a
sosit \uc1 \u351 ?tirea \uc1 \u238 ?ngro-zi-toare c\uc1 \u259 ? Herr Martin Borm
ann, conduc\uc1 \u259 ?torul dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, a murit. Scriind aceste c
uvinte, \uc1 \u238 ?mi curg lacrimi pe obraz. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?mi ami
ntesc faptele \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?zne\uc1 \u355 ?e s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u2
26 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ite de Herr Bormann pentru asigurarea izb\uc1 \u259 ?-virii pop
orului german de du\uc1 \u351 ?manii s\uc1 \u259 ?i at\uc1 \u226 ?t de acas\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i din afar\uc1 \u259 ?, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i
de mi\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?toarele m\uc1 \u259 ?suri de securi-tate administr
ate chiulan-giilor \uc1 \u351 ?i lep\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?turilor care au tr\
uc1 \u259 ?dat toate visurile omenirii cu privire la cosmos, \uc1 \u238 ?n care
acum b\uc1 \u259 ?laiele rase nordice, cu ochi alba\uc1 \u351 ?tri, au plon-jat.
..}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \lan
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se opri. Nu era chip s\uc1
\u259 ? termine. Domni\uc1 \u351 ?oara Ephreikian \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i opri
magnetofonul, a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u226 ?nd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Acestea sunt vremuri mari, spuse.}{\fs24
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?nregistrez, domnule? Face parte din mesaj?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nesigur\uc1 \u259 ? porni aparatul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? m\
uc1 \u259 ? adresam, spuse domnul Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
np1033 \cf1 Ea g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S\uc1 \u259 ? auzim \uc1 \u238 ?nregistrarea, zise domn
ul Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Rola se \uc1 \u238
?nv\uc1 \u226 ?rti. Apoi, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i auzi vocea, micu\uc1 \u355 ?
\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i metalic\uc1 \u259 ?, ie\uc1 \u351 ?ind din difuzorul
de doi \uc1 \u355 ?oii. "... s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ite de Herr
Bormann, pentru asigurarea izb\uc1 \u259 ?virii..." Ascult\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u35
5 ?\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?itul ca de insect\uc1 \u259 ? pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc
1 \u259 ? ce banda se deru-la. F\uc1 \u226 ?lf\uc1 \u226 ?ieli \uc1 \u351 ?i h\u
c1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?ieli de suprafa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, se g\uc1 \u226 ?
ndi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am
sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul, spuse c\uc1 \u226 ?nd banda \uc1 \u238 ?ncet\uc
1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u226 ?rteasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Hot\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?rea de a se sacrifica pe ei \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i de a ob\uc1 \u355 ?ine astfel o ni\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u238 ?n istorie, de unde nici o form\uc1 \u259 ? de via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? nu-i poate smulge, indiferent ce s-ar putea afla.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se opri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 To\uc1 \u355 ?i suntem insecte, \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse
domni\uc1 \u351 ?oarei Ephreikian. B\uc1 \u226 ?j-b\uc1 \u226 ?ind dup\uc1 \u25
9 ? ceva \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitor de divin. Nu sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i de acord?}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se \uc1 \u238 ?nclin\uc1 \u259 ?. Dom
ni\uc1 \u351 ?oara Ephreikian, a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat\uc1 \u259 ? cu magnetofonul, sc
hi\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? o \uc1 \u238 ?nclinare de r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns.}{\fs24
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Trimite\uc1 \u3
55 ?i asta, \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse. Semna\uc1 \u355 ?i-o \uc1 \u351 ?i tot ce mai t
rebuie. Prelu-cra\uc1 \u355 ?i frazele, dac\uc1 \u259 ? dori\uc1 \u355 ?i, a\uc1
\u351 ?a, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? un \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles.}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd ea porni spre u\
uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, ad\uc1 \u259 ?ug\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sau s\uc1 \u259 ? nu aib\uc1 \u25
9 ? nici unul. Cum prefera\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
p1033 \cf1 Deschiz\uc1 \u226 ?nd u\uc1 \u351 ?a biro}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ului, ea \uc1 \
u238 ?l privi cu curiozitate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? plecarea ei, domnul Tagomi \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? lucre
ze la proble-mele curente ale zilei. Dar aproape imediat, domnul Ramsey \uc1 \u2
38 ?l chem\uc1 \u259 ? la in-terfon:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule, a sunat domnul Baynes.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Bun, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi domnul Tagomi. Acum pute
m \uc1 \u238 ?ncepe}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 discu\uc1 \u355 ?ia im-por-tant\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da\uc1 \u3
55 ?i-mi-l, zise, lu\uc1 \u226 ?nd telefonul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule Tagomi, se auzi vocea domnului Bay
nes.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Bun
\uc1 \u259 ? ziua. Datorit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tirii mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii cance
larului Bormann am plecat pe nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptate de la birou de diminea\uc1 \
u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Oricum...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A luat leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura cu dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? dom
nul Yatabe?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u20
6 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \la
ngfenp1033 \cf1 nc\uc1 \u259 ? nu, zise domnul Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u355 ?i pus personalul dum
neavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fie cu ochii dup\uc1 \u259 ? el? \uc1 \u238
?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? domnul Baynes.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
cf1 P\uc1 \u259 ?rea agitat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, zise domnul Tagomi. \uc1 \u206 ?l vom introduce \uc1 \u
238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce sose\uc1 \u351 ?te.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
gfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i not\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n m
inte s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun\uc1 \u259 ? domnului Ramsey; \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259
? nu se ocu-pase de asta. Atunci nu vom \uc1 \u238 ?ncepe discu\uc1 \u355 ?iile
p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ce nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i face apa-ri-\uc1 \u355 ?ia b\uc1
\u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul domn? \uc1 \u206 ?l cuprinse spaima.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule, \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu
. Sunt ner\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?tor s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncepem. Sunte\
uc1 \u355 ?i gata s\uc1 \u259 ? ne prezenta\uc1 \u355 ?i tiparele dumneavoastr\u
c1 \u259 ? de turnare prin injec\uc1 \u355 ?ie? De\uc1 \u351 ?i am avut ast\uc1
\u259 ?zi \uc1 \u238 ?ncurc\uc1 \u259 ?turi...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc

gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A intervenit o schimbare, spuse domnul Ba
ynes. \uc1 \u206 ?l voi a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta pe domnul Yatabe. Sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i
}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \l
angfenp1033 \cf1 sigur }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 c\uc1 \u259 ? nu a ajuns? Vreau s\uc1 \u259
? v\uc1 \u259 ? da\uc1 \u355 ?i cu-v\uc1 \u226 ?ntul dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? c\
uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ve\uc1 \u355 ?i anun\uc1 \u355 ?a imediat ce v\uc1 \u2
59 ? sun\uc1 \u259 ?. V\uc1 \u259 ? rog s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? da\uc1 \u355
?i osteneala, domnu}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp104
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 le Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
fenp1033 \cf1 Vocea domnului Baynes suna \uc1 \u238 ?ncordat\uc1 \u259 ?, smucit
\cf1 V\uc1 \u259 ? dau cuv\uc1 \u226 ?ntul meu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Acum se sim\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i el agitat. Moartea lui
Bormann; ea provocase schimbarea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
\uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lan
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ntre timp, spuse el repede, mi-ar face pl
\uc1 \u259 ?cere compania dum-neavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, poate la pr\uc1 \u226 ?nz,
ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi. \uc1 \u206 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? nu am avut c\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \
u259 ? iau masa, ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
\cf1 Improviz\uc1 \u226 ?nd, continu\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De\uc1 \u351 ?i vom a\uc1 \u351 ?tept
a preciz\uc1 \u259 ?rile, poate putem rumega pe mar-ginea situa\uc1 \u355 ?iei g
enerale interna\uc1 \u355 ?ionale, \uc1 \u238 ?n special...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, zise domnul Baynes.}{\fs

48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu? se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi domnul Tag
omi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dom
nule, spuse, ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi nu m\uc1 \u259 ? simt prea bine. Mi s-a \uc1 \u23
8 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?m-plat ceva nepl\uc1 \u259 ?cut; speram s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u2
59 ? povestesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1
\langfenp1033 \cf1 mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u, zise domnul Baynes. Am s\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u259 ? sun mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
np1033 \cf1 Telefonul \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ni. \uc1 \u206 ?nchis
e brusc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 L-am jignit, se g\uc1
\u226 ?ndi domnul Tagomi. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i fi dat seama c\uc
1 \u259 ? am \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?rziat s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi anun\uc1 \u355 ? p
ersonalul \uc1 \u238 ?n leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u
226 ?nul domn. Dar asta este un fleac; ap\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? pe butonul in
terfonu-lui \uc1 \u351 ?i zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 V\uc1 \u259 ? rog, s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ? domnul
Ramsey la mine \uc1 \u238 ?n birou.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
\cf1 Pot repara asta imediat. Este vorba despre mai mult dec\uc1 \u226 ?t at\uc
1 \u226 ?t, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? el. Moartea lui Borman}{\fs24 \dbch \af
4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n la zdruncinat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O nimica toat\uc
1 \u259 ?... \uc1 \u351 ?i cu toate astea gr\uc1 \u259 ?itoare asupra atitudinii
mele lipsite de aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Domnul Tagomi se sim\uc1 \u355 ?i vinovat:
nu este o zi bun\uc1 \u259 ?. Ar fi trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ? consult oracolul, s\uc
1 \u259 ? descop\uc1 \u259 ?r care este Momen-tul. M-am ab\uc1 \u259 ?tut prea m
ult de la Ta}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langf
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 o; este clar.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
033 \cf1 Sub care dintre cele \uc1 \u351 ?aizeci \uc1 \u351 ?i patru de hexagram
e lucrez? Des-chiz\uc1 \u226 ?nd sertarul biroului, scoase afar\uc1 \u259 ? }{\i
enp1033 \cf1 I}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \lan
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang104
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ching }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i a\
uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? cele dou\uc1 \u259 ? volu-me pe birou. At\uc1 \u226 ?t
ea de \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat pe \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elep\uc1 \u355 ?i. \uc1 \u
206 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untrul meu at\uc1 \u226 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?n-treb\uc1 \u259 ?ri;
pe care abia le pot articula}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
ngfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd domnul Ramsey intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n bir
ou, ob\uc1 \u355 ?inuse deja o hexagra-m\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Iat\uc1 \u259 ?, domnule Ramsey.}{
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i ar\uc1 \u
259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? cartea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Hex
agrama era Patruzeci \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?apte. Ap\uc1 \u259 ?sare \uc1 \u8
211 ? Epuizare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
33 \cf1 O prevestire rea, \uc1 \u238 ?n general, spuse domnul Ramsey. Care a fos
t \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebarea dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, domnule? Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu v\
uc1 \u259 ? sup\uc1 \u259 ?ra\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat despre Moment, zise d
omnul Tagomi. Momen-tul pentru noi to\uc1 \u355 ?i. Nici o linie transformant\uc
1 \u259 ?. O hexagram\uc1 \u259 ? static\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nchise cartea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 La ora trei \uc1 \u238 ?n acea dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiaz\uc
1 \u259 ?, Frank Frink, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u226 ?
nd \uc1 \u238 ?m-preun\uc1 \u259 ? cu partenerul lui de afaceri decizia lui Wynd
am-Matson \uc1 \u238 ?n leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu banii, se hot\uc1 \u25
9 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? consulte oracolul. Cum se vor desf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc
1 \u351 ?u-ra lucrurile? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? el \uc1 \u351 ?i arunc\uc
1 \u259 ? piesele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Hexagrama f
u Patruzeci \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?apte. Ob\uc1 \u355 ?inu o linie transforma
nt\uc1 \u259 ?, nou\uc1 \u259 ? pe pozi\uc1 \u355 ?ia a cincea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af
\loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nasu
l \uc1 \u351 ?i picioarele \uc1 \u238 ?i sunt t\uc1 \u259 ?iate.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lan
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ap\uc1 \u259 ?sare pe m\uc1 \u226 ?inile
omului cu benzi purpurii la genunchi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
\af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1
np1033 \cf1 Veselia vine u\uc1 \u351 ?or.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Urmeaz\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se fac\uc1 \u259 ? ofrande \uc1
\u351 ?i liba\uc1 \u355 ?ii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Timp \uc1 \u238 ?ndelungat \uc1 \u8211 ? c
el pu\uc1 \u355 ?in jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate de or\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? studie l
inia \uc1 \u351 ?i ma-terialul relativ la ea, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\
uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i dea seama ce putea s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nsemne. H
exagrama \uc1 \u351 ?i mai ales linia transformant\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?l tu
lburau. \uc1 \u206 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ? trase f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
nici o pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere concluzia c\uc1 \u259 ? banii nu se vor ar\uc1 \u259 ?
ta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Te \
uc1 \u238 ?ncrezi prea mult \uc1 \u238 ?n lucrul \uc1 \u259 ?la, \uc1 \u238 ?i s
puse Ed McCarthy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 La ora patru
, ap\uc1 \u259 ?ru un mesager venind de la Wyndam-Matson Corporation \uc1 \u351
?i le \uc1 \u238 ?nm\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? lui Frink \uc1 \u351 ?i McCarthy u
n plic din h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie groas\uc1 \u259 ?. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?l de
schiser\uc1 \u259 ?, g\uc1 \u259 ?sir\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru
un cec semnat pentru dou\uc1 \u259 ? mii de dolari.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Deci te-ai \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351
?elat, zise McCarthy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Frink se
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi: atunci oracolul trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? se refere la vreo con-s
ecin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? viitoare a acesteia. Asta-i necazul; mai t\uc1 \u22
6 ?rziu, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd s-a \uc1 \u238 ?n-t\uc1 \u226 ?mplat, po\uc1 \u355 ?i p
\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?napoi s\uc1 \u259 ? vezi exact ce \uc1 \u2
38 ?nsemna. Dar acum...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Putem \uc1 \u238 ?ncepe s\uc1 \u259 ? amenaj\uc1 \u259 ?m atelie
rul, zise McCarthy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
np1033 \cf1 Ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi, chiar acum?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
enp1033 \cf1 Se sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea istovit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f

048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De ce nu? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ne-am hot\uc1 \u259 ?r
\uc1 \u226 ?t asupra comenzilor; tot ce avem de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut este s\uc1 \u25
9 ? le punem la po\uc1 \u351 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?. Cu c\uc1 \u226 ?t mai repede, cu at
\uc1 \u226 ?t mai bine. Iar materialele pe care le putem g\uc1 \u259 ?si pe plan
local, le lu\uc1 \u259 ?m singuri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
\cf1 Pun\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i haina, Ed se duse c\uc1 \u259 ?tre u\uc1
\u351 ?a camerei lui Frink.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vo
rbiser\uc1 \u259 ? cu proprietarul lui Frink s\uc1 \u259 ? le \uc1 \u238 ?nchiri
eze subsolul cl\uc1 \u259 ?-dirii. Acum era folosit pentru depozitare. Odat\uc1
\u259 ? scoase afar\uc1 \u259 ? cutiile, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i puteau face b
ancul de lucru, trage cablurile electrice, lumina, pu-teau \uc1 \u238 ?ncepe s\u
c1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i monteze motoarele \uc1 \u351 ?i curelele. F\uc1 \u259 ?
cu-ser\uc1 \u259 ? schi\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1 \u238 ?n-sem-n\uc1 \u259 ?ri, liste c
u componente. A\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ?, de fapt, deja \uc1 \u238 ?ncepuser\u
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am intrat \uc1 \u2
38 ?n afaceri, realiz\uc1 \u259 ? Frank Frink. Aleseser\uc1 \u259 ? chiar \uc1 \
u351 ?i un nume.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 EDFRANK. BIJU
TERII DE COMAND\uc1 \u258 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Tot ce pot face azi, zise, este s\uc1 \u259 ? cump\uc1 \u259
?r lemnul pentru banc \uc1 \u351 ?i, poate, comp}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 onentele electrice
. Dar nici o bijuterie pentru stoc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
\cf1 Se duser\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?adar, la un depozit de cherestea \uc1 \
u238 ?n sudul ora\uc1 \u351 ?ului. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? o or\uc1 \u259 ? aveau lemnul
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce te

preocup\uc1 \u259 ?? zise Ed McCarthy c\uc1 \u226 ?nd intrar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u
238 ?ntr-un maga-zin de fier\uc1 \u259 ?rie care vindea en gros.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Banii. M\uc1 \u259 ? d\
uc1 \u259 ? peste cap. S\uc1 \u259 ? finan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m lucrurile \u
c1 \u238 ?n felul \uc1 \u259 ?sta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 B\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul W.-M. \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc
1 \u355 ?elege, zise McCarthy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
\uc1 \u350 ?tiu, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Frink. De-aia m\uc1 \u259 ? d\uc1 \u259 ?
peste cap. Am intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n lumea lui. Suntem ca el. E o idee pl\uc1 \u25
9 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
np1033 \cf1 Nu privi \uc1 \u238 ?napoi, zise McCarthy. Uit\uc1 \u259 ?-te \uc1 \
u238 ?nainte. La afaceri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lang
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\uc
1 \u259 ? uit \uc1 \u238 ?nainte, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Frink. Se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi
la hexagram\uc1 \u259 ?. Ce ofrande \uc1 \u351 ?i liba\uc1 \u355 ?ii pot eu fac
e? \uc1 \u350 ?i cui?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 7}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 CHIPE\uc1 \u350 ?UL CUPLU DE TINERI JAPONEZI
care vizitaser\uc1 \u259 ? maga-zinul lui Robert Childan, familia Kasoura, \uc1
\u238 ?i telefonaser\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?tre sf\uc1 \u226 ?r-\uc1 \u351 ?i
tul s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nii \uc1 \u351 ?i-i ceruser\uc1 \u25
9 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ? la ei acas\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru cin\uc1 \u259 ?
. A\uc1 \u351 ?tep-tase un semn de la ei, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? a fost \u
c1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?ntat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
\langfenp1033 \cf1 nchise American Artistic Handcrafts Inc. pu\uc1 \u355 ?in ma
i devreme \uc1 \u351 ?i lu\uc1 \u259 ? un velotaxi c\uc1 \u259 ?tre cartierul se
lect \uc1 \u238 ?n care locuia familia Kasoura. Cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tea zona, de\uc1
\u351 ?i nici un alb nu locuia acolo. \uc1 \u206 ?n timp ce velotaxiul \uc1 \u2
38 ?l purta \uc1 \u238 ?n lungul str\uc1 \u259 ?zilor \uc1 \u351 ?erpuitoare, cu
peluzele \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?lciile lor, Chil-dan se uita la modernele c
l\uc1 \u259 ?diri de locuit \uc1 \u351 ?i se minuna de gra\uc1 \u355 ?ia arhi-te
cturii. Balcoanele din fier forjat, coloanele av\uc1 \u226 ?ntate spre cer \uc1
\u351 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i moderne, culorile pastelate, folosirea diferitelor st
ructuri... totul alc\uc1 \u259 ?-tu-ia o oper\uc1 \u259 ? de art\uc1 \u259 ?. \u
c1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i amintea timpul c\uc1 \u226 ?nd aici nu era dec\uc1 \u226
?t moloz, r\uc1 \u259 ?mas \uc1 \u238 ?n urma r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiului.}{\fs24 \db
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Copiii japonezi care se jucau pe strad\u
c1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l privir\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u2
59 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ? ni-mic, apoi se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarser\uc1 \u259 ? la fotbal
ul sau baseball-ul lor. Dar, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, nu a\uc1 \u351 ?a procedau \uc
1 \u351 ?i adul\uc1 \u355 ?ii; tinerii japonezi, bine \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259
?ca\uc1 \u355 ?i, parc\uc1 \u226 ?n-du-\uc1 \u351 ?i ma\uc1 \u351 ?inile, \uc1 \
u238 ?l privir\uc1 \u259 ? cu mai mult interes. Tr\uc1 \u259 ?ia aici? se \uc1 \
u238 ?ntrebau probabil. Tineri oameni de afaceri japonezi, \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc\uc1
\u226 ?n-du-se acas\uc1 \u259 ? de la birou... chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?
efii Misiunilor Comerciale locuiau aici. Remarc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i Cadill
ac-uri parcate. Pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce velo-taxiul \uc1 \u238 ?l duc
ea mai aproape de destina\uc1 \u355 ?ie, devenea tot mai nervos.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Foarte repede, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, urc\uc1 \
u226 ?nd treptele c\uc1 \u259 ?tre apartamentul fami-liei Kasoura. Iat\uc1 \u259
?-m\uc1 \u259 ? aici, nu invitat pentru afaceri, ci pentru cin\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc
1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?duse, desigur, o deosebit\uc1 \u259 ? ostene
al\uc1 \u259 ? cu \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?mintea; cel pu\uc1 \u3
55 ?in \uc1 \u238 ?n privin\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i
\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rii, putea avea \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n sine.
\uc1 \u206 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?area mea, se g\uc1 \u226 ?nd
i. Da, asta este. Cum apar? Nu p\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?lesc pe nimeni; eu nu s
unt de aici. De pe acest teritoriu pe care albii l-au amenajat \uc1 \u351 ?i au
construit unul dintre cele mai frumoase ora\uc1 \u351 ?e ale lor. Sunt str\uc1 \
u259 ?in \uc1 \u238 ?n propria mea \uc1 \u355 ?ar\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ajunse la u\uc1 \u351 ?a potrivit\uc1 \u259 ? p
arcurg\uc1 \u226 ?nd holul a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut cu covoare \uc1 \u351 ?i sun\uc1
\u259 ?. Imediat, u\uc1 \u351 ?a se deschise. \uc1 \u206 ?n cadrul ei st\uc1 \u2
59 ?tea t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?ra doamn\uc1 \u259 ? Ka-soura, \uc1 \u238 ?n k
imono din m\uc1 \u259 ?tase \uc1 \u351 ?i obi, cu p\uc1 \u259 ?rul ei negru \uc1
\u351 ?i lung str\uc1 \u226 ?ns \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un complicat coc str\uc1 \u259
?lucitor, spre g\uc1 \u226 ?t, z\uc1 \u226 ?mbind de bun venit. \uc1 \u206 ?n sp
atele ei, \uc1 \u238 ?n sufragerie, so\uc1 \u355 ?ul ei, cu o b\uc1 \u259 ?utur\
uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, d\uc1 \u226 ?nd din cap.}{
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule C
hildan. Intra\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
langfenp1033 \cf1 nclin\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se, intr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Gust des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it.
\uc1 \u350 ?i... at\uc1 \u226 ?t de ascetic. Mobil\uc1 \u259 ? pu\uc1 \u355 ?in
\uc1 \u259 ?. Aici o lamp\uc1 \u259 ?, mas\uc1 \u259 ?, bibliotec\uc1 \u259 ?, o
pictur\uc1 \u259 ? de perete. Incredibilul sim\uc1 \u355 ? japonez pentru }{\i1
np1033 \cf1 wabi}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp
1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \n
owidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af
4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{
p1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af6 \loch \f6 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Armonie (japonez\uc1 \u259 ?)}}}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 . }{\fs24 \d
f1 Nu poate fi g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit \uc1 \u238 ?n englez\uc1 \u259 ?. Priceperea de
a g\uc1 \u259 ?si \uc1 \u238 ?n simple o-biecte o frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?e dincolo
de cea a complicatu-lui sau a imposibilului. Ceva care \uc1 \u355 ?ine de aranja
ment.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
b\uc1 \u259 ?ut? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? domnul Kasoura. Scotch cu sifon?
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule
Kasoura..., \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1

gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Paul, spuse t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rul japonez.}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u226 ?nd-o
pe so\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
angfenp1033 \cf1 Betty. Iar tu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Childan murmur\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Robert.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ?eza\uc1 \u355 ?i pe covorul moale cu b\uc1
\u259 ?uturile lor, ascultar\uc1 \u259 ? o \uc1 \u238 ?nregis-trare de Koto, o
harp\uc1 \u259 ? japonez\uc1 \u259 ? cu treisprezece corzi. Era produs\uc1 \u259
? recent de Japanese H.M.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
gnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 V. }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i foarte popu
lar\uc1 \u259 ?. Childan observ\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? toate p\uc1 \u259 ?r\u
c1 \u355 ?ile fo-nografului erau ascunse, inclusiv difuzorul. Nu putea spune de
un-de vine sunetul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
np1033 \cf1 Necunosc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u355 ?i preferin\uc1 \u355 ?ele culina
re, am mers la sigur. \uc1 \u206 ?n cup-torul electric se perpele\uc1 \u351 ?te
un cotlet. Al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de el, cartofi cop\uc1 \u355 ?i cu sos de lapte b\
uc1 \u259 ?tut \uc1 \u351 ?i ceap\uc1 \u259 ? verde. Maxim\uc1 \u259 ?: nimeni n
u poate da gre\uc1 \u351 ? servind friptur\uc1 \u259 ? musafirului care vine \uc
1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?ia oar\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Foarte m\uc1 \u259 ?gulitor, spuse Childan, m
\uc1 \u259 ? dau \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?nt dup\uc1 \u259 ? frip-tu-r\uc1 \u2
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i chiar a\uc
1 \u351 ?a era. Rareori o avea. Marile depozite din Middle West}{\cs15 \fs24 \db
ch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footno
te \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \ri
n0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
33 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch
\f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \
af6 \loch \f6 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vestul Mijloc
iu \uc1 \u8211 ? partea din USA cuprins\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntre Mun\uc1 \u3
55 ?ii St\uc1 \u226 ?nco\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4
\loch \f4 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 marile preerii
centramericane}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \l
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nu prea mai}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 trimiteau mare lucru pe C
oasta de Vest. Nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i mai amintea de c\uc1 \u226 ?nd nu mai m\uc1 \u22
6 ?ncase o friptur\uc1 \u259 ? bun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
ch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \s17 \
ngfenp1033 \cf1 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Era timpul s\uc1 \u259 ? ofere darul oaspetelui.}{\f
033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustr
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Din buzunarul hainei, scoase
un mic obiect \uc1 \u238 ?mpachetat \uc1 \u238 ?n foi\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.
\uc1 \u206 ?l a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? discret pe masa joas\uc1 \u259 ?. Am\u
c1 \u226 ?ndoi observar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i asta \uc1 \u238 ?l oblig\uc1 \
u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? spu-n\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Un nimic pentru voi. Pentru a-mi ar\uc1 \u259 ?t
a o p\uc1 \u259 ?rticic\uc1 \u259 ? din destin-derea \uc1 \u351 ?i pl\uc1 \u259
?cerea pe care le \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc adul\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? aici.}{\fs
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Desf\uc1 \u259 ?cu foi\uc1 \u355 ?
a de h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie cu m\uc1 \u226 ?na lui, ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-le
darul. O buc\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i-c\uc1 \u259 ? de filde\uc1 \u351 ? sculpt
at cu o sut\uc1 \u259 ? de ani \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ? de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre
v\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?torii de balene din New England}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \a
loch \f6 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Zon\uc1 \u259 ? di
n nordul coastei atlantice a SUA}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 . Obiect de art\uc1 \u259 ? delic
at ornamentat, nu-mit scrimshaw. Fe\uc1 \u355 ?ele li se luminar\uc1 \u259 ?, av
\uc1 \u226 ?nd cuno\uc1 \u351 ?-tin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de scrimshaw- u-rile
pe care vechii matelo\uc1 \u355 ?i le f\uc1 \u259 ?cuser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238
?n orele lor libere. Nici un alt obiect nu ar fi putut rezuma mai bine vechea c
ultur\uc1 \u259 ? a Statelor Unite. T\uc1 \u259 ?cere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc, zise Paul.}
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Robert Childan se \uc1 \u238 ?
nclin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Fu pace, ap
oi, pentru un moment \uc1 \u238 ?n inima lui. Aceast\uc1 \u259 ? ofran-d\uc1 \u2
59 ?, aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? cum zicea }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 I}{\fs24 \dbch
langfenp1033 \cf1 Ching \uc1 \u8211 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 liba\uc1 \u355 ?ie. F\uc1 \u2
59 ?cuse ceea ce trebuia f\uc1 \u259 ?cut. Ceva din nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tea \uc1 \
u351 ?i ap\uc1 \u259 ?sarea pe care le sim\uc1 \u355 ?ise \uc1 \u238 ?n ultimul
timp \uc1 \u238 ?n-cepu s\uc1 \u259 ?-l p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?seasc\uc1 \u25
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Primise de la Ray Calvin
banii pentru Coltul 44, plus multe asi-gur\uc1 \u259 ?ri scrise ca lucrul s\uc1
\u259 ? nu se mai repete. \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, nu i se luase greutat
ea de pe inim\uc1 \u259 ?. Abia acum, \uc1 \u238 ?n situa\uc1 \u355 ?ia asta nem
ai\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnit\uc1 \u259 ?, sc\uc1 \u259 ?pase pentru o clip\u
c1 \u259 ? de senza\uc1 \u355 ?ia c\uc1 \u259 ? lucrurile continuau s\uc1 \u259
? se dete-rioreze. }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Wabi }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 dimprejurul lui, radia\uc1
\u355 ?iile de armonie... asta este, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?. Propor\uc1 \
u355 ?ia. Echilibrul. Sunt at\uc1 \u226 ?t de apropia\uc1 \u355 ?i de Tao, ace\u
c1 \u351 ?ti doi japo-nezi. De aceea am reac\uc1 \u355 ?ionat fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? de ei adineauri. Am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it Tao prin intermediul lor. Am prin
s o lic\uc1 \u259 ?rire din el, eu \uc1 \u238 ?nsumi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cum ar fi, se \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259
? cuno\uc1 \u351 ?ti cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat Tao? }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Tao este ceea
ce mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i las\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?t
rund\uc1 \u259 ? lumina, apoi \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul. }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Prilejuie\uc1
\u351 ?-te \uc1 \u238 ?n-trep\uc1 \u259 ?trunderea celor dou\uc1 \u259 ? for\uc
1 \u355 ?e primordiale astfel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t este re\uc1 \u238 ?nno
it de-a pururi. Este ceea ce \uc1 \u355 ?ine totul s\uc1 \u259 ? nu se istoveasc
\uc1 \u259 ?. Universul nu va pieri niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? ex
act atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?ntu-nericul pare s\uc1 \u259 ? fi \uc1 \u
238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?it totul, pentru a trece cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat
dincolo, noua s\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? a luminii rena
\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?n str\uc1 \u259 ?funduri. Asta este Calea. C\uc1 \u22
6 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?a cade, ea cade \uc1 \u238 ?n p\uc1
\u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt. \uc1 \u350 ?i dedesubt, nev\uc1 \u259 ?zut\uc1 \u259 ?,
vine la via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Hors d'oeuvre, spuse Betty.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ngenunche s\uc1 \u259 ?-i \uc1 \
u238 ?ntind\uc1 \u259 ? un platou pe care se aflau mici biscui\uc1 \u355 ?i cu b
r\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i alte aperitive.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Lu\uc1 \u259 ? doi, recunosc\uc1 \u259 ?tor.}{\fs24
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?tir
i interna\uc1 \u355 ?ionale foarte urm\uc1 \u259 ?rite zilele astea, spuse Paul
sor-bindu-\uc1 \u351 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?utura. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd veneam dup\uc1 \u259
?-amiaz\uc1 \u259 ? cu ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina spre cas\uc1 \u259 ?, am ascultat tran
smisia direct\uc1 \u259 ? a marilor procesiuni. Funeralii de Stat de la M\uc1 \u
252 ?nchen, inclusiv miting, cincizeci de mii, steaguri \uc1 \u351 ?i restul. "I
ch hatte einen Kamerad" c\uc1 \u226 ?ntat mult. Corpul depus, s\uc1 \u259 ?-l va
d\uc1 \u259 ? to\uc1 \u355 ?i fidelii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, a fost obositor, spuse Robert Childan. \uc1 \
u350 ?tirile nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptate de la \uc1 \u238 ?nceputul s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\u
c1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
8212 ? }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nippon Times }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 zicea asear\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ? surse de \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere declar\uc1 \u259 ? pe von Schirach arestat
, zise Betty. Din ordinul S.D.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 R\uc1 \u259 ?u, f\uc1 \u259 ?cu Paul, cl\uc1 \u259 ?tin\u
c1 \u226 ?nd din cap.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
fenp1033 \cf1 F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u
259 ? autorit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile caut\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u
259 ?streze ordinea, spuse Childan. Von Schirach e \uc1 \u351 ?tiut pentru ac\uc
1 \u355 ?iunile pripite, neg\uc1 \u226 ?ndite chiar. Foarte asem\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc
1 \u259 ?tor cu R. Hess, odinioar\uc1 \u259 ?. Aminti\uc1 \u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u259 ?
raidu-rile nebune\uc1 \u351 ?ti deasupra Angliei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce a mai relatat }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \a
f4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nip
pon Times? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?
Paul so\uc1 \u355 ?ia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
gfenp1033 \cf1 Mult\uc1 \u259 ? confuzie \uc1 \u351 ?i intrigi. Unit\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u355 ?i armate deplas\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se \uc1 \u238 ?n-coace \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?ncolo. Permisii anulate. Grani\uc1 \u355 ?ele \uc1 \u238 ?nchise. Re
ighstag-ul \uc1 \u238 ?n sesiune. Cuv\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?ri ale tuturor.}{
g1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \d
f1 mi aduce aminte de excelenta cuv\uc1 \u226 ?ntare a Doctorului Goeb-bels, pe
care am auzit-o, zise Robert Childan. La radio, cam acum un an. Multe invective
spirituale. \uc1 \u354 ?inea auditoriul \uc1 \u238 ?n palma m\uc1 \u226 ?inii, c
a de obicei. \uc1 \u206 ?l plimba pe toat\uc1 \u259 ? scara emo\uc1 \u355 ?ional
\uc1 \u259 ?. F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ?; \uc1 \u
238 ?n afara originalului Adolf Hitler, Doctor Goebbels \uc1 \u8211 ? oratorul n
azist num\uc1 \u259 ?rul unu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat, \uc1 \u238 ?ncuviin\uc1 \u355 ?ar\uc1
\u259 ?, d\uc1 \u226 ?nd din cap, Paul \uc1 \u351 ?i Betty.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Doctor Goebbels are \uc1 \u
351 ?i so\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i copii excelen\uc1 \u355 ?i, continu\uc1 \u
259 ? Chil-dan. Persoane de foarte \uc1 \u238 ?nalt\uc1 \u259 ? clas\uc1 \u259 ?
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Adev\u
c1 \u259 ?rat, fur\uc1 \u259 ? de acord Paul \uc1 \u351 ?i Betty. Om de familie,
spre deo-sebire de numero\uc1 \u351 ?i al\uc1 \u355 ?i mari moguli de-acolo, zi
se Paul. De un com-por-tament sexual \uc1 \u238 ?ndoielnic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Eu n-a\uc1 \u351 ? pleca ure
chea la zvonuri, spuse Childan. Te referi la lucruri precum a fost cel cu Roehm?
Poveste veche. \uc1 \u206 ?ngropat\uc1 \u259 ? de mult.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndes
c mai mult la G\uc1 \u246 ?ring, zise Paul, sorbind \uc1 \u238 ?ncet b\uc1 \u259
?u-tura \uc1 \u351 ?i privind-o atent. Pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti despre orgii romane d
e o varietate fan-tastic\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u354 ?i se str\uc1 \u226 ?nge carnea
numai auzind.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
3 \cf1 Minciu}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \lang
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ni, f\uc1 \u259 ?cu Childan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ei, subiectul nu merit\uc1 \u259
? discutat, spuse Betty cu tact, privin-du-i pe am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi.}{\fs24 \dbch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i terminar
\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?uturile, iar ea se duse s\uc1 \u259 ? le umple iar pah
arele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M
ult s\uc1 \u226 ?nge \uc1 \u238 ?nfierb\uc1 \u226 ?ntat, r\uc1 \u259 ?scolit \uc
1 \u238 ?n discu\uc1 \u355 ?iile politice, zise Paul. Oriunde te duci. Esen\uc1
\u355 ?ial este s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?strezi capul.}{\fs24 \d
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, fu Childan de
acord. Calm \uc1 \u351 ?i ordine. Astfel, lucrurile se re-\uc1 \u238 ?ntorc la
stabilitatea obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Perioada de dup\uc1 \u259 ? moartea Conduc
\uc1 \u259 ?torului, critic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n socie-ta-tea totalitar\uc1
\u259 ?. Lipsa tradi\uc1 \u355 ?iei \uc1 \u351 ?i institu\uc1 \u355 ?iile clase
i de mijloc se combi-n\uc1 \u259 ?...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
33 \cf1 Se \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupse.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Poate e mai bine s\uc1 \u259 ? l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u25
9 ?m politica.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Z\uc1 \u226 ?mb
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ca-n
zilele trecute ale studen\uc1 \u355 ?iei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
np1033 \cf1 Robert Childan sim\uc1 \u355 ?i cum se \uc1 \u238 ?mbujoreaz\uc1 \u2
59 ? la fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i se aplec\uc1 \u259 ? asu-pra no
ului pahar cu b\uc1 \u259 ?utur\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? se ascund\uc1 \u259 ?
privirilor gazdei sale. Ce \uc1 \u238 ?nceput \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1
\u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?tor f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse. \uc1 \u206 ?ntr-o manier\uc1 \u259
? prosteasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i zgomo-toas\uc1 \u259 ?, se certase pentru
politic\uc1 \u259 ?; fusese necioplit \uc1 \u238 ?n deza-cordul lui \uc1 \u351 ?
i numai mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit\uc1 \u259 ? tactului fin al gazdei fusese salvat\uc1
\u259 ? seara. C\uc1 \u226 ?te nu mai am de \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u35
5 ?at, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Childan. Ei sunt at\uc1 \u226 ?t de delica\uc1 \u355
?i \uc1 \u351 ?i politi-co\uc1 \u351 ?i. Iar eu... barbarul alb. A\uc1 \u351 ?a
este.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O vreme, se mul\uc1 \u35
5 ?umi s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i soarb\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?utura \uc1 \u3
51 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i men\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? pe fa-\uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u259 ? o expresie artificial\uc1 \u259 ? de pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere. Trebuie

s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fac pe plac, \uc1 \u238 ?ntru totul, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i s
puse. S\uc1 \u259 ? fiu \uc1 \u238 ?ntruna de acord.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n panic\uc1 \u259 ? totu\uc1 \u351 ?i
se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi: mi se \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?lm\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
esc g\uc1 \u226 ?ndurile din cauza b\uc1 \u259 ?uturii. \uc1 \u350 ?i a oboselii
\uc1 \u351 ?i a nervozit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Pot s-o fac? Oricum, n-am s
\uc1 \u259 ? mai fiu niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? invitat aici; e deja prea t\uc1 \u226
?rziu. \uc1 \u206 ?l cuprinse disperarea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
np1033 \cf1 Betty, revenit\uc1 \u259 ? din buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?rie, se a
\uc1 \u351 ?ezase iar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pe covor. C\uc1 \u226 ?t de atr\u
c1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?toare, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Robert Childan. Trup sub\uc1 \
u355 ?ire. Au figuri superi-oa-re; f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? gr\uc1 \u259 ?sime
, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? umfl\uc1 \u259 ?turi. N-au nevoie de sutiene sau co
rsete. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi ascund jinduirea; cu orice pre\uc1 \u355 ?. \uc1
\u350 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?dui s\uc1 \u259 ? fure c\uc1 \u22
6 ?te o privire c\uc1 \u259 ?tre ea. \uc1 \u206 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?toa
rele culori \uc1 \u238 ?ntune-cate ale pielii ei, ale p\uc1 \u259 ?rului \uc1 \u
351 ?i ale ochilor. Noi suntem numai pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?-tate ap\uc1 \u355 ?i, \u
c1 \u238 ?n compara\uc1 \u355 ?ie cu ei. Sco\uc1 \u351 ?i din cuptor \uc1 \u238
?nainte de a fi gata. Ve-chiul mit autohton; adev\uc1 \u259 ?-rul, acolo.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi abat g\uc1
\u226 ?ndurile. S\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?sesc subiecte de societate, orice. \u
c1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i plimb\uc1 \u259 ? privirile \uc1 \u238 ?n jur, c\uc1 \u2
59 ?ut\uc1 \u226 ?nd un subiect. T\uc1 \u259 ?cerea se \uc1 \u238 ?nst\uc1 \u259
?-p\uc1 \u226 ?nea, grea, f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i tensiunea s\uc1 \u259
? sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?ie. De nesuportat. Ce naiba s\uc1 \u259 ? zic\uc1
\u259 ?. Ceva neutru. Ochii-i d\uc1 \u259 ?dur\uc1 \u259 ? peste o carte pe un b
irou scund din lemn negru }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lan
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 de tec.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 V\uc1 \u259 ?d c\uc1 \u259 ? citi\uc1 \u3
55 ?i }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 L\uc1 \u259 ?custa abia se t\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u351 ?te, }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langf
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 spuse. Am auzit-o pe mul-te buze, dar presiunea afaceri
lor m-a \uc1 \u238 ?mpiedicat s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? aplec asu-pra ei.}{\fs
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ridic\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se, merse \uc
1 \u351 ?i o lu\uc1 \u259 ?, urm\uc1 \u259 ?rindu-le cu aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie expre
sii-le; p\uc1 \u259 ?reau s\uc1 \u259 ?-i \uc1 \u238 ?ncuviin\uc1 \u355 ?eze ges
tul ca fiind social, astfel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?l continu\uc
f1 Roman poli\uc1 \u355 ?ist? Ierta\uc1 \u355 ?i-mi ignoran\uc1 \u355 ?a nem\uc1
\u259 ?rginit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O
r\uc1 \u259 ?sfoi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
p1033 \cf1 Nu-i poli\uc1 \u355 ?ist\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse Paul. Din contr\uc1 \u259
?, o interesant\uc1 \u259 ? form\uc1 \u259 ? de literatur\uc1 \u259 ?, posibil\
uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n genul \uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?ifico-fantastic.}{\
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A, nu, \uc
1 \u238 ?l contrazise Betty. Nici o \uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc
1 \u238 ?n ea. Nu-i plasat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n viitor. \uc1 \u350 ?tiin\uc
1 \u355 ?ifico-fantasticul trateaz\uc1 \u259 ? viitorul, \uc1 \u238 ?n particula
r viitorul \uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?a este avansat\uc1 \u2
59 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de cea actual\uc1 \u259 ?. Cartea nu \uc1 \u238
?ndepli-ne\uc1 \u351 ?te condi\uc1 \u355 ?iile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dar, spuse Paul, trateaz\uc1 \u259 ? un
prezent alternativ. Sunt multe romane \uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?ifico-fantasti
ce bine cunoscute, de genul \uc1 \u259 ?sta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i explic\uc1 \u259 ? lui Robert.}{\fs24 \dbch
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Iart\uc1 \u259 ?-mi
insisten\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n chestiunea asta, dar, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum so
\uc1 \u355 ?ia mea \uc1 \u351 ?tie, eu am fost timp \uc1 \u238 ?ndelungat un ent
uziast al \uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?ifico-fan-tasticului. Am \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu
t s\uc1 \u259 ? am pasiunea asta la o v\uc1 \u226 ?rst\uc1 \u259 ? fraged\uc1 \u
259 ?; abia dac\uc1 \u259 ? aveam doisprezece ani. Era \uc1 \u238 ?n perioada de
la \uc1 \u238 ?nceputul r\uc1 \u259 ?zbo-iului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
\langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg, spuse Ro
bert Childan, politicos.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
angfenp1033 \cf1 Te-ar interesa s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mprumu\uc1 \u355 ?i }{
gfenp1033 \cf1 L\uc1 \u259 ?custa? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Pa
ul. Noi \uc1 \u238 ?l ter-min\uc1 \u259 ?m repede, sigur \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o zi sa
u dou\uc1 \u259 ?. Biroul meu fiind \uc1 \u238 ?n centru nu departe de apreciatu
l t\uc1 \u259 ?u magazin, a\uc1 \u351 ? fi fericit s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?i-l
las \uc1 \u238 ?n pauza de mas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
gfenp1033 \cf1 T\uc1 \u259 ?cu \uc1 \u351 ?i apoi \uc1 \u8211 ? probabil, se g\u
c1 \u226 ?ndi Childan, datorit\uc1 \u259 ? unui semn f\uc1 \u259 ?-cut de Betty
\uc1 \u8211 ? continu\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Tu \uc1 \u351 ?i cu mine, Robert, am putea m\uc1 \u22
6 ?nca \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? la pr\uc1 \u226 ?nz, cu ocazia ai}{\fs24 \
cf1 a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M
ul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc, spuse Robert.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
\cf1 Era tot ce putu spune. Pr\uc1 \u226 ?nzul, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-unul din restaur
antele selec-te ale oamenilor de afaceri din centru. El \uc1 \u351 ?i acest stil
at \uc1 \u351 ?i modern t\uc1 \u226 ?-n\uc1 \u259 ?r sus-pus japonez. Era prea m
ult, sim\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? i se \uc1 \u238 ?m-p\uc1 \u259 ?ienjene\uc1
\u351 ?te privi-rea. Dar continu\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? examineze cartea \uc1
\u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? dea din cap.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, spuse, pare interesant\uc1 \u259 ?. Mi-ar pl\uc
1 \u259 ?cea foarte mult s-o ci-tesc. \uc1 \u206 ?ncerc s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u25
9 ? \uc1 \u355 ?in la curent cu ce se discut\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A fost potrivit s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ? asta?
M\uc1 \u259 ?rturie c\uc1 \u259 ? interesul lui st\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n mo
-da c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ilor. Probabil a fost de prost gust. Nu \uc1 \u351
?tia, dar totu\uc1 \u351 ?i sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea c\uc1 \u259 ? da.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu se poate judeca dup\
uc1 \u259 ? faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? o carte este best-seller, spu-se. Este \uc1 \u3
51 ?tiut. Multe best-seller-uri sunt prostii \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitoare. Asta, acum
...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?ov\uc1 \u259 ?
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Betty spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cel mai adev\uc1 \u259
?rat. Gustul mediu, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r d}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 eplorabil.}
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ca \uc1
\u238 ?n muzic\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse Paul. Nici un interes pentru jazzul popu-lar a
merican autentic, spre exemplu. Robert, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i place, s\uc1 \
u259 ? zicem Bunk Johnson \uc1 \u351 ?i Kid Ory \uc1 \u351 ?i ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?
i? Dixiland-ul timpuriu? Am o bibliotec\uc1 \u259 ? de discuri cu muzic\uc1 \u25
9 ? din asta veche, \uc1 \u238 ?nregistr\uc1 \u259 ?ri Gevet, originale.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Robert spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u259 ? tem c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?tiu prea pu\uc1 \u355 ?in despre muzica neagr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu p\uc1 \u259 ?rur\uc1 \u259 ? tocmai
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut impresiona\uc1 \u355 ?i de aceast\uc1 \u259 ? remarc\uc1 \u25
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pre
fer genul clasic. Bach \uc1 \u351 ?i Beethoven.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
langfenp1033 \cf1 Cu siguran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, asta a fost bun\uc1 \u259
?. Sim\uc1 \u355 ?i acum pu\uc1 \u355 ?in resentiment. Se a\uc1 \u351 ?teptau de
la el s\uc1 \u259 ?-i renege pe mai marii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri ai muzicii europen
e, nepieritorii clasici, pentru jazzul New Orleans-ului din s\uc1 \u259 ?lile de
baluri populare \uc1 \u351 ?i bistrourile cartierului negru?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Poate dac\uc1 \u259 ? pun
o selec\uc1 \u355 ?ie din New Orleans Rhythm Kings, \uc1 \u238 ?n-ce-pu Paul d\u
c1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? ias\uc1 \u259 ? din camer\uc1 \u259 ?, dar Betty \uc1
\u238 ?i arunc\uc1 \u259 ? o privire de avertizare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ezit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ridic\uc1 \u259 ? din umer
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Masai aproape gata, spuse ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lang
ngfenp1033 \cf1 ntorc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se, Paul se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? iar
. Pu\uc1 \u355 ?in ab\uc1 \u259 ?tut, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Robert \uc1 \u351 ?i m
urmur\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
p1033 \cf1 Jazzul din New Orleans, cea mai autentic\uc1 \u259 ? muzic\uc1 \u259
? popular\uc1 \u259 ? a-me-rican\uc1 \u259 ? care exist\uc1 \u259 ?. Ap\uc1 \u25
9 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ? pe acest continent. Toate celelalte au ve-nit din Europa, ca
le\uc1 \u351 ?inatele balade de l\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n stil
engle-zesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
cf1 Aceasta este disputa noastr\uc1 \u259 ? permanent\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse Betty,
z\uc1 \u226 ?m-bindu-i lui Robert. Eu nu-i \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u25
9 ?\uc1 \u351 ?esc d}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp104
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ragostea pentru jazzul ori-ginal.}{\fs24 \dbch
p1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u3
55 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch
\af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 L
\uc1 \u259 ?custa abia se t\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?te, }{\fs24 \dbc
Robert zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
\cf1 Ce fel de prezent alternativ descrie cartea asta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Betty, dup\uc1 \u259 ? un moment, r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse:
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Unul \u
c1 \u238 ?n care Germania \uc1 \u351 ?i Japonia au pierdut r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiul.}
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 T\uc1 \u259 ?cur\uc1 \u259 ? c
u to\uc1 \u355 ?ii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
np1033 \cf1 Vrem}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \l
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ea mesei, spuse Betty alunec\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u2
38 ?n picioare. Pofti\uc1 \u355 ?i, v\uc1 \u259 ? rog, doi domni fl\uc1 \u259 ?m
\uc1 \u226 ?nzi, oameni de afaceri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
\uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \lang
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i ademeni pe Robert \uc1 \u351 ?i pe Paul c\uc1 \u259
?tre masa deja aranjat\uc1 \u259 ? cu fe\uc1 \u355 ?e albe, tac\uc1 \u226 ?muri,
vesel\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?ervete uria\uc1 \u351 ?e, aspre, a\uc1 \u351 ?ez
ate \uc1 \u238 ?n ceea ce Robert recunoscu drept inele pentru \uc1 \u351 ?ervete
din os, americane timpurii. Vese-la, de asemenea, era vesel\uc1 \u259 ? origina
l\uc1 \u259 ? american\uc1 \u259 ?. Ce\uc1 \u351 ?tile \uc1 \u351 ?i farfurioare
-le erau Royal Albert, albastru \uc1 \u238 ?nchis, cu galben. Excep\uc1 \u355 ?i
onal; nu putea dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? se uite la ei cu admira\uc1 \u355
?ie profesional\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
arfuriil}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe103
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 e nu erau americane. P\uc1 \u259 ?reau a fi japoneze; nu pu
tea spu-ne, fiind \uc1 \u238 ?n afara domeniului lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Este por\uc1 \u355 ?elan Imari, sp
use Paul, observ\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i interesul. Con-si-derat un produs de prim\uc1
\u259 ? clas\uc1 \u259 ?. Japonez.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
\cf1 Se a\uc1 \u351 ?ezar\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cafea? \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259
? Betty pe Robert.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
p1033 \cf1 Da, zis}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 e. Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O aduc la sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u
351 ?itul mesei, spuse ea, merg\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? aduc\uc1 \u259 ? m\u
c1 \u259 ?su\uc1 \u355 ?a de servit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
3 \cf1 Cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd, m\uc1 \u226 ?ncau cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Robert g\uc1 \u
259 ?si m\uc1 \u226 ?ncarea delicioas\uc1 \u259 ?. Era o buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u
259 ?reas\uc1 \u259 ? pur \uc1 \u351 ?i simplu excep\uc1 \u355 ?ional\uc1 \u259
?. Salata, \uc1 \u238 ?n special, \uc1 \u238 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cu. Avo-cados, mug
uri de anghinare, pu\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? br\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ? pres
\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ?... slav\uc1 \u259 ? Dom-nului c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i pus
eser\uc1 \u259 ? dinainte un meniu japonez, amestec de legume \uc1 \u351 ?i felu
ri de carne, din care m\uc1 \u226 ?ncase de at\uc1 \u226 ?tea ori de la r\uc1 \u
259 ?zboi \uc1 \u238 ?ncoace.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
\uc1 \u350 ?i nelipsitele fructe de mare. M\uc1 \u226 ?ncase at\uc1 \u226 ?tea \
uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t nu mai putea suporta creve\uc1 \u355 ?i}{\fs24 \dbch
sau vreun alt fel de crustacee.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ? vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiu, spuse
Robert, cum presupune el c\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o lume \uc1 \u238 ?
n care Germania \uc1 \u351 ?i Japonia au pierdut r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiul.}{\fs24 \db
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nici Paul, nici Betty nu au r\uc1 \u259
?spuns pentru un timp. Apoi, Paul zise, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?:}
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Foarte c
omplic}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033
\langfenp1033 \cf1 ate deosebiri. Mai bine s\uc1 \u259 ? cite\uc1 \u351 ?ti cart
ea. \uc1 \u354 ?i-ar stri-ca, poate, s\uc1 \u259 ? auzi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am convingeri puternice \uc1 \u
238 ?n materie, spuse Robert. M-am g\uc1 \u226 ?n-dit deseori la asta. Lumea ar
fi mult mai rea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs2
3 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i auzi vocea sun\uc1 \u226 ?nd ferm, de fapt aspru.}{\fs24 \d
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mult mai rea.}{\f
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 P\uc1 \u259 ?rur\uc1 \u259 ? surp
rin\uc1 \u351 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i. Poate din cauza tonului lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Comunismul ar conduce pretut
indeni, continu\uc1 \u259 ? Robert.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
\cf1 Paul d\uc1 \u259 ?du din cap \uc1 \u238 ?ncuviin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?nd
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Autoru
l, domnul H. Abendsen, trateaz\uc1 \u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ? problem\uc1 \u259
?, a expansiunii necontrolate a Rusiei Sovietice. Dar la fel ca \uc1 \u238 ?n Pr
imul R\uc1 \u259 ?zboi Mondial, chiar fiind de partea c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?t
ig\uc1 \u259 ?toare, Rusia, infe-rioar\uc1 \u259 ?, eminamente \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?neasc\uc1 \u259 ?, natural c\uc1 \u259 ? a c\uc1 \u259 ?zut
la fund. Mare surs\uc1 \u259 ? de amuzament, amintind r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiul Japoni
ei cu ei, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ? suferim, s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259
?tim pre\uc1 \u355 ?ul, spuse Robert. Dar am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o pentru o cauz\u
c1 \u259 ? bun\uc1 \u259 ?. S\uc1 \u259 ? oprim inundarea slav\uc1 \u259 ? a lum
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Betty, cu voce cobor\uc1 \
u226 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Eu, personal, nu cred \uc1 \u238 ?n nici o poveste istoric\u
c1 \u259 ? despre "inun-da-rea lumii" de vreun popor. Slav, chinez sau japonez.}
ng1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hic
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 l privi li
ni\uc1 \u351 ?tit\uc1 \u259 ? pe Robert. Se controla perfect, nu o lua razna. Da
r voia s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i exprime sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?mintele. C
\uc1 \u226 ?te o pat\uc1 \u259 ? de culoare, ro\uc1 \u351 ?u aprins, \uc1 \u238
?i ap\uc1 \u259 ?ruse pe fiecare obraz.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u226 ?ncar\uc1 \u259 ? un timp, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc
1 \u259 ? discute.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Iar am f\uc
1 \u259 ?cut-o, se auto-inform\uc1 \u259 ? Robert Childan. Imposibil de evi-tat
subiectul. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? este pretutindeni, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o carte pe ca
re se \uc1 \u238 ?n-t\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? pun m\uc1 \u226 ?
na sau o colec\uc1 \u355 ?ie de discuri, \uc1 \u238 ?n inelele astea de os \uc1
\u8211 ? prad\uc1 \u259 ? stivuit\uc1 \u259 ? de cuceritor. Captur\uc1 \u259 ? d
e la poporul meu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs
33 \cf1 nfrunt\uc1 \u259 ? realitatea. \uc1 \u206 ?ncerc s\uc1 \u259 ? pretind c
\uc1 \u259 ? eu \uc1 \u351 ?i japonezii \uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tia sun-tem la f
el. Dar observ: chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?mi exprim mul\uc
1 \u355 ?umirea c\uc1 \u259 ? au c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?-tigat ei r\uc1 \u259
?zboiul, pe care na\uc1 \u355 ?iunea mea l-a pierdut \uc1 \u8211 ? nici atunci n
u a-vem o baz\uc1 \u259 ? comun\uc1 \u259 ?. Ceea ce \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u25
9 ? cuvintele pentru mine este exact opusul vis-}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u224 ?-vis de
ei. Creierele lor sunt diferite. Sufletele, de asemenea}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 . \uc1 \u20
6 ?i urm\uc1 \u259 ?resc b\uc1 \u226 ?nd din ce\uc1 \u351 ?ti engle-ze\uc1 \u351
?ti din por\uc1 \u355 ?elan, m\uc1 \u226 ?n-c\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu tac\uc1 \u226 ?m
uri americane, ascult\uc1 \u226 ?nd muzic\uc1 \u259 ? neagr\uc1 \u259 ?. Totul e
ste la suprafa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Avantajul bog\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iei
\uc1 \u351 ?i al puterii le permite toate astea, dar este surogat toat\uc1 \u25
9 ? ziua.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i
angfenp1033 \cf1 I}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ching-}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ul}{\i1 \fs2
3 \cf1 , }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe10
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 pe care mi l}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 -au v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t p
e g\uc1 \u226 ?t; chinezesc. \uc1 \u206 ?m-pru-mutat cu vreme \uc1 \u238 ?nainte
. Pe cine prostesc? Pe ei \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?i? Obiceiuri de
furat, din dreapta \uc1 \u351 ?i din st\uc1 \u226 ?nga, \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u25
9 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?mintea, m\uc1 \u226 ?ncarea, vorbirea, mersul, ca de pild\uc1 \u
259 ? consumarea cu entuziasm a cartofilor cop\uc1 \u355 ?i servi\uc1 \u355 ?i c
u lapte b\uc1 \u259 ?tut \uc1 \u351 ?i ceap\uc1 \u259 ? verde, m\uc1 \u226 ?ncar
e american\uc1 \u259 ? de mod\uc1 \u259 ? veche ad\uc1 \u259 ?-ugat\uc1 \u259 ?
capturii. Dar nimeni prostit, v-o pot spune; eu, cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in.}{\fs24 \d
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Numai rasele albe \uc1 \u238 ?nzestrate
cu creativitate, reflect\uc1 \u259 ? el. \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i eu, re
prezentant al rasei albe, trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? dau cu capul de p\
uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt pentru \uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tia doi. S\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc cum ar fi fost dac\uc1 \u259 ? am fi c\uc1 \u2
26 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tigat! I-am fi spulberat dintre cei vii. Nici o Japonie la ora a
ctual\uc1 \u259 ?, iar SUA str\uc1 \u259 ?lucind, singura mare putere \uc1 \u238
?n toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea larg\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
gfenp1033 \cf1 Se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi: trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? citesc cartea asta, }{
gfenp1033 \cf1 L\uc1 \u259 ?custa. }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Datorie}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 patrio-ti-c
\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum sun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Betty \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse bl\uc1 \u226 ?nd:}{\fs24 \dbch \a
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Robert, nu m\uc1 \u259
?n\uc1 \u226 ?nci. Este g\uc1 \u259 ?tit\uc1 \u259 ? prost m\uc1 \u226 ?ncarea?}
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Lu\uc1 \u259 ? imediat o furcu
li\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cu salat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, spuse. Este de fapt cea mai delicio
as\uc1 \u259 ? mas\uc1 \u259 ? pe care am servit-o de ani de zile.}{\fs24 \dbch
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc,
spuse ea evident m\uc1 \u259 ?gulit\uc1 \u259 ?. Fac tot ce pot ca s\uc1 \u259
? fiu autentic\uc1 \u259 ?... de pild\uc1 \u259 ?, cump\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
turile, adunate de prin pie\uc1 \u355 ?e americane micu\uc1 \u355 ?e-micu\uc1 \u
355 ?e de pe Mission Street. \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg c\uc1 \u259 ? asta-i
veritabil.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 G\uc1 \u259 ?te\uc1
\u351 ?ti m\uc1 \u226 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?rurile autohtone la perfec\uc1 \u355 ?ie,
se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Robert Chil-dan. E adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat ce se spune: puterea
voastr\uc1 \u259 ? de imita\uc1 \u355 ?ie este imens\uc1 \u259 ?. Pl\uc1 \u259 ?
cint\uc1 \u259 ? de mere, Coca-Cola, plimbarea dup\uc1 \u259 ? film, Glenn Mille
r... pu-te\uc1 \u355 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?smui \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? din ti
nichea \uc1 \u351 ?i h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie de orez \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga Americ\uc1 \u
259 ? artificial\uc1 \u259 ?. Mama din h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie de orez \uc1 \u238 ?n b
uc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?rie, tata din h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie de orez citind ziarul
. C\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?el din h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie de orez la picioarele lui. T
otul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Paul \uc1 \u238 ?l urm\u
c1 \u259 ?rea \uc1 \u238 ?n t\uc1 \u259 ?cere. Robert Childan, observ\uc1 \u226
?nd brusc aten-\uc1 \u355 ?ia b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatului, curm\uc1 \u259 ? firul g\uc
1 \u226 ?ndului \uc1 \u351 ?i se ocup\uc1 \u259 ? de m\uc1 \u226 ?ncare. \uc1 \u
206 ?mi poate citi g\uc1 \u226 ?ndurile? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?. S\uc1
\u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? ce g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc eu cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat? \uc1 \
u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? n-am ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat-o. Am p\uc1 \u259 ?strat expresia
cuvenit\uc1 \u259 ?; nu era posibil s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie.}{\fs24 \dbch
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Robert, spuse Paul,
de vreme ce te-ai n\uc1 \u259 ?scut \uc1 \u351 ?i ai crescut aici, vorbind diale
ctul american, poate m-ai putea ajuta cu o carte care mi-a dat anumit\uc1 \u259
? b\uc1 \u259 ?taie de cap. R}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 oman din anii '30, de un autor ame-ric
an.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Robert se \uc1 \u238 ?ncli
n\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?or.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cartea, zise Paul, care este destul de rar\uc1 \u259 ? \u
c1 \u351 ?i din care, cu toate astea, eu posed o copie, este de Nathanael West.
Titlul este }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \l
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Miss Love-lyhearts. }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am citit-o cu pl\u
c1 \u259 ?cere, dar nu prind tot ce vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ? West.}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se uit\uc1 \u259 ? la Robert pli
n de speran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
3 \cf1 Imediat, Robert Childan recunoscu:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Eu... n-am citit cartea asta, m\uc1 \u259 ? te
m.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \lan
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car, se g
\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, nu am auzit de ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
\cf1 Pe chipul lui Paul se citi dezam\uc1 \u259 ?girea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 P\uc1 \u259 ?cat. Este o carte
micu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?te despre un om care scria la un
ziar; are \uc1 \u238 ?ntruna probleme cu inima p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u226 ?nd, evident \uc1 \u238 ?nnebu-ne\uc1 \u351 ?te de durere \uc1 \u351 ?i i
se n\uc1 \u259 ?zare c\uc1 \u259 ? e Isus Cristos. \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i ami
nte\uc1 \u351 ?ti? Poate ai citit-o de mult.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, spuse Robert.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ofer\uc1 \u259 ? o perspectiv\uc1
\u259 ? ciudat\uc1 \u259 ? asupra suferin\uc1 \u355 ?ei, zise Paul. \uc1 \u206
?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles de cel mai original tip \uc1 \u238 ?n semnifica\uc1 \u355 ?ia
durerii f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nici un motiv, prob-leme cu care se ocup\uc1
\u259 ? toate religiile. Religii precum cre\uc1 \u351 ?tinismul dec-la-r\uc1 \u
259 ? adesea c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fie p\uc1 \u259 ?cat pentru a j
ustifica suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a. West pare s\uc1 \u259 ? adauge o viziune mai rest
rictiv\uc1 \u259 ? despre asta mai vechilor no\uc1 \u355 ?i-uni. El a v\uc1 \u25
9 ?zut probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? ar putea exista suferin-\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? f
\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? cauz\uc1 \u259 ? datori-t\uc1 \u259 ? faptului c\uc1 \
u259 ? era evreu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Robert spuse
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dac\uc
1 \u259 ? Germania \uc1 \u351 ?i Japonia ar fi pierdut r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiul, evre
ii ar fi condus lumea ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi. Prin Moscova \uc1 \u351 ?i}{\fs24 \dbch
Wall Street}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\cf1 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowid
ctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \l
ang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs2
3 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af6 \loch \f6 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \la
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Strad\uc1 \u259 ? celebr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n New York, und
e sunt situate Burse \uc1 \u351 ?i sediile marilor financiari americani}}}{\fs24
\cf1 .}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cei doi japonezi, so\u
c1 \u355 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i so\uc1 \u355 ?ie, p\uc1 \u259 ?rur\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u
259 ? se fac mai mici. P\uc1 \u259 ?rur\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?l
esc, devin mai reci, coboar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ei \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351
?i\uc1 \u351 ?i. Camera \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i se r\uc1 \u259
?ci. Robert Childan se sim\uc1 \u355 ?i singur. M\uc1 \u226 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?nd de
unul singur, lipsit de compania lor. Acum ce f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse? Ce \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?eleseser\uc1 \u259 ? gre\uc1 \u351 ?it? Incapacitatea lor prosteasc
\uc1 \u259 ? de a prinde limbi str\uc1 \u259 ?ine, g\uc1 \u226 ?ndirea occidenta
l\uc1 \u259 ?. I-a evitat \uc1 \u351 ?i s-au ofensat. Ce tragedie, se g\uc1 \u22
6 ?ndi el continu\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?nce. \uc
1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, ce era de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Folosise o exprimare c\uc1 \u226 ?t mai clar\uc1 \u2
59 ?, iar ei \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleseser\uc1 \u259 ? cum nu se poate mai r
\uc1 \u259 ?u. Adev\uc1 \u259 ?rata dimensiune neb\uc1 \u259 ?nuit\uc1 \u259 ? p
\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acum. Robert Childan nu se mai sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea chiar
at\uc1 \u226 ?t de r\uc1 \u259 ?u ca \uc1 \u238 ?nainte, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \
uc1 \u238 ?n-chi-puirea absurd\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncepuse s\uc1 \u259 ? i s
e destrame din minte. Am venit aici cu at\uc1 \u226 ?tea speran\uc1 \u355 ?e, \u
c1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aminti. Entuziasmul aproape adolescentin, z\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?cindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd urcam sc\uc1 \u259 ?rile. Dar r
ealitatea nu poate fi ignorat\uc1 \u259 ?; trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? cre\uc1 \u351 ?
tem mari.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i \uc1 \
u259 ?sta-i pontul adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat, chiar aici. }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Oamenii \uc
1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tia nu sunt pro-priu-zis oameni. }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u206 ?m
brac\uc1 \u259 ? haine, dar sunt ca maimu\uc1 \u355 ?ele \uc1 \u238 ?mpo-po\uc1
\u355 ?onate de la circ. Sunt de\uc1 \u351 ?tep\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i pot \
uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?a, }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 dar asta-i tot.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De ce m\uc1 \u259 ? ocup de ei, atunc
i? Numai pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? au c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tigai?}{\fs24 \dbch \a
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mare defect al caracterului meu, revelat de a

ceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnire. Dar asta e. Am o tendin\uc1 \
u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? patetic\uc1 \u259 ? spre... ei, s\uc1 \u259 ? spunem, alegere
a f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? gre\uc1 \u351 ? a celui mai mic dintre dou\uc1 \u25
9 ? r\uc1 \u226 ?uri. Calc \uc1 \u238 ?n str\uc1 \u259 ?chini.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ceea ce am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut eu este s\uc1 \u259
? merg o dat\uc1 \u259 ? cu valul, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? e mai sigur; \uc1 \u238
?n definitiv, ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia sunt victorio\uc1 \u351 ?ii... ei comand\uc1 \
u259 ?. Am s\uc1 \u259 ? o fac \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n continuare, cred. Pen
tru c\uc1 \u259 ?, de ce m-a\uc1 \u351 ? neferici singur? Au citit o carte ameri
can\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i vor s\uc1 \u259 ? le-o explic; sper\uc1 \u259 ? ca
eu, omul alb, s\uc1 \u259 ? le pot da r\uc1 \u259 ?spunsul. Iar eu \uc1 \u238 ?
ncerc. Dar \uc1 \u238 ?n cazul de fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? nu pot, de\uc1 \u35
1 ?i, dac\uc1 \u259 ? o citeam, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc
1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? puteam.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o zi am s\uc1 \u259
? arunc o privire la }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lang
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Miss}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \scaps1 }{\i1 \fs24 \dbc
Lovelyhearts, }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse lu}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i Paul. \uc1 \u35
0 ?i atunci am s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i t\uc1 \u259 ?lm\uc1 \u259 ?cesc semni
fica\uc1 \u355 ?ia ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Paul d\
uc1 \u259 ?du u\uc1 \u351 ?or din cap.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Oricum, acum sunt prea prins cu munca mea, spuse
Robert. Mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, poate... sunt sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? nu mi-ar lua pr
ea mult timp.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
\cf1 Nu, murmur\uc1 \u259 ? Paul. O carte foarte scurt\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbc
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i el \uc1 \u351 ?i Betty p\uc
1 \u259 ?reau foarte tri\uc1 \u351 ?ti, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Robert Childan. Se \
uc1 \u238 ?n-treb\uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ? sim\uc1 \u355 ?iser\uc1 \u259 ? \u
c1 \u351 ?i ei pr\uc1 \u259 ?pastia de netrecut dintre ei \uc1 \u351 ?i el. Sper
c\uc1 \u259 ? da, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Merit\uc1 \u259 ?. O ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine..
. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? descopere mesajul c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii de unii s
inguri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ng
hi\uc1 \u355 ?i cu mai mult\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nici o }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 alt\uc1 \u259 ? fric\uc1 \u355 ?iu
ne nu mai stric\uc1 \u259 ? seara. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?si
aparta-men-tul familiei Kasoura, la ora zece, Robert Childan \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u259 ? mai sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea sen-za\uc1 \u355 ?ia de ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncredere car
e \uc1 \u238 ?l cuprinsese \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul mesei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O lu\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n jos pe sc\uc1 \u259 ?ril
e cl\uc1 \u259 ?dirii, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-i pese deloc c\u
c1 \u259 ? eventuali locatari japonezi \uc1 \u238 ?n drum spre \uc1 \u351 ?i din
spre b\uc1 \u259 ?ile comune l-ar putea ob-serva \uc1 \u351 ?i privi. Afar\uc1 \
u259 ?, pe trotuarul \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat, \uc1 \u238 ?n noapte, apoi strigarea
unui velotaxi. \uc1 \u350 ?i, cu acesta, \uc1 \u238 ?n drum spre cas\uc1 \u259 ?
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ntotdeau
na m-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat cum ar fi s\uc1 \u259 ? cunosc anumi\uc1 \u355 ?i cl
ien\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n afara rela\uc1 \u355 ?iilor de afaceri. Nu prea r
\uc1 \u259 ?u, \uc1 \u238 ?n definitiv. \uc1 \u350 ?i, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, expe
-ri-en\uc1 \u355 ?a asta m-ar putea foarte bine ajuta \uc1 \u238 ?n afaceri.}{\f
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Este terapeutic s\uc1 \u259 ?-i c
uno\uc1 \u351 ?ti pe oamenii care te-au intimidat. \uc1 \u350 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? d
escoperi cum sunt de fapt. Atunci, intimidarea dispare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 G\uc1 \u226 ?nd}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ind \uc1 \u238 ?n acest fe
l, ajunse \uc1 \u238 ?n propriul lui cartier \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n cele di
n ur-m\uc1 \u259 ? la propria-i u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Pl\uc1 \u259 ?ti chin
ezoiului cu velotaxiul \uc1 \u351 ?i urc\uc1 \u259 ? treptele familiare.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Acolo, \uc1 \u238 ?n camera lui din f
a\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, st\uc1 \u259 ?tea un om pe care nu \uc1 \u238 ?l cuno
\uc1 \u351 ?-tea. Un alb \uc1 \u238 ?n pardesiu, \uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe
canapea \uc1 \u351 ?i citind ziarul. Cum Ro-bert Childan st\uc1 \u259 ?tea ului
t \uc1 \u238 ?n cadrul u\uc1 \u351 ?ii, omul \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i puse ziar
ul jos, se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? lejer \uc1 \u351 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc
1 \u226 ?na \uc1 \u238 ?n buzunar. Scoase un portofel \uc1 \u351 ?i-l ar\uc1 \u2
59 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
p1033 \cf1 Kempeitai.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Era un }
ngfenp1033 \cf1 pinoc. }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Func\uc1 \u355 ?ionar din Sacramento al Poli
\uc1 \u355 ?iei de Stat insta-lat\uc1 \u259 ? de autorit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
ile japoneze de ocupa\uc1 \u355 ?ie. \uc1 \u206 ?nfrico\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?t
or.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sunt
e\uc1 \u355 ?i Robert Childan?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, domnule, spuse; inima \uc1 \u238 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?tea
puternic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
1 Recent, spuse poli\uc1 \u355 ?istul consult\uc1 \u226 ?nd ni\uc1 \u351 ?te foi
puse \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o coper-t\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care le scosese dintr-o geant\uc
1 \u259 ? de pe canapea, a\uc1 \u355 ?i fost vizitat de un om, un alb, d\uc1 \u2
26 ?ndu-se drept reprezentant al unui ofi\uc1 \u355 ?er al Marinei Militare Impe
riale. Investiga\uc1 \u355 ?ii ulterioare au ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat c\uc1 \u259 ? nu
era a\uc1 \u351 ?a. Nu exista nici un asemenea ofi\uc1 \u355 ?er. Nici o asemene
a nav\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se uit\uc1
\u259 ? la Childan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
np1033 \cf1 Este corect, spuse Childan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Avem un }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 raport, continu\uc1 \u259 ?
poli\uc1 \u355 ?istul, asupra unei escrocherii s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1
\u351 ?ite \uc1 \u238 ?n Zona Golfului. Acest tip a fost, evident, implicat. Vre
\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-l descrie\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Scund, cam brunet, \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu
Childan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
1 Evreu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
Da! spuse Childan. Acum, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cred. De\uc1 \u351 ?i am trecut cu vede
rea atunci.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
cf1 Iat\uc1 \u259 ? o fotografie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
cf1 Omul de la Kempeitai i-o \uc1 \u238 ?nm\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \db
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 El e, spuse Childa
n, av\uc1 \u226 ?nd sentimentul recunoa\uc1 \u351 ?terii f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u25
9 ? nici un dubiu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Fu pu\uc1 \
u355 ?in \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozit de for\uc1 \u355 ?a de detec\uc1 \u355 ?ie a Kempei
tai.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cum
l-a\uc1 \u355 ?i g\uc1 \u259 ?sit? Eu n-am reclamat, dar l-am sunat pe furni-zo
-rul meu Ray Calvin \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am spus...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
angfenp1033 \cf1 Cu un semn al m\uc1 \u226 ?inii, poli\uc1 \u355 ?istul \uc1 \u2
38 ?l f\uc1 \u259 ?cu s\uc1 \u259 ? tac\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am o h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie pentru dumne
avoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, s-o semna\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i cu asta, bas-ta. N-o s
\uc1 \u259 ? fie nevoie s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\u
c1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?i la tribunal; asta-i o formalitate legal\uc
1 \u259 ? prin care vi se sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te implicarea.
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i \uc1 \u
238 ?nm\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? lui Childan h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia, plus pixul.}{\fs
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Aici se decl
ar\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u355 ?i fost abordat de acest om \uc1 \u351
?i c\uc1 \u259 ? el a \uc1 \u238 ?ncer-cat s\uc1 \u259 ? escrocheze d\uc1 \u226
?ndu-se drept altcineva \uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?a mai departe. Citi\uc1 \u355
?i declara\uc1 \u355 ?ia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pol
i\uc1 \u355 ?istul se uit\uc1 \u259 ? la ceas \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce Robert Child
an citea h\uc1 \u226 ?rti}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lang
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Este corect, \uc1 \u238 ?n sine?}{\fs24 \dbch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Era... \uc1 \u238 ?n sine. Robert Childan nu
avu timp s\uc1 \u259 ? parcurg\uc1 \u259 ? tot textul cu aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc
1 \u351 ?i oricum, era pu\uc1 \u355 ?in nedumerit \uc1 \u238 ?n leg\uc1 \u259 ?t
ur\uc1 \u259 ? cu ce se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?m-plase \uc1 \u238 ?n ziua ace
ea. Dar \uc1 \u351 ?tia c\uc1 \u259 ? omul acela se d\uc1 \u259 ?duse drept altc
ineva \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? era vorba de ceva necurat; \uc1 \u351 ?i, dup\
uc1 \u259 ? cum spusese omul de la Kem-peitei, tipul era evreu. Robert Childan \
uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i arunc\uc1 \u259 ? privirile asupra numelui de sub fotog
rafia omului. Frank Frink. N\uc1 \u259 ?scut Frank Fink. Da, cu siguran\uc1 \u35
5 ?\uc1 \u259 ? era evreu. Oricine putea spune, cu un nume ca Fink.}{\fs24 \dbch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Childan }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loc
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 semn\uc1 \u259 ? h\uc
1 \u226 ?rtia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
3 \cf1 Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc, spuse poli\uc1 \u355 ?istul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i adun\uc1 \u259 ? l
ucrurile, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du p\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?ri
a pe ceaf\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?i ur\uc1 \u259 ? lui Childan noapte bun\uc1 \
u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i plec\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?ntreaga afacere durase numai
un moment.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cred c\uc1 \u259 ?
l-au prins. Indiferent cu ce.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
Mare u\uc1 \u351 ?urare. Lucreaz\uc1 \u259 ? repede, \uc1 \u238 ?n regul\uc1 \u2
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 T}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hic
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 r\uc1 \u25
9 ?im \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o societate a legii \uc1 \u351 ?i a ordinii, \uc1 \u238 ?n
care evreii nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i pot pune \uc1 \u238 ?n aplicare vicleniile pe soco
teala nevinova\uc1 \u355 ?ilor. Suntem proteja\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu cum de nu am recunoscut caract
eristicile rasei c\uc1 \u226 ?nd l-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut? Evident, sunt u\uc1 \u35
1 ?or de p\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?lit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \

1033 \cf1 Hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?: pur \uc1 \u351 ?i simplu nu sunt \uc1 \u
238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?el \uc1 \u351 ?i asta m\uc1
\u259 ? face ne-a-jutorat. F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? lege, a\uc1 \u351 ? fi la
cheremul lor. M-ar fi putut convinge de ori-ce. E un fel de hipnoz\uc1 \u259 ?.
Pot controla o \uc1 \u238 ?ntreag\uc1 \u259 ? societate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u226 ?ine va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? merg s\uc1 \
u259 ? cump\uc1 \u259 ?r cartea aia, }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 L\uc1 \u259 ?custa, }{\fs2
3 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spuse. Va fi interesant s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u2
59 ?d cum descrie autorul o lume guver-nat\uc1 \u259 ? de evrei \uc1 \u351 ?i de
comuni\uc1 \u351 ?ti, cu Reich-ul \uc1 \u238 ?n ruine \uc1 \u351 ?i Japonia, f\
uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ?, o pro-vincie a Rusiei;
de fapt, Rusia \uc1 \u238 ?ntinz\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se \uc1 \u238 ?ntre Atlantic \uc
1 \u351 ?i Pacific. M\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb dac\uc1 \u259 ? el \uc1 \u82
11 ? oricum l-ar chema \uc1 \u8211 ? descrie un r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi \uc1 \u238 ?nt
re Rusia \uc1 \u351 ?i SUA? Interesant\uc1 \u259 ? carte, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. C
iudat c\uc1 \u259 ? nu s-a g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit nimeni s\uc1 \u259 ? o scrie mai \u
c1 \u238 ?nainte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se g\uc1 \u2
26 ?ndi: ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? ne ajute s\uc1 \u259 ? pricepem c\uc1 \u226 ?t
suntem de noro-co\uc1 \u351 ?i. \uc1 \u206 ?n ciuda dezavantajelor evidente... p
uteam s\uc1 \u259 ? ajungem cu mult mai r\uc1 \u259 ?u. Mare lec\uc1 \u355 ?ie m
oral\uc1 \u259 ? dat\uc1 \u259 ? de cartea asta. Da, sunt japonezii la putere ai
ci, iar noi suntem o na\uc1 \u355 ?iune \uc1 \u238 ?nvins\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar trebu
ie s\uc1 \u259 ? privim \uc1 \u238 ?na--inte; trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? construim. D
in asta ies marile lucruri, precum co-lo-nizarea planetelor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? se transmit\uc1 \u259 ? c
eva \uc1 \u351 ?tiri, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du seama. A\uc1 \u3
51 ?ez\uc1 \u226 ?n-du-se, deschise radioul. Poate a fost ales noul cancelar al
Reich-ului. Era e-mo-\uc1 \u355 ?ionat \uc1 \u351 ?i ner\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259
?tor. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? mine, Seyss-Inquart \uc1 \u259 ?la pare a fi cel mai dina
mic. Foarte probabil s\uc1 \u259 ? pun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n aplicare progra
me \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?zne-\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
\langfenp1033 \cf1 A}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp104
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ? fi vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu acolo, s
e g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Poate \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o zi am s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu destul de bi
ne situat ca s\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?toresc \uc1 \u238 ?n Europa
\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d tot ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259
?ptuit. Ru-\uc1 \u351 ?ine s\uc1 \u259 ? scapi. Lipit aici, pe Coasta de Vest, u
nde nu se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? ni-mic. Istoria trece pe l\u
c1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? noi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 8}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 LA O}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \l
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 RA OPT DIMINEA\uc1
\u354 ?A, Freiherr Hugo Reiss, consulul Reich-u-lui \uc1 \u238 ?n San Francisco,
p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i afar\uc1 \u259 ? din Mercedes-Benz-ul lui, 220-E \uc
1 \u351 ?i o lu\uc1 \u259 ? vioi \uc1 \u238 ?n sus pe treptele consulatului. \uc
1 \u206 ?n urma lui veneau doi tineri angaja\uc1 \u355 ?i ai Ministerului de Ext
erne. U\uc1 \u351 ?a fusese deschis\uc1 \u259 ? de portar, iar el p\uc1 \u259 ?t
runse \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru, ridic\uc1 \u226 ?nd m\uc1 \u226 ?na \uc1 \
u238 ?n semn de salut c\uc1 \u259 ?tre cele dou\uc1 \u259 ? operatoare de la cen
trala telefonic\uc1 \u259 ?, vice-consulul Herr Frank, iar a-poi, \uc1 \u238 ?n
biroul interior, c\uc1 \u259 ?tre secre-tarul lui, Herr Pferdehuf.}{\fs24 \dbch
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Freiherr, spuse Pferd
ehuf, chiar acum}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \l
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 a sosit o radiogram\uc1 \u259 ? co-dificat\uc1 \u2
59 ?, de la Berlin. Prefa\uc1 \u355 ?a unu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
fenp1033 \cf1 Asta \uc1 \u238 ?nsemna c\uc1 \u259 ? mesajul era urgent.}{\fs24 \
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mul\uc1 \u355 ?u
mesc, spuse Reiss, sco\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i pardesiul \uc1 \
u351 ?i d\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i-l lui Pferdehuf s\uc1 \u259 ?-l at\uc1 \u226 ?rne \uc
1 \u238 ?n cuier.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
1033 \cf1 Acum zece minute a telefonat Herr Kreuz von Meere. V\uc1 \u259 ? roag\
uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-l suna\uc1 \u355 ?i dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mul\uc1 \u355 ?u
mesc, spuse Reiss.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se a\uc1 \u
351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? la m\uc1 \u259 ?su\uc1 \u355 ?a a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat\uc1 \u259
? sub fereastra din biroul lui, d\uc1 \u259 ?du la o parte capacul de pe micul d
ejun \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?zu pe platou chifla, o
u\uc1 \u259 ?le pr\uc1 \u259 ?-jite \uc1 \u351 ?i carna\uc1 \u355 ?ii; \uc1 \u23
8 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i turn\uc1 \u259 ? cafea neagr\uc1 \u259 ? fierbinte, din cafetie
ra de argint, apoi \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i desf\uc1 \u259 ?cu ziarul de dimine
a\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cel
care sunase, Kreuz von Meere, era \uc1 \u351 ?eful Sicherheitsdienst din zona S
.P.A.; sediul lui era plasat, sub un alt nume, la aeroport. Rela\uc1 \u355 ?i-il
e dintre Reiss \uc1 \u351 ?i Kreuz von Meere erau destul de \uc1 \u238 ?ncordate
. Jurisdic-\uc1 \u355 ?ia lor se suprapunea \uc1 \u238 ?n nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate
chestiuni, o politic\uc1 \u259 ? deliberat\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ?, a celor de sus, din Berlin. Reiss de\uc1 \u355
?inea un grad onorific \uc1 \u238 ?n SS, cel de maior, iar asta \uc1 \u238 ?l f
\uc1 \u259 ?cea din punct de vedere tehnic, subor-donatul lui Kreuz von Meere. G
radul \uc1 \u238 ?i fusese acordat cu c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva ani \uc1 \u23
8 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i la timpul acela Reiss sesizase scopul. Dar nu
avusese ce face. Oricum, se mai lini\uc1 \u351 ?tise.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ziarul expediat cu Lufthansa \uc1 \u351 ?i sosit la \uc
1 \u351 ?ase diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a, era }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Frank-furter Zeitung. }{
p1033 \cf1 Reiss citi cu aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie pagina \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i.
Von Schi-rach arestat la domiciliu, probabil mort p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acu
m. P\uc1 \u259 ?cat. G\uc1 \u246 ?ring locuind la o baz\uc1 \u259 ? de antrename
nt a Luftwaffe, \uc1 \u238 ?nconjurat de veterani de r\uc1 \u259 ?z-boi, to\uc1
\u355 ?i loiali Grasului. Nimeni nu s-ar putea strecura p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259
? la el. Nici un cu\uc1 \u355 ?itar SD. Dar ce-i cu Goebbel}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 s?}{\fs
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Probabil \uc1 \u238 ?n inima Berli
nului. Baz\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se ca \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna, pe pro-pria-i inteligen\
uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, pe abilitatea de a ie\uc1 \u351 ?i din orice \uc1 \u355
?in\uc1 \u226 ?nd discur-suri. Da-c\uc1 \u259 ? trimite Heydrich un comando s\u
c1 \u259 ?-l cure\uc1 \u355 ?e, reflect\uc1 \u259 ? Reiss, micu\uc1 \u355 ?ul Do
ctor nu numai c\uc1 \u259 ? i-ar face s\uc1 \u259 ? renun\uc1 \u355 ?e, dar prob
abil i-ar convinge s\uc1 \u259 ? o \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ?. S\uc1 \u259 ?
-i fac\uc1 \u259 ? func\uc1 \u355 ?ionari ai Ministerului Pro-pagandei \uc1 \u35
1 ?i ai \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u226 ?ntului
public.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i-l putea
imagina pe Doctor Goebbels \uc1 \u238 ?n acest moment, \uc1 \u238 ?n apar-tament
ul vreunei \uc1 \u351 ?ocante actri\uc1 \u355 ?e de cinema, sfid\uc1 \u226 ?nd u
nit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile Wer-macht-ului \uc1 \u238 ?nghesuite pe str\uc1 \
u259 ?zile de dedesubt. Nimic nu-l \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?n-ta
pe acest }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \lan
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Kerl}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \l
ang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \
lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich
\af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \s
uper1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
fe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1048 \langnp1
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ibovnic (germ.)}}}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 . }{\fs24 \
cf1 Goebbels ar z\uc1 \u226 ?mbi, cu z\uc1 \u226 ?mbetul lui batjocoritor... ar
continua s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?ie s\uc1 \u226 ?nul \uc1 \u238
?nc\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?toarei doamne cu m\uc1 \u226 ?na st\uc1 \u226 ?ng\
uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce cu dreapta \uc1 \u351 ?i-ar scrie articolul
zilei pentru }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Angriff}{\cs15 \i1 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \lo
ch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \
li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch
\af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs1
5 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp
1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lan
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Atacul \uc1 \u8211 ? }{\fs24 \d
f1 ziar, revist\uc1 \u259 ? editat\uc1 \u259 ? de Goebbels}}}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \a
f4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ...
enp1033 \par }\pard \plain \s17 \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adj
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \l
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 G\uc1 \u226 ?nduril
e lui Reiss fur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupte de b\uc1 \u259 ?taia \uc1 \u23
8 ?n u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? a secretarei lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \l
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u259 ? scuza\uc1 \u355 ?i,
von Kreuz von Meere este iar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i la telefon.}{\fs24 \dbch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ridic\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se, Reiss se duse la bi
roul lui \uc1 \u351 ?i ridic\uc1 \u259 ? receptorul:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Reiss la telefon.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
d \plain \s17 \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \ri
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Accentul greoi, bavarian al \uc1 \u35
1 ?ef}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \
langfenp1033 \cf1 ului local SD:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang104
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ceva despre personajul acela din Abwehr?}{\fs24 \d
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nedumerit, Reiss \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i dea seama la ce se referea Kreuz von Meere.}
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Hmmm, mu
rmur\uc1 \u259 ?. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?te \uc1 \u351 ?tiu eu, sunt trei
sau patru "per-so-naje" Abwehr pe Coasta Pacific\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n momen
tul \uc1 \u259 ?sta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
enp1033 \cf1 Cel car}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp104
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 e a sosit cu Lufthansa \uc1 \u238 ?n ultima s\u
c1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Oh, spuse Reiss.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?nd receptorul \uc1 \u23
8 ?ntre ureche \uc1 \u351 ?i um\uc1 \u259 ?r, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i scoase c
utia cu \uc1 \u355 ?ig\uc1 \u259 ?ri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu a venit deloc pe aici.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cu ce se ocup\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs2
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dumnezeule, n
u \uc1 \u351 ?tiu. \uc1 \u206 ?ntreab\uc1 \u259 ?-l pe Canaris.}{\fs24 \dbch \af
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ? vrea s\uc1
\u259 ? suni la Ministerul de Externe, s\uc1 \u259 ? sune ei la Cance-la-rie, c
a s\uc1 \u259 ? ia careva leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura cu Amiralitatea \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc
1 \u259 ? cear\uc1 \u259 ? Abwehr-ului fie s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i retrag\uc
1 \u259 ? oamenii de aici, fie s\uc1 \u259 ? anun\uc1 \u355 ?e de ce se afl\uc1
\u259 ? aici.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
\cf1 Tu nu po\uc1 \u355 ?i face asta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Este harababur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n toate.}{
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 L-au pierdut cu totul pe omul A
enp1033 \cf1 bwehr-ului, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? Reiss. Lor \uc1 \u8211 ? S
.D.-ului local \uc1 \u8211 ? li s-a spus de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre cineva din personal
ul lui Heydrich s\uc1 \u259 ?-l urm\uc1 \u259 ?reasc\uc1 \u259 ?, dar au pierdut
contactul. Iar acum vor s\uc1 \u259 ?-i scot eu din \uc1 \u238 ?ncurc\uc1 \u259
?tur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
p1033 \cf1 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? vine aici, spuse Reiss, am s\uc1 \u259 ? pun pe cinev
a pe urmele lui. De asta po\uc1 \u355 ?i fi sigur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Desigur, erau pu\uc1 \u355 ?ine \uc1 \u351 ?anse, dac\uc1 \
u259 ? era vreuna, ca omul s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i o \uc1 \
u351 ?tiau am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cu siguran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? folose\u
c1 \u351 ?te un nume de \uc1 \u238 ?mprumut, \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du \uc1
\u238 ?na-inte Kreuz von Meere. Desigur, nu \uc1 \u351 ?tim care. Este un tip cu
\uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?are aristocratic\uc1 \u259 ?
. De vreo patruzeci de ani. C\uc1 \u259 ?pitan. Numele real Rudolf Wegener. Una
dintre familiile alea monarhiste din estul Prusiei. Probabil l-a sprijinit pe vo
n Papen \uc1 \u238 ?n Systemzeit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
cf1 Reiss se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? comod la biroul lui \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme
ce Kreuz von Meere continua s\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u226 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?ie. Singura
solu\uc1 \u355 ?ie pe care o v\uc1 \u259 ?d eu cu ling\uc1 \u259 ?ii \uc1 \u259
?\uc1 \u351 ?tia monarhi\uc1 \u351 ?ti este s\uc1 \u259 ? se taie bugetul Marin
ei, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i mai poat\uc1 \u259 ? permite.}{\fs24 \dbch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n cele din urm\uc1 \u2
59 ?, Reiss reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nchid\uc1 \u259 ? telefon
ul. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd se \uc1 \u238 ?n-toarse la micul lui dejun, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i g\uc1 \u259 ?si chifla rece. Cafeaua, oricum, era \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \
u259 ? fierbinte; o b\uc1 \u259 ?u \uc1 \u351 ?i re\uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259
? citeasc\uc1 \u259 ? ziarul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
Nu se mai sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Tipi
i \uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tia de la S.D. lucreaz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?n schimbul de noapte. Te sun\uc1 \u259 ? la trei diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a.}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Secretarul, Pferdehuf, \uc1 \u23
8 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ? capul \uc1 \u238 ?n birou, v\uc1 \u2
59 ?zu c\uc1 \u259 ? a terminat cu telefonul \uc1 \u351 ?i-i zise}{\fs24 \dbch \
af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 :}
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Chiar ac
um a sunat Sacramento, \uc1 \u238 ?n mare agita\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Se pl\uc1 \u226 ?
ng c\uc1 \u259 ? este un evreu care se plimb\uc1 \u259 ? pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zile
din San Francisco.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Izbucnir\uc
1 \u259 ? am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi \uc1 \u238 ?n r\uc1 \u226 ?s.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi

ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 E-n regul\uc1 \u259 ?, zise R
eiss. Spune-le s\uc1 \u259 ? se lini\uc1 \u351 ?teasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? trimit\uc1 \u259 ? documentele necesare. Altceva?}{\fs24 \dbch \af
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u355 ?i citit mes
ajele de condolean\uc1 \u355 ?e?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mai sunt, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u226 ?teva. Le \uc
1 \u355 ?in la mine \uc1 \u238 ?n birou, dac\uc1 \u259 ? le dori\uc1 \u355 ?i. A
m trimis deja r\uc1 \u259 ?spunsuri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? iau cuv\uc1 \u226 ?ntul la \u
c1 \u238 ?ntrunirea de azi, zise Reiss. La unu dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiaz\uc1 \u259 ?
. Oamenii \uc1 \u259 ?ia de afaceri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 N-am s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? las s\uc1 \u259 ?
uita\uc1 \u355 ?i}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 , zise Pferdehuf.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
langfenp1033 \cf1 Reiss se l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? pe sp\uc1 \u259 ?tarul sca
unului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
Facem un pariu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la

33 \cf1 Nu pentru deliber\uc1 \u259 ?rile din Partei. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? la asta v\
uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Hangman va fi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
\langfenp1033 \cf1 St\uc1 \u226 ?nd pu\uc1 \u355 ?in pe g\uc1 \u226 ?nduri, Pfe
rdehuf zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
\cf1 Heydrich s-a dus c\uc1 \u226 ?t de departe a putut. Tipii \uc1 \u259 ?ia nu
trec nici-odat\uc1 \u259 ? la conducerea Partei pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? to\uc1 \u3
55 ?i se tem de ei. Mah\uc1 \u259 ?rii din Partei fac criz\uc1 \u259 ? numai cu
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul la asta. Ai o coali\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u238 ?n dou\uc1 \u259
?zeci \uc1 \u351 ?i cinci de minute, imediat ce prima ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259
? S.S. iese de pe Prinzal-brecht-strasse. To\uc1 \u355 ?i au dat lovituri mari
economice, Krupp \uc1 \u351 ?i Tayssen...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
np1033 \cf1 Se \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupse. Unul dintre criptografi venise la el cu un
plic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Reiss \uc1 \u238 ?ntins
e m\uc1 \u226 ?na. Secretarul \uc1 \u238 ?i aduse plicul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Era radiograma codificat\uc1 \u259 ?, descifrat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?tut\uc1 \u259 ? la ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd o termin\u
c1 \u259 ? de citit, v\uc1 \u259 ?zu c\uc1 \u259 ? Pferdehuf a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta
s\uc1 \u259 ? aud\uc1 \u259 ?. Reiss rupse mesajul \uc1 \u238 ?n buc\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u355 ?ele \uc1 \u238 ?n scrumiera cea mare din cerami-c\uc1 \u259 ? de pe
biroul lui \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du foc cu bricheta.}{\fs24 \
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Este posibil ca
un general japonez s\uc1 \u259 ? se fi deplasat \uc1 \u238 ?ncoace, in-cognito.

Tedeki. Mai bine te-ai duce la biblioteca public\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? iei u
na din-tre revistele militare oficiale japoneze, care s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u25
9 ? o fotografie a lui. F\uc1 \u259 ?-o discret, desigur. Nu cred s\uc1 \u259 ?
avem aici ceva despre el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lang
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se \
uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?tre dulapul \uc1 \u238 ?ncuiat, apoi
se r\uc1 \u259 ?zg\uc1 \u226 ?ndi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ia orice informa\uc1 \u355 ?ie po\uc1 \u355 ?i. Stati
stici. Ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? fie toate, la dis-pozi\uc1 \u355 ?ie, la bibliote
c\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ad\uc1 \u259 ?u
g\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
3 \cf1 Generalul \uc1 \u259 ?sta, Tedeki, a fost \uc1 \u351 ?ef de personal, cu
c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva ani \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i
aminte\uc1 \u351 ?ti nimic \uc1 \u238 ?n leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu el?}
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O clip\u
c1 \u259 ?, zise Pferdehuf. Unul destul de b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ios. Trebui
e s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? vreo optzeci de ani acum. Mi se pare c\uc1 \u259
? a pledat pentru un fel de pro-gram-tr\uc1 \u259 ?snet pentru p\uc1 \u259 ?tru
nderea Japoniei \uc1 \u238 ?n spa\uc1 \u355 ?iu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cu aia a dat gre\uc1 \u351 ?, zise Reis
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu mar mira s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncoace \uc1 \u238 ?n scopuri m
edicale, spuse Pfer-dehuf. Au fost aici c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva militari ja
ponezi b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ni, s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijeasc\uc1
\u259 ? la marele }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 U.C. Hospital}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5
\loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s
16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \d
\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \la
ngnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lan
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Spitalul Unificat al Coastei de
Vest}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033
\langfenp1033 \cf1 . \uc1 \u206 ?n felul \uc1 \u259 ?sta se pot folosi de tehni
cile chirurgi-cale germane pe care nu le pot ob\uc1 \u355 ?ine acas\uc1 \u259 ?.
Normal c\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?streaz\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u259 ?-cerea. Ra\uc
1 \u355 ?iuni patriotice, \uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i. A\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u25
9 ? poate ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? avem pe cine-va la U.C. Hospital, s\uc1 \u259
? supravegheze, dac\uc1 \u259 ? Berlinul vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? fim cu o-chii pe el.
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Reiss d\uc1 \u259 ?du din cap
a \uc1 \u238 ?ncuviin\uc1 \u355 ?are. Sau b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul genera
l ar putea fi implicat \uc1 \u238 ?n specula\uc1 \u355 ?ii comerciale, dintre ca
re multe se desf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?urau \uc1 \u238 ?n San Francisco. Rela\u
c1 \u355 ?iile f\uc1 \u259 ?cute \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul activit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u
355 ?ii i-ar fi utile acum, la pensie. D}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ar era la pensie? Mesajul \
uc1 \u238 ?l numea }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 general }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nu }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \a
f4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 gen
eral \uc1 \u238 ?n re-tra-gere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce ai o fotografie, zise Re
iss, d\uc1 \u259 ? copii oamenilor no\uc1 \u351 ?tri de la aeroport \uc1 \u351 ?
i de jos, din port. Se poate s\uc1 \u259 ? fi venit deja. \uc1 \u350 ?tii c\uc1
\u226 ?t de mult le ia ca s\uc1 \u259 ? ne aduc\uc1 \u259 ? asemenea lucruri.}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i desigur, dac\uc1 \
u259 ? generalul ajunsese deja la San Francisco, Berli-nul avea s\uc1 \u259 ? fi
e sup\uc1 \u259 ?rat pe consulatul din S.P.A. Consulatul trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? f
ie \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ?-l intercepteze \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u238 ?na
inte chiar ca ordinul de la Berlin s\uc1 \u259 ? fi fost dat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\plain \s17 \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pferdehuf zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\par
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am s\uc1 \u259 ? datez ra
diograma codificat\uc1 \u259 ? de la Berlin astfel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t,
da-c\uc1 \u259 ? apare vreo \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebare mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, s\uc1 \u
259 ? putem ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta exact c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am pri-mit-o. La ce or\uc1 \u
259 ?, exact.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
\cf1 Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc, spuse Reiss.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
p1033 \cf1 Cei din Berlin erau mai mult dec\uc1 \u226 ?t mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri \uc1
\u238 ?n transformarea res-ponsabilit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ilor \uc1 \u351 ?i
se temea s\uc1 \u259 ? nu fie prins. Se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplase de pre
a mul-te ori.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
\cf1 Doar pentru a ne pune la ad\uc1 \u259 ?post, spuse. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? mai
bine te-a\uc1 \u351 ? pune s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?spunzi la mesajul \uc1 \u
259 ?sta. Spune: "Instruc\uc1 \u355 ?iunile dum-neavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? ultra-tard
ive. Persoana deja raportat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n zon\uc1 \u259 ?. Posibilit
\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i reduse de interceptare cu succes, \uc1 \u238 ?n acest
stadiu". Pune ceva printre r\uc1 \u226 ?nduri, s\uc1 \u259 ?-i dai form\uc1 \u25
9 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i trimite-l. Pe un ton c\uc1 \u226 ?t mai echivoc. \uc1 \u206 ?n
\uc1 \u355 ?elegi tu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pferdehu
f d\uc1 \u259 ?du din cap.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 l trimit imediat. \uc1 \u350 ?i-mi notez c\uc1 \u
226 ?nd a fost trimis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?
enp1033 \cf1 nchise u\uc1 \u351 ?a dup\uc1 \u259 ? el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fii cu luare aminte, reflect\uc1
\u259 ? Reiss, sau te treze\uc1 \u351 ?ti deo-dat\uc1 \u259 ? consul la o m\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? de negri pe o insul\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n largul coaste
lor Africii de Sud. \uc1 \u350 ?i cu toate celelalte la care te a\uc1 \u351 ?tep
\uc1 \u355 ?i: o amant\uc1 \u259 ? neagr\uc1 \u259 ?, gras\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u35
1 ?i mereu asudat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i vreo zece-unsprezece negri mititei c
are te strig\uc1 \u259 ? tata.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
Rea\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se la masa cu micul dejun, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u
351 ?i aprinse o \uc1 \u355 ?igar\uc1 \u259 ? egip-tean\uc1 \u259 ? Simon Artz N
um\uc1 \u259 ?rul 70, \uc1 \u238 ?nchiz\uc1 \u226 ?nd apoi cu grij\uc1 \u259 ? c
utia metalic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lang
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 P\uc
1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259 ? nu va mai fi \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupt, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\u
c1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i scoase din serviet\uc1 \u259 ? car-tea pe c
are o citea, o deschise la semn, se f\uc1 \u259 ?cu comod \uc1 \u351 ?i relu\uc1
\u259 ? de unde fusese ultima oar\uc1 \u259 ? silit s\uc1 \u259 ? se opreasc\uc
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 "... chiar se plimbase el pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zi cu ma\uc1
\u351 ?ini t\uc1 \u259 ?cute, pacea de du-mi-nic\uc1 \u259 ? diminea\uc1 \u355
?a din Tiergarten, at\uc1 \u226 ?t de departe? Alt\uc1 \u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?\u
c1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?a-t\uc1 \u259 ?, un gust cum nu se putea
s\uc1 \u259 ? mai fi existat c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva. Acum fierbeau urzici \uc1 \u351
?i erau bucuro\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? le aib\uc1 \u259 ?. Dumnezeule, strig
\uc1 \u259 ? el. N-au s\uc1 \u259 ? se opreasc\uc1 \u259 ?? Uria\uc1 \u351 ?ele
tancuri engleze veneau. O alt\uc1 \u259 ? cl\uc1 \u259 ?dire, putea s\uc1 \u259
? fi fost o locuin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? sau un magazin, o \uc1 \u351 ?coal\uc
1 \u259 ? sau ni\uc1 \u351 ?te birouri, nu putea spune \uc1 \u8211 ? ruinele se
cl\uc1 \u259 ?tinau, se pr\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?eau \uc1 \u238 ?n buc\uc1 \u
259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i. Sub moloz, o alt\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? de s
upravie\uc1 \u355 ?uitori \uc1 \u238 ?ngropa\uc1 \u355 ?i, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u
259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?car un sunet al mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Moar-tea se \uc1 \u238 ?nt
insese pretutindeni, \uc1 \u238 ?n mod egal, asupra celor vii, a r\uc1 \u259 ?-n
i\uc1 \u355 ?ilor, a mor\uc1 \u355 ?ilor straturi-straturi, care \uc1 \u238 ?nce
puser\uc1 \u259 ? deja s\uc1 \u259 ? miroas\uc1 \u259 ?. Cadavrul \uc1 \u238 ?mp
u\uc1 \u355 ?it, tremur\uc1 \u259 ?tor, al Berlinului, turnule\uc1 \u355 ?ele f\
uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? ochi, r\uc1 \u259 ?-mase \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare, disp\u
c1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?nd f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? protesteze, c
a acesta, acest edifi-ciu f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nume, pe care omul \uc1 \u2
38 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?ase c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva cu m\uc1 \u226
?ndrie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele, o
bserv\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul, \uc1 \u238 ?i erau acoperite cu o pojghi\
uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cenu\uc1 \u351 ?ie, \uc1 \u238 ?n parte anorganic\uc1 \u
259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n parte produsul final, ars \uc1 \u351 ?i cernut, al vie\uc1
\u355 ?ii. Toate, acum amestecate, \uc1 \u351 ?tiu b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul, \uc1 \u3
51 ?i o scutur\uc1 \u259 ? de pe el. Nu se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi mult mai departe; un
alt g\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?i st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nea mintea dac\uc1
\u259 ? era s\uc1 \u259 ? stea s\uc1 \u259 ? se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeasc\uc1 \u259 ?
dincolo de \uc1 \u355 ?iuiturile \uc1 \u351 ?i }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 hump-hump-}{\fs
33 \cf1 urile}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 obuze-lor. Foamea. De \uc1 \u351 ?as

e zile nu m\uc1 \u226 ?ncase altceva dec\uc1 \u226 ?t urzici, iar acum se sf\uc1
\u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?iser\uc1 \u259 ?. Maidanele cu buruieni disp\uc1 \u259 ?-ru
ser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un singur crater uria\uc1 \u351 ? de p\uc1 \u259
?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt. Alte siluete palide, sfrijite ap\uc1 \u259 ?ruser\uc1 \u259 ?
la buza crate-rului, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?iatul, st\uc1 \u259 ?tuser\u
c1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u259 ?cute \uc1 \u351 ?i apoi se \uc1 \u238 ?mpr\uc1 \u259 ?\u
c1 \u351 ?tiaser\uc1 \u259 ?. O mam\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ?, cu o basma legat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul capului ei c\uc1 \u25
9 ?runt, cu un co\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? gol \uc1 \u8211 ? sub bra\uc1 \u355
?. Un ciung, cu ochii asemenea co\uc1 \u351 ?ului. O fat\uc1 \u259 ?. Disp\uc1 \
u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ? acum \uc1 \u238 ?ntre resturile de copaci sf\uc1 \u226 ?rt
eca\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre care b\uc1 \u259 ?iatul Eric se ascundea \uc1
\u351 ?i el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i to
tu\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u351 ?enilele veneau.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
gfenp1033 \cf1 Se va sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?i vreodat\uc1 \u259 ?? se \uc1 \
u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?iatul, adres\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se nim\uc1 \u25
9 ?-nui. \uc1 \u350 ?i dac\uc1 \u259 ? da, atunci ce? \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
vor umple bur\uc1 \u355 ?ile, ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti..."}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
1 Freiherr, se auzi vocea lui Pferdehuf. \uc1 \u206 ?mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u c\uc
1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerup}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 . Numai un cuv\uc1 \u226
?nt.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Reiss s\uc1 \u259 ?ri \u
c1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nchise cartea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sigur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
33 \cf1 Cum poate scrie omul \uc1 \u259 ?sta, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. M-a furat cu
totul. Adev\uc1 \u259 ?-rat. C\uc1 \u259 ?derea Berlinului \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \
u226 ?inile englezilor, at\uc1 \u226 ?t de viu ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum s-ar fi \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat. Brrr. Se cutremur\uc1 \u259
?. Uimitoa-re, put}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 erea lite-ra-turii, chiar a literaturii ieftine,

de consum.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu-i de mirare c-am
\uc1 \u238 ?nceput-o. Dar e prea t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu; trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? ter-m
in, acum.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Secretarul lui zise:
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ni\uc1
\u351 ?te marinari de pe un vas german. Li s-a cerut s\uc1 \u259 ? se prezinte l
a dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? se declare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, spuse Reiss.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S\uc1 \u259 ?lt\uc1 \u259 ? spre u\uc1 \u351 ?\
uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ie\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n biroul din fa\uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u259 ?. Erau trei marinari, pur-t\uc1 \u226 ?nd pulovere groase, gri, to\
uc1 \u355 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?r aspru, blond, fe\uc1 \u355 ?e puternice, pu\uc1 \u35
5 ?in nervo\uc1 \u351 ?i. Reiss \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i ridic\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc
1 \u226 ?na dreapt\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Heil Hitler, bomb\uc1 \u259 ?nir\uc1 \u259 ? ei.}{\fs24
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ncepur\uc1 \u259
? s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i prezinte actel}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Imediat ce le certific\uc1 \u259 ? vizita la consu
lat, se gr\uc1 \u259 ?bi \uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1 \u238 ?n biroul lui personal.}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Iar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i sin
gur, redeschise }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp104
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 L\uc1 \u259 ?custa abia se t\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \
u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?te.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ochii \u
c1 \u238 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?zur\uc1 \u259 ? pe un pasaj \uc1 \u238 ?n care era vorb
a despre... Hitler. A-cum se trezi incapabil s\uc1 \u259 ? se opreasc\uc1 \u259
?; \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? citeasc\uc1 \u259 ? pasajul, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\u
c1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fie la r\uc1 \u226 ?nd, cu ceafa arz\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i.}
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Procesul, realiz\uc1 \u259 ? e
l, al lui Hitler. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? terminarea r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiului. Hit-ler \uc1
\u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?inile Alia\uc1 \u355 ?ilor, Doamne, Dumnezeule. \uc1 \u35
0 ?i Goebbels, G\uc1 \u246 ?ring, to\uc1 \u355 ?i ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i. La M\uc1
\u252 ?nchen. \uc1 \u206 ?n mod evident, Hitler r\uc1 \u259 ?spun-dea pro}{\fs24
\cf1 curoru-lui american.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 "... negru, \uc1 \u238 ?n fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1
\u259 ?ri, spiritul celor vechi p\uc1 \u259 ?ru pentru o clip\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ? se aprind\uc1 \u259 ? iar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i. Corpul tremur\uc1 \
u226 ?nd, cl\uc1 \u259 ?tin\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se, se smuci \uc1 \u238 ?ncordat; cap
ul se \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. De pe buzele printre c
are saliva se scurgea ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncetat, un or\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?it, ju
m\uc1 \u259 ?tate l\uc1 \u259 ?trat, jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate \uc1 \u351 ?oapt\uc1 \u
\af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 G
ermani, vou\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? vorbesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
angfenp1033 \cf1 Fiori printre cei ce priveau \uc1 \u351 ?i ascultau, c\uc1 \u25
9 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ti presate puternic de urechi, fe\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?ncorda
te de ru\uc1 \u351 ?i, americani, englezi \uc1 \u351 ?i germani deopotri-v\uc1 \
u259 ?. Da, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Karl. Iat\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare \
uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ?... ne-au \uc1 \u238 ?nvins, ba chiar
mai mult dec\uc1 \u226 ?t at\uc1 \u226 ?ta. L-au dezbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat pe acest
angfenp1033 \cf1 supraom, }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lan
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 l-au ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat drept ceea ce este
. Numai un..."}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Freiherr.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Reiss \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du seama c
\uc1 \u259 ? secretarul intrase \uc1 \u238 ?n birou.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sunt ocupat, spuse nervos.}{\fs24 \
langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nchise cartea cu z
gomot.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{
p1033 \cf1 ncerc s\uc1 \u259 ? citesc aceast\uc1 \u259 ? carte, pentru numele lu
i Dumnezeu!}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu ajuta la nimic.
\uc1 \u350 ?tia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
1033 \cf1 O alt\uc1 \u259 ? radiogram\uc1 \u259 ? codificat\uc1 \u259 ? sose\uc1
\u351 ?te de la Berlin, spuse Pfer-dehuf. Am aruncat o privire c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
au \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s-o decodifice. Se refer\uc1 \u259 ? la situa\uc1 \u355 ?i
a politic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
gfenp1033 \cf1 Ce zicea? murmur\uc1 \u259 ? Reiss, frec\uc1 \u226 ?nd}{\fs24 \db
1 u-se cu degetele pe frunte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Doctor Goebbels s-a dus pe nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptate la radio
. Un discurs important.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Secret
arul era surescitat la maximum.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? prelu\uc1 \u259 ?m textul \uc1 \u8
211 ? ni-l transmit necodificat \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? avem g
rij\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fie publicat \uc1 \u238 ?n pres\uc1 \u259 ?, aici.
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Bine, b
ine, spuse Reiss.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
33 \cf1 n momentul \uc1 \u238 ?n care secretarul ie\uc1 \u351 ?i din nou, Reiss
deschise iar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i cartea. \uc1 \u206 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o privi
re, \uc1 \u238 ?n ciuda hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?rii mele... c\uc1 \u259 ?ut\
uc1 \u259 ? pasajul anterior.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 "... \uc1 \u206 ?n lini\uc1 \u351 ?te, Kar
l contempl\uc1 \u259 ? sicriul drapat. Aici zace, iar de a-cum s-a dus, s-a dus
cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat. Nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car puterile demonice nu-l mai puteau
aduce \uc1 \u238 ?napoi. Omul \uc1 \u8211 ? sau fusese de fapt }{\fs24 \dbch \af
4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1031 \langnp1031 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1
\u220 ?bermensch}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1031 \langn
p1031 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \
nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \a
f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }
np1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe103
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Supraom (germ.)}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u8211 ? pe care Karl \
uc1 \u238 ?l urmase orbe\uc1 \u351 ?te, pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l adorase... chiar p
\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la mar-ginea gropii. Adolf Hitler trecuse dincolo, dar
Karl se ag\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?a de via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu \uc1 \u2
38 ?l voi urma, \uc1 \u351 ?optea mintea lui Karl. Am s\uc1 \u259 ? merg mai dep
arte, viu. \uc1 \u350 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? reconstruiesc. \uc1 \u350 ?i noi to\uc1 \
u355 ?i vom reconstrui. Trebuie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
f1 C\uc1 \u226 ?t de departe, c\uc1 \u226 ?t de \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitor de departe
\uc1 \u238 ?l purtase vraja Con-duc\uc1 \u259 ?torului. \uc1 \u350 ?i ce era ac
um, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd punctul final fusese pus dup\uc1 \u259 ? acea incredibil\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?rturie, acea c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?torie de la c\uc1 \
u259 ?tunele din Austria p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la s\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259
?cia putreg\uc1 \u259 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? a Vienei, de la calvarul de co\uc1 \u351 ?
mar al tran\uc1 \u351 ?elor, tre-c\uc1 \u226 ?nd prin intriga politic\uc1 \u259
?, fondarea Parti-dului, c\uc1 \u259 ?tre cancelariat, la ceea ce pentru un mome
nt p\uc1 \u259 ?ruse aproape d}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ominarea lumii?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Karl \uc1 \u351 ?tia. Bluf. Adolf Hitler \uc1 \u238
?i min\uc1 \u355 ?ise. \uc1 \u206 ?i condusese cu vorbe goale.}{\fs24 \dbch \af
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lang
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu este prea t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu. }{\fs24 \d
f1 \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i vedem cacealmaua, Adolf Hitler. \uc1 \u350 ?i te \u
c1 \u351 ?tim cine e\uc1 \u351 ?ti, \uc1 \u238 ?n sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it.
\uc1 \u350 ?i Partidul Nazist, \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1
\u259 ?toarea epoc\uc1 \u259 ? de cri-me \uc1 \u351 ?i de \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuire
megaloman\uc1 \u259 ?, ce este. Ce a fost.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
enp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp104
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ntorc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se, Karl se \uc1 \u238 ?nd
ep\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ? de sicriul t\uc1 \u259 ?cut..."}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Reiss \uc1
\u238 ?nchise cartea \uc1 \u351 ?i st\uc1 \u259 ?tu pentru un timp. \uc1 \u206 ?
n ciuda lui \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i, era tulburat. Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
fi presat mai mult pe japonezi, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spuse, ca s\uc1 \u259
? interzic\uc1 \u259 ? afurisita asta de carte. De fapt, este limpede c\uc1 \u25
9 ?-i deliberat din partea lor. L-ar fi putut aresta pe acest \uc1 \u8211 ? cum
l-o fi chem\uc1 \u226 ?nd. Abend-sen. Au foarte mult\uc1 \u259 ? putere \uc1 \u2
38 ?n Middle West.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ceea ce-l t
ulbura era asta. }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp10
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Moartea }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 lui Adolf Hitler, \uc1 \u
238 ?nfr\uc1 \u226 ?nge-rea \uc1 \u351 ?i distrugerea lui Hitler, a Partei-ului
\uc1 \u351 ?i a Germaniei \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i, a\uc1 \u351 ?
a cum e-rau descrise \uc1 \u238 ?n cartea lui Abendsen... totul era cumva mai gr
andios, mai mult \uc1 \u238 ?n vechiul spirit dec\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?n cel
al lumii actuale. Lumea hege-mo-niei Germaniei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Cum se poate una ca asta? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Re
iss. Este numai pr}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 icepe-rea de a scrie a acestui om?}{\fs24 \dbch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?tiu un milion de \uc1 \u351 ?mec
herii, romancierii \uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tia. Ia-l pe Doctor Goeb-bels, a\uc1
\u351 ?a a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput, scriind literatur\uc1 \u259 ?. Apeleaz\uc1 \u259
? la pofta josnic\uc1 \u259 ? ce se ascunde \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare, indiferent c\
uc1 \u226 ?t de respectabil la suprafa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Da, ro-mancierii
cunosc omenirea, \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u226 ?t de lipsi\uc1 \u355 ?i de valoar
e sunt oame-nii, guverna\uc1 \u355 ?i de testicule, st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?n
i\uc1 \u355 ?i de la\uc1 \u351 ?itate, v\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u226 ?nd orice cauz\
uc1 \u259 ?, din l\uc1 \u259 ?comie \uc1 \u8211 ? tot ce are de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut
este s\uc1 \u259 ? loveasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n tob\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351
?i \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ca-p\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?spun
sul. \uc1 \u350 ?i r\uc1 \u226 ?de, desigur, \uc1 \u238 ?n dosul m\uc1 \u226 ?in
ii, de efectele pe care le ob\uc1 \u355 ?ine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Ia prive\uc1 \u351 ?te cum s-a jucat cu sentimentele mele, refle
ct\uc1 \u259 ? Herr Reiss, nu cu intelectul meu; \uc1 \u351 ?i, natural, va fi p
l\uc1 \u259 ?tit pentru asta \uc1 \u8211 ? bani-s acolo. Evident c\uc1 \u259 ? c
ineva l-a pus, Hundsfott}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \cf1 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \
lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \
loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \
chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Canalia (germ.)}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i-a dat instruc-\uc1
\u355 ?iuni, ce s\uc1 \u259 ? scrie. Scriu orice, dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?ti
u c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt pl\uc1 \u259 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i. Spun oric\uc1 \u226 ?te minc
iuni, dup\uc1 \u259 ? care publicul ia \uc1 \u238 ?n serios fermentarea puturoas
\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd este servit\uc1 \u259 ?. Unde a fost asta publicat
\uc1 \u259 ?? Herr Reiss cercet\uc1 \u259 ? volumul. Omaha, Nebraska. Ultimul av
anpost al fostei industrii editoriale pluto-cratice a Statelor Unite, c\uc1 \u22
6 ?ndva localizat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n New York \uc1 \u351 ?i sprijinit\uc1
\u259 ? de aurul evreilor \uc1 \u351 ?i de cel comunist.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? Abendsen \uc1 \u259 ?sta este ev
reu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nc\uc
1 \u259 ? mai sunt, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? ne otr\uc1 \u2
59 ?veasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Aceast\uc1 \u259 ? }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 judisches B}{\i1 \fs2
4 \cf1 \uc1 \u252 ?}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ch}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch
\af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0
\ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af
4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \
fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp103
3 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af6 \loch \f6 \lang1048 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Carte evreiasc\uc1 \u259 ? (germ.)}}}{
p1033 \cf3 .}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \l
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 .. }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang104
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Izbi cu violen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u25
9 ? una de alta coper\uc1 \u355 ?ile c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Numele real p
robabil este Abendstein. F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259
? c\uc1 \u259 ? S.D.-ul s-a uitat prin ea p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la ora act
ual\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dincolo de or
ice dubiu, ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? trimitem pe cineva dinco-lo, \uc1 \u238 ?n S.
M.S.}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \s
uper1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \
adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033
\langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch
\af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs
33 \cf1 Statele Mun\uc1 \u355 ?ilor St\uc1 \u226 ?nco\uc1 \u351 ?i}}}{\fs24 \dbc
, s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fac\uc1 \u259 ? o vizit\uc1 \u259 ? lui Herr Abendstein. M\uc
1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb dac\uc1 \u259 ? Kreuz von Meere a primit instruc\uc1
\u355 ?iuni \uc1 \u238 ?n sensul \uc1 \u259 ?sta. Proba-bil c\uc1 \u259 ? nu, c
u toat\uc1 \u259 ? nebunia de la Berlin. To\uc1 \u355 ?i preocupa\uc1 \u355 ?i c
u probleme personale.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dar cart
ea asta, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Reiss, este periculoas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
ard \plain \s17 \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang104
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? Abendstein va fi g\
uc1 \u259 ?sit at\uc1 \u226 ?rn\uc1 \u226 ?nd de tavan \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o bun\uc1
\u259 ? dimi-nea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, ar fi o aten\uc1 \u355 ?ionare c\uc1
\u259 ?tre pruden\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pentru oricine ar fi influen\uc1 \u355
?at de cartea asta. Am avea ultimul cuv\uc1 \u226 ?nt. I-am scrie post-scriptum
ul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \la
ngfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ar fi nevoie de un al
b, desigur. Jidanul st\uc1 \u259 ? baricadat. Sus \uc1 \u238 ?n Cas-telul \uc1 \
u206 ?nalt. Nu e nimeni prost. Cine ajunge \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru \uc1 \
u351 ?i-i ia g\uc1 \u226 ?tul, nu mai iese viu afar\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? e o prostie. \uc1 \u206 ?
n fond, cartea este tip\uc1 \u259 ?rit\uc1 \u259 ?. Prea t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu de-ac
um. Iar \uc1 \u259 ?sta e teritoriu sub domina\uc1 \u355 ?ia japonez\uc1 \u259 ?
... Omule\uc1 \u355 ?ii gal-beni ar face un t\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?boi \uc1 \
u238 ?ngrozitor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Oricum, dac\u
c1 \u259 ? se f\uc1 \u259 ?cea ceea ce trebuia... dac\uc1 \u259 ? s-ar putea ar}
np1033 \cf1 anja cum trebuie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
Freiherr Hugo Reiss f\uc1 \u259 ?cu o \uc1 \u238 ?nsemnare \uc1 \u238 ?n carne\u
c1 \u355 ?elul lui. S\uc1 \u259 ? des-chi-d\uc1 \u259 ? discu\uc1 \u355 ?ia cu g
eneralul S.S. Otto Skorzeny, sau \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? mai bine cu Ohlendor
f de la Amt III al Reichssicherheitshauptamt. Nu comanda Ohlendorf Einsattzgrupp
e D?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Apoi, dintr-}{\fs24 \dbch
o dat\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nici un avertisment, i se f\uc1 \u
259 ?cu r\uc1 \u259 ?u de furie. Credeam c\uc1 \u259 ? toate astea s-au terminat
, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spuse. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? continue la nesf\uc1 \u
226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it? R\uc1 \u259 ?zboiul s-a terminat de ani de zile. \uc1 \u35
0 ?i credeam c\uc1 \u259 ? s-a terminat atunci. Dar fiasco-ul din Africa, nebunu
l \uc1 \u259 ?la de S}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp10
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 eyss-In-quart aplic\uc1 \u226 ?nd planurile lu
i Rosenberg.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Herr Hope \uc1 \u
259 ?sta are dreptate, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Cu gluma lui despre \uc1 \u238 ?n-t\
uc1 \u226 ?lnirile noastre pe Marte. Marte e populat cu evrei. \uc1 \u206 ?i vom
vedea \uc1 \u351 ?i acolo. Chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i cu c\uc1 \u226 ?te dou\uc1 \u259
? capete, \uc1 \u238 ?nal\uc1 \u355 ?i de treizeci de centimetri.}{\fs24 \dbch
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am \uc1 \u238 ?n}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \a
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 datoririle mel
e de rutin\uc1 \u259 ?, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?. N-am timp pentru toate a-v
enturile astea aiurite, trimiterea asta a Einsatzkommandos dup\uc1 \u259 ? Abend
sen. Am m\uc1 \u226 ?inile ocupate cu salutarea marinarilor germani \uc1 \u351 ?
i cu r\uc1 \u259 ?spunsul la radiograme codificate; s\uc1 \u259 ? las pe careva
mai de sus s\uc1 \u259 ? ini-\uc1 \u355 ?ieze un proiect de genul \uc1 \u259 ?st
a \uc1 \u8211 ? e treaba lor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
Oricum, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? Reiss, dac\uc1 \u259 ?-l propuneam eu \uc1
\u351 ?i ie\uc1 \u351 ?ea prost, se poa-te imagina unde a\uc1 \u351 ? fi: \uc1 \
u238 ?n deten\uc1 \u355 ?ie preventiv\uc1 \u259 ? la sediul Guvernului Ge-ne-ral
Oriental, dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere s
tropit\uc1 \u259 ? cu Zyclon B}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \la
ng1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \l
isb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich
\af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \su
per1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
e1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af6 \loch \f6 \lang1048 \langnp10
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Otrava folosit\uc1 \u259 ? pentru gazarea de\u
c1 \u355 ?inu\uc1 \u355 ?ilor \uc1 \u238 ?n lag\uc1 \u259 ?rele naziste}}}{\fs24
\cf1 .}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n}
np1033 \cf1 tinz\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se, \uc1 \u351 ?terse cu grij\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \
u238 ?nsemnarea din carne\uc1 \u355 ?elul lui, apoi arse h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia \uc1
\u238 ?n scrumiera din ceramic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
fenp1033 \cf1 Se auzi o cioc\uc1 \u259 ?nitur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i u\uc1 \u
351 ?a biroului lui se deschise. Secretarul intr\uc1 \u259 ?, cu un teanc mare d
e h\uc1 \u226 ?rtii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
enp1033 \cf1 Discursul Doctorului Goebbels. \uc1 \u206 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntregime.}
np1033 \par }\pard \plain \s17 \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adju
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pferdehuf puse foile
pe birou.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidc
33 \cf1 Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-l citi\uc1 \u355 ?i. Foarte bun; unul dintre cele
mai bune ale lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Aprinz\uc1 \
u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i o nou\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?igar\uc1 \u259 ? Simon Art
z Num\uc1 \u259 ?rul 70, Reiss \uc1 \u238 ?nce-pu s\uc1 \u259 ? citeasc\uc1 \u25
9 ? discursul lui Doctor Goebbels.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1

f4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 9}{
3 \cf1 DUP\uc1 \u258 ? DOU\uc1 \u258 ? S\uc1 \u258 ?PT\uc1 \u258 ?M\uc1 \u194 ?N
I de munc\uc1 \u259 ? aproape ne\uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupt\uc1 \u259 ? Ed-frank Custom
Jewllery produsese prima sa serie finit\uc1 \u259 ?. Piesele st\uc1 \u259 ?teau
pe dou\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?ci acoperite cu catifea neagr\uc1 \u259 ?, int
r\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu toate \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un co\uc1 \u351 ? dreptunghiular din r\
uc1 \u259 ?chit\uc1 \u259 ?, de origine japonez\uc1 \u259 ?. Iar Ed McCarthy \uc
1 \u351 ?i Frank Frink \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cuser\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i de vizit\uc1 \u259 ?. Folosiser\uc1 \u259 ? o gum\uc
1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u351 ?ters \uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i scobi
ser\uc1 \u259 ? numele, tip\uc1 \u259 ?riser\uc1 \u259 ? asta \uc1 \u238 ?n chen
ar ro\uc1 \u351 ?u, iar apoi com-pletaser\uc1 \u259 ? cartona\uc1 \u351 ?ele cu
o rotativ\uc1 \u259 ? de juc\uc1 \u259 ?rie. Efectul \uc1 \u8211 ? folosiser\uc1
\u259 ? o h\uc1 \u226 ?r-tie groas\uc1 \u259 ? colorat\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru feli
cit\uc1 \u259 ?ri de Cr\uc1 \u259 ?ciun \uc1 \u8211 ? era izbitor.}{\fs24 \dbch
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? profesioni\uc1 \u351 ?t
i \uc1 \u238 ?n toate aspectele muncii lor. Cercet\uc1 \u226 ?n-du-\uc1 \u351 ?i
bijuteriile, c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile de vizit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s
istemul de prezentare, nu putur\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u259 ?ri nici un indiciu de a
matorism. De ce ar fi fost? se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Frank Frink. Am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi
suntem pro}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \
cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidct
lpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lan
g1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20
fenp1033 \cf1 Profesioni\uc1 \u351 ?ti}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ; nu ca bijutieri, ci \uc1
\u238 ?n munca de atelier \uc1 \u238 ?n general.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Oferta era bogat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i diversificat\uc1 \

u259 ?. Butoni din alam\uc1 \u259 ?, cupru, bronz, \uc1 \u351 ?i chiar din fier
negru, forjat. Pandantive, cele mai multe din alam\uc1 \u259 ?, cu o mic\uc1 \u2
59 ? ornamenta\uc1 \u355 ?ie din argint. Cercei din argint. Insigne din argint s
au alam\uc1 \u259 ?. Argintul \uc1 \u238 ?i costase o gr\uc1 \u259 ?mad\uc1 \u25
9 ?; chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i aliajul de lipit \uc1 \u238 ?i uscase. Cump\uc1 \u259 ?
raser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?teva pietre semi-pre\uc1 \u355 ?ioa
se, pentru a le monta \uc1 \u238 ?n insigne: perle col\uc1 \u355 ?uroase, spinel
, jad, a\uc1 \u351 ?chii de opal. \uc1 \u350 ?i, dac\uc1 \u259 ? lucrurile merge
au bine, aveau s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerce aur \uc1 \u351 ?i, posibil, diam
ante de cinci-\uc1 \u351 ?ase puncte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
33 \cf1 Aurul le-ar fi adus un profit real. \uc1 \u206 ?ncepuser\uc1 \u259 ? dej
a s\uc1 \u259 ? caute surse pentru resturi de aur, piese vechi topite, f\uc1 \u2
59 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? valoare artistic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \db
1 mult mai ieftin de cump\uc1 \u259 ?rat dec\uc1 \u226 ?t aurul nou. Dar \uc1 \u
351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?a, era vorba despre o cheltuial\uc1 \u259 ? enorm\uc1 \u259
?. Cu toate acestea, o insign\uc1 \u259 ? din aur v\uc1 \u226 ?ndut\uc1 \u259 ?
ar a-du-ce mai mult dec\uc1 \u226 ?t patruzeci din alam\uc1 \u259 ?. Puteau ob\u
c1 \u355 ?ine practic orice pre\uc1 \u355 ? pe pia\uc1 \u355 ?a comer\uc1 \u355
?ului cu am\uc1 \u259 ?nuntul pentru o insign\uc1 \u259 ? din aur \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r bine desenat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i executat\uc1 \u259 ?
... presupu-n\uc1 \u226 ?nd, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta-se Frink, c\uc
1 \u259 ? marfa lor chiar mergea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
cf1 P\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n prezent, nu \uc1 \u238 ?ncercaser\u
c1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u226 ?nd\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
rezolvaser\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce p\uc1 \u259 ?ruser\uc1 \u259 ? a fi problemele te
hnice de baz\uc1 \u259 ?; \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aveau bancul cu motoare, ma\
uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? cu cablu flexibil, ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? de asc
u\uc1 \u355 ?it \uc1 \u351 ?i discuri de \uc1 \u351 ?lefuit. \uc1 \u206 ?n fapt,
aveau \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga gam\uc1 \u259 ? de unelte de finisare, de la perii as
pre de s\uc1 \u226 ?rm\uc1 \u259 ?, la perii din alam\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
discuri Cratex de \uc1 \u351 ?lefuit, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la cele mai fin
e suprafe\uc1 \u355 ?e de lustruit, din bumbac, stof\uc1 \u259 ?, piele, me\uc1
\u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?, care pu-teau fi acoperite cu componen\uc1 \u355 ?i merg\u
c1 \u226 ?nd de la pulbere de corindon \uc1 \u351 ?i scorie p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \
u259 ? la cei mai fini abrazivi. \uc1 \u350 ?i desigur, aveau aparatul lor de su
dur\uc1 \u259 ? cu oxiacetilen\uc1 \u259 ?, cuvele, vasele de calibrare, furtune
le, mufele, m\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tile, toate ale lor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i superbe scule de bijutier. Cle\uc1 \u3
51 ?ti-patent din Germania \uc1 \u351 ?i Fran-\uc1 \u355 ?a, micrometre, ma\uc1
\u351 ?ini de g\uc1 \u259 ?urit cu diamant, fer\uc1 \u259 ?straie, cle\uc1 \u351
?ti, pense-te, instrumente la m\uc1 \u226 ?na a treia pentru lipit, menghine, m
ate-riale de r\uc1 \u259 ?zuit, foarfeci mari, cioc\uc1 \u259 ?nele forjate de m
\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?... seturi de echipament de precizie. \uc1 \u350 ?i rez
erve de capete de ciocan de lipit de diferite dimensi-uni, foi metalice, prinz\u
c1 \u259 ?toare pentru insigne, ve-rigi, clipsuri pentru cercei. Mult peste jum\
uc1 \u259 ?tate din cele dou\uc1 \u259 ? mii de dolari fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? cheltui\uc1 \u355 ?i; mai aveau \uc1 \u238 ?n contul lor din Banc\uc1 \u259 ?, Edfra
nk, numai dou\uc1 \u259 ? sute cincizeci de dolari. Dar erau aranja\uc1 \u355 ?i
din punct de vedere legal; aveau p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i autor
iza\uc1 \u355 ?ia de lucru S.P.A. Nu mai trebuiau dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u226 ?nd\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
Nici un comerciant, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Frink studiind etalajul, nu le-ar pu-tea
cerceta mai sever dec\uc1 \u226 ?t noi. Ar\uc1 \u259 ?tau \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\
uc1 \u259 ?r bine aceste c\uc1 \u226 ?teva piese selecte, fiecare trudnic verifi
cate s\uc1 \u259 ? nu aib\uc1 \u259 ? defecte de sudur\uc1 \u259 ?, margini sau
col\uc1 \u355 ?uri ne\uc1 \u351 ?lefuite, pete de la foc... controlul de calitat
e era excelent. Cea mai u\uc1 \u351 ?oar\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?tuire sau urm\
uc1 \u259 ? de la peria de s\uc1 \u226 ?rm\uc1 \u259 ? fuse-se de ajuns pentru c
a piesa s\uc1 \u259 ? fie \uc1 \u238 ?ntoars\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n atelier.
Nu ne putem per-mite s\uc1 \u259 ? expunem nici o lucrare grosolan lucrat\uc1 \u
259 ? sau nefinisat\uc1 \u259 ?; o singur\uc1 \u259 ? pat\uc1 \u259 ? neagr\uc1
\u259 ? neobservat\uc1 \u259 ? pe un l\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?or d
e argint \uc1 \u351 ?i suntem termina\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pe lista lor, magazinul lui Robert Childan ap\uc1 \u259 ?r
ea primul. Dar nu-mai Ed se putea duce acolo; Childan \uc1 \u351 ?i l-ar aminti
cu siguran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pe Frank Frink.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Tu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? faci cea mai
mare parte a v\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ?rilor, zise Ed, dar se rezervase pentru
a-l aborda el \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i pe Childan, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
i cump\uc1 \u259 ?-rase un costum bun, cravat\uc1 \u259 ? nou\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1
\u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? alb\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru a face impresie bun\u
c1 \u259 ?. Cu toate astea, nu prea ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta \uc1 \u238 ?n largul lui.}{
0 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? suntem buni, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spuse pentru a milio
ana oar\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar... la naiba.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
33 \cf1 Cele mai multe piese erau abstracte, spirale din s\uc1 \u226 ?rm\uc1 \u2
59 ?, bucle, forme pe care \uc1 \u238 ?n oarecare m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? m
etalele topite le luaser\uc1 \u259 ? singu-re. Unele aveau delicate\uc1 \u355 ?e
a unei p\uc1 \u226 ?nze de p\uc1 \u259 ?ianjen, erau aeriene; altele aveau o rob
uste\uc1 \u355 ?e masiv\uc1 \u259 ?, puternic\uc1 \u259 ?, aproape barbar\uc1 \u
259 ?. Era uimitoare paleta de forme, lu\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n considerare
c\uc1 \u226 ?t de pu\uc1 \u355 ?ine piese se aflau \uc1 \u238 ?n caseta c\uc1 \
u259 ?ptu\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? cu catifea; \uc1 \u351 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i,
un magazin, realiz\uc1 \u259 ? Frink, ar putea cump\uc1 \u259 ?ra tot ce am pre
zentat noi aici. Vom merge pe la toate magazinele..., dac\uc1 \u259 ? d\uc1 \u25
9 ?m gre\uc1 \u351 ?. Dar dac\uc1 \u259 ? reu\uc1 \u351 ?im, dac\uc1 \u259 ? ne
impunem cu ele, ne vom \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce s\uc1 \u259 ? complet\uc1 \u259 ?m la
comenzi tot restul vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
033 \cf1 Am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi, \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?, puser\uc1 \u259 ? p
l\uc1 \u259 ?cile \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cate \uc1 \u238 ?n catifea \uc1 \u2
38 ?n co\uc1 \u351 ?ul din r\uc1 \u259 ?chit\uc1 \u259 ?. Am putea scoate ceva p
e metal, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spuse Frink, \uc1 \u238 ?n cel mai r\uc1 \u25
9 ?u caz. \uc1 \u350 ?i uneltele \uc1 \u351 ?i echipamentul; ne putem lipsi de e
le, dac\uc1 \u259 ? e s\uc1 \u259 ? pierdem, \uc1 \u351 ?i tot recuper\uc1 \u259
?m ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Acum este momentul s
\uc1 \u259 ? consult\uc1 \u259 ?m oracolul. \uc1 \u206 ?ntreb: cum se va descurc
a Ed \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? prim\uc1 \u259 ? ie\uc1 \u351 ?ire pentru
v\uc1 \u226 ?nzare? Dar era prea nervos. Putea da o prevestire rea \uc1 \u351 ?i
nu se sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ? o \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u226 ?m-pine. \uc1 \u206 ?n orice caz, zarurile fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? aruncate: p
iesele erau f\uc1 \u259 ?cute, ate-lierul pus la punct \uc1 \u8211 ? indiferent
ce putea \uc1 \u238 ?nd}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ruga }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 I ching-}{\fs24 \dbch
\af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 u
l}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \
langfenp1033 \cf1 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n momen-tul \uc1 \u259 ?sta.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu ne poate vinde el bijuteriile... n
u ne poate }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 da }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 el noroc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Prima oar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
l atac pe Childan, spuse Ed. Am putea foarte bine s-o rezolv\uc1 \u259 ?m cu el.
Apoi po\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca tu vreo doi. Vii \uc1 \u351 ?i tu, nu?
\uc1 \u206 ?n fur-gonet\uc1 \u259 ?. Parchez dup\uc1 \u259 ? col\uc1 \u355 ?.}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Urc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se \uc1 \u238
?n ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? cu co\uc1 \u351 ?ul lor din r\uc1 \u259 ?chit\u
c1 \u259 ?, Frink se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi: Dumnezeu \uc1 \u351 ?tie c\uc1 \u226 ?t d
e bun v\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ?tor este Ed, sau sunt eu. Childan poate fi dus,
dar e vorba s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? o prezentare, cum se zice.}{\fs24 \db
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? era Juliana aici, se g\u
c1 \u226 ?ndi, se putea duce p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acolo \uc1 \u351 ?i s-o
rezolve c\uc1 \u226 ?t ai clipi din ochi; este dr\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?, poate vorbi cu oricine pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?a p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntu
lui \uc1 \u351 ?i este femeie. \uc1 \u206 ?n fond, astea-s bijuterii pentru feme
i. \uc1 \u350 ?i le putea pune \uc1 \u238 ?n magazin. \uc1 \u206 ?nchiz\uc1 \u22
6 ?nd ochii, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i imagineze
cum ar ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta ea cu o br\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ar\uc1 \u259 ? de-a l
or. Sau cu unul dintre colierele lor mari, din argint. Cu p\uc1 \u259 ?rul ei ne
gru \uc1 \u351 ?i cu pielea alb\uc1 \u259 ?, trist\uc1 \u259 ?, cu ochi ad\uc1 \
u226 ?nci... purt\uc1 \u226 ?nd un pulover gri din jerseu, pu\uc1 \u355 ?in cam
str\uc1 \u226 ?mt, argintul odihnin-du-se direct pe piele, metalul ridic\uc1 \u2
26 ?n-du-se \uc1 \u351 ?i cobor\uc1 \u226 ?nd o dat\uc1 \u259 ? cu res-pira\uc1
\u355 ?ia...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dumnezeule, era v
ie \uc1 \u238 ?n mintea lui, chiar acum. Fiecare pies\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?c
-ut\uc1 \u259 ? de ei ridicat\uc1 \u259 ? de degetele sub\uc1 \u355 ?iri, putern
ice, examinat\uc1 \u259 ?; d\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i capul pe spate, \uc1 \
u355 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?nd piesa sus. Juliana aleg\uc1 \u226 ?nd, \uc1 \u238 ?ntot-d
eauna marto-r\uc1 \u259 ? la tot ceea ce f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cei mai potri}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loc
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 vi\uc1 \u355 ?i pentr
u ea, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?, ar fi cerceii. Cei lungi, str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitori, mai ales cei din alam\uc1 \u259 ?. Cu p\uc1 \u259 ?rul prins la spate cu
o clem\uc1 \u259 ? sau t\uc1 \u259 ?iat scurt, s\uc1 \u259 ? i se vad\uc1 \u259
? g\uc1 \u226 ?tul \uc1 \u351 ?i urechile. \uc1 \u350 ?i-i putem face \uc1 \u35
1 ?i fotografii, pentru reclam\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i prezentare. Discutase c
u Ed despre un catalog, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? poat\uc1 \u259 ? vinde \uc1 \u351 ?i pr
in po\uc1 \u351 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n alte p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i a
le lumii. Juliana ar ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta extraordinar... are pielea frumoas\uc1 \u2
59 ?, foarte s\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?toa-s\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u2
59 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-i at\uc1 \u226 ?rne, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? cute \uc1 \u3
51 ?i de o culoare excelent\uc1 \u259 ?. Ar face-o, dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351
? putea da peste ea? Indiferent ce g\uc1 \u226 ?nde\uc1 \u351 ?te despre mine, n
-are nimic a face cu via\uc1 \u355 ?a noastr\uc1 \u259 ? personal\uc1 \u259 ?. A
r fi o problem\uc1 \u259 ? strict de afaceri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
ngfenp1033 \cf1 La naiba, nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu i-a\uc1 \u351 ? face eu fotog
rafiile. Am lua un foto-graf profesionist. Asta i-ar pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea. Vanitate
a ei, probabil, la fel ca \uc1 \u238 ?n-totdeauna. \uc1 \u206 ?ntotdeauna i-a pl
\uc1 \u259 ?cut s-o priveasc\uc1 \u259 ? lumea, s-o admire, oricine. Cred c\uc1
\u259 ? cele mai multe femei sunt a\uc1 \u351 ?a. T\uc1 \u226 ?njesc dup\uc1 \u2
59 ? a fi \uc1 \u238 ?n-truna b\uc1 \u259 ?gate \uc1 \u238 ?n seam\uc1 \u259 ?.
Sunt foarte m\uc1 \u259 ?moase astfel.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
033 \cf1 Se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, Juliana n-ar suporta niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u
259 ? stea singur\uc1 \u259 ?; tre-buie s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u25
9 ? pe mine \uc1 \u238 ?n preajm\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntruna, compliment\uc1
\u226 ?nd-o. A\uc1 \u351 ?a sunt copiii mici, au impresia c\uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1
\u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?rin\uc1 \u355 ?ii nu-i v\uc1 \u259 ?d, ceea ce fac nu-i rea
l. F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? are v
reun tip care s-o observe chiar \uc1 \u238 ?n clipa asta. Spu-n\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i
c\uc1 \u226 ?t este de dr\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Picioarele. Ab
dome-nul neted, su}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 plu...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce-i cu tine? zise Ed privindu-l. Te las\uc1 \u259
? nervii?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
f1 Nu, spuse Frink.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
np1033 \cf1 Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? duc acolo ca s\uc1 \u259 ? stau, zise Ed. Am \uc1 \
u238 ?n cap ni\uc1 \u351 ?te idei. \uc1 \u350 ?i am s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i
mai spun ceva: nu sunt speriat. Nu sunt intimidat pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? e un loc
select \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi pun costumul \uc1 \u
259 ?sta elegant. Recu-nosc, nu-mi place s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u259
?tesc. Recunosc, nu m\uc1 \u259 ? simt lejer. Dar nu conteaz\uc1 \u259 ? deloc.
Tot m\uc1 \u259 ? duc acolo s\uc1 \u259 ? i-o trag lui cap-sec \uc1 \u259 ?la.}
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Bine de tine, se g\uc1 \u226 ?
ndi Frink.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
f1 La naiba, dac\uc1 \u259 ? tu te-ai putut duce acolo, cum ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut,
zise Ed, \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-i tragi minciuna aia cum c\uc1 \u259 ? e\u
c1 \u351 ?ti reprezentantul unui amiral japo-nez, ar trebui \uc1 \u351 ?i eu s\u
c1 \u259 ? fiu \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul, c\u
c1 \u259 ? asta-i cu ade-v\uc1 \u259 ?rat bijuterie, crea\uc1 \u355 ?ie original
\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ? de m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1
\u259 ?...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
f1 Lucrat\uc1 \u259 ? de m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse Frink.}{\fs24 \dbch \
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da. }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch
\af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 L
ucrat\uc1 \u259 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 de m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. Adic\uc1 \u259 ?,
intru acolo \uc1 \u351 ?i nu ies p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ce nu iau banii. Ar
trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? cumpere astea. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? n-o face, e de-a dreptul s\u
c1 \u259 ?rit. M-am tot uitat \uc1 \u238 ?n jur; nu-i nimic de v\uc1 \u226 ?nzar
e \uc1 \u238 ?n genul a ce avem noi, nic\uc1 \u259 ?ieri. Doamne, c\uc1 \u226 ?n
d m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc c\uc1 \u259 ? poate se uit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \
u351 ?i nu le cum-p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?... m\uc1 \u259 ? face s-o iau razna
, la naiba, de s\uc1 \u259 ?-ncep s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? leg\uc1 \u259 ?n.}
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vezi s\u
c1 \u259 ?-i spui c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-s placate, zise Frink. Cuprul e cupru ma-siv
\uc1 \u351 ?i alama e alam\uc1 \u259 ? masiv\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Las\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? descurc cum \uc1 \u351 ?tiu eu, spuse Ed. Am c\uc1 \
u226 ?teva idei \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r excelente.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Frink se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi: ce pot fa}{\fs24 \dbch
ce este asta. S\uc1 \u259 ? iau dou\uc1 \u259 ? piese \uc1 \u8211 ? lui Ed n-o s
\uc1 \u259 ?-i pese \uc1 \u8211 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? le pun la cutie \uc1 \u351 ?i s\
uc1 \u259 ? i le trimit Julianei. S\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? cu ce m\uc1 \u25
9 ? ocup. Autorit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile po\uc1 \u351 ?tale au s\uc1 \u259 ?
-i dea de urm\uc1 \u259 ?; i le trimit la ul-tima adres\uc1 \u259 ? cunoscut\uc1
\u259 ?. Ce-o s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd o s\uc1 \u259 ? de
schid\uc1 \u259 ? cutia? Va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? fie un bilet de la mine, explic
\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? le-am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut eu \uc1 \u238 ?nsumi; c\uc1
\u259 ? sunt partener \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o mic\uc1 \u259 ? afacere de crea\uc1 \u35
5 ?ie original\uc1 \u259 ? de bijuterii. Am s\uc1 \u259 ?-i aprind imagina\uc1 \
u355 ?ia, s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun ceva care s-o fac\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? vrea
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie mai multe, care s\uc1 \u259 ?-i trezeasc\uc1 \u259
? interesul. Am s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun despre pietre \uc1 \u351 ?i despre metale.
Locurile unde vindem, maga-zinele elegante...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu-i pe-aici? zise Ed, \uc1 \u238 ?ncetin
ind camioneta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Erau \uc1 \u238
?n plin\uc1 \u259 ? circula\uc1 \u355 ?ie, \uc1 \u238 ?n centru; cl\uc1 \u259 ?
dirile acopereau cerul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Mai bine-a\uc1 \u351 ? opri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nc\uc1 \u259 ? cinci blocuri, s
puse Frink.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
cf1 N-ai o \uc1 \u355 ?igar\uc1 \u259 ? de-aia, cu marihuana? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\
uc1 \u259 ? Ed. Una m-ar cal-ma acum. Frink \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du pachet
ul lui de T'ien-lais, sortimentul "Muzic\uc1 \u259 ? cereasc\uc1 \u259 ?", din c
are \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ase s\uc1 \u259 ? fumeze la W.-M. Corp
o-ration.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc
1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u351 ?te cu vreun tip, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
spuse Frink. C\uc1 \u259 ? se culc\uc1 \u259 ? cu el. Ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum i-ar
fi nevast\uc1 \u259 ?. O \uc1 \u351 ?tiu pe Juliana. Altfel n-ar putea supra-vi
e\uc1 \u355 ?ui; \uc1 \u351 ?tiu cum devine la c\uc1 \u259 ?derea nop\uc1 \u355
?ii. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd se face frig \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric \uc1 \u351
?i toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea-i acas\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n sufragerie. Nu-i f\u
c1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ? pentru o via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? solita-r\uc1 \u25
9 ?. Nici eu, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du seama.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Poat}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 e tipul e \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev
\uc1 \u259 ?r cumsecade. Vreun student sfios, pe care l-a ag\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u3
55 ?at ea. Ar fi o femeie bun\uc1 \u259 ? pentru un tinerel care nu s-a mai a-pr
o-piat de vreo femeie. I-ar face mult bine. Sper din tot sufletul c\uc1 \u259 ?
nu-i cu vreunul mai b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n. Asta n-a\uc1 \u351 ? suporta.
Vreun tip experimen-tat \uc1 \u351 ?i josnic, cu o scobitoare lipit\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o parte a gurii, \uc1 \u238 ?nghesuind-o peste tot.}{\fs24 \dbch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sim\uc1 \u355 ?i cum \uc1 \u238 ?ncepe s\u
c1 \u259 ? respire greu. Imaginea unei huidume p\uc1 \u259 ?ro-ase pun\uc1 \u226
?nd-o pe Juliana la p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt, r\uc1 \u259 ?u cu ea, f\uc1 \
u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i via\uc1 \u355 ?a nefe-ricit\uc1 \u259 ?... \uc1 \u350 ?
tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la urm\uc1 \u259 ? ar termina-o omo
r\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. A\uc1 \u351 ?a-i este ei scris, dac\uc
1 \u259 ? nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i g\uc1 \u259 ?se\uc1 \u351 ?te b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul pot
rivit \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i asta \uc1 \u238 ?n-seamn\uc1 \u259 ? tipul stu
dentului, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r bl\uc1 \u226 ?nd, sensibil, ama-bil,
care s\uc1 \u259 ? fie \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ?-i aprecieze ei g\uc1 \
u226 ?ndurile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Eu am fost prea
dur pentru ea, se}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. \uc1 \u350 ?i eu nu sunt at\uc
1 \u226 ?t de r\uc1 \u259 ?u; sunt o gr\uc1 \u259 ?mad\uc1 \u259 ? de tipi mai r
\uc1 \u259 ?i dec\uc1 \u226 ?t mine. Puteam foarte bine s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi dau sea
ma ce g\uc1 \u226 ?ndea, ce dorea, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd se sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea singur\u
c1 \u259 ? sau deprimat\uc1 \u259 ?. Am pierdut o mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime de timp f\u
c1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-mi griji sau agi-t\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? pe l\
uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? ea. Dar n-a }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 fost destul. Merita mai mult,
se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
fenp1033 \cf1 Parchez, zise Ed.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1 G\uc1 \u259 ?sise un loc \uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?dea camioneta cu spatele,
uit\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se peste um\uc1 \u259 ?r.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?, zise Frink. Pot s\uc1 \
u259 ?-i trimit dou\uc1 \u259 ? piese nevesti-mii?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiam c\uc1 \u259 ? e\u
c1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?nsurat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
f1 Preocupat cu parcarea, Ed \uc1 \u238 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 :}{\f
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sigur, dac\
uc1 \u259 ? nu-s din argint.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
\af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 E
d stinse motorul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
1033 \cf1 Am ajuns, spuse.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Puf
\uc1 \u259 ?i fumul de marihuana apoi strivi \uc1 \u355 ?igara pe bord \uc1 \u35
1 ?i arunc\uc1 \u259 ? mucul pe podeaua cabinei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ureaz\uc1 \u259 ?-mi noroc.}{\fs24 \dbc
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Noroc, spuse Frank
Frink.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 H
ei, ia uit\uc1 \u259 ?-te. E o poezie de-aia japonez\uc1 \u259 ?, }{\i1 \fs24 \d
f1 waka, }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe10
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 pe dosul pachetului de \uc1 \u355 ?ig\uc1 \u259 ?ri.}{\fs2
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ed citi poezia cu voce tare, acoper
ind zgomotul traficului:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
fe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langn
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 "Auzind strig\uc1 \u259 ?tul cucului}{\fs24
p1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M-am uitat \uc1 \u238 ?n direc\u
c1 \u355 ?ia}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De unde venea
sunetul:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
\lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce am v\uc1 \u25
9 ?zut?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
ang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Doar luna palid\uc
1 \u259 ? pe cerul zorilor de zi."}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i d\uc1 \u259 ?du
\uc1 \u238 ?napoi lui Frink pachetul de T'ien-lais. Apoi \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u
259 ?du una pe spate, z\uc1 \u226 ?mbi larg cu to\uc1 \u355 ?i din\uc1 \u355 ?ii
, deschise u\uc1 \u351 ?a camionetei, lu\uc1 \u259 ? co\uc1 \u351 ?ul de r\uc1 \
u259 ?chit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i afar\uc1 \u259 ?
din ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Te las s\uc1 \u259 ? pui tu moneda \uc1 \u238 ?n apar
at, zise el lu\uc1 \u226 ?nd-o \uc1 \u238 ?n jos pe trotuar.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ntr-o secund\uc1 \u259 ?, se
pierdu printre ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 pietoni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Juliana, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Frink. E\uc1 \u351 ?ti l
a fel de singur\uc1 \u259 ? ca mine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
3 \cf1 Se d\uc1 \u259 ?du jos din ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pus
e o moned\uc1 \u259 ? de zece cen\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n ceasul de parcare.
Fric\uc1 \u259 ?, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Toat\uc1 \u259 ? afacerea asta cu bijuter
ii-le. }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u355 ?ine? Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu \
uc1 \u355 ?ine? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \l
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Oracolul a\uc1 \u351 ?a spunea. Bocet, lac}{\fs24 \
cf1 rimi, pierderea po-tu-lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
Chipuri, umbrele \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecate ale vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii lui. Trecerea lui
spre mor-m\uc1 \u226 ?nt. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? era ca aici, nu mai era at\uc1 \u226 ?
t de r\uc1 \u259 ?u. Chiar deloc r\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Mi-e fric\uc1 \u259 ?, realiz\uc1 \u259 ?. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? Ed
nu vinde nimic. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u226 ?d de noi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Atunci?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
Pe un cear\uc1 \u351 ?af \uc1 \u238 ?ntins pe du\uc1 \u351 ?umeaua camerei din f
a\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? a aparta-mentului ei, Juliana st\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \
u238 ?ntins\uc1 \u259 ?, str\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l pe Joe Cinnadella la
piept. \uc1 \u206 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea era cald\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i inund
at\uc1 \u259 ? de soarele dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiezii. Corpul ei \uc1 \u351 ?i corpu
l b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatului din bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele ei umede de transpira\uc1 \u355 ?
ie. O pic\uc1 \u259 ?tu-r\uc1 \u259 ?, rostogolindu-se de pe fruntea lui Joe, at
\uc1 \u226 ?rnat\uc1 \u259 ? un moment pe po-me-tele obrazului lui, \uc1 \u238 ?
i c\uc1 \u259 ?zu ei pe g\uc1 \u226 ?t.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 E\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? leoar
c\uc1 \u259 ?, murmur\uc1 \u259 ? ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
33 \cf1 El nu zise nimic. Respira\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui, ad\uc1 \u226 ?nc\uc1 \u259
?, rar\uc1 \u259 ?, regulat\uc1 \u259 ?... ca ocea-nul, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi ea.
Nu suntem dec\uc1 \u226 ?t o ap\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru.}{\f
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C}{\fs24 \d
f1 um a fost? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
langfenp1033 \cf1 El morm\uc1 \u259 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? fusese okay.}{\fs24 \dbch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeam eu, se g\uc
1 \u226 ?ndi Juliana. Pot s-o spun. Acum trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? ne ridic\uc1 \u25
9 ?m am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi, s\uc1 \u259 ? ne tragem din noi. Sau nu e bine? Semn de
dezaprobare subcon\uc1 \u351 ?tient\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
\langfenp1033 \cf1 El se mi\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Te ridici?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 l apuc\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u226
?ns cu ambele bra\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu. \uc1 \u206 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? nu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? te
duci la sal\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu m\
uc1 \u259 ? duc la sal\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i zise Juliana. Nu \
uc1 \u351 ?tii? Vom merge undeva; nu vom mai sta prea mult aici. Dar va fi un lo
c unde n-am mai fost. E timpul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 l sim\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncepe s\uc1 \
u259 ? se trag\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1 \u351 ?i apoi \uc1 \u238 ?n su
s, pe genunchi, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i sim\uc1 \u355 ?i m\uc1 \u226 ?inile al
unec\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i \uc1 \u238 ?n lungul spatelui lui umed, lune-cos. A-poi \u
c1 \u238 ?l auzi cum se \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rteaz\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u23
8 ?n picioarele goale pe podea. \uc1 \u206 ?n baie, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \
uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ?. S\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i fac\uc1 \u259 ? du\uc
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Gata, se g\uc1 \u22
6 ?ndi ea. Ei bine. Oft\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Te aud, zise Joe din baie. Gem\uc1 \u226 ?nd. \uc1
\u206 ?n}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe103
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 totdeauna deprimat\uc1 \u259 ?, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a? \uc1 \
u206 ?ngrijorare, fric\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncredere, \uc1 \u
238 ?n leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu mine \uc1 \u351 ?i cu totul pe lume.}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ie\uc1 \u351 ?i pentru o clip\uc
1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?iroind de ap\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?pun,
cu fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lucind.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Cum \uc1 \u355 ?i-ar pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea o excursie?}{\fs24 \db
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pulsul i se acceler\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Unde?}{\fs24 \d
angnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n vre
un ora\uc1 \u351 ? mare. Ce-ar fi spre nord, la Denver? Te scot \uc1 \u238 ?n lu
me; \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i cump\uc1 \u259 ?r bilet la un spectacol, un restau
rant bun, taxi, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i iau rochie de sear\uc1 \u259 ? sau ce\uc1 \u355 ?i mai trebuie. Okay?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i venea greu s\uc1 \u259 ?-l cread\uc1 \u259 ?, dar voia,
\uc1 \u238 ?ncerca.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
enp1033 \cf1 E \uc1 \u238 ?n stare Stud-ul t\uc1 \u259 ?u s\uc1 \u259 ? reziste
la drum? strig\uc1 \u259 ? Jo}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sigur, spuse ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ne lu\uc1 \u259 ?m am\uc1 \u226 ?n
doi ni\uc1 \u351 ?te haine frumoase, spuse el. Ne sim\uc1 \u355 ?im bine, poate
pentru prima oar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?a noastr\uc1 \u259 ?.
S\uc1 \u259 ? nu plesne\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De unde banii?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Joe spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i am eu. Uit\uc1 \u259 ?-te \uc1 \u238 ?n serviet
a mea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nch
ise u\uc1 \u351 ?a b\uc1 \u259 ?ii; zgomotul apei \uc1 \u238 ?i acoperi c}{\fs24
\cf1 elelalte cuvinte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Deschi
z\uc1 \u226 ?nd servanta, \uc1 \u238 ?i scoase valijoara lovit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i decolorat\uc1 \u259 ?. Des-tul de \uc1 \u238 ?ndem\uc1 \u226 ?natic\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un col\uc1 \u355 ? descoperi un plic. Con\uc1 \u355 ?i
nea bancnote ale Reichbank, de o mare valoare \uc1 \u351 ?i valabile oriunde. A\
uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? putem mer-ge, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?
du seama. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? trage pe sfoar\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu mi-a\
uc1 \u351 ? dori de-c\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? pot intra \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u2
59 ?untrul lui, s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d ce-i acolo, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi num
\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?nd banii...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
3 \cf1 Sub plic g\uc1 \u259 ?si un stilou uria\uc1 \u351 ?, cilindric, sau cel p
u\uc1 \u355 ?in asta p\uc1 \u259 ?rea a fi; avea o ag\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc
1 \u259 ?toare, oricum. Dar c\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?rea prea mult. Cu grij\uc
1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?l ridi-c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-i de\uc1 \u351 ?urub\u
c1 \u259 ? capacul. Da, avea peni\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de aur. Dar...}{\fs24
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce-i asta? \uc1
\u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? pe Joe, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd reap\uc1 \u259 ?
ru de sub du\uc1 \u351 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lang
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 I-l
lu\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-l puse \uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1 \u238 ?n valiz\uc1 \u
259 ?. C\uc1 \u226 ?t de atent \uc1 \u238 ?l m\uc1 \u226 ?nuia... observ\uc1 \u2
59 ? asta \uc1 \u351 ?i reflect\uc1 \u259 ? la ea, uluit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \db
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Curiozitate, \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?? zise Joe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
f1 P\uc1 \u259 ?rea \uc1 \u238 ?nseninat, mai mult ca niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? de c\
uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnise; cu un chiot de entu
ziasm, o prinse de mijloc, apoi o ridic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355
?e, \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u226 ?rtin-d-o, leg\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?nd-o \uc1 \u
238 ?nainte \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?napoi, privind-o p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259
? ce ea \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? be-h\uc1 \u259 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, zise. Sunt doar... \uc1
\u238 ?nceat\uc1 \u259 ? la schimb\uc1 \u259 ?ri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
\langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \la
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 c\uc1 \u259 ? pu\uc1 \u355
?in speriat\uc1 \u259 ? de tine, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. At\uc1 \u226 ?t de speria
t\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t nici nu pot spune m\uc1 \u259 ?car, s\
uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i zic despre asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Afar\uc1 \u259 ? pe fereastr\uc1 \u259 ?, str
ig\uc1 \u259 ? Joe, travers\uc1 \u226 ?nd repede camera cu ea \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\
uc1 \u355 ?e. Plec\uc1 \u259 ?m.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Te rog, spuse ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Glumeam. Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?... mergem \uc1 \u
238 ?ntr-un mar\uc1 \u351 ?, ca Mar\uc1 \u351 ?ul Asu-pra Romei. \uc1 \u354 ?ii
minte. Ducele i-a condus, pe unchiul meu, Carlo, de pild\uc1 \u259 ?. Acum noi f
acem un mar\uc1 \u351 ? mic, mai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in important, netrecut \uc1 \u238
?n c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile de istorie. Bine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Plec\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i capul, o s\uc1 \u259 ?ru
t\uc1 \u259 ? pe gur\uc1 \u259 ?, at\uc1 \u226 ?t de puternic \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u226 ?t din\uc1 \u355 ?ii le scr\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?nir\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs2
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce frumos vom
ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi, \uc1 \u238 ?n haine noi. \uc1 \u350 ?i po\
uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi ex-plici exact cum s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbesc, s\uc1 \u
259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? port, bine? \uc1 \u206 ?nva\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u
259 ? bunele mani-ere, bine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?ti okay, spuse Juliana. Chiar mai bine dec
\uc1 \u226 ?t mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
np1033 \cf1 Nu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Deveni deodat\
uc1 \u259 ? trist.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
p1033 \cf1 Vorbesc foarte prost. Un ade}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 v\uc1 \u259 ?rat accent bros
c\uc1 \u259 ?resc. Nu l-ai remarcat prima oar\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd m-ai \
uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnit \uc1 \u238 ?n bar?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? da, spuse ea; nu-i p
\uc1 \u259 ?rea important.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Numai o femeie cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te conven\uc1 \u355 ?iile soc
iale, zise Joe, du-c\uc1 \u226 ?nd-o \uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1 \u351 ?i l\uc1 \u259
?s\uc1 \u226 ?nd-o s\uc1 \u259 ? cad\uc1 \u259 ? pe pat, f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u2
26 ?nd-o s\uc1 \u259 ? salte \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?i-m\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u
259 ?tor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
1 F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? o femeie, am discuta despre curse de ma\uc1 \u351 ?
ini \uc1 \u351 ?i de cai \uc1 \u351 ?i am spune glume porcoase; nici un pic de c
iviliza\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 E\uc1 \
u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o stare ciudat\uc1 \u259 ?, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Juliana
. Nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tit \uc1 \u351 ?i clocind g\uc1 \u226 ?nduri negre; p\uc1 \u
226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ce te hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ti s\uc1 \u259
? te deplasezi; atunci devii s\uc1 \u259 ?l-t\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?. M\uc1 \
u259 ? vrei \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r? M\uc1 \u259 ? po\uc1 \u355 ?i p\u
c1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?si, l\uc1 \u259 ?sa aici; s-a mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u22
6 ?mplat. Te-a\uc1 \u351 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?si eu, dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc
1 \u351 ? continua.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
np1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u258 ?la \uc1 \u355 ?i-e salariul? \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?n
treb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce el se \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?ca. L-ai
pus deoparte?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Era prea mult.
Bine\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles, erau o gr\uc1 \u259 ?mad\uc1 \u259 ? de bani
\uc1 \u238 ?n Est.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
p1033 \cf1 Nici}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 un \uc1 \u351 ?ofer de camion cu care am discutat n
u a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut vreo-dat\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?t...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Spui c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt \uc
1 \u351 ?ofer de camion? o \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupse Joe. Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?, am mer
s cu chestia aia nu ca s\uc1 \u259 ? conduc, ci ca s\uc1 \u259 ? o ap\uc1 \u259
?r de t\uc1 \u226 ?lhari. Ar\uc1 \u259 ?-t\uc1 \u226 ?nd ca un \uc1 \u351 ?ofer
de camion, a\uc1 \u355 ?ipind \uc1 \u238 ?n cabin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pr\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?indu-se pe un fotol
iu din col\uc1 \u355 ?ul \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perii, se l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1
\u259 ? pe spate, f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se c\uc1 \u259 ? doarme, cu gura
deschis\uc1 \u259 ?, cu corpul \uc1 \u355 ?eap\uc1 \u259 ?n.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vezi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 La \uc1 \u238 ?nceput, nu v\uc1 \u259 ?zu. Apoi \u
c1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du seama c\uc1 \u259 ? avea \uc1 \u238 ?n m
\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? un cu\uc1 \u355 ?it, sub\uc1 \u355 ?ire ca o frigare d
e buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?rie. Dumnezeule! se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. De unde ap\u
c1 \u259 ?ruse? Din m\uc1 \u226 ?nec\uc1 \u259 ?; din aer.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De-asta m-au angajat cei de l
a Volkswagen. Sarcin\uc1 \u259 ? de servi-ciu. Ne-am ap\uc1 \u259 ?rat singuri \
uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva lui Haselden, coman-dourile alea; el le-a condus.}{\fs24 \db
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ochii negri sclipir\uc1 \u259 ?; z\uc1 \
u226 ?mbi \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o parte c\uc1 \u259 ?tre Juliana.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cine crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? l-a
prins pe Colonel, atunci, la sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am
pus m\uc1 \u226 ?na pe ei, pe Nil \uc1 \u8211 ? pe el, \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u
259 ? cu al\uc1 \u355 ?i patru din Grupul de Interven\uc1 \u355 ?ie pentru De\uc
1 \u351 ?ert, la luni de zile dup\uc1 \u259 ? campania de la Cairo. Ne-au c\uc1
\u259 ?lcat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o noapte, pentru benzin\uc1 \u259 ?. Eram santinel\u
c1 \u259 ?. Haselden s-a furi\uc1 \u351 ?at, frecat cu negru peste tot pe fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pe corp, inclusiv pe m\uc1 \u226 ?ini; nu ave
au atunci nici un la\uc1 \u355 ? de s\uc1 \u226 ?rm\uc1 \u259 ?, numai grenade \
uc1 \u351 ?i auto-mate u\uc1 \u351 ?oare. Mult prea zgomoto\uc1 \u351 ?i. A \uc1
\u238 ?ncercat s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi fr\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?tul.
enp1033 \cf1 I }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 l-am fr\uc1 \u226 ?nt eu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Din fotoliu, Joe s\uc1 \u259 ?ri spre ea, r\uc1 \u226 ?z
\uc1 \u226 ?nd:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
33 \cf1 Hai s\uc1 \u259 ?-mpachet\uc1 \u259 ?m. Le spui la sal\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i iei c\uc1 \u226 ?teva zile libere; sun\uc1 \u259 ?-i.}{\f
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Povestea lui pur \uc1 \u351 ?i si
mplu nu o convinsese. Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? nici nu fusese \uc1 \u238 ?n Africa
de Nord, nici nu luptase \uc1 \u238 ?n r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi de partea Axei, nici m
\uc1 \u259 ?car nu luptase. Ce t\uc1 \u226 ?lhari? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u25
9 ? ea. Nici un camion despre care \uc1 \u351 ?tia ea nu venise prin Canon City
dinspre Coasta de Est cu un profesionist, fost soldat, drept gard\uc1 \u259 ?. P
robabil c\uc1 \u259 ? nici nu tr\uc1 \u259 ?ise \uc1 \u238 ?n SUA, inventase tot
ul, de la \uc1 \u238 ?nceput; o minciun\uc1 \u259 ? ca s-o am\uc1 \u259 ?geasc\u
c1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ?-i trezeasc\uc1 \u259 ? interesul, s\uc1 \u259 ? par\uc
1 \u259 ? romantic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Poate este
nebun, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Ironic... pot face de fapt ceea ce am pretins de mu
lte ori c\uc1 \u259 ? fac, s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi folosesc cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u3
55 ?ele de judo pentru auto-ap\uc1 \u259 ?rare. S\uc1 \u259 ?-mi salvez... fecio
ria? Via\uc1 \u355 ?a, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Dar mult mai posibil s\uc1 \u259 ? f
ie doar un biet broscar din clasa de jos, care munce\uc1 \u351 ?te pe rupte, cu
iluzia gloriei; vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? un chef zdrav\uc1 \u259 ?n, s
\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i cheltuie to\uc1 \u355 ?i banii, s\uc1 \u259 ?-i dea g
ata \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i apoi s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarc\uc1 \u2
59 ? la existen\uc1 \u355 ?a lui monoton\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i-i trebuie o
fat\uc1 \u259 ? ca s-o fac\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Okay, zise. Am s\uc1 \u259 ? telefonez la sal\uc
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Duc\uc1 \u226 ?nduse \uc1 \u238 ?n hol, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi: o s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi cumpere haine scum
pe \uc1 \u351 ?i apoi o s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? duc\uc1 \u259 ? la vreun hot
el luxos. Orice b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat t\uc1 \u226 ?nje\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ? a
ib\uc1 \u259 ? o femeie \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r bine \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\u
c1 \u259 ?cat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nainte s\uc1 \u259 ? moar\uc1 \u259 ?, chi
ar dac\uc1 \u259 ? trebu-ie s\uc1 \u259 ?-i cumpere el hainele. Cheful \uc1 \u25
9 ?sta este probabil ambi\uc1 \u355 ?ia de o via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? a lui J
oe Cinnadella. \uc1 \u350 ?i este iste\uc1 \u355 ?; pun pariu c\uc1 \u259 ? are
dreptate \uc1 \u238 ?n felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care m-a analizat... am o fric\uc1 \u
259 ? nevrotic\uc1 \u259 ? de mascul. Frank o \uc1 \u351 ?tia \uc1 \u351 ?i el.
De asta ne-am desp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?it, de-asta simt acum nelini\uc1 \u35
1 ?tea asta, ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncre-de-rea asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
gfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd se}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse de la telefon
ul public, \uc1 \u238 ?l g\uc1 \u259 ?si pe Joe \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat
\uc1 \u259 ? afundat \uc1 \u238 ?n }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 L\uc1 \u259 ?custa, }{\fs24
\cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ncrunt\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce citea, incon-\uc
1 \u351 ?tient de orice altceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 N-ai s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? la\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \
u351 ?i pe mine s-o citesc? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Poate \uc1 \u238 ?n timp c
e eu conduc, spuse Joe, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i r
idice}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \
langfenp1033 \cf1 privirile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
\u8212 ? }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \lang
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Tu }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ai s\uc1 \u259 ? conduci? Dar e ma\uc1
\u351 ?ina mea!}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 El nu spuse n
imic; continu\uc1 \u259 ? doar s\uc1 \u259 ? citeasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De la casa de marcat, Robert Childan \uc1 \u238
?\uc1 \u351 ?i ridic\uc1 \u259 ? privirile s\uc1 \u259 ? se uite la un b\uc1 \u2
59 ?rbat slab, \uc1 \u238 ?nalt, cu p\uc1 \u259 ?r negru, care intra \uc1 \u238
?n magazinul lui. O-mul purta un costum u\uc1 \u351 ?or demodat \uc1 \u351 ?i du
cea un co\uc1 \u351 ? mare, din r\uc1 \u259 ?chi-t\uc1 \u259 ?. Comis-voiajor. C
u toate astea, z\uc1 \u226 ?mbetul nu-i era amabil; avea, \uc1 \u238 ?n schimb u
n aer \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat, moroc\uc1 \u259 ?nos, pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?a t\uc1 \u259
?b\uc1 \u259 ?cit\uc1 \u259 ?. Mai degrab\uc1 \u259 ? instalator sau electricia
n, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Robert Childan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
033 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce termin\uc1 \u259 ? cu clientul lui, Childan \uc1 \u2
38 ?i strig\uc1 \u259 ? omului:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pe cine reprezenta\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Edfrank. Bijuterii la comand\uc
1 \u259 ?, morm\uc1 \u259 ?i omul \uc1 \u238 ?n r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns.}{\fs24 \dbch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i pusese c
o\uc1 \u351 ?ul pe una dintre tejghele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Lucru de m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. Fiecare, un
icat. Fiecare, original. Alam\uc1 \u259 ?, cu-pru, argint. Chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i f
ier negru}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe10
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 forjat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
Childan \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i arunc\uc1 \u259 ? privirile \uc1 \u238 ?n co\
uc1 \u351 ?. Metal pe catifea neagr\uc1 \u259 ?, tipic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc. Nu-s \
uc1 \u238 ?n domeniul meu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Reprezint\uc1 \u259 ? art\uc1 \u259 ? american\uc1 \u259 ?. C
ontemporan\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cl\uc1
\u259 ?tin\uc1 \u226 ?nd din cap \uc1 \u238 ?n semn c\uc1 \u259 ? nu, Childan s
e \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse c\uc1 \u259 ?tre casa de marcat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Un timp, omul st\uc1 \u259 ?tu juc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se cu
panourile lui din catifea \uc1 \u351 ?i cu co\uc1 \u351 ?ul. Nici nu le punea l
a loc, nici nu le scotea; p\uc1 \u259 ?rea s\uc1 \u259 ? nu aib\uc1 \u259 ? ha-b
ar ce f\uc1 \u259 ?cea. Cu m\uc1 \u226 ?inile \uc1 \u238 ?ncruci\uc1 \u351 ?ate,
Childan \uc1 \u238 ?l urm\uc1 \u259 ?rea, g\uc1 \u226 ?n-dindu-se la diversele
probleme ale zilei. La dou\uc1 \u259 ? avea fixat\uc1 \u259 ? o \uc1 \u238 ?nt\u
c1 \u226 ?lnire, pentru a prezenta ni\uc1 \u351 ?te ce\uc1 \u351 ?ti din perioad
a timpurie. Apoi, la trei, un alt trans-port de obiecte care se-ntorceau de la l
aboratorul Universit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii Califor-nia, de la testul de aute
nticitate. Examinase \uc1 \u351 ?i alte piese \uc1 \u238 ?n ultimele dou\uc1 \u2
59 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ni. De c\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu nepl\uc1
\u259 ?c}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe103
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 utul incident cu Coltul 44.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu sunt placa\uc1 \u355 ?i, spuse omul
cu co\uc1 \u351 ?ul de r\uc1 \u259 ?chit\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?
nd \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?-n\uc1 \u259 ? ni\uc1 \u351 ?te butoni de c\uc1 \u
259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Cupru masiv.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Childan d\uc1 \u259 ?du din cap f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?spund\uc1 \u259 ?. Omul avea s\uc1 \u259 ? mai piard\uc1 \
u259 ? pu\uc1 \u355 ?in timp acolo, ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i
e\uc1 \u351 ?antioanele, dar, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, o va lua
din loc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Telefonul sun\uc1 \u2
59 ?. Childan r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse. Clientul solicit\uc1 \u226 ?nd un ba-lan-soar

