Arbor Vitae SX Meagher

8/17/2019 Arbor Vitae SX Meagher

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Vlvolw

Effy Nrebeg os uhkdggdhcy cdvlcy, beppy eh` kdhtlht wotb blr coil, futwblh sbl ioh`s blrslci e wo`dw aust e wllj flidrl blr 0=tb fortbèy, tbl

slkurl wdrc` tbet sbl tbdunbt wes plrgehlht os su``lhcy dh vlry sbejy

nrduh`. [trunncohn td wdrj tbrdunb blr nroli, sbl ecweys puts blr kboc`rlh‟s

hll`s iorst, clevohn cottcl togl idr blrslci.

Iovl ylers cetlr blr yduhnlst kboc` clevls idr kdcclnl eh` Effy `lko`ls td

jokj stert e hlw clesl dh coil fy rlturhohn td tbl ètohn sklhl, es wlcc es

trehsidrgohn tbl fekjyer` di blr bdgl ohtd eh desos di fleuty eh`

trehquocoty.

[bl borls Kcehky D‟Kdhhdr, e bonb-sporotl` yduhn ceh`skepl erkbotlkt wbd

os tryohn td fuoc` e fusohlss. Kcehky `lvlcdps e slrodus krusb dh tbl

fleutoiuc wo`dw flidrl tblor iorst glltohn os iohosbl`. Ot's e rlkopl idr

blertekbl: lvlh tbdunb Effy sllgs rlgerjefcy kdgidrtefcl wotb Kcehky‟s

clsfoehosg, Kcehky os uhefcl td ogenohl tbet Effy wduc` fl woccohn td tejl

tbl clep novlh tbl òiilrlhkls oh tblor enl, kcess, wlectb eh` coilstycls.

Es Effy rlvlecs gdrl di blrslci td Kcehky ùrohn tblor gehy bdurs di

kdhsuctetodh, tbl kdhhlktodh fltwllh tblg flnohs td sperj. Eitlr eh lvlhohn

di sgecc ohtogekols eh` sberl` rlegs, tbl wdglh keh hd cdhnlr ionbt tblor

gutuec `lsorl. Ectbdunb Effy bes blr `dufts efdut tbl iuturl, sbl eh`

Kcehky lgferj dh e tdrro` cdvl eiieor… fut ecc tdd sddh e tbrlet `lvlcdps

tbet kduc` `lstrdy tbl tlhtetovl fdh` tbet bdc`s tblg tdnltblr.



;

Erfdr Yotel

fy [R Glenblr

KBE]PLV DHL

Dhl wdr` kegl td goh` wblh Kcehky D‟Kdhhdr puccl` blr trukj up td tble``rlss sbl‟` fllh slerkbohn idr.

^dw.

Hdt hdrgeccy dhl et e cdss idr wdr`s, tbl yduhn wdgeh be` kdgl updh epcekl wbokb sllgl` td bevl tbet liilkt dh blr. [bl kblkjl` blr kcopfderèneoh. _lp. Pbos os tbl pcekl. [bl bdppl` dut di tbl pokj-up, ùstl` dii blrsprukl-nrllh kdttdh sbort, eh` sgddtbl` dut sdgl di tbl wrohjcls oh blrjbejo kernd sbdrts.

Geyfl O sbduc` bevl ndhl bdgl td kbehnl iorst. ]cekohn blr beh`s dh blrbops, sbl irdwhl`. ^bet‟s up wotb gl4 [ohkl wblh `d O kerl bdw wrohjcl` Oeg4 O‟g hdt blrl td ogprlss tbos wdgeh wotb gy kcdtbls. Kestohn e quokjncehkl `dwh, sbl hdtokl` tbet sbl be` kbdslh slètl nrey sdkjs wbokb hdwplljl` dut di tbl tdps di blr erj frdwh, ehjcl-clhntb, wdrj fddts. Kduc` flwdrsl.

Clehohn dvlr sd sbl kduc` sll blr rliclktodh oh tbl cernl so`l-volw gorrdr, sblflht irdg tbl weost eh` trol` td rlgdvl sdgl di tbl wbotl ùst tbet be`slttcl` oh blr beor. ]rdfefcy sbduc`h‟t splh` tbl gdrhohn et tbl querrywblh O‟g glltohn e hlw kcolht. Lsplkoeccy dhl tbet covls oh e pcekl cojl tbos![bl nevl blrslci e stlrh cddj idr novohn oh td hlnetovl tbdunbts. O‟g ndhheogprlss tbos kcolht wotb gy vosodh ‛ hdt gy ogenl. ^blh sbl be` blrslcicddjohn es prlslhtefcl es sbl kduc` gehenl, sbl kblkjl` blr pdkjlt wetkbwbokb kdhvlholhtcy buhn irdg e steohclss stllc kerefohlr dh blr wo`l cletblrflct. Vonbt dh togl. O gey fl òrty, fut O‟g puhktuec.

Blr blert wes fletohn e cottcl quokjcy, eh` sbl wopl` blr sconbtcy ègpbeh`s dh blr sbdrts flidrl tejohn oh e kecgohn frletb, tblh rohnohn tbl

fuzzlr dh tbl netl. [bl rdkjl` fekj eh` idrtb dh blr bllcs, tryohn td fcll`dii sdgl di blr hlrvdus lhlrny, eh` augpl` hdtoklefcy wblh tbl netl respl`bersbcy eh` stertl` td dplh. Ekt cojl ydu‟vl fllh td e hokl bdusl flidrl!

^blh sbl wecjl` tbrdunb tbl pl`lstroeh netl, Kcehky stdd` stdkj-stocc idr egdglht, lhrepturl` fy tbl genhoioklht bdgl. Ot wes blr ievdrotl stycl, eheutblhtok Kreitsgeh. Kce` oh wletblr-èrjlhl` frdwh sbohncls, ots lxpdsl`reitlr lh`s eh` jhll frekls uh`lr tbl cdhn, cdw levls nevl tbl bdgl e



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òstohktovl eh` òstohnuosbl` cddj. E frde`, `llp pdrkb reh tbl wo`tb di tblbdusl, tbl dvlrbehnohn rddi suppdrtl` fy gessovl, rovlr-rdkj kdcughs. Pblrovlr-rdkj ecsd kdvlrl` tbl kboghly eh` iduhètodh, lstbltokeccy tyohn tblcernl, regfcohn bdgl tdnltblr.

[bl jhlw tbl bdgldwhlr wduc` fl weotohn, sd sbl stdppl` sterohn eh`stertl` wecjohn. Blr fddts kruhkbl` dvlr tbl clevls cottlrohn tbl gekeèg,eh` tbl prdiusodh di icdwlrs eh` sbrufs kecgl` blr e cottcl fy dkkupyohn blrtbdunbts es sbl wecjl` up tbl cdhn, kurvohn rovl. Pbos os tbl cest pcekl tbethll`s e ceh`skepl erkbotlkt. Geyfl tbos osh‟t tbl ronbt e``rlss. [bl wes sdglsglrozl` fy tbl nrlet verolty eh` tbl uhoqulhlss di tbl pcehts tbet`dttl` tbl prdplrty, sbl hlercy kdcco`l` wotb tbl wdgeh stehòhn dh tbl tdpstlp di tbl pdrkb. Kcehky stugfcl` fekjwer`s, blr iddt gossl` tbl fdttdgstlp, eh` sbl wes ùgpl` uhklrlgdhoduscy dhtd blr slet.

–Erl ydu ecc ronbt4‗ Pbl wdgeh‟s wdrrol` nezl slerkbl` Kcehky irdg ble` td

tdl, tblh e peor di strdhn, surl beh`s rlekbl` idr blr eh` sco` dwh irdg blrsbduc`lrs td conbtcy nresp blr lcfdws.

Fotohn fekj e kursl et blr kcugsohlss, Kcehky hd``l` eh` trol` td nlt td blrillt, fut tbl strdhn beh`s blc` blr ronbt wblrl sbl wes. –Erl ydu surl ydu‟rlecc ronbt4 _du sbduc`h‟t gdvl uhtoc ydu‟rl klrteoh.‗

Blr blert wes stocc rekohn irdg e`rlhecohl, eh` Kcehky kdhskoduscy trol` tdkecg blrslci. –O‟g iohl. Kcugsy eh` òstrektl`, fut iohl.‗

Pbl beh`s clit blr ergs, eh` tbl wdgeh stdd`, rlvlecohn blr ogprlssovl

steturl. [bl cddjl` et clest lonbt illt tecc, fut Kcehky rlecozl` tbet blrplrsplktovl wes sjlwl` fy blr stocc sottohn dh blr ess. Dhkl tbl ceh`skeplrwes stehòhn, tblor blonbts wlrl sonhoiokehtcy lquecozl`, eh` Kcehky rlecozl`tbet blr prdsplktovl kcolht wes dhcy e kdupcl di ohkbls tecclr tbeh sbl.

–Efoneoc Nrebeg,‗ tbl kcolht seo` oh e sgddtb, kdhio`lht vdokl. –Pbet iorststlp os e `ddzy.‗

–Kcehky D‟Kdhhdr,‗ tbl yduhnlr wdgeh ehswlrl`, sbejohn Efoneoc‟s beh`. –Owosb ot wlrl tbl stlps. Ot‟s tbl stlpplr. O wes cddjohn et ydur icdwlrs ehìdrndt wblrl O wes. ^bd `dls ydur ceh`skepohn4‗

–Db, O usl e hokl yduhn geh ‛ Vliunod Cdplz.‗

Kcehky‟s lylfrdw sbdt up. –O jhdw Vliunod, eh` bl os e hokl nuy, fut bl‟s e‒gdw, fcdw eh` nd‟ nuy. Pbos wes `dhl fy eh ertost.‗

Efoneoc sbrunnl`, cddjohn kbergohncy gd`lst. –Db, O tbdunbt ydu wehtl` tdjhdw wbd kut tbl nress. O, ubg … O suppdsl tbet O ò` tbl `lsonh.‗



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–_du o` tbos4‗ Kcehky turhl` eh` lxtlh`l` blr beh`s, pdohtohn et tbl cusbner`lh. –Eh` ydu‟rl keccohn gl idr blcp wotb ydur ceh`skepl4‗

ôtb e ceunb tbet wes hlercy gusokec, Efoneoc ohkcohl` blr ble` eh` esjl`,

–@d ydu rleccy cojl ot4‗

–O cdvl ot! Ot‟s ndt lvlrytbohn tbet gdst ceh`skepl `lsonhs cekj!‗

–[ukb es4‗ tbl dc`lr wdgeh esjl`, hdt sd suftcy flnnohn idr e kdgpcoglht.

êrgohn lvlh gdrl td blr sufalkt, Kcehky tddj e ilw stlps eh` ndt `dwh dhblr jhlls. [bl cdvohncy kerlssl` e fdr`lr di plrlhhoec sbrufs, ehhuecicdwlrs, eh` e ilw fucfs ‛ ecc kcustlrl` tdnltblr. –Aust oh tbos dhl cottcl petkb ydu‟vl ndt idur slesdhs di kdcdr, sox òiilrlht sbe`ls di nrllh, eh` iovlblonbts. Pblrl‟s lhdunb vosuec ohtlrlst oh aust tbos petkb td ettrekt eh` bdc`

gy ettlhtodh idr e ndd` tlh gohutls! Eh` tbos os aust e tohy, tohy pert di tblfdr`lr.‗ [bl ndt up eh` nezl` et Efoneoc wotb e wo`l sgocl. –_du‟vl ndt e rlecteclht blrl, eh` O‟g flohn kdgpcltlcy bdhlst wblh O wdh`lr wbet ydu kduc`pdssofcy hll` gl idr.‗

Efoneoc flegl` e sgocl tbet cot up blr wbdcl iekl, bonbconbtohn glrrocyèhkohn lyls. –_du bevl hd o`le bdw gukb O hll`l` tbet cottcl fddst tdèy. Pbehj ydu.‗

Kcehky kdkjl` blr ble` eh` tddj e cdhn cddj et tbl wdgeh, hdtohn tbet sblwes quotl ettrektovl. Fut curjohn ronbt flboh` tbl fronbt lyls eh` wo`l

sgocl, Kcehky sew e pecc di se`hlss. [bl wes surprosl` wblh sbl ilct eh urnltd fddst tbl wdgeh's sporots. –O d sukj up td kcolhts,‗ sbl rlvlecl`, blr vdokl`rdppohn td e kdhsporetdroec wbosplr, –fut oh tbos kesl, O `dh‟t bevl td.‗

[tocc nrohhohn, Efoneoc seo`, –O‟g ndhhe tejl tbet dh ieotb eh` flcolvl lvlrywdr`. Kdgl dh ohso`l eh` wl keh tecj.‗

Effy dplhl` tbl ddr, eh` tbl yduhnlr wdgeh cl` tbl wey, turhohn td nd tdtbl jotkblh wblh Efoneoc òrlktl` blr td. Es tbl ceh`skeplr wecjl` oh irdhtdi blr, Effy sbddj blr ble` eh` seo` td blrslci, [bl os fy ier tbl kutlst cottclclsfoeh tbet O tbohj O‟vl lvlr sllh! [bl clt blr lyls weh`lr irdg tbl sbdrt,

pcetohug-fcdh`l beor wotb ots èrj rddts sbdwohn, e stycl sbl‟` rlklhtcyhdtokl` dh tbl ieteccy bop ^lstso`l, `dwh td tbl nrllh seiero sbort wotb tblscllvls rdccl` up td lxpdsl tehhl`, guskucer ergs. [bl tddj oh tbl sbdrts,wblrl e peor di prdilssodhec quecoty sbllrs eh` e icudrlsklht pohj teplglesurl buhn irdg cletblr bdc`lrs dh e wo`l flct. Efoneoc wes surl tbl yduhn wdgeh wes gdrl tbeh pdpucer oh tbl clsfoeh sdkoec sklhl oh tbl [ehNefrolc Yeccly.



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–O wes surprosl` ydu ò`h‟t pucc ohtd tbl `rovl,‗ Efoneoc kdgglhtl`.

Kcehky tddj e ilw gdrl stlps, `lfetohn wotb blrslci. Prutb4 Eb, wby hdt4[bl‟s ecrle`y sllh ydu iecc dh ydur ess. –O‟g hdt usl` td wdrjohn dh bdglstbos hokl,‗ sbl e`gottl`, e sconbtcy sbllposb cddj dh blr iekl. –O‟vl hlvlr lvlh

fllh td e bdgl wotb e netl` lhtrehkl, eh` O ò`h‟t jhdw wbet O wessuppdsl` td `d.‗

Efoneoc cddjl` et tbl yduhn wdgeh eneoh, kbergl` fy blr òsergohnbdhlsty. –O tbohj tbl netl os e cottcl dstlhtetodus td tlcc ydu tbl trutb. Fut ot`dls jllp `ddr-td-`ddr seclspldpcl irdg wejohn gl up dh e [eturèygdrhohn.‗ Pbly rlekbl` tbl jotkblh, eh` sbl seo`, "Plcc gl ecc efdut ydurslci. O‟` cdvl td bler efdut ydur fekjnrduh`.‗

–Pblrl‟s hdt gukb td tlcc,‗ Kcehky seo`, tejohn e stddc et tbl frlejiest fer.–O‟vl be` gy coklhsl idr twd ylers, eh` O‟vl fllh fusy tbl wbdcl togl, fut

gdst di gy adfs bevl fllh ieorcy sgecc.‗ [bl hd``l` wblh Efoneoc prdùklè potkblr di clgdhe`l eh` wetkbl` tbl dc`lr wdgeh gdvl nrekliuccy erduh`tbl jotkblh. –Bdhlstcy, O‟g surprosl` tbet ydu iduh` gl. ^blrl ò` ydu nltgy hugflr4‗

Efoneoc sgocl` eh` slt e irdsty ncess oh irdht di blr. –Irdg tbl Ney eh`Clsfoeh _lccdw ]enls.‗

[bl‟s ney4 Hd wey!

Efoneoc kdhtohul`, –O gejl ot e rucl td suppdrt wdglh prdilssodhecs oi O keh.‗

Blr hdsl wrohjcl` oh e nroh es sbl e``l`, –_du wlrl tbl dhcy ceh`skeplerkbotlkt oh tbl fddj. Fy tbl wey, O cdvl` tbl cottcl reohfdw kdcdrl` trll oh ydur e`. Pbet‟s e vlry kutl tdukb.‗

–Pbehjs. O `dh‟t usl ot oh ecc di gy e`s, sohkl gdst streonbt pldpcl wduc`h‟tuh`lrsteh` tbl kdhhlktodh. Pbet‟s gy splkoec ney pldpcl e`.‗

–^lcc, ot rleccy keunbt gy lyl.‗ Efoneoc wohjl` eh` e``l`, –Fut eneoh, yduwlrl tbl dhcy erkbotlkt.‗

Kcehky ferjl` dut e ceunb eh` seo`, –Pbet‟s trul, fut tblrl'rl slvlrec

ceh`skeplrs eh` ner`lh `lsonhlrs costl`. @o` ydu kdhso`lr tblg4‗

–Hd. O wehtl` eh erkbotlkt. Pbl adf O weht td bevl `dhl os kdgpclx. Pblplrsdh O borl bes td bevl tbl prdplr treohohn eh` krl`lhtoecs.‗

Kcehky cddjl` et tbl wdgeh kerliuccy, clttohn blr goh` slttcl erduh` tblohidrgetodh sbl wes clerhohn efdut Efoneoc. Pbl tecc, tboh wdgeh cddjl` ioteh` blectby, eh` Kcehky nulssl` tbet sbl pertokopetl` oh sdgl rlnucer idrg



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di lxlrkosl. Blr beor wes sbdrt, eh` kdcdrl` oh eh ettrektovl sect eh` plpplr,wotb plpplr stocc wohhohn tbl wer. Eh uhcohl`, tehhl` iekl, wotb e strdhn aeweh` llp-slt fcul lyls ge`l idr e tlrroiokeccy ettrektovl pekjenl, eh` Kcehkyilct blr blertflet pokj up eneoh es sbl wdh`lrl` oi tbl wdgeh wesperthlrl`. @lkoòhn td nd idr frdjl, sbl trol` td esj tbl qulstodh wotbdut

flohn tdd dfvodus. –[d, `d ydu covl ecdhl4‗ sbl esjl`, hlercy fotohn blrtdhnul es tbl wdr`s tugfcl` dut. _du‟rl hdt oh e fer, ydu oòdt! O tbdunbt ydu wlrl ndhhe fl suftcl4 ^by `dh‟t ydu aust esj blr wbet blr sonh os eh`fl `dhl wotb ot4

Ehdtblr icesb di peoh wesbl` ekrdss Efoneoc‟s iekl, eh` Kcehky glhteccyjokjl` blrslci dhkl eneoh. Pbl strdhn kboh toctl` `dwh, eh` Efoneoc‟s lylssterl` fcehjcy tdwer`s tbl icddr idr aust e gdglht. –_ls, O suppdsl O `d covlecdhl,‗ sbl seo` quoltcy. [bl sbddj blr ble` frolicy, eh` Kcehky wesstuhhl` td sll e ilw tlers sco`l `dwh blr kbllj. Efoneoc wopl` et tblgehnrocy, guttlrohn, –O‟g sdrry. O‟vl be` e vlry tdunb wlljlh`.‗ [bl cddjl`

ohtd Kcehky‟s nrey lyls eh` sew hdtbohn fut werg kdhklrh eh` iduh`blrslci eccdwohn sdgl di blr burt td spocc idrtb. –_lstlrèy wes gy fortbèy,eh` O'` fllh iehtesozohn tbet gy èunbtlr wduc` kdgl bdgl eh` surproslgl.‗ [bl sbddj blr ble` eh` guttlrl`. –[occy.‗

–^blrl `dls sbl covl4‗ Kcehky esjl` nlhtcy.

–Pbl pddr tbohn os e irlsbgeh et \K [ehte Kruz. [bl bes iohecs sddh, eh` Owduc`‟vl fllh upslt wotb blr oi sbl‟` splht tbl wbdcl wlljlh` trevlcohn`dwh blrl.‗ Novohn Kcehky e sconbtcy lgferressl` ncehkl, sbl seo`, –O sltgyslci eh` gy èunbtlr up oh e hd-woh sotuetodh. [bl wehtl` td kdgl

bdgl, fut O tdc` blr hdt td. [bl rleccy prlssl` gl, fut O blc` iorg. Fut tblhO jlpt ogenohohn tbet sbl‟` kdgl ehywey.‗ [bl fot blr cop td try td jllp blrlgdtodhs uh`lr kdhtrdc. –O‟vl hlvlr fllh ecdhl dh gy fortbèy. Ot wes …gukb ber`lr tbeh O tbdunbt ot'` fl.‗

Kcehky sperl` e quokj cddj et Efoneoc‟s rohn iohnlr. Pbl clit beh` wes ferl di e`drhglht, eh` tbl ceh`skeplr tlhtetovlcy esjl`, –Erl ydu … sohncl4‗

ôtb e se` sgocl, Efoneoc hd``l`. –Gy busfeh` òl` iovl ylers end … tboswllj. Lvlry yler O‟vl idkusl` dh tbl iekt tbet ot wocc fl lesolr tbl hlxt yler. Otbdunbt tbet O‟` fl irll di tbl nroli fy hdw.‗ [bl sbddj blr ble` sconbtcy eh`

seo`, –O‟g hdt.‗

–^lrl ydu tdnltblr cdhn4‗ Kcehky esjl`, idrkohn blrslci td nlt dvlr blr goc`òseppdohtglht tbet tbl wdgeh dfvoduscy wesh‟t e clsfoeh.

–Pwlhty ylers. ^l be` twlhty wdh`lriuc ylers tdnltblr, eh` O bevl twdwdh`lriuc kboc`rlh wbd kdhstehtcy rlgoh` gl di tbl cdvl wl sberl`.‗ [blcddjl` ewey eneoh eh` wbosplrl` bderslcy, –[dgltogls ecc di tbet aust osh‟t



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lhdunb.‗

–O keh‟t ogenohl,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Ot gust fl wdh`lriuc td bevl cdvl` sdgldhlsd gukb ‐ fut sd ber` td nd dh ecdhl.‗

–Ot os,‗ Efoneoc enrll`. –O wduc`h‟t tre`l tbl ylers wl be` tdnltblr idrehytbohn dh lertb, fut tbl `lvestetodh os gukb nrletlr tbeh O kduc`'vlogenohl`.‗ [bl sonbl` `llpcy eh` clehl` dvlr td wopl blr lyls wotb blrbeh`s. blh blr fd`y sboitl`, Kcehky sew e sogpcl ndc` feh` dh e tboh ndc`kbeoh iecc irdg blr ylccdw eh` fcul proht fcdusl. Efoneoc tukjl` ot fekj oheh` pestl` dh e weh sgocl. –_du prdfefcy tbohj tbet O‟g uhstefcl, fut Oswler ydu‟rl tbl iorst kdgpcltl strehnlr O‟vl lvlr uhfur`lhl` gyslci td. Pblrl‟s sdgltbohn efdut ydu tbet gejls gl feffcl ewey. @d ydu bevl tbosliilkt dh lvlrydhl4‗

Kcehky sbrunnl` eh` rlturhl` tbl sgocl. –O cojl tecjohn td pldpcl. Ecweys

bevl. O usl` td splh` gy wlljlh`s oh gy gdg‟s icdrec sbdp, kbettohn eweywotb tbl kustdglrs.‗

–Eb, os tbet wblrl ydu `lvlcdpl` ydur cdvl di icdwlrs4‗

–_leb. O suppdsl sd. Cottcl ò` O jhdw tbet ecc di tbdsl wlljlh`s wduc` peydii sdgl èy.‗

–O‟` fl beppy td sot oh tbl jotkblh eh` nef ecc èy,‗ Efoneoc seo`, –fut O‟g surl ydu bevl dtblr eppdohtglhts. [becc wl tejl e cddj et tbl prdalkt O‟gtbohjohn di4‗

–[url. O fcdkjl` dut tbrll bdurs, sd wl‟rl `dohn iohl dh togl.‗

Efoneoc sbdt blr e werg nroh eh` seo`, –_du gust cojl td tecj oi ydu fcdkj ydur togl sd nlhlrduscy.‗

–^lcc, tbl iorst glltohn os tbl gdst ogpdrteht dhl, sd O cojl td splh` es gukbtogl es pdssofcl td nlt td jhdw fdtb tbl prdalkt eh` tbl kcolht. Oi ydu cojl gl,eh` wl keh rlekb eh enrllglht dh tbl prdalkt, tbet‟s beci tbl fettcl.‗

–^l‟rl beciwey tblrl ecrle`y,‗ Efoneoc seo`, eh` Kcehky nrohhl` wotb nlhuohl

pclesurl et tbl tbdunbt tbet tbos cdvlcy wdgeh ecrle`y cojl` blr.

***

^blh Efoneoc dplhl` tbl `dufcl Irlhkb `ddrs oh tbl rler di tbl jotkblh, epeor di `dns rekl` ohtd tbl rddg cojl twoh fdcts di conbthohn. Onhdrohn tblordwhlr, tbly ge`l tblor wey td Kcehky, teocs wennohn sd quokjcy tbly wlrlglrl fcurs. Kcehky ogglòetlcy sehj td tbl icddr, lxkceogohn oh `lconbt,



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–^bet `d wl bevl blrl4‗

–Pblsl,‗ Efoneoc seo`, –erl tbl rlsuct di e sunnlstodh gy nroli kduhslcdrge`l. [bl tbdunbt tbet frohnohn sdgl hlw coil ohtd tbl bdusl wduc` blcp usnlt tbrdunb sdgl di tbl rdunb petkbls. ^l pokjl` tblg up tbrll ylers end

‐ ecsd tbos wllj,‗ sbl e``l`. –Gy kduhslcdr tbdunbt ot wduc` novl us e fddsttd nlt tbrdunb tbl ehhovlrsery di gy busfeh`‟s `letb.‗ [plejohn oh ehlxkotl` vdokl, sbl seo`, –^l‟vl ndt td bevl e klclfretodh, norcs!‗

Et tbl sduh` di blr vdokl, tbl `dns stertl` augpohn, tblh spohhohn erduh` ohtonbt korkcls. Fdtb wdglh ceunbl` et tblor lxuflrehkl, eh` wblh tbl pupsbler` Kcehky‟s ceunb, tbly slt updh blr wotb e vlhnlehkl.

–^bet joh` di `dns erl tbly4‗ Kcehky esjl`, nonncohn es blr iekl wes cokjlòh e ge` irlhzy.

–Pbly‟rl ]drtunulsl etlr @dns,‗ Efoneoc seo`. –O keh gejl tblg stdp oi ydugoh`.‗

–Hdt e fot. O cdvl dns.‗ [bl cddjl` et tbl peor eh` sew sdgl venul sogoceroty,eh` wdh`lrl` ecdu`, –Erl tbly rlcetl`4‗

–Pbly‟rl irdg tbl segl cottlr,‗ Efoneoc seo`. –Ertlgos blrl os e fcekj eh`wbotl perto-kdcdr wotb e wevy kdet, eh` Etblhe os e fcekj eh` wbotl wotb ekurcy kdet.‗

–Kutl hegls,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Erl ydu tbl nd``lss di tbl Egezdhs, puppy4‗

[bl tokjcl` Ertlgos uh`lr tbl kboh eh` ceunbl` wblh Etblhe pusbl` blrwey pest blr sostlr td nlt sdgl splkoec ettlhtodh.

–Gy èunbtlr be` e froli ieskohetodh wotb gytbdcdny,‗ Effy seo`. –O put gyiddt dwh et Epbrdòtl idr tbos dhl.‗ [bl ohòketl` tbl kurcolr dn. –O jhlw otwduc` lvdcvl ohtd e hokjhegl, eh` tblrl wes hd wey O wes ndohn td kecc tblpddr tbohn Epbrd. Flso`ls, O tbohj Etblhe suots blr flttlr.‗

–Pbly‟rl e`drefcl,‗ Kcehky seo`, sputtlrohn es Etblhe nevl blr e wlt cokjronbt dh tbl cops. –Irolh`cy, tdd!‗

–_ls,‗ Efoneoc seo`, kbukjcohn sditcy. –Pbly‟rl ]drtunulsl dns, fut tbly cdvltd Irlhkb joss.‗

–O‟vl fllh dut wotb wdglh wbd wlrlh‟t es sjoccl`,‗ Kcehky seo`, nlttohn td blrillt wotb sdgl òiiokucty. [bl bler` tbl wdr`s kdgl dut di blr gdutb eh`vosofcy krohnl`. "[drry," sbl gugfcl`. "Pbet wes …"

–Hdhslhsl," Effy seo`. "O essugl` ydu wlrl ney wblh O keccl` ydu, Kcehky.



5=

Ot klrteohcy `dlsh't fdtblr gl td bevl ydu rlilr td flohn wotb wdglh." [blsew tbl `dns flnoh td nlt tdd regfuhktodus, eh` sbl seo` oh e iorg vdokl,"Norcs … clevl Kcehky ecdhl idr e gdglht. @dwh!‗ Fdtb `dns nevl blr equokj cddj td esklrteoh blr sohklroty, eh` wblh tbly sew sbl glehtfusohlss, tbly set `dwh ronbt et Kcehky‟s illt, weotohn idr plrgossodh td

hoffcl dh blr eneoh.

"Djey," Kcehky seo`, cddjohn sconbtcy uhkdgidrtefcl. Pd sboit ettlhtodh eweyirdg blrslci sbl flht td novl lekb `dn e pet dh tbl ble`. "^lcc-gehhlrl``dns."

–_du bevl td bevl e iorg beh` wotb ]drtols, dr tbly‟cc ruh tbl bdusl. Db … Obdpl ydu `dh‟t goh` oi O kecc ydu Kcehky,‗ sbl e``l`. –O ò`h‟t lvlh tbohj tdesj.‗

–Di kdursl hdt. @d ydu cojl td fl keccl` Efoneoc4‗

–Ektueccy, wby `dh‟t ydu kecc gl Effy4 Ecc di gy irolh`s `d.‗

–Djey, Effy. Clt‟s tejl e cddj et tbos prdalkt.‗

***

Pbly wecjl` dutso`l, eh` Effy pdohtl` td e stllpcy rosohn scdpl eh` tbl dc`,ie`l`, stdkje`l ilhkl ruhhohn ecdhn tbl prdplrty cohl. –O weht td bevl tbetilhkl tejlh `dwh eh` put up e stukkd wecc.‗

–Djey, tbet‟s hdt tdd fon e adf,‗ tbl erkbotlkt seo`. –O‟cc aust kcogf up eh` tejle cddj.‗ Pbl bocc wes sd stllp tbet Kcehky be` td bdc` dh td e ilw stur`y trllstd nlt td tbl tdp, eh` sbl wecjl` ecdhn tbl prdplrty cohl idr e ilw gohutls,nlttohn e illc idr tbl spekl.

^blh sbl kegl fekj `dwh, Effy cddjl` up et tbl ilhkl eh` seo` wostiuccy,–O‟` cdvl td fl efcl td put up e hokl, sbdrt wdd`lh ilhkl, aust tecc lhdunb tdjllp tbl `dns oh. Fut e yduhn iegocy bes gdvl` oh up tblrl, eh` tblor jo`ssteh` et tbl ilhkl eh` rovl tbl `dns efsdcutlcy ge`. Ot o`h‟t fdtblr gl tddgukb et iorst, sohkl tbly bler tblg ferjohn gdrl tbeh O d, fut O sew e cottclbeh` stokjohn tbrdunb e nep oh tbl ilhkl tbl dtblr èy, illòhn tbl `dns

Nd`-jhdws-wbet, eh` O `lko`l` O be` td `d sdgltbohn.‗

–Bevl ydu tecjl` td tbl perlhts4‗

–Hd,‗ Effy seo`, sbejohn blr ble`. –O weht td bevl ndd` rlcetodhs wotb tblg ‐ sd O‟` retblr aust lcogohetl tbl prdfclg.‗

Pbly splht e sdco` bdur òskussohn wbet Effy tbdunbt sbl hll`l`, eh`



55

Kcehky tddj hdtls tbl lhtorl togl, skroffcohn `rewohns eh` sbdrt slhtlhklsoh e cernl, rufflr-kdvlrl` hdtlpe`. Kcehky sew Effy‟s kurodus ncehkl eh`pettl` tbl èy-ncd drehnl fddj. –O wdrj oh tbl reoh e cdt. Pbos jllpslvlrytbohn hokl eh` `ry.‗

–Cddjohn et tbl wey ydu `rlss, eh` tbl tddcs ydu kerry, gejls gl bevlkdhio`lhkl oh ydu,‗ Effy seo`.

Nrohhohn frde`cy, Kcehky seo`, –O tejl gy wdrj vlry slroduscy, Effy. Obevlh‟t be` ehy fon kdggossodhs ylt, fut O wocc. O trlet lekb prdalkt cojl ot‟sgy dwh bdusl ‐ O kerl.‗

–O keh sll tbet,‗ tbl dc`lr wdgeh seo`, hdtohn tbl sohklroty oh Kcehky‟suhicohkbohn nezl.

Pbl erkbotlkt splht tbl hlxt beci-bdur tejohn kerliuc glesurlglhts wotb

Effy lvlhtueccy diilrohn td blcp fy tejohn hdtls idr blr. ^blh sbl wesiohosbl`, Kcehky ustl` blrslci dii eh` seo`, –O‟cc wdrj up e pceh eh` nlt fekjtd ydu fy tbl lh` di hlxt wllj. @dls tbet sduh` ndd`4‗

–]lrilkt.‗

Pbl bdgldwhlr stertl` td wecj blr dut, eh` wblh tbly ndt td tbl irdhtpdrkb, Kcehky stdd` eh` sterl` dut et tbl ceh`skepl, tryohn td tejl ot ecc oh.–Oi O covl` blrl, O‟` hlvlr nlt e tbohn `dhl. O‟` sot ronbt dh dhl di tblslkdgiy-cddjohn kbeors eh` clt tbl wdrc` rdcc fy wbocl O wetkbl` gy icdwlrsnrdw.‗

–_du jhdw,‗ Effy seo`, –tbet‟s lxektcy wbet O ò` dh gy fortbèy. O set blrlgdst di tbl èy, rliclktohn eh` clttohn tbl pcehts rlgoh` gl di tbl kykcokecheturl di covohn tbohns."

"@dh't ydu bevl ehy dtblr iegocy, Effy4 Ehy irolh`s ydu kduc` bevl splhttbl èy wotb4"

Effy sgocl` et tbl wdgeh, tdukbl` fy blr kdhklrh. "Db, surl, O bevl e cdt diirolh`s. Eh` O kduc` bevl splht tbl wbdcl èy wotb tblg. O o` enrll td bevlòhhlr wotb slvlrec di gy fu`òls, fut O wehtl` sdgl togl ecdhl."

"Pd tbohj4"

"Lxektcy," sbl seo`. "O ò`h‟t usl td fl sd ohtrdsplktovl, fut sohkl gybusfeh` ol`, O splh` gdrl togl tbeh O prdfefcy sbduc` tbohjohn efdut coil… eh` `letb.‗

Novohn tbl wdgeh e sgocl, Kcehky iduh` blrslci seyohn, –Ot's ndd` td splh`



56

togl tbohjohn efdut coil 'keusl wl bevl e cdt di pdwlr td gejl dur covlsflttlr. Fut dh't splh` tdd gukb togl tbohjohn efdut letb. Ot'cc tejl kerl diotslci."

Cddjohn et tbl yduhn wdgeh idr e ilw gdglhts, Effy kdkjl` blr ble` eh`

esjl`, –Bdw erl wl `dohn dh togl4‗

Pejohn e pllj et blr pdkjlt wetkb, Kcehky seo`, –O‟vl ndt dvlr eh bdur uhtocgy hlxt eppdohtglht. ^by4‗

–Bdw efdut adohohn gl idr cuhkb4 ^l kduc` sot dut blrl eh` lhady tblpcehts.‗

–Cuhkb4 Vleccy4‗

–_leb. O‟` cdvl td splh` sdgl togl wotb sdgldhl wbd epprlkoetls tbl wdrj

O‟vl `dhl blrl. Gdst pldpcl aust cddj et ot eh` sey, ‒Hokl cewh.‟‗

–_du‟rl dh,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O kduc` lesocy splh` eh bdur tecjohn efdut tbliefucdus `roit di `lcpbohougs ydu bevl dh tbl cottcl rosl dvlr fy tbetfleutoiuc iokus.‗ [bl herrdwl` blr lyls eh` seo`, –_du krletl` tbet rosl,ò`h‟t ydu4 Hokl tdukb. O cdvl td kdhtdur e icet lxpehsl di cewh. Ot gejls eccdi tbl òiilrlhkl oh tbl wdrc`.‗

–_du‟rl gy johè wdgeh,‗ Effy seo`. Blr iekl cot up oh e sgocl tbet lresl`tlh ylers. –Bevl e slet wbocl O nd gejl up e iruot eh` kbllsl pcettlr.‗ [blpeusl` eh` esjl`, –_du `d let kbllsl, `dh‟t ydu4‗

–Ehy joh`, ehy togl,‗ Kcehky seo`, slttcohn `dwh td tejl oh tbl slttohn.

***

Pbl bdur pessl` ier tdd sddh, eh` Kcehky stdd` eh` frusbl` sdgl krugfsirdg blr sbort. –Pbet wes dhl di tbl hoklst cuhkb bdurs O‟vl be` sohkl Ostertl` wdrjohn. O hdrgeccy stdp idr e tekd dr e begfurnlr ‐ oi O bevl togl tdstdp et ecc.‗

–Kecc gl tbl hlxt togl ydu‟rl oh tbl hlonbfdrbdd`,‗ Effy seo`. –O‟` cdvl tbl

kdgpehy.‗

Ceunbohn, Kcehky seo`, –O‟g hdt oh tbl hlonbfdrbdd` vlry ditlh, fut O‟` nce`cynd dut di gy wey td `d tbos eneoh.‗

Effy stdd` eh` stertl` td wecj Kcehky td blr trukj, fdtb `dns trdttohn ecdhnkdgpehodhefcy es tbly wecjl` dwh tbl cdhn `rovl. –Hdw, hlxt togl, pucc uptd tbl netl eh` novl e bdhj. O‟vl ndt e kcdsl` korkuot keglre sd O keh sll wbd‟s



5;

weotohn.‗ Es tbly epprdekbl` tbl trukj, tbl dc`lr wdgeh kbukjcl` sconbtcyeh` seo`, –O tbohj O‟cc fl efcl td rlkdnhozl ydu. _du‟rl tbl dhcy plrsdh O jhdwwotb e skrlegohn ylccdw trukj.‗

–[bl‟s gy fefy.‗ ]cekohn blr beh` cdvohncy dh tbl tdp reoc di tbl fl`, Kcehky

seo`, –Gy iorst fon purkbesl.‗

–Ot‟s cdvlcy,‗ Effy seo`, tejohn pclesurl irdg tbl dfvodus pro`l tbet Kcehkylxbofotl`. [bl hdtl` tbl hlet kursovl clttlrohn dh tbl ddr tbet rle`, –KcehkyD‟Kdhhdr Ceh`skepl Erkbotlkt‗, eh` costl` e pbdhl hugflr eh` wlfsotle``rlss. [bl ilct e froli stef di cdhnohn td fl yduhn eh` aust stertohn dut cojltbos yduhn wdgeh wes, fut sbl frusbl` tbl illcohns eso`l eh` lxtlh`l` blrbeh`. –Ot wes e pclesurl td gllt ydu, Kcehky. O cddj idrwer` td wdrjohntdnltblr.‗

O nulss O ndt tbl adf, tbl yduhnlr wdgeh gervlcl`. \hclss O skrlw up tbl

`rewohns dr tbl qudtl! Pbl prlssurl os dh!

***

Kcehky wes sottohn et blr `reitohn tefcl, kblwohn dh tbl lh` di e `rewohnplhkoc, nrepb peplr stukj td lvlry bdrozdhtec suriekl. Blr rddggetl,Gokbelc, kegl up flboh` blr eh` pcekl` e beh` dh blr sbduc`lr, gejohnblr augp slvlrec ohkbls. –[bot! O betl ot wblh ydu skerl gl cojl tbet!‗

–O swler tbet O `dh‟t try td shlej up dh ydu,‗ tbl geh prdtlstl`. –_du austkdhklhtretl sd ber` tbet ydu `dh‟t bler gl kdgl oh.‗

–^bet erl ydu `dohn bdgl tbos lercy ehywey4‗ sbl esjl` efslhtcy, blrettlhtodh ecrle`y spcot fltwllh bog eh` blr `rewohns.

–Ot‟s 215<,‗ bl seo`. –Pbet‟s hdt lercy.‗

[bl nreffl` blr wetkb eh` toctl` ot sd sbl kduc` sll tbl iekl. –_du‟rlsbottohn gl!‗

–Hdpl. ^bet erl ydu wdrjohn dh, ehywey4 _du‟vl fllh tol` td tbet kbeorlvlry honbt tbos wllj.‗

–O‟g dohn tbl pcehs idr tbet wdgeh tbet covls dh tbl Errdyd,‗ sbl gugfcl`,e cottcl lgferressl` td bevl splht es gukb togl dh tbl pcehs es sbl be`.

–_du‟rl wdrjohn ber` lhdunb td rl-ceh`skepl tbl Vdsl Fdwc,‗ bl seo`.–^bet‟s up wotb tbos adf4‗

[bl sonbl`, eh` ruffl` blr wlery lyls wotb tbl fekj di e beh`. –Pbos os tbl



50

fonnlst adf O‟vl lvlr be`, Gokbelc. Pbos wdgeh‟s dfvoduscy wlectby, eh` O fltsbl‟s ndt e cdt di kdhhlktodhs. Pblrl erl e cdt di pldpcl dut tblrl wbd'`prdfefcy cdvl td borl gl oi tbly jhlw efdut gl. O aust bevlh‟t be` e wey tdnlt e tdlbdc` wotb tbl gdvlrs eh` sbejlrs. Pbos wdgeh gonbt blcp gl nlttblrl.‗

–O bdpl ot wdrjs idr ydu, fefy,‗ bl seo`, ruiicohn bos beh` tbrdunb blr sbdrtbeor.

–Pbehjs,‗ sbl seo`, pcekohn blr beh` etdp bos eh` novohn ot e pet. –O jhdw ydu‟rl gy fonnlst ieh.‗

–Os tbos gdvlr eh` sbejlr … eveocefcl4‗ Gokbelc esjl`.

–_ls … johè … eh` sbl‟s aust gy typl.‗

–Db, Cdr`, `dh‟t tlcc gl,‗ bl seo`, rdccohn bos lyls. –@dls sbl bevl ecc di blrdwh tlltb4‗

[bl sceppl` et bog pceyiuccy. –O `dh‟t cojl tblg dc`! [bl‟s geturl,‗ sblshoiil`.

–[bl‟s dc`,‗ bl `lko`l`. –Kdgl dh … bdw dc` os sbl4‗

–O‟g hdt surl, fut sbl‟s ndt e eunbtlr oh kdcclnl.‗ [bl sbrunnl` et Gokbelc‟sreosl` lylfrdw eh` seo`, –O jhdw ydu tbohj ot‟s e hlurdsos, fut O bepplh tdprlilr wdglh wbd‟vl sllh tbl wdrc` eh` jhdw wbet tbly weht irdg ot.‗

–_du,‗ bl tlesl`, twlejohn blr hdsl, –prlilr wdglh wbd‟vl sllh tbl [lkdh`^drc` êr. Fut O stocc cdvl ydu.‗

–O cdvl ydu tdd, Gokbelc. Eh` O tbohj Effy gonbt bevl sllh tbl Yolt Heg wer,fut tbet‟s es ier es O‟cc nd. [bl gonbt fl, db … tborty -hohl dr idrty. O‟g surlsbl‟s yduhnlr tbeh gy perlhts.‗

–Db, tbet‟s rlessurohn,‗ bl seo`, ceunbohn. –Hdw tejl ydur hdsl dut di tbdsl`rewohns eh` adoh gl idr e quokj òhhlr.‗

[bl ruffl` blr lgpty stdgekb eh` seo`, –O ò`h‟t bevl cuhkb tdèy. Ndd`tbohn O‟vl ndt e ilw sperl pduh`s td kerry gl dvlr.‗

Bl cddjl` et blr krotokeccy. –_du‟vl ndt e ilw sperl guskcls, fut dtblr tbehtbet, ydu keh‟t eiidr` td cdsl eh duhkl.‗ Bl stertl` td wecj ohtd tbl jotkblh,tblh stdppl` td sey, "_du seo` sbl wes johè eveocefcl. ^bet's tbet gleh4"

"[bl prdfefcy tbohjs sbl's streonbt," Kcehky seo`, wrohjcohn up blr hdsl.



5<

"Fut sbl's e wo`dw sd sbl's kclercy eveocefcl."

"Db, Nd`," bl gdehl`. "^by dh't ydu gejl tbohns tdunb, Kcehkl4 Purhohneh dc` wo`dw ohtd e clsfoeh wbd's bdt idr ydu os aust tdd lesy!"

***

Kcehky set et tbl korkucer jotkblh tefcl, hlrvduscy sgddtbohn dut blr pcehs.[bl be` tbl rewohns iekohn blrslci, hdt ylt rle`y td sberl tblg wotb Effy.Kclerohn blr tbrdet, sbl flneh. –O‟vl `rewh e ilw `oiilrlht o`les, eh` O‟vlwrottlh up eh lstogetl idr lekb di tblg. Vle`y td tejl e cddj4‗

–O eg,‗ Effy seo`, blr lxkotlglht dfvodus. –Clt‟s sll wbet ydu‟vl ndt.‗

Kcehky turhl` tbl iorst `rewohn erduh` eh` sbdwl` Effy tbl wecc aust estbl bdgldwhlr be` lhvosodhl` ot. –Blrl‟s tbl stukkd wecc,‗ sbl seo`.

–Hdtbohn iehky, fut vlry iuhktodhec.‗

–Pbos cddjs aust iohl,‗ Effy seo`. –O keh pceht sdgl kcogfohn pcehts, eh` oh eilw ylers, ot wdh‟t cddj sd sterj. ^bet‟s tbl lstogetl4‗

–O kduc` `d tbos idr erduh` $5>,<== ‛ peohtl`, di kdursl.‗

Veosohn eh lylfrdw, Effy peusl` idr e gdglht, tblh hd``l`. –Djey, wbetlcsl `d ydu bevl4‗

–Lvlh tbdunb ydu seo` ydu wehtl` e pceoh wecc, O tbdunbt e fon lxpehsl di

wbotl stukkd kduc` cddj ewiuccy bersb. [d O e``l` tbos hokl klregok tocl kep.Lvlry tlh illt, O put oh e woh`dw di idur ncess fcdkjs,‗ sbl hdtl`. –Pbet weytbl jo`s eh` tbl `dns keh sll lekb dtblr, fut hdt tdukb lekb dtblr. Otbdunbt ot wduc` cddj flst td bevl tbl segl klregok tocls es tbl kep frekjlttbl ncess fcdkjs, aust td iohosb ot dii.‗

Effy wes sterohn et tbl `lsonh, stu`yohn ot ohtlhtcy. –^lcc, iorst dii, clt glkdgpcoglht ydu dh tbl `rewohn. Ot‟s sd coilcojl, O kduc` flcolvl ot wes epbdtdnrepb.‗

Kcehky sbrunnl` eh` seo`, –O cojl td `rew. O kdhso`lrl` ert skbddc, fut dhl

`ey O rlecozl` tbet tbl dhcy tbohns O lvlr rlw wlrl trlls eh` pcehts. Flohn eceh`skepl erkbotlkt eccdws gl td glrnl ecc di gy ohtlrlsts.‗ [bl nevl Effyeh lh`lerohn nroh eh` seo`, –^lcc, hdt ecc di tblg ‐ fut gdst di tblg.‗

Effy sbddj blr ble` tbohjohn, O keh‟t flcolvl bdw kutl sbl os. O weht tdpohkb tbet e`drefcl cottcl kbllj!

Kcehky kclerl` blr tbrdet eh` teppl` blr plhkoc dh tbl `rewohn. –^bet `d



59

ydu tbohj di tbl `lsonh4‗

–Ohsporl`,‗ Effy seo`. –Pbl lteocs ydu‟vl e``l` prlvlht ot irdg cddjohn cojl efon gdhdcotb.‗

–Pbet‟s tbl o`le,‗ Kcehky seo`, blr lxkotlglht nrdwohn. –_du bevl e cdt diprdplrty blrl, eh` tbos cernl e stukkd wecc kduc` cddj e cottcl idrtrlss-cojl.‗

Effy sbu``lrl`. –Pbet‟s tbl cest tbohn O weht. Bdw gukb wduc` tbos kdst4‗

–ôtb ecc di tbl `lteocs, tbos wduc` ruh ydu efdut $6=,=== oi ydu `dh‟t ndkrezy dh tbl tocls.‗ [bl blc` blr frletb, bdpohn tbet tbl prokl wesh‟t gdrltbeh Effy wes woccohn td splh`.

–Erl ydu quotl surl di tbet, Kcehky4‗ tbl dc`lr wdgeh esjl`, nezohn ohtd tblerkbotlkt‟s lyls wotb e kurodus cddj dh blr iekl.

Db, sbot! Db, sbot! O‟vl ecrle`y ndt ot perl` `dwh td tbl pdoht wblrl O‟cc flcukjy td frlej lvlh! –\bg … yleb, O‟g prltty surl … fut O kduc` cddj et oteneoh eh` sll oi O keh nlt tbl prokl `dwh …‗

Effy blc` up e beh` td stdp blr. –Lotblr ydu‟rl slroduscy uh`lrfo`òhn, drtbl dtblr erkbotlkt O kdhsuctl` wes vlry dvlrprokl`. Bl nevl gl e qudtl di$6<,=== ‐ eh` tbet wes idr pceoh stukkd ‐ uhpeohtl`,‗ sbl e``l`.

Kcehky‟s iekl icusbl`, eh` sbl ilct blrslci slerkbohn idr wdr`s. –O … O …‗

–Kcehky,‗ Effy seo`, blr vdokl cdw eh` quolt, –bdw gukb prdiot o` ydu iektdrohtd ydur qudtl4‗

^by d O ohsost dh tlccohn tbos wdgeh tbl trutb4 –O wesh‟t ndhhe gejl gukbdh tbl adf,‗ sbl e`gottl`. Cddjohn ohtd Effy‟s lyls, sbl tdc` blr lvlrytbohn.–Gejohn e prdiot osh‟t tbl gdst ogpdrteht tbohn td gl dh tbos adf. @dohn sukbndd` wdrj tbet ydu‟cc tlcc ecc di ydur irolh`s efdut gl os wbet gettlrs. O hll`gdrl adfs cojl tbos, Effy, eh` O bdpl tbet ydu'cc blcp gl nlt tblg.‗

Effy hd``l` frolicy, ekklptohn tbl lxpcehetodh idr tbl gdglht. –[bdw glwbet lcsl ydu bevl bo``lh tblrl.‗

ôtb e `liohotl ncleg oh blr lyls, Kcehky puccl` dut tbl hlxt `lsonh. –Pbosdhl dkkurrl` td gl wblh O splht sdgl togl kdhso`lrohn tbl lhtorl prdplrty._du ò`h‟t bepplh td hdtokl gl behnohn dut fy tbl netl lercolr oh tbl wllj,ò` ydu4‗ sbl esjl`, nrohhohn kbergohncy.

–Hd, fut O‟g goiil` tbet ydu o`h‟t tlcc gl ydu wlrl kdgohn. O wduc`'vl cdvl`td bevl be` cuhkb wotb ydu eneoh.‗



5>

–Ot wes efdut 91== e.g., Effy. O wehtl` td sll ydur yer` wblh tbl `lw wesstocc dh tbl nress. Pbet‟s gy ievdrotl togl di `ey, eh` ot's wblh lvlrytbohncddjs tbl sditlst.‗

–[dgltbohn lcsl wl bevl oh kdggdh,‗ Effy seo`. –O usueccy sot dh tbl fekjpetod oh tbl gdrhohn. Costlhohn td tbl for`s plrjs up gy wbdcl `ey.‗

Kcehky rlecozl` sbl wes novohn tbl wdgeh e vlry nddiy nroh, eh` sbl idrkl`blrslci td nlt fekj td fusohlss. –O rleccy cojl tbos lsonh, fut ot‟s e gukb gdrllxplhsovl dptodh.‗ [bl turhl` tbl `rewohn erduh`, pdohtohn dut tbl hletrovlr rdkj pettlrh. –Pbos gorrdrs tbl kdcughs ydu bevl kdgohn up tbl irdhtsteors, eh` tbl sbdrt wecc oh tbl irdht yer`,‗ sbl seo`. –Ot tols tbl lhtorlprdplrty tdnltblr ‐ eh` sditlhs tbl cohl di `lgerketodh fltwllh tbl irdhteh` tbl fekj.‗

–Hokl,‗ Effy seo`, treocohn tbl top di blr iohnlr conbtcy dvlr tbl veroduslclglhts di tbl `rewohn. –Ylry hokl,‗ sbl e``l`, wblh sbl glt Kcehky‟ssperjcohn nrey lyls.

–Pbos dhl wocc ecgdst dufcl tbl prokl,‗ Kcehky e``l`, wohkohn e cottcl es sblge`l tbl stetlglht.

Effy hd``l` eh` nrespl` tbl l`nl di tbl peplr, coitohn ot aust eh ohkb. –O sllgdrl uh`lr tblrl. Oi ydu‟rl sevohn ot idr cest, ot gust fl ydur ievdrotl.‗

–Pbos os e popl `rleg,‗ Kcehky seo`, –fut O kduc`h‟t rlsost `rewohn ot. O wes

tbohjohn efdut wbet ydu seo` efdut tbl jo`s eh` bdw tbl `dns wlht e cottclhuts wotb tblg. Pblh O ionurl` tbet tbl hdosl di tbl jo`s ecdhl gonbt fl gdrltbeh ydu wehtl` td bler.‗

–O‟vl trol` td jllp gy ‒Dc` Ce`y Nrebeg‟ ogenl wlcc-bo``lh,‗ Effy e`gottl`,–fut tblrl'rl togls O weht td steh` dh tbl fekj petod eh` skrleg, ‒[B\P \],_D\ COPPCL GDH[PLV[!‟‗

Kcehky ceunbl` et tbl ogenl di tbl lclneht, rliohl` wdgeh `dohn aust tbet.–^duc` ydu bevl e rdccohn poh oh ydur beh`4‗

–Dr e frddg,‗ Effy `lko`l`, adohohn oh wotb blr ceunb.

–^lcc, tbos cest o`le wduc` `rdwh dut tbl sduh`s di tbl pottlr pettlr di cottclillt,‗ Kcehky seo`. [bl uhvlocl` tbl `rewohn, sgocohn wblh sbl bler` e`lconbtl` purr kdgl i rdg Effy‟s cops.

–Db, Kcehky,‗ sbl gdehl`, –tbos os iefucdus.‗ Oh tbl `rewohn, tbl rovlr rdkjwecc nevl wey td e hugflr di cernl fduc`lrs pocl` etdp dhl ehdtblr. Pbl



52

fduc`lrs lvlhtueccy clvlcl` dut td krletl e sgecc pddc efdut beciwey `dwhtbl bocc. Pbl dvlricdw irdg tbl sgecc pdh` keske`l` dwh tbl rlst di tbl weytd pdur ohtd tbl swoggohn pddc. Effy iduh` blrslci glsglrozl` fy tbl`rewohn, blr lyls cohnlrohn dh tbl strleg di fcul wetlr tbet spcesbl` ohtdtbl pddc, krletohn e slrols di roppcls tbet sjoggl` ekrdss tbl ncessy suriekl.

–O‟vl ecweys wehtl` td covl fy tbl wetlr,‗ sbl sonbl`. –Ot hlvlr èwhl` dh gltbet O kduc` bevl tbl wetlr kdgl td gl.‗ [bl ge`l lyl kdhtekt wotb tbl yduhn wdgeh eh` seo`, –Pbos os tbl dhl O weht. Bdw gukb wocc ot kdst gl4‗

Kcehky sweccdwl` eh` seo`, –Pbl efsdcutl flst O keh `d os $><,===.‗

Effy hd``l`, blr cdwlr cop stokjohn dut idr e gdglht. –Bdw cdhn wocc ot tejl ydu4‗

–Ber` td sey. ]rdfefcy gdst di tbl sugglr. O wduc`h‟t kduht dh gukbproveky tbos slesdh.‗

–O wduc`h‟ t goh` tbet, fut O jhdw tbet Beycly, gy èunbtlr, os pcehhohn dhcyohn fy tbl pddc ecc sugglr. O betl td tejl tbet ewey irdg blr.‗

–^lcc, oi ydu‟rl hdt oh e burry, wl kduc` rleccy tejl dur togl,‗ Kcehky seo`.–^l kduc` weot uhtoc wl be` ecc di tbl fduc`lrs pokjl` dut eh` gejl surl wlwlrl rle`y td nd flidrl wl frdjl nrduh`.‗

–Pbet kduc` wdrj,‗ Effy seo`. –O kduc` kcler dut e spekl dh tbl so`l di tblbdusl, eh` wl kduc` stdrl lvlrytbohn tblrl. Pblh wl kduc` stert wdrj kcdslrtd tbl lh` di tbl sugglr.‗

–Pbet'` fl nrlet idr gl,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O‟g gukb fusolr oh tbl sugglr tbehO eg oh tbl iecc.‗

Effy ioxl` blr wotb blr stle`y nezl eneoh eh` esjl`, –Bdw gukb prdiot idr ydu oh tbos adf4‗

–Hdhl,‗ sbl gugfcl`, sterohn `dwh et tbl tefcl.

–^l bevl e `lec,‗ Effy seo`, –es cdhn es ydu e`` oh ydur usuec ill idr ydurslrvokls.‗

–^bet4‗

–_du bler` gl,‗ Effy seo`. –O weht ydu td fl plrsdheccy ohvdcvl`, eh` yduwdh‟t fl efcl td `d tbet oi ydu‟rl skrduhnohn idr kesb. O prdgosl O‟cc novl ydues gehy rlkdgglhètodhs es ydu keh beh`cl, fut O wdh‟t fl efcl td covl wotbgyslci oi ydu‟rl dut tblrl wdrjohn idr hdtbohn. Pbet‟s gy iohec diilr.‗



5?

Kcehky clt dut e vlry rlcolvl` frletb eh` lxtlh`l` blr beh`. otb e sgocl eswo`l es blr cops kduc` beh`cl, sbl seo`, –_du‟vl ndt e `lec.‗

KBE]PLV P^D

Lvlh tbdunb tbly wlrlh't ndohn td frlej nrduh` idr et clest tbrll gdhtbs,Effy wehtl` td nlt gdvohn dh tbl prdalkt ogglòetlcy. [bl eh` Kcehkysplht tbrll gdrl eitlrhddhs tdnltblr, pcdttohn dut `lteocs, eh` eitlr tblybe` ndhl dvlr lvlrytbohn idr tbl ioitb togl, Effy sonbl` eh` seo`, –^l‟rlndohn td bevl td rl`d tbl pddc `lkj. ôtb tbl rustok cddj di tbl stdhls, tblsgddtb kdhkrltl `dlsh‟t kut ot. O tbohj wl hll` td iohosb ot wotb cernl, icetstdhls tbet'cc gorrdr tbl wecc.‗ Kcehky nevl blr e wdrrol` cddj, fut Effysbrunnl` ot dii. –O wes ndohn td rl-`d ot hlxt yler ehywey."

Kcehky `rennl` tbl tdl di blr fddt ecdhn tbl wletblrl` kdhkrltl. "Bdw cdhnbevl ydu be` tbos suriekl4"

"[ohkl wl put tbl pddc oh. Pbet's fllh … ndsb, O nulss ot's fllh tlh ylers."

"Vleccy4 _du wlrl prltty idrwer` tbohjohn td put oh sukb e hetureccy sbepl`pddc tlh ylers end. Uuotl e trlh` slttlr tblrl, Gs. Nrebeg."

"Pbet's gl," sbl seo`. "Ektueccy, wl be` e idrwer`-tbohjohn pddc `lsonhlr.O'g nce` wl wlht wotb tbos cddj, tbdunb, lsplkoeccy hdw tbet wl'rl ndohn tdbevl sukb e heturec cddj wotb tbl wecc."

Kcehky cddjl` up et tbl bocc eh` squohtl` e cottcl fot, blr lxprlssodh plhsovl.

"Ot's ndhhe cddj nrlet wblh tbl wetlriecc os iohosbl`. Ot'cc cddj cojl e heturecsprohn icdwohn `dwh tbet bocc eh` spcesbohn ohtd e kdc` fcul pddc."

"_du keh sll ot, keh't ydu4" Effy esjl`.

Pbl erkbotlkt cddjl` e cottcl sbllposb, tblh hd``l`. "_leb, O keh. Dhkl O rewsdgltbohn ‛ O keh sll ot. O'g aust weotohn idr tbl `lteocs td fl ioccl` oh."

[bl wes sgocohn sd lhtbusoestokeccy tbet Effy wes keunbt up oh blr gdd`. "Okeh't weot td sll ot, tdd. ^blh `d wl pokj tbl getlroecs idr tbl `lkj4"

Kcehky blc` up e beh`. "^bde! O `dh't `d pddcs.‗

"Db," Effy seo`, cddjohn efesbl`. "@d ydu jhdw sdgldhl wbd keh `d ot4"

–_leb, tbl segl nuy wbd's ndohn td `d tbl wetlriecc. Gy è`.‗

–_dur e`4‗



6=

–_lp. O'g suf-kdhtrektohn tbl pcugfohn idr tbl wetlriecc td gy è`. Bl keh`d tbl pddc `lkj, tdd."

"Hlpdtosg4" Effy esjl`, blr tdhl tlesohn.

"_leb, fut dhcy flkeusl bl `dls nrlet wdrj eh` O'g surl ydu'cc cojl bog.‗

–O‟g surl O wocc,‗ Effy seo`, sgocohn et tbl lerhlst yduhn wdgeh. –Kduc` ydubevl bog wdrj up e qudtl idr gl4‗

Kcehky rlekbl` ohtd blr hdtlfddj. –O ecrle`y ò`. O be` e illcohn ydu gonbtweht td `d tbos.‗

Effy sbddj blr ble`, ogglesurefcy pclesl` fy tbl yduhn wdgeh‟stbdrdunbhlss. –Pbos cddjs iohl,‗ sbl seo`. –Clt‟s e`` ot td tbl adf.‗

–_du‟rl ndhhe jllp tbl wbdcl iegocy fusy tbos iecc,‗ tbl yduhnlr wdgehseo`. –@d ydu hll` e ndd` icdrost4‗

–_du jhdw, O aust gonbt. _du‟` flttlr novl gl ydur gdg‟s ker`.‗

***

Pbly splht tbl idccdwohn Iroèy `rovohn dut td Orwohècl td tejl tblor iorstcddj et fduc`lrs. Hlotblr wdgeh wes ogprlssl` wotb tbl slclktodh, sdKcehky `lko`l` tbly‟` bevl td ble` iurtblr dut td ioh` wbet tbly hll`l`. Otwes e werg, sgdnny eitlrhddh, eh` tbl eor kdhòtodhohn oh tbl trukj wes

krehjl` es bonb es ot kduc` nd. –@d ydu bevl ehytbohn lcsl skblùcl` idrtdèy4‗ Effy esjl`.

Kcehky sperl` e cddj et tbl kcdkj dh tbl èsb eh` seo`, –Hdtbohn geadr. Oessugl` wl‟` fl blrl ecc eitlrhddh.‗

–Bdw efdut tbos lvlhohn4‗ Effy plrsostl`. –Erl ydu irll idr òhhlr4‗

–@ohhlr4‗ tbl yduhnlr wdgeh esjl`, cddjohn e cottcl fcehj. –_du weht tdbevl ohhlr4‗

Effy cddjl` retblr òskdhklrtl` eh` seo`, –Ot‟s hd fon `lec. O tbdunbt ‛‗

–O‟` cdvl td,‗ Kcehky ohtlrruptl`. –O dh‟t bevl gehy kcolhts wbd trlet gl cojle rlec plrsdh ‐ wbd lets.‗

–_du sllg cojl e vlry rlec plrsdh,‗ Effy essurl` blr. –Eh` O‟` rleccy cojl td pokj ydur freoh oi ydu `dh‟t goh`.‗



65

–Efdut4‗

–^lcc …‗ Effy blggl` e cottcl eh` ioheccy cddjl` et tbl yduhnlr wdgeh.–^duc` ydu fl evlrsl td tecjohn efdut … slx4‗

***

Kcehky wes dhcy tdd beppy td tecj efdut slx ‐ fut sbl wes sdrlcyòseppdohtl` wblh sbl clerhl` tbet Effy wehtl` td tecj efdut blrèunbtlr‟s slx coil. [tocc, sbl wes vlry pclesl` tbet Effy trustl` blr lhdunbtd tbohj di blr es e kdhioèht, retblr tbeh eh lgpcdyll.

Pbly stdppl` et tbl cdkec ndurglt nrdklry stdrl oh [dutb ]ese`lhe eh`wecjl` erduh` tbl lxpehsovl pcekl, tryohn td `lko`l wbet td bevl. Effyohsostl` dh fuyohn tbl idd`, fut sbl clt Kcehky purkbesl e hokl, iruotyzohieh`lc wbokb sbl sunnlstl` wduc` nd wlcc wotb tbl swdrìosb tbly be`

slclktl`.

Fekj et tbl bdusl, Effy iorl` up tbl nrocc wbocl Kcehky dplhl` tbl wohl eh`slt ot td kbocc. Pblh tbly set dh tbl sbe`l` petod uh`lr tblfduneohvoccle-kdvlrl` plrndce. Kcehky be` wdrjl` ber` ecc wllj, eh` sblilct e cottcl strlss clevl blr fd`y hdw tbet tbl wdrjwllj wes dvlr. –Plcc gl efdut ydur eunbtlr.‗

Effy sgocl` tbl werg, cdvl-ioccl` sgocl ecweys prlslht wblh sbl spdjl diblr kboc`rlh. –[bl‟s e `lconbtiuc norc,‗ sbl flneh, –eh` wl‟vl ecweys fllhkcdsl. [bl ò`h‟t nd tbrdunb ehy di tbet e`dclsklht rlflccodh tbet gdst norcs

tdrturl tblor perlhts wotb.‗

Kcehky nrohhl` eh` seo`, –@dh‟t rlgoh` gy gdg. [bl‟s stocc ge` et gl idrtbohns O ò` ioitllh ylers end.‗

Effy kest e `duftiuc ncehkl et tbl yduhn wdgeh eh` seo`, –[bl‟s ehnryefdut tbohns ydu ò` wblh ydu wlrl, wbet ‐ lonbt4‗

–O jhdw O cddj cojl O‟g twlcvl, fut O‟g ndohn td bot tbl fon ‒tbrll -d‟ tbos@lklgflr.‗

Fcohjohn oh surprosl, Effy seo`, –O gleh tbos es e kdgpcoglht, Kcehky, fut ydu kduc` lesocy pess idr twlhty.‗

–O jhdw, O jhdw. O stocc nlt ker`l`.‗

–_du‟cc fl nce` idr tbet oh e ilw ylers,‗ Effy rlgoh`l` blr.

êotohn e flet, Kcehky esjl`, –Bdw dc` erl ydu4‗



66

–O aust turhl` idrty-iovl,‗ sbl seo`. Et tbl sconbt wo`lhohn di Kcehky‟s lyls,sbl seo`, –O jhdw. O cddj lvlry èy di ot.‗

–Hd! Hdt et ecc,‗ Kcehky ohsostl`. –_du cddj gukb yduhnlr tbeh tbet. _dur

iekl dlsh‟t bevl e cohl dh ot. O tbdunbt ydu wlrl erduh` idrty, fut tbet's dhcyflkeusl ydu tdc` gl ydu be` e èunbtlr oh kdcclnl.‗

"Pbehjs," Effy seo`, ruhhohn e beh` tbrdunb blr tbokj beor. –O tbohj O cddjgy enl, fut O kduc` cddj yduhnlr oi O `yl` gy beor. Gdst wdglh stert es sddhes tbly sll tbl iorst splkj di nrey.‗ [bl sbrunnl` eh` seo`, –O‟g hdt gdstwdglh.‗

–Dur cdss,‗ Kcehky seo`, sgocohn wergcy.

***

Ot wes sukb e hokl honbt tbet Effy prlveocl` updh Kcehky td ekklpt e suoteh` nd idr e swog. Pbl yduhnlr wdgeh enrll` eh` tblh trol` blr flst hdt tdfl tdd fceteht es sbl jlpt shlejohn cddjs et blr lgpcdylr. Fdy, ydu gonbtcddj idrty wblh ydu‟rl `rlssl`, fut oh e swogsuot, tbet‟s e tborty-yler-dc`fd`y.

Pbl peor splht e ilw gohutls scokohn tbrdunb tbl werg wetlr, tblh Effybdppl` dut eh` pdurl` e ncess di wohl idr lekb di tblg, pe`òhn fekj eh`lxtlhòhn tbl pcestok wohl ncess td Kcehky. –Kbllrs,‗ sbl seo`, scoppohn fekjohtd tbl wetlr.

Pbl wohl ilct cdvlcy ndohn dwh, eh` Kcehky buhn dhtd tbl lkj fy blr ergs,jokjohn blr clns cehnuo`cy.

Effy sgocl` iurtovlcy et tbl èrj ndc`lh teh tbet gerjl` Kcehky‟s ergs,kdhtrestl` wotb tbl rlcetovlcy pecl sjoh dh blr sbduc`lrs eh` fekj. –ôccohntd novl gl sdgl e`vokl efdut Beycly4‗

–[url. ^bet‟s tbl ossul4‗

–^lcc, O‟g fdtb fclssl` eh` kursl` flkeusl sbl tlccs gl efsdcutlcy

lvlrytbohn,‗ Effy seo`. –[bl‟s ecweys be` tbl hdrgec suppcy di fdyirolh`s ‐ hdhl di tblg vlry slrodus. Fut hdw tbet sbl‟s oh kdcclnl, sbl‟s stertohn tdsbdw e fot di e woc` strlej, eh` O‟g hdt surl bdw td rlekt td ot.‗

–Hdsl rohns4 Iucc-fd`y tettdds4‗

–Hd,‗ Effy seo`. –Fut ydu kduc` novl gl e`vokl dh tbl tettdd irdht.‗



6;

–O dhcy bevl dhl,‗ Kcehky essurl` blr, shlejohn e cddj et tbl ergfeh` dihll`clpdoht ovy tbet rohnl` blr foklp.

–Ot‟s hokl,‗ Effy seo`. –Fut, hd, ot‟s hdtbohn cojl tbet.‗ [bl peusl` idr egdglht. –[bl tdc` gl tbet sbl tbohjs ot‟s togl td stert bevohn slx. O wes sd

icustlrl` tbet O ò`h't jhdw bdw td rlekt.‗

Kcehk y kdkjl` blr ble`. –O‟g hdt surl wbet ydu gleh.‗

Effy trle`l` wetlr scdwcy es sbl trol` td drnehozl blr tbdunbts. –Pbos os dhldi tbl gehy togls O goss gy busfeh`. Bl wes sd ndd` wotb Beycly. Bl jhlwlxektcy bdw td rlekb blr wotbdut blr tbohjohn bl wes tlccohn blr wbet td d.‗

Kcehky costlhl` ettlhtovlcy es Effy kdhtohul` blr tecl. –O tbohj O‟vlglhtodhl` tbet ôcc eh` O be`l twd jo`s. Prlvdr os iohosbohn up bos gestlr's`lnrll oh urfeh pcehhohn et G.O.P. Beycly os e irlsbgeh et \K [ehte Kruz,

geadrohn oh sdgltbohn oiilrlht lvlry togl O tecj td blr. [bl‟s yduhn td fl ohkdcclnl. Blr soxtb fortbèy wes e ey dr twd flidrl skbddc stertl`, sd sbl westbl yduhnlst oh blr kcess. [bl‟s noitl` tbdunb, eh` wl eccdwl` blr td sjoptbor` nre`l flkeusl sbl wes sd fdrl`. Oh rltrdsplkt, tbet gonbt bevl fllh egostejl. [bl‟s ecweys trol` td fl es geturl es blr kcessgetls ‐ lvlh wblhsbl wesh‟t. Dhl yler `dlsh‟t sllg cojl e cdt, fut ot keh fl e fon òiilrlhkl etsdgl krotokec enls. O‟g eireo` tbet tbl trehsotodh td kdcclnl gonbt fl dhl ditblg.‗

–Ggg … tbet gejls slhsl. O wes dhl di tbl yduhnlst oh gy kcess, tdd. Oecweys ilct cojl O be` td strunncl e cottcl td jllp up.‗

–Beycly‟s e nrlet jo`, es O seo`, fut sdkoeccy, sbl‟s ecweys fllh e idccdwlr,‗Effy seo`. –O‟vl dhl gy flst td try td fuoc` blr slci-kdhio`lhkl, fut ot‟s fllhscdw td kdgl. O‟g eireo` tbet sbl wehts td lxplroglht wotb slx flkeusllvlrydhl lcsl `dls."

Kcehky lyl` tbl dc`lr wdgeh idr e gdglht, eh uhklrteoh sgocl pceyohn etblr cops. "Osh't tbet wby ydu ò` ot4"

"Hd," Effy seo`, "hdt et ecc. O ò` ot flkeusl O ilcc oh cdvl."

"Db. Db! O nlt ot. _du'rl upslt flkeusl Beycly besh‟t seo` sbl's oh cdvl!"

"Lxektcy," Effy enrll`. "[bl's hdt lvlh sllohn ehydhl! [bl's sogpcy lko`l`tbet sbl wehts td bevl slx, eh` sbl `dlsh't sllg td kerl wbd sbl bes ot wotb! Pbet's sd uhcojl blr, eh` tbet's wbet wdrrols gl."

"_leb. O sll tbet," Kcehky seo`. "^bet ò` ydu sey td blr4"



60

"O `dh't tbohj O wes kdblrlht!" Effy seo`, stertohn td ceunb. "O ge`l sdglhdosls efdut cdvl eh` kdggotglht, fut sbl tdc` gl tbet slx wesh't cojl tbetehygdrl. Hdw ot wes aust ehdtblr tbohn td `d … cojl ndohn td e gdvol drbevohn ohhlr."

"^dw," Kcehky gurgurl`. "Ot wes e fon `lec tbl iorst togl O be` slx. O nulsstbohns kduc` bevl kbehnl` e cdt sohkl O wes slvlhtllh, fut O tbohj ot's gdrlcojlcy tbet Beycly's tryohn td tlst ydu ‛ ydu jhdw ‛ td sll wbet ydur rlektodhos. O ò` tbet e cdt et slvlhtllh."

"O suppdsl ydu kduc` fl ronbt," Effy seo`. "O bdpl tbet O keh bevl e gdrlretodhec tecj wotb blr flidrl sbl nrefs tbl iorst fdy sbl slls eh` gejls bosèy. Pbet's hdt bdw O weht blr td lxplrolhkl slx."

"Hd, O'g surl ot's hdt, fut ot's ber` td bevl gukb kdhtrdc wblh tbly'rl dut ditbl bdusl, osh't ot4"

"@egh, O wosb sbl wlrl e skolhtoiok prdòny. Pblh sbl wduc` bevl wehtl` tdnd td Kec Plkb, eh` O'` fl efcl td wetkb blr lvlry gdvl."

"O covl` et bdgl wblh O stertl` bevohn slx, Effy, eh` O'g surl gy perlhtsò`h't jhdw."

"Ehdtblr tbldry dwh tbl reoh," tbl dc`lr wdgeh seo`, scoppohn flhletb tblwetlr‟s suriekl.

***

–^blrl erl ydu dii td tdèy4‗ Gokbelc esjl`. Kcehky‟` ndttlh `rlssl` eh`rle`y td nd et >1== e.g. eh` wes hdw ehxoduscy cddjohn dut tbl woh`dw.

–Effy eh` O bevl eh eppdohtglht td cddj et sdgl rdkjs wey tbl blcc dut oh tbl Koty di Ohùstry. [bl wehtl` td `rovl, sd sbl‟s ndhhe kdgl pokj gl up.‗

–[bl‟s hdt dhl di tbdsl dc` ceòls wbd nlts ohtd tbl iest cehl td nd tborty-iovlos sbl4‗

–_du jhdw …‗ Kcehky nezl` et blr cdhn-togl irolh`, –idr tbet O‟g ndohn td

gejl ydu stey uhtoc sbl nlts blrl. O weht ydu td tejl e neh`lr et tbos dc`ce`y.‗

–Beppy td,‗ bl seo`. –Hdw tbet O jhdw sbl‟s streonbt, O keh sozl blr up idrsuner gege pdtlhtoec.‗

–Db, kbergohn,‗ Kcehky seo`.



6<

Effy‟s jhdkj ohtlrruptl` tblor fehtlr. –Vle`y td nd4‗ sbl esjl` fronbtcywblh Kcehky dplhl` tbl `ddr.

–[url eg, fut kdgl oh eh` gllt gy rddggetl iorst.‗

Effy kegl ohtd tbl rddg, eh` Gokbelc quokjcy sozl` blr up. Bl wes e gukbflttlr au`nl di enl tbeh Kcehky wes, sohkl bl wes e beorstycost eh` ge`l boscovohn tryohn td blcp wdglh et lvlry stenl di coil cddj tblor flst. Bgg … Okeh‟t ieuct Kcehky idr blr kbdokl tbos togl. Pbos dhl os e jhdkjdut! Oi O kduc`nlt ro` di tbet nrey, sbl kduc` pess idr tborty dr tborty-iovl.

–Gokbelc Begcoh,‗ bl seo`, lxtlhòhn bos beh`. –Kcehky‟s fllh revohn efdut ydur prdalkt idr wlljs hdw. Ot‟s hokl td ioheccy gllt ydu.‗

–Effy Nrebeg. Ot‟s vlry hokl td gllt ydu, Gokbelc. _du‟cc bevl td kdgl td tblperty wl‟rl ndohn td bevl wblh wl‟rl iohosbl`.‗

–O'` cdvl td. O hlvlr nlt td sll Kcehky's iohosbl` prdalkts.‗ Bl reh e beh`tbrdunb Kcehky‟s kcdsl-krdppl` beor eh` seo`, –@dh‟t idrnlt, O‟g ndhhe novl ydu e sbdl sbohl tdhonbt.‗

^blh tbly wecjl` dwh tbl herrdw so`lwecj td Effy‟s ker, tbl dc`lr wdgehesjl`, –_du gejl ètls td bevl ydur irolh` sbohl ydur sbdls4‗

–Db!‗ Kcehky ceunbl` blertocy et tbl ogenl di Gokbelc tejohn e frusb td blrwdrh fddts. –Pbet‟s wbet bl `dls td gy beor,‗ sbl seo`. –Gokbelc‟s e beorstycost."

Effy ncehkl` et tbl kdcdrohn sbl‟` nrdwh td epprlkoetl. –^by dh lertb `d ydu kecc ot sbdl sbohohn4‗

–^lcc, bl puts e tbokj plrdxo`l sdcutodh dhtd e cdhn polkl di ker`fder` eh`tblh johè fuiis gy ble` wotb ot. Ot ektueccy cddjs e cottcl cojl bl‟s novohn gle sbdl-sbohl ‐ dh gy ble`, di kdursl.‗

Effy nevl blr e cdhn cddj eh` seo`, –_du jhdw, ot‟s e cottcl lxtrlgl idrsdgldhl gy enl ‐ fut O rleccy cojl ot dh ydu. Ot novls ydu e klrteoh al hl seosqudo. Fcdh`l wdrjs rleccy wlcc wotb ydur sjoh tdhl.‗

–Pbehjs. Fut `dh‟t nlt ehy o`les. _du sbduc` stey cojl ydu erl. O tbohj tblsocvlr oh ydur beor os efsdcutlcy iehtestok.‗

–@d ydu rleccy4‗ Effy esjl`, sduhòhn uhkberektlrostokeccy tlhtetovl.

–Db, yleb! Ot cddjs nrlet eneohst ydur tehhl` sjoh, eh` ot‟s plrilkt wotb ydurlyls. O wduc`h‟t kbehnl ot idr tbl wdrc`.‗



6?

–_du‟rl ndohn td bevl td bevl lhdunb kdhio`lhkl idr fdtb di us,‗ Effy seo`.–Gohl's aust efdut sbdt.‗

–O keh `d tbet,‗ Kcehky essurl` blr. –O‟g ecc efdut kdhio`lhkl.‗

***

Pbos fduc`lr-buhtohn trop be` fllh lvlh clss sukklssiuc tbeh tbl cest, eh`dh tbl wey bdgl, Kcehky `lcovlrl` tbl fe` hlws. –^l‟rl ndhhe bevl td nltgdrl krletovl wotb tbl fduc`lrs. O tbohj wl‟rl uhbeppy wotb tblg flkeusltbl dhls wl‟vl sllh erl sd rduh` eh` sgddtb. Pbly ecgdst cddjgehuiekturl`.‗

–Pbet‟s ot lxektcy,‗ Effy enrll`. –Pbly cddj gdrl cojl kdhkrltl tbeh stdhl.‗

–O dh‟t tbohj wl‟rl ndhhe ioh` ehytbohn oh [dutblrh Kecoidrhoe: wl‟rl ndhhebevl td nd td tbl sdurkl. Bdw `d ydu illc efdut e rde` trop4‗

–Vde` trop, bub4‗ Effy seo` wotb e nroh krohjcohn blr gdutb. –Pbet gonbt fltbl tokjlt idr kbesohn tbl fculs ewey. Clt gl jhdw wblh eh` wblrl.‗

***

–_du jhdw,‗ Effy seo` es tbly ge`l tblor wey fekj td tbl irllwey, –O ioh`tbet O tecj efdut gyslci kdhstehtcy wblh wl‟rl tdnltblr. Fut O rleccy `dh‟tjhdw gukb efdut ydu. Plcc gl efdut tbl ogpdrteht goclstdhls oh ydur coil.‗

–Djey. ^bet `d ydu weht td jhdw4‗

–Plcc gl ydur kdgohn dut stdry,‗ Effy seo`.

Kcehky ceunbl`. "_du jhdw tbl cohnd, `dh't ye4

–Db, gy Nd`, wes O flohn tdd idrwer`4 O dhcy wehtl` ‛‗

–Effy, O‟g tlesohn. Vleccy. Pbet‟s tbl joh` di tbohn tbet clsfoehs usueccy nltdut di tbl wey tbl iorst togl tbly gllt, eh` O tbohj ot‟s kddc tbet ydu‟rl hdt

eireo` td esj.‗

–O illc vlry kdgidrtefcl wotb ydu, Kcehky, eh` O‟g ohtlrlstl` oh clerhohn gdrlefdut ydu. Idr gdst di gy ney irolh`s, kdgohn dut bes fllh e vlry fon lec.‗

O tbohj tbet‟s trul idr gehy pldpcl,‗ Kcehky enrll`. –Fut ot wesh‟t idr gl. Orlecozl` O wes ney wblh O wes oh bonb skbddc, fut tbl dhcy plrsdh O tdc` wesGokbelc.‗



;5

perthlr.‗

–^bet efdut ydur è`4‗ Effy esjl`,

Nrohhohn, Kcehky seo`, –Gy è`‟s dhl di tbdsl nuys wbd tbohjs bos jo` keh

`d hd wrdhn. O rleccy keh‟t ogenohl bog novohn gl e ber` togl efdutehytbohn. Bl‟s vlry kddc wotb ot. ^l lvlh kblkj dut norcs tdnltblr.‗

–Ot gust fl hokl td jhdw tbet ydur ietblr wocc suppdrt ydu, hd gettlr wbet. O`dh‟t tbohj gy jo`s illc tbet wey efdut gl,‗ Effy gusl`. –Fut O‟` bevl tdsey tbet occ wes cojl tbet ‐ pertokucercy wotb Beycly. Ot wes sd ber` idr blrtd cdsl blr è``y.‗

Kcehky nevl blr e cddjl` ioccl` wotb lgpetby, eh` seo`, –Oi sbl ilct ehytbohncojl O d efdut gy e`, O keh‟t ogenohl bdw ber` ot wes idr blr. Gy è`‟s cojlgy Hdrtb [ter ‐ bl‟s e kdhsteht nuoòhn prlslhkl oh gy coil.‗

Effy wopl` ewey tbl tlers tbet be` stertl` td iecc eh` gurgurl`, –[bl westbortllh wblh ôcc òl`. O tbehj Nd` lvlry èy tbet wl‟vl dhcy ndttlh kcdslrflkeusl di bos `letb.‗

–^bet ò` bl òl di, Effy4 ês ot su``lh4‗

[bl hd``l` eh` sboitl` oh blr slet. Kcehky sew blr sweccdw. –O jossl` bogndd`fyl et 21== e.g. dh Eproc 6?tb. Bl wes prdhduhkl` `le` et ?1==.‗ [blglt Kcehky‟s nezl eh` e``l`, –Gessovl kdrdhery.‗

–@o` bl bevl e bostdry di blert trdufcl4‗

–Hd. Bl wes oh iehtestok sbepl. Bl‟` fllh eh etbcltl bos wbdcl coil, be` cdwkbdclstlrdc, e vlry cdw pucsl. Bl wes gostlr blectb idd`,‗ sbl seo`, sdgl ditbl ohiclktodh kdgohn fekj td blr vdokl. –Fut bl be` e kdhnlhotec blert lilkttbet be`h't fllh ltlktl` urohn bos glòkec lxegs. Ot kduc` bevl fllh ioxlòi tbly be` jhdwh efdut ot ‐ fut tbly ò`h‟t,‗ sbl iohosbl` quoltcy.

Kcehky nevl blr irolh` e quokj cddj td gejl surl sbl wes djey td kdhtohul tdtecj efdut tbl ossul. Effy cddjl` kdgpdsl` eh` dplh, sd sbl seo`, –O‟vlecweys wdh`lrl` wbet wduc` fl wdrsl ‐ td cdsl sdgldhl quokjcy dr td bevl

td sll sdgldhl òl scdwcy. Gy nrehìetblr òl` e scdw, cohnlrohn, peohiuc`letb, eh` ot wes rleccy ewiuc td wetkb bog ie`l ewey.‗

Effy nevl blr e cddj eh` sbddj blr ble`. –O `dh‟t jhdw wbokb wduc` flwdrsl, td fl bdhlst. O‟vl `dhl ot tbl quokj wey, eh` O‟vl ndtte tlcc ydu, otsukjs, tdd.‗

***



;6

Pbly wlrl kcdsl td bdgl wblh Kcehky seo`, –Clt‟s hdt clt tbos èy fl e westl.êhhe bevl cuhkb tdnltblr4‗

–[url.‗ Effy sgocl`. –^blrl wduc` ydu cojl td nd4‗

–Clt‟s stdp sdglwblrl eh` pokj up sdgl sece`s dr seh`wokbls. O wehhe ohlecirlskd.‗

***

Eitlr pokjohn up e peor di iruot sece`s, tbly wlht td Kcehky‟s ievdrotl dut`ddròhohn spdt. –O betl td e`got tbos,‗ Effy seo`, –fut O bdhlstcy dh‟t rlglgflrtbl cest togl O vosotl` @lskehsd Ner`lhs. Pbos wes e nrlet o`le.‗

–^lcc, wl‟rl fdtb pceht auhjols,‗ Kcehky rlgoh`l` blr. –^bet flttlr pcekl td

sddtbl tbl sduc e cottcl fot4‗

Pbly iduh` eh lgpty pokhok tefcl eh` set `dwh td lhady tblor glec. –Ofrdunbt gy kboc`rlh blrl wblh tbly wlrl sgecc,‗ Effy rlkeccl`. –Pblyecweys cojl` tbl tucops idr sdgl rlesdh.‗

–Db, O `d, tdd,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O wes up blrl et clest idur togls oh Ilfruery. Onulss O cojl tblg flkeusl sd ilw pldpcl erduh` blrl fdtblr td put tblg ohtdtblor ceh`skepls.‗

–O usueccy put oh e kdupcl di buh`rl` ‐ ruhhohn tblg dwh fdtb so`ls di tbl

`rovl,‗ Effy seo`. –Fut O ò`h‟t `d ot tbos yler. O clt e cdt di tbohns sco`l dhklBeycly clit idr skbddc.‗

–_du `dh‟t sllg td bevl clt gehy tbohns sco`l,‗ Kcehky seo`. –_dur skblùclos fusolr tbeh gohl, eh` ydu `dh‟t bevl e iucc-togl adf.‗

–O hll` td stey fusy. O pcey ndci tbrll togls e wllj, tlhhos twokl, eh` O‟g vlryohvdcvl` oh e ilw kberotols. Gy bdffols erl wbet'vl jlpt gl sehl. Pbl spdrtsjllp tbl e`rlhecohl pugpohn, eh` tbl kberoty wdrj blcps rlgoh` gl di bdwwdh`lriuc gy coil rleccy os.‗

–Plcc gl efdut ydur kberotols,‗ tbl yduhnlr wdgeh seo`.

–^lcc, O bevl e ilw tbet O‟g pessodhetl efdut, fut cetlcy, dhl os tejohn up eccdi gy togl. O‟g oh kbernl di tbl lhtlrteohglht idr tbl Kboc`rlh Covohn ôtbKehklr Kerhovec. Ot‟s dur geadr iuh`reoslr idr tbl yler, eh` lvlry yler otflkdgls e fonnlr prdùktodh.‗

–O‟vl bler` efdut tbl kerhovec,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Osh‟t tbet tbl dhl ecc tbl



;;

Bdccywdd` klclfrotols nd td4‗

–Pbet‟s tbl dhl,‗ Effy seo`. –Cukjocy, O‟g hdt dh tbl kdggottll tbet slkurlstbl ‒teclht‟ td pertokopetl. O `d tbl hotty-nrotty wdrj. Nlttohn tbl fddtbs sltup, borohn tbl idd` kdhklssodheorls, tbl kcdwhs eh` aunnclrs eh` iekl

peohtlrs. Ot‟s vlry uhncegdrdus, fut O lhady ot.‗

–^blh os tbl kerhovec4‗ Kcehky esjl`.

–Ot‟s hlxt [uhèy, eh` O‟g nlttohn td tbl pehok stenl.‗

–Hll` eh essosteht4 O‟g vlry ndd` et idccdwohn òrlktodhs.‗

Effy cddjl` et blr irolh` idr e gdglht. –Erl ydu slrodus4‗

–Kdgpcltlcy. O jhdw tbet e goccodh tbohns keh nd wrdhn et e fon lvlht. O‟` cdvl

td blcp dut.‗

–O'` fl tbroccl` td bevl tbl blcp,‗ Effy seo`. –Ot‟s ohkrlòfcy nlhlrdus di ydu tddiilr.‗

Gejohn e òsgossovl nlsturl, tbl yduhnlr wdgeh seo`, –Hd fon `lec. O‟gnulssohn tbet [eturèy os tbl wdrst èy idr ydu, ronbt4‗

–_leb. [lt-up os tbl wdrst. [dgltbohn ecweys ndls wrdhn.‗

–O‟g ydur wdgeh,‗ Kcehky seo`. –^bet togl `d wl stert4‗

***

[eturèy gdrhohn quokjcy turhl` ohtd [eturèy eitlrhddh, eh` tbl vlh`drwbd‟` fllh borl` td slt up tbl fddtbs wes hdwblrl td fl iduh`. Effy be`fllh keccohn eh` penohn tbl kdgpehy irehtokeccy, fut tbly wlrl dfvoduscyonhdrohn blr keccs. Kcehky ndt dh tbl pbdhl eh` trol` td ioh` ehdtblr vlh`dr,fut tbly fdtb jhlw tbl kbehkls di iohòhn sdgldhl td put up ioity fddtbs dhe gdglht‟s hdtokl wes hoc. Ioheccy, et hlercy tbrll d‟kcdkj, tbl trukj errovl`. Pbl vlh`dr be` slht dhcy idur glh, eh` irdg Kcehky‟s lxplrolhkl`plrsplktovl, ot sllgl` bl'` pokjl` up tbl iorst idur nuys bl‟` sllh behnohn

dut dh tbl kdrhlr di dhl di tbl bdgl klhtlrs, cddjohn idr èy cefdr.

Pejohn e cddj et Effy, wbd wes hlercy ieoht wotb wdrry, Kcehky seo , –Clevltbos td gl. Fy tbl lh` di tbl èy, tbl fddtbs wocc ecc fl up.‗

–Fut, Kcehky ‛!‗

–O jhdw wbet O‟g dohn, Effy. Pblrl gust fl e goccodh tbohns ydu bevl td d.



;0

O sunnlst ydu nlt td tblg eh` clt tbl gestlr wdrj.‗ [bl nevl blr irolh` evlry kdhio`lht, vlry lhnenohn sgocl, eh` tbl dc`lr wdgeh ogglòetlcy ilctsdgl di blr ehxolty ie`l.

–Erl ydu surl ydu keh `d tbos, Kcehky4 O `dh‟t weht td `duft ydu, fut

wotbdut tbdsl fddtbs ‐ wl‟rl oh `llp trdufcl.‗

–O novl ydu gy wdr`,‗ tbl yduhnlr wdgeh seo`, nezohn òrlktcy ohtd Effy‟slyls.

–Pbet‟s ndd` lhdunb idr gl,‗ Effy seo`, ogpucsovlcy novohn Kcehky e bun. –O‟ccstey dut di ydur wey.‗

_du keh stey ronbt blrl oi ydu‟cc tbrdw oh e ilw gdrl di tbdsl buns, tblceh`skeplr tbdunbt wostiuccy, flidrl sbl idkusl` blr ettlhtodh dh tblgessovl adf tbet cey flidrl blr.

***

Cukjocy, tbl conbtohn krlw be` iohosbl` fy tbl togl honbt ilcc, eh` tblpdrtefcl tdwlrs prdvo`l` pclhty di conbt idr tbl kdhstruktodh krlw td kdhtohulwdrjohn ohtd tbl honbt. Et lclvlh d‟kcdkj, Effy iduh` Kcehky plrkbl` updh estur`y, ylccdw ce``lr tbet rle` –D‟Kdhhdr Ceh`skepohn.‗ –Bo,‗ tbl dc`lrwdgeh seo`, tryohn td stoicl e yewh. –O flt ydu bevlh‟t be` e tbohn td let,bevl ydu4‗

–Hdpl.‗ Kcehky sgocl` `dwh et blr. –Fut O‟g dh hugflr idrty-hohl. ^blh O

bot ioity, O‟g ndhhe fl et Gek@dhec`‟s iestlr tbeh ydu keh sey ‒Fon Gek.'‗

Effy cddjl` flboh` tbl erkbotlkt eh` sew e cernl nlhlretdr, tblh hdtokl`tbet Kcehky wes usohn e heoc nuh. –@o` ydu frohn tbdsl tbohns wotb ydu4‗ sblesjl`.

–Hd. O keccl` gy nuys eh` be` tblg frohn sdgl tddcs up. O slht tbdsl uslclssoòdts irdg tbl fddtb kdgpehy bdgl. Gejl surl ydu `lùkt e sufstehtoecegduht irdg tbl focc.‗

–Kcehky! _du frdunbt ydur krlw up blrl4‗

–[url. Pbly jhdw wbet tbly‟rl `dohn, eh` tbly‟rl trustwdrtby. ^by hdt4‗

–@egh, O dh‟t jhdw wbet O wduc` bevl dhl wotbdut ydu,‗ tbl dc`lr wdgehseo`. –Hd dhl dh gy kdggottll bes ehy lxplrolhkl wotb tbos typl di tbohn.‗

–^lcc, wl‟rl efdut `dhl, sd ioh` ydur wecclt. _du dwl gl òhhlr, Gs.Nrebeg, eh` O‟g ndhhe bdc` dut idr tbl suplr sozl!‗



;<

***

Effy wlht fekj td tbl pdrtefcl treoclr sbl‟` be` slt up es eh dh-sotl diiokleh` stertl` td netblr blr tbohns. Fy tbl togl sbl wes rle`y td clevl, Kcehky

wes, tdd. Epprdekbohn tbl erkbotlkt irdg flboh`, Effy sew tbl yduhnwdgeh rlekb ohtd blr wecclt eh` tejl dut lvlry focc sbl be`. [bl ovo`l` blrgdhly up egdhn tbl glh, ceunbohn eh` splejohn quoltcy. Pbl glh eccsbddj blr beh` eh` ndt fekj ohtd tbl trukj tbly‟` kdgl oh, keccohn dut endd`fyl es tbly `rdvl ewey.

–Bdw gukb ò` tdèy kdst ydu4‗ Effy esjl`, epprdekbohn quoltcy.

–Ddps!‗ Pbl ceh`skeplr turhl` eh` sbrunnl` blr sbduc`lrs. –Hdt tdd gukb.O bevlh‟t fllh efcl td sperl gukb idr kberoty uhtoc hdw. Fut hdw tbet O‟ggejohn e cottcl gdrl gdhly, O‟g beppy td gejl e `dhetodh ‐ eh` novl gy

nuys e cottcl lxtre gdhly idr tbl wllj.‗

–Clt gl pey ydu fekj,‗ Effy seo`, –O bevl e fu`nlt idr tbos, Kcehky.‗

–Hd, hd, O‟` rleccy cojl td `d tbos idr tbl drnehozetodh. Pbly `d ndd` wdrj.‗

–Erl ydu surl4‗ tbl dc`lr wdgeh esjl`. –O‟vl ogpdsl` dh ydu sd gukbecrle`y.‗

–_du bevlh‟t ogpdsl` dh gl dhl fot,‗ Kcehky ohsostl`. –O ò` tbos flkeusl Owehtl` td. O illc ndd` efdut ot,‗ sbl seo`, cddjohn erduh` et tbl plrilktcy

kdhstruktl` fddtbs.

Effy so`cl` up eh` put blr erg erduh` tbl fcdh`l‟s sbduc`lrs, cddjohnerduh` wotb blr. –O‟vl ecweys geohteohl` tbet ydu nlt sd gukb gdrl tbeh ydu novl wblh ydu blcp dtblrs.‗

–O enrll kdgpcltlcy,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Hdw, clt‟s nlt dut di blrl sd ydu keh bevltbl setosiektodh di fuyohn gl òhhlr.‗

–Ot‟s e `lec. Fut irolh`s `dh‟t clt irolh`s let iest idd`. ^l‟cc nd sdglpceklwblrl wl keh usl utlhsocs eh` kcdtb hepjohs.‗

–_du‟rl tlekbohn gl e wbdcl hlw wey di coil.‗ [bl nrohhl` kbergohncy eh`seo`, –O tbohj O cojl ot.‗

***

Pbl lvlht wes dvlr et sox d‟kcdkj dh [uhèy honbt, eh` fy tbl togl tbl cestnulst be` ndhl, fdtb Effy eh` Kcehky wlrl rle`y idr fl`. Pbl yduhnlr



;9

wdgeh stdd` up eh` strltkbl`, ecgdst efcl td tdukb tbl klocohn di tbl sgecctreoclr. –^lcc, O nulss ot‟s togl td stert òsgehtcohn lvlrytbohn, bub4‗

–Nd`, hd! ^l bevl e krlw td tejl kerl di tbl drnehozetodh‟s tbohns, eh` tblvlh`drs erl lekb rlspdhsofcl idr tblor dwh tejl`dwh. Pbly‟cc ecc slh` krlws

tdgdrrdw. O‟cc kdgl up td suplrvosl, fut ot usueccy ndls sgddtbcy.‗

–^l‟rl rleccy `dhl idr tbl èy4‗ Kcehky esjl`, blr fd`y ekbohn irdgkdhsteht ektovoty.

–_lp. ^lcc, es sddh es wl bevl òhhlr, tbet os. Bdw efdut e fon pozze, e kdc`fllr, eh` e bdt tuf4‗

–Pbet‟s e clsfoeh `rleg ètl!‗ Kcehky seo`, ceunbohn blertocy.

–Pblh nref ydur tbohns,‗ Effy seo`. –‟Keusl ydu‟vl ndt e ètl.‗

O wosb O ò`, Kcehky tbdunbt, blr krusb dh tbl dc`lr wdgeh nrdwohn strdhnlrwotb lekb pessohn èy.

KBE]PLV PBVLL

Lercy dh e Gdhèy gdrhohn, Effy `dufcl-jhdttl` tbl cekls dh blr ruhhohnsbdls, tblh nreffl` tbl rltrektefcl clesb eh` keccl` td tbl `dns, –êcjols,wecjols!‗ Pbl peor kegl skegplrohn tbrdunb tbl bdusl eh` sco` ekrdss tbllhtry icddr td kdgl td rlst ronbt oh irdht di tblor gostrlss. –O‟cc hlvlr jhdwbdw ydu gehenl tbet,‗ sbl gusl` ecdu`. [bl usueccy usl` twd clesbls, td

eccdw tbl dns td lxegohl slperetl sklht treocs, fut wblh sbl reh, ot wdrjl`gukb flttlr td ettekb fdtb di tblg td e kdupclr eh` e sohncl clesb. Pblywlrl idrkl` td stey tdnltblr, fut hlotblr di tblg sllgl` td goh` sd cdhn estbly wlrl wotb tblor ievdrotl plrsdh.

Pbl prlvodus èy‟s wletblr rlpdrt be` ohiculhkl` Effy's `lkosodh td nlt tblnorcs tblor lxlrkosl lercy oh tbl gdrhohn. Pbly ò`h‟t cojl tbl blet, eh` sblwes cdetb idr ehy di tblg td lxlrkosl oh sgdn. Pbly stertl` dii, bleòhn idrtbl Vdsl Fdwc ‐ wbokb tbl `dns cdvl` sohkl ot wes e pdpucer pcekl idrpddkbls td netblr, novohn tblg gehy shoiiohn dppdrtuhotols.

Effy cojl` td ruh, fut wblh sbl wes flohn slrodus efdut ot, sbl wehtl` tdruh iest eh` wotbdut ohtlrruptodh. [bl eh` ôcc usl` td nd idr e cdhn ruheitlr òhhlr, wblh tbl eor wes kclehlr eh` tbl kddc frllzl ioheccy ge`l otswey irdg tbl dkleh ohtd tbl [eh Nefrolc Yeccly. Eh lvlhohn adn wduc` stoccfl blr prlilrlhkl, fut sbl iduh` tbet sbl wes gdrl keutodus sohkl ôcc be`òl` ‐ clss kdhio`lht di flohn dut ecdhl eitlr èrj. ]ert di blr rlesdh idrnlttohn tbl `dns wes td novl blrslci e cottcl prdtlktodh wblh sbl reh, eh`, ohsdgl weys, blr pceh be` wdrjl`. Pbl `dns wlrl fon lhdunb ‐ efdut ioity



;>

pduh`s lekb ‐ td cddj cojl tbly kduc` prdtlkt blr. [trehnlrs o`h‟t hll` tdjhdw tbet tbl peor wduc` ruh eh` bo`l tbl slkdh` tbly plrklovl` etbrlet. Fut blr dhl buh`rl` pduh`s di kehohl guskcl stdppl` eh` shoiil`gdrl tbeh tbly reh, sd sbl ndt blr elrdfok lxlrkosl oh dtblr weys ‐ eh`ge`l tbl gdrhohn ruh e togl idr tbl `dns td lhady tblgslcvls.

Pbly wlrl efdut beciwey td tbl Vdsl Fdwc wblh sbl bler` e iegocoer vdoklkeccohn dut td blr. –ôcc ydu tbrll scdw `dwh4‗

[bl ò`, clhntblhohn blr stro`l eh` scdwohn blr pekl. Blr irolh` LcclhKblhdwltb ioheccy kegl up ecdhnso`l blr, eh` tbl `dns ogglòetlcy stertl`td irehtokeccy cokj tbl sect eh` swlet irdg blr ferl clns. Pbl wdgeh nezlèt tbl peor idh`cy eh` plttl` lekb èrj ble`. –Ot‟s e cottcl d``,‗ sbl seo`,–fut tblrl‟s sdgltbohn hokl efdut bevohn ehdtblr covohn krleturl ekt cojl ydu‟rl tbl gdst `lcokodus testl trlet oh tbl wdrc`.‗

–_du gleh Hloc `dlsh‟t `d tbl segl4‗

Lcclh ceunbl` eh` ilcc ohtd pcekl flso`l Effy es tbly stertl` diieneoh. –^l‟rl efdut twlhty-iovl ylers pest tbet ‒lvlh ydur swlet testlsndd`‟ plrod`.‗

Hloc eh` ôcc be` fllh cew perthlrs, eh` tbl idursdgl be` fllh irolh`ssohkl flidrl ôcc eh` Effy wlrl gerrol`. Pbl Kblhdwltbs covl` aust tbrllfcdkjs ewey, eh` tblor twd sdhs be` fllh ioxturls oh tbl Nrebeg bdglwblh Effy‟s sdh, Prlvdr, wes oh skbddc. –^blh erl tbl fdys kdgohn bdgl4‗Effy esjl`. –Prlvdr wdh't fl bdgl cdhn, fut O jhdw bl‟` cojl td sll tblg.‗

–O‟g stocc hdt surl wbet tblor pcehs erl,‗ Lcclh seo`. –Ecc O jhdw os tbet tbly‟cc`lcey fuyohn pcehl tokjlts uhtoc tbly bevl td pey iucc-ierl.‗

Effy sbddj blr ble` eh` ceunbl`, jhdwohn tbet blr irolh`'s dfslrvetodhwduc` prdvl td fl ekkuretl. –Jo`s erl ecweys e kbecclhnl, erlh‟t tbly4‗

–Pbly erl oh`ll`. [d, wbet‟s up wotb ydur twd4

–Beycly nlts bdgl flidrl Prlv, sohkl bl's ndohn td splh` sdgl togl wotb gyperlhts. [bl `dlsh't bevl ehy pcehs ‛ dtblr tbeh steyohn dut cetl eh` cyohn

fy tbl pddc, di kdursl.‗

Lcclh gehenl` e quokj ncehkl et blr irolh` eh` esjl`, "@dls ot fdtblr blrtbet Prlvdr‟s iduh` sukb e wdh`lriuc sugglr prdalkt4 O gleh, ndohn tdYlhokl td wdrj wotb eh ohtlrhetodhec kdggottll di urfeh pcehhlrs os e vlryfon `lec!"

Effy sgocl`, "O jhdw ot eh` ydu jhdw ot, fut Beycly stocc tbohjs di bog es e



;2

gukb dc`lr plrsdh. Oi bl ionurls dut bdw td gejl Ylhokl tbl cleòhn koty ohOtecy, sbl wdh't fl surprosl` dr alecdus.‗

Lcclh ceunbl`, wosbohn blr sdhs kduc` fl beppy idr tbl dtblr's sukklss. Pblyreh oh soclhkl idr e ilw gohutls, ecc idur di tblg gehenohn td jllp e stle`y

pekl. Fut Lcclh‟s tbdunbts jlpt rlturhohn td Prlvdr. Ioheccy, sblkdgglhtl`, "O wes aust tbohjohn efdut bdw prdu` ôcc wduc` bevl fllh di Prlv.‗

–O jhdw,‗ Effy enrll`. –O tbohj efdut tbet lvlry ey. O wosb bl wlrl blrl tdsll wbet e iohl yduhn geh wl'vl reosl`.‗

–Prlvdr's ecweys fllh e nlg,‗ Lcclh rlgoh`l` blr. –ôcc wduc`h't flsurprosl`. Fut ydu‟vl `dhl sukb e nrlet adf wotb fdtb di tbl jo`s, Effy. Ojhdw ot besh‟t fllh lesy idr ydu.‗

–Hd, ot‟s hlvlr lesy reosohn jo`s, eh` dohn ot ecdhl idr tbl pest iovl ylers besfllh ber`. Fut ot‟s peyohn dii, Lcclh. O‟g kdhio`lht tbet fdtb di tbl jo`sbevl ndttlh tbrdunb tbl wdrst pert di tblor nroli. O tbohj O‟g efdut rle`y tdsot dh tbl so`lcohls eh` clt tblg kerl idr tblor enl` gdg.‗

Lcclh nevl blr irolh` e wry nroh eh` tdssl` dii e kbecclhnl. –Vekl ydu td tblrdsl ner`lh!‗ [bl tddj dii et e sproht, eh` sgorjl` td blrslci wblh Effyeh` tbl `dns wlht icyohn fy blr ‐ tbl kdgpltotovl sporot hlvlr ier flhletbtbl suriekl di Effy‟s kecg lglehdr. –Enl` gy ess!‗ sbl keccl` td tbl iclltidrg.

***

Cetl tbet eitlrhddh, Kcehky wes sottohn et Effy‟s jotkblh tefcl, tbl peorndohn dvlr tbl pcehs idr tbl plrgehlht pcehts tbet wduc` frekjlt tbl hlwstrleg. Pbly‟` fllh wdrjohn idr dvlr eh bdur eh` wlrl aust efdut td wrepup, wblh Kcehky‟s klcc pbdhl rehn. –@d ydu goh`4‗ sbl esjl` Effy flidrlsbl ehswlrl`.

–Hd, pclesl `d.‗

Kcehky prlssl` tbl tecj futtdh. –Blccd.‗

–Bly, Kcehkl, ot‟s Gokbelc. Bdw ge` wduc` ydu fl oi O kehklcl` idr tdhonbt4‗

–Bdw ge` wduc` O fl4 Clt‟s sll … tbos os gy ievdrotl ektovoty di tbl wbdclwllj, eh` oi ydu `dh‟t nd, O wdh‟t nd ecdhl. [d … O‟` sey tbet O wduc`h‟t flge`, fut O‟` fl òseppdohtl`. ^by4 ^bet‟s up4‗

–Db, ot‟s hd fon `lec. Dhl di tbl norcs et wdrj wehts gl td nd dh e `dufcl



;?

ètl wotb blr eh` blr fdyirolh` eh` e irolh` di tblors. O‟cc aust tlcc blr O keh‟t gejl ot. Hd fonnol.‗

–Clvlc wotb gl, Gokbelc. ^bet `d ydu weht td `d4‗

–^lcc, O cojl ndohn ehkohn wotb ydu, fut tbos norc os suppdsl` td fl rleccy bdt,eh` …‗

–Nd eble` eh` nd,‗ Kcehky seo`, kbukjcohn. –_du bevlh‟t fllh dut oh wlljs._du‟rl ndhhe idrnlt ydu‟rl streonbt.‗

–Hd kbehkl di tbet, fcdhòl-fcdh`l. [url ydu `dh‟t goh`4 O betl tdòseppdoht ydu.‗

–_du `dh‟t `d ot vlry ditlh, Gokjly. Ot's djey.‗

–Kddc. O‟cc tlcc ydu ecc efdut ot cetlr tdhonbt dr, lvlh flttlr, tdgdrrdw oi O nltcukjy.‗

–Bevl iuh, fu`. Pecj td ydu cetlr.‗

[bl put blr pbdhl fekj dh blr flct, sgocohn td blrslci.

–Gokbelc4‗ Effy esjl`.

–_leb. l nd ehkohn dh Gdhèy honbts, fut bl bes e kbehkl td nd dut dh erlec ètl, sd O lxkusl` bog.‗

–@ehkohn4‗ Effy esjl` wostiuccy. –O cdvl td èhkl. Eh` O‟g dhl di tbl ilwwdglh wbd wes cukjy lhdunb td gerry e geh wbd cdvl` td èhkl, eh` blbe` td nd eh` òl dh gl. ^blrl‟s tbl austokl4‗

–Ektueccy, wl‟rl dhcy tejohn clssdhs. O‟g prltty ndd`, fut Gokbelc‟s e rehjflnohhlr.‗

–Vleccy4 ^bet joh` di èhkohn erl wl tecjohn efdut4‗

–Kduhtry eh` wlstlrh,‗ Kcehky seo`, novohn blr irolh` e sconbtcy lgferressl`

sgocl.

–Kduhtry eh` wlstlrh4‗ Effy esjl`. –Cojl squerl èhkohn4‗

–Hd, gdrl cojl cohl ehkohn. Ot‟s vlry 2=‟s, fut e cdt di ney pldpcl erl stocc ohtdot.‗ [bl ceunbl` eh` seo`, –^lcc, e cdt di pldpcl erl ohtd ot, ney eh` streonbt,fut ot‟s prltty ètl` blrl oh C.E.‗



0=

–Ot sduh`s cojl iuh,‗ Effy seo`. [bl peusl` e gdglht eh` seo`, –^by `dh‟tO nd wotb ydu4‗

–_du4‗

Pbl yduhnlr wdgeh's lxprlssodh wes sd ohkrlùcdus tbet Effy wes e cottclwduh`l`. –Ot wes aust e sunnlstodh …‗

–Hd, hd,‗ Kcehky seo`, sllohn tbl burt. –O‟` cdvl td bevl ydu nd, fut wl tejltbl clssdhs et e ney fer, Effy. ^duc` ydu fl kdgidrtefcl ndohn td e pceklcojl tbet4‗

–Kcehky, gy flst irolh` oh kdcclnl usl` td ren gl td e cletblr fer dh [uhèyeitlrhddhs idr e fllr fust. O‟vl prdfefcy fllh td gdrl ney fers tbeh ydubevl.‗

Blr iekl flnohhohn td conbt up, Kcehky esjl`, –Erl ydu surl4 O‟` cdvl td tejl ydu.‗

–^bet `d O wler, eh` wblh wocc ydu pokj gl up4‗

***

Kcehky rlturhl` td Effy‟s et slvlh d‟kcdkj, rehn tbl flcc, eh` ecgdst ieohtl``le` ewey et tbl vosodh tbet nrlltl` blr.

Effy reosl` blr iohnlrs eh` sheppl` tblg oh Kcehky‟s iekl. –Erl ydu oh

tblrl4‗

–^be …4 Db! @egh, O zdhl` dut idr e gohutl,‗ Kcehky seo`, tryohn td tbohj dieh lxkusl idr sterohn et blr irolh` idr sd cdhn. –O gust fl gdrl torl` tbeh Otbdunbt.‗

–Erl ydu surl ydu weht td nd4‗ Effy esjl`. –^l kduc` `d tbos ehdtblrhonbt.‗

–Eh` bevl ydu westl tbos dutiot4 Hd wey. Flso`ls, O‟cc nlt gy slkdh` woh`dhkl wl stert èhkohn.‗

–@d O rleccy cddj ecc ronbt4 O trol` td idccdw ydur e`vokl eh` `rlss sd O‟cc steykddc, fut O bevlh‟t wdrh tbos sohkl tbl cest togl wl wlht roòhn, eh` O‟g ecottcl uhkdgidrtefcl.‗

–_du cddj nrlet!‗ Kcehky lxkceogl`. –Vleccy nrlet. @d ydu ro`l cdkeccy4‗

–Db, hd. occ eh` O usl` td tejl tbl jo`s td e rehkb oh Kdcdre`d idr e wllj dr



05

sd oh tbl sugglr. ^l wlht idr ecgdst lonbt ylers,‗ sbl seo`. –Ot wes e nrletwey idr tbl iegocy td fdh`1 hd PY, hd pbdhls, hd reòd. ^l cdvl` ot.‗

–^lcc, ydu‟cc klrteohcy iot oh tdhonbt,‗ Kcehky seo`.

–_du cddj cojl e hetovl ydurslci.‗ Kcehky wes wlerohn fcekj alehs, e cevlh`lrtehj tdp, eh` e peor di èrj purpcl kdwfdy fddts. [bl kerrol` ekrleg-kdcdrl` strew bet oh blr beh`, eh` sbl slttcl` ot dhtd blr ble` etEffy‟s kdgglht. –Ylry hokl,‗ tbl dc`lr wdgeh seo`.

Pbl erkbotlkt idccdwl` Effy ohtd tbl bdusl, kblkjohn blr irolh` duttbdrdunbcy irdg flboh`. Pbl tecclr wdgeh wes lvlh tecclr tbeh hdrgec,wlerohn skuiil`, fcekj fddts wotb `lkdretovl fots di gltec dh tbl tdls. Pblfddts pdjl` dut irdg flhletb tbl blgs di e vlry ie`l` peor di fddt-kut alehstbet iot blr cojl e slkdh` sjoh, gejohn Effy cddj gdrl cojl e wdrjohn kdwnorctbeh e pdslur. Fut tbl lclglht tbet keunbt eh` blc` Kcehky‟s ettlhtodh wes

tbl tboh, scllvlclss, kbegfrey sbort, tukjl` hletcy ohtd tbl alehs. Effy beè tlh`lhky td wler retblr cddsl-iottohn kcdtbls, eh` Kcehky be` hlvlr be`tbl dppdrtuhoty td sll ecc di blr kurvls wblh sbl wes iuccy `rlssl`. [bl‟`sllh blr oh blr swogsuot, fut sdgltbohn efdut tbos cddj wes lvlh slxolrtbeh tbet, eh` Kcehky wes vlry, vlry pclesl` wotb tbl wey tbl lvlhohn wessbepohn up.

Pbly wecjl` ohtd tbl jotkblh, eh` Effy nreffl` e fcekj, ilct kdwfdy bet,frusbl` dii e spdt di ùst, eh` fdwl` nrekoduscy td blr irolh`. –[becc wl4‗sbl esjl`, –O‟g rle`y td jokj up gy bllcs, per`hlr.‗

***

Pbly errovl` et tbl fer et >1;=, eh` tbl krdw` wes stocc vlry conbt. Pbly lekbpeo` tbl $< kdvlr, fut Kcehky ohsostl` dh fuyohn tbl iorst rduh`. –^bet‟cc otfl4‗ sbl esjl`, es tbly ge`l tblor wey td tbl fer et tbl fekj di tbl cernlrddg.

–^bet erl ydu bevohn4‗ Effy esjl`.

–^bosjly, wetlr fekj,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Gejls gl illc cojl e kdwfdy.‗

–Gejl ot twd,‗ Effy seo`, slttcohn tbl fcekj bet dhtd tbl fekj di blr ble`.

Pbly tddj tblor `rohjs eh` set dh stddcs et e sgecc, rduh` tefcl. –Ot‟s hdtiehky, fut ot‟s prltty kdgidrtefcl,‗ Kcehky seo`.

–Ot‟s vlry hokl,‗ Effy seo`. –Gukb hoklr tbeh tbl pcekls O usl` td nd wotb[tlvlh. Pbos pcekl os irolh`cy, tdd. O usl` td nlt tbl hestolst cddjs wblh Owlht td sdgl di bos ievdrotl spdts. Oh tbl slvlhtols, gdst ney glh o`h‟t cojl



06

td sdkoecozl wotb wdglh.‗

–Pblrl erl stocc e ilw pcekls oh ^lst Bdccywdd` tbet erl cojl tbet,‗ Kcehkyseo`. –Fut gdst di tbl pcekls blrl oh tbl [eh Nefrolc Yeccly erl aust iohl.‗

Effy cddjl` erduh` eh` hdtokl` sdgl kdupcls ecrle`y dh tbl èhkl icddr.–Fdy, sdgl di tblsl pldpcl erl ndd`.‗

–_leb, tblrl‟s e nrdup di pldpcl wbd kdgl ecc tbl togl, eh` cdts di tblg bevlfllh èhkohn idr ioitllh dr twlhty ylers. O cddj cojl O‟vl ndt twd clit illtkdgperl` td gdst di tblg, fut O stocc lhady ot.‗

–O tbohj tbos wocc fl iuh,‗ Effy `lko`l`. [bl tddj blr sbdt di wbosjly eh``reohl` ot oh dhl nucp, tblh tddj e sop di wetlr. –[gddtb,‗ sbl seo`, nrohhohneh` wopohn blr gdutb wotb tbl fekj di blr beh` aust cojl e kdwpdjl.–Ehdtblr4‗

–\bg … surl,‗ Kcehky seo`, `reohohn blr dwh ncess. –O èhkl gukb flttlrwblh O cdsl sdgl di gy ohbofotodhs.‗

–O `d, tdd,‗ Effy enrll`. –Ectbdunb tblrl‟s e iohl cohl fltwllh cdsohn gyohbofotodhs eh` cdsohn gy goh`. _du‟cc stdp gl flidrl O stert èhkohn dh tblfer, wdh‟t ydu4‗

–O‟g hdt surl O‟g tbl dhl ydu sbduc` rlcy dh,‗ Kcehky seo`, ceunbohn. –Pbet‟sjohè cojl esjohn tbl idx td wetkb tbl blh bdusl. Gokbelc ecweys seys O‟gefsdcutlcy iohl eh` tblh efsdcutlcy `ruhj ‐ wotb hd werhohn wbetsdlvlr.‗

–O bevlh‟t fllh `ruhj oh ylers,‗ Effy seo`. –O‟g hdt lvlh surl O‟` rlkdnhozltbl werhohn sonhs.‗

–O usueccy jhdw e ilw pldpcl blrl,‗ Kcehky seo`, novohn blr irolh` e nroh. –O‟ccesj eh uhfoesl` dfslrvlr td jllp eh lyl dh us.‗

***

Pbly ndt tbrdunb tbl ohstruktodh idr tbl iorst èhkl wotbdut òiiokucty ‐ futtbet wes wotb tbl gusok pceyohn et beci-spll`. Es tbl gusok pokjl` up, Effy

strunncl` e cottcl, fut fy wetkbohn blr gdrl prdiokolht ekkdgpcokl, tbly wlrlefcl td d e ieorcy lklht adf. –_du‟rl ndd`,‗ Effy seo`, nrohhohn et blr irolh`.

–Pbehjs. l‟vl fllh dohn tbos sohkl Kbrostges, eh` ot‟s stertohn td sohj oh.O keh tlcc ydu‟rl e èhklr, fy tbl wey. _du ketkb dh rleccy quokj.‗

–_lers di fecclt,‗ Effy seo`, rdccohn blr lyls. Pbl ohstruktdr clt tblg usl tblsegl stlp idr tbrll kdhslkutovl sdhns, eh` fy tbl cest dhl, tbly wlrl fdtb



0;

`dohn quotl wlcc, lvlh et iucc spll`. Pbl ehkl wes e ieorcy lhlrnltok dhl, eh`fy tbl togl ot wes dvlr, tbly wlrl fdtb pehtohn. –@egh, O hll` e frletblr,‗Kcehky seo`. –Bdw efdut ehdtblr rduh`4‗

–Djey, fut nlt gl twd ncessls di wetlr tbos togl,‗ Effy seo`. –O‟g perkbl`.‗

Kcehky jhlw e i lw pldpcl et tbl krdw`l` fer, eh` fy tbl togl sbl‟` kbettl`wotb tblg eh` pusbl` tbrdunb tbl nrdwohn tbrdhn td fuy rohjs, e ndd` tlhgohutls be` pessl`. Gdvohn ewey irdg tbl nrdup, sbl sew tbet e wdgehbe` kceogl` blr stddc eh` wes sottohn vlry kcdsl td Effy. [troòhn dvlr td tblpeor, Kcehky slt tbl `rohjs `dwh, novohn tbl wdgeh dkkupyohn blr slet eclvlc sterl. –[drry, fut O ò`h‟t frohn dhl idr ydu.‗

–O‟g hdt tborsty,‗ tbl èrj beorl`, tdunb-cddjohn wdgeh seo`, turhohn blrettlhtodh fekj td Effy.

Kcehky teppl` tbl wdgeh dh tbl sbduc`lr eh` seo`, –_du‟rl oh gy slet, eh` ydu‟rl kbettohn up gy etl. Pbos os e fon fer, eh` tblrl‟s e fon krdw`. Hdw ndioh` ydur dwh slet eh` ydur dwh wdgeh.‗ Herrdwohn blr lyls, sbl e``l`,–Hdw wduc` fl e ndd` togl.‗

–O tdc` ydu O wesh‟t ecdhl,‗ Effy seo`, sbrunnohn blr sbduc`lrs et tblohtlrcdplr.

–[bl wes ndhl idrlvlr,‗ tbl wdgeh seo`, e``rlssohn dhcy Effy. –Ehydhl wbdclevls e ndd`-cddjohn wdgeh cojl ydu ecdhl idr tbet cdhn keh‟t fl tddohtlrlstl`.‗

Kcehky slttcl` blr bet dh blr ble`, tblh put blr beh` erduh` tbl wdgeh‟sfoklp eh` stertl` td squllzl. Eitlr aust e ilw slkdh`s, tbl ohtru`lr bdppl`dii tbl kbeor, wohkohn hdtoklefcy. –Pbehjs idr flohn sd kddplretovl,‗ Kcehkyseo` wotb e iejl sgocl. –@dh‟t kdgl eneoh hdw, ye bler4‗

Es tbl wdgeh sjucjl` ewey, ruffohn blr erg, Kcehky toppl` blr bet fekj,lxpdsohn e fot di fcdh`l beor, eh` seo`, –[dgltogls e wdgeh‟s ndtte d wbete wdgeh‟s ndtte `d.‗

Effy be` fllh quoltcy ceunbohn, eh` sbl pcekl` blr beh` dh Kcehky‟s erg.

–Pbet wes sd gukb iuh!‗

Novohn blr e kurodus sgocl, Kcehky esjl`, –Iuh4 Vleccy4 O wes eireo` tbetwduc` gejl ydu uhkdgidrtefcl.‗

–Hd, hdt et ecc!‗ Effy ohsostl`. –Pbet‟s tbl gdst ohtlrlst ehydhl‟s sbdwh ohgl oh iovl ylers! O wes aust efdut td clevl w otb blr, fut O ò`h‟t weht td flru`l. Gege ecweys seo` td èhkl wotb tbl dhl tbet fruhn ye.‗



00

Pbl cddj dh Kcehky‟s iekl hlercy keusl` Effy td iecc dh tbl icddr oh bystlroks.–O‟g jo`òhn, Kcehky,‗ sbl nespl`. –Jo`òhn!‗

–Alsus Kbrost,‗ Kcehky seo`, `rdppohn blr ble` ohtd blr beh`s. –O wes surl

ydu wlrl slrodus!‗

–Heb. O prlilr fcdh`ls,‗ tbl dc`lr wdgeh tlesl`, tejohn blr `rohj eh`tbrdwohn blr ble` fekj td `reoh ot. –Clt‟s èhkl!‗

***

@urohn tblor hlxt rduh` di ohstruktodh, tbl wdglh ndt slperetl` wblh tblèhklrs idrgl` ohtd cdhn rdws td lxlkutl tbl gdvls. Effy wes ronbt oh tblgo``cl di tbl iorst rdw, eh` Kcehky wes hler tbl lh` di tbl tbor`. Pbl èhklwes dhl di tbl scdwlst, slxolst dhls tbet Kcehky jhlw, eh` sbl wes aust

efdut td nd up eh` novl tbl ohstruktdr e fon joss idr kbddsohn tbos pertokucerhonbt td ileturl ot.

êtkbohn Effy gukb gdrl tbeh blr dwh illt, Kcehky kcdslcy dfslrvl` blrirolh` es sbl bddjl` blr tbugfs ohtd blr flct cddps eh` sweyl` blr bops tdtbl flet, `dohn e scdw, slxy, fugp eh` nroh`. [bl be` blr bet puccl` `dwhcdw, eh` blr nrey iclkjl` beor sbdwl` aust e fot uh`lr tbl fcekj ilct,prdvoòhn e vlry ettrektovl kdhtrest. ôtb tbl tdl di blr fddt, Effy `rlw ecdhn, wo`l cohl ekrdss tbl icddr, tblh stdgpl` blr fddt sberpcy eh` lxlkutlè iucc turh. Kcehky wes sd glsglrozl` tbet sbl wes tbl vlry cest plrsdh tdturh ‐ ecgdst eccdwohn Effy td ketkb blr sterohn. Ndd` Nd`, sbl‟s ndt e

swllt ess! bet oh tbl blcc os wrdhn wotb tbl glh oh tbos tdwh4 Pblrl erlh‟tlhdunb twlhty-iovl-yler-dc` ektrlss-gd`lc-wbetlvlrs td nd erduh`, ilcces.êjl up eh` sll tbl bdt wdglh weotohn idr ydu, ydu iddcs!

***

Eitlr ehdtblr beci bdur di hdhstdp èhkohn, Effy keunbt Kcehky‟s lyl eh`hd``l` tdwer`s tbl fer. Pbly glt up et tbl l`nl di tbl èhkl icddr, ehÈffy cddslcy `repl` blr erg erduh` blr irolh`. –Bdw efdut e cottcl wbosjlyeh` e cdt di wetlr4‗

–Clt‟s `d ot,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Gy turh td fuy.‗

–Erl ydu surl4‗ Effy esjl`. –O tbdunbt ot wes gy turh.‗

–O bevl hd o`le,‗ Kcehky seo`, kbukjcohn. –Fut O‟vl ndt tlh fukjs oh gypdkjlt, eh` ot wehts td nlt splht. Bevl e slet, per`hlr.‗

***



0<

^bocl tbly wlrl tryohn td rl-by`retl, tbl ohstruktdr tbehjl` lvlrydhl idrkdgohn eh` augpl` `dwh dii tbl sgecc stenl. –Os tbet ot4‗ Effy esjl`.

[gocohn et tbl òseppdohtl` cddj dh blr irolh`‟s iekl, Kcehky seo`, –_du‟vl

ndt e blcc di e cdt di lhlrny stdrl` up tblrl, `dhkbe4‗

–Pbos os iuh!‗ Effy seo`, blr lxkotlglht dfvodus. –O rleccy `d cdvl td èhkl,eh` tbos os gdrl lhlrnltok tbeh gdst èhkohn. Ot‟s cojl tejohn eh lxlrkoslkcess es wlcc es e èhkl kcess.‗

–_leb, ydu keh rleccy wdrj up e swlet,‗ Kcehky enrll`.

–Erl ydu bevohn iuh4‗ Effy esjl`, blr vdokl nlhtcohn es sbl nezl` ohtd blrirolh`‟s lyls.

–O‟g bevohn e fcest,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O tbohj O‟g ndhhe novl Gokbelc bos wecjohnpeplrs eh` frohn ydu lvlry wllj.‗

–Db, O `dh‟t weht td frlej up e ndd` perthlrsbop,‗ Effy seo`, novohn Kcehkye quokj pet. Pbl hlxt sdhn flneh, eh` Effy wetkbl` tbl èhklrs stert tdgdvl. –Db! E twd-stlp. @d ydu jhdw bdw4‗

–[url `d,‗ Kcehky seo`. –[becc wl4‗

Pbly ge`l tblor wey td tbl èhkl icddr, fut aust es tbly rlekbl` tbl l`nl,Effy put blr beh` dh Kcehky‟s erg. –\bg … O‟vl hlvlr ehkl` tbos wey wotb

e wdgeh.‗

Cddjohn up et blr wotb e kdhklrhl` lxprlssodh, Kcehky esjl`, –@dls ot gejl ydu uhkdgidrtefcl4‗

Effy fcohjl` et blr, tblh frdjl dut oh e ceunb. –Hd, hd, O aust wdh`lrl` bdwwl `lko`l wbd cle`s4‗

Kcehky put blr beh` dh tbl sgecc di tbl tecclr wdgeh‟s fekj eh` urnl` blridrwer`. –Pbet‟s lesy - O cle`. O ecweys cle`,‗ sbl e``l` wotb e rejosb wohj.

***

Fdtb wdglh wlrl sconbtcy ewjwer` wotb lekb dtblr idr e gdglht es tblyeconhl` tblgslcvls prdplrcy. Lvlh tbdunb tbl twd-stlp pdsotodh wes kesuec,Kcehky ilct blr blert retl pokj up wblh Effy `rlw kcdsl eh` conbtcy nroppl`tbl ceh`skeplr‟s foklp. –Vle`y4‗ Kcehky esjl`, blr gdutb e cottcl ry es sblcddjl` up eh` glt tbl dc`lr wdgeh‟s lyls.



09

–Cle` gl.‗

Pbly stertl` td nco`l erduh` tbl l`nl di tbl icddr, wotb Kcehky bdcòhn blrble` up bonb, cleòhn Effy wotb e surl, kdhio`lht stycl. Pbly gdvl` wlcctdnltblr, tblor tbonbs frusbohn conbtcy ùrohn tblor cdhn, nrekliuc stro`ls.

Eitlr gdvohn erduh` tbl icddr slvlrec togls, Kcehky reosl` eh lylfrdw ehèsjl`, –êhhe nlt woc`4‗

–ôc` os gy go``cl hegl,‗ Effy seo`, kbukjcohn. –Novl gl ydur flst sbdt.‗

Ddb, wduc` O lvlr cdvl td, Kcehky tbdunbt, hlercy swddhohn. –\p idr e cottclkbehnl di pekl4‗

–_lp. ^bet‟cc ot fl4‗

–Bdw efdut e quokj, quokj, quokj, quokj, scdw4‗ Kcehky esjl`. –Nlt ydur

blert pugpohn e cottcl.‗

–Cle` tbl wey, per`hlr.‗

Kcehky ò`, eh` tbly stertl` td gdvl quokjcy erduh` tbl icddr, usohn tbl ierdutso`l di tbl korkcl td evdo` ruhhohn ohtd tbl scdwlr èhklrs. Ddd, fefy, oisbl keh idccdw gy cle` tbos wlcc, O‟` cdvl td sll blr gdvohn uh`lr gl oh fl`.O flt sbl‟s ieh-iukjohn-testok!

–Os tbet ecc ydu‟vl ndt4‗ Effy esjl`, teuhtohn blr perthlr.

–Ier irdg ot. Jhdw tbos dhl4‗ Kcehky gdvl` Effy dii tbl icddr td lxpceoh tblstlp. Pbl dc`lr wdgeh wes uhiegocoer wotb ot, fut sbl wes e ndd` stu`lht,eh` eitlr e ilw scdw ruh-tbrdunbs, tbly wlrl fekj et ot.

Et e sconbtcy scdwlr pekl, tbly gdvl` eneohst lekb dtblr, conbtcy treocohn tblorbeh`s dvlr lekb dtblr‟s flccols, tblh Kcehky turhl` td iekl oh tbl seglòrlktodh es Effy, fdtb di tblg stlppohn fekjwer`s wbocl tbly blc` beh`s.Kcehky spuh blr perthlr dhkl, tblh tbly povdtl` ewey irdg lekb dtblr wotbEffy spohhohn ehdtblr dhl-eh`-e-beci togls. Pbly fdtb iekl` idrwer`, tblhKcehky spuh blr eneoh, lhòhn up oh tblor stertohn pdsotodhs. –@egh, ydu‟rlndd`,‗ Effy gurgurl`.

–Pbet‟s wbet ecc tbl ceòls sey,‗ Kcehky seo`, sbdwohn blr gdst wohhohn nroh.

–O `dh‟t `duft ot,‗ Effy seo`, ceunbohn blertocy. –O `dh‟t `duft tbet idr dhlgohutl.‗

***



0>

Pbly èhkl` idr sd cdhn tbet fdtb wdglh wlrl kdgpcltlcy sdflr fy tbl toglEffy cddjl` et blr wetkb eh` seo`, –Ndd` Cdr`, Kcehky, ot‟s ecgdstgo`honbt! _du bevl td wdrj oh tbl gdrhohn.‗

–_leb, O `d,‗ sbl enrll`, –fut O‟g bevohn sd gukb iuh, O `dh‟t kerl.‗

@repohn eh erg erduh` blr sbduc`lrs, Effy seo`, –^lcc, O kerl efdut ydu._du wdrj ber`, eh` ydu hll` ydur rlst. Clt‟s bot tbl treoc.‗

–Db, ecc ronbt, fut dhcy oi ydu prdgosl td kdgl wotb gl eneoh,‗ Kcehky seo`.

–O gonbt fl blrl fy gyslci tbl hlxt togl ydu kdgl,‗ Effy seo`. –Pblèhkohn‟s nrlet, tbl wbosjly‟s ndd`, eh` tbl norcs erl swllt dh gl!‗

KBE]PLV ID\V

Pbl idccdwohn Pulsèy, Kcehky nevl blr irolh` e kecc erduh` go`-gdrhohn.–Bo tblrl, ot‟s Kcehky.‗

–Db, O jhdw ydur vdokl fy hdw,‗ Effy seo`. –_du‟rl tbl dhl wbd ecweyssduh`s beppy.‗

–Pbet‟s gl,‗ tbl yduhnlr wdgeh e`gottl`. –_du tdc` gl dhkl tbet oi O weslvlr oh tbl hlonbfdrbdd`, O sbduc` `rdp fy idr cuhkb. @dls tbl diilr bdc`4‗

–Di kdursl ot `dls. Keh ydu kdgl tdèy4‗

–_lp. O‟g ndohn td e hurslry oh [dutb ]es, sd O kduc` stdp et tbl gerjlt eh`pokj sdgltbohn up. ôcc tbet wdrj idr ydu4‗

–Efsdcutlcy. O `dh‟t bevl e tbohn skblùcl` uhtoc ;1==. Kdgl wblhlvlr ydukeh. Db, eh`, Kcehky4 ôcc ydu pokj dut sdgltbohn idr tbl spdt wblrl O ùnup tbl sprohn fucfs4 O hll` sdgl ylccdws eh` drehnls.‗

–_du‟vl ndt ot,‗ tbl ceh`skeplr seo`. –O jhdw tbl spdt ydu gleh.‗

–^dw, gy coil os oh nrlet sbepl,‗ Effy seo`. –O jhdw e `dktdr wbd gejlsbdusl keccs, eh` hdw O bevl e ceh`skeplr wbd `dls, tdd. Ecc O hll` os e

`lhtost, eh` O‟g slt.‗

***

^blh Kcehky errovl`, sbl sew tbet tbl bdusl wes oh eh uhusuec stetl diòserrey wotb K@s, fddjs, eh` ertokcls di kcdtbohn strlwh erduh` tbljotkblh. [u``lhcy, ot bot blr eh` sbl seo`, –Beycly‟s bdgl, osh‟t sbl4‗



02

–Bdw ò` ydu nulss4‗ Effy esjl`, sterohn pdohtl`cy et tbl glss. –Dhl èyeh` tbl bdusl cddjs cojl wl be` eh lertbquejl. Fut O‟g nce` td bevl blr, hdgettlr bdw glssy sbl os.‗

Pbly tddj tblor cuhkb dut`ddrs eh` stertl` td let, fdtb di tblg nezohn dut et

tbl pcehts idr e ilw gohutls. –Bevl ydu be` e kbehkl td tecj td Beycly efdutblr, ubg … èffcohns4‗

Effy hd``l`, weotohn td splej uhtoc sbl be` sweccdwl` e swllt fot dikehtecdupl. –O idccdwl` ydur e`vokl eh` clt blr tecj. [bl spdutl` sdgl`dnge efdut bdw wdglh bevl td kceog tblor dwh slxuecoty. E wdgeh keh'tweot idr e geh td gejl tbl iorst gdvl.‗ Effy rdccl` blr lyls eh` seo`, –O fotgy tdhnul, lvlh tbdunb O wehtl` td tlcc blr tbet O bler` tbet segl rbltdroket \KCE wblh O wes blr enl. Ot wes e cde` di F[ tblh, eh` stocc os.‗

–[d, ydu wlrlh‟t kerrol` ewey dh tbl ‒sostlrbdd` os pdwlriuc‟ feh`wendh4‗

Kcehky adjl`.

Effy nevl blr e kdhso`lrl` cddj eh` reosl` dhl erj lylfrdw. –Bes sdgldhlfllh rleòhn blr bostdry fddjs4‗

Kcehky hd``l` eh` seo`, –O wes e wdglh‟s stuòls gohdr oh skbddc. O‟vl dhle cdt di rleòhn efdut tbl wdglh‟s gdvlglht.‗

–Ggg … O wesh‟t oh tbl idrlirdht di tbl gdvlglht, sohkl O wes oh nre`lskbddc wblh ot flneh, fut O wes, eh` stocc eg, vlry gukb e ilgohost. Pbl dhcypert di Beycly‟s glssenl tbet O rlalkt os tbet ydu keh fesl ydur slxuec

rlspdhsl dh e pdcotokec enlhè.‗ [bl ioxl` Kcehky wotb eh ohtlhsl nezl eh`seo`, –O‟vl ecweys tbdunbt tbet wes wrdhn. Pd gl, ilgohosg os efdut flohnefcl td rlekb ydur trul pdtlhtoec ‐ hd gettlr wbet ot gonbt fl.‗ [bl sbddjblr ble` rdunbcy oh glgdry. –O keh stocc rlkecc cetl honbts oh gy `drg rddg,sgdjohn nress wotb dhl pertokucer wdgeh wbd wes e kegpus cle`lr. [blwes dhl di tbdsl pldpcl wbdg lvlrydhl os rewh td. @d ydu jhdw tbl typl4‗

–O `d.‗

–Ehywey,‗ Effy seo`, –wl splht lh`clss honbts òskussohn tbl ossul. Blrpdsotodh wes uhsbejefcl ‐ ydu kduc` dhcy rleccy jhdw wbet trul sostlrbdd`

wes oi ydu lxplrolhkl` wbet ot wes cojl td cdvl ehdtblr wdgeh pbysokeccy.‗[bl cddjl` et Kcehky wotb e beci-sgocl, sdgl di blr tbokj beor ieccohn dhtdblr idrlble`.

Pbl yduhnlr wdgeh's blert flneh td flet gdrl quokjcy. [bl'` fllh pert digehy òskussodhs cojl tbos, ecc lhòhn wotb tbl dtblr wdgeh seyohn, "O'g eclsfoeh." Kcehky ilct cojl Effy wes dh tbl vlrnl di kbehnohn tbl `yhegok ditblor rlcetodhsbop, eh` sbl kduc`h't weot td bler blr hlws. Ot wes tdunb, fut



0?

sbl gehenl` td tdss dii e kdgglht. –Clt gl nulss,‗ sbl seo`. –[bl weswoccohn td fl ydur tdur nuo`l4‗

–Pbet wes pert di tbl pceh,‗ Effy seo`, sgorjohn. –_du jhdw, oi sbl be`h‟tput tbl ber` slcc dh gl, O gonbt bevl novlh clsfoehosg e try. Ecc di gy irolh`s

sclpt wotb dtblr wdglh et clest dhkl. Fut O betl` td fl tdc` tbet O be` td `dehytbohn ‐ sd O turhl` blr `dwh.‗

Kcehky‟s blertflet scdwl` eh` tbl e`rlhecohl stdppl` pugpohn. –Lvlrrlnrlt ot4‗ sbl esjl`, bdpohn eneohst bdpl.

–Hd. Hdt et ecc,‗ Effy seo`. –O‟g surl tblrl wlrl gehy, gehy pldpcl O kduc`bevl sclpt wotb wbd kduc` bevl pclesl` gl slxueccy, fut O‟vl ecweys fllh tbltypl wbd bes td fl oh cdvl td sberl gy fd`y. Ot‟s wdrjl` wlcc idr gl.‗

–Erl ydu oseppdohtl` oh Beycly idr lxplroglhtohn wotb slx4‗

–Hd, hdt rleccy,‗ Effy seo` tbdunbtiuccy. –[bl‟s e vlry `oiilrlht norc tbeh Owes. [bl stertl` … wlcc, tbohns bevl kbehnl` sohkl O wes yduhn. O `dh't illckdgidrtefcl tecjohn efdut splkoioks, fut sbl's `dhl gdrl tbeh O be` wblh Owes blr enl. O trol` td tecj blr dut di ot, flkeusl O jhlw sbl wesh't geturllhdunb. Vlnrlttefcy, sbl e`gottl` cetlr tbet sbl o`h‟t lhady ot gukb ‐ tbettbl jo` wesh‟t vlry kdhklrhl` wotb blr pclesurl.‗

–^dw, O keh‟t ogenohl tecjohn td gy gdg efdut gy slxuec pclesurl,‗ Kcehkyguttlrl`.

–Dur dplhhlss bes ots flhliots,‗ Effy enrll`, –fut ot‟s rleccy ber` idr glsdgltogls. O weht blr td gejl blr dwh kbdokls oh coil, fut O `lsplretlcyweht td sbolc` blr irdg es gukb peoh es O keh. O bdpl tbet O keh kdhvohkl blrtbet slx `dlsh't bevl td fl glrlcy ehdtblr wey td splh` eh bdur ‛ oi ot lvlhtejls tbet cdhn! O `dh't weht blr td flcolvl tbet krep! Flso`ls, sbl'cc nlt blrblert frdjlh tbet wey.‗

Kcehky rlekbl` ekrdss tbl tefcl eh` pettl` Effy, clttohn blr iohnlrs treocekrdss tbl sgddtb, kddc sjoh dh tbl fekj di blr beh`. –Blerts keh glh`. Pbly nlt strdhnlr fy blecohn tbl cottcl frlejs.‗

Nezohn et Kcehky wotb lyls tbet kdhvlyl` tbl wergtb sbl ilct idr blr, Effyesjl`, –Bes ydur blert fllh frdjlh4‗

[bejohn blr ble`, Kcehky seo`, –O‟vl be` e ilw cottcl hokjs tejlh dut di ot, futot‟s hlvlr fllh irekturl`. O‟g prltty kerliuc wotb ot.‗

Effy hd``l`, bevohn e illcohn tbet blr yduhn irolh` wes tbl sdrt td nuer`blr blert. –@dh‟t fl tdd kerliuc, Kcehky. _du‟vl ndt td rosj td cdvl.‗



<=

–O tbohj O jhdw tbet,‗ tbl erkbotlkt seo`, –fut O wdh‟t novl gy blert eweyuhclss O jhdw tbl wdgeh O kbddsl os lslrvohn di ot. Ot‟s tbl dhcy dhl O bevl.‗

Novohn blr beh` e rlturh pet, Effy seo`, –Pbet‟s ndohn td fl dhl cukjy

wdgeh.‗ [bl cddjl` et tbl icet di pcehts Kcehky be` pcekl` dh tbl kdrhlr ditbl stlps. "Eh` O'g e cukjy wdgeh idr bevohn e irolh` wotb sukb ndd` testloh pcehts!"

"Hdt td glhtodh e tre`l òskduht," Kcehky seo`, sgocohn.

***

–Effy4 Ot‟s Kcehky,‗ tbl erkbotlkt ehhduhkl` wblh sbl rlekbl` blr tbet Pbursèy. –Oi ot‟s kdhvlholht idr ydu, O‟` cojl td frohn fy sdgl segpcls dirovlr rdkj idr tbl wecc.‗

–[url. O‟vl ndt gdst di gy èy skblùcl`, fut O‟cc fl bdgl eitlr 01==. Bdw‟stbet4‗

–Ndd`. O‟cc `rdp fy wblh O‟g iohosbl` wotb wdrj. [ll ydu tblh.‗

***

Kcehky frolicy wosbl` sbl be` e wbllcferrdw oh tbl fekj di blr trukj wblhsbl trol` td wrehncl tbl rdkjs erduh` td tbl fekj yer`. Effy kegl dut tdblcp blr, eh` tbl peor gehenl` td nlt ecc di tbl segpcls uhcde`l`, lvlh wotb

tbl ecweys-blcpiuc `dns cokjohn et Kcehky‟s swlety clns. –O nlt tbl `liohotlogprlssodh tbet gy pdpuceroty wduc` pcugglt oi O stertl` td wler cdhnpehts,‗ sbl seo`.

–@d ydu lvlr wler cdhn pehts wblh ydu wdrj4‗

–Hdpl. O ndt usl` td wlerohn sbdrts wblh O wdrjl` wotb gy è`. O keh‟togenohl illcohn kdgidrtefcl ehy dtblr wey.‗

–Ot‟s ydur sonheturl,‗ Effy `lko`l`. –Pbet eh` ydur kdcdriuc sdkjs, tbet os.‗

–Db, tblsl.‗ Kcehky blc` blr iddt dut, es oi sbl hll`l` td rlgoh` blrslci d iblr cottcl quorj. –^lcc, sohkl ecc di gy sbdrts eh` gy sborts iecc ecdhn sdglpdoht di tbl jbejo peclttl, O `lko`l` O hll`l` e cottcl kdcdr sd O ò`h‟t fdrlgyslci td `letb. Gy kesuec kcdtbls erl rleccy fronbt,‗ sbl e``l`. –Ecc jbejowes e cottcl ber` td nlt usl` td.‗

–O tbohj ydur stycl suots ydu td e P,‗ Effy essurl` blr. –Ot‟s vlry ‐ ydu.‗



<5

–O‟cc tejl tbet es e kdgpcoglht, lvlh tbdunb O tbohj ot‟s kd`l idr ‒_du‟rl prlttyd``, Kcehkl.'‗

Effy nezl` et blr idr e gdglht eh` pursl` blr cops. –Ggg. _du erl e cottclquorjy, fut oh gy fddj, tbet‟s e vlry, vlry pdsotovl kberektlrostok. O gllt tdd

gehy pldpcl wbd erlh‟t beppy uhclss tbly cddj lxektcy cojl ecc di tblorirolh`s. Pbly‟rl ecweys eireo` td stlp dut di tbl fdx.‗

Kcehky ceunbl`. –O‟g dut di tbl fdx … O‟g dut di tbl kcdslt … O‟g aust pceohdut.‗

–_du wler ot wlcc,‗ Effy seo`. –[ey, Beycly sbduc` fl bdgl sddh. ^ehhestey eh` sey blccd4‗

–_du prdfefcy weht td splh` tbl lvlhohn tdnltblr. _du keh kecc gl wotb ydur ‛‗

–Bly,‗ Effy seo`. –O‟` cojl i dr ydu td gllt Beycly ‐ eh` Prlvdr, tdd. [bl wlhttd pokj bog up et tbl eorpdrt.‗ [bl ncehkl` et blr wetkb. –Pbly sbduc` flbdgl sddh.‗

–Erl ydu surl4‗

–O wduc`h‟t sey sd oi O wlrlh‟t.‗

Kcehky sgocl`. –O‟` cdvl td gllt tblg.‗

***

Pbl yduhnlr Nrebegs errovl` bdgl aust es Kcehky eh` Effy stertl` td`oskuss tbl ettrofutls di tbl rovlr rdkj segpcls. Effy‟s iekl cot up sd fronbtcywblh sbl bler` tbl nerenl `ddr dplh tbet Kcehky wes uhefcl td stdpsgocohn, aust irdg dfslrvohn blr irolh`‟s ady. Pbl dns keunbt tbl rosohn clvlcdi lxkotlglht eh` flneh td ruh tbrdunb tbl bdusl, ferjohn woc`cy. Effynevl blr yduhn irolh` e wry cddj eh` esjl`, –[ll wby ot‟s sd ber` td nlt usl`td covohn ecdhl4 Pbos pcekl bes fllh e ge`bdusl sohkl Prlvdr wes e fefy.‗

Pbl ceuh`ry rddg `ddr furst dplh, eh` e tecc, beh`sdgl yduhn geh

lhtlrl`, bos nroh getkbohn bos gdtblr‟s. Vonbt dh bos bllcs, e gukb yduhnlrkdpy di Effy strunncl` oh, kerryohn twd suotkesls.

Effy tbrlw blr ergs erduh` blr sdh eh` nevl bog e bun tbet cddjl` estbdunb ot wduc` squllzl ecc di tbl eor dut di bos cuhns. Bl bunnl` blr fekjwotb lquec nustd, kcdsohn bos lyls eneohst tbl lgdtodh tbet icdwl` fltwllhtblg. –Nd`, O‟vl gossl` ydu,‗ sbl wbosplrl`, aust cdu` lhdunb idr Kcehky tdbler.



<6

Pbl yduhn wdgeh rdppl` tbl suotkesls eh` nevl Kcehky e sbrun. –O ferlcynlt e hd` wblh O kdgl oh.‗

–Pbet os sukb e col!‗ Effy `dvl idr blr eh` wreppl` blr oh e fler bun irdg

flboh`, ku``cohn blr kcdsl td blr fd`y. [bl cddjl` et Kcehky irdg dvlr blrèunbtlr‟s sbduc`lr. –Pbos os gy gdst prlkodus èunbtlr, Beycly. Beycly,tbos os Kcehky D‟Kdhhdr.‗

Beycly trol` td lxtlh` blr beh` idr e sbejl, fut Effy wes bdcòhn blr sdtonbtcy sbl kduc`h‟t nlt irll. –Gdg,‗ sbl wbohl`, strunncohn idr rlclesl.

Es sbl clt blr nd, Effy sceppl` blr sberpcy dh tbl futt. –O `dh‟t lvlr weht ydu td illc uhcdvl`.‗

–[toicl`, krusbl`, sgdtblrl` …‗ tbl yduhn wdgeh tlesl`.

–Pbdsl erl iohl,‗ Effy enrll`. –Aust hdt uhcdvl`.‗

Eitlr quoltcy wetkbohn tbl ohtlrpcey fltwllh bos gdtblr eh` sostlr, tbl yduhn geh stlppl` idrwer` eh` diilrl` bos beh` td Kcehky. –O‟g Prlvdr,‗ blseo` oh e rokb ferotdhl.

–Ndd` td gllt ydu, Prlvdr. _dur gdg‟s fllh tlccohn gl efdut tbl prdalkt ydu‟rl ndohn td fl wdrjohn dh. Ot sduh`s iehtestok. _du `dh‟t hll` ehyceh`skepl erkbotlkts, `d ydu4‗

Bl sgocl` et bos gdtblr, wbd wes flegohn et bog. –Gdg sllgs td tbohjYlhokl wocc rosl dr iecc fesl` dh gy ohput. Ot‟s rleccy e sogpcl prdalkt td jllpe fuhkb di uhlgpcdyl` urfeh pcehhlrs dii tbl strllts dvlr tbl sugglr.Johè cojl sugglr kegp.‗

–Bl‟s flohn gd`lst,‗ Effy ohsostl`. –Bl‟s froccoeht, eh` O‟g kdhio`lht tbetYlhokl wocc rlgeoh votec oi tbl ndvlrhglht dhcy idccdws bos sunnlstodhs.‗

Prlvdr nevl blr e cddj tbet wes ioccl` wotb eiilktodh. –Gdg tbohjs O‟gfroccoeht. Hd gettlr wbet, O jhdw O‟cc ecweys bevl dhl ieh oh gy kdrhlr.‗

–O‟g oh ydur kdrhlr, tdd,‗ Beycly rlgoh`l` bog. Novohn bog blr flst cottclsostlr cddj, sbl e``l`, –Es cdhn es ydu `dh‟t poss gl dii.‗

–Bly! êtkb ydur cehnuenl!‗ Effy kbo`l`, sduhòhn sd vlry gukb cojl egdg.

–^l‟rl oh kdcclnl, Gdg,‗ Beycly seo`. –^l keh sey poss.‗



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–O‟g idrty-iovl, eh` O gehenl td nlt tbrdunb tbl èy wotbdut flohn vucner,‗sbl rlgoh`l` tblg.

–Prul, fut tblh, ydu‟rl plrilkt,‗ Beycly adjl`, stokjohn blr tdhnul dut et blr.

–O‟vl ndt td slt e vlry bonb stehèr` idr ydu twd td esporl td,‗ Effy seo`,wrohjcohn up blr hdsl et blr èunbtlr.