vechi, pe care Childan \uc1 \u238 ?l avea la reparat. Nu era gata, iar Childan
trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ? o poveste conving\uc1 \u259 ?toare. Privin
d prin vitrine la trafi-cul de la amiaz\uc1 \u259 ?, lini\uc1 \u351 ?tit, d\uc1
\u259 ?du asigur\uc1 \u259 ?ri. \uc1 \u206 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, clientul
, oarecum lini\uc1 \u351 ?tit, \uc1 \u238 ?nchise.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nici o \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u
259 ?, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi c\uc1 \u226 ?nd puse receptorul \uc1 \u238 ?n furc\uc
1 \u259 ?, afa-cerea cu Coltul 44 \uc1 \u238 ?l zdruncinase serios. Nu-\uc1 \u35
1 ?i mai privise stocul cu acela\uc1 \u351 ?i ad\uc1 \u226 ?nc respect. Un du\uc
1 \u351 ? rece ca acela \uc1 \u238 ?i va fi de folos mult timp. La fel ca trezir
ea din prima copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie; fapte de via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Arat\uc
1 \u259 ?, rumeg\uc1 \u259 ? el, leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura cu primii no\uc1 \u351 ?tri
ani de via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?: nu doar istoria S.U.A., implicit\uc1 \u259
?, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i a noastr\uc1 \u259 ? personal\uc1 \u259 ?. Ca \uc1 \u351 ?i
cum, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, ar putea ap\uc1 \u259 ?rea \uc1 \u238 ?ntre-b\uc1 \u25
9 ?ri \uc1 \u238 ?n leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu autenticitatea certificatu
lui nostru de na\uc1 \u351 ?tere. Sau impresia noastr\uc1 \u259 ? despre Tat\uc1
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Poate c\uc1 \u259 ?
de fapt, nu iau F.D.R.}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \
langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \li
sa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \lo
ch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \ch
ftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
angfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af6 \loch \f6 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \lang
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 First Dad Recall \uc1 \u8211 ? chemarea tat\uc1 \u259
?lui}}}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langn
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ca exemplu. Imagine sintetic\uc1 \u259 ?, d
istilat\uc1 \u259 ? din auzirea discu\uc1 \u355 ?iilor asupra subiectului. Mit s
ubtil im-plan-tat \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u355 ?esutul creierului}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 . Ca,
se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, mitul Hepplewhite. Mitul Chip-pendale}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \a
loch \f6 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Stiluri engleze\uc
1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?n mobilierul}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lan
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 secolului XVIII}}}{\fs24 \dbch
. Sau mai degrab\uc1 \u259 ? cel referitor la stilul Abra-ham Lincoln, a-ici. Cu
\uc1 \u355 ?itele alea vechi de argint, furculi\uc1 \u355 ?ele, lingu-rile. Nu-l
po\uc1 \u355 ?i vedea, dar faptele r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?n.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pe cealalt\uc1 \u259 ? tejghea, \uc1 \u238 ?n
c\uc1 \u259 ? mai b\uc1 \u226 ?jb\uc1 \u226 ?ind cu panourile \uc1 \u351 ?i cu c
o\uc1 \u351 ?ul lui din r\uc1 \u259 ?chit\uc1 \u259 ?, comis-voiajorul spuse:}{\
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Putem face
obiecte la comand\uc1 \u259 ?. De comand\uc1 \u259 ?. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? vreun cli
-ent de-al dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? are idei proprii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vocea \uc1 \u238 ?i suna g\uc1 \u226 ?tuit. \uc1 \u206 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i limpezi g\uc1 \u226 ?tul, privind la Childan, apoi la bijuteria pe
care o \uc1 \u355 ?inea. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tia cum s\uc1 \u259 ? plece, evident.}{
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Childan z\uc1 \u226 ?mbi \uc1 \
u351 ?i nu spuse nimic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu-i t
reaba mea. E a lui, s\uc1 \u259 ? ias\uc1 \u259 ? singur de aici. S\uc1 \u259 ?
elibereze sau nu locul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Difici
l, asemenea disconfort. Dar nu are dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? nu fie co-misvo-iajor. To\uc1 \u355 ?i suferim pe lumea asta. Ia uite la mine. S-o \uc1 \u238
?ncasez toat\uc1 \u259 ? ziua de la japonezi ca domnul Tagomi. Cu cea mai mic\u
c1 \u259 ? inflexiune a vocii, \uc1 \u238 ?mi d\uc1 \u259 ? peste nas, \uc1 \u23
8 ?mi face via\uc1 \u355 ?a amar\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Apoi, \uc1 \u238 ?i veni o idee. Tipul sigur nu o practica. Uit\
uc1 \u259 ?-te la el. Poate pot s\uc1 \u259 ? ob\uc1 \u355 ?in ceva \uc1 \u238 ?
n consigna\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Merit\uc1 \u259 ? o \uc1 \u238 ?nce}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 rcare.
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Hei, zi
se Childan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Omul \uc1 \u238 ?\
uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? repede privirile
, a\uc1 \u355 ?intindu-\uc1 \u351 ?i-le asupra lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
33 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 naint\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ?tre e
l, cu bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele tot \uc1 \u238 ?ncruci\uc1 \u351 ?ate, Childan zise:}{\
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pare a fi
o jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate de or\uc1 \u259 ? lini\uc1 \u351 ?tit\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu prom
it nimic, dar po\uc1 \u355 ?i l\uc1 \u259 ?sa c\uc1 \u226 ?teva din chestiile as
tea aici. D\uc1 \u259 ? pu\uc1 \u355 ?in mai \uc1 \u238 ?ncolo rafturile alea cu
cravate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
ch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch
i ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? unde.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
\cf1 D\uc1 \u226 ?nd din cap, omul \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? elibereze un
spa\uc1 \u355 ?iu pe tejghea. \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i deschise iar\uc1 \u259
?\uc1 \u351 ?i co\uc1 \u351 ?ul \uc1 \u351 ?i umbl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc
1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ? cu panourile de catifea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O s\uc1 \u259 ? scoat\uc1 \u259 ? totul, \uc1 \u351 ?tiu
Childan. O s\uc1 \u259 ? le aranjeze s\uc1 \u226 ?rguincios timp de o or\uc1 \u2
59 ?. O s\uc1 \u259 ? se agite \uc1 \u351 ?i o s\uc1 \u259 ? le tot aranjeze p\u
c1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ce o s\uc1 \u259 ? le pun\uc1 \u259 ? pe toate. Sper\uc1
\u226 ?nd. Rug\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se. Urm\uc1 \u259 ?rindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? cu coada o
chiului, secund\uc1 \u259 ? de secund\uc1 \u259 ?. S\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ?
dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncep s\uc1 \u259 ?-i acord vreun interes. Nici unul
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1
\u226 ?nd le termini de scos, zise Childan, }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu am s
\uc1 \u259 ? fiu prea ocupat, am s\uc1 \u259 ? arunc o privire.}{\fs24 \dbch \af
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Omul lucr\uc1 \u259 ? febril, ca \uc1 \u238 ?m
boldit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Atunci intrar\uc1 \u25
9 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n magazin c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva clien\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \
u351 ?i Childan \uc1 \u238 ?i salut\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?n-drept\uc1 \u259 ? aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia asupra lor \uc1 \u351 ?i a dorin\u
c1 \u355 ?elor lor \uc1 \u351 ?i uit\uc1 \u259 ? de comis-voia-jorul care muncea
la tejgheaua lui. Acesta, v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd situa\uc1 \u355 ?ia, dev
eni mai pru-dent \uc1 \u238 ?n mi\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ri; se f\uc1 \u259 ?cu
minuscul. Childan v\uc1 \u226 ?ndu un castrona\uc1 \u351 ? de b\uc1 \u259 ?r-bi
erit, aproape v\uc1 \u226 ?ndu un covor lucrat de m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, lu
\uc1 \u259 ? banii \uc1 \u238 ?n avans pentru o cuvertur\uc1 \u259 ? afgan\uc1 \
u259 ?. Timpul trecea. \uc1 \u206 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, clien\uc1 \u355 ?
ii plecar\uc1 \u259 ?. Magazinul r\uc1 \u259 ?mase iar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
gol, cu excep-\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui \uc1 \u351 ?i a comis-vo-ia-jorului.}{\fs24 \db
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Comis-voiajorul terminase. \uc1 \u206 ?n
treaga lui colec\uc1 \u355 ?ie de bijuterii era aranjat\uc1 \u259 ? pe catifeaua
neagr\uc1 \u259 ?, pe suprafa\uc1 \u355 ?a tejghelei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Merg\uc1 \u226 ?nd lejer c\uc1 \u259 ?tre el, Robert Ch
ildan \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aprinse o Land-O-Smi-les \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u2
59 ?mase \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare leg\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se pe c\uc1 \u25
9 ?lc\uc1 \u226 ?ie \uc1 \u238 ?nainte \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?napoi, fre-don\
uc1 \u226 ?nd monoton. Comis-voiajorul t\uc1 \u259 ?cea. Nici unul nu spuse nimi
c.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \lan
\lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n cele
din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, Childan se duse \uc1 \u351 ?i ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? c
\uc1 \u259 ?tre o insign\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Asta-mi place.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
gfenp1033 \cf1 Comis-voiajorul zise repede:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 E bun\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu ve\uc1 \u355 ?i g\uc1
\u259 ?si nici o urm\uc1 \u259 ? de perie de s\uc1 \u226 ?rm\uc1 \u259 ?. Finisa
t\uc1 \u259 ? perfect. \uc1 \u350 ?i nu se \uc1 \u238 ?nnegre\uc1 \u351 ?te. Am
suflat-o pe deasupra cu un lac din plastic. Dureaz\uc1 \u259 ? ani de zile. Este
cel mai bun lac industrial care se g\uc1 \u259 ?se\uc1 \u351 ?te.}{\fs24 \dbch
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Childan \uc1 \u238 ?ncuviin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? d\uc1 \u226 ?nd u\uc1 \u351 ?or din cap.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ceea ce-am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut noi aici,
zise comis-voiajorul, este s\uc1 \u259 ? adap-t\uc1 \u259 ?m tehnicile industria
le, \uc1 \u238 ?ncercate \uc1 \u351 ?i probate, la executarea bijute-riilor. Dup
\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?te \uc1 \u351 ?tiu eu, nimeni nu a mai \uc1 \u238 ?nce
rcat asta p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acum. Nimic turnat. Totul metal pe metal. S
udat \uc1 \u351 ?i lipit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lang
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 F\uc
1 \u259 ?cu o pauz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dosurile sunt fixate prin lipire.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Childan lu\uc1 \u259 ? dou\uc1 \u259 ? br\uc1 \u259
?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?ri. Apoi o insign\uc1 \u259 ?. Apoi o alt\uc1 \u259 ? i
nsign\uc1 \u259 ?. Le \uc1 \u355 ?inu o clip\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u2
26 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, apoi le puse deoparte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
np1033 \cf1 Pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?a comis-voiajorului se zb\uc1 \u259 ?tu un mu\uc1 \
u351 ?chi. Speran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
enp1033 \cf1 Examin\uc1 \u226 ?nd eticheta cu pre\uc1 \u355 ?ul unui colier, Chi
ldan spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
cf1 \uc1 \u258 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \l
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 sta-i...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cu bucata. Pre\uc1 \u355 ?ul pentru dumneavoastr\u
c1 \u259 ? este cincizeci la sut\uc1 \u259 ? din asta. \uc1 \u350 ?i dac\uc1 \u2
59 ? vre\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? cump\uc1 \u259 ?ra\uc1 \u355 ?i, s\uc1 \u259
? zicem, \uc1 \u238 ?n jur de o sut\uc1 \u259 ? de do-lari, v\uc1 \u259 ? mai d
\uc1 \u259 ?m un doi la sut\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n plus.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Una c\uc1 \u226 ?te una, Childan puse deoparte ma
i multe piese. Cu fiecare \uc1 \u238 ?n plu}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 s, comis-voiajorul deven
ea tot mai agitat; vorbea tot mai repede, \uc1 \u238 ?n final repet\uc1 \u226 ?n
du-se, spun\uc1 \u226 ?nd chiar lucruri proste\uc1 \u351 ?ti, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? rost, totul pe un ton cobor\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i foarte repezit.
Chiar crede c\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u226 ?nd\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u35
1 ?tiu Chil-dan. Prin propria lui expresie, el nu ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta nimic; contin
u\uc1 \u259 ? cu jocul alegerii pieselor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Asta-i deosebit\uc1 \u259 ?, turuia \uc1 \u238
?nainte comis-voiajorul, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd Chil-dan pescui un colier mare, dup\uc
1 \u259 ? care se opri. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? le-a\uc1 \u355 ?i luat pe cele mai bu
ne. Tot ce avem mai bun.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Omul
r\uc1 \u226 ?se.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
033 \cf1 Ave\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r bun gust.}{\fs24 \db
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Och}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ii \uc1 \u238 ?i s\uc1 \
u259 ?getar\uc1 \u259 ?. Socotea \uc1 \u238 ?n minte ceea ce alesese Childan.}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 F\uc1 \u259 ?cea totalul v\uc1 \
u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ?rii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Child
an spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
1 Politica noastr\uc1 \u259 ?, cu marfa ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncercat\uc1 \u259 ?, trebu
ie s\uc1 \u259 ? fie consig-na\uc1 \u355 ?ia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Pentru c\uc1 \u226 ?teva secunde, comis-voiajorul nu \uc1 \u238
?n\uc1 \u355 ?elese. \uc1 \u206 ?ncetase s\uc1 \u259 ? mai vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ?,
dar se uita f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? priceap\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs2
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Childan \uc1 \u238 ?i z\uc1 \u226 ?
mbi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Con
signa\uc1 \u355 ?ie, repet\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ? co
mis-voiajorul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
3 \cf1 Preferi s\uc1 \u259 ? nu le la\uc1 \u351 ?i? zise Childan.}{\fs24 \dbch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 B\uc1 \u226 ?lb\uc1 \u226 ?indu-se, omul zis
e \uc1 \u238 ?n sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Adic\uc1 \u259 ? le las \uc1 \u351 ?i mi
le pl\uc1 \u259 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce...}{\
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Prime\uc1
\u351 ?ti dou\uc1 \u259 ? treimi din ce iese. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd se v\uc1 \u226 ?nd
. \uc1 \u206 ?n felul \uc1 \u259 ?sta c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tigi mult mai mul
t. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tep\uc1 \u355 ?i, desigur, dar..., ridic\u
c1 \u259 ? el din umeri. Tu decizi. Le-a\uc1 \u351 ? face pu\uc1 \u355 ?in loc \
uc1 \u238 ?n vitrin\uc1 \u259 ?, poate. \uc1 \u350 ?i dac\uc1 \u259 ? merge, atu
nci poate, mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, peste vreo lun\uc1 \u259 ?, la cealalt\uc1 \u2
59 ? coman-d\uc1 \u259 ?... \uc1 \u206 ?n fine, am putea vedea cum facem s\uc1 \
u259 ? cump\uc1 \u259 ?r ceva pe loc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
33 \cf1 Comis-voiajorul pierduse de-acum mai bine de o or\uc1 \u259 ? expu-n\uc1
\u226 ?n-du-\uc1 \u351 ?i marfa, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du seam
a Childan. \uc1 \u350 ?i-\uc1 \u351 ?i scosese totul. \uc1 \u206 ?ntre-gul lui e
talaj deranjat \uc1 \u351 ?i demontat. O alt\uc1 \u259 ? or\uc1 \u259 ? de munc\
uc1 \u259 ? pentru a le pune \uc1 \u238 ?napoi, gata de a fi ar\uc1 \u259 ?tate
\uc1 \u238 ?n alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte. T\uc1 \u259 ?cere. Nici unul nu vorbea.}{\f
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Piesele pe
care le-a\uc1 \u355 ?i pus deoparte..., zise comis-voiajorul cu voce sc\uc1 \u25
9 ?zut\uc1 \u259 ?. Pe acelea le vre\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da. Le po\uc1 \u355 ?i l\uc1 \u259 ?s
a pe toate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Childan o lu\uc1 \
u259 ? agale c\uc1 \u259 ?tre biroul lui din spatele magazinului.}{\fs24 \dbch \
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am s\uc1 \u259 ? scriu
o chitan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Ca s\uc1 \u259 ? ai o not\uc1 \u259 ? cu tot
ce mi-ai l\uc1 \u259 ?sat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\u
c1 \u226 ?nd se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse cu registrul cu chitan\uc1 \u355 ?e, ad\uc1
\u259 ?ug\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \lan
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n\uc1 \u355 ?elegi c\uc1 \u259 ? atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?
nd marfa este l\uc1 \u259 ?sat\uc1 \u259 ? pe baz\uc1 \u259 ? de consig-na\uc1 \
u355 ?ie, magazinul nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i ia nici o responsabilitate \uc1 \u238 ?n ca
z de furt sau deteriorare}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lang
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 .}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i aduse comis-voiajorului s\uc1 \u259 ? semneze o
mic\uc1 \u259 ? declara\uc1 \u355 ?ie tip. Ma-gazinul nu avea de pl\uc1 \u259 ?t
it pentru obiectele l\uc1 \u259 ?sate. La returnarea p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i
i nev\uc1 \u226 ?ndute, dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu se putea g\uc1 \u259 ?si ceva... treb
uie s\uc1 \u259 ? fi fost furate, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i declar\uc1 \u259 ? C
hildan sie\uc1 \u351 ?i. \uc1 \u206 ?ntotdeauna se petrec f}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 urturi \
uc1 \u238 ?n magazine. Mai ales obiecte mici, ca bijuteriile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu exista nici o posibilitate pentru Childan, s\
uc1 \u259 ? piard\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu avea de pl\uc1 \u259 ?tit bijuteriile acestui
om; nu investea nimic \uc1 \u238 ?n acest tip de mar-f\uc1 \u259 ?. Din tot ce v
indea, avea un profit, iar dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu vindea, pur \uc1 \u351 ?i simplu l
e returna \uc1 \u8211 ? ceea ce se mai putea g\uc1 \u259 ?si \uc1 \u8211 ? comis
-voiajorului. la o dat\uc1 \u259 ? ulterioar\uc1 \u259 ?, neprecizat\uc1 \u259 ?
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Childan \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmi c
hitan\uc1 \u355 ?a, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?ir\uc1 \u226 ?nd obiectele. O semn\
uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-i d\uc1 \u259 ?du comis-voiajorului o copie.}{\fs24 \d
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u259 ? po\
uc1 \u355 ?i suna, zise, peste vreo lun\uc1 \u259 ?. S\uc1 \u259 ? afli cum merg
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Lu\uc1 \u226 ?nd bijuteriil
e pe care le dorise, se duse \uc1 \u238 ?n spatele magazi-nu-lui, l\uc1 \u259 ?s
\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l pe comis-voiajor s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i str\uc1 \u226 ?ng
\uc1 \u259 ? restul m\uc1 \u259 ?rfii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
033 \cf1 Nu credeam c\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ? le ia pe celelalte, se g\uc1 \
u226 ?ndi. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tii niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?. De-aia merit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc
1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerci.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd se uit\uc1 \u259 ? iar, v\uc1 \u259 ?zu
c\uc1 \u259 ? omul era gata de plecare. Avea sub bra\uc1 \u355 ? co\uc1 \u351 ?u
l de r\uc1 \u259 ?chit\uc1 \u259 ?, iar tejgheaua era goal\uc1 \u259 ?. Comis-vo
iajorul venea c\uc1 \u259 ?tre el, cu ceva \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u25
f4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da?
spuse Childan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Tocmai se uita
prin coresponden\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? las cartea
noastr\uc1 \u259 ? de vizit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
p1033 \cf1 Comis-voiajorul puse}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 pe masa lui Childan un petic de h\u
c1 \u226 ?rtie gri cu ro\uc1 \u351 ?u, ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u226 ?nd ciudat.}{\f
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Edfrank. Bi
juterii la comand\uc1 \u259 ?. Are adresa noastr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i num\u
c1 \u259 ?-rul de telefon. \uc1 \u206 ?n caz c\uc1 \u259 ? vre\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc
1 \u259 ? lua\uc1 \u355 ?i leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura cu noi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Childan d\uc1 \u259 ?du din cap, z\uc1 \u226 ?mbi \uc1
\u238 ?n t\uc1 \u259 ?cere \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse la treaba lui.}{
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u226 ?nd f\
uc1 \u259 ?cu o alt\uc1 \u259 ? pauz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-\uc1 \u351 ?i rid
ic\uc1 \u259 ? privirile, magazinul era gol. Co-mis-voiajorul plecase.}{\fs24 \d
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 B\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u226 ?nd o moned\uc
1 \u259 ? de cinci cen\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n automat, Childan ob\uc1 \u355
?inu un ceai fierbinte, pe care \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ?-l soarb\uc1 \u25
9 ?, pe g\uc1 \u226 ?nduri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\
uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb dac\uc1 \u259 ? se vor vinde, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u3
51 ?i spuse. Pu\uc1 \u355 ?in probabil. De\uc1 \u351 ?i sunt bine f\uc1 \u259 ?c
ute. \uc1 \u350 ?i nimeni n-a mai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut ceva asem\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u
259 ?tor. Exa-min\uc1 \u259 ? una dintre insigne. Model cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat i
mpresionant. \uc1 \u206 ?n nici un caz ama-tori.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Am s\uc1 \u259 ? le schimb etichetele. S\uc1 \u259 ? le pun p
re\uc1 \u355 ?uri mai mari. S\uc1 \u259 ? sub-liniez realizarea lor manual\uc1 \
u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i unicitatea. Comenzi originale. Mici sculpturi. S\uc1 \u259
? por\uc1 \u355 ?i o oper\uc1 \u259 ? de art\uc1 \u259 ?. Crea\uc1 \u355 ?ie ex
clusiv\uc1 \u259 ? la rever sau la \uc1 \u238 ?ncheietura m\uc1 \u226 ?inii.}{\f
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i mai era o no\uc1 \u
355 ?iune care \uc1 \u238 ?i umbla \uc1 \u351 ?i se amplifica \uc1 \u238 ?n dosu
l frun\uc1 \u355 ?ii lui Robert Childan. }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cu astea, nu-i nici o
problem\uc1 \u259 ? de autentic}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 itate. }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Iar problema
aia s-ar putea s\uc1 \u259 ? ruineze \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o zi industria de artizana
t is-to-ric american. Nu azi-m\uc1 \u226 ?ine, dar dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea, cine \
uc1 \u351 ?tie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 E mai bine s\u
c1 \u259 ? nu pui toate fiarele \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un singur foc. Vizita escro-culu
i \uc1 \u259 ?la evreu; ar putea fi \uc1 \u238 ?nceputul. Dac\uc1 \u259 ?-mi fac
\uc1 \u238 ?n lini\uc1 \u351 ?te un stoc de obiecte neistorice, lucr\uc1 \u259
?ri contemporane, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nici o patin\uc1 \u259 ? a istoriei
, real\uc1 \u259 ? sau imaginar\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ? putea s\uc1 \u259 ? c
onstat c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt \uc1 \u238 ?n fruntea competi\uc1 \u355 ?i-ei. \uc1 \u
350 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? vreme nu m\uc1 \u259 ? cost\uc1 \u259 ? nimic.
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 L\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u226 ?n
du-se cu scaunul pe spate, astfel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?l sprijine de pe-rete, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i sorbea ceaiul \uc1 \u35
1 ?i se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mom
entul se schimb\uc1 \u259 ?. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fii preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit s\uc1
\u259 ? te schimbi o dat\uc1 \u259 ? cu el. Altfel, r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?n aer. }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langn
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S\uc1 \u259 ? te adaptezi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Regula supravie\uc1 \u355 ?uirii, se g\uc1 \u2
26 ?ndi. Casc\uc1 \u259 ? ochii la situa\uc1 \u355 ?ia din jurul t\uc1 \u259 ?u.
Afl\uc1 \u259 ?-i imperativele. \uc1 \u350 ?i... \uc1 \u206 ?mpline\uc1 \u351 ?
te-le. Fii acolo }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp10
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 la timpul potrivit, }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 s\uc1 \u259 ?
faci }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 lucrul potrivit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
1033 \cf1 Las\uc1 \u259 ?-te purtat. Orientalii \uc1 \u351 ?tiu. Ochii negri, de
\uc1 \u351 ?tep\uc1 \u355 ?i, pasivi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
33 \cf1 Brusc, \uc1 \u238 ?i veni o idee; \uc1 \u238 ?l f\uc1 \u259 ?cu s\uc1 \u
259 ? sar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare. Doi iepuri dintr-o dat\uc1 \u259 ?
. Ah. \uc1 \u354 ?op\uc1 \u259 ?i entuziasmat. \uc1 \u206 ?mpachetez frumos dou\
uc1 \u259 ? dintre cele mai bune bijuterii (sco\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-le, d
esigur, etichetele). Insign\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pandantiv sau br\uc1 \u259
?\uc1 \u355 ?ar\uc1 \u259 ?. Ceva dr\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u355 ?, oricum. Apoi \u
c1 \u8211 ? de vreme ce trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n-chid pe la dou\uc1 \
u259 ?, oricum \uc1 \u8211 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? dau pe la locuin\uc1 \u355 ?a familie
i Kasoura. Dom-nul Kasoura, Paul, v}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 a fi la lucru. Oricum, doamna Ka
soura, Betty, }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 va fi, foarte probabil, acas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mit\uc1 \u259 ? sub form\uc1 \u259 ?
de cadou, lucrarea asta de art\uc1 \u259 ? american\uc1 \u259 ? origi-nal\uc1 \u
259 ?. Complimentele mele, personal, pentru a ob\uc1 \u355 ?ine r\uc1 \u259 ?spu
n-suri de prima m\uc1 \u226 ?na. A\uc1 \u351 ?a se introduce o nou\uc1 \u259 ? m
od\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu-i dr\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u355 ?? \uc1 \u206 ?ntreaga colec\uc1
\u355 ?ie este la magazin; trece\uc1 \u355 ?i pe acolo etc. Asta-i pentru tine,
Betty.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Tremur\uc1 \u259 ?. Do
ar ea \uc1 \u351 ?i cu mine \uc1 \u238 ?n apartament, ziua-n amiaza mare. So\uc1
\u355 ?ul plecat la slujb\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?a mai departe
; str\uc1 \u259 ?lucit pretext.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1 Beton armat!}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Lu\uc1 \u226 ?n
d o cutioar\uc1 \u259 ?, h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie de \uc1 \u238 ?mpachetat \uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u351 ?nur, Robert Childan \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? preg\uc1 \u259
?teasc\uc1 \u259 ? un cadou pentru doamna Kasoura. Brunet\uc1 \u259 ?, atr\uc1
\u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?toare femeie, zvelt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?mb
r\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?mintea ei oriental\uc1 \u259 ? de m\uc1 \u259 ?ta-se,
tocuri \uc1 \u238 ?nalte \uc1 \u351 ?i tot a\uc1 \u351 ?a. Sau poate, azi, \uc1
\u238 ?n costum lejer de plimbare, bluz\uc1 \u259 ? larg\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351
?i pantaloni din bumbac albastru, gen mun-citor, foarte u\uc1 \u351 ?or \uc1 \u3
51 ?i confortabil \uc1 \u351 ?i neprotocolar. Ah, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi el.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sau e prea \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259
?zne\uc1 \u355 ?? So\uc1 \u355 ?ul, Paul, devine furios. Miroase \uc1 \u351 ?i
reac\uc1 \u355 ?ioneaz\uc1 \u259 ? ur\uc1 \u226 ?t. Poate s\uc1 \u259 ? merg mai
u\uc1 \u351 ?or; s\uc1 \u259 ?-i duc }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 lui }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \h
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 cadoul,
la birou? Cam aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i poveste, dar lui. Atunci, s\uc1 \u259 ?-i dea e
l cadoul, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?nuieli. \uc1 \u350 ?i, se g\uc
1 \u226 ?ndi Childan, dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea o sun eu pe Betty, m\uc1 \u226 ?ine
sau poim\uc1 \u226 ?ine, s\uc1 \u259 ?-i v\uc1 \u259 ?d reac\uc1 \u355 ?ia.}{\fs
33 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \a
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nc\uc1 \u259 ?
si mai f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? fisur\uc1 \u259 ?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowid
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd Frank Frink \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351
?i v\uc1 \u259 ?zu partenerul \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se pe trotuar, b
\uc1 \u259 ?nui c\uc1 \u259 ? nu mersese}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 bine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u
226 ?mplat? zise el, lu\uc1 \u226 ?nd co\uc1 \u351 ?ul de r\uc1 \u259 ?chit\uc1
\u259 ? de la Ed \uc1 \u351 ?i pun\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l \uc1 \u238 ?n ma\uc1 \u351 ?
in\uc1 \u259 ?. Isuse Cristoase, ai plecat de o or\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i jum
\uc1 \u259 ?ta-te. I-a trebuit at\uc1 \u226 ?t de mult ca s\uc1 \u259 ? zic\uc1
\u259 ? nu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ed spuse:}{\fs24 \
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 N-a spus nu.}{\f
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta obosit.}{\fs24 \
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Atunci ce-a zis?
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Deschiz\uc1 \u226 ?nd co\uc1
\u351 ?ul, Frink v\uc1 \u259 ?zu c\uc1 \u259 ? destule disp\uc1 \u259 ?ruser\uc1
\u259 ?. Multe dintre cele mai bune ale lor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A luat o mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime. Atunci care-i
problema?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
f1 Consigna\uc1 \u355 ?ie, f\uc1 \u259 ?cu Ed.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 I}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 le-ai l\uc1 \
u259 ?sat?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu-i venea s\uc1 \u
259 ? cread\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
angfenp1033 \cf1 Dar am vorbit...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu cum s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?m
plat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Is
use, spuse Frink.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 mi }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lang
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u. Se purta de parc\uc1
\u259 ? voia s\uc1 \u259 ? le cumpere. A ales o mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime. Credeam c\uc
1 \u259 ? le cump\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
fenp1033 \cf1 R\uc1 \u259 ?maser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc
1 \u259 ?cu\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n camionet\uc1 \u259 ? timp \uc1 \u238 ?nde
lungat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
np1033 \cf1 10}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 FUSESER\uc1 \u258 ? S\uc1 \u258 ?PT\uc1 \u258 ?M\uc1 \u19
4 ?NI GROAZNICE pentru domnul Baynes. Din camera lui de la hotel, sunase \uc1 \u
238 ?n fiecare zi la Misiunea Comer-cial\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ntrebe dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse apari\uc1
\u355 ?ia b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul domn. R\uc1 \u259 ?spun-sul fusese inva
riabil nu. Vocea domnului Tagomi devenise pe zi ce tre-ce tot mai rece \uc1 \u35
1 ?i mai oficial\uc1 \u259 ?. Preg\uc1 \u259 ?tindu-se s\uc1 \u259 ? sune a \uc1
\u351 ?aisprezecea oar\uc1 \u259 ?, domnul Baynes se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi: mai devr
eme sau mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, \uc1 \u238 ?mi vor spune c\uc1 \u259 ? domnul Tag
omi nu este \uc1 \u238 ?n birou. C\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai accept\uc1 \u259 ? nici un
telefon de la mine. \uc1 \u350 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?a va fi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
\langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat? Unde este
domnul Yatabe?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am o idee dest
ul de bun\uc1 \u259 ?. Moartea lui Martin Bormann provo-case consternare la Toky
o. Domnul Yatabe f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ? se af
la pe drum c\uc1 \u259 ?tre San Francisco, plecat de o zi sau dou\uc1 \u259 ?, c
\uc1 \u226 ?nd noi instruc\uc1 \u355 ?iuni \uc1 \u238 ?l ajunseser\uc1 \u259 ?.
\uc1 \u206 ?ntoarcere \uc1 \u238 ?n Home Islands, pentru alte consult\uc1 \u259
?ri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ghinion, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1

\u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du seama domnul Baynes. Poate chiar fatal.}{\fs24 \dbch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dar trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? unde se afl\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n San Francisco. \uc1
\u206 ?ncer-c\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? aranjeze \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?ln
irea pentru care venise. Patruzeci \uc1 \u351 ?i cinci de minute cu racheta Luft
hansa de la Berlin, iar acum asta. Un timp sinistru \uc1 \u238 ?n care tr\uc1 \u
259 ?im. Putem c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?tori oriunde dorim, chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i
pe alte planete. \uc1 \u350 ?i la ce bun? S\uc1 \u259 ? st\uc1 \u259 ?m zile \u
c1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?ir, pierz\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-ne moralul \uc1 \u351 ?i speran
\uc1 \u355 ?a. C\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o plictiseal\uc1 \u2
59 ? interminabil\uc1 \u259 ?. Iar \uc1 \u238 ?ntre timp, ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i su
nt ocupa\uc1 \u355 ?i. Ei nu stau neputincio\uc1 \u351 ?i, a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1
\u226 ?nd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Baynes desp
\uc1 \u259 ?turi edi\uc1 \u355 ?ia de dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiaz\uc1 \u259 ? a }{\i1
p1033 \cf1 Nippon Times- }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lang
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 u-lu}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i si mai citi o dat\uc1 \
u259 ? titlurile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
\langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dr. Goebbels numit Cancelar al Reich-ului}{\fs24 \
ich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \
cf1 Solu\uc1 \u355 ?ie surprinz\uc1 \u259 ?toare la problema conducerii}{\fs24 \
033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Comitetului Partei. Discurs radio
considerat decisiv.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Veseli
a mul\uc1 \u355 ?imii \uc1 \u238 ?n Berlin. Declara\uc1 \u355 ?ie a\uc1 \u351 ?t
eptat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
och \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 G\uc1 \
u246 ?ring poate fi numit \uc1 \u350 ?ef al Poli\uc1 \u355 ?iei, peste Heydrich.
033 \cf1 Reciti articolul \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntregime. Iar apoi puse iar\
uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i ziarul deopar-te, lu\uc1 \u259 ? telefonul \uc1 \u351 ?
i form\uc1 \u259 ? num\uc1 \u259 ?rul Misiunii Comerciale.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Baynes la telefon. Pot
vorbi cu domnul Tagomi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
angfenp1033 \cf1 Un moment, domnule. Un moment foarte lung.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi la telefon.}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Baynes trase puternic aer
\uc1 \u238 ?n piept \uc1 \u351 ?i spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ierta\uc1 \u355 ?i aceast\uc1 \u259 ? situa\uc
1 \u355 ?ie deprimant\uc1 \u259 ? pentru am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi, domnule...}{\fs24 \
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A, domnul Baynes
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ospita
litatea dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de mine nu ar putea
fi \uc1 \u238 ?ntre-cut\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?ntr-o zi \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1
\u259 ? ve\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elege motivele care m-au f\uc1
\u259 ?cut s\uc1 \u259 ? am\uc1 \u226 ?n conferin\uc1 \u355 ?a noastr\uc1 \u259
? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ce b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul domn...}{\fs24 \d
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Regret, nu a sosi
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Baynes \uc1 \u238 ?n
chise ochii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
\cf1 M\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeam c\uc1 \u259 ? de ieri...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u259 ? tem c\uc1 \
u259 ? nu, domnule.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Polite\uc1
\u355 ?ea cea mai rece.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
angfenp1033 \cf1 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? vre\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? sc
uza\uc1 \u355 ?i, domnule Baynes. Afac}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 eri urgente.}{\fs24 \dbch \af
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Bun\uc1 \u259 ? ziua, do
mnule.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Telefonul \uc1 \u355 ?\
uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ni. Ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi, domnul Tagomi \uc1 \u238 ?nchises
e f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? ca m\uc1 \u259 ?car s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ?
la revedere. Domnul Baynes puse \uc1 \u238 ?ncet receptorul jos.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? ac\uc1 \u355 ?ionez. Nu
mai pot a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
\langfenp1033 \cf1 i fusese explicat foarte clar de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre superiorii
lui c\uc1 \u259 ? nu trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? contacteze Abwehr-ul \uc1 \u238 ?n ni
ci un caz. Trebuia pur \uc1 \u351 ?i simplu s\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?-tep-te p
\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ce reu\uc1 \u351 ?ea s\uc1 \u259 ? realizeze contactul
cu reprezentantul militar japonez; trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? stea de vorb\uc1 \u259
? cu japonezul, iar apoi s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ? la Ber
lin. Numai c\uc1 \u259 ? nimeni nu prev\uc1 \u259 ?zuse c\uc1 \u259 ? Bormann av
ea s\uc1 \u259 ? moar\uc1 \u259 ?. A\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ?...}{\fs24 \dbch
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ordinele trebuiau \uc1 \u238 ?nlocuite. Pri
n sfaturi mai practice. Ale lui \uc1 \u238 ?n-su\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n caz
ul de fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, de vreme ce nu avea cu cine s\uc1 \u259 ? se c
onsulte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
S.P. A. se aflau cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in zece persoane din Abwehr, la lucru, dar u
nele dintre ele \uc1 \u8211 ? poate chiar toate \uc1 \u8211 ? erau cunoscute S.D
.-ului lo-cal \uc1 \u351 ?i competentului s\uc1 \u259 ?u \uc1 \u351 ?ef regional
Bruno Kreuz von Meere. Cu ani \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l cunos
cuse pe Bruno, la o \uc1 \u238 ?ntrunire a Partei. Omul avea o deja stabilit\uc1
\u259 ? reputa\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u238 ?n cercurile poli\uc1 \u355 ?iei, cu at
\uc1 \u226 ?t mai mult cu c\uc1 \u226 ?t el fusese cel care, \uc1 \u238 ?n 1943,
descoperise atentatul Ceho-Bri-tanic la via\uc1 \u355 ?a lui Reinhard Heydrich
\uc1 \u351 ?i, prin urmare, se putea spune c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l salvase p
e "Sp\uc1 \u226 ?nzur\uc1 \u259 ?tor" de la asasinare. \uc1 \u206 ?n orice caz,
autoritatea lui Bruno Kreuz von Meere era atunci \uc1 \u238 ?n ascensiune \uc1 \
u238 ?n S.D. Nu era un simplu birocrat \uc1 \u238 ?n poli\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Era, de fapt, un om destul de pericul
os.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Exista chiar o posibilitat
e ca, cu toate precau\uc1 \u355 ?iile luate, at\uc1 \u226 ?t de Abwehr \uc1 \u23
8 ?n Berlin c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i de Tokkoka \uc1 \u238 ?n Tokyo, S.D.-ul
s\uc1 \u259 ? fi aflat de a-ceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnire p
l\uc1 \u259 ?nuit\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? loc \uc1 \u238 ?n Sa
n Francisco, \uc1 \u238 ?n birourile \uc1 \u206 ?naltei Misiuni Comerciale. Oric
um, acesta era, \uc1 \u238 ?n fond, teritoriu sub administra\uc1 \u355 ?ie japon
ez\uc1 \u259 ?. S.D.-ul nu avea nici o autori-tate oficial\uc1 \u259 ? pen-tru a
se amesteca. Se putea \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpla ca reprezen-tantul german
\uc1 \u8211 ? el \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n cazul de fa\uc1 \u35
5 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fie arestat \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u2
59 ? ce punea iar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i piciorul \uc1 \u238 ?n teritoriul Rei
ch-ului; dar se putea cu greu ac\uc1 \u355 ?iona \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva repre-zent
antului japonez sau \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva existen-\uc1 \u355 ?ei \uc1 \u238 ?nt\u
c1 \u226 ?lnirii \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, a\uc1 \u351 ?a spera.}{\fs24 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Exista vreo posibil}{\fs24 \dbch \af6
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 itate
ca S.D.-ul s\uc1 \u259 ? fi reu\uc1 \u351 ?it s\uc1 \u259 ?-l re\uc1 \u355 ?in\u
c1 \u259 ? pe b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?-nul domn japonez undeva pe parcursul d
rumului? Era un drum lung \uc1 \u238 ?ntre Tokyo \uc1 \u351 ?i San Francisco, ma
i cu seam\uc1 \u259 ? pentru o persoan\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?t de in v\uc1 \
u226 ?rst\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de firav\uc1 \u259 ? care nu putuse s\uc1 \u
259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?toreas-c\uc1 \u259 ? prin aer.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ceea ce}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fac,
\uc1 \u351 ?tiu domnul Baynes, este s\uc1 \u259 ? aflu de la \uc1 \u351 ?efii m
ei dac\uc1 \u259 ? mai vine domnul Yatabe. Ar putea \uc1 \u351 ?ti. Dac\uc1 \u25
9 ? l-a interceptat S.D.-ul sau l-a rechemat guvernul din Tokyo.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Iar dac\uc1 \u259 ? au reu\uc1 \u351 ?it s\uc
1 \u259 ? ajung\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u
226 ?nul domn, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du sea-ma, cu siguran\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?sesc \uc1 \u351 ?i
pe mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\u
c1 \u351 ?i, situa\uc1 \u355 ?ia, chiar \uc1 \u238 ?n aceste condi\uc1 \u355 ?ii
, nu era f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? speran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Domnului Bay
nes \uc1 \u238 ?i venise o idee tot a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u226 ?nd zi dup\uc1 \
u259 ? zi, singur \uc1 \u238 ?n camera lui de la Abhirati Hotel.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ar fi mai bine s\uc1 \u259 ?-i dau inform
a\uc1 \u355 ?ia domnului Tagomi dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc
1 \u238 ?ntorc la Berlin cu m\uc1 \u226 ?inile goale. }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cel pu\uc1 \u
355 ?in, \uc1 \u238 ?n felul acesta exista o \uc1 \u351 ?an-s\uc1 \u259 ?, chiar
dac\uc1 \u259 ? ne\uc1 \u238 ?nsemnat\uc1 \u259 ?, ca \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din ur
m\uc1 \u259 ? persoana potrivit\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fie \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?at\uc1 \u259 ?. Domnul Tagomi nu putea \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1
\u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? asculte; \uc1 \u259 ?sta era punctul sla
b al ideii lui. \uc1 \u206 ?n cel mai bun caz, putea auzi, \uc1 \u238 ?ncredin\u
c1 \u355 ?a memoriei \uc1 \u351 ?i, c\uc1 \u226 ?t mai cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu puti
n\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i fac\uc1 \u259 ? drum, \uc
1 \u238 ?ntr-o c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?torie de afaceri, \uc1 \u238 ?n Home Is
lands. \uc1 \u206 ?n timp ce domnul Yatabe se afla la nivel politic. El putea \u
c1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? aud\uc1 \u259 ?... \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeas
c\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Totu\uc1 \u351
?i, era mai bine dec\uc1 \u226 ?t nimic. Timpul devenea tot mai scurt: s\uc1 \u2
59 ? o ia de la cap, s\uc1 \u259 ? aranjeze cu grij\uc1 \u259 ?, cu pruden\uc1 \
u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, luni de zile, iar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?nt\u
c1 \u226 ?lnirea delicat\uc1 \u259 ? dintre o frac\uc1 \u355 ?iune german\uc1 \u
259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i una japonez\uc1 \u259 ?...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
angfenp1033 \cf1 Cu siguran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l
va surprinde pe domnul Tagomi, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi el cu am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u2
59 ?ciune. S\uc1 \u259 ? ia cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? dintr-o
dat\uc1 \u259 ? despre a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva sprijinin-du-se pe umerii lui. Un lun
g drum de la am\uc1 \u259 ?nunte despre turnarea prin injec\uc1 \u355 ?ie...}{\f
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S-ar putea s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1
\u259 ? o criz\uc1 \u259 ? de nervi. Sau s\uc1 \u259 ? scape informa\uc1 \u355 ?
ia cuiva din jur; sau s\uc1 \u259 ? se retrag\uc1 \u259 ?; s\uc1 \u259 ? pretind
\uc1 \u259 ?, chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de el \uc1 \u238 ?n
su\uc1 \u351 ?i, c\uc1 \u259 ? nu a auzit. Pur \uc1 \u351 ?i simplu s\uc1 \u259
? refuze s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? cread\uc1 \u259 ?. S\uc1 \u259 ? se ridice
\uc1 \u238 ?n picioare, s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ncline \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1
\u259 ? se scuze c\uc1 \u259 ? iese din \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere, \uc1 \u2
38 ?n momentul \uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1 \u238 ?ncep.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Indiscret. Ar putea-o privi astfel. Nu este obligat s\uc1
\u259 ? asculte ase-me-nea lucrur}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
\langfenp1033 \cf1 At\uc1 \u226 ?t de u\uc1 \u351 ?or, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi domnu
l Baynes. Ie\uc1 \u351 ?irea este at\uc1 \u226 ?t de rapid\uc1 \u259 ?, at\uc1 \
u226 ?t de la \uc1 \u238 ?ndem\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru el. Se g\uc1 \u2
26 ?ndi: a\uc1 \u351 ? fi vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? fie pentru mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n u
ltim\uc1 \u259 ? analiz\uc1 \u259 ?, nu este posibil\uc1 \u259 ? nici pentru dom
nul Tagomi. Nu suntem deloc diferi\uc1 \u355 ?i. \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i poate
\uc1 \u238 ?nchide urechile la \uc1 \u351 ?tirile ca-re vin de la mine, sub for
m\uc1 \u259 ? de cuvinte. Dar mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd nu mai este
o chestiune de cuvinte. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? l-a\uc1 \u351 ? putea l\uc1 \u259 ?muri
acum. Sau pe cel c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia \uc1 \u238 ?i voi vorbi \uc1 \u238 ?n cele d
in urm\uc1 \u259 ?...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 P\uc1 \u
259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sindu-\uc1 \u351 ?i camera, domnul Baynes cobor\uc1 \u238 ? cu
liftul \uc1 \u238 ?n holul ho-telului. Afar\uc1 \u259 ?, pe trotuar, portarul c
hem\uc1 \u259 ? un velotaxi pentru el \uc1 \u351 ?i, cu-r\uc1 \u226 ?nd, se afla
pe drum, \uc1 \u238 ?n sus, pe Market Street; \uc1 \u351 ?oferul chinez pedala
energic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
Acolo, \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse \uc1 \u351 ?oferului, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd observ\uc1 \u2
59 ? semnul pe care-l c\uc1 \u259 ?uta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Trage la bordur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Velo}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 taxiul opri l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1
\u259 ? un hidrant. Domnul Baynes pl\uc1 \u259 ?ti taxi-me-tris-tului \uc1 \u351
?i-i d\uc1 \u259 ?du liber. Nimeni nu p\uc1 \u259 ?ruse s\uc1 \u259 ?-l urm\uc1
\u259 ?reasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Domnul Baynes o lu\uc1 \u259 ? pe jos pe trotuar. Un
moment mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, printre al\uc1 \u355 ?i cump\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u25
9 ?tori, intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n marele magazin universal Fuga.}{\fs24 \d
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Erau v\uc1 \u226 ?nz}{\fs24 \dbch \af6
u259 ?tori pretutindeni. Cas\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? cas\uc1 \u259 ?. V\uc1
\u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ?toare, cele mai multe albe, cu c\uc1 \u226 ?teva japoneze,
ici-colo, ca responsabile de ra-ioane. Zarva era \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\u
c1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?toare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? o clip\uc1 \u259 ? de confuzie, domnul Baynes localiz\uc1 \u259
? raionul de \uc1 \u238 ?m-br\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?minte pentru b\uc1 \u259
?rba\uc1 \u355 ?i. Se opri la rafturile cu pantaloni \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n
cepu s\uc1 \u259 ?-i inspecteze. Imediat, un v\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ?tor, un
t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r alb, veni, salut\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Baynes spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a

48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntors pentru pere
chea de pantaloni maro \uc1 \u238 ?nchis, din l\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, la car
e m-am uitat ieri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
033 \cf1 nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnind privirea v\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ?torului, spuse}
np1033 \cf1 :}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
\cf1 Nu sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i cel cu care am vorbit ieri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Era mai \uc1 \u238 ?nalt. Musta\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \
u259 ? ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie. Destul de slab. Pe hain\uc1 \u259 ? purta numele de Lar
ry.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
\lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs
33 \cf1 n momentul acesta este la mas\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce.}{
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Intru \uc
1 \u238 ?ntr-o cabin\uc1 \u259 ? de prob\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-i \uc1 \u238
?ncerc pe ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia, spuse dom-nul Baynes, lu\uc1 \u226 ?nd }{\fs24 \db
1 o pereche de pantaloni din raft.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sigur, domnule.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
enp1033 \cf1 V\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ?torul \uc1 \u238 ?i ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1
\u259 ? o cabin\uc1 \u259 ? liber\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i se duse s\uc1 \u259
? ajute pe altcine-va.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1