Beycly clehl` dvlr eh` jossl` blr gdtblr dh tbl kbllj, eh` Kcehky wesstrukj fy tbl werg iegocoeroty tbet ecc tbrll di tbl Nrebegs lxbofotl`. [blstdd` up eh` seo`, –^lcc, O‟cc clt ydu ecc nlt slttcl`. Bdw cdhn wocc ydu flbdgl, Prlvdr4‗

–E wllj. O‟vl ndt td fl oh Ylhokl dh [uhèy.‗

Effy cddjl` et blr eh` lxpceohl`, –Prlv nreùetl` twd wlljs end, eh` bl's

fllh splhòhn sdgl togl wotb bos nreh`perlhts.‗

–_dur perlhts4‗ Kcehky esjl` Effy.

–_ls. ]ese`lhe os tblor bdgl, fut tbly splh` gdst di tbl sprohn eh` ecc ditbl sugglr oh Geohl. [ohkl Prlv os kcdsl, bl‟s vosotl` tblg idr e kdupcl diwlljs lvlry yler tbet bl‟s fllh et G.O.P. [ohkl bl‟cc bevl sukb e sbdrt toglblrl, O betl` td clt bog nd tbos yler, fut ot‟s ogpdrteht tbet bl splh` toglwotb bos nreh`perlhts, tdd.‗

–O'g ndohn td Geohl et tbl lh` di tbl sugglr,‗ Beycly vdcuhtllrl`. –Nregs

eh` Nregps hll`l` e cottcl frlej td rlkdvlr irdg Prlv.‗

Novohn blr èunbtlr e pceyiuc skdwc, Effy kdgglhtl`, –^l ecweys tbdunbtot wes ogpdrteht tbet lekb kboc` bevl sdgl togl ecdhl wotb gy gdg eh`è`. O‟g surprosl` ot‟s kdhtohul` tbos cdhn, fut tbly fdtb sllg td lhady ot.‗

Kcehky ble`l` idr tbl `ddr. –O surl wduc`h‟t goh` e kdupcl di wlljs ohGeohl. Fut ùty keccs. Novl gl e fuzz wblh ydu‟vl ge`l e `lkosodh efduttbl rdkj, Effy.‗

Beycly nezl` et Kcehky idr e gdglht, tblh turhl` td blr gdg. –^by `dh‟t

wl bevl Kcehky stey idr òhhlr, Gdg4 O rleccy weht td bler efdut ydurprdalkt.‗

Effy nevl blr e sconbtcy surprosl` cddj, fut nce`cy enrll` wotb blrsunnlstodh. –Ehy ohtlrlst, Kcehky4 ^l‟rl bevohn Prlvdr‟s ievdrotl òsb ‐ stlej ieaotes, kddjl` dh tbl nrocc.‗

Kcehky‟s lyls cot up, eh` sbl diilrl` dhcy e tdjlh prdtlst, –O‟g ecc ùsty eh`



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nrogy …‗

–_du‟rl plrilktcy iohl,‗ Effy skdiil`. –O tbohj ydu sbduc` stey, fut oi ydu bevldtblr pcehs …‗

–Hd, hd pcehs. Oi ydu `dh‟t goh` e sconbtcy nruhny ceh`skeplr et ydur tefcl,O‟` cdvl td stey.‗

***

Pbl idursdgl ndt ecdhn quotl wlcc, eh` fy tbl togl tbly wlrl rle`y td let,fdtb di tbl yduhnlr Nrebegs wlrl adjohn wotb Kcehky cojl sbl wes eh dcìrolh`. Prlvdr wes oh kbernl di tbl nrocc, Effy beh`cl` tbl rokl eh` rlirol`flehs, eh` Beycly wes oh kbernl di gejohn tbl bdglge`l icdur tdrtocces.Kcehky wes surprosl` td hdt dhcy sll pldpcl gejohn tblor dwh tdrtocces: sblwes egezl` et bdw kdgpehodhefcy gdtblr eh` èunbtlr wdrjl` tdnltblr.

–O tejl ot ydu‟vl `dhl tbos flidrl4‗ sbl esjl` Beycly es tbl yduhnlr wdgehwdrjl` et tbl fuoct-oh gerfcl fejohn klhtlr.

–_leb. ^l‟vl ecweys ecc kddjl` tdnltblr.‗ Blr lyls kcdu`l` e cottcl es sblkdrrlktl` blrslci. –^lcc, Prlv ò`h‟t `d gukb flidrl, fut bl‟s tejlh dvlr idr@e` hdw.‗

Kcehky hd``l` eh` clehl` fekj dh blr stddc, dfslrvohn tbl yduhn wdgeh.[bl wesh‟t eh lxekt kdpy di blr gdtblr, Kcehky rlecozl` hdw tbet sbl be`togl td stu`y blr. ^bocl blr iekl wes strojohncy sogocer, blr fd`y wes gukb

gdrl sconbt, ecgdst woccdwy. Beycly wes ecsd sbdrtlr tbeh blr gdg ‐ Kcehky nulssl` sbl eh` Beycly wlrl efdut tbl segl blonbt. Pbdunb tblrlwlrl sdgl òiilrlhkls, Kcehky iduh` tbl norc ieskohetohn. Ot wes, oh sdglweys, cojl cddjohn et e covohn, frletbohn vlrsodh di e vlry yduhn Effy, eh`tbet pclesl` tbl erkbotlkt hd lh`. O cdvl Effy‟s nreyohn beor, fut tbl alt-fcekj os stuhhohn wotb tbet sjoh kdcdr eh` tbdsl lyls. @egh, tblslpldpcl ndt oh cohl gdrl tbeh dhkl wblh tbly wlrl behòhn dut ndd` cddjs![bl clt blr goh` `roit td ogenohohn Effy es e yduhn wdgeh, eh` wbocl sblwduc`h‟t bevl goh`l` bevohn Effy‟s kurrlht plrsdhecoty pestl` dhtd tbos yduhn kdpy, sbl be` td bdhlstcy e`got tbet sbl‟` retblr bevl tbl dronohec. Pbl yduhn wdgeh wes `liohotlcy prltty eh` gdrl tbeh e cottcl slxy ‐ fut

Effy be` sukb `lptb, sukb slesdhohn. Pbet kduc`h‟t fl sufstotutl` idr ohKcehky‟s kdhso`lrl` dpohodh.

Prlvdr frdunbt oh tbl sjort stlejs bl be` nroccl`, cddjohn quotl prdu` dibogslci. Bos gdtblr tddj e pllj eh` nevl bog e joss dh tbl kbllj idr e adfwlcc `dhl. Bl nevl Kcehky e sconbtcy lgferressl` cddj es Effy e``l` e buntbet cestl` hlercy e gohutl.



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Bl sberl` gehy sogocerotols wotb Effy, tdd, ectbdunb bos ileturls wlrl tblgeskucohl vlrsodh. Pbl geoh oiilrlhkls wlrl tbet bos lyls cddjl` gdrl nreytbeh fcul, eh` bos fd`y wes ecgdst fucjy. Bl wes tecc, efdut sox iddt twd,eh` bl be` td wlonb dvlr twd buh`rl` pduh`s. Bl wesh‟t dvlrwlonbt fy ehyglehs, fut bl cddjl` cojl bl kduc` bdc` bos dwh wotb e aekjbegglr, eh`

Kcehky frolicy wosbl` bl wes ndohn td fl erduh` idr tbl sugglr. [bl kducècweys usl ehdtblr peor di beh`s ‐ lsplkoeccy fon, strdhn dhls.

Dvlr òhhlr, Kcehky swdrl rlpletl`cy tbet sbl‟` hlvlr fl efcl td fuytdrtocces eneoh ‐ tbet Beycly be` ruohl` blr idr tbl kdgglrkoec vlrsodh. Pbl yduhn wdgeh flegl` et blr, eh` Effy iduh` blrslci tbohjohn di bdw vlryjoh` eh` tbdunbtiuc Kcehky wes. Pbl ceh`skeplr wes dfvoduscy tryohn td cltfdtb Beycly eh` Prlvdr jhdw bdw ogprlssl` sbl wes wotb fdtb di tblg ‐ eh` sbl wes `dohn e gestlriuc adf.

–[d, Beycly, ydur gdg tlccs gl tbet ydur pceh os td col dh e reit eh` hdt nlt

dut di tbl pddc ecc sugglr. Ehy trutb td tbl rugdr4‗ Kcehky esjl`.

Pbl yduhn wdgeh sgocl` eh` rdccl` blr lyls frolicy et blr gdtblr. –O rleccywehtl` td nlt e adf, fut gy skbddc yler ruhs e cottcl cdhnlr tbeh lvlrydhllcsl‟s. Pblh O‟cc bevl td clevl td nd td Geohl idr e ilw wlljs.‗ [bl sbrunnl`blr sbduc`lrs. –Pbet `dlsh‟t clevl gukb togl.‗

–[bl‟s dgottl` tbl iekt tbet sbl‟s hlvlr wdrjl` e èy oh blr coil,‗ Prlvdrohtlralktl` td slt tbl rlkdr` streonbt.

Kcehky reosl` eh lylfrdw, eh` tbl yduhnlr wdgeh hd``l`. –Pbet‟s trul, fut

ot `dlsh‟t gleh O `dh‟t weht td wdrj. Ot aust besh‟t wdrjl` dut.‗

–_leb, lgpcdylrs erlh‟t ndohn ddr-td-`ddr cddjohn idr blcp gukb ehy gdrl,‗ Prlvdr seo`, wohjohn et Kcehky.

–^by `dh‟t ydu sll oi Kcehky hll`s ehdtblr cefdrlr4‗ Effy esjl`,ohliilktovlcy boòhn e tlesohn sgocl.

Beycly‟s vovo` fcul lyls slttcl` dhtd Kcehky, eh` sbl esjl`, –@d ydu hllèhy blcp4‗

Kcehky sozl` tbl norc up eh` `lko`l` td tlcc tbl trutb. –Pd fl bdhlst, O kducùsl sdgl blcp ‐ fut O tbohj Prlvdr wduc` fl gdrl suotl` td tbl blcp O hll`.‗[bl sgocl` et bog eh` e`gottl`, –O wes cokjohn gy kbdps es sddh es yduwecjl` oh tbl `ddr. E stur`y nuy cojl ydu kduc` rleccy kdgl oh beh`y.‗

–O wosb O wlrl ndohn td fl blrl. O cdvl td wdrj dutso`l. Beycly, dh tbl dtblrbeh`, cojls td col oh e cduhnl kbeor eh` esj ehydhl pessohn fy td frohn blr ekddc `rohj.‗



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–O‟g hdt cojl tbet!‗ tbl yduhn wdgeh buiil`. –Kdgl dh, Kcehky, osh‟t tblrlsdgltbohn O kduc` d4 _du kduc` blcp gl sbdw tblsl twd tbet O keh bdc` gydwh.‗

–Bdhly, ydu‟rl puttohn Kcehky dh tbl spdt,‗ Effy ohtlrruptl`. –Pbos os vlrystrlhudus wdrj, eh` flso`ls, wl‟vl `lko`l` td put tbl prdalkt dii uhtoc yduclevl idr skbddc. O dh‟t weht e fuhkb di wdrjglh dncohn ydu wbocl ydu wdrjdh ydur teh.‗ [bl nevl Kcehky e conbt scep dh tbl fekj eh` seo`, –[drry tdogpunh ydur lgpcdylls, fut sbl cddjs tdd èrhl` ndd` oh e swogsuot.‗

–Db, tbly cdvl td dncl,‗ Kcehky e`gottl` enrllefcy. –Fut O keh‟t pdoht tbliohnlr et tblg: O `d ot gyslci.‗ [bl su``lhcy rlecozl` wbet sbl be` seo` eh`fcusbl` tbrll oiilrlht sbe`ls di rl`. –O gleh ‐ O sdgltogls cddj et ‐ lcc,hdt ‐ O ò`h‟t gleh ‐ O klrteohcy wduc`h‟t cddj et ydu ‐ ubg …‗

[bl wes icduh`lrohn sd fe`cy tbet Effy ogglòetlcy kegl td blr rlskul.–^l ecc cddj wblh wl sll e pertokucercy iohl lxegpcl di wbetlvlr slx epplecstd us, Kcehky. O‟vl fllh jhdwh td `rddc e cottcl wblh O sll tbdsl KecoidrhoeBonbwey ]etrdc diioklrs.‗

–Db, Nd`! Gdg eh` blr uhoidrg iltosb!‗ Beycly gdehl`.

–Ot‟s ber`cy e iltosb, bdhly,‗ Effy seo`. –Eh` O‟g surl O‟g hdt tbl dhcy wdgehwbd cdvls e geh oh e uhoidrg.‗

–O‟g klrteoh tbet‟s trul.‗ Kcehky sgocl` et blr, nretliuc idr tbl rlskul.

Effy nezl` tbdunbtiuccy et blr eunbtlr eh` seo`, –Oi ydu dh‟t goh`, O‟` cdvltd stert tbl prdalkt hdw, Be ycly. O wes dhcy bdcòhn dii flkeusl di ydu.‗

–^bet `d ydu tbohj, Kcehky4 O‟g e ndd` wdrjlr ‛ O tbohj,‗ sbl e``l`tlhtetovlcy.

Kcehky nevl tbl norc e cdhn cddj, sllohn tbl bdpliuc lxprlssodh. –O‟cc tlcc yduwbet. O‟vl ndt efdut twd wlljs wdrtb di wdrj kclerohn tbl bocc wblrl tbl hlwwecc eh` wetlriecc wocc nd. Ot‟s klrteohcy hdt lesy wdrj, fut oi ydu weht td `dot, ot‟cc irll up dhl di gy nuys td wdrj dh ehdtblr prdalkt. O pey gy uhsjoccl`

cefdrlrs $56 eh bdur. Pbet‟s hdt e cdt ‐ eh` O‟g surl ydur gdg kduc` nlt ydu sdgltbohn tbet peys es wlcc idr e cdt clss wdrj, fut oi ydu weht td `d ot ‐ ydu‟rl borl`.‗

Beycly lxtlh`l` blr kddc, sgddtb beh` eh` sbddj Kcehky‟s. –^l‟vl ndt e`lec.‗

–Eitlr tbl prlcogohery wdrj os iohosbl`, wl‟cc rlesslss eh` sll oi ydu weht td



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kdhtohul. Pbl hlxt pbesl di tbl prdalkt os e cdt tdunblr, fut oi ydu cojl ot, O‟gsurl O kduc` ioh` sdgltbohn idr ydu.‗

–O‟g surl O‟cc cojl ot,‗ Beycly `lko`l` wotb tbl fresb kdhio`lhkl di ydutb.Novohn blr frdtblr e beunbty cddj, Beycly seo`, –_du wdh‟t lvlr eneoh fl

efcl td sey O‟vl hlvlr wdrjl`, fon nuy.‗

***

Pbl yduhnlr Nrebegs lko`l` td nd idr eh eitlr ohhlr swog, eh` eitlr Effyfot blr tdhnul td stdp blrslci irdg werhohn tblg td fl kerliuc swoggohn dhiucc stdgekbs, sbl eh` Kcehky stertl` td kcleh tbl jotkblh. –O rleccy lhadyl`gyslci tdhonbt,‗ Kcehky seo`. –_dur jo`s erl `lconbtiuc.‗

–Ot‟s iuhhy,‗ Effy seo` tbdunbtiuccy. –O‟` ecweys `rlegl` di bevohn jo`s ‐ fut O pokturl` tblg es jo`s, ydu jhdw4 Vetblr tbeh eùcts, tbet os.‗

Kcehky hd``l` enrllefcy.

–Fut O‟vl iduh` tbet O lhady tblg lvlh gdrl hdw tbet tbly‟rl flkdgohn tblordwh pldpcl. Oi occ wlrl blrl, O‟g surl tbos wduc` fl tbl flst togl di gy coil.‗

Kcehky pcekl` e beh` dh tbl dc`lr wdgeh‟s sbduc`lr eh` nevl ot e squllzl.–O wosb bl wlrl blrl idr ydu, tdd. O keh sll bdw gukb ydu goss bog.‗

\hlxplktl`cy, Effy turhl` eh` furol` blr iekl ohtd Kcehky‟s sbduc`lr. –Ot‟ssd ber` sdgltogls wblh tbl jo`s erl blrl. Pbly rlgoh` gl di bog wotb

lvlry nlsturl, lvlry cddj. Beycly ohblrotl` sd gehy di bos lxprlssodhs,‗ sblsdffl`. "Eh` Prlvdr cddjs lxektcy cojl bog irdg flboh`. O sll bog stehòhndutso`l fy tbl nrocc, eh` gy blert ketkbls oh gy tbrdet. O kduc` swler ot wesôcc." [bl krol` sd ber` tbet sbl wes nespohn idr frletb. –Ot frlejs gyblert.‗

–O‟g sd sdrry, Effy,‗ Kcehky sddtbl`. –O‟g sd sdrry idr ydur cdss.‗

Pbl dc`lr wdgeh streonbtlhl` eh` trol` td kdgpdsl blrslci. –O betl td clttblg sll gl kry. O jhdw tbly‟vl cernlcy ndttlh dvlr ot, eh` O betl tbet Obevlh‟t.‗

–_du be` tbl fonnlr cdss,‗ Kcehky ohsostl`. –Pbly cdst tblor ietblr, fut yducdst ydur busfeh`, ydur cdvlr, ydur irolh`.‗

Effy hd``l`, wbocl wopohn blr lyls wotb e tossul. [bl nezl` et blr irolh` idre gdglht, tblh seo`, –_du rleccy uh`lrsteh`, `dh‟t ydu4‗

–E cottcl fot,‗ sbl seo`. –Gy nrehìetblr òl` e ilw ylers end, eh` gy



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nreh`gdtblr eh` O erl vlry kcdsl. [bl tecjs td gl efdut blr nroli. Lvlhtbdunb sbl‟s gukb dc`lr tbeh ydu erl, O‟` ogenohl tbl lxplrolhkl os efduttbl segl. Nroli os nroli.‗

–^duc` ydu cojl td sll ôcc‟s pokturl4‗ Effy esjl` oh e rdunb vdokl.

–_ls.‗

Effy pcekl` blr beh` dh Kcehky‟s sbduc`lr eh` nuo`l` blr ohtd tbl covohnrddg. Kcehky be` hlvlr fllh oh tbl spekl, eh` sbl ogglòetlcy lko`l` tbetsbl kduc` tejl up rlso`lhkl dh tbl sdie eh` fl vlry beppy.

Ot wes e typokec Kreitsgeh covohn rddg, eh` tbos dhl wes oh plrilkt, hlercydronohec sbepl. Kcehky jhlw gdrl tbeh e cottcl efdut tbl `lsonh, sohkl sblbe` wevlrl` fltwllh flohn e rlso`lhtoec erkbotlkt dr wdrjohn wotbceh`skepl, eh` sbl be` ecweys fllh e ieh di tbl stycl. Cernl, steohl`-ncess

pehlcs frekjltl` tbl pokturl woh`dw, eh` tbl cest reys di tbl suh wlrlstrlegohn ohtd tbl rddg, peohtohn ot oh pecl fculs, purpcls, eh` nress nrllhs.–^by wduc` ydu usl tbl rlst di tbl bdusl oi ydu kduc` fl oh blrl4‗ sblguttlrl`, ecgdst td blrslci.

[bl rlecozl` Effy wes stocc flso`l blr wblh sbl ilct tbl sconbt prlssurl di ebeh` etdp blr sbduc`lr. –Ot os splkoec, osh‟t ot4‗

–[tuhhohn. Dhl di tbl flst lxegpcls O‟vl sllh ‐ lxklpt idr tbl Negfclbdusl, di kdursl.‗

–O‟g hdt surl ydu jhdw ot, fut tbos bdusl wes fuoct fy e geh wbd'` wdrjlìdr tbl Nrllhl eh` Nrllhl frdtblrs,‗ Effy ohidrgl` blr, hegohn tblprl-lgohlht `lsonhlrs di tbl Kecoidrhoe Kreitsgeh stycl.

Kcehky `rdppl` td blr jhlls, krdssohn blrslci dstlhtetoduscy. –O‟g e`òhn tdtbl `lsonh di eh ecgdst-Nrllhl eh` Nrllhl4‗

–_du surl erl,‗ Effy seo`, sgocohn `dwh et blr, –eh` O jhdw ydu‟rl tblwdgeh idr tbl adf.‗

Kcehky ndt td blr illt, ecgdst illcohn e cottcl wddzy irdg tbl ohidrgetodh sbl‟

rlklovl`. –O bdpl ydu‟rl kdhio`lht lhdunb idr fdtb di us,‗ sbl nucpl`.

–O tbdunbt ydu wlrl ecc efdut kdhio`lhkl.‗

–O‟g kdhio`lht efdut ydu,‗ Kcehky kceroiol`. –Fon òiilrlhkl.‗

Effy nevl blr e squllzl eh` cl` blr dvlr td tbl fddjkesls tbet icehjl` tblfleutoiuc woh`dws. –O bevl `dzlhs eh` `dzlhs di pokturls, fut O put gdst di



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erduh` \KCE oh tbl slvlhtols.‗ [bl put tbl pokturl fekj oh ots spdt. –O be`hd ohtlrlst. Gy perlhts erl fdtb prdilssodhecs, eh` O‟` ecweys essugl` tbetO‟` gejl e covohn wotb gy freoh, hdt gy fd`y.‗ [bl cddjl` tbdunbtiuc idr e foteh` seo`, –Oh e wey, O ò`h‟t iuciocc gy rlegs, fut O dh‟t bevl e rlnrlt oh tblwdrc`. O wduc` hlvlr bevl trustl` e strehnlr td reosl gy fefols, eh` wotb

ôcc‟s skblùcl, O wehtl` td fl bdgl wblhlvlr bl wes. Ot wdrjl` dut.‗

–O keh sll bdw beppy ydu erl wotb ydur `lkosodhs,‗ Kcehky seo`, –eh` O kehsll wbet e nrlet gdg ydu erl. _dur jo`s erl vlry, vlry cukjy.‗

Pbl dc`lr wdgeh kclerl` blr tbrdet. –O tbohj wl‟vl fllh dh tbl glgdry cehl`ltdur cdhn lhdunb. Clt‟s nd nref e kdc` rohj eh` sot dutso`l wotb tbl jo`s.‗

–^bet efdut tbl òsbls4‗

–Pbly‟cc stocc fl tblrl tdgdrrdw. Dhl tbohn occ‟s letb o` wes sbdw gl tbet

gy togl wotb tbl jo`s os prlkodus. O `dh‟t weht td westl e gohutl.‗

***

Pbly set fy tbl pddc uhtoc Prlvdr ehhduhkl` tbet bl wes ndohn td fl`. Effywecjl` Kcehky dut td blr trukj, eh` tbl peor peusl` fy tbl `ddr idr e ilwgohutls. –O be` tbl flst togl tdhonbt,‗ Kcehky seo`.

–O be` iuh, tdd. _du rleccy sllgl` td bot ot dii wotb tbl jo`s, eh` O weht tdtbehj ydu idr ndohn dut di ydur wey td kdgpcoglht lekb di tblg sdnlhlrduscy.‗

–O ò`h‟t nd dut di gy wey,‗ Kcehky geohteohl`. –_dur wbdcl iegocy os vlrykdgpcoglhtefcl.‗ [bl wrohjcl` up blr hdsl eh` seo`, –O `dh‟t tbohj tbet‟s erlec wdr`, fut ydu jhdw wbet O gleh.‗

–O `d,‗ Effy seo`, blr ceunbtlr gejohn Kcehky nroh oh rlspdhsl. Pbly wlrlquolt idr e gdglht, Effy novohn blr irolh` e cdhn cddj. –O‟` cdvl td gllt ydurperlhts. Pbly ò` sukb e ndd` adf wotb ydu ‐ O‟` cojl e ilw pdohtlrs.‗

–^lcc, O dh‟t jhdw efdut tbet, fut ydu‟cc gllt gy e` sddh. Bl wehts td tecjtd ydu efdut ydur tbdunbts idr tbl pddc `lkj.‗

–Nrlet. Clt‟s gejl pcehs td gllt sddh. Geyfl fdtb di ydur perlhts kduc`kdgl idr òhhlr4‗

Kcehky ceunbl`, blr lxprlssodh rlvlecohn e cottcl òsflcoli. –_du‟rl ndohn tdspdoc gl idr hdrgec kcolhts, ydu jhdw. Hdt dhcy `d ydu ill` gl wotbrlnuceroty, hdw ydu‟rl illòhn gy perlhts.‗



95

–@d ydu stocc tbohj di gl es e kcolht4‗ Effy esjl`, iurrdwohn blr frdwsconbtcy.

–_ls,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O tbohj di ydu es e kcolht O‟vl fllh cukjy lhdunb td turhohtd e irolh`.‗

–Pbl kcolhts wbd `dh‟t nlt td fl ydur irolh` `dh‟t jhdw wbet tbly‟rlgossohn,‗ Effy seo`, sgocohn.

Hdt bevohn e rlspdhsl idr tbet, Kcehky cddjl` `dwh et tbl nrduh`, sbycyjokjohn sdgl stdhls wotb tbl tdl di blr fddt. –Bly, O bevl e qulstodh,‗ sblseo`, tryohn td sboit tbl ettlhtodh ewey irdg blrslci. –Oh tbl pokturl di ydueh` ôcc, ydu wlrl dh tbos pdrkb, fut ydu seo` ydu wlrl dhcy ètohn.‗

–Db, o`h‟t O tlcc ydu4 Pbos os tbl bdusl tbet occ nrlw up oh. Bos perlhts wlrlrle`y td rltorl wblh wl ndt gerrol`. Pbly gdvl` td ]ecg [prohns eh` nevl

tbl bdusl td us es tbl wdrc`‟s flst wl`òhn prlslht.‗

–^dw! O be` hd o`le!‗ [bl cddjl` up et tbl òstohktovl rddicohl, e cottcl ewlplljohn tbrdunb. –Pd nlt eh ecgdst Nrllhl eh` Nrllhl ‐ wotbdut egdrtnenl!‗

–_ls, ot wes eh ewiuccy hokl wey td stert dut. [dgltogls O wosb tbly be`h‟tgdvl` ewey, sohkl tbly ò`h‟t nlt td splh` gukb togl wotb tbl jo`s, fut Otbohj tbly wlrl beppy oh tbl `lslrt.‗

–]est tlhsl4‗

Effy hd``l`. –Pbly fdtb òl` wblh tbl jo`s wlrl stocc yduhn. Beycly bes eilw glgdrols di tblg, fut hlotblr di tbl jo`s be` gukb togl td rleccy nlt tdjhdw tblg.‗

–Pbet‟s e sbegl,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Nreh`perlhts erl ewiuccy ogpdrteht.‗

–_leb, tbly erl.‗ [bl ceunbl` sditcy. –^bocl occ‟s perlhts wlrl ecovl O ecweysilct cojl wl wlrl covohn oh tblor bdusl. Fut dhkl tbly òl` wl fdtb ilct e cottclgdrl irll td `d wbet wl wehtl` wotb ot.‗

–_du ge`l kbehnls4‗

–_leb. Uuotl e ilw. Pbl bdusl be` sox fl`rddgs dronoheccy, fut tbly wlrl eccretblr sgecc. ^l tddj tbl tbrll rddgs et tbl lh` di tbl becc eh` be` tblgturhl` ohtd e cernl gestlr suotl wotb e fon, ettekbl` fetbrddg. Pblh wl be`tbl jotkblh rl`dhl efdut tlh ylers end.‗ [bl ge`l e iekl eh` seo`, –@dh‟tlvlr clt ehydhl tecj ydu ohtd rlgd`lcohn e jotkblh wblh ydu‟rl covohn oh tblbdusl.‗



96

–Pbehjs idr tbl e`vokl,‗ Kcehky seo`, sgocohn. –Pbos os tbl hoklst bdusl O‟vllvlr fllh oh, eh` O‟g sd nretliuc tbet ydu‟rl clttohn gl gejl gy gerj dh tblceh`skepl. Ot glehs gdrl td gl tbeh O keh sey.‗

–O‟g tbl cukjy dhl,‗ Effy ohsostl`. –[dglèy, pldpcl wocc sey ‒Pbet‟s eKcehky D‟Kdhhdr ceh`skepl, ydu jhdw.‟‗

–O `duft tbet, fut ot‟s hokl td `rleg,‗ tbl yduhnlr wdgeh seo`.

–_du‟rl ndhhe d e gervlcdus adf,‗ Effy essurl` blr. –O‟g rleccy cukjohn dutblrl. O‟g ndhhe nlt e nrlet `lsonh eh` e nrlet irolh` oh tbl ferneoh.‗

Kcehky wes sd dvlrkdgl fy tbl nlhlrdus kdgpcoglhts tbet sbl ogpucsovlcytbrlw blr ergs erduh` Effy eh` nevl blr e blertilct bun. –Pbehjs idrbevohn kdhi o`lhkl oh gl.‗

Effy pettl` blr sddtbohncy eh` rlgoh`l` blr, –Pbet‟s wbet irolh`s `d.‗

***

–^lcc, tbos os e surprosl.‗ Gernerlt D‟Kdhhdr lglrnl` irdg tbl fekj di blricdrec sbdp eh` flegl` et blr èunbtlr. –E pcleseht surprosl, O gonbt e``.‗[bl wecjl` erduh` tbl kduhtlr eh` nevl blr dhcy kboc` e nlhlrdus bun.–^bet erl ydu `dohn oh gy hlonbfdrbdd`4‗

–O be` td nd kblkj dut sdgl pcehts et e hurslry oh Kukegdhne. O betl td fl oh

tbl ‟bdd` eh` hdt sey blccd td gy `ler gdtblr.‗

–^bet `d ydu hll`4‗ tbl dc`lr wdgeh esjl` suspokoduscy, jo`òhn nlhtcy.

–Hdt e erhl` tbohn,‗ Kcehky essurl` blr. –Lvlrytbohn os iohl ‐ O‟g wdrjohnber`, O‟g nlttohn peo` …‗

–Ndd` idr ydu!‗ Gernerlt reh blr iohnlrs tbrdunb blr èunbtlr‟skcdsl-krdppl` beor. –Ot tddj gl e wbocl, fut O‟vl rleccy ndttlh usl` td ydurflohn e fcdh`l. _du wduc`h't lvlh cddj ydurslci wotb frdwh beor eneoh.‗

Kcehky wecjl` erduh` tbl kduhtlr eh` stukj blr ble` ohtd tbl bunl,wecj-oh kbocclr. –Hokl rdsls,‗ sbl kdgglhtl`. –O cojl tbl kdrec dhls e cdt.‗

–Pbehjs,‗ blr gdtblr seo`, stocc e cottcl suspokodus di tbl vosot. Kcehky wes evlry cdvohn, `lvdtl` èunbtlr, fut sbl wesh‟t tbl sdrt td `rovl td [olrreGe`rl idr hd rlesdh.

–Bdw‟s Nregge4‗



9;

–[bl‟s ndd`,‗ Gernerlt seo`. –_du‟rl kdgohn td tbl ferflqul dh [uhèy,erlh‟t ydu4‗

–Bub4‗ Pbl yduhn wdgeh wes dfvoduscy òstrektl`, fut sbl hd``l`. –Db,

surl. Di kdursl O‟g kdgohn. O gonbt frohn Gokbelc.‗

–Bl‟s ecweys wlckdgl,‗ Gernerlt seo`.

–Kddc.‗ Kcehky set dh tbl stddc flboh` tbl kduhtlr eh` rdkjl` fekj ehìdrtb, aust es sbl be` wblh sbl wes e kboc`. –Ndt ehy dr`lrs td iocc4‗

–[url. by4‗

–Keh O blcp4‗

–Kcehky,‗ Gernerlt put blr beh`s dh blr bops eh` sterl` et blr èunbtlr.–_du `dh‟t kdgl dut td [olrre Ge`rl oh tbl go``cl di e wdrjohn èy td blcpgl iocc dr`lrs. Hdw wbet‟s up wotb ydu4‗

–Hdtbohn,‗ sbl seo`, e tdukb di orrotetodh oh blr vdokl. –O‟g hdt fusy, eh` Otbdunbt ot wduc` fl iuh td splh` tbl eitlrhddh wotb ydu. Oi ydu `dh‟t wehtgl blrl …‗

Gernerlt wlht td blr èunbtlr eh` nrespl` blr iorgcy, bdcòhn blr eneohstblr egpcl frlests. –Di kdursl O weht ydu blrl. _du‟` stocc fl covohn et bdgl oiO be` gy kbdokl.‗ [bl rlclesl` blr eh` pcekl` e beh` dh tbl sgecc di blr

fekj td cle` blr ohtd tbl wdrjrddg. –O bevl eh dr`lr idr e fon twlhty -ioitbehhovlrsery perty. êhhe `d tbl errehnlglht idr tbl ble` tefcl4‗

***

–[dgltbohn os `liohotlcy up wotb Kcehky,‗ blr gdtblr seo` eitlr sbl eh` blrbusfeh` be` ndttlh ohtd fl` tbet honbt.

–O tbohj ot‟s hokl tbet sbl kegl up td splh` sdgl togl wotb ydu. @d ydu bevltd slkdh` nulss blr ecc di tbl togl4‗

–[lkdh` nulss! blh bevl O lvlr slkdh` nulssl` blr4‗ Gernerlt set up eh`ncerl` et blr busfeh`, èrohn bog td kdhtreòkt blr.

Bl glrlcy nevl blr e idh` cddj eh` e pet dh tbl so`l. –Clt's sll … ydu trol`td tecj blr dut di flohn ney. Es O rlkecc, tbet plrod` cestl` idr slvlrec ylers …tblh tblrl wes tbl tettdd … eh` tbl …‗

–Iohl! _du ceunb ecc ydu weht, Adbh. [dgltbohn os fdtblrohn blr, fut sbl‟s



90

hdt efcl td tecj efdut ot.‗

Bl nevl blr e petolht sgocl eh` seo`, –^blh sbl‟s rle`y, sbl‟cc tecj efdut ot.[bl ecweys `dls, Gernerlt.‗

[bl nreffl` blr poccdw eh` tdssl` ot et bog. –_du‟rl es fe` es sbl os!‗

Kbukjcohn, bl pusbl` tbl poccdw ewey irdg bos iekl eh` seo`, –O tejl tbet ese kdgpcoglht.‗ Bos iekl krohjcl` up oh e nroh es bl rlgoh`l` bos woil, –[dwduc` sbl.‗

–Vuf ot oh, nd eble` eh` ruf ot oh.‗ [ohkl Kcehky‟` fllh fdrh, tbl D‟Kdhhdrsbe` be` e ruhhohn adjl kdhklrhohn wbokb di tblg tbl kboc` wes kcdslr td.Idr gehy ylers, tbl kcler wohhlr be` fllh Adbh, eh` bl wes cdetb td`oskdhtohul tblor negl hdw tbet bl wes wohhohn.

–Bly, sbl kegl td ydu tbos togl,‗ bl rlgoh`l` bos woil. –@o` ydu try td rewblr dut4‗

–_ls! O esjl` blr et clest iovl togls, eh` lekb togl sbl tdc` gl tblrl weshdtbohn wrdhn!‗

–Db, Gernerlt, bevl ydu clerhl` hdtbohn irdg tbl gestlr4‗ Bl wes kclercyruffohn ot oh, fut bos woil wehtl` ohidrgetodh fe`cy lhdunb td eccdw bog tdtdrturl blr.

–Nd dh,‗ sbl seo` wlerocy. –Clkturl gl eneoh.‗

Bl puiil` dut bos kblst, pclesl` td fl oh tbos pdsotodh. –Djey. Pbl jly tdKcehky os hlvlr td esj blr e `orlkt qulstodh. [bl dhcy tecjs oi sbl `dlsh‟trlecozl sbl‟s rlvlecohn ehytbohn. _du bevl td wdrj erduh` tbl qulstodh,Gernerlt. _du keh‟t bot tbl jo` ble` dh.‗

–_du jhdw tbet‟s hdt gy stycl,‗ tbl kbrdhokeccy fcuht wdgeh nrugfcl`,fcdwohn dut e irustretl` frletb.

–O jhdw, swlltblert. _du clevl tbl norc td gl. O‟cc nlt ot dut di blr et tblferflqul.‗

–Hd! O weht blr td kdhio`l oh gl idr e kbehnl!‗

–Djey,‗ Adbh seo` petolhtcy. –Novl gl ydur flst nulss es td wbet‟s fdtblrohnblr.‗

[bl tbdunbt idr e gohutl. –Ot‟s blr cdvl coil. Dr blr cekj di dhl.‗ Bl nevl blreh lhkdurenohn cddj, eh` sbl kdhtohul`. –Pblrl wes sdgltbohn tblrl, Adbh.



9<

[dgltbohn‟s … Nd`, O bdpl sbl‟s ioheccy nlttohn slrodus efdut sdgldhl.‗

Bl kbukjcl` et blr lxprlssodh. –Pbos irdg tbl wdgeh wbd trol` idr ylers tdkdhvohkl blr tbet sbl wesh‟t ney.‗

–Bdhly, ot‟s fllh twlcvl ylers sohkl sbl tdc` us. O‟` fl beppy oi sbl frdunbt ewlcc-gehhlrl` ndet bdgl td gllt us.‗

Ceunbohn et blr lxennlretodh, bl seo`, –O enrll ot‟s bonb togl sbl iduh`sdgldhl, fut ydu keh‟t rusb blr, swlltol.‗

–[bl‟s ndohn td fl tborty tbos yler, Adbh. Bevohn e rlcetodhsbop tbet cestscdhnlr tbeh e gdhtb os hdt rusbohn!‗

–^lcc,‗ bl e`gottl`, –O wduc` cojl td et clest gllt dhl di blr norcirolh`s.Geyfl sbl‟s oskdvlrl` tbet sbl‟s rleccy streonbt, fut sbl‟s eireo` td e`got ot

sohkl sbl ge`l sukb e fon `lec efdut flohn ney.‗

–O `dh‟t tbohj ydu sbduc` bdc` ydur frletb dh tbet dhl, bdhly,‗ Gernerltseo`. –O dh‟t jhdw tbl iorst tbohn efdut clsfoehs, eh` lvlh O wduc` ten blr esdhl. [bl‟s ndt tbl cddj.‗

–Db, sohkl wblh ò` ydu `lvlcdp e slhsl di clsfoeh stycl4‗

–^lcc, O `dh‟t bevl dhl, fut sbl rlgoh`s gl e cottcl fot di tbet Vyeh norc: ydujhdw tbl dhl.‗

–Vyeh4‗

–_ls, bdhly, tbl norc irdg tbl clsfoeh sbdw. Eh` tbet kutl gdvol wblrl sblbe` tbl drnesg.‗

–Drnesg4 Pbly ge`l e gdvol efdut drnesgs4‗

–Hd, hd, tbet wes e cottcl pert di tbl gdvol. [bl be` tbet iuhhy drnesg oh tbl`lco.‗

Adbh nevl blr e wo`l-lyl` cddj, tblh scdwcy, rlkdnhotodh èwhl`. –Gln

Vyeh4 Erl ydu tecjohn efdut Gln Vyeh4‗

–_ls! Kcehky rlgoh`s gl di blr e cottcl fot. Ot‟s tdd fe` blr PY sbdw weskehklcl`. Kcehky rleccy cojl` ot.‗

–Bdhly, O tbohj ydu‟rl tecjohn efdut Lcclh @lNlhlrls. Pbdsl erl twdòiilrlht wdglh.‗



99

–Db, ronbt. ^lcc, sohkl Kcehky òl` blr beor sbl cddjs cojl tbl Vyeh norc, eh`… wlcc, O nulss sbl cddjs cojl tbl @lNlhlrls norc flkeusl tbly‟rl fdtb …clsfoehs.‗

Adbh D‟Kdhhdr furol` bos ble` uh`lr bos poccdw. Bos woil ferlcy bler` bos

guiicl`, –@dh‟t ydu lvlr sey tbet td blr iekl.‗

KBE]PLV IOYL

Kcehky wes nlttohn rle`y td ble` dut td blr perlhts' idr tbl wlljlh`‟sferflkul wblh Beycly keccl`. –\bg … bo,‗ tbl yduhnlr wdgeh seo`tlhtetovlcy. –Ot‟s Beycly Nrebeg.‗

–Bly, Beycly. Bevohn slkdh` tbdunbts4‗

–Hd, hdt et ecc. O wdh`lrl` oi tblrl wes ehytbohn splkoec O sbduc` bevl. Cojl

kcdtbls dr tddcs dr ehytbohn.‗

–Bgg … `d ydu bevl ehy wdrj fddts4‗

–Hd, hdt rleccy. @d O hll` tblg4‗

–Hdt tlkbhokeccy, fut O prlilr tblg. Pbly jllp sdgl di tbl òrt irdg nlttohnohtd gy sdkjs oi hdtbohn lcsl.‗

–Djey. ^bet lcsl4‗

–_du‟cc hll` sdgl wlcc-iottl` ncdvls. ]rlilrefcy wdglh‟s ncdvls. O hdtokl` tbet ydur beh`s cddj prltty `lcoketl.‗

–O keh `d tbet. Ehytbohn lcsl4‗

–E cdt di suhfcdkj os ecc O keh tbohj di. @d ydu jhdw wblrl td fuy fddts eh`ncdvls4‗

–Hd, O `dh't tbohj sd. Geyfl … Pernlt4‗

–Plcc ydu wbet. O‟vl ndt td nd td tbl kdhtrektdr‟s suppcy stdrl iorst tbohn oh tbl

gdrhohn. êhhe nd wotb gl4‗

–[url!‗ Beycly‟s lhtbusoesg wes lvo`lht, eh` Kcehky rlkeccl` wbet ot wescojl td fl yduhn eh` ioccl` wotb nustd idr lvlry hlw e`vlhturl.

–O‟cc swohn fy idr ydu et >1==.‗ [bl peusl` idr e slkdh` eh` esjl`, –Pbet‟shdt tdd lercy, os ot4‗



9>

–Db, hd,‗ Beycly col`. –O cdvl td nlt up lercy.‗

–Gl, tdd. [d, O‟cc sll ydu tblh, bub4‗

–Djey. O‟cc fl weotohn.‗

***

Pbl ferflqul wes wohòhn `dwh, eh` Adbh D‟Kdhhdr rlecozl` bl‟` bevl tde`got `lilet. Bl‟` uhdftrusovlcy kdrhlrl` bos èunbtlr et lvlrydppdrtuhoty, diilrl` up pclhty di cleòhn qulstodhs, eh` lvlh rlsdrtl` td eòrlkt dhl ‐ ecc td hd eveoc. Bl `lko`l` bl be` td rlsdrt td bos slkrlt sdurkleh` keccl` Gokbelc dvlr td tbl nrocc. –Ehytbohn ndohn dh wotb Kcehky cetlcy4‗bl esjl` fcuhtcy. –[bl sllgs òsteht ‐ cojl sdgltbohn‟s dh blr goh`, futsbl wdh‟t tecj efdut ot. Blr gdg os uh`lr tbl ogprlssodh tbet sbl gonbt flsllohn sdgldhl.‗

–^lcc, O keh put tbet rugdr td rlst,‗ Gokbelc seo`. –[bl‟s hdt sllohn e sduc.Ecc sbl‟s fllh `dohn os wdrjohn eh` rlwdrjohn tbdsl pcehs idr tbet bdusl ohtbl Errdyd. Pbet adf glehs eh ewiuc cdt td blr.‗

–Os sbl wdrrol` efdut ot4‗ Adbh esjl`.

–_leb, sbl gust fl,‗ Gokbelc seo`. –[bl‟s dvlr tblrl ecc tbl togl ‐ eh` sbl‟sfllh ecc dvlr [dutblrh Kecoidrhoe cddjohn idr tbl plrilkt getlroecs. Pblrl‟shd wey sbl‟s ndhhe gejl e ògl dh tbl adf wotb ecc di tbl bdurs sbl‟sputtohn oh.‗

–Pbet kduc` `d ot,‗ Adbh seo`. –[bl‟s ecweys wotb`rewh wblh sbl‟s wdrrolèfdut sdgltbohn.‗ Bl kceppl` tbl yduhn geh dh tbl fekj. –Pbehjs idr tblohid, Gokbelc. Ot peys td bevl eh ohso`lr wbd‟s hdt dppdsl` td clejohnslkrlts.‗

–O dhcy clej tbohns tbet erl idr blr dwh ndd`,‗ Gokbelc seo`. –O `dh‟t tlcc ydutbl rleccy sdrò` stuii.‗

Adbh fekjbeh`l` bog oh tbl nut, eh` tbl beor stycost rlgoh`l` bogslcihlvlr td tlesl tbl frewhy kdhtrektdr efdut bos prlkodus èunbtlr.

***

Ergl`, es ot wlrl, wotb e hlw peor di fddts, e peor di ponsjoh ncdvls, eh` efehèhe td jllp tbl suh dii blr hlkj, Beycly kcogfl` tbl stllp boccecdhnso`l Kcehky. –^l‟cc prdfefcy fuoc` sdgl tlgpdrery stlps td evdoìetonul eh` gejl ot lesolr td frohn suppcols up blrl, fut idr hdw, O tbohj tbosos tbl gdst òrlkt petb,‗ Kcehky seo`.



92

Beycly hd``l` eh` ge`l e glhtec hdtl td nd up tbl bocc oh tbl segl weyhlxt togl. Pbly rlekbl` tbl tdp, eh` Kcehky wecjl` ecdhn tbl uhlvlh scdplcojl e gduhteoh ndet, blr `ltlrgohl` stro`l hdt iectlrohn e fot. ^blh tblyrlekbl` tbl ier l`nl di tbl prdplrty, sbl stdd` wotb blr beh`s dh blr bops

eh` survlyl` tbl ilhkl cohl. –^l‟rl ndohn td kdgl dut efdut twd illt,‗ sblohstruktl`, bdcòhn blr beh`s dut td novl Beycly eh o`le di tbl òstehkl.–^l'rl ndhhe clevl tbos ovy dh gdst di tbl bocc 'keusl ot's e ndd` nrduh` kdvlr,fut wl bevl td nlt ro` di ot ecdhn tbl cohl di tbl hlw wecc. Pbos stuii keh bevlrddts tbet nd `dwh lonbtllh ohkbls, eh` ot keh fl tbokj lhdunb td ùcc tblfce`ls dh tbl trlhkblr, sd wl bevl td d ot fy beh`. bet O weht ydu td d oskcler lvlry skrep di vlnltetodh irdg tbl ilhkl td twd illt dut. Oi ydu ioh` ehysonhoiokeht rddts, O weht ydu td gerj tblg wotb dhl di tblsl cottcl icens.‗ [blblc` up e iddt-cdhn polkl di stoii worl wotb e twd-ohkb squerl di rl` pcestokettekbl` td tbl lh`. –Pbet wey wl‟cc jhdw wblrl td òn tblg dut.‗

–O kduc` `d tbet, tdd,‗ Beycly vdcuhtllrl`.

–_du‟rl ndhhe bevl ydur beh`s iucc: trust gl,‗ Kcehky essurl` blr. –Hdwtbos os e cottcl uhkdhvlhtodhec, fut ot wdrjs nrlet.‗ [bl tddj dut e `dzlhpcestok nrdklry fens eh` beh`l` tblg td Beycly. –Iocc tblsl up wotb tbl ovytbet ydu òn up. ^blh dhl os iucc, tol ot dii eh` tbrdw ot td tbl fdttdg di tblbocc. Pbet wey wl keh nlt ro` di tbl stuii wotbdut cunnohn ot dwh et tbl lh` ditbl èy.‗

–Kddc,‗ Beycly enrll`. –_du‟rl prltty sgert.‗

–Proec eh` lrrdr,‗ Kcehky essurl` blr. –O‟vl ge`l e cdt di lrrdrs.‗

–^bet erl ydu ndohn td fl `dohn4‗ Beycly esjl`.

–^lcc, O‟g ndohn td fl suplrvosohn ydu,‗ sbl tlesl`. –Geyfl O‟cc sot oh tblsbe`l eh` `rohj clgdhe`l.‗ Et Beycly‟s reosl` lylfrdw, Kcehky kbukjclèh` seo`, –_dur gdg gejls tbet segl iekl.‗

–[bl stdcl ot irdg gl,‗ tbl kdhio`lht tllhenlr ohsostl`.

–O‟g surl.‗ Kcehky cddjl` et tbl cost di tesjs sbl wehtl` td ekkdgpcosb fy tbl

lh` di tbl ey eh` lko`l`, –O tbohj O‟cc wdrj wotb ydu. O weht ydu td nlt e illcidr tbl lesolst wey td `d tbos.‗

–Nrlet! Clt‟s nlt stertl`!‗

***

Ot wes tbl twd di tblg oh tbl lhkcdsl`, provetl yer`. Effy eh` Prlvdr be` clit



9?

flidrl >1== td pcey ndci wotb Lcclh eh` blr sdh, [eg, clevohn tbl twd cefdrlrstd tblor tesj. Pbl èy wes rleccy bletohn up, eh` et erduh` 551==, Kcehkywlht dwh tbl bocc td nref e pokj-gettdkj. Pbl blevy, wdrh tddc be` e sberppokj dh dhl lh` eh` e squerl`-dii kuttohn tddc dh tbl dtblr. Kcehky puccl` esgecc òegdh` iocl irdg blr fekj pdkjlt eh` splht e ilw gohutls prdplrcy

sberplhohn tbl gettdkj. Beycly ncehkl` et blr. "^bet oh tbl blcc os tbet4"

"Ot's e gettdkj. Ot kuts tbrdunb efdut ehytbohn ‛ ohkcuòhn illt, sd stey kclerdi ot. O lko`l` O gonbt es wlcc nlt ro` di tbl rddts es ydu ioh` 'lg." [bl'` fllhstehòhn stocc idr e ilw gohutls, fut wes stocc lxtredròherocy bdt. –_du `dh‟tgoh` oi O tejl gy sbort dii, `d ydu4 O `dh‟t hdrgeccy wdrj oh gy spdrts fre,fut ot‟s skery bdt tdèy.‗

–Hd. Nd ronbt eble`. O ndt usl` td flohn hejl` erduh` dtblr norcs et skbddctbos yler.‗

–Ggg … tbet's tlgptohn oh tbos blet, fut O tbohj tbl sbort os lhdunb.‗Kcehky sbrunnl` dut di blr wlt sbort eh` wopl` blr frdw wotb ot, tblh buhnot dh tbl stdkje`l ilhkl. [bl stdd` oh blr nrey spdrts fre eh` sprukl nrllhsbdrts, eh` tddj e cdhn pucc dii tbl cotlr fdttcl di wetlr sbl be` frdunbt upwotb blr. [onbohn llpcy wblh sbl tbdunbt di tbl liidrt sbl'` bevl td lxplh`,sbl stertl` td wdrj, swohnohn tbl blevy tddc irdg dvlr blr sbduc`lr dwh tdtbl rddts ‐ togl eh` togl eh` togl eneoh. Pbl swlet wes ruhhohn dii blrfd`y oh rovuclts ‐ clevohn e hdtoklefcl petkb di gu` wblrl ot ceh`l` dh tblnrduh`. Blr iekl wes sd icusbl` tbet ot cddjl` cojl sbl‟` fllh furhl`, ehèitlr hlercy e beci-bdur di kdhsteht wdrj, sbl stdppl` idr ehdtblr `rohj.

Beycly wes sterohn et blr ‐ scekj- aewl`. –O‟vl hlvlr sllh ehydhl wdrj tbetber`!‗

–[url ydu bevl,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Pbly‟rl aust hdt pldpcl ydu jhdw. _du sllpldpcl oh tbos hlonbfdrbdd` lvlry èy wdrjohn tbos ber` ‐ dr ber`lr. _dusll ner`lhlrs eh` geo`s eh` kdhstruktodh wdrjlrs eh` rddilrs wdrjohntblor futts dii. Pbly‟rl ohvosofcl td ydu.‗

–O nulss ydu‟rl ronbt,‗ tbl yduhnlr wdgeh gusl`. –Ot‟s òiilrlht wblh ot‟ssdgldhl ydu jhdw.‗

Kcehky tddj dii blr kep eh` `dusl` ot wotb tbl rlgeohohn wetlr, hdw werg.[bl pcdppl` ot fekj dhtd blr ble` eh` stertl` up eneoh, hdt stdppohn uhtocbonb hddh. Hdw blr sbdrts wlrl es wlt es blr bet, eh` sbl cddjl` cojl sblwes efdut td pess dut.

–_du `dh‟t cddj sd ndd`,‗ Beycly vlhturl`.

–Db, oi ydu gleh gy rl` iekl, tbet‟s plrilktcy hdrgec idr gl. Ot‟cc nd ewey es



>=

sddh es O rlst idr e fot.‗

–^l nlt td rlst4‗ tbl yduhnlr wdgeh esjl` wotb bdpl-ioccl` lyls.



>5

–_lp. Pogl idr cuhkb.‗ Kcehky strd`l dwh tbl bocc eh` dvlr td blr fekjpekj,tejohn dut eh lhdrgdus Pupplrwerl fdwc ioccl` wotb iruot sece`. Ncehkohn etBeycly, sbl sunnlstl`, –@dh‟t let ehytbohn tdd blevy dr ydu‟cc fl sokj.‗

Pbl yduhn wdgeh hd``l` eh` tddj dii idr tbl bdusl, rlgdvohn blr fddtseh` sdkjs flidrl lhtlrohn. [bl lglrnl` e ilw gohutls cetlr wotb e fenlcsgdtblrl` oh krleg kbllsl. Pbly set tdnltblr uh`lr tbl plrndce, tbl suh`liclktl` irdg tblor ble`s. –Bdw cdhn `d ydu usueccy frlej4‗

Kcehky sweccdwl` eh` seo`, –@lplh`s. Oi ot‟s reohohn dr rleccy kdc`, wl cojl tdjllp ndohn. Fut wblh ot‟s bdt cojl tbos, ot‟s rleccy flst oi wl tejl et clest ehbdur. Gdst di gy nuys nrlw up dh iergs oh Glxokd, eh` tbly‟rl usl` tdtejohn e cottcl hep eitlr cuhkb. Ot‟s rleccy hdt e fe` o`le.‗

–Oi O sclpt hdw, O gonbt hdt nlt up uhtoc tdgdrrdw,‗ Beycly gdehl`. –O `dh‟tjhdw bdw ydu `d tbos lvlry èy!‗

–^lcc, td fl bdhlst, O `dh‟t. O usueccy clt gy nuys `d tbl ohsteccetodhs, futtbly‟rl ecc fusy tbos wllj. O ò`h‟t weht td weot td nlt stertl`, sd O ionurl` O'`potkb oh.‗

–@d ydu cojl ydur wdrj, Kcehky4 Ot sllgs sd ber`.‗

–Ot os, fut O cdvl ot. O wes dh tbl ilhkl efdut flohn e rlnucer erkbotlkt dr `dohntbos ‐ O‟g rleccy beppy wotb gy kbdokl.‗

–Bly, oi wl‟rl ndhhe tejl e cdhn frlej, wby hdt augp oh tbl pddc4 O‟g surlot'` illc nrlet.‗

–Db … O `dh‟t jhdw. O‟vl hlvlr `dhl ehytbohn cojl tbet dh e adf …‗

–Bevl ydu lvlr be` tbl èunbtlr di tbl dwhlr dh ydur wdrj krlw4‗ Beyclyesjl`.

–Be! Hd, O bevlh‟t, kdgl td tbohj di ot. @dls tbet novl gl kertl fcehkbl wotbtbl pddc4‗

–Ot `dls oi ydu‟rl wotb gl. Kdgl dh eh` òtkb tbdsl ioctby fddts. Clt‟s kddcdii!‗ Beycly bdppl` td blr illt eh` wlht ohtd tbl bdusl. [bl lglrnl` e ilwgohutls cetlr, wlerohn e ie`l` rl` swogsuot eh` kerryohn ehdtblr oh blrbeh`. "O tbohj tbos'cc iot ydu," sbl seo`. "Ot's dhl di gy gdg's."

"O bdpl ot's hdt tdd strltkby," Kcehky seo`. "_dur gdg's cdhnlr tbeh O eg."



>6

Beycly ceunbl`, tbl sduh` sd gukb cojl Effy‟s glcdòk ceunb tbet Kcehkykduc`h‟t blcp irdg nrohhohn et tbl norc. –Gy è` usl` td kecc blr bos cdhn`rohj di wetlr. O hlvlr jhlw wbet tbet gleht, fut bl seo` ot ecc tbl togl.‗

Kcehky uhcekl` blr fddts, clevohn e sufstehtoec `lpdsot di òrt eh` gu` dh

tbl petod. [bl be` td hlercy pry blr sdkjs dii, fut sbl diil` tblg eh` woplès gukb di tbl òrt dii blr clns es sbl kduc`. "Fl ronbt fekj," sbl seo`. [blwlht ohtd tbl fetbrddg fy tbl ceuh`ry eh` quokjcy put dh tbl cdhn suot. [blò`h't kerl bdw ot cddjl`, es cdhn es ot steyl` dh. [bl wes sd lxkotl` efduttbl flkjdhohn wetlr tbet sbl reh ekrdss tbl petod, `dvl ohtd tbl `llp lh`,eh` kegl up sputtlrohn. –@egh! Pbet illcs nrlet!‗

–Pbl pddc bes hlvlr ilct sd ndd`,‗ Beycly enrll` lhtbusoestokeccy.

Pbly icdetl` cogpcy idr e wbocl, hlotblr bevohn tbl lhlrny td `d gukb lcsl. Otwes trlglh`duscy rlirlsbohn, eh` Kcehky tbehjl` blr hlw cefdrlr slvlrec

togls idr tbl nlhlrdus diilr.

E pdrtodh di tbl `llp lh` wes oh sbe`l eh` fdtb wdglh steyl` oh tbetslktodh td jllp tbl suh dii tblor fdòls es gukb es pdssofcl. –O cojl ydurtettdd,‗ Beycly seo`, cddjohn ohtlhtcy et tbl feh` di nrllh ohj.

–Db, tbehjs. O be` ot `dhl wblh O wes oh kdcclnl. Ot‟s enl` prltty wlcc,‗ sblkdgglhtl`. –O wes eireo` ot wduc` ie`l.‗

–Bdw cdhn end wes tbet4‗ Beycly esjl`.

–Ggg … O nreùetl` oh 5??2,‗ sbl seo`.

–Pbet‟s efdut wbet O tbdunbt,‗

–@dh‟t try td nulss gy enl tbet wey,‗ Kcehky werhl`. –O wdrjl` idr idur ylersflidrl O wlht td skbddc.‗ [bl kduc` sll tbl tllhenlr tryohn td wdrj tblhugflrs eh` sevl` blr tbl trdufcl. –O‟cc fl tborty oh @lklgflr.‗

–_du‟rl jo`òhn!‗

–Hdpl. O‟g pcehhohn dh bevohn e bunl perty. _du‟rl diiokoeccy ohvotl` oi ydu‟rl

stocc ndhhe fl oh tdwh.‗

–Kddc! O'` cdvl td kdgl." [bl cddjl` et tbl tettdd eneoh eh` esjl`, –@o` otburt e cdt4‗

–Hd, hdt rleccy. Ot ilct gdrl cojl eh orrotetodh tbeh rlec peoh. Ot burt tbl wdrstdh tbl uh`lrso`l di gy erg. Pbl sjoh‟s prltty slhsotovl tblrl.‗



>;

–^bet burt wdrsl, tbl hoppcl rohn dr tbl tettdd4‗ Beycly esjl` wotb stuòl`kesuechlss.

@egh! [bducè tejlh tbet dut tdèy! –Pbl hoppcl rohn,‗ Kcehky seo`, bdpohntbl sufalkt wes kcdsl`.

–O wes tbohjohn di nlttohn sdgltbohn polrkl`,‗ Beycly seo`, eh` Kcehky be` eillcohn sbl ò`h‟t gleh blr lers.

–^lcc, O dh‟t rlnrlt ot, fut O wes e cdt dc`lr tbeh ydu erl wblh O be` ot dhl.‗

–O tbohj O'g tbl dhcy norc dh gy icddr wbd `dlsh't bevl e tettdd dr e polrkohn. Pbos sugglr's ndhhe fl e westl oi O `dh't nlt dhl dr tbl dtblr flidrl O ndfekj td skbddc."

"Os tbet rleccy tbl flst ferdgltlr4" Kcehky esjl`. "Pblrl bes td flsdgltbohn lcsl tbet kduc` sevl tbl sugglr idr ydu ‛ dtblr tbeh gerjohn up ydur sjoh plrgehlhtcy."

–^by's ot djey idr ydu4 O'g eh eùct, tdd."

"Beycly, ydu'rl slvlhtllh. O'g ecgdst tborty. Pbet's e fon òiilrlhkl."

"@egh! _du sduh` cojl gy gdg! O tbdunbt ydu'` fl kddclr!"

Kcehky fcohjl` et tbl yduhn wdgeh, eh` Beycly hdtokl` blr stertcl`

lxprlssodh.

"Db, sbot. @o` tbet upslt ydu4‗ Beycly esjl`, novohn Kcehky e vlry lerhlstcddj. –O ò`h‟t gleh td.‗

–Heb. O `dh‟t nlt upslt lesocy. O nulss O wes flohn e cottcl perlhtec. O'cc try tdekt clss cojl ydur gdg eh` gdrl cojl ydur fdss." [bl nevl tbl norc ekbergohn sgocl tbet wes ogglòetlcy rlturhl`.

"Os ot djey td esj tbl fdss e plrsdhec qulstodh4"

"O nulss ot `lplh`s dh tbl qulstodh," Kcehky seo`.

"O wes wdh`lrohn oi ydu wlrl oh e rlcetodhsbop."

–Hd,‗ Kcehky seo`, ceunbohn. –Pbl fdss wocc lhtlrteoh e ilw plrsdhecqulstodhs. O‟g sohncl ronbt hdw. O‟vl fllh wdrjohn tdd ber` td nd dut gukbtbos yler, sd O bevlh‟t fllh glltohn pldpcl.‗



>0

Beycly cddjl` et blr idr e gdglht, tblh esjl`, "_du'rl qullr, ronbt4"

Kcehky nevl blr e krddjl` sgocl. "_lp. @dlsh't fdtblr ydu, `dls ot4"

"O nd td [ehte Kruz!" Beycly seo`, es tbdunb tbet iekt ge`l blr sbdkj-prddi.

"Vonbt," Kcehky seo`, hd`òhn. "Bdw efdut ydu4 [llohn ehydhl4"

"Hd. O'g hdt rleccy ohtd tbet," Beycly seo`. "Vlcetodhsbops erl sd cogotohn.Kesuec slx gejls gdrl slhsl. O dh't sll wby bevohn slx glehs ydu bevl tdsplh` ecc di ydur togl wotb dhl nuy."

"Ot dlsh't gleh tbet," Kcehky enrll`, "fut ydu'cc prdfefcy kbehnl ydur goh`dhl èy."

ôtb e tohy iurrdw fltwllh blr lylfrdws, Beycly toctl` blr èrj ble` ehèsjl`, –_du tbohj O'g e ùgf jo`, `dh't ydu4‗

–Heb, hdt et ecc, fut O tbohj tbet ydu‟cc kbehnl ydur goh` efdut wbet yduweht irdg slx e kdupcl di `dzlh togls fy tbl togl ydu‟rl gy enl. blh O weslonbtllh, O wehtl` td fl kdhsugl` fy e cdvlr ‛ fut O clerhl` tbet O hll` e cdtdi eutdhdgy. _du kbehnl ydur goh` es ydu nlt gdrl lxplrolhkl.‗

–Geyfl,‗ Beycly seo`, –fut O tbohj O‟cc ecweys weht gy irll`dg. Pbet ‒tocc`letb `d ydu pert‟ stuii os sd dvlr.‗

–Hdt idr gl, Beycly. O‟` cdvl td scllp wotb dhl wdgeh lvlry honbt idr tbl rlstdi gy coil. Fut O bevlh‟t iduh` dhl O keh steh` idr gdrl tbeh e kdupcl digdhtbs ‛ sd O‟vl ndt gy wdrj kut dut idr gl.‗ [bl ohkcohl` blr ble` tdwer`stbl bocc. –[plejohn di wdrj …‗

–Djey, fdss. Fekj td tbl rdkj pocl.‗

***

Vlnrlttefcy, tbl wletblr turhl` bdttlr, eh` fy ^l`hlsèy, Kcehky‟``lko`l` tbet sbl hll`l` td stert lvlh lercolr td evdo` suhstrdjl. Effy wes

blcpohn ecc sbl kduc` ‐ frohnohn tblg cdts di wetlr eh` e ilw sgecc shekjstbrdunbdut tbl èy, fut tbl dhcy wey td gejl tbl èy flerefcl wes td stertet èwh‟s iorst conbt.

Ot wes ecgdst 551== wblh Beycly seo`, –Vlglgflr wbet ydu seo` efdut ydurnuys tejohn e cdhn hep oh tbl go``cl di tbl èy4‗

–_leb, O rlglgflr,‗ Kcehky pehtl`, kclercy lxbeustl` irdg tbl blet.



><

–^by `dh‟t wl `d tbet tdèy4 Pbl suh os dii tbos pert di tbl bocc fy 61==. ^lkduc` stert up eneoh tblh eh` wdrj uhtoc 91==.‗

Kcehky wopl` sdgl di tbl swlet irdg blr lyls eh` hd``l` fcehjcy. –O `dh‟t

hdrgeccy `d tbet, fut O‟g illcohn ewiuccy sokj td gy stdgekb. Pbos kduc` flèhnlrdus.‗

–Nrlet!‗ Beycly seo` wotb es gukb lhtbusoesg es sbl be` clit. –Clt‟s bot tblpddc.‗

Kcehky idccdwl` blr `dwh tbl bocc, hlercy secovetohn et tbl tbdunbt diswoggohn, wblh Effy stlppl` dut dhtd tbl petod. –Vle`y idr sdgl cuhkb4‗

–Hd tbehjs,‗ Kcehky seo` ogglòetlcy. –Gy stdgekb‟s upslt.‗

–[bl‟s dvlrbletl`,‗ Beycly seo`, eh` wblh Effy ndt e ndd` cddj et tblerkbotlkt, sbl enrll` wotb tbl esslssglht.

–O‟cc nlt ydu e swogsuot,‗ sbl seo` lkosovlcy. –_du hll` td kddc dii.‗ [bl wlhtohtd tbl bdusl, wotb Kcehky idccdwohn eitlr sbl tddj dii blr fddts. Pbl `dnsbeppocy cokjl` tbl òrt, swlet eh` gu` irdg blr clns, wbocl Kcehky nonncl`bystlrokeccy. [bl tddj tbl prdiilrl` suot, tblh reh ohtd tbl fetb fy tblceuh`ry rddg td kbehnl, sevohn blrslci irdg tbl iceocohn tdhnuls oh tblprdklss. Blr teh wes kdgokec, eh` Effy be` td idrkl blrslci hdt td nonnclwblh sbl sew ot. Kcehky be` fllh usohn tbl strdhnlst pdssofcl suhfcdkj,

fut sbl be` gehenl` td nlt lvlh erjlr, wbokb rlw lvlh gdrl ettlhtodh tdblr pecl sjoh. [bl sew Effy‟s lxprlssodh eh` tddj e cddj `dwh blr fd`y.]esty wbotl illt eh` ehjcls, pecl sjoh irdg tbl l`nl di tbl hevy fcul suot tdgo`-tbonb, eh` sconbtcy teh sbduc`lrs, frekjltl` fy vlry teh idrlergs eh`cdwlr clns. –O‟g tbohjohn di kdhtektohn ]ceyfdy efdut e klhtlridc`,‗ sbl seo`.

–_du bevl e nrlet fd`y,‗ Effy seo`, novohn blr e cdhn, esslssohn cddj. –Geyfl ydu kduc` fl oh tbl ‒norcs oh tbl kdhstruktodh tre`l‟ ossul.‗

–[dgl nuys prdfefcy ioh` ierglr tehs slxy,‗ Kcehky ohsostl`. –Ot kduc` fl e

fon slcclr.‗

–Hd duft. Hdw nlt dut tblrl eh` augp oh tbet pddc flidrl O bevl td tejl ydutd tbl bdspotec.‗

–Erlh‟t ydu ndohn td kdgl, tdd4‗

–^lcc, O tbdunbt O‟` gejl cuhkb iorst …‗



>9

–Kdgl dh,‗ Kcehky urnl`. –Idr e cottcl wbocl4‗

Effy icesbl` blr e sgocl eh` nevl oh. –Djey. \htoc ydu twd erl up td letohn e cottcl.‗

Beycly wecjl` ferliddt ohtd tbl jotkblh, bevohn wrlstcl` dii blr fddts eh`sdkjs.

"Burry up eh` kbehnl eh` nlt fekj dutso`l. Ot's hdt ndd` td nd ohtd eheor-kdhòtodhl` rddg wblh ydu'rl es bdt es wl erl."

"Pblh nlt dutso`l," Beycly seo`, novohn blr fdss e ieux skdwc. [bl cddjl` etblr gdtblr eh` seo`, –^l‟rl ndhhe tejl e cdhn hep eh` tblh nlt stertlèneoh et 61==.‗

–Vleccy4‗ Effy nevl Kcehky e qulstodhohn cddj, eh` tbl erkbotlkt hd``l`.

–Ot‟s e cottcl èhnlrdus tdèy wotb tbl blet eh` tbl sgdn. O wes bevohntrdufcl frletbohn. Fy 61== tbl bocc wocc fl oh sbe`l, eh` ot sbduc` fl seil tdwdrj tblh.‗

–Geyfl wl sbduc` kecc tbos dii uhtoc ot kddcs `dwh,‗ Effy seo`, wdrrol`.

–^lcc … O‟vl ndt gy nuys skblùcl` td stert blrl tbl wllj eitlr hlxt,‗ Kcehkylxpceohl`. –O‟cc bevl e bunl bdcl oh gy skblùcl oi wl `dh‟t nlt ndohn tblh.‗

–Fut O‟g wdrrol` efdut ydu,‗ Effy seo`, nezohn et Kcehky wotb rduh` lyls.

–]ert di tbl bezer`s,‗ Kcehky essurl` blr. –E fe` teh, keccdusl` beh`s, eh`tbl pdssofocoty di blet strdjl. _du dh‟t bevl td wdrry efdut us, Effy. l‟rlusl` td ot, eh` wl jhdw bdw td prdtlkt durslcvls.‗

–Beycly `dlsh‟t,‗ sbl ohsostl`.

–O‟g iohl, Gdg,‗ tbl yduhnlr wdgeh popl` up. –Ot‟s Kcehky wbd‟s `dohn tbl

ber` wdrj.‗

Effy cddjl` et blr irolh`, blr kdhklrh sbdwohn oh blr lyls. –O'g bdhlstcywdrrol` efdut ydu, Kcehky. _du cddj kdgpcltlcy lxbeustl`.‗

–Pbet hep dls sduh` prltty ndd`,‗ sbl e`gottl`. –O tbohj O‟cc nref e reit eh`tejl e hep oh tbl pddc.‗



>>

–O‟g ndhhe tejl e sbdwlr eh` e hep,‗ Beycly seo`. –^duc`h‟t ydu fl gdrlkdgidrtefcl oh tbl nulst rddg4‗

–Hd, O rleccy d betl td fl oh eor kdhòtodhohn urohn tbl ey. Ot gejls ot sllgtbet gukb bdttlr wblh O nd fekj dutso`l.‗

"O'g woccohn td rosj ot," tbl norc seo`. [bl stertl` td ble` idr blr rddg. "O'gwoccohn td rosj ehytbohn."

Kcehky eh` Effy ceunbl` et blr `regetok ettotu`l eh` wlht fekj dutso`l.Kcehky `dvl oh eh` nreffl` tbl hlerlst reit, tblh jokjl` uhtoc sbl wes ohtbl kdrhlr di tbl pddc tbet wes iuccy sbe`l`. Bdppohn dhtd tbl sdit suriekl,sbl sonbl` oh setosiektodh eh` pe``cl` dvlr td Effy. –Pbos os ndhhe illc sdndd`.‗

Effy sgocl` et blr eh` seo`, –O‟cc nd oh eh` prlperl e conbt shekj idr wblh

ydu fdtb wejl up.‗

Kcehky wes escllp fy tbl togl blr ble` iohosbl` hd`òhn, eh` wblh Effyiohosbl` oh tbl jotkblh, sbl cddjl` dut td ioh` tbet blr irolh`‟s reit be``roitl` ohtd tbl suh. Bdw `d O iox tbet4 [bl kbehnl` ohtd e suot eh` nreffl`tbl fddj sbl‟` fllh rleòhn. [bl stleòl` dhl di tbl upronbt icdetohn cduhnlkbeors eh` ndt oh, tblh jokjl` uhtoc sbl rlekbl` tbl ceh`skeplr. Nlhtcypusbohn tbl reit, sbl gehluvlrl` ot ohtd tbl sbe`y kdrhlr, tblh slttcl``dwh td rle`.

^lcc dvlr eh bdur be` pessl` wblh Prlvdr kegl bdgl irdg bos vosot td tbl

Il`lrec Fuocòhn td nlt bos pesspdrt upètl`. Bl cddjl` erduh` tbl bdusl,tryohn td ioh` sdgl sonh di coil. Bl jhlw bos gdtblr be` td fl bdgl ‐ bl be`blr ker. ecjohn ohtd tbl jotkblh, bl ncehkl` dutso`l eh` sew bos gdg, blrfddj dh blr cep, blr iddt prlssohn Kcehky‟s reit ohtd tbl kdrhlr. Pbl yduhnlrwdgeh wes cyohn dh blr stdgekb, blr ble` turhl` td tbl so`l, fdtb ergsèhncohn oh tbl wetlr. Effy‟s nezl be` slttcl` dhtd blr iekl, eh` Prlvdrkduc`h‟t blcp fut hdtokl tbl idh` eiilktodh tbet sllgl` td icdw irdg bosgdtblr tdwer`s tbl yduhnlr wdgeh.

Bl wesh‟t surl wby, fut sdgltbohn efdut tbl tefcleu wes uhslttcohn, eh`bl turhl` ewey, tryohn td put tbl sklhl dut di bos goh`.

***

Fy sox d‟kcdkj, e sufstehtoec pdrtodh di tbl wdrj Kcehky be` bdpl` tdekkdgpcosb wes iohosbl`, eh` sbl wes illcohn gukb, gukb flttlr. Ot wes stoccbdt, fut wotb tbl suh dii tblor fdòls tbl blet wes flerefcl. Pbly be`h‟tletlh eitlr tblor hep ‐ Kcehky‟s stdgekb wes stocc e cottcl fecjy, eh` Beyclyò`h‟t bevl eh eppltotl lotblr, sd hdw tbly wlrl fdtb revlhdus.



>2

Effy kegl dut et 91== dh tbl futtdh eh` seo`, –@ohhlr wocc fl rle`y oh e becibdur. Pbet‟s lhdunb togl idr ydu fdtb td sbdwlr.‗ Kcehky nevl blr e puzzcl`cddj, fut Effy pcekl` blr beh`s dh blr bops eh` stetl` oh blr gdstgdtblrcy vdokl, –O `dh‟t weht ehy ernuglhts dut di ydu, Kcehky D‟Kdhhdr.

_du‟vl usl` up iovl tbduseh` kecdrols tdèy eh` bevlh‟t rlpclhosbl` tblg._du hll` e ndd` òhhlr ‐ eh` tbet‟s wbet ydu‟rl ndohn td nlt.‗

–_ls, Gdg,‗ sbl gugfcl`, `rewohn e shokjlr irdg Beycly.

Effy‟s rltrletohn idrg ehswlrl`. –O bler` tbet.‗

***

Idr tbl rlst di tbl wllj, tbly idccdwl` tbl segl skblùcl. Kcehky frdunbtblr dwh swogsuot eh` e cdhn-scllvl`, dvlrsozl` P-sbort td wler dvlr ot, lxtre

prdtlktodh td jllp tbl suh dii blr fd`y wbocl sbl heppl`. [bl ecsdrlglgflrl` td frohn e cdhn strop di lcestok tufohn, eh` sbl tol` dhl lh` td ehehjcl eh` tbl dtblr td e blevy kbeor ‐ liilktovlcy bdcòhn blr oh pcekl oh tblsbe`y lh` di tbl pddc.

[bl etl òhhlr wotb tbl Nrebegs lvlry honbt eh` splht tbl rlgeoh`lr dilekb lvlhohn pceyohn oh tbl pddc. Pbl wbdcl iegocy cojl` td lhady tbl pddcùrohn tbl werg lvlhohns, eh` Kcehky iduh` blrslci lenlrcy adohohn oh dhtbl iegocy treòtodh.

***

Prlvdr be` td clevl idr Otecy dh [eturèy, eh` cojl lvlry dtblr togl sohklBeycly‟` ndttlh blr coklhsl, sbl `rdvl bog td tbl eorpdrt. Pbet wey Effy ndttd kry oh provetl, eh` Prlvdr eh` Beycly ndt td splh` e cottcl togl`lkdgprlssohn eh` krotoquohn tbl vosot.

Pbly be`h‟t ndhl vlry ier wblh Prlvdr esjl`, –[d, bdw `d ydu tbohj Gdg‟s`dohn4‗

–O tbohj sbl‟s prltty ndd`,‗ Beycly seo` tbdunbtiuccy. –O‟g nce` tbet sblbesh‟t be` ehy etls sohkl wl‟vl fllh bdgl. [bl‟s fllh ndohn dut e cdt, ydu

jhdw.‗

–\bg … O ò`h‟t jhdw ot wes e cdt,‗ Prlvdr seo`, novohn bos sostlr e hlrvduscddj. –O‟g hdt rle`y idr tbos, Beycly. O keh‟t tbohj di blr wotb ehdtblr nuy.‗

–^lcc, O `dh‟t jhdw e blkj di e cdt, fut irdg tbl cottcl sbl‟s seo`, sbl‟s hdtbevohn gukb cukj.‗



>?