Baynes intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cabina de prob\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \
uc1 \u238 ?nchise u\uc1 \u351 ?a. Se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? pe unul dintre
cele dou\uc1 \u259 ? scaune \uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?teva min
ute, se auzi o cioc\uc1 \u259 ?nitur\uc1 \u259 ?. U\uc1 \u351 ?a cabinei de prob
\uc1 \u259 ? se deschise \uc1 \u351 ?i intr\uc1 \u259 ? un japonez scund, \uc1 \
u238 ?ntre dou\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u226 ?rste.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i din afara statului, dom
nule? \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? el pe domnul Baynes. Trebuie s
\uc1 \u259 ? confirm creditul. Da\uc1 \u355 ?i-mi, v\uc1 \u259 ? rog, actele de
iden-titate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
f1 nchise u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n urma }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Baynes \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i scoase p
ortofelul. Japonezul se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? cu por-tofelul \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ?-i cerceteze con\uc1 \u355 ?inutul. Se opri la p
oza unei fete.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
3 \cf1 Foarte dr\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Fiica mea, Martha.}{\fs24 \dbch
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i eu am o
fiic\uc1 \u259 ? numit\uc1 \u259 ? Martha. Acum e \uc1 \u238 ?n Chicago, studia
z\uc1 \u259 ? pianul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
fenp1033 \cf1 Fiica}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 mea, spuse domnul Baynes, se preg\uc1 \u259 ?te
\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ? se m\uc1 \u259 ?rite.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Japonezul \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du portofelul \uc1 \u2
38 ?napoi \uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Baynes spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sunt aici de dou\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ni, dar domnul Yatabe nu s-a ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat. Vreau
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiu dac\uc1 \u259 ? mai vine. \uc1 \u350 ?i dac\uc1 \
u259 ? nu, ce trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fac.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Veni\uc1 \u355 ?i iar, m\uc1 \u226 ?ine dup\uc1
\u259 ?-amiaz\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse japonezul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi5
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ? cu domnul Baynes.}{\f
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Bun\uc1 \u2
59 ? ziua.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
f1 Bun\uc1 \u259 ? ziua, r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse domnul Baynes.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ie\uc1 \u351 ?i din cabina de prob\uc1 \u259 ?, pu
se pantalonii \uc1 \u238 ?napoi pe raft \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
si Magazinul Universal Fuga.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
u a durat prea mult, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi merg\uc1 \u226 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hic
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nd pe trot
uarul aglome-rat, printre al\uc1 \u355 ?i pietoni. Chiar poate ob\uc1 \u355 ?ine
informa\uc1 \u355 ?ia aceea p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? atunci? S\uc1 \u259 ? ia
leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura cu Berlinul, s\uc1 \u259 ? le transmit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u2
38 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?rile mele, s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreag
a codificare \uc1 \u351 ?i decodificare \uc1 \u8211 ? toate etapele necesare?}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se p\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259
? da.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Acum a\uc1 \u351 ? vrea
s\uc1 \u259 ?-l fi contactat mai de mult pe agent. M-ar fi scutit de multe griji
\uc1 \u351 ?i necazuri. \uc1 \u350 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n mod evident, f\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? nici un risc serios, totul a p\uc1 \u259 ?rut a merge strun\uc1 \u
259 ?. N-a luat de fapt dec\uc1 \u226 ?t cinci sau \uc1 \u351 ?ase mi-nute.}{\fs
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Baynes se plimba f\uc1 \u25
9 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?int\uc1 \u259 ?, privind vitrinele maga-zine-lor. A
cum se sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea mult mai bine. Deodat\uc1 \u259 ?, se trezi uit\uc1 \u2
26 ?n-du-se la ni\uc1 \u351 ?te fotografii p\uc1 \u259 ?tate de mu\uc1 \u351 ?te
, cu imagini dintr-un cabaret de m\uc1 \u226 ?na a treia, cu femei albe goale, a
le c\uc1 \u259 ?ror s\uc1 \u226 ?ni at\uc1 \u226 ?rnau ca ni\uc1 \u351 ?te mingi
de volei pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate umflate. Priveli\uc1 \u351 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?l a
muz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mai pierdu pu\uc1 \u355 ?in timp, \uc1 \u238 ?mpin
s de oamenii ce treceau \uc1 \u238 ?n sus \uc1 \u351 ?i-n jos pe Market Street.}
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, f\uc1 \u
259 ?cuse \uc1 \u238 ?n sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce u\uc1 \u351 ?urare!}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Sprijinit\uc1 \u259 ? confortabil de u\uc1 \u351 ?a ma\uc1 \u
351 ?inii, Juliana citea. Al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de ea, cu cotul scos pe fereastr\uc
1 \u259 ?, Joe conducea cu o m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? pus\uc1 \u259 ? lejer pe
vo-lan \uc1 \u351 ?i o \uc1 \u355 ?igar\uc1 \u259 ? lipit\uc1 \u259 ? de buza d
e jos; era un \uc1 \u351 ?ofer bun \uc1 \u351 ?i parcurseser\uc1 \u259 ? deja o
bun\uc1 \u259 ? distan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de la Canon City.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Radioul ma\uc1 \u351 ?inii transmitea muzic\u
c1 \u259 ? sentimental\uc1 \u259 ?, folk de gr\uc1 \u259 ?-din\uc1 \u259 ? de va
r\uc1 \u259 ?, o forma\uc1 \u355 ?ie de acordeoane interpret\uc1 \u226 ?nd una d
intre nenum\uc1 \u259 ?ra-tele polci sau tarantele; nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?ise niciod
at\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? le deose-beasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Kitsch, spuse Joe, c\uc1 \u226
?nd se termin\uc1 \u259 ? melodia. Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?, m\uc1 \u259 ? pri-cep bin
e la muzic\uc1 \u259 ?; s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i spun eu cine a fost mare dir
ijor. Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u355 ?i-l aduci aminte. Arturo T}{\fs24 \d
f1 oscanini.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
\cf1 Nu, zise ea, citind \uc1 \u238 ?n continuare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Era italian. Dar nazi\uc1 \u351 ?tii
nu l-au mai l\uc1 \u259 ?sat s\uc1 \u259 ? dirijeze dup\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259
?z-boi, din cauza convingerilor lui politice. A murit. Mie nu-mi place von Karaj
an \uc1 \u259 ?sta, dirijorul permanent al Filarmonicii din New York. Trebu-ia s
\uc1 \u259 ? mergem la concertele lui, cu grupa, de la munc\uc1 \u259 ?. Ce-mi p
lace mie, ca broscar... \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i po\uc1 \u355 ?i da seama.}{\fs
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i arunc\uc1 \u
259 ? o privire.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u355 ?i place cartea aia? zise.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Exagereaz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mie-mi plac Ve
rdi \uc1 \u351 ?i Puccini. Tot ce avem \uc1 \u238 ?n New York este mu-zica clasi
c\uc1 \u259 ? german\uc1 \u259 ? bombastic\uc1 \u259 ?, Wagner \uc1 \u351 ?i Orf
f; \uc1 \u351 ?i trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? mergem s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \
u226 ?nal la c\uc1 \u226 ?te un spectacol din alea melodramatice de-ale Parti-du
-lui Nazist al Statelor Unite, la Madison Square Garden, cu drapele \uc1 \u351 ?
i tobe \uc1 \u351 ?i trompete \uc1 \u351 ?i tor\uc1 \u355 ?e aprinse. Istoria tr
iburilor gotice sau alte ra-haturi educative, c\uc1 \u226 ?ntate \uc1 \u238 ?n l
oc de a fi vorbite, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? se numeasc\uc1 \u259 ? "ar-t\uc1 \u259 ?".
Ai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? New York-ul \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de r\uc1
\u259 ?zboi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
\cf1 Da, zise ea \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? citeasc\uc1 \u259
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu-i
a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? aveau teatre excelente? A\uc1 \u351 ?a am auzit. A
cum e la fel ca industria filmului; totul e un castel din Berlin. \uc1 \u206 ?n
treispreze-ce ani de c\uc1 \u226 ?nd sunt \uc1 \u238 ?n New York, nici un muzica
l bun sau vreo pies\uc1 \u259 ? nou\uc1 \u259 ?, numai...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Las\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? citesc, zise Juliana.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i cu industria c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355
?ii, la fel, spuse Joe f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se sinchiseasc\u
c1 \u259 ?. Totul este un cartel care opereaz\uc1 \u259 ? din M\uc1 \u252 ?nchen
. Tot ceea ce fac la New York este s\uc1 \u259 ? tip\uc1 \u259 ?reasc\uc1 \u259
?; numai tipografii mari... \uc1 \u206 ?nainte de r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi, \uc1 \u238
?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, New York-ul era centrul industriei editoriale mondia-le sau a\u
c1 \u351 ?a se spunea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 B\uc1 \
u259 ?g\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i degetele \uc1 \u238 ?n urechi, ea se concen
tr\uc1 \u259 ? asupra paginii des-chise \uc1 \u238 ?n poal\uc1 \u259 ?, nemaiauz
indu-i vocea. Ajunsese la un pasaj din }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 L\uc1 \u259 ?custa }{\fs
33 \cf1 care descria fabuloasa televiziune \uc1 \u351 ?i era vr\uc1 \u259 ?jit\u
c1 \u259 ?; mai ales de ceea ce se spunea despre micile televizoare pentru popul
a\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?napoiat\uc1 \u259 ? din Africa \uc1 \u351 ?i Asia.}{
3 \cf1 "... }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \l
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Doar Know how-ul }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 yankeu \uc1 \u351
?i sistemele de protec\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u238 ?n serie \uc1 \u8211 ? Detroit,
Chicago, Cleveland, numele magice! \uc1 \u8211 ? puteau s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \
u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?meche-ria, s\uc1 \u259 ? tri-mit\uc1 \u259 ? acel nesf\uc1 \u
226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u351 ?i aproape tembelizant flux mobil de seturi de p
iese pentru televizoare ieftine, de un dolar (dolar chinezesc, dolar comercial),
\uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare sat \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?tun din Orient. Iar c\uc1
\u226 ?nd piesele erau a-sam-blate de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre vreun t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ?r sfrijit din sat cu mintea}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
f4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \f
033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp104
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ncins\uc1 \u259 ?, fl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?n
d dup\uc1 \u259 ? o \uc1 \u351 ?ans\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce gene-ro
\uc1 \u351 ?ii americani \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntindeau, acel micu\uc1 \u355
? aparat, cu baterii \uc1 \u238 ?ncorporate, nu mai mare de-c\uc1 \u226 ?t o c\
uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?mid\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ncepea s\uc1 \u259 ? recep\
uc1 \u355 ?ioneze. \uc1 \u350 ?i ce recep\uc1 \u355 ?iona? Ghemuit pe vine \uc1
\u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ecranului, tineretul satului \uc1 \u8211 ? iar uneori \
uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u226 ?rstnicii \uc1 \u8211 ? vedeau vorbe. Instruc\uc1 \u355
?iuni. Cum s\uc1 \u259 ? citeasc\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n primul r\uc1 \u226
?nd. Apoi restul. Cum s\uc1 \u259 ? sape un pu\uc1 \u355 ? mai ad\uc1 \u226 ?nc.
Cum s\uc1 \u259 ? are o brazd\uc1 \u259 ? mai ad\uc1 \u226 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?. Cum
s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i pu-rifice apa, cum s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i vind
ece bolnavii. Deasupra capetelor, luna artifi-ci-al\uc1 \u259 ? american\uc1 \u2
59 ?, ro-tunjit\uc1 \u259 ?, distribuind semnale, purt\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-le pretuti
n-deni... c\uc1 \u259 ?tre masele \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?teptare, avide ale
Estului."}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cite\uc1 \u351 ?ti la r\uc1 \u226 ?nd? \
uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Joe. Sau pe s\uc1 \u259 ?rite?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ea zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Asta-i minunat; ne-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut s\uc1 \u259
? trimitem hran\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i educa\uc1 \u355 ?ie tutu-ror asiatici
lor, milioanelor lor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
fenp1033 \cf1 Munc\uc1 \u259 ? de binefacere la scar\uc1 \u259 ? mondial\uc1 \u2
59 ?, zise Joe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
33 \cf1 Da. Noua \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegere, sub Tugwell; ridic\uc1 \u259
? nivelul maselor... ascult\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i citi lui Joe cu voce tare:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
ch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \h
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 "...Ce f
usese China? O entitate eterogen\uc1 \u259 ?, plin\uc1 \u259 ? de nevoi \uc1 \u3
51 ?i de do-rin\uc1 \u355 ?e c\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u226 ?nd spre vest, cu m\uc1 \
u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?ul ei pre\uc1 \u351 ?edinte democrat, Chiang Kai She, care c
ondu-sese poporul chinez prin anii de r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi c\uc1 \u259 ?tre anii de
pa-ce actuali, c\uc1 \u259 ?tre Decenalul reconstruc\uc1 \u355 ?iei. Dar pentru
Chiang nu era o reconstruc\uc1 \u355 ?ie, deoarece acel aproape supranatural va
st teritoriu, care nu fusese nicic\uc1 \u226 ?nd construit, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \
u259 ? z\uc1 \u259 ?cea toropit \uc1 \u238 ?n anticul vis. Trezire; da, fiin\uc1
\u355 ?a, gigantul, trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i afle, \uc1 \u238 ?n fin
e, deplina con\uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? se
trezeasc\uc1 \u259 ? la noua lume cu avioanele ei cu reac\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u
351 ?i puterea atomic\uc1 \u259 ?, cu autostr\uc1 \u259 ?zi \uc1 \u351 ?i fabric
i, cu medicamente. \uc1 \u350 ?i de unde s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ? bubuitul
tunetului care s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l trezeasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe uria\uc1 \u35
1 ?? Chiang \uc1 \u351 ?tiuse, chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul luptei \
uc1 \u238 ?mpo-triva Japoniei. Avea s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ? din Statele Un
ite. \uc1 \u350 ?i, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n 1950, tehnicieni \u
c1 \u351 ?i ingineri americani, pro-fesori, medici, agronomi, roind, ca o nou\uc
1 \u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare provincie, \uc1 \u2
38 ?n fiecare..."}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ntrerup\uc1 \u226 ?nd-o, Joe spuse
u350 ?tii ce-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut, nu? A luat tot ce este mai bun din nazism, g\uc
1 \u226 ?n-direa socialist\uc1 \u259 ?, organiza\uc1 \u355 ?ia Todt \uc1 \u351 ?
i succesele economice pe care le-am avut prin Speer \uc1 \u351 ?i cui acord\uc1
\u259 ? el credit? Noii \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegeri. \uc1 \u350 ?i a l\uc1
\u259 ?sat deo-parte partea rea, S.S.-ul, exterminarea \uc1 \u351 ?i segregarea
rasia-l\uc1 \u259 ?. E o uto-pie! \uc1 \u206 ?nchipuie\uc1 \u351 ?te-\uc1 \u355
?i, dac\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tigat Alia\uc1 \u355 ?ii, ar
fi putut Noua \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?ele-gere s\uc1 \u259 ? revigoreze economi
a \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? realizeze \uc1 \u238 ?mbun\uc1 \u259 ?-t\uc1 \u259
?\uc1 \u355 ?irile alea socialis-te \uc1 \u238 ?n nivelul de trai, cum zice el?
La naiba, nu! Vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?te despre o for-m\uc1 \u259 ? de sindicalism de
stat, statul-\uc1 \u238 ?ntreprinde-re, ceea ce am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut noi, sub Duc
e. Zice: a\uc1 \u355 ?i fi avut tot binele \uc1 \u351 ?i nici...}{\fs24 \dbch \a
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Las\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \
u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? citesc, spuse ea furioas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 El \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259
? din umeri. Dar \uc1 \u238 ?ncet\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? mai dea din gur\uc1
\u259 ?. Ea \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu imediat s\uc1 \u259 ? citeasc\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru
sine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
gfenp1033 \cf1 "... }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langn
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i aceste pie\uc1 \u355 ?e, mili
oanele f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? num\uc1 \u259 ?r ale Chinei pun fabricile din
Detroit \uc1 \u351 ?i Chicago la lucru intens; acea imens\uc1 \u259 ? gur\uc1 \u
259 ? n-ar putea fi umplut\uc1 \u259 ?, oamenilor acelora nu li s-ar putea da \u
c1 \u238 ?ntr-o sut\uc1 \u259 ? de ani destule camioane sau c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \
u259 ?mizi sau bare din o\uc1 \u355 ?el sau haine sau ma\uc1 \u351 ?ini de scris
sau maz\uc1 \u259 ?re la cutie sau radiouri sau pic\uc1 \u259 ?turi pentru nas.
Lucr\uc1 \u259 ?torul ameri-can, prin 60, avea cel mai ridicat standard de via\
uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? din lume \uc1 \u351 ?i totul datorit\uc1 \u259 ? a ceea
ce ei numesc, cu prea mult\uc1 \u259 ? modestie, \uc1 \u171 ?clauza na\uc1 \u355
?i-unii celei mai favoriza-te\uc1 \u187 ?, oper\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n toa
te tranzac\uc1 \u355 ?iile comerciale cu Es-tul. Statele Unite s-au retras din J
aponia \uc1 \u351 ?i nu au ocupat China nicioda-t\uc1 \u259 ?; \uc1 \u351 ?i cu
toate acestea, faptul nu putea fi pus \uc1 \u238 ?n discu\uc1 \u355 ?ie: Cantonu
l \uc1 \u351 ?i To-kyo \uc1 \u351 ?i Shanghaiul nu cump\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
de la englezi; ei au cump\uc1 \u259 ?-rat marf\uc1 \u259 ? a-me-rican\uc1 \u259
?. \uc1 \u350 ?i cu fiecare v\uc1 \u226 ?nzare, munci-torii din Baltimore sau d
in Los Angeles sau din Atlanta au fost pu\uc1 \u355 ?in mai prosperi.}{\fs24 \db
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Li se p\uc1 \u259 ?ru celor care f\u
c1 \u259 ?ceau planificarea, vizio-narilor de la Casa Alb\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u2
59 ? aproape \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i atinseser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?elul. R
achetele de explorare \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i vor v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? \
uc1 \u238 ?n cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu grij\uc1 \u259 ? nasul \uc1 \u238 ?n vidul spa
\uc1 \u355 ?iului, ie\uc1 \u351 ?ind dintr-o lume care, \uc1 \u238 ?n sf\uc1 \u2
26 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it, pusese cap\uc1 \u259 ?t problemelor ei vechi de veacuri: fo
ametea, ciuma, r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiul, ignoran\uc1 \u355 ?a. \uc1 \u206 ?n Imperiul
Britanic, m\uc1 \u259 ?suri, deopotriv\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n direc\uc1 \u35
5 ?ia progresului economic \uc1 \u351 ?i a celui social, aduseser\uc1 \u259 ? o
u\uc1 \u351 ?urare similar\uc1 \u259 ? maselor \uc1 \u238 ?n India, Burma, Afric
a, Orientul Mijlociu. Fabricile din Ruhr, Manchester sau Saar, petrolul din Baku
, toate curgeau \uc1 \u351 ?i interac-\uc1 \u355 ?ionau \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o armoni
e complex\uc1 \u259 ? dar eficient\uc1 \u259 ?; popu-la\uc1 \u355 ?iile Europei
se bucurau de ceea ce p\uc1 \u259 ?rea..."}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cred c\
uc1 \u259 ? ei trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fie conduc\uc1 \u259 ?torii, spuse Juliana
oprin-du-se. Ei erau \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna cei mai buni. Englezii.}{\fs24 \dbch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Joe nu spuse nimic la asta, de\uc1 \u351 ?
i ea se a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta. \uc1 \u206 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, Juliana \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i relu\uc1 \u259 ? cititul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 "... }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 re
aliz\uc1 \u259 ?rile visului lui Napoleon: omogenita-tea ra\uc1 \u355 ?ional\uc1
\u259 ? a diferi-telor grupuri etnice care se dond\uc1 \u259 ?niser\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i balcanizaser\uc1 \u259 ? Europa dup\uc1 \u259 ? pr\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?irea Romei. Vis \uc1 \u351 ?i al lui Charlemagne: cre\uc1 \u351 ?tin
\uc1 \u259 ?tatea unit\uc1 \u259 ?, fiecare \uc1 \u238 ?n pace nu doar cu sine \
uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i cu echilibrul lumii. \uc1 \u350 ?i
totu\uc1 \u351 ?i... mai r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nea un singur punct nevralgi
c.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \lan
33 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Singapore.}{\fs24 \dbch
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Statele Malaeziei aveau o numeroas\uc1
\u259 ? popula\uc1 \u355 ?ie de origine chinez\uc1 \u259 ?, cei mai mul\uc1 \u3
55 ?i apar\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?nd clasei \uc1 \u238 ?ntreprinz\uc1 \u259 ?t
orilor \uc1 \u238 ?n afaceri, iar ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti prosperi \uc1 \u351 ?i harni
ci burghezi vedeau \uc1 \u238 ?n administrarea american\uc1 \u259 ? a Chi-nei un
tratament mai echitabil a celor ce se numeau "localnici". Sub do-mina\uc1 \u355
?ia englez\uc1 \u259 ?, rasele mai \uc1 \u238 ?nchise la culoare erau excluse d
in cluburile selecte, hoteluri, restaurante mai bune; se g\uc1 \u259 ?siser\uc1
\u259 ?, ca \uc1 \u238 ?n timpurile vechi, limita\uc1 \u355 ?i la anumite compar
ti-mente ale trenurilor \uc1 \u351 ?i autobuzelor \uc1 \u351 ?i, probabil cel ma
i r\uc1 \u259 ?u dintre toate, limita\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n alegerea loculu
i de re\uc1 \u351 ?edin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cadrul fiec\uc1 \u
259 ?rui ora\uc1 \u351 ?. Ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u171 ?localnici\uc1 \u187 ?, f
\uc1 \u259 ?ceau diferen\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i observau \uc1 \u238 ?n conve
rsa\uc1 \u355 ?iile dintre ei \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n ziare c\uc1 \u259 ? \u
c1 \u238 ?n SUA problema culorii pielii fusese rezolvat\uc1 \u259 ? prin 1950. A
lbi \uc1 \u351 ?i negri tr\uc1 \u259 ?iau \uc1 \u351 ?i munceau \uc1 \u351 ?i m\
uc1 \u226 ?ncau um\uc1 \u259 ?r la um\uc1 \u259 ?r, chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u2
38 ?n inima Sudului; cel de-Al Doilea R\uc1 \u259 ?zboi Mondial sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\
uc1 \u351 ?ise discrimi-narea..."}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 E vreun necaz? \
uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Juliana pe Joe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 El morm\uc1 \u259 ?i, r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?n\u
c1 \u226 ?nd cu ochii }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 la drum.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Spune-mi ce se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl
\uc1 \u259 ?, zise ea. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? n-am s\uc1 \u259 ? reu\uc1
\u351 ?esc s-o termin; ajungem imediat \uc1 \u238 ?n Denver. Ajung America \uc1
\u351 ?i Anglia la r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi \uc1 \u351 ?i una dintre ele devine conduc\
uc1 \u259 ?tor al lumii?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Imedi
at, Joe spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \
\langfenp1033 \cf1 n unele privin\uc1 \u355 ?e, nu-i o carte rea. Se ocup\uc1 \u
259 ? de detalii. Statele Unite au Pacificul, cam ca Sfera Co-Prosperit\uc1 \u25
9 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii Est Asiatice a noastr\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?mpart Rusia \uc
1 \u238 ?ntre ei. \uc1 \u354 ?ine cam zece ani. Apoi sunt necazuri \uc1 \u8211 ?
natural.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
1 De ce natural?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
033 \cf1 Natura omeneasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
33 \cf1 Joe ad\uc1 \u259 ?ug\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Natura statelor. Suspiciune, fric\uc1 \u259 ?,
poft\uc1 \u259 ?. Churchill crede c\uc1 \u259 ? Statele Unite submineaz\uc1 \u2
59 ? autoritatea britanic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n Asia de Sud apel\uc1 \u226 ?
nd la numeroasa popula\uc1 \u355 ?ie chinez\uc1 \u259 ?, care, natural, este pro
-SUA, datorit\uc1 \u259 ? lui Chiang Kai She. Englezii \uc1 \u238 ?ncep s\uc1 \u
259 ? pun\uc1 \u259 ? la punct \uc1 \u8211 ? r\uc1 \u226 ?nji scurt la ea \uc1 \
u8211 ? ceea ce este denumit "p\uc1 \u259 ?str\uc1 \u259 ?vi \uc1 \u238 ?n deten
\uc1 \u355 ?ie". Lag\uc1 \u259 ?re de concentrare, cu alte cuvinte. Pentru mii d
e presupu\uc1 \u351 ?i chinezi neloiali. Sunt acuza\uc1 \u355 ?i de sabotaj \uc1
\u351 ?i propagand\uc1 \u259 ?. Churchill este at\uc1 \u226 ?t de...}{\fs24 \db
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Adic\uc1 \u259 ?,
angfenp1033 \cf1 tot el }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langn
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 este la putere? N-ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? a
ib\uc1 \u259 ? vreo nou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de ani?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
langfenp1033 \cf1 Joe zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Aici este sistemul britanic superior celui american. La fiec
a-re opt ani, Statele Unite \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i scoate din func\uc1 \u355
?ie conduc\uc1 \u259 ?torii, indife-rent de c\uc1 \u226 ?t de capabili \uc1 \u82
11 ? dar Churchill st\uc1 \u259 ? pe loc. Statele Unite nu au un con-duc\uc1 \u2
59 ?tor ca el dup\uc1 \u259 ? Tugwell. Numai nulit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i. \uc
1 \u350 ?i cu c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?mb\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ne\uc1 \u35
1 ?te, cu at\uc1 \u226 ?t devine mai rigid \uc1 \u351 ?i mai aristocratic \uc1 \
u8211 ? Churchill, adic\uc1 \u259 ?. P\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n 19
60, ajunge ca un b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n suveran de prin Asia Central\uc1 \
u259 ?; nimeni nu-i poate sta \uc1 \u238 ?nainte. St\uc1 \u259 ? la putere dou\u
c1 \u259 ?zeci de ani.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
gfenp1033 \cf1 Doamne-Dumnezeule, f\uc1 \u259 ?cu ea, r\uc1 \u259 ?sfoind ultima
parte a c\uc1 \u259 ?r-\uc1 \u355 ?ii, pentru a verifica spusele lui Joe.}{\fs2
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cu asta sunt
de acord, spuse Joe. Churchill a fost singurul conduc\uc1 \u259 ?tor bun pe care
l-au avut englezii \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiului. Dac\uc1 \u259 ?
l-ar fi men\uc1 \u355 ?inut, ar fi fost mult mai bine de ei. \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u
355 ?i spun: un stat nu-i cu nimic mai bun dec\uc1 \u226 ?t conduc\uc1 \u259 ?to
rul lui. }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \lang
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 F}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1024 \langfenp1024 \cf1 \uc1 \u252 ?}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 hrerpri
nzip... }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe103
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Principiul Con-du-c\uc1 \u259 ?torului, cum spun nazi\uc1 \
u351 ?tii. \uc1 \u350 ?i au dreptate. Chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i Abendsen \uc1 \u259 ?s
-ta are de \uc1 \u238 ?nfruntat asta. Desigur, SUA se extinde economic dup\uc1 \
u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ti-garea r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiului cu Japonia, pentr
u c\uc1 \u259 ? ob\uc1 \u355 ?ine imensa pia\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de desfa-ce
re din Asia, care este smuls\uc1 \u259 ? de la japonezi. Dar asta nu-i destul; a
sta nu are nimic spiritual. Nu c\uc1 \u259 ? au englezii. Am\uc1 \u226 ?ndou\uc1
\u259 ? sunt pluto-cra\uc1 \u355 ?ii, conduse de cei boga\uc1 \u355 ?i. Dac\uc1
\u259 ? ar fi c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tigat ei, nu s-ar fi g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit d
ec\uc1 \u226 ?t la cum s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? mai mul\uc1 \u355 ?i bani,
clasa asta conduc\uc1 \u259 ?toare. Abend-sen gre\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te; nu
ar fi fost nici o reform\uc1 \u259 ? social\uc1 \u259 ?, nici un plan de lu-cr\
uc1 \u259 ?ri publice de binefacere \uc1 \u8211 ? plutocra\uc1 \u355 ?ii anglo-s
axoni n-ar fi permis-o.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Julian
a g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi: vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?te ca un fascist credincios.}{\fs24 \dbch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Eviden}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 t, Joe \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \
u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du seama dup\uc1 \u259 ? expresia ei ce g\uc1 \u226 ?ndea;
se \uc1 \u238 ?n-toarse c\uc1 \u259 ?tre ea, \uc1 \u238 ?ncetinind ma\uc1 \u351
?ina, cu un ochi la ea \uc1 \u351 ?i cu altul la ma\uc1 \u351 ?i-nile din fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
fenp1033 \cf1 Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?, eu nu sunt intelectual \uc1 \u8211 ? fascismul
nu are nevoie de asta. Ceea ce se cere este}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 fapta. }{\fs24 \db
1 Teoria deriv\uc1 \u259 ? din ac\uc1 \u355 ?iune. Ceea ce ne cere statul nostru
de tip \uc1 \u238 ?ntreprindere este \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegerea for\uc1
\u355 ?elor sociale \uc1 \u8211 ? ale istoriei. \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegi?
\uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i spun eu; eu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu, Juliana.}{\fs24 \dbch \af
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Tonul lui era serios, aproape rug\uc1 \u259 ?t
or.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Impe
riile astea vechi, putrede, conduse de bani, Anglia \uc1 \u351 ?i Fran\uc1 \u355
?a \uc1 \u351 ?i SUA, de\uc1 \u351 ?i ultima era un fel de produs bastard, nu u
n impe-riu propriu-zis, dar \uc1 \u351 ?i el orientat tot spre bani. Nu au avut
deloc suf-let, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ?, natural, nici viitor. Nici dezvolta
re. Nazi\uc1 \u351 ?tii, o band\uc1 \u259 ? de criminali de drumul mare; de acor
d. E\uc1 \u351 ?ti de a}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 cord? Corect?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Ea trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u226 ?mbeasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Fel
ul lui, italian, de a fi \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?duse putere \uc1 \u238 ?n \u
c1 \u238 ?ncercarea de a conduce \uc1 \u351 ?i a-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?ine d
iscursul, simultan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
np1033 \cf1 Abendsen vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?te de parc\uc1 \u259 ? mare lucru ar fi ci
ne c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tig\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ce-le din urm\uc1 \u25
9 ?, SUA sau Anglia. Prostii. N-are nici un merit, nici o istorie. \uc1 \u350 ?a
se de o parte, doisprezece de cealalt\uc1 \u259 ?. Ai citit vreodat\uc1 \u259 ?
ce a scris Ducele? Inspirat. Frumos b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat. Frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? scrii
tur\uc1 \u259 ?. Explic\uc1 \u259 ? actuali-tatea din dosul fiec\uc1 \u259 ?rui
eveniment. Banii \uc1 \u8211 ? de aceea au redus \uc1 \u238 ?n mod eronat proble
ma evreiasc\uc1 \u259 ? la ei \uc1 \u8211 ? contra spiritului comun al maselor,
numit de nazi\uc1 \u351 ?ti }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang104
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Gemeinschaft \uc1 \u8211 ? }{\fs24
\cf1 popular. Sovietic. Comun. E bine? Numai c\uc1 \u259 ? ei, comuni\uc1 \u351
?tii, au strecurat \uc1 \u351 ?i ambi\uc1 \u355 ?iile imperiului pan-slav ale lu
i Petru cel Mare, au \uc1 \u238 ?nlocuit reforma social\uc1 \u259 ? cu ambi\uc1
\u355 ?iile imp}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 eri-ale.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
3 \cf1 Juliana se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi: cum a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut Mussolini. \uc1 \u206
?ntocmai.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
f1 Crimele nazi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor, o tragedie, continu\uc1 \u259 ? Joe s\uc1 \u25
9 ? se b\uc1 \u226 ?lb\uc1 \u226 ?ie, de-p\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?ind un camion
care mergea \uc1 \u238 ?ncet. Dar schimbarea-i \uc1 \u238 ?ntot-deauna grea pen
tru cel care pierde. Nimic nou. Uit\uc1 \u259 ?-te la revolu\uc1 \u355 ?iile ant
erioa-re, precum cea francez\uc1 \u259 ?. Sau Cromwell \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva Irla
n-dei. Prea mult\uc1 \u259 ? filosofie \uc1 \u238 ?n temperamentul german; \uc1
\u351 ?i prea mult teatru. Toate mitingu-rile alea. N-ai s\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u2
59 ?se\uc1 \u351 ?ti adev\uc1 \u259 ?ratul fascist vorbind, doar f\uc1 \u259 ?c\
uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u8211 ? ca mine. E bine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
gfenp1033 \cf1 R\uc1 \u226 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd, ea zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Doa}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 mne, ai vorbit cu
o mil\uc1 \u259 ? pe minut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Jo
e \uc1 \u355 ?ip\uc1 \u259 ? surescitat:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Explic teoria fascist\uc1 \u259 ? a ac\uc1 \u35
5 ?iunii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ea nu-i putu r\uc1 \
u259 ?spunde; era prea amuzant.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1 Dar b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul de al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de ea nu g\uc1 \u226 ?ndise c\uc
1 \u259 ?-i amuzant; o s\uc1 \u259 ?geta cu privirile, ro\uc1 \u351 ?u la fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Venele de pe frunte i se umflar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?ncepu iar s\uc1 \u259 ? tremure. \uc1 \u350 ?i iar \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i trecu degetele r\uc1 \u259 ?sfirate prin p\uc1 \u259 ?r, \uc1 \u238 ?na
inte \uc1 \u351 ?i-napoi, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1
\u259 ?, numai privind-o fix.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu te \uc1 \u238 ?nfuria pe mine, zise ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O clip\uc1 \u259 ?, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi c\uc1
\u259 ? o va lovi; el \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i trase m\uc1 \u226 ?na \uc1 \u23
8 ?napoi... dar apoi m\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?i, se \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse \uc1 \u3
51 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du radioul mai tare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
1033 \cf1 Mergeau. Forma\uc1 \u355 ?ia muzical\uc1 \u259 ? de la radio, mereu ac
eea\uc1 \u351 ?i. \uc1 \u206 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ?, ea \uc1 \u238 ?n
cerc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se concentreze asupra c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ai dr
eptate, spuse Joe dup\uc1 \u259 ? mult timp.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259
? cu ce?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
Imperiul cu dou\uc1 \u259 ? fe\uc1 \u355 ?e. Cu un clovn conduc\uc1 \u259 ?tor.
Nu-i de mirare c\uc1 \u259 ? nu ne-am ales cu nimic \uc1 \u238 ?n urma r\uc1 \u
259 ?zboiului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ea \uc1 \u238 ?
l b\uc1 \u259 ?tu pe bra\uc1 \u355 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Juliana, totul este \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecime, zise Jo
e. Nimic nu este ade-v\uc1 \u259 ?-rat sau sigur. A\uc1 \u351 ?a-i?}{\fs24 \dbch
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Poate c\uc1 \u259 ?
da, spuse ea absent\uc1 \u259 ?, continu\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? citeasc\uc1
1 Anglia c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tig\uc1 \u259 ?, zise Joe, ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1
\u226 ?nd spre carte. Te scutesc de b\uc1 \u259 ?-taie de cap. Statele Unite se
mic\uc1 \u351 ?oreaz\uc1 \u259 ?, Anglia tot \uc1 \u238 ?mpinge, \uc1 \u351 ?i
se bag\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i se extinde, p\uc1 \u259 ?streaz\uc1 \u259 ? ini
\uc1 \u355 ?iativa. A\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? las-o.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sper s\uc1 \u259 ? ne sim\uc1 \u
355 ?im bine \uc1 \u238 ?n Denver, zise ea, \uc1 \u238 ?nchiz\uc1 \u226 ?nd cart
ea. Ai nevoie de destindere. \uc1 \u350 ?i eu o vreau.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi ea, ai s\uc1 \u
259 ? te spulberi \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un milion de f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?mi\uc1
\u355 ?e. Ca un izvor care \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ne\uc1 \u351 ?te.
\uc1 \u350 ?i ce se va \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpla cu mine, atunci? Cum m\uc
1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc \uc1 \u238 ?napoi? \uc1 \u350 ?i... am s\uc1 \u259 ?
te p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sesc, pur \uc1 \u351 ?i simplu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vreau distrac\uc1 \u355 ?ia pe care mi-ai promis
-o, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Nu vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu p\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?li
t\uc1 \u259 ?; am fost prea mult p\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?lit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?a mea p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acum de prea mult\uc1 \
u259 ? lume.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
\cf1 O s-o avem, zise Joe. Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
angfenp1033 \cf1 O studie cu un aer ciudat, reflexiv.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Te-a prins prea tare cartea asta,
angfenp1033 \cf1 L\uc1 \u259 ?custa}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ; m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntre
b... tu crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? un om care scrie un best-seller, un autor ca Abendse
n... \uc1 \u206 ?i scriu oamenii scrisori? Pun pariu c\uc1 \u259 ? mult\uc1 \u25
9 ? lume apreciaz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-at\uc1 \u226 ?t cartea \uc1 \u238
?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?i scrie, poate chiar \uc1 \u238 ?l viziteaz\uc1 \u2
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ea \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u3
55 ?elese imediat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
p1033 \cf1 Joe, nu-s dec\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o mie de mile!}
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ochii lui str\uc1 \u259 ?lucir
\uc1 \u259 ?; \uc1 \u238 ?i z\uc1 \u226 ?mbi, fericit din nou, descongestionat \
uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? pic de sup\uc1 \u259 ?rare.}{\fs24 \dbch
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am putea! zise ea. C
onduci at\uc1 \u226 ?t de bine \uc1 \u8211 ? ar fi o nimica toat\uc1 \u259 ? s\u
c1 \u259 ? mergem p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acolo sus, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a?}{\f
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Joe spuse cu \uc1 \u238 ?ncetinea
l\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
3 \cf1 P\uc1 \u259 ?i, m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoiesc c\uc1 \u259 ? un om cel
ebru prime\uc1 \u351 ?te vizitatori. Poate sunt prea mul\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \d
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De ce n-am \uc1 \
u238 ?ncerca, Joe...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{
p1033 \cf1 l apuc\uc1 \u259 ? de um\uc1 \u259 ?r \uc1 \u351 ?i-l str\uc1 \u226 ?
nse, entuziasmat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Tot ce poate face este s\uc1 \u259 ? ne trimit\uc1 \u259 ?
la plimbare. }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Te rog!}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi567
langfenp1033 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? mare chibzuin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, Joe spu
se:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc
1 \u226 ?nd mergem la cump\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?turi, s\uc1 \u259 ? ne lu\uc1
\u259 ?m haine noi, dichisi-te... Asta e important, s\uc1 \u259 ? facem o impre
sie bun\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i poate chiar \uc1 \u238 ?nchi-riem o ma\uc1 \u
351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? nou\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n Cheynne. Pun pariu c\uc1 \u259
? po\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
np1033 \cf1 Da, spuse ea. Iar tu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? te tunzi. \uc1 \u350 ?i l
as\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ? pe mine s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i aleg hainele; t
e rog, Joe. Eu \uc1 \u238 ?i alegeam hainele lui Frank; b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u3
55 ?ii nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i pot cump\uc1 \u259 ?ra singuri hainele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ai}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hi
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 bun gust
la haine, spuse Joe, \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u2
59 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?-tre drumul dinaintea lor, privind sumbru. \
uc1 \u350 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n alte privin\uc1 \u355 ?e. Mai bine l-ai suna }{\i1 \f
033 \cf1 tu. }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \lang
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ia leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura cu el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi fac p\uc1 \u
259 ?rul, zise ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
p1033 \cf1 Bun.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la

33 \cf1 Nu-mi e deloc fric\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? urc \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u2
59 ? sun la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse Juliana. Adic\uc1 \u259 ?, nu tr\uc
1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u351 ?ti dec\uc1 \u226 ?t o dat\uc1 \u259 ?. De ce am fi intimi
da\uc1 \u355 ?i? Nu-i dec\uc1 \u226 ?t tot om, \uc1 \u351 ?i el, ca noi to\uc1 \
u355 ?i ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i. De fapt, probabil c\uc1 \u259 ?-i va face pl\uc1 \u
259 ?cere s\uc1 \u259 ? afle c\uc1 \u259 ? cineva a b\uc1 \u259 ?tut at\uc1 \u22
6 ?ta drum ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?t de mult i-a pl\uc1
\u259 ?cut cartea lui. Putem primi un autograf pe carte, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u25
9 ?untru, unde scriu ei. Nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a? Mai bine am cump\uc1 \u259 ?ra un
volum nou; \uc1 \u259 ?sta este p\uc1 \u259 ?tat peste tot. N-ar ar\uc1 \u259 ?t
a bine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
Orice vrei, zise Joe. Am s\uc1 \u259 ? te las s\uc1 \u259 ? hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ti tu toate detaliile; \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? po\uc1
\u355 ?i. Fetele dr\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?i dau \uc1 \u238 ?nto
tdeauna gata, pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i; c\uc1 \u226 ?nd o s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259
? ce bomb\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti, o s\uc1 \u259 ? deschid\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1
\u351 ?a larg. Dar fii atent\uc1 \u259 ?: f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? mai-mu-\uc
1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?reli.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Cum adic\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Spui c\uc1 \u259 ? suntem c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u
259 ?tori\uc1 \u355 ?i. Nu vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? te combini cu el... \uc1 \u351 ?t
ii. Ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?tor. Ar complic
a existen\uc1 \u355 ?a tuturor; recompens\uc1 \u259 ? pen-tru el c\uc1 \u259 ? p
rime\uc1 \u351 ?te vizitatori, o ironie. A\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? ai grij\uc
1 \u259 ?, Juliana.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
np1033 \cf1 Te po\uc1 \u355 ?i contrazice cu el, zise Juliana. Despre partea ace
ea refe-ritoare la pierderea r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiului prin tr\uc1 \u259 ?darea Ital
iei spune-i ce mi-ai spus mie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
Joe d\uc1 \u259 ?du din cap.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ?a-i. Putem discuta \uc1 \u238 ?ntregul su}{\f
033 \cf1 biect.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Rular\uc1 \u25
9 ? cu vitez\uc1 \u259 ? mai departe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
cf1 La ora \uc1 \u351 ?apte, \uc1 \u238 ?n diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a urm\uc1 \u259 ?t
oare, ora S.P.A., domnul Nobo-suke Tagomi se scul\uc1 \u259 ? din pat \uc1 \u351
?i o porni spre baie, apoi se r\uc1 \u259 ?zg\uc1 \u226 ?ndi \uc1 \u351 ?i se d
use direct la oracol.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u
351 ?ezat cu picioarele \uc1 \u238 ?ncruci\uc1 \u351 ?ate pe podeaua sufrageriei
, \uc1 \u238 ?nce-pu m\uc1 \u226 ?nuirea celor patruzeci \uc1 \u351 ?i nou\uc1 \
u259 ? de be\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?oare de coada-\uc1 \u351 ?orice-lului. Avea
un sentiment acut al stringen\uc1 \u355 ?ei \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?rii lu
i \uc1 \u351 ?i lucr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un ritm febril, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\
uc1 \u259 ? ce avu cele \uc1 \u351 ?ase linii \uc1 \u238 ?nainte-i.}{\fs24 \dbch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Soc! Hexagrama Cincizeci \uc1 \u351 ?i unu
!}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \lang
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dumnezeu apare \uc1 \u238 ?n
semnul }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe103
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Celui care se treze\uc1 \u351 ?te. Tunetul \uc1 \u351 ?i fu
l-gerul. Zgomote... \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i ridic\uc1 \u259 ? involuntar m\uc1
\u226 ?inile, s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i bage dege-tele \uc1 \u238 ?n urechi.
Ha-ha! Ho-ho! Mare izbucnire, care-l f\uc1 \u259 ?cu s\uc1 \u259 ? tresar\uc1 \u
259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? cli-peasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Zv\uc1 \u226 ?cniri de
l\uc1 \u259 ?cust\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?cnete de tigru \uc1 \u3
51 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i Dumnezeu iese la iveal\uc1 \u259 ?!}{\fs24 \d
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? asta?
\uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i plimb\uc1 \u259 ? privirile prin \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \
u259 ?pere. Sosirea... a ce? S\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare \uc1 \u351 ?
i st\uc1 \u259 ?tu hohotind, \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?teptare.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nimic. B\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ile inimii.
Respira\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u351 ?i toate celelalte procese somati-ce, inclusiv
toate tipurile de r\uc1 \u259 ?spunsuri reflexe, controlate de creierul mic, \uc
1 \u238 ?n situa\uc1 \u355 ?ii de criz\uc1 \u259 ?: adrenalin\uc1 \u259 ?, b\uc1
\u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nte\uc1 \u355 ?ite ale inimii, secre\uc1 \u35
5 ?ia glandelor, paralizia g\uc1 \u226 ?tlejului, fixitatea privirii, golirea m\
uc1 \u259 ?runtaielor \uc1 \u351 ?i celelalte. R\uc1 \u259 ?scolirea stomacului
\uc1 \u351 ?i suspen-darea instinctului sexual.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, nimic de v\uc1 \u259 ?zut; ni
mic de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut pentru trup. Fug\uc1 \u259 ?? Totul preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit
pentru fuga \uc1 \u238 ?n panic\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar unde \uc1 \u351 ?i de ce? Domnu
l Tagomi se \uc1 \u238 ?ntreba. Nici un r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns. Prin urmare, imposib
il. Dile-ma omului civili-zat; corpul mobilizat, dar pericolul, de nev\uc1 \u259
?zut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se duse \uc1 \u238 ?n b
aie }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \l
angfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i s\u
c1 \u259 ?puneasc\uc1 \u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?a pentru ras.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Telefonul sun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?oc, zise cu voce tare
, l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u226 ?nd jos aparatul de ras. Fii preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit.}{\f
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Merse repede \uc1 \u238 ?napoi \u
c1 \u238 ?n sufragerie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Sunt preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit, spuse \uc1 \u351 ?i ridic\uc1 \u259 ?
receptorul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
cf1 Tagomi la telefon.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vocea \
uc1 \u238 ?i sun\uc1 \u259 ? strident \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \a
f4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i-o
drese.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O pauz\uc1 \u259 ?. Ap
oi o voce slab\uc1 \u259 ?, uscat\uc1 \u259 ?, fo\uc1 \u351 ?nitoare, aproape ca
frun-ze-le uscate, \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtat\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse:}{\fs24
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule. Sunt S
hinjiro Yatabe. Am sosit \uc1 \u238 ?n San Francisco.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Felicit\uc1 \u259 ?ri din partea \
uc1 \u206 ?naltei Misiuni Comerciale, zise dom-nul Tagomi. C\uc1 \u226 ?t m\uc1
\u259 ? bucur. Sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i bine, s\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?tos?}{\fs24 \d
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, domnule Tagom
i. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd ne putem \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lni?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Imediat. \uc1 \u206 ?ntr-o ju
m\uc1 \u259 ?tate de or\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
3 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i arunc\uc1 \u259 ? privirile la ce
asul din dormitor, \uc1 \u238 ?ncer-c\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? citeasc\uc1 \u
259 ? ora.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
f1 O a treia parte: Domnul Baynes. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? iau leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura
cu el. Posibil\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?rziere, dar...}{\fs24 \dbc
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S\uc1 \u259 ? spune
m dou\uc1 \u259 ? ore, domnule? zise domnul Yatabe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, zise domnul Tagomi, \uc1 \u238 ?
nclin\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
2 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \l
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n biroul dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, din Nippon Times
Building.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi se \u
c1 \u238 ?nclin\uc1 \u259 ? iar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Clic. Domnul Yatabe \uc1 \u238 ?nchise.}{\fs24 \dbch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit, domnul Baynes, se g\u
c1 \u226 ?ndi domnul Tagomi. \uc1 \u206 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?n-tarea pisicii c\uc1 \u2
59 ?reia i s-a aruncat o bucat\uc1 \u259 ? de p\uc1 \u259 ?str\uc1 \u259 ?v, de
pild\uc1 \u259 ? o frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? coad\uc1 \u259 ?, gras\uc1 \u259 ?. B\uc1
\u259 ?tu \uc1 \u238 ?n fresc\uc1 \u259 ?, apoi form\uc1 \u259 ? repede num\uc1
\u259 ?rul hotelului Abhirati.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Calvarul s-a sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it, spuse c\uc1
\u226 ?nd pe fir auzi vocea somnoroas\uc1 \u259 ? a domn}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ului Baynes
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dintr-o dat\uc1 \u259 ?, voc
ea nu mai fu somnoroas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 E aici?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Biroul meu, zise domnul Tagomi. Zece dou\uc1 \u259 ?
zeci. La reve-dere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\
1033 \cf1 nchise \uc1 \u351 ?i alerg\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1 \u238 ?n
baie s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i termine rasul. Nu-i timp de micul dejun, s\uc1
\u259 ? aduc\uc1 \u259 ? domnul Ramsey ceva dup\uc1 \u259 ? sosirea tuturor la
birou. Poate ne r\uc1 \u259 ?sf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m to\uc1 \u35
5 ?i trei deodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n mintea lui, \uc1 \u238
?n timp ce se r\uc1 \u259 ?dea, pl\uc1 \u259 ?nui un excelent unic dejun pentru
ei to\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
1033 \cf1 n pijama, domnul Baynes st\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare l\uc1
\u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? telefon, fre-c\uc1 \u226 ?n-du-se pe frunte \uc1 \u351 ?i
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndindu-se. O ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine c\uc1 \u259 ? am cedat \uc1 \u351 ?
i am luat leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura cu agentul \uc1 \u259 ?la, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Da
c\uc1 \u259 ? mai a\uc1 \u351 ?teptau o zi, numai...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dar probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? nu s-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut nici u
n r\uc1 \u259 ?u. Cu toate acestea, ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? se d
uc\uc1 \u259 ? iar la magazinul universal. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? ar\u
c1 \u259 ?t? Se poa-te provoca o reac\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u238 ?n lan\uc1 \u355
?: se vor g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi c\uc1 \u259 ? am fost ucis sau ceva de genul \uc1 \u2
59 ?sta. Vor \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi dea de urm\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu conteaz\uc1 \u259 ?. }{\i1 \fs24 \
cf1 Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? el este aici. \uc1 \u206 ?n sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?
it. }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \l
angfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ?teptarea s-a ter-minat. Domnul Baynes se gr\uc1 \u
259 ?bi la baie \uc1 \u351 ?i se preg\uc1 \u259 ?ti pentru b\uc1 \u259 ?rbierit.
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu am nici o \uc1 \u238 ?ndoi
al\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? domnul Tagomi \uc1 \u238 ?l va recunoa\uc1 \u351 ?t
e \uc1 \u238 ?n mo-mentul \uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1 \u238 ?l va vedea, hot\uc1 \u2
59 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?. Vom putea renun\uc1 \u355 ?a la acoperirea cu "domnul Yatabe"
, de-acum. De fapt, putem renun\uc1 \u355 ?a la orice acoperire, la orice pref\u
c1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?torie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
Imediat ce se b\uc1 \u259 ?rbieri, domnul Baynes s\uc1 \u259 ?ri sub du\uc1 \u35
1 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n timp ce apa curgea cu zgomot \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurul lui, c\uc1
\u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ? din ad\uc1 \u226 ?ncul pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ni-lor:
h \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i
enp1033 \cf1 "Wer reitet so sp}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1024 \langfenp1024 \cf1 \uc1 \u228 ?}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af
4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 t,}{
langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Durch Nacht und Wind?}{\fs2
np1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Es ist der Vater}{\fs24 \dbch \
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \la
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mit seinem Kind."}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Probabil c\uc1
\u259 ? acum este prea t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu pentru S.D. s\uc1 \u259 ? mai fac\uc1
\u259 ? ceva, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? afl\uc1 \u259 ?. A\uc1
\u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ?, probabil, pot s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-mi mai fac griji; cel pu\
uc1 \u355 ?in, grijile m\uc1 \u259 ?runte. Grijile limitate, personale, \uc1 \u2
38 ?n leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu propria mea piele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u226 ?t despre restul... abia de-acum putem
\uc1 \u238 ?ncepe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 11}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lang
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 PENTRU CONSULUL REICH-ULUI \uc1 \u238 ?n San F
rancisco, Frei-herr Hu-go Reiss, prima treab\uc1 \u259 ? a acestei speciale zile
de lucru fu nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i deprimant\uc1 \u259
?. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd ajunse la birou, g\uc1 \u259 ?si un vizitator a\uc1 \u351 ?t
ept\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l deja, un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat \uc1 \u238 ?ntre dou\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u226 ?rste, mare, f\uc1 \u259 ?lcos, cu pielea ciupit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \
u351 ?i o c\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u259 ?-tur\uc1 \u259 ? dezaprobatoare, care \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aduna \uc1 \u238 ?m-preun\uc1 \u259 ? spr\uc1 \u226 ?ncenel
e negre, stu-foase. Omul se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu salu
tul nazist, murmur\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i timp:}{\fs24 \
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Heil!}{\fs24 \db
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Reiss r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse:}{\fs24 \dbch
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Heil!}{\fs24 \dbch \a
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Morm\uc1 \u259 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n sinea lui, da
r \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i men\uc1 \u355 ?inu un z\uc1 \u226 ?mbet profesional.
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Herr Kr
euz von Meere. Sunt surprins. Nu intra\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i deschise biroul, \uc1 \
u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se unde era vice-consulul \uc1 \u351 ?i cine \uc1 \u2
38 ?i deschisese s\uc1 \u259 ? intre \uc1 \u351 ?efului S.D. Oricum, omul se afl
a aici. Nu mai era nimic de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Urm\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l, cu m\uc1 \u226 ?inile \uc1 \u238 ?n buzuna
rele pardesiului din l\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, de cu-loare \uc1 \u238 ?nchis\u
c1 \u259 ?, Kreuz von Meere zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?, Freiherr. L-am reperat pe acest ti
p din Abwehr. Acest Rudolf Wegener. S-a ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat la un vechi para\uc1 \
u351 ?utat Abwehr, pe care-l \uc1 \u355 ?inem sub observa\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Kreuz von Meere chicoti, d\uc1 \u226
?nd la iveal\uc1 \u259 ? enormii s\uc1 \u259 ?i din\uc1 \u355 ?i din aur.}{\fs24
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i
ne-am luat pe urmele lui p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la hotel.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Excelent, zise Reiss, rema
rc\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? avea coresponden\uc1 \u355 ?a pus\uc1 \u259 ? pe
birou.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Deci Pferdehuf era prin
preajm\uc1 \u259 ?. F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ? c
\uc1 \u259 ? l\uc1 \u259 ?sase biroul \uc1 \u238 ?ncuiat pentru a-l \uc1 \u238 ?
mpiedica pe \uc1 \u351 ?eful S.D.-ului de la o mic\uc1 \u259 ? inspec\uc1 \u355
?ie neoficial\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Este important, spuse Kreuz von Meere. L-am anun\uc1 \u355 ?a
t pe Kaltenbrunner despre asta. Prioritate extrem\uc1 \u259 ?. Vei primi probabi
l din clip\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n clip\uc1 \u259 ? un semn de la Berlin. Numa
i dac\uc1 \u259 ? }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Unra\uc1 \u355 ?fressers }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u
259 ?ia de acas\uc1 \u259 ? nu o \uc1 \u238 ?ncurc\uc1 \u259 ? definitiv.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? la bi
roul consulului, scoase din buzunarul pardesiului un teanc de h\uc1 \u226 ?rtii
\uc1 \u238 ?ndoite, le netezi cu grij\uc1 \u259 ?, mi\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
u-\uc1 \u351 ?i buzele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Numele de acoperire este Baynes. Se d\uc1 \u259 ? drept industri
a\uc1 \u351 ? sue-dez sau comis-voiajor sau ceva \uc1 \u238 ?n leg\uc1 \u259 ?tu
r\uc1 \u259 ? cu produc\uc1 \u355 ?ia. A primit un telefon azi-diminea\uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u259 ?, la opt \uc1 \u351 ?i zece, de la un demnitar japonez cu privire
la o \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnire, la zece \uc1 \u351 ?i dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci,
\uc1 \u238 ?n biroul japonezului. \uc1 \u206 ?n mo-mentul de fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ?m s\uc1 \u259 ? lu\uc1 \u259 ?m urma telef
o-nului. Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? vom avea rezultatul \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259
?toarea jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate de or\uc1 \u259 ?. M\uc1 \u259 ? vor anun\uc1 \u355
?a aici.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
h \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?
enp1033 \cf1 n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg, spuse Reiss.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Acum, putem pune m\uc1 \u226 ?na pe tipul \
uc1 \u259 ?sta, continu\uc1 \u259 ? Kreuz von Meere. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? o facem, \u
c1 \u238 ?l trimitem, natural, \uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1 \u238 ?n Reich cu primul a
vion Lufthansa. Oricum, japonezii sau Sacramento pot protesta \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ? ne blocheze. Vor protesta la tine, dac\uc1 \u259 ?
o vor face. De fapt, pot exercita o enorm\uc1 \u259 ? presiune. \uc1 \u350 ?i vo
r trimite un camion plin cu tokkoka din \uc1 \u259 ?ia de la aeroport.}{\fs24 \d
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Po\uc1 \u355 ?i s
\uc1 \u259 ?-i \uc1 \u238 ?mpiedici s\uc1 \u259 ? afle?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Prea t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu. E \uc1 \
u238 ?n drum spre. S-ar putea s\uc1 \u259 ? trebuiasc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?l ridic\uc1 \u259 ?m chiar de acolo, de la fa\uc1 \u355 ?a locului. D\uc1 \u259
?m buzna, \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?nh\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1
\u351 ?i o \uc1 \u351 ?tergem.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu-mi place, spuse Reiss. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238
?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lne\uc1 \u351 ?te cu vreo perso-nalitate japonez\uc1 \u259 ? extr
em de important\uc1 \u259 ?? S-ar putea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie chiar acum \uc1 \u238
?n San Francisco un reprezentant personal al \uc1 \u206 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?ratului.
Am auzit ceva zvonuri, ieri...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
Kreuz von Meere \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu conteaz\uc1 \u259 ?. Este de na
\uc1 \u355 ?ionalitate german\uc1 \u259 ?. Supus legilor Reich-ului.}{\fs24 \dbc
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Iar noi \uc1 \u351 ?tim legea Reich-ului,
se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Reiss.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Am o echip\uc1 \u259 ? de comando preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit\uc1 \u
259 ?, continu\uc1 \u259 ? Kreuz von Meere. Cinci oameni buni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Chicoti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Arat\uc1 \u259 ? ca ni\uc1 \u351 ?te violoni\u
c1 \u351 ?ti. Fe\uc1 \u355 ?e simpatice, ascetice. Inimo\uc1 \u351 ?i. Cam ca st
uden\uc1 \u355 ?ii la teologie. Ei vor intra. Japonezii vor crede c\uc1 \u259 ?s un cvar-tet de coarde.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
angfenp1033 \cf1 Cvintet, zise Reiss.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da. Se vor duce drept la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
... Sunt \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u355 ?i cum se cuvine. \uc1 \u206 ?l
cercet\uc1 \u259 ? pe consul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cam ca tine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
\cf1 Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc, g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Reiss.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
33 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n v\uc1 \u259 ?zul lumii
. La lumina zilei. P\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la Wegener \uc1 \u259 ?sta. Se str
\uc1 \u226 ?ng \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul lui. Par a\uc1 \u355 ?ine sfat. Mesaj importa
nt.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Kreuz von Meere \uc1 \u238
?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du \uc1 \u238 ?nainte \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce consulul \uc1 \u238
?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i deschid\uc1 \u259 ? coresponden\uc1 \u355 ?a
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 F\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? violen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Doar: "Herr Wegener. V\uc1
\u259 ? rug\uc1 \u259 ?m s\uc1 \u259 ? veni\uc1 \u355 ?i cu noi. \uc1 \u206 ?n\u
c1 \u355 ?elege\uc1 \u355 ?i." Iar \uc1 \u238 ?ntre vertebre, o \uc1 \u355 ?epu\
uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Ap\uc1 \u259 ?sare. Ganglionii superiori paraliza\uc1 \
u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Reiss \uc1 \u238 ?ncu
viin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? d\uc1 \u226 ?nd din cap.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ascul\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \
1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ganz bestimmt.}{\f
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u2
59 ? care, \uc1 \u238 ?napoi afar\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc
1 \u259 ?. La mine \uc1 \u238 ?n birou. Japo-ne-zii fac mult\uc1 \u259 ? zarv\uc
1 \u259 ?, dar politico\uc1 \u351 ?i, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la urm\uc1 \u25
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Kreuz von Meere se ridi}{
p1033 \cf1 c\uc1 \u259 ? greoi de la birou, s\uc1 \u259 ?-i imite pe japonezi \u
c1 \u238 ?nclin\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 "Extrem de vulgar s\uc1 \u259 ? ne p\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1
\u259 ?li\uc1 \u355 ?i, Herr Kreuz von Meere. Oricum, la revedere, Herr Wegener
..."}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Bay
nes, zise Reiss. Nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i folose\uc1 \u351 ?te numele de acoperire?}{\fs
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Baynes. "Ne
pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u c\uc1 \u259 ? pleca\uc1 \u355 ?i. Poate }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 vorbim
pe \uc1 \u238 ?ndelete data viitoare."}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
033 \cf1 Telefonul de pe masa lui Reiss sun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i Kreuz von
Meere \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncet\uc1 \u259 ? maimu\uc1 \u355 ?\u
c1 \u259 ?reala.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
033 \cf1 O fi pentru mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Por
ni s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?spund\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? Reis
s se apropie \uc1 \u351 ?i lu\uc1 \u259 ? receptorul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Reiss la telefon.}{\fs24 \dbch \af
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O voce necunoscut\uc1 \u259 ? spuse:}{\fs24 \d
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule consu}{\f
033 \cf1 l, aici este Ausland Fernsprechamt din Nova Sco\uc1 \u355 ?ia. Telefon
transatlantic pentru dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, din Berlin, urgent.}{\fs24 \dbch
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Bine, zise Reiss.}{\f
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O clip\uc1
\u259 ?, domnule consul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 P\uc1
\u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?ituri u\uc1 \u351 ?oare, trosnituri. Apoi o alt\uc1 \u259 ?
voce, o operatoare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
enp1033 \cf1 Kanzlei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
fenp1033 \cf1 Da, aici este Ausl}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang104
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 and Fernsprechamt din Nova Sco\uc1
\u355 ?ia. Con-vorbire cu Herr Reiss, consulul Reich-ului, San Francisco; \uc1 \
u238 ?l am pe consul pe fir.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupe\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O pauz\uc1 \u259 ? lung\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n
timpul c\uc1 \u259 ?reia Reiss continu\uc1 \u259 ?, cu o m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u25
9 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? umble prin coresponden\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Kreuz von Mee
re privea nep\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?tor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Herr Konsul, iart\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ? c
\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?pesc timpul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Voce de b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat. \uc1 \u206 ?n venele lui Reiss
, s\uc1 \u226 ?ngele \uc1 \u238 ?ncet\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? mai curg\uc1 \u2
59 ?. Voce baritonal\uc1 \u259 ?, cultivat\uc1 \u259 ?, rostogolindu-se u\uc1 \u
351 ?or, familiar\uc1 \u259 ? lui Reiss.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Doctor Goebbels la telefon.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, Kanzler.}{\fs24 \dbch \
1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui Re
iss, Kreuz von Meere d\uc1 \u259 ?du \uc1 \u238 ?ncet la iveal\uc1 \u259 ? un z\
uc1 \u226 ?mbet. Falca lene\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncet\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i mai at\uc1 \u226 ?rne.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Chiar acum m-a rugat s\uc1 \u259 ? te sun genera
lul Heydrich. \uc1 \u206 ?n San Francisco se afl\uc1 \u259 ? un agent al Abwehrului. Se nume\uc1 \u351 ?te Rudolf Wege-ner. Vei coopera \uc1 \u238 ?ntru totul
cu poli\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?n privin\uc1 \u355 ?a lui. Nu este timp pen-tr
u detalii. Pur \uc1 \u351 ?i simplu, pune-le oficiul la dispozi\uc1 \u355 ?ie. }
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Ich danke Ihnen sehr dabei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles, Herr Kanzl
er, zise Reiss.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
33 \cf1 Bun\uc1 \u259 ? ziua, consulule.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
p1033 \cf1 Reichkanzler \uc1 \u238 ?nchise.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
fenp1033 \cf1 Kreuz von Meere \uc1 \u238 ?l privi cu interes pe Reiss cum pune r
ece}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \la
ngfenp1033 \cf1 ptorul \uc1 \u238 ?n furc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am avut dreptate?}{\fs24 \dbch \a
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Reiss ridic\uc1 \u259 ? din umeri.}{\fs24 \db
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? discu\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Scrie-ne o autoriza\uc1 \u355 ?ie pentru a-l trimite for\u
c1 \u355 ?at \uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1 \u238 ?n Germa-ni-a pe Wegener \uc1 \u259 ?s
ta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Lu\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u3
51 ?i stiloul, Reiss scrise autoriza\uc1 \u355 ?ia, o semn\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u35
1 ?i i-o \uc1 \u238 ?nm\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?efului S.D.}{\fs24
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mul\uc1 \u355 ?
umesc, zise Kreuz von Meere. Acum, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd te sun\uc1 \u259 ? autorit\uc
1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile japoneze s\uc1 \u259 ? se pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?.
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O vor
face. Vor fi aici \uc1 \u238 ?n cincisprezece minute dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce-l um-fl
\uc1 \u259 ?m pe Wegener.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lang
ngfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i pierduse atitudinea glumea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
, de clovn.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
cf1 F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nici un cvintet de violoni\uc1 \u351 ?ti, zise Re
iss.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Kreuz von Meere nu r\uc1
\u259 ?spunse.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
3 \cf1 Va fi \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?inile noastre \uc1 \u238 ?n diminea\uc1
\u355 ?a asta, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? fii preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit. Le po\uc1 \
u355 ?i spune japonezilor c\uc1 \u259 ? e homosexual sau falsificator sau ceva \
uc1 \u238 ?n genul \uc1 \u259 ?sta. C\uc1 \u259 ?utat pentru o crim\uc1 \u259 ?
important\uc1 \u259 ?, acas\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu le spune c\uc1 \u259 ?-i c\uc1 \u259
?utat pentru crime politice. \uc1 \u350 ?tii c\uc1 \u259 ? ei nu recunosc nou\u
c1 \u259 ?zeci la sut\uc1 \u259 ? din Legea Na\uc1 \u355 ?ional Socialist\uc1 \u
\af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \
uc1 \u350 ?tiu, spuse Reiss. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu ce am de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea iritat \uc1 \u351
?i lucrat pe la spate. Au trecut peste mine, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spuse. C
a de obicei. Au luat leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura cu Cancelaria. Tic\uc1 \u259 ?lo\uc1 \u
351 ?ii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
tremurau m\uc1 \u226 ?inile. Telefonul de la Doctor Goebbels asta f\uc1 \u259 ?
cuse? Speriat de putere? Sau este resentiment, sentimentul de a fi \uc1 \u238 ?n
conju-rat de... la naiba cu politica asta, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Devin tot mai pu
ternici. \uc1 \u206 ?l au pe Goebbels de partea lor, deja; ei conduc R}{\fs24 \d
f1 eich-ul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dar ce pot face eu
? Ce poate face oricine altcineva?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
\cf1 Cu resemnare, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Mai bine cooperez. Nu-i vremea s\uc1 \u2
59 ? fii ad-versarul acestui om; probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? poate ob\uc1 \u355 ?ine
tot ce vrea, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u355 ?ar\uc1 \u259 ?, iar as-ta include \uc1 \u
351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nl\uc1 \u259 ?turarea oricui i-ar fi ostil.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 V\uc1 \u259 ?d c\uc1 \u25
9 ? nu ai exagerat importan\uc1 \u355 ?a acestei chestiuni, Herr Poli-zei-f}{\fs
24 \cf1 \uc1 \u252 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp104
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 hrer}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?ef al Poli\uc1 \u355 ?iei (
germ.)}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe103
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 . Este evident c\uc1 \u259 ? securitatea Germaniei \uc1 \u2
38 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i at\uc1 \u226 ?rn\uc1 \u259 ? de ra-piditatea pri
nderii acestui spion, sau tr\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?tor, sau ce-o fi.}{\fs24 \d
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n sinea lui, se str
\uc1 \u226 ?nse la auzul propriilor lui cuvinte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Oricum,}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lan
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 lui Kreuz von Meere p\uc1 \u259 ?ru s\uc
1 \u259 ?-i fac\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc, domnule consul.}{\
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Poate c\uc
1 \u259 ? ne-ai salvat pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
enp1033 \cf1 Cu triste\uc1 \u355 ?e, Kreuz von Meere zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi

ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ei, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259
? nu l-am umflat. S\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u259 ?m p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc
1 \u259 ? atunci. Sper s\uc1 \u259 ? so-seasc\uc1 \u259 ? telefonul acela.}{\fs2
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u259 ?
descurc eu cu japonezii, zise Reiss. Am o mare expe-rien\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259
? cu ei, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum \uc1 \u351 ?tii. Pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngerile lor...}{\fs2
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu mai tr\uc1
\u259 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?ni, \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupse Kreuz von Meere. T
rebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Evident, telefonul de la Cancelarie \uc1 \u238 ?l tulbu
rase; se sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea \uc1 \u351 ?i el sub presiune, acum.}{\fs24 \dbch \af
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se poate ca tipul s\uc1 \u259 ? scape \uc1 \u3
51 ?i asta te va costa slujba, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Hu-go Reiss. Slujba mea, sluj
ba ta \uc1 \u8211 ? am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi ne putem trezi \uc1 \u238 ?n strad\uc1 \u
259 ?, oric\uc1 \u226 ?nd. Nici tu nu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti mai \uc1 \u238 ?n siguran\
uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
angfenp1033 \cf1 De fapt, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, merit\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? v
ezi cum un mic pas gre\uc1 \u351 ?it ici-colo \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i poate \u
c1 \u238 ?mpotmoli ac}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp10
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 tivitatea, Herr Polizeif}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
ngfenp1033 \cf1 hrer. O sc\uc1 \u259 ?pare, ceva, care nu ar putea fi niciodat\u
c1 \u259 ? pus\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n eviden\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. De pild
\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd vin japonezii aici s\uc1 \u259 ? se pl\uc1 \u226 ?
ng\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ? putea s\uc1 \u259 ? scap un indiciu asupra zborulu
i Luft-han-sa cu care trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fie dus... ori, opun\uc1 \u226 ?ndum\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ?-i \uc1 \u238 ?mpung cu ceva mai jignitor, s\uc1 \u2
59 ? zicem, printr-o urm\uc1 \u259 ? de z\uc1 \u226 ?mbet dispre\uc1 \u355 ?uito
r \uc1 \u8211 ? su-ger\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? Reich-ul se amuz\uc1 \u259 ?,
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i ia \uc1 \u238 ?n serios pe omule\uc1 \u355 ?ii galbeni. E si
mplu s\uc1 \u259 ?-i \uc1 \u238 ?mpungi. \uc1 \u350 ?i dac\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \
u238 ?nfurie destul, s-ar putea duce cu asta direct la Goebbels.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Fel de fel de}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \l
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 posibilit\uc1 \u25
9 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i. S.D.-ul nu-l poate scoate cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat pe tip din S.
P.A. f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? cooperarea mea activ\uc1 \u259 ?. Numai dac\uc1
\u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? nimeri coti-tura care trebuie...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang104
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i ur\uc1 \u259 ?sc pe cei care trec
peste capul meu, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spuse Freiherr Reiss. M\uc1 \u259 ?
st\uc1 \u226 ?njene\uc1 \u351 ?te prea din cale afar\uc1 \u259 ?. M\uc1 \u259 ?
enerveaz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-at\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t
nu mai pot dormi, iar c\uc1 \u226 ?nd nu pot dormi, nu-mi pot face treaba. A\uc
1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? datorez Germaniei \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptarea acestei chesti
uni. M-a\uc1 \u351 ? sim\uc1 \u355 ?i mult mai bine dac\uc1 \u259 ? acest asasin
de r\uc1 \u226 ?nd din Bavaria s-ar afla \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u355 ?ar\uc1 \u259
? scriind rapoarte \uc1 \u238 ?n vreo pr\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?dit\uc1 \u259
? circ\uc1 \u259 ? de poli\uc1 \u355 ?ie din provincie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Necazul e c\uc1 \u259 ? }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nu am timp. }
np1033 \cf1 P\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259
?sc eu cum...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sun\uc1 \u259 ?
telefonul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De data asta, Kreuz
von Meere se repezi s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?spund\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
consulul Reiss nu-l putu opri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Alo, spuse Kreuz von Meere \uc1 \u238 ?n receptor.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Un moment de t\uc1 \u259 ?cere, c\uc
1 \u226 ?t ascult\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
Deja? se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Reiss.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
cf1 Dar \uc1 \u351 ?eful S.D.-ului \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse telefonul.}{
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pentru ti
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Destinz\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se
\uc1 \u238 ?n secret cu u\uc1 \u351 ?urare, Reiss lu\uc1 \u259 ? receptorul.}{\f
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 E un profes
or, zise Kreuz von Meere. Vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie dac\uc1 \u259 ?-i p
o\uc1 \u355 ?i da ni\uc1 \u351 ?te postere cu imagini din Austria, pen}{\fs24 \d
f1 tru cursuri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pe la ora unspreze
ce diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a, Robert Childan \uc1 \u238 ?nchise maga-zi-nul \uc1 \u35
1 ?i o lu\uc1 \u259 ? pe jos c\uc1 \u259 ?tre biroul domnului Paul Kasoura.}{\fs
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Din fericire, Paul nu era ocupat.
\uc1 \u206 ?l salut\uc1 \u259 ? politicos pe Childan \uc1 \u351 ?i-i oferi ceai.
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 N-am s\
uc1 \u259 ? te plictisesc mult, zise Childan dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce \uc1 \u238 ?ncep
ur\uc1 \u259 ? a-m\uc1 \u226 ?n-doi s\uc1 \u259 ? soarb\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbc
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Biroul lui Paul, de\uc1 \u351 ?i mic, era
modern \uc1 \u351 ?i simplu mobilat. Pe pere-te, o singur\uc1 \u259 ?, superb\u

c1 \u259 ? stamp\uc1 \u259 ?: Tigrul lui Mokkei, o capodo-per\uc1 \u259 ? de la
sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul secolului treisprezece.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u259 ? bucur de fiecare d
at\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd te v\uc1 \u259 ?d, Robert, spuse Paul pe un ton c
are p\uc1 \u259 ?stra \uc1 \u8211 ? se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Childan \uc1 \u8211 ? po
ate, o urm\uc1 \u259 ? de distan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sau poate era \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuirea lui. Childan pr
ivi cu pruden\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pe deasupra ce\uc1 \u351 ?tii. Omul p\uc1
\u259 ?rea cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat prietenos. \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i...
Childan sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea o schimbare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 So\uc1 \u355 ?ia ta, zise Childan, a fost dezam\u
c1 \u259 ?git\uc1 \u259 ? de darul meu lipsit de rafinament. Poate am jignit-o.
Oricum, cu ceva nou \uc1 \u351 ?i neprobat, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum \uc1 \u355 ?i-am
explicat c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u355 ?i l-am oferit, nu po\uc1 \u355 ?i face nic
i o evaluare co-rect\uc1 \u259 ? sau definitiv\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? cel pu\
uc1 \u355 ?in nu \uc1 \u238 ?n scopuri exclusiv de afaceri. Desi-gur, tu \uc1 \u
351 ?i cu Betty sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i mai \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259
? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t mine s\uc1 \u259 ? judeca\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Paul zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu a fost dezam\uc1 \u259 ?git\uc1 \u259 ?, Robe
rt. Nu i-am dat bijuteria.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 B\u
c1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u226 ?nd m\uc1 \u226 ?na \uc1 \u238 ?n sertar, scoase cutiu\uc1
\u355 ?a alb\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu a p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sit acest birou.}{\fs24 \dbch
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?tie, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Childa
n. De\uc1 \u351 ?tept om. Nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu i-a spus. Asta era. Acum, \uc
1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du seama Childan, s\uc1 \u259 ? sper\uc1 \u2
59 ?m c\uc1 \u259 ? nu o s\uc1 \u259 ? urle la mi-ne. Vreo acuza\uc1 \u355 ?ie c
\uc1 \u259 ? am \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat s\uc1 \u259 ?-i seduc nevasta.}{\fs24 \dbch
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M-ar putea mina, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
spuse Childan. Continu\uc1 \u259 ? cu grij\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351
?i soar-b\uc1 \u259 ? ceaiul, impasibil.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A, f\uc1 \u259 ?cu el u\uc1 \u351 ?or. Interesa
nt.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 P}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 aul deschise
cutia, scoase insigna \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s-o cerceteze. O \uc1 \u3
55 ?i-nu la lumin\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc\uc1 \u226 ?nd-o pe toate p\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
angfenp1033 \cf1 Mi-am permis s\uc1 \u259 ? ar\uc1 \u259 ?t asta c\uc1 \u226 ?to
rva cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u355 ?e de afaceri, zise Paul, oameni care \uc1 \u2
38 ?mi \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?esc gustul pentru obi
ectele vechi ame-ricane sau pentru obiecte de art\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n gene
ral.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 l pri
vi pe Childan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
3 \cf1 Nici unul dintre ei, desigur, nu mai v\uc1 \u259 ?zuse a\uc1 \u351 ?a cev
a. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum mi-ai explicat, nu s-a mai pomenit o asemenea lucrare con
-tem-poran\uc1 \u259 ?, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acum. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? mi-a
i adus la cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259
? tu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti singurul re}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang104
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 prezentant.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, a\uc1 \u351 ?a e, spuse Chi
ldan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
ei s\uc1 \u259 ? auzi care a fost reac\uc1 \u355 ?ia lor?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Childan se \uc1 \u238 ?nclin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \db
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Aceste persoane au
r\uc1 \u226 ?s, zise Paul, au r\uc1 \u226 ?s.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
angfenp1033 \cf1 Childan r\uc1 \u259 ?mase t\uc1 \u259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i eu am r
\uc1 \u226 ?s, \uc1 \u238 ?n dosul m\uc1 \u226 ?inii, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? vezi tu, spuse Paul, alalt\uc1 \u259 ?ieri, c\uc1 \
u226 ?nd ai ap\uc1 \u259 ?rut \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-ai ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat acest lucru.
Normal, pentru a te menaja, mi-am ascuns amuzamentul; dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum, f\uc
1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n-doial\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
i aminte\uc1 \u351 ?ti, am r\uc1 \u259 ?mas mai mult sau mai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in ev
aziv \uc1 \u238 ?n reac-\uc1 \u355 ?ia aparent\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Childan \uc1 \u238 ?ncuviin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259
? din cap.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Studiind insigna, P
aul continu\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
angfenp1033 \cf1 Este lesne de \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
reac\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Aici este o bucat\uc1 \u259 ? de me-tal care a fost topit p\
uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-a pierdut forma. Nu reprezint\uc1 \u259 ?
nimic. Nici nu are vreo inten\uc1 \u355 ?ie, de nici un fel. Este pur \uc1 \u35
1 ?i simplu marf\uc1 \u259 ?. S-ar pu-tea spune c\uc1 \u259 ? este numai con\uc1
\u355 ?inut, lipsit de form\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5

np1033 \cf1 Childan \uc1 \u238 ?ncuviin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? din cap.}{\fs24
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i t
otu\uc1 \u351 ?i, spuse Paul, de c\uc1 \u226 ?teva zile, o tot cercetez \uc1 \u3
51 ?i, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 vreun motiv logic, }{\i1 \fs24 \d
f1 simt o anumit\uc1 \u259 ? atrac\uc1 \u355 ?ie emo\uc1 \u355 ?ional\uc1 \u259
?. }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \la
ngfenp1033 \cf1 De ce? pot }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \la
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n-treba. Nici chiar acum numi proiectez \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pic\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ?, co
nform testelor psihologice germane, propriul psihic. Nu-i v\uc1 \u259 ?d nici ac
um vreo form\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un fel, \uc1 \u238 ?i apar\uc1 \u3
55 ?ine lui Tao. Vezi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O mi\uc
1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ? prin fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui Childan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Este echilibrat\uc1 \u259 ?. Fo
r\uc1 \u355 ?ele din interiorul ei sunt stabilizate. Se odihnesc. Ca s\uc1 \u259
? spun a\uc1 \u351 ?a, acest obiect a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut pace cu universul. S-a s
eparat din el \uc1 \u351 ?i prin urmare a reu\uc1 \u351 ?it s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung\
uc1 \u259 ? la homeostazie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ch
ildan d\uc1 \u259 ?du din cap, studie piesa. Paul, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, \
uc1 \u238 ?l pierduse.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
gfenp1033 \cf1 Nu are }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lan
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 wabi, }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 zise Paul, nici n-ar p
utea avea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Atinse insigna cu u
nghia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 R
obert, obiectul \uc1 \u259 ?sta are }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 wu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? ai dreptate,
spuse Childan, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i amin
teas-c\uc1 \u259 ? ce era }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 wu; }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nu era un cuv\uc1 \u
226 ?nt japonez \uc1 \u8211 ? era chinez.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n\uc1 \u355 ?elepciune, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u2
38 ? el. Sau \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegere. Oricum, era foarte bine.}{\fs24 \
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u226 ?ini
le me\uc1 \u351 ?terului, spuse Paul, au avut }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 wu }{\fs24 \dbch
uc1 \u351 ?i au l\uc1 \u259 ?sat ca acel }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 wu }{\fs24 \dbch \af6
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 s\uc1
\u259 ? se scurg\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n piesa asta. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? el \u
c1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i nu \uc1 \u351 ?tie dec\uc1 \u226 ?t c\uc1 \u259 ? pie
sa satisface. Este complet\uc1 \u259 ?, Robert. Contempl\uc1 \u226 ?nd-o, c\uc1
\u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tig\uc1 \u259 ?m noi \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?ine mai mult }{
gfenp1033 \cf1 wu. }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Experiment\uc1 \u259 ?m lini\uc1 \u351 ?tirea \u
c1 \u238 ?n asociere nu cu arta, ci cu lu-crurile sfinte. \uc1 \u206 ?mi amintes
c de o m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?stire la Hiroshi-ma unde se pu-tea vedea tibia
unui sf\uc1 \u226 ?nt medieval. Oricum, \uc1 \u259 ?sta este un obiect f\uc1 \u2
59 ?cut de m\uc1 \u226 ?na omului, iar acela era o relicv\uc1 \u259 ?. Acesta es
te viu \uc1 \u238 ?n prezent, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce acela numai }{\i1 \fs24 \db
1 amintea. }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Prin aceast\uc1 \u259 ? medita\uc1 \u355 ?ie, s\uc1 \u25
9 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? de mine \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung de c\uc1
\u226 ?nd ai fost ultima oar\uc1 \u259 ? aici, am reu\uc1 \u351 ?it s\uc1 \u259
? identific valoarea pe care o are aceasta, \uc1 \u238 ?n opozi\uc1 \u355 ?ie c
u patina istoriei. Sunt pro-fund mi\uc1 \u351 ?cat, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum vezi.}{\
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, zise C
hildan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
A nu avea nici o valoare istoric\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i, de asemenea, nici o
valoare artistic\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ? o anumit\uc1 \u
259 ? valoare estetic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? asta este o minune. Tocmai pentr
u c\uc1 \u259 ? este o pic\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? mizerabil\uc1 \u259 ?, mic
\uc1 \u259 ?, ne-ar\uc1 \u259 ?toas\uc1 \u259 ?; asta, Robert, contribuie la a a
vea }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe103
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 wu. }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lang
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? este un fapt \uc1 \u8
211 ? acela c\uc1 \u259 ? }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 wu }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loc
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 se g\uc1 \u259 ?se\uc
1 \u351 ?te de obicei \uc1 \u238 ?n locurile cel mai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in \uc1 \u238
?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?n-t\uc1 \u259 ?toare, la fel ca \uc1 \u238 ?n afo
rismul cre\uc1 \u351 ?tin, "pietrele lep\uc1 \u259 ?date de zidar". Ci-ne-va poa
te experimenta con\uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?a }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 wu}{\fs24 \dbch
-ului \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un fleac precum un vreasc sau o cutie ruginit\uc1 \u259 ?
de bere, la marginea drumului. Oricum, \uc1 \u238 ?n asemenea cazuri, }{\i1 \fs2
3 \cf1 wu }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 se afl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cel care prive\uc1 \u351
?te. Este o experien\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? re-ligioas\uc1 \u259 ?. Aici, un m
e\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugar a pus }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 wu }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hi
8 ?n obiect mai degrab\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t a fost martor celui existent
\uc1 \u238 ?n el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
033 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? privir
ile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\u
c1 \u259 ? fac \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, zise Childan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cu alte cuvinte, o \uc1 \u238 ?n
treag\uc1 \u259 ? lume este ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat\uc1 \u259 ? de acesta. Nu se poate
numi nici art\uc1 \u259 ?, deoarece nu are nici form\uc1 \u259 ?, nici religie.
Dar cum? Am reflectat ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncetat asupra acestei insigne \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? n-am reu\uc1 \u351 ?it s-o p\uc1 \u259 ?trund. Ne li
pse\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?n mod evident cuv\uc1 \u226 ?ntul pentru un asemen
ea obiect. A\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? ai dreptate, Robert. Este \uc1 \u238 ?n
mod autentic un lucru nou pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?a p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntului.}{
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Autentic, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi C
hildan. Da, este, cu siguran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Am prins no-\uc1 \u355 ?iu
nea. Dar \uc1 \u238 ?n rest...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Medit\uc1 \u226 ?nd la acest avantaj, continu\uc1 \u259 ?
Paul, i-am chemat \uc1 \u238 ?na-poi pe ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti cunoscu\uc1 \u355 ?i
de afaceri. M-am apucat, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut acum cu tine, s\
uc1 \u259 ? le \uc1 \u355 ?in o prelegere \uc1 \u238 ?nfl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259
?rat\uc1 \u259 ?, lipsit\uc1 \u259 ? de tact. Subiectul pre-zint\uc1 \u259 ? o
autoritate care oblig\uc1 \u259 ? la abandonarea proprie-t\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355
?ii, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-at\uc1 \u226 ?t de mare necesitatea de a expune realizarea
\uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i. Le-am cerut acelor persoane s\uc1 \u25
9 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? asculte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Chi
ldan \uc1 \u351 ?tia c\uc1 \u259 ? pentru un japonez de genul lui a impune propr
iile idei altor persoane era o situa\uc1 \u355 ?ie aproape incredibil\uc1 \u259
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Rezul
tatul, zise Paul, a fost \uc1 \u238 ?ncurajator. Au fost \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\u
c1 \u259 ?-mi \uc1 \u238 ?ndrepte, sub o asemenea constr\uc1 \u226 ?ngere, punct
ul de vedere; au realizat ce le creionam. A\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? a meritat
. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut asta, m-am odih-nit. Nimic altceva, Rob
ert. Sunt sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
p1033 \cf1 Puse insigna \uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1 \u238 ?n cutie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Responsabilitatea mea a \
uc1 \u238 ?ncetat. Eliberat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
\langfenp1033 \cf1 mpinse cutia spre Childan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule, este a dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?,
spuse Childan, f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i-se team\uc1 \u259 ?; situa\uc1 \u
355 ?ia nu se potrivea cu nimic din ce tr\uc1 \u259 ?ise el vreodat\uc1 \u259 ?.
Un sus-pus japonez \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i \uc1
\u238 ?n sl\uc1 \u259 ?vi un cadou ce-i fusese oferit... apoi refuz\uc1 \u226 ?
ndu-l. Childan sim\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?-i tremur\uc1 \u259 ? genunchii. Nu
-i trecea deloc prin minte ce s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ?, r\uc1 \u259 ?mase n
etezindu-\uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u226 ?necile, cu fa\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n fl\
uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ca
lm, chiar cu asprime, Paul spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Robert, trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? prive\uc1 \u351 ?ti situ
a\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cu mai mult curaj.}{\fs
33 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustri
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Albindu-se la fa\uc1 \u355 ?\
uc1 \u259 ?, Childan se b\uc1 \u226 ?lb\uc1 \u226 ?i:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sunt nedumerit de...}{\fs24 \dbch
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Paul se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n pic
ioare, \uc1 \u238 ?nfrunt\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Bag\uc1 \u259 ? de seam\uc1 \u259 ?. A ta es
te sarcina. Tu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti singurul agent al acestei piese \uc1 \u351 ?i al
altora asemenea ei. \uc1 \u350 ?i e\uc1 \u351 ?ti profesionist. Retra-ge-te pent
ru un timp \uc1 \u238 ?n singur\uc1 \u259 ?tate. Mediteaz\uc1 \u259 ?, poate con
sul\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cartea Schimb\uc1 \u259 ?rilor.
enp1033 \cf1 Apoi studiaz\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i vitrinele, reclamele, siste-
mul de comer-cial}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 izare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
3 \cf1 Childan se holb\uc1 \u259 ? la el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
np1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u355 ?i vei afla drumul, spu
se Paul. Cum trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? procedezi pen-tru a face ca aceste obiecte s\
uc1 \u259 ? fie la mare mod\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
p1033 \cf1 Childan era uluit. Omul \uc1 \u238 ?mi spune c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt }{\i1
np1033 \cf1 obligat }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp104
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi asum responsabilitatea moral\u
c1 \u259 ? pentru bijuteriile de la Edfrank! Viziune de psihopat excentric japon
ez: nimic mai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in dec\uc1 \u226 ?t rela\uc1 \u355 ?ii de prim ordin
, spirituale \uc1 \u351 ?i de afaceri cu bijuteriile, acceptabile \uc1 \u238 ?n
ochii lui Paul Kasoura}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u
350 ?i cel mai prost era c\uc1 \u259 ? Paul vorbea, \uc1 \u238 ?n mod cert, cu a
utoritate, exact din inima culturii \uc1 \u351 ?i a tradi\uc1 \u355 ?iei japonez
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Obliga\uc1 \u355 ?ie, se g\
uc1 \u226 ?ndi el cu am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?ciune. O putea sim\uc1 \u355 ?i
tot restul vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii, odat\uc1 \u259 ? ascuns\uc1 \u259 ?. P\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n morm\uc1 \u226 ?nt. Paul \uc1 \u8211 ? spre satisfac
\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui, oricum \uc1 \u351 ?i-o \uc1 \u238 ?ndeplinise pe a lui. Dar
a lui Childan; ah, aceea avea pecetea nesf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?irii.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu s}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \lo
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 unt \uc1 \u238 ?n to
ate min\uc1 \u355 ?ile, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spuse Childan. Exemplu: ei nu
ar ajuta un r\uc1 \u259 ?nit s\uc1 \u259 ? ias\uc1 \u259 ? din mocirl\uc1 \u259
? din cauza obliga\uc1 \u355 ?iei pe care o im-plic\uc1 \u259 ?. Asta cum se num
e\uc1 \u351 ?te? Eu cred c\uc1 \u259 ?-i tipic; ce te-ai a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta de l
a o ras\uc1 \u259 ? care, atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd i se cere s\uc1 \u259 ? copieze
un distrug\uc1 \u259 ?tor britanic, reu\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259
? imite p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nsemnele de pe caza
n...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Paul \uc1 \u238 ?l privea

cu aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Din fericire, \uc1 \u238 ?ndelungata experien\uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i permitea lui Childan s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i sup
rime automat orice exteriorizare a adev\uc1 \u259 ?ratelor sentimente. \uc1 \u20
6 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i compusese o expresie amabil\uc1 \u259 ?, sobr\uc1 \u259 ?, imag
ine ce se potrivea corect cu natura situa\uc1 \u355 ?iei. O putea sim\uc1 \u355
?i, masca.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Este \uc1 \u238 ?ns
p\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?tor, realiz\uc1 \u259 ? Childan. O cata
strof\uc1 \u259 ?. Mai bine se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndea c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc
am s\uc1 \u259 ?-i seduc nevasta. Betty. Nu mai era acum nici o \uc1 \u351 ?ans\
uc1 \u259 ? ca ea s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? piesa, ca planul lui ini\uc1 \u3
55 ?ial s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?mplineasc\uc1 \u259 ?. }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \a
f4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Wu
enp1033 \cf1 era incompatibil cu sexua-litatea; era, cum zicea Paul, solemn \uc1
\u351 ?i sf\uc1 \u226 ?nt ca o relicv\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am dat fiec\uc1 \u259 ?reia dintre a
ceste persoane c\uc1 \u226 ?te o carte de vizit\uc1 \u259 ? de-a ta, zise Paul.}
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Poftim?
f\uc1 \u259 ?cu Childan, preocupat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile tale de vizit\uc1 \u25
9 ?. Ca s\uc1 \u259 ? poat\uc1 \u259 ? veni \uc1 \u351 ?i cerceta \uc1 \u351 ?i
alte exem-plare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg, zise Childan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mai este ceva, spuse Paul. Unul di
ntre ei dore\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ? discute tot acest subiect cu tine, la e
l acas\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u354 ?i-am notat numele \uc1 \u351 ?i adresa.}{\fs24 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Paul \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du lui
Childan un petic de h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?turit\uc1 \u259
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dore
\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ? fie prezen\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i partenerii lu
i de afaceri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Paul ad\uc1 \u25
9 ?ug\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
p1033 \cf1 Este importator. Import\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i export\uc1 \u259 ?
marf\uc1 \u259 ? de serie. \uc1 \u206 ?n special \uc1 \u238 ?n America de Sud. R
adiouri, aparate de fotografiat, binocluri, magne-tofoane, asemenea lucruri.}{\f
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Childan se uit\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24
\cf1 pe h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Comercializeaz\uc1 \u259 ?, desigur, cantit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i imense, zise Paul. Proba-bil sute de mii din fiecare articol. Compania
lui controleaz\uc1 \u259 ? diferite \uc1 \u238 ?ntre-prinderi care produc pentr
u el cu costuri de produc\uc1 \u355 ?ie mici, totul pla-sat \uc1 \u238 ?n Orient
, unde m\uc1 \u226 ?na de lucru este mai ieftin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De ce se... \uc1 \u206 ?nce
pu Childan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Paul zise:}{\fs24
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Obiectele ca...
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Lu\uc1 \u259 ? insigna \uc1 \
u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?,
scurt. \uc1 \u206 ?nchiz\uc1 \u226 ?nd capacul cutiei, i-o \uc1 \u238 ?napoie l
ui Childan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
cf1 ...se pot produce \uc1 \u238 ?n serie. Fie din plastic, fie din metal. Dup\u
c1 \u259 ? tipar. \uc1 \u206 ?n orice cant}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 itate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? un timp Childan spuse:}{\fs24 \d
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dar cu }{\i1 \fs2
3 \cf1 wu-}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ul}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 cum r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \
u226 ?ne? Se va p\uc1 \u259 ?stra \uc1 \u238 ?n piese?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Paul nu spuse nimic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u259 ? sf\uc1 \u259 ?tuie\uc1 \u351
?ti s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnesc cu el? zise Chi
ldan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De ce?
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Amulete
, zise Paul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Childan se holb\u
cf1 Amulete purt\uc1 \u259 ?toare de noroc. S\uc1 \u259 ? fie purtate. De oameni
i relativ s\uc1 \u259 ?raci. O linie de amulete, s\uc1 \u259 ? fie v\uc1 \u226 ?
ndute cu bucata pretutindeni \uc1 \u238 ?n America Latin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351
?i \uc1 \u238 ?n Orient. Marea majoritate a maselor crede \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u2
59 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n vr\uc1 \u259 ?ji, \uc1 \u351 ?tii. Blesteme. Licori. E o afac
ere excelent\uc1 \u259 ?, mi se spune.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
033 \cf1 Chipul lui Paul era nep\uc1 \u259 ?truns, vocea f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u25
9 ? expresie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
\cf1 Pare, zise Childan rar, c\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi vorba de o gr\uc1 \u259 ?mad\u
c1 \u259 ? de bani.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Paul d\uc1
\u259 ?du din cap, a \uc1 \u238 ?ncuviin\uc1 \u355 ?are.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A fost ideea ta?}{\fs24 \dbch
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, spuse Paul.}{\fs2
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Apoi t\uc1 \u259 ?cu.}{\fs24 \dbch
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Patronul t\uc1 \u259 ?u, se g\uc1 \u226 ?nd
i Childan. I-ai ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat piesa superiorului t\uc1 \u259 ?u, care-l cuno
a\uc1 \u351 ?te pe acest importator. Superiorul t\uc1 \u259 ?u \uc1 \u8211 ? sau
vreo per-soa-n\uc1 \u259 ? influent\uc1 \u259 ? de deasupra ta, careva care are
putere asupra ta, careva bogat \uc1 \u351 ?i mare a luat leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura cu
importatorul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De asta mi-o da
i \uc1 \u238 ?napoi, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du seama Childan. Nu
vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? te bagi \uc1 \u238 ?n asta Dar \uc1 \u351 ?tii ce \uc1 \u351
?tiu \uc1 \u351 ?i eu: c\uc1 \u259 ? am s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? duc la acea
st\uc1 \u259 ? adres\uc1 \u259 ?, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nt\
uc1 \u226 ?lnesc cu acest om. Trebuie. N-am de ales. Am s\uc1 \u259 ?-i con-cesi
onez modelele sau am s\uc1 \u259 ? i le v\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe baza unui procentaj;
\uc1 \u238 ?ntre mine \uc1 \u351 ?i el se va \uc1 \u238 ?ncheia o \uc1 \u238 ?n\
uc1 \u355 ?elegere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Clar c\uc1
\u259 ? mai sus de nivelul t\uc1 \u259 ?u. Cu totul. Prost gust din partea ta s
\uc1 \u259 ? crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? po\uc1 \u355 ?i opri sau convinge
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pentru
tine este o \uc1 \u351 ?ans\uc1 \u259 ?, zise Paul, de a deveni extrem de bo-ga
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Continu\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \
u259 ? priveasc\uc1 \u259 ? indiferent \uc1 \u238 ?naintea sa.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ideea mi se pare bizar\uc
1 \u259 ?, spuse Childan. S\uc1 \u259 ? faci amulete din obiecte de art\uc1 \u25
9 ?; nu-mi pot imagina.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu este linia ta natural\uc1 \u259 ? de afa
ceri. Tu te-ai dedicat esotericului savuros. Eu \uc1 \u238 ?nsumi, sunt la fel.
\uc1 \u350 ?i la fel sunt \uc1 \u351 ?i cei care \uc1 \u238 ?n cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i vor vizita magazinul, cei despre care \uc1 \u355 ?i-a
m vorbit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Childan spuse:}{\fs2
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Tu ce ai face

\uc1 \u238 ?n locul meu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lang
langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu subevalua posibilitatea sugerat\uc1 \u259 ? de stimatul imp
ortator. Es-te un personaj iste\uc1 \u355 ?. Tu \uc1 \u351 ?i cu mine... nou\uc1
\u259 ? nici nu ne trece prin minte c\uc1 \u226 ?t de mare este num\uc1 \u259 ?
rul celor neinstrui\uc1 \u355 ?i. Ei pot ob\uc1 \u355 ?ine din obiecte de serie
o bucurie care nou\uc1 \u259 ? ne-ar fi refuzat\uc1 \u259 ?. Noi ne \uc1 \u238 ?
nchi-puim c\uc1 \u259 ? avem unicul criteriu de valoare. \uc1 \u350 ?i, desigur,
ceva \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r autentic. Nu un model sau o copie.}{\fs2
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Continu\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? p
riveasc\uc1 \u259 ? dincolo de Childan, \uc1 \u238 ?n gol.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu ceva turnat cu zecile de m
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A descoperit, oare, din \u
c1 \u238 ?n}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 t\uc1 \u226 ?mplare, ideea corect\uc1 \u259 ?, se \uc1 \
u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Chil-dan, c\uc1 \u259 ? anumite obiecte istorice din mag
azine cum este al meu (ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai vorbim de numeroase articole din
propria lui colec\uc1 \u355 ?ie) sunt imita\uc1 \u355 ?ii? Pare a fi o u\uc1 \u3
51 ?oar\uc1 \u259 ? aluzie \uc1 \u238 ?n cuvintele lui. Ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum, \u
c1 \u238 ?n sub-text, \uc1 \u238 ?mi transmite un mesaj complet diferit de ceea
ce se vede. Ambi-guitatea, de care te izbe\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?n oracol...
calitate, cum se spune, a min\uc1 \u355 ?ii orientale.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Childan se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi: el, de fapt, spune "Cine
e\uc1 \u351 ?ti tu, Robert? Cel pe care oracolul \uc1 \u238 ?l nume\uc1 \u351 ?t
e }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033
\langfenp1033 \cf1 omul inferior }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 s}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \lo
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 au cel\uc1 \u259 ?la
lt, c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia \uc1 \u238 ?i sunt adre-sate toate recomand\uc1 \u259 ?ril
e bune? Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? te hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ti, aic
i. Po\uc1 \u355 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pe un drum sau pe cel\uc1 \u259 ?l
alt, dar nu pe am\uc1 \u226 ?ndou\uc1 \u259 ?. Acum este momen-tul s\uc1 \u259 ?
alegi".}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i pe care
drum }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 va }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lan
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 apuca omul superior? Robert Childan se \u
c1 \u238 ?n-treb\uc1 \u259 ? pe sine \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i. Cel pu\uc1 \u
355 ?in potrivit lui Paul Kasoura. Iar ceea ce avem \uc1 \u238 ?naintea noastr\u
c1 \u259 ?, aici, nu este o compila\uc1 \u355 ?ie veche de mii de ani a \uc1 \u2
38 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elepciunii inspirat\uc1 \u259 ? divin; nu este dec\uc1 \u226 ?t
opinia unui muritor \uc1 \u8211 ? un t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r om de afaceri
japonez.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, ar
e miez. }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langf
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Wu, }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 cum ar spune Paul. }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \
af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Wu
fenp1033 \cf1 al acestei situa\uc1 \u355 ?ii este acesta: indiferent de ceea ce
nu ne place nou\uc1 \u259 ?, nu \uc1 \u238 ?ncape \uc1 \u238 ?ndo-ial\uc1 \u259
?, realitatea este de partea importatorului. Cu at\uc1 \u226 ?t mai r\uc1 \u259
?u pentru ceea ce inten\uc1 \u355 ?ionase; trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? ne adapt\uc1 \u
259 ?m, cum zice oracolul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc
1 \u350 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n definitiv, originalele le pot vinde \uc1 \u238 ?n magaz
inul meu. Cunos-c\uc1 \u259 ?torilor, ca de exemplu, prietenilor lui Paul.}{\fs2
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Te lup\uc1 \u
355 ?i cu tine \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u355 ?i, observ\uc1 \u259 ? Paul. F\uc1 \u25
9 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n aseme-nea situa\uc1 \u355 ?ii omul prefer\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fie singur.}{\f
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pornise c\uc1 \u259 ?tre u\uc1 \u
351 ?a biroului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
033 \cf1 M-am hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t deja}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 .}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ochii lui Paul sc\uc1 \u226 ?nteiar\uc1 \u259 ?
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nclin\uc
1 \u226 ?ndu-se, Childan zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
\u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u355 ?i voi urma sfatul. M\uc1 \u259 ?
duc chiar acum s\uc1 \u259 ?-l vizitez pe impor-tator.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Lu\uc1 \u259 ? h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia \uc1 \u238 ?ndoit\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i porni c\uc1 \u259 ?tre u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n mod ciudat, Paul
nu p\uc1 \u259 ?ru mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit; morm\uc1 \u259 ?i numai \uc1 \u351 ?i s
e \uc1 \u238 ?n-toarse la masa lui. \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc
1 \u226 ?nesc emo\uc1 \u355 ?iile p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ultim
a clip\uc1 \u259 ?, reflect\uc1 \u259 ? Childan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Multe mul\uc1 \u355 ?umiri pentru ajuto
rul \uc1 \u238 ?n afaceri, zise el, preg\uc1 \u259 ?tin-du-se de plecare. C\uc1
\u226 ?ndva am s\uc1 \u259 ? fac, dac\uc1 \u259 ? va fi posibil, acela\uc1 \u351
?i lucru. Am s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi aduc aminte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
fenp1033 \cf1 Dar t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rul japonez tot nu ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta
nici o reac\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Prea adev\uc1 \u259 ?-rat, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Childa
n, ceea ce obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuim s\uc1 \u259 ? spunem: sunt de nep\uc1 \u259 ?trun
\lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nso\uc1
\u355 ?indu-l p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, Paul p\u
c1 \u259 ?ru cufundat \uc1 \u238 ?n g\uc1 \u226 ?nduri. Deo-dat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc
1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Arti\uc1 \u351 ?tii americani au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut piesa asta
manual, corect? Lucrul propriilor m\uc1 \u226 ?ini?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, de la de}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hic
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 senul ini\
uc1 \u355 ?ial, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la lustruirea final\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule! Vor
fi de acord ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti artizani? \uc1 \u206 ?mi imaginez c\uc1 \u259 ? \
uc1 \u351 ?i-au visat altceva pentru munca lor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M-a\uc1 \u351 ? hazarda a spune c\uc1 \u
259 ? ar putea fi convin\uc1 \u351 ?i, zise Childan; lui, problema \uc1 \u238 ?i
p\uc1 \u259 ?rea minor\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, zise Paul. Cred c}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u259 ? da.}
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ceva \uc1 \u238 ?n tonul lui \
uc1 \u238 ?l f\uc1 \u259 ?cu pe Childan s\uc1 \u259 ? devin\uc1 \u259 ? brusc at
ent. O ac-centuare nedefinit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i aparte. Iar apoi Childan
se limpezi. F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nici un dubiu, dep\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351
?ise ambiguitatea \uc1 \u8211 ? }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 v\uc1 \u259 ?zu.}{\fs24 \dbch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Desigur. \uc1 \u206 ?ntreaga afacere, o nemi
loas\uc1 \u259 ? renun\uc1 \u355 ?are la eforturile americane, petrec\uc1 \u226
?ndu-se sub ochii lui. Cinism, dar f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? Dumne-zeu, \uc1 \u
238 ?nghi\uc1 \u355 ?ise c\uc1 \u226 ?rligul, a\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i pluta
. M-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncuviin\uc1 \u355 ?ez, pas cu p
as, m-a condus pas cu pas la aceast\uc1 \u259 ? concluzie: produsele m\uc1 \u226
?inilor ame-ricane sunt numai modele pentru ni\uc1 \u351 ?te fleacuri de amulet
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ?a conduceau ja
ponezii, nu brutal, ci cu subtilitate, cu nevi-no-v\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ie, c
u abilitate \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?toare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dumnezeule! Suntem barbari \uc1 \u238 ?n compara\uc

1 \u355 ?ie cu ei, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du seama Childan. Nu s
untem dec\uc1 \u226 ?t ni\uc1 \u351 ?te prost\uc1 \u259 ?naci \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\u
c1 \u355 ?a unei asemenea ra\uc1 \u355 ?iuni ne\uc1 \u238 ?ndur\uc1 \u259 ?toare
. Paul nu a zis \uc1 \u8211 ? nu mi-a zis \uc1 \u8211 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? arta noast
r\uc1 \u259 ? este f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? valoare; m-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut s-o
spun eu \uc1 \u238 ?n locul lui. \uc1 \u350 ?i, ca o ironie final\uc1 \u259 ?, m
i-a regretat spusele. Un gest civilizat, abia schi\uc1 \u355 ?at, de p\uc1 \u259
?rere de r\uc1 \u259 ?u, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a auzit adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul de la mine
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M-a \uc1 \u238 ?nfr\uc1 \u22
6 ?nt, spuse Childan apro}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lang
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ape cu voce tare \uc1 \u8211 ? din fericir
e, oricum, reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s-o p\uc1 \u259 ?streze \uc1 \u238 ?n g\uc1 \u226 ?n
d; cum, mai \uc1 \u238 ?nainte, o \uc1 \u355 ?inuse \uc1 \u238 ?n lu-mea lui int
erioar\uc1 \u259 ?, deosebit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i secret\uc1 \u259 ?, pentr
u el \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i. M-a umilit, pe mine \uc1 \u351 ?i pe neamul m
eu. \uc1 \u350 ?i sunt neputincios. Aici nu-i nici o r\uc1 \u259 ?zbu-nare; sunt
em \uc1 \u238 ?nfr\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nfr\uc1 \
u226 ?ngerile noastre a\uc1 \u351 ?a sunt, at\uc1 \u226 ?t de imate-riale, at\uc
1 \u226 ?t de delicate, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t abia suntem \uc1 \u238 ?n st
are s\uc1 \u259 ? le observ\uc1 \u259 ?m. De fapt, avem de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut o cr
est\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? pe r\uc1 \u259 ?bojul evolu\uc1 \u355 ?iei noastr
e, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tim c\uc1 \u259 ? s-a produs.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce alt\uc1 \u259 ? dovad\uc1 \u259 ? ar putea fi
adus\uc1 \u259 ? adecv\uc1 \u259 ?rii pentru conducere a japonezilor? \uc1 \u20
6 ?i veni s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u226 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?, poate cu admira\uc1 \u355 ?i
e. Da, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, asta e, ca atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd auzi o anecdot\uc1
\u259 ? bun\uc1 \u259 ?. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?i-o aminte\uc1 \u351
?ti, s\uc1 \u259 ? o savurezi mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, s-o poveste\uc1 \u351 ?ti.
Dar cui? Asta-i problema. Prea personal\uc1 \u259 ? pentru a fi relatat\uc1 \u2
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n co
l\uc1 \u355 ?ul biroului lui Paul, un co\uc1 \u351 ? pentru h\uc1 \u226 ?rtii. \
uc1 \u206 ?n el! \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spuse Robert Childan sie\uc1 \u351 ?i
, cu tot cu pic\uc1 \u259 ?tura asta, cu bijuteria asta golit\uc1 \u259 ? de }{\
fenp1033 \cf1 wu}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \l
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 .}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
A\uc1 \u351 ? putea-o face? S-o arunc? S\uc1 \u259 ? pun cap\uc1 \u259 ?t situa
\uc1 \u355 ?iei sub ochii lui Paul?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
\cf1 Nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car n-o pot arunca, descoperi el str\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \
u226 ?nd piesa \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. Trebuie \uc1 \u8211 ? d
ac\uc1 \u259 ? anticipezi c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i vei mai \uc1 \
u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lni amicul japonez.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
1033 \cf1 La naiba, nu m\uc1 \u259 ? pot elibera de sub influen\uc1 \u355 ?a lor
, nu m\uc1 \u259 ? pot l\uc1 \u259 ?sa \uc1 \u238 ?n voia impulsurilor. Toat\uc1
\u259 ? spontaneitatea zdrobit\uc1 \u259 ?... Paul \uc1 \u238 ?l privea ne-av\u
c1 \u226 ?nd nevoie s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ? nimic; simpl\uc1 \u259 ? prez
en\uc1 \u355 ?a lui ajunge. Mi-a ispitit con\uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?a, mi-a
trecut un fir invizibil de la pic\uc1 \u259 ?tura asta \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226
?ini, \uc1 \u238 ?n sus prin bra\uc1 \u355 ?, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \
u238 ?n suflet.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cred c\uc1 \u2
59 ? am tr\uc1 \u259 ?it prea mult \uc1 \u238 ?n preajma lor. Prea t\uc1 \u226 ?
rziu acum s\uc1 \u259 ? mai fug, s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc p
rintre albi \uc1 \u351 ?i la modul de via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? al albilor.}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Robert Childan zise:}{\fs24 \dbc
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Paul...}{\fs24 \dbc
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vocea, observ\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?i
era gutural\uc1 \u259 ?, cu alunec\uc1 \u259 ?ri boln\uc1 \u259 ?vicioase; ne-co
ntrolat\uc1 \u259 ?, nemodulat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, Robert.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Paul,... sunt,... m\uc1 \u259 ? simt umi
lit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nc\uc
1 \u259 ?perea juca.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
enp1033 \cf1 De ce, Robert?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu
an\uc1 \u355 ?e de grij\uc1 \u259 ?, dar deta\uc1 \u351 ?at. Deasupra implic\uc1
\u259 ?rii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
\cf1 Paul. O clip\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
\uc1 \u354 ?inu \uc1 \u238 ?ntre degete minuscula bijuterie; devenise lunecoas\
uc1 \u259 ? de transpira\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sunt... m\uc1 \u226 ?ndru de ea. Nici nu poate f
i vorba de gunoaiele alea de amulete. Renun\uc1 \u355 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ?
nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? ob\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? o reac\uc1 \u355
?ie din partea t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rului b\uc1 \u259 ?r-bat japonez, ciuli
se doar urechile, mai atent.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp104
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u355 ?i mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc, oricum, spu
se Robert Childan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Paul se \uc
1 \u238 ?nclin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Oamenii care au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut asta, zise Childan, sunt ar
ti\uc1 \u351 ?ti m\uc1 \u226 ?ndri, americani. Eu inclusiv. Sugerarea unor gunoa
ie de amulete, prin ur-ma-re, ne jigne\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u351 ?i pretind scuze
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Incredibil prelungit\uc1 \u2
59 ? lini\uc1 \u351 ?te.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Paul
\uc1 \u238 ?l cercet\uc1 \u259 ?. O spr\uc1 \u226 ?ncean\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351
?or ridicat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i buzele sub\uc1 \u355 ?iri str\uc1 \u226 ?
n-g\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se. Un z\uc1 \u226 ?mbet?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Eu pretind, zise Childan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Asta fu tot, nu putu s\uc1 \u259 ? continue. Ac
um doar a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ni
mic nu se \uc1 \u238 ?n}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 t\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Te rog, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Ajut\uc1 \u259
?-m\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Paul zise:}{\
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Iart\uc1 \
u259 ?-mi propunerea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}
np1033 \cf1 i \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse m\uc1 \u226 ?na.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 E-n regul\uc1 \u259 ?, zise Childan.}{
?i str\uc1 \u226 ?nser\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?inile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pacea cobor\uc1 \u238 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n inima lui Childan
. Am supravie\uc1 \u355 ?uit, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du sea-ma.
Eu \uc1 \u238 ?nsumi. Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit\uc1 \u259 ? lui Dumnezeu; a existat mo
mentul potrivit, pentru mine. Alt\uc1 \u259 ? dat\uc1 \u259 ?... altfel. A\uc1 \
u351 ? mai putea \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi for\uc1
\u355 ?ez norocul? Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? nu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
angfenp1033 \cf1 Fu cuprins de melancolie. Scurt moment, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum ma\uc1 \u351 ? fi ridi-cat la suprafa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1
\u351 ? fi v\uc1 \u259 ?zut nem\uc1 \u259 ?rginirea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Via\uc1 \u355 ?a este scurt\uc1 \u259 ?, se g\uc1 \u226
?ndi. Arta sau lucrurile ne\uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?ite sunt perene, \uc1 \
u238 ?ntinz\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se la nesf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it, ca un vierme.
Plat, alb, neafec-tat de nici o trecere peste el sau prin el. Aici m\uc1 \u259 ?
aflu. Dar nu mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?rzii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Lu\uc1 \u226 ?nd cutiu\uc1 \u355 ?a, puse bijuteria de la Ed
frank \uc1 \u238 ?n buzunarul parde-siului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 12}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 DOMNUL RAMSEY spuse:}
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule
Tagomi, domnul Yatabe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se retr
ase \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un col\uc1 \u355 ? al biroului, iar domnul cel sub\uc1 \u355
?ire \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?rst\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nainte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
\langfenp1033 \cf1 ntinz\uc1 \u226 ?nd m\uc1 \u226 ?na, domnul Tagomi zise:}{\f
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sunt bucuro
s s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? cunosc \uc1 \u238 ?n persoan\uc1 \u259 ?, domnule.
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u226 ?na u\uc1 \u351 ?
oar\uc1 \u259 ?, fragil\uc1 \u259 ?, b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, i
se strecur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n propria-i m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?; el o
scutur\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? o str\uc1 \u226 ?ng
\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o eliber\uc1 \u259 ? imediat. Nimic rupt, sper, se g\
uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Examin\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?turile b\uc1 \u259
?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nului domn, declar\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit. Ce spi
rit sever, clar, aici. Nici o \uc1 \u238 ?nce\uc1 \u355 ?o\uc1 \u351 ?are a inte
ligen-\uc1 \u355 ?ei. Cu certitu-di-ne, o transmitere lucid\uc1 \u259 ? a tuturo
r vechilor tradi\uc1 \u355 ?ii, neclintite. Cele mai bune calit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i, pe care le putea reprezenta b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul... \uc1 \u3
51 ?i atunci desco-pe-ri c\uc1 \u259 ? se afla \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a gen
eralului Tedeki, fostul \uc1 \u351 ?ef imperial al perso-na-lului. Domnul Tagomi
se \uc1 \u238 ?nclin\uc1 \u259 ? ad\uc1 \u226 ?nc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule general.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Unde este a treia parte? zi
se Tedeki.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
f1 Se apropie, \uc1 \u238 ?n pas alerg\uc1 \u259 ?tor, spuse domnul Tagomi. M-am
in-format eu \uc1 \u238 ?nsumi la hotel.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
np1033 \cf1 Cu mintea zb\uc1 \u226 ?rn\uc1 \u226 ?indu-i \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitor,
se retrase c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva pa\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n pozi-\uc1
\u355 ?ie \uc1 \u238 ?nclinat\uc1 \u259 ?, incapabil s\uc1 \u259 ? revin\uc1 \u2
59 ? la vertical\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
Generalul se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ?. Domnul Ramsey, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u25
9 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? igno-r\uc1 \u226 ?
nd identitatea b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nului domn, \uc1 \u238 ?i oferi scaunu
l dar nu v\uc1 \u259 ?di nici o aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie deosebit\uc1 \u259 ?. Domnul
Tagomi, ezit\uc1 \u226 ?nd, se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? pe un scaun \uc1 \u23
8 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a generalului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pierdem vremea, spuse generalul. Regretabil, dar inevi
tabil.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A
dev\uc1 \u259 ?rat, zise domnul Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
1033 \cf1 Trecur\uc1 \u259 ? zece minute. Nici unul nu mai scoase vreun cuv\uc1
\u226 ?nt.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
f1 Scuza\uc1 \u355 ?i-m\uc1 \u259 ?, domnule, zise domnul Ramsey \uc1 \u238 ?n c
ele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, foindu-se, eu plec dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu sunt de folos.}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi \uc1 \u238 ?ncuvii
n\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cu o \uc1 \u238 ?nclinare a capului, iar dom-nul Ramse
y ie\uc1 \u351 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
p1033 \cf1 Ceai, domnule general? zise domnul Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, domnule.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule, spuse domnul Tagomi,
recunosc c\uc1 \u259 ? mi-e fric\uc1 \u259 ?. Simt \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u2
59 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnire ceva \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitor.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Generalul \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u23
8 ?nclin\uc1 \u259 ? fruntea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Baynes}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 , pe care l-am cunoscut \uc1 \u3
51 ?i cu care m-am \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?l-nit \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ?
la mine, se declar\uc1 \u259 ? suedez. Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, o privire atent\uc1 \
u259 ? te con-vinge c\uc1 \u259 ? de fapt este un german sus-pus, de vreun fel.
Spun asta de-oarece...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
gfenp1033 \cf1 Continu\uc1 \u259 ?, te rog.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 V\uc1 \u259 ? mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc. Domnule
general, agita\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui \uc1 \u238 ?n leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnire m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nd
eamn\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fac o leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu schimb\uc
1 \u259 ?rile poli-tice din Reich.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
\cf1 Domnul Tagomi nu men\uc1 \u355 ?ion\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i un alt fapt,
pe care-l cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tea: acela c\uc1 \u259 ? generalul nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i f\
uc1 \u259 ?cuse apari\uc1 \u355 ?ia la momentul stabilit. Generalul spuse:}{\fs2
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule}{\fs2
3 \cf1 , acum bate\uc1 \u355 ?i apa \uc1 \u238 ?n piu\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu informa\uc
1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ochii lui cenu\uc1
\u351 ?ii clipir\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?rinte\uc1 \u351 ?te. Nici urm\uc1 \u2
59 ? de mali\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
mnul Tagomi accept\uc1 \u259 ? dojana.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule, prezen\uc1 \u355 ?a mea la aceast\uc1 \u
259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnire este doar forma-l\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru a-i
induce \uc1 \u238 ?n eroare pe agen\uc1 \u355 ?ii nazi\uc1 \u351 ?ti?}{\fs24 \db
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Natural, z}{\fs24
\cf1 ise generalul, avem interesul s\uc1 \u259 ? men\uc1 \u355 ?inem o anu-mit\u
c1 \u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?ad\uc1 \u259 ?. Domnul Baynes este reprezentantul lui T
or-Am In-dustries din Stockholm, om de afaceri \uc1 \u351 ?i at\uc1 \u226 ?t. Ia
r eu sunt Shinjiro Yatabe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
f4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dom
nul Tagomi se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi: iar eu sunt Tagomi. Asta-i piesa.}{\fs24 \dbch \
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u2
59 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nazi\uc1 \u351 ?tii au urm\uc1
\u259 ?rit venirile \uc1 \u351 ?i plec\uc1 \u259 ?rile dom-nu-lui Baynes, zise
generalul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
och \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbc
\uc1 \u351 ?i sprijini m\uc1 \u226 ?inile pe genunchi, st\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu spat
ele drept... ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi domnul Tagomi, ar adulmec
a un iz \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtat de rasol de vit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \db
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dar pentru a \uc1
\u238 ?nl\uc1 \u259 ?tura mistificarea, ei trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? recurg\uc1 \u25
9 ? la acte legale. Acesta este scopul original; nu s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\
uc1 \u351 ?eli, ci s\uc1 \u259 ? apelezi la forma-lit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i \
uc1 \u238 ?n caz de expunere. \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegi, de pild\uc1 \u259
?, c\uc1 \u259 ? pentru a-l deconspira pe domnul Baynes trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fa
c\uc1 \u259 ? mai mult dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?mpu\uc1 \u35
1 ?te... ceea ce puteau face, dac\uc1 \u259 ? el c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?torea
ca... \uc1 \u206 ?n fine, c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?torea f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u
259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ? mas-c\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg, zise domnul T
agomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 E ca un joc, hot\uc1 \u
259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? el. Dar ei cunosc mentalitatea nazist\uc1 \u259 ?. Deci, pres
upun c\uc1 \u259 ? este de folos. Interfonul b\uc1 \u226 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?i. Vocea
domnului Ramsey:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
033 \cf1 Domnule, domn}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ul Baynes este aici. S\uc1 \u259 ?-l las s\uc
1 \u259 ? intre?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
033 \cf1 Da, \uc1 \u355 ?ip\uc1 \u259 ? domnul Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 U\uc1 \u351 ?a se deschise \uc1 \u351 ?i domnul Baynes,
pus la patru ace, cu hainele proasp\uc1 \u259 ?t c\uc1 \u259 ?lcate \uc1 \u351
?i croite cu art\uc1 \u259 ?, cu tr\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?turile calme, \uc1 \
u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu apari\uc1 \u355 ?ia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Generalul Tedeki se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpine. Domnul Tagomi se ri-dic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351
?i el. To\uc1 \u355 ?i trei b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?ii se \uc1 \u238 ?nclin
ar\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la

33 \cf1 Domnule, se adres\uc1 \u259 ? domnul Baynes generalului, sunt c\uc1 \u25
9 ?pi-tanul Wegener din Contraspionajul Marinei Reich-ului. Este de la sine \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ? nu reprezint pe nimeni \uc1 \u238 ?n afa
ra mea \uc1 \u238 ?nsumi \uc1 \u351 ?i a anumitor pe}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 rsoane particul
are, nici un departament sau birou, de nici un fel, al guvernului Reich-ului.}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Generalul r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse:}{
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Herr Wege
ner, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg c\uc1 \u259 ? nu pretinde\uc1 \u355 ?i defel
a reprezenta oficial vreo ramur\uc1 \u259 ? a guvernului Reich-ului. M\uc1 \u259
? aflu aici neofi-cial, ca parti-cu-lar care, \uc1 \u238 ?n virtutea pozi\uc1 \
u355 ?iei anterior de\uc1 \u355 ?inute \uc1 \u238 ?n Armata Imperial\uc1 \u259 ?
, se poate spune c\uc1 \u259 ? are acces la cercuri din Tokyo care doresc s\uc1
\u259 ? aud\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce ave\uc1 \u355 ?i de spus.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ciudat discurs, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi domnul Tagomi. D
ar nu nepl\uc1 \u259 ?cut. Anu-mite calit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i aproape muzic
ale \uc1 \u238 ?n el. Reconfortant\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?urare, \uc1 \u238 ?n
fapt.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se a\uc1 \u351 ?ezar\uc
f1 F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? introduceri, zise domnul Baynes, a\uc1 \u351 ? dor
i s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? informez pe dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
pe cei la care ave\uc1 \u355 ?i acces c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n Reich este \u
c1 \u238 ?n sta-diu avansat un program numit Lowenzahn. P\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259
?dia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 D
a, f\uc1 \u259 ?cu generalul, \uc1 \u238 ?ncuviin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?nd prin
aplecarea capului, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum ar mai fi auzit despre asta; dar, se g\
uc1 \u226 ?ndi domnul Tagomi, p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?nd destul de ner\uc1 \u2
59 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?tor ca domnul Baynes s\uc1 \u259 ? continue.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 P\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259
?dia, spuse domnul Baynes, const\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un incident la grani\uc1 \u355 ?a dintre Statele Mun\uc1 \u355 ?ilor St\uc1 \u226 ?nco\uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u351 ?i Statele Unite.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
Generalul d\uc1 \u259 ?du din cap, z\uc1 \u226 ?mbind u\uc1 \u351 ?or.}{\fs24 \
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Trupele Statelor
Unite vor fi atacate \uc1 \u351 ?i vor riposta trec\uc1 \u226 ?nd gra-ni\uc1 \u
355 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i atac\uc1 \u226 ?nd trupele regulate ale S.M.S., sta\uc1 \u3
55 ?ionate \uc1 \u238 ?n apro-piere. Trupele Statelor Unite au h\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc
1 \u355 ?i detaliate cu instala\uc1 \u355 ?iile mili-tare din Mid-west. Acesta e
ste primul atu. Pasul doi const\uc1 \u259 ? dintr-o declara\uc1 \u355 ?ie a Germ
aniei cu privire la conflict. Va fi trimis \uc1 \u238 ?n ajutorul Statelor Unite
un deta\uc1 \u351 ?ament de voluntari din trupele de desant ale Wehrmacht- ului
. Oricum, acesta este \uc1 \u238 ?n co}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ntinuare un camuflaj.}{\fs24
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, zise genera
lul, ascult\uc1 \u226 ?nd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Scopul principal al Opera\uc1 \u355 ?iunii P\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1
\u259 ?dia, zise domnul Bay-nes, este un enorm atac nuclear \uc1 \u238 ?n Home
Islands, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? vreun avertisment prealabil.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Apoi r\uc1 \u259 ?mase t\uc1 \u259 ?cut.}{\fs
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cu scopul de
a nimici Familia Regal\uc1 \u259 ?, Armata, cea mai mare parte a Flotei Imperia
le, popula\uc1 \u355 ?ia civil\uc1 \u259 ?, industria, resursele, zise ge-neralu
l Tedeki. L\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u226 ?nd ca posesiunile de dincolo de ocean s\uc1
\u259 ? fie ane-xate de Reich.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
Domnul Baynes nu spuse nimic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
Generalul \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Altceva?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
enp1033 \cf1 Domnul Baynes p\uc1 \u259 ?r}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 u \uc1 \u238 ?ncurcat.}{\f
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Data, domnu
le, zise generalul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
np1033 \cf1 Totul s-a modificat, r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse domnul Baynes. Datorit\uc1
\u259 ? mor-\uc1 \u355 ?ii lui Bormann. Cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, a\uc1 \u351 ?a pre
supun. Nu sunt \uc1 \u238 ?n contact cu Abwehr- ul, acum.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Imediat, generalul zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Continua\uc1 \u355 ?i, domnule Wege
ner.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
f4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cee
a ce rec}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe103
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 omand\uc1 \u259 ?m noi este ca guvernul japonez s\uc1 \u259
? inter-vin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n afacerile interne ale Reich-ului. Sau, ce
l pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, asta era ceea ce ve-ni-sem s\uc1 \u259 ? recomand. Anumite g
rupuri din Reich sunt \uc1 \u238 ?n favoarea Ope-ra-\uc1 \u355 ?iunii P\uc1 \u25
9 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?dia, altele nu. Se sperase ca cele care i se opuneau s\uc1 \u259
? vi-n\uc1 \u259 ? la putere dup\uc1 \u259 ? moartea cancelarului Bormann.}{\fs
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dar de c\uc1
\u226 ?nd sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i aici, zise generalul, Herr Bormann a mu-rit, iar s
itua\uc1 \u355 ?ia politic\uc1 \u259 ? a pornit pe alt drum. Acum, cancelarul Re
ich- ului este Doctor Goebbels. Schimb\uc1 \u259 ?rile au luat sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\u
c1 \u351 ?it.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 F\uc1 \u259 ?cu
o pauz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
np1033 \cf1 Cum prive\uc1 \u351 ?te aceast\uc1 \u259 ? frac\uc1 \u355 ?iune Oper
a\uc1 \u355 ?iunea P\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?dia?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Baynes zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Doctor Goebbels este un sus\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u
259 ?tor al P\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?diei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
fenp1033 \cf1 Neluat \uc1 \u238 ?n seam\uc1 \u259 ? de ei, domnul Tagomi \uc1 \u
238 ?nchise ochii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
p1033 \cf1 Cine se opune? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? generalul Tedeki. Sunt \
uc1 \u238 ?n dubiu. A-ceasta este o informa\uc1 \u355 ?ie autentic\uc1 \u259 ? s
au doar o p\uc1 \u259 ?rere a dumnea-voastr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i a colegilo
r dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
mnul Baynes zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
1033 \cf1 Administra\uc1 \u355 ?ia Estului \uc1 \u8211 ? adic\uc1 \u259 ? a zone
i de\uc1 \u355 ?inute acum de Japo-ni-a \uc1 \u8211 ? va fi de resortul Minister
ului de Externe, oamenii lui Rosenberg, lucr\uc1 \u226 ?nd direct cu Cancelaria.
Acesta a fost un subiect amarnic con-troversat \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul multor \uc1
\u351 ?edin\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?ntre cei mari, anul trecut. Am copii foto
dup\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nsemn\uc1 \u259 ?rile \uc1 \u351 ?edin\uc1 \u355 ?el
or. Poli\uc1 \u355 ?ia a solici-tat autoriza\uc1 \u355 ?ia, dar a fost refuzat\u
c1 \u259 ?. Ei vor controla colonizarea spa\uc1 \u355 ?iului, Marte, Luna, Ve-nu
s. Acesta le va fi domeniul. Odat\uc1 \u259 ? stabilit\uc1 \u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u
259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ire a au-to-rit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u3
55 ?ii, poli\uc1 \u355 ?ia s-a concentrat cu toat\uc1 \u259 ? for\uc1 \u355 ?a a
supra programului spa\uc1 \u355 ?ial \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva P\uc1 \u
259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?diei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Rivalitate, f\uc1 \u259 ?cu generalul Tedeki. Un grup asmu\uc1 \
u355 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?mpotri-va celuilalt. De c\uc1 \u259 ?tre Conduc\uc1 \u259 ?
tor. Astfel, el nu este niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? amenin\uc1 \u355 ?at.}{\fs24 \dbch
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat,
zise domnul Baynes. De aceea am fost trimis aici, s\uc1 \u259 ? pledez pentru in
terven\uc1 \u355 ?ia dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? s-ar m
ai putea inter-veni, situa\uc1 \u355 ?ia este \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? instabi
l\uc1 \u259 ?. Vor trece luni p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ce Doctor Goeb-bels \uc
1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i va consolida pozi\uc1 \u355 ?ia. Va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?ngenuncheze Poli\uc1 \u355 ?ia, poate va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ?-l exec
ute pe Heydrich \uc1 \u351 ?i pe al\uc1 \u355 ?i capi ai S.S.-ului. Odat\uc1 \u2
59 ? aceasta f\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Noi ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? sprijinim Siche
rheitsdienst-ul? \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupse generalul Tedeki. Cea mai m
align\uc1 \u259 ? parte a societ\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii germane?}{\fs24 \dbch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Baynes spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Este corect.}{\fs24 \dbch \af
33 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 mp\uc1 \u259
?ratul, zise generalul Tedeki, nu va accepta niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? a-ceast\uc1 \
u259 ? politic\uc1 \u259 ?. C\uc1 \u226 ?t prive\uc1 \u351 ?te corpurile de elit
\uc1 \u259 ? ale Reich-ului, oriunde ar fi purtat\uc1 \u259 ? uniforma neagr\uc1
\u259 ?, capul de mort... toate, pentru el, repre-zint\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259
?ul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 R\uc1 \u259 ?ul, se g\uc1
\u226 ?ndi domnul Tagomi. Da, a\uc1 \u351 ?a e. S\uc1 \u259 ?-l ajut\uc1 \u259
?m noi s\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?-tige puterea, pentru a ne salva v
ie\uc1 \u355 ?ile? Este acesta paradoxul st\uc1 \u259 ?rii noastre p\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u226 ?nte\uc1 \u351 ?ti?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1 Eu nu pot rezolva aceast\uc1 \u259 ? dilem\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351
?i spuse domnul Tagomi. Ca omul s\uc1 \u259 ? trebuiasc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259
? ac\uc1 \u355 ?ioneze \uc1 \u238 ?n asemenea ambiguitate moral\uc1 \u259 ?. \u
c1 \u206 ?n asta nu este nici o Cale. Totul este \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?lcit.
Numai un haos de lumin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric, p\uc1 \u
259 ?rere \uc1 \u351 ?i esen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 185}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Wehrmacht-ul, spuse domnul Baynes, armata, este singurul pos
esor din Reich al bo}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp104
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 mbei cu hidrogen. Acolo unde au folosit-o, c\uc
1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ile negre au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o sub supraveghe
rea Armatei. Cancelaria, sub Bormann, nu a permis niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? ca vreo a
rm\uc1 \u259 ? nuclear\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
m\uc1 \u226 ?inile poli\uc1 \u355 ?iei. \uc1 \u206 ?n Opera\uc1 \u355 ?iunea P\
uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?dia, totul va fi executat de O.K.W. \uc1 \u206 ?nalt}{\f
033 \cf1 ul Comandament al Armatei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sunt con\uc1 \u351 ?tient de asta, zise generalul Te
deki.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pr
acticile morale ale c\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ilor negre le \uc1 \u2
38 ?ntrec \uc1 \u238 ?n s\uc1 \u259 ?lb\uc1 \u259 ?ticie pe cele ale Wehrmacht-u
lui. Dar puterea lor e mai mic\uc1 \u259 ?. S\uc1 \u259 ? reflect\uc1 \u259 ?m d
oar asupra realit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii, asupra puterii efective. Nu asupra
inten\uc1 \u355 ?iilor etice.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fim reali\uc1 \u351 ?ti, zise do
mnul Tagomi cu voce tare. Domnul Baynes \uc1 \u351 ?i generalul Tedeki \uc1 \u23
8 ?l privir\uc1 \u259 ? am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
fenp1033 \cf1 Generalul \uc1 \u238 ?i zise domnului Tagomi:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce anume sugerezi? S\uc1 \u2
59 ? stabilim contactul cu S.D.-ul aici, \uc1 \u238 ?n Statele Pacifice? S\uc1 \
u259 ? negociem direct cu... nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu cine este \uc1 \u351 ?eful S.D.
aici. Vreun personaj sc\uc1 \u226 ?rbos, \uc1 \u238 ?mi imaginez.}{\fs24 \dbch \
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?eful local
al S.D.-ului nu \uc1 \u351 ?tie nimic, spuse domnul Baynes. \uc1 \u350 ?eful lo
r de aici, Bruno Kreuz von Meere, este un vechi cal de povar\uc1 \u259 ? al Part
ei. Ein A}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe10
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ltparteigenosse}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Un vechi membru de partid}}}{\fs24 \dbc
! Un imbecil. Nimeni \uc1 \u238 ?n Berlin nu s-ar g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi s\uc1 \u259
?-i spun\uc1 \u259 ? ceva; el abia \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ndeplin
e\uc1 \u351 ?te sarcinile de rutin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Atunci?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
ch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \s17 \
ngfenp1033 \cf1 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Generalul p\uc1 \u259 ?rea furios.}{\fs24 \dbch \af6
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Consulul de aici sau
ambasadorul Reich-ului la Tokyo?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
cf1 Convorbirile astea vor e\uc1 \u351 ?ua, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi domnul Tagomi. I
ndife-rent de miz\uc1 \u259 ?. Noi nu ne putem b\uc1 \u259 ?ga \uc1 \u238 ?n mon
struoasa mocirl\uc1 \u259 ? schizofrenic\uc1 \u259 ? a intrigilor interne nazist
e; min\uc1 \u355 ?ile noastre nu se pot adapta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Trebuie umblat cu delicate\uc1 \u355 ?e,
zise domnul Baynes. Printr-o serie de intermediari. Cineva apropiat lui Heydric
h \uc1 \u351 ?i care se afl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n afara Reich-ului, \uc1 \u2
38 ?ntr-o \uc1 \u355 ?ar\uc1 \u259 ? neutr\uc1 \u259 ?. Sau cineva care c\uc1 \u
259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?tore\uc1 \u351 ?te des \uc1 \u238 ?ntre Tokyo \uc1 \u351 ?i Be
rlin.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Av
e\uc1 \u355 ?i pe cineva \uc1 \u238 ?n minte?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ministrul italian de externe, contele Cian
o. Un om inteli-gent, de \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere, foarte curajos, total dev}{\fs24
\cf1 otat \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegerii inter-na\uc1 \u355 ?ionale. Oricum..
. leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura sa cu aparatul S.D. este inexistent\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar ar pu
tea lucra prin intermediul altcuiva din Germania, por-nind de la interese econom
ice precum cele ale lui Krupp sau prin generalul Spiedel sau poate chiar prin pe
rsonaje din Waffen-S.S. Waffen-S.S.-ul este chiar mai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in fanatic,
mai apropiat de orien-tarea general\uc1 \u259 ? a societ\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
ii germane.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
cf1 Institu\uc1 \u355 ?iile dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, Abwehr-ul... ar fi inutil
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncer-ce s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung\uc1 \u259 ? la Heydrich pr
in dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ile negre ne \uc1 \u2
38 ?njur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitor. De dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de ani tot \u
c1 \u238 ?ncearc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ob\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? aprobare
a Partei de a ne lichida definitiv.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n pericol excesiv
din partea lor? zise generalul Tedeki. Sunt activi aici, pe Coasta Pacific\uc1 \
u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Activi, dar idio\uc1 \u355 ?i, zise }{\fs24 \dbch
domnul Baynes. Omul de la Externe, Reiss, este abil, dar \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva S.
D.-ului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ridic\uc1 \u259 ? din
umeri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Generalul Tedeki spuse
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1
\u351 ? dori fotografiile dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?. S\uc1 \u259 ? le \uc1 \u238
?nm\uc1 \u226 ?nez guvernu-lui meu. Orice material ave\uc1 \u355 ?i, privitor la
aceste discu\uc1 \u355 ?ii din Ger-mania. \uc1 \u350 ?i}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ...}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 St\uc1 \u259 ?tu s\uc1 \u259 ? cump\u
c1 \u259 ?neasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dovezi. De natur\uc1 \u259 ? obiectiv\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Desigur, spuse d
omnul Baynes.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 B\uc1 \u259 ?g\u
c1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?na \uc1 \u238 ?n buzunar \uc1 \u351 ?i scoase o caset\uc
1 \u259 ? plat\uc1 \u259 ?, din argint, pen-tru \uc1 \u355 ?ig\uc1 \u259 ?ri.}{\
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ve\uc1 \u3
55 ?i constata c\uc1 \u259 ? fiecare \uc1 \u355 ?igar\uc1 \u259 ? este un tub ca
re ad\uc1 \u259 ?poste\uc1 \u351 ?te un microfilm.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i d\uc1 \u259 ?du caseta }{\fs24 \dbch
\af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 g
eneralului Tedeki.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
p1033 \cf1 Dar caseta? zise generalul, examin\uc1 \u226 ?nd-o. Pare un obiect pr
ea valoros ca s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? desp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u3
55 ?i de el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
f1 ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? scoat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?ig\uc1 \u259 ?rile.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Z\uc1 \u226 ?mbind, domnul Baynes spu
se:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1
\u350 ?i caseta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
1033 \cf1 Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1 Z\uc1 \u226 ?mbind la r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul lui, generalul b\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u25
9 ? caseta \uc1 \u238 ?n buzunar}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang104
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ul parde-siului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Interfonul b\uc1 \u226 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?i. Domnul T
agomi ap\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? pe buton.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
fenp1033 \cf1 Se auzi vocea lui Ramsey:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule, \uc1 \u238 ?n holul de jos este un grup
de oameni de la S.D. \uc1 \u206 ?ncearc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ia cl\uc1 \u2
59 ?direa cu asalt. G\uc1 \u259 ?rzile de la }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Times }{\fs24 \dbc
s-au \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?ierat cu ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n dep\uc1 \u259 ?rtare, sunetul unei sirene;
din afara cl\uc1 \u259 ?dirii, de pe strada de sub fereastra domnului Tagomi.}{\
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Trupe P.M.
\hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \
cf1 Poli\uc1 \u355 ?ia militar\uc1 \u259 ?}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 sunt pe drum, plus Kem
peitai din San Fran-cisco.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc, domnule Ramsey, zise domnul Tagomi. A\u
c1 \u355 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cut un lucru onorabil s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? anun\
uc1 \u355 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?i cu calm.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
\cf1 Domnul Baynes \uc1 \u351 ?i generalul Tedeki ascultau am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi ne
mi\uc1 \u351 ?-ca\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnilor, le spuse domnul Tagomi, \uc1 \u238 ?i vom ucid
e f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n-doial\uc1 \u259 ? pe asasinii S.D. \u
c1 \u206 ?nainte de a ajunge la acest etaj.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
fenp1033 \cf1 Domnului Ramsey \uc1 \u238 ?i zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Scoate\uc1 \u355 ?i de sub tensiune li
fturile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
Da, domnule Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Ta
gomi spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
cf1 Vom a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Tr
ase sertarul biroului \uc1 \u351 ?i scoase o cutie din lemn de tec; descu-ind-o,
d\uc1 \u259 ?du la iveal\uc1 \u259 ? un Colt 44, model 1860, din R\uc1 \u259 ?z
boiul Civil, per-fect conservat, un articol pre\uc1 \u355 ?ios, de colec\uc1 \u3
55 ?ie. Lu\uc1 \u226 ?nd o cutie cu pulbe-re, gloan\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i c
artu\uc1 \u351 ?e, \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nca
rce revolve-rul. Domnul Baynes \uc1 \u351 ?i generalul Tedeki \uc1 \u238 ?l urm\
uc1 \u259 ?reau cu ochii larg deschi\uc1 \u351 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Din colec\uc1 \u355 ?ia personal\uc1
\u259 ?, spuse domnul Tagomi. M-am prostit mult cu exersarea ochirii \uc1 \u351
?i tragerii rapide, pentru o glorie de\uc1 \u351 ?art\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n
timpul liber. Admit c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? compar favorabil cu al\uc1 \u35
5 ?i entuzia\uc1 \u351 ?ti ai \uc1 \u238 ?ntre-cerilor de pistol vitez\uc1 \u259
?. P\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acum n-am avut \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? posibil
ita-tea de a-l folosi \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva omului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?nd arma \uc1 \u238 ?n pozi\uc1 \u
355 ?ie de tragere, o \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?tre u\uc1 \u35
1 ?a birou-lui. \uc1 \u350 ?i se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc
1 \u351 ?teptare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 La bancu}{\fs24
\cf1 l din atelierul lor din subsol, Frank Frink lucra la poli-zor. \uc1 \u354 ?
inea un cercel din argint, pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate finisat, pe platoul din bumbac
ce se rotea cu zgomot; pudr\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u351 ?lefuit \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc
1 \u238 ?mpro\uc1 \u351 ?ca ochelarii \uc1 \u351 ?i-i \uc1 \u238 ?nnegrea unghii
le \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u226 ?inile. Cercelul, \uc1 \u238 ?n form\uc1 \u259 ? de
melc, se \uc1 \u238 ?nro\uc1 \u351 ?i din cauza frec\uc1 \u259 ?rii, dar Frink,
\uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat, tot \uc1 \u238 ?l mai ap\uc1 \u259 ?sa pe platou.}{\fs24
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu-l face prea
str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitor, zise Ed McCarthy. Atinge-i numai p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u35
5 ?ile proeminente; po\uc1 \u355 ?i chiar s\uc1 \u259 ?-i la\uc1 \u351 ?i soiuri
le a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum sunt.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Fr
ank Frink morm\uc1 \u259 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 E o pia\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? mai bun\uc1 \u259 ? pentru
argint, dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu e prea mult lustru-it, zise Ed. Argintul trebuie s\uc
1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? aspectul \uc1 \u259 ?la de vechi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pia\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Frin
k.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \lan
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu v\uc1 \u226 ?nduser\uc1
\u259 ? nimic. Cu excep\uc1 \u355 ?ia consigna\uc1 \u355 ?iei de la American Artistic Handcrafts, nu luase nimeni nimic; \uc1 \u351 ?i fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n total la cinci magazine de v\uc1 \u226 ?nzare cu bucata. Nu facem noi
nici un ban, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spuse Frink. Tot facem la bijuterii \uc1
\u351 ?i le \uc1 \u238 ?ngr\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?dim \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul nost
ru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?urubul de prin
dere al cercelului se ag\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de disc; piesa s\uc
1 \u259 ?ri din m\uc1 \u226 ?na lui Frink \uc1 \u351 ?i se izbi de ecranul de pr
otec\uc1 \u355 ?ie al polizorului, apoi c\uc1 \u259 ?zu pe jos. Opri motorul.}{\
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu l\uc1 \
u259 ?sa s\uc1 \u259 ? se piard\uc1 \u259 ? piesele alea, zise McCarthy. S\uc1 \
u259 ? ajung\uc1 \u259 ? la topit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dumnezeule, e c\uc1 \u226 ?t o boab\uc1 \u259 ? de ma
z\uc1 \u259 ?re.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
033 \cf1 Bine, oricum, ridic\uc1 \u259 ?-l.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
fenp1033 \cf1 La naiba cu totul, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Frink.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Care-i problema? zise McCart
hy, v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l c\uc1 \u259 ? nu face nici o mi\uc1 \u351 ?c
are s\uc1 \u259 ? culeag\uc1 \u259 ? cercelul de pe jos.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Frink spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 B\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?m bani de poman\uc1 \u
u putem vinde ce n-am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu putem vinde nimic, zise Frink. F\uc1 \u259 ?c
ut sau nef\uc1 \u259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Cinci magazine. O pic\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
n ocean.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
Dar asta-i tendin\uc1 \u355 ?a, f\uc1 \u259 ?cu Frink. E d}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 estul ca
s-o afli.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
f1 Nu te min\uc1 \u355 ?i singur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
cf1 Frink zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
33 \cf1 Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? mint singur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Adic\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Adic\uc1 \u259 ? e timpul s\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u259 ?m o pia\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pentru de\uc1 \u351 ?
euri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 En regul\uc1 \u259 ?, zise McCarthy, atunci, renun\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs2
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am renun\uc1
\u355 ?at.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1

f1 Am s\uc1 \u259 ? continuu de unul singur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
gfenp1033 \cf1 McCarthy aprinse aparatul de lipit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cum o s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc
1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?im?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lang
langfenp1033 \cf1 Habar n-am. Dar g\uc1 \u259 ?sim noi o modalitate.}{\fs24 \dbc
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cump\uc1 \u259 ?r\u
c1 \u259 ?-mi partea, zise Frink.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, la naiba.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
1033 \cf1 Frink f\uc1 \u259 ?cu socoteala.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 D\uc1 \u259 ?-mi \uc1 \u351 ?ase sute de dola
ri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu,
iei jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate din toate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate din motor?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 R\uc1 \u259 ?maser\uc1 \u259 ? am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi t\
uc1 \u259 ?cu\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nc\uc1 \u259 ? trei magazine, zise McCarthy. Dup
\uc1 \u259 ? aia, st\uc1 \u259 ?m de vorb\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cobor\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i masca, \uc1 \u2
38 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? lipeasc\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u226 ?rm\uc1 \u259 ? de ala
m\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?nd un l\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \
u351 ?or pentru butoni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Frank
Frink se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre banc. G\uc1 \u259 ?si cercelul \uc1
\u238 ?n form\uc1 \u259 ? de melc \uc1 \u351 ?i-l puse \uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1 \
u238 ?n cutia cu piese neterminat}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ies s\uc1 \u259 ? fumez, zise \uc1 \u35
1 ?i travers\uc1 \u259 ? subsolul c\uc1 \u259 ?tre sc\uc1 \u259 ?ri.}{\fs24 \dbc
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Un moment mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, st\uc1 \
u259 ?tea afar\uc1 \u259 ?, pe trotuar, cu o T'ien-lai \uc1 \u238 ?ntre degete.}
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S-a sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351
?it, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spuse. Nu e nevoie s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi spun\uc1 \u25
9 ? oracolul; recunosc \uc1 \u351 ?i singur care este Momentul. Miroase a \uc1 \
u238 ?nfr\uc1 \u226 ?ngere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
c1 \u350 ?i este \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r greu de spus de ce. Teoretic,
putem conti-nua. Magazin cu magazin, alte ora\uc1 \u351 ?e. Dar ceva nu merge.
\uc1 \u350 ?i tot efortul \uc1 \u351 ?i candoarea n-or s\uc1 \u259 ? schimbe ast
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u