–^bet4 Gdg‟s sd kddc! ^bet nuy wduc`h‟t weht td ètl blr4‗

–Gejl up ydur goh`, Prlv,‗ Beycly seo`, ceunbohn blertocy.

–O `dh‟t jhdw, Beycly. O gleh, O weht blr td fl beppy, fut …‗

–@dh‟t ydu tbohj sbl‟s beppy4‗ Beycly esjl`. –O tbohj sbl‟s gukb flttlrtbeh sbl wes et sprohn frlej.‗

–_du jhdw, sbl `dls sllg flttlr,‗ bl seo`. Bl wes rleccy tryohn td nlt ebeh`cl dh sdgltbohn honncohn tbet wes bdvlrohn et tbl l`nl di bos freoh, futbl wesh‟t bevohn gukb sukklss.

–[bl‟s sd bdt idr tbos prdalkt, Prlv. _du jhdw bdw woc` sbl os idr tbl yer`.Bevohn sdgltbohn cojl tbos td kdhklhtretl dh os prdfefcy blcpohn blr gdd`.‗

–_leb,‗ bl seo`, sgocohn es bl tbdunbt di bos gdtblr. –Ot gust fl tbl prdalkt.‗

Pblh, su``lhcy, Prlvdr ilct bos stdgekb curkb wblh bl kdhso`lrl` tbl sbyncehkls tbet bl sew Kcehky novl td bos gdtblr, tbl cddj dh bos gdg‟s ieklwblh sbl wes wetkbohn Kcehky scllp oh tbl pddc, tbl wey sbl sehn td blrslciwbocl gejohn òhhlr ‛ es sbl be` wblh bos ietblr wes ecovl, tbl kdhstehtkerl sbl cevosbl` dh tbl erkbotlkt td gejl surl sbl wesh‟t wdrjohn tdd ber`.Ecc di e su``lh, ot ge`l slhsl td bog. Bos gdg wes `liohotlcy beppolr tbeh

sbl‟` fllh oh e cdhn wbocl, fut ot wesh‟t tbl ceh`skepl tbet wes puttohn esgocl dh blr iekl ‛ ot wes tbl ceh`skeplr. Pbdunbts iclw erduh` oh bos ble`,tbl ogenl di bos gdtblr eh` ehdtblr wdgeh gejohn bog ohtlhslcyuhkdgidrtefcl. Pryohn td kdgpdsl bogslci, bl keunbt e ncogpsl di bossostlr‟s kecg iekl eh` seo`, –O tbohj ydu‟rl ronbt. Pbl prdalkt os prdfefcyjllpohn blr beppy.‗

–Bly, Prlv4 ^l‟cc hlvlr nlt sd dc` tbet e ilw fduc`lrs eh` e cottcl strleg woccgejl dur wbdcl sugglr, wocc wl4‗

–Heb, hdt us, Beycly.‗ Bl nevl bos sostlr e idrkl` sgocl, bdpohn tbet bos

suspokodhs wlrl dhcy tbet.

***

Fdtb di tbl Nrebeg wdglh wlrl se` td bevl Prlvdr ndhl, eh` tbly pokjlìllfcy et tblor òhhlr. Pbl soclhkl wes kdgpehodhefcl, fut Effy ioheccyfrdjl ot. "^l gonbt es wlcc e`got bdw gukb wl'rl ndhhe goss Prlvdr eh` nltot dvlr wotb."



2=

Beycly cddjl` et blr idr e gdglht, tblh Effy wetkbl` blr èunbtlr‟s iekltrehsidrg es blr lyls kcdsl` eh` blr cdwlr cop stertl` td trlgfcl. "O ber`cyndt td sll bog et ecc," tbl yduhnlr wdgeh seo`. [bl wopl` blr lyls wotb blrhepjoh, ehnry wotb blrslci idr kryohn sd lesocy.

Effy rlekbl` dut eh` kdvlrl` blr beh`, tblh scoppl` blr iohnlrs erduh` blrèunbtlr's. "O jhdw ot's ber`, bdhly. O illc tbl segl wey wblh ydu clevl.Nd`," sbl sonbl`, "O wes e fesjlt kesl wblh ydu clit idr skbddc cest[lptlgflr. ]eg eh` Geroe eh` Lcclh lekb keccl` gl lvlry èy idr twdwlljs. O tbohj tbly wlrl eireo` O wes ndhhe behn gyslci."

Pbl yduhn wdgeh sterl` et blr gdtblr. "Os tbet trul4 ês ot tbet ber` idr ydu4"

Ceunbohn sditcy, Effy seo`, "O wesh't suokoèc, bdhly. Pblrl's hd wey O'` put

es gukb wdrj ohtd reosohn ydu twd es O bevl eh` hdt stokj erduh` td sll tblrlsucts."

"Fut ydu wlrl se`4"

"Di kdursl O wes se`!" Effy cddjl` et blr èunbtlr es oi sbl'` esjl` oi tbl`dns kduc` tecj. "O krol` lvlry èy idr et clest e gdhtb! O keh't kduht tblhugflr di togls O cey dh ydur fl` eh` krol` ‛ jhdwohn ydu wduc`h't flkdgohn bdgl tbet honbt. Ot wes rdunb."

"@egh, Gdg, wby ò`h't ydu tlcc gl4"

Effy squllzl` blr beh` eh` sbddj blr ble` frolicy. "Pbet's dhl di tbl peohsdi perlhtbdd`, fefy. _du dh't fur`lh ydur jo`s wotb ydur prdfclgs. O weht ydu td bevl ydur dwh coil, eh` ndohn ewey td kdcclnl os tbl flst wey O kehtbohj di td stert. O wduc` hlvlr weht ydu td fl wdrrol` efdut gl. O jhdw ydube` ydur dwh prdfclgs eàustohn."

"O illc cojl sukb e alrj!" Beycly seo`. [bl puccl` blr beh` ewey eh` stdd` tdkcler tbl tefcl. "O wes dh tbl pbdhl lvlry dtblr ey kdgpceohohn efdut sdglstupo` cottcl tbohn! O hlvlr wduc` bevl `dhl tbet oi O'` jhdwh ydu wlrl se`."

Effy ndt up es wlcc eh` keunbt Beycly et tbl sohj. [bl wreppl` blr ergserduh` blr weost eh` rlstl` blr kboh dh blr sbduc`lr. "O cdvl` tbet ydukeccl` gl sd ditlh. Ot ò`h't gettlr wbet wl tecjl` efdut. O wes beppy tbet ydu trustl` gl td blcp ydu wdrj dut sdgl di ydur prdfclgs."

"O `d trust ydu, Gdg. O `dh't tbohj O jhlw bdw cukjy O wes uhtoc tbos yler.[dgl di tbl wdglh O'vl glt bevl bdrrdr stdrols efdut tblor gdtblrs tbet ydu



25

wduc`h't flcolvl!"

"[url O wduc`," Effy seo`. "O'vl glt sdgl `rleìuc perlhts. Lsplkoeccy wblh ydu wlrl oh bonb skbddc. [dgl di tbdsl perlhts sbduc` bevl fllhohvlstonetl` fy tbl stetl!"

"O hlvlr hdtokl`," Beycly seo`. [bl clehl` fekj e cottcl eh` put blr ble` dhblr gdtblr's sbduc`lr. "O wesh't ewerl di e cdt di tbohns oh bonb skbddc. O illccojl O'g wejohn up eh` sllohn tbl wdrc` hdw tbet O'g oh kdcclnl."

Effy toctl` blr ble` eh` jossl` Beycly's kbllj. "O bdpl ydu ecweys jhdwtbet O'g blrl idr ydu, fefy. Hd gettlr wbet, O'g dh ydur so`l."

Beycly scoppl` irdg blr gdtblr's lgfrekl eh` flneh td kcler tbl rlgeoh`lrdi tbl òsbls. [bl ge`l e kdgglht tbet sduh`l` cojl ot wes tdssl` diikesueccy, fut Effy bler` tbl ogpcol` qulstodh. "_du'rl hdt ecweys dh gy

so`l, Gdg. _du wduc`h't cojl ot oi O stertl` frohnohn nuys bdgl td steydvlrhonbt."

"Hd, O wduc`h't cojl ot," Effy seo`. [bl clehl` eneohst tbl kduhtlr eh`krdssl` blr clns et tbl ehjcl, blr ergs krdssl` dvlr blr kblst. "O hdt dhcywduc`h't cojl ot, O wduc`h't eccdw ot. Fut tbet `dlsh't gleh O'g hdt dh ydurso`l. O cdvl ydu wblh O bevl td sey hd es wlcc es yls."

"O cojl tbl ylsls flttlr," Beycly seo`, nrohhohn scycy. "Eh` O'g hdt sd surl ydu'` stdp gl irdg frohnohn e ètl bdgl."

"Pblh ydu'` flttlr hdt try gl," Effy seo`. "Flkeusl ydu'` fl vlrylgferressl`. O'g hdt jo`òhn erduh` efdut tbos, Beycly. Hd dvlrhonbts uhtoc ydu'rl vlry slrodus efdut e fdy, prlilrefcy lhnenl`."

Pbl norc stdppl` eh` sterl` et blr gdtblr. "Pbet's hdt ndhhe bepplh, Gdg.Gerroenl gonbt bevl wdrjl` oh lercolr togls, fut ot `dlsh't wdrj oh tbltwlhty-iorst klhtury. Bevlh't ydu rle` tbl stetostoks4 Dvlr beci di eccgerroenls lh` oh òvdrkl! ]ldpcl `dh't tbohj di gerroenl es e plrgehlhttbohn ehygdrl. Ot's ètohn … uhtoc ydu'rl sokj di lekb dtblr."

"[tetostoks keh fl goscleòhn, Beycly. E cdt di pldpcl flcolvl oh gerroenl. O

`d: ydur ietblr ò`. Ecc di dur kcdsl irolh`s erl stocc wotb tblor spdusls drperthlrs."

"Fut ydu'rl irdg tbl prlvodus nlhlretodh," Beycly lxpceohl`. "_du wlrl ettbl teoc lh` di tbl trlh`."

Effy ceunbl`, tryohn td idrkl blr lyls hdt td rdcc. "Ot's hdt e trlh`, bdhly. Ot'se wey td bevl `llp glehohn oh ydur coil. Pblrl‟s hdtbohn gdrl setosiyohn



26

tbeh bevohn sdgldhl oh ydur coil wbdg ydu trust kdgpcltlcy, wbd's ydurirolh` eh` cdvlr eh` pceygetl ecc rdccl` ohtd dhl. Flohn gerrol` nevl glslkuroty eh` e strukturl tbet O cdvl`."

"_leb4 blrl o` ecc di tbet slkuroty eh` glehohn nlt ydu4 @e`'s ndhl, eh`

ydu bevlh't be` ehy di tbet stuii idr iovl ylers! @dh't ydu goss ot4"

"Os tbet e rbltdrokec qulstodh4" Effy esjl`. [bl wlht td tbl tefcl eh` set`dwh, cddjohn et blr eunbtlr oh puzzclglht. "Bdw keh ydu lvlh esj tbet4 Ogoss ydur ietblr gdrl tbeh O kduc` lvlr flnoh td tlcc."

"Hd, hdt @e`. O jhdw bdw gukb ydu goss bog," tbl norc seo`. "Fut ydu kduc`bevl sdgl di tbl tbohns ydu be` wotb @e` oi ydu'` cddslh up."

"Cddslh up4"

"_leb. _du tdc` gl ydu'vl fllh ètohn. ^blrl erl tbdsl nuys4"

Effy clt dut e wry ceunb. "O bevlh't kcokjl` wotb ehydhl. O'vl cojl` e ilw ditblg, fut tbly ò`h't cojl gl lhdunb td kecc gl eneoh."

Beycly cddjl` suspokodus. "Kdgl dh … tbet keh't fl trul."

"Pbehjs idr tbl vdtl di kdhio`lhkl, bdhly, fut ot os trul."

"[dgltbohn's wrdhn blrl." Beycly set `dwh eh` cddjl` et blr gdtblr idr egdglht, tblh esjl`, "^bet `d ydu tlcc tblsl nuys4"

Pbohjohn efdut tbl qulstodh idr e gohutl, Effy seo`, "O tlcc tblg efdut ydur@e`, eh` O tlcc tblg efdut ydu eh` Prlvdr. O tlcc tblg efdut tbl tbohns O'gohvdcvl` oh eh` tbl spdrts O cojl. Pbl usuec stuii." [bl sgocl`. "O `dh't jhdwoi ydu'vl hdtokl` tbos, fut dh iorst ètls, glh cojl td `d gdst di tbl tecjohn."

"_leb, O'vl hdtokl`," Beycly seo`, kbukjcohn. "Fut tbohj efdut ot, Gdg, wbysbduc` e nuy kecc ydu eneoh4 Geyfl glh wlrlh't tbos wey wblh ydu wlrl yduhn, fut hdweèys, tbly cojl td nlt ceo`. Oi dhl di tbl nuys ydu cojl` `rdvl ydu bdgl eh` ydu esjl` bog oh idr slx, ydu'` et clest iocc sdgl di tbl vdo`."

"Ydo`4" Effy gehenl` td nlt dut. "^bet vdo`4"

"Pbl vdo` oh ydur coil sohkl @e``y òl`. ^duc`h't ydu fl beppolr oi ydu wlrlbevohn ndd` slx4"

"Db, Beycly." Effy rlstl` blr idrlble` dh blr dplh beh` eh` trol` td tbohj



2;

di wblrl td stert. "O `dh't jhdw wbd bes kdhvohkl` ydu tbet gdst wdglh cojlhd-ettekbglhts slx. Ot's hdt trul, bdhly. Ot tejls e wbocl td jhdw sdgldhlwlcc lhdunb td glsb wotb bog slxueccy. Nd`, wbet wduc` ydu `d dh tblètl4 Plcc bog wbet pdsotodhs ydu cojl4 Bdw ydu cojl td fl tdukbl`4 ^bet ydu wocc dr wdh't `d4 ^by hdt bevl e ker` prohtl` up wotb ydur

rlquorlglhts4"

"Pbet's hdt e fe` o`le, Gdg. Ot's gdrl bdhlst tbet wey. Oi ydu cojl boglhdunb td nd dut wotb bog, eh` ydu nlt ecdhn wlcc dh tbl etl ‛ wby hdt bevlslx eh` sll oi ot wdrjs4"

Effy's vdokl stertl` td neoh vdcugl. "Flkeusl ydu'` wecj ewey irdg sdglnrlet nuys! [lx osh't cojl iottohn nlers ohtd e gekbohl! Ot's huehkl` eh`suftcl, bdhly. Lvlry togl os òiilrlht! ^blh ydu'rl wotb sdgldhl ydu cdvl, ydu clerh bdw td rle` bos sonhecs. [dgltogls ydu weht tlh`lrhlss, eh`sdgltogls ydu weht td …" [bl stdppl` eh` sbddj blr ble`. "Pbos os nlttohn

ier tdd splkoiok. O `dh't weht td jhdw tbl `lteocs di ydur slxuec coil, eh` Oklrteohcy `dh't weht td tecj efdut gohl."

"Pbet's sd bypdkrotokec!"

"Bdw's tbet4" Effy esjl`.

"_du weht gl td tlcc ydu tbohns, fut ydu wdh't tlcc gl stuii tbet ydu `d. Pbet's hdt ieor."

"Ieor dr hdt, O'g hdt tecjohn efdut ydur ietblr eh` gy slx coil. Ot's tdd

plrsdhec, Beycly. Kboc`rlh sbduc`h't fl sufalktl` td tbet."

"O'g hdt e kboc`, Gdg. O jhdw ydu eh` @e` be` slx. Ot's hd fon `lec."

"_ls, ot os," Effy seo`. "Ot os e vlry fon `lec. Ot wes dhl di tbl weys wlkdgguhoketl`, Beycly. Dhl di tbl weys wl sbdwl` bdw gukb wl cdvl` dhlehdtblr. Dhl di tbl tbohns tbet nevl us fdtb ady. Ot wes e vlry fon `lec, eh`puccohn dhl di tbl nuys O'vl fllh dut wotb ohtd gy fl` wduc` hlvlr, lvlr kdglkcdsl td rlpcoketohn wbet O be` wotb ydur ietblr."

"_du `dh't jhdw tbet," Beycly seo`, uhwoccohn td novl up. "_du bevlh't trol`

ot. Bdw gehy nuys ò` ydu bevl slx wotb flidrl @e``y4"

"[lvlhty-lonbt," Effy seo`, nezohn et blr èunbtlr kecgcy.

"[lvlhty-lonbt! Alsus, Gdg! ^bet tbl blcc wes ndohn dh wotb ydu4"

"Hdtbohn," Effy seo`. "Pbet wes glrlcy e cottcl trokj td sbdw ydu wby O wdh'ttlcc ydu. Pblrl osh't e hugflr O kduc` sey tbet wduc`h't fl gehopucetl` td iot



20

wbetlvlr pdoht ydu'rl tryohn td gejl. O tdc` ydu lercolr tbet gy slx coil os gydwh fusohlss, bdhly. Flidrl, ùrohn, eh` eitlr gy gerroenl."

"Pblh gohl sbduc` fl, tdd," Beycly seo`.

"O enrll! O hlvlr bevl eh` O hlvlr wduc` esj ydu splkoioks! _du'rl tbl dhl wbdehhduhkl` tbet ydu wlrl ndohn td stdp cddjohn idr e fdyirolh` eh` stertbevohn slx idr slx‟ sejl."

"O'g sdrry O frdunbt ot up," tbl norc seo`.

"O eg, tdd, fut dhcy flkeusl ot clts gl sll tbet O bevlh't ogprlssl` updh ydubdw wdh`lriuc ot os td fl oh e ndd` rlcetodhsbop."

Beycly cddjl` et blr gdtblr idr e gdglht, tblh seo` quoltcy, "_du'rl hdt ohdhl hdw, Gdg, eh` ydu bevlh't fllh oh dhl idr iovl ylers. Oi ydu wehtl` dhl,

O tbohj ydu'` bevl dhl fy hdw."

Effy sterl` et blr èunbtlr idr e gdglht, tblh ndt up eh` wlht dutso`l,fdtb `dns treocohn flboh` blr. [bl set `dwh eh` sterl` et tbl pddc, cddjohnet tbl tohy roppcls tbet sjoggl` ekrdss tbl suriekl. Pbl woh` wesirlsblhohn es ot ecweys ò` oh tbl lercy lvlhohn. Pbl kddc dkleh frllzl beìoheccy ge`l ot up tbl errdyd, eh` sbl kecgl` blr rekohn tbdunbts es tblconbt woh` tdssl` e ilw cdkjs di blr beor efdut blr ble`.

[bl wes illcohn hugf, eh` sbl betl` tbl wey sbl eh` Beycly wlrlohtlrektohn. [bl jhlw tbl norc wes nrdwohn up eh` tryohn td ioh` blr dwh

wey, fut sbl ò`h't cojl tbos hlw, kdhirdhtetodhec stycl Beycly wes`lvlcdpohn. Jhdwohn tbet Beycly wes gogokjohn sdgl di blr irolh`s irdgkdcclnl, Effy rlgoh`l` blrslci tbet Beycly be` e vlry ndd` iduhètodh, eh`wduc` prdfefcy sllg gdrl cojl blr dc` slci oh e yler dr twd. Fut tbet ò`h'tgejl tbohns slttcl wlcc hdw. [bl'` hlvlr evdo`l` bevohn e tecj wotb Beycly,fut hdw sbl wes ecgdst blsoteht td gejl togl idr tblg td fl ecdhl.

Es tbl gohutls pessl`, Beycly's wdr`s jlpt kdgohn fekj, eh` sbl flneh tdtbohj efdut tblg oh `lptb, lvlhtueccy sllohn blr rlklht kbdokls wotb eòiilrlht sceht. Oh blr blert, sbl be` td e`got tbet sbl be`h't fllh sbdwohnblr trul slci td tbl glh sbl'` fllh sllohn. Ecc tbly sew wes e dhkl-strojohncy

fleutoiuc, hdw vlry ettrektovl go``cl-enl` wdgeh wbd splht tbl lvlhohntecjohn efdut blr `le` busfeh` eh` blr twd jo`s. ^by `d O `d tbet4 Eg Orle`y td bevl e rlcetodhsbop, dr eg O dhcy tryohn td ekt cojl O eg4

KBE]PLV [OR

Effy ohvotl` tbl D'Kdhhdrs idr e joh` di wdrjohn òhhlr, tbohjohn sbl‟` jocctbl prdvlrfoec twd for`s. Eitlr eh lhadyefcl glec tbly ge`l tblor wey td tbl



2<

petod td kdhtohul tbl òskussodh. Effy, Kcehky eh` Adbh ndt ronbt `dwh tdfusohlss, wotb Adbh puccohn dut sdgl `lsonh sunnlstodhs idr tbl pddc `lkj.Beycly cddjl` et Gernerlt eh` esjl`, –^duc` ydu cojl td sll tbl rlst di tblbdusl4 ^l ò`h‟t bevl togl idr e tdur flidrl òhhlr.‗

Vlcolvl`, tbl dc`lr wdgeh enrll`. –O'` cdvl td. Pbos tlkbhokec tecj ndls ronbtdvlr gy ble`.‗

Pbly lxegohl` tbl bdusl oh sdgl `lteoc, Gernerlt‟s ohhetl slhsl di `lsonhcleòhn blr td lxkceog dvlr gehy `lteocs di tbl bdusl. [bl, cojl blrèunbtlr, wes rewh td tbl covohn rddg, eh` sbl eh` Beycly set dwh dh tblgetkbohn, cletblr-kdvlrl` sdies td sdej up sdgl di tbl egfoehkl. Pbl peorsplht e ndd`, cdhn togl tdnltblr, kbettohn efdut hdtbohn oh pertokucer.

"Pbos os sd hokl idr gl," Gernerlt seo`. "O `dh't nlt td sll Kcehky oh blr wdrjlhvordhglht vlry ditlh, eh` ot's vlry rlessurohn td jhdw sbl's splhòhn blr

èys wotb sukb hokl pldpcl."

Beycly sgocl` eh` seo`, "Ot's hdt dhcy blr èys, Grs. D‟Kdhhdr. ^l bevlòhhlr tdnltblr ecgdst lvlry honbt."

Pbl dc`lr wdgeh fcohjl` oh surprosl. "_du `d4"

"[url. l kbehnl` dur skblùcl erduh` sd tbet wl tejl e tbrll-bdur frlejoh tbl go``cl di tbl èy. Ot's bdt tblh, sd wl swog dr hep, tblh bevl sdglcuhkb. ^l `dh't iohosb uhtoc 91== dr >1== ‛ uhtoc gy gdg gejls us kdgl ohidr òhhlr."

Gernerlt ò` blr flst hdt td nepl. Heps4 Pbly tejl heps tdnltblr4 @lerCdr`, `dh‟t tlcc gl tbos norc os wbet‟s jllpohn Kcehky sd fusy! _ls sbl‟settrektovl, fut sbl keh‟t fl twlhty ylers dc`!. Es tbl norc kdhtohul` td splej,Gernerlt be` td e`got tbet lxklpt idr blr enl, Beycly wes lxektcy tbl joh` diplrsdh sbl kduc` pokturl Kcehky wotb. [bl wes rlgerjefcy ettrektovl,pdosl`, eh` vlry irolh`cy eh` dutndohn. Blr goh` sllgl` quokj eh` enocl,eh` blr lhtbusoesg idr hlercy lvlrytbohn wes kdhtenodus. O `dh‟t kerl oisbl‟s e ndd` getkb! Kcehky keh‟t stert etohn e norc! Ot‟s fe` lhdunb tbet sblwehts e wdgeh! O bevl td tecj td Adbh efdut tbos! Bl‟cc jhdw bdw td tecjsdgl slhsl ohtd blr.

***

Adbh D'Kdhhdr set et tbl tefcl, prdu`cy wetkbohn bos èunbtlr lxpceoh blrslrols di fleutoiuccy rlh`lrl` `rewohns. Bl'` kdhsuctl` wotb blr flidrl, futbl'` hlvlr sllh blr ohtlrekt wotb e kcolht dh e sdkoec clvlc, eh` bl wesogprlssl`. [bl sllgs sd kdgidrtefcl, bl tbdunbt. O illc cojl e fon cun wblhO'g et e kcolht glltohn, fut Kcehky ekts cojl sbl wes fdrh ohtd tbos joh` di



29

gdhly. Bl shukj ehdtblr cddj et Effy, tbohjohn, Kdursl, bevohn e kcolhtcojl tbos dhl wduc` surl gejl gl wehhe splh` e cdhn togl glltohn. [bl'sdhl iohl-cddjohn wdgeh. Eh` sbl's sd hokl td Kcehkl! Bl wes puccl` irdg bostbdunbts wblh Kcehky stertl` lxpceohohn bdw sbl wes ndohn td bevl tbl bocc`reoh. Bl cddjl` et blr lclvetodh rewohn, nce` td ioh` ot sd wlcc tbdunbt dut.

"O tbohj ydu ò` e vlry sgert tbohn td bevl tbl wetlr kdcclkt ohtd e Irlhkb`reoh et tbl fdttdg di tbl scdpl." Bl teppl` tbl peplr, ohòketohn tbllxpehsl di cewh hlxt td tbl bocc. "Ndd` o`le td cddslh up tbos sdoc, tdd."

"_leb," Kcehky seo`. "Oh e fe` stdrg, tbl Irlhkb `reoh kduc` fldvlrwblcgl`. O tbdunbt tbet puttohn e blectby lptb di ple nrevlc uh`lr tblcewh wduc` tejl kerl di ehy dvlricdw."

"O ò`h't jhdw ydu wlrl ndohn td rlgdvl tbl sd`," Effy seo`, cddjohnkdhklrhl`.

Kcehky rlekbl` dvlr eh` tdukbl` blr beh`, eh` tbl dc`lr wdgeh cddjlòhtd tbl rlessurohn nrey lyls. "Ot's ogpdssofcl td frohn oh tbl joh` dilquopglht wl'rl ndhhe hll` eh` hdt gejl e glss di ydur cewh. Es cdhn eswl bevl td rl-sd`, wl gonbt es wlcc `d ot ronbt." [bl nevl blr e sgocl eh`seo`, "@dh't wdrry. Ot's ecc ohkcu`l` oh gy lstogetl."

Effy sgocl` fekj et blr eh` seo`, "Db, cojl O'` wdrry efdut tbet." [bl clehl`dvlr eh` hu`nl` Kcehky wotb blr sbduc`lr, nrohhohn et Adbh. "O bevl td idrklblr td focc gl idr lvlrytbohn. Pbos os tbl iorst togl O'vl borl` sdgldhl wbd Oillc cojl O'g tejohn e`vehtenl di."

Adbh cddjl` irdg dhl wdgeh td tbl dtblr, wdh`lrohn wbet oh tbl blcc wesndohn dh. Bl'` fllh oh tbl fusohlss idr e cdhn togl, eh` bl'` hlvlr be` ekcolht tdukb bog eh` tlesl bog cojl Effy wes `dohn. Hdt tbet O'` goh`, bltbdunbt td bogslci. Fut tblrl's sdgltbohn gdrl tbeh fusohlss ndohn dhblrl, eh` oi O jhdw gy norc ‛ sbl's ndt blr lyl dh Effy!

***

Es sddh es tbly wlrl oh tbl ker, Adbh nevl bos woil bos gdst suplrodr sgocleh` seo`, –^lcc, tbet‟s dhl gystlry sdcvl`.‗

–Hdt sd iest,‗ sbl seo`, hdt wehtohn bog td nlt tbl augp dh blr eneoh. –Oionurl` tbos dhl dut, tdd.‗

–Db, ò` ydu hdw4‗

–O klrteohcy ò`, Adbh D‟Kdhhdr. Eh` O‟g hlercy sokj dvlr ot!‗

–Db, Gernerlt, novl tbl jo` e frlej.‗



2>

–Frlej hdtbohn! Ot‟s hdt hdrgec, eh` oi sbl `dlsh‟t shep dut di ot, ydu‟rlndhhe bevl td `d ot!‗

–Bdw `d wl jhdw wl‟rl tecjohn efdut tbl segl tbohn4‗

[bl tddj dut e polkl di peplr eh` adttl` e ilw wdr`s `dwh. Behòhn blrbusfeh` e sogocer skrep, sbl seo`, –^rotl dwh wbet ydu tbohj os ndohn dh.‗Bl sgorjl` et blr, fut ò` ot. [bl idc`l` fdtb polkls di peplr, tblh ohotoeclèh` ètl` bos eh` be` bog `d tbl segl td blrs. –O‟g ndhhe put tblsl eweyeh` weot i dr tbl gystlry td fl rlvlecl`. O‟cc flt ydu twlhty fukjs tbet O‟gronbt.‗

–_du‟rl dh, fon splh`lr. O keh ecrle`y kduht tbl gdhly!‗

***

Dh Iroèy eitlrhddh, Kcehky peo` blr yduhn cefdrlr, novohn blr kesb sd sblò`h't bevl td nd td tbl fehj. –_du ò` e vlry ndd` adf kclerohn tbl bocc,Beycly. Oi ydu'rl ohtlrlstl`, O'cc ioh` sdgltbohn lcsl idr ydu td `d.‗

"_du'rl dh," Beycly seo`. "O'vl ndtte nd ‛ O'g ndohn dut wotb gy irolh`stdhonbt. Fut O'cc fl rle`y dh Gdhèy gdrhohn!" Pbly sbddj beh`s, eh` tblnorc tddj dii, hlndtoetohn tbl stllp bocc lesocy eitlr twd wlljs di prektokl.

***

Effy ndt bdgl aust es Kcehky wes pekjohn blr trukj. –Bo,‗ tbl ceh`skeplrseo`. –Bevl e hokl èy4‗

–O ò` hdt,‗ Effy seo`. –Gy rltrektefcl rddi wduc`h‟t kdgl up, eh` O be` td`rovl bdgl irdg Flvlrcy Boccs oh tbos blet wotb tbl suh fejohn `dwh dh gyble`.‗

–_dur hlw ker!‗ Kcehky wecjl` dvlr eh` tddj e cddj. –Pbos os e prlttykdgpclx systlg. Bevohn tbl rddi sco`l ohtd tbl truhj os hd lesy ilet.‗ [blstukj blr beh` `dwh dh tbl so`l di tbl kdwc eh` rddtl` erduh` idr egdglht. ôtb e nruht, sbl puccl` blr beh` dut, rlvlecohn e alwlc kesl.

–Hlccy Iurte`d,‗ sbl seo`. –Gust fl Beycly‟s.‗

Effy nrduh` blr tlltb tdnltblr. –^blrl os sbl4‗

–Cukjocy idr blr, dhl di blr irolh`s pokjl` blr up e ilw gohutls end.‗

–Cukjy, oh`ll`. O bevl e bleèkbl tbet wduc` jocc e clsslr wdgeh. Gy `lernorc ecsd gehenl` td gejl dii wotb gy suhncessls tbl cest togl sbl rdvl tbl



22

ker. Ecc di tbl ncerl surl ò`h‟t blcp tbos bleèkbl.‗

–@egh, Effy, ydu‟` flttlr nd put ydur suot dh eh` icdet oh tbl pddc eitlr ydutejl sdgl esporoh.‗

–[duh`s ndd`, fut dhcy oi ydu‟cc adoh gl.‗

–_du‟rl dh, fdss. O keh‟t tbohj di e flttlr wey td lh` tbl wllj.‗

***

Kcolht eh` erkbotlkt icdetl` ecdhn dh tblor reits oh e `rdwsy soclhkl uhtocEffy seo`, –[d, tlcc gl bdw gy fefy ò` urohn tbl cest twd wlljs. es sblehy blcp et ecc4‗

–Db, yleb, efsdcutlcy. [bl‟s e nrlet jo`, Effy. _du sbduc` fl prdu` di blr.‗

–O eg,‗ sbl sonbl`. –Es gukb es O kdgpceoh, O cdvl lvlrytbohn efdut blr.[bl‟s cojl e cottcl tdrhe`d erduh` tbl bdusl ‛ fut sbl‟s tbl kutlst cottcltdrhe`d oh tbl wbdcl wdrc`.‗

–[bl‟s e cdt di iuh td fl erduh`,‗ Kcehky enrll`. –^l tecj e cdt dh dur frlejs.Ot rlgoh`s gl di aust bdw yduhn e slvlhtllh-yler-dc` os.‗

–Blr fortbèy os oh Aucy. O'g surl sbl'cc fl beppy td ioheccy fl lonbtllh. Otsduh`s gukb dc`lr, `dlsh't ot4‗

–_leb, O nulss ot `dls. [bl os oh e burry td nrdw up, fut O nulss O wes, tdd.‗

Pbl dc`lr wdgeh scoppl` dii blr reit eh` seo`, –O hll` td swog e fot. @d ydugoh`4‗

–Hd, hdt et ecc. Bevl et ot.‗

***

Kcehky‟s o`le di e swog wes td col oh dhl spdt eh` clt tbl wetlr kddc blrilvlrl` fd`y. Effy, bdwlvlr, gleht tbet sbl wehtl` td lxlrkosl. [bl stejl`dut blr beci di tbl pddc eh` stertl` td kburh dut ceps, scokohn tbrdunb tblwetlr wotb e sgddtb lkdhdgy di gdtodh. [bl wes dfvoduscy usl` tdswoggohn rlnucercy, eh` Kcehky wdh`lrl` oi sbl‟` fllh e kdgpltotovlswogglr wblh sbl wes yduhnlr. Pbl erkbotlkt cey dh blr reit, wetkbohnEffy‟s fd`y nco`l tbrdunb tbl wetlr, blr strdjls hlvlr blsotetohn, lekb dhlo`lhtokec, glesurl`, rbytbgok eh` sgddtb. Kcehky be` fllh jllpohn e



2?

rdunb kduht, fut sbl lvlhtueccy cdst trekj eh` aust wetkbl`, glsglrozl` ‐ blr lyls `roitohn togl eh` eneoh td Effy‟s rduh` ess wbokb aust plljl` dutdi tbl wetlr es sbl gdvl`.

[bl kduc` tlcc wblh Effy wes hlercy iohosbl` flkeusl blr pekl scdwl`, eh`

tblh, nreùeccy, sbl stdppl`. Purhohn dhtd blr fekj, Effy jokjl` tbrdunb epeor di ceps eh` icdetl` dvlr td Kcehky.

–O bevl e illcohn tbos osh‟t ydur iorst togl oh e pddc,‗ tbl ceh`skeplr seo`.

–Hd. Oi O‟g hdt pceyohn ndci dr ruhhohn, O usueccy nd up td tbl equetoks klhtlret tbl Vdsl Fdwc eh` pllc dii ioity dr sd ceps. Ot kclers gy ble`.‗

–Ot jllps ydu oh nrlet sbepl, tdd,‗ Kcehky seo`, uhefcl td jllp blr lyls diitbl scllj fd`y tbet icdetl` hlxt td blr.

–_leb, O `d ecc ronbt idr eh dc` ce`y.‗

–\b-bub. Pbet ekt gonbt wdrj dh sdgl pldpcl, fut O‟g hdt fuyohn ot."

Effy nreffl` e reit eh` bdostl` blrslci dhtd ot. [bl cey `dwh, blr kblstgdvohn hdtoklefcy irdg blr lxlrtodh. [bl stocc be` e sgecc irdwh dh blr iekl,eh` Kcehky seo`, "Bleèkbl stocc tblrl4"

"Hd. O illc ecc ronbt hdw. ^by4"

"_du cddj cojl sdgltbohn's fdtblrohn ydu. Erl ydu ge` et Beycly idr

skrlwohn up ydur ker4"

"Db, Nd`, hd!" [bl ceunbl`. "Oi O ndt ge` et blr lvlry togl sbl dr blr irolh`sò` sdgltbohn tbdunbtclss …" [bl scoppl` dii blr reit eh` stertl` td trle`wetlr sd sbl kduc` stey upronbt eh` iekl Kcehky. –O‟g hdt ehnry, fut O'girustretl` wotb blr. ^l'vl tecjl` e cdt oh tbl cest twd wlljs, eh` sbl sllgstd bevl gossl` sdgl di tbl gdst ogpdrteht clssdhs tbet ôcc eh` O trol` tdogpert."

"Kdggotglht4" Kcehky esjl`.

"_ls, kdggotglht os pert di ot, fut O tbdunbt wl gd`lcl` bdw rlweròhn otkeh fl td ioh` e perthlr eh` wdrj dh ydur rlcetodhsbop. [bl sllgs td tbohjtbet slx os iucioccohn wotb dr wotbdut cdvl ‛ dr lvlh `llp ettrektodh! O `dh'tjhdw wblrl sbl ndt tbet o`le!"

"Pbet's prdfefcy wbet sbl slls et skbddc eh` dh PY. Blr pllrs erl gdrlohiculhtoec tbeh ydu erl ronbt hdw."



?=

"O jhdw, O jhdw," Effy seo`, kclercy irustretl`. "Pbet's fllh trul idr ylers. O aust tbdunbt tbet gy ohiculhkl wduc` bevl ndttlh oh fy hdw."

"Hdw ydu jhdw bdw gy gdg ilct," Kcehky seo`, gejohn e iekl.

Effy cddjl` et blr idr e gdglht, tblh sbddj blr ble`. "Flkeusl di ydurclsfoehosg4" Kcehky hd``l` eh` Effy seo`, "Pbet's hdt tbl segl tbohn et ecc.O'` gukb retblr bevl Beycly iecc oh cdvl wotb e wdgeh tbeh bevlohòskrogohetl slx wotb e geh."

Kcehky wes dfvoduscy surprosl` fy blr irolh`'s ehswlr. "O'g stuhhl`," sblseo`. "@d ydu rleccy illc tbet wey4"

"Di kdursl. Pblrl's hdtbohn wrdhn wotb clsfoehosg."

"Fdy, O wosb gy gdg ilct tbet wey. [bl stocc tbohjs ot's uhheturec."

Effy hd``l`. "Geyfl O illc tbos wey flkeusl O uh`lrsteh` tbl ettrektodh.‗[bl sterl` up et tbl bocc wbocl Kcehky weotl` idr blr td kdhtohul. –Pblrl‟ssdgltbohn vlry … drnehok efdut cdvohn sdgldhl di ydur dwh slx. O gleh, O`dh‟t tbohj di gy irolh`s slxueccy, fut O keh sll bdw lesy ot gonbt fl tdfrlekb tbl irolh` ferrolr eh` flkdgl cdvlrs ‐ novlh tbl ronbtkorkugstehkls.‗

Kcehky sgocl` et blr irolh`, blr blert fletohn repo`cy es sbl kdhso`lrl` bdwdplh Effy sllgl` td tbl o`le di gejohn cdvl td ehdtblr wdgeh. –^dw."

"Pbet surprosls ydu4" Effy cddjl` pclesl`.

"_leb. Ylry gukb. Pbl wey ydu tecj efdut ôcc …"

"O cdvl` ôcc wotb gy wbdcl blert, fut oi tbohns be` fllh òiilrlht fekj et\KCE, O kduc` bevl wduh` up wotb e wdgeh. Korkugstehkls keh gejl ebunl òiilrlhkl oh e coil."

Kcehky hd``l`, stocc tohncohn ecc dvlr. "O dh't tbohj O be` gukb kbdokl oh tblgettlr. Vleccy … gy gdg wesh't peyohn ettlhtodh."

–_dur gdg4‗ Effy esjl`.

–_leb. O ektl` cojl e fefy `yjl irdg tbl togl O wes e cottcl norc. O `rlssl` cojlgy e`, O ogotetl` lvlrytbohn bl o`. Blkj, O be` e cottcl gltec sbdvlc wblh Owes tbrll! O usl` td nd wotb bog td adf sotls eh` òn cottcl bdcls wbocl bl weslxkevetohn idr e pddc.‗ [bl ceunbl`, tbohjohn fekj td tbdsl pclesehtglgdrols.



?5

–O wes e cottcl tdgfdy gyslci,‗ Effy tdc` blr. –Pbet `dlsh‟t gejl ydu ney.‗

–Hd, di kdursl ot `dlsh‟t,‗ Kcehky enrll`, –fut gy tdgfdy plrod` hlvlrlh`l`. O wes `rlegohn efdut dtblr cottcl norcs es lercy es O keh rlglgflr,

eh` O'vl hlvlr stdppl`. O wesh‟t vlry idrtbkdgohn wotb gy tbdunbts, fut gygdg sbduc` bevl hdtokl` sdgltbohn wblh O hlvlr be` e fdyirolh`. O tbohjsbl wes tryohn td onhdrl tbl sonhecs."

"_du kduc` fl ronbt," Effy seo`. "Ot's ber` td iekl tbohns efdut ydur kboc`rlhtbet gejl ydu uhkdgidrtefcl."

"Beycly‟cc kdgl erduh`. O prlòkt sbl ndls tbrdunb e cdt di pbesls flidrl sblionurls dut wbd sbl os."

***

Eitlr tbly‟` icdetl` e wbocl cdhnlr, Kcehky sew Effy rlpletl`cy prlss eneohstblr tlgpcls wotb blr iohnlrtops. –Hdw ydur bleèkbl's fekj, osh't ot4‗

–_leb. Gust fl tbl ncerl. O tbohj O‟cc tejl e hep ‐ tbet usueccy blcps.‗

Kcehky cddjl` et blr irolh` eh` sew tbl cohls di tlhsodh erduh` blr lyls eh`tbl tonbt, `rewh slt di blr gdutb. [bl wesh‟t surl wby sbl diilrl`, futsdgltbohn tdc` blr tbet Effy ò`h‟t weht td fl ecdhl. –_du jhdw, Gokbelcsdgltogls nlts e cdt di tlhsodh oh bos hlkj eh` sbduc`lrs. Bl‟s teunbt glbdw td novl e nrlet sbduc`lr gessenl. Bdw efdut ot4‗

E tohy sperjcl icokjlrl` td coil, eh` Kcehky sew tbl cdhnohn oh Effy‟s lyls. –Owduc` fl ltlrheccy nretliuc idr tbet, Kcehky. Erl ydu surl ydu `dh‟t goh`4‗

–O wduc`h‟t diilr oi O ò`.‗

Pbly ndt dut di tbl pddc eh` `rol` dii quokjcy. Ot wes sukb e fleutoiuceitlrhddh hdw tbet tbl suh be` kclerl` tbl fekj di tbl bdusl tbet Kcehkysunnlstl` tbly stey dutso`l. [bl jhlw tbet hdtbohn ioccl` Effy‟s sduc esgukb es sottohn dh blr petod, costlhohn td tbl for`s kborp, sd sbl ge`l e

sogpcl rlqulst. –O keh‟t fler td put tbdsl nrogy, wlt kcdtbls fekj dh, fut otgonbt nlt kddc sddh. Kduc` O fdrrdw dhl di Beycly‟s P -sborts4‗

–[url. O‟cc nlt ydu dhl.‗ Effy kegl fekj wotb e P -sbort idr Kcehky eh` esjy-fcul tehj tdp idr blrslci. [bl ecsd be` e fdttcl di vehocce-sklhtl`gessenl cdtodh oh blr beh`. –O‟g rle`y idr ydu,‗ sbl seo`, sgocohn tlhtetovlcy.



?6

Kcehky set dh dhl di tbl kusbodhl` cduhnl kbeors eh` skddtl` erduh` uhtocsbl wes shun eneohst tbl fekj. [bl `rdppl` blr illt td tbl so`ls eh`gdtodhl` idr Effy td sot fltwllh blr clns. –Kdgl dh dwh,‗ sbl seo`, sgocohnup et blr.

Pbl dc`lr wdgeh ò`, sottohn retblr stoiicy uhtoc Kcehky flneh td jhle` blrsbduc`lrs. –Db, gy Nd`,‗ sbl gdehl` eitlr aust e ilw gohutls. –Pbdslbeh`s erl cltbec wlepdhs.‗

Kcehky kbukjcl`. –Gehuec cefdr novls ydu hokl, strdhn beh`s. Pbos osh‟t tddber`, os ot4‗

–Ddb, ronbt dh tbl l`nl di peoh,‗ Effy sonbl`. –Aust plrilkt.‗

Pbly wlrl fdtb quolt idr e ilw gohutls, wotb Kcehky‟s pdwlriuc beh`sònnohn `llp ohtd tbl tlhsl guskcls. Eitlr e wbocl, Effy‟s ble` flneh td

gdvl wotb tbl prlssurl, eh` sddh eitlr tbet ot flneh td cdcc fekj eh` idrtb.–[dgldhl‟s stertohn td rlcex,‗ Kcehky gurgurl` sditcy.

–O‟g hlercy uhkdhskodus.‗

Kcehky stdppl` blr gessenl. –Clt gl nlt up idr e slk.‗ Effy clehl` idrwerèh` wetkbl` es Kcehky lxtrektl` blrslci irdg tbl cduhnl kbeor, tblhfrdunbt ehdtblr dhl td iekl oh tbl dppdsotl òrlktodh. [bl skddtl` ot hlxt tdEffy‟s kbeor eh` tblh set `dwh, iekohn blr irolh`. [trltkbohn blr clns dut,sbl pettl` blr tbonb eh` urnl`, –Kdgl rlst ydur ble` dh gy cep. O‟vl ndt endd` hep weotohn idr ydu ronbt blrl.‗

Effy‟s lyls cot up oh surprosl wotb e ndd` glesurl di blsotetodh tbrdwh oh.–Vleccy4‗

–[url. _du rleccy cddj cojl ydu hll` e cottcl cdvohn kerl, Effy. Clt gl blcp.‗[bl pettl` blr cep eneoh eh` nevl blr irolh` e werg sgocl.

Effy turhl` erduh` eh` gdvl` blr tdrsd dhtd Kcehky‟s kbeor, tblh slttcl`blr ble` dhtd blr cep. [bl wes e cottcl blsoteht td ekklpt sukb eh ohtogetltdukb irdg blr irolh`, fut sbl wes kdhkurrlhtcy sd roòkucduscy nretliuc tdbevl sdgldhl sddtbl blr tbet sbl pusbl` `dwh blr òskdgidrt eh` trol` td

rlcex. Kcehky‟s beh`s gdvl` tbrdunb blr beor, gejohn rdw eitlr rdw di tblsbdrt streh`s steh` up streonbt eh` tblh iecc nlhtcy. –@d ydu cojl td illc gyheocs4‗ sbl esjl` sditcy.

–_ls,‗ Effy bossl`, iohòhn blrslci byphdtozl` fy tbl surl, kdhio`lht tdukb.–Ndd` cdr`!‗

–Illcs hokl, `dlsh‟t ot4‗ Kcehky‟s kecg, sddtbohn vdokl sduh`l` cojl ot wes



?;

gocls ewey, eh` Effy ilct blrslci sohj ohtd tbl beci-kdhskodus stetl tbet endd` ble` ruf kerrol` blr td. [bl wes ewejl lhdunb td illc tbl strdhn,`liohl` guskcls oh tbl yduhnlr wdgeh‟s tbonbs, td ltlkt blr kcleh, kbcdrohlsglcc, td illc tbl wergtb di blr sjoh eneohst blr kbllj, fut sbl wes tddfcossiuc td kdgglht dh ehy di ot. Hdr wes sbl efcl td tbehj blr irolh` idr tbl

hoklst noit sbl kduc` rlglgflr rlklovohn oh quotl e wbocl.

Es Effy‟s fd`y rlcexl` iurtblr, e surprosohn tbdunbt kegl uhfo``lh td tblvlry l`nl di blr kdhskodus goh`. Ggg … wes O cyohn flidrl, dr `d O tbohj digy irolh`s oh e slxuec wey4 [bl sheppl` dut di blr trehquoc stetl, uhefcl tdpusb tbl tbdunbt eso`l. O `dh‟t jhdw wblrl tbos os kdgohn irdg, fut O illccojl O kduc` augp tbl irolh`sbop ferrolr wotb Kcehky. [dgltbohn efdut blrtdukb os sd sddtbohn ‐ fut sd stogucetohn. ]rlssohn blr tbonbs tdnltblr,Effy ekjhdwcl`nl`, [bl‟s stogucetohn e cdt gdrl tbeh gy lgdtodhs, tdd.@egh, hd dhl bes ge`l gl tbrdf cojl tbos oh iovl ylers! [bl trol` td kdhtrdcblr pbysokec rlspdhsl ‐ td rlessurl blrslci tbet bevohn sdgldhl, ehydhl,

tdukb blr oh sukb e nlhtcl wey wduc` erdusl blr. Fut sbl wes uhefcl td`osefusl blrslci di tbl surprosohn `lptb di blr illcohns idr tbl wdgeh wbdkerlssl` blr sd cdvohncy. occ ydu stdp wdrryohn4 _du‟rl hdt e dn! _du dh‟tbevl td novl oh td lvlry pessohn ogpucsl ‐ eh` tbet‟s wbet tbos os. Aust rlcexeh` lhady ot. _du gonbt hdt nlt ehdtblr ble` ruf idr iovl gdrl ylers!

Kcehky be` e ber` togl tlccohn wbltblr Effy wes ewejl dr escllp. Blrfrletbohn wes scdw eh` rbytbgok, fut blr lyls wlrl stocc uh`lr blr co`s eh`blr iekl fdrl sdgl ieoht cohls di tlhsodh. [bl jlpt up tbl nlhtcl ruf, goxohnoh lcoketl cottcl skecp skretkbls, hlvlr clttohn blr beh`s stocc. Ioheccy, eitlr evlry cdhn togl, sbl bler` Effy‟s frletbohn nrdw `llplr eh` sew blr aew

`rdp dplh aust e cottcl, eh` sbl jhlw sbl wes escllp.

[bl splht tbl hlxt twd bdurs glrlcy dfslrvohn tbl scllpohn wdgeh,rlcosbohn tbl kcdslhlss eh` tbl illc di tbl ble` oh blr cep. Ot wes gdrlgdvohn tbeh tbroccohn ‐ Kcehky bevohn fuh`cl` ewey blr rdgehtok illcohnsidr tbl eitlrhddh. [bl be` fehosbl` ecc sukb tbdunbts, kerohn dhcy tbet sblkduc` prdvo`l sdgl kdgidrt idr e irolh` wbd hll`l` e cottcl suppdrt.

Lvlh tbdunb sbl be` blr cust iorgcy oh kblkj, Kcehky kduc`h‟t bo`l blr cdvlidr tbl nlhtcl krleturl tbet sbl blc`. Blr blert swlccl` wotb eiilktodh eh`wergtb idr tbl cdvlcy wdgeh, ge`l lvlh cdvlcolr fy scllp. ^blh sbl wes

iuccy escllp, Effy‟s iekl sditlhl`, eh` tbl ylers glctl` ewey. [bl ektueccycddjl` e ndd` tlh ylers yduhnlr, eh` tbdunb pert di Effy‟s epplec wes blrenl, Kcehky cojl` sllohn sdgl di tbl ydutbiuc kberg fekj dh tbl fleutoiuciekl ‐ oi dhcy td rlgoh` blr tbet ot wes stocc tblrl, aust weotohn td fl teppl`.

Pbl fcul lyls, hdw tonbtcy sbuttlrl`, gdvl` quokjcy flhletb tblor co`s, Effydfvoduscy llp oh e rleg. Pbl suh be` hlercy slt, eh` tbdunb fdtb wdglh



?0

wlrl ry, tbl lvlhohn frllzl wes e cottcl kddc dh Kcehky‟s ferl sjoh. Pbohjohntbet Effy gonbt fl kdc` tdd, sbl rlekbl` es ier es sbl kduc` eh` austgehenl` td shen e `ry tdwlc. [bl sbddj ot dut eh` ceo` ot clhntbwosl ecdhnEffy‟s cdhn fd`y, hdw kurcl` up tonbt dh tbl kbeor hlxt td blr. Vuhhohn blrbeh`s `dwh tbl kddc sjoh di tbl scllpohn wdgeh‟s erg, Kcehky clt blrslci

lhady tbl slhsetodh di flohn efcl td kecg eh` sddtbl blr irolh`, eh` sbl`lko`l` ronbt tblh tbet oi tbos wes ecc tbly wlrl lvlr efcl td sberl, sbl wduc`kdhso`lr blrslci vlry cukjy. Effy wes sukb e nlhlrdus, cdvohn sduc tbetKcehky wes `ltlrgohl` td ekklpt wbetlvlr sbl wes efcl td novl ‐ eh` flkdgpcltlcy nretliuc idr ot.

Fy tbl togl Effy storrl`, Ertlgos wes cyohn dh tbl lh` di blr cduhnl kbeor,kurcl` up eneohst blr clns eh` prdvoòhn hll`l` wergtb. Etblhe wes cyohndh Kcehky‟s kbeor, prdvoòhn tbl segl idr blr. Effy clt dut e sgecc nrdeh eh`wopl` cezocy et blr lyls. Blr lyls sbdt dplh eitlr e gdglht, eh` sbl nespl`,–^by os ot èrj4‗

–\bg … skolhkl wesh‟t gy flst sufalkt, fut O tbohj ot‟s flkeusl tbl suh‟s dhtbl dtblr so`l di tbl lertb idr beci di lvlry èy.‗

[uggdhohn up ecc tbl lhlrny sbl kduc`, Effy sceppl` wlejcy et Kcehky‟sferl tbonb. Blr beh` cohnlrl` tblrl idr e gdglht, tblh sbl rdtetl` blr bleèh` glt tbl erkbotlkt‟s lyls. –_du‟rl irllzohn!‗

–Hd, O‟g hdt,‗ Kcehky essurl` blr. –O‟vl ndt ydur hokl werg ble` dh gy cep,eh` Etblhe‟s hokl werg fd`y eneohst gy sbohs. Pblrl‟s efdut sox ohkbls dikdc` sjoh ‐ ydur beh` aust bepplhl` td ceh` dh ot.‗

Effy rdccl` dvlr eh` seo`, –O dh‟t rleccy flcolvl ydu, fut O‟g ndohn td ekt cojlO d.‗ [bl orlktl` e nretliuc cddj et blr irolh` eh` seo`, –Pbehj ydu idr tbos.O bevlh‟t ilct tbos kerl` idr oh ylers.‗

Kcehky wes stocc o`cy pceyohn wotb tbl sbdrt, stoii beor et tbl fekj di Effy‟sble`. –O‟g surprosl` ydu eh` Beycly `dh‟t tre`l ble` rufs.‗

[bejohn blr ble` nlhtcy, Effy seo`, –Hd, wl dh‟t. O stocc ruf blr ble` dr novlblr e fekjruf wblh sbl‟s bevohn trdufcl rlcexohn, fut O `dh‟t lvlr esj idrdhl idr gyslci.‗ [bl cddjl` et Kcehky eh` seo`, –O‟g ecweys kdnhozeht tbet

O‟g blr gdtblr ‐ O‟g blrl td prdvo`l idr blr hdt td esj blr td `d tbl segl.‗

–@dh‟t ydu tbohj tbet kbehnls dvlr togl4‗ Kcehky esjl`. –@o`h‟t ot kbehnlwotb ydur gdg4‗

Effy strltkbl` cehnuo`cy, nlttohn dut tbl johjs tbet blr pdsotodh be`krletl`. –_ls, O suppdsl ot stertl` td kbehnl wblh O wes oh gy tbortols eh`



?<

bes ndttlh gukb gdrl prdhduhkl` oh tbl cest ilw ylers,‗ sbl gusl`. –O illcgdrl cojl gy gdtblr‟s irolh` hdw. Fut tbet kdgls et e prokl, tdd. O wduc`hlvlr esj blr idr e ble` ruf, lvlh tbdunb O‟g surl sbl wduc` beppocy novlgl dhl. Dur `yhegok bes kbehnl`, eh` O tbohj wl‟vl cdst tbet pbysokeckdhhlktodh idr ndd`.‗

–O nulss tbohns bevl aust stertl` td kbehnl wotb gy gdg eh` gl,‗ Kcehky`lko`l`. –O suppdsl Beycly os e cottcl yduhn td tbohj di ydu es e irolh`.‗

–[bl os,‗ Effy enrll`. –[bl‟s ndhhe hll` e gdg idr quotl e ilw gdrl ylers.‗[bl nrdehl` eh` seo`, –O bdpl sbl rlecozls tbet.‗ [bl set up scdwcy, tblhrlekbl` `dwh eh` pettl` Kcehk y‟s werg, scllp-krlesl` tbonb. –Pbehj ydueneoh idr tbos. Ot rleccy blcpl`.‗

–_du‟rl wlckdgl. O jhdw ot keh fl ber` flohn e gdg, Effy. O jhdw gy gdgwes et tbl lh` di blr rdpl wotb gl gehy, gehy togls.‗

–Vleccy4‗ Effy esjl`, surprosl`. –_du sllg sd clvlc-ble`l`.‗

–^lcc, O eg hdw, fut gy gdg eh` O be` gehy tlsts di wocc.‗

–Cojl4‗

–^lcc, gy tettdd os e ndd` lxegpcl,‗ Kcehky seo`, rliclxovlcy ruffohn blr erg.–O wes ndohn td nlt e hokl ceurlc wrletb erduh` gy ehjcl, fut gy gdtblridrfe`l gl td. [d, di kdursl, O be` td nlt e gukb fonnlr tettdd oh e gukbgdrl vosofcl pcekl. Pbehj Nd` O cojl ot, dr O‟` fl jokjohn gyslci lvlry togl O

wdrl e scllvlclss sbort.‗

Effy rlekbl` dut eh` trekl` dhl di tbl sgecc ovy clevls. –O cojl ot, tdd. Ot suots ydu.‗

Hdw tbet Effy wes iuccy ewejl eh` lxbofotohn blr gdrl pceyiuc so`l, Kcehkyeccdwl` blr cofo`d td rlturh oh iucc idrkl. Blr sjoh ilct bdt es tbl kddc ònottrekl` ecdhn ot ‐ cojl Effy‟s iohnlr wes e rl`-bdt frehòhn ordh. [blsbovlrl` irdg tbl slhsetodh, eh` Effy rle` tbl sbovlr, fut gosohtlrprltl` ot.–_du‟rl nlttohn kboccl`. Clt‟s nd ohso`l.‗

Idccdwohn glljcy ecdhn, Kcehky stdd` oh tbl jotkblh illcohn e cottcluhkdgidrtefcl. [bl wes stocc oh blr swogsuot, eh` tbl P-sbort ò`h‟t q uotlkdvlr blr. Pbl eor kdhòtodhlr be` fllh dh eh` tbl bdusl wes vlry kddc,gejohn Kcehky‟s hoppcls pdp dut. Effy nevl blr e quokj ncehkl eh` seo`,–Clt gl nlt ydu sdgltbohn td put dh. ^l keh put ydur kcdtbls ohtd tblwesblr sd ydu keh fler td put tblg dh eneoh.‗

–Erl ydu surl4‗ Kcehky esjl`. –O `dh‟t weht td put ydu dut.‗



?9

–Bdw os `dohn e tohy cde` di ceuh`ry ndohn td put gl dut4 Hdw beh` ‒lgdvlr.‗

–O aust tbdunbt ydu gonbt bevl sdgltbohn ydu‟` retblr `d tbos lvlhohn,‗

Kcehky plrsostl`.

–Oi ydu wlrlh‟t blrl, O‟` prdfefcy col dh tbl kdukb eh` wetkb PY,‗ sbl seo`.–Bevohn ydu blrl os vlry hokl.‗ [bl nezl` et blr idr e slkdh` eh` quokjcye``l`, –Fut oi ydu‟rl rle`y td nd bdgl …‗

–Hd. O‟` gukb retblr stey blrl wotb ydu. O rleccy lhady ydur kdgpehy, Effy.‗

–O d, tdd,‗ Effy sgocl` wergcy. –Hdw novl gl ydur kcdtbls, eh` wl keh bevle hokl lvlhohn `dohn ceuh`ry tdnltblr.‗

***

Pbl peor wetkbl` e @Y@ wbocl Kcehky's kcdtbls wlrl oh tbl wesblr. Hlotblrwdgeh tecjl` gukb, fut Kcehky wes byplr-eclrt idr ehy gdrl kculs es tdbdw Effy ilct efdut blr. [bl o`h't clerh gukb, td blr ospclesurl, flkeuslEffy wes blr usuec slci1 upflet, wotty, pdcotl, eh` vlry ber` td rle`.

^blh tbl kcdtbls wlrl oh tbl `rylr, tbl erkbotlkt rlkeccl` tbet sbl'ìdrndttlh td sberl sdgl hlws wotb blr kcolht. "O ndt e ndd` cle` dh sdglwlcc-wdrh fduc`lrs eh` rdkjs hdt ier irdg tbl Glrkl` Vovlr,‗ sbl

ehhduhkl`. –Ot'cc tejl efdut idur bdurs td nlt tblrl, fut `rovohn os tbl dhcywey td nd sohkl ot‟s tbrll bdurs irdg tbl kcdslst eorpdrt. @d ydu stocc weht tdtejl e rde`-trop4‗

–^bet‟s ydur illcohn efdut tbos4 O dh‟t goh` ndohn, fut O rleccy dh‟t weht tdwestl tbet cdhn oh tbl ker oi tblsl erlh‟t wbet wl‟rl cddjohn idr.‗

Novohn blr e cdhn cddj, Kcehky seo`, –O tbohj wl‟cc cojl tblg, fut O keh‟t flsurl uhtoc O sll ‒lg. Plcc ydu wbet ‐ O‟cc `rovl up tbos [eturèy. Oi O cojl ‒lg,O‟cc tejl sdgl pokturls. Pblh ydu keh `lko`l.‗

–Hd, hd, wl `lko`l` td gejl tbos ohtd e cottcl nltewey. O stocc weht td `d tbet.^duc` wl nd up eh` fekj oh tbl segl èy4‗

–^lcc, wl kduc`. Bdw `d ydu illc efdut lonbt bdurs oh tbl ker4‗

–Hdt vlry ndd`. Erl tblrl ehy hokl pcekls td stey4‗

–Hokl4 O `duft ot. Vustok, fukdcok, pestdrec ‐ O gonbt fl efcl td errehnl.‗



?>

–Vustok, bub4‗ Effy esjl` splkucetovlcy. –Db, wbet tbl blcc. Ot‟s hdt cojl gysdkoec keclhèr os sd iucc. Kduc` wl nd hlxt [eturèy gdrhohn4‗

–_leb. Pbet kduc` wdrj dut nrlet. O‟cc gejl tbl errehnlglhts.‗

"Ioh` us sdglpcekl hokl oi pdssofcl," Effy seo`. "E rderohn iorl, e fon,rl`wdd` bdt-tuf. ^l gonbt es wlcc gox es gukb iuh oh es wl keh, ronbt4"

Kcehky ecgdst be` td pohkb blrslci td stdp blr goh`‟s lyl irdg `wlccohn dheh ogenl di Effy, kdgpcltlcy hejl`, pceyohn iddtsol wotb blr oh e fon,fuffcohn bdt-tuf, e sjy iucc di twohjcohn sters idrgohn e kehdpy dvlr tblorble`s. "Vonbt," sbl seo`. "Iuh os `liohotlcy dh tbl enlhè."

KBE]PLV [LYLH

Pbl iorst èy di wdrj wotb tbl iucc krlw wlht flttlr tbeh Kcehky be`lxplktl`. [bl'` fllh wdrrol` tbet blr ettlhtodh wduc` fl tdd irenglhtl` idrblr td jllp eh lyl dh Beycly eh` gejl surl sbl wesh't esjohn tbl norc td dtdd gukb, eh` sbl wes pclesl` wblh tbet wesh‟t tbl kesl. [bl etl cuhkbdutso`l uh`lr e trll wotb blr krlw, wbocl Beycly wlht ohso`l td gejl blrslcisdgltbohn. Pbl yduhn wdgeh be` fllh ndhl idr e ilw gohutls wblhVegdh, tbl krlw kboli, wecjl` dvlr eh` set dwh hlxt td Kcehky. "Pbl norc …wby's sbl blrl4"

Vegdh ecweys kut td tbl kbesl, eh` Kcehky jhlw ot wduc` fl e westl di togltd col td bog. "O cojl tbos iegocy. ^l'vl fllh bevohn òhhlr tdnltblr eh`

behnohn erduh`. Beycly wehtl` td blcp, eh` sbl's eh lxtre peor di beh`s."

"[bl's wdrtb $>, hd gdrl. [bl keh't òn, sbl keh't kcogf, sbl bes hdguskcls."

Kcehky hd``l`. "_du'rl prdfefcy ronbt, fut sbl keh stocc blcp dut. Clt's trletblr cojl wl trlet Ergeh`d's sdh wblh bl blcps."

"Ergeh`d's sdh os tbortllh ylers dc`," Vegdh seo`. "Ecc bl `dls os kerryfrehkbls eh` rdkjs ewey. Eh` ydu pey bog $>."

"O jhdw tbet," Kcehky seo`. "Eh` tbet's prdfefcy wbet Beycly wocc fl `dohn.[d illc irll td novl blr dr`lrs. Aust `dh't esj blr td `d ehytbohn tdd ber`. O`dh't weht blr td burt blrslci."

^bocl tbly wlrl tecjohn, Beycly lglrnl` irdg tbl bdusl. [bl cddjl` erduhèh` iduh` Kcehky, eh` e fleutoiuc sgocl fcddgl`. [bl wes kerryohn twd]dpsokcls ‛ dhl dfvoduscy idr Kcehky.



?2

Vegdh stdd` eh` ge`l e kcukjohn sduh` wotb bos tdhnul. "Eb, O tbohj O sllwby tbl norc os blrl. ^by `d ydu try td bo`l tbohns irdg gl, alie4"

"O'g hdt boòhn ehytbohn, Vegdh," Kcehky seo` tbrdunb nrottl` tlltb. "[bl's

slvlhtllh ylers dc`!"

"Gy gdtblr be` twd kboc`rlh fy tbet enl," Vegdh seo`, ceunbohn td bogslcies bl tddj up e pcekl hler tbl rlst di tbl glh.

Beycly epprdekbl` eh` blc` dut e kblrry ]dpsokcl. "Pbdunbt ydu gonbt cojlsdgltbohn kdc`," sbl seo`.

"Pbehjs, Beycly." Kcehky ekklptl` tbl kdhilktodh eh` sgocl` wblh sbl putot ohtd blr gdutb. "Ot's fllh e cdhn togl sohkl O'vl be` dhl di tblsl. Ot's austtbl tbohn dh e werg eitlrhddh."

Beycly hd``l`, wdrjohn td jllp tbl glctohn trlet irdg ruhhohn dhtd blrbeh`. [bl be` e `lko`l`cy slhsuec wey di cokjohn tbl ]dpsokcl, eh` Kcehkywdh`lrl` oi ot wes uhohtlhtodhec. Beycly be`h't novlh blr ehy vofls, eh` be`spdjlh lxkcusovlcy di nuys wblh tbly'` kbettl`, fut sdgltbohn sllgl` ecottcl oiilrlht tdèy, eh` Kcehky wes ieorcy klrteoh tbet sbl wesh't ogenohohnot.

Es sddh es sbl wes iohosbl` wotb blr okl, Kcehky stdd` up, tbl stokj stocc ohblr gdutb. [bl frusbl` dii blr pehts eh` wecjl` ecdhn tbl bocc, gejohnsurl tbet lvlrytbohn wes flohn `dhl plrilktcy. Ectbdunb sbl wes wdrjohn

kcdslcy wotb tbl krlw, sbl wes hd cdhnlr ektohn es e cefdrlr. Hdw sbl wesrleccy dohn blr adf ‐ orlktohn, suplrvosohn, eh` trdufclsbddtohn. Ot wes stocctorohn, fut ot wesh‟t es pbysokeccy lxbeustohn es blr twd wlljs di pokj eh`sbdvlc wdrj be` fllh. Pbl wletblr be` ecsd kddcl` dii e fot ‐ tlgplreturlswlrl hdw oh tbl lonbtols ‐ e wlckdgl kbehnl irdg tbl blet.

Effy kegl bdgl erduh` 01== ‐ bevohn fllh oh eh` dut sohkl Kcehky eh` tblkrlw errovl`. [bl be` adohl` blr usuec idursdgl idr e rduh` di ndci, gdstcytd jllp blrslci fusy eh` dut di tbl wey. [bl jhlw ot wduc` fl ber` td evdo`wetkbohn Beycly td gejl surl sbl wesh't dvlrtexohn blrslci, eh` sbl wesefsdcutlcy hdt ndohn td ekt cojl eh dvlr-prdtlktovl gdtblr, hd gettlr bdw

nrlet tbl tlgptetodh.

[bl stdd` et tbl scoòhn ncess ddr eh` eccdwl` blrslci tbl nuocty pclesurl didfslrvohn kceh`lstohlcy idr e ilw gohutls. [llohn Kcehky, sbl sgocl` wergcyet tbl yduhnlr wdgeh, wbd cddjl` kdgpcltlcy e`drefcl oh wbet Effytbdunbt di es blr uhoidrg. Pdèy‟s sdkj slclktodh wes e woc` dhl‐ fronbtpurpcl wotb e rl` eh` ndc` proht, eh` blr feslfecc kep lkbdl` tbl purpclkdcdr. [bl os sd èghl` kutl, Effy tbdunbt, sllohn aust e ilw cdkjs di



??

wbotl-fcdh`l beor stokjohn dut di tbl fekj di tbl kep.

Kcehky wes stehòhn dh tbl so`l di tbl bocc, blr kcopfder` tbrust eneohst blrbop ‐ kblkjohn dii otlgs wbocl sbl kdhvlrsl` wotb Vegdh. [bl pdohtl` wotbblr plh, nlsturohn ecc erduh` tbl yer` wbocl bl hd``l` et blr. E

sufstehtoec-sduhòhn lhnohl wes rugfcohn, eh` Effy kduc`h‟t put e egplrdh blr kurodsoty ehy cdhnlr. [bl wecjl` dut dhtd tbl petod eh` òskdvlrl`dhl di tbl glh usohn e retblr cernl kdhtreptodh ecdhn tbl cdt cohl. Kcehkywes splejohn cdu`cy td fl bler` dvlr tbl hdosl, eh` wblh ot sbut diiefruptcy, Effy kduc` bler Kcehky splejohn oh e vlry heturec-sduhòhn[pehosb.

Vegdh ferjl` dut e ilw dr`lrs, ecsd oh [pehosb, tblh Kcehky hd``l`, seo`,–Fulhd,‗ eh` ble`l` `dwh tbl bocc. Effy sgocl` et tbl nrekliuc,uhkdhklrhl` wey tbl erkbotlkt hevonetl` tbl stllp scdpl ‐ cddjohn es tbdunbsbl‟` fllh `dohn sd blr wbdcl coil. Pbl ceh`skeplr wes efdut beciwey `dwh

wblh sbl spdttl` Effy, eh` tbl dc`lr wdgeh ilct blr blert sjop e flet et tbl`lke`lht pclesurl di bevohn sdgldhl‟s iekl conbt up aust flkeusl di blr. Blrsgocl lkbdl` blr beppohlss.

–_du splej [pehosb sd wlcc,‗ Effy seo` wblh tbl yduhnlr wdgeh rlw hler."O bdpl ydu'rl hdt seyohn ehytbohn tbet Beycly hll`s td bler, tbdunb. Ot‟s eccsbl keh `d td dr`lr òhhlr oh e Glxokeh rlsteureht."

"Hd, fdtb Vegdh eh` O splej Lhncosb," Kcehky seo`, sgocohn. "^l'vl ndtBeycly fusolr tbeh e dhl-ergl` peplrbehnlr." [bl pdohtl` td tbl ier lh` ditbl bocc, wblrl Beycly wes puttohn rdkjs ohtd e wbllcferrdw. "^l'rl

trlhkbohn td nlt rle`y td put oh tbl pdsts idr tbl wecc. Pbl trlhkblr jokjs duttbl fon rdkjs, eh` wl'vl ndt Beycly pokjohn tblg up. @dlsh't gejl slhsl tdclevl tblg dh tbl bocc."

"Os sbl kepefcl di dohn tbet4" Pbl bocc cddjl` bonblr irdg tbos vehtenl pdoht,eh` Effy kduc` lesocy lhvosodh blr èunbtlr ieccohn `dwh ot.

"Db, yleb. O tdc` blr td dhcy iocc ot beci-iucc, tblh tejl ot dwh td tbl ùgpstlr.O keh nuerehtll dhl tbohn," Kcehky seo`. "[bl'cc hlvlr wdrj ber`lr idr twlcvlfukjs eh bdur."

"O tbohj ot's ndd` idr blr," Effy seo`. "O'g wdrrol` tbet sbl'cc burt blrslci, futO nulss sbl'cc rlkdvlr irdg e ilw skrepls eh` fcostlrs."

"O'vl fllh `dohn tbos sohkl O wes e jo`, eh` O keh kduht gy skers dh tbliohnlrs di dhl beh`."

"Pblrl‟s sdgltbohn wl keh d oh Glrkl`," Effy seo`, nonncohn. "^l keh sot ohtbl bdt-tuf eh` sbdw lekb dtblr dur wer wduh`s."



5==

Kcehky gehenl` e sgocl, lkoòhn td rl`dufcl blr liidrts td ioh` e gdtlc tbetbe` e bdt-tuf ‐ dr fuoc` dhl blrslci.

***

Fy tbl go``cl di tbl wllj, tbl pdsts idr tbl wecc wlrl oh, eh` tbl glh be`slt tbl iorst kdursl di kdhkrltl fcdkj. Hdw Beycly wes goxohn gdrter eh`kertohn ot up tbl bocc, bevohn clerhl` tbl ert di e prdplr gox irdg Kcehky.

Pbl erkbotlkt be` fllh ogprlssl` wotb bdw ohtlht Beycly wes dh `dohn tbl adf ronbt. [bl costlhl` td tbl ohstruktodhs cojl Gdsls flidrl tbl furhohnfusb, eh` sbl wes sd slrodus efdut ot tbet Kcehky trol` td adjl td rlcex blr."Hdfd`y's ndhhe òl oi ydu `d tbos wrdhn dhkl dr twokl, Beycly. Oi ot's tddruhhy, aust e`` sdgl gdrl Uuojslt. Oi ot's tdd stoii, e`` gdrl wetlr. Hdfonnol."

"Fut O weht td d ot ronbt," sbl seo` lerhlstcy. "O dh't weht td oseppdoht ydu.O jhdw ydu'rl kduhtohn dh gl."

"_leb, O eg, fut ydu'vl fllh nrlet sd ier. @dh't swlet ot."

"O sll bdw gukb ot glehs td ydu td `d e ndd` adf," Beycly seo`. "[d ot glehstbet gukb td gl, tdd."

Kcehky nevl blr e sconbtcy puzzcl` cddj, pettl` blr dh tbl fekj eh` seo`, "Endd` wdrj ltbok wocc slrvl ydu wlcc." Es sbl wecjl` ewey, sbl wesh't surl,

fut sbl be` e illcohn tbet Beycly wes sterohn et blr. Blr suspokodhs wlrlkdhiorgl` wblh sbl glt Vegdh et tbl tdp di tbl bocc. "Lotblr ydur sbdrts erldh iorl, dr tbl norc cojls td wetkb ydu wecj ewey, alie."

Pbl erkbotlkt yehjl` dii blr feslfecc kep eh` wopl` blr idrlble` `ry. "Gygdtblr's oh [olrre Ge`rl, Vegdh. [bl's tbl dhcy dhl O hll`."

***

Dh Iroèy eitlrhddh, Beycly buhn erduh` wbocl tbl krlw wes kclehohn diitblor tddcs. "Bevl ehy pcehs tdhonbt4" sbl esjl` Kcehky, blr tdhl bevohn e

idrkl` kesuechlss td ot.

"Hd. O'g flet fy Iroèy. O usueccy nd bdgl, nlt ohtd tbl tuf, eh` rle` e fddjuhtoc O iecc escllp. O'g ecgdst ecweys oh fl` fy 5=1==."

"Kcehky! _du'rl westohn ydur coil! Clt's nd `d sdgltbohn tdhonbt. O'g iucc dilhlrny!"



5=5

"O keh tlcc," Kcehky seo`, wetkbohn tbl yduhnlr wdgeh's fd`y twotkb. "FutO'g iucc di cltberny. ^by `dh't ydu nd dut wotb ydur irolh`s4"

"^lcc, O keh, fut tbly'rl hdt es gukb iuh es ydu erl."

"Pbly gust fl e prltty tegl nrdup," Kcehky ceunbl`. "@d ydu behn dut wotbe fuhkb di slhodr kotozlhs4"

"Hd, soccy." Beycly pceyiuccy pusbl` Kcehky, eccdwohn blr beh` td stey dh tblceh`skeplr's sbduc`lr. "Fdy, ydu'rl sd strdhn. _du kduc` prdfefcy pokj glup wotb dhl beh`."

Db, hd, O kduc`h't, Kcehky tbdunbt. Gy beh`s erl ndohn hdwblrl hler ydurfd`y! "O'g hdt gukb ohtd pokjohn pldpcl up," Kcehky seo`. "Flso`ls, fyIroèy honbt, O'g tdd torl`. Nd bevl iuh wotb ydur irolh`s," sbl seo`. "O'gndohn bdgl td gy fetb."

"_du'rl gossohn dut," Beycly seo`, tryohn td curl tbl erkbotlkt ohtd kbehnohnblr goh`.

"O'g surl O eg, fut tbos dc` fd`y cojls td rlcex dh Iroèys."

"Djey."

Beycly turhl` eh` wecjl` ohtd tbl bdusl, gejohn Kcehky sonb wotb rlcoli.Irdg dvlr blr sbduc`lr sbl bler` e sdit vdokl esj, "^by `d ydu hdt nd wotbtbl norc4 [bl'cc gejl ydu illc yduhn eneoh."

Ecc Vegdh lerhl` idr bos rlgerjs wes e ncerl.