351 ?tiu de ce, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
3 \cf1 Dar n-am s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiu niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? facem? S\uc1 \u25
9 ? facem c}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 e, \uc1 \u238 ?n loc?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Am s\uc1 \u259 ?rit peste Moment. Am s\uc1 \u259 ?rit peste Tao.
\uc1 \u206 ?n contra curen-tului, \uc1 \u238 ?n direc\uc1 \u355 ?ia gre\uc1 \u3
51 ?it\uc1 \u259 ?. Iar acum... dezaprobarea. Dec\uc1 \u259 ?derea.}{\fs24 \dbch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Yin ne are. Lumina ne-a ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat
curul, s-a dus altundeva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lang
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu p
utem dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? ne plec\uc1 \u259 ?m.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cum st\uc1 \u259 ?tea acolo sub strea\uc1 \u351 ?ina
cl\uc1 \u259 ?dirii, tr\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u226 ?nd fumuri rapide din \uc1 \u355
?igara lui cu marihuana \uc1 \u351 ?i uit\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se mohor\uc1 \u226 ?t
la ma\uc1 \u351 ?inile care treceau, un alb \uc1 \u238 ?ntre dou\uc1 \u259 ? v\u
c1 \u226 ?rste, ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u226 ?nd obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit, veni agale c\
uc1 \u259 ?tre el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
p1033 \cf1 Domnul Frink! Frank Frink!}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ai ghicit, zise Frink.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Omul scoase un document \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?turit \
uc1 \u351 ?i insigna de identitate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sunt de la Departamentul Poli\uc1 \u355 ?iei San Fra
ncisco. Am un man-dat pentru arestarea ta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 l \uc1 \u351 ?i prinse pe Frink de bra\uc1 \u35
5 ?; deja o f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pentru ce? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Frink.}{\fs24 \d
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Fraud\uc1 \u259 ?
. Domnul Childan, American Artistic Handcrafts.}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \lo
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Poli\uc1 \u355 ?istul \uc1 \u238 ?l conduse for\uc1 \u355
?at pe Frink \uc1 \u238 ?n lungul trotuarului; un alt poli\uc1 \u355 ?ai civil
li se al\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ?, acum c\uc1 \u226 ?te unul de fiecare parte
a lui Frink. \uc1 \u206 ?l}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
gnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?mpinser\uc1 \u2
59 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?tre un Toyopet parcat, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nsemne.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Asta este ceea ce ne o
fer\uc1 \u259 ? timpurile, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Frink \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce era
\uc1 \u238 ?nghesuit pe canapeaua ma\uc1 \u351 ?inii, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre cei doi p
oli\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?ti. U\uc1 \u351 ?a fu izbi-t\uc1 \u259 ?; ma\uc1 \u3
51 ?ina, condus\uc1 \u259 ? de un al treilea poli\uc1 \u355 ?ist, acesta \uc1 \u
238 ?n uniform\uc1 \u259 ?, p\uc1 \u259 ?-trunse \uc1 \u238 ?n trafic. \uc1 \u25
8 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tia sunt tic\uc1 \u259 ?lo\uc1 \u351 ?ii c\uc1 \u259 ?rora trebui
e s\uc1 \u259 ? ne supunem.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Ai avocat? \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? unul
dintre poli\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, zise el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Au s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i dea la sec\u
c1 \u355 ?ie o list\uc1 \u259 ? cu nume.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc, zise Frink.}{\fs24 \dbch
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce-ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cu
t cu banii? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu unul dintre poli
\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce parcau la garajul sec\uc1 \u35
5 ?iei de poli\uc1 \u355 ?ie Kearney Street.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
gfenp1033 \cf1 Frink zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
\langfenp1033 \cf1 I-am cheltuit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 To\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
enp1033 \cf1 Nu r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
3 \cf1 Un}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe10
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 poli\uc1 \u355 ?ist cl\uc1 \u259 ?tin\uc1 \u259 ? din cap
\uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u226 ?se.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd ie\uc1 \u351 ?ir\uc1 \u259 ? din ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?,
unul dintre ei \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Numele t\uc1 \u259 ?u adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat este Fink
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Frink sim\uc1 \u355 ?i cum \
uc1 \u238 ?l cuprinde spaima.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Fink, repet\uc1 \u259 ? poli\uc1 \u355 ?istul. E\uc1 \u351
?ti jidan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \db
1 i ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? un dosar mare, cenu\uc1 \u351 ?iu.}{\fs24 \dbch
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Refugiat din Europa.}
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M-am n}{
p1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u259 ?scut la New York.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 E\uc1 \u351 ?ti sc\uc1 \u259 ?pat din m\uc1 \u2
26 ?inile nazi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor, zise poli\uc1 \u355 ?istul. \uc1 \u350 ?tii ce
\uc1 \u238 ?n-seamn\uc1 \u259 ? asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
33 \cf1 Frank Frink se smulse \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? fug\
uc1 \u259 ? spre ie\uc1 \u351 ?irea din garaj. Cei trei poli\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u
351 ?ti strigar\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n prag se g\uc1 \u259 ?si
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cu o ma\uc1
\u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? de poli\uc1 \u355 ?ie condus\uc1 \u259 ? de un poli\uc1 \
u355 ?ist \uc1 \u238 ?n uniform\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?narmat, bloc\uc1 \u226
?ndu-i calea. Poli\uc1 \u355 ?istul \uc1 \u238 ?i z\uc1 \u226 ?mbi, iar unul din
tre ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i, cu pistolul \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, \
uc1 \u238 ?naint\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-i cl\uc1 \u259 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?ni pest
e \uc1 \u238 ?ncheietur\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u351 ?ele.}{\fs24 \dbch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Smucindu-l de \uc1 \u238 ?ncheietura m\uc1
\u226 ?inii \uc1 \u8211 ? metalul sub\uc1 \u355 ?ire \uc1 \u238 ?l t\uc1 \u259
?ie p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la os \uc1 \u8211 ? poli\uc1 \u355 ?istul \uc1 \u
238 ?l}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033
\langfenp1033 \cf1 conduse \uc1 \u238 ?napoi, pe drumul pe care venise.}{\fs24
\langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \a
f4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nap
oi, \uc1 \u238 ?n Germania, zise unul, supraveghindu-l.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sunt american, zise Frank Frink.
u351 ?ti evreu, zise poli\uc1 \u355 ?istul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
fenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd era dus pe sc\uc1 \u259 ?ri, un poli\uc1 \u355 ?is
t \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
c1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langn
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 l \uc1 \u238 ?nregistr\uc1 \u259 ?m aici?}{
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, zise
altul. \uc1 \u206 ?l \uc1 \u355 ?inem pentru consulul german. Vor s\uc1 \u259 ?l supu-n\uc1 \u259 ? legisla\uc1 \u355 ?iei germane.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu mai fu nici o list\uc1 \u259 ? cu avoca\uc1 \u355 ?i,
p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la urm\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
angfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de minute, domnul Tagomi st\uc1 \u
259 ?tea nemi\uc1 \u351 ?cat la biroul lui, \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?nd revolve
rul \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptat spre u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce d
omnul Baynes se plimba cu pa\uc1 \u351 ?i mari prin \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pe
re. B\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul generai, dup\uc1 \u259 ? oarecare g\uc1 \u226
?ndire, ridicase receptorul \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse un apel tele-fonic
la ambasada Japoniei din San Francisco. Oricum, nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?ise s\uc1 \u25
9 ? ajung\uc1 \u259 ? la Baronul Kaelemakule, ambasadorul; un func\uc1 \u355 ?io
nar \uc1 \u238 ?i spusese c\uc1 \u259 ? nu era \uc1 \u238 ?n ora\uc1 \u351 ?.}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Acum, generalul Tedeki era \uc1
\u238 ?n curs de a da un telefon transpa-cific, la Tokyo.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u259 ? voi consulta cu
Colegiul de R\uc1 \u259 ?zboi, \uc1 \u238 ?i explic\uc1 \u259 ? domnului Baynes.
Ei vor lua leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura cu for\uc1 \u355 ?ele militare imperiale sta\uc1
\u355 ?ionate aproape de noi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
Nu p\uc1 \u259 ?rea tulburat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
A\uc1 \u351 ?adar, vom fi elibera\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u226 ?teva
ore, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spuse domnul Tago-mi. Poate de ni\uc1 \u351 ?te m
arinari japonezi de pe vreun cargou, \uc1 \u238 ?narma\uc1 \u355 ?i cu mitralier
e \uc1 \u351 ?i mortiere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lang
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ac\u
c1 \u355 ?ionarea prin canale oficiale este extrem de eficient\uc1 \u259 ? sub a
s-pectul rezultatului final... dar este o pierdere de timp regretabil\uc1 \u259
?. Sub noi, jos, huligani \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
negre se ocup\uc1 \u259 ? cu ciom\uc1 \u259 ?girea secretarelor \uc1 \u351 ?i a
func\uc1 \u355 ?ionarilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
f4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ori
cum, era ceva mai mult dec\uc1 \u226 ?t putea face el personal.}{\fs24 \dbch \af
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238
?ntreb dac\uc1 \u259 ? ar avea rost s\uc1 \u259 ? lua\uc1 \u355 ?i leg\uc1 \u25
9 ?tura cu consulul german, zise do}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 mnul Baynes.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi avu viziunea lui \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc
1 \u351 ?i convoc\uc1 \u226 ?nd-o pe dom-ni\uc1 \u351 ?oara Ephreikian, cu magne
tofonul, s\uc1 \u259 ?-i dicteze un protest ur-gent pentru Herr Reiss.}{\fs24 \d
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 l pot
suna pe Herr Reiss, zise domnul Tagomi. Pe cealalt\uc1 \u259 ? linie.}{\fs24 \d
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u355 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? Coltul lui de
colec\uc1 \u355 ?ie, domnul Tagomi ap\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? un buton de pe bi
rou. Ie\uc1 \u351 ?i la iveal\uc1 \u259 ? un telefon mascat, instalat special pe
ntru convorbiri secrete.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Form\
uc1 \u259 ? num\uc1 \u259 ?rul consulatului german.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Bun\uc1 \u259 ? ziua, cine sunte\uc1
\u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vocea masculin\uc1
\u259 ? ager\uc1 \u259 ?, cu accent. F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoi
al\uc1 \u259 ?, un inferior}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \la
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 . Domnul Tagomi spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cu Excelen\uc1 \u355 ?a s
a Herr Reiss, v\uc1 \u259 ? rog. Urgent. Aici este dom-nul Tagomi. \uc1 \u206 ?n
alta Misiune Comercial\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?eful.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i folosi vocea dur\uc1 \
u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?-prostii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, domnule. Un moment, v\uc1 \u259 ? rog.}{
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O lung\uc1 \u259 ? pauz\uc1 \u2
59 ?, apoi. Nici un sunet \uc1 \u238 ?n telefon, nici p\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?
ituri. Pur \uc1 \u351 ?i simplu st\uc1 \u259 ? cu el, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238
? domnul Tagomi. Tergiversare, cu viclenia tipic nordic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \db
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Le spuse generalului Tedeki, a\uc1 \u351
?tept\uc1 \u226 ?nd la cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt telefon, \uc1 \u351 ?i dom-nului Bay
nes, plimb\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se prin \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere:}{\fs24 \dbch \
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pur \uc1 \u351 ?i simp
lu m-a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat \uc1 \u238 ?n aer.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, vocea func\uc1 \u35
5 ?ionarului, iar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u c\uc1 \u2
59 ? v-am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut s\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta\uc1 \u355 ?i, domnul
e Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
1 Nu face nimic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
033 \cf1 Consulul este \uc1 \u238 ?n conferin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Oricum...
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi \uc1 \u238 ?nch
ise.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Efo
rturi inutile, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? spun numai at\uc1 \u226 ?t, zise agasat.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pe cine altcineva s\uc1 \u259 ? sun?
Tokkoka deja anun\uc1 \u355 ?at\uc1 \u259 ?, la fel \uc1 \u351 ?i uni-tatea P.M.
de pe falez\uc1 \u259 ?; n-are rost s\uc1 \u259 ?-i mai sun. Telefon direct la
Ber-lin? La cancelarul Reich-ului, Goebbels? La aeroportul militar imperial de l
a Napa, s\uc1 \u259 ? cer ajutor pentru salvare aerian\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am s\uc1 \u259 ?-l s
un pe \uc1 \u351 ?eful S.D.-ului, Herr Kreuz von Meere, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u2
38 ? el cu voce tare. \uc1 \u350 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng
vehement. S\uc1 \u259 ? perorez \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?ip inve
ctive.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nce
pu s\uc1 \u259 ? formeze num\uc1 \u259 ?rul trecut \uc1 \u238 ?n cartea de telef
oane a ora\uc1 \u351 ?u-lui San Francisco la "Corpul de Paz\uc1 \u259 ? al Trans
porturilor Pre\uc1 \u355 ?ioase ale Terminalului Lufthansa al Aeroportului din S
an Francisco". C\uc1 \u226 ?nd tele-fonul \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? sune,
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i oc\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sc \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o criz\uc1 \u259
? de isterie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
\cf1 Realizeaz\uc1 \u259 ? o interpretare bun\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse generalul Tede
ki, z\uc1 \u226 ?m-bind.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O voc
e germanic\uc1 \u259 ? zise \uc1 \u238 ?n urechea domnului Tagomi:}{\fs24 \dbch
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cine e?}{\fs24 \dbch
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vo}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ce mai f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u
259 ?-prostii dec\uc1 \u226 ?t a mea, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi domnul Tagomi. Dar int
en\uc1 \u355 ?iona s\uc1 \u259 ? mearg\uc1 \u259 ? mai departe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mai repede, ceru vocea.}
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi \uc1 \u355 ?ip\u
c1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
cf1 Ordon arestarea \uc1 \u351 ?i trimiterea \uc1 \u238 ?n judecat\uc1 \u259 ? a
bandei voastre de asasini \uc1 \u351 ?i degenera\uc1 \u355 ?i care umbl\uc1 \u2
59 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ucid\uc1 \u259 ? ca ni\uc1 \u351 ?te fiare blonde \uc1 \u238
?nsetate de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge, cum nici nu se poate descrie! M\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \
u351 ?tii, }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Kerl}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Tipule}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ! Sunt Tagomi, consulat
ul guvernamental imperial. Cinci secunde sau trec peste legalitate \uc1 \u351 ?i
ordon trupelor de \uc1 \u351 ?oc ale marinei s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nceap\uc
1 \u259 ? masa-crul cu bombe cu napalm. Ru\uc1 \u351 ?inea civiliza\uc1 \u355 ?i
ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 La cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt cap
\uc1 \u259 ?t al firului, lacheul S.D. se b\uc1 \u226 ?lb\uc1 \u226 ?ia nelini\u
c1 \u351 ?tit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi \
uc1 \u238 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu cu ochiul domnului Baynes.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ... nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu nimic des
pre asta, zicea lacheul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
angfenp1033 \cf1 Mincinosule! strig\uc1 \u259 ? domnul Tagomi. Atunci nu avem de
ales.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Tr\uc1 \u226 ?nti recep
torul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
enp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ?, nu-s dec\
uc1 \u226 ?t vorbe, zise el domnului Baynes \uc1 \u351 ?i generalului Tedeki. Da
r, oricum, r\uc1 \u259 ?u nu pot face. \uc1 \u206 ?ntotdeauna ai po-sibilitatea
s\uc1 \u259 ? dai peste un fricos, chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i la S.D.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Generalul Tedeki deschise gura s\uc1 \u259 ? vo
rbeasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar chiar a-tunci, se auzi o bufnitur\uc1 \u259 ? groaznic\u
c1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n u\uc1 \u351 ?a biroului; se opri. U\uc1 \u351 ?a se des
chise izbindu-se de perete.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
i b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?i voinici, albi, ap\uc1 \u259 ?rur\uc1 \u259 ?, \u
c1 \u238 ?narma\uc1 \u355 ?i am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi cu pistoa-le cu amortizoare de z
gomot. \uc1 \u206 ?l}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
3 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 z\uc1 \u259 ?rir\uc1 \u259 ? pe d
omnul Baynes.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
\loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\i1 \
1033 \cf1 Da ist er, }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp10
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 zise unul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
gfenp1033 \cf1 Se \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptar\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?tre domnul Bay}{
p1033 \cf1 nes.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De la masa lui
, domnul Tagomi \uc1 \u355 ?inti cu vechiul s\uc1 \u259 ?u Colt 44 \uc1 \u351 ?i
ap\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? pe tr\uc1 \u259 ?gaci. Unul dintre oamenii din S.D.
c\uc1 \u259 ?zu la podea. Cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u
238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? arma echipat\uc1 \u259 ? cu amortizor c\uc1 \u259 ?tre d
omnul Tagomi \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?s-punse cu foc. Domnul Tagomi nu auzi ni
ci un bubuit, v\uc1 \u259 ?zu numai un mic firi\uc1 \u351 ?or de fum la gura arm
ei \uc1 \u351 ?i auzi \uc1 \u351 ?uieratul unui glon\uc1 \u355 ? trec\uc1 \u226
?nd prin apropiere cu o vitez\uc1 \u259 ? eclips\uc1 \u226 ?nd orice record, arm
\uc1 \u259 ? Coltul f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? repeti\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?
i trase iar \uc1 \u351 ?i iar.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
Falca omului de la S.D explod\uc1 \u259 ?. Buc\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ele de os
, carne, a\uc1 \u351 ?chii de din\uc1 \u355 ?i, zburar\uc1 \u259 ? prin aer. Lov
it \uc1 \u238 ?n gur\uc1 \u259 ?, realiz\uc1 \u259 ? domnul Tagomi. \uc1 \u206 ?
nsp\uc1 \u259 ?i-m\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?toare lovitur\uc1 \u259 ?, mai ales
dac\uc1 \u259 ? glon\uc1 \u355 ?ul urc\uc1 \u259 ?. Ochii omu-lui de la S.D. r\u
c1 \u259 ?mas f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? falc\uc1 \u259 ? mai aveau via\uc1 \u35
5 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un fel. \uc1 \u206 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259
? mai vede, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi domnul Tagomi. Apoi ochii \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351
?i pierdur\uc1 \u259 ? lucirea \uc1 \u351 ?i S.D.-istul se pr\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1
\u351 ?i, l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i arma s\uc1 \u259 ? cad\uc
1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i sco\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?nd g\uc1 \u226 ?lg\uc1 \u226
?-ieli neomene\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Gre\uc1 \u355 ?os, f\uc1 \u259 ?cu domnul Tagomi.}{\fs24 \
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc
1 \u259 ? nu se mai ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? nici un alt om din S.D.}{\fs24 \
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Poate s-a termin
at, zise generalul Tedeki dup\uc1 \u259 ? o pauz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi, ocupat cu meticuloas}{\fs24 \dbch
a sarcin\uc1 \u259 ?, cu o durat\uc1 \u259 ? de trei minute, de a re\uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ?rca, se opri \uc1 \u351 ?i ap\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? butonul int
erfonului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
f1 Aduce\uc1 \u355 ?i ajutor medical de urgen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, ordon\uc1
\u259 ? el. Asasin oribil r\uc1 \u259 ?nit aici.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Nici un r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns, numai zumzet.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Aplec\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se, domnul Baynes culese am
bele arme ale germa-}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp104
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nilor; \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du una genera
lului, p\uc1 \u259 ?str\uc1 \u226 ?nd-o pe cealalt\uc1 \u259 ? pentru sine.}{\fs
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Acum \uc1 \u
238 ?i vom nimici, zise domnul Tagomi, preg\uc1 \u259 ?tindu-\uc1 \u351 ?i iar\u
c1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i Coltul 44, ca mai \uc1 \u238 ?nainte. Formidabil triumvi
rat \uc1 \u238 ?n acest birou.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
Din hol, o voce strig\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Gangsterii germani s\uc1 \u259 ? se predea!}{\fs24 \
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S-a avut grij\uc
1 \u259 ? de ei, strig\uc1 \u259 ? domnul Tagomi. Zac fie mor\uc1 \u355 ?i, fie
pe moarte. \uc1 \u206 ?nainta\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i verifica\uc1 \u355 ?i f
aptele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Un grup de func\uc1 \u
355 ?ionari de la }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nippon Times }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \l
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ap\uc1 \u259 ?rur\u
c1 \u259 ? cu grij\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva dintre ei cu echipa
mentul existent \uc1 \u238 ?n cl\uc1 \u259 ?dire pentru tulbu-r\uc1 \u259 ?ri, p
recum topora\uc1 \u351 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i carabine \uc1 \u351 ?i grenade lacrimoge
\lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch
Cause c}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe
1024 \langfenp1024 \cf1 \uc1 \u233 ?}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 l}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
2 ?}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033
\langfenp1033 \cf1 bre}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \l
isa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \l
och \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \c
hftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af6 \loch \f6 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \lan
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Caz celebru (francez\uc1 \u259 ?)}}}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch
\af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ,
fenp1033 \cf1 spuse domnul Tagomi. Guvernul S.P.A. din Sacramento ar putea decla
ra r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi Reich-ului f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nici o ezitare.}{\fs2
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i d
esf\uc1 \u259 ?cu arma.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Oricum, s-a terminat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vor nega complicitatea, spuse domnul Baynes. Tehni
enp1033 \cf1 c\uc1 \u259 ? stan-dard. Folosit\uc1 \u259 ? de nenum\uc1 \u259 ?ra
te ori.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 L\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u2
59 ? pistolul cu amortizor pe biroul domnului Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Fabricat \uc1 \u238 ?n Japonia.}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu glumea. Era adev\uc1 \u259 ?r
at. Pistol de tir japonez de calitate excelen-t\uc1 \u259 ?. Domnul Tagomi \uc1
\u238 ?l examin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i nu sunt de na\uc1 \u355 ?ionalitate german\uc
1 \u259 ?, z}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langf
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ise domnul Baynes.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi56
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Luase portofelul unuia dintre cei doi albi, cel mort.}{\fs24
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cet\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u355 ?ean S.P.A. Locuie\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?n San Jose. Nimic care s
\uc1 \u259 ?-l lege de S.D. Se nume\uc1 \u351 ?te Jack Sanders.}{\fs24 \dbch \af
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Arunc\uc1 \u259 ? jos portofelul.}{\fs24 \dbch
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Un atac banditesc, z
ise domnul Tagomi. Obiectiv: pivni\uc1 \u355 ?a noas-tr\uc1 \u259 ? ferecat\uc1
\u259 ?. Nici un aspect politic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
f1 Se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? tremur\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare.}{\fs24 \dbc
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n orice caz, asasinat
ul sau r\uc1 \u259 ?pirea \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat\uc1 \u259 ? de S.D. e\uc1 \u351 ?u
ase. Cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, aceasta dint\uc1 \u226 ?i. Dar cu siguran\uc1 \u355 ?
\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiau cine era domnul Baynes \uc1 \u351 ?i, f\uc1 \u259
?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ?, de ce venise.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Prognoza, zise }{\fs24 \dbc
domnul Tagomi, este trist\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
1033 \cf1 Se \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\
uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurare oracolul ar fi de vreun folos. Probabil s\uc1
\u259 ?-i poat\uc1 \u259 ? proteja. Avertiza, ap\uc1 \u259 ?ra, cu sfatul lui.}
ng1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hic
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nc\uc1 \u2
59 ? destul de tremur\uc1 \u259 ?tor, \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? scoat\uc1
\u259 ? cele patruzeci \uc1 \u351 ?i no-u\uc1 \u259 ? de be\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u3
51 ?oare de coada-\uc1 \u351 ?oricelului. \uc1 \u206 ?ntreaga situa\uc1 \u355 ?i
e confuz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i anormal\uc1 \u259 ?, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u2
38 ? el. Nici o minte omeneasc\uc1 \u259 ? n-ar fi putut-o descifra; numai o int
eligen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? comun\uc1 \u259 ?, de cinci-mii-de-ani verifi-cat
\uc1 \u259 ?. Societatea totalitar\uc1 \u259 ? german\uc1 \u259 ? sem\uc1 \u259
?na cu o form\uc1 \u259 ? de via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? degenerat\uc1 \u259 ?,
mai rea dec\uc1 \u226 ?t lucrul natural. Mai rea \uc1 \u238 ?n toate ad\uc1 \u25
9 ?ugi-rile, \uc1 \u238 ?n toate potpour-ri-u-rile ei lipsite de sens.}{\fs24 \d
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Aici, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi el, S.D.-ul a
c\uc1 \u355 ?ioneaz\uc1 \u259 ? ca instrument al unei politici \uc1 \u238 ?n tot
al dezacord cu \uc1 \u351 ?eful din Berlin. Unde este sensul \uc1 \u238 ?n aceas
t\uc1 \u259 ? fi-in-\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? complicat\uc1 \u259 ?? Cine este de
fapt Germania? Cine a fost vreodat\uc1 \u259 ?? A-proape \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai ca
o parodie de co\uc1 \u351 ?mar, descompu-n\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se \uc1 \u238 ?n prob
-lemele \uc1 \u238 ?nfruntate \uc1 \u238 ?n mod obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit pe parcursul
existen\uc1 \u355 ?ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Oracol
ul o va p\uc1 \u259 ?trunde. Chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i o ras\uc1 \u259 ? de pisici afu
risite ca Ger-mania nazist\uc1 \u259 ? poate fi \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleas\u
c1 \u259 ? de }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 I Ching.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
1033 \cf1 Domnul Baynes, v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u226 ?t de distrat
m\uc1 \u226 ?nuia domnul Tagomi pumnul de be\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?oare, \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du seama c\uc1 \u226 ?t de mare fusese sup\uc1
\u259 ?rarea omului. Pentru el, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi domnul Baynes, acest evenim
ent, uciderea \uc1 \u351 ?i mutilarea celor doi oameni, nu este numai \uc1 \u238
?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?n-t\uc1 \u259 ?toare; este inexplicabil\uc1 \u259
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce-a\uc1 \u351 ? putea spu
ne ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-l consolez? Pentru mine a tras; prin ur-mare, responsabilita
tea moral\uc1 \u259 ? pentru aceste dou\uc1 \u259 ? vie\uc1 \u355 ?i este a mea
\uc1 \u351 ?i eu o accept. A\uc1 \u351 ?a o privesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Venind al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de domnul Baynes, generalul Ted
eki spuse \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?oa-pt\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i martorul dispe
r\uc1 \u259 ?rii omului. El, vede\uc1 \u355 ?i dumneavoas-tr\uc1 \u259 ?, a fost
, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ? crescut ca budist. C
hiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu rigid, influen\uc1 \u355 ?a a existat. O cultur\uc1 \u25
9 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n care nici o via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? nu trebuie luat\uc1 \u
259 ?; toate vie\uc1 \u355 ?ile, sfinte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
p1033 \cf1 Domnul Baynes \uc1 \u238 ?ncuviin}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259
? d\uc1 \u226 ?nd din cap.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i va rec\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiga
echilibrul, continu\uc1 \u259 ? generalul Tedeki. Cu tim-pul. \uc1 \u206 ?n aces
t moment, nu are nici un reper fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de care s\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i poat\uc1 \u259 ? contempla \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
elege actul. Cartea \uc1 \u238 ?l va ajuta, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? ea asigur\uc1 \
u259 ? un cadru de referin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? exterior.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n}{\fs24 \dbch
uc1 \u355 ?eleg, zise domnul Baynes.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
3 \cf1 Se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi: un alt sistem de referin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? car
e l-ar putea ajuta ar fi Doc-trina P\uc1 \u259 ?catului Originar. M\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?ntreb dac\uc1 \u259 ? a auzit vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? de ea. Cu to\uc1 \
u355 ?ii suntem os\uc1 \u226 ?ndi\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? comitem acte de cru
zime sau de violen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? sau rele; \uc1 \u259 ?sta ne este des
tinul, datorit\uc1 \u259 ? unor factori str\uc1 \u259 ?-vechi. Karma noastr\uc1
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pentru a salva o via\
uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, domnul Tagomi a trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ? ia dou\uc1 \u259
?. Min-tea echilibrat\uc1 \u259 ?, logic\uc1 \u259 ?, nu poate g\uc1 \u259 ?si v
reun rost acestui lucru. Un om amabil ca domnul Tagomi poate ajunge s\uc1 \u259
?-\uc1 \u351 ?i piard\uc1 \u259 ? min\uc1 \u355 ?ile din cauza implica\uc1 \u355
?iilor unei asemenea realit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi domnul Baynes, p
roblema crucial\uc1 \u259 ? st\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u238 ?n pre-zent, nu \uc1 \u
238 ?n moartea mea sau a celor doi oameni din S.D.; ea se afl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \
u8211 ? ipotetic \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n viitor. Ceea ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\
uc1 \u226 ?mplat aici este justificat sau nejus-tificat de ceea ce se va \uc1 \u
238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpla mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu. Putem noi salva vie\uc1 \u355 ?il
e a milioane, \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga Japonie, de fapt?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dar omul care m\uc1 \u226 ?nuia be\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351
?oarele vegetale nu se putea g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi la asta; prezentul, actualitatea e
ra tangibil\uc1 \u259 ?, germanul mort \uc1 \u351 ?i cel muri-bund de pe podeaua
biroului s\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lang
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Gene
ralul Tedeki avea dreptate; timpul \uc1 \u238 ?i va oferi domnului Tago-mi persp
ectiva. Sau se va retrage, poate, \uc1 \u238 ?n umbra suferin\uc1 \u355 ?ei mint
ale, \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i privirile pentru totdeauna,
datorit\uc1 \u259 ? unei per-plexit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? speran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i nici noi nu ne deosebim cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat de el, se
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi domnul Baynes. Suntem \uc1 \u351 ?i noi confrunta\uc1 \u355 ?i
cu acelea\uc1 \u351 ?i nedumeriri. Prin urmare, din nefericire, nu-l putem ajut
a pe domnul Tagomi cu nimic. Nu putem dec\uc1 \u226 ?t a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta, sper\
uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\
uc1 \u351 ?i va reveni, nu va ceda.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 13}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u206 ?N DENVER, g\uc1 \
u259 ?sir\uc1 \u259 ? magazine elegante, moderne. Hainele, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi J
uliana, te \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?epeneau de scumpe ce erau, dar lui Joe nu p\
uc1 \u259 ?ru s\uc1 \u259 ?-i pese, el nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu p\uc1 \u259 ?ru
s\uc1 \u259 ? observe; pur \uc1 \u351 ?i simplu pl\uc1 \u259 ?tea ceea ce alegea
ea, apoi se gr\uc1 \u259 ?beau c\uc1 \u259 ?tre magazinul urm\uc1 \u259 ?tor.}{
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ma}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 rea ei achizi\uc
1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u8211 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? multe prob\uc1 \u259 ?ri de rochii \uc
1 \u351 ?i mult prelun-gite deliber\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u351 ?i refuzuri \uc1 \u
8211 ? se petrecu t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul zilei: un model italian
original, albastru deschis, cu m\uc1 \u226 ?neci scurte, flu-flu, \uc1 \u351 ?i
cu de-colteu \uc1 \u238 ?nnebunitor de ad\uc1 \u226 ?nc. V\uc1 \u259 ?zuse, \uc
1 \u238 ?ntr-un ma-gazin european de mo-d\uc1 \u259 ?, un manechin purt\uc1 \u22
6 ?nd o asemenea rochie; era considerat cel mai rafinat model al anului \uc1 \u3
51 ?i-l cost\uc1 \u259 ? pe Joe aproape dou\uc1 \u259 ? sute de do-lari.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pentru a o purta, avea nevoie de trei
perechi de pantofi, mai mul\uc1 \u355 ?i ciorapi de naylon, c\uc1 \u226 ?teva p
\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?rii \uc1 \u351 ?i o geant\uc1 \u259 ? nou\uc1 \u259 ?,
din piele, lucrat\uc1 \u259 ? de m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i, desc
operi, decolteul rochiei italiene impunea noile sutiene care acopereau doar part
ea de jos a s\uc1 \u226 ?nilor. Privin-du-se \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntregime
\uc1 \u238 ?n oglinda cea mare a magazinului, se sim\uc1 \u355 ?i dezgolit\uc1 \
u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pu\uc1 \u355 ?in nesigur\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd trebui
a s\uc1 \u259 ? se aplece. Dar v\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ?-toarea o asigur\uc1 \
u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? noul sutien cu jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate de cup\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1
\u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nea ferm pe loc, \uc1 \u238 ?n ciuda lipsei bretelelor.}{\f
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Exact p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
deasupra sf\uc1 \u226 ?rcului, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Juliana uit\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se
cu aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie la ea \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238
?n intimitatea cabinei de prob\uc1 \u259 ?, nici un milime-tru \uc1 \u238 ?n plu
s. Sutienul, de asemenea, cost\uc1 \u259 ? ceva, de import \uc1 \u351 ?i el, o l
\uc1 \u259 ?muri v\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ?toarea, lucrat de m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?i ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? apoi \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u2
59 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?minte sport, panta-loni scur\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i costume
de baie \uc1 \u351 ?i un halat de plaj\uc1 \u259 ?, din prosop, cu dou\uc1 \u25
9 ? fe\uc1 \u355 ?e; dar dintr-o dat\uc1 \u259 ?, Joe \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
pierdu r\uc1 \u259 ?bdarea. A\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? plecar\uc1 \u259 ? mai
departe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
timp ce Joe punea pachetele \uc1 \u351 ?i saco\uc1 \u351 ?ele \uc1 \u238 ?n ma\
uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?, ea zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? ar\uc1 \u259 ?t extraordinar?
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, zis
e el pe un ton preocupat. Mai ales rochia aia albastr\uc1 \u259 ?. O por\uc1 \u3
55 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?nd mergem acolo, la Abendsen, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegi?
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Rosti ultimul cuv\uc1 \u226 ?
nt t\uc1 \u259 ?ios, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum ar fi fost un ordin; tonul o surprinse
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Port m
\uc1 \u259 ?sura doisprezece sau paisprezece, zise ea c\uc1 \u226 ?nd intra-r\uc
1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?torul magazin. V\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259
?toarea le z\uc1 \u226 ?mbi \uc1 \u351 ?i-i conduse la rastelurile cu rochii. Ce
-i mai trebuie? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Juliana. Mai bine s\uc1 \u259 ?
ia c\uc1 \u226 ?t mai mult posibil, at\uc1 \u226 ?ta c\uc1 \u226 ?t putea; cupr
inse cu privirea totul, dintr-o dat\uc1 \u259 ?, bluze, fuste, pulovere, pantalo
ni, haine. Da, o hain\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Joe, zise, trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi iau o hain\uc1 \u
259 ? lung\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar una din stof\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \a
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleser\uc1 \u259 ? asup
ra uneia dintre hainele fabricate din fibre sin-tetice, produse \uc1 \u238 ?n Ge
rmania; era mai durabil\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t blana na-tural\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i mai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in scump\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar se sim\uc1 \u355 ?i de
zam\uc1 \u259 ?git\uc1 \u259 ?. Pentru a se mai \uc1 \u238 ?nveseli pu\uc1 \u355
?in, \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? examineze bijuteriile. Dar erau gablonzuri
mizerabile, \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitor de scumpe, lipsite de fantezie \uc1 \u351 ?i
de originalitate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
1033 \cf1 Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? iau }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ni\uc1 \u351 ?te }{\fs24 \d
f1 bijuterii, \uc1 \u238 ?i explic\uc1 \u259 ? lui Joe. M\uc1 \u259 ?car cercei.
Sau o bro\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? mearg\uc1 \u259 ?
la rochia albastr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 l duse pe trotuar p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la un magazin
de bijuterii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
3 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i hainele tale, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aduse aminte, cu vi
nov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? ne oprim \uc1 \u351 ?i pent
ru tine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u226 ?t se uit
\uc1 \u259 ? ea la bijuterii, Joe se opri la frizer, pentru tuns. C\uc1 \u226 ?n
d el ap\uc1 \u259 ?ru, o jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate de or\uc1 \u259 ? mai t\uc1 \u226 ?
rziu, fu uluit\uc1 \u259 ?; aproape c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-l mai recunoscuse; era blon
d acum, Doamne Dumnezeule, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi ea. }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De ce?}{\fs24 \d
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ridic\uc1 \u226 ?nd din umeri, Joe zise
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am obo
sit s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu broscar.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
Asta fu tot ce zise; refuz\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? discute acest subiect c\uc
1 \u226 ?nd intrar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u206 ?ntr-un magazin de \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1
\u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?minte pentru b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i \u
c1 \u238 ?ncepur\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? cum-pere pentru el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cump\uc1 \u259 ?rar\uc1 \u259 ? un costum frumo
s croit, din una dintre noile fibre sintetice Du Pont, dacron. \uc1 \u350 ?i cio
rapi noi, chilo\uc1 \u355 ?i noi \uc1 \u351 ?i o pereche de pantofi moderni, cu
v\uc1 \u226 ?rf ascu\uc1 \u355 ?it. C\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i. \uc
1 \u350 ?i cravate. \uc1 \u206 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu v\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259
?torul, aleser\uc1 \u259 ? dou\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351
?i albe, cu man\uc1 \u351 ?ete fran\uc1 \u355 ?uze\uc1 \u351 ?ti, duble, \uc1 \u
351 ?i o pereche de butoni de argint. Nu dur\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t patruz
eci de minute ca s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? cump\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?turi
le pentru el; fu uimit\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? descopere c\uc1 \u226 ?t era de
u\uc1 \u351 ?or, comparativ cu ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
\cf1 Costumul lui, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, trebuie modificat. Dar iar\uc1 \u259 ?\
uc1 \u351 ?i, Joe, deveni ner\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?tor; pl\uc1 \u259 ?ti not
a cu bancnotele germane pe care le avea. Mai este ceva, realiz\uc1 \u259 ? Julia
na. Un portmoneu nou. A\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259
? cu v\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ?-torul, \uc1 \u238 ?i aleser\uc1 \u259 ? un por
tmoneu din piele de crocodil, negru, \uc1 \u351 ?i cu asta, totul fu gata. P\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sir\uc1 \u259 ? magazinul \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoa
rser\uc1 \u259 ? la ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?; era patru \uc1 \u351 ?i jum\uc
1 \u259 ?tate iar cump\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?turile \uc1 \u8211 ? cel pu\uc1 \
u355 ?in din punctul de vedere al lui Joe, erau terminate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu vrei s\uc1 \u259 ?-i ia pu
\uc1 \u355 ?in din talie? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? ea c\uc1 \u226 ?nd Joe i
ntr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n traficul din centrul Denver-ului. La costum...}{\f
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vocea lui, ostil\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u3
51 ?i impersonal\uc1 \u259 ?, o \uc1 \u238 ?mpietri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mp
lat? Am cump\uc1 \u259 ?rat p}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 rea multe?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? asta este, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i spuse, am cheltuit prea mult.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ? putea duce \uc1 \u238 ?napoi ni\uc
1 \u351 ?te c\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Hai s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?nc\u
c1 \u259 ?m de sear\uc1 \u259 ?, zise el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dumnezeule, replic\uc1 \u259 ? ea. \uc1 \u350
?tiu ce n-am luat. Pijamale.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
\af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 E
l o privi feroce.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
1033 \cf1 Nu vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? iau ni\uc1 \u351 ?te pijamale frumoase? zise ea.
A\uc1 \u351 ? fi cu totul \uc1 \u238 ?nnoit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i...}{\fs24
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu.}{\fs24 \db
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Scutur\uc1 \u259 ? din cap.}{\fs24 \dbch
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Las-o balt\uc1 \u259
?. Uit\uc1 \u259 ?-te dup\uc1 \u259 ? un loc unde s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?nc
\uc1 \u259 ?m.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Juliana zise pe
un ton ferm:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
\cf1 Mergem \uc1 \u351 ?i ne \uc1 \u238 ?nregistr\uc1 \u259 ?m la primul hotel.
S\uc1 \u259 ? ne putem schim-ba. Apoi m\uc1 \u226 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?m.}{\fs24 \dbc
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i mai bine ar fi un hotel sel
ect, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi ea, sau deloc. Chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?a t\uc1
\u226 ?rziu. \uc1 \u350 ?i-i vom \uc1 \u238 ?ntreba la hotel care-i cel mai bun
loc din Denver, pentru m\uc1 \u226 ?ncat. \uc1 \u350 ?i numele unui bar de noap
te ca lumea unde putem vedea un spectacol ca pentru singura-dat\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1
\u238 ?n-via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, nu vreun talent local, ci ni\uc1 \u351 ?t
e nume mari din Europa, cum ar fi Eleanor Perez sau Willie Beck. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu
c\uc1 \u259 ? vedetele astea mari din U.F.A.}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5
\loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s
16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \d
\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \la
ngnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lan
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Universal Film Aktiengesellscha
ft}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \l
angfenp1033 \cf1 vin \uc1 \u238 ?n Denver, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? am v\uc1 \u259
?zut afi\uc1 \u351 ?ele. \uc1 \u350 ?i n-am s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? duc pent
ru nimic mai slab.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
033 \cf1 n timp ce c\uc1 \u259 ?utau un hotel, Juliana se tot uit\uc1 \u259 ? la
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul de l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? ea. Cu p\uc1 \u259 ?rul tuns
scurt, blond, \uc1 \u351 ?i cu haine noi, p\uc1 \u259 ?rea alt om.}{\fs24 \dbch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 mi place oare mai mult
a\uc1 \u351 ?a? Greu de zis. Iar eu... c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi pot
face p\uc1 \u259 ?rul, vom fi dou\uc1 \u259 ? persoane diferite, aproape. Create
din ni-mic sau, mai degrab\uc1 \u259 ?, din bani. Dar trebuie neap\uc1 \u259 ?r
at s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi fac p\uc1 \u259 ?rul, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i zise.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 G\uc1 \u259 ?sir\uc1 \u259 ? un hote
l mare, elegant, \uc1 \u238 ?n centrul Denver-ului, cu portar \uc1 \u238 ?n livr
ea, care aranj\uc1 \u259 ? ca ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina s\uc1 \u259 ? fie parcat\uc1 \u2
59 ?. Asta voia ea. Iar un b\uc1 \u259 ?-iat \uc1 \u8211 ? altfel om mare, dar p
urt\uc1 \u226 ?nd uniforma maro \uc1 \u8211 ? veni repede \uc1 \u351 ?i le c\uc1
\u259 ?-r\uc1 \u259 ? toate pachetele \uc1 \u351 ?i bagajele, lor nemair\uc1 \u
259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?n-du-le nimic altceva de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut dec\uc1
\u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? urce sc\uc1 \u259 ?rile largi, a\uc1 \u351 ?ternute cu c
ovoare, de sub coperti-n\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? treac\uc1 \u259 ? prin u\uc1
\u351 ?ile din sticl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i lemn de mahon \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc
1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?trund\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n hol.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mici magazine de fiecare parte a hotelului, flor\u
c1 \u259 ?rii, cadouri, dul-ciuri, oficiu de telegraf, birou pentru rezervarea l
ocurilor la avion, zar-va clien\uc1 \u355 ?ilor la recep\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u35
1 ?i la lifturi, uria\uc1 \u351 ?ele plante \uc1 \u238 ?n ghivece \uc1 \u351 ?i,
sub t\uc1 \u259 ?lpi, covorul, gros \uc1 \u351 ?i moale... Putea mirosi hotelul
, mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea oameni-lor, agita\uc1 \u355 ?ia. Indicatoare de neon ar\uc
1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n ce parte se aflau restau-rantul hotelului
, sala pentru cocteil, braseria. Abia le putu \uc1 \u238 ?nregistra c\uc1 \u226
?nd travers\uc1 \u259 ? holul \uc1 \u351 ?i ajunser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n sf
\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it la recep\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Era p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i un stand de c
\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\
uc1 \u226 ?t timp Joe semn\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n registru, ea se scuz\uc1 \u
259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i se repezi la c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i, s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\
uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ? aveau }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 L\uc1 \u259 ?custa. }{\fs24 \
cf1 Da, \uc1 \u238 ?l aveau, un raft \uc1 \u238 ?ntreg, str\uc1 \u259 ?luci-tor,
cu un anun\uc1 \u355 ? spun\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u226 ?t de popular \uc1 \u351
?i important era \uc1 \u351 ?i, desigur, c\uc1 \u259 ? era }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af
4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 verb
oten}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \s
uper1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \
adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033
\langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch
\af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs
33 \cf1 Interzis (germ.)}}}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n regiunile
controlate de germani. O femeie \uc1 \u238 ?ntre dou\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u226 ?r
ste, z\uc1 \u226 ?mbitoare, gen bunicu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, o servi; cartea
costa aproape patru dolari, ceea ce Julianei \uc1 \u238 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?ru mult,
dar o pl\uc1 \u259 ?ti cu o bancnot\uc1 \u259 ? germa-n\uc1 \u259 ? din noua ei
geant\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse \uc1 \u238 ?n fug\uc1 \u
259 ? l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? Joe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
ang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \s17 \fi567 \li
3 \cf1 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-le drumul cu bagajele \uc1 \u2
38 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?ini, b\uc1 \u259 ?iatul \uc1 \u238 ?i conduse la lift \uc1 \u
351 ?i apoi sus, la primul etaj, \uc1 \u238 ?n lungul coridorului \uc1 \u8211 ?
lini\uc1 \u351 ?tit \uc1 \u351 ?i cald \uc1 \u351 ?i car-petat \uc1 \u8211 ? c\u
c1 \u259 ?tre superba lor camer\uc1 \u259 ?, care-\uc1 \u355 ?i t\uc1 \u259 ?ia
r\uc1 \u259 ?suflarea. B\uc1 \u259 ?iatul le descuie u\uc1 \u351 ?a, c\uc1 \u259
?r\uc1 \u259 ? totul \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru, aranj\uc1 \u259 ? fereastr
a \uc1 \u351 ?i luminile; Joe \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du un bac\uc1 \u351 ?i\
uc1 \u351 ?, iar el plec\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nchiz\uc1 \u226 ?nd u\uc1 \u35
1 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n urma lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \l
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \li
cf1 Totul era \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai cum dorise ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u226 ?t st\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u2
38 ?n Denver? \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? pe Joe, care \uc1 \u23
8 ?ncepuse s\uc1 \u259 ? desfac\uc1 \u259 ? pachetele pe pat. \uc1 \u206 ?nainte
s\uc1 \u259 ? plec\uc1 \u259 ?m sus, \uc1 \u238 ?n Cheyenne?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 El nu r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse; era ocupat cu con\uc1
\u355 ?inutul valizei lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
\langfenp1033 \cf1 O zi sau dou\uc1 \u259 ?? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? ea l
u\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i haina cea nou\uc1 \u259 ?. Crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? pu
tem sta }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langf
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 trei?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
Ridic\uc1 \u226 ?nd capul, Joe r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Plec\uc1 \u259 ?m mai departe \uc1
\u238 ?n seara asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 La \uc1 \
u238 ?nceput, nu \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elese; iar c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238
?n\uc1 \u355 ?elese, nu-i veni s\uc1 \u259 ? cread\uc1 \u259 ?. Se uit\uc1 \u259
? lung la el, iar el se uit\uc1 \u259 ? lung la ea, cu o expresie s\uc1 \u259 ?
lbatic\uc1 \u259 ?, aproa-pe s-o str\uc1 \u259 ?pung\uc1 \u259 ?, cu fa\uc1 \u35
5 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?ncordat\uc1 \u259 ? sub o tensiune enorm\uc1 \u259 ?, mai mare
dec\uc1 \u226 ?t v\uc1 \u259 ?zuse ea vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1
\u355 ?a ei la o fiin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? omeneas-c\uc1 \u259 ?. El nu clint
i; p\uc1 \u259 ?rea paralizat acolo, cu m\uc1 \u226 ?inile pline cu haine din va
lijoara lui, cu corpul aplecat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce m\uc1 \u226 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?m, ad\uc1
\u259 ?ug\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ea nu \
uc1 \u351 ?tiu ce s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u23
8 ?mbrac\uc1 \u259 ? rochia cea albastr\uc1 \u259 ?, care a costat at\uc1 \u226
?ta, zise. Cea care-\uc1 \u355 ?i place \uc1 \u355 ?ie; cea cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?r
at bun\uc1 \u259 ?... \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ncepu acum s\uc1 \u259 ? se descheie
la c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u259 ? duc s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259
? rad \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? fac un du\uc1 \u351 ? bun, fierbinte.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vocea \uc1 \u238 ?i suna cumva mecani
c, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum ar fi vorbit de la o mil\uc1 \u259 ? dep\uc1 \u259 ?rtar
e, printr-un fel de instrument; \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se, se \uc1 \u2
38 ?n-drept\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?tre baie cu pa\uc1 \u351 ?i smuci\uc1 \u355
?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cu dificultate, ea reu\uc
1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Este prea t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, \uc1 \u238 ?n se
ara asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
1 Nu. Termin\uc1 \u259 ?m masa pe la cinci \uc1 \u351 ?i jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate, \u
c1 \u351 ?ase, cel t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu. Putem urca \uc1 \u238 ?n Cheyenne \uc1 \u2
38 ?n dou\uc1 \u259 ? ore, dou\uc1 \u259 ? ore \uc1 \u351 ?i jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate
. Asta \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? abia opt \uc1 \u351 ?i ceva. S\uc1 \u259 ?
zicem nou\uc1 \u259 ?, cel mult. Putem suna de aici, s\uc1 \u259 ?-i zicem lui
Abendsen c\uc1 \u259 ? venim; \uc1 \u238 ?i explic\uc1 \u259 ?m situa\uc1 \u355
?ia. Asta va face impresie, un telefon interurban. Spune-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a... sun
tem \uc1 \u238 ?n drum, cu avionul, c\uc1 \u259 ?tre Coasta de Vest; st\uc1 \u25
9 ?m \uc1 \u238 ?n Denver doar o noapte. Dar suntem at\uc1 \u226 ?t de entuziasm
a\uc1 \u355 ?i de cartea lui \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t venim cu ma\uc1 \u351 ?
ina p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? sus, \uc1 \u238 ?n Cheyenne, \uc1 \u351 ?i ne \uc
1 \u238 ?ntoarcem \uc1 \u238 ?napoi disear\uc1 \u259 ?, numai pentru \uc1 \u351
?ansa de a...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ea \uc1 \u238 ?l
\uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
ngfenp1033 \cf1 De ce?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Lacrimi
le \uc1 \u238 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i n\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?lir\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u2
38 ?n ochi \uc1 \u351 ?i se trezi \uc1 \u351 ?terg\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?ile cu am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi pumnii, cu degetul mare \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru,
a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum f\uc1 \u259 ?cea c\uc1 \u226 ?nd era copil; sim\uc1 \u355 ?i
cum \uc1 \u238 ?i tremur\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?rbia \uc1 \u351 ?i, c\uc1 \u2
26 ?nd vorbi, vocea abia i se auzi:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? merg s\uc1 \u259 ?-l v\uc1 \u
259 ?d disear\uc1 \u259 ?; nu merg. Nu vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? merg deloc, nici m\uc
1 \u226 ?ine. Vreau numai s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d priveli\uc1 \u351 ?tea de
aici. A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum mi-ai promis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce vorbea, spaima reap\uc1 \u259 ?ru
iar \uc1 \u351 ?i i se instal\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n piept, pa-nica aceea oar
b\uc1 \u259 ?, particular\uc1 \u259 ?, care abia dac\uc1 \u259 ? o p\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ?sise pu\uc1 \u355 ?in chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n cele mai st
r\uc1 \u259 ?lucite momente cu el. }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 I }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 se urc\uc1 \u259
? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? sus \uc1 \u351 ?i puse st\uc1 \u259 ?-p\uc1 \u226 ?
nire pe ea; o sim\uc1 \u355 ?i tremur\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u35
5 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, str\uc1 \u259 ?lucind astfel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t el o p
utea u\uc1 \u351 ?or observa.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
Joe zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
1 D\uc1 \u259 ?m o fug\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acolo \uc1 \u351 ?
i dup\uc1 \u259 ? aia, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ne \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarcem... ad-mir\uc1 \u2
59 ?m peisajul de aici.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vorbi
rezonabil \uc1 \u351 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i cu \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?epeneal\uc
1 \u259 ? de mort, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum ar fi recitat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, zise ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pune-\uc1 \u355 ?i rochia al
bastr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 R\uc1 \u259
?scoli printre pachete p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ce d\uc1 \u259 ?du de ea \uc1
\u238 ?n cea mai mare din-tre cutii. Desf\uc1 \u259 ?cu sfoara cu grij\uc1 \u25
9 ?, scoase rochia afar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse pe pat cu
precizie; nu se gr\uc1 \u259 ?bea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Okay? Ai}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 s\uc1 \u259 ? fii jos p\uc1 \u
259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?ria. Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?, cump\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?m o stic
l\uc1 \u259 ? de scotch scump \uc1 \u351 ?i o lu\uc1 \u259 ?m cu noi. Lu\uc1 \u2
59 ?m Vat 69.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Frank, se g\uc1
\u226 ?ndi ea. Ajut\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ?. Am intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n ceva ce n
u \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 E mult mai departe dec\uc1 \u226 ?t crezi tu, spuse ea.
M-am uitat pe hart\uc1 \u259 ?. Va fi cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd vom ajunge acolo, cam unspre-zece sau chiar dup\uc1 \u259 ? miez
ul nop\uc1 \u355 ?ii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 El zise:
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pune-\u
c1 \u355 ?i rochia sau te ucid.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nchiz\uc1 \u226 ?nd ochii, ea \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u25
9 ? chicoteasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Antrenamentul meu, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. A fost adev\
uc1 \u259 ?rat, \uc1 \u238 ?n definitiv; vom vedea acum. M\uc1 \u259 ? poate omo
r\uc1 \u238 ? sau pot s\uc1 \u259 ?-i ating un nerv pe spate \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1
\u259 ?-l ologesc pe via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?? Dar s-a luptat cu comandouril
e alea engleze; a mai trecut prin a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva, cu ani \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\
\cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? s-ar putea s\uc1 \u259 ? reu\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1
\u351 ?ti s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u226 ?nte\uc1 \u351 ?ti. Sau poat
e c\uc1 \u259 ? nu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
np1033 \cf1 Nu s\uc1 \u259 ? te tr\uc1 \u226 ?ntesc, zise ea. S\uc1 \u259 ? te m
utilez pentru totdeauna. Pot cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat. Am tr\uc1 \u259 ?it pe Coas
ta de Vest. M-au \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at japonezii, sus, \uc1 \
u238 ?n Seattle. Du-te tu \uc1 \u238 ?n Cheyenne, dac\uc1 \u259 ? vrei, \uc1 \u3
51 ?i las\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ? pe mine aici. Nu \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u
259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? for\uc1 \u355 ?ezi. Mi-e fric\uc1 \u259 ? de tine \uc1 \u351
?i am s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
np1033 \cf1 Vocea i se fr\uc1 \u226 ?nse.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc s\uc1 \u259
? te aranjez prea r\uc1 \u259 ?u, dac\uc1 \u259 ? vii spre mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Haide... pune afurisit
a aia de rochie! Ce-i cu toate astea? Tre-buie s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i fi pi
erdut min\uc1 \u355 ?ile de vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?ti a\uc1 \u351 ?a de ucis \uc1 \u35
1 ?i de mutilat, doar pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? sari \uc1 \u238 ?
n ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce m\uc1 \u226 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?m \
uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? mergi cu mine pe autostrad\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?l vedem pe tipul a c\uc1 \u259 ?rui carte ai...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
langfenp1033 \cf1 O b\uc1 \u259 ?taie \uc1 \u238 ?n u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Joe se duse \uc1 \u351 ?i o des
chise. Un b\uc1 \u259 ?iat \uc1 \u238 ?n uniform\uc1 \u259 ?, de pe coridor, zis
e:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \lan
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Servi
ciul de camer\uc1 \u259 ?. A\uc1 \u355 ?i cerut la recep\uc1 \u355 ?ie, domnule.
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A, da,
zise Joe p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ind c\uc1 \u259 ?tre pat; lu\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ile albe pe care le cump\uc1 \u259 ?rase \uc1 \
u351 ?i le d\uc1 \u259 ?du b\uc1 \u259 ?iatului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Le po\uc1 \u355 ?i aduce \uc1 \u238 ?na
poi \uc1 \u238 ?n jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate de or\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Doar c\uc1 \u259 ?lcate, zise b
\uc1 \u259 ?iatul, examin\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-le. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?i sp\uc1 \u259 ?late
. Da, sunt sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? voi putea, domnule.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd Joe \uc1 \u238 ?nchise u\uc1 \u351 ?a, Juli
ana spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
f1 Cum de-ai \uc1 \u351 ?tiut c\uc1 \u259 ? o c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u
259 ? alb\uc1 \u259 ?, nou\uc1 \u259 ?, nu se poate purta \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de
a fi c\uc1 \u259 ?lcat\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
\cf1 El nu spuse nimic; ridic\uc1 \u259 ? din umeri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Uitasem, zise Juliana. Iar o femei
e ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie... c\uc1 \u226 ?nd le sco\uc1 \u355 ?i
din celofan, sunt \uc1 \u351 ?ifonate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd eram mai t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u25
9 ?r, obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuiam s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mbrac \uc1 \u
351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? ies ade-seori.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De unde \uc1 \u351 ?tiai c\uc1 \u259 ? hotelul are s
erviciu de camer\uc1 \u259 ?? Eu nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiam? Chiar te-ai tuns \uc1 \u35
1 ?i te-ai vopsit? Eu cred c\uc1 \u259 ? ai p\uc1 \u259 ?rul blond dintotdea-una
\uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? purtai o peruc\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a?}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 El ridic\uc1 \u259 ? iar\uc1 \u2
59 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i din umeri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fii din S.D., zise ea. Poz\uc1 \u226
?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?ofer broscar. N-ai luptat niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc
1 \u238 ?n Africa de Nord, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a? Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? vii aici c
a s\uc1 \u259 ?-l ucizi pe Abendsen, a\uc1 \u351 ?a este? \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1
\u259 ?-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt destul de ui-mit\uc1 \u259 ?.}
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se sim\uc1 \u355 ?i uscat\uc1
\u259 ?, sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? un timp, Joe zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? am luptat \
uc1 \u238 ?n Africa de Nord. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? nu cu bateria de}{\fs24 \dbch \
af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 a
rtilerie a lui Pardi. Cu Brandemburgerii}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loc
h \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \l
i0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \
af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15
\fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1
033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af6 \loch \f6 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Corp de comando german, recrutat din
provincia cu acela\uc1 \u351 ?i nume}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 .}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ad\uc1 \u259 ?ug\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Wehrmacht Kommando}{\cs15 \fs24 \d
h \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
\af4 \loch \f4 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Comando mili
tar}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \
langfenp1033 \cf1 . Infiltrat \uc1 \u238 ?n Cartierul General En-glez. Nu v\uc1
\u259 ?d diferen\uc1 \u355 ?a; am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut o gr\uc1 \u259 ?mad\uc1 \u259
? de ac\uc1 \u355 ?iuni. \uc1 \u350 ?i am fost la Cairo; am c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \
u351 ?tigat medalia \uc1 \u351 ?i am fost citat pe c\uc1 \u226 ?mpul de lupt\uc1
\u259 ?. Caporal.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
p1033 \cf1 St}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \lang
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 iloul \uc1 \u259 ?la e o arm\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 El nu r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O bomb\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc
1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du ea seama dintr-o dat\uc1 \u259 ?, spun\uc
1 \u226 ?nd-o cu voce tare. O bomb\uc1 \u259 ? capcan\uc1 \u259 ?, aranjat\uc1 \
u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? explodeze c\uc1 \u226 ?nd o atinge cineva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, zise el. Ce ai v\uc1
\u259 ?zut tu era un transmi\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tor \uc1 \u351 ?i receptor
de doi wa\uc1 \u355 ?i. Ca s\uc1 \u259 ? pot men\uc1 \u355 ?ine contactul radio.
\uc1 \u206 ?n caz c\uc1 \u259 ? se schimb\uc1 \u259 ? planul, care este situa\u
c1 \u355 ?ia politic\uc1 \u259 ? la Berlin, zi de zi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a

48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Iei leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura cu ei \uc1
\u238 ?nainte de a o face. S\uc1 \u259 ? fii sigur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 El d\uc1 \u259 ?du din cap.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti italian; e\uc1 \u3
51 ?ti german.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
3 \cf1 Elve\uc1 \u355 ?ian.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ea
zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
o\uc1 \u355 ?ul meu este evreu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? intereseaz\uc1 \u259 ? ce e so\uc1 \u35
5 ?ul t\uc1 \u259 ?u. Tot ce vreau e s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i pui ro-chia aia
\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? te aranjezi, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? putem merge la cin\uc
1 \u259 ?. Aranjeaz\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i cumva p\uc1 \u259 ?rul; a\uc1 \u35
1 ? fi vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? ai timp de coafor. Poate mai este deschis salonul de \
uc1 \u238 ?nfrumuse\uc1 \u355 ?are al hotelului. O po\uc1 \u355 ?i face c\uc1 \u
226 ?t timp \uc1 \u238 ?mi a\uc1 \u351 ?tept eu c\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \
u351 ?ile \uc1 \u351 ?i-mi fac du\uc1 \u351 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cum ai s\uc1 \u259 ?-l ucizi?}{\fs24 \dbc
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Joe zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Te rog, \uc1 \u238 ?mbrac\uc1 \u259 ? r
ochia, Juliana. Am s\uc1 \u259 ? sun jos, s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb de coa
for.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se duse c\uc1 \u259 ?tre
telefon.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
De ce ai nevoie de mine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lang
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0
Form\uc1 \u226 ?nd num\uc1 \u259 ?rul, Joe zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Avem un material despre Abendsen \uc1
\u351 ?i pare a fi atras de un anumit tip de femeie, brunet\uc1 \u259 ?, focoas\
uc1 \u259 ?. Tipul specific Orientului Mij-lociu sau mediteranean.}{\fs24 \dbch
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd el vorbea cu cei de la hote
l, Juliana se duse \uc1 \u351 ?i se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? pe pat. \uc1 \u2
06 ?nchise ochii \uc1 \u351 ?i-\uc1 \u351 ?i puse m\uc1 \u226 ?inile pe fa\uc1 \
u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
np1033 \cf1 Au o coafez\uc1 \u259 ?, zise Joe dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce \uc1 \u238 ?nch
ise telefonul. \uc1 \u350 ?i te poate aranja chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i acum. Du-te la
mezanin.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u206 ?i b\uc1 \
u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ? ceva \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?; deschiz\uc1 \
u226 ?nd ochii, ea v\uc1 \u259 ?zu c\uc1 \u259 ? erau bancnote germane.}{\fs24 \
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S\uc1 \u259 ? pl
\uc1 \u259 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
Ea zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
Las\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? zac aici. Te rog.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 El o privi cu un aer de curiozitate \uc1 \u351
?i \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Se}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp10
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 attle este azi cum ar fi fost San Francisco, z
ise ea, dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu ar fi fost nici un Mare Incendiu. Construc\uc1 \u355
?ii din lemn, vechi de tot \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?teva din c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc
1 \u259 ?mid\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i cu coline, ca la Frisco. Japonezii sunt
acolo de mult timp, cu mult \uc1 \u238 ?naintea r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiului. Au un \uc
1 \u238 ?ntreg cartier de afaceri \uc1 \u351 ?i case, magazine, totul, foarte ve
chi. E port. Japonezul \uc1 \u259 ?la t\uc1 \u259 ?cut, care m-a \uc1 \u238 ?nv\
uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at pe mine... m\uc1 \u259 ? dusesem cu un tip din Marina
Comercial\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i st\uc1 \u226 ?nd acolo, am \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu
t s\uc1 \u259 ? iau lec\uc1 \u355 ?ii, Minoru Ichoyasu; purta vest\uc1 \u259 ? \
uc1 \u351 ?i cravat\uc1 \u259 ?. Era rotund ca o minge. D\uc1 \u259 ?dea lec\uc1
\u355 ?ii sus, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o cl\uc1 \u259 ?dire de birouri japoneze; avea o
t\uc1 \u259 ?bli\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pe u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, cu scris
de mod\uc1 \u259 ? veche, auriu, \uc1 \u351 ?i o camer\uc1 \u259 ? de a\uc1 \u3
51 ?teptare, ca la dentist. Cu }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 National Geographic.}{\fs24 \dbc
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Aplec\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se asupra ei, Joe o
prinse de m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o ridic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u23
8 ?n capul oaselor; o ajut\uc1 \u259 ?, sprijinind-o.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce s-a-nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat? Te por
\uc1 \u355 ?i ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum \uc1 \u355 ?i-ar fi r\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \d
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se uit\uc1 \u259 ? atent la chipul ei,
cercet\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i tr\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?turile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi

ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mor, zise ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 E doar o criz\uc1 \u259
? de anxietate. Nu le ai tot timpul? \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i pot da un sedati
v, de la farmacia hotelului. Un fenobarbital? \uc1 \u350 ?i n-am m\uc1 \u226 ?nc
at de la zece diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a. O s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i fac\uc1 \u259
? bine c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ajungem la Abendsen, n-ai nimic de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut, numa
i s\uc1 \u259 ? stai acolo cu mine \uc1 \u351 ?i cu el; s\uc1 \u259 ? stai \uc1
\u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? faci conversa\uc1 \u355 ?ie cu el, astfel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\
uc1 \u226 ?t el s\uc1 \u259 ? stea cu noi \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? nu ias\uc1
\u259 ? nic\uc1 \u259 ?ieri. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd te va vedea, sunt sigur c\uc1 \u25
9 ? ne va primi, mai ales cu rochia aia ita-lian\uc1 \u259 ?, decoltat\uc1 \u259
? cum e. \uc1 \u350 ?i eu te-a\uc1 \u351 ? primi \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru
, \uc1 \u238 ?n locul lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Las\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? intru \uc1 \u238
?n baie, zise ea. Mi-e r\uc1 \u259 ?u. Te rog.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
angfenp1033 \cf1 Se zb\uc1 \u259 ?tu s\uc1 \u259 ? se elibereze din m\uc1 \u226
?na lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
Mi-e r\uc1 \u259 ?u... d\uc1 \u259 ?-mi drumul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
\langfenp1033 \cf1 El \uc1 \u238 ?i d}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u259 ?du drumul, iar ea
travers\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea \uc1 \u351 ?i intr\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u238 ?n baie; \uc1 \u238 ?n-chise u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n urma ei.
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O pot face, se g\uc1 \u226 ?n
di. Aprinse lumina; fu orbit\uc1 \u259 ?. Se uit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o p
ar-te. O g\uc1 \u259 ?sesc eu. \uc1 \u206 ?n trusa medical\uc1 \u259 ?, pus\uc1
\u259 ? la dispozi\uc1 \u355 ?ie de hotel, un pa-chet cu lame de ras, s\uc1 \u25
9 ?pun, past\uc1 \u259 ? de din\uc1 \u355 ?i. Deschise micul pachet cu lame. Cu
o singur\uc1 \u259 ? parte ascu\uc1 \u355 ?it\uc1 \u259 ?, da. Desp\uc1 \u259 ?t
uri o lam\uc1 \u259 ?, nefolosit\uc1 \u259 ?, unsuroas\uc1 \u259 ?, negru-alb\uc

1 \u259 ?struie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Apa curgea la
du\uc1 \u351 ?. P\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru. Dumn
ezeule, era \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat\uc1 \u259 ?. Distrus\uc1 \u259 ?. Roc
hia i se lipi de ea. P\uc1 \u259 ?rul \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?iroia. \uc1 \u20
6 ?ngrozit\uc1 \u259 ?, se \uc1 \u238 ?mpiedic\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ?zu pe j
um\uc1 \u259 ?tate, b\uc1 \u226 ?jb\uc1 \u226 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u226 ?nd s
\uc1 \u259 ? ias\uc1 \u259 ? afar\uc1 \u259 ?. Apa curgea din cio-rapi... \uc1 \
u206 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Joe o g\uc1 \u259 ?si st\uc1 \u226 ?nd l\uc1 \u226 ?ng
\uc1 \u259 ? cad\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i scosese rochia ud\uc1 \u
259 ?, distrus\uc1 \u259 ?; st\uc1 \u259 ?tea goal\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n pi
cioare, sprijinindu-se cu o m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, odihnindu-se.}{\fs24 \db
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Isuse Cristoase, z
i}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \lang
fenp1033 \cf1 se ea, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du s
eama c\uc1 \u259 ? el se afla acolo. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu ce s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \
u259 ? fac. Rochia mea de jerseu este distrus\uc1 \u259 ?. E l\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \
u259 ? cu m\uc1 \u226 ?na; el se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259
? mormanul de haine \uc1 \u238 ?mbi-bate cu ap\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cu mult calm \uc1 \u8211 ? de\uc1 \u351 ?i fa\uc1
\u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?i era mirat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? el zise:}{\fs24 \dbc
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ei bine, oricum nu
o purtai pe asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cu un prosop
pufos, alb, de hotel, o usc\uc1 \u259 ?, o scoase din baie \uc1 \u351 ?i o duse
\uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1 \u238 ?n camera principal\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ?ldur
oas\uc1 \u259 ?, cu covor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan

\langfenp1033 \cf1 Pune-\uc1 \u355 ?i lenjeria... ia ceva pe tine. O chem pe coa
fez\uc1 \u259 ? aici, sus; trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ?, asta-i tot.}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Lu\uc1 \u259 ? iar\uc1 \u259 ?\u
c1 \u351 ?i telefonul \uc1 \u351 ?i form\uc1 \u259 ? num\uc1 \u259 ?rul.}{\fs24
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce ziceai despr
e pastile? \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? ea c\uc1 \u226 ?nd el ter
min\uc1 \u259 ? cu tele-fonul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am uitat. Am s\uc1 \u259 ? sun jos, la farmacie. Nu, stai
, am eu ceva. Nembutal sau a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
langfenp1033 \cf1 Merg\uc1 \u226 ?nd iute la valiza lui, \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1
\u259 ? scotoceasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
f1 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse dou\uc1 \u259 ? pas}{\fs24 \
cf1 tile, ea zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
p1033 \cf1 Au s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? distrug\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af6
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Le accept\uc1 \u259 ? cu st\uc1 \u226 ?ng\
uc1 \u259 ?cie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
33 \cf1 Ce? f\uc1 \u259 ?cu el cu fa\uc1 \u355 ?a crispat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \d
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 mi putreze\uc1 \u35
1 ?te partea de jos a corpului, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi ea. Mi se usuc\uc1 \u259 ? \
uc1 \u238 ?ncheietura \uc1 \u351 ?oldului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Adic\uc1 \u259 ?, zise ea, cu grij\uc1 \u259
?, \uc1 \u238 ?mi sl\uc1 \u259 ?be\uc1 \u351 ?te concentrarea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu... e un produs }{\fs24
\cf1 A.G. Chemie, pe care mi l-au dat acas\uc1 \u259 ?. Le folosesc atunci c\uc
1 \u226 ?nd nu pot dormi. \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i aduc un pahar cu ap\uc1 \u25
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 D\uc1 \u259 ?du fuga.}{\f
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Lama, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi ea. Am
\uc1 \u238 ?nghi\uc1 \u355 ?it-o; acum \uc1 \u238 ?mi taie \uc1 \u351 ?alele, pe
ntru totdeauna. Pedeaps\uc1 \u259 ?. M\uc1 \u259 ?ritat\uc1 \u259 ? cu un evreu
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? cu un asasin gestapovi
st. \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i sim\uc1 \u355 ?i iar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i ochi
i \uc1 \u238 ?n lacrimi, arz\uc1 \u226 ?nd-o. Pentru tot ce am s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc
1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it. Ruinat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S\uc1 \u259 ? mergem, zise, ridic\uc1 \u22
6 ?ndu-se \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare. Coafeza.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259
?cat\uc1 \u259 ?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O conduse, o
a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ?-i pu
n\uc1 \u259 ? chilo\uc1 \u355 ?ii, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? succes.}{\fs24 \db
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Trebuie s\uc1 \u25
9 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i aranjezi p\uc1 \u259 ?rul, z}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ise el, pe un ton dis
perat. Unde este }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp10
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Hur}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Curv\uc1 \u259 ?}}}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af
4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 , }{
p1033 \cf1 femeia aia?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ea spus
e, vorbind rar, cu greutate:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 P\uc1 \u259 ?rul creeaz\uc1 \u259 ? bourul care \uc1 \u238
?nl\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? petele de goliciune. As-cun-z\uc1 \u226 ?nd, nici
un ascunzi\uc1 \u351 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? nu fie at\uc1 \u226 ?rnat de t\uc1 \u259 ?
i\uc1 \u351 ?. T\uc1 \u259 ?i\uc1 \u351 ? de la Domnul. P\uc1 \u259 ?r, m\uc1 \u
259 ?r, }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langf
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Hur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
M\uc1 \u226 ?ncatul pastil}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lan
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 elor. Probabil terapeutic. S-au unit cu t
o\uc1 \u355 ?ii, au hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi dea cel mai p
ericulos solvent coroziv, s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?
n-ce pentru totdeauna.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Uit\uc1
\u226 ?ndu-se la ea, Joe p\uc1 \u259 ?li. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? citeasc\uc1 \u2
59 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n mine, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi ea. \uc1 \u206 ?mi cite\uc1 \u351 ?
te \uc1 \u238 ?n minte cu ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina aia a lui, de\uc1 \u351 ?i n-o pot g
\uc1 \u259 ?si.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
33 \cf1 Pastilele, zise ea. \uc1 \u206 ?ncurc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i tulbur\u
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 El zise:}{\fs24 \d
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu le-ai luat.}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc
1 \u259 ?tre pumnul ei \uc1 \u238 ?ncle\uc1 \u351 ?tat; ea descoperi c\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? le mai avea acolo.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 E\uc1 \u351 ?ti bolnav\uc1 \u259 ?, zis
e el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 l si
m\uc1 \u355 ?ea greoi, \uc1 \u238 ?ncet, ca o mas\uc1 \u259 ? inert\uc1 \u259 ?.
u351 ?ti foarte bolnav\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu putem merge}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 .}{\fs24 \dbch \a
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u25
9 ? doctor, zise ea. Am s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu okay.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lang
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u22
6 ?mbeasc\uc1 \u259 ?; se uit\uc1 \u259 ? la chipul lui, s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \
u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ? reu\uc1 \u351 ?ise. Reflectare din creierul lui, mi-a pri
ns g\uc1 \u226 ?ndurile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
angfenp1033 \cf1 Nu te pot lua la Abendsen, zise el. Nu acum \uc1 \u238 ?n orice
caz. M\uc1 \u226 ?ine. Poate o s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i fie mai bine. \uc1 \
u206 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ?m m\uc1 \u226 ?ine. Trebuie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pot s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? duc
iar la baie?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 El d\uc1 \u259 ?d
u din cap, cu fa\uc1 \u355 ?a muncit\uc1 \u259 ?, abia auzind-o. Se \uc1 \u238 ?
ntoarse a\uc1 \u351 ?a-dar \uc1 \u238 ?n baie; \uc1 \u238 ?nchise iar\uc1 \u259
?\uc1 \u351 ?i u\uc1 \u351 ?a. \uc1 \u206 ?n dul\uc1 \u259 ?pior, alt\uc1 \u259
? lam\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care o lu\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?na dreapt
a. Ie\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ? afar\uc1 \u259 ?
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pa, pa
, zise ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd de}
np1033 \cf1 schise u\uc1 \u351 ?a dinspre coridor, el scoase un strig\uc1 \u259
?t \uc1 \u351 ?i o apu-c\uc1 \u259 ? cu duritate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Smucitur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Este \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?
nt\uc1 \u259 ?tor, zise ea. Violeaz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \l
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ar fi trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiu. Gara pentru
ho\uc1 \u355 ?ii de po\uc1 \u351 ?ete; diver\uc1 \u351 ?i pr\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \
u259 ?tori de noapte, cu siguran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u2
59 ? pot descurca. Unde se dusese \uc1 \u259 ?sta? Plesnindu-l peste g\uc1 \u226
?t, exe-cut\uc1 \u226 ?nd un dans.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \super1 1}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 }{\fs24 \dbch
langfenp1033 \cf1 Las\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ?, zise. Nu-mi bara drumul dac\uc1
\u259 ? nu vrei o lec\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Ori-cum, doar femei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ridic\uc1 \u226 ?nd lama se duse s\uc1 \u259 ? desc
hid\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?a. Joe st\uc1 \u259 ?tea la p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u22
6 ?nt, pres\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i cu m\uc1 \u226 ?inile g\uc1 \u226 ?tul,
lateral. \uc1 \u206 ?n postura insola\uc1 \u355 ?iei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 La revedere, zise, \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?nchise u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n urma ei; c\uc1 \u259 ?ldurosul c
oridor, mochetat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O femeie \uc
1 \u238 ?n salopet\uc1 \u259 ? alb\uc1 \u259 ?, fredon\uc1 \u226 ?nd sau c\uc1 \
u226 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?nd, \uc1 \u238 ?mpinge, cu capul plecat, un c\uc1 \u259 ?ruc
ior. \uc1 \u350 ?terg\uc1 \u226 ?nd m\uc1 \u226 ?nerele u\uc1 \u351 ?ilor, ajuns
e \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a Julianei; \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? capul \uc1 \u351 ?i ochii i se holbar\uc1
\u259 ?, iar gura i se c\uc1 \u259 ?sc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ah, dulcico, zise ea, da' e\uc1 \u3
51 ?ti afumat\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?u; ai nevoie mai mult dec\uc1 \u226 ?t de
coafez\uc1 \u259 ?... intr\uc1 \u259 ? bini\uc1 \u351 ?or \uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc
1 \u238 ?n camer\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pune\uc1 \u355 ?i hainele pe tine \uc
1 \u238 ?nainte s\uc1 \u259 ? te arunce afar\uc1 \u259 ? din hotelul \uc1 \u259
?sta. Doamne, iart\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Deschise u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n spatele Juli}{\fs24 \dbch
\af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 a
nei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S\u
c1 \u259 ? te trezeasc\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat\uc1 \u259 ?-tu; trimit pe c
ineva sus cu ni\uc1 \u351 ?te cafea fierbinte. Acum, te rog, intr\uc1 \u259 ? \u
c1 \u238 ?n camer\uc1 \u259 ? la tine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \l
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 mping\uc1 \u226 ?nd-o pe Juliana \uc1 \u238 ?napoi
\uc1 \u238 ?n camer\uc1 \u259 ?, femeia tr\uc1 \u226 ?nti u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u
238 ?n urma ei \uc1 \u351 ?i zgomotul c\uc1 \u259 ?ruciorului se auzi tot mai sl
ab.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Coafeza, realiz\uc1 \u259
? Juliana. Privind \uc1 \u238 ?n jos, v\uc1 \u259 ?zu c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r nu avea nimic pe ea; femeia avusese dreptate.}{\fs24 \dbch
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Joe, zise ea. Nu m\u
c1 \u259 ? las\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 G\
uc1 \u259 ?si patul, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i g\uc1 \u259 ?si valiza, o deschis
e, r\uc1 \u259 ?sturn\uc1 \u259 ? lucrurile din ea. Lenjeria, apoi bluza, fusta.
.. o pereche de pantofi cu toc jos.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M-a}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 f\uc1 \u259 ?cut s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc
1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc, zise ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
33 \cf1 G\uc1 \u259 ?sind un piept\uc1 \u259 ?n, se piept\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259
? rapid, apoi se perie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
angfenp1033 \cf1 Ce experien\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \a
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Femeia era exact \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a u\uc
1 \u351 ?ii, gata s\uc1 \u259 ? cioc\uc1 \u259 ?ne. Ridic\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se, se
duse \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?utarea unei oglinzi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 E mai bine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Oglinda de pe u\uc1 \u351 ?a debaralei pentru haine;
\uc1 \u238 ?ntorc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se, se cer-cet\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?sucindu
-se, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se pe v\uc1 \u226 ?rf
urile degetelor de la picioare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sunt at\uc1 \u226 ?t de \uc1 \u238 ?ncurcat\uc1 \u259 ?,
zise uit\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se \uc1 \u238 ?n jur, dup\uc1 \u259 ? Joe. Abia dac\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiu ce fac; trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi fi dat ceva; orice o f
i fost, mi-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut r\uc1 \u259 ?u, \uc1 \u238 ?n loc s\uc1 \u259 ? m\
uc1 \u259 ? ajute.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 St\uc1 \u22
6 ?n}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \l
angfenp1033 \cf1 d tot pe du\uc1 \u351 ?umea, \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1
\u351 ?i g\uc1 \u226 ?tul, Joe zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?, e\uc1 \u351 ?ti foarte bun\uc1
\u259 ?. Mi-ai t\uc1 \u259 ?iat aorta. Artera de la g\uc1 \u226 ?t.}{\fs24 \dbc
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ea chicoti \uc1 \u351 ?i se plesni cu m\u
c1 \u226 ?na peste gur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O, Doamne... e\uc1 \u351 ?ti at\uc1 \u226 ?t de z\uc
1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?cit. Adic\uc1 \u259 ? folose\uc1 \u351 ?ti cuvintele ana-p
oda. Aorta o ai \uc1 \u238 ?n piept; vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? zici carotida.}{\fs24 \d
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? o
las, zise el, \uc1 \u238 ?mi pierd tot s\uc1 \u226 ?ngele \uc1 \u238 ?n dou\uc1
\u259 ? minute... \uc1 \u350 ?tii asta. A\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? ajut\uc1 \
u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ? cumva, cheam\uc1 \u259 ? un doctor sau o ambu-lan\uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u259 ?. M\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegi? Ai avut de g\uc1 \
u226 ?nd? Evident. Okay... suni sau te duci dup\uc1 \u259 ? cine-va?}{\fs24 \dbc
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce chibzui, ea zise:}{\fs
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am avut de g
\uc1 \u226 ?nd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
33 \cf1 Ei bine, spuse el, oricum, cheam\uc1 \u259 ? pe cineva. De dragul meu.}{
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Du-te sin
gur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
pot s\uc1 \u259 ? opresc hemoragia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
\cf1 S\uc1 \u226 ?ngele i se prelinsese printre degete, v\uc1 \u259 ?zu ea, \uc
1 \u238 ?n jos, pe \uc1 \u238 ?ncheie-tur\uc1 \u259 ?. B\uc1 \u259 ?ltoac\uc1 \u
259 ? pe du\uc1 \u351 ?umea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu am curaj s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? mi\uc1 \u351 ?c. Tr
ebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp104
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 stau aici.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
fenp1033 \cf1 Ea \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i puse haina cea nou\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nchise noua po\uc1 \u351 ?et\uc1 \u259 ? din pi
ele lu-crat\uc1 \u259 ? de m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
lu\uc1 \u259 ? valiza \uc1 \u351 ?i at\uc1 \u226 ?tea dintre pachetele care \uc
1 \u238 ?i apar\uc1 \u355 ?i-neau c\uc1 \u226 ?te reu\uc1 \u351 ?i; \uc1 \u238 ?
n special, avu grij\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i ia cutia cea mare cu
rochia albastr\uc1 \u259 ?, italian\uc1 \u259 ?, atent \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259
?turit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ea. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd deschise u\uc1 \u351 ?a di
nspre coridor, se uit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?napoi spre el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Poate am s\uc1 \u259 ? le z
ic la recep\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, f\uc1 \u259 ?cu el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
enp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n regul\uc1 \u259 ?, zise ea. Am
s\uc1 \u259 ? le spun. Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?uta \uc1 \u238 ?n apartamen
-tul din Canon City, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc aco
lo. \uc1 \u350 ?i am cele mai mul-te dintre bancnotele alea germane, a\uc1 \u351
?a c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt \uc1 \u238 ?n form\uc1 \u259 ?, preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit\uc1 \
u259 ? pen-tru orice. La revedere. \uc1 \u206 ?mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \d
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nchise u\uc1 \u351
?a \uc1 \u351 ?i se gr\uc1 \u259 ?bi pe coridor c\uc1 \u226 ?t de repede putu, t
\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?nd du-p\uc1 \u259 ? ea valiza \uc1 \u351 ?i bagajele.}{
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 La lift un om de afaceri b\uc1
\u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ior, bine \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat, \uc1 \u238 ?mpreu
n\uc1 \u259 ? cu so\uc1 \u355 ?ia o ajutar\uc1 \u259 ?; \uc1 \u238 ?i luar\uc1 \
u259 ? pachetele, iar la parter, \uc1 \u238 ?n hol, le plasar\uc1 \u259 ? unui b
\uc1 \u259 ?iat, pentru ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc, le zise Juliana.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce b\uc1 \u259 ?iatul \uc1 \u238 ?i
c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? valiza \uc1 \u351 ?i pachetele prin hol, afar\uc1 \u
259 ?, pe tro-tuarul din fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, ea g\uc1 \u259 ?si un angaj
at al hotelului care \uc1 \u238 ?i explic\uc1 \u259 ? cum s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u3
51 ?i recupereze ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina. Cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd, st\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u
238 ?n garajul rece din beton de la subsolul hotelului, a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u
226 ?nd ca omul de serviciu s\uc1 \u259 ?-i aduc\uc1 \u259 ? Stude-baker-ul. \uc
1 \u206 ?n geant\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?si tot felul de m\uc1 \u259 ?run\uc1 \
u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?; \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du un bac\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u351
? omu-lui \uc1 \u351 ?i urm\uc1 \u259 ?torul lucru pe care-l \uc1 \u351 ?tiu fu
acela c\uc1 \u259 ? se afla la volan, con-du-c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n lung
ul rampei luminate \uc1 \u238 ?n galben, iar apoi pe strada \uc1 \u238 ?ntu-neca
t\uc1 \u259 ?, cu farurile, ma\uc1 \u351 ?inile \uc1 \u351 ?i reclamele sale din
neon.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Portarul \uc1 \u238 ?n
livrea, al hotelului, \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?rc\uc1 \u259 ? per
sonal bagajul \uc1 \u351 ?i pa-chetele \uc1 \u238 ?n portbagaj, z\uc1 \u226 ?mbi
nd cu asemenea \uc1 \u238 ?ncurajare din ini-m\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \
u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du un bac\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u351 ? enorm \uc1
\u238 ?nainte de a pleca. Nimeni nu \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
o opreasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i asta o uimi; nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?ar\uc1 \u259 ? o spr\uc1 \u226 ?ncean\uc1 \u259
?. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?te\uc1 \u351
?te el, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? ea. Sau poate c\uc1 \u259 ? a \uc1 \u351 ?i
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o, la \uc1 \u238 ?nregistrare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
\langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lan
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n ti}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 mp ce a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta
\uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu alte ma\uc1 \u351 ?ini s\uc1 \u259 ? se schim
be culoa-rea semaforului, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aduse aminte c\uc1 \u259 ? n
u le spusese la recep\uc1 \u355 ?ie despre faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? Joe st\uc1 \u259
?tea pe podeaua camerei \uc1 \u351 ?i avea nevoie de doctor. A\uc1 \u351 ?-tept
\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? acolo sus, a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u226
?nd de acum \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u3
51 ?itul lumii sau p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd se va ar\uc1 \u259
?ta m\uc1 \u226 ?ine femeia de serviciu. Mai bine m-a\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
toarce sau a\uc1 \u351 ? da telefon. S\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? opresc la un te
lefon public.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 E at\uc1 \u226 ?
t de stupid, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce conducea uit\uc1 \u226 ?n
du-se dup\uc1 \u259 ? un loc unde s\uc1 \u259 ? parcheze \uc1 \u351 ?i de unde s
\uc1 \u259 ? dea telefon. Cine s-ar fi g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \
u259 ? cu o or\uc1 \u259 ?? C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am sosit, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ne-am opri
t... eram aproape gata s\uc1 \u259 ? plec\uc1 \u259 ?m, s\uc1 \u259 ? ne \uc1 \u
238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? mergem la mas\uc1
\u259 ?; puteam s\uc1 \u259 ? ne fi dus \uc1 \u351 ?i la barul de noapte. \uc1
\u206 ?ncepuse iar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \
u259 ?, descoperi; la-cri-mile \uc1 \u238 ?i picurau de pe nas pe bluz\uc1 \u259
?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum st\uc1 \u259 ?tea la volan. P\uc1 \u259 ?cat c\uc1 \u259
? nu am consultat oracolul; ar fi \uc1 \u351 ?tiut \uc1 \u351 ?i m-ar fi avertiz
at. De ce nu am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o? Puteam s\uc1 \u259 ?-l fi \uc1 \u238 ?ntreba
t oric\uc1 \u226 ?nd, oriunde pe parcursul c\uc1 \u259 ?-l\uc1 \u259 ?toriei, sa
u chiar \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a pleca. \uc1 \u206 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? geam\uc1
\u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? vrea; sunetul, un urlet cum nu
mai auzise niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? ie\uc1 \u351 ?ind din ea, o \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozi,
dar nu-l putu suprima, cu toate c\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncle\uc
1 \u351 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? din\uc1 \u355 ?ii. O c\uc1 \u226 ?ntare, un c\uc1 \u226 ?
ntec, un bocet \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?tor, \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i-se pe nas.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n p
rima parcare, r\uc1 \u259 ?mase cu motorul merg\uc1 \u226 ?nd, tre-mur\uc1 \u226
?nd, cu m\uc1 \u226 ?inile \uc1 \u238 ?n buzunarele hainei. Cristoase, \uc1 \u2
38 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i zise, neferi-cit\uc1 \u259 ?. Ei, asemenea lucruri se mai \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ?. Se d\uc1 \u259 ?du jos din ma\uc1 \u351 ?
in\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-\uc1 \u351 ?i trase afar\uc1 \u259 ? valiza din por
tbagaj; pe bancheta din spate o deschise \uc1 \u351 ?i scormoni printre haine \u
c1 \u351 ?i pantofi p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ce d\uc1 \u259 ?du peste cele dou
\uc1 \u259 ? vo-lume negre ale oracolului. Acolo, pe locul din spate al ma\uc1 \
u351 ?inii, cu motorul pornit, \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? arunce trei moned
e de zece cen\uc1 \u355 ?i S.M.S., folosindu-se de luminile din vitrina unui mag
a-zin universal pentru a vedea. Ce s\uc1 \u259 ? fac? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u25
9 ? ea oracolul. Spune-mi ce s\uc1 \u259 ? fac; }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 te rog.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Hexagrama Patruzeci \uc1 \u351 ?i tre
i: Izb\uc1 \u226 ?ndirea trecerii. Parcurse fl\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u226 ?nd\uc1 \
u259 ? textul, cuprinz\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?e
leg\uc1 \u226 ?nd; Isuse, descria situa\uc1 \u355 ?ia cu exactitate \uc1 \u8211
? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? un miracol. Tot ceea ce se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226
?mplase, sub ochii ei. Reprodus schematic:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
3 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 U}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 rmeaz\
uc1 \u259 ? ca acela}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
\loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreprind\uc1 \u259 ? ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
np1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Urmeaz\uc1 \u259 ? ca acela s\uc1 \u259 ? treac\uc1 \u259
? apa cea mare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?toreasc\uc1 \u2
59 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? mearg\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? ceva import
ant, nu s\uc1 \u259 ? stea aici. Acum liniile. Buzele i se mi\uc1 \u351 ?cau, c\
uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u226 ?nd...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Zece perechi de \uc1 \u355 ?estoase n
u i se pot opune.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
ch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \h
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Persever
en\uc1 \u355 ?a neclintit\uc1 \u259 ? aduce bog\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs2
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Regele se \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u
259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?eaz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?naintea lui Dumnezeu.}
\langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Acum se \uc1 \u238 ?mbog\u
c1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te prin \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u2
59 ?ri nefericite.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nici un
repro\uc1 \u351 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti sincer}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
33 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp104
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i umbli pe calea de mijloc,}{\fs24
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i te prezin\uc1 \u355
?i cu o pecete la prin\uc1 \u355 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Prin\uc1 \u355 ?ul... adic\uc1 \u25
9 ? Abendsen. Pecetea, exemplarul cel nou din cartea lui. \uc1 \u206 ?nt\uc1 \u2
26 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ?ri nefericite... oracolul \uc1 \u351 ?tie ce i se \uc1 \u238
?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplase, nenorocirea cu Joe sau cine-o fi el. Citi \uc1 \u351 ?ase
le de pe pozi\uc1 \u355 ?ia a patra:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? umbli pe calea
de mijloc}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
\lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i te
prezin\uc1 \u355 ?i prin\uc1 \u355 ?ului,}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \l
angfenp1033 \cf1 El te va urma.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? duc
acolo, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du ea seama, chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ?
vine Joe dup\uc1 \u259 ? mine. Devor\uc1 \u259 ? ultima linie transformant\uc1
\u259 ?, nou\uc1 \u259 ?, sus:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 El nu aduce cre\uc1 \u351 ?tere nim\u
c1 \u259 ?nui,}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
\af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich
?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r, cineva \uc1 \u238 ?l love\uc1 \u351 ?te.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 El nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?ine inima
mereu tare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nenorocire.}{
3 \cf1 Dumnezeule, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi ea; \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ? uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul, cei de la Ges-tapo... Oracolul \uc1 \u238 ?mi spune
c\uc1 \u259 ? Joe sau unul ca el, un altul, se va duce acolo \uc1 \u351 ?i-l va
omor\uc1 \u238 ? pe Abendsen. Repede, trecu la Hexagra-ma Patru-zeci \uc1 \u351
?i trei. Sentin\uc1 \u355 ?a:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Acela trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \
u259 ? chestiunea cunoscut\uc1 \u259 ?, cu hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?re,}{\fs2
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 La curtea regelui.}{\fs24 \dbch
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Trebui}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 e anun\uc1 \u35
5 ?at negre\uc1 \u351 ?it. Pericol.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \
1033 \cf1 Este necesar ca acela s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i anun\uc1 \u355 ?e or
a\uc1 \u351 ?ul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
h \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hi
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu urmeaz
\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se recurg\uc1 \u259 ? la arme.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
3 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Urmeaz\uc1 \u259 ? ca acela s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \
u238 ?ntreprind\uc1 \u259 ? ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ?adar, n-are nici un rost
s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ? la hotel, s\uc1 \u259 ? se inter
e-seze de el; este f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? speran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, de
oarece vor fi trimi\uc1 \u351 ?i al\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Oracolul spune iar\uc1 \u259
?\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mai ap\uc1 \u259 ?sat:
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? duc \uc1 \u238 ?n Cheyenne \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259
?-l avertizez pe Abendsen, oric\uc1 \u226 ?t de periculos ar fi pentru mine. Tr
ebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lang
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nchise volumul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a

\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ntorc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se la volan, se
re\uc1 \u238 ?nscrise \uc1 \u238 ?n trafic. \uc1 \u206 ?n scurt t}{\fs24 \dbch
mp, g\uc1 \u259 ?si drumul de ie\uc1 \u351 ?ire din centrul Denver-ului, c\uc1 \
u259 ?tre autostrada principal\uc1 \u259 ? duc\uc1 \u226 ?nd spre nord; conducea
c\uc1 \u226 ?t de repede \uc1 \u238 ?i permitea ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina, al c\uc1 \u2
59 ?rei motor b\uc1 \u259 ?tea sco\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?nd un zgomot ciudat, z
drunci-n\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i volanul \uc1 \u351 ?i sca-u-nul \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u
259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? zorn\uc1 \u259 ?ie totul \uc1 \u238 ?n t}{\fs
33 \cf1 orpedou.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Slav\uc1 \u25
9 ? Cerului pentru Doctor Todt \uc1 \u351 ?i autostr\uc1 \u259 ?zile lui, \uc1 \
u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spuse ea, gonind prin \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric, nev\uc1 \u259 ?z
\uc1 \u226 ?nd dec\uc1 \u226 ?t propriile faruri \uc1 \u351 ?i liniile mar-c\uc1
\u226 ?nd benzile de circula\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
gfenp1033 \cf1 La ora zece seara, din cauza unor pene de cauciuc, tot nu ajun-se
se \uc1 \u238 ?n Cheyenne, }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \la
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai era
nimic de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut, dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? trag\uc1 \u259 ? pe ma
rginea drumului \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? caute un loc unde s\uc1 \u259 ? petr
eac\uc1 \u259 ? noaptea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Un pa
nou de ie\uc1 \u351 ?ire de pe autostrad\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?naintea ei, an
un\uc1 \u355 ?a GRE-ELEY 5 MILE. Pornesc m\uc1 \u226 ?ine mai departe, \uc1 \u23
8 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spuse condu-c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?ncet \uc1 \u238 ?n lung
ul str\uc1 \u259 ?zii principale din Greeley, c\uc1 \u226 ?teva minute mai t\uc1
\u226 ?rziu. V\uc1 \u259 ?-zu c\uc1 \u226 ?teva moteluri cu anun\uc1 \u355 ?uri
pentru camere libere, deci nu erau probleme. Ce trebuie eu s\uc1 \u259 ? fac, h
ot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?, este s\uc1 \u259 ?-l sun pe Abendsen \uc1 \u238 ?n
seara asta \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun c\uc1 \u259 ? vin.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd parc\uc1 \u259 ? ma\uc1 \u351
?ina, cobor\uc1 \u238 ? din ea istovit\uc1 \u259 ?, bucuroas\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ? era \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntind\uc
1 \u259 ? picioarele. Toat\uc1 \u259 ? ziua pe drum, de la opt dimi-nea\uc1 \u35
5 ?a. Poate g\uc1 \u259 ?sea vreun magazin deschis toat\uc1 \u259 ? noaptea, nu
prea departe; cu m\uc1 \u226 ?inile \uc1 \u238 ?n buzunarele hainei, o lu\uc1 \u
259 ? pe trotuar \uc1 \u351 ?i cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd se afla \uc1 \u238 ?nchis\uc1 \
u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n intimitatea unei cabine telefonice, cer\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i op
eratoarei informa\uc1 \u355 ?iile din Cheyenne. Telefonul lor, slav\uc1 \u259 ?
cerului, era trecut \uc1 \u238 ?n cartea de tele-fon. B\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?
fisele de un sfert de dolar \uc1 \u351 ?i operatoarea sun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \

\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Alo, se auzi ime
diat o voce de femeie, o voce puternic\uc1 \u259 ?, destul de pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut\
uc1 \u259 ?, de femeie t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?; o femeie, f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ?, cam de v\uc1 \u226 ?rsta ei
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Doamna
Abendsen? zise Juliana. Pot vorbi cu domnul Abend-sen?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cine sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i, v\uc1 \
u259 ? rog?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Juliana zise:}{\fs
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 I-am citit c
artea \uc1 \u351 ?i am condus toat\uc1 \u259 ? ziua, din Canon City, Co-lo-rado.
Acum sunt \uc1 \u238 ?n Greeley. Credeam c\uc1 \u259 ? ajung p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? la dumnea-voas-tr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n seara asta, dar nu pot, a\u
c1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiu dac\u
c1 \u259 ?-l pot ve-dea c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva, \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul zilei de m\uc1 \
u226 ?ine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? o p
auz\uc1 \u259 ?, doamna Abendsen spuse, tot pe un ton pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut:}{\fs24
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, acum e prea
t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, mergem}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lan
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 destul de devreme la culca-re. Avea\uc1
\u355 ?i vreun... motiv special pentru care voia\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-l ve
de\uc1 \u355 ?i pe so\uc1 \u355 ?ul meu? Are foarte mult de lucru \uc1 \u238 ?n
perioada asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
3 \cf1 Voiam s\uc1 \u259 ? stau de vorb\uc1 \u259 ? cu el, zise ea.}{\fs24 \dbch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Propria voce \uc1 \u238 ?i sun\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n urechi \uc1 \u351 ?tears\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i greoaie; se ui
t\uc1 \u259 ? la perete-le cabinei, nefiind \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ? ma
i spun\uc1 \u259 ? nimic... corpul o durea, iar gura \uc1 \u238 ?i era uscat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-i mirosea ur\uc1 \u226 ?t. Dincolo de cabina telefonic\uc
1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?l v\uc1 \u259 ?zu pe v\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ?tor l\uc1
\u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? aparatul pentru sifon, servind patru adoles-cen\uc1 \u355
?i cu lapte b\uc1 \u259 ?tut. \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i dori s\uc1 \u259 ? se a
fle acolo; abia mai ascult\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?spun-sul doamnei Abendsen. \
uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i dorea ceva proasp\uc1 \u259 ?t, de b\uc1 \u259 ?ut, cev
a rece, \uc1 \u351 ?i un sandvi\uc1 \u351 ? cu carne de pui \uc1 \u351 ?i salat\
uc1 \u259 ? verde, al\uc1 \u259 ?turi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Hawthorne lucreaz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ritmu
l lui, ciudat, zicea doamna Abend-sen cu vocea ei vesel\uc1 \u259 ?, ager\uc1 \u
259 ?. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? veni\uc1 \u355 ?i m\uc1 \u226 ?ine p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u2
59 ? aici, nu v\uc1 \u259 ? pot promite nimic, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? s-ar putea s
\uc1 \u259 ? fie prins toat\uc1 \u259 ? ziua. Dar dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\
uc1 \u355 ?elege\uc1 \u355 ?i asta \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a face c\uc1 \u259 ?l\u
c1 \u259 ?toria...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
p1033 \cf1 Da, o \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupse ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? va fi bucuros s
\uc1 \u259 ? stea de vorb\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?teva minute cu dum-nea-voastr
\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? poate, continu\uc1 \u259 ? doamna Abendsen. Dar v\
uc1 \u259 ? rog s\uc1 \u259 ? nu fi\uc1 \u355 ?i dezam\uc1 \u259 ?git\uc1 \u259
? dac\uc1 \u259 ? din \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplare nu se poate \uc1 \u238 ?n
trerupe destul de mult ca s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? cu dumneavoastr\uc1
\u259 ? sau m\uc1 \u259 ?car s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs2
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 I-am citit ca
rtea \uc1 \u351 ?i ne-a pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut, zise Juliana. O am cu mine.}{\fs24 \d
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n\uc1
\u355 ?eleg, zise doamna Abendsen cu bun\uc1 \u259 ?voin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ne-am
oprit la Denver \uc1 \u351 ?i am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut cump\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
turi, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? am pier-dut o gr\uc1 \u259 ?mad\uc1 \u259 ? d
e timp.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, se g\uc1 \u226 ?nd
i, totul s-a schimbat, totul e altfel.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Asculta\uc1 \u355 ?i, zise, oracolul mi-a zis s\u
c1 \u259 ? vin la Cheyenne.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Aha, f\uc1 \u259 ?cu doamna Abendsen, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum \
uc1 \u351 ?tia de oracol, dar to-tu\uc1 \u351 ?i nelu\uc1 \u226 ?nd situa\uc1 \u
355 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?n serios.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? dau liniile.}{\fs24 \dbch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Luase cu ea oracolul, \uc1 \u238 ?n cabina t
elefonic\uc1 \u259 ?; sprijinind volu-mele pe raftul de sub telefon, \uc1 \u238
?ntoarse paginile cu mult\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u259 ?-duin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O cl
ip\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 G\uc1 \u259 ?s
i \uc1 \u351 ?i-i citi doamnei Abendsen mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i judecata
, apoi liniile. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd ajunse la nou\uc1 \u259 ?le de sus, o auzi pe do
amna Abendsen excla-m\uc1 \u226 ?nd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Poftim? zise Juliana, oprindu-se.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Continua\uc1 \u355 ?i, sp
use doamna Abendsen.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Tonul ei,
se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Juliana, avea acum o nuan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? mai alert
\uc1 \u259 ?, mai ascu\uc1 \u355 ?it\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce Juliana citi \uc1 \u351 ?i judecata Hexag
ramei Patruzeci \uc1 \u351 ?i trei, care con\uc1 \u355 ?inea cuv\uc1 \u226 ?ntul
pericol, se f\uc1 \u259 ?cu t\uc1 \u259 ?cere. Doamna Abendsen nu mai zise nimi
c \uc1 \u351 ?i Juliana nu mai zise nimic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Bine, atunci a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u259 ?m s
\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? vedem m\uc1 \u226 ?ine, zise \uc1 \u238 ?n sf\uc1 \u2
26 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it doam-na Abendsen. \uc1 \u350 ?i vre\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259
?-mi spune\uc1 \u355 ?i cum v\uc1 \u259 ? numi\uc1 \u355 ?i, v\uc1 \u259 ? rog?
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Juliana
Frink, zise ea. V\uc1 \u259 ? mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc frumos, doamn\uc1 \u259 ? Ab
end-sen.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Acum, operatoarea int
erveni s\uc1 \u259 ? anun\uc1 \u355 ?e c\uc1 \u259 ? se consumaser\uc1 \u259 ? t
oate fisele, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? Juliana puse receptorul \uc1 \u238 ?n
furc\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i lu\uc1 \u259 ? po\uc1 \u351 ?eta \uc
1 \u351 ?i volu-me-le oracolului, ie\uc1 \u351 ?i din cabin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u3
51 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?tre aparatul pentru sifon d
in magazin.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce
comand\uc1 \u259 ? un sandvi\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o Coke, se a\uc1 \u351 ?
ez\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se odihneas-c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259
? fumeze o \uc1 \u355 ?igar\uc1 \u259 ?, realiz\uc1 \u226 ?nd, cu un val de inc
redi-bil\uc1 \u259 ? oroare c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i spusese doamnei Abendsen nimic de
spre omul de la Gestapo sau de la S.D. sau de oriunde o fi fost, Joe Cinna-della
\uc1 \u259 ?la, pe care-l l\uc1 \u259 ?sase \uc1 \u238 ?n camera de hotel din D
enver. Pur \uc1 \u351 ?i simplu nu putu s\uc1 \u259 ? cread\uc1 \u259 ?. Am uita
t! \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i zise. Cum s-a putut? Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu nebu
n\uc1 \u259 ?; trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitor de bolnav\uc1 \u2
59 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de proast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de nebun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\f
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pre\uc1 \u355 ? de o clip\uc1 \u2
59 ?, b\uc1 \u226 ?jb\uc1 \u226 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n po\uc1 \u351 ?et\uc1 \u259 ?, \
uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?seasc\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc
1 \u259 ?run-\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ? pentru \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? un tele
fon. Nu, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? ea c\uc1 \u226 ?nd deja se ridicase de pe
sca-un. Nu \uc1 \u238 ?i pot suna iar ast\uc1 \u259 ?-sear\uc1 \u259 ?; am s-o l
as a\uc1 \u351 ?a... pur \uc1 \u351 ?i simplu e prea al naibii de t\uc1 \u226 ?r
ziu. Sunt obosit\uc1 \u259 ?, iar ei probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? au adormit p\uc1 \u2
26 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acum.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
fenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u226 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? sandvi\uc1 \u351 ?ul cu
pui \uc1 \u351 ?i salat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?u pa
harul de Coke, apoi conduse p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la cel mai apropiat motel
, \uc1 \u238 ?nchirie o camer\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i se strecur\uc1 \u259 ? t
remur\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n pat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 14}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 DOMNUL NOBOSUKE TAGOMI se
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi: nu exi}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langn
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 st\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?s-puns. Nici o
\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegere. Nici chiar \uc1 \u238 ?n oracol. \uc1 \u350 ?i
cu toate astea trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? continuu s\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?iesc,
zi de zi, oricum.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u259
? voi duce s\uc1 \u259 ? aflu ce \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? a fi mic. S\uc1
\u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?iesc ne\uc1 \u351 ?tiut, cu orice pre\uc1 \u355 ?. P\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ceva mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd...}{\fs24 \dbch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n orice caz, \uc1 \u23
8 ?i spuse so\uc1 \u355 ?iei la revedere \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259
?si locuin\uc1 \u355 ?a. Dar as-t\uc1 \u259 ?zi nu se duse la Nippon Times Build
ing, ca de obicei. Ce-ar fi s\uc1 \u259 ? se relaxeze? S\uc1 \u259 ? conduc\uc1
\u259 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la Golden Gate Park}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \
hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard
\plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0
enp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lan
g1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af6 \loch
\f6 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Zon\uc1 \u259 ? verde
din nordul ora\uc1 \u351 ?ului San Francisco, \uc1 \u238 ?n apropierea celebrulu
i Pod}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033
\langfenp1033 \cf1 , cu gr\uc1 \u259 ?dina zoologic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i c
u acvariul lui? S\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? o vizit\uc1 \u259 ? acolo unde luc
rurile care nu pot g\uc1 \u226 ?n-di bucur\uc1 \u259 ?, totu\uc1 \u351 ?i.}{\fs2
3 \par }\pard \plain \s17 \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustrig
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Timpul. Este o c\uc1 \u25
9 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?torie lung\uc1 \u259 ? cu velotaxiul, iar asta \uc1 \u238 ?mi d\
uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mie mai mult timp s\uc1 \u259 ? observ. Dac\uc1 \u259
? se poate spune a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0
enp1033 \cf1 Copacii, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i gr\uc1 \u259 ?di
nile zoologice nu sunt persoane. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ag\uc1 \u25
9 ?\uc1 \u355 ? de existen\uc1 \u355 ?a uman\uc1 \u259 ?. Asta m\uc1 \u259 ? tra
nsform\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n copil, de\uc1 \u351 ?i ar pu-tea fi bine. A\uc1
\u351 ? putea s\uc1 \u259 ? fac s\uc1 \u259 ? fie bine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Conduc\uc1 \u259 ?torul velotaxiului pedala \uc1 \u23
8 ?n lungul Kearney Street, c\uc1 \u259 ?tre centrul ora\uc1 \u351 ?ului. S\uc1
\u259 ? merg cu tramvaiul cu cablu, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi domnul Tagomi dintr-o da
t\uc1 \u259 ?. Fericire curat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259
?toria \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i provoa-c\uc1 \u259 ? lacrimi din cauza zdrunci
n\uc1 \u259 ?turilor \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un obiect care ar fi trebuit
s\uc1 \u259 ? dispar\uc1 \u259 ? pe la 1900, dar care, ciudat, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc
1 \u259 ? mai exista.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 D\uc1 \u
259 ?du liber velotaxiului \uc1 \u351 ?i merse pe trotuar c\uc1 \u259 ?tre cea m
ai apropia-t\uc1 \u259 ? sta\uc1 \u355 ?ie de tramvai.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Probabil, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, nu m\uc1 \u259 ? voi put
ea \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? la Nippon Times Building, cu duhoare
a lui de Hoit. Cariera mea, sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351
?i ea. Comitetul de Ac\uc1 \u355 ?iune al Misiunii Comerciale poate g\uc1 \u259
?si un \uc1 \u238 ?nlocuitor. Tagomi, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n
c\uc1 \u259 ? umbl\uc1 \u259 ?, exist\uc1 \u259 ? amintindu-\uc1 \u351 ?i fiecar
e am\uc1 \u259 ?nunt. A\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? nimic nu s-a \uc1 \u238 ?mpli
enp1033 \cf1 nit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
33 \cf1 n orice caz situa\uc1 \u355 ?ia de r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi, Opera\uc1 \u355 ?i
unea P\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?dia ne va m\uc1 \u259 ?tura pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i. I
ndiferent ce vom face \uc1 \u238 ?n acel moment. Du\uc1 \u351 ?manul nostru, cel
de care am luptat al\uc1 \u259 ?turi \uc1 \u238 ?n ultimul r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi. C
e bine ne-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut? Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? fi luptat \uc1 \u238 ?mpotri
va lui, poate? Sau s\uc1 \u259 ?-l l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?m s\uc1 \u259 ? pia
rd\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i fi ajutat pe du\uc1 \u351 ?mani, Sta
tele Unite, Anglia, Rusia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nic
i o speran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, ori \uc1 \u238 ?ncotro te-ai uita.}{\fs24 \d
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Oracolul, enigmatic. Probabil s-a retra
s din lumea omului aflat \uc1 \u238 ?n suferin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u2
06 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elep\uc1 \u355 ?ii pleac\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am intrat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un Moment c\uc1 \u226 ?nd sun
tem singu}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe10
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ri. Nu mai putem ob\uc1 \u355 ?ine ajutor, ca mai \uc1 \u2
38 ?nainte. Ei, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi domnul Tagomi, poate este bine \uc1 \u351 ?i
asta. Sau poate face s\uc1 \u259 ? fie bine. Trebuie \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat mereu
s\uc1 \u259 ? fie g\uc1 \u259 ?sit\uc1 \u259 ? Calea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Urc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n tramvaiul de California St
reet \uc1 \u351 ?i merse tot traseul, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la cap\uc1 \u25
9 ?t. S\uc1 \u259 ?ri chiar jos \uc1 \u351 ?i ajut\uc1 \u259 ? la \uc1 \u238 ?nt
oarcerea vagonului pe platforma turnant\uc1 \u259 ?, din lemn. Aceasta, dintre t
oate experien\uc1 \u355 ?ele din ora\uc1 \u351 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?i oferea cea mai m
are satisfac\uc1 \u355 ?ie, de obicei. Acum, efectul \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?r
zie s\uc1 \u259 ? se arate; sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea golul \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? m
ai acut, datorit\uc1 \u259 ? vicierii aici a tuturor senza\uc1 \u355 ?iilor.}{\f
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Normal, c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259
?tori cu tramvaiul \uc1 \u238 ?napoi. Dar... o formalitate, realiz\uc1 \u259 ? e
l privind str\uc1 \u259 ?zile, cl\uc1 \u259 ?dirile, circula\uc1 \u355 ?ia f\uc1
\u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ? invers dec\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?nainte.}{\fs24 \dbch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n apropiere de Stockto
n, se scul\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? coboare. Dar \uc1 \u238 ?n sta\uc1 \u355 ?i
e, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? coboare, conductorul \uc1 \u238 ?i strig\uc1 \u
259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
ervieta, domnule!}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
1033 \cf1 Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1 O l\uc1 \u259 ?sase \uc1 \u238 ?n tramvai. \uc1 \u206 ?ntinz\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se
, o lu\uc1 \u259 ?, apoi se \uc1 \u238 ?nclin\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce
tramvaiul se puse \uc1 \u238 ?n mi\uc1 \u351 ?care. Extrem de valoros con\uc1 \
u355 ?inu-tul ser-vie-tei, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Colt 44 nepre\uc1 \u355 ?uit, ex
emplar de colec\uc1 \u355 ?ie, purtat \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru. Acum p\uc1
\u259 ?strat la \uc1 \u238 ?ndem\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? permanent, \uc1 \u238
?n cazul c\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?zbun\uc1 \u259 ?torii huli-gani S.D. ar \uc
1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ? mi-o pl\uc1 \u259 ?teasc\uc1 \u259 ? mie, ca perso
an\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu se \uc1 \u351 ?tie niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\u
c1 \u351 ?i... domnul Tagomi sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea c\uc1 \u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
nou\uc1 \u259 ? procedu-r\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n ciuda celor \uc1 \u238 ?nt\
uc1 \u226 ?mplate, era nevro-tic\uc1 \u259 ?. N-ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ?-i cedez,
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spuse, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ?,
p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ind pe trotuar cu servieta \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n
\uc1 \u259 ?. Pornire-ob-sesie-fobie. Dar nu se putea elibera.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ea \uc1 \u238 ?n ghearele mele, eu \uc1 \u238 ?
n ale ei, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
Mi-am pierdut cumva, atunci, atitudinea de \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?ntare? se
\uc1 \u238 ?n-treb\uc1 \u259 ?. Mi-a pervertit toate instinctele amintirea a cee
a ce am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut? \uc1 \u206 ?ntreaga atitudine de colec\uc1 \u355 ?iona
r afectat\uc1 \u259 ?, nu numai aceea fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de acest obiect
? Suportul principal al vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii mele... spa\uc1 \u355 ?iul, vai, \uc1
\u238 ?n care am locuit cu at\uc1 \u226 ?ta pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Strig\uc1 \u226 ?nd la un velotaxi, \uc1 \u238
?ndrum\uc1 \u259 ? conduc\uc1 \u259 ?torul c\uc1 \u259 ?tre Montgo-mery Street
\uc1 \u351 ?i magazinul lui Robert Childan. Ia s\uc1 \u259 ? afl\uc1 \u259 ?m. A
mai r\uc1 \u259 ?mas un fir care m\uc1 \u259 ? leag\uc1 \u259 ? de voin\uc1 \u3
55 ?a de a tr\uc1 \u259 ?i. Poate a\uc1 \u351 ? reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-m
i st\uc1 \u226 ?rnesc \uc1 \u238 ?n-clina\uc1 \u355 ?iile anxioase printr-o vicl
enie: s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi schimb arma pentru un obi-ect cu o mai mare valoare istor
ic\uc1 \u259 ?. Arma asta, pentru mine, con\uc1 \u355 ?ine prea mult\uc1 \u259 ?
istorie subiectiv\uc1 \u259 ?... \uc1 \u206 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntregime de un tip n
efavorabil. Dar asta se termin\uc1 \u259 ? cu mine; nimeni altcineva nu o poate
experimenta din punctul de vedere al pistolului. E doar \uc1 \u238 ?n psihicul m
eu. S\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? elibe-rez, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi el cu entuziasm.
C\uc1 \u226 ?nd se duce arma, se duce cu totul norul trecutului. Pentru c\uc1 \u
259 ? nu se afl\uc1 \u259 ? doar \uc1 \u238 ?n mintea mea; se afl\uc1 \u259 ? \u
c1 \u8211 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se spune dintotdeauna \uc1 \u238 ?n teoria istori
cit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n arm\uc1
\u259 ?. O egalizare \uc1 \u238 ?ntre noi!}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
enp1033 \cf1 Ajunse la magazin. De unde am}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 cump\uc1 \u259 ?rat at\u
c1 \u226 ?tea, observ\uc1 \u259 ? el \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce-l pl\uc1 \u259 ?tea p
e conduc\uc1 \u259 ?torul velotaxiului. \uc1 \u350 ?i pentru afaceri \uc1 \u351
?i pen-tru mine, personal. Cu servieta \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?,
intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n vitez\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 La casa de marcat, Robert Childan. Lustruind un obiect cu o
bu-cat\uc1 \u259 ? de stof\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule Tagomi, zise Childan, cu o \uc1 \u238 ?
nclinare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
1 Domnule Childan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se \uc1 \u2
38 ?nclin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce surpriz\uc1 \u259 ?. Sunt cov\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc
1 \u351 ?it.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Childan puse jos
obiectul \uc1 \u351 ?i bucata de stof\uc1 \u259 ?. Veni ocolind col\uc1 \u355 ?u
l mesei pe care se afla casa de marcat. Ritualul obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit, salut\uc1
\u259 ?ri \uc1 \u351 ?i toa-te celelalte. Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, domnul Tagomi sim\u
c1 \u355 ?i omul cumva diferit. Cam... mut. O \uc1 \u238 ?mbun\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ire, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? el. \uc1 \u206 ?ntotdeauna
era prea zgomotos, stri-dent. S\uc1 \u259 ?rind de colo-colo, agitat. Dar ar put
ea fi la fel de bine semn r\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule Childan, zise domnul Tagomi, pun\uc1 \
u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i servie-ta pe m\uc1 \u259 ?su\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc
1 \u351 ?i desf\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i fermoarul, a\uc1 \u351 ? vrea s\uc
1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?napoi un obiect cump\uc1 \u2
59 ?rat \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ? cu c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva ani. Pract
ica\uc1 \u355 ?i asta, \uc1 \u238 ?mi amintesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, spuse domnul Childan. Depinde de sta
re, de pild\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 R\uc1
\u259 ?mase atent, a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u226 ?nd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Colt 44, revolver, zise domnul Tago
mi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 T\uc1 \u259 ?cur\uc1 \u259
? am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi, privind arma, cum st\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?n cutia e
i deschis\uc1 \u259 ? din lemn de tec, cu o parte a muni\uc1 \u355 ?iei consumat
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Un comportament
distant al domnului Childan, realiz\uc1 \u259 ? dom-nul Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i in
teresat, zise domnul Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, domnule, spuse domnul Ch}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ildan cu voce g\uc
1 \u226 ?tuit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu am s\uc1 \u259 ? insist.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
angfenp1033 \cf1 Sim\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai are putere. Cedez. Yin, n
eadaptabilul, recep-tivul, m\uc1 \u259 ? st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?ne\uc1 \u351
?te, m\uc1 \u259 ? tem...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Ierta\uc1 \u355 ?i-m\uc1 \u259 ?, domnule Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbc
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi se \uc1 \u238 ?nclin\uc1 \u
259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i puse \uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1 \u238 ?n serviet\uc1 \u259 ? arm
a, mun-i\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u351 ?i cutia. Destinul. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc
1 \u259 ?strez lucrul acesta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 P\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?i... cam dezam\uc1 \u259 ?git,
zise domnul Childan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
enp1033 \cf1 Ave\uc1 \u355 ?i un foarte fin spirit de observa\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\f
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Fu tulburat; \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u3
51 ?i l\uc1 \u259 ?sase la vedere lumea lui interioar\uc1 \u259 ?? Ridic\uc1 \u2
59 ? din umeri. Cu siguran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a era.}{\fs24 \

\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Exist\uc1 \u259
? vreun motiv special pentru care dorea\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? revinde\uc1 \
u355 ?i acel obiect? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? domnul Childan.}{\fs24 \dbch
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, zise el ascunz\uc
1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i iar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i lumea personal\uc1 \u259
?... cum se cu-venea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
Childan ezit\uc1 \u259 ?, apoi zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u259 ?...\uc1 \u238 ?ntreb dac\uc1 \u259 ? p
rovine \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r din magazinul meu. Eu nu am a\uc1 \u351
?a ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
1 Sunt sigur,}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \lang
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 zise domnul Tagomi. Dar nu are a face. V\uc1 \u259 ?
accept decizia; nu m\uc1 \u259 ? simt ofensat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule, spuse Childan, permite\uc1 \u355
?i-mi s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? ar\uc1 \u259 ?t ce am primit. Ave\uc1 \u355 ?
i un moment la dispozi\uc1 \u355 ?ie?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
33 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi sim\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n el vechea r\uc1 \u259 ?scol
ire.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cev
a de interes neobi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Veni\uc1 \u355 ?i}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 , domnule.}{\fs24 \dbc
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Childan \uc1 \u238 ?l conduse \uc1 \u238
?n cealalt\uc1 \u259 ? parte a magazinului; domnul Tago-mi \uc1 \u238 ?l urm\uc1
ch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch
ntr-o vitrin\uc1 \u259 ? din sticl\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ncuiat\uc1 \u259 ?,
pe panouri din catifea neagr\uc1 \u259 ?, se odihneau mici v\uc1 \u226 ?rtejuri
din metal, forme abia sugerate. \uc1 \u206 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?dur\uc1 \u259 ? domnu
lui Tagomi un sentiment ciudat c\uc1 \u226 ?nd se opri s\uc1 \u259 ? le studieze
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Le ar\
uc1 \u259 ?t tuturor clien\uc1 \u355 ?ilor mei, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ? iert pe nici unul, zise Robert Childan. Domnule, \uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u3
55 ?i ce sunt?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
3 \cf1 Bijuterii, se pare, spuse domnul Tagomi, z\uc1 \u259 ?rind o insign\uc1 \
Sunt produse americane. Desigur. Dar, domnule, nu sunt vechi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u2
38 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? privirile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule, sunt noi.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Tr\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?turile albe, acum
\uc1 \u351 ?terse ale lui Robert Childan, erau tulbu-rate de pasiune.}{\fs24 \db
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Aceasta este noua
via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? a \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rii mele, domnule. \uc1 \u
206 ?nceputul sub form\uc1 \u259 ? de mici semin\uc1 \u355 ?e nepieritoare. De f
rumuse\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cu intere
s corespunz\uc1 \u259 ?tor, domnul Tagomi z\uc1 \u259 ?bovi s\uc1 \u259 ? examin
e-ze \uc1 \u238 ?n propriile lui m\uc1 \u226 ?ini c\uc1 \u226 ?teva dintre piese
. Da, este ceva nou care le ani-m\uc1 \u259 ?, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? el.
Legea lui Tao s-a n\uc1 \u259 ?scut, aici; c\uc1 \u226 ?nd yin este pretutin-den
i, prima tres\uc1 \u259 ?rire a luminii ia brusc fiin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \u
c1 \u238 ?n ad\uc1 \u226 ?ncurile \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneca-te... to\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1
\u351 ?tim; am mai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut-o \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u226 ?
ndu-se, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum o v\uc1 \u259 ?d aici, acum. \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1
\u351 ?i, pentru mine, nu sunt dec\uc1 \u226 ?t ni\uc1 \u351 ?te tinichele. Nu m
\uc1 \u259 ? pot sim\uc1 \u355 ?i vr\uc1 \u259 ?jit, ca domnul Childan, aici de
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Din nefericire, pentru am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi. Dar asta
este}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \l
angfenp1033 \cf1 .}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
p1033 \cf1 Destul de dr\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u355 ?e, murmur\uc1 \u259 ?, l\uc1 \u
259 ?s\uc1 \u226 ?nd jos piesele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
cf1 Domnul Childan zise cu voce puternic\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule, nu apare dintr-o dat\uc1
Pardon?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
Noua viziune, \uc1 \u238 ?n inima dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? su
nte\uc1 \u355 ?i convertit, zise domnul Tagomi. A\uc1 \u351 ? fi vrut s\uc1 \u25
9 ? fiu \uc1 \u351 ?i eu, d}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \la
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ar nu sunt.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se \uc1 \u238 ?nclin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Alt\uc1 \u259 ? dat\uc1 \u259 ?,
spuse domnul Childan \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?indu-l p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259
? la intrarea \uc1 \u238 ?n magazin.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
33 \cf1 Nu a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut nici un gest s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi arate \uc1 \u351 ?i
alte obiecte, observ\uc1 \u259 ? dom-nul Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Siguran\uc1 \u355 ?a dumneavoastr\uc1 \
u259 ? este de un gust \uc1 \u238 ?ndoielnic, zise dom-nul Tagomi. M\uc1 \u259 ?
for\uc1 \u355 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? aleg.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Childan nu se f\uc1 \u259 ?cu mic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ierta\uc1 \u355 ?i-m\uc1
\u259 ?, zise. Dar eu am dreptate. Simt clar \uc1 \u238 ?n ele germe-nele viitor
ului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\
uc1 \u351 ?a s\uc1 \u259 ? fie, spuse domnul Tagomi. Dar fanatismul dumnea-voastr\uc1 \u259 ? anglo-saxon pe mine nu m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncearc\uc1 \u259
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, sim\uc1
\u355 ?i o anumit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nnoire a speran\uc1 \u355 ?ei. A prop
riei lui speran-\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1 \u238 ?n el \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i.}{\
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Bun\uc1 \u
259 ? ziua.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se \uc1 \u238 ?ncl
in\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
33 \cf1 V\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d din nou zilele astea. Putem s\uc1 \u259 ? a
naliz\uc1 \u259 ?m mai atent spe-ran\uc1 \u355 ?ele dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Childan se \uc1 \u238 ?nc
lin\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ? nimic
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi plec\uc1 \u259
?, duc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i servieta cu Coltul 44 \uc1 \u238 ?n ea. Ple
c cum am venit, reflect\uc1 \u259 ? el. C\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238
?n continuare. Tot f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce \uc1 \u238 ?mi trebuie ca
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?-ntorc \uc1 \u238 ?n lume.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi cump\uc1 \u259 ?rat
unul dintre obiectele acelea ciudate, ne-de-finite? \uc1 \u206 ?l p\uc1 \u259 ?
stram, \uc1 \u238 ?l re-examinam, \uc1 \u238 ?l contemplam... mi-a\uc1 \u351 ? f
i g\uc1 \u259 ?sit oa-re dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea, prin el, drumul \uc1 \u238 ?napo
i? M\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoiesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
33 \cf1 Astea sunt pentru el, nu pentru mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
ngfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i; chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? cineva \u
c1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i g\uc1 \u259 ?se\uc1 \u351 ?te drumul... asta \uc1 \u238
?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? exist\uc1 \u259 ? o Cale. Chiar dac\uc1 \u259
? eu, personal, o ratez.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
gfenp1033 \cf1 l invidiez.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
06 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \l
angfenp1033 \cf1 ntorc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se, domnul Tag}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 omi porni c\uc1
\u259 ?tre magazin. \uc1 \u206 ?n u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, dom-nul Childan st
\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u351 ?i-l privea. Nu intrase \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untr
u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \lan
le, spuse domnul Tagomi, am s\uc1 \u259 ? cump\uc1 \u259 ?r unul dintre obiectel
e acelea, pe oricare \uc1 \u238 ?l ve\uc1 \u355 ?i alege dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259
?. Nu am nici o \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere, dar la ora actual\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259
? ag\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de un fir de pai.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 l urm\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238
?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ? pe domnul Childan prin magazin, c\uc1 \u259 ?t
re case-ta din sticl\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu cred. Am s\uc1 \u259 ?-l port cu mine, privindu-l l
a intervale regulate. O dat\uc1 \u259 ? pe zi, de pild\uc1 \u259 ?. Dup\uc1 \u25
9 ? dou\uc1 \u259 ? luni, dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu v\uc1 \u259 ?d...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
3 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 l pute\uc1 \u
355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?napoia \uc1 \u351 ?i rec\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?ta int}{\fs2
3 \cf1 egral banii, zise domnul Chil-dan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc, spuse domnul Tagomi.}{\f
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se sim\uc1 \u355 ?i mai bine. Une
ori trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerci orice, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?
. Nu este nici o ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine. Dimpotriv\uc1 \u259 ?, este un semn de \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elepciune, de recunoa\uc1 \u351 ?-tere a situa\uc1 \u355 ?ie
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Aceas
ta v\uc1 \u259 ? va lini\uc1 \u351 ?ti, zise do}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 mnul Childan.}{\fs24
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i \uc1 \u238 ?nt
inse un triunghi mic, din argint, fin cizelat. Negru pe o fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u2
59 ?, str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitor \uc1 \u351 ?i plin de lumin\uc1 \u259 ? pe cealalt\
\cf1 Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc, spuse domnul Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
fenp1033 \cf1 Cu un velotaxi, domnul Tagomi se duse \uc1 \u238 ?n Portsmouth Squ
are, un p\uc1 \u259 ?rcule\uc1 \u355 ? situat \uc1 \u238 ?n pant\uc1 \u259 ?, ma
i sus de Kearny Street, cu vedere c\uc1 \u259 ?tre sec\uc1 \u355 ?ia de poli\uc1
\u355 ?ie. Se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? pe o banc\uc1 \u259 ?, la soare. Pe a
lei, porumbeii c\uc1 \u259 ?utau de m\uc1 \u226 ?ncare. Pe alte str\uc1 \u259 ?z
i, oameni ponosit \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u355 ?i citeau ziarul sau m
o\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?iau. Ici-colo, al\uc1 \u355 ?ii st\uc1 \u259 ?teau \uc1
\u238 ?ntin\uc1 \u351 ?i pe iarb\uc1 \u259 ?, aproape adormi\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sc}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \l
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 o\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \
u226 ?nd din buzunar punga av\uc1 \u226 ?nd imprimat pe ea numele maga-zinului d
omnului Childan, domnul Tagomi r\uc1 \u259 ?mase \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?nd-o
cu ambele m\uc1 \u226 ?ini, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lzindu-se. Apoi o deschise
\uc1 \u351 ?i scoase afar\uc1 \u259 ? noua lui achizi\uc1 \u355 ?ie pentru a o
contempla \uc1 \u238 ?n singur\uc1 \u259 ?tate, aici, \uc1 \u238 ?n p\uc1 \u259
?rcule\uc1 \u355 ?ul cu pu\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? iar-b\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u35
1 ?i alei, al oamenilor b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?inu \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259
? piesa de argint. Reflexii \uc1 \u238 ?n soarele de amiaz\uc1 \u259 ?, ca din c
apacele de cutii din tabl\uc1 \u259 ?, r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndite ca dintr
-o oglind\uc1 \u259 ? parabolic\uc1 \u259 ?. Sau... se uit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u23
8 ?n ea. }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \lang
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Om, }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 cum spun brahmanii. Punct \uc1 \u238
?n care totul este c}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp104
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 on\uc1 \u355 ?inut. Am\uc1 \u226 ?ndou\uc1 \u25
9 ?, cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in ca idee. M\uc1 \u259 ?rimea, forma. Continu\uc1 \u259
? s\uc1 \u259 ? o cerceteze, con\uc1 \u351 ?tiincios.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Va veni, cum a prezis domnul R. Childan? Cinci minute. Z
ece mi-nute. Stau c\uc1 \u226 ?t pot de mult. Timpul, vai, ne va face s\uc1 \u25
9 ? d\uc1 \u259 ?m banii \uc1 \u238 ?nain-te. Ce de\uc1 \u355 ?in eu, c\uc1 \u22
6 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? vreme este \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? timp?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Iart\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ?, g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi
domnul Tagomi \uc1 \u238 ?n direc\uc1 \u355 ?ia obiectului. Sim\uc1 \u355 ?im me
-reu imboldul s\uc1 \u259 ? ne scul\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? ac\
uc1 \u355 ?ion\uc1 \u259 ?m. Cu regret, se apuc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? pun\uc
1 \u259 ? obiectul \uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1 \u238 ?n punga lui. O ultim\uc1 \u259
? privire \uc1 \u238 ?l scrut\uc1 \u259 ? iar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i, cu tot c
e avea el. Ca un copil, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spuse. Imit inocen\uc1 \u355 ?
a \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncrederea. Pe plaj\uc1 \u259 ?, ap\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1
\u226 ?nd la ureche scoica g\uc1 \u259 ?sit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226
?mpl\uc1 \u259 ?tor. Ascult\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n bol-boroseala ei \uc1 \
u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elepciunea m\uc1 \u259 ?rii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
langfenp1033 \cf1 Acum, \uc1 \u238 ?nlocuind prin ochi urechea. Intr\uc1 \u226 ?
nd \uc1 \u351 ?i afl\uc1 \u226 ?nd ce a fost f\uc1 \u259 ?cut, ce \uc1 \u238 ?ns
eamn\uc1 \u259 ?, de ce. Comprimarea \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegerii \uc1 \u23
8 ?ntr-o \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?lci-tur\uc1 \u259 ? finit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ntreb prea mult
\uc1 \u351 ?i astfel nu m\uc1 \u259 ? aleg cu nimic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?i s
puse }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe10
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 sotto voce }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 piesei din argint. Garan\uc1 \u355
?ia la cum-p\uc1 \u259 ?rare a promis mult.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
gfenp1033 \cf1 Ia s-o scutur, mai bine, ca pe un ceas vechi, recalcitrant. A\uc1
\u351 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu, \uc1 \u238 ?n sus \uc1 \u351 ?i-n jos.
Sau ca pe zaruri, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un joc periculos. S\uc1 \u259 ?-i tre-zesc zei
tatea din\uc1 \u259 ?untru. Doarme, pas\uc1 \u259 ?mite. Sau este plecat\uc1 \u2
59 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?-torie. G\uc1 \u226 ?dil\uc1 \u226
?nd ironia amar\uc1 \u259 ? a profetului Ilie. Sau poate este la treab\uc1 \u259
?. Domnul Tagomi scutur\uc1 \u259 ? violent scrijelitura de argint, \uc1 \u238
?n sus \uc1 \u351 ?i-n jos, \uc1 \u238 ?n pumnul \uc1 \u238 ?ncle\uc1 \u351 ?tat
. S-o chem mai tare. O scutur\uc1 \u259 ? iar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i.}{\fs24 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Idol micu\uc1 \u355 ?, e\uc1 \u351 ?ti
gol, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
c1 \u259 ?-l oc\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sc, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spuse. S\u
c1 \u259 ?-l sperii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 mi pierd r\uc1 \u259 ?bdarea, zise, }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \
af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 so
tto voce.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i atunci
, ce? S\uc1 \u259 ? te azv\uc1 \u226 ?rl \uc1 \u238 ?n canal? Suflu asupra lui,
\uc1 \u238 ?l scutur, suflu asupra lui. S\uc1 \u259 ?-mi c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351
?tig partida.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 R\uc1 \u226 ?se
. Implicare prosteasc\uc1 \u259 ?, aici \uc1 \u238 ?n lumina soarelui. Spectacol
pentru oricine trece prin preajm\uc1 \u259 ?. Tr\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u226 ?nd acu
m cu ochiul, vino-vat. Dar n-a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut nimeni. B\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u22
6 ?ni mo\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?ind. U\uc1 \u351 ?urare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat totul, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351
?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du seama. Am pledat, am contemplat, am amenin\uc1 \u355 ?at, am
filozofat \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung. Ce mai e de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ? putea, dar m\uc1 \u259 ? opresc aic
i. Nu-mi este \uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?duit. Se va mai ivi, poate, ocazia. \uc1
\u350 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum zice W.S. Gilbert, o aseme-nea
oca-zie }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langf
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nu }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \l
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 se mai ive\uc1 \u351 ?te. O fi a\uc1 \u
351 ?a? Eu a\uc1 \u351 ?a simt.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd eram copil,}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeam ca un copil. Dar a
cum am dat deopar-te lucrurile copil\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u351 ?ti. Acum trebuie s
\uc1 \u259 ? caut \uc1 \u238 ?n alte sfere. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? abordez obiect
ul \uc1 \u259 ?sta pe c\uc1 \u259 ?i noi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
np1033 \cf1 Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? o iau \uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?ific. S\uc1
\u259 ? epuizez prin analiz\uc1 \u259 ? logic\uc1 \u259 ? toate po-si-bilit\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile. Sistematic, \uc1 \u238 ?n stil }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 clasic, aris
totelian, de laborator.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
fenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ? degetul \uc1 \u238 ?n ure
chea dreapt\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru a anula zgomotul tra-ficului \uc1 \u351 ?i toate
celelalte zgomote perturbante. Apoi ap\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? bine triun-ghiu
l din argint, cu fa\uc1 \u355 ?a scobit\uc1 \u259 ? pe urechea st\uc1 \u226 ?ng\
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nici un sunet. Ni
ci un vuiet al }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 oceanului \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuit, de fapt zgo-mo-tul c
ircula\uc1 \u355 ?iei s\uc1 \u226 ?ngelui \uc1 \u8211 ? nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car at
\uc1 \u226 ?t.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Atunci, ce alt
sim\uc1 \u355 ? ar putea p\uc1 \u259 ?trunde misterul? Auzul nu-i de nici un fol
os, evident. Domnul Tagomi \uc1 \u238 ?nchise ochii \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nc
epu s\uc1 \u259 ? pip\uc1 \u259 ?ie fie-care p\uc1 \u259 ?rticic\uc1 \u259 ? a s
uprafe\uc1 \u355 ?ei obiectului. Pip\uc1 \u259 ?itul, nu; dege-tele nu-i spu-nea
u nimic. Mirosul. Puse bucata de argint la nas \uc1 \u351 ?i inhal\uc1 \u259 ?.
Iz slab de metal, dar nu transmitea nici un \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles. Gustu
l. Deschiz\uc1 \u226 ?nd gura, strecur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untr
u triunghiul din argint, \uc1 \u238 ?l cr\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?-n
i ca pe un biscuit, dar, desigur nu-l mestec\uc1 \u259 ?. Nici un \uc1 \u238 ?n\
uc1 \u355 ?eles, doar un lucru rece, amar \uc1 \u351 ?i tare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 l lu\uc1 \u259 ? iar\uc1 \u2

59 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 napoi, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din
urm\uc1 \u259 ?, l-a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut. Cel mai important sim\uc1 \u355 ?; scara
greceasc\uc1 \u259 ? a priorit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ilor. \uc1 \u206 ?ntoarse
triunghiul din argint pe toate p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile; \uc1 \u238 ?l v\uc
1 \u259 ?zu din toate punc}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lan
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 tele de vedere }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 extra rem
\hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \
cf1 Rem \uc1 \u8211 ? faz\uc1 \u259 ? a somnului, caracterizat\uc1 \u259 ? prin
mi\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ri rapide ale globilor oculari, corespunz\uc1 \u259 ?
toare form\uc1 \u259 ?rii viselor}}}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 .}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
\s17 \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp10
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce v\uc1 \u259 ?d? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u
259 ?. Datorit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndelungatului studiu, plin de silin\uc1 \
u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie? Care este revela\uc1 \u355
?ia cu care m\uc1 \u259 ? confrunt \uc1 \u238 ?n acest obiect?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Renun\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238
?i zise triunghiului din argint. Scuip\uc1 \u259 ? secretul arca-nei.}{\fs24 \db
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ca o broasc\uc1 \u259 ? tras\uc1 \u259 ?
din ad\uc1 \u226 ?ncuri, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Pumnul str\uc1 \u226 ?ns, dat\uc1
\u259 ? comand\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? declare ce zace ascuns, \uc1 \u238 ?n
abisurile de ape. Dar uite c\uc1 \u259 ? broasca nici nu clinte\uc1 \u351 ?te; s
e str\uc1 \u226 ?nge t\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?, se preface \uc1 \u238 ?n piat
r\uc1 \u259 ? sau \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259
? sau \uc1 \u238 ?n mineral. Inert\uc1 \u259 ?. Trece \uc1 \u238 ?napoi la subs
tan\uc1 \u355 ?a rigid\uc1 \u259 ?, comun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n }{\fs24 \dbc
lumea ei de morm\uc1 \u226 ?nt.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
f1 Metalul este din p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi el, privin
d atent. De dede-subt: din t\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?mul cel mai de jos, cel mai
dens. \uc1 \u354 ?inutul trollilor \uc1 \u351 ?i al pe\uc1 \u351 ?teri-lor, al
umezelii \uc1 \u351 ?i al \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericului. Lumea Yin, \uc1 \u238 ?n cel
mai deprimant as-pect al ei. Lumea cadavrelor, a putrezirii, a distruge-rii. A