***

Effy ndt bdgl es Vegdh wes `rovohn ewey wotb tbl krlw. [bl wevl` et tblglh eh` puccl` up hlxt td Kcehky, wbd wes nlttohn ohtd blr trukj. "Vle`y tdnd4"

"_lp. O cdvl Iroèy honbts," Kcehky seo`, novohn blr irolh` e weh sgocl.

"Fon pcehs4"

E Glrkl`ls [\Y puccl` up hlxt td Effy, eh` eh ettrektovl, yduhn fcdh`lwdgeh cdwlrl` tbl woh`dw. "Bo, Grs. Nrebeg," tbl norc seo`. "Os Beyclyrle`y4"

"O ò`h't jhdw ydu wlrl ndohn dut tdnltblr, Jlrry. Nd eble` eh` bdhj."



5=6

Pbl yduhn wdgeh ò`, eh` slkdh`s cetlr, Beycly reh dut di tbl bdusl. [blcddjl` cojl sbl'` be` e rlcexohn èy et tbl flekb, eh` Kcehky rlecozl` bdwcdhn ot be` fllh sohkl sbl wes slvlhtllh. Beycly wohjl` et Kcehky, seyohnquoltcy, "Cest kbehkl."

Kcehky sbddj blr ble` eh` wevl`. "Bevl e ndd` togl."

"Fl bdgl fy 51== dr kecc gl," Effy seo`.

"^l'cc fl bdgl lercy, Grs. Nrebeg," Jlrry seo`.

"Bevl iuh," Effy keccl` dut es Beycly ndt oh tbl ker.

Pbly puccl` ewey, eh` Effy seo`, "@d ydu lvlr wosb ydu wlrl oh kdcclnleneoh4"

"Hdpl."

"Gl lotblr," Effy seo`, ceunbohn. "Dhkl wes lhdunb. Db! _du wlrl tlccohn glefdut ydur fon pcehs."

"O pceh dh ndohn tbrdunb tbl `rovl-tbrdunb woh`dw et Pekd Flcc, tejohn ecdhn fetb, eh` flohn oh fl` fy 5=1==."

"_du'rl e woc` dhl," Effy seo`.

"^bet efdut ydu4"

"Db, O'cc gejl gyslci ohhlr. O tbdunbt Beycly wduc` fl bdgl, sd O'vl ndt iertdd gukb." [bl kdkjl` blr ble` eh` esjl`, "^duc` ydu cojl blr swdrìosb4O bevl sdgl gehnd/pepeye secse idr ot, eh` O wes ndohn td doc rdest sdglcottcl pdtetdls eh` squesb."

"Ndsb, Effy. O `dh't jhdw oi O keh novl up gy Furrotd [uprlgl."

[bl wes novohn blr irolh` e kbergohn nroh, eh` Effy seo`, "Clt's nd put dursuots dh eh` sot oh tbl Aekuzzo wbocl tbl ferflqul nrocc wergs up."

"Pblrl osh't e wdr` tbet's kdgl dut di ydur gdutb tbet osh't efsdcutlcyiehtestok," Kcehky seo`, sgocohn et tbl glrl tbdunbt di tbl lvlhohn td kdgl.

***

Eitlr rlcexohn oh tbl Aekuzzo, Kcehky sweg e ilw ceps td kddc dii wbocl Effykddjl` òhhlr. Pbly etl dut`ddrs, tbl werg honbt plrilkt idr òhohn oh wlt



5=;

swoggohn suots. Eitlr tbly'` iohosbl`, tbly fdtb tddj sbdwlrs td rohsl dii tblkbcdrohl, eh` fy 21;=, tbly wlrl oh tbl iegocy rddg, rlcexohn dh tbl bunlslktodhec tbet kdvlrl` twd weccs.

Effy be` dh e peor di wlcc-wdrh, pohj icehhlc fdxlrs eh` e rddgy,

conbtwlonbt, sjy fcul swletsbort. [ohkl Kcehky's kcdtbls wlrl ioctby, Effybe` cdehl` tbl ceh`skeplr eh dutiot ‐ e peor di nrllh eh` ndc` socj peosclyfdxlrs, kdurtlsy di Beycly. E ndc` P-sbort streohl` ekrdss blr sbduc`lrs,Beycly flohn tbl segl blonbt fut sonhoiokehtcy herrdwlr tbrdunb tblsbduc`lrs tbeh tbl guskucer ceh`skeplr.

Pbly be` reo`l` tbl rlironlretdr idr lsslrt, fut tbl dhcy tbohn tbet epplecl`td lotblr di tblg wes e quert di irlsb strewflrrols tbet be` keunbt Kcehky‟settlhtodh es sddh es tbly lhtlrl` tbl jotkblh. Effy sew blr lylohn tbl iruoteh` sunnlstl`, –^ehhe lxplrolhkl dhl di gy ievdrotl guhkbol-sceyohnshekjs4‗

–^by, Grs. Nrebeg, O flcolvl ydu'rl rlilrrohn td flohn fejl`. @d ydu stoccpertejl di tbl lvoc wll`4‗

–Hd,‗ Effy seo`, ceunbohn conbtcy. –O stdppl` eitlr kdcclnl. Ot‟s sd torohn bevohnjo`s, tbet tbl cest tbohn ydu weht os td ohtlhtodheccy gejl ydurslci gdrltorl`.‗

–Pbet gejls slhsl,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Ot dlsh‟t gejl gl torl`, fut ot gejls glweht td nlt bdrozdhtec. [ohkl tblrl‟s hdtbohn wdrsl tbeh flohn gessovlcybdrhy eh` ecc ecdhl, O `dh‟t `d ot vlry ditlh, lotblr.‗

–Pbos os gdrl iuh, ehywey,‗ Effy `lko`l`. –^l keh bevl tbl guhkbolswotbdut tbl slxuec so`l liilkt.‗

O‟vl ecrle`y ndt tbet dhl, Kcehky gdehl` td blrslci. Oh tbdsl shun cottclfdxlrs, ydu cddj ndd` lhdunb td let.

Pbly set hlxt td dhl ehdtblr wotb e trey ioccl` wotb pcugp rl` strewflrrols,kbuhjs di scokl` fehehe, e seuklr iucc di frdwh suner eh` ehdtblr ioccl` wotbsdur krleg. Effy sbdwl` blr irolh` e ilw di blr ievdrotl veroetodhs, eh`Kcehky quokjcy `lko`l` tbet sbl wes e ieh di tbl testl trlet. Pbly be` letlh

dvlr beci di tbl flrrols wblh Kcehky seo`, –Pbl dhcy tbohn wl hll` os e osb diglctl` kbdkdcetl. Pblh O‟` fl oh blevlh.‗

–Nlt rle`y td gllt [t. ]ltlr,‗ Effy ohidrgl` blr. Es tbl dc`lr wdgeh ndt uptd wecj ohtd tbl jotkblh, Kcehky idccdwl` tbl scdw twotkb di blr bops,uhkdhskoduscy cokjohn blr cops et tbl sonbt di Effy‟s iorg, rduh` ess. [bl be`sllh blr irolh` oh sbdrts, scekjs, e swogsuot, eh` lvlh tonbt alehs, futhdtbohn lcsl sbl wdrl be` lvlr sbdwh dii blr sbeplcy ess es gukb es tbl



5=0

sconbtcy shun fdxlrs.

O‟vl ndtte nlt e nrop blrl, Kcehky seo`, tryohn td scdw blr repo`cy fletohnblert.

Effy rlepplerl` e ilw gdglhts cetlr eh` beh`l` Kcehky e fdttcl dikbegpenhl. –ôcc ydu dplh tbos idr gl4 Hdtbohn ndls flttlr wotb kbdkdcetltbeh kbegpenhl.‗

–^bet erl wl klclfretohn4‗ Kcehky esjl`, ekklptohn tbl fdttcl.

Pbohjohn idr e gdglht, Effy seo`, –^l‟rl klclfretohn tbl iekt tbet ot'sIroèy, eh` wl bevl e fdttcl di kbegpenhl oh tbl rlironlretdr.‗ [bl turhl`dh blr bllc, eh` Kcehky ceunbl` ecdhn wotb blr, gehenohn ehdtblr cdhn cddjet blr `lpertohn idrg.

Effy kegl fekj wotb twd kbegpenhl icutls eh` seo`, –O‟g dut di tblkbdkdcetl O cojl flst. O keccl` tbl gerjlt, eh` tbly‟rl ndohn td frohn sdgldvlr.‗

–_du dr`lrl` kbdkdcetl4 Aust kbdkdcetl4‗

–Hd,‗ Effy seo`, sgocohn. –O ecsd dr`lrl` sdgl gdrl di tblsl strewflrrolseh` ehdtblr fdttcl di kbegpenhl.‗ [bl sbrunnl` eh` seo`, –^l gonbt hdthll` ot, fut O cojl td fl prlperl`.‗

–O be` hd o`le tbl gerjlt `lcovlrl`,‗ Kcehky seo` es sbl flneh td pdur.

–^lcc, tbly bevl e gohogug dr`lr. Pbl wohl blcpl` gllt ot.‗

–O‟g hdt lvlh ndhhe esj,‗ tbl fcdh`l seo`. –O hlvlr splh` gdrl tbeh twlhtyfukjs et e togl tblrl.‗

–Ot wes e cottcl gdrl tbeh tbet,‗ Effy seo`, sgocohn lhongetokeccy. [bl sethlxt td Kcehky eh` blc` dut blr ncess. –Ot‟s e hokl kbegpenhl tbet O wessevohn idr e splkoec dkkesodh. O tbohj tbos kduhts.‗ [bl kcohjl` blr ncesseneohst Kcehky‟s eh` seo`, –Pd Iroèys.‗

–Pd Iroèys. Ggg … O jhdw hdtbohn efdut wohl, fut tbos os vlry, vlry hokl.‗

–Pbet‟s ecc ydu bevl td jhdw,‗ Effy seo`. –[tokj wotb wbet epplecs td ydu,eh` ydu‟cc ecweys gejl tbl ronbt kbdokl.‗

Kcehky skddtl` fekj td cleh eneohst tbl erg di tbl slktodhec, stokjohn blrclns dut. [bl nevl tbl dc`lr wdgeh e tbdunbtiuc cddj, tddj ehdtblr sop di blr



5=<

wohl, eh` esjl`, –^bet epplecs td ydu, Effy4 O jhdw ydu bevlh‟t fllh efcltd ioh` tbl plrsdh ydu‟rl cddjohn idr, fut O `dh‟t rleccy jhdw wbet‟s dh ydurcost.‗

Novohn blr e scy sgocl, Effy kcdsl` eh lyl eh` totcl` blr ncess oh Kcehky‟s

òrlktodh. –O‟cc novl ydu gy cost, oi ydu‟cc novl gl ydurs.‗

–@dhl. Clt‟s stert wotb tbl gdst dfvodus lclglht. bet typl epplecs td ydu4‗

–Pypl4 ]bysokec typl4‗ Kcehky hd``l`, eh` Effy iurrdwl` blr frdw. –O dh‟tbevl eh ehswlr idr tbet. O cdvl` tbl wey ôcc cddjl ‐ bl wes fon eh` johèfucjy. Bl be` frde` sbduc`lrs eh` pdwlriuc ergs ‐ cojl e fonnlr vlrsodh di Prlvdr. Ot wes sd hokl td col oh bos ergs eh` illc bog lhnuci gl wotb bos fd`y.‗[bl soppl` blr wohl eh` seo`, –Fut O‟vl ètl` nuys wbd kduc`h‟t shep eplhkoc oh beci. [d O‟` sey tbet tbl pbysokec pekjenl osh‟t tbet fon e `lec. Bdw

efdut ydu4‗

–Ggg … wlcc,‗ Kcehky seo`, sboitohn hlrvduscy, –O nulss O‟g prltty iclxofcl,tdd.‗

–O `ltlkt e cottcl prlveroketodh,‗ Effy seo`, herrdwohn blr lyls. –Bevl e cottclgdrl trutb slrug eh` novl tbet qulstodh ehdtblr try.‗

[gorjohn, Kcehky `reohl` blr ncess eh` blc` ot dut idr gdrl. –Djey,‗ sblseo`, tejohn e frletb. –O‟vl etl` e wo`l rehnl di pbysokec typls, fut ecc di gyrlcetodhsbops bevl fllh wotb èrj-beorl` wdglh. O cojl tecc, cehjy typls,

tdd.‗ [bl kclerl` blr tbrdet eh` e``l`, –O‟vl hlvlr be` ehy sukklss ohcehòhn tbl typl di wdgeh O‟g gdst ettrektl` td, tbdunb.‗

–Vleccy4 Pbet surprosls gl,‗ Effy seo`. –O‟` tbohj ydu kduc` bevl ydurkbdokl di wdglh.‗

Kcehky idkusl` dh lvlrytbohn fut blr irolh`‟s lyls. –Hd, tbet besh‟t fllhtrul. O tbohj pert di tbl rlesdh O strojl dut os flkeusl O cddj sd yduhn.‗

–^bet `dls tbet bevl td `d wotb ot4‗ Effy esjl`.

–\bg … pbysokeccy, O‟g gdst ettrektl` td dc`lr wdglh. O rleccy cojl tblkdhtrest di nreyohn beor wotb e tehhl` iekl. Pblrl‟s sdgltbohn … O `dh‟t lvlhjhdw wbet ot os, fut O‟vl ecweys cojl` tbet cddj. Fut gdst dc`lr wdglh tbohjO‟g e jo`, eh` tbly wdh‟t novl gl tbl togl di èy.‗

–Bub,‗ Effy seo`, hdt kdgglhtohn iurtblr. [bl ilct blr blert retl pokj upeh` trol` td stdp blr beh` irdg sbejohn wblh sbl pdurl` blrslci gdrl wohl.[tle`yohn blr vdokl, sbl seo`, –Djey, ydu bevl e prlilrlhkl idr typl, eh` O‟g



5=9

prltty iclxofcl. ^bet‟s hlxt4‗

–^lcc,‗ Kcehky seo`, nretliuc tbet Effy be` hdt idccdwl` up dh blr kdgglht,–wbet joh` di plrsdhecoty epplecs td ydu4‗

Vlcolvl` td fl fekj dh iegocoer nrduh`, Effy seo`, –Db, tbet‟s lesy. O‟` cdvltd ioh` sdgldhl cojl occ. Bl wes slrodus efdut bos wdrj ‐ vlry prdilssodheceh` kdgpltlht. Fut bl wes e jo` et blert. Bl sew tbl bugdr oh lvlrytbohn,eh` bl kduc` gejl gl ceunb wotbdut lvlh tryohn. O bevl td bevl sdgldhlwbd keh gejl gl ceunb. O wdh't slttcl idr clss.‗

–Ggg … tbet‟s ogpdrteht td gl, tdd,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Coil‟s tdd sbdrt td flslrodus ecc tbl togl.‗

–Ndd` ehswlr.‗ [gocohn wergcy et blr irolh`, Effy seo`, –_du jhdw, O bevltd tbehj ydu idr sdgltbohn tbet‟s vlry ogpdrteht td gl. _du‟vl blcpl` gl

clerh bdw td ceunb eneoh, Kcehky. O‟` stertl` td idrnlt bdw.‗

–_du bevlh‟t be` gukb td ceunb efdut idr quotl e ilw ylers,‗ Kcehky seo`,–fut oi O‟vl blcpl` oh ehy wey, O‟g vlry nce` di tbet.‗

–_du‟vl liohotlcy blcpl`,‗ Effy seo`, nreffohn Kcehky‟s ferl iddt eh` novohnot e tun. –[dgl di gy irolh`s bevl fllh vlry, vlry suppdrtovl dvlr tbl pestilw ylers, fut tbly trlet gl sd nohnlrcy ‐cojl tbly‟rl eireo` td ceunb dr tleslgl. _du trlet gl cojl O‟g gy dc` slci.‗

–O ò`h‟t jhdw ydu wblh ydu wlrl oh ydur `llplst nroli,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Ot‟s

prdfefcy lesolr idr gl.‗

–]lrbeps,‗ Effy enrll`. \hkdhskoduscy, sbl rlekbl` dut wotb blr beh` eh`stertl` td trekl o`cl pettlrhs dh tbl sdcl di Kcehky‟s iddt. –_du cddj e cottclsquosbl` tblrl.‗ Pejohn bdc` di Kcehky‟s fon tdl, sbl puccl` tbl cln dhtd blrcep, tblh puccl` tbl dtblr iddt dvlr es wlcc. "Flttlr4‗ [bl cddjl` dwh et blrcep, wdh`lrohn bdw Kcehky‟s illt be` ndttlh tblrl. Ot ilct sd heturec td tdukbblr irolh` tbet sbl wesh‟t surl oi sbl dr Kcehky be` put tblg tblrl. [bl wesdhcy surl di dhl tbohn. [bl ò`h‟t weht blr td gdvl tblg.

Kcehky sboitl` e cottcl, jhdwohn sbl be`h‟t ehswlrl` Effy‟s qulstodh, fut

essugohn ot wes rbltdrokec.

Effy tddj e nlhlrdus rohj di blr wohl td kecg blr hlrvls eh` cddjl` et blrirolh` tbrdunb tbl krystec. –^bet lcsl `d ydu weht td jhdw, fu``y4‗

\bg … wby erl ydu pceyohn wotb gy illt4 Hdt tbet O weht ydu td stdp, dikdursl. … Kdcclktohn blr tbdunbts, Kcehky gehenl` td esj, –Erl ydu cddjohnidr e prdilssodhec4 [dgldhl cojl ôcc4‗



5=>

–Hd, hdt hlklsserocy. Pbl prdfclg os tbet gdst di tbl pldpcl O gllt erlprdilssodhecs ‐`dktdrs eh` cewylrs eh` tbl cojl, fut tbet‟s hdt ogpdrteht tdgl. O‟g cddjohn idr e quecoty plrsdh‐ hdt e plrsdh wbd gejls e cdt di gdhly.O weht sdgldhl wbd wehts td tejl ot scdw eh` lhady gl eh` lhady coil. O‟g

hdt ohtlrlstl` oh sdgl bonb-pdwlrl` nuy wbd splh`s ecc di bos togle`vehkohn bos kerllr. O hll` sdgldhl wbd nlts pclesurl irdg sottohn dh gyirdht pdrkb eh` wetkbohn tbl icdwlrs nrdw.‗

[bl bler` tbl wdr`s kdgl irdg blr gdutb eh` fcohjl` repo`cy, tryohn td`lko`l oi sbl sbduc`, dr kduc`, quecoiy tblg. \hefcl td cddj up, sbl ioccl` blrncess eneoh eh` tddj tbrll `llp nucps, clttohn tbl wohl werg blr es ot sco``dwh blr tbrdet.

Kcehky‟s sdit vdokl seo`, –Iohòhn sdgldhl wbd sberls gy ohtlrlsts eh`bdffols os ogpdrteht td gl, tdd. O tbohj tblrl erl pldpcl cojl tbet dut tblrl

idr fdtb di us. Blkj, geyfl O sbduc` try gy beh` et ioxohn ydu up. Geyfldhl di tbl hurslryglh O jhdw wduc` fl ronbt idr ydu.‗

Novohn blr e nretliuc cddj, Effy seo`, –^l‟cc nlt ronbt dh tbet es sddh estbohns slttcl `dwh erduh` blrl.‗

–Ndd` o`le.‗ Kcehky soppl` et blr wohl, dkkesodheccy nezohn et blr irolh`.–Geyfl ydu keh ohtrdùkl gl td sdgl di ydur sohncl wdglh irolh`s,‗ sblseo`, kbukjcohn sditcy.

–O `dh‟t bevl gehy sohncl irolh`s, fut O jhdw e ilw gerrol` wdglh wbd

gonbt weht td lxpcdrl e cottcl,‗ Effy seo` wotb e wry sgorj.

–Hd, tbet‟s hdt gy stycl,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O tejl gerroenl vdws vlryslroduscy ‐lvlh oi tbl plrsdh wbd ge`l tblg `dlsh‟t.‗

–Pbet‟s eh e`gorefcl quecoty,‗ Effy seo`. –O nulss tbet‟s ehdtblr tbohn idr gycost. O wduc` dhcy slroduscy ètl sdgldhl wbd sberl` gy gdrec kd`l ‐ dr etclest kegl kcdsl. [dgl pldpcl tbohj tbl Plh Kdggeh`glhts gonbt hdt flrlclveht ehy cdhnlr ‐ fut oi ydu idccdw tblg, O nuerehtll ydu‟cc bevl eplekliuc coil.‗

–O keh‟t òsenrll. Oi ydu `dh‟t col, `dh‟t kblet, `dh‟t stlec, eh` `dh‟t tejle`vehtenl di dtblr pldpcl, ydu gonbt cdsl dut td sdgldhl wbd `dlsh‟t bevlskrupcls, fut ydu‟cc scllp wlcc et honbt. Pbet‟s ndtte fl gdrl ogpdrteht tbehgdhly.‗

Effy tddj ehdtblr sop di blr kbegpenhl eh` cddjl` ekrdss tbl rddg,sterohn et hdtbohn oh pertokucer. Blr beh` stertl` td trevlc e cottcl fot,tokjcohn ecc tbl wey up td Kcehky‟s jhll. –Os ot aust gl, dr `d dur costs getkb



5=2

ohkrlòfc y wlcc4‗

–Hd,‗ Kcehky seo`, kclerohn blr tbrdet, –ot‟s hdt aust ydu, fut tbet osh‟tsurprosohn ‐O tbohj wl‟rl e cdt ecojl.‗

–O `dh‟t jhdw oi tbet‟s trul.‗ Effy ioxl` Kcehky wotb eh ohtlht nezl eh` seo`,–Bdhlstcy, ydu rlgoh` gl di ôcc. Gdrl tbeh ehydhl O‟vl lvlr jhdwh.‗

Kcehky nevl blr e sbllposb cddj eh` sbrunnl` blr sbduc`lrs. –Bub. Ndionurl.‗ Pbet wes sgddtb. [dgltbohn os bepplhohn blrl, ydu `dct! @dh‟t ektcojl ydu‟rl dfcovodus td ot! Geyfl sbl hll`s e cottcl lhkdurenlglht!

Pbl ddrflcc rehn, eh` wblh Effy wlht td ehswlr, tbl yduhnlr wdgeh trol`td nlt blr frletbohn uh`lr kdhtrdc. ^bet oh tbl blcc os ndohn dh blrl4 Os sblicortohn wotb gl4 Ot sllgs cojl ot, fut O‟g surl es blcc hdt ndhhe gejl e gdvloi sbl‟s hdt! Iukj, iukj, iukj! Pbos os wby ot‟s sd ber` td cust eitlr e streonbt

wdgeh!

–Fl fekj oh e gohutl,‗ Effy seo`, pdjohn blr ble` ohtd tbl rddg.

[bdrtcy eitlr tbl gokrdwevl òhnl`, sbl rlturhl` wotb e regljoh ioccl` wotbrokb, èrj, glctl` fottlrswllt kbdkdcetl, tbl sklht weitohn up td Kcehky‟sslhsotovl hdsl. –Ndd` Nd`, tbet sglccs iefucdus.‗

[herohn e flrry fy ots èrj nrllh stlg, Effy òppl` ot ohtd tbl cuskoduskbdkdcetl eh` clehl` `dwh td bdc` ot td Kcehky‟s cops. Hdhpcussl`, Kcehkydplhl` blr gdutb glkbehokeccy eh` fot dwh wblh ohstruktl`. –@d ydu cojl

ot4‗ Effy esjl` sditcy, blr lyls hlvlr clevohn Kcehky‟s.

\hefcl td kdhklhtretl wotb Effy‟s lyls fdrohn ohtd blr, tbl yduhnlr wdgehbe` td kcdsl blr lyls td fl efcl td ehswlr. –Blevlhcy,‗ sbl seo`, blr vd oklsduhòhn bonb td blr dwh lers.

Effy oppl` tbl cernl flrry dhkl eneoh eh` prlssl` ot td Kcehky‟s cops. –Dplhwo`l,‗ sbl seo`, blr vdokl `rdppohn ecgdst td e wbosplr.

Pbos togl Kcehky‟s lyls rlgeohl` dplh, eh` sbl ilct tbl wergtb tbetreòetl` fltwllh tblg. Pbl dc`lr wdgeh blc` blr pdsotodh idr aust e

gdglht cdhnlr, tblh cddjl` ewey es oi eireo` di wbet sbl sew wblh tblorlyls glt.

[bl rlsugl` blr slet, eh` dvlr tbl hlxt slvlrec gohutls, tbly quoltcy`lvdurl` tbl lhtorl suppcy di flrrols. Pblrl wes hdt e wdr` spdjlh fltwllhtblg, fut Kcehky kduc` illc e pucc tdwer`s Effy tbet ilct cojl flohn `rewh ohfy e pdwlriuc genhlt. Pblor kdhhlktodh ilct cojl e covohn, pucsohn rlecoty, eh`sbl kduc` illc ot nrdw es tbl gdglhts pessl`. ^blh tbl flrrols wlrl ndhl,



5=?

tbly gdvl` dhtd tbl fehehes ‐ tblor testl ogprdvl` `regetokeccy fy tble`òtodh di glctl` kbdkdcetl. [tocc soclht, tbly ectlrhetl` òppohn tbl scokl`fehehes ohtd tbl regljoh, nrdwohn e cottcl gdrl pceyiuc es lekb trol` td nreftbl iohec polkl.

–Cest fotl,‗ Kcehky `lkcerl`. [bl blc` up tbl kbuhj eh` pdsotodhl` ot e iddtbonblr tbeh blr gdutb, clttohn e ilw iet `rdps di kbdkdcetl `rop cezocy dhtdblr tdhnul.

–@ofs!‗ Effy seo` ogposbcy, eh` nrekl` Kcehky wotb e swllt sgocl wblh tbl yduhnlr wdgeh cddjl` oh blr òrlktodh.

Kcehky‟s fd`y sboitl`, eh` blr erg kegl up td slttcl dhtd tbl fekj di tblsdie. –_du weht tbos4‗ sbl esjl` teuhtohncy, bdcòhn tbl gdrslc dvlr Effy‟sdplh gdutb.

–_ls. O `d.‗

Kcehky sterl` et tbl ncoht di lxkotlglht oh blr irolh`‟s lyls. Effy‟s gdutbwes kurcl` up ohtd e slxy pdut, eh` su``lhcy, blr beh` wes dh Kcehky‟sferl tbonb. Kddc, sdit iohnlrs stertl` td kcogf scdwcy, eh` wblh tbl iohnlrsrlekbl` tbl l`nl di tbl fdxlrs, Effy scoppl` dhl lclneht iohnlr aust ierlhdunb ohso`l td clt Kcehky jhdw tbet sbl wes ohvotohn blr td gejl e gdvl.

@rdppohn blr vdokl dwh td ots gdst slhsuec togfrl, Kcehky esjl`, –Erl ydusurl ydu weht ot4‗ Blr lyls rdegl` dvlr blr irolh`, slerkbohn idr ehy sonh di

blsotetodh.

Effy o`h‟t rlspdh` ogglòetlcy. Blr ble` wes toctl` fekj eneohst tbl sdie,eh` sbl rdccl` ot aust lhdunb td fl efcl td cddj òrlktcy ohtd Kcehky‟s lyls. –Oweht ot,‗ sbl wbosplrl`, blr beh` tlh`lrcy strdjohn tbl werg sjoh. –O‟gsurprosl`, O‟g skerl`, O‟g egezl ‐fut O‟g surl.‗

Kcehky `rdppl` tbl to`fot fekj dhtd tbl trey eh` kcdsl` tbl skeht òstehkltbet slperetl` tblor fdòls. [bl wes pdosl` aust efdvl blr irolh` eh`blsotetl` idr e gdglht, jhdwohn tbet tblrl wes hd turhohn fekj dhkl sblclept tbl kbesg.

Effy kcdsl` blr lyls eh` nlhtcy tdukbl` Kcehky‟s sbduc`lr, lxlrtohn e sconbtprlssurl es sbl puccl` blr kcdslr. ^blh tbly wlrl ohkbls epert, Kcehkypeusl` eneoh, aust cdhn lhdunb idr Effy's fcul lyls td icuttlr dplh. E sgecc,nlhtcl sgocl slttcl` dhtd blr cops, eh` sbl scoppl` blr beh` flboh` Kcehky'shlkj. [bl cokjl` blr cops eh` puccl` tbl yduhnlr wdgeh kcdslr uhtoc tblorgdutbs wlrl hlercy tdukbohn.



55=

Kcehky kduc` illc Effy's frletb dh blr iekl eh` tbl blet tbet reòetl` irdgblr. [bl `lsplretlcy hll`l` td joss blr, fut tbl gdglht sllgl` sd plrilkttbet sbl be` td sevdr ot ‐ oi dhcy idr e ilw slkdh`s. [bl ioheccy kcdsl` tbl nep,frusbohn blr cops tlh`lrcy ekrdss Effy‟s. [bl kduc` illc e sconbt trlgdr eh`bler` e sdit sonb clevl tbl dc`lr wdgeh‟s pertl` cops. Pblh tbet `ltlrgohl`

beh` wes kre`cohn tbl fekj di blr ble` eneoh, bdcòhn blr oh pcekl.

–Joss gl eneoh,‗ Effy wbosplrl`.

Blr vdokl wes sd tbroccohncy slùktovl tbet Kcehky prlssl` blrslci kcdsl eh`clt blr gdutb lenlrcy lxpcdrl tbl wlectb di slhsetodhs tbet Effy‟s fd`yprlslhtl`. Pbl swllt sglcc di blr sjoh, tbl wergtb di blr fd`y, tblohkrlòfcl sdithlss di blr cops, tbl wey blr gdutb dplhl` td wlckdglKcehky‟s slerkbohn tdhnul‐ ecc kdgfohl` td gejl tbl yduhnlr wdgehhlercy swddh. Blr blert wes rekohn, tbl fcdd` pduhòhn oh blr vlohs es sblprlssl` idrwer`, illcohn Effy‟s fd`y flnoh td yolc` td blr. [cdwcy, tbl dc`lr

wdgeh rlkcohl` dhtd tbl slet di tbl sdie, eh` sbl cddjl` up et Kcehky wotb egoxturl di wehtdh `lsorl eh` sterj iler oh tbl `lptbs di blr fleutoiuc lyls.

Kcehky wes sbejohn hdtoklefcy, blr lhtorl fd`y kdocl` wotb tlhsodh. Effystreonbtlhl` dut blr clns eh` puccl` tbl yduhnlr wdgeh tonbtcy eneohst blrfd`y, clttohn blr lyls kcdsl cehnuo`cy wblh sbl ilct tbl iorg frlests prlsseneohst blr dwh. Blr beh` rlekbl` dut tlhtetovlcy wblh sbl ilct sdgltbohnber` eh` uhyolcòhn, eh` sbl scoppl` blr iohnlrs fltwllh tblor fdòls td ioh`tbl sufstehtoec rohn polrkohn Kcehky‟s ronbt hoppcl.

Pbl gdvl tddj tbl yduhnlr wdgeh fy surprosl, eh` blr ble` coitl` es estertcl` nesp clit blr cops. –Db, yls,‗ sbl bossl`, tbl slhsuec sduh` slhòhnsbovlrs `dwh Effy‟s spohl.

Fdtb lclnehtcy sbepl` beh`s wlht td Kcehky‟s ble`, puccohn blr `dwhidrkliuccy. Effy‟s gdutb dplhl` sconbtcy eh` Kcehky‟s cops ogglòetlcy adohl` blrs, krusbohn tblor gdutbs tdnltblr oh e irehtok, pessodh-ioccl` joss.

Pblor jossls kdhtohul` wotb rlkjclss efeh`dh, tbl iorl fltwllh tblg repo`cynrdwohn dut di lotblr wdgeh‟s kdhtrdc. Kcehky idunbt wotb

blrslci ‐ rlgohòhn blr kdhskolhkl tbet ot wes wrdhn td pusb Effy oi blrirolh` be` tbl sconbtlst `duft. ôtb lvlry fot di òskopcohl sbl pdsslssl`,sbl coitl` blr ble` eh` peusl` aust efdvl Effy‟s rl`, sconbtcy swdcclh cops.–_ls4‗ sbl esjl`, bdcòhn blr frletb td eweot tbl ehswlr.

Effy nezl` et blr idr e iucc gohutl, clttohn blr lyls weh`lr irdg tbl ègpsjoh di Kcehky‟s idrlble` td tbl `lsorl-òcetl` pupocs td tbl icusbl` kblljseh` sconbtcy pertl` cops, eh` sbl bler` blr dwh vdokl, kdhio`lht eh` surl,



555

wbosplr, –_ls. @liohotlcy yls.‗

Oh e blertflet, Kcehky‟s gdutb kceogl` blrs dhkl eneoh, eh` tbl erkbotlkt‟sguskucer fd`y flneh td nlhtcy ruf eneohst Effy, erdusohn fdtb wdglh lvlhgdrl. E werg, sdit beh` krlpt uh`lr tbl cln di blr fdxlrs, eh` tbl gdglht

Eff y‟s iohnlrs nrezl` Kcehky‟s kurcs, tbl yduhnlr wdgeh flneh td sbejl.Kcehky pusbl` blrslci up dhtd blr beh`s eh` bdvlrl` tblrl idr e gdglht,tblh gehluvlrl` e iddt td tbl nrduh` eh` lxtroketl` blrslci irdg Effy‟sfd`y. Effy cddjl` up et blr wotb e goxturl di sbdkj eh` puzzclglht, futKcehky sddtbl` tbl cohls irdg blr idrlble` wotb blr iohnlrtops eh` seo`, "^lbevl td tecj."

Effy cddjl` stuhhl`, kdhiusl`, eh` gdrl tbeh e cottcl òseppdohtl`. "Pecj4^l bevl td tecj hdw4"

"_leb. O rleccy, rleccy wosb wl ò`h't bevl td, fut wl `d."

Effy rlekbl` dut eh` tddj Kcehky's beh`, frusbl` blr cops ekrdss ot eh` setup. [bl pusbl` tbl beor irdg blr lyls, fut kdhtohul` td cddj `dwh. "Ot'sdjey, Kcehky. _du `dh't dwl gl ehy lxpcehetodhs. [dgltogls tbl rlecotyosh't es ndd` es tbl iehtesy." [bl ioheccy cddjl` up, eh` blr lxprlssodh ge`lKcehky's blert frlej. "]clesl `dh't clt tbos ruoh dur irolh`sbop."

Kcehky `rdppl` td blr jhlls eh` tddj Effy ohtd blr ergs. [bl bunnl` blrtonbt, eh` pcekl` `lcoketl jossls dh blr hlkj, tblh gdvl` td blr kbllj, ehìoheccy td blr gdutb. [bl trol` td sbdw blr illcohns wotb tbl joss, rlvlecohnblr `lsorl, blr hll`, blr rlnrlt et bevohn td stdp.

^blh sbl puccl` ewey, Effy cddjl` gdrl kdhiusl` tbeh lvlr. "^bet os ot4"

"Ot's Beycly," Kcehky seo`.

Ogglòetlcy, Effy streonbtlhl`. "Beycly4"

"_leb.‗ Kcehky set `dwh, puttohn blr beh` dh Effy's ferl cln td geohteohtblor kdhhlktodh. "O'vl fllh nlttohn sdgl … vofls irdg blr. O tbohj sbl bes ekrusb dh gl."

Effy's ble` alrjl` fekj es oi sbl'` fllh sbdkjl`. "^bet4 Beycly bes ekrusb dh ydu4"

[gocohn, Kcehky seo`, "Ot's hdt tbet ber` td flcolvl, os ot4"

"Hd, hd, di kdursl hdt. O gleh, O bevl dhl." [bl efslhtcy strdjl` Kcehky'stbonb. "O hlvlr ogenohl` …"



556

"Pd fl bdhlst, O tbohj tbos os prltty hlw idr Beycly. O wes dhcy klrteoh di otwblh sbl esjl` gl td nd dut wotb blr tdhonbt."

"Nd dut wotb blr4" Effy sbddj blr ble`, tryohn td gejl tbos ecc gejl slhsl.

"Geyfl sbl tbohjs di ydu es e irolh`. [bl klrteohcy wduc`h't tbohj di ot es eètl oi Jlrry wes ndohn ecdhn."

"Hd, Effy. Jlrry wesh't ndohn td nd ecdhn. [bl wehtl` td nd dut wotb gl …ecdhl. Vonbt flidrl sbl ndt ohtd Jlrry's ker, sbl wbosplrl` tbet O kduc` stocckbehnl gy goh`. [bl wehtl` td nd dh e ètl. O'g surl di ot."

"Db, Nd`, wby ò`h't ydu tlcc gl tbos4" [bl blc` blr iekl oh blr beh`s,gugfcohn sdgltbohn td blrslci.

"O ò`h't illc ronbt rettohn blr dut," Kcehky seo`. "Flso`ls, cojl O tdc` ydu, O

wesh't surl uhtoc tdhonbt."

Effy coitl` blr ble` eh` cddjl` et blr irolh`. "Oi ydu‟` tdc` gl tdhonbt, Owduc`h't bevl jossl` ydu. Pbos os ber` lhdunb idr gl wotbdut tbohjohn O'gpdekbohn dh gy èunbtlr's tlrrotdry."

"O'g hdt Beycly's tlrrotdry," Kcehky seo`, wduh`l`. "O'g hdfd`y's tlrrotdry."

"Db, Kcehky, O o`h't gleh ot tbet wey." Effy tdukbl` blr irolh`'s cln, nlhtcytreocohn blr iohnlrs fekj eh` idrtb dh tbl sdit sjoh.

"['djey. O'g aust … O'g aust possl` tbet tbos bepplhl`. @egh ot, Effy, O'vlbe` e krusb dh ydu sohkl tbl èy wl glt. O keh't flcolvl tbet O ioheccy ndt tdjoss ydu. Eh` tblh Beycly bes td nug up tbl wdrjs wotb tbos soccy iehtesy."

"[occy4 ^by os ot soccy4"

"Flkeusl O'` hlvlr fl ettrektl` td e tllhenlr," Kcehky seo`. "O bevlh't novlhblr ehy ohòketodh tbet O'g ohtd blr. Pbos os ecc oh blr goh` … cojl bevohn ekrusb dh e sohnlr dr eh ektrlss. Ot's wbet jo`s `d."

"^bet `d eùcts `d4" Effy esjl`, novohn Kcehky e cddj sbl kduc`h't`lkopblr.

"@d ydu gleh us4"

"_leb. ^bet bepplhl` wotb us4"



55;

"O tbohj wl'vl fllh novohn lekb dtblr sonhecs … idr e wbocl hdw. @dh't ydu4"

Effy hd``l`, cddjohn e cottcl lgferressl`. "O wesh't surl oi ydu kduc` tlcc. Ohe wey, O `o`h't weht ydu td." [bl cddjl` Kcehky oh tbl lyl eh` seo`, "Fut oh

ehdtblr wey, O `lsplretlcy wehtl` ydu td hdtokl. O'g … O'g vlry, vlryettrektl` td ydu. Ot skerls tbl blcc dut di gl, fut O weht td gejl cdvl td ydu."

Kcehky sco` dhtd tbl icddr eh` krewcl` dvlr td scop fltwllh Effy's clns. [blcddjl` ohtd blr lyls wbocl pcekohn blr beh`s dh blr weost. "Pblrl os hdtbohn… hdtbohn oh tbl wbdcl wdrc` O'` retblr `d. O'vl fllh huts efdut ydu sohkltbl iorst, Effy, eh` tbl gdrl O jhdw ydu, tbl gdrl O weht ydu."

Clehohn idrwer` aust e cottcl fot, Effy repl` blr ergs erduh` Kcehky's hlkjeh` jossl` blr. [bl tddj blr togl, jossohn blr aust tbl wey sbl'` iehtesozl`.

[bl hoffcl` dh blr cops, tblh sukjl` lekb dhl ohtd blr gdutb, tlesohn tblsdit sjoh wotb blr tlltb. Pblh sbl puccl` blr tonbtcy eneohst blrslci eh`flneh td prdfl blr gdutb wotb blr tdhnul, jllpohn up blr slhsuecohvlstonetodh uhtoc Kcehky ilct cogp eh` pdwlrclss oh blr ergs. ^blh sblioheccy clt blr nd, tbl yduhnlr wdgeh set fekj dhtd blr illt, cddjohn cojlsbl'` fllh bot dh tbl ble`.

"O … O … " Kcehky nevl up tr yohn td tecj. [bl clt dut e frletb eh` gdvl` sdsbl kduc` sot dh tbl icddr. [bl frdunbt blr beh`s up td skruf et blr iekl,sbejohn blr ble` oh egezlglht. "O'vl hlvlr fllh jossl` cojl tbet flidrl."[bl cddjl` ohtd Effy's lyls eh` seo`, "]clesl `d ot eneoh."

Effy skregfcl` dii tbl kdukb, jhllcohn flso`l tbl yduhnlr wdgeh. [bl putblr ergs erduh` blr eh` puccl` blr ble` dwh td rlst dh blr frlest. "O wehttd," sbl seo`, "fut O'g sd kdhiusl`." Kcehky kduc` illc tbl blevy sonb tbetioccl` blr irolh`'s cuhns. "O `dh't jhdw wbet td `d. O weht ydu. O weht ydu sdfe`cy. Fut tbos os ber` idr gl. Keh ydu uh`lrsteh` tbet4"

"_leb, yleb, di kdursl O uh`lrsteh` tbet. Pbet's wby O tdc` ydu efdut Beycly.[bl aust bes e krusb, fut O tbdunbt ot gonbt ‛–

Effy sbddj blr ble`, kuttohn blr dii. "Hd, ot's ber` idr gl lvlh wotbdut

frohnohn Beycly ohtd tbos. O'g … e streonbt wdgeh. Dr et clest tbet's wbet O'vlfllh idr gy wbdcl coil. Pbet's bdw O tbohj di gyslci. Fut streonbt wdglh`dh't cust eitlr dtblr wdglh. [treonbt wdglh `dh't col oh fl` eh` tdukbtblgslcvls wbocl tbohjohn di wbet ot wduc` fl cojl td testl ehdtblr wdgeh."[bl puccl` fekj eh` cddjl` et Kcehky. "@d tbly4"

"O `dh't jhdw, Effy. O nulss sdgl streonbt wdglh bevl clsfoeh iehtesols ‛ "



550

"Fut tbos os e iehtesy tbet O weht td gejl bepplh. Pbos os e iehtesy tbet osbepplhohn. Eh` lvlry pert di gl lxklpt tbl retodhec pert wehts td tejl yduupsteors eh` gejl cdvl td ydu."

"O dh't bevl e retodhec pert," Kcehky seo`, sgocohn nlhtcy. "[d ecc di gl wehtstd tejl ydu up dh tbet diilr."

Effy jossl` blr dh tbl ble` eh` ndt up, strltkbohn blr fd`y dut. "Dhl di tbl`ltroglhts di gdtblrbdd`. Pblrl's ecweys e retodhec pert." [bl blc` blrbeh` dut eh` blcpl` Kcehky td blr illt. "_du'rl e behìuc," sbl seo`,sgocohn.

"_leb. O prdfefcy dutwlonb ydu, eh` ydu'rl e kdupcl di ohkbls tecclr tbeh Oeg."

Effy clt dut e gessovl frletb, tblh treocl` blr iohnlrs `dwh fdtb di Kcehky'ssbduc`lrs eh` ergs, stdppohn td trekl tbl troklps. "O'` cdvl td sll lxektcywbet gejls ydu sd stur`y. O cdvl guskcls."

Kcehky kduc`h't blcp blrslci. [bl stukj blr ronbt erg dut eh` turhl` ot tdgejl tbl troklp pdp. "Hlvlr fllh oh e nyg oh gy coil," sbl seo`. "Pblsl erlirdg gdvohn gduh`s di òrt irdg dhl pcekl td ehdtblr."

"O …" Effy's sgocl ie`l`. "O bevl sd gukb O weht td sey td ydu. [d gehytbohns O weht td `d wotb ydu." [bl frusbl` blr iohnlrs ekrdss Kcehky's cops."Fut O `dh't jhdw wbet td `d. @d ydu uh`lrsteh`4"

"O dh't tbohj O d, Effy. O … O weht td, fut O dh't jhdw wbet ot's cojl td fl egdtblr, eh` O `dh't jhdw wbet ot's cojl td bevl illcohns idr e wdgeh eitlrsplhòhn gy wbdcl coil tbohjohn O wes streonbt."

Novohn blr e se` sgocl, Effy seo`, "@dh't idrnlt tbl pert wblrl gdtblr eh`èunbtlr fdtb bevl e krusb dh tbl segl wdgeh."

Kcehky tddj oh e frletb eh` prlperl` blrslci td tlcc Effy tbet sbl kerlèfdut blr lhdunb td nlt flydh` ehy dfstekcl. Fut sdgltbohn stdppl` blr.[bl wes surl di blr illcohns, fut sbl wesh't surl lhdunb di Effy‟s td tlcc blr

wbet wes oh blr blert. Ohstle`, sbl put blr ergs erduh` Effy's weost eh`blc` blr, hlotblr di tblg splejohn. Eitlr e cdhn togl, sbl seo`, "O sbduc` nd.Beycly gonbt fl bdgl sddh, eh` O `dh't tbohj lotblr di us os oh tbl gdd` tdtecj td blr ronbt hdw."

"Hd, O'g klrteohcy hdt cddjohn idrwer` td ot. O tbohj O'cc nd td fl`."

Kcehky `lsplretlcy wehtl` td nd wotb blr, fut sbl jhlw tbet wesh‟t



559

Et èwh tbl suh bot blr ronbt oh tbl lyls, eh` sbl stugfcl` td blr illt,iohòhn blr wey td blr fl`rddg. [bl icdppl` `dwh dh blr iutdh, iuccykcdtbl`, bdpohn td scllp uhtoc Effy wes rle`y td fl blr cdvlr.

***

Et 21;=, Effy jhdkjl` nlhtcy dh tbl `ddr td Kcehky's epertglht. Gokbelcehswlrl` ogglòetlcy: bl wes rlssl` eh` cddjl` cojl bl wes dh bos wey tdwdrj. Effy wes rlcolvl ‐ hdt dhcy tbet bl wes up, fut tbet bl wduc`prdfefcy fl clevohn ‐ novohn blr sdgl togl ecdhl wotb Kcehky.

"Bo, Effy," bl seo`. "Erl ydu eh` Kcehkl ndohn rdkj buhtohn eneoh4"

"Hd, wl `dh't bevl pcehs," sbl seo`. "O wes oh tbl hlonbfdrbdd`, eh` Otbdunbt sbl gonbt cojl td nd td tbl ner`lh klhtlr wotb gl. O tbdunbt sbl wesusueccy up lercy."

"[bl os," bl seo`. "Ot's hdt cojl blr td scllp cetl. O'cc nd kblkj dh blr."

"Db! Hd, `dh't `d tbet. O `dh't bevl td sll blr."

"Bly, `dh't fl soccy. [bl gonbt fl oh fl` rleòhn dr sdgltbohn. [dgltoglssbl behns dut oh blr rddg."

Flidrl sbl kduc` stdp bog, bl wecjl` ohtd tbl beccwey tbet slperetl` tblfl`rddgs eh` jhdkjl` sditcy. blh bl o`h't bler e rlspdhsl, bl pdjl` bosble` oh. "Kcehkl4"

[bl turhl` blr ble` e cottcl, blr iekl stocc pertoeccy kdvlrl` fy tbl poccdw."^bet4"

"Effy's blrl. @d ydu weht td sll blr4"

[bl wes dh blr illt oh e shep. "Effy's blrl4" [bl wes e cottcl uhstle`y, eh`Gokbelc rlekbl` dut idr blr.

"Bly, erl ydu djey4 _du buhn dvlr4"

"O'g iohl. Aust torl`. Pbehjs idr wejohn gl."

[bl wecjl` ohtd tbl covohn rddg wotb Gokbelc, wbd seo` bos ndd`fyls eh` clitidr wdrj. Kcehky wes stocc tryohn td eppler ewejl, fut blr scllp-krlesl` ieklò`h't blcp gettlrs. "Bo," sbl seo`, blr vdokl krekjohn. "[drry O'g sukb eglss."

"Db, Kcehky, O ò`h't weht td wejl ydu up. O gleh, O ò`, fut O ò`h't."



55>

Pbl ceh`skeplr sbddj blr ble`, tryohn td gejl tbl korkuots stert iorohn, futsbl jhlw tbet dhcy keiilohl eh` e sbdwlr wduc` d tbet. "O sll Gokbelc ge`lsdgl kdiill," sbl seo`, ohòketohn tbl pdt. "^by dh't ydu pdur us fdtb e kupwbocl O tejl e quokj sbdwlr."

"Oi ydu'rl surl …"

Kcehky put blr beh`s up eh` cdwlrl` tblg scdwcy, esjohn idr quolt. "_duwduc`h't bevl kdgl dvlr blrl et tbos togl di tbl gdrhohn oi ydu ò`h't hll`td sll gl. Hdw aust kbocc idr e gohutl eh` clt gl nlt gy freoh wdrjohn." otbtbet, sbl wecjl` ohtd tbl fetbrddg, kcdsohn tbl `ddr quoltcy.

Effy ò`h't jhdw wbet td `d. [bl'` lxplktl` e gukb werglr wlckdgl, eh`sbl lfetl` clevohn. Fut sbl jhlw tbet wduc` dhcy gejl gettlrs wdrsl. [blset dwh et tbl jotkblh tefcl, eh` blr lyls roitl` td e hdtl tbet Gokbelc be`

dfvoduscy clit.

Aucol keccl` ‛ eneoh!

[bl dfvoduscy wehts wbet ydu'vl ndt, norc.

]ut blr dut di blr goslry, fut

gejl surl O'g bdgl td adoh ydu wblh ydu `d ot.

Gokbelc

Effy ilct blr stdgekb flnoh td kburh. ^bet joh` di plrsdh bevl O ndttlhgyslci goxl` up wotb4 O tbdunbt O jhlw blr!

[bl wes stocc sottohn et tbl tefcl wblh Kcehky kegl dut di blr rddg, rlsslòh e peor di alehs eh` e fcul eh` wbotl proht sbort. Pbl erkbotlkt sgocl` etblr nulst eh` seo`, "O‟cc flt ydu ò`h't jhdw O be` cdhn pehts."

"Db. Vonbt." Effy nevl blr e weh sgocl. "O'g sdrry O ò`h't pdur kdiill. Oò`h't illc cojl bevohn ehy."

Kcehky kduc` slhsl tbl òstehkl tbet Effy wes jllpohn, eh` ot puzzcl` blr."Erl ydu ecc ronbt4 _du cddj … johè possl`."

"Ot's hdtbohn,‗ tbl dc`lr wdgeh seo`. "O wes aust e cottcl put dii fy bdwnrdukby ydu wlrl wblh O iorst ndt blrl."

"Nrdukby4 O … O o`h't rlecozl … fut O'g sdrry oi O wes. O be` efdut twd bdursdi scllp, eh` gy ble` burts. O be` tdd gukb kbegpenhl, eh` tblh O ge`l ot



552

wdrsl fy bevohn e kdupcl di fllrs td nlt td scllp. O rleccy `d epdcdnozl oi Oupslt ydu."

"O seo` ot's ecc ronbt," Effy seo` tlrslcy. "O'g sdrry O kegl dvlr tbos lercy.Geyfl wl sbduc` clt tbohns rlst idr e wbocl eh` sll wbet bepplhs." Effy

stdd` eh` seo`, "^by `dh't ydu nd fekj td fl`4 Es e gettlr di iekt, O sbduc``d tbl segl. O tbohj O'cc nd fekj td fl` eh` stert tbl èy dvlr."

"Bly, bly, bly," Kcehky seo`. [bl wecjl` dvlr eh` stdd` kcdsl td Effy, tryohntd `lko`l oi sbl sbduc` tdukb blr dr hdt. Cddjohn et blr kerliuccy, sbl sewtbet tbl dc`lr wdgeh be` eh lgdtodhec sbolc` up tbet Kcehky `duftl` sblkduc` plhltretl. "Erl ydu surl ydu weht td clevl4 _du gust bevl be` erlesdh idr kdgohn dvlr."

"O `dh't jhdw wby O kegl. O wes suppdsl` td pcey tlhhos tbos gdrhohn, fut Owesh't up td ot. O tbohj O sbduc` bevl steyl` oh fl` ohstle` di kdgohn dvlr."

[bl turhl` eh` wecjl` td tbl ddr, seyohn dvlr blr sbduc`lr, "O'cc tecj td yducetlr."

Kcehky wlht td tbl ddr eh` wetkbl` Effy wecj dwh tbl petb. [bl wehtl`td nd eitlr blr, fut sbl ò`h't bevl ehy o`le wbet td sey. O `dh't jhdw wbettbl iukj O ò`, fut sbl cddjl` lhtorlcy possl`. O tbdunbt O jhlw blr prlttywlcc, fut geyfl O `dh't. @egh, oi sbl nlts ehnry aust flkeusl O wes e cottclkrehjy …

[bl `rdppl` blr kcdtbls ronbt wblrl sbl stdd`, tblh wlht fekj ohtd blrrddg eh` ilcc dhtd tbl iutdh, fruosohn blr sbduc`lr wblh sbl bot tbl wdd`lh

iregl. O sbducè steyl` oh fl`.

***

Kcehky sclpt uhtoc 551==, tblh cey oh fl` idr e wbocl, tryohn td ionurl dut wbetbe` ndhl wrdhn. [bl wes kdgpcltlcy et e cdss, illcohn tbet sbl'` dhl es wlcces sbl kduc`, novlh tbl korkugstehkls. Blcc, O ò`h't bevl ehy dfconetodh tdtlcc blr efdut Beycly. O stlppl` up eh` tdc` blr sdgltbohn tbet O jhlw wduc`skrlw gy kbehkls wotb blr. [bduc`h't O nlt e cottcl krlòt idr tbet4

[bl ndt up eh` tddj ehdtblr sbdwlr, e cdhnlr dhl tbos togl. Fy tbl togl sbl

wlht ohtd tbl jotkblh eh` ge`l e hlw pdt di kdiill, sbl wes illcohn e cottclgdrl cojl blrslci. [bl wes stocc hejl`, fut Gokbelc wesh't ul bdgl uhtoc etclest 91==. ^blh tbl kdiill wes rle`y, sbl set `dwh et tbl jotkblh tefcl tdrle` tbl peplr. Fut e hdtl wrottlh dh dhl di blr ertost's pe`s keunbt blr lyl.[bl wes beciwey tbrdunb tbl glssenl wblh sbl spet blr kdiill ecc dvlr tblpeplr. "Bdcy iukj! ^bet oh tbl blcc os wrdhn wotb ydu, Gokbelc4"

@esbohn ekrdss tbl rddg, sbl nreffl` blr kcdtbls eh` stertl` td nlt ohtd



55?

tblg, tryohn td put blr sbort dh wbocl sbl sboggol` ohtd blr pehts. Blrfuttdhs wlrl esjlw, blr sbdls wlrl uhtol`, eh` sbl wesh't wlerohn e fre,fut sbl nreffl` blr wecclt eh` blr jlys eh` reh dut di tbl bdusl.

]uccohn up oh irdht di Effy's bdusl e ilw gohutls cetlr, sbl frletbl` e sonb

di rlcoli wblh sbl sew blr irolh` wdrjohn dh dhl di blr icdwlr fdr`lrs.Gejohn blr illc lvlh flttlr wes tbl iekt tbet tbl nerenl `ddr wes dplh eh`tbl ker wes gossohn ‐ glehohn Beycly wes oh ot eh` ndhl. Kcehky wecjl` uptd tbl netl eh` keccl` dut, "Effy! ôcc ydu clt gl oh4"

Pbl `dns rlektl` iorst, ruhhohn td tbl netl oh e fcur. Effy's ble` swuhnerduh`, eh` sbl keunbt sonbt di Kcehky. Idr tbl iorst togl sohkl tbly'` glt,tbl tecclr wdgeh ò`h't sgocl. Oh iekt, Kcehky kduc` sll blr sbduc`lrs rosleh` iecc oh e nlsturl tbet cddjl` suspokoduscy cojl ohòiilrlhkl. [bl ndt upeh` wecjl` td tbl netl, blr iekl flerohn eh uttlrcy fcehj lxprlssodh. "^bet'sup4" sbl esjl`, coitohn eh lylfrdw.

"Keh O kdgl oh4" Kcehky esjl`. "O tbohj O jhdw wby ydu'rl upslt, eh` O kehlxpceoh wbet bepplhl`."

Effy clehl` eneohst tbl wrdunbt ordh ilhkl, sbejohn blr ble`. "Geyfl ot'sflst idr lvlrydhl oi wl stdp tbos ronbt hdw. Pbos os ecc tdd, tdd kdgpcoketl` idrgl." Pbl `dns wlrl cddjohn et tblor dwhlr tblh et Kcehky, wbohohn sditcywblh tbl ceh`skeplr ò`h't lhtlr.

Kcehky stdd` et blr iucc blonbt eh` stukj dut blr kboh. "Hd," sbl seo`, blrlyls fdrohn ohtd Effy. "Hd wey. Lotblr clt gl oh, dr O'cc steh` dut blrl eh`

lxpceoh gyslci. Fut lvlryfd`y wbd wecjs fy os ndhhe bler gl."

"O keh't fl ohvdcvl` oh tbos joh` di tbohn," Effy seo`, sduhòhn torl` eh``liletl`. "O `dh't hll` dr weht `rege oh gy coil."

"_du tbohj O `d4" Kcehky esjl`, blr vdokl cdu`lr tbeh ot be` td fl, "_duwehtl` gl td joss ydu cest honbt. _du wehtl` ot. Fut tdèy ydu dh‟t wehhefl ohvdcvl` oh ‒tbos joh` di tbohn.‟ ^bet tbl iukj `dls tbet gleh4 _du `dh‟tweht e wdgeh4 _du `dh‟t weht e ner`lhlr4 ^blrl `dh‟t O glesurl up4‗

"]clesl fl quolt!‗ Effy wbosplrl` bersbcy. –O bevl hlonbfdrs!‗

–_dur hlonbfdrs keh joss gy ess! Hdw clt gl oh, dr tbly‟cc ecc jhdw wbetbepplhl`!‗

Guttlrohn, Effy sheppl`. "O dfvoduscy be` tbl wrdhn ogprlssodh efdut ydu."

"Nd` egh ot! Costlh td gl!" Kcehky wes hlercy et iucc vdokl, eh` sbl nrespl`



56=

tbl gltec fers di tbl netl sd iorgcy tbet Effy wes eireo` sbl'` flh` tblg."_du jhdw gl! @dh't clt sdgl stupo` hdtl irdg Gokbelc kbehnl bdw yduillc!"

"_du'rl skerohn gl," Effy seo` quoltcy. "O `dh't cojl td fl ylccl` et."

Ecc di tbl iorl wlht dut di blr, eh` Kcehky clehl` blevocy eneohst tbl netl. Blrvdokl wes ioccl` wotb tlers wblh sbl seo`, "Nd` egh ot, Effy. @dh't trlet gltbos wey. O `dh't `lslrvl ot."

[llohn tbl yduhnlr wdgeh kry ogglòetlcy tbewl` Effy's kdc` òsrlner`.Kcehky cddjl` sd òskdhsdcetl tbet Effy's ohstohkt wes td wrep blr ergserduh` blr eh` bdc` blr. [bl wlht td tbl netl eh` icuhn ot dplh. "Clt's ndohtd tbl fekj yer` eh` tecj."

Pbl dns ertl` dut di tbl dplh netl eh` augpl` ecc dvlr Kcehky, cddjohn cojl

tbly'` ndttlh tblor cdhn cdst irolh` fekj. [bl plttl` fdtb di tbl norcs,lhdrgduscy nce` tbet et clest twd di tbl glgflrs di tbl iegocy wlrl beppy tdsll blr.

Es sddh es tbly set `dwh, Kcehky lxpceohl` tbl hdtl. "Aucol os gy lx. Lvlrydhkl oh e wbocl, sbl keccs gl. O hlvlr lhkdurenl blr, eh` O rerlcy splej tdblr. ^blh O sll blr, O'g pdcotl, hdtbohn gdrl."

"Pbl hdtl sduh`l` cojl tbos wdgeh os gdrl tbeh eh lx," Effy seo`, cddjohnet tbl nrduh`.

"[bl's eh lx," Kcehky seo`. "O'cc e`got tbet sbl's hdt dvlr gl, fut O'g dvlr blr.O wes dvlr blr e kdupcl di ylers end, fut sbl stocc tbohjs O'cc novl blr ehdtblrkbehkl. O wdh't."

"Fut tbl hdtl ‐ "

"Os e prdùkt di Gokbelc's plrvlrsl slhsl di bugdr. Bl tbohjs ot's iuhhy tbetsbl's stocc buhn up dh gl. Bl's ecweys tlesohn gl efdut bdw orrlsostofcl Oeg. Ot's e adjl. E stupo` adjl."

Pbl dc`lr wdgeh wes stocc sterohn et tbl nrduh`, eh` wblh sbl spdjl, blr

vdokl wes sdit eh` tlhtetovl. "Bl seo` sdgltbohn efdut bos flohn bdgl wblh…"

Kcehky reh blr beh` tbrdunb blr beor, kursohn uh`lr blr frletb. "Bl's fllhtlesohn gl efdut tbet sohkl wl wlrl oh bonb skbddc, ecweys adjohn efdutwehtohn td wetkb. Fut ot's dhcy iuhhy flkeusl ot's hlvlr ndhhe bepplh.Gokbelc bes hlvlr sllh gl joss e wdgeh, gukb clss bevl slx wotb dhl. O'gvlry, vlry provetl efdut tbohns cojl tbet, eh` bl jhdws ot."



565

"Vleccy4" Effy's cdwlr cop wes trlgfcohn, eh` Kcehky kduc` sll tbl wecckdgohn dwh.

"Vleccy. O'g vlry slrodus efdut cdvl.‗ Kcehky ndt up eh` stdd` flso`l blr

irolh`, tblh stertl` td ruh blr iohnlrs tbrdunb blr beor. "O `dh't iecc oh cdvllesocy, eh` wblh O `d, O `d lvlrytbohn O keh td gejl ot wdrj."

Effy stertl` td kry, blr iekl skruhkbohn up cojl e sgecc kboc`'s. "Pbet's wbetO tbdunbt," sbl sdffl`. "O wes sd burt wblh O ilct cojl O ò`h't jhdw ydu. O wessd skerl`," sbl seo`, kryohn ber`lr.

Kcehky jhlct oh irdht di blr eh` wreppl` blr ergs erduh` tbl sbejohnsbduc`lrs. "[bb … sbb … ot's djey. Lvlrytbohn's ecc ronbt. _du `d jhdw gl._du jhdw gl vlry, vlry wlcc. O eg wbd ydu tbohj O eg. O swler."

"O wes sd burt," sbl seo` eneoh, blr vdokl stocc sbejohn.

"O jhdw, O jhdw," Kcehky seo`. [bl toctl` blr ble` eh` stertl` td joss lvlryspdt blr cops kduc` rlekb. Ioheccy, sbl sco` blr beh`s tbrdunb Effy's beoreh` pusbl` blr ble` fekj td cddj ohtd blr lyls. Pbl dc`lr wdgeh cddjl`burt eh` vuchlrefcl, fut tblrl wes e sperj di `lsorl oh blr lyls. [u``lhcy,surprosohncy strdhn ergs lhvlcdpl` Kcehky, eh` tbl wdglh flneh td joss. Plh`lrcy, tlhtetovlcy et iorst, fut quokjcy nrdwohn ohtd bletl`, pessodhetljossls.

Effy wes quovlrohn wotb `lsorl, blr fd`y sbejohn wotb plht-up hll`. [bl

jhlw tbly wlrl krezy td fl `dohn tbos ronbt dh tbl fekj petod, fut sblkduc`h't stdp blrslci. Kcehky's fd`y wes prlssl` eneohst blrs, eh` Effykduc` illc blr ber` hoppcls tbrdunb blr tboh kdttdh sbort. [bl `lsplretlcywehtl` td rop tbet sbort irdg blr fd`y eh` fury blr iekl fltwllh blr iorgfrlests, e `lsorl sbl'` hlvlr ilct uhtoc tbl honbt flidrl. Ot wes ecc sdsurprosohn ‐ fut sdgltbohn efdut ot ilct sd ronbt, sd heturec, tbet sbl wesscdwcy nrdwohn kdgidrtefcl wotb ot.

Vlnrltiuccy, Kcehky stertl` td pucc ewey, plpplrohn Effy's cops wotb sditjossls es sbl ò`. "O keh't …" sbl nespl`, hlercy frletbclss. "O'g hdt ndhhefl efcl td stdp." Blr lyls wlrl ncessy eh` wo`l, eh` blr kblljs icusbl` lvlh

tbrdunb blr teh. [bl wes sbejohn, eh` Effy `rlw blr ohtd eh lgfrekl,bdcòhn dh tonbt.

Kcehky kduc` illc Effy's blert rekohn, blr kblst rosohn eh` ieccohn oh e quokjke`lhkl. Blr sbort wes ègp wotb plrsporetodh, eh` e `rdp ilcc irdg Effy'skbllj eh` ceh`l` dh Kcehky's. Pbl erkbotlkt puccl` ewey eh` wopl` blrirolh`'s idrlble` wotb blr tbugfs. "^bet erl wl ndhhe d4" Kcehky esjl`. "Okeh't clt ydu nd, fut O `dh't wehhe burt Beycly." [bl fclw dut e frletb eh`



566

e``l`, "O `dh't weht ehydhl td nlt burt."

Effy ò`h't ehswlr idr e cdhn togl. [bl be` dhl beh` rlstohn dh Kcehky'ssbduc`lr wbocl tbl dtblr pceyl` wotb blr beor, blr iohnlrs ruhhohn tbrdunbtbl wbotl-fcdh`l gehl, keptovetl` fy tbl sbdrt, stoii cdkjs tbet augpl` fekj

up wblh blr beh` pessl` dvlr tblg. Ioheccy, sbl ehswlrl`. "O tbohj ot's tddcetl idr tbet. [dgldhl wocc nlt burt."

***

Kcehky clit e sbdrt togl cetlr. Pbly be`h't slttcl` gukb, fut Beycly wes ulbdgl, eh` hlotblr wdgeh kduc` tbohj di e ndd` rlesdh idr Kcehky's vosot. Pbly cohnlrl` et tbl irdht `ddr, tblor fdòls prlssl` tonbtcy eneohst dhlehdtblr, fdtb illcohn cojl tbly kduc` steh` oh pcekl eh` joss idr tbl lhtorleitlrhddh. drry ndt tbl flst di Effy. "_du'` flttlr nd," sbl wbosplrl`. "O'gnlttohn tdd hlrvdus."

"ôcc ydu try td nlt ewey tdgdrrdw eh` kdgl sll gl4"

Effy sbddj blr ble`. "O `dh't tbohj wl'` flttlr. O hll` e èy td tbohj tbostbrdunb. O‟g stocc sd kdhiusl`.‗

"@dh't novl up dh us, djey4"

Pbl cddj oh Kcehky's lyls ge`l Effy's blert glct, eh` sbl wduc` bevlprdgosl` blr ehytbohn oh blr pdwlr. "O wdh't." [bl jossl` blr dhl cest togl,tblh put blr beh` dh blr fekj, treocohn blr iohnlrs `dwh td bdc` dh es cdhn

es pdssofcl, bevohn blr stdgekb jhdt wblh sbl rlcuktehtcy kcdsl` tbl `ddr.

KBE]PLV LONBP

Pbl cest pcekl Kcehky wehtl` td fl dh Gdhèy gdrhohn wes dh e bocc wotbBeycly, fut tbet's wblrl sbl iduh` blrslci. Pbl yduhnlr wdgeh be` iecclhflboh` dh rdkj `lteoc, eh` Vegdh sunnlstl` tbet Kcehky kduc` tejl e iuccwbllcferrdw `dwh tbl bocc gukb lesolr tbeh Beycly kduc`. [d tbly wdrjl`tdnltblr, wotb Beycly dh blr jhlls, pokjohn up rdkjs es quokjcy es sblkduc`, behòhn tbl fonnlr dhls td Kcehky, eh` tdssohn tbl sgecc dhls ronbt

ohtd tbl wbllcferrdw. ^blh tbl ferrdw wes iucc, Kcehky wduc` guskcl ot`dwh tbl bocc, tejl ot dut td tbl ùgpstlr, wecj ot up tbl regp tbly'` fuoct,eh` turh ot dhtd ots so`l, icohkbohn wblh tbl bersb kcettlr bot blr lers. Fy tbltogl sbl ndt fekj, Beycly be` e gduh` rle`y idr blr, eh` sbl flht dvlr eh`tdssl` tblg ecc oh.

Ot wesh't pertokucercy ber` wdrj, lsplkoeccy idr Beycly. [bl wes efcl td kerrydh e gdstcy dhl-so`l` kdhvlrsetodh wbocl sbl kdcclktl` tbl dghoprlslht



56;

rdkjs. "@o` ydu bevl e ndd` wlljlh`4" sbl esjl`.

"\b-bub."

"@d ehytbohn lxkotohn4"

E dzlh sbdkjohn rlspdhsls wlht tbrdunb Kcehky's ble`, fut sbl lko`l` tdstokj wotb, "Hd."

"Gl lotblr. O wes `dohn sdgl tbohjohn efdut stuii wl'vl tecjl` efdut,tbdunb. Cojl flohn oh rlcetodhsbops."

"Bgg4"

"_du jhdw. _du tdc` gl tbet ydu cojl` flohn oh rlcetodhsbops. O wes tbohjohnefdut tbet, eh` O `lko`l` ydu gonbt fl ronbt."

Kcehky ò`h't sey e wdr`. [bl aust cddjl` et tbl norc, tryohn td ionurl dutwblrl sbl wes ndohn.

"O wes tecjohn td Jlrry, sbl's gy irolh` ydu sew dh Iroèy honbt. [bl's oh cdvlwotb e nuy et Kec, eh` wblh wl tecjl` efdut ot ot stertl` td gejl slhsl … ydu jhdw … cojl bdw ot aust bepplhs … lvlh wblh ydu wlrlh't pcehhohn dhot."

"\b-bub," Kcehky seo`, hdt cojohn wblrl sbl kduc` slhsl tbly wlrl ble`l`.

"Oi ydu gllt sdgldhl wbd ydu'rl rleccy, rleccy ettrektl` td, wby wduc`h't yduweht td stokj wotb tblg4 O gleh, ot's sllgs johè stupo` td gllt sdgldhl ydu cojl eh` tblh clevl tblg. @dlsh't ot4"

Kcehky wes gdrl tbeh e cottcl osgeyl` td hdtl Beycly's ohtlhtodhec dgossodhdi tbl prdhduhs bl dr bog. [bl'` bler` lhdunb yduhn wdglh try td nlttbrdunb e stdry fy dhcy usohn tbly dr tblg td bevl ot ketkb blr ettlhtodh."_leb. Pbet `dls sllg johè stupo`. Di kdursl, tbl ber` pert os iohòhnsdgldhl ydu cojl, eh` bevohn tblg cojl ydu es gukb. Pbet keh tejl quotl eilw trols. O'g stocc cddjohn."

"^lcc, geyfl ydu'vl fllh cddjohn oh tbl wrdhn pcekls." Beycly cddjl` up eh`nevl blr e ezzcohn sgocl, sd gukb cojl Effy's tbet tbl ceh`skeplr hlercy ilcctd blr jhlls eh` jossl` blr. Fut tbl Nrebeg wdgeh sbl wehtl` wes oh tblbdusl, eh` Kcehky wes kdh`lghl` td tbl blcc di flohn pdcotl td e rdunb kdpydi tbl dronohec gestlrpolkl.

***



560

Pbet honbt, Effy keccl` Kcehky hdt cdhn eitlr tbl ceh`skeplr rlturhl` bdglidr tbl honbt. –Bo,‗ sbl seo`. –ês tdèy es ber` idr ydu es ot wes idr gl4‗

–O `dh‟t jhdw,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Fut ot wes ber`. O wehtl` td nref ydu eh` ndsdglpcekl quolt. ^blrl wl kduc` tecj tbos tbrdunb eh` `lko`l wbet td `dhlxt.‗

–Nd`, O‟` cdvl tbet,‗ Effy seo`. –Pbl kcdkj ferlcy sllgl` td gdvl tdèy.‗

–[d … wbet‟s ndohn tbrdunb ydur goh`4‗

–O tbohj … hd, O jhdw, tbet O hll` sdgl togl. O bevl td tbohj efdut ecc di tblregoioketodhs di clttohn gyslci iecc idr ydu. Eh` O hll` td fl wotb ydu td tbohjsdgl di tbos tbrdunb.‗

–Bdw efdut tbos wlljlh`4 ^l keh stocc nd cddj et rdkjs eh` tecj wbocl wl‟rltblrl.‗

Effy wesh‟t illcohn vlry conbt-blertl`, fut sbl clt dut e ceunb. –Flohn wotb ydu … ecdhl … oh e gdtlc wduc` slec tbl lec. O keh ber`cy stdp gyslci irdgndohn up dh tbl bocc eh` jossohn ydu uhtoc ydu‟rl krdsslyl`.‗

–Pbet‟s e ndd` ohstohkt,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Ohstohkts erl ndd`.‗

Pblrl wes e peusl, tblh Effy seo`, –O weht td novl oh, fut O keh‟t. Et clest hdt

ylt. O keh‟t ekt cojl tbos `dlsh‟t eiilkt gy iegocy, Kcehky. Ot `dls.‗

–O jhdw tbet,‗ tbl yduhnlr wdgeh seo`. –Eh` O‟cc try hdt td prlssurl ydu. Aust … aust rlglgflr tbet ydu `lslrvl td fl beppy, tdd.‗

–O‟cc try,‗ Effy seo`. –O‟g usl` td puttohn gy hll`s cest, fut O keh‟t `d tbetidrlvlr. Gy jo`s erl ecgdst nrdwh hdw.‗

–Pbly‟rl nrdwh,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Es sddh es Beycly‟s lonbtllh sbl kduc` nltgerrol` dr adoh tbl hevy.‗

–Ekkdròhn td blr, sbl‟` prdfefcy prlilr tbl hevy,‗ Effy seo`, kbukjcohn. –[bl swlers sbl‟s hdt ohtlrlstl` oh e cestohn rlcetodhsbop.‗

Kcehky jhlw tblrl‟` fllh e kbehnl oh tbet volw, fut sbl ò`h‟t glhtodh ot.[bl wesh‟t ndohn td slrvl es tbl nd-fltwllh idr gdtblr eh` èunbtlr ‛ lsplkoeccy wblh blr glssenls gonbt slrvl td ruoh blr kbehkls wotb Effy.

R



56<

Pbl wdglh enrll` hdt td sll lekb dtblr ùrohn tbl wllj, fdtb surl tbettbly wlrl slhòhn lhdunb vofls dut td eclrt tbl hlonbfdrs es td bdwettrektl` tbly wlrl td dhl ehdtblr. Dh ^l`hlsèy, Beycly wlht ohtd tblbdusl idr cuhkb eh` esjl` blr gdtblr oi sbl kduc` ohvotl Kcehky idr òhhlr.

Effy's stdgekb kclhkbl`, fut sbl ilct cojl sbl be` td enrll. Cetlr, Beyclywlht up td blr fdss eh` prdpdsl` tbl o`le. "Gdg's gejohn stlej lhkboceèsidr òhhlr tdhonbt. êhhe stey4"

Cukjocy, Kcehky o`h't bevl td ohvlht eh lxkusl. "Db, tbehjs, fut O keh't. O'gndohn fdwcohn wotb sdgl irolh`s."

"Fdwcohn4"

"_leb. ^l nd td e pcekl oh Kbetswdrtb."

Beycly ge`l e iekl tbet sbl ogglòetlcy trol` td bo`l. "Pbet sduh`s cojl iuh.Geyfl O'cc tlcc gy irolh`s efdut ot. ^l cojl td `d òiilrlht joh`s di tbohns."

"Db, tbet wdh't wdrj," Kcehky seo`, rlcolvl`. "Ot's ecc clenuls. _du bevl td fldh e tleg td nlt e cehl."

Hdt dhl td novl up lesocy, Beycly seo`, "^lcc, geyfl wl'cc kdgl eh` wetkb ydu. ^l kduc` bevl e ilw `rohjs. Ot'` fl iuh."

"_du'rl hdt dc` lhdunb td `rohj!"

Beycly ceunbl`. "@d ydu bdhlstcy tbohj tblrl's e plrsdh oh tbl [eh NefrolcYeccly wbd `dlsh't bevl e ndd` iejl [email protected]"

"Db. Vonbt." Kcehky tbdunbt idr e gohutl, tblh seo`, "Pblrl's e vlry fon iohlidr e fer dwhlr clttohn uh`lr-enl` pldpcl oh. Pbl dwhlr's e irolh` di gohl,Beycly. O'` bevl td tlcc bog oi O sew ydu tblrl."

[bl cddjl` efsdcutlcy ohònheht. "_du'` tlcc4"

"_leb, O wduc`. Ot's aust e iuh honbt dut idr ydu nuys, fut bl kduc` cdsl bosfusohlss. _du bevl td tbohj efdut bdw tbl tbohns ydu d eiilkt dtblr pldpcl,

ydu jhdw. Pbet's pert di flohn geturl."

"_leb, ronbt," tbl norc seo`. "_du'rl gy fdss et wdrj, fut hdt oh gy plrsdheccoil." [bl turhl` eh` wecjl` dvlr td Vegdh, rle`y idr blr hlxt tesj.

***

Beycly wes kddc td Kcehky tbl rlst di tbl èy, eh` sbl be`h't tbewl` dut fy



569

Pbursèy gdrhohn. Pbl ceh`skeplr bdpl` tbet tbl ohkopolht krusb be` ndhltbl wey di gdst iclltohn ettrektodhs, fut Beycly wes irolh`cy eneoh fy Pbursèy eitlrhddh.

Pbet honbt, Effy keccl` Kcehky, eh` tbl peor tecjl` idr e cdhn togl ‛ aust es

tbly be` lvlry honbt tbet wllj. "Pbl tbdunbt di flohn ecdhl wotb ydu tboswlljlh` os `rovohn gl krezy,‗ Effy seo`. –Beycly‟s ndhhe wdh`lr wby wlkeh‟t nd up eh` fekj oh e èy, fut wl‟vl ndt td stey dvlr.‗

Kcehky tbdunbt idr e gohutl, tblh seo`, –_du‟rl tbl dhl wbd sunnlstl` wlstey dvlrhonbt. Eh` tbet wes flidrl wl lvlh jossl`.‗

–[bduc`h‟t tejl e cdt di tbdunbt td ionurl tbet dhl dut,‗ Effy seo`, ceunbohn.–O wehtl` td fl wotb ydu idr e cdhnlr togl.‗

"^by, Grs. Nrebeg! _du erl ecweys e surprosl!"

"Pbl iorst èy ydu sbdwl` up et gy `ddr, O rlglgflr wecjohn flboh` ydueh` tbohjohn wbet e hokl ess ydu be`. O tbohj O be` e krusb dh ydu tbl iorsttogl O cddjl` ohtd tbdsl nrly lyls."

"Kdgl dh, [eturèy," Kcehky seo`, tryohn hdt td sduh` cojl sbl wes flnnohn."^l hll` td fl ecdhl. Eh` td joss."

"O … O dh't tbohj O keh d gukb gdrl tbeh tbet," Effy seo`. "O bdpl ydu keh ‛–

"Jossohn ydu os lhdunb td setosiy ehy wdgeh," Kcehky ohtlrruptl`."Bdhlstcy, aust flohn wotb ydu os lhdunb."

Effy kcdsl` blr lyls eh` clt blr kdhskolhkl bevl e vdokl. Lvlry òiiokuctclssdh sbl'` lvlr clerhl` icesbl` tbrdunb blr ble`. [bl jhlw wotbdut e`duft tbet sbl sbduc` put e stdp td tbos ronbt hdw. Fut sbl kduc`h't. [blhll`l` tbos sd gukb tbet sbl kduc`h't turh fekj, lvlh tbdunb sbl jhlw tboswduc` fl ber` idr blr jo`s eh` blr perlhts eh` blr irolh`s. [bl jhlw tbetBeycly wduc` fl pertokucercy burt ‛ novlh blr krusb dh Kcehky. Fut idr dhkloh blr eùct coil sbl tbdunbt di blrslci iorst. Pejohn oh e kclehsohn frletb, sblseo`, "O'cc fl et ydur bdusl dh [eturèy gdrhohn et erduh` 21==."

"O keh't weot," Kcehky seo`.

Ceunbohn e cottcl, Effy seo`, –@dh‟t idr nlt td frohn ydur cops.‗

***

Pbl wdrj wllj wes iohosbl`, eh` Kcehky wes peyohn Beycly dh Iroèy honbt



56>

wblh tbl yduhnlr wdgeh esjl`, "Bevl ehy pcehs idr tdhonbt4"

"_leb. Pd nlt e ndd` honbt's scllp flidrl wl `rovl up td Glrkl` tdgdrrdw."

"Keh O nd wotb ydu4 O weht td gejl surl tbl rdkjs erl ronbt, tdd, ydu jhdw."

"Ebb … hd, ydu keh't. ^l'rl tejohn ydur gdg's ker. Dhcy twd slets."

Eh ehhdyl` lxprlssodh slttcl` dh Beycly's iekl. "^by kduc`h't sbl fuy eh[\Y cojl lvlryfd`y lcsl4"

"Gdst norcs wduc` fl beppy td `rovl e Clxus kdupl. Kduht ydur fclssohns.^blh O wes ydur enl, O be` td `rovl gy gdtblr's icdrec `lcovlry veh."

"_leb, fut ydu kduc` gejl dut oh tbl fekj, kduc`h't ydu4"

Beycly be` blr dh tbet dhl, eh` Kcehky splht e gdglht tbohjohn efdut blriorst cdvlr eh` bdw tbly'` rdcc erduh` oh tbl fekj di tbl veh, tblh bevl tdfrusb tbl òrt eh` icdwlr pltecs dii lekb dtblr flidrl tbly wlht bdgl. "Ohlvlr joss eh` tlcc," Kcehky seo`.

"Ndd`. O cojl tbet efdut ydu. _du jhdw … O wes tbohjohn tbet wl kduc` nd nltsdgltbohn td let. Lvlh ydu bevl td let òhhlr."

"Hd, O'g ndd`. O'vl ndt sdgltbohn et bdgl."

Beycly cddjl` et blr idr e gohutl, tblh ioheccy cdkjl` lyls wotb blr eh` seo`,"Pbos osh't efdut idd`. O'g esjohn ydu dut."

Kcehky's lyls wo`lhl`. @egh, wby wlrlh't norcs tbos idrwer` wblh O wesslvlhtllh! Fut sbl wesh't ohtlrlstl` oh tbos pertokucer norc, eh` sbl be` tdtbohj di e wey td tlcc blr wotbdut upslttohn blr. "\bg … tbet's hdt e nddò`le, Beycly. O'g wdrjohn idr ydur gdg, eh` O'g surl sbl wduc`h't cojl ot oisbl tbdunbt O wes bottohn dh ydu."

"O'` tlcc blr tbl trutb." [bl nevl Kcehky tbet slxy sgocl eh` e``l`, "O'g

bottohn dh ydu."

"Ebb … yleb, O nulss ydu erl. Fut sbl stocc wduc`h't cojl ot."

"Gy gdg's kddc efdut tbohns cojl tbos. [bl bes clsfoeh irolh`s. [bl wdh'ticop."

"Beycly, O keh‟t nd dut wotb e kcolht's èunbtlr. Ot's hdt ronbt."



562

Pbl yduhnlr wdgeh wes stertohn td nlt plrturfl` eh` Kcehky kduc` sll blrfcul lyls èrjlh. "Os tbet rleccy tbl rlesdh4"

"_leb. Ot os."

"Iohl. O‟cc esj gy gdg oi sbl'` goh`.‗ [bl wes kclercy keccohn Kcehky's fcuii,eh` tbl fcdh`l kursl` blrslci idr bevohn tdc` sukb e icogsy col.

"O ubg … O dh't etl wdglh wbd bevl td esj tblor gdgs oi tbly keh nd dut,"sbl ioheccy seo`. "_du'rl e nrlet norc, Beycly, eh` oi O'` jhdwh ydu wblh O wes ydur enl … O wduc` bevl fllh oh blevlh. Fut O'g ecgdst tborty ylers dc`.^l'rl et òiilrlht pcekls oh dur covls."

"O'g hdt esjohn td gerry ydu, Kcehky," sbl seo`, dfvoduscy ehnry eh`lgferressl`. "O'g esjohn ydu td nd dut td òhhlr."

Kcehky wduc`h't yolc`. "Hd, O keh't. Ot `dlsh't gejl slhsl td bevl e ètl oi O`dh't sll tbos ndohn ehywblrl. Eh` O `dh't." Pbl norc kcdsl` blr lyls idr egdglht, eh` Kcehky jhlw sbl wes dh tbl vlrnl di tlers. "Cddj, Beycly, Otbohj ot's nrlet tbet ydu be` tbl hlrvl td esj gl. O rleccy `d. Fut ydu'` flbeppolr wotb sdgldhl ydur dwh enl. O swler ydu wduc`."

"O `dh't cojl pldpcl gy dwh enl," sbl seo`, blr vdokl busjy. "O cojl dc`lr …pldpcl. Pbet's wby O'vl hlvlr ndhl dut wotb ehydhl idr cdhn. Pbly'rl tddoggeturl."

"Beycly, tblrl bevl td fl dc`lr pldpcl et [ehte Kruz. Cddj idr e nre`stu`lht, dr e tlekbohn essosteht dr sdgltbohn."

"O dh't hll` etohn e`vokl," sbl seo` kdc`cy. "O esjl` ydu dut. _du turhl` gl`dwh. Lh` di stdry." [bl turhl` eh` wecjl` tdwer`s tbl bdusl, eh` fy tbltogl sbl ndt tblrl, Kcehky kduc` sll blr sbduc`lrs sbejohn.

***

Effy sbdwl` up et 21== dh tbl `dt tbl hlxt gdrhohn, eh` ot wes kcler tbetsbl ò`h't jhdw wbet be` bepplhl` fltwllh blr èunbtlr eh` tbl

ceh`skeplr tbl èy flidrl.

^blh tbly rlekbl` tbl kerpdrt, Kcehky esjl`, –êht gl td `rovl4‗

–Hd diilhsl, fut ydur trukj os e cottcl bersb idr tbos cdhn e ro`l. O epprlkoetltbl diilr, tbdunb.‗

–Bly, hdt e prdfclg. O‟` gukb retblr ro`l oh ydurs.‗



56?

–^duc` ydu goh` `rovohn gy ker4‗

–Hd, hdt et ecc. O'` cdvl td. Gy trukj gonbt fl alecdus, tbdunb. [bl betls tdsll gl wotb dtblr wdglh.‗

"O'g perjl` dh tbl strllt," Effy seo`, sgocohn et blr irolh`. "[bl'cc hlvlrjhdw."

Pbly tddj dii eitlr stdppohn idr kdiill eh` guiiohs. Efdut ioity gocls dutso`ldi C.E., Kcehky fot tbl fucclt. "O tejl ot tbet ydu bevlh't tecjl` td Beycly."

"^blh4 Pdèy4"

"Dr cest honbt4"

"Hd, O ò`h't. [bl wlht dut, keccl` gl et go`honbt eh` seo` tbet sbl wessteyohn et blr irolh` Nrltkblh's bdusl. Idr ecc O jhdw sbl gonbt bevl ge`ltbet up, fut O keh't pdcokl blr tdd kerliuccy hdw tbet sbl's oh kdcclnl." [blcddjl` et Kcehky quozzokeccy eh` esjl`, "^by4"

"Flkeusl sbl eh` O be` e ionbt."

"E ionbt4"

"^lcc, hdt rleccy e ionbt," Kcehky seo`. "[bl esjl` gl dut cest honbt, eh` wesprltty upslt wblh O turhl` blr `dwh."

"Db, sbot." Effy clehl` blr ble` fekj eh` sterl` up et tbl rddi. "O keh'tflcolvl sbl ò` tbet!"

"O kduc`h‟t lotblr. O tbdunbt O'` rovlh blr krezy ‛ ecweys trletohn blr cojl sblwes e jo`. Fut sbl ò`h't clt tbet stdp blr."

Effy sonbl` blevocy. "^lcc, ydu erl uhflcolvefcy ettrektovl. O keh't fceglblr."

"Pbehjs," Kcehky seo`, sgorjohn. "Fut O'` retblr dhcy ydu wlrl ettrektl` td

gl."

"O … O hll` e cottcl wbocl td prdklss tbos," Effy seo`. "@d ydu goh`4"

–Hd. ^by `dh‟t ydu rlkcohl ydur slet eh` tejl ot lesy. O jhdw wblrl O‟gndohn, sd illc irll td rlcex.‗ Effy hd``l` sconbtcy, tblh toctl` blr slet fekj ecottcl eh` sterl` dut tbl woh`dw, cdst oh blr tbdunbts.



5;=

***

^blh tbly rlekbl` tbl queoht cottcl gdtdr kdurt, tbly wlht oh tdnltblr, eh`Kcehky be` td kcler blr tbrdet td ioh` blr vdokl ‐ sohkl ot be`h‟t fllh uslìdr dvlr tbrll bdurs.

^blh tbly epprdekbl` tbl `lsj, tbl prdproltdr cddjl` up eh` esjl`, –Blcp ydu4‗

–_leb. O ge`l rlslrvetodhs lercolr oh tbl wllj. D‟Kdhhdr.‗

–Db, yls. Blrl wl erl. Pwd rddgs, ronbt4‗

[perohn e quokj ncehkl et Effy, wbd wes sterohn streonbt eble`, Kcehkysbrunnl` eh` seo`, –\bg … ronbt.‗ Eitlr tbl tlhsl, soclht trop sbl be` hdo`le oi Effy wehtl` td sberl e rddg wotb blr dr hdt, sd sbl `lko`l` hdt td

prlss tbl ossul. _du sbduc` bevl kclerl` tbos up flidrl ydu ndt ohso`l, ydu`dpl! [bl lxtrektl` blr wecclt irdg blr alehs eh` pusbl` blr krlòt ker`tdwer`s tbl wdgeh, hdt stdppohn wblh Effy trol` td ohtlrrupt. –_duprdvo`l` tbl ker. O‟cc nlt tbl rddgs,‗ sbl seo`. Cddjohn et tbl `lsj kclrj,sbl esjl`, –^blrl‟s tbl flst pcekl oh tdwh td bevl òhhlr4‗

–Bdw iehky `d ydu weht td nlt4‗ tbl wdgeh esjl`.

–Ylry,‗ Kcehky seo`.

–Pbet‟` fl tbl Botkbohn ]dst,‗ sbl seo`. –Pejl tbl geoh rde` hdrtb efdut

tbrll gocls. _du keh‟t goss ot.‗

–Pbehjs,‗ Kcehky seo` wblh tbl wdgeh beh`l` dvlr tbl jlys.

^blh tbly wecjl` fekj ohtd tbl fronbt suh, Effy seo`, –O ò`h‟t frohn gukbtd wler td e iehky rlsteureht.‗

Kcehky wes rlcolvl` aust td bler blr vdokl eneoh. –\p blrl, iehky glehs tblfer os oh e slperetl rddg irdg tbl rlsteureht. _du cddj iehtestok aust tblwey ydu erl.‗

Effy cddjl` ewey, Kcehky‟s ohtlhsl nezl gejohn blr illc e cottcluhkdgidrtefcl, tblh hd``l` blr ble`. –Pbehjs.‗ [bl nevl tbl yduhnlrwdgeh e sgocl ‐ blr iorst di tbl èy ‐ eh` seo`, –_du cddj hokl tdèy. O‟gsdrry O ò`h‟t kdgglht lercolr.‗

Pbl erkbotlkt wes wlerohn e vlry fronbt, proht kegp sbort oh sbe`ls di drehnleh` ylccdw. Ie`l`, idrg iottohn alehs eh` fcekj Forjlhstdkj sehècsiohosbl` dii blr dutiot, eh` Effy iduh` tbet tbl stycl suotl` blr irolh`



5;5

plrilktcy.

–^lcc, hdw ydu‟vl sllh ecgdst gy lhtorl wer`rdfl,‗ sbl seo`. –O jllp tlccohngyslci tbet O‟vl ndt td fuy e ilw hokl tbohns ‐ fut O hlvlr nlt erduh` td ot.‗

–O cojl ydur cottcl uhoidrg,‗ Effy sgocl`, tblh rlglgflrl` tbl tlesohn tbetBeycly ecweys nevl blr efdut blr uhoidrg iltosb eh` blr sgocl ie`l`. –Cltgl irlsblh up eh` tblh wl keh nd bevl òhhlr, djey4‗

Kcehky hd``l` eh` beh`l` blr e jly td dhl di tbl fuhnecdws. Lekb rddgwes e steh`-ecdhl uhot wotb e fetb eh` e fl`rddg, eh` Kcehky wes pclesl`td ioh` tbet tbly wlrl hlet, kcleh, eh` rlcetovlcy upètl`. Pblrl wes e fontlclvosodh oh tbl rddg, eh` e qullh-sozl` fl`, eh` sbl cddjl` et ot frolicy,bdpohn eneohst bdpl tbet Effy wduc` sberl tbl fl` wotb blr.

***

@urohn òhhlr tbly stllrl` kcler di ehy upslttohn tdpoks eh` idkusl` dh tblceh`skepohn pcehs. Kcehky be` fllh twlejohn tblg wotb lvlry sperlgdglht sbl be`, eh` sbl lxkotl`cy rlnecl` Effy wotb lvlry hlw fot digohutoe sbl kduc` rlkecc.

Effy pokjl` up tbl kblkj eitlr e froli ernuglht, tblh tbly ble`l` fekj tdtbl gdtlc. Pbl honbt wes kddc eh` `ry, eh` e sdit frllzl wbostcl` tbrdunbtbl gessovl pohl trlls tbet tbl kefohs wlrl hlstcl` ohtd. –êhhe steydutso`l eh` lhady tbl lvlhohn4‗ Kcehky esjl`.

Effy hd``l`, eh` set oh tbl rdunb-blwh swohn tbet nrekl` tbl pdrkb di blrkefoh. Ot wes tbl dhcy sletohn eveocefcl, sd Kcehky squllzl` oh hlxt td blr,tblor tbonbs tdukbohn ecc ecdhn tblor clhntb. Pbehjiuccy, Effy ò`h‟t gdvlblr cln, eh` Kcehky wes sconbtcy blertlhl`.

–êhhe tecj efdut ot4‗ Kcehky ioheccy skrlwl` up tbl kdurenl td esj.

Effy sbddj blr ble` nlhtcy eh` seo`, –Hdt rleccy. O‟g hdt tbl joh` diwdgeh wbd keh prdklss gy illcohns quokjcy. O hll` td clt tbohns plrkdcetlidr e wbocl.‗ [bl cddjl` et Kcehky eh` e``l`, –Novl gl togl, djey4‗

–Di kdursl.‗ [bl wehtl` td tdukb blr sd fe`cy sbl kduc` testl ot, fut Kcehkyjlpt blr beh`s iorgcy etdp blr dwh jhlls. –O `dh‟t weht td rusb ydu,Effy. O jhdw tbos bes fllh e vlry, vlry lgdtodhec togl idr ydu. O‟cc `d gyflst td fekj dii.‗

Cddjohn et blr kuroduscy, Effy esjl`, –^duc` ydu cojl td tecj4 Austflkeusl O hll` sdgl togl td rliclkt `dlsh‟t gleh tbet ydu `d, tdd.‗



5;6

–\bg … O `dh‟t bevl e cdt td sey,‗ sbl seo`. [uggdhohn ecc di tbl eiilktodhsbl kduc` gustlr ohtd blr nezl sbl seo`, –Ecc O weht os td gejl surl tbet ydujhdw bdw gukb O kerl idr ydu. Gy illcohns idr ydu ruh vlry, vlry `llp,Effy, eh` O vlry gukb weht e kbehkl td wdrj tbos dut.‗

E cdhn, `lcoketl beh` rlekbl` dut eh` ceh`l` dh Kcehky‟s tbonb. Effy‟svdokl wes sdit, eh` blc` e blevy hdtl di kurodsoty. –Os tbet trul4‗

–Os wbet trul4 Pbet O bevl illcohns idr ydu, dr tbet O weht tbl dppdrtuhoty tdfuoc` e rlcetodhsbop4‗

–\bg … lotblr, O nulss,‗ sbl seo`. –^l'vl jossl` e cdt, fut O'g hdt surl Ojhdw wblrl ydu tbohj tbos os ndohn.‗

"^bet4 O tbdunbt O'` ge`l ot kcler tbet O weht td bevl e rlcetodhsbop wotb

ydu."

"^lcc, ydu bevl, fut O nlt goxl` sonhecs. ^blh ydu dplhl` tbl `ddr tbosgdrhohn, ydu o`h‟t lvlh bun gl. Eh` wblh wl ndt blrl, O tbdunbt ydu‟` etclest esj gl oi O wehtl` td sberl e rddg. Ot … ge`l gl illc cojl ydu ò`h‟tweht td fl tdd kcdsl.‗

Kcehky sco` dii tbl swohn eh` ndt td blr jhlls, nrespohn idr Effy‟s beh`s. –Owes upslt efdut wbet be` bepplhl` wotb Beycly," sbl e`gottl`. "O nulss Oilct nuocty bunnohn ydu dr jossohn ydu flidrl O tdc` ydu tbl trutb. O tbdunbt …O tbdunbt tbet Beycly's esjohn gl dut gonbt gejl ydu kbehnl ydur goh`."

"Ot sbduc`," sbl seo`, cddjohn dvlr Kcehky's ble` td sterl ohtd tbl pohls. "Gykboc`rlh bevl ecweys … ecweys kdgl iorst." [bl cddjl` `dwh eh` gltKcehky's lyls. "O jhdw tbet tbos os ndohn td bevl slrodus ‛ geyfl lvlhòsestrdus rlplrkussodhs idr gy iegocy." Pbl sgecclst di sgocls tdukbl` blrcops, eh` sbl rlekbl` dut eh` strdjl` Kcehky's kbllj. "Fut O weht ydu sdfe`cy." [bl kcdsl` eh` lyls eh` sbovlrl`, blr ble` sbejohn scdwcy. "O'vlhlvlr fllh tbos tdrh efdut ehytbohn oh gy coil."

"^l keh wdrj ot dut," Kcehky ohsostl`. "^l'cc fl vlry, vlry òskrltl."

ôtb e se`, rlsonhl` lxprlssodh, Effy seo`, "^l keh't fl òskrltl idr cdhn. Okeh't aunncl cols td gy jo`s, gy perlhts, gy irolh`s, gy hlonbfdrs. Pbos wocckdgl dut, eh` ot wocc prdfefcy kdgl dut sddh. Pbet's wby O bevl td jhdw tbet ydu'rl slrodus efdut tbos." [bl put blr beh`s dh Kcehky's sbduc`lrs eh`seo`, "O'g flnnohn ydu. Clvlc wotb gl. O bevl td jhdw bdw ydu illc efdut gl."



5;;

Kcdsohn blr lyls, Kcehky pcehtl` sdit jossls ecc dvlr Effy‟s beh`s. –O jhdwot‟s lercy, fut O tbohj ydu'rl tbl dhl. Pbl dhl," sbl rlotlretl`. "O‟g ieccohn ohcdvl wotb ydu, Effy.‗

"_du weht td fl oh e kdggottl`, lxkcusovl rlcetodhsbop wotb gl4"

Novohn blr e vlry puzzcl` cddj, Kcehky seo`, –_ls, di kdursl!‗

"O `dh't gleh td `duft ydu," Effy seo`. "Fut tbl hdtl irdg Gokbelc rleccytbrlw gl."

–Effy, O eg tdteccy, tbdrdunbcy, sohncl. O bevl hd ohtlrlst oh ehy wdgeh ohtbl wdrc` ‛ lxklpt ydu. O'g vlry treòtodhec oh tbl wey O epprdekb erlcetodhsbop ‛ lvlh tbdunb O‟g ieorcy e`vlhturdus wblh O‟g oh dhl. O‟` cdvl tdsbdw ydu lxektcy bdw e`vlhturdus O keh fl,‗ sbl e``l`, clehohn idrwer` aust lhdunb td fl efcl td `ltlkt e boht di Effy‟s plriugl.

Effy kcdsl` tbl òstehkl fltwllh tblg eh` pcekl` e `lcoketl joss dhKcehky‟s werg cops. –ôcc ydu scllp wotb gl tdhonbt4‗ [bl weotl` idr eslkdh` eh` e``l`, "O'g hdt rle`y idr slx, fut O'` cdvl td bdc` ydu. Os tbetdjey4"

–Di kdursl. _du keh bdc` gl tdhonbt, tdgdrrdw … es gehy honbts es ydu‟ccbevl gl,‗ Kcehky rlpcol`, blr vdokl ketkbohn e cottcl.

Effy ndt up eh` lxtlh`l` e beh`, eh` Kcehky nce`cy tddj ot. –Clt‟s tejl tbosdhl èy et e togl, djey4‗

–Pbet wdrjs tdd.‗ Kcehky sgocl` frde`cy et blr eh` tddj blr beh` td cle` blrohtd tbl kefoh.

***

Kcehky stdd` aust ohso`l tbl `ddr di tbl sgecc rddg, cddjohn erduhèwjwer`cy wbocl sbl trol` td `lko`l wbet td `d. Effy cddjl` gdrl tbeh ecottcl hlrvdus, tdd, eh` sbl nevl Kcehky e tlhtetovl sgocl eh` ohkcohl` blrble` tdwer`s tbl fetb. –O‟cc aust frusb gy tlltb …‗

–Db! \bg … geyfl O‟cc nd `d tbl segl. Fl ronbt fekj.‗ Pbos os tdd wlor`,sbl tbdunbt, clehohn eneohst tbl `ddr di blr rddg. ^l ekt cojl wl‟rl tdtecstrehnlrs. [bl frusbl`, eh` icdssl`, eh` frusbl` eneoh, gugfcohn tdblrslci tbl wbdcl togl. @lkoòhn tbet sbl wes illcohn e cottcl nruhny irdgtbl `rovl, Kcehky tddj e quokj sbdwlr, novohn blrslci e ndd` tecjohn td wboclsbl skruffl` blrslci. Pbl dhcy wey td gejl Effy illc kdgidrtefcl os td tlccblr bdw ydu‟rl illcohn ‐ eh` lhkdurenl blr td `d tbl segl wblh sbl‟sefcl. Aust fl bdhlst wotb blr.



5;0

Irlsbcy skruffl` eh` illcohn e cottcl flttlr, Kcehky put dh sdgl hlvlr-wdrhicehhlc peaeges tbet sbl‟` iduh` et tbl fdttdg di blr `rlsslr.

[bl‟` fllh ndhl cdhnlr tbeh sbl‟` pcehhl`, eh` Effy wes ecrle`y oh fl`

wblh sbl lhtlrl`. Pbl dc`lr wdgeh nevl blr e rlcolvl` ncehkl eh` seo`, –Otbdunbt ydu gonbt bevl kbehnl` ydur goh`.‗

Kcehky quokjcy krdssl` tbl rddg eh` plrkbl` dh tbl l`nl di tblfl`. Vlekbohn dut, sbl reh blr beh` `dwh Effy‟s iekl, cohnlrohn dvlr blrileturls wotb blr tbugf. –^bet‟s up4 _du ekt es tbdunb ydu‟rl lxplktohngl td fl e rlec essbdcl, eh` ydu jhdw gl flttlr tbeh tbet.‗

Pbl dc`lr wdgeh clehl` ohtd blr tdukb eh` seo`, –O `dh‟t jhdw. Pbos wbdcltbohn bes gl sd goxl` up. O `dh‟t illc cojl O keh trust gy ohstohkts ronbthdw. O bdhlstcy illc cojl O‟g oh e idn.‗

Blr tbugf jlpt strdjohn, eh` Kcehky cdwlrl` blr vdokl eh` sditlhlòt. –Ehytbohn O keh `d td blcp4 êhhe tecj efdut ot4‗

Effy sbddj blr ble`, dhkl eneoh evdoòhn Kcehky‟s nezl. –Pdd gukb. O austhll` td scllp.‗

^blh sbl stdd`, Effy‟s lyls idccdwl` blr. Kcehky wecjl` erduh` td tbldtblr so`l di tbl fl` eh` tdssl` tbl kdvlrs fekj. Es sbl sco` oh, sbl sgoclèh` seo`, –O jhdw bdw td òstrekt ydu, eh` rlcex ydu, eh` gejl ydu scllpcojl e fefy.‗

Effy‟s lyls wo`lhl` oh surprosl, eh` sbl strunncl` wotb tbl illcohns tbetwesbl` dvlr blr. [bl wes irehjcy egezl` tbet Kcehky wduc` gejl e slxuecdvlrturl et tbos pdoht, fut sbl ò`h‟t jhdw bdw td turh blr `dwhpdcotlcy. Fut Kcehky surprosl` blr kdgpcltlcy wblh sbl set up eneohst tblble`fder` eh` puccl` Effy‟s ble` dhtd blr cep. –@dh‟t tbohj efdut etbohn,‗ sbl gurgurl`. –Aust illc gy tdukb.‗

Effy‟s fd`y ilct e cottcl stoii eh` uhyolcòhn eh` Kcehky nlhtcy sddtbl`,–Kdgl dh hdw, rlcex idr gl. Kdhklhtretl dh ydur frletbohn … tbet‟s ot …tbet‟s tbl wey.‗ [bl sgocl` `dwh et tbl tecclr wdgeh es sbl ilct blr

guskcls stert td rlcex eh` blr fd`y gdc` otslci ecdhn blr clhntb. Effy‟s erg`repl` ekrdss tbl yduhnlr wdgeh‟s tbonbs, eh` blr beh` tehncl` oh tblnlhlrdus idc`s di blr peaeges.

Kcehky nezl` `dwh wblh sbl bler` Effy‟s sdit vdokl gurgur,–]lrilkt. Aust plrilkt. Pbos wes lxektcy wbet O hll`l`.‗

Novohn blr beor eh eiilktodhetl ruiicl, Kcehky seo`, –O‟cc `d gy flst td ecweys



5;<

novl ydu wbet ydu hll`, Effy. O prdgosl tbet.‗

Pbl cest kdhskodus tbdunbt td icdet tbrdunb tbl dc`lr wdgeh‟s goh` wes, Oflcolvl blr. O rleccy flcolvl blr.

***

Dh tbl wey fekj td Cds Ehnlcls, Kcehky kdgglhtl`, –O‟g hdt surl oi tbos westbl flst èy td cddj et fduc`lrs. Lvlry dhl wes fleutoiuc … plrilkt eh`sgddtb. Aust cojl ydur sjoh."

Effy‟s beh` pceyiuccy kdvlrl` blr gdutb es sbl kbo`l` blr, –_du‟rl ndohn tdbevl td flbevl wblh wl nlt fekj bdgl, ydu jhdw. _du gey es wlcc nlt ohtdprektokl ronbt hdw.‗

Kcehky hd``l`, blr lyls stocc èhkohn. –O‟cc fl ndd`. O‟g aust sd kdgpcltlcy

beppy, Effy. Lvlrytbohn sllgs plrilkt tdèy.‗

Effy wes `rovohn, fut sbl òvlrtl` blr ettlhtodh cdhn lhdunb td nrespKcehky‟s beh` eh` novl ot e nlhtcl joss. –Ot sllgs plrilkt td gl, tdd. Gywbdcl fd`y illcs rlhlwl`.‗ [bl sonbl` `llpcy eh` seo`, – Pejohn e yduhncdvlr sllgs td fl tbl jly td tbl iduhteoh di ydutb.‗

–Ot‟s hdt efdut enl,‗ Kcehky geohteohl`. –Ot‟s efdut kblgostry eh`kdhhlktodh. Eh` O illc vlry kdhhlktl` td ydu, Effy. O‟g vlry, vlry beppy.‗

–Gl, tdd.‗ Effy sgocl`. [bl pcekl` Kcehky‟s beh` dh blr tbonb eh` tbl peorcepsl` ohtd e kdgidrtefcl soclhkl, fdtb di tblg rugohetohn efdut tbl lvlhtsdi tbl wlljlh`.

^bocl sbl wes gdstcy aufoceht efdut tblor kdhhlktodh, Effy‟s stdgekbflneh td tonbtlh tbl kcdslr tbly ndt td C.E. Kcehky hdtokl` tbl kbehnl oh blreiilkt eh` ioheccy glhtodhl` ot. –_du sllg prltty tlhsl. ^drrol` efdutndohn bdgl4‗

–_ls. Ylry.‗

Kcehky wes quokjcy clerhohn tbet Effy flkegl ecgdst gdhdsyccefok wblhsbl wes wdrrol` efdut sdgltbohn, fut sbl wesh‟t woccohn td clt tbos ossulsco`l. –^l sbduc` tecj efdut ot. ^l hll` td gejl e `lkosodh efdut bdwwl‟rl ndohn td pcey tbos.‗

–^l keh‟t clt Beycly jhdw … hd gettlr wbet,‗ sbl seo`, blr iekl e gesj diwdrry.



5;9

–Djey … wl keh `d tbet,‗ Kcehky sddtbl`. –O bdpl ydu gleh tbet wl keh'ttlcc blr ronbt hdw …"

"_ls. Db, yls! Di kdursl tbet's wbet O gleh. [bl'cc nlt dvlr blr burt illcohnssddh. Eh` sbl'cc fl ndohn td Geohl oh e gdhtb ‛ tblh ronbt td skbddc irdg

tblrl."

Kcehky ilct e cottcl sokj td blr stdgekb et tbl tbdunbt di weotohn idr e gdhtb,fut sbl hd``l`. "O `dh‟t hll` td tlcc ehdtblr sduc. ^l‟cc jllp tbos fltwllhus uhtoc ydu'rl rle`y td nd pufcok.‗

–Hd, hd tbet‟s hdt hlklssery,‗ Effy ohsostl`. –O jhdw ydu‟rl kcdsl td ydurperlhts, Kcehky: tbly‟cc pokj up dh tbos. [d wocc Gokbelc. O `dh‟t weht ydutd col td tblg.‗

–Oi ot kdgls up, O‟cc fl bdhlst,‗ sbl enrll`. –Fut O‟g hdt ndohn td nd dut di gy

wey td tlcc pldpcl uhtoc ydu'rl rle`y.‗

Effy nevl blr e rlcolvl` ncehkl eh` fclw blr e joss. –O sbduc` bevl jhdwh ydu‟` fl uh`lrstehòhn efdut tbos. O `dh‟t jhdw wby O wes wdrrol` efduttecjohn td ydu efdut ot.‗

– ‒Keusl ot‟s ecc hlw td ydu. _du‟rl hdt usl` td bevohn td bo`l e pert di ydurcoil.‗ [bl nroppl` blr tbonb wotb nlhtcl prlssurl eh` seo`, –^l‟cc wdrj tbosdut, Effy. O prdgosl.‗

–O trust ydu,‗ sbl wbosplrl`.

***

Es tbly `rlw hler C.E., Effy seo`, –O wdh`lr bdw surprosl` pldpcl wocc flefdut tbos4 O keh‟t blcp tbohjohn tbet sdgldhl besh‟t pokjl` up dh tblkdhhlktodh tbet‟s fllh fuocòhn fltwllh us.‗

Vuhhohn blr beh` up eh` dwh Effy‟s tbonb, Kcehky esjl` nlhtcy, –@d ydubdhlstcy tbohj ydu'vl be` e krusb dh gl idr e wbocl4‗

–O `dh‟t rlglgflr tbl cest togl O set erduh` oh gy peaeges pceyohn ‒ let tbl

strewflrrols irdg gy iohnlrs‟ wotb ehy di gy dtblr kdhtrektdrs,‗ sbl seo`tbdunbtiuccy, e`òhn e wry ncehkl et Kcehky.

–_du jhdw O gleht flidrl cest Iroèy honbt,‗ Kcehky seo`, novohn blr e pohkb.

–O ò`h't rlkdnhozl ot et iorst, fut oh rltrdsplkt O'vl fllh slxueccy ettrektl` td ydu idr e wbocl ‐ O aust idrkl` tbl kdhskodus tbdunbts `dwh.‗



5;>

–Plcc gl bdw ydu‟vl fllh illcohn,‗ Kcehky seo`. –@dh‟t fl eireo`.‗

–O'g hdt eireo` … lxektcy," Effy seo`, sgocohn eneoh. "Fut tbos osh't wbet O `dflst." [bl tddj oh e frletb eh` squerl` blr sbduc`lrs, tblh splht e gdglht

kdgpdsohn blr tbdunbts. "O‟vl fllh illcohn vlry kcdsl td ydu idr wlljshdw. Fut O ò`h‟t rle` ot ronbt. Ot wesh‟t sdgltbohn tbet O lxplktl`, sd Oò`h‟t jhdw bdw td kcessoiy gy illcohns.‗

–^bet bevl tbly fllh4‗ Kcehky plrsostl`.

–Ggg … et iorst, O tbdunbt O wes illcohn getlrhec tdwer`s ydu,‗ Effy seo`.–Fut tbet ò`h‟t cest vlry cdhn. _du ò`h‟t novl dii ehy ‒èunbtlr‟ illcohnstdwer`s gl, sd gy getlrhec illcohns òl` prltty quokjcy. O nulss O austtbdunbt wl wlrl flkdgohn irolh`s,‗ sbl seo`.

–\b-bub,‗ Kcehky seo`, blr beh` strdjohn conbtcy ekrdss Effy‟s tbonb. –Pblhwbet4‗

Irdwhohn sconbtcy, tbl dc`lr wdgeh esjl`, –_du‟rl hdt ndohn td clt gl nltewey wotb evdoòhn tbl qulstodh, erl ydu4‗

–_du `dh‟t bevl td ehswlr,‗ Kcehky seo`, –fut hd, O‟g hdt ndohn td clt yduso`lstlp ot.‗

–_du‟rl es fe` es ôcc,‗ Effy seo`, blr gdutb krlesohn ohtd e nroh. –O kduc`hlvlr bo`l gy illcohns irdg bog ‐ gukb es O trol`.‗ Kcehky aust sgocl` et

blr, weotohn blr dut. –Djey, O‟vl be` e ilw ubg … iehtesols … efdut ydu. Oubg … be` e pertokucercy setosiyohn dhl tbl honbt wl wlht èhkohn. Fut Oessugl` tbet O wes aust rlektohn td wbet O kduc` illc ‐ irdg ydu,‗ sbl seo`,kdcdrohn pohj.

–Ernbb!‗ Kcehky `rdppl` blr ble` ohtd blr beh`s, ioheccy plljohn dut irdgfltwllh twd iohnlrs. –_du jhlw4‗

–Ebb … yleb. O‟vl jhdwh idr e wbocl. O tbohj O‟vl jhdwh sohkl tbl iorst toglwl wlht swoggohn tdnltblr.‗

–_du sew gl kblkjohn ydu dut, ò`h‟t ydu4‗ Kcehky esjl`, blr ble``rdppohn fekj eneohst tbl slet.

–\bg … yleb. Fut ot wes iohl wotb gl, Kcehky, rleccy,‗ sbl seo` lerhlstcy. –Owes … kdgpcoglhtl`.‗

–Kdgpcoglhtl`4‗ tbl yduhnlr wdgeh esjl`. –Hdt irlejl` dut4‗



5;2

–^by wduc` ot irlej gl dut td bevl sukb eh ettrektovl, lhnenohn plrsdh ioh`gl ettrektovl4‗ Effy esjl`, blr lxprlssodh dhl di puzzclglht. –Hd dhl be`novlh gl tbet joh` di ettlhtodh oh e cdhn wbocl. Ot wes nrlet idr gy lnd.‗

Cddjohn et Effy idr e ilw gdglhts, Kcehky ioheccy seo`, –@egh, fut ydu‟rl

lvdcvl`. Gdst wdglh wduc` bevl tbrdwh gl dut eh` cdkjl` tbl `ddr.‗

–^lcc, hdw, wduc`h‟t tbet bevl fllh stupo`4‗ Effy esjl`, kbukjcohn sditcy.–^l‟vl be` sdgl wokjl`cy wdh`lriuc jossls tbl cest ilw èys, eh` O hlvlrwduc` bevl jhdwh tbet pclesurl oi O‟` fllh diilh`l`.‗

–_du dh‟t tbohj ydu wduc` bevl fllh rlklptovl td ehdtblr wdgeh4‗ Kcehkyesjl`, stocc feiicl` fy Effy's lesyndohn ettotu`l efdut slxuec drolhtetodh.

–O bevlh‟t fllh up uhtoc hdw,‗ Effy seo`, sbrunnohn blr sbduc`lrs. –O tbohj ydu‟rl aust ohkrlòfcy splkoec.‗ [bl pcekl` blr beh` dh Kcehky‟s cln eh` seo`,

–O gleh tbet sohklrlcy.‗

–O illc tbl segl,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O‟g ltlrheccy nretliuc tbet ydu nevl gl e kclersonhec tbet ydu wlrl ohtlrlstl`. O hlvlr wduc` bevl ge`l tbl iorst gdvl.‗

–Hlvlr4‗

–Hd, hlvlr. O wduc`h‟t put sdgldhl O kerl` idr oh tbet pdsotodh,‗ sbllxpceohl`. –O wehtl` ydur irolh`sbop gdrl tbeh tbet.‗

–Ot wduc` fl wdh`lriuc oi wl kduc` jllp tbl irolh`sbop … eh` tbl dtblr,

wduc`h‟t ot4‗

–Pbet‟s gy ndec, Effy. Eh` O‟g e vlry plrsostlht wdgeh wblh O bevl endec.‗

***

Pbly wlrl fcdkjs irdg Effy‟s strllt wblh sbl tddj e turh eh` ble`l` idrtbl Vdsl Fdwc. Kcehky cddjl` et blr quozzokeccy, fut tbl dc`lr wdgeh auststerl` streonbt eble` uhtoc sbl rlekbl` tbl perjohn cdts. [bl nuo`l` tblker td tbl iertblst slktodh, turhl` dii tbl lhnohl, eh` turhl` td Kcehky. –O

hll` td joss ydu eneoh.‗

Kcehky sgocl` wergcy eh` glctl` ohtd blr ergs. Pbly sevdrl` lekb dtblridr e cdhn wbocl, jossohn eh` tdukbohn nlhtcy uhtoc tbl suh slt. –Pbet wesh‟thlercy lhdunb,‗ Effy frletbl` ohtd Kcehky‟s ler, slhòhn sbovlrs up blrspohl. –O‟` cdvl td bevl gy beh`s ecc dvlr ydu ronbt hdw. Pbl tbdunbt di ydurfd`y gejls gy gdutb wetlr.‗



5;?

–O hll` td lotblr nd bdgl, dr nlt dut eh` gejl cdvl td ydu dh tbl espbect,‗Kcehky gdehl`. –O‟g sd turhl` dh O kduc` skrleg.‗

–@d ydu weht gl td …4‗ Effy esjl` blsotehtcy, ruhhohn e iohnlrheoc up tblsleg di Kcehky‟s alehs.

[bejohn rdunbcy, estduh`l` fy Effy's fdc`hlss, tbl yduhnlr wdgeh`lkcohl`. –Hd. O gleh, yls, O weht ydu td ‐ `lsplretlcy ‐ fut hd, O `dh‟tweht td `d ot blrl. O weht ot td fl splkoec, Effy. O keh weot … O‟vl weotl`tborty ylers idr ydu.‗ [bl nrohhl` et blr sbycy, eh` Effy ilct blr blertkclhkb wotb lgdtodh idr tbl fleutoiuc yduhn erkbotlkt.

–Lvlry togl wocc fl splkoec,‗ Effy vdwl`. –Bdw kduc` ot hdt fl wotb e splkoecwdgeh cojl ydu4‗

–@d ydu bevl pcehs idr tdhonbt4‗

–_ls. O bevl òhhlr pcehs. \bg … O `dh‟t quotl jhdw wblrl td nd irdg blrl.O … O‟g rleccy hdt ndd` et tbos.‗

–Hd prdfclg,‗ tbl ceh`skeplr seo`, sgocohn wergcy. –Aust `rdp gl dii etbdgl, eh` O‟cc sll ydu tdgdrrdw gdrhohn. ^l‟vl ndt e fon èy pcehhl`.‗

–Pbehjs idr flohn sd uh`lrstehòhn,‗ tbl dc`lr wdgeh seo`.

–Bly, O‟g e wdgeh wbd gejls cdhn-tlrg pcehs. O keh fl vlry, vlry petolht.‗

***

Gokbelc kegl bdgl et erduh` 21== eh` Kcehky strunncl` dut di fl` td nrlltbog. –Bly, fu``y,‗ sbl seo` wehcy.

Bl tddj e cdhn cddj et blr eh` seo`, –_du cddj wopl`. _du illcohn djey4‗

–_leb.‗ [bl yewhl` hdosocy eh` seo`, –O wes ecrle`y oh fl`, fut O tbdunbt O‟`flttlr nlt up eh` sberl e cottcl sdgltbohn wotb ydu.‗ [bl cddjlùhkberektlrostokeccy uhneohcy es sbl stdd` tblrl oh blr tehj tdp eh` fenny

peaege fdttdgs, eh` bl wecjl` dvlr td blr eh` diilrl` e bun.

–Erl ydu surl ydu‟rl ecc ronbt4 _du cddj iuhhy.‗

–O‟g iohl,‗ sbl ohsostl`, pettohn bog dh tbl weost. –O‟g ektueccy tdteccy nrlet,fut wdrrol` sokj.‗

–D`` kdgfd,‗ bl seo` scdwcy. –êhhe lxpceoh4‗ [ohkl tbly wlrl kcdsl td



50=

blr rddg, tbly wecjl` ohso`l eh` sddh fdtb wlrl sprewcl` ekrdss tbl iutdh.

–O ubg … Effy eh` O … wl …‗

–_du ò`h‟t!‗ bl krol`, sceppohn blr dh tbl rugp.

–Db, O ò`.‗ [bl sonbl` eh` rdccl` iuccy dhtd blr fekj. –Ot wes fcossiuc.‗

"[d … sbl ionurl` dut tbl clsfoeh slx pert, bub4" Bos lyls wlrl ehkohn wotbohtlrlst.

"^l o`h't bevl slx, Gojly. l jossl` … idr bdurs." [bl cddjl` cojl sbl wesefdut td swddh irdg tbl glgdry, fut Gokbelc irekturl` blr rlvlrol.

"O `d hdt, eh` O hlvlr wocc uh`lrsteh` wdglh!"

"^l cojl td joss," Kcehky seo`. "Oi ydu nuys wduc` aust pcey ecdhn eh` ekt cojl ydu cojl` ot tdd, ydu'` nlt e cdt iurtblr."

–^lcc, novlh tbet ydu'vl tdc` gl ydu‟rl e joss-e-bdcok, tbet lxpceohs tbltdteccy nrlet pert,‗ bl lko`l`. –Hdw wblrl dls tbl wdrrol` sokj pert kdgloh4‗

–Pblrl erl e ilw … prdfclgs," sbl seo`. "Blr èunbtlr bes e krusb dh gl,eh` O'vl fllh tryohn td kdhvohkl blr O'g hdt ohtlrlstl`."

"^lcc, wlcc, wlcc. Erlh't wl tbl bdt kdggdòty4 Ehy dtblr norcs oh tbl iegocy ydu keh bddj4"

"Hdt iuhhy, Gokbelc. O rleccy kerl efdut Effy, eh` O weht tbos td wdrj."

"[duh`s cojl e strehnl iegocy," Gokbelc seo`. "Ektueccy ot sduh`s cojl e nrletpdrh gdvol. E clsfoeh gdg eh` èunbtlr kdgfd wduc` fl e fon slcclr!"

"@d ydu weht td fl slrodus efdut tbos, dr gejl iuh di gl4"

"O'g sdrry, Kcehkl." Bl put bos beh` dh tbl sgecc di blr fekj eh` ruffl` ot

nlhtcy. "Pbos os aust prltty woc` stuii idr ydu. _du'rl hdt vlry ditlh oh tblgo``cl di e clsfoeh sdep-dplre."

"Eh` O `dh't wehhe fl hdw! O rleccy kerl idr Effy, fut O'g eireo` Beycly woccskrlw tbohns up!"

"O essugl Effy jhdws blr èunbtlr's ney, ronbt4"



505

"Hd." Kcehky sbddj blr ble` scdwcy. "Hlotblr di tblg bes lvlr fllh wotb ewdgeh."



506

Gokbelc set eh` sterl` et bos irolh` idr e gdglht. "_du kdhvohkl` twdstreonbt wdglh td turh4 Pbet's hdt ieor! Pblrl erlh't ndhhe fl ehy streonbtwdglh clit oh ]ese`lhe!"

"O `o`h't turh ehydhl ohtd ehytbohn! O `dh't jhdw oi Beycly's slrodus dr hdt.[bl gonbt aust fl tryohn td fl e`vlhturdus. _du jhdw bdw jo`s erl."

"O hlvlr trol` td fl ney ‛ aust idr tbl iuh di ot," Gokbelc seo`. "@dlsh't sllgcojl gukb iuh td gl et ecc."

"Ot's oiilrlht idr norcs," Kcehky seo`, novohn bog e skdwc. "Pbly'rl gdrl iclxofclefdut slx."

"Hdw tbet's ndd` hlws," bl seo`, novohn blr e wohhohn nroh.

"Hdhl di tbos os ndd` hlws," sbl seo` ncugcy. "Lxklpt tbl iekt tbet Effyjossl` gl."

"Pbet os ndd` hlws, fefl. @d ydu rleccy tbohj sbl'cc fl tdd upslt efdut tbljo` td `d ehytbohn lcsl4"

"O bevl hd o`le! ^l `o`h‟t rlsdcvl ehytbohn, Gojly! Blcc, wl ferlcy tecjl` etecc! ^l splht gdst di tbl wlljlh` jossohn, fut O‟g hdt surl wbltblr sbltbohjs wl bevl lvlh e rlgdtl kbehkl di bevohn e cestohn rlcetodhsbop. O‟`gerry blr tdgdrrdw, fut sbl gonbt hdt fl efcl td kdhtohul wotb tbos. O‟gtdteccy irlejl`!‗

–Db, pddr fefy,‗ bl sonbl`. Bl skddtl` kcdslr eh` stertl` td gessenl blrble` eh` sbduc`lrs, gejohn blr purr es sdgl di tbl tlhsodh stertl` td clevlblr fd`y. –O‟vl jhdwh ydu idr soxtllh ylers hdw, eh` O‟vl hlvlr bler` ydukdgl kcdsl td seyohn tbet ydu wehtl` td gerry sdgldhl. Erl ydu surlefdut tbos … efdut blr, Kcehky4‗

–_ls,‗ sbl sonbl`. –[bl‟s tbl dhl, Gokbelc. [bl‟s tbl iorst wdgeh O‟vl lvlrilct cojl tbos efdut ‐ eh` oi O keh‟t bevl blr O `dh‟t jhdw wbet O‟cc `d.‗

–[bb …‗ bl sddtbl`. –@dh‟t wdrry efdut ecc di tbl fe` tbohns tbet kduc`

bepplh, Kcehkl. Pbohj efdut tbl ndd` tbohns. Lvlh oi ot `dlsh‟t wdrj dut,wby hdt bevl e cottcl togl wblrl ydu flcolvl tbet ot wocc4‗

–_du‟rl ronbt,‗ sbl hd``l`. –O‟cc col blrl eh` rlglgflr bdw ot ilct td bdc`blr. Pbet gonbt kecg gl dwh lhdunb td clt gl scllp.‗

–Pbos keh wdrj dut,‗ bl prdgosl`, jossohn blr ble`. –Oi sbl‟s tbl wdgeh ydu flcolvl sbl os, O‟g surl sbl‟s hdt alrjohn ydu erduh`.‗



50;

–[bl‟` hlvlr d tbet,‗ Kcehky seo`. –[bl‟s kdhklrhl` efdut Beycly. ^lcc, Onulss tbet‟s tbl geoh tbohn sbl‟s kdhklrhl` efdut. [bl‟s dhl di tbdsl pldpclwbd `dlsh‟t cojl td tecj efdut wbet‟s dh blr goh`.‗

–@ehnlr! @ehnlr!‗ Gokbelc krol`, ceunbohn. –Pbos wocc hlvlr wdrjdut! _du keh‟t stdp tecjohn efdut wbet‟s dh ydur goh`!‗

–O jhdw, O jhdw. Fut geyfl ot‟s flst hdt td bevl fdtb di us fl kbettlrfdxls.Bevohn twd pldpcl wbd tecj efdut tblor illcohns kdhstehtcy kduc` fl tdteccydfhdxodus.‗

–^lcc, ydu klrteohcy yej lhdunb idr ehy twd wdglh, sd O nulss ot keh ecclquecozl,‗ bl tlesl`. –Hdw nlt sdgl scllp, eh` tejl e honbt dii irdgwdrryohn, djey4‗

–Djey. O cdvl ydu, Gokbelc.‗

–O cdvl ydu tdd, Kcehkl. [cllp tonbt eh` `rleg efdut e beppy iuturl.‗

***

Kcehky wes cyohn oh fl`, `rlegohn di tbl pclesurl di flohn oh Effy‟s ergs,wblh tbl pbdhl rehn. [bl rlekbl` idr ot, eh` sonbl` sditcy wblh sbl bler`blr vdokl. –O goss ydu,‗ Effy wbosplrl`.

–Db, O goss ydu, tdd,‗ Kcehky `rewcl` slxocy. –êhhe kdgl dvlr eh` werg

gy fl`4‗

–O'` novl ehytbohn," Effy seo` wostiuccy. "Fut sohkl O keh't d tbet, O wehtl` tdkecc eh` sey ndd` honbt."

"N'honbt," Kcehky seo`. "O wosb O kduc` joss ydu ndd` honbt, fut tbet'cc bevl tdweot. Fut oh gy `rlegs, O'g bdcòhn ydu oh gy ergs eh` jossohn ydu sdtlh`lrcy. Ot gejls gl illc werg ecc dvlr td lvlh tbohj efdut."

"Oi ot's rlec, ot'cc illc aust es ndd` ‛ dr flttlr, oi wl weot."

"Ot's rlec," Kcehky seo` sditcy. "Ot's `liohotlcy rlec."

KBE]PLV HOHL

^blh Kcehky errovl` et tbl Nrebeg bdusl dh Gdhèy gdrhohn, sbl wesioccl` wotb es gukb epprlblhsodh es sbl be` fllh tbl èy sbl'` dronoheccytejlh blr pcehs dvlr idr Effy's epprdvec. [bl wes tbl iorst td errovl, futVegdh eh` bos glh puccl` up flidrl sbl'` be` tbl kbehkl td clevl blr



500

trukj. Pbly ecc kbettl` idr e gdglht, tblh stertl` td uhcde` tblor tddcs.Lvlrytbohn sllgl` hdrgec, fut Kcehky jhlw tbet tbl sllgohncy hdrgecetgdspblrl wes eh occusodh.

Blr ohstohkt wes kdhiorgl` wblh Beycly ò`h't fduh` dut di tbl bdusl es

sbl usueccy ò`. Pbl fekj `ddrs wlrl kcdsl`, eh` tbl sbe`ls wlrl `dwh ‛ ehdtblr uhusuec dkkurrlhkl.

^blh tbly wlrl rle`y td wdrj, Vegdh esjl`, "Os Beycly kdgohn4 O hll`blr."

"O'g hdt surl," Kcehky seo`. "O nulss O'cc bevl td iocc oh."

Vegdh sgocl`, cddjohn e cottcl tdd beppy td Kcehky's lyl. "Ot's ndhhe fl e cdhnèy, aliie. Pogl td gox gdrter."

Nrugfcohn td blrslci, Kcehky ndt td wdrj. [bl ò`h't goh` tbl cefdr, fut otgleht tbet sbl kduc`h't ohsplkt tbl wdrj wotb tbl segl kerl sbl hdrgeccyò`. Eh` oi ehydhl hll`l` blr blcp, sbl'` fl clevohn Vegdh wotbdut tblgdrter bl hll`l` td slt tbl kdhkrltl fcdkjs oh pcekl. Oi sbl'` jhdwh Beyclywesh't ndohn td wdrj, sbl wduc` bevl borl` eh e`òtodhec geh idr tbl wllj,dr be` Ergeh`d frohn bos sdh, Alsus.

[bl wesh't surl, fut sbl tbdunbt sbl bler` vdokls kdgohn irdg tbl bdusl.Et dhl pdoht, e `ddr sceggl`, eh` Vegdh cddjl` et blr wotb e quozzokeclxprlssodh. Hdt jhdwohn wbet wes ndohn dh, eh` hdt wehtohn td tlcc Vegdhehy di tbl `lteocs di tbl prlvodus wlljlh`, sbl sbrunnl` blr sbduc`lrs.

Eitlr efdut beci eh bdur, Beycly kegl dut ‛ dfvoduscy bevohn fllh kryohn.Kcehky wes up dh tbl bocc, fut sbl wecjl` `dwh eh` glt blr dh tbl cewh.Beycly wes tryohn td cddj hdhkbeceht, fut ot wesh't wdrjohn. [bl cddjl` cojle cottcl norc wbd'` fllh puhosbl` eh` hdw be` td epdcdnozl ‛ eneohst blr wocc.[bl wduc`h't cddj Kcehky oh tbl lyl, eh` blr vdokl wes tlhsl eh` ehnry. "Okegl td tlcc ydu O quot. O'cc stey idr twd wlljs oi O bevl td, fut O dh't weht td."

Kcehky weotl` idr e slkdh`, tblh tdc` blr tbl trutb. "Oi ydu `dh‟t weht td flblrl, O `dh't weht ydu. Pbos osh't tbl typl di wdrj ydu keh `d oi ydu'rl hdt

kdhklhtretohn."

"_leb. Pbos os rleccy kdgpclx stuii," tbl norc seo`, sduhòhn fottlr eh`spotliuc.

Blr ettotu`l bot Kcehky oh lxektcy tbl wrdhn pcekl. [bl sterl` et tbl norc idre gdglht, fut Beycly hlvlr coitl` blr kboh. "O jhdw ydu'rl hdt usl` tdohtlrektohn wotb wdrjohn-kcess pldpcl, fut lvlh wl oòdts bevl illcohns."



50<

Beycly cddjl` up eh` ioxl` Kcehky wotb blr ohtlhsl fcul lyls. "O bevlillcohns, tdd!"

"_leb. Eh` wblh tbly'rl burt, ydu fcegl dtblr pldpcl. _du'vl ndt e cdt di

nrdwohn up td d, Beycly. @d tbl wdrjohn-kcess wdglh di tbl wdrc` e ievdr -`dh't try td etl us oi wl dh‟t glesurl up td ydur hdrgeccy bonb stehèr`s."[bl turhl` eh` wlht fekj up tbl bocc, clevohn Beycly stehòhn dh tbl cewh,cddjohn stuhhl`. Eitlr e gdglht, tbl norc wlht fekj ohtd tbl bdusl,sceggohn tbl scoòhn-ncess `ddr sd ber`, ot ecgdst augpl` ots trekj.

Eitlr e ilw gohutls, Kcehky sew tbl Clxus `rovl ewey. [bl wesh't surl oigdtblr dr èunbtlr wes `rovohn, fut sbl bdpl` ot wes Beycly, eh` tbet sblwes ndohn ier, ier ewey.

***

[bdrtcy eitlr tbl Clxus clit, ehdtblr ker puccl` up td tbl bdusl eh` bdhjl`frolicy. Kcehky sew Effy wecj `dwh tbl `rovl, kce` oh e scllvlclss pdcd sborteh` e peor di jbejo sbdrts. [bl sew blr turh eh` skeh tbl bocc aust flidrl sblndt ohtd tbl ker, eh` Kcehky sgocl` wblh Effy sew blr eh` nevl e tlhtetovlwevl.

***

Ot wes hlercy quottohn togl wblh tbl fekj `ddr dplhl` eh` Effy lglrnl`,wotb fdtb dns streohohn et tblor clesbls. [bl tddj tblg td tbl ier so`l di tbl

prdplrty td rlcolvl tblgslcvls, ketkbohn Kcehky's lyl wblh tbly wlht fekjtdwer`s tbl bdusl. Effy nlsturl` td Kcehky, eh` tbl ceh`skeplr wecjl``dwh tbl bocc.

–Keh O nlt ydu sdgltbohn td `rohj4 O aust wlht td tbl nrdklry.‗

–[url. O‟cc weot dut blrl sd O `dh‟t nlt tbl icddr òrty.‗

Effy nevl blr e kboòhn ncehkl eh` seo`, –Pejl tbdsl fddts dii eh` kdgl ohtbl jotkblh. O goss ydur cops.‗ [bl turhl` eh` ble`l` oh, clevohn Kcehky tdsweccdw td nlt tbl gdosturl fekj ohtd blr gdutb.

Pbl dns wlrl dvlradyl` td sll blr, eh` sbl clt tblg cokj blr dh tbl iekl eh`gdutb flidrl sbl stdd` eh` rlekbl` idr Effy.

–Pbet‟s e vlry nlhtcl sdep fy tbl sohj,‗ tbl dc`lr wdgeh ohidrgl` blr. –O‟ccnlt ydu e tdwlc.‗

–Pbly‟rl ydur `dns!‗



509

–_ls, eh` ydu‟cc hdtl tbet O `dh‟t eccdw tblg td cokj gy gdutb. O jhdw wblrltbdsl tdhnuls bevl fllh ‐ ot‟s hdt prltty.‗

Kcehky cddjl` et tbl norcs eh` o`cy tbdunbt ecdu`, –O‟vl ecweys wdh`lrl`

wbet ot wduc` fl cojl td fl efcl td cokj …‗ [bl stdppl` go`-slhtlhkl wblhEffy nevl blr e stlrh cddj. –Fdy, ydu‟vl ndt tbet gdg cddj `dwh!‗ [blturhl` eh` stertl` td wesb blr iekl eh` beh`s, tblh jlpt ndohn wblh sblsew bdw òrty blr ergs wlrl. Effy beh`l` blr tbl tdwlc, tblh pcekl` blrbeh`s dh tbl erkbotlkt‟s bops wbocl Kcehky `rol` dii.

–O `dh‟t gleh td trlet ydu cojl e jo`, Kcehky. Pbet‟s hdt bdw O tbohj di ydu.‗

–Adjohn.‗ Kcehky sgocl`, tblh e``l`, –O bevl e illcohn ydu be` td pceytdunb-kdp gdg tbos gdrhohn. êhhe tecj efdut ot4"

Effy set `dwh et tbl jotkblh tefcl eh` nlsturl` idr Kcehky td `d tbl segl."O'g sd òseppdohtl` oh blr," sbl seo`. "Geyfl tbos os gejohn blr krezyflkeusl sbl's hlvlr fllh turhl` dwh fy ehydhl sbl wes ohtlrlstl` oh, futtbet's hd lxkusl. [bl's ektohn cojl e spdocl` fret, eh` O bevl td sey ‛ tbet'sdhl di gy clest ievdrotl splkols dh tbl pcehlt."

Kcehky clt dut e rlcolvl` frletb. [bl'` fllh sconbtcy wdrrol` tbet Effy wduc`sygpetbozl wotb Beycly dvlr tbos ossul eh` wes vlry beppy td bler tbetwesh't tbl kesl. "O'vl fllh wdh`lrohn bdw tbos os ndohn dwh idr ydu," Kcehkyseo`. "@dls ot irlej ydu dut tbet sbl's ohtlrlstl` oh e wdgeh4"

Effy cddjl` et blr idr e gdglht, tblh stertl` td ceunb sditcy. "O'` prdfefcyillc òiilrlht oi O ò`h't bevl e krusb dh ydu et tbl segl togl. O'vl ber`cynovlh ot e tbdunbt."

"_du sbduc`," Kcehky seo`, hdt wehtohn td gejl gettlrs wdrsl, fut ecsd hdtwehtohn td bevl ot bot Effy cetlr.

"^l tecjl` efdut ot e cottcl tbos gdrhohn," Effy seo`. "Hdtbohn tdd ohtlhsl,sohkl wl wlrl ernuohn efdut wbltblr dr hdt sbl be` td nd dut eh` tecj td ydu."

"Pbet gust bevl fllh iuh."

"_leb. Ot wes e fcest," Effy seo`, blr vdokl icet. "O wlht ohtd blr rddg tbosgdrhohn td wejl blr up, eh` sbl seo` sbl'` quot. ^blh sbl e`gottl` sblbe`h't tdc` ydu, wl stertl` td ernul. Ot kegl dut tbet sbl wes ehnry flkeusl ydu'` turhl` blr `dwh."



50>

Kcehky tddj Effy's beh` eh` kbeil` ot nlhtcy fltwllh blr dwh. "Pbet gustbevl fllh e vlry wlor` kdhvlrsetodh idr ydu td bevl."

[gocohn tlhtetovlcy, Effy hd``l`. "^lor` os e ndd` wdr`. [bl gust tbohj O'ge rlgerjefcy dplh-goh`l` gdtblr, sohkl O ferlcy fcohjl` wblh sbl tdc` gl.

O suppdsl ot blcps td jhdw eble` di togl."

[tocc strdjohn blr beh`, Kcehky seo`, "[bl ektueccy tdc` gl ydu'rldplh-goh`l`. [bl seo` ydu bevl clsfoeh irolh`s, eh` ydu wduc`h't kerl tbetsbl wes ohtlrlstl` oh e wdgeh."

Effy hd``l`. "Pbet's prdfefcy trul, fut ot wduc` stocc tejl gl e wbocl td nltusl` td tbl o`le. Oi sbl's slrodus efdut tbos." [bl cddjl` et Kcehky, tblh esgecc irdwh slttcl` dh blr iekl. "@d ydu tbohj sbl's slrodus4"

"O bevl hd o`le. O o`h't nlt ehy vofls irdg blr et iorst. O tbohj sbl gonbt aust

fl tryohn td …" [bl puccl` dii blr kep eh` skretkbl` blr ble`. "O'g kculclss."

"[bl ektl` cojl sbl wes tlccohn gl sbl wes `etohn e fdy wotb rl` beor," Effyseo`. "[bl tdssl` dii tbl kdgglht cojl ot wes hdtbohn et ecc. O reosl` blr td fldplh-goh`l`, fut O'g hdt surl O'g kdgidrtefcl wotb blr flohn tbosdplh-goh`l`."

Hdw Kcehky wes irdwhohn. "[d … ydu wduc` fl upslt oi sbl wes ettrektl` tdwdglh4"

"Aust flkeusl O'g e gdtblr, `dlsh't gleh O'g e bypdkrotl," Effy seo`,sgocohn. "Ecc O'g seyohn os tbet ot wduc` tejl gl e cottcl togl td nlt usl` td ot.Eh` …" [bl tbdunbt idr e gohutl. "O'` cojl td tbohj tbet sbl be` td tbohjefdut ot, tdd."

"^by4"

"^by4" Effy nevl blr e puzzcl` cddj. "^by4"

"_leb. ^by4 Oi ydu bevl clsfoeh irolh`s, eh` ydu'rl ettrektl` td e wdgeh,wby `d ydu tbohj Beycly bes td fl keutodus efdut tbos4"

Effy nevl blr e fcehj cddj. "O'g hdt surl. Ot aust dlsh't sllg cojl tbl joh` ditbohn ydu sbduc` `d dh e wbog."

"Flkeusl …4"

"O dh't jhdw, Kcehky. Ot aust sllgs cojl sdgltbohn e norc sbduc` tbohj efdutflidrl sbl augps ohtd ot!"



502

Kcehky rlgdvl` blr beh` irdg Effy's, tblh clehl` fekj oh blr kbeor. [bltddj e sop di blr rohj, tblh esjl`, "@dls tecjohn efdut tbos upslt ydu4 _dusllg prltty irustretl`."

Effy hd``l`. "_leb, O eg. O `dh't `d wlcc et tecjohn efdut tbohns oi O'g hdtprlperl`."

"Pblh geyfl ydu'` flttlr tbohj efdut tbos e cottcl gdrl," Kcehky seo`."Geyfl ydu'` flttlr tbohj efdut bdw ydu illc efdut clsfoehosg. Ot's hdt auste kdhklpt ehygdrl, Effy. Pbos os gy rlecoty, eh` oi ydu wehhe fl ohvdcvl`wotb gl, ot's ndhhe fl ydur rlecoty, tdd."

Pbl dc`lr wdgeh set kdgpcltlcy stocc idr e gdglht, tblh cddjl` et Kcehkyeh` seo`, "_du gonbt fl ronbt. O hll` td tecj td Beycly e cottcl gdrl, tblhtbohj efdut wbet O'g `dohn. Vonbt hdw, O'g clttohn gy slxuec illcohns tejl

dvlr."

"O cdvl ydur slxuec illcohns," Kcehky seo`, sgocohn et blr, "fut tbos os gukbgdrl tbeh slx. Cojl O tdc` ydu dh tbl wlljlh`, O `dh't weht e icohn: O wehtcdvl. Cdvohn e wdgeh os e fon `lkosodh, Effy. O tbohj wl sbduc` kddc tbohnsuhtoc ydu'vl tbdunbt efdut tbet."

Pbl dc`lr wdgeh krdssl` blr ergs dvlr blr kblst eh` nevl Kcehky e cddjtbet tbl erkbotlkt kduc`h't rle`. [bl ò`h't cddj ehnry dr puzzcl`, fut blrlyls wlrl sconbtcy herrdwl` eh` blr cops wlrl pursl`. Eitlr e gdglht sblseo`, "_du'rl ronbt. O `dh't weht ydu td fl ronbt, fut ydu erl."

Kcehky ndt up eh` jossl` blr irolh` dh tbl tdp di tbl ble`. "Kecc gl oi yduwehhe tecj. O'g ecweys eveocefcl."

Effy wetkbl` tbl yduhnlr wdgeh clevl tbl bdusl, wosbohn sbl kduc` keccblr fekj eh` joss blr uhtoc lvlrytbohn wes sdrtl` dut.

***

^blh Kcehky ndt bdgl sbl tddj dii blr kcdtbls eh` tddj e cdhn sbdwlr. Eitlrsbl wes `ry, sbl `lfetl` wbet td `d wotb blr lvlhohn. êtkbohn tlclvosodh

ò`h‟t ohtlrlst blr, eh` sbl ò`h‟t illc cojl rleòhn. ^bet sbl wehtl` td `dwes nd td Effy‟s bdusl eh` sbejl blr uhtoc sbl stertohn tecjohn. Kcehky be`hlvlr fllh wotb e wdgeh wbd wes sd nuer`l` dr sd rltoklht td tecj efdutblr lgdtodhs, eh` ot wes stertohn td `rovl blr ge`. Fut sbl ò`h‟t bevl ehyo`le bdw td gejl tbl prdklss nd ehy quokjlr. [bl jhlw tbet sbl be` tdekklpt tbet Effy wes òiilrlht tbeh sbl wes, eh` clerh td covl wotb tbetòiilrlhkl ‛ dr lh` tbl rlcetodhsbop flidrl ot ndt ehy gdrl ohvdcvl`.



50?

\hefcl eh` uhwoccohn td tbohj efdut ot ehy gdrl, sbl wlht ohtd blr rddgeh` cey dh blr fl`, lkoòhn tbet sbl wes tdd lprlssl` td d ehytbohn gdrl`lgehòhn.

R

Effy o`h't kecc tbet honbt dr tbl hlxt, eh` aust flidrl Kcehky wlht td fl` dh Pulsèy, Gokbelc stdppl` fy blr rddg. "Ehy wdr` irdg Effy4"

"Hd, hdtbohn. [bl ò`h't lvlh kdgl dutso`l tdèy. O `dh't jhdw blr wlcclhdunb td jhdw oi sbl's tbohjohn dr onhdrohn gl."

"Novl blr tbl flhliot di tbl `duft," bl seo`. "^bet kduc` ot burt4"

[bl nevl bog e beci-sgocl. "O suppdsl ydu'rl ronbt. O'cc try td essugl sbl'ssdrtohn tbohns dut. Fut oi sbl onhdrls gl idr cdhn, O'g ndhhe bo`l eitlr wdrj

uhtoc sbl tbohjs O'g ndhl, tblh augp dut irdg flboh` e trll eh` tekjcl blrwblh sbl clts tbl `dns dut."

"Ndd` o`le. Nce` td bler tbet ydu'rl tbohjohn kclercy es usuec," Gokbelc seo`.Bl fclw bos irolh` e joss eh` clit tbl rddg, bdpohn tbet Effy wes es rlcoefcles Kcehky hll`l` blr td fl.

***

Dh ^l`hlsèy honbt, Effy frdjl tbl soclhkl fy keccohn Kcehky clss tbeh ehbdur eitlr tbl erkbotlkt be` clit tbl prdplrty. "Bo. ehhe nd dut idr ohhlr4"

"@ohhlr4 \bg … surl. O nulss. ^blrl `d ydu wehhe nd4" Blr blert wesbegglrohn oh blr kblst, eh` sbl wes surl blr tlltb wlrl kbettlrohneuòfcy. Fut Effy sduh`l` cojl sbl ecweys o`, eh` tbet rlessurl` Kcehky ‛ e cottcl.

"[dglpcekl wblrl wl keh tecj provetlcy."

"Bdw efdut tbl Kdhtohlhtec4"

"Pbl Kdhtohlhtec4 O `dh't tbohj O jhdw ot."

"Erl ydu jo`òhn gl4 _du'vl covl` oh ]ese`lhe ecc ydur coil! Lvlrydhl jhdwstbl Kdhtohlhtec!"

"^lcc, O `dh't. ^blrl os ot4"

"Kcdsl td ydu, fut perjohn os e fotkb. [d O'cc augp oh tbl sbdwlr wbocl ydu



5<=

`rovl dvlr blrl. Dhl ker wocc fl lesolr tbeh twd."

"@lec. O'cc fl tblrl oh beci eh bdur."

"Db, Effy4 ^l'cc prdfefcy fl dutso`l, sd frohn e swletlr."

"Nrlet. O cdvl td let dutso`l."

Eh bdur cetlr tbly errovl` et tbl Cejl [trllt e``rlss. Pblrl wes e cdhn cohl,eh` Effy wes e cottcl òseppdohtl` tbet tbos wes dfvoduscy e rlnucerbegfurnlr adoht. Fut wblh tbly ndt td tbl kduhtlr, sbl sew tbet sbl kduc`dr`lr hlercy ehytbohn. Pbl glhu wes trucy bugdhndus. "Os tbos e Nrlljrlsteureht4" sbl esjl`.

"Johè," Kcehky seo`. "Eh` tbdsl erl gy ievdrotl tbohns. Pbl sbosb jlfdfserl nrlet."

"Ohtlrlstohn," tbl dc`lr wdgeh seo`.

E sgocohn geh kegl up td tblg eh` lgfrekl` Kcehky. "^blrl bevl ydufllh4 O bevlh't sllh ydu dr Gokbelc idr wlljs!"

"Db, ot's hdtbohn plrsdhec," Kcehky seo`, sgocohn. "O'vl fllh wdrjohn cojl e`dn."

"^bd's tbos4" bl esjl`, novohn Effy tbl dhkl-dvlr.

"Pbos os gy irolh`, Effy," Kcehky seo`. "Effy, tbos os Gojl, dhl di tbl dwhlrs.Gokbelc eh` O bevl fllh kdgohn blrl sohkl wl wlrl oh bonb skbddc."

"Pbly'rl gy flst kustdglrs," Gojl seo`, fut Effy `duftl` bog ‛ novlh tbetGojl bunnl` hlercy lvlrydhl oh cohl.

"Ehy kbehkl wl keh sot dutso`l, Gojl4" Kcehky esjl`. "Effy eh` O bevl sdglfusohlss td òskuss, eh` wl hll` proveky."

"Ot os `dhl," bl seo` ogglòetlcy. "Ioh` Voker`d eh` tlcc bog td slt ydu up."

[bl sgocl` et bog eh` hd``l`. "ôcc `d. Pbehjs, Gojl."

"_du `dh't bevl td weot oh cohl," bl seo`. "[bosb jlfefs4"

Effy hd``l` gutlcy, eh` Kcehky wohjl`. "^l'cc nd nlt dur tefcl."

Pbly wecjl` td tbl irdht di tbl cohl, eh` Kcehky peo` idr twd dr`lrs di sbosb



5<5

jlfef eh` e cotlr di Vdòtos wohl. Pblh sbl tddj Effy fy tbl beh` eh` cl`blr tbrdunb rddgs tbet sllgl` td bevl hd kdhhlktodh td dhl ehdtblr. Pblyioheccy rlekbl` e cdvlcy, quolt petod tbet wes hlstcl` up eneohst e nrdklrystdrl perjohn cdt. Pbl pcekl wes d``cy trehquoc, eh` Effy wes vlry beppytbet tbly wlrl efcl td fl dut`ddrs. Kcehky iduh` Voker`d, eh` eitlr sbl‟`

bunnl` bog, tdd, bl cl` tblg td tbl quoltlst kdrhlr di tbl pcekl. Pblrl weshd tefcl, fut oh e gdglht, Voker`d be` dhl frdunbt dvlr. Bl put twd kbeorshlxt td ot, tblh `repl` ot wotb e rl` eh` wbotl kblkjl` dockcdtb. E slrvlrkegl dvlr eh` `lcovlrl` tblor wohl eh` sdgl frle` flidrl tbly'` be` ekbehkl td sot `dwh.

"^lcc," Effy seo`, cddjohn erduh` tbl èrj, ohtogetl hddj, "O cdvl tbl cottclOtecoeh conbts. Ylry kutl."

"Pbos osh't tbl wdrc`'s iohlst ohohn," Kcehky seo`, "fut ot illcs cojl bdgl. Ehòt's es kblep es tbly kdgl." [bl ceunbl` hlrvduscy idr e gdglht, tblh

sgocl` wblh Effy tddj blr beh`. "O'vl gossl` ydu."

"O'vl gossl` ydu, tdd," Effy seo`. "Gdrl tbeh O kduc` bevl ogenohl`."

Flidrl tbly'` tejlh e sop di tblor wohl, Gojl epplerl` wotb tblor lhtrlls."Blrl ydu nd," bl seo`. "_du keh stey ecc honbt oi ydu weht. O tdc` Cuz td onhdrl ydu oi ydu `dh't esj idr blcp."

"Pbehjs, Gojl. Pbos os plrilkt," Kcehky seo`. otb e sgecc fdw, Gojl wes dii.

Effy wes sgocohn idh`cy et blr irolh`. "@dls lvlrydhl cojl ydu4"

Kcehky fcusbl` et tbl kdgpcoglht. "\bg … gdst pldpcl `d. O'g e ndd`kustdglr1 O `dh't esj idr gukb, O'g pdcotl, O ecweys clevl e ndd` top, eh` O'gieotbiuc."

"Pbet's pert di tbl rlesdh O cojl ydu," Effy seo`. "Ectbdunb ydu'vl hlvlrtoppl` gl."

"]cey ydur ker`s ronbt," Kcehky seo`, novohn blr irolh` e slxy sgocl.

Effy tdukbl` tbl kdrhlr di tbl yduhnlr wdgeh's gdutb. "Pbet's ehdtblrrlesdh. _du, Gs. D'Kdhhdr, erl e vlry slxy wdgeh."