fecalelor. A tot ce a murit, lunec\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i dezintegr\uc1 \u2
26 ?ndu-se iar, strat dup\uc1 \u259 ? strat. Lu-mea diavoleasc\uc1 \u259 ? a imo
bilului; timpul-care-a-fost.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
uc1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n lumina soarelui, triunghiul din ar
gint str\uc1 \u259 ?lucea. Re-flecta lumina. Foc, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi domnul Tag
omi. Deloc umezeal\uc1 \u259 ? sau \uc1 \u238 ?n-tuneric. Nu puternic \uc1 \u821
1 ? istovit, dar puls\uc1 \u226 ?nd de via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. T\uc1 \u259
?r\uc1 \u226 ?mul de sus, aspect yang: empiric, eteric. Cum se cuvine pentru ope
ra de art\uc1 \u259 ?. Da, asta-i menirea artistului: ia roc\uc1 \u259 ? din p\u
c1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul t\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat
\uc1 \u351 ?i o preface \uc1 \u238 ?n form\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitoare,
care reflect\uc1 \u259 ? lumina, din cer.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
enp1033 \cf1 Aduce moartea la via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Cadavru transformat \
uc1 \u238 ?n form\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i con\uc1 \u355 ?i-nut; trecutul preda
t viitorului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Tu ce e\uc1 \u35
1 ?ti? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? el triunghiul din argint. Yin \uc1 \u238 ?n
tunecat, mort, sau yang str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitor, viu? \uc1 \u206 ?n palma lui, ci
obul din argint dans\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-l orbi; \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
feri privirile, v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd acum numai jocul focului.}{\fs24 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Trup de yin, suflet de yang. Metal \uc
1 \u351 ?i foc, unite. Exteriorul \uc1 \u351 ?i inte-riorul; microcosmosul \uc1
\u238 ?n palma mea. Care este spa\uc1 \u355 ?iul despre care vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?te
el? Ridicarea vertical\uc1 \u259 ?. C\uc1 \u259 ?tre ceruri. A timpului? \uc1 \
u206 ?n lumea de lumin\uc1 \u259 ? a ceea ce este trec\uc1 \u259 ?tor. Da, lucru
l acesta \uc1 \u351 ?i-a regurgitat spiri-tul: lumina. \uc1 \u350 ?i aten\uc1 \u
355 ?ia mi s-a stabilit; nu pot privi \uc1 \u238 ?n l\uc1 \u259 ?turi. C\uc1 \u2
59 ?zut sub vraja suprafe\uc1 \u355 ?ei sclipitoare pe care nu o mai pot st\uc1
\u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?ni. La care nu mai pot renun\uc1 \u355 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?te-mi, acum, \uc1 \u238 ?i zis
e. Acum, c\uc1 \u259 ? m-ai ademenit. Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i aud voce
a izvodind din orbitoarea lumin\uc1 \u259 ? alb\uc1 \u259 ?, clar\uc1 \u259 ?, a
\uc1 \u351 ?a cum ne a\uc1 \u351 ?-tept\uc1 \u259 ?m s\uc1 \u259 ? vedem numai \
uc1 \u238 ?n existen\uc1 \u355 ?a de dincolo de via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, din
langfenp1033 \cf1 Bardo Th}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1024 \langfenp1024 \cf1 \uc1 \u246 ?}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 dol-}{\f
033 \cf1 ul}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 sufletului, r}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich
t\uc1 \u259 ?cirea lui \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?utarea unei noi rena\uc1 \u351
?teri. Toate zeit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile, \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1
\u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?toare \uc1 \u351 ?i binevoitoare; vom trece de ele, ca \uc
1 \u351 ?i de luminile fumurii. \uc1 \u350 ?i de cuplurile \uc1 \u238 ?mpreunate
. De orice altceva cu ex-cep\uc1 \u355 ?ia acestei lumini. Sunt preg\uc1 \u259 ?
tit s\uc1 \u259 ? fac fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? tea
m\uc1 \u259 ?. Observ\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nu am p\uc1 \u259 ?lit.}{\fs24 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Simt v\uc1 \u226 ?nturile fierbin\uc1
\u355 ?i ale Karmei conduc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1
\u351 ?i, r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?n aici. Preg\uc1 \u259 ?tirea mea a fost cor
ect\uc1 \u259 ?: nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? feresc de lumina alb\uc1
\u259 ?, clar\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? altfel voi intra iar\uc1 \u259
?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n ciclul na\uc1 \u351 ?terii \uc1 \u351 ?i al mor\uc1
\u355 ?ii, necunosc\uc1 \u226 ?nd nicic\uc1 \u226 ?nd libertatea, neob\uc1 \u35
5 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n veci eliberarea. V\uc1 \u259 ?lul mayei}{\cs15
\fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chft
n {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright
\lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich
\af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \a
f6 \hich \af6 \loch \f6 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 May
a \uc1 \u8211 ? iluzia existen\uc1 \u355 ?ei, cf. filosofiei indiene}}}{\fs24 \d
f1 va c\uc1 \u259 ?dea, iar dac\uc1 \u259 ?...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
langfenp1033 \cf1 Lumina disp\uc1 \u259 ?ru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
gfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?inea \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? doar tr
iunghiul opac de argint. Umbra t\uc1 \u259 ?iase ra-zele de soare; domnul Tagomi
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i ridic\uc1 \u259 ? privirile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nalt, \uc1 \u238 ?n uniform\uc1 \u
259 ? albastr\uc1 \u259 ?, un poli\uc1 \u355 ?ist st\uc1 \u259 ?tea l\uc1 \u226
?ng\uc1 \u259 ? banca lui, z\uc1 \u226 ?mbind.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ei? f\uc1 \u259 ?cu domnul Tagomi, surpri
ns.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\uc
1 \u259 ? uitam \uc1 \u351 ?i eu cum lucra\uc1 \u355 ?i la puzzle-ul \uc1 \u259
?la.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Poli\uc1 \u355 ?istul por
ni mai departe pe alee.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Puzzle, repet\uc1 \u259 ? domnul Tagomi. Nu-i puzzle.}{\fs24 \db
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu-i un puzzle din
acelea mici, pe care trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? le dezlegi? Pu\uc1 \u351 ?tiul meu a
re o mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime. Unele sunt grele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
enp1033 \cf1 Poli\uc1 \u355 ?istul trecu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
np1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi: jefuit. \uc1 \u350 ?ansa mea la n
irvana. Dus\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?ntrerupt de }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 yankeul }{\fs2
3 \cf1 \uc1 \u259 ?sta alb, barbar, de Neanderthal. Subumanul \uc1 \u259 ?sta ca
re credea c\uc1 \u259 ? lucrez la o juc\uc1 \u259 ?rie pueril\uc1 \u259 ?, de co
pil.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Rid}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hi
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ic\uc1 \u
226 ?ndu-se de pe banc\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?naint\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?\
uc1 \u355 ?iva pa\uc1 \u351 ?i, nesigur pe el. Tre-buie s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u25
9 ? calmez. Invectivele groaznice, rasist-spiritiste, ne-demne de mine.}{\fs24 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Incredibile pasiuni mi se mai ciocnesc
, cu mare larm\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n piept. \uc1 \u206 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ?
umble prin parc. Mi\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?-te, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spus
e. C}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \l
angfenp1033 \cf1 atarsis dinamic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
cf1 Ajunse la marginea parcului. Trotuar, Kearny Street. Trafic ex-trem de zgomo
tos. Domnul Tagomi se opri pe bordur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Nici un velotaxi. A\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? o lu\uc1 \u25
9 ? pe jos, pe trotuar; intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime. Nicio
dat\uc1 \u259 ? nu g\uc1 \u259 ?se\uc1 \u351 ?ti unul, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ai nevoie
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dumnezeule, }{\fs24 \dbch \a
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 cei asta? Se opri \uc1 \u351 ?i se zg\uc1 \u226 ?i la monstrul lipsit de orice for
m\uc1 \u259 ? de la orizont. Precum un }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 montagnes russes }{\fs24
\cf1 de co\uc1 \u351 ?mar, suspendat, acoperind vederea. Enorm\uc1 \u259 ? cons
truc\uc1 \u355 ?ie din metal \uc1 \u351 ?i ci-ment profilat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u2
38 ?n v\uc1 \u259 ?zduh.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
l Tagomi se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse c\uc1 \u259 ?tre un om slab \uc1 \u238 ?n costum
\uc1 \u351 ?ifonat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
enp1033 \cf1 Ce este aia? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? el, ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1
\u226 ?nd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Omul r\uc1 \u226 ?n
ji.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Groa
znic, nu? E Autostrada Embarcadero. O mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime de oa-meni cred c\uc1 \
u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpute priveli\uc1 \u351 ?tea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 E prima oar\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
o v\uc1 \u259 ?d, zise domnul Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i norocos, spuse omul \uc1 \u351
?i se duse.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Anapoda vis, \uc1
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i zise domnul Tagomi. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? m\u
c1 \u259 ? trezesc. Un-de sunt velotaxiurile ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi? \uc1 \u206 ?ncep
u s\uc1 \u259 ? mearg\uc1 \u259 ? mai repede. \uc1 \u206 ?ntreaga panoram\uc1 \u
259 ? arat\uc1 \u259 ? mohor\uc1 \u226 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?, anapoda, ca o lume de mor
-m\uc1 \u226 ?nt. Miros de ars. Cl\uc1 \u259 ?diri cenu\uc1 \u351 ?ii, trotuar,
un anume tempo sup\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?tor al oamenilor. \uc1 \u350 ?i }{\i1
np1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nici un velotaxi.}{\fs24 \db
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Taxi! strig\uc1 \u
259 ? gr\uc1 \u259 ?bind pasul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1 Nici o speran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Numai automobile \uc1 \u351 ?i autobuze
. Ma\uc1 \u351 ?ini mari c\uc1 \u226 ?t ni\uc1 \u351 ?te distrug\uc1 \u259 ?toar
e, cu forme total nefamiliare. Se feri s\uc1 \u259 ? se uite la ele; \uc1 \u238
?\uc1 \u351 ?i men\uc1 \u355 ?inu privirile drept \uc1 \u238 ?nainte. Distorsion
area percep\uc1 \u355 ?iei mele op-tice, de o natur\uc1 \u259 ? cu totul sinistr
\uc1 \u259 ?. O tulburare care-mi afecteaz\uc1 \u259 ? sim\uc1 \u355 ?ul spa\uc1
\u355 ?ial. Orizont deraiat. Ca astigmatismul letal, care love\uc1 \u351 ?te f\
uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? avertisment.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
33 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 mi trebuie un r\uc1 \u259 ?gaz. \uc1 \u206 ?n fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, o braserie mizer\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?unt
ru numai albi, to\uc1 \u355 ?i lu\uc1 \u226 ?nd masa. Domnul Tagomi \uc1 \u238 ?
mpinse u\uc1 \u351 ?ile batan-te din lemn. Miros de cafea. \uc1 \u206 ?n col\uc1
\u355 ?, un tonomat grotesc, url\uc1 \u226 ?nd; tres\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u351 ?
i-\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu drum c\uc1 \u259 ?tre tejghea. Toate scaunele oc
upate de albi. Domnul Tagomi scoase o exclama\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Mai mul\uc1 \u355 ?
i albi \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i ridicar\uc1 \u259 ? privirile. }{\i1 \fs24 \dbc
Dar nici unul nu-}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?si lo
cul. Nici unul nu-i ced\uc1 \u259 ? scaunul. \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i reluar\uc
1 \u259 ? numai m\uc1 \u226 ?n-catul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Insist! \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse domnul Tagomi cu glas
glacial celui mai apro-piat alb; \uc1 \u238 ?i strig\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n u
reche.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Omul \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \
u351 ?i puse jos cana cu cafea \uc1 \u351 ?i-i zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Bag\uc1 \u259 ? de seam\uc1 \u259 ?
, Tojo}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3
1033 \cf1 Hideki Tojo (1885 \uc1 \u8211 ? 1948), general japonez}}}{\fs24 \dbch
\af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 !
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi se ui}{\fs24 \d
f1 t\uc1 \u259 ? la ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i albi; to\uc1 \u355 ?i se uitar\uc1 \u259
? cu expresii ostile. \uc1 \u350 ?i nici unul nu se agit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \d
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Existen\uc1 \u355 ?a lui }{\i1 \fs24 \d
f1 Bardo Th}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \la
ngfe1024 \langfenp1024 \cf1 \uc1 \u246 ?}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 dol, }{\fs24 \dbch \af6
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 se g\
uc1 \u226 ?ndi domnul Tagomi. V\uc1 \u226 ?nturi fierbin\uc1 \u355 ?i azv\uc1 \u
226 ?rlindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? cine \uc1 \u351 ?tie unde. Asta este viziunea... a ce?
Poate sufletul \uc1 \u238 ?ndura a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva? Da, }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af
4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cart
ea Mor}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u355 ?ilor }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ne preg\uc1 \u259 ?te\uc1 \
u351 ?te: dup\uc1 \u259 ? moarte p\uc1 \u259 ?rem a-i z\uc1 \u259 ?ri pe ceilal\
uc1 \u355 ?i, dar totul ne pare ostil. Stai izolat. Nem\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226
?iat, oriunde te-ai \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce. Teribila c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?tori
e \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna lumile suferin\uc1 \u355 ?e
i, ale rena\uc1 \u351 ?terii, gata s\uc1 \u259 ? primeasc\uc1 \u259 ? spiritul d
emora-lizat, fugar. De}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ziluziile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Gr\uc1 \u259 ?bi afar\uc1 \u259 ? din expres. U\uc1 \u351 ?ile s
e \uc1 \u238 ?nchiser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n urma lui; st\uc1 \u259 ?tea ia-r
\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pe trotuar. Unde m\uc1 \u259 ? aflu? \uc1 \u206 ?n afa
ra lumii mele, a spa\uc1 \u355 ?iului \uc1 \u351 ?i a timpului meu.}{\fs24 \dbch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M-a dezorientat triunghiul de argint. M-am
rupt de reperele mele \uc1 \u351 ?i nu m\uc1 \u259 ? sprijin a\uc1 \u351 ?adar
pe nimic. Prea mult pentru str\uc1 \u259 ?dania mea. Lec-\uc1 \u355 ?ie pentru t
oat\uc1 \u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?a. Cineva caut\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u3
51 ?i contrazic\uc1 \u259 ? percep\uc1 \u355 ?iile \uc1 \u8211 ? de ce? A\uc1 \u
351 ?adar, acela poate r\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ci complet pierdut, lipsit de r
eper sau de ajutor?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Starea ast
a hipnotic\uc1 \u259 ?. Facultatea aten\uc1 \u355 ?iei diminuat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t se a-tin-ge starea de crepuscul; lumea v\uc1 \u259 ?zut\
uc1 \u259 ? numai sub aspectul ei sim-bolic, arhetipal, total amestecat\uc1 \u25
9 ? cu material incon\uc1 \u351 ?tient. Tipic pentru somnambulismul indus hipnot
ic. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? opresc aceast\uc1 \u259 ? alunecare printre umbre, s\u
c1 \u259 ?-mi focalizez iar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i concentrarea \uc1 \u351 ?i
prin asta s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi re-fac centrul eului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Se pip\uc1 \u259 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n buzunar dup\uc1 \u259 ? tri
unghiul de argint. Disp\uc1 \u259 ?rut. Am l\uc1 \u259 ?-sat lucrul pe banc\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n parc, \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu servieta. Catastr
of\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O lu\uc1 \u259
? la fug\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?napoi pe trotuar, c\uc1 \u259 ?tre parc.}{\fs2
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pierde-var\uc1 \u259 ? trezi\uc1 \u
355 ?i din mo\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?ial\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l privir\uc1 \u
259 ? cu surprindere cum gr\uc1 \u259 ?-bea pe alee. Acolo, banca. \uc1 \u350 ?i
sprijinit\uc1 \u259 ? de ea, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?, servieta. Nici urm\uc1
\u259 ? de triunghiul din argint. C\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u259 ?. Da. C\uc1 \u259
?zut \uc1 \u238 ?n iarb\uc1 \u259 ?, z\uc1 \u259 ?cea ascuns pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?t
ate. Unde \uc1 \u238 ?l aruncase el, furios.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
gfenp1033 \cf1 Se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? iar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1
\u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i trag\uc1 \u259 ? sufletu
l.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \lan
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
concentrez \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ? asupra triunghiului din
argint, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spuse c\uc1 \u226 ?nd putu iar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc
1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? respire. \uc1 \u206 ?l \uc1 \u355 ?intuiesc cu privirea
\uc1 \u351 ?i num\uc1 \u259 ?r. La zece, rostesc ceva surprinz\uc1 \u259 ?tor.
angfenp1033 \cf1 Envache}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \
lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \
loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \
chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af6 \loch \f6 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De\uc1 \u351 ?teptarea (germ.)}}}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \a
f4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 , }
np1033 \cf1 de pild\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
f1 Vis idiot, evazionist, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Exacerbarea celor mai nocive as-p
e}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \lang
fenp1033 \cf1 c-te ale adolescen\uc1 \u355 ?ei, mai cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd dec\uc1 \u
226 ?t a inocen\uc1 \u355 ?ei pure, lim-pezi a autenticei copil\uc1 \u259 ?rii.
Exact ce merit, oricum.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \s17 \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \
ch \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 {\fs24 \
cf1 Nu este dec\uc1 \u226 ?t gre\uc1 \u351 ?eala mea. Nici o inten\uc1 \u355 ?ie
din partea domnu-lui Childan sau a artizanilor; l\uc1 \u259 ?comia mea este de
\uc1 \u238 ?nvinuit. Nu po\uc1 \u355 ?i sili \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegerea s
\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \l
\cf1 Num\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncet, cu voce tare, apoi s\uc1 \u2
59 ?ri \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 T\uc1 \u226 ?mpenia naibii, zise t\uc1 \u259 ?ios.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce\uc1 \u355 ?urile \uc1 \u238 ?mpr\
uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiate?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
Trase cu coada ochiului \uc1 \u238 ?n jur. Gradul de \uc1 \u238 ?mpr\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?tiere sc\uc1 \u259 ?dea, du-p\uc1 \u259 ? toate probabilit\uc1 \u259
?\uc1 \u355 ?ile. Acum se putea aprecia alegerea cuv\uc1 \u226 ?n-tului incisiv
al Sf\uc1 \u226 ?ntului Paul... v\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat prin stic
l\uc1 \u259 ?, nu o metamor-foz\uc1 \u259 ? ci o referire istea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? la distorsiunea optic\uc1 \u259 ?. Vedem \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259
?r as-tigmatic, \uc1 \u238 ?n sens fundamental: spa\uc1 \u355 ?iul nostru \uc1 \
u351 ?i tim-pul nostru, crea\uc1 \u355 ?ii ale propriului nostru psihic, iar c\u
c1 \u226 ?nd acestea \uc1 \u351 ?ov\uc1 \u259 ?ie... la fel ca tulbu-rarea acut\
uc1 \u259 ? a urechii medii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?nd, ne afi\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m ex
centric, cu sim\uc1 \u355 ?ul echilibrului complet pierdut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? iar, puse triunghiu
l din argint deoparte, \uc1 \u238 ?n buzunarul hainei \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259
?mase \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i servieta \uc1 \u238 ?n poal\uc
1 \u259 ?. Ceea ce trebuie eu s\uc1 \u259 ? fac acum, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
zise, este s\uc1 \u259 ? merg s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d dac\uc1 \u259 ? acea
construc\uc1 \u355 ?ie aberan-t\uc1 \u259 ?... cum i-a zis omul? Autostrada Emba
rcadero. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? mai este acolo.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
p1033 \cf1 Dar \uc1 \u238 ?i era fric\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, nu po
t pur \uc1 \u351 ?i simplu s\uc1 \u259 ? stau aici. Am greut\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u3
55 ?i de dus, cum zise o veche expresie popular\uc1 \u259 ? american\uc1 \u259 ?
. Treburi de rezolvat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dilem\u
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Doi b\uc1 \u259 ?i
e\uc1 \u355 ?ei chinezi se apropiar\uc1 \u259 ? h\uc1 \u226 ?rjonindu-se zgomoto
s pe alee.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Un stol de porumbei
zbur\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?cind; b\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u355 ?ii se oprir\uc1 \
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi strig\uc
1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
f1 Hei, tinerii mei prieteni!}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
Se scormoni \uc1 \u238 ?n buzunar.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ia veni\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncoace.}{\fs24 \dbch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cei doi b\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u355 ?i se ap
ropiar\uc1 \u259 ? cu pruden\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Uita\uc1 \u355 ?i aici zece cen\uc
1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi le a
runc\uc1 \u259 ? moneda; b\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u355 ?ii se luar\uc1 \u259 ? la b\
uc1 \u259 ?taie pe ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
gfenp1033 \cf1 Merge\uc1 \u355 ?i pe Kearny Street \uc1 \u351 ?i vede\uc1 \u355
?i dac\uc1 \u259 ? sunt velotaxiuri. \uc1 \u206 ?n-toarce\uc1 \u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u2
59 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi spune\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ne mai da\uc1 \u355 ?i zece? zise unul dintre
b\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u355 ?i. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd ne \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarcem}{\fs24 \db
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, spuse domnul T
agomi. Dar s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi spune\uc1 \u355 ?i adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 B\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u355 ?ii o rupse
r\uc1 \u259 ? la fug\uc1 \u259 ? pe alee.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
np1033 \cf1 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu sunt, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi domnul Tagomi, a\uc1 \u
351 ? face bine s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? retrag \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un loc izolat
\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? sinucid. \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i st
r\uc1 \u226 ?nse servieta. \uc1 \u206 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? mai avea arma; nici o greu
tate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 B\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u35
5 ?ii venir\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se unul pe altul \uc1 \u2
38 ?napoi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
f1 \uc1 \u350 ?ase! strig\uc1 \u259 ? unul. Eu am num\uc1 \u259 ?rat \uc1 \u351
?ase.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Eu
am num\uc1 \u259 ?rat cinci, g\uc1 \u226 ?f\uc1 \u226 ?i cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt.}{
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi spuse:}{\fs24 \db
loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i
siguri c\uc1 \u259 ? erau velotaxiuri? A\uc1 \u355 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?zut clar con
duc\uc1 \u259 ?to-}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 rii pedal\uc1 \u226 ?nd?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, domnule, ziser\uc1 \u259 ? b
\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 D\uc1 \u259 ?du fiec\uc1 \u259 ?ruia c\uc1 \u226
?te o moned\uc1 \u259 ?. Ei \uc1 \u238 ?i mul\uc1 \u355 ?umir\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \
u351 ?i fugir\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
06 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \l
angfenp1033 \cf1 napoi la birou \uc1 \u351 ?i la slujb\uc1 \u259 ?, se g\uc1 \u2
26 ?ndi domnul Tagomi. Se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare, str\uc1 \u22
6 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?nd m\uc1 \u226 ?nerul servietei. Datoria cheam\uc1 \u259 ?. Zi
obi\uc1 \u351 ?-nuit\uc1 \u259 ?, iar.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
033 \cf1 Cob}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langf
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 or\uc1 \u238 ? iar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aleea, c\uc
1 \u259 ?tre trotuar.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp10
fenp1033 \cf1 Taxi! strig\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
033 \cf1 Din trafic ap\uc1 \u259 ?ru un velotaxi; conduc\uc1 \u259 ?torul opri l
a bordur\uc1 \u259 ?, cu fa\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \
u351 ?i slab\uc1 \u259 ?, cu pieptul agitat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, domnule.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Du-m\uc1 \u259 ? la Nippon Times Build
ing, ordon\uc1 \u259 ? domnul Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
33 \cf1 Se urc\uc1 \u259 ? pe locul lui \uc1 \u351 ?i se f\uc1 \u259 ?cu comod.}
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pedal\uc1 \u226 ?nd furios, co
nduc\uc1 \u259 ?torul velotaxiului se puse \uc1 \u238 ?n mi\uc1 \u351 ?care, pri
ntre celelalte taxiuri \uc1 \u351 ?i ma\uc1 \u351 ?ini.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Era pu\uc1 \u355 ?in \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de amiaz\uc1 \u259
? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd domnul Tagomi ajunse la Nippon Times Building. Din holul prin
cipal, spuse unei operatoa-re s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fac\uc1 \u259 ? leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur
a }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \lan
gfenp1033 \cf1 cu domnul Ramsey.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Tagomi la telefon, zise c\uc1 \u226 ?nd fu stabilit\uc1
\u259 ? leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Bun\uc1 \u259 ? diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a, domnule. M\uc1 \u259
? simt u\uc1 \u351 ?urat. Nev\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-v\uc1 \u259 ?, am tel
efonat \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?ntat acas\uc1 \u259 ? la dumneav
oastr\uc1 \u259 ?, la ora zece, dar doam-na mi-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? era\uc1 \u35
5 ?i plecat \uc1 \u8211 ? nu \uc1 \u351 ?tia unde.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A fost \uc1 \u238 ?nl\uc1 \u259 ?turat\uc1 \u25
9 ? harababura?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
33 \cf1 Nu a mai r\uc1 \u259 ?mas nici o urm\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? dis
cu\uc1 \u355 ?ie?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
1033 \cf1 Pe cuv\uc1 \u226 ?nt, domnule.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
p1033 \cf1 Satisf\uc1 \u259 ?cut, domnul Tagomi \uc1 \u238 ?nchise \uc1 \u351 ?i
se duse s\uc1 \u259 ? ia liftul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
cf1 Sus, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n birou, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?dui o scurt\uc1 \u259 ? inspec\uc1 \u355 ?ie.
Cap\uc1 \u259 ?tul viziunii sale. Nici urm\uc1 \u259 ?, cum se promisese. Nimen
i nu va \uc1 \u351 ?ti, dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut. Evenimentele \uc1
\u238 ?ncorporate \uc1 \u238 ?n dalele sintetice ale pode-lei...}{\fs24 \dbch \
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Curajul dumneavoastr\u
c1 \u259 ? este subiect de laud\uc1 \u259 ? jos, la }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Times, }{\f
033 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu el. Un articol descriind...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sesiz\uc1 \u226 ?nd expresia domnului Tagomi, se \uc1 \
u238 ?ntrerupse.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
033 \cf1 R\uc1 \u259 ?spunde\uc1 \u355 ?i cu privire la problemele urgente, zise
domnul Ta-gomi. Generalul Tedeki? Adic\uc1 \u259 ?, domnul Yatabe.}{\fs24 \dbch
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cu un zbor camuflat,
\uc1 \u238 ?napoi la Tokyo. Heringi ro\uc1 \u351 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?mpr\uc1 \u259
?\uc1 \u351 ?-tia\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncoace \uc1 \u351 ?i-n colo.}{\fs24 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Ramsey \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?ncruci\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? degetele, simboliz\uc1 \u226 ?nd sp
eran\uc1 \u355 ?e-le pe care le avea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 V\uc1 \u259 ? rog, relata\uc1 \u355 ?i despre domn
ul Baynes.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
f1 Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu. \uc1 \u206 ?n timpul lipsei dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? a ap
\uc1 \u259 ?rut scurt, pe fu-ri\uc1 \u351 ?, chiar, dar nu a vorbit.}{\fs24 \dbc
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Ramsey ezit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \d
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Poate s-a \uc1 \u
238 ?ntors \uc1 \u238 ?n Germania.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mult mai bine pentru el s\uc1 \u259 ? mearg\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u238 ?n Hom}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp104
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 e Islands, spuse domnul Tagomi, mai mult pentru
sine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n o
rice caz, grija lor, de natur\uc1 \u259 ? important\uc1 \u259 ?, era \uc1 \u238
?n leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul general. \uc
1 \u350 ?i asta \uc1 \u238 ?mi dep\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te atribu
\uc1 \u355 ?iile, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi domnul Tagomi. Eu \uc1 \u238 ?nsumi, birou
l meu; s-au folosit de mine, aici, ceea ce, natural, a fost corect \uc1 \u351 ?i
bine. Le-am fost, cum s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun? Acoperi-rea lor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sunt o masc\uc1 \u259 ?, ascunz\uc1 \u226 ?nd or
iginalul. \uc1 \u206 ?n spatele meu, ascuns\uc1 \u259 ?, realitatea merge \uc1 \
u238 ?nainte, la ad\uc1 \u259 ?post de priviri indiscrete.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ciudat, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Vital, uneori, s\uc1 \
u259 ? fii numai fa\uc1 \u355 ?ada din carton, ca din carton. Ceva satori, aici,
dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? putea pune m\uc1 \u226 ?na pe el. Finali-tatea \u
c1 \u238 ?n schema general\uc1 \u259 ? a iluziei nu o putem dec\uc1 \u226 ?t son
da. Legea eco-nomiei: nimic nu se pierde. Nici irealul. Ca proces sublim.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domni\uc1 \u351 ?oara Ephreikian ap\
uc1 \u259 ?ru, \uc1 \u238 ?n stilul ei agitat}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 .}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule Tagomi, m-a trimis o
peratoarea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
cf1 Lini\uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u259 ?, domni\uc1 \u351 ?oar\uc1 \u25
9 ?, spuse domnul Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lang
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cure
ntul timpului ne m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nainte, se g\uc1 \u226 ?
ndi el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
Domnule, consulul german este aici. Vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\uc
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se uit\uc1 \u259 ?
de la el la domnul Ramsey \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?napoi, cu fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ne
firesc de palid\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ziceam c\uc1 \u259 ? a fost aici \uc1 \u238 ?n cl\uc1 \u259
?dire \uc1 \u351 ?i mai devreme, dar \uc1 \u351 ?tiam c\uc1 \u259 ? dumneavoast
r\uc1 \u259 ?...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi
\uc1 \u238 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu semn s\uc1 \u259 ? tac\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnule Ramsey, v\uc1
\u259 ? rog s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi aminti\uc1 \u355 ?i numele consulului.}{\fs24 \dbc
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Freiherr Hugo Reiss
, domnule.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
f1 Acum \uc1 \u238 ?mi amintesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
f1 Ei bine, }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langf
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, evident c\uc1 \u259 ? domnul Child
an mi-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut un ser-viciu, \uc1 \u238 ?n fond. Renun\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi primeasc\uc1 \u259 ? arma.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Purt\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i servieta, \uc1 \u238
?\uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?si biroul \uc1 \u351 ?i ie\uc1 \u351 ?i
pe coridor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Acolo st\uc1 \u25
9 ?tea un alb cu o constitu\uc1 \u355 ?ie firav\uc1 \u259 ?, bine \uc1 \u238 ?mb
r\uc1 \u259 ?cat. P\uc1 \u259 ?r por-tocaliu tuns scurt, pantofi negri, lucio\uc
1 \u351 ?i, din piele, model european, \uc1 \u355 ?inut\uc1 \u259 ? dreapt\uc1 \
u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i port-\uc1 \u355 ?igaret din filde\uc1 \u351 ?, efeminat. E
l, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Herr Reiss? zise domnul Ta
gomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Germanul se \uc1 \u238 ?
nclin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
p1033 \cf1 Este un fapt, zise domnul Tagomi, c\uc1 \u259 ? dumneavoastr\uc1 \u25
9 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cu mi-ne am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut afaceri prin po\uc1 \u351 ?t\uc1
\u259 ?, telefon \uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?a mai departe. Dar p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc
1 \u259 ? acum nu ne-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O onoare, spuse Herr Reiss, \uc1 \u238 ?naint\uc1 \u226 ?n
d c\uc1 \u259 ?tre el. Chiar \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?nd cont de \uc1 \u238 ?mp
rejur\uc1 \u259 ?rile enervant de sup\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?toare.}{\fs24 \dbc
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u259 ? mir,
zise domnul Tagomi. Germanul \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
o spr\uc1 \u226 ?ncean\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sc}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 uza\uc1 \u355 ?i-m\uc1 \u259 ?, zise
domnul Tagomi. Cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u355 ?ele mele sunt ne-bu-loase, datorit
\uc1 \u259 ? acelor circumstan\uc1 \u355 ?e indicate. Fragilitatea e\uc1 \u351 ?
a-foda-jului, s-ar putea conchide.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
\uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lan
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ngrozitor, spuse Herr Reiss. C\uc1 \u226
?nd am...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi zise:}
ng1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \
cf1 nainte de a \uc1 \u238 ?ncepe poezia, l\uc1 \u259 ?sa\uc1 \u355 ?i-m\uc1 \u2
59 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Desigur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Eu personal i-am \uc1 \u238 ?mpu\uc1 \u351 ?cat pe cei doi
oameni ai dumnea-voastr\uc1 \u259 ? din S.D., zise domnul Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Departamentul de Poli\
uc1 \u355 ?ie din San Francisco m-a convocat, spu-se Herr Reiss, slobozind \uc1
\u238 ?mprejurul lor, al am\uc1 \u226 ?ndurora, fum puter-nic de \uc1 \u355 ?iga
r\uc1 \u259 ?. Patru ore am stat la sec\uc1 \u355 ?ia de pe Kearny Street \uc1 \
u351 ?i la mor-g\uc1 \u259 ?, apoi am citit declara\uc1 \u355 ?iile date de oame
nii dumnea-voastr\uc1 \u259 ? inspec-torilor de poli\uc1 \u355 ?ie care se ocup\
uc1 \u259 ? cu ancheta. Absolut \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1
\u259 ?tor, de la \uc1 \u238 ?nceput p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la sf\uc1 \u226
?r\uc1 \u351 ?it.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagom
i nu zise nimic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
033 \cf1 Oricum, continu\uc1 \u259 ? Herr Reiss, p\uc1 \u259 ?rerea c\uc1 \u259
? atacatorii sunt \uc1 \u238 ?n le-g\uc1 \u259 ?-tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu Reich-ul nu
a fost confirmat\uc1 \u259 ?. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? mine, \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga poveste
este nelalocul ei. Sunt sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u355 ?i ac\uc1 \u355 ?ionat a
bsolut corect, domnule Tagori.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S\uc1 \u259 ? d\uc1 \u259 ?m m\uc1 \u226 ?na, spuse consu
lul. S\uc1 \u259 ? ne str\uc1 \u226 ?ngem m\uc1 \u226 ?inile ca \uc1 \u238 ?n-tr
e gentlemeni \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? uit\uc1 \u259 ?m de asta. Nu are rost,
mai ales \uc1 \u238 ?n aceste timpuri critice, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd orice publicitate
prosteasc\uc1 \u259 ? poate aprinde min\uc1 \u355 ?i bolnave, \uc1 \u238 ?n det
rimentul intereselor na\uc1 \u355 ?iunilor noastre.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vina totu\uc1 \u351 ?i este asupra s
ufletului meu, zise domnul Tagomi. S\uc1 \u226 ?ngele, Herr Reiss, nu poate fi n
iciodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?ters ca cerneala.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Consulul p\uc1 \u259 ?ru uluit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
33 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 mi doresc cu ardoare ier
tarea, zise domnul Tagomi. Dum-neavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? nu mi-o pute\uc1 \u355 ?i d
a, totu\uc1 \u351 ?i. Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? nimeni nu poate. Inten\uc1 \u355 ?i
onez s\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 citesc faimosul jurnal al vechiului teolog din M
as-sachusetts. Goodman C. Mather}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cotton Mather (1663 \uc1 \u8211 ? 1728)}}}{\
1033 \cf1 . Se ocup\uc1 \u259 ?, mi s-a spus, de p\uc1 \u259 ?cat \uc1 \u351 ?i
de focul iadului \uc1 \u351 ?i de altele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
np1033 \cf1 Consulul \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i fuma \uc1 \u355 ?igara cu repezic
iune, studiindu-l intens pe domnul Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Permite\uc1 \u355 ?i-mi s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \
u259 ? aduc la cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse domnul Tago-mi
, c\uc1 \u259 ? na\uc1 \u355 ?iunea dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? este pe punctul de
a se cobor\uc1 \u238 ? la o josni-cie mai mare dec\uc1 \u226 ?t oricare. Cunoa\u
c1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u355 ?i Hexagrama Abisului? Vorbind ca persoan\uc1 \u259 ? par
ticular\uc1 \u259 ?, nu ca reprezentant al oficialit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii j
aponeze, declar: durere \uc1 \u351 ?i oroare. Baie de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge dep\uc1 \
u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ind orice asemuire. Chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i acum t\uc1 \u226 ?nji\
uc1 \u355 ?i dup\uc1 \u259 ? ceva c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tig egoist sau un alt
scop. \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ? cineva frac\uc1 \u355 ?iunea riv
al\uc1 \u259 ?, S.D. Ai? C\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?l pune\uc1 \u355 ?i pe Herr
Kreuz von Meere \uc1 \u238 ?n ap\uc1 \u259 ? fiart\uc1 \u259 ?...}{\fs24 \dbch
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? continue.
Pieptul i se str\uc1 \u226 ?nse. Ca \uc1 \u238 ?n copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie, se g\uc
1 \u226 ?n-di. Astma, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd m\uc1 \u259 ? sup\uc1 \u259 ?ram pe mama.}
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Suf\uc1
\u259 ?r, \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse lui Herr Reiss, care stinsese de-acum \uc1 \u355 ?
igara. De o boal\uc1 \u259 ? care s-a agravat \uc1 \u238 ?n to\uc1 \u355 ?i ace\
uc1 \u351 ?ti ani, dar care a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? fie vi-ru-lent\uc
1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ziua c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am auzit neputincios povestite esca
pa-dele condu-c\uc1 \u259 ?torului dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?. Oricum, posibilitat
e terapeu-tic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? zero. \uc1 \u350 ?i pentru dumneavoastr\
uc1 \u259 ?, domnule. Cu limbajul lui Goodman C. Ma-ther, dac\uc1 \u259 ?-mi adu
c aminte, cred: Poc\uc1 \u259 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u259 ?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Consulul zise r\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u351 ?it:}{\fs
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Corect amint
it.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 D\uc1 \u259 ?du din cap a
\uc1 \u238 ?ncuviin\uc1 \u355 ?are \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aprin
se o \uc1 \u355 ?igar\uc1 \u259 ? cu degete tre-mur\uc1 \u259 ?toare.}{\fs24 \db
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Din birou, ap\uc1 \u259 ?ru domnul Ramse
y. Avea \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? un teanc de for-mulare \uc1 \u3
51 ?i h\uc1 \u226 ?rtii. \uc1 \u206 ?i spuse domnului Tagomi, care st\uc1 \u259
?tea f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? vor-beas-c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238
?ncerc\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i recapete respira\uc1 \u355 ?ia
u\uc1 \u351 ?oar\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u226 ?t este aici. Che}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 stiuni de rutin
\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu func\uc1 \u355 ?ia
dum-nealui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 G\uc1 \u226 ?ndit
or, domnul Tagomi lu\uc1 \u259 ? formularele oferite. Le arunc\uc1 \u259 ? o pri
vire. Formularul 20 \uc1 \u8211 ? 50. Cerere din partea Reich-ului prin repre-ze
ntantul s\uc1 \u259 ?u, Freiherr Hugo Reiss, de a i se preda \uc1 \u238 ?n re\uc
1 \u355 ?inere pre-ventiv\uc1 \u259 ? un infractor periculos, aflat acum \uc1 \u
238 ?n custodia Departa-men-tului de Poli\uc1 \u355 ?ie San Francisco. Evreul pe
nume Frank Fink, cet\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ean \uc1 \u8211 ? potrivit legii ge
rmane \uc1 \u8211 ? al Germaniei, retroactiv, iunie 1960. Pentru re\uc1 \u355 ?i
nerea lui protectiv\uc1 \u259 ? sub legea Reich-ului etc. O mai parcurse o dat\u
c1 \u259 ? cu privirea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Stiloul, domnule, zise domnul Ramsey. Asta pune cap\uc1 \u259 ?t
prob-lemelor cu guvernul german, cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in pentru acum.}{\fs24 \dbch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 D\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i stiloul domnului Tagomi
, \uc1 \u238 ?l privi pe consul cu nepl\uc1 \u259 ?-cere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, spuse domnul Tagomi. \uc1
\u206 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du \uc1 \u238 ?napoi domnului Ramsey formularul 20 \uc1 \u
8211 ? 50. Apoi \uc1 \u238 ?l lu\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\u
c1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?zg\uc1 \u259 ?leasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n josul lui:
langfenp1033 \cf1 Eliberare. \uc1 \u206 ?nalta Misiune Comercial\uc1 \u259 ?, au
toritatea }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S.F.}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 San Francisco}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 cf. Protocolului Mil
itar 1947. Tagomi. }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u206 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du o copie consul
ului german iar celelalte, \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu originalul, domn}{\
fenp1033 \cf1 ului Ramsey.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Bun\uc1 \u259 ? ziua, Herr Reiss.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se \uc1 \u238 ?nclin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Consulul german se \uc1 \u238 ?nclin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i el. Abia dac\uc1 \u259 ? se osteni s\uc1 \u259 ? se uite la h\uc1 \u22
6 ?rtie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
V\uc1 \u259 ? rog ca pe viitor s\uc1 \u259 ? rezolva\uc1 \u355 ?i problemele pr
in mecanisme in-termediare precum po\uc1 \u351 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?, telefon, telegram
e, zise domnul Tago-mi. }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langn
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu personal.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Consulul spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u259 ? face\uc1 \u355 ?i pe mine r\uc1 \u259
?spunz\uc1 \u259 ?tor la condi\uc1 \u355 ?iile generale de sub ju-risdic\uc1 \u3
55 ?ia mea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
cf1 Rahat, zise domnul Tagomi. Asta spun la asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu acesta este modul \uc1 \u238 ?n car
e \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i rezolv\uc1 \u259 ? problemele persoa-nele civilizate
, zise consulul. Face\uc1 \u355 ?i ca totul s\uc1 \u259 ? fie \uc1 \u351 ?i mai
amar \uc1 \u351 ?i cu iz de r\uc1 \u259 ?zbunare. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd ar trebui s\uc
1 \u259 ? fie o simpl\uc1 \u259 ? formalitate f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nici o
impli-care personal\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i arunc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?igara pe jos,
se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse \uc1 \u351 ?i o lu\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n lungul cori
doru-lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
1 Lua\uc1 \u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?igara puturoas\uc1 \u259 ?, zise sl
ab domnul Tagomi, dar con-sulul d\uc1 \u259 ?duse col\uc1 \u355 ?ul. Comportare
copil\uc1 \u259 ?reasc\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse domnu-lui Ram-sey. A\uc1
\u355 ?i fost martor la sc\uc1 \u226 ?rboasa comportare copil\uc1 \u259 ?reasc\
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se duse, umbl\uc1
\u226 ?nd nesigur, \uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1 \u238 ?n birou. F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u
259 ? respira\uc1 \u355 ?ie, acum. Prin m\uc1 \u226 ?na st\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u2
59 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l fulger\uc1 \u259 ? o durere \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n acel
a\uc1 \u351 ?i timp, o palm\uc1 \u259 ? uria\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238
?i fr\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nta coastele. Uff, f\uc1 \u259 ?cu. \uc1 \u206 ?na
intea lui, nici un covor, numai o plo-aie de sc\uc1 \u226 ?ntei, \uc1 \u238 ?n\u
c1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se, ro\uc1 \u351 ?ii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ajutor, domnule Ramsey, zise. Nici un sunet. V\uc
1 \u259 ? rog. Se \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse, se \uc1 \u238 ?mpletici. Nimic de care s\u
c1 \u259 ? se prind\uc1 \u259 ?, m\uc1 \u259 ?car.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd, apuc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
n buzunarul hainei triunghiul de argint pe care i-l d\uc1 \u259 ?duse domnul Chi
ldan. Nu m-a salvat, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Nu a ajutat. Toa-t\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1
\u259 ?dania.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Corpul \uc1 \u2
38 ?i izbi podeaua. Icnet. Covorul la nasul lui. Domnul Ram-sey agit\uc1 \u226 ?
ndu-se acum prin jur, beh\uc1 \u259 ?ind. \uc1 \u354 ?ine\uc1 \u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u2
59 ? firea, se }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi dom-nul Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am un mic atac de inim\uc1
\u259 ?, reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ? domnul Tagomi.}{\fs24 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mai multe persoane intervenir\uc1 \u25
9 ? acum, transport\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l c\uc1 \u259 ?tre sofa.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sta\uc1 \u355 ?i lini\uc1 \u
351 ?tit, domnule, \uc1 \u238 ?i spunea cineva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Anun\uc1 \u355 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?i so\uc1 \u
355 ?ia, v\uc1 \u259 ? rog, zise domnul Tagomi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
langfenp1033 \cf1 Imediat, auzi sirena }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ambulan\uc1 \u355 ?ei. Sun\u
c1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n strad\uc1 \u259 ?. }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i }{\
1033 \cf1 mult\uc1 \u259 ? agi-ta\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Un du-te-vino. Peste el fu tras
\uc1 \u259 ? o cuvertur\uc1 \u259 ?, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la subsuori. Cra
vata scoas\uc1 \u259 ?. Gulerul desf\uc1 \u259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 E mai bine, acum, zise domnul Tagom
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 St\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u23
8 ?ntins comod, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerce s\uc
1 \u259 ? se mi\uc1 \u351 ?te. Cariera sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ?
, oricum, decise. Consulul german, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial
\uc1 \u259 ?, va face caz. Se va pl\uc1 \u226 ?nge de lips\uc1 \u259 ? de activi
tate. Dreptul lui s\uc1 \u259 ? se pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?, poate. Oricum,
treaba e f\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?. Pe c\uc1 \u226 ?t pot, rolul meu. Restul,
la Tokyo, iar fac\uc1 \u355 ?iunile \uc1 \u238 ?n Germania. Probleme care m\uc1
\u259 ? dep\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?esc, oric}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 um.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Credeam c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i dec\uc1 \u226 ?t cu p
lasticul, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Important v\uc1 \u226 ?n-z\uc1 \u259 ?tor \uc1 \u
238 ?n turn\uc1 \u259 ?torie. Oracolul a ghicit \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-a dat indica\uc
1 \u355 ?ii, dar...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
np1033 \cf1 Scoate\uc1 \u355 ?i-i c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?a, spuse o voce.}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ?, medicul institu\uc1 \u355 ?iei. Ton foarte autoritar;
domnul Tagomi z\uc1 \u226 ?mbi. Tonul e t}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 otul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ar putea fi \uc1 \u259 ?sta r\uc1 \u259 ?spunsul,
se \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? domnul Tagomi? Miste-rul organismului omenesc,
propria lui cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?tere. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd s-o ia din loc. Sau c\uc1 \u
226 ?nd s-o ia din loc par\uc1 \u355 ?ial. Un \uc1 \u355 ?el de care ar trebui \
uc1 \u351 ?i eu s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu con\uc1 \u351 ?tient. Ce a spus oracolul ultim
a oar\uc1 \u259 ?? La \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebarea lui din birou, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1
\u259 ?ia doi z\uc1 \u259 ?ceau pe moarte sau mor\uc1 \u355 ?i? \uc1 \u350 ?aize
ci \uc1 \u351 ?i unu. Adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul l\uc1 \u259 ?-untric. Porcii \uc1 \u35
1 ?i pe\uc1 \u351 ?tii sunt cel mai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in inteligen\uc1 \u355 ?i; gre
u de convins. Eu sunt. Cartea la mine se refer\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu voi \uc1 \u238 ?n
\uc1 \u355 ?elege niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? pe deplin; asta este natura unor asemenea
creaturi. Sau este acest Adev\uc1 \u259 ?r l\uc1 \u259 ?un-tric acum, ceea ce m
i se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
langfenp1033 \cf1 Mai a\uc1 \u351 ?tept. Am s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d. Care e
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Poate e \uc1 \u351 ?i una \u
c1 \u351 ?i alta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
\loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \
cf1 n seara aceea, imediat dup\uc1 \u259 ? masa de sear\uc1 \u259 ?, un ofi\uc1
\u355 ?er de poli\uc1 \u355 ?ie veni la celula lui Frank Frink, descuie u\uc1 \u
351 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i-i spuse s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i ia lucrurile de la ghi\
uc1 \u351 ?eu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
\cf1 n scurt timp, se trezi afar\uc1 \u259 ? pe trotuar, \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u
355 ?a Sec\uc1 \u355 ?iei Kearny Street, \uc1 \u238 ?n mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea de tr
ec\uc1 \u259 ?tori gr\uc1 \u259 ?bi\uc1 \u355 ?i, autobuze \uc1 \u351 ?i ma\uc1
\u351 ?ini claxo-n\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i conduc\uc1 \u259 ?tori de velotax
iuri, cu strig\uc1 \u259 ?tele lor. Aerul era rece. Umbre lungi se \uc1 \u238 ?n
tindeau \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a fiec\uc1 \u259 ?rei cl\uc1 \u259 ?diri. Fr
ank Frink st\uc1 \u259 ?tu un mo-ment, apoi intr\uc1 \u259 ? automat \uc1 \u238
?ntr-un grup de pietoni care treceau strada prin zona marcat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Arestat f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? n
ici un motiv real, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? scop. \uc1 \u
350 ?i apoi \uc1 \u238 ?mi dau drumul la fel.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Nu-i spuseser\uc1 \u259 ? nimic, pur \uc1 \u351 ?i simplu \uc1 \
u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?duser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?napoi sacul cu lucruri, porto
felul, ceasul, ochelarii, obiectele personale \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?ntors
eser\uc1 \u259 ? la treburile care-i a\uc1 \u351 ?teptau, un be\uc1 \u355 ?ivan
b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n, cules din strad\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Miracol, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. S\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \
u259 ? lase s\uc1 \u259 ? plec. M-a lovit norocul. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd de fapt trebu
ia s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un avion cu destina\uc1 \u355 ?ia Germania,
pentru exterminare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Tot nu-i
venea s\uc1 \u259 ? cread\uc1 \u259 ?. Nimic, arestarea \uc1 \u351 ?i acum asta.
Ireal. Umbl\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?int\uc1 \u259 ?
pe l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? magazinele \uc1 \u238 ?nchise, p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u351 ?ind peste gu-noaie \uc1 \u238 ?mpr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiate de v\uc1
\u226 ?nt.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O nou\uc1 \u259 ? v
ia\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Ca ren\uc1 \u259 ?scut. Ca, la
naiba. }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Este.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
Cui \uc1 \u238 ?i mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc? S\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? rog, poate?}
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ro
g la ce?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ? vrea s\
uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spuse merg\
uc1 \u226 ?nd pe trotuarul aglomerat al serii, trec\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe l\uc1 \u226
?ng\uc1 \u259 ? firme de neon \uc1 \u351 ?i u\uc1 \u351 ?i de baruri de unde se
auzea mare larm\uc1 \u259 ?, pe Grant Avenue. Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch
pricep. Trebuie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dar \uc1 \u35
1 ?tia c\uc1 \u259 ? nu va putea niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Fii numai bucuros. \uc1 \u350 ?i nu te opri.}{\fs24 \db
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O p\uc1 \u259 ?rticic\uc1 \u259 ? din mi
ntea lui declar\uc1 \u259 ?: Dup\uc1 \u259 ? care, \uc1 \u238 ?napoi la Ed. Treb
uie s\uc1 \u259 ? nimeresc \uc1 \u238 ?napoi la atelier, acolo jos, \uc1 \u238 ?
n pivni\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. S-o iau de un-de am l\uc1 \u259 ?sat-o, s\uc1 \
u259 ? fac bijuterii, folosindu-mi m\uc1 \u226 ?inile. Mun-cind f\uc1 \u259 ?r\u
c1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u
259 ?-mi ridic privirile sau s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu ocupat. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259
? produc piesele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Bloc dup\uc1
\u259 ? bloc, se gr\uc1 \u259 ?bi prin ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul ce se \uc1 \u238 ?ntun
eca. Str\uc1 \u259 ?duin-du-se s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?napoi
c\uc1 \u226 ?t mai repede cu putin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? la locul fix, pe car
e-l \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegea, pe care se aflase.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd ajunse, \uc1 \u238 ?l g\uc1 \u259 ?si
pe Ed McCarthy a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat la banc, lu\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i masa d
e sear\uc1 \u259 ?. Dou\uc1 \u259 ? sandvi\uc1 \u351 ?uri, un termos cu ceai, o
banan\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva biscui\uc1 \u355 ?i. Frank Frink
se opri \uc1 \u238 ?n u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, sufl\uc1 \u226 ?nd greu.}{\fs2
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n cele din u}{\
1033 \cf1 rm\uc1 \u259 ? Ed \uc1 \u238 ?l auzi \uc1 \u351 ?i se r\uc1 \u259 ?suc
i:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \lan
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Crede
am c\uc1 \u259 ? ai murit, zise.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
f1 Mestec\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nghi\uc1 \u355 ?i ritmic, lu\uc1 \u259 ? o al
t\uc1 \u259 ? mu\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 L\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? banc, Ed avea deschis mi
cul lor \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lzitor electric; Frank se duse, se a\uc1 \u351
?ez\uc1 \u259 ? pe vine \uc1 \u351 ?i-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?l
zi m\uc1 \u226 ?inile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
gfenp1033 \cf1 Bine c\uc1 \u259 ? te-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u238 ?napoi, zise
Ed}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \la
ngfenp1033 \cf1 .}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
33 \cf1 l plesni pe Frank de dou\uc1 \u259 ? ori pe spinare, apoi se \uc1 \u238
?ntoarse \uc1 \u238 ?napoi la sandvi\uc1 \u351 ?ul lui. Nu mai spuse nimic; sing
urele sunete erau f\uc1 \u226 ?lf\uc1 \u226 ?itul ventilatorului \uc1 \u238 ?nc\
uc1 \u259 ?lzitorului \uc1 \u351 ?i mestecatul lui Ed.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pun\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i haina pe un scaun, Fra
nk lu\uc1 \u259 ? un pumn de segmen-te din argint pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate prelucr
ate \uc1 \u351 ?i le duse la polizor. Prinse pe ax un disc cu bumbac \uc1 \u351
?i porni motorul; pres\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? pe disc pulbere de \uc1 \u351 ?l
efuit, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i puse masca pentru a-\uc1 \u351 ?i proteja ochii
\uc1 \u351 ?i apoi se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? pe un taburet, \uc1 \u238 ?nc
ep\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? scoat\uc1 \u259 ? urmele de \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u
259 ?lzire de pe }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 segmente, unul c\uc1 \u226 ?te unul.}{\fs24 \dbch
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 15}{\fs24
1 C\uc1 \u258 ?PITANUL RUDOLF WEGENER, pentru moment c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?t
o-rind sub numele de acoperire Conrad Goltz, negustor angrosist \uc1 \u238 ?n do
meniul me-dical, privi prin fereastra rachetei Lufthansa Me 9-E. \uc1 \u206 ?nai
nte, Euro-pa. Ce repede, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Vom ateriza la Tempelhofer Feld \u
c1 \u238 ?n circa \uc1 \u351 ?ap-te minute.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
fenp1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb dac-am reu\uc1 \u351 ?it, se g\uc1
\u226 ?ndi uit\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se cum cre\uc1 \u351 ?tea p\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u2
26 ?n-tul. Depinde de generalul Tedeki, acum. De ceea ce poate face el \uc1 \u23
8 ?n Home Islands. Dar m\uc1 \u259 ?car le-am transmis informa\uc1 \u355 ?iile.
Am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u351 ?i noi ce a}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 m putut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. Nu exist\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? nici un motiv de optimism. Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? japonez
ii nu pot face nimic pentru a schimba cursul politicii interne a Germaniei. Guve
rnul Goebbels este la putere \uc1 \u351 ?i probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? va rezista. Du
p\uc1 \u259 ? ce se consolideaz\uc1 \u259 ?, se vor \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce iar\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i asupra ac\uc1 \u355 ?iunii P\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?-dia.
\uc1 \u350 ?i o alt\uc1 \u259 ? mare por\uc1 \u355 ?iune a planetei va fi distru
s\uc1 \u259 ?, cu popula\uc1 \u355 ?ia ei, pentru un ideal dement, fanatic.}{\fs
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S\uc1 \u259 ? presupunem c\uc1 \u2
59 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la urm\uc1 \u259 ? ei, nazi\uc1 \u351 ?tii, o vo
r distruge cu totul? S\uc1 \u259 ? lase \uc1 \u238 ?n loc numai cenu\uc1 \u351 ?
\uc1 \u259 ?? Ar putea; au bombe cu hidrogen. \uc1 \u350 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \
u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? ar face-o; g\uc1 \u226 ?ndir
ea lor tinde c\uc1 \u259 ?tre acest G}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1024 \langfenp1024 \cf1 \uc1 \u246 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 tterd
enp1024 \cf1 \uc1 \u228 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lang
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 m-merung. Pot, prea bine, s\uc1 \u259 ? o
doreasc\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? o caute activ, un holocaust final pentru toat
\uc1 \u259 ? lumea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350
?i ce va l\uc1 \u259 ?sa \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ? a Tre
ia Nebunie Mondial\uc1 \u259 ?? Va pune cap\uc1 \u259 ?t cu des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1
\u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ire vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii, de orice fel, de peste tot? Va deven
i planeta noastr\uc1 \u259 ? o planet\uc1 \u259 ? moart\uc1 \u259 ?, de propria
noastr\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
angfenp1033 \cf1 Nu putem crede a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva. Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? via\u
c1 \u355 ?a de pe planeta noastr\uc1 \u259 ? este \uc1 \u238 ?n totalitate distr
us\uc1 \u259 ?, trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? mai existe via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? und
e-va, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un loc despre care noi nici nu \uc1 \u351 ?tim. Este impos
ibil ca lumea noastr\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fie unic\uc1 \u259 ?; trebuie sa
fie lumi dup\uc1 \u259 ? lumi, nev\uc1 \u259 ?zute de noi \uc1 \u238 ?n vreo reg
iune sau dimensiune pe care noi pur \uc1 \u351 ?i simplu nu o percepem.}{\fs24 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu pot dovedi as
ta, chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu este logic \uc1 \u8211 ? o cred, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \
u351 ?i spuse.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Un difuzor anun
\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?: "Meine Damen und Herren, Achtung, Bitte."}{\fs24 \dbch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ne apropiem de momentul ateriz\uc1 \u259 ?
rii, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i zise c\uc1 \u259 ?pitanul Wege-ner. Aproape sigur
c\uc1 \u259 ? voi fi \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpinat de Sicherheitsdienst. \uc
1 \u206 ?ntrebarea e: care fac\uc1 \u355 ?iune politic\uc1 \u259 ? va fi repreze
ntat\uc1 \u259 ?? Goebbels sau Heydrich? Pre-supun\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? g
eneralul S.S. Heydrich \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? mai este \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. C\uc1 \u226 ?t timp am fost eu la bordul acestei nave, a\u
c1 \u351 ? fi putut fi ridicat \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mpu\uc1 \u351 ?cat. Luc
rurile se petrec repede \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul perioa-dei de tranzi\uc1 \u355 ?ie
la o socie-tate totalitar\uc1 \u259 ?. Au existat, \uc1 \u238 ?n Germania nazist
\uc1 \u259 ?, liste negre de nume asupra c\uc1 \u259 ?rora oamenii se g\uc1 \u22
6 ?ndiser\uc1 \u259 ?...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1
\u226 ?teva minute mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd racheta ateriz\uc1 \u
259 ?, se trezi mer-g\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ?tre ie\uc1 \u351 ?ire, cu parde
siul sub bra\uc1 \u355 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?naintea \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n urma l
ui, pasageri ner\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?tori. Nici un t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259
?r artist nazist de data asta, reflect\uc1 \u259 ?. Nici un Lotze s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? bat\uc1 \u259 ? la cap cu un punct de vedere de retardat. Un ofic
ial al liniilor aeriene \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat, observ\uc1
\u259 ? Wege-ner, ca mare\uc1 \u351 ?alul Reich-u-lui \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351
?i \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i ajut\uc1 \u259 ? pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i la cobor\uc1
\u226 ?rea rampei, unul dup\uc1 \u259 ? altul, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? jos,
la sol. Acolo, al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de pasaj, st\uc1 \u259 ?tea, \uc1 \u238 ?n pic
ioare, un mic grup de c\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i negre. Pentru mine
? Wegener \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? mearg\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncet, \u
c1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?r-t\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se de racheta par-cat\uc1 \u259 ?.
Mai \uc1 \u238 ?ncolo, b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i femei a\uc1 \
u351 ?tept\uc1 \u226 ?nd, f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu m\uc1 \u226 ?na, strig
\uc1 \u226 ?nd... Chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva c}{\fs24 \dbc
opii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Una dintre c\uc1 \u259
?m\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ile negre, un blond care nu clipea, cu fa\uc1 \u355 ?\
uc1 \u259 ? lat\uc1 \u259 ?, purt\uc1 \u226 ?nd insigna Waffen-S.S., p\uc1 \u259
?\uc1 \u351 ?i iute c\uc1 \u259 ?tre Wegener, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i ciocni
c\uc1 \u259 ?lc\uc1 \u226 ?-iele cizmelor lui negre, \uc1 \u238 ?nalte p\uc1 \u2
26 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la genunchi, \uc1 \u351 ?i salut\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ich bitte mich zu entsch
uldigen. Sind Sie nicht Kapit}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \
langnp1048 \langfe1024 \langfenp1024 \cf1 \uc1 \u228 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n Rudolf Wege
ner, von der Abwehr?}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5 \lang1048 \la
ngnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa
0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch
\af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20 \super1 \chft
n }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \lan
gfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af6 \loch \f6 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 V\uc1 \u259 ? rog s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? scuza\uc1
\u355 ?i. Nu sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?pitanul Rudolf Wegener, din Abwehr?
(germ.)}}}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1
och \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206
gfenp1033 \cf1 mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u, r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse Wegener. Sunt Conrad
Goltz. Repre-zint A.G. Chemikalien, produse medicale.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 D\uc1 \u259 ?du s\uc1 \u259 ? treac\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\par }\pard \plain \s17 \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Alte dou\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i negre, tot Waffen-S.S., venir\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc
1 \u259 ?tre el. Cei trei i se al\uc1 \u259 ?turar\uc1 \u259 ?, astfel \uc1 \u23
8 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t de\uc1 \u351 ?i continu\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? mearg\uc1 \
u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n propriul lui ritm \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n direc\uc1 \u3
55 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?n care dorea, era destul de strict \uc1 \u351 ?i eficace supr
avegheat. Doi dintre oamenii de la Waffen-S.S. aveau pistoale sub tunic\uc1 \u25
angfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar
1 Sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i Wegener, zise unul dintre ei c\uc1 \u226 ?nd intrar\uc1 \u2
59 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cl\uc1 \u259 ?dire. Nu spuse nim}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ic.}{\fs24 \dbch
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Avem o ma\uc1 \u351
?in\uc1 \u259 ?, continu\uc1 \u259 ? omul din Waffen-S.S. Am primit or-di-nul s\
uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpin\uc1 \u259 ?m la rachet\
uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? contact\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc
1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? ducem imediat la generalul S.S. Heydrich, care se afl\uc
1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu Sepp Dietrich din O.K.W.-ul Diviziei
Leibstandarte. \uc1 \u206 ?n special, nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? pe
rmitem s\uc1 \u259 ? fi\uc1 \u355 ?i abordat de persoane din Wehr-macht sau Part
ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Atunci n-am s\uc1 \u259 ?
fiu \uc1 \u238 ?mpu\uc1 \u351 ?cat, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spuse Wegener. Hey
drich se afl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?; \uc1 \u351 ?
i la loc sigur \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?reasc\uc1 \u259 ? pozi\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva g
uvernului Goebbels.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Poate c\uc
1 \u259 ? guvernul Goebbels va c\uc1 \u259 ?dea p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la ur
m\uc1 \u259 ?, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi c\uc1 \u226 ?nd i se deschise u\uc1 \u351 ?a
ma\uc1 \u351 ?inii S.S. care a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta, un Daimler pentru persoane. Un
deta\uc1 \u351 ?ament Waffen-S.S. este \uc1 \u238 ?nlocuit deodat\uc1 \u259 ?, \
uc1 \u238 ?n noapte; garda de la Cancelaria Reich-ului este \uc1 \u238 ?nlocuit\
uc1 \u259 ?. Sec\uc1 \u355 ?iile de poli\uc1 \u355 ?ie din Berlin vars\uc1 \u259
? deodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n strad\uc1 \u259 ? oameni \uc1 \u238 ?narma\u
c1 \u355 ?i, din S.D., \uc1 \u238 ?n toate direc\uc1 \u355 ?iile \uc1 \u8211 ? p
osturile de radio \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupte, Tempelhof \uc1 \u238 ?nchis. Bubuituri
de arme grele \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric, pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zile princip
ale.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dar ce conteaz\uc1 \u259
?? Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? Doctor Goebbels este debarcat \uc1 \u351 ?i Opera\uc1 \
u355 ?iunea P\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?dia anulat\uc1 \u259 ?? Tot vor mai exista
: c\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ile negre, Partei, sistemul, dac\uc1 \u2
59 ? nu \uc1 \u238 ?n Orient, atunci undeva \uc1 \u238 ?n alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte.
Pe Marte \uc1 \u351 ?i pe Venus.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
cf1 Nu-i de mirare c\uc1 \u259 ? domnul Tagomi n-a mai putut continua, se g\uc1
\u226 ?ndi. \uc1 \u206 ?ngrozitoarea dilem\uc1 \u259 ? a vie\uc1 \u355 ?ilor noa
stre. Orice ar fi, r\uc1 \u259 ?ul este mai puternic. Se lupt\uc1 \u259 ?, atunc
i? De ce s\uc1 \u259 ? mai alegi? Dac\uc1 \u259 ? alterna-tivele sunt la fel...}
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Evident c\uc1 \u259 ? mergem \
uc1 \u238 ?nainte, ca \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna. De la o zi la alta. \uc1 \u206 ?n
momentul actual lucr\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva Opera\uc1 \u355 ?iunii P\
uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?dia. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea, \uc1 \u238 ?n alt moment, co
ntribuim la \uc1 \u238 ?nfr\uc1 \u226 ?ngerea poli\uc1 \u355 ?iei. Dar nu putem
face totul dintr-o dat\uc1 \u259 ?; este o secven\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Un pr
oces \uc1 \u238 ?n desf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?urare. Nu pu-tem controla dec\uc1
\u226 ?t sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul, f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?nd o aleger
e la fiecare pas.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se g\uc1 \u2
26 ?ndi: nu putem dec\uc1 \u226 ?t spera. \uc1 \u350 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca.}{\fs
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ntr-o alt\uc1
\u259 ? lume, probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? este altfel. Mai bine. Sunt alter-native cl
are, bune \uc1 \u351 ?i rele. Nu amestecurile astea obscure, amalga-murile as-te
a, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nici o unealt\uc1 \u259 ? adecvat\uc1 \u259 ? cu c
are s\uc1 \u259 ? despar\uc1 \u355 ?i componentele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu avem lumea ideal\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care ne-am dori-o, \uc
1 \u238 ?n care morali-tatea este simpl\uc1 \u259 ? pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? posibil
it\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile de cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?tere sunt la \uc1 \u238 ?ndem\
uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n care se poate face binele f\uc1 \u259 ?r
\uc1 \u259 ? nici un efort pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? evidentul poate fi identificat.}
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Daimlerul porni, cu c\uc1 \u25
9 ?pitanul Wegener \uc1 \u238 ?n spate \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?te o c\uc1 \u2
59 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? neagr\uc1 \u259 ? de fiecare parte, cu mitraliere
le pe genunchi. C\uc1 \u259 ?-ma\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? neagr\uc1 \u259 ? la vo
lan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 S\uc1 \u259 ? presupunem
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de data asta este o \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?el\uc1
\u259 ?ciune, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Wegener \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce ma\uc1 \u351 ?in
a se deplasa cu mare vitez\uc1 \u259 ? prin traficul Berlinului. Nu m\uc1 \u259
? duc la generalul S.S. Heydrich la O.K.W.-ul Diviziei Leibstandarte: m\uc1 \u25
9 ? duc la o \uc1 \u238 ?nchisoare a Partei, s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? chinuie
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259
? ucid\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar eu am ales; am ales s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u2
38 ?ntorc \uc1 \u238 ?n Germania; am ales riscul de a fi capturat \uc1 \u238 ?na
inte de a putea ajunge la cei din Abwehr \uc1 \u351 ?i la ad\uc1 \u259 ?post.}{\
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Moartea \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare mo
ment, o \uc1 \u351 ?osea care ne este deschis\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n orice pu
nct. \uc1 \u350 ?i p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la urm\uc1 \u259 ? o alegem, \uc1
\u238 ?n ciuda noastr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?ine. Sau renun-\uc1 \
u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u351 ?i o urm\uc1 \u259 ?m deliberat. Se uita la casel
e din Berlin, cum treceau prin fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ferestrelor ma\uc1 \u351 ?inii. P
ropriul meu }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \l
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Volk}{\cs15 \fs24 \dbch \af2 \hich \af5 \loch \af5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \cf3 \super1 \chftn {\footnote \pard \plain \s16 \li0 \ri0
\lisb0 \lisa0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af4 \hi
ch \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\cs15 \fs20
\super1 \chftn }{\fs20 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 }{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \f4 \lang1048 \langn
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Popor (germ.)}}}{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 , }{\fs24 \
cf1 se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi; tu \uc1 \u351 ?i cu mine, \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259
? iar.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Spuse celor trei oameni
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cum me
rge? Vreo schimbare recent\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n situa\uc1 \u355 ?ia politic
\uc1 \u259 ?? Am fost plecat c\uc1 \u226 ?teva s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u226 ?ni, dinainte de moartea lui Bor-mann, de fapt.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Omul din dreapta lui r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse:}{\fs24 \dbch \
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sunt, desigur, destui
sus\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?tori isterici ai Micu\uc1 \u355 ?ului Doctor. Mul\u
c1 \u355 ?imea l-a a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat \uc1 \u238 ?n func\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Oricum, n
u prea e probabil ca atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd vor predomina elementele sobre s\uc1
\u259 ? mai vrea cineva s\uc1 \u259 ? sprijine un sl\uc1 \u259 ?b\uc1 \u259 ?no
g \uc1 \u351 ?i un demagog care se bazeaz\uc1 \u259 ? pe \uc1 \u238 ?nfl\uc1 \u2
59 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?rarea maselor cu minciunile \uc1 \u351 ?i vr\uc1 \u259 ?jelile
lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\f
033 \cf1 n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg, f\uc1 \u259 ?cu Wegener.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mer}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lan
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ge \uc1 \u238 ?nainte, se g\uc1 \u226 ?nd
i. Ura dintre fac\uc1 \u355 ?iuni. Probabil aici este miezul, \uc1 \u238 ?n asta
. Se vor m\uc1 \u226 ?nca unii pe al\uc1 \u355 ?ii p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la
urm\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ne vor l\uc1 \u259 ?sa pe noi ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i
ici \uc1 \u351 ?i colo \uc1 \u238 ?n lume, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u23
8 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? destui dintre noi c
a s\uc1 \u259 ? construim \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? sper\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u2
38 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? }{\fs24 \dbch \
af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ne
facem c\uc1 \u226 ?teva planuri simple.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
3 \cf1 La ora unu dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiaz\uc1 \u259 ?, Juliana Frink ajunse \uc1 \
u238 ?n Cheyenne, Wyoming. \uc1 \u206 ?n centrul comercial \uc1 \u351 ?i de afac
eri al ora\uc1 \u351 ?ului, peste drum de un enorm depozit feroviar, opri la o t
utungerie \uc1 \u351 ?i cump\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? dou\uc1 \u259 ? ziare de d
up\uc1 \u259 ?-amiaz\uc1 \u259 ?. St\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe marginea trotuarului, c\uc
1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ce, \uc1 \u238 ?n sf\uc1 \u22
6 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it, g\uc1 \u259 ?si articolul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loc
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 "Vacan\uc1 \u355 ?a s
e sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te cu o t\uc1 \u259 ?ietur\uc1 \u259 ?
fatal\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \la
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 C\uc1 \u259 ?utat\uc1 \u259 ? pentru a r
\uc1 \u259 ?spunde cu privire la asasina-rea so\uc1 \u355 ?ului ei \uc1 \u238 ?n
somptuosul lor apartament de la President Garner Hotel din Denver, doamna Joe C
innadella din Canon City, potrivit personalului hotelului, a plecat imediat dup\
uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fi fost apogeul \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o cear
t\uc1 \u259 ? conjugal\uc1 \u259 ?. Lamele de ras g\uc1 \u259 ?site \uc1 \u238 ?
n camer\uc1 \u259 ?, prin ironia sor\uc1 \u355 ?ii oferite de hotel oaspe\uc1 \u
355 ?ilor s\uc1 \u259 ?i, au fost dup\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?t se pare cele fo
losite de doamna Cinnadella \uc1 \u8211 ? descris\uc1 \u259 ? ca brunet\uc1 \u25
9 ?, atr\uc1 \u259 ?-g\uc1 \u259 ?toare, bine \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i sub\uc1 \u355 ?ire, \uc1 \u238 ?n jur de treizeci de ani
\uc1 \u8211 ? pentru a t\uc1 \u259 ?ia beregata so\uc1 \u355 ?ului ei, al c\uc1
\u259 ?rui corp a fost g\uc1 \u259 ?sit de Theodore Ferris, angajat al hotelului
, care luase c\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i de la Cinnadella cu numai j
um\uc1 \u259 ?tate de or\uc1 \u259 ? mai devreme \uc1 \u351 ?i le aducea \uc1 \u
238 ?napoi conform comenzii, numai pentru a da peste sinistra scen\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Apartamentul din hotel, sp
une poli\uc1 \u355 ?ia, ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta sem-ne de lupt\uc1 \u259 ?, suger\uc1 \
u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? o ceart\uc1 \u259 ? violent\uc1 \u259 ? avusese..."}{\fs2
f1 Deci a murit, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Juliana }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u2
59 ?turind ziarul. \uc1 \u350 ?i nu numai at\uc1 \u226 ?t, nu-mi cunosc numele a
dev\uc1 \u259 ?rat; nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu cine sunt sau altceva despre mine.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mult mai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in nelini\uc1
\u351 ?tit\uc1 \u259 ? acum, conduse p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ce g\uc1 \u259
?si un motel potrivit. Acolo, \uc1 \u238 ?nchine o camer\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351
?i-\uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? lucrurile din ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \
u259 ?. De acum nu mai am de ce s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? gr\uc1 \u259 ?besc,
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spuse. Pot chiar s\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tept p\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? disear\uc1 \u259 ? ca s\uc1 \u259 ? merg la Abendsen; a\uc
1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?mi voi putea purta \uc1 \u351 ?i ro-chia nou\uc1 \u259 ?.
Nu se face s\uc1 \u259 ? merg peste zi la cump\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?turi \uc
1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat\uc1 \u259 ? cu ea... doar nu por\uc1 \u355 ?i o roch
ie de sear\uc1 \u259 ? ca asta \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de cin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \db
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i pot termina \uc1 \u351 ?i
cartea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se f\uc1 \u259 ?cu com
od\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n camer\uc1 \u259 ? d\uc1 \u226 ?nd drumul la radio,
lu\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i cafea de la bufetul motelului; se urc\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u238 ?n patul \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijit \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u23
8 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?ini volu-mul curat, neumblat, din }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 L\uc1 \u259
?custa, }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe10
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 pe care-l cump\uc1 \u259 ?rase la libr\uc1 \u259 ?ria hote
lului din Denver.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 La ora \uc1
\u351 ?ase dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiaz\uc1 \u259 ?, termin\uc1 \u259 ? cartea. M\uc1 \
u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb dac\uc1 \u259 ? Joe a ajuns p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
la sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi ea. Sunt mult mai multe \u
c1 \u238 ?n ea dec\uc1 \u226 ?t a \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles el. Ce-a vrut Ab
endsen s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ?? Nimic despre pretinsa lui lume. Oi fi sin
gura care \uc1 \u351 ?tie? Pun pariu c\uc1 \u259 ? da; nimeni altcineva nu \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elege cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \a
usta, }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033
\langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n afar\uc1 \u259 ? de mine... doar \uc1 \u238 ?\u
c1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 nc\uc1 \u259 ? pu\uc1 \u355 ?in zdruncinat\uc1 \u259 ?,
o puse \uc1 \u238 ?n valiz\uc1 \u259 ?, apoi \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i lu\uc1 \u
259 ? haina \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?-r\uc1 \u259 ?si motelul \uc1 \u238 ?n c\
uc1 \u259 ?utarea unui loc unde s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?nce de s
ear\uc1 \u259 ?. Aerul mirosea bine, iar luminile \uc1 \u351 ?i reclamele din Ch
eyenne p\uc1 \u259 ?reau deosebit de incitante. \uc1 \u206 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a un
ui bar, dou\uc1 \u259 ? prostituate dr\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u355 ?e indience, cu o
chi negri, se certau... \uc1 \u206 ?ncetini s\uc1 \u259 ? priveasc\uc1 \u259 ?.
Ma\uc1 \u351 ?ini multe, unele lux-oase, rulau \uc1 \u238 ?n sus \uc1 \u351 ?i-n
jos pe strad\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntregul spectacol avea o aur\uc1 \u259 ?
de str\uc1 \u259 ?lucire \uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?teptare \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \
u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpinarea unui eveniment fericit \uc1 \u351 ?i im-por-tant ma
i degrab\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t de aniver-sare a unui eveniment din tre-cu
t... trecut, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, c\uc1 \u259 ?tre st\uc1 \u259 ?tut \uc1 \u351
?i sinistru, c\uc1 \u259 ?tre uzat \uc1 \u351 ?i lep\uc1 \u259 ?dat.}{\fs24 \dbc
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ntr-un restaurant fra
n\uc1 \u355 ?uzesc \uc1 \u8211 ? unde un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat \uc1 \u238 ?n hain\uc
1 \u259 ? alb\uc1 \u259 ? parca ma\uc1 \u351 ?inile clien\uc1 \u355 ?ilor \uc1 \
u351 ?i fiecare mas\uc1 \u259 ? avea o lum\uc1 \u226 ?nare arz\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc
1 \u238 ?ntr-o enorm\uc1 \u259 ? can\uc1 \u259 ? pentru vin, iar untul era servi
t nu \uc1 \u238 ?n buc\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ele, ci b\uc1 \u259 ?tut \uc1 \u23
8 ?n rondele palide \uc1 \u8211 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o cin\uc1 \u259 ?
care \uc1 \u238 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere, iar apoi av\uc1 \u226 ?nd
destul timp de pierdut, o lu\uc1 \u259 ? agale pe jos c\uc1 \u259 ?tre motel. B
ancnotele ger-mane aproape se duseser\uc1 \u259 ?, dar nu-i p\uc1 \u259 ?sa; nu
avea nici o importan-\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Ni se vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?te despre
propria noastr\uc1 \u259 ? lume, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi descuind u\uc1 \u351 ?a cam
erei. Aceasta, care ne \uc1 \u238 ?nconjoar\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n came-r\uc
1 \u259 ?, d\uc1 \u259 ?du iar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i drumul la radio. El vrea
s-o vedem a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum este. Iar eu fac asta \uc1 \u351 ?i chiar mai mult
, \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare moment.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1 Sco\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?nd rochia cea albastr\uc1 \u259 ?, italian\uc1 \u25
9 ?, din cutia ei, o \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse cu grij\uc1 \u259 ? pe pat. Nu p\uc1 \u2
59 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ise nimic; tot ce-i trebuia, \uc1 \u238 ?n cel mai bun caz, era
o perie deas\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtarea scamelor. Da
r c\uc1 \u226 ?nd deschise \uc1 \u351 ?i cele-lalte pachete, descoperi c\uc1 \u2
59 ? nu adusese nici unul dintre noile sutiene, jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate de cup\uc1 \
u259 ?, luate din Denver.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lang
langfenp1033 \cf1 Fir-ar s\uc1 \u259 ? fie, zise, l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u226 ?nduse s\uc1 \u259 ? cad\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un scaun. \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u35
1 ?i aprin-se o \uc1 \u355 ?igar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i st\uc1 \u259 ?tu un t
imp, fum\uc1 \u226 ?nd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Poate
era posibil s-o poarte c}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langn
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 u un sutien obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit. \uc1 \u206
?\uc1 \u351 ?i scoase blu-za \uc1 \u351 ?i fusta \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncer
c\uc1 \u259 ? rochia, dar bretelele se vedeau, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i partea de sus a
cupelor, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? nu mergea. Sau poate, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi,
a\uc1 \u351 ? putea merge f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? sutien... Erau ani de c\uc
1 \u226 ?nd nu mai \uc1 \u238 ?ncercase a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \
u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aminti de zilele de demult, din liceu, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd avea
un bust foarte mic; chiar \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse griji \uc1
\u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? privin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, atunci. Acum, \uc1
\u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, maturizarea \uc1 \u351 ?i prac-tica judo \uc1 \u238 ?i sp
oriser\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?sura la treizeci \uc1 \u351 ?i opt. Oricum, \uc1
\u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? sutien, urc\uc1 \u226 ?nduse pe un scaun \uc1 \u238 ?n baie, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? se vad\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u23
8 ?n oglinda de la dul\uc1 \u259 ?pior.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
1033 \cf1 Rochia venea uimitor de bine, dar, Doamne, era prea riscant. Tot ce av
ea de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut era s\uc1 \u259 ? se aplece s\uc1 \u259 ? sting\uc1 \u259
? o \uc1 \u355 ?igar\uc1 \u259 ? sau s\uc1 \u259 ? ia un pahar cu b\uc1 \u259 ?
utur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i, dezastru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O insign\uc1 \u259 ?! Putea s\uc1 \u259 ? poarte rochi
a f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? sutien \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? o str\uc1 \u226
?ng\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fa-\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Arunc\uc1 \u226 ?nd c
on\uc1 \u355 ?inutul cutiei cu bijuterii pe pat, \uc1 \u238 ?mpr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u351 ?tie insig-nele, relicve pe care le avea de ani de zile, date de Frank sa
u de al\uc1 \u355 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?naintea c\uc1 \u
259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?toriei lor, \uc1 \u351 ?i pe cea nou\uc1 \u259 ?, cea pe care
i-o luase Joe \uc1 \u238 ?n Denver. Da, o mic\uc1 \u259 ? insign\uc1 \u259 ? din
argint, \uc1 \u238 ?n form\uc1 \u259 ? de cal, din Mexico, va fi \uc1 \u238 ?nc
ununarea; g\uc1 \u259 ?sise ceea ce trebuia. A\uc1 \u351 ?adar, putea purta roch
ia, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
fenp1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u259 ? bucur c\uc1 \u259 ? totul merge bine acum, se g\uc1
\u226 ?ndi; prea multe mer-se-ser\uc1 \u259 ? prost; prea pu\uc1 \u355 ?in mai r
\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?sese, oricum, din minunatele p}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 la-nuri.}{\f
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pierdu mult timp cu periatul p\uc
1 \u259 ?rului, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ce deveni fo\uc1 \u351 ?nitor \uc1 \u
351 ?i str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitor \uc1 \u351 ?i nu mai avea nevoie dec\uc1 \u226 ?t
de pantofi \uc1 \u351 ?i de cercei. Apoi, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i puse haina,
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i lu\uc1 \u259 ? noua geant\uc1 \u259 ? din piele, lucra
t\uc1 \u259 ? manual \uc1 \u351 ?i ie\uc1 \u351 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u206 ?n loc de a se urca la volanul vechiului}{\fs24
\cf1 ei Studebaker, \uc1 \u238 ?l rug\uc1 \u259 ? pe proprietarul hotelului s\
uc1 \u259 ? telefoneze pentru un taxi. A\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u23
8 ?n biroul motelului, sim\uc1 \u355 ?i deodat\uc1 \u259 ? nevoia s\uc1 \u259 ?l sune pe Frank. Cum de-i venise, nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i putea da seama, dar asta era
ideea. De ce nu? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? ea. Putea s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbea
sc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cu tax\uc1 \u259 ? invers\uc1 \u259 ?; era posibil
ca el s\uc1 \u259 ? fie cople\uc1 \u351 ?it s\uc1 \u259 ? o aud\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?teasc\uc1 \u259 ? bucuros.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 St\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n dosul ghi\uc1
\u351 ?eului, \uc1 \u238 ?n birou, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i ap\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1
\u259 ? receptorul la ureche, ascult\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226
?ntare operatoarele de la interurban discu-t\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ele,
\uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fac\uc1 \u259 ? leg\uc1 \u259 ?
tura. O auzi pe operatoarea din San Fran-cisco, la mare dep\uc1 \u259 ?rtare, \u
c1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u226 ?nd la informa\uc1 \u355 ?ii num\uc1 \u259 ?rul, apoi
multe p\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?ituri \uc1 \u351 ?i pocnituri, iar \uc1 \u238 ?n
cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ? sunetul apelului propriu- zis. \uc1 \u206 ?n timp ce a
\uc1 \u351 ?tepta, se uit\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? taxi; ar trebui s\uc1 \u25
9 ? apar\uc1 \u259 ? din clip\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n clip\uc1 \u259 ?, se g\u
c1 \u226 ?ndi. Dar nu era nimic dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta; erau obi\uc1
\u351 ?nui\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lang
langfenp1033 \cf1 Num\uc1 \u259 ?rul nu r\uc1 \u259 ?spunde, \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse
\uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ? operatoarea din Cheyenne. Vom face iar\u
c1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura, mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu \uc1 \u351 ?i
...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \la
4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu,
spuse Juliana, scutur\uc1 \u226 ?nd din cap. Oricum, nu fusese de-c\uc1 \u226 ?t
un capri}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe10
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ciu. Nu mai stau. Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Puse receptorul \uc1 \u238 ?n furc\uc1 \u259 ? \
uc1 \u8211 ? proprietarul motelului st\uc1 \u259 ?tuse prin preajm\uc1 \u259 ?,
s\uc1 \u259 ? se asigure c\uc1 \u259 ? nu va fi taxat el din gre\uc1 \u351 ?eal\
uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ie\uc1 \u351 ?i repede afar\uc1 \u259 ?
din birou, pe trotuarul r\uc1 \u259 ?coros, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric,
a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u226 ?nd acolo.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
033 \cf1 Dintre ma\uc1 \u351 ?inile care circulau se desprinse un taxi nou-nou\u
c1 \u355 ?, str\uc1 \u259 ?-lucitor, care trase l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? bord
ur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i opri; u\uc1 \u351 ?a se deschise \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u351 ?oferul s\uc1 \u259 ?ri afar\uc1 \u259 ?, gr\uc1 \u259 ?bindu-se s\uc1 \u
259 ? dea roat\uc1 \u259 ? ma\uc1 \u351 ?inii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
angfenp1033 \cf1 Un moment mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, Juliana era pe drum, l\uc1 \u2
59 ?f\uc1 \u259 ?indu-se pe ban-cheta din spate a taxiului, travers\uc1 \u226 ?n
d Cheyenne c\uc1 \u259 ?tre locuin\uc1 \u355 ?a lui Abendsen.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ferestrele casei familiei Abendsen erau luminate \uc
1 \u351 ?i se auzeau mu-zic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i glasuri. Era o cas\uc1 \u2
59 ? din stuc, cu un singur nivel, cu mul\uc1 \u355 ?i arbu\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \
u351 ?i o gr\uc1 \u259 ?din\uc1 \u259 ? mare, alc\uc1 \u259 ?tuit\uc1 \u259 ? ma
i ales din trandafiri c\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?-tori. P
\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ind pe aleea de la intrare, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi: m\uc1 \
u259 ? aflu \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r aici? Aces-ta este Castelul \uc1 \
u206 ?nalt? Dar zvonurile \uc1 \u351 ?i pove\uc1 \u351 ?tile? Casa era obi\uc1 \
u351 ?nuit\uc1 \u259 ?, bine \uc1 \u238 ?ntre\uc1 \u355 ?inut\uc1 \u259 ?, iar t
erenul \uc1 \u238 ?ntins. Era chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i un c\uc1 \u259 ?rucior de copi
l pe lunga alee de ciment.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
c1 \u259 ? fie un alt Abendsen? Luase adresa din cartea de telefon din Cheyenne,
dar se potrivea cu num\uc1 \u259 ?rul de telefon la care sunase seara trecut\uc
1 \u259 ? din Greeley.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 P\uc1 \
u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pe terasa cu lucr\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n f
ier forjat \uc1 \u351 ?i ap\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? pe butonul so-ne-riei. Prin
u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?ntredeschis\uc1 \u259 ?, putea vedea \uc1 \u238 ?n s
ufragerie un num\uc1 \u259 ?r de persoane st\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n picioar
e, jaluzele la ferestre, pian, \uc1 \u351 ?emineu, corpuri de bibliotec\uc1 \u25
9 ?... Frumos mobilat, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi. O petrecere? Dar nu erau \uc1 \u238
?m-br\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u355 ?inut\uc1 \u259 ? de s
ear\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Un b\uc1 \u25
9 ?iat ciufulit, cam de treisprezece ani, \uc1 \u238 ?n tricou \uc1 \u351 ?i blu
gi, des-chise u\uc1 \u351 ?a larg.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
Ea zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
1 Este... acas\uc1 \u259 ? domnul Abendsen? Este ocupat?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
gfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Adres\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se cuiva din cas\uc1 \u259 ?, di
n spatele lui, b\uc1 \u259 ?iatul strig\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mami, vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\u
c1 \u259 ? cu tati.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
1033 \cf1 n spatele b\uc1 \u259 ?iatului, ap\uc1 \u259 ?ru o femeie cu p\uc1 \u2
59 ?r castaniu-ro\uc1 \u351 ?cat, de vreo treizeci \uc1 \u351 ?i cinci de ani, c
u ochi cenu\uc1 \u351 ?ii, p\uc1 \u259 ?trunz\uc1 \u259 ?tori, \uc1 \u351 ?i un
z\uc1 \u226 ?mbet perfect cuceritor \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncrez\uc1 \u259 ?t
or, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t Juliana \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? se afla \u
c1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a Ca-ro-linei Abendsen.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am sunat asear\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse Juli
f4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A,
da, desigur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Z\uc1 \u226 ?mbet
ul i se accentu\uc1 \u259 ?. Avea din\uc1 \u355 ?ii perfect albi, regula\uc1 \u3
55 ?i; irlande-z\uc1 \u259 ?, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? Juliana. Numai s\uc1
\u226 ?ngele irlandez putea da unei asemenea danturi at\uc1 \u226 ?ta feminitate
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da\uc1
\u355 ?i-mi mie geanta \uc1 \u351 ?i haina. A\uc1 \u355 ?i picat foarte bine; s
unt \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i-va prieteni. Ce rochie adorabil\uc1
\u259 ?... e House of Cherubini, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 O conduse pe Ju}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 liana prin sufragerie p\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un dormitor, un-de puse hainele Julianei \
uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu ale celorlal\uc1 \u355 ?i, pe pat.}{\fs24 \dbch
ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 So\uc1 \u355 ?ul meu
e \uc1 \u351 ?i el pe aici. Uita\uc1 \u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? un
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat \uc1 \u238 ?nalt, cu o-chelari, care bea un cocktail cu l\uc1
\u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Lumina
inteligent\uc1 \u259 ? din ochii ei se rev\uc1 \u259 ?rs\uc1 \u259 ? asupra Jul
ianei; buzele \uc1 \u238 ?i tremurar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? este at\uc1 \u226
?ta \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegere \uc1 \u238 ?ntre noi dou\uc1 \u259 ?, real
iz\uc1 \u259 ? Juliana. Nu-i uimitor?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut un drum lung, zise Juliana.}{\
1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \db
1 ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r. \uc1 \u206 ?l v\uc1 \u259 ?d.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Caroline Abendsen o conduse \uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1 \u23
8 ?n sufragerie, c\uc1 \u259 ?tre un grup de b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dragu}{\fs24
\cf1 l meu, strig\uc1 \u259 ?, vino pu\uc1 \u355 ?in. Ai aici o cititoare de-a
ta, care este foarte ner\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?toare s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355
?i spun\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?teva cuvinte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
langfenp1033 \cf1 Din grup se desprinse un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat, care se apropie cu
b\uc1 \u259 ?utura \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. Juliana v\uc1 \u25
9 ?zu o persoan\uc1 \u259 ? extrem de \uc1 \u238 ?nalt\uc1 \u259 ?, cu p\uc1 \u2
59 ?r negru, cre\uc1 \u355 ?; pielea \uc1 \u238 ?i era \uc1 \u351 ?i ea \uc1 \u2
38 ?nchis\uc1 \u259 ? la culoare, iar ochii \uc1 \u238 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?reau purp
urii sau c\uc1 \u259 ?prui, foarte slab colora\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nd\uc1 \
u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?tul ochelarilor. Purta un costum scump, croit \uc1 \u351 ?i c
usut de m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, din l\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, probabil sto
f\uc1 \u259 ? englezeas-c\uc1 \u259 ?; costumul \uc1 \u238 ?i accentua umerii la
rgi \uc1 \u351 ?i puternici, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u
259 ? o linie a lui. \uc1 \u206 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?a ei nu v\uc1 \u259 ?zuse un a
semenea costum; se trezi privind fascinat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Caroline zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Doamna Frink a venit cu ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina p\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? aici din Canon City, Colorado, numai pentru a vorbi cu tine
despre }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langf
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 L\uc1 \u259 ?custa.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch

p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Credeam c\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?i\uc1 \
u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o fort\uc1 \u259 ?rea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \db
1 , zise Juliana.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Aplec\uc1 \u
226 ?ndu-se s\uc1 \u259 ? o priveasc\uc1 \u259 ?, Hawthorne Abendsen z\uc1 \u226
?mbi g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi-tor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, am tr\uc1 \u259 ?it. Dar trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? urc\uc1 \
u259 ?m acolo cu un lift \uc1 \u351 ?i am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut o fobie. Eram destul
de cherchelit c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am c\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?tat fobia, dar \uc1 \
u238 ?mi a-min-tesc, \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-o spun \uc1 \u351 ?i ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i,
c\uc1 \u259 ? am refuzat s\uc1 \u259 ? stau \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare \uc1 \u238 ?n
el pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?, ziceam eu, cablul era tras \uc1 \u238 ?n sus de Isus C
ristos \uc1 \u351 ?i mer-geam la el. \uc1 \u350 ?i eram hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u2
26 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? nu stau \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ea nu \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elese.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Caroline o l\uc1 \u259 ?muri:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Hawth zice de c\uc1 \u226 ?n
d \uc1 \u238 ?l cunosc eu c\uc1 \u259 ? atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd, \uc1 \u238 ?n sf
\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it, \uc1 \u238 ?l va vedea pe Isus va sta a\uc1 \u351 ?
ezat; nu se va ridica \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Imnul, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aminti Juliana.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ?adar, a\uc
1 \u355 ?i renun\uc1 \u355 ?at la Castelul \uc1 \u206 ?nalt \uc1 \u351 ?i v-a\uc
1 \u355 ?i mutat aici, zise ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ? vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? torn ceva
de b\uc1 \u259 ?ut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n regul\uc1 \u259 ?, zise ea. Dar nu un cocktail ca al
dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lang
4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A}{\
1033 \cf1 runcase deja o privire la bufetul pe care se aflau mai multe stic-le d
e whisky, aperitive, pahare, ghea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, un mixer, vi\uc1 \u35
1 ?ine \uc1 \u351 ?i felii de l\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u226 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i portoc
al\uc1 \u259 ?. Se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre el, \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \
u355 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? de Abendsen.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Numai I.W. Harper cu ghea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, zis
e. \uc1 \u206 ?mi place. \uc1 \u350 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i o}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 racolul?}{\fs
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, r\uc1 \u
259 ?spunse Hawthorne, prepar\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i b\uc1 \u259 ?utura.}{\fs24 \dbch
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Uimit\uc1 \u259 ?, ea zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \a
033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \l
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cartea Schimb\uc1 \
u259 ?rilor?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
\cf1 N-o \uc1 \u351 ?tiu, repet\uc1 \u259 ? el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
langfenp1033 \cf1 Caroline Abendsen spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 N-o nec\uc1 \u259 ?ji.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 V-am citit cartea, spuse Julia
na. De fapt, am terminat-o \uc1 \u238 ?n du-p\uc1 \u259 ?-amiaza asta. De unde \
uc1 \u351 ?tia\uc1 \u355 ?i toate astea despre cealalt\uc1 \u259 ? lume, des-pre
care a\uc1 \u355 ?i scris?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \la
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ha
wthorne nu spuse nimic; \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i frec\uc1 \u259 ? nodurile pumn
ului de buza de sus privind prin ea, \uc1 \u238 ?ncruntat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u355 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?z
ut oracolul? zise Juliana.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Haw
thorne se uit\uc1 \u259 ? la ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? glumi\uc1 \u355 ?i sau s\uc1 \u2
59 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? juca\uc1 \u355 ?i, spuse ea. Spune\uc1 \u355 ?i-mi se-rios.}{
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mu\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?ndu\uc1 \u351 ?i buza, Hawthorne privi \uc1 \u238 ?n podea; se cuprinsese cu bra\uc
1 \u355 ?ele \uc1 \u351 ?i se leg\uc1 \u259 ?na \uc1 \u238 ?nainte \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?napoi, pe c\uc1 \u259 ?lc\uc1 \u226 ?ie. Ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i din \u
c1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere, din apropiere, t\uc1 \u259 ?cur\uc1 \u259 ?, iar J
uliana observ\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? atitudinea lor se schim-base. Acum nu ma
i erau bucuro\uc1 \u351 ?i, din cauza a ceea ce spusese ea. Dar nu \uc1 \u238 ?n
cerc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? bat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n retragere sau s-o s
chimbe; nu se pref\uc1 \u259 ?cu. Era prea important. \uc1 \u350 ?i venise de pr
ea departe \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse prea multe pentru a accepta de la el
altceva dec\uc1 \u226 ?t adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 E... o \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebare grea, zi}{\fs2
3 \cf1 se Abendsen \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu e, zise Juliana.}{\fs24 \d
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Acum, toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea din \uc1 \
u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere t\uc1 \u259 ?cuse; o priveau to\uc1 \u355 ?i pe Juliana
, st\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu Caroline \uc1 \u351 ?i Hawthorne Abendsen.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 mi pare r\u
c1 \u259 ?u, zise Abendsen, nu pot r\uc1 \u259 ?spunde pe loc. Va trebui s\uc1 \
u259 ? accep\uc1 \u355 ?i asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Atunci, de ce}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
ng1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 a\uc1 \u355 ?i scris cartea?
spuse Juliana.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lan
5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ar\uc1 \u259 ?t
\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu paharul, Abendsen zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 La ce folose\uc1 \u351 ?te insigna aia de la r
ochia dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?? Alun-g\uc1 \u259 ? spiritele periculoase ale nes
chimb\uc1 \u259 ?toarei lumi? Sau pur \uc1 \u351 ?i simplu str\uc1 \u226 ?nge ro
chia?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
ce schimba\uc1 \u355 ?i subiectul? zise Juliana. Evit\uc1 \u226 ?nd ceea ce v-a
m \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?nd asemenea observ
a\uc1 \u355 ?ii nelalocul lor? E copil\uc1 \u259 ?resc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Hawthorne Abendsen zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Fiecare are... secrete tehnice. Dumne
avoastr\uc1 \u259 ? le ave\uc1 \u355 ?i pe ale dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?; eu le a
m pe ale mele. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi citi\uc1 \u355 ?i cartea \uc1 \u351 ?i s
-o accepta\uc1 \u355 ?i ca atare, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum eu accept ceea ce v\uc1 \u2
59 ?d...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \
u259 ? iar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i cu paharul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?ntreb dac\uc1 \u259 ? pe dedesubt este masiv\uc1 \u259 ? sau f\uc1
\u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ? cu s\uc1 \u226 ?r-m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cioburi \uc
1 \u351 ?i lipici. Nu este un fel de a te \uc1 \u238 ?ncrede \uc1 \u238 ?n natur
a oa-menilor \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n ceea ce vezi \uc1 \u238 ?n general?}{\f
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 P\uc1 \u259 ?rea, se g\uc1 \u226
?ndi ea, iritat \uc1 \u351 ?i agitat, acum, \uc1 \u238 ?ncet\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1
\u259 ? mai fie po-liticos, renun\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? mai f
ie gazd\uc1 \u259 ?. Iar Caroline, observ\uc1 \u259 ? ea cu coada ochiului, avea
o expresie de exasperare \uc1 \u238 ?ncordat\uc1 \u259 ?; \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u35
1 ?i str\uc1 \u226 ?n-sese buzele \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncetase cu totul s\u
c1 \u259 ? mai z\uc1 \u226 ?mbeasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n cartea du}{\fs24 \dbch \af
6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 mnea
voastr\uc1 \u259 ?, zise Juliana, a\uc1 \u355 ?i ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat c\uc1 \u259 ?
este o ie\uc1 \u351 ?i-re. Nu asta a\uc1 \u355 ?i vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? spune\uc1
\u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10
1 "Ie\uc1 \u351 ?ire", repet\uc1 \u259 ? el ironic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5
33 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Juliana spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u355 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cut mult pentru mine; a
cum v\uc1 \u259 ?d c\uc1 \u259 ? n-am de ce s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? tem. C\u
c1 \u259 ? n-am ce s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi doresc, s\uc1 \u259 ? ur\uc1 \u259 ?sc sau s
\uc1 \u259 ? evit, sau de ce s\uc1 \u259 ? fug. Sau ce s\uc1 \u259 ? urmez.}{\fs
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 El o privi \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u
355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, juc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se cu ochelarii, studiind-o.}{\fs24 \dbch
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Sunt o mul\uc1 \u355
?ime de lucruri demne de admirat pe lumea asta, dup\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?rer
ea mea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}
np1033 \cf1 n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg ce ave\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n minte, zise Juli
5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Pentru ea, era vechea exp
resie, familiar\uc1 \u259 ?, de pe chipul b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?i-lor, dar
acum nu o enerv\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? o vad\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu se sim\uc1 \u35
5 ?i cum se sim\uc1 \u355 ?ise c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \
\langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n dosarul Gestapo se spune
a c\uc1 \u259 ? sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i atras de femei ca mi-ne.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \h
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Abendsen, cu numai o u\uc1 \u351 ?oar\uc1 \u259 ?
schimbare a expresiei, zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu mai exist\uc1 \u259 ? Gestapo din 1947.}{\fs24 \dbch \af
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Atunci S.D., sau ce-o fi
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vre\uc
1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? explica\uc1 \u355 ?i? spuse Caroline pe un ton repezit.
hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vreau,
zise Juliana. Am venit p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n Denver cu unul d
intre ei. P\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la urm\uc1 \u259 ? au s\uc1 \u259 ? se arat
e aici. Ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? merge\uc1 \u355 ?i undeva unde s\uc1 \u259 ? nu
v\uc1 \u259 ? poat\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?si, \uc1 \u238 ?n loc s\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u355 ?ine\uc1 \u355 ?i aici casa deschis\uc1 \u259 ?, l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \
u226 ?nd pe ori-cine s\uc1 \u259 ? intre cum am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u351 ?i e
u. Urm\uc1 \u259 ?torul care va veni p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? aici... Nu va ma
i fi nimeni, ca mine, s\uc1 \u259 ?-l opreasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Spune\uc1 \u355 ?i "urm\uc1 \
u259 ?torul", zise Abendsen, dup\uc1 \u259 ? o pauz\uc1 \u259 ?. Ce s-a \uc1 \u2
38 ?n-t\uc1 \u226 ?mplat cu cel cu care a\uc1 \u355 ?i venit p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n Denver? De ce nu s-a ar\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hic
h \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 tat?}{\fs2
8 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ea zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \a
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 I-am t\uc1 \u259 ?iat g\uc1 \u226
?tul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 As
ta chiar c\uc1 \u259 ? e ceva, f\uc1 \u259 ?cu Hawthorne. S\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u3
55 ?i spun\uc1 \u259 ? o fat\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva, o fat\uc1 \u259 ?
pe care n-ai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut-o \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?a ta.}{\fs24 \dbch
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? cred
e\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la

f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 El d\uc1 \u259
?du din cap:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
\cf1 Sigur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
f1 i z\uc1 \u226 ?mbi \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un fel timid, bl\uc1 \u226 ?nd, pierdut. A
parent, nici nu-i trecu-}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langn
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 se prin minte s\uc1 \u259 ? nu o cread\uc1
Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc, zise.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
3 \langfenp1033 \cf1 V\uc1 \u259 ? rog s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? ascunde\uc1 \
u355 ?i de ei, spuse ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
angfenp1033 \cf1 Ei bine, zise el, am \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat asta, dup\uc1 \u259 ?
cum \uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i. Cum a\uc1 \u355 ?i citit pe coperta c\uc1 \u259
?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii... despre toate armele \uc1 \u351 ?i gardul din s\uc1 \u226 ?r
m\uc1 \u259 ? sub tensiu-ne. \uc1 \u350 ?i am scris a\uc1 \u351 ?a ca s\uc1 \u25
9 ? par\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? ne mai lu\uc1 \u259
?m m\uc1 \u259 ?suri de precau-\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
langfenp1033 \cf1 Vocea lui avea un ton obosit, uscat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, ai putea pu
rta o arm\uc1 \u259 ?, zise so\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o zi cineva pe care-l vei invita \uc1 \u351 ?i cu care vei sta d
e vorb\uc1 \u259 ? te va \uc1 \u238 ?mpu\uc1 \u351 ?ca, vreun expert nazist, s\u
c1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?teasc\uc1 \u259 ?; iar tu vei face filoso
fie exact ca acum. Prev\uc1 \u259 ?d.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Te pot ajunge, zise Hawthorne, dac\uc1 \u259 ? vor
. Cu gard sub tensiune \uc1 \u351 ?i cu fort\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?e sau f\uc
1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 E\uc1
\u351 ?ti prea fatalist, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi Juliana. Resemnat spre propria ta d
is-trugere. \uc1 \u350 ?tii \uc1 \u351 ?i asta, la fel cum ai \uc1 \u351 ?tiut}{
p1033 \cf1 lumea din cartea ta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
f1 Juliana zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \l
033 \cf1 Oracolul \uc1 \u355 ?i-a scris cartea. Nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a?}{\fs24 \dbc
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Hawthorne spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?t
ii adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 l vreau \uc1 \u351 ?i am dreptul la el, r\uc1 \u259
?spunse ea, pentru ce-am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut. Nu este a\uc1 \u351 ?a? \uc1 \u350 ?t
ii c\uc1 \u259 ? este a\uc1 \u351 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Oracolul, spuse Abendsen, a dormit ad\uc1 \u226 ?n
c}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \lang
fenp1033 \cf1 tot timpul c\uc1 \u226 ?t am scris cartea. A dormit ad\uc1 \u226
?nc \uc1 \u238 ?n col\uc1 \u355 ?ul \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perii.}{\fs24 \dbc
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n ochii lui nu era ni
ci o veselie; din contr\uc1 \u259 ?, fa\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?
rea alungit\uc1 \u259 ?, mai \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t o
ric\uc1 \u226 ?nd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
p1033 \cf1 Spune-i, zise Caroline. Are dreptate; are dreptul, pentru ceea ce-a f
\uc1 \u259 ?cut pentru ti}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \lang
np1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ne.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ntorc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se c\uc1 \u259 ?tre Juliana
, spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
Am s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? spun eu, atunci, doamn\uc1 \u259 ? Frink. Hawth
a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut alege-rile una c\uc1 \u226 ?te una. Mii. Cu ajutorul liniilor
. Perioada istoric\uc1 \u259 ?. Subiec-tul. Personajele. Intriga. I-a luat ani.
Hawth a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ce suc-ces
va avea. I-a r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns c\uc1 \u259 ? va fi un foarte mare succes, primu
l cu a-dev\uc1 \u259 ?rat din cariera lui. A\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? ai avut
dreptate. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? folosi\uc1 \u355 ?i des-tul de mult oracolul, du
mneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?iv\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru a \uc1 \u
351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
h \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Juliana spuse:}{\fs24
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 M\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?ntreb de ce ar scrie oracolul un roman. V-a\uc1 \u355 ?i g\uc1 \u226
?ndit vreo-dat\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreba\uc1 \u355 ?i? \uc1
\u350 ?i de ce unul \uc1 \u238 ?n care nem\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u351 ?i japonezii
au pierdut r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiul? De ce aceast\uc1 \u259 ? istorie anume \uc1 \u3
51 ?i nu o alta? Ce anume nu ne poate spune el direct, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum face \
uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna? Asta trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fie altceva, nu crede\uc1 \u35
5 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nici Hawthor}{\fs24 \dbc
ne, nici Caroline nu spuser\uc1 \u259 ? nimic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \lo
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 El \uc1 \u351 ?i cu mine, zise Hawthorne

\uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, am ajuns de mult timp la o \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?elegere \uc1 \u238 ?n leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu drepturile
de autor. Dac\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb de ce a scris }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \a
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 L\u
c1 \u259 ?custa, }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 m\uc1 \u259 ? trezesc c\uc1 \u259 ?-i trec lui \uc
1 \u351 ?i partea mea. \uc1 \u206 ?n-trebarea presupune c\uc1 \u259 ? eu nu am f
\uc1 \u259 ?cut dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? bat la ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259
?, ceea ce nu-i nici adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat, nici decent.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Am s\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?n
treb, zise Caroline. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? tu nu vrei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \l
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu-i \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebarea ta, spuse Ha
wthorne. Las-o pe ea s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebe. \uc1 \u206 ?i spuse Julia
nei:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ave
\uc1 \u355 ?i o minte... nenatural\uc1 \u259 ?. Sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i con\uc1 \u351
?tient\uc1 \u259 ? de asta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \l
uliana \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Unde v\uc1 \u259 ? este exemplarul? Al meu e \uc1
\u238 ?n ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?, la motel. Am s\uc1 \u259 ?-l iau pe acela
, dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? l\uc1 \u259 ?sa\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
folosesc pe al dumneavoas-tr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ntorc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se, Hawthorne se \uc1 \u238
?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?. Ea \uc1 \u351 ?i Caroline \uc1 \u238 ?l ur-mar
\uc1 \u259 ? prin camera plin\uc1 \u259 ? de lume, c\uc1 \u259 ?tre o u\uc1 \u35
1 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nchis\uc1 \u259 ?. La u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, el
le p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?si. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd reap\uc1 \u259 ?ru, v\uc1 \u259
?zur\uc1 \u259 ? to\uc1 \u355 ?i perechea de volume \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?n
velitori negre.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la

33 \cf1 Eu nu folosesc be\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?oare de coada-\uc1 \u351 ?oric
elului, \uc1 \u238 ?i zise el Julia-nei. Nu le pot prinde \uc1 \u351 ?pilul; le
scap mereu din m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f
enp1033 \cf1 Juliana se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? la o m\uc1 \u259 ?su\uc1 \u3
55 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pentru cafea, dintr-un col\uc1 \u355 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? am h\uc1
\u226 ?rtie pe care s\uc1 \u259 ? scriu \uc1 \u351 ?i un creion.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Unul dintre invita\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i
aduse h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie \uc1 \u351 ?i creion. Lumea din \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u25
9 ?-pere veni s\uc1 \u259 ? formeze un cerc \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul ei \uc1 \u351 ?i
al so\uc1 \u355 ?ilor Abendsen, ascult\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i privind.}{\f
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Po\uc1 \u35
5 ?i pune \uc1 \u238 ?n}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 trebarea cu voce tare, zise Hawthorne. Aici
nu a-vem nici un secret.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langn
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Julia
na zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
Oracol, de ce ai scris }{\i1 \fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \l
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 L\uc1 \u259 ?custa abia se t\uc1 \u226
?r\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?te? }{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? afl\uc1 \u
259 ?m?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
Ave\uc1 \u355 ?i un fel deconcertant de supersti\uc1 \u355 ?ios de a pune \uc1 \
u238 ?ntreba-rea, spuse Hawthorne.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1

\cf1 Dar se l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? pe vine ca s\uc1 \u259 ? se uite la arunc
area monedelor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
33 \cf1 Haide\uc1 \u355 ?i, zise el; \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du trei monede c
hineze\uc1 \u351 ?ti din alam\uc1 \u259 ?, cu gaur\uc1 \u259 ? la mijloc. \uc1 \
u206 ?n general, pe astea le folosesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
033 \cf1 Ea \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? arunce monedele; se sim\uc1 \u355 ?e
a lini\uc1 \u351 ?tit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i iar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i foa
rte bine. Hawthorne \uc1 \u238 ?i scria liniile. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce aruncase mon
edele de \uc1 \u351 ?ase ori, se uit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i zise:}{\fs24 \dbc
och \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Soarele deasupra. T
ui jos. Gol \uc1 \u238 ?n centru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang10
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i ce hexagram\uc1 \u259 ? es
te? zise ea. F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? folosi\uc1 \u355 ?i tabelu
l?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \lan
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da, s
puse Hawthorne.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
33 \cf1 Este Chung Fu, zise Juliana. Adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul l\uc1 \u259 ?untric. \u
c1 \u350 ?i eu o \uc1 \u351 ?tiu, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? folos
esc tabelul. \uc1 \u350 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?tiu \uc1 \u351 ?i ce \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\u
loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \db
1 n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i capul, Hawthorne o cer
cet\uc1 \u259 ? din priviri. Avea acum o expresie aproape s\uc1 \u259 ?lbatic\uc

och \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206
gfenp1033 \cf1 nseamn\uc1 \u259 ?, deci, c\uc1 \u259 ? romanul meu este adev\uc1
\u259 ?rat?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
\cf1 Da, spuse ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cuprins de
furie, el zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
33 \cf1 Germania \uc1 \u351 ?i Japonia au pierdut r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiul?}{\fs24 \d
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Da.}{\fs24 \dbch
p1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Atunci, Hawthorne \uc1 \u238 ?nchise cele d
ou\uc1 \u259 ? volume \uc1 \u351 ?i se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n pi-cioare
; nu spuse nimic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \
1033 \cf1 Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu o recunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u355 ?i, zise Ju
liana.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 El st\uc1 \u259 ?tu un
timp pe g\uc1 \u226 ?nduri. Privirea i se golise, v\uc1 \u259 ?zu Juliana. \uc1
\u206 ?n-tors c\uc1 \u259 ?tre sine, realiz\uc1 \u259 ? ea. Preocupat, de el \uc
1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i... iar apoi privirea i se limpezi iar; morm\uc1 \u259
?i, tres\uc1 \u259 ?ri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Nu sunt sigur de nimic, spuse.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loc
gnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Crede\uc1 \u355 ?i, zise Juliana.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Scutur\uc1 \u259 ? din cap \uc1 \u238
?n semn c\uc1 \u259 ? nu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \lan
\langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu pute\uc1 \u355 ?i? zise ea. Sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i sigur?}{\fs
48 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Hawthorne Abendsen zise:}{\fs24 \d
\loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Vre\uc1 \u355 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? dau un autograf}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 pe un exemplar din }{\i
enp1033 \cf1 L\uc1 \u259 ?custa?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
f1 Se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ea \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare.}{\fs24 \dbch \a
\f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? am s
\uc1 \u259 ? plec, zise ea. V\uc1 \u259 ? mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc frumos. \uc1 \u20
6 ?mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u c\uc1 \u259 ? v-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupt seara. A\uc1 \
u355 ?i fost dr\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? m-a\uc1 \u355 ?i primit
lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Trec\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe l\uc1
\u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? Caroline, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu loc pr
in cercul celor care \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nconjurau \uc1 \u351 ?i trecu \uc
1 \u238 ?n dormitor, unde \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i avea haina \uc1 \u351 ?i gea
nta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \l
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n tim
p ce se \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?ca, Hawthorne ap\uc1 \u259 ?ru \uc1 \u238 ?n
spatele ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe
cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i ce sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \
e1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse c\uc1 \u259 ?tre Caroline, care
st\uc1 \u259 ?tea al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \
1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Fata asta este un demon. Un spiridu\uc1 \u35
1 ?, care...}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langf
f1 \uc1 \u351 ?i ridic\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?na \uc1 \u351 ?i se frec\uc1 \u2
59 ? la spr\uc1 \u226 ?ncean\uc1 \u259 ?, aproape d\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i
jos ochelarii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
33 \cf1 Care b\uc1 \u226 ?ntuie neobosit pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?a p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \
u226 ?ntului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \lang
\loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \
cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? ochelarii la loc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af
f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Face ce-i dicteaz\uc1 \u
259 ? instinctul, pur \uc1 \u351 ?i simplu exprim\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se pe sine. Nu
a inten\uc1 \u355 ?ionat s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncoace \uc1 \
u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? vreun r\uc1 \u259 ?u; pur \uc1 \u351 ?i si
m-plu i s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat, exact cum nou\uc1 \u259 ? ni se \uc
1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? vremea. M\uc1 \u259 ? bucur c\uc1 \u259 ?
a venit. Nu-mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u s\uc1 \u259 ? descop\uc1 \u259 ?r asta, reve
la\uc1 \u355 ?ia pe care o are ea prin carte. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tia ce avea s\uc1 \
u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? aici sau s\uc1 \u259 ? afle. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? suntem cu
to\uc1 \u355 ?ii noroco\uc1 \u351 ?i. A\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259
? nu fim sup\uc1 \u259 ?ra\uc1 \u355 ?i de asta; okay?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich
fe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Caroline spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5

48 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Este teribil, teribil de diversionist\uc1 \u25
f6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\u
c1 \u351 ?a este \uc1 \u351 ?i realitatea, zise Hawthorne.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hi
angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lan
g1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 i \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse m\uc1 \u22
6 ?na Julianei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \la
f5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1
\langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u355 ?i mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc pentru ce ai f\uc1 \u259
?cut \uc1 \u238 ?n Denver, zise.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang103
033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i str\uc1 \u226 ?nser\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226
?inile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe103
Noapte bun\uc1 \u259 ?, zise ea. Face\uc1 \u355 ?i cum spune so\uc1 \u355 ?ia d
umneavoas-tr\uc1 \u259 ?. Purta\uc1 \u355 ?i o arm\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n buz
unar, m\uc1 \u259 ?car.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Nu, zise el. Am decis asta cu mult timp \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u
259 ?. Nu am s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi bat capul. M\uc1 \u259 ? pot sprijini pe oracol c\
uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?nd, dac\uc1 \u259 ? sunt pe mu-chie, no
aptea t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, mai ales. Nu-i r\uc1 \u259 ?u, \uc1 \u238 ?n asemenea s
i-tua\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp103
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Z}{\fs24
\cf1 \uc1 \u226 ?mbi pu\uc1 \u355 ?in.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 De fapt, singurul lucru care m\uc1 \u259 ? mai s\
uc1 \u226 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?ie este s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tim c\uc1 \u259 ? pa-r
azi\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tia, care stau pe-aici ascult\uc1 \u22
6 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se \uc1 \u238 ?n toate, \uc1 \
u238 ?mi beau tot coniacul din cas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce noi vorbim.
ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ntorc\uc1
\u226 ?ndu-se, se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? agale, \uc1 \u238 ?napoi c\uc1
\u259 ?tre bufet, s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i pun\uc1 \u259 ? ghea\uc1 \u355 ?\
uc1 \u259 ? proasp\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n b\uc1 \u259 ?utur\uc1
h \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?
enp1033 \cf1 ncotro o lua\uc1 \u355 ?i acum, c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u355 ?i termin
at aici? zise Caroline.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
\cf1 Problema nu o fr\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nta. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? sem\uc
1 \u259 ?n pu\uc1 \u355 ?in cu el, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi; n-am s\uc1 \u259 ? las s
\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? preocupe anumite lucruri, indiferent c\uc1 \u226 ?t d
e impor-tante sunt.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033
np1033 \cf1 Poa}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 te am s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc
la so\uc1 \u355 ?ul meu, Frank. Am \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat s\uc1 \u259 ?-l sun, \uc1
\u238 ?n seara asta; poate am s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc iar. V\uc1 \u259
?d eu cum simt mai t\uc1 \u226 ?r-ziu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \l
033 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 n ciuda celor f\uc1 \u259 ?cute de no
i sau a celor pe care zice\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? le-a\uc1 \u355 ?i f\uc1 \u
259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe10

1 A\uc1 \u355 ?i vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? nu fi venit niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238
?n casa asta, z}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \la
ngfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ise Juliana.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5
8 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? i-a\uc1 \u355 ?i salvat via\uc1
\u355 ?a lui Hawthorne, este \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitor pentru mine, dar sunt prea s
up\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ?; nu pot \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elege totul, ce a
\uc1 \u355 ?i spus dum-neavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ce a spus Hawthorne.}
ich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce ciuda
t, zise Juliana. Nu m-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? c\
uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? supere adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul.}{\fs24 \db
ngnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi
. \uc1 \u206 ?ngrozitor ca \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i moartea. Dar
mai greu de aflat. Sunt norocoas\uc1 \u259 ?. M\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeam c
\uc1 \u259 ? ve\uc1 \u355 ?i fi la fel de mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \
u351 ?i de excitat\uc1 \u259 ? ca \uc1 \u351 ?i mine. Este o ne\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u355 ?elegere, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a?}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \la
33 \cf1 Z\uc1 \u226 ?mbi, iar dup\uc1 \u259 ? o pauz\uc1 \u259 ?, doamna Abendse
n reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u226 ?mbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i e
\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ei, n
oapte bun\uc1 \u259 ?, oricum.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033
Un moment mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, Juliana ref\uc1 \u259 ?cea drumul \uc1 \u238 ?
n jos, pe dalele de piatr\uc1 \u259 ? ale aleii, prin peticele de lumin\uc1 \u25
9 ? de la sufragerie \uc1 \u351 ?i apoi prin umbrele din spatele casei, pe trotu
arul cufundat \uc1 \u238 ?n noapte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang
1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \s17 \fi567 \li0 \
bch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \
cf1 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \la
ngfenp1033 \cf1 Mergea f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? priveasc\uc1 \u2
59 ? \uc1 \u238 ?napoi la casa Abendsen \uc1 \u351 ?i, mer-g\uc1 \u226 ?nd, se u
ita \uc1 \u238 ?n susul \uc1 \u351 ?i-n josul str\uc1 \u259 ?zii dup\uc1 \u259 ?
un taxi sau o ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n mi\uc1 \u351 ?care \u
c1 \u351 ?i str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitoare \uc1 \u351 ?i plin\uc1 \u259 ? de via\uc1 \
u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, care s\uc1 \u259 ? o duc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?napoi la sf
\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it.}{\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \l
angnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \ri0 \li
cf1 -------------------------}{\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \
langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }}

Philip K - Omul Din Castelul Inalt

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Philip K - Omul Din Castelul Inalt

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ch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af4 \hich

ch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ? putea

f4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24 \dbch \af6 \hich \af5

\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ?ezat pe pat, c

\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Domnul Tagomi \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse do

lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0 \r

5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \plain \fi567 \li0

1 \u351 ?ti nebuni... reac\uc1 \u355 ?ioneaz\uc1 \u259 ? la granit, la praf, la

6 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 l b\

f4 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Nu

1 n \uc1 \u238 ?nchisese American Artistic Hand-crafts Inc. De obicei, trecea st

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? pl\uc1 \u259 ?teasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nainte. Un depozit de cinci-spre-z

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loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 ft, zise:}{\fs24 \

ang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i Japonia este \u

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pert\uc1 \u259 ?, Abendsen. Eu nu-l condamn. El scrie literatur\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc

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cial\uc1 \u259 ? trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? trimit\uc1 \u259 ? un personaj sus-pus, s

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\hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ce te

f4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24

?\uc1 \u259 ? o expresie artificial\uc1 \u259 ? de pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere. Trebuie

048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Mare defect al caracterului meu, revelat de a

ch \af4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\

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f5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \uc1 \u8212 ? }{\fs

un general japonez s\uc1 \u259 ? se fi deplasat \uc1 \u238 ?ncoace, in-cognito.

\langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 obuze-lor. Foamea. De \uc1 \u351 ?as

\langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 erea lite-ra-turii, chiar a literaturii ieftine,

f4 \hich \af4 \loch \af4 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 {\fs24

\langfenp1033 \cf1 Oferta era bogat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i diversificat\uc1 \

59 ?. Childan r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse. Clientul solicit\uc1 \u226 ?nd un ba-lan-soar

5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Ghinion, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1

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ch \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \par }\pard \p

modern \uc1 \u351 ?i simplu mobilat. Pe pere-te, o singur\uc1 \u259 ?, superb\u

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af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Tu ce ai face

angfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 Dumnezeule! Suntem barbari \uc1 \u238 ?n compara\uc

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uri o lam\uc1 \u259 ?, nefolosit\uc1 \u259 ?, unsuroas\uc1 \u259 ?, negru-alb\uc

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fisele de un sfert de dolar \uc1 \u351 ?i operatoarea sun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \

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lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1033 \langfenp1033 \cf1 l lu\uc1 \u259 ? iar\uc1 \u2

mai deprimant as-pect al ei. Lumea cadavrelor, a putrezirii, a distruge-rii. A