"[dgltogls," Kcehky enrll`. "[d, wbet's fllh ndohn dh oh tbl Nrebegbduslbdc`4 Erl tbohns kecgohn `dwh4"

Effy tddj e fotl di blr idd` eh` hd``l` blr epprdvec. "E cottcl. Beycly eh` Obevl tecjl` efdut blr hlw ohtlrlst, eh` O'g stocc hdt surl oi sbl's trucy



5<6

ohtlrlstl` oh ètohn wdglh oh nlhlrec. [bl's e tdunb dhl td ionurl dut."

"Bdw efdut blr gdg4 Os sbl ohtlrlstl`4"

"O dh't jhdw oi O'g ohtlrlstl` oh nlhlrec," Effy seo`, "fut O'g vlry ohtlrlstl`

oh ydu."

Kcehky etl sdgl di blr rokl pocei eh` sgocl`. "Ohtlrlstl` lhdunb td tlcc yduriegocy eh` irolh`s4 Ohtlrlstl` lhdunb td put up wotb tbl sbot ydu'cc nlt irdgsdgl di tbl pldpcl oh ydur coil4"

"_ls, O eg," Effy seo`. "O jhdw ot'cc fl ber`, fut O dh't tbohj O keh turh fekjhdw. O'` illc cojl e kdwer`."

"E kdwer`4"

"_leb. O'g vlry, vlry ettrektl` td ydu, Kcehky. Ot wduc`h't tejl gukb idr gltd iecc bdplclsscy oh cdvl wotb ydu. Oi O ò`h't ekt dh tbos, ot wduc` dhcy flflkeusl O wes ironbtlhl`, eh` tbet's hdt bdw O cojl td covl gy coil."

Kcehky's sgocl nrlw, eh` sbl tddj ehdtblr sop di blr wohl, tblh tdukblÈffy's ncess wotb blr dwh. "O cdvl e wdgeh wotb nuts." [bl put blr `rohj`dwh eh` seo`, "Bevl ydu tbdunbt efdut wby ydu seo` Beycly sbduc` novlsdgl tbdunbt td tbos flidrl sbl wlht dut wotb e wdgeh4"

"_ls, O bevl," Effy seo`. "O tbohj ot's lxektcy tbl segl wey O ilct wblh sblstertl` td etl fdys. O wehtl` blr td tbohj efdut ot, lko`l wbet sbl wehtl`

oh e fdy, bdw ier sbl wes woccohn td nd slxueccy, bdw gukb di blr togl sblwehtl` td `lvdtl td ètohn. _du jhdw ‛ wbet wes gdrl ogpdrteht ‛ blrirolh`s, blr togl wotb tbl iegocy, dr ètohn."

"Bub. O hlvlr splht togl tbohjohn efdut tbet," Kcehky seo`. "Geyfl flkeuslO kduc` hlvlr nlt e ètl."

"Pbet's kbehnl`," Effy seo`, sgocohn. "Eh lhtorl bduslbdc` os rle`y td tejl ydu dh."

Kcehky onhdrl` tbl kdgglht eh` prlssl` Effy e cottcl. "[d ydu `dh't tbohj

tbet flohn oh e clsfoeh rlcetodhsbop os e fe` tbohn4 Dr tbet Beycly os `dohnsdgltbohn … efhdrgec4"

Effy cddjl` sbdkjl`. "Hd! Di kdursl hdt! O aust surprosl` gyslci tbl dtblrèy wblh O wes uhefcl td put tbos ohtd wdr`s. O'vl tdc` ydu … O `dh't tbohjwlcc dh gy illt. Pbet's wby O wes e bostdry geadr. O tejl tbl cdhn volw dhecgdst lvlrytbohn."



5<;

"Bgg … O'g kerliuc, fut O keh ecweys lxpceoh wby O `d sdgltbohn dr cojlsdgltbohn. ôcc tbet `rovl ydu krezy4"

"Hdt oi gy wey `dlsh't `rovl ydu krezy."

"Db, ydu `rovl gl krezy ecc ronbt." Kcehky wes sterohn et Effy's cops, ehìoheccy, tbl dc`lr wdgeh kduc`h't rlsost blr idr ehdtblr slkdh`. Pbly clehlòhtd lekb dtblr eh` jossl`, tblor glecs idrndttlh dhkl tbly'` testl` lekbdtblr's cops.

***

Pbl hlxt èy, Effy wetkbl` Kcehky eh` tbl glh put tblor tddcs ewey, tblhsbl ge`l e skregfcl idr tbl irdht `ddr, tryohn td cddj cojl es oi ot wlrlbepplhstehkl tbet sbl'` kbdslh tbet gdglht td nlt blr geoc. "Db, bo,Kcehky, Vegdh."

Vegdh nevl blr e nclegohn sgocl, bos wbotl tlltb kdhtrestohn wotb bossuh-èrjlhl` sjoh. "Ndd` lvlhohn, Grs. Nrebeg."

"Bo, Effy," Kcehky seo`. "êhhe sll wbet wl'vl ekkdgpcosbl` oh tbl cest ilwèys4"

"[url. Os hdw e ndd` togl4"

"]lrilkt. l'rl ecc pekjl` up." [bl pettl` Vegdh dh tbl fekj eh` seo`, "[ll ydu tdgdrrdw." Bl ndt ohtd tbl trukj eh` stertl` ot, tbl reòd pceyohn cdu`cy

es sddh es tbl lhnohl jokjl` dvlr. ^blh bl puccl` ewey, Kcehky ge`l eiekl. "O tlcc bog bl's ndhhe ruoh bos blerohn, fut bl hlvlr costlhs td gl."

"_du'rl sd kutl," Effy seo`. Pbly wlrl stehòhn aust ohso`l tbl netl, hdt evlry provetl pcekl. Effy nevl tbl ceh`skeplr e cddj tbet wes ioccl` wotbcdhnohn. "O'vl fllh tbohjohn efdut ydu ecc èy eh` rlglgflrohn bdw ydurgdutb testl` cest honbt. O ferlcy rlglgflr wbet wl be` idr òhhlr, fut O'cchlvlr idrnlt bdw `lcokodus ydu wlrl. O wosb O kduc` joss ydu ronbt blrl."

"Eh` ydu'rl tbl wdgeh wbd kduc`h't nlt e slkdh` etl, bub4" Kcehky esjl`,sgorjohn e cottcl. "Pbl flttlr O jhdw ydu, tbl gdrl klrteoh O eg tbet ydu

wlrlh't tryohn, Grs. Nrebeg. _du'rl es bdt es e kblep postdc, eh` ydu kduc`nlt ehy geh oh tdwh oi ydu cddjl` et bog cojl tbet."

"_du'rl tbl dhcy plrsdh O weht, Kcehky, sd dhcy ydu nlt tbl cddj."

Idrkohn blrslci hdt td tejl Effy's beh`, tbl yduhnlr wdgeh esjl`, "Beyclybdgl4"



5<0

"Hd. O `rdppl` blr dii et e irolh`'s bdusl e cottcl wbocl end. E nrdup di blrirolh`s erl ndohn td e kdhklrt et tbl Bdccywdd` Fdwc, tblh steyohn dvlrhonbttdnltblr. O'g ecc ecdhl."

Blr kdgglht wes cde`l` wotb ohhulh`d, eh` Kcehky nevl blr e reky sgocl.

"Jhdw wbet wduc` fl iuh td `d4"

Effy hd``l`, tblh stertl` td ruh, wotb Kcehky idccdwohn oh bdt pursuot. Pblyrlekbl` tbl irdht `ddr, fdtb `dns ndohn woc` wblh Kcehky stdppl` et tbl`ddr td tejl dii blr fddts eh` sdkjs. Pbl wdglh wlrl ceunbohn, tbl `dnswlrl augpohn, eh` tbl wbdcl bdusl sllgl` ecovl. "Pbos os aust cojl wblh tbljo`s erl fdtb bdgl," Effy seo`. Ecgdst ogglòetlcy, blr sgocl ie`l` eh`sbl seo`, "O bdpl tbet ò`h't sduh` cojl O tbohj di ydu es e jo`."

Kcehky nevl blr e wo`l sgocl. –_du `dh‟t trlet gl cojl e jo`. Hdt lvlr."

–[tocc …‗

Kcehky sgddtbl` tbl cohls irdg fltwllh blr lylfrdws wotb tbl top di blriohnlr. –Effy,‗ sbl sddtbl`, blr vdokl `rdppohn ohtd e slxy togfrl, –O `dh‟ttbohj getlrhec tbdunbts wblh O `d tbos.‗ [bl sco` blr beh`s erduh` blrcdvlr‟s bops eh` `rlw blr kcdsl, tblh toctl` blr ble` td joss blr nlhtcy,tlesohn blr cops dplh wotb blr tdhnul.

Effy rlspdh`l` lhtbusoestokeccy, dplhohn blr gdutb td sukjcl dh tbl top ditbl pohj, wlt tdhnul.

ôtb e custy nrdwc, Kcehky fekjl` blr up eneohst tbl jotkblh kduhtlr eh`prlssl` blr bops ohtd blr, stre``cohn blr clns. [bl nrespl` blr ble` eh`jossl` blr buhnrocy, hdt stdppohn uhtoc sbl ilct Effy‟s surprosl novl wey td ejllh rlspdhsl. Pbly wlrl nrohòhn eneohst lekb dtblr iuroduscy, wotb Kcehkytryohn td nlt blr beh` fltwllh tblor fdòls td pecg Effy's frlest. Pbl dc`lrwdgeh adohl` oh tbl qulst, blcpohn blr cdvlr uhfuttdh blr sbort ‛ blr hllìdr blr orrlsostofcl. Hlotblr bler` tbl blevy iddtstlps epprdekb tbl fekj`ddr, eh` wblh Adbh D‟Kdhhdr pllrl` oh, bl prektokeccy ieohtl` `le` ewey.Bl turhl` td clevl, fut Etblhe pokjl` blr ble` up eh` stertl` td nrdwc,keusohn Effy td turh blr stertcl` nezl td tbl `ddr.

–Db, sbot,‗ sbl guttlrl`, pusbohn Kcehky ewey. –_dur ietblr‟s blrl.‗

Kcehky wborcl` eh` iekl` tbl tbdrdunbcy lgferressl` geh, tblh turhlÈffy erduh` td burrol`cy blcp blr futtdh blr sbort eh` tukj ot ohtd blrsbdrts. ôtb es gukb ònhoty es sbl kduc` netblr, sbl strd`l dvlr td sbusbtbl dns eh` clt bog oh. –\bg … bo, @e`,‗ sbl seo`, blr kblljs icusbl` wotblgferressglht. –Nulss wbet4‗



5<<

Bl trol` td gejl conbt di tbl sotuetodh, novohn Effy e nroh es bl seo`, –O‟vlndtte stert pokjohn irolh`colr kcolhts. Gohl pey gl fy kblkj.‗

Kcehky sceppl` bog oh tbl nut, fut iduh` tbet bos ettlgpt et bugdr be`fllh sukklssiuc. Effy ektueccy cddjl` rlcolvl`, eh` sbl epprdekbl` bog eh`

seo`, –O‟g sd sdrry, Adbh. ^l sbduc`h‟t bevl fllh `dohn tbet.‗

–^by hdt4 Ot‟s ydur bdusl,‗ bl seo`. –_du‟rl fdtb eùcts, eh` ydu ò`h'tjhdw O wes kdgohn dvlr. O sbduc` fl tbl dhl td epdcdnozl.‗

Cddjohn et bog tlhtetovlcy, Kcehky esjl`, –Erl ydu djey wotb tbos, @e`4‗

–^lcc, O `dh‟t sll ehy rlesdh hdt td fl.‗ Bl nevl Effy e quokj cddj, tblhturhl` fekj td bos kboc`. –[bl klrteohcy osh‟t eitlr ydur gdhly. [bl prdfefcy`dlsh‟t bevl e krogohec rlkdr` dr e `run prdfclg.‗ Bl cddjl` et Effy ehèsjl`, –_du `dh‟t, `d ydu4‗

–Hd,‗ sbl seo`. –O `dh‟t `rohj td lxklss, lotblr.‗

–^lcc, tbet‟s ektueccy e fe` gerj oh gy fddj, fut O wdh‟t bdc` ot eneohst ydu.‗Bl kbukjcl` et bos dwh adjl eh` sbrunnl` bos sbduc`lrs. –Es cdhn es ydu`dh‟t frlej gy cottcl norc‟s blert, O `dh‟t bevl e prdfclg wotb ydu.‗

–O wduc` hlvlr `d tbet ohtlhtodheccy,‗ Effy seo` sditcy, blr lyls glltohnKcehky‟s. –[bl `lslrvls hdtbohn fut tbl flst.‗

–Pblh wl‟rl enrll`. Hdw dls ehydhl kerl td stdp sgddkbohn eh` tejl e cddj

et sdgl di tbl segpcls O frdunbt wotb gl4‗

Kcehky nevl blr ietblr e werg bun. –Pbehjs,‗ sbl seo`. –Ot illcs nrlet tdjhdw ydu‟rl dh gy so`l.‗

–O eg. duc`h‟t pcekl flts dh ydur gdtblr, tbdunb. O tbohj ydu twd dunbt tdkdgl td tbl bdusl tbos wllj eh` gejl hokl wotb blr.‗

Novohn Effy e sbllposb cddj, Kcehky esjl`, –Erl ydu woccohn td `d tbet4‗

–Di kdursl. Ehy honbt os aust iohl.‗

–Bdw efdut [eturèy4‗ Adbh sunnlstl`. –Pblh O keh bevl e ilw `rohjs eh`hdt bevl td wdrry efdut nlttohn up lercy.‗

–[ohkl wblh bes tbet stdppl` ydu4‗ Kcehky esjl`.

–Hlvlr bes. O aust `dh‟t cojl td wdrry efdut ot.‗



5<9

***

Adbh clit et erduh` 91==, eh` es sddh es bl ò`, Kcehky wlht oh td nref epeor di fllrs. Effy wes ecrle`y sottohn dh tbl cdvlslet, eh` sbl pettl` tbldtblr kusbodh wblh Kcehky kegl fekj dut. –Pbet wes … ohtlrlstohn,‗ tbl

dc`lr wdgeh seo`, rdccohn blr lyls. –Ot‟s fllh twlhty-iovl ylers sohkl ôcc‟sgdtblr keunbt us nrdpohn lekb dtblr. O‟g dut di prektokl.‗

Kcehky tddj e cdhn pucc dh blr fllr eh` clehl` blr ble` fekj, clttohn sdgldi tbl tlhsodh nd. –O jhlw pldpcl wduc` ioh` dut ‐ O aust tbdunbt tbly‟` ioh`dut fy gy tlccohn tblg.‗ [bl nevl Effy e sgocl eh` seo`, –Pbet‟s tbl iorsttogl gy è` bes lvlr sllh gl wotb e norc.‗

Effy fcohjl` et blr. –_du gleh wotb e norc4 Dr wotb e norc4‗

–Fdtb. Lotblr. _dur kbdokl.‗ Kcehky nevl blr e cdhn cddj eh` seo`, –O‟vl hlvlr

tejlh ehydhl bdgl td gllt gy perlhts.‗

–Oh bdw cdhn4‗

–Pwlcvl ylers,‗ sbl seo`. –O hlvlr be` ehydhl O kerl` idr lhdunb.‗

Pbos hlws puzzcl` Effy tbdrdunbcy. –Fut O tbdunbt ydu seo` ydu ètl`sdgldhl idr quotl e wbocl. O essugl tbet wes Aucol.‗

–Ot wes,‗ Kcehky kdhiorgl`. –O wlht dut wotb blr idr hlercy e yler.‗

–Eh` ylt …4‗

–Eh` ylt,‗ Kcehky seo`, –O ò`h‟t tejl blr td gllt gy perlhts.‗ [bl cddjl``dwh et tbl nrduh` idr e gohutl, tblh sterl` ohtd spekl es sbl kdhtohul`.–Pbohns wlrl hlvlr sgddtb eh` lesy fltwllh us. O sey tbet wl wlht dut idr e yler, eh` tbet‟s tlkbhokeccy ekkuretl, fut ot tddj us lonbtllh gdhtbs td fltdnltblr idr twlcvl.‗

–Bub4‗

–Oh lonbtllh gdhtbs, wl wlrlh‟t splejohn idr et clest sox. ^l‟` ionbt ‐ vdw td

hlvlr sll lekb dtblr eneoh ‐ weot e ilw wlljs ‐ nlt fekj tdnltblr eh` ndtbrdunb tbl wbdcl kykcl eneoh. O tbohj wl cojl` tbl `rege es gukb es wlcojl` lekb dtblr.‗

–Fut oi ydu kerl` lhdunb idr blr td jllp nlttohn fekj tdnltblr, wby ò`h‟t ydu weht td sberl blr wotb ydur perlhts4‗

–Ot's hdt aust flkeusl di bdw O ilct efdut Aucol,‗ Kcehky e`gottl`. –Gy gdg



5<>

wehts gl td fl oh e rlcetodhsbop ‐ eh` oi O frohn sdgldhl bdgl, tbet‟s ndohntd slh` e vlry kcler sonhec td blr tbet O‟g slrodus. O bevlh‟t wehtl` blr tdstert suplrvosohn gl ‐ eh` wetkbohn td gejl surl O `dh‟t skrlw ot up,‗ sblseo`.

–Db, Kcehky, O‟g sdrry O ekklptl` ydur ietblr‟s ohvotetodh. O ò`h‟t jhdw yduilct cojl tbet efdut ot.‗

Kcehky‟s lyls wo`lhl` eh` sbl seo`, –O dh‟t illc tbet wey efdut ydu, Effy. Oweht tblg td jhdw ydu.‗

–_du `d4 Erl ydu surl4‗

–Effy,‗ sbl seo` sditcy, blr lyls cdkjl` dhtd blr irolh`'s, –O tdc` ydu tbl dtblrhonbt tbet O wes ieccohn oh cdvl wotb ydu.‗ [bl pcekl` e sdit joss dh blr copseh` e``l`, –O gleht ot. _du‟rl hdt aust sdgl wdgeh O weht td scllp wotb.‗

Clehohn blr ble` dh Kcehky‟s sbduc`lr, Effy frdunbt blr beh` up td rlst dhblr ef`dglh. –O‟g vlry nce` td bler tbet. _du‟rl hdt sdgldhl O‟g westohn gytogl wotb, lotblr. Lvlry gdglht os prlkodus.‗

–Fut ydu‟rl hdt rle`y td tbohj efdut tbl ‒C‟ wdr`, erl ydu4‗

–\bg … `dls tbet glehs clsfoeh dr cdvl4"

"Cdvl," Kcehky seo`. "Pbet's tbl ogpdrteht 'C' wdr`."

"Hd,‗ Effy seo`, sbejohn blr ble`, –O‟vl ndt tdd gehy tbohns td sdrt tbrdunbiorst.‗

–Fut tbet `dlsh‟t gleh tbet ydu wdh‟t cdvl gl sdglèy, ronbt4‗ Kcehkyplrsostl`.

–Hd, ot `liohotlcy `dlsh‟t gleh tbet,‗ Effy seo`, jossohn blr dhl gdrl togl."Erl ydu buhnry4"

–Hdt stervohn, wby4‗

Effy‟s iohnlrs ùn fltwllh tbl idc`s di Kcehky‟s sbort td tokjcl tbl yduhnlrwdgeh‟s wesbfder` efs. –_du hll` td let flttlr. _du‟vl cdst sdgl wlonbttbet ydu keh‟t eiidr` td cdsl.‗

–^l keh let cetlr,‗ Kcehky gurgurl`, flhòhn td joss Effy‟s hlkj. –Gukbcetlr.‗



5<2

–Bly,‗ Effy seo`. –Ot‟s Gdhèy. @dh‟t ydu bevl ydur èhkl kcess4‗

–Db, ronbt! êhhe nd wotb gl4 Dr wduc` ydu retblr stey bdgl eh` hlkj4"

"O'` retblr stey bdgl eh` hlkj, fut sohkl O wes rle`y td bevl ydu dh tbl icddrdi tbl jotkblh, O tbohj wl'` flttlr nd dut oi wl'rl ndhhe tejl tbos scdw. _dube` gl beci uh`rlssl`, Gs. D'Kdhhdr!"

Kcehky fcohjl`, tblh blr lyls wo`lhl`. "O ò`h't lvlh rlecozl wbet O wes`dohn, fut O be` td illc ydur sjoh!" [bl clehl` fekj eh` seo`, "^l'` flttlr nddut!" [bl stertl` td steh`, tblh esjl`, "Bdw wduc` ydu bevl ehswlrl` tblqulstodh oi O'` fllh esjohn oi ydu wlrl e clsfoeh4"

"O `dh't tbohj O keh fl e clsfoeh, novlh bdw gukb O lhadyl` bevohn slx wotbgy busfeh`. Eh` O tbohj ot's plrilktcy hdrgec idr streonbt wdglh td bevl ecc

sdrts di iehtesols. Fut streonbt wdglh `dh't weht td ekt dh tblor clsfoehiehtesols," sbl seo`, wrohjcohn blr hdsl. "O tbohj tbet gejls gl e foslxuec,`dh't ydu4"

"^betlvlr illcs ronbt idr ydu," Kcehky seo`. "O `dh't kerl wbet ydu kecc ydurslci es cdhn es ydu weht td joss gl."

***

^blh Adbh D‟Kdhhdr errovl` bdgl, bl splht e ilw gohutls sottohn oh bostrukj, tryohn td `lko`l bdw gukb di bos eitlrhddh e`vlhturl td sberl wotb

bos woil. Vlecozohn tbet bl ò`h‟t hdrgeccy bevl gukb sukklss oh jllpohntbohns irdg Gernerlt, bl wlht eh` nrlltl` blr oh bos hdrgec iesbodh. –Bdw‟s tbl prlttolst norc oh [olrre Ge`rl4‗ bl esjl`, kdgohn up flboh` blr td jossblr hlkj.

–Hdt fe`,‗ sbl seo`, pettohn bog nlhtcy. –Bdw‟s tbl fonnlst fucc tbrdwlr ohtdwh4‗

–Ndd`. Be` e ndd` ey. l rdppl` e ioflrncess pddc ohtd e yer` oh clss tbeh tbrll bdurs.‗

–Pbet‟s hokl, bdhly.‗ [bl wes storrohn sdgltbohn dh tbl stdvl eh` su``lhcyrlkeccl` sdgltbohn. –@o` ydu nd fy Effy‟s tdèy4 O‟g `yohn td bler bdwKcehky‟s `dohn wotb blr fon adf.‗

–_leb, O rdppl` fy,‗ bl seo`, es hlutreccy es bl kduc` gehenl. –Ot cddjs cojltbly'vl ge`l ndd` prdnrlss. Kcehky sllgs beppy.‗

–Db, ndd`. O tbohj O‟cc kecc blr eitlr òhhlr td wosb blr wlcc. O jhdw tbos os



5<?

ewiuccy ogpdrteht td blr. Oi sbl `dls e ndd` adf, sbl‟s bdpohn tbet Effy woccnovl blr sdgl rlkdgglhètodhs, ydu jhdw.‗

–_leb. O jhdw.‗

Bl wlht td tbl rlironlretdr td nlt e fllr, eh` Gernerlt ioxl` bog wotb e cddjeh` esjl`, –ês lvlrytbohn ecc ronbt, Adbh4 _du‟rl ektohn e cottcl iuhhy.‗

Idr e gdglht, Adbh tbdunbt efdut wbet be` bepplhl`, tblh `lko`l` tbetKcehky cojlcy iduh` tbl wbdcl tbohn td fl iuhhy. Oi tbet wes tbl kesl, tbld``s wlrl ndd` tbet sbl‟` tlcc tbl stdry dh blrslci ‐ eh` Gernerlt wduc`clerh tbet bl‟` fllh bdcòhn dut dh blr. ôtb e sonb, bl sbrunnl` bossbduc`lrs eh` seo`, –O tbohj O woh tbl flt wl ge`l, bdhly.‗

–^bet4 Bdw `d ydu jhdw4‗

–Nlt dut tbl peplrs,‗ bl seo`.

Gernerlt wlht td blr pursl eh` puccl` dut tbl scops di peplr. [bl dplhl`blrs eh` rle`, –Kcehky eh` Beycly erl ieccohn oh cdvl.‗

Adbh sbddj bos ble`. –Hdw rle` gohl.‗

[bl dplhl` bos eh` rle`, –Kcehky‟s ndt e krusb dh Effy.‗ [bl fcohjl` eh`tblh fcohjl` eneoh. –Effy4 [bl‟s dc` lhdunb td fl Kcehky‟s gdtblr!‗

Bl soppl` bos fllr. –Ot‟s tbl trutb, Gernerlt. Pbly e`gottl` tbet tbly‟rl

ohvdcvl`.‗

–_du wlht dvlr tblrl idr e glltohn, eh` tbly cddjl` et ydu eh` ehhduhkl`tbet tbly wlrl ètohn.‗ Blr reosl` lylfrdw eh` `llp irdwh sbdwl` tbet sblwes hdt fuyohn tbl stdry.

–Hd, ot wes e cottcl gdrl lgferressohn tbeh tbet.‗ Bl cddjl` et blr eh`wrohjcl` bos hdsl aust cojl bos èunbtlr ditlh ò`. –O keunbt tblg jossohn.‗

–Db, idr ndd`hlss‟ sejl! @dh‟t tlcc gl Kcehky wes `dohn tbet oh irdht di blr

krlw!‗

–Hd, Gernerlt. Pbly wlrl oh tbl jotkblh. O sew Vegdh kdgl `dwh tbl bo ccronbt wblh O wes kdgohn up. ^l stdppl` eh` kbettl` idr e gohutl, eh` bltdc` gl Kcehky wes oh tbl fekj wotb Effy. O wlht erduh` td tbl fekj, eh`wblh O ò`h't sll tblg, O essugl` tbly'` ndhl ohso`l, sd O wlht td tbl `ddreh` cddjl` oh.‗ Bl nevl bos woil e sgocl eh` seo`, –^l wlrl ecc lgferressl`,fut wl ndt dvlr ot. O esjl` tblg dvlr idr ohhlr dh [eturèy. O tbohj wl hll`



59=

td nlt td jhdw tbos wdgeh, Gernerlt. O tbohj sbl‟s ndhhe fl erduh` idr ewbocl.‗

[bl set `dwh blevocy dh dhl di tbl kbeors tbet frekjltl` tbl jotkblh tefcl.–Adbh, tbet wdgeh bes td fl es dc` es O eg! Ot‟s hdt ronbt!‗

–Gernerlt, Kcehky‟s ecgdst tborty. Ot‟s cdhn pest tbl togl wl kduc` tlcc blrwbd td ètl.‗

–Hdfd`y jhdws tbet flttlr tbeh O `d, Adbh. Lvlh wblh sbl wes yduhnlr, Ohlvlr ndt ehywblrl tlccohn blr wbet td `d. O aust weht td gejl surl sbl‟stbdunbt tbos tbrdunb.‗ [bl sbddj blr ble`. –O keh‟t ogenohl wby sbl‟`kbddsl sdgldhl sd gukb dc`lr.‗

–[bl‟s ecweys fllh ohtlrlstl` oh dc`lr wdglh, Gernerlt. Blcc, wblh sbl weslonbtllh, sbl‟` dhcy turh blr ble` idr e wdgeh dvlr tborty.‗

Gernerlt stdd` eh` put blr beh`s dh blr bops. –Eh` bdw `d ydu jhdwtbet4‗

\b-db. O be` td dplh gy fon gdutb. –^lcc … wl tecj efdut tbohns, Gernerlt._du jhdw tbet.‗

–_du tecj efdut wdglh tbet ydu ioh` ettrektovl4‗ Blr wo`l lyls eh` pohjiekl tdc` bog sbl wes hdt e ieh di tbos prektokl.

–[bl wes dh gy krlw,‗ bl lxpceohl`, es oi tbet wduc` gejl ot kcler.

–Bdw `dls tbet gejl ehy òiilrlhkl4 [bl‟s ydur èunbtlr! _du `dh‟t dnclnorcs tdnltblr.‗

–^bd seys wl dncl`4‗ bl esjl` `lilhsovlcy. –_ls, sbl‟s gy cottcl norc, futsbl‟s ecsd gy fu``y. O trlet blr cojl O trlet gy irolh`s ‐ eh` O‟vl ndt td tlcc ydu, tbet‟s pert di tbl rlesdh wl‟rl sd kcdsl.‗

–Iohl,‗ sbl buiil`. –Ot‟s uhsllgcy, eh` ydu jhdw ot, fut O‟g dfvoduscy hdtndohn td kdhvohkl ydu dtblrwosl.‗ [bl be` blr ergs krdssl` dvlr blr kblst,eh` eitlr e gohutl sbl cddjl` et bog kuroduscy. –[bl‟s ecweys fllh cojl

tbos4‗

–Ecweys,‗ bl hd``l` sdflrcy.

–Fut wby4 @dlsh‟t tbet gleh tblrl‟s sdgltbohn … wrdhn wotb blr4‗

–^rdhn4‗



596

–Pbrll ylers hdw,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O gdvl` ohtd bos fuocòhn wblh O nreùetlìrdg skbddc. ^l ndt e twd fl`rddg oh tbl pcekl wblrl bl be` e dhlfl`rddg.‗

–_du wlrl et bdgl flidrl tbet4‗

–_lp. O steyl` et bdgl uhtoc O wes tbrdunb wotb skbddc. Ot wes tbl dhcy wey Okduc` gehenl ot iohehkoeccy.‗

–Bdw wes tbet idr ydu4 O‟g hdt et ecc surl tbet gy jo`s wduc` weht td covlwotb gl ùrohn kdcclnl.‗

–Ot wes iohl,‗ Kcehky seo`, tejohn sukb e fon `rohj di wetlr tbet blr betecgdst ilcc dii. –[ohkl O wlht td wdrj idr gy è` es sddh es O nreùetl` irdgbonb skbddc, dur rdcls kbehnl` e fot. O wesh‟t aust e èunbtlr ‐ O wes eh

lgpcdyll eh` e kd-wdrjlr. Bl eh` O nrlw kcdslr, eh` gy gdg stertl` td cltnd ‐ gdrl eh` gdrl es togl wlht dh. Eitlr O kegl dut td tblg, tbohnskbehnl` lvlh gdrl. Eitlr e wbocl, tbly ò`h‟t lvlh kdgpceoh wblh O steyl`dut ecc honbt. [ohkl tbly trletl` gl cojl eh eùct, O o`h‟t goh` flohn tblrl.‗

–Geyfl tbet‟s gy prdfclg,‗ Effy `lko`l`. –Geyfl O bevlh‟t ge`l tbettrehsotodh ylt.‗

–Ot‟s òiilrlht oh ydur sotuetodh,‗ Kcehky rlgoh`l` blr. –Pbly‟rl bdgl idrsukb e sbdrt togl ‐ ot‟s ber` td slt up e systlg tbet wdrjs idr ecc di ydu.‗

–O suppdsl. Ot‟s ber` td tbohj tbet tbly‟cc hlvlr covl blrl eneoh, fut O nulsstbet‟s tbl wey di tbl wdrc`.‗

"^bet efdut ydur gdtblr4" Kcehky esjl`. "Bes sbl clt nd di ydu4"

"Di gl4 Kcehky, O'g idrty-iovl!"

"O jhdw tbet," tbl yduhnlr wdgeh seo`. –Fut wbet efdut us4" [bl tddjehdtblr `rohj eh` cddjl` erduh` hlrvduscy. "O gleh … oi tblrl os eh us

wblh ydu‟rl … O gleh, oi ydu `lko`l td …‗

Effy pcekl` e beh` dh Kcehky‟s erg eh` pettl` blr rlessurohncy, –O wehttblrl td fl eh us, tdd. O rleccy weht tbet, djey4‗

Kcehky hd``l` quokjcy, cddjohn kbenrohl`. –[drry. O jhdw wl ecrle`y`lko`l` tbet. O aust keh‟t blcp wdh`lrohn efdut tbl iuturl.‗



59;

–^lcc, clt gl tlcc ydu tbos. _du'cc ioh` tbet gy gdtblr os e lconbtiuc wdgeh ‐ wotbdut e au`nglhtec fdhl oh blr fd`y. Gy è`‟s e cottcl gdrl treòtodhec,fut bl‟s e ndd` geh eh` dhcy wehts gl td fl beppy. O‟g kdhio`lht tbly wdh‟tbevl ehy cdhn-tlrg ossuls wotb us.‗ [bl kbukjcl` eh` seo`, –Gy gdg‟sfesokeccy e`dptl` sdgl di gy ney irolh`s. [bl tbrlw e bunl perty idr gy

irolh` Geroe‟s idrtoltb fortbèy ‐ wotbdut lvlh kdhsuctohn gl iorst!‗

–@d ydu bevl gehy ney irolh`s4‗

–Db, surl. Gy irolh` Lcclh eh` O pcey `dufcls wotb Geroe eh` ]eg lvlry[eturèy gdrhohn. O‟g tblor èunbtlr Ecysse‟s nd`gdtblr. Eh` O tdc` yduefdut gy irolh` [tlpblh, wbd O wlht td \KCE wotb, ò`h't O4"

"Hd, O `dh't tbohj sd."

"Db, Nd`," Effy seo`. "O keh't flcolvl O bevlh't tdc` ydu efdut bog! Bl wes es

kcdsl es e frdtblr, eh` wblh bl òl` di EO@[, ot wes efsdcutlcy `lvestetohnidr gy perlhts es wlcc es gl. Pbrdunb bog, O ndt ohvdcvl` wotb tbl EO@[[lrvokl Klhtlr blrl oh ]ese`lhe, eh` lvlhtueccy, O slrvl` twd tlrgs dh tblfder` di òrlktdrs. O ge`l `dzlhs di ndd` irolh`s tbrdunb tbet. O nevl gyirolh` [plhklr ewey wblh bl gerrol` bos fdyirolh` cest yler ‛‗

–@egh, ydu‟vl ndt es gehy ney irolh`s es O `d!‗ Kcehky seo`, ceunbohnblertocy. –[d ‐ wocc ydu tlcc ehy di ydur irolh`s efdut us … oi tblrl os eh us4‗sbl e``l` wotb eh ogposb sgocl.

–Di kdursl O wocc,‗ Effy seo`, nreffohn Kcehky‟s hdsl eh` novohn ot e tun. –Eh`

aust idr tbl rlkdr`, Gs. D‟Kdhhdr, tblrl ecrle`y os eh us.‗ Vuhhohn e behùp eh` `dwh Kcehky‟s erg, Effy cddjl` et blr eh` seo`, –Oi tbohns `dh‟twdrj dut fltwllh us, O‟g ndohn td fl e wrlkj. O‟cc hll` gy irolh`s td pucc gltbrdunb ot ‐ sd O‟g ndohn td tlcc tblg sddh.‗

Kcehky skddtl` blr kbeor dvlr uhtoc ot wes hlstcl` fltwllh Effy‟s sprle`clns. –Oi tbohns dh‟t wdrj dut fltwllh us, ot‟cc fl flkeusl ydu keh‟t gejl tblkdggotglht. O‟g ecrle`y oh.‗

Effy hd``l`, tblh cekl` blr beh`s flboh` Kcehky‟s hlkj eh` jossl` blrtlh`lrcy. –O tbohj O eg tdd. O‟g aust … keutodus ‐ rlglgflr4‗

–Pbohjohn os bonbcy dvlrretl`,‗ Kcehky purrl`. –O'g e wdgeh wbd cojls tdèhkl … eh` joss. ^bokb dhl `d ydu weht td `d iorst4"

Effy sgocl` slùktovlcy, novohn Kcehky e vlry ndd` kcul es td wbet blrkbdokl wes.

KBE]PLV PLH



590

Pbl hlxt èy, Beycly kegl bdgl irdg blr dvlrhonbt eh` tddj e cdhn hep.[bl ndt up wbocl tbl krlw wes tejohn ots cuhkb frlej eh` set oh tbl jotkblh,sterohn dutso`l wotb e skdwc dh blr iekl.

"^bet's ndohn dh ohso`l tbet irdwh4" Effy esjl`, ruiicohn blr beor dh tbl weytd tbl ceuh`ry rddg.

"O betl bevohn tblg blrl. ^l sbduc` bevl weotl` uhtoc iecc. O keh't lvlh usltbl pddc."

"_du bevl irolh`s wbd bevl pddcs," Effy rlgoh`l` blr. "Eh` ydu keh ecweysnd td tbl Vdsl Fdwc td swog."

"O `dh't bevl gy dwh ker," Beycly wbohl`. Ot wes blr gdtblr's clest ievdrotltdhl di vdokl.

"_du keh usl Prlvdr's dc` fojl, eh` ydu keh usl gy ker wblh O `dh't hll` ot,bdhly. _du keh `rovl gl td tbl ndci kdursl dh tbl gdrhohns O pcey. O keh nlte ro`l bdgl."

"O `dh't wehhe nlt up et >1== aust td novl ydu e ro`l," Beycly seo`. "Eh`hdfd`y ro`ls e fojl idr trehspdrtetodh dhkl sbl‟s oh kdcclnl."

Effy rlecozl` tbos wes dhl di tbl togls tbet blr èunbtlr ò`h't weht tdfreohstdrg td ionurl dut e sdcutodh td blr prdfclg. [bl wehtl` td nropl. Eh`sohkl Effy o`h't cojl td bler nropohn, sbl stertl` td nd fekj upsteors td novl

blrslci e togldut. [bl wes ecgdst dut di tbl jotkblh wblh Beycly seo`, "Otbohj O'cc nd td Geohl hdw. Pblrl's hdtbohn gukb ndohn dh idr tbl hlxt twdwlljs."

"Fut O ecrle`y fdunbt ydur tokjlt," Effy seo`. "O'g hdt surl wl keh kbehnlot."

Beycly nevl blr e puzzcl` cddj eh` seo`, "_du keh kbehnl ot. _du gonbt bevltd pey e ill, fut tbet's hd fon `lec."

Effy cddjl` et blr idr e gdglht, tblh kdkjl` blr ble`. "^by wduc` O bevl

td pey e ill4 O ò`h't kbehnl gy goh` et tbl cest gohutl."

"Db, pclesl!" Beycly ndt up eh` put blr klrlec fdwc oh tbl sohj. –_du keheiidr` e kdupcl di buh`rl` fukjs, Gdg."

"Di kdursl O keh," Effy enrll`, "fut O'g hdt ndohn td pey idr ydu td kbehnl ydur tokjlt."



59<

Pbl norc turhl` eh` sterl` et blr gdtblr. "O tbdunbt ydu uh`lrstdd`! O keh'tstey blrl wotb Kcehky dutso`l! E kdupcl di buh`rl` dccers glehs hdtbohn td ydu! Hdtbohn!"

"Beycly, ot's hdt efdut tbl gdhly: ot's efdut flohn ekkduhtefcl idr ydur

`lkosodhs. O peo` td slh` ydu td Geohl wblh ydu wehtl` td nd. Oi ydu weht tdkbehnl ydur tokjlt, ydu'cc bevl td usl ydur dwh gdhly."

"Pbehjs," Beycly seo`, fotohn dii tbl wdr`. "Pbehjs idr blcpohn gl dut. Owdrjl` cojl e `dn td gejl e cottcl gdhly, eh` hdw O bevl td splh` ot aust tdbevl e `lklht sugglr!" Es sbl wecjl` up tbl steors, sbl wes gugfcohncdu`cy lhdunb idr Effy td bler. "Ot wesh't efdut tbl gdhly wblh O wehtl` eker, ot wesh't efdut tbl gdhly wblh O wesh't eccdwl` td nd sjoohn dvlrKbrostges, ot wesh't efdut tbl gdhly wblh O kduc`h't nd td eh dut-di-stetlskbddc ‐ " Blr sceggohn `ddr sbut dii blr cotehy di kdgpceohts.

Effy kcdsl` blr lyls eh` kduhtl` td tlh, hdt wehtohn td kdhtohul tbl ionbt.[bl jhlw sbl wes blcpohn Beycly dut, fut sbl ecsd jhlw tbet ot wduc` fl ylers, oi lvlr, flidrl blr èunbtlr rlecozl` ot.

***

Lvlh tbdunb Effy wesh‟t kdhklrhl` efdut tlccohn blr irolh`s dr blr iegocyefdut blr hlw-iduh` eiilktodh idr ehdtblr wdgeh, sbl wes trlglh`duscyhlrvdus efdut tbl òhhlr sbl eh` Kcehky wlrl td ettlh` wotb tblD‟Kdhhdrs. [bl kbehnl` kcdtbls tbrll togls, tlhtetovlcy `lkoòhn dh e peordi krleg-kdcdrl` cohlh scekjs eh` e sjy-fcul, kdttdh swletlr vlst. [bl

ehswlrl` tbl `ddr e ilw gohutls cetlr, iohòhn Kcehky oh e fronbt rl` eh`wbotl Beweooeh proht sbort, e peor di ie`l` alehs, eh` blr Forjlhstdkjs.–]rltty `rlssl` up idr tbl D'Kdhhdrs," sbl tlesl`. Pejohn e cddj et Effy'sskruhkbl`-up frdw, sbl esjl`, –Erl ydu wlor`l` dut efdut tbos4‗

–_ls! O weht tblg td cojl gl, Kcehky. O rleccy weht td gejl e nddògprlssodh.‗

–Bdw kduc` ydu hdt4‗ [bl put blr ergs erduh` Effy's weost eh` bunnl` blrkcdsl. –Ehydhl wotb e freoh wduc` cojl ydu ‐ eh` gy perlhts fdtb bevliuhktodhohn freohs. Gy nregge wocc fl krezy efdut ydu, tdd, Effy. Aust

rlcex eh` fl ydurslci.‗

–Ecc ronbt,‗ sbl nrugfcl`, bleòhn idr tbl fekj `ddr td clt tbl `dns dut dhlcest togl.

***

Effy tddj e ilw kecgohn frletbs es tbly wecjl` up tbl rovl di tbl D‟Kdhhdr



599

bdgl. –_du‟rl surl tbos os djey4‗ sbl esjl` eneoh, pdohtohn et blr dutiot. "O`dh't weht td cddj tdd gukb dc`lr tbeh ydu, fut O'` illc soccy ndohn td ydurperlhts‟ bdusl oh alehs."

Kcehky stdppl`. "Effy, ydu cddj cdvlcy. Pbos os wbet ydu'rl kdgidrtefcl oh.

_du `dh't hll` td put dh eh ekt. _du erl wbd ydu erl, eh` O `dh't weht ydutd kbehnl e tbohn. _du flcolvl gl, `dh't ydu4‗

Nrespohn blr erg wotb fdtb di blr beh`s, Effy nevl blr e squllzl. –O d. O‟g aust sd hlrvdus.‗

–Clt gl kecg ydu `dwh e cottcl,‗ Kcehky purrl`, scoppohn blr ergs erduhÈffy‟s weost td novl blr e werg, sdit joss.

Pbl irdht ddr dplhl`, eh` Adbh D‟Kdhhdr stlppl` dut, novohn tblg e sgoclwblh bl sew tblor lgfrekl. –ôcc ydu twd novl ot e rlst4 Nregge‟s ndt e

wlej blert, ye jhdw.‗

Effy icusbl` `llpcy, dhcy pertoeccy rlcolvl` wblh Kcehky seo`, –Blr blert‟sstrdhnlr tbeh ydurs, @e`, eh` tbl cest togl sbl hll`l` fefyohn wes ohefdut 5?6<.‗ blh tbly rlekbl` tbl ddr, Kcehky nevl blr ietblr e bun eh`jossl` bos kbllj. –_du‟` flttlr fl tbl dhl wbd sterts flbevohn, @e`. Oi yduskerl Effy dii, O‟g ndhhe burt ye.‗

–_du `dh‟t skerl dii tbet lesy, `d ydu, Effy4‗ bl esjl`, lxtlhòhn bos behìdr e sbejl.

–Hd, O‟g prltty ber`y, Adbh. O‟g hdt usl` td e cdt di tlesohn tbdunb ‐ sd ydugonbt bevl td fler wotb gl idr e wbocl.‗

–O keh `d tbet,‗ bl enrll`. –Hdw kdgl dh oh ‐ O‟g iegosbl`.‗

Pbly wecjl` ohtd tbl gd`lst iregl fuhnecdw eh` wlrl ogglòetlcy nrlltl`fy Gernerlt. –Nlttohn Kcehky bdgl idr e [eturèy honbt òhhlr os quotl eilet,‗ sbl seo`, sbejohn Effy‟s beh`. –Pbehjs idr ydur blcp.‗

–Ot wesh‟t gy `dohn,‗ Effy seo`. –Kcehky rleccy wehtl` td kdgl.‗

–Kdgl dh oh eh` gllt gy gdtblr,‗ Gernerlt seo`. [bl cl` tblg ohtd tbljotkblh wblrl e sgecc-fdhl`, iclsby, rl`ble`l` wdgeh stdd` et tbl sohj,sbukjohn kdrh. –Gdg, Kcehky eh` blr irolh` erl blrl.‗

Pbl wdgeh turhl` eh` nevl blr nreh`èunbtlr e wo`l sgocl. –Purh dii tblèghl` PY sd eh dc` ce`y keh bler, wocc ye, Fotsy4‗ Kcehky o` es rlqulstlèh` nevl tbl lc`lrcy wdgeh e bun eh` e joss.



59>

–Nregge, tbos os gy irolh`, Effy. Effy, tbos os gy nreh`gdtblr, Locllh@dhdveh.‗

–]clesl` td gllt ydu, Gs. @dhdveh,‗ Eff y seo`, weotohn petolhtcy wboclLocllh `rol` blr beh`s td sbejl.

–Kecc gl Locllh,‗ tbl dc`lr wdgeh ohsostl`. [bl cddjl` irdg dhl wdgeh tdtbl dtblr eh` twotkbl` blr ble`. –[d tbos os ydur hlw norcirolh`, lb, Fotsy4‗

–[dgltbohn cojl tbet, Nregge,‗ Kcehky seo`, scoppohn blr erg erduh` blrnreh`gdtblr‟s weost. –^l‟rl hdt lhnenl` dr ehytbohn, fut O tbohj di blr esgy norcirolh`. ]rltty, osh‟t sbl4‗

Effy nevl blr e gdstcy dutrenl` cddj, fut Locllh enrll` oggl`oetlcy. –Db,sbl‟s prltty, ecc ronbt. Fut wby erl ydu clttoh' ydur beor turh nrey, bdhly4

Bevoh' kdcdr oh blr beor gejls e nec illc yduhn.‗

@lko`ohn td pcey tbl negl, Effy nrespl` Kcehky‟s irll beh`. –Bevohn Kcehkyerduh` gejls gl illc yduhn, eh` sbl cojls ot tbos wey.‗

–O `d,‗ Kcehky enrll`, sgocohn et Effy wotb e tddtby nroh. –O tbohj blr beoreh` lvlry dtblr pert di blr os fleutoiuc.‗

–^lcc, O nulss tbet‟s ecc tbet gettlrs,‗ Locllh enrll`. [bl nevl Effy ehdtblrcdhn cddj, squohtohn oh tbl pddr icudrlsklht conbt. –^bet kdcdr wes ot wblh ydu wlrl yduhn4‗

–Nregge!‗ Kcehky krol`. –Effy‟s stocc yduhn!‗

–Pbet‟s djey,‗ Effy seo`, sllgohncy hdt fdtblrl` fy tbl dc`lr wdgeh‟sfcuhthlss. –Gy beor wes alt fcekj,‗ sbl ohidrgl` Locllh. –Pbet‟s pert di tblrlesdh O `dh‟t `yl ot. O rleccy cdvl` tbl kdcdr, fut alt fcekj beor dh eh dc`lrwdgeh rleccy cddjs `yl`.‗

–Lb, wbd kerls oi ot cddjs `yl`4 Gy beor wes e gdusy frdwh wblh O wes enorc, eh` hdw O‟g tbohjohn efdut ndohn fcdh`l cojl gy cottcl fots blrl. ]ldpclwocc tbohj wl‟rl sostlrs.‗ [bl tbrlw blr ble` fekj eh` ceunbl` blertocy, eh`

Effy wes strukj fy tbl sogocerotols fltwllh Kcehky eh` tbl dc`lr wdgeh.–Pogl td nlt fusy, norcs. ^l‟vl ndt kbokjlh td ferflqul. ^bd‟s ndhhe `d ot4‗

–O wocc,‗ Adbh seo`, wecjohn dvlr td tbl sohj eh` novohn bos gdtblr-oh-cew eirolh`cy pet dh tbl fekj. –O‟vl fllh `dohn tbl ferflquohn idr dvlr tborty ylers, Locllh. Nlt usl` td ot.‗



592

–_du hlvlr jhdw,‗ sbl seo`, sbrunnohn blr sbduc`lrs. –Pbohns kbehnl.‗Novohn tbl yduhnlr wdglh e kbllriuc cddj, sbl seo`, –^lcc, ydu twd kehgejl e sece` tblh. O‟vl `dhl gy sberl.‗

Effy fcohjl` et blr, lxtrlglcy uhekkustdgl` td tbl uctre-kesuec ettotu`l di

tbl D‟Kdhhdr/@dhdveh bduslbdc`. Fut wblh Kcehky stertl` td wesb blrbeh`s flidrl nlttohn td wdrj, Effy adohl` ronbt oh eh` blcpl` blr gejl ecernl nrllh sece`, ohkcuòhn kukugflrs, tdgetdls eh` kerrdts irdg Adbh‟slxtlhsovl fekjyer` ner`lh.

^blh tbly wlrl iohosbl`, Gernerlt tddj dvlr eh` prlperl` kdrh dh tbl kdfeh` sdgl stlegl` frdkkdco, tbl cettlr ecsd irdg tbl ner`lh. Fy tbl togl sblwes iohosbl`, Adbh wes kdgohn oh tbl fekj ddr wotb tbl kbokjlh, e llp rl`seukl `roppohn irdg tbl sukkuclht-cddjohn polkls.

Pbly etl et tbl jotkblh tefcl, e frllzl kdgohn oh tbl fekj`ddr, frohnohn oh

tbl swllt sklht di e genhdcoe trll.

–Lvlrytbohn os efsdcutlcy `lcokodus,‗ Effy seo`, kdgpcoglhtohn ecc di tblverodus kddjs. –Eh` tbl vlnltefcls erl egezohn, Adbh. [d irlsb eh` swllt.‗

–^l‟cc bevl ydu fekj wblh tbl kdrh kdgls oh,‗ bl prdgosl`. –Oi ydu keh nlt ot ohtd e pdt di fdocohn wetlr wotboh iovl gohutls di pokjohn ot, ydu wdh‟trlkdnhozl ot es tbl segl stuii ydu fuy et tbl nrdklry.‗

Effy coitl` tbl kdf sbl wes wdrjohn dh. –Pbos sllgs prltty erhl` lcokodus

td gl.‗

–Bl‟s hdt jo`òhn, Effy,‗ Kcehky kbogl` oh. –Irlsb-pokjl` os e wbdclòiilrlht lxplrolhkl.‗ Cddjohn et blr ietblr, sbl esjl`, –Go``cl di Aucy,@e`4‗

–Geyfl lvlh e wllj lercy,‗ bl seo`. –@dh‟t wdrry: wl wdh‟t idrnlt ydu.‗

Locllh kdkjl` blr ble` eitlr esslssohn Effy idr e ilw gohutls. –[d, wbet‟s ydur stdry, Effy4 _du irdg erduh` blrl4‗

–Db, yls. Fdrh eh` reosl` oh ]ese`lhe. O stocc covl tblrl.‗

–Oh tbl hoklst bdusl O‟vl lvlr fllh oh,‗ Kcehky e``l`. –E fleutoiucKreitsgeh, Nregge ‐ ydu jhdw bdw gukb O cojl tblg.‗

–O `d,‗ sbl seo`, sgocohn wergcy et blr nreh`èunbtlr. –[d wbet lcsl4 ^lweht `lteocs, bdhly. Pbos eoh‟t aust e sdkoec kecc. ^l‟rl tryohn td ionurl dut oiwl cojl ydu.‗



59?

Effy wes gdglhterocy tejlh efekj, fut tbl sperjcl oh tbl dc`lr wdgeh‟specl, sjy-fcul lyls essurl` blr tbet Locllh wes gdstcy jo`òhn.

–Djey, O‟cc d gy flst td ogprlss. Fdrh blrl, wlht td skbddc blrl. Nreùetl`

irdg \KCE wotb e bostdry `lnrll ‐‗

–Db, wblh ò` ydu nreùetl4‗ Gernerlt esjl` idr hd epperlht rlesdh.

Effy rlkdnhozl` blr bo``lh qulstodh eh` seo`, –O‟g idrty-iovl, Gernerlt.‗

–Db! lcc, tbet‟s hdt wby O …‗ sbl stertl` td sey, fut e pdohtl` cddj irdg blrèunbtlr idrkl` blr td kepotucetl. –^lcc, O ò` wdh`lr …‗

–Ot‟s iohl,‗ Effy seo`. –O‟g hdt lgferressl` efdut gy enl.‗ [bl kclerl` blrtbrdet eh` tddj e sop di okl` tle. –O wes gerrol` eitlr gy irlsbgeh yler eh`

wes prlnheht fy Aehuery. O nevl fortb td dur sdh eh` wlht fekj td skbddceitlr tejohn e slglstlr dii. O steyl` et \KCE td lerh e Gestlr‟s @lnrll ohbostdry. O ò`h‟t tbohj O‟` lvlr usl ot, fut O wehtl` td bevl sdgltbohn td ieccfekj dh oh kesl O lvlr be` td suppdrt gyslci."

"Pbet's e sgert gdvl," Locllh seo`. "_du keh't lvlr rlcy dh ehydhl lcsl tdtejl kerl di ydu."

Effy sgocl` et blr, cojohn blr ilostohlss, wbokb rlgoh`l` blr di Kcehky. "Gybusfeh` wes eh ettdrhly et D‟Vloccy eh` Gdhrdl, eh` bl òl` di e blertettekj iovl ylers end oh Gey."

Locllh rlekbl` dut eh` nrespl` Effy‟s beh`, stertcohn blr e fot. –O cdst gybusfeh` tbrll ylers end,‗ sbl seo`, blr lyls wetlry. –Ot‟s bdrrofcl, osh‟t ot4‗

–Ot wes,‗ Effy seo`, sllohn tbl irehj uh`lrstehòhn tbet dhcy sdgldhl wbdbe` ndhl tbrdunb tbl lxplrolhkl kduc` sberl. –Ot stocc os ‐ fut ot nlts lesolres tbl èys pess. O `dh‟t tbohj O‟cc lvlr fl lhtorlcy dvlr ot, tbdunb.‗

Novohn blr e sgecc sgocl, Locllh sbddj blr ble` eh` rlclesl` Effy‟s beh`.–Hd, O `dh‟t tbohj sd, lotblr. Gy togl‟s aust efdut up, fut ydu‟vl ndt ydur

wbdcl coil eble` di ydu, bdhly. Idrty-iovl os hdtbohn tblsl eys. O sey ot‟s togltd jokj up ydur bllcs e cottcl.‗

–Db, O tbohj O‟vl `dhl tbet,‗ Effy seo`, novohn Kcehky e sby sgocl. "Clt's sll… O tdc` ydu efdut Prlvdr, wbd rlklhtcy ndt bos Gestlr‟s @lnrll oh urfehpcehhohn et G.O.P., eh` tblrl‟s ecsd dur slkdh` kboc`, Beycly, wbd austiohosbl` blr irlsbgeh yler et \K [ehte Kruz. O‟vl hlvlr wdrjl` dutso`l ditbl bdgl, fut O stey vlry fusy. O pcey ndci eh` tlhhos eh` O swog eh` O wdrj



5>=

wotb e ilw kberotols. Gy perlhts erl fdtb ecovl, eh` tbly covl oh ]ese`lhe,ecsd, ectbdunb tbly splh` tblor sugglrs oh Geohl. Db, eh` O bevl twd dns,fdtb di wbdg cdvl Kcehky, eh` tbet‟s efdut ot.‗

–Idrnovl gl idr esjohn,‗ Gernerlt seo`, nlttohn ronbt td tbl blert di tbl

gettlr, –fut os tbos ydur … iorst togl wotb e … oh e … clsfoeh …‗

Effy ecgdst seo` tbet tbos wduc`, oh`ll`, fl blr iorst togl oh e clsfoeh, futsbl ò`h‟t tbohj Gernerlt wduc` epprlkoetl tbl adjl. –O‟vl hlvlr ètl` ewdgeh flidrl, Gernerlt. O wes vlry beppocy gerrol`, eh` O essugl` tbet O‟`lvlhtueccy gllt ehdtblr geh.‗ [bl turhl` eh` sgocl` wergcy et Kcehky,vlry ewerl di tbl beh` dh blr jhll. –Fut O glt Kcehky, eh` sdgltbohnkcokjl` fltwllh us.‗ Purhohn fekj td tbl dtblrs, sbl esjl`, –^bd kehlxpceoh ettrektodh4‗

–Pbet sllgs vlry … O‟vl hlvlr bler` di tbet bepplhohn flidrl,‗ Gernerlt

seo` tlhtetovlcy.

–^lcc, ot‟s hdt vlry kdggdh oh gy lxplrolhkl lotblr,‗ Effy e`gottl`. –Ot tddjgl kdgpcltlcy fy surprosl.‗

–Ot `dlsh‟t gettlr oi dtblr pldpcl `d ot, Gdg,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Effy illcskdgidrtefcl wotb tbos, eh` tbet‟s ecc tbet gettlrs.‗

–Db, di kdursl, tbet‟s trul,‗ Gernerlt seo`, stocc cddjohn uhslttcl`. –Eh` Oklrteohcy ò`h‟t gleh td qulstodh ydur `lkosodh, Effy. O‟g aust hdt vlryjhdwcl`nlefcl efdut tblsl tbohns.‗

–^l bevl e cdt di tbohns td wdrj dut,‗ Kcehky seo`, blr nezl swllpohn ekrdssecc di tbl glgflrs di blr iegocy. –^l‟rl aust ètohn ronbt hdw, djey4‗

–Hd prdfclg,‗ Adbh seo`. –^l wdh‟t put ydur hegl dh tbl Kbrostges ker` ylt, Effy.‗

–_du `dh‟t lvlh put gy hegl dh tbl Kbrostges ker`,‗ Kcehky skdiil`.

–O wduc` oi ydu kboppl` oh idr beci,‗ Adbh seo`. –Hdfd`y nlts e irll ro`l, yejhdw.‗

–_leb, yleb,‗ Kcehky seo`. [bl ndt up eh` stertl` td kcler tbl tefcl, wevohnEffy dii wblh sbl trol` td blcp. –^bet ò` ydu gejl idr `lsslrt, Gdg4‗

–Bdw `d ydu jhdw O ge`l `lsslrt4‗ Gernerlt esjl`, reosohn eh lylfrdw.

–‒Keusl ydu ecweys `d wblh wl bevl kdgpehy. _du‟rl tbl flst fejlr oh tblveccly, eh` ydu jhdw ot.‗ [bl clehl` dvlr eh` jossl` blr gdtblr dh tbl tdp di



5>5

tbl ble`, eh` Effy sgocl` et tbl eiilktodh tbet Kcehky sbdwl` blr iegocy.

–O dh‟t jhdw efdut tbl flst fejlr totcl, fut O ò` wbop up e clgdh glrohnulpol,‗ sbl seo`. –ôtb irlsb clgdhs irdg dur trll,‗ sbl e``l` idr Effy‟s

flhliot.

–Ddb, gy ievdrotl,‗ Effy seo`, sgocohn. –O kduc` let clgdh glrohnul polehytogl, ehywblrl.‗

–_du‟rl oh cukj, flkeusl Gdg gejls e iefucdus dhl,‗ Kcehky seo`.

Effy sgocl` et Gernerlt eh` seo`, –O‟` cdvl ydur slkrlt. O‟vl trol` gehytogls, fut tbl glrohnul hlvlr slts ronbt.‗

–O‟cc novl ydu e ilw pdohtlrs,‗ Gernerlt enrll`, rlturhohn blr sgocl. –Ot‟s

Kcehky‟s ievdrotl, tdd, sd ydu‟` flttlr clerh bdw td gejl ot.‗ Effy ilct blrblert sjop e flet et tbl gucto-ceylrl` cddj tbet tbl sconbtcy dc`lr wdgeh nevlblr. [bl wesh‟t efcl td rle` ot ecc, fut sdgltbohn efdut blr tdhl ohòketl`tbet Gernerlt wes novohn blr tekot epprdvec td tbl peorohn, eh` Effyilrvlhtcy bdpl` sbl uh`lrstdd` tbl sonhecs prdplrcy ‐ flkeusl sbl vlrygukb wehtl` tblsl pldpcl hdt dhcy td tdclretl, fut td epprdvl di blr.

***

–@o` ydu bevl iuh4‗ Kcehky esjl` eitlr tbly be` seo` tblor ndd`fyls eh`wlrl slttcl` oh tbl trukj.

–Iuh4 es ot iuh4‗ Effy esjl`, herrdwohn blr lyls es tbdunb sbl wlrl llpoh tbdunbt. –^lcc, dhkl òhhlr eh` tbl ohquosotodh wlrl dvlr, O stertl` tdbevl iuh, fut flidrl tbet O wes e hlrvdus wrlkj!‗

–Pbet‟s sd kutl!‗ Kcehky ogpucsovlcy puccl` Effy kcdsl eh` jossl` blrlhtbusoestokeccy. –_du wlrl efsdcutlcy kbergohn tdhonbt, Effy. Pbehjs idrtryohn sd ber`.‗

–O jhdw ydur iegocy glehs e cdt td ydu, Kcehky. Di kdursl O‟` fl wdrrolèfdut gejohn e ndd` ogprlssodh.‗ [bl fettl` blr lylcesbls sbycy eh`

esjl`, –@d ydu tbohj tbly cojl` gl4‗

–Di kdursl tbly ò`! Lvlrydhl cojls ydu, Effy. _du‟rl dhl di tbl gdstcojlefcl pldpcl O‟vl lvlr glt.‗ [bl nevl blr ehdtblr ilw jossls eh` seo`,–^blh @e` wes novohn ydu e tdur di tbl ner`lh, Nregge puccl` gl eso`leh` tdc` gl tbet ydu wlrl e jllplr.‗ ]cekohn e joss dh tbl top di Effy‟s hdsl,sbl e``l`, –Pbet‟s bonb preosl.‗



5>6

–[bl‟s e postdc,‗ Effy seo`. –O sll e cdt di blr oh ydu, ydu jhdw.‗

Kcehky‟s iekl nrlw slrodus eh` sbl seo`, –O bdpl tbet‟s trul. [bl glehs tblwdrc` td gl, Effy. [bl‟s ecweys fllh tblrl idr gl ‐ wotbdut qulstodh.‗

–@o` sbl ecweys covl wotb ydu4‗

–Hd. ^l covl` wotb gy nreh`perlhts uhtoc O wes iovl dr sd. Gy è` wesstrunncohn td nlt bos fusohlss stertl`, eh` gy perlhts ò`h‟t bevl lhdunbgdhly idr e dwh peyglht dh e bdusl. l steyl` wotb tblg uhtoc wl fdunbtdur kurrlht bdusl. Pblh efdut … O‟` nulss ot‟s fllh slvlh dr lonbt ylers …gy nregpe‟s blectb stertl` td ieoc, eh` tbly gdvl` oh wotb us sd wl kduc` eccblcp kerl idr bog. [d, wl‟vl covl` tdnltblr ditlh, fut hdt kdhstehtcy.‗

–Ot‟s dfvodus bdw idh` sbl os di ydu,‗ Effy seo`. –O pertokucercy cojl tblhokjhegl sbl bes idr ydu.‗

Kcehky kdvlrl` blr lyls frolicy eh` sbddj blr ble`. –Fotsy os dhl di tblflttlr dhls. _du‟cc fl egezl` et bdw gehy lgferressohn hegls sbl bes idrgl.‗

–^lcc, O tbohj ot‟s kutl. O keh aust ogenohl ydu es eh otsy fotsy cottcl tbohn.‗

–Flttlr wetkb ot tblrl, Effy. O‟g ndohn td gllt ydur perlhts sdgl èy, ehÒ‟g surl O‟cc clerh e ilw lgferressohn tbohns efdut ydur ydutb. Prle`kerliuccy.‗

–Djey, Fotsy. O‟cc goh` gy gehhlrs.‗ [bl shukj blr beh` up erduh`Kcehky‟s hlkj eh` puccl` blr kcdslr, tblh wlht idr blr cops, jossohn blr wotbe repo`cy rosohn ilvlr.

–Flohn beppy gejls gl bdt,‗ Kcehky wbosplrl`, –eh` O‟g vlry, vlry beppy.‗[bl slt updh Effy‟s cops wotb e vlhnlehkl, prlssohn tbl dc`lr wdgeheneohst tbl `ddr di tbl trukj. Augpohn wblh sbl bler` e sdit jhdkj dh tblwoh`sbolc`, Kcehky set up eh` cddjl` dut tbl dplh `rovlr‟s `ddr woh`dw.–Db, Alsus!‗

–_dur, ubg, ydur gdg wehtl` ydu td tejl tbl rlst di tbl pol,‗ Adbh seo`,

cddjohn sconbtcy clss lgferressl` tbeh bl be` tbl iorst togl bl‟` keunbttblg.

–^l ektueccy tecj eh` let eh` `d ecc sdrts di tbohns tdnltblr, @e`,‗ tblfcdh`l seo`, skddtohn dvlr td ekklpt tbl pol. –^l‟rl hdt ecweys gejohn dut.‗

–Iohl wotb gl oi tbet‟s ecc ydu `d,‗ bl seo`, kbukjcohn. –Oi ye wehhe fuoc` up



5>;

e cottcl hlst lnn, put e fukj oh e ponny fehj lvlry togl ydu bevl slx ùrohntbl iorst yler ydu‟rl tdnltblr, tblh tejl e fukj dut lvlry togl ydu bevl slxidr tbl rlst di ydur covls. Oi ye covl td fl e buh`rl`, ydu‟cc stocc bevl gdhlyclit. Blcc, oi wl‟` `dhl tbet, wl kducè slht ydu td kdcclnl!‗ Bl ceunbl`blertocy, tblh rlekbl` ohtd tbl trukj td novl Kcehky e pceyiuc puhkb dh tbl

sbduc`lr. –O dh‟t fcegl ydu e fot, Kcehkl. [bl‟s e iohl cddjoh‟ wdgeh. Cddjscojl sbl jhdws bdw td joss, tdd.‗

–@dls ehydhl jhdw oi ot‟s pdssofcl td òl di lgferressglht4‗ Effy esjl`.

–Heb,‗ Kcehky essurl` blr. –^l‟` ecc bevl fllh ndhl cdhn end. Lgferressohnlekb dtblr os tbl D‟Kdhhdr iegocy fortbronbt.‗

KBE]PLV LCLYLH

Bevohn peo` tbl plhecty ill wotb blr dwh gdhly, Beycly pekjl` up idr blr

veketodh dh Iroèy. [bl ò`h't bevl td clevl idr eh bdur, eh` wblh Effylglrnl` irdg tbl sbdwlr, tbl norc wes cyohn ekrdss blr gdtblr's fl`, o`cyplttohn tbl `dns wbd icehjl` blr.

Pbl dc`lr wdgeh wlht td blr kcdslt, splhòhn e gdglht td kbddsl eh dutiot."Kdgguhohn wotb tbl `dns flidrl ydu clevl4" sbl esjl`. [bl puccl` ehuhstrukturl` kdttdh `rlss irdg blr kcdslt eh` scoppl` ot dvlr blr ble`.

"Hd. O kegl td tecj td ydu."

Effy wecjl` dvlr td tbl fl` eh` set `dwh. [bl tdukbl` blr kboc`'s kbllj

eh` esjl`, "Os sdgltbohn wrdhn4"

"_leb." [urprosohncy, Beycly skddtl` dvlr eh` put blr ble` oh blr gdtblr'scep wbocl sbl lhkorkcl` blr weost oh e bun. [bl wes shunncl` eneohst blr sdtonbtcy tbet Effy wes puzzcl`.

"^bet os ot, fefy4 Plcc gl."

Beycly stertl` td kry, blr iekl gdrpbohn ohtd e ieksogocl di tbl segllxprlssodh sbl'` ge`l lvlr sohkl sbl wes e cottcl norc eh` be` sjohhl` blrjhll. "O'g sdrry O wes sukb e alrj efdut kbehnohn gy tokjlt," sbl

wbogplrl`.

Effy strdjl` blr iekl, ketkbohn tbl tlers wblh tbly dvlricdwl` blr co`s. "Db,bdhly, tbet's djey. O'g hdt ehnry wotb ydu."

"O keh't … O keh't nd ewey wblh O jhdw ydu'rl ge`," sbl sdffl`. "O gonbthlvlr sll ydu eneoh."



5>0

"Beycly!" Effy rlekbl` `dwh eh` nrespl` tbl norc, gdvohn blr sd sbl kduc`cddj ohtd blr lyls. "^bet frdunbt tbet dh4"

"O … O tbohj efdut … stuii cojl tbet wblh O icy dr nd dh e trop," sbl seo`, stocckryohn ber`. "@e``y ò`h't jhdw bl'` hlvlr kdgl fekj wblh bl clit tbl

bdusl tbet èy."

Effy puccl` blr èunbtlr kcdsl eh` bunnl` blr wotb ecc blr gonbt. "Db,swlltblert, ydu'cc kdgl bdgl, eh` O'cc fl weotohn idr ydu. Pry hdt td tbohjefdut sukb se` tbohns."

"Fut O `d," sbl ohsostl`, uhefcl td fl kdhsdcl`. "O `dh't weht ydur cestglgdry di gl td fl gy wbohohn efdut sdgl stupo` tokjlt!"

"Beycly." Effy ruffl` Beycly's werg sjoh, tryohn td kecg blr. "O wduc`hlvlr clt sdgl soccy tbohn cojl tbet kdcdr bdw O illc efdut ydu." [bl puccl`

fekj eh` cddjl` ohtd blr lyls. "_dur ietblr eh` O be` kduhtclss ernuglhts,bdhly, fut O `dh't rlglgflr ehy di tblg dii tbl tdp di gy ble`. Pbet's hdtwbet cests. Ot's tbl cdvl wl illc idr lekb dtblr tbet rlgeohs. O prdgosl ydutbet, fefy." [bl bunnl` blr eneoh eh` esjl`, "Osh't tbet bdw ydu illc efdut ydur è`4 @d ydu rlglgflr tbl ionbts ydu be` wotb bog4"

"Hd," Beycly e`gottl`, blr vdokl stocc sbejohn. "O `dh't rlglgflr ionbtohnwotb bog."

"_du ò`," Effy seo`, ceunbohn aust e cottcl. "Lvlry kboc` bes ernuglhts eh`òsenrllglhts wotb blr perlhts. Ot's dhl di tbl weys wl nrdw up. Fut tbly'rl

idrndttlh quokjcy, bdhly. O prdgosl ydu."

Beycly cddjl` et blr gdtblr, blr lyls sd ioccl` wotb peoh tbet Effy's blertkclhkbl`. "@d ydu cdvl gl, Gdg4"

Effy kcutkbl` blr td blr kblst eh` wbosplrl`, "O cdvl ydu eh` Prlvdr gdrltbeh O'cc lvlr fl efcl td tlcc ydu. _du gleh tbl wdrc` td gl, Beycly. O cdvl yduwotb ecc gy blert."

***

Pbl peor set tdnltblr dh tbl fl` idr e cdhn togl. Pbly ò`h't sey gukb: ohiekt, Effy tbdunbt blr èunbtlr be` iecclh escllp. Beycly's ble` rlstl` dhEffy's cep, eh` tbl dc`lr wdgeh be` fllh tlh`lrcy `rewohn blr iohnlrtopstbrdunb blr eunbtlr's cdhn, fcekj beor. Beycly kduc` rerlcy rlsost tbl scdw,sddtbohn gessenl eh` ohveroefcy ilcc escllp aust es sbl be` wblh sbl wes efefy eh` Effy wduc` skretkb blr fekj. Fut tbos togl tbl norc wesh't scllpohn ‐ sbl wes tbohjohn. [bl strltkbl` eh` rdccl` dhtd blr fekj, clevohn blrble` poccdwl` dh blr gdtblr's cep. "^duc` ydu fl kddc wotb ot oi O turh dut td



5><

fl qullr4"

ôtb blr blert ndohn irdg e scdw, stle`y flet td e iucc-dh neccdp, Effy idrkl`blrslci td tejl e scdw, llp frletb, tryohn td gejl blr rekohn tbdunbts slttcl`dwh sd tbet sbl kduc` ehswlr. Hdt idr tbl iorst togl, sbl wosbl` tbet blr

èunbtlr wduc` novl blr sdgl venul werhohn flidrl sbl tbrlw e fdgf etblr, fut sbl wes surl tbet wduc`h't bepplh oh tbl hler iuturl.

"@d ydu tbohj ydu erl4" Effy esjl`, tryohn td ioh` dut wbet Beycly wesrleccy esjohn ‛ eh` wby ‛ flidrl sbl ndt oh tdd `llp.

"O ùhhd."

Nrlet. [bl hlvlr gejls tbohns lesy. "^by esj tbl qulstodh4"

"O wes aust tbohjohn efdut ot. _du ò`h't bevl gukb rlektodh dhl wey dr tbl

dtblr wblh O tdc` ydu efdut Kcehky." Pbl norc sboitl` e cottcl eh` turhl` blrble` sd sbl kduc` cddj ohtd blr gdtblr's lyls. "^by4"



5>9

"^by4" Flkeusl O be` e werhohn. Kcehky tdc` gl ydu wlrl ohtlrlstl` oh blrronbt eitlr wl jossl` idr tbl iorst togl. Hd … tbet wdh't icy. Pbohj di e nddèhswlr. [bl ecweys jhdws wblh ydu'rl hdt flohn bdhlst. "O nulss O ò`h't

rlekt gukb flkeusl ot ò`h't sllg cojl e fon `lec."

"Ot wes e fon `lec td gl!" Fcul lyls wlrl fcezohn wotb ohònhetodh.

"Hd, hd," Effy sddtbl`, strdjohn Beycly's kbllj. "O jhdw ydu wlrl upsltwotb Kcehky, fut ydu ò`h't ekt cojl ydu wlrl blertfrdjlh. _du ektl` cojlsbl'` burt ydur illcohns eh` lgferressl` ydu. Hdt cojl ydu wlrl sd krezyefdut blr tbet ydu kduc`h't nd dh."

Beycly's gdutb sco` ohtd e sgecc sgocl. "O nulss tbet's trul. [bl rleccy possl`gl dii. [bl wduc`h't lvlh kdhso`lr ndohn dut wotb gl. Ge`l gl illc stupo`."

"Bevlh't ydu lvlr turhl` ehydhl `dwh icet4"

"_leb … fut hdfd`y kutl!" Pblrl wes e gdglhtery peusl, tblh Beyclystertl` td ceunb, wotb Effy idccdwohn ronbt ecdhn.

"]rltty kdhio`lht tblrl, erlh't ye4" Effy tlesl`.

"Hd, hdt rleccy," Beycly seo`. "_du jhdw wbet O gleh, `dh't ye4"

"O'g hdt surl. Plcc gl."

"O `dh't behn erduh` wotb e nuy uhclss O'g e cottcl ohtlrlstl` oh bog. Kcehkytrletl` gl cojl sbl cojl` gl, eh` O jhdw sbl's sohncl. Ecc O wehtl` td `d wesbevl òhhlr wotb blr, fut sbl ektl` cojl sbl'` retblr stef blrslci!"

"Db, bdhly, O'g surl ot wesh't tbet."

Beycly cddjl` ronbt ohtd blr gdtblr's lyls eh` esjl`, "@o` sbl tlcc ydu efdutwbet bepplhl`4"

"_leb, sbl ò`," Effy seo`, blr blert fletohn sd ber`, sbl wes surl Beyclywduc` fl efcl td illc tbl fcdd` pduhòhn oh blr tbonbs.

"@o` sbl tlcc ydu wby sbl wduc`h't nd dut wotb gl4"

"\b-bub." Effy be` hlvlr trol` sd ber` td sduh` kesuec, eh` sbl iduh` otgukb ber`lr tbeh sbl wduc` bevl nulssl`. "[bl o`h't tbohj ot wes ronbt tdnd dut wotb ydu flkeusl di blr pdsotodh. Ot's hdt e ndd` o`le td nd dut wotb e



5>2

"^bet's tbl òiilrlhkl, Gdg4" [bl'` turhl` blr ble` eh` nezl` ohtd Effy'slyls, cddjohn nuoclclss eh` ohhdklht.

"^blh e geh's rleccy ohtlrlstl` oh ydu, bl usls tbl ètl td nlt td jhdw ydu

‛ hdt aust es togl td jocc flidrl bl keh stert pewohn ydu. Oi bl's ohtlrlstl` oh ydu, eh` ydu'rl ohtlrlstl` oh bog ‛ ydu'cc illc ot. O prdgosl."

"Os tbet bdw ot wes wotb @e``y4"

Effy stertl` td sbut `dwh es sbl ecweys ò` wblh Beycly esjl` blr vlryplrsdhec qulstodhs. Fut tbos togl sbl tdc` tbl trutb. "_ls. Pbet's lxektcy bdwot wes. Fy tbl lh` di dur iorst etl, O jhlw bl wes splkoec. Eh` O kduc` tlcc blwes ohtlrlstl` oh gl. Bl keccl` gl tbl hlxt èy, eh` O tbohj O wduc` bevlndhl krezy oi bl be`h't."

"@o` ydu scllp wotb bog4" Beycly esjl`, ecweys pusbohn.

"Di kdursl O o`," Effy seo`, wetkbohn blr eunbtlr's lyls nrdw wo`l. "^blrl`d ydu tbohj ydu eh` Prlvdr kegl irdg4"

***

Dh tbl wey td tbl eorpdrt, Effy flneh td illc glcehkbdcy efdut bevohn blrfefy clevl tbl hlst dhkl eneoh. "O bdpl ydu bevl e nrlet togl oh Geohl," sblseo`, "lvlh tbdunb O'g ndhhe goss ydu cojl krezy."

"O `duft tbet," tbl norc seo`. "_du'rl prdfefcy sokj di gl fy hdw. O jhdw O nltdh ydur hlrvls, Gdg."

Effy nevl blr e stuhhl` cddj. "Beycly, O'g hlvlr sokj di ydu! by wduc` ydulvlr tbohj tbet4"

Pbl yduhnlr wdgeh sterl` dut tbl woh`dw, cddjohn et tbl verolty difuocòhns dh tbl \.[.K. kegpus es tbl ker krewcl` tbrdunb tbl scdw treiiokdh tbl 55= irllwey. Preiiok wes gdvohn scdwcy lhdunb idr Effy td cddj et blrèunbtlr's prdiocl idr cdhn gdglhts. Pbl yduhn wdgeh cddjl` vlry`lprlssl`, gukb gdrl tbeh sbl usueccy ò` eitlr e sgecc òseppdohtglht.

"[wlltblert, wbet's ndohn dh4 O'g vlry nce` tbet ydu kegl bdgl, eh` O'g se`td sll ydu nd. Oi ehydhl sllgs upslt efdut ydur stey, ot's ydu."

Beycly hd``l` sconbtcy. "Geyfl ydu'rl ronbt. Geyfl O sbduc` bevl ndhl tdOtecy wotb Prlvdr. Di kdursl, ydu prdfefcy wduc`h't bevl clt gl nd. O kduc`h'tnd cest Kbrostges."

Effy sonbl`, wdh`lrohn bdw gehy togls tbet tdpok wduc` fl frdunbt up. "O



5>?

wduc` bevl fllh beppy td slh` ydu td Lurdpl wotb Prlvdr, bdhly. O lvlhsunnlstl` ot et dhl pdoht. _du jhdw vlry wlcc wby O wduc`h't clt ydu nd etKbrostges."

"_leb, yleb, O jhdw. ^l hll` td stey tdnltblr dh tbl bdcoèys."

"Pbet wesh't gy geoh rlesdh, eh` ydu jhdw ot. O wesh‟t ndohn td clt gyèunbtlr nd sjoohn oh Nstee` wotbdut ehy eùct suplrvosodh. O jhdw ydurirolh`s bevl e cdt di gdhly, eh` tbly'rl usl` td bevohn e cdt di irll`dg ‛ futtbet's hdt bdw ydu eh` Prlvdr wlrl reosl`. Gy adf os td prdtlkt ydu uhtoc O illc ydu'rl dc` lhdunb td gejl geturl `lkosodhs. Eh` wblh ydu'rl wotb Jlrryeh` @ehe eh` Geye, ydu nlt kerrol` ewey."

"O `d hdt," sbl nrugfcl`.

Effy wes tlgptl` td rlkduht ohstehkls wblh Beycly be`, oh iekt, ndttlh

kerrol` ewey wblh sbl wes wotb blr irolh`s, fut sbl tbdunbt ot flst td rdptbl gettlr. [bl rlekbl` dvlr eh` kerlssl` Beycly's beor, ruhhohn blriohnlrs tbrdunb tbl tbokj, fcekj streh`s. "Hd gettlr wbet ydu gonbt tbohj,O'g ndohn td goss ydu, bdhly. O cdvl ydu ‛ pceoh eh` sogpcl. Eh` O ecweys trytd gejl lkosodhs tbet erl oh ydur cdhn-tlrg flst ohtlrlsts. Lvlh tbdunb ydutbohj O trlet ydu cojl e kboc`, O bdhlstcy try hdt td."

Beycly turhl` eh` nevl blr gdtblr e beci-sgocl. "O jhdw ydu cdvl gl, Gdg.Ot's hdt ydur ieuct O'g bevohn e sbotty sugglr. Geyfl tbohns wocc fl flttlr fytbl togl O nlt fekj irdg Geohl."

"O bdpl sd, bdhly. O jhdw sugglrs erl ogpdrteht, lsplkoeccy sohkl ydu dhcybevl tbrll gdrl flidrl ydu bevl td stert suppdrtohn ydurslci." [bl sgocl` ettbl stuhhl` lxprlssodh dh blr èunbtlr's iekl, rlgoh`l` dhkl eneoh bdwvlry yduhn Beycly ditlh sllgl`.

***

Effy wetkbl` tbl gohutls tokj fy cojl bdurs, illcohn es oi Kcehky wduc`hlvlr iohosb idr tbl èy. ^blh tbl krlw ioheccy jhdkjl` dii et 91==, tblceh`skeplr wecjl` `dwh td tbl bdusl eh` jhdkjl` dh tbl `ddr. "Bo," sblseo`, flohn kesueccy idrgec sohkl Vegdh wes hlerfy. "^l'vl iohosbl` es

gukb es wl keh `d ronbt hdw. êhhe tejl e cddj4"

Dutso`l, Effy sgocl` et Vegdh. "_du'vl `dhl e wdh`lriuc adf sd ier. O'gvlry, vlry ogprlssl`."

"Pbehj ydu, Grs. Nrebeg," bl seo`. "^l bevl e ndd` krlw."

Effy wlht td tbl l`nl di tbl pddc, cddjohn up et tbl bocc td tejl oh tbl sterj,



52=

kdhkrltl fcdkj strukturl. Ot's ndohn td cddj nrlet wblh ot's iohosbl`," sbl seo`. Purhohn td Kcehky, sbl seo`, "O hll` dhl gdrl tbohn e``l` td tbl prdalkt."

"[url. ^l cdvl td e`` tbohns, `dh't wl Vegdh4"

"Ot `lplh`s dh tbl tbohn," bl seo`, bos gdutb kurcohn up oh e sgocl.

"Pbos dhl os sogpcl," Effy seo`. "O tecjl` td gy hlw hlonbfdrs eh` diilrl` tdpeoht tbl so`l di tbl wecc tbet iekls tblor prdplrty. Pbly'rl ndohn td kbddsltbl kdcdr sddh. Os tbet djey4"

"_du `dh't bevl td `d tbet, Effy," Kcehky seo`. "Pbl wecc os lhtorlcy dh ydurso`l di tbl prdplrty cohl."

"O jhdw O dh't bevl td," sbl seo`, "fut tbl nrey kdhkrltl fcdkj os prltty sterj.Gy so`l wocc cddj cdvlcy, fut tblors … lcc, O wduc`h't weht td bevl tblg put

up e wecc tbet O'` bevl td iohosb dii."

"_du'rl e ndd` hlonbfdr," Kcehky seo`, sgocohn et tbl dc`lr wdgeh.

"^l cdvl td peoht," Vegdh seo`. "Hd blevy coitohn."

"Nrlet! O'cc nlt tblor kdcdr kbdokl eh` clt ydu jhdw."

Vegdh nevl blr e sconbt fdw eh` seo`, "Pbl krlw os oh e burry td nlt bdgl. Pblrl's e fon iñtfdc negl tdhonbt."

Effy cddjl` puzzcl`, fut seo`, "Bevl e ndd` wlljlh`, Vegdh. l'cc sll ydufekj blrl sddh."

Es tbl geh wecjl` ewey, Effy seo`, "Ot sllgs lercy idr iddtfecc."

"Bl's tecjohn efdut sdkklr," Kcehky seo`. "Ecc di tbl nuys erl irdg Glxokd,eh` tblrl's e fer tbly nd td oh Cds Ilcoz td wetkb tbl Glxokeh hetodhec tlegdh setlccotl."

"Pbet sduh`s cojl iuh," Effy seo`. "Geyfl wl sbduc` adoh tblg."

Kcehky nevl blr e buhnry cddj eh` esjl`, "@o` Beycly clevl4"

Pbl dc`lr wdgeh rlgdvl` Kcehky's kep eh` pceyl` wotb blr beor, ektohnuhkdhklrhl`, "\b-bub. ^l'rl ecc ecdhl."

"Pblh wl prdfefcy sbduc` nd td Cds Ilcoz. Pblrl wdh't fl ehytbohn iuh idr aust tbl twd di us td `d."



525

Effy nreffl` dhtd tbl erkbotlkt's jbejo sbort eh` pceyiuccy tdssl` blrerduh`. "O bevl e kdupcl di tbohns oh goh`, eh` tbl iorst dhl os ndohn idr eswog. Kerl td adoh gl4"

"^lcc, ot's hdt sdkklr, fut ot'cc bevl td `d," Kcehky seo`, novohn blr e tddtby

nroh.

***

Eitlr e cdhn, rlcexohn swog, Effy frdunbt dut pcestok ncessls ioccl` wotb kdc`fllr. Pbl peor set oh tbl Aekuzzo eh` clt tbl werg wetlr sddtbl ewey tblstrlss di tbl wllj. "O'g sd rlcexl`, O kduc` iecc escllp ronbt blrl," Kcehky seo`.

"Hd òhhlr4" Effy gdvl` kcdslr eh` put blr erg erduh` Kcehky.

"^lcc, geyfl e cottcl òhhlr."

Jossohn e wlt petb up tbl tehhl`, guskucer erg, Effy seo`, "Bdw efdut eilw jossls4 @dls tbet ohtlrlst ydu lhdunb td stey ewejl4"

"O nulss O kduc` stey up idr e ilw … fut tblh ot's ronbt td fl`," Kcehk y seo`,sgocohn.

"Fl` ot os," Effy rlpcol`, gejohn Kcehky's lyls nd wo`l wblh sbl rlecozl`wbet Effy be` aust enrll` td.

[bl wetkbl` blr irolh`'s cdhn, cleh fd`y es Effy wlht ohtd tbl bdusl tdstert òhhlr, rlecozohn tbet sbl wesh't torl` ehy gdrl. Oh iekt, sbl westohncohn ecc dvlr eh` kduc`h't weot idr òhhlr td fl iohosbl`.

***

^blh Kcehky ndt td tbl fekj ddr, Effy beh`l` blr e tdwlc, e P-sbort, eh` epeor di fdxlrs. –O put ydur kcdtbls oh tbl wesblr. Pbly cddjl` cojl ydu‟` fllhfurol` oh gu`!‗

–Pbos wes e òrty èy,‗ Kcehky enrll`. –Goh` oi O wesb gy beor4‗

–Hd, nd ronbt eble`. O‟cc bevl òhhlr rle`y fy tbl togl ydu‟rl iohosbl`.‗

Kcehky fettl` blr lylcesbls eh` seo`, –Pbdsl erl tbl wdr`s O‟vl cdhnl` tdbler.‗

Novohn blr e pet dh tbl slet, Effy seo`, –Nlt ndohn hdw. _du dh‟t weht yduròhhlr td nlt kdc`.‗



526

Kcehky wecjl` ohtd tbl fetbrddg, wbostcohn e beppy tuhl es sbl ò`.

***

Pbl wdglh wlrl e cottcl tlhtetovl wotb lekb dtblr ùrohn òhhlr. Es cdhn estblor kdhvlrsetodh kdhklrhl` tbl ceh`skepl, lvlrytbohn wes iohl. Futhlotblr wes e``rlssohn tbl tdpok tbet Effy be` bohtl` et ‛ tbet sbl wesrle`y td tejl tblor rlcetodhsbop td tbl hlxt clvlc.

Pbly kclehl` tbl jotkblh tdnltblr, hlotblr seyohn gukb. Lvlh tbl `dns wlrlquolt idr e kbehnl, eh` Kcehky swdrl tbet sbl kduc` bler tbl kcdkj dvlr tblsohj tokjohn.

Effy ioheccy kclerl` blr tbrdet eh` seo`, –^by dh‟t ydu nd ohtd tbl `lh4 O‟cctdss ydur tbohns oh tbl `rylr eh` fl ronbt oh.‗

Kcehky ò` es sbl wes òrlktl`, fut sbl wesh‟t surl bdw td turh tbl PY dh,sd sbl set `dwh wotb tbl `dns, ecc tbrll lxplktehtcy weotohn. Effy ceunbl`wblh sbl wecjl` ohtd tbl rddg e ilw gdglhts cetlr. Kcehky wes sottohn dhtbl kdukb, icehjl` fy Etblhe eh` Ertlgos, ecc tbrll di tblg upronbt ehèclrt. –^bet erl ydu ecc weotohn idr4‗

–Dur ievdrotl plrsdh,‗ Kcehky seo`, sgocohn

Effy rlturhl` blr sgocl, fut ot dhcy cestl` idr e gdglht. –O‟vl fllh … O `dh‟tjhdw bdw td esj tbos …‗

–^bet os ot4‗ Kcehky esjl`. –Os sdgltbohn wrdhn4‗

–Hd, hdt wrdhn, fut …‗ [bl clt dut e frletb eh` seo`, –O‟g wdrrol` efdut ydur trukj.‗

–Gy trukj4‗ Pbl cddj dh Kcehky‟s iekl wes dhl di tdtec kdhiusodh. –^betefdut gy trukj4‗

–Oi wl … oi ydu `lko`l td … stey dvlr …,‗ Effy flneh, blr vdokl ketkbohn dhhlercy lvlry wdr`.

Kcehky stdd` eh` wlht td blr irolh`. ]uttohn e beh` dh blr sbduc`lr, sblseo`, –@dh‟t wdrry efdut tbet. O‟cc gdvl ot e ilw fcdkjs ewey. Hd dhl wocc sllot.‗

Effy kcdsl` blr lyls. –O illc cojl e iddc idr wdrryohn efdut tbos, fut O jhdw eccdi gy hlonbfdrs, eh` dhl di Beycly‟s irolh`s covls aust `dwh tbl strllt ‛‗



52;

–Ot‟s hdt e prdfclg,‗ Kcehky ohsostl`. –O‟cc gdvl ot ronbt hdw.‗

–Clt gl `rovl flboh` ydu, sd ydu `dh‟t bevl td wecj.‗

–Pbet‟s hdt hlklssery. Vleccy. Fut ydu keh gejl gl e hokl kdc` `rohj idr

wblh O nlt fekj.‗

–^bet wduc` ydu cojl4‗

–[urprosl gl,‗ Kcehky seo`. [bl fclw Effy e joss, tblh wlht dut tbl fekj`ddr td nlt blr fddts.

***

Kcehky rlturhl` e ilw gohutls cetlr, sgocohn wblh Effy dplhl` tblpl`lstroeh ddr oh tbl netl. –O idrndt efdut nlttohn fekj oh,‗ sbl seo`. –O kduc`

bevl fllh dut blrl ecc honbt!‗

Pbly wecjl` ohtd tbl bdusl tdnltblr, tbl `dns rladokohn et Kcehky's rlturh.Oh tbl `lh, tblrl wlrl twd cernl ncessls di clgdhe`l sottohn dh tbl kdiilltefcl. "Ggg … O cdvl clgdhe`l," Kcehky seo`. [bl set `dwh, pokjl` up encess eh` tddj e cernl rohj flidrl Effy kduc` sey e wdr`. Pbl dc`lr wdgeh`o` bdc` up e beh` eh` try td sonhec tbl ceh`skeplr, fut sbl wes tdd cetl.Kcehky hlercy spet tbl gdutbiuc ekrdss tbl rddg. [bl sceppl` blr beh`dvlr blr gdutb eh` gehenl` td nlt ot `dwh, tblh cddjl` et Effy cojl sbl'`trol` td pdosdh blr. "^bet oh tbl blcc os oh tbos4"

"O tbdunbt ydu gonbt cojl sdgltbohn e cottcl strdhnlr tbeh rlnucer clgdhe`l,"sbl seo`, cddjohn sbllposb. "Prlvdr kcul` gl oh dh tbos. O swler O trol` tdwerh ydu …"

Kcehky pokjl` up tbl ncess, shoiil` ot tlhtetovlcy, tddj e gdrl gd`lretl sop,tblh seo`, "_du jhdw … ot's ndd` … hdw tbet O'g prlperl` idr ot." [blsgekjl` blr cops eh` e``l`, "Ektueccy, ot's vlry ndd`. Bdw `d ydu gejl ot4"

"Ot's prltty lesy," Effy seo`. "Pejl e keh di irdzlh clgdhe`l eh` e`` e keh divd`je ecdhn wotb twd kehs di wetlr. Ydoce!"

"^dw," Kcehky seo`. "Pbos os tbl joh` di kdkjteoc gy irolh`s wduc` cojl."

"Illc irll td sberl," Effy seo`. [bl tddj e `rohj eh` rlcexl` ohtd tbl kdrhlrdi tbl slktodhec sdie. "O'g e cottcl hlrvdus. Bdw efdut ydu4"

Pbl yduhnlr wdgeh clehl` fekj es wlcc, tblh cohjl` blr beh`s erduh` ejhll eh` rdkjl` fekj eh` idrtb idr e gdglht. "Cottcl fot. Bevlh't `dhl tbos



520

oh e wbocl."

"Gl lotblr," Effy seo`. "E rleccy cdhn wbocl. Ektueccy … hlvlr."

"_du jhdw," Kcehky seo`, "lvlh tbdunb O bevlh't `dhl tbos oh e wbocl, O bevl

clerhl` dhl tbohn oh gy ètohn kerllr."

"^bet's tbet4"

Kcehky tddj e `rohj, tblh seo`, "@dh't rusb ot. _du keh't pceh dh wblh tblronbt togl wocc strojl ydu. @dohn tbohns dh e skblùcl nuerehtlls e fe`lxplrolhkl."

Cddjohn et blr wotb eiilktodh, Effy esjl`, "Bevl ydu be` gehy fe`lxplrolhkls4"

"_leb, O'vl be` gy sberl. Pbohns wlrl ber` wblh O wes yduhn. ^l'` bevl tdbevl slx flkeusl wl be` e pcekl ‛ retblr tbeh e furhohn `lsorl."

"Ggg … gejls slhsl. Fut tbohns sllg sd gukb lesolr wblh ydu'rl yduhn,`dh't tbly4" Effy soppl` blr `rohj es sbl cddjl` et blr irolh`kdhtlgpcetovlcy. "Es ydu nlt dc`lr, ydu tbohj gdrl." [bl ceunbl` sditcy."Pbohjohn nlts ydu oh trdufcl."

"_leb." Kcehky soppl` et blr clgdhe`l, tblh seo`, "Pblrl wes e sogpclfleuty td flohn efcl td tbohj dhcy efdut tbl prlslht. Nlts ber`lr lvlry yler." [bl sgocl` et Effy eh` seo`, "Hdw O tbohj efdut tdèy, tdgdrrdw,

hlxt yler, tbl rlst di gy coil."

"@d ydu tbohj di gl wblh ydu tbohj efdut tbl rlst di ydur coil4" Effy esjl`.

Kcehky hd``l`. "@liohotlcy." [bl put blr `rohj `dwh eh` turhl` sd sbl wesiekohn tbl dc`lr wdgeh. "Lvlry togl. _du'rl oh gy pcehs … gy `rlegs."

Effy cddjl` et blr eh` seo`, "Pbet gejls gy blert rekl." Blr lyls icuttlrl`kcdsl`. "Ot's fllh sukb e cdhn togl sohkl sdgldhl's kerl` efdut gl cojl tbet."

"O kerl efdut ydu," Kcehky seo`. "Ylry, vlry gukb."

"O kerl efdut ydu, tdd," Effy seo`. "Ot estduh`s gl bdw gukb."

"[tocc hlrvdus4" Kcehky esjl`.

Effy sgocl` wrycy, "Gdrl tbeh lvlr."



52<

"Clt's nd sot dutso`l. Ot's e cdvlcy honbt."

"Djey. ôcc O fl werg lhdunb4"

Kcehky cddjl` et blr dutiot ‐ e rddgy swletsbort tbl kdcdr di cogl sblrflt,eh` e peor di pohj dxidr`-kcdtb fdxlr sbdrts. "_du gonbt fl e cottcl kboccy, futO keh blcp jllp ydu werg."

Pbly wlht dut`ddrs, tbl `dns, es usuec, idccdwohn tblg. "Ot's plrilkt dut,"Effy seo`, "fut ydu keh stocc jllp gl werg."

Kcehky set `dwh dh tbl tbokj pe` di tbl cdvlslet eh` put blr erg erduh`blr irolh`. "O illc e cottcl cojl e tllhenlr et e gdvol," sbl seo`. "[bduc` O bevltrol` tbl iejl yewh flidrl O ohkdhspokuduscy `repl` gy erg ekrdss ydursbduc`lrs4"

Effy cey blr ble` dh Kcehky's sbduc`lr. "Hd, O tbohj wl keh sjop eble` ecottcl fot. Clt's ekt cojl wl'rl oh kdcclnl ‐ et clest."

"O keh `d tbet." Kcehky clehl` fekj, efcl td spdt e ilw sters tbrdunb tblegfolht conbt di gltrdpdcoteh Cds Ehnlcls. "Ot's sd hokl dut blrl. O keh sglcctbl genhdcoes eh` tbl honbt-fcddgohn aesgohl."

"_leb. Pblrl's sdgltbohn efdut aesgohl …"

Kcehky's vdokl rdppl` ohtd e cdwlr rlnostlr. "Ggg-bgg. [dgltbohn efdut

ot sglccs slxy … slùktovl."

Effy set up eh` pcekl` blr iohnlr aust flcdw Kcehky's ler. [cdwcy, sbl sco` ot`dwh blr hlkj, pest blr sbduc`lr, ruhhohn ot ecc tbl wey td blr beh`. E rodtdi nddsl-fugps idccdwl` oh blr wejl, eh` sbl sew Kcehky sbovlr. "O cdvl otwblh ydur vdokl nlts cdw eh` slxy."

"[dgltbohn efdut ydu gejls ot tbet wey," tbl fcdh`l seo`. "^blh wl'rltdnltblr, O ogglòetlcy ioh` gyslci wehtohn td bdc` ydu. Ot's ecc O keh `d tdstdp gyslci irdg bunnohn ydu wblh ydu kdgl dutso`l td frohn wetlr td us."

"Geyfl ydur glh wduc` aust tbohj ydu wlrl vlry, vlry tbehjiuc," Effytlesl`.

"Hd, tbly'rl e prltty sevvy fuhkb. Vegdh pokjl` up dh Beycly's krusb dh glflidrl O ò`."

"Db." Effy, su``lhcy eh` dfvoduscy uhlesy, cddjl` et blr irolh`. "@d ydu



529

tbohj bl jhdws efdut us4"

"Oi bl dls, bl besh't seo` ehytbohn," Kcehky seo`. "Bl's prltty up irdht, sd O'`lxplkt bog td esj gl oi bl tbdunbt sdgltbohn wes ndohn dh."

Effy sbddj blr ble`, cddjohn cojl sbl wes tryohn td òscd`nl e tbdunbt. "O`dh't jhdw wby ot fdtblrs gl. Ot sbduc`h't."

"@dlsh't gettlr oi ot sbduc` dr hdt," Kcehky seo`. "_du keh't dr`lr ydurillcohns erduh`. Oi ydu weht, O'cc frusb Vegdh dii oi bl esjs."

"Hd, `dh't `d tbet," Effy seo`, illcohn cojl sbl wes flohn soccy. "^l'cc ionurldut wbet td `d wblh tbl togl kdgls."

Kcehky set quoltcy, tejohn oh tbl sgecc honbts sduh`s di tbl hlonbfdrbdd`.Eh dkkesodhec ker wduc` rovl fy, fut tblor proveky wesh't lvlh osturfl` fy

ble`conbts ehy cdhnlr, hdw tbet tbl kdhkrltl fcdkjs wlrl up. Pbl dhcy kcultbet tbly wlrl surrduh`l` fy dtblr pldpcl wes tbl gutl` sduh` di ehlhnohl streohohn up tbl stllp bocc. Pbos wes tbl quoltlst, gdst trehquoc yer`sbl'` lvlr fllh oh, eh` glrlcy sottohn dutso`l ge`l blr illc rlauvlhetl`.

Pbly set tbet wey cdhnlr tbeh lotblr rlecozl`, eh` Effy ndt up wblh tbly'ìohosbl` tblor `rohjs, frohnohn dut rlioccs. Kcehky ekklptl`, lvlh tbdunb sblwes stertohn td illc tbl liilkts di tbl eckdbdc. [bl ò`h't hdrgeccy `rohj dh ewdrj honbt, tbdunb sbl ditlh jokjl` fekj dh tbl wlljlh`s. Pbos austsllgl` cojl e vlry ndd` honbt td bevl e cottcl kblgokec rlcexetodh.

Eitlr ehdtblr ilw gohutls be` pessl`, Effy ku``cl` up kcdslr eh` put blrbeh` dh Kcehky's stdgekb. "_du bevl tbl ber`lst cottcl flccy O tbohj O'vl lvlrilct," tbl dc`lr wdgeh seo`. "Erl tblsl wbet tbly kecc wesbfder` efs4"

"_leb," Kcehky seo`, ceunbohn e cottcl. "Es cdhn es O stey et erduh` e buh`rlèh` twlhty pduh`s, tbly'rl vosofcl. Fut tbly'rl tbl iorst tbohns td nd wblh Oput dh e cottcl wlonbt. Pbl guskcls erl stocc tblrl, fut ydu keh't sll 'lg."

Effy wes quolt idr e gdglht, tblh esjl`, "_du keh sll tblg4" Blr vdoklsduh`l` fdtb slxy eh` kurodus, eh` Kcehky `lko`l` td tlesl blr e cottcl.

"\b-bub. Fut ydu'vl ndt td tejl gy sbort dii."

Effy put blr beh` dh tbl èrj nrllh P-sbort sbl'` novlh blr irolh`,tlhtetovlcy strdjohn irdg blr sbduc`lr dwh td blr lcfdw. "O cdvl tbl wey yduiocc dut e sbort," sbl seo`. "O keh illc tbl getlroec streohohn blrl et tbl sleg.O'vl hlvlr tdukbl` e wdgeh wbd ilct cojl ydu `d."

Kbukjcohn, Kcehky esjl`, "Bdw gehy wdglh bevl ydu ilct4"



52>

"E ilw," tbl dc`lr wdgeh seo`, sgocohn wblh Kcehky ò` e cottcl kdgok tejl.

"E ilw … cojl ydur èunbtlr eh` blr irolh`s wblh ydu'rl puttohn suh-fcdkj

dh tblor fekjs4 Dr e ilw … cojl …" [bl sterl` et tbl dtblr wdgeh eh` seo`,"O `dh't lvlh jhdw wbet O'g esjohn."

"Pbl cettlr," Effy seo`, hd`òhn gystlroduscy.

"Kerl td lxpceoh4 O tbdunbt ydu'` rlsostl` ecc ettlgpts td gejl ydu eilgohost clsfoeh."

"O ò`," Effy enrll`, "fut O ò`h't jhdw wbet O wes rlsostohn uhtoc O‟` be` ecottcl testl. _du jhdw O'g e kurodus plrsdh."

Kcehky turhl` oh blr slet, blr ble` kdkjl` et e slvlrl ehncl. "[pocc ot. Hdw."

Effy ceunbl`. "Pblrl osh't e cdt td tlcc. O wlht td skbddc ùrohn e vlryturfuclht togl. _duhn wdglh wlrl qulstodhohn lvlrytbohn tbly'` lvlr fllhteunbt. O o`h't rlecozl ot et iorst, fut gdst di gy irolh`s wlrl stertohn td peordii eh` scllp tdnltblr. O `dh't tbohj gdst di tblg wlrl lxkcusovlcy clsfoeh,fut tbly wlrlh't dppdsl` td eh dkkesodhec wdgeh cdvlr."

"@egh, hdw ydu'vl ndt gl wdh`lrohn oi gy gdg lvlr ò` tbet!" Kcehky'svdokl werfcl` e fot oh ecerg, eh` Effy sdunbt td kdgidrt blr.

"@o` ydur gdg nd td kdcclnl4"

"Hd. [bl gerrol` gy è` hdt cdhn eitlr nreùetohn irdg bonb skbddc. ^by4@d ydu hll` e `lnrll td lxplroglht4"

"Hd," Effy ceunbl`. "Fut tbet wes tbl ronbt lhvordhglht idr flohn erduh`wdglh wbd wlrl tryohn tbohns cojl tbet. ^l be` slnrlnetl` `drgs, cdts digeroauehe, idur wdglh td e rddg …" [bl sgocl`. "Pbohns bepplhl` tbetwduc`h't bevl bepplhl` td e yduhn wdgeh wbd stocc covl` et bdgl. Flso`ls,"sbl seo`, "wby `dls ot fdtblr ydu sd gukb td tbohj di ydur gdtblr bevohn

slx wotb ehdtblr wdgeh4"

"O'g ferlcy kdgidrtefcl wotb blr bevohn slx wotb gy e`," Kcehky seo`. "Uuotirlejohn gl dut!"

Effy put eh erg erduh` blr eh` nevl blr e kdgidrtohn bun. "Kecg `dwh,fefy, O'g surl ydur gdtblr eh` ietblr dhcy be` slx dhkl. Eh` tbet wesprdfefcy eh ekko`lht tbet bepplhl` wbocl tbly wlrl escllp. O'g surl hlotblr



522

dhl di tblg ilct e tbohn."

Kcehky pdjl` blr oh tbl rofs eh` puccl` ewey. "Pbohj efdut ydur gdgnlttohn swlety wotb ehdtblr wdgeh eh` sll bdw ot illcs!"

"]doht wlcc tejlh," Effy seo`, sgocohn.

"Flso`ls, O tbohj ydu'rl aust tryohn td tbrdw gl dii tbl treoc. O wehhe jhdwwbet ydu ò` oh kdcclnl, hdt wbet gy gdg ò`h't `d."

"O o`h't d gukb," Effy seo`. "E ilw jossls, sdgl fekjrufs. Cdts eh` cdts distoii guskcls et \.K.C.E.," sbl e``l`, kbukjcohn.

"Plcc gl efdut tblsl jossls," Kcehky seo`, `rewohn kcdslr. "Novl gl ehlxegpcl."

Effy cddjl` et blr, e quozzokec lxprlssodh dh blr iekl. "_du'rl rleccyohtlrlstl`, erlh't ydu4"

"Blcc, yls! O be` hd o`le ydu'` lvlr jossl` ehdtblr wdgeh!"

"^lcc, O `dh't jhdw oi ydu'vl lvlr jossl` e geh."

"O bevlh't. Hdw tlcc gl efdut tbos!"

"Djey, djey," Effy sddtbl`, nonncohn e cottcl. "O ò`h't jhdw e ilw josslswduc` fl tbos fon e `lec."

"Pbly erl," Kcehky seo`, sterohn et blr ohtlhtcy. "[pocc ot."

"Ecc ronbt," Effy seo`, sottohn fekj. [bl tbdunbt idr e ilw gdglhts, tblhseo`, "Pbl wdgeh O tdc` ydu efdut ‐ Jetol ‐ tbl kegpus cle`lr wbd trol` tdkdhvohkl gl tbet ilgohosg lquecl` clsfoehosg4"

Kcehky hd``l`, tblh set fekj, tdd. Lvlh tbdunb sbl wes sottohn quoltcy, sblwes gdrl eclrt tbeh Effy be` lvlr sllh blr, ohtlht dh lvlry wdr`. "^l'`dhcy fllh irolh`s idr e sbdrt togl. O wes e irlsbgeh eh` sbl wes e slhodr.^l glt wbocl wdrjohn dh e prdalkt idr sdgl keusl … O `dh't lvlh rlglgflr

wbet ot wes. O wes vlry ogprlssl` wotb blr, eh` prdfefcy be` dhl di tbdsle`dclsklht krusbls dh blr."

"Gy gdg o`h't bevl krusbls dh norcs," Kcehky seo`, blr tdhl gejohn ot kclertbet tbos wesh't up idr òskussodh.

"Vonbt. ^lcc, wl ndt td fl irolh`cy, eh` wl'` nd td blr rddg td tecj dr sgdjle adoht. O tbdunbt O wes prltty kddc td fl behnohn erduh` wotb e slhodr, eh` O



52?

wes prdfefcy e cottcl ster strukj. Jetol wes ecweys novohn e spllkb drkbegpodhohn sdgl nrlet keusl." [bl ceunbl` et tbl glgdry. "Ot ecc sllgl`vlry ogpdrteht et tbl togl. Ehywey, sbl stertl` td tecj td gl efdut wdglhcdvohn wdglh. O be`h't novlh tbl tdpok gukb tbdunbt flidrl, fut ot ò`h'tpertokucercy sbdkj gl. Ot sllgl` … prltty heturec."

"Heturec4 ^lrl ydu ettrektl` td norcs wblh ydu wlrl yduhnlr4"

"_leb, e cottcl fot," Effy seo`. "O be` krusbls dh e kdupcl di tlekblrs eh`tbdunbt sdgl di tbl dc`lr norcs oh gy skbddc wlrl efdut tbl kddclst tbohnslvlr krletl`. Fut O'` hlvlr essdkoetl` slxuec illcohns wotb tbdsl krusbls. O aust tbdunbt tbly wlrl … òvohl," sbl seo`, ceunbohn eneoh.

"[d wbet bepplhl` wotb Jetol4"

"^lcc, sbl ruffl` gy fekj dhl honbt wbocl O wes vlry stdhl`, eh` O wduc`h't

bevl goh`l` oi sbl'` turhl` gl dvlr eh` tdukbl` gl wblrlvlr sbl wehtl`."

Effy seo` tbos cojl ot wes tbl gdst heturec tbohn oh tbl wdrc`, fut Kcehky'sble` wes spohhohn. "_du wduc`h't bevl goh`l`4 Goh`l`4"

"_leb. Ot ilct vlry slhsuec eh` lrdtok … fut ot ò`h't gejl gl weht td augpdh blr. Ot wduc` bevl ilct vlry heturec td bevl blr tdukb gl, fut O wesh'tkrevohn ot. Ot's ber` td lxpceoh."

Kcehky fcohjl`. "O nulss ot os 'keusl O'g kculclss!"

"Ot's hdt tbet fon e `lec. Hdt cdhn eitlr tbet, sbl wes oh gy rddg dhleitlrhddh. O covl` oh e drg kcdsl td wblrl tbl iddtfecc tleg prektokl`. Ot wese werg iecc èy, eh` O be` tbl woh`dws dplh. O rlglgflr blerohn ehdkkesodhec sbdut irdg e kdekb eh` tbl tbu` tbet e iddtfecc gejls wblh ydujokj ot. O ilct cojl sukb e kdcclnl norc." [bl sgocl` eneoh, tbohjohn di blrslci ettbet enl. "Jetol wes sottohn dh gy fl`, eh` tbl eitlrhddh suh bot blr,gejohn ecc sdrts di ndc` eh` rl` bonbconbts oh blr beor. O set dwh hlxt td blr,eh` sbl put blr beh` dh gy tbonb. ^l set tblrl idr e ilw gohutls, cddjohnohtd lekb dtblr's lyls, tblh O put gy beh` dh blr kbllj eh` puccl` blrkcdslr. ^l sgocl` et lekb dtblr, eh` O iduh` gyslci jossohn blr."

"^dw," Kcehky seo`, hlercy scekj-aewl`. "_du jossl` blr!"

"_leb, O klrteohcy ò`. [bl jossl` gl fekj, eh` tbet ilct ewiuccy ndd`, sd wlstertl` td gejl dut."

"_du seo` e ilw jossls!"



5?=

Effy sgocl`. "[d getb's hdt gy flst sufalkt. O `dh't jhdw bdw gehy josslswl sberl`. Fut ot ilct nrlet, eh` O kduc` lesocy bevl jlpt ndohn ‐ oi gyrddggetl be`h't kdgl oh."

Kcehky sceppl` blrslci oh tbl idrlble`. "@egh tbet rddggetl!"

Vuhhohn blr beh` up eh` `dwh Kcehky's cln, sbl esjl`, "^by `d ydu wehtgl td bevl be` slx wotb e wdgeh4 ^bet òiilrlhkl `dls ot gejl4"

"E cdt!" Kcehky seo`. "Pblh ydu'` jhdw ydu cojl` ot. O wduc`h't fl sd hlrvdusefdut ydur tbrdwohn gl dut di blrl oh tbl go``cl di ot!"

Effy put blr erg erduh` tbl yduhnlr wdgeh eh` `rlw blr kcdsl. ^blhtbly wlrl hdsl td hdsl sbl seo`, "O'g hdt ndohn td tbrdw ydu dut di blrl. Austflkeusl Jetol eh` O ò`h't bevl slx bes hd flerohn dh us. O'g vlry, vlryettrektl` td ydu, Kcehky. Eh` O jhdw wbd O eg hdw. O'g hdt eireo` di tbos."

"Os tbet wby ydu ò`h't bevl slx wotb Jetol4 ^lrl ydu eireo`4"

"E cottcl. O cojl` ot flttlr wblh O wes gejohn tbl iorst gdvl. Pbet ilct seil tdgl. Fut eitlr tbet eitlrhddh, sbl jlpt tryohn td tecj gl ohtd ot. Pbet hlvlrwdrjs wotb gl. O `dh't rlspdh` wlcc td prlssurl."

"O‟cc jllp rlgohòhn gyslci di tbet," Kcehky seo`. "O dh't wehhe gejl Jetol'sgostejl."

"Bly, O wes lonbtllh et tbl togl. O'vl nrdwh up e cottcl fot … O bdpl."

"_du'vl nrdwh up hoklcy," Kcehky seo`. [bl put dhl erg erduh` Effy's fekj,tbl dtblr flboh` blr jhlls, eh` sco` tbl dc`lr wdgeh ronbt dhtd blr cep."_du `dh't goh` oi O gejl tbl iorst gdvl, `d ydu4"

Novohn blr e lclktefcy slxy joss, Effy wbosplrl`, "O prlilr ot." [bl toctl` blrble` eh` stertl` td hoffcl dh tbl fcdh`l's ler, ogglòetlcy efcl td illc eber` hoppcl prlssohn eneohst blr erg. "[d rlspdhsovl," sbl gurgurl`,clttohn blr beh` frusb dvlr tbl frlest tbet be` kepturl` blr ettlhtodh. [bl`repl` fdtb ergs erduh` tbl erkbotlkt's hlkj eh` bunnl` blr kcdsl. "O cojl

tbos," Effy seo`. "E cdt."

"O cojl ot, tdd," Kcehky enrll`, sterohn ohtlhtcy et blr perthlr's cops. "]lrilktidr jossohn."

Effy clehl` oh eh` stertl` td joss tbl iucc, pohj cops, blerohn blrslci gdehwblh Kcehky's gdutb dplhl` sconbtcy. Pbly blc` lekb dtblr tonbtcy, prlssohntblor frlests ohtd dhl ehdtblr. Pbly jossl` uhtoc lekb wes dut di frletb,



5?5

tblh Kcehky puccl` fekj eh` cddjl` ohtd Effy's lyls, `lsorl reòetohn irdgtbl fcul drfs. Ogglòetlcy, tbly ilcc ohtd ehdtblr lgfrekl, jossohn eh`sukjohn dh lekb dtblr's cops wotb e repo`cy lskecetohn ohtlhsoty.

"O'g nlttohn e cottcl ozzy," Effy seo`, fcohjohn scdwcy. "O `dh't jhdw oi ot's irdg

ydur jossls dr tbl clgdhe`l."

"Geyfl ot's fdtb." Kcehky puccl` blr kcdsl eh` jossl` blr wotb pessodh,gejohn Effy gdeh eh` squorg dh blr cep. Pbl hlxt togl tblordxynlh-stervl` cuhns idrkl` tblg td pucc epert, Kcehky cddjl` et tbl tecclrwdgeh eh` wbosplrl`, –O weht td tejl ydu td fl`. ôcc ydu scllp wotb gl4‗[bl wes splejohn òrlktcy ohtd Effy‟s ler, nlhtcy hoffcohn dh blr lercdfl.

–_ls.‗ [bl sonbl` `llpcy. –_ls, O wocc.‗

Dhl cest togl, Kcehky puccl` fekj eh` cddjl` ohtd blr irolh`‟s lyls. –Erl ydu

surl4 O `dh‟t weht ydu td lvlr rlnrlt tbos.‗

Blr ble` hd`òhn, Effy jossl` tbl yduhnlr wdgeh eh` seo`, –O‟gkdgpcltlcy surl.‗

Pbly stdd`, Kcehky tddj blr beh`, eh` tbly wecjl` ohtd tbl jotkblhtdnltblr. ^blh tbly rlekbl` tbl steors, sbl stdppl` efruptcy td esj, –^betefdut tbl `dns4‗

–Pbly‟rl iohl,‗ Effy essurl` blr, pettohn blr nlhtcy dh tbl so`l, kdgpcltlcyòsergl` fy blr irolh`‟s tbdunbtiuchlss eh` kdhklrh. "O'cc put tbl clgdhe`l

ewey sd tbly `dh't jhdkj ot dvlr." Kcehky wetkbl` blr gdvl, blr gdutbndohn `ry wblh sbl sew tbl slhsuec, ilcohl nrekl tbet blr irolh` lxbofotl`wblh sbl wes erdusl`. Adohohn Kcehky dh tbl steors, Effy `repl` blr ergerduh` tbl sgecclr wdgeh‟s sbduc`lrs. –Pbly keh scllp ecdhl idr dhl honbt.O kbddsl ydu,‗ sbl seo`, `rdppohn e joss dhtd tbl sdit sjoh di Kcehky‟s hlkj.

–]ddr dns,‗ tbl yduhnlr wdgeh seo`. Pblh blr iekl krlesl` ohtd e wo`l nrohes sbl e``l`, –Cukjy gl.‗

***

Pbly rlekbl` tbl tdp di tbl steors, eh` Effy sllgl` td blsotetl idr egdglht. Kcehky‟s blert troppl`, bdpohn `lsplretlcy tbet sbl be`h‟tkbehnl` blr goh`. Fut e gdglht cetlr, tbl fruhlttl turhl` td tbl clit eh`nuo`l` Kcehky ohtd eh ettrektovl fut sperslcy eppdohtl` rddg. Pbl speklsurprosl` Kcehky, geohcy flkeusl tbl rlst di tbl bdusl wes ioccl` wotbplrsdhec glglhtds eh` pbdtds di tbl iegocy. Pbos rddg, wbocl hoklcy`lkdretl`, wes `lvdo` di ehy sukb e`drhglht.



5?6

Effy blsotetl` aust ohso`l tbl `ddr, cddjohn td Kcehky td tejl tbl cle`. Pblywlrl stehòhn kcdsl td dhl ehdtblr, eh` Kcehky nuo`l` Effy‟s ergs td replerduh` blr hlkj, tblh sbl put blr beh`s dh blr irolh`‟s bops, sgocohn nlhtcywblh sbl ilct tbl wdgehcy kurvls gdc` uh`lr blr beh`s. –Erl ydu djey4‗

–_ls,‗ sbl seo` tbohcy. –O‟g e cottcl uhklrteoh flkeusl tbos os gy iorst togl ‐‗

–Hd, ot‟s hdt,‗ Kcehky ohtlrruptl`. –O‟g surl ydu‟vl ge`l cdvl gdrl tbeh Obevl. Ot‟s hdt gukb oiilrlht irdg wbet ydu‟rl usl` td. Ecc tbet‟s ogpdrteht ostbet wl lxprlss bdw wl illc.‗ [bl nevl blr e kdhio`lht sgocl eh` seo`, –O‟gsurl ydu‟rl eh lxplrt oh bdw td `d tbet.‗

Pbl sgecc plp tecj rlessurl` blr sonhoiokehtcy, eh` Effy nrespl` Kcehky‟s

beh` eh` cl` blr td tbl fl`. Kcehky set eh` nezl` up et blr irolh`, blr lylsrliclktohn blr `lsorl. Effy cddjl` `dwh et blr, blr beh`s rlstohn dh frde`sbduc`lrs. [bl flht td joss blr, jllpohn blr tdukb conbt eh` `lcoketl wbocltblor fdòls ndt usl` td tbos clvlc di ohtogetl kdhtekt.

Kcehky‟s beh`s scoppl` irdg Effy‟s weost `dwh td blr bops, eh` sbl puccl`blr kcdsl. Clehohn dvlr iurtblr eh` iurtblr, wotb Kcehky puccohn nlhtcy, Effyiduh` blrslci stre``cohn tbl yduhnlr wdgeh wbocl sbl nrllòcy sukjl` etblr cops eh` tdhnul. Kcehky ilct cojl blr ble` wduc` lxpcd`l, bevohn blrcdhn-blc` `lsorl ioheccy flkdgohn e rlecoty. Pbl pessodh wes fuocòhnquokjcy, eh` Kcehky tddj e frletb oh surprosl wblh Effy stertl` td tejl

kdhtrdc.

Effy set up sconbtcy eh` yehjl` blr swletsbort dvlr blr ble`, tblh tunnl`dh Kcehky, tryohn td pucc blr kdgpcltlcy dhtd tbl suriekl di tbl fl`. Pblsbdrtlr wdgeh wesh't lesocy gdvl`, fut wblh Effy wbosplrl`, "Kdgl upblrl," sbl skregfcl` dhtd tbl fl`, tblh set iekohn Effy. ^blh sbl be` blrslttcl`, Effy nrespl` blr P-sbort eh` rlgdvl` ot quokjcy, tblh stdpplèfruptcy wblh blr lyls slttcl` dh tbl sbohohn hoppcl rohn. Bevohn hlvlr sllhdhl up kcdsl, sbl nezl` et ot idr e gdglht. Blr beh` gdvl` tlhtetovlcytdwer`s ot, eh` Kcehky nlhtcy rlessurl` blr, –Nd dh. Pdukb ot. Ehy wey yduweht.‗

Blr lyls sboitl` eh` cdkjl` dhtd Kcehky‟s, eh` sbl esjl`, –@dlsh‟t ot burt4‗

Kcehky sgocl` nlhtcy eh` sbddj blr ble`. –Hd, hd, hd. Hdt fy e cdhn sbdt. Otillcs nrlet.‗ [bl tddj Effy‟s beh` eh` gdvl` ot td blr frlest, soclhtcylhkdurenohn blr td lxpcdrl. Pbl dc`lr wdgeh o`, quoltcy wetkbohn Kcehky‟siekl es sbl tdukbl` tbl rohn conbtcy.



5?;

E sgecc sgocl nrlltl` blr, eh` tbl sgocl nrlw wo`lr es blr lxpcdretodhs ndt ecottcl gdrl lhtbusoestok. [bl iduh` tbet sbl kduc` turh tbl blevy rohn, eh`tbet Kcehky‟s lyls stertl` td herrdw lvlry togl sbl o`. E `liohotl tbrdf wesflnohhohn td pucsl fltwllh blr clns, eh` sbl flht eh` tddj tbl `lkdretl`

hoppcl ohtd blr gdutb ‐ sukjohn nlhtcy wbocl blr tdhnul gdvl` tbl rohn upeh` `dwh eh` puccl` dh ot sconbtcy.

–Db, yleb,‗ Kcehky nrdwcl`. –Pbet illcs sd ndd`.‗ Blr vdokl wes rdunb eh`slxy, eh` Effy ilct blr pucsl stert td pduh` lvlh ber`lr. [bl swotkbl` blrgdutb td tbl dtblr frlest eh` sukjl` et ot llpcy, nrdehohn et tbl slhsetodhdi bevohn blr gdutb kdgpcltlcy ioccl` wotb tbl iorg, sdit iclsb.

Kcehky‟s beh`s wlrl hlvlr o`cl wbocl Effy lxpcdrl` blr fd`y. [bl tdukbl`tbl dc`lr wdgeh lvlrywblrl sbl kduc` rlekb, nrohhohn oh `lconbt wblh blrtdukb krletl` e resb di nddsl-fugps ecc ecdhn tbl sdit sjoh. Effy wes

gdehohn tbrdetocy wotb lekb custy sukj, eh` sbl coitl` blr ble` efruptcyeh` cdkjl` lyls wotb Kcehky. otbdut e wdr`, sbl stukj blr tbugfs ohtd blrsbdrts eh` pusbl` tblg dii, tblh tdssl` tblg eso`l eh` cey dh blr fekj.Kcehky clehl` dvlr blr wotb e qulstodhohn cddj, eh` Effy nreffl` blr eh`puccl` blr `dwh, sgocohn wblh sbl ilct tbl wlonbt di tbl stur`y tdrsd etdpblr. –O hll` …‗ sbl stertl` td sey, tblh `lko`l` td sbdw Kcehky retblr tbehtlcc blr. [bl nrespl` tbl ceh`skeplr‟s beh` eh` nuo`l` ot fltwllh blr clns,sukjohn oh e sbejy frletb wblh tbl suppcl iohnlrs sco` ohtd blr wlthlss.–_ls, tbet‟s ot. Pdukb gl, Kcehky. Pdukb gl … ohso`l.‗

Kcehky sco` dhl erg erduh` blr sbduc`lrs eh` `rlw blr kcdsl wbocl sbl

lhtlrl` blr wotb endhozohn scdwhlss. Effy‟s frletbohn wes bersb eh`sbejy, eh` wblh Kcehky‟s iohnlrs be` trevlcl` tbl clhntb di blr, Effynrespl` tbl guskucer erg eh` blc` blr stocc, pehtohn nlhtcy es sbl ilct blriclsb kdhidrg td tbl uhekkustdgl` iucchlss. –Joss gl,‗ sbl frletbl`, blrlyls kcdsl` tonbtcy.

Kcehky oppl` blr ble` eh` cevosbl` e sbdwlr di jossls dh tbl sdit, iucc cops.Blr beh` stertl` td gdvl scdwcy, eh` Effy‟s bops flneh td tbrust td glltblr. Pbly jlpt up tbl sgddtb, scdw, rbytbgok pekl, tblor tdhnuls èhkohneneohst dhl ehdtblr‟s tbl wbdcl wbocl.

Effy‟s clns sprle` lvlh wo`lr, blr fd`y tryohn td ohkrlesl tbl `lptb diplhltretodh. Kcehky slhsl` blr hll` eh` rdtetl` blr wrost, blr iohnlrsscoòhn ecdhn tbl icddr di blr cdvlr‟s venohe. [bl clt blr iohnlrs kurc e fot tdidccdw tbl kdhtdurs di tbl scopplry iclsb, sgocohn tbrdunb tbl jossls wblhEffy nespl` oh pclesurl eh` kcutkbl` et Kcehky rdunbcy. –Db, Nd`,‗ sblnrdehl`. –[d ndd`.‗

Bdcòhn blr aust e cottcl tonbtlr, Kcehky sco` ehdtblr iohnlr oh eh` sgocl`



5?<

Effy frusbl` et tbl ègp beor ecdhn Kcehky‟s tlgpcl eh` pcekl` e josstblrl. –Bevl ydu be` gehy cdvlrs4‗ Blr lyls su``lhcy cot up, eh` sblogglòetlcy trol` td rltrekt blr qulstodh. –O `dh‟t jhdw wby O esjl` tbet!_du `dh‟t bevl td tlcc gl ‐‗

–O `dh‟t goh`,‗ Kcehky seo` ogglòetlcy. –_du‟rl gy ioitb.‗ [bl nevl tblgettlr sdgl tbdunbt eh` splkoiol`. –Gy iorst togl wes wblh O wes lonbtllh. Pblh O glt e wdgeh tbl hlxt yler eh` tbdunbt wl be` e kbehkl td gejlsdgltbohn bepplh. Fut sbl wes tdd kcdsltl` idr gl. Gy stehèr`s erl prlttybonb, eh` O be` e `ry splcc idr e kdupcl di ylers,‗ sbl seo`, kbukjcohn. –HlxtO ètl` Aucol, eh` ydu jhdw tbet stdry. Gy cest wes tbrll ylers end. Pbetwes e vlry froli, vlry uhsetosiyohn rlfduh` icohn tbet O sbduc`h‟t lvlhkduht,‗ sbl seo`. –[d oi O tdss blr dut, ydu‟rl hugflr idur.‗ [bl rdccl` dhtdblr so`l eh` nevl Effy e pceyiuc nroh. –O sbduc`h‟t bevl td kduht sdgldhlwbd ò`h‟t cojl pcehts, ò`h‟t ceunb et gy adjls dr gehenl td novl gl eh

drnesg, sbduc` O4‗

–Bdw `d ydu jhdw tbet O keh4‗ Effy esjl` wotb e sconbtcy ironbtlhl` cddj.

–Db, ydu‟cc d aust iohl,‗ Kcehky seo` es sbl pettl` blr so`l. –O wes efdut tlhslkdh`s ewey wblh ydu kegl. Oi ydu keh turh gl dh tbet gukb wotbdutlvlh tdukbohn gl ‐ wl wdh‟t bevl e fot di trdufcl.‗

Effy nevl blr e sby cddj. –Os tbet trul4 ^lrl ydu rleccy kcdsl4‗

–Db, yleb.‗ [bl stertl` td joss Effy eneoh, gdvohn blr cops sditcy ecdhn blr aew, tblh `dwh blr tbrdet. –_du turh gl dh gdrl tbeh ehydhl O‟vl lvlr fllhwotb. Pblrl‟s sdgltbohn efdut ydu tbet O ioh` efsdcutlcy orrlsostofcl.‗

–O flt ydu sey tbet td ecc tbl norcs,‗ Effy tlesl`, bdpohn tbet Kcehky ò`h‟t.

–Hd wey. O‟vl lhadyl` flohn wotb ecgdst ecc di gy cdvlrs, fut O hlvlr ilct tbetlcusovl sperj. O keh‟t hegl ot ‐ ecc O jhdw os tbet O illc ot wotb ydu.‗

Effy cddjl` et blr kerliuccy, tblh sweccdwl` eh` seo`, –O weht td gejl ydu

illc ot hdw.‗ Blr beh`s rdegl` up irdg tbl weostfeh` di Kcehky‟s sbdrts tdnco`l dvlr blr frlests. –ôcc ydu tlcc gl wbet ydu cojl4‗ [bl glt blr lyls ehè`gottl`, –O‟g rleccy hlrvdus.‗

Lhidcòhn blr oh blr ergs, Kcehky hd``l`, ruffohn blr kboh eneohst tbl tdpdi Effy‟s ble`. –O‟cc novl ydu e ruhhohn kdgglhtery oi ydu weht. O keh fl cojltbdsl ehhduhklrs dh tbl ndci tdur, wblrl tbly wbosplr oh tbl fekjnrduh`.‗



5?9

Effy puccl` fekj eh` nezl` up et blr idh`cy. –O‟cc clt ydu jhdw oi ot‟s tddgukb, fut O‟` rleccy cojl ot oi ydu lrrl` dh tbl so`l di iucc òskcdsurl.‗

–Ot‟s e `lec.‗ [bl bunnl` blr tonbtcy eneoh eh` seo`, –Pblrl‟s dhl tbohn O‟`

rleccy cojl.‗

–^bet‟s tbet4‗ Effy esjl` wotb e stocc-wdrrol` cddj.

–O‟` cojl idr ydu td splh` sdgl togl nlttohn td jhdw gy fd`y. @dh‟t tbohjefdut drnesgs. Lxpcdrl eh` lhady ydurslci. Ot‟cc blcp ydu illc gdrlkdgidrtefcl ‐ nuerehtll`.‗

Effy hd``l` eh` lxpceohl`, –_du illc sd òiilrlht irdg e geh. Ot‟s e cottclber` td nlt usl` td.‗

–Gy fd`y‟s cojl ydurs,‗ Kcehky wbosplrl` kdhsporetdroeccy ohtd blr ler. –Ojhdw ydu tdukb ydurslci.‗

Effy cddjl` up et blr, lercdfls tohtl` pohj. –_du‟rl vlry dplh efdut tbos,erlh‟t ydu4‗

–_leb, O eg. @dls ot fdtblr ydu4‗

–Hd, hd, ot‟cc aust tejl sdgl nlttohn usl` td.‗ [bl cddjl` et Kcehky eneoh ehìduh` blr kdurenl. –Di kdursl O gesturfetl,‗ sbl seo`. –O kduc` kduht tbltogls dh dhl beh` ùrohn gy gerroenl, fut sohkl tblh …‗ [bl sbrunnl`.

–Gy slx `rovl stertl` td kdgl fekj efdut tbrll ylers end ‐ eh` sohkl Oò`h‟t bevl ehy dtblr dutclts …‗

Kcehky rdccl` dhtd blr fekj eh` sprle` blr ergs wo`l. –_du `d hdw,‗ sbltlesl` nlhtcy.

–O nulss O‟` flttlr tejl iucc e`vehtenl,‗ Effy seo`, blr lxprlssodh sdflr. –_duhlvlr jhdw wblh tbl dppdrtuhoty wocc erosl eneoh.‗

Nezohn et blr tbdunbtiuccy, Kcehky wdh`lrl` wblrl tbl blcc tbet kdgglhtbe` kdgl irdg. Fut sbl ò`h‟t weht td ekt cojl ot wes e idrlndhl kdhkcusodh

tbet tbly wduc` kdhtohul tblor ohtogekols ‛ lsplkoeccy oi Effy ò`h‟t tbohjtbly wduc`. Pbl cest tbohn sbl wehtl` td `d wes pusb blr, sd sbl fot blrtdhnul eh` sgocl` up et blr, tryohn td slh` tbl soclht glssenl tbet sbl wesbdpl` tbos wes dhcy tbl iorst di tbduseh`s di togls tbly'` gejl cdvl.

Effy set krdss-clnnl` dh tbl fl` eh` rlner`l` tbl yduhnlr wdgeh. [blwesh‟t quotl surl wblrl td stert, eh` sbl ilct gdrl tbeh e cottcl cojl sbl wesplridrgohn flidrl eh euòlhkl. [bl be` ilct sd vlry kdhhlktl` td Kcehky aust



5?>

e ilw gohutls flidrl, eh` sbl `lsplretlcy wosbl` idr sdgl di tbet genok tdiocc blr eneoh. Kcehky slhsl` blr òskdgidrt eh` set eneohst tbl ble`fder`,puccohn Effy wotb blr. [bl blc` blr oh blr ergs, ruffohn blr nlhtcy idr e ilwgohutls. –êhhe nd td scllp4 Ot‟s djey oi ydu `d.‗

–Hd.‗ Blr ble` sbddj quokjcy, tbl sbdrt beors et tbl fesl di blr ble` tokjcohnKcehky‟s kblst. –O‟vl cdst tbl gdd` e cottcl, eh` hdw O illc uhkdgidrtefcl. Ot‟scojl tbl òiilrlhkl fltwllh rlturhohn e slrvl oh tlhhos eh` tllohn dii oh ndci.Ot‟s gukb lesolr oi ydu dhcy bevl td rlekt.‗

–^lcc, wby ò`h‟t ydu sey sd4‗ Kcehky esjl`. –Es ydu‟vl seo`, O‟g estuplh`dus cdvlr, sd O jhdw bdw td iox tbet.‗

–\bg … O flcolvl O seo` iehtestok,‗ Effy adjohncy kdrrlktl`.

–Lotblr wey, O'vl ndt tbl ehswlr. ^l‟rl ndhhe pcey idccdw tbl cle`lr,‗ sbl

seo`, nrohhohn wblh sbl sew tbl cddj dh Effy‟s iekl. –O‟g ndhhe sbdw yduwbet O cojl ‐ fy dohn ot td ydu.‗ [bl puhktuetl` tbl lh` di blr slhtlhkl fytdukbohn Effy‟s hdsl et lekb wdr`. –_du‟cc clerh wbet O cojl, eh` ydu wdh‟tfl tllohn dii. _du‟cc fl rlturhohn gy slrvl.‗

E nroh slttcl` dh Effy‟s iekl. –ôcc tbos wdrj4‗

–Db, yleb. Cojl e kberg.‗ Kcehky sgocl` eh` seo`, –Pbl iorst tbohn tbet ydubevl td jhdw os tbet O cojl e cdt di jossohn. E wbdcl cdt di jossohn,‗ sbleglh`l`. –_du keh hlvlr bevl tdd gukb jossohn.‗ [bl pcekl` e nlhtcl,glehohniuc joss dh Effy‟s sdit cops, eh` blr lylco`s icuttlrohn kcdsl` oh

rlspdhsl. ]uccohn ewey sconbtcy, sbl weotl` aust e frletb eh` tblh seo`,–_dur turh.‗

Effy‟s sgocl krohjcl` tbl kdrhlrs di blr gdutb, eh` sbl clehl` oh eh`rlturhl` tbl joss wotb lquec ilrvdr. –Cojl tbet4‗

–]lrilkt,‗ Kcehky sonbl`. –Clt‟s `d e ilw gdrl sd wl‟rl kcler, djey4‗

–]rektokl, prektokl, prektokl,‗ Effy enrll`.

Pbly jossl` nlhtcy, tlh`lrcy, lxprlssohn tbl eiilktodh tbly ilct idr dhl

ehdtblr. Kcehky wes sditcy pehtohn wblh tbly frdjl epert, eh` sbl seo`,–_du ketkb dh quokj.‗

–Pbehjs. O‟vl tejlh tbet kcess flidrl. Ot‟s tbl e`vehkl` pceklglht kdurslstbet bevl gl wdrrol`.‗

–_du‟rl `dohn nrlet ‐ aust nrlet,‗ Kcehky essurl` blr. [bl pcekl` Effy dhblr fekj eh` clehl` dvlr blr. –Clt‟s gdvl dh. Hdw,‗ sbl seo`, blr lyls rdvohn



5?2

ecc dvlr Effy‟s ferl fd`y, –O cdvl td bevl gy cops jossl`, fut tbet's hdt tbldhcy pcekl O cojl e ndd` joss. E cottcl sukjohn, e cottcl hoffcohn ‐ lvlh e nlhtclfotl dr twd erl ecc vlry hokl.‗ [bl `lgdhstretl` blr pdoht td plrilktodh,peohtohn e werg, wlt petb irdg Effy‟s kboh td blr tdls.

Es sddh es tbl fcdh`l peusl`, tbl cernlr wdgeh pohhl` blr td tbl gettrlsseh` rlturhl` tbl ievdr, gejohn Kcehky gdeh wotb pclesurl.

[bl be` td fcohj td idkus, fut Kcehky netblrl` blrslci td ohstrukt, –@dh‟tidrnlt tbl rler volw.‗ Vdccohn Effy dvlr, sbl idccdwl` hd petb tbos togl,ectlrhetohn e wlt, scdppy joss td tbl fekj di blr jhll wotb e fotl dh tbl hlkj,e scdw sukjcl di e cottcl pohj tdl wotb cdhn, cuxurodus cokjs ecdhn blr spohl.Effy wes sbovlrohn irdg tbl slhsetodhs, uhefcl td jllp blr fd`y irdgtwotkbohn rdunbcy.

^blh Effy tddj blr turh, sbl wes hlercy ge` wotb `lsorl, gdehohn

ohslhsofcy wbocl blr gdutb eh` tdhnul eh` tlltb gerjl` Kcehky‟s sgddtb,sdit fd`y. ]ehtohn rdunbcy, sbl turhl` tbl yduhnlr wdgeh dvlr eh` nezlòhtd Kcehky‟s lyls wotb wehtdh `lsorl. –O‟g rle`y ‐ O‟g sd rle`y, Kcehky.‗

–[d eg O,‗ sbl wbosplrl`, gdvohn `dwh Effy‟s fd`y cojl e cldper` stecjohnots prly. [bl slttcl` dwh, repl` dhl cdhn cln dvlr blr sbduc`lr eh` oppl`blr ble` fltwllh Effy‟s tbonbs. [bl nlhtcy sprle` blr cops, `lconbtohn wblhsbl ilct tbl sbu``lr ruh `dwh Effy‟s lhtorl fd`y. Jllpohn blr lyls dh blrperthlr‟s, sbl prlssl` blr iekl eneohst Effy eh` nevl blr e `llp, wlt joss,clttohn blr tdhnul aust pllj dut di blr pertl` cops.

–Db, Nd`,‗ Effy gdehl`, twotkbohn blr bops td ohkrlesl tbl prlssurl.

–Ggg-bgg,‗ Kcehky purrl`, blr gdutb flnohhohn td wetlr irdg tbl furstdi slhsetodhs tbet suiiusl` blr slhsls. Effy‟s swllt/sect testl, blr lcoketl,gusjy sklht, tbl tbrdf di blr pucsl, ecgdst vosofcl tbrdunb tbl swdcclh iclsb ‐ ecc kdgfohl` oh e lconbtiuc gïcehnl di pclesurl. [bl netblrl` blrslci eh`trol` td idkus, flnohhohn td nlhtcy hoffcl dh tbl puiiy dutlr cops, ruhhohn blrtdhnul ecdhn lvlry ohkb di sjoh, Effy‟s nutturec gdehs prdvoòhn tblrlweròhn ekkdgpehoglht. @rewohn e tboh ohhlr cop ohtd blr gdutb, sblconbtcy sukjcl` ot, blr tdls kurcohn wblh sbl bler` Effy kry dut.

[bl wes kdgpcltlcy tejlh efekj wblh sbl ilct blr wbdcl wdrc` turh, eh` sbliduh` blrslci dh blr fekj ‐ Effy burrol`cy puccohn tbl fdxlr sbdrts dii. Pblfcul lyls wlrl herrdwl` wotb lsorl, eh` sbl pehtl` busjocy, –O keh‟t weot tdtestl ydu.‗

Kcehky rlcexl` dhtd tbl fl`, sprleòhn blr clns wo`l et Effy‟s urnohns. Pblcernlr wdgeh trol` td hlstcl ohtd tbl werg spekl, fut iduh` tbet sbl



5??

kduc`h‟t nlt kdgidrtefcl. Pdssohn e poccdw dhtd tbl icddr, sbl ndt dhtd blrjhlls eh` tunnl` Kcehky tdwer`s tbl l`nl di tbl fl`, sgocohn wblh tbl yduhnlr wdgeh ogglòetlcy pcekl` blr illt dh blr sbduc`lrs eh` cey fekj.

Effy wesh‟t surl wbet td lxplkt, eh` sbl òppl` blr ble` retblr tlhtetovlcy.Bdvlrohn efdvl Kcehky idr aust e gdglht, sbl ilct blr blert kecg es sblrlner`l` blr ‐ sd dplh eh` vuchlrefcl. Pbl noit tbet Kcehky wes diilrohnwes dhl sbl tddj vlry slroduscy, eh` Effy clehl` ohtd blr eh` rlturhl` tblpessodh-ioccl` joss tbet Kcehky be` prlvoduscy nrekl` blr wotb.

Pbl slhsetodhs furst updh blr tdhnul ‐ oh`lskrofefcl, uhoqul, eh` ylt`llpcy iegocoer, rlgohòhn blr di blr dwh sklht ‐ dhl tbet sbl‟` testlùpdh occ‟s cops sd gehy togls. [bl frletbl` oh eh` clt tbl yduhnlr wdgeh‟sirenrehkl iocc blr slhsls, tblh flneh td lxpcdrl. ôtb blr tdhnul eh` blrcops, sbl gdvl` dvlr lvlry fot di iclsb fdtb bo``lh eh` dplhcy rlvlecl`.

Kcehky gdehl` kdhtohueccy, blr beh`s kcutkbohn Effy‟s beor, sdgltoglspuccohn e cottcl tdd iorgcy. ^blhlvlr tbl yduhnlr wdgeh wduc` yehj ber`,Effy wduc` fekj dii, weot e gdglht, tblh gdvl dh td ehdtblr clss-slhsotovlspdt. Fut es sddh es Kcehky‟s fd`y rlcexl`, sbl‟` òvl oh eneoh, nrohhohn tdblrslci wblh sbl `rlw ehdtblr nesp irdg blr.

Blr beh`s wlrl rlstohn etdp Kcehky‟s tbonbs, eh` es sbl kdhtohul` td huzzclet blr, Kcehky rlekbl` `dwh eh` òrlktl` dhl beh` tdwer`s blr dplhohn.–Kdgl ohso`l gl, Effy. O hll` td illc ydu.‗

ôtb blr gdutb hlvlr klesohn ots nlhtcl sukjohn, Effy sc o` ohtd Kcehky‟s

wergtb, e sgecc nrdeh clevohn blr wblh sbl ilct bdw `lcokoduscy scokj eh`bdt sbl wes ohso`l.

[bl wes sd lhrepturl` fy tbl lxplrolhkl tbet sbl ecgdst ieocl` td blerKcehky peht dut, –Bdc` … stocc … bdc` stocc eh` clt gl gdvl eneohst ydu.‗

Effy stoccl` blr tdhnul eh` blr iohnlrs, fut Kcehky nreffl` blr beh` eh`pusbl` ot ohtd blrslci, urnohn Effy td kdhtohul plhltretohn blr. Blr beh`swlht td Effy‟s ble`, eh` sbl puccl` ecgdst kdgpcltlcy ewey irdg blr tdukb,tbl dc`lr wdgeh dfslrvohn oh rept ieskohetodh. ^blh blr swdcclh iclsb wesferlcy tdukbohn Effy‟s sdit tdhnul, sbl pugpl` blr bops, clttohn blrslci

nco`l eneohst Effy idr aust e ilw gdglhts. [bl wbogplrl` sditcy, tblhstoccl` kdgpcltlcy, eh` eitlr aust e blertflet, Effy ilct blr flnoh td pucsleh` twotkb `llp ohso`l. Eitlr e ilw pdwlriuc kdhtrektodhs, Kcehky nrespl`blr cdvlr‟s ble` tonbtcy eh` pehtl` dut tbrdunb nrottl` tlltb, –[ditlh ydurtdhnul eh` cokj gl lvlrywblrl. Nlhtcy … nlhtcy,‗ sbl urnl`, blr vdokl rosohnoh e iucc-tbrdetl` gdeh es Effy idccdwl` blr ohstruktodhs prlkoslcy.

[cdwcy, Kcehky rlclesl` blr nrop, eh` clt blr clns rdp irdg Effy‟s sbduc`lrs



6==

td iecc ecdhn tbl gettrlss. Effy kcogfl` dhtd tbl fl` eh` wreppl` blr ergserduh` Kcehky‟s trlgfcohn fd`y, bdc`ohn blr nlhtcy uhtoc blr woc`cy fletohnblert scdwcy kecgl`. Kcehky ioheccy suggdhl` tbl lhlrny td cddj et Effy,novohn blr e weh sgocl es sbl seo`, –O tdc` ye ydu kduc` `d ot.‗

***

^blh Kcehky kduc` strohn tdnltblr e ilw kdblrlht slhtlhkls, sbl huzzcl`blr iekl eneohst Effy‟s frlests eh` seo`, –Pbet wes wdrtb weotohn idr.‗ [blturhl` blr ble` e cottcl eh` puccl` e plrjy hoppcl ohtd blr gdutb, novohn ot equokj sukj. –_dur turh.‗

–Eneoh4‗ Effy esjl`, sbdwohn blr wbotl tlltb. –O nlt td nd eneoh4‗

–_du keh nd eneoh eh` eneoh eh` eneoh,‗ Kcehky essurl` blr. –O keh jllpndohn uhtoc ydu‟vl be` ydur iocc.‗ [bl wenncl` blr lylfrdws rejosbcy eh`

seo`, –[dgl di tbl ilw flhliots di ydutb ‐ eppltotl eh` stegohe.‗

–O gonbt tejl ydu td ydur cogots,‗ Effy werhl`. –O‟vl ndt iovl ylers di plht up`lsorl curjohn ronbt uh`lrhletb tbos pceko` suriekl.‗

–^l‟cc sll wbd novls dut iorst.‗ Kcehky nevl blr e tddtby nroh eh` e``l` ecottcl nrdwc. –Hdw, wblrl wlrl wl wblh ydu zddgl` eble` di gl oh tblnegl4‗ Effy cey icet dh blr fekj eh` sprle` blr clns, e sby sgocl kdvlrohnblr iekl. Kcehky sgocl` fekj et blr eh` seo`, –Ebb … tbet‟s ronbt. O wespertyohn ronbt erduh` … blrl.‗ [bl skddtl` `dwh sd tbet blr ble` weshlstcl` fltwllh Effy‟s clns eh` sbdt blr e kbergohn nroh. –Pbet‟s ronbt, osh‟t

ot4‗

Effy o`h‟t lvlh ettlgpt td rlspdh`. [bl glrlcy reh blr iohnlrs tbrdunb tblsbdrt beors et tbl fekj di Kcehky‟s ble` eh` pusbl` blr nlhtcy tdwer`s tblternlt.

–Ggg,‗ Kcehky purrl` wblh sbl testl` Effy‟s lsslhkl dhkl eneoh.–@lconbtiuc.‗ [bl slttcl` `dwh kdgidrtefcy eh` huzzcl` blr iekl oh kcdsl,usohn aust tbl top di blr tdhnul td conbtcy trekl dvlr ecc di tbl suriekls.

Effy trol` td prlss eneohst blr, fut Kcehky wesh‟t efdut td fl burrol`. [bl

wes ndohn td tejl Effy dh e hokl, scdw, slhsuec ro`l, eh` sbl jhlw lxektcywblrl sbl wehtl` td nd. ]rlssohn blr beh`s eneohst Effy‟s bops, sblconbtlhl` blr tdukb lvlh gdrl ‐ novohn blr perthlr tbl kcler glssenl tbetsbl wes oh kdhtrdc.

Eitlr e gdglht di strunncl, Effy‟s fd`y stoccl`: sbl sonbl` eh` seo`, –_du‟rltbl fdss.‗



6=5

Kcehky‟s ble` coitl` lhdunb td gejl lyl kdhtekt. [bl wohjl`pceyiuccy. –_du‟vl ndt tbet ronbt,‗ sbl seo`, tblh `rdppl` blr ble` eh` cltblr `lsorls cle` blr. [bl `lko`l` tbet hdtbohn wduc` pclesl blr gdrl tbehtd sogpcy sevdr tbl slhsuec `lconbts di Effy‟s fd`y. [bl cehnuo`cy lxpcdrl`tbl sonbts, tbl sduh`s, tbl testls eh` erdges tbet blr slhsls vortueccy

`rdwhl` oh. [bl wes huzzcohn sditcy eneohst tbl wlt, werg iclsb, ltlrgohl`td testl lvlry fot di tbl sjoh tbet tbrdffl` eneohst blr tdhnul. Effy stertl`td gdeh e cottcl cdu`lr, alrjohn blr bops gdrl idrkliuccy, sd Kcehky lesl` diieneoh, sgocohn wblh sbl bler` Effy clt dut e irustretl` nruht.

Kcehky kegl up dhtd blr lcfdws eh` frletbl` e strleg di kddc eor ekrdssEffy‟s bletl` sjoh. –Prust gl,‗ sbl gurgurl` sditcy. –O‟cc tejl ydu tblrl.Vlcex eh` clt gl cdvl ydu.‗

Vlekbohn dut fcoh`cy, Effy nrespl` dhl di Kcehky‟s beh`s eh` frdunbt ot tdblr gdutb, jossohn ekrdss blr jhukjcls, tblh prlssohn tbl werg pecg

eneohst blr iekl. –O `d trust ydu, Kcehky. O `d.‗

***

Lvlh tbdunb tbly‟` dhcy fllh scllpohn idr eh bdur dr sd, Kcehky wdjl austeitlr >1==. E fronbt, iucc sgocl slttcl` dhtd blr iekl wblh sbl ilct Effy sboitoh blr scllp eh` ku``cl up lvlh tonbtlr. Pbl erkbotlkt clt blr beh` roit dwheh` strdjl Effy‟s fekj, sddtbohn blr oh blr scllp. Es sbl kerlssl` blr,Effy‟s frletbohn `llplhl`, eh` sbl sehj ohtd hler uhkdhskodushlss. Nd`,sbl‟s e fleutoiuc wdgeh, Kcehky rliclktl`. Eh` keh sbl lvlr gejl cdvl! Blrlyls rdccl` oh blr ble` es sbl rlkeccl` e ilw ogenls di tblor pessodh-ioccl`

kdupcohn. [bl‟` blc` e shlejohn suspokodh tbet Effy wduc` fl vlry irll eh`cdvohn oh fl`, fut tbl rlecoty be` lxkll`l` blr lxplktetodhs ‐ fy e gocl.

[bl bler` e sdit wbogplr eh` tblh ehdtblr, eh` sbl quokjcy rlecozl` tbet otwesh‟t Effy gejohn tbl sduh`s fut tbl dns. [bl nlhtcy gdvl` Effy‟s bleìrdg blr dwh kblst eh` pcekl` ot dh e poccdw. –[cllp tonbt,‗ sbl wbosplrl`,tblh pe``l` ekrdss tbl rddg td ioh` blr òsker`l` sbdrts eh` P-sbort.]uttohn tbl wrohjcl` kcdtbohn dh, sbl soclhtcy dplhl` tbl `ddr eh` sbusbl`tbl `dns, tblh sehj td e krdukb eh` eccdwl` tblg td novl blr e vlry wergnrlltohn. –Pbl wbdcl iegocy bes teclhtl` tdhnuls,‗ sbl kdgglhtl` td tblpups es sbl cl` tblg `dwhsteors.

Pejohn e pllj ohtd tbl ceuh`ry rddg, sbl puccl` blr sbdrts, pehtols eh`sbort irdg tbl `rylr. Effy be` dfvoduscy `dhl blr sberl di ceuh`ry, sohklKcehky‟s òrty rl` sdkjs stocc set dh tbl icddr, ecdhn wotb blr spdrts fre.–[dglfd`y‟s clerhl` blr clssdh efdut rl` wddc sdkjs,‗ sbl kdgglhtl` tdtbl `dns. –Eh` sbl jhlw tbet O `dh‟t cojl gy fres put oh tbl wesblr. ^l‟vlecrle`y prdvlh wl‟rl kdgpetofcl.‗



6=6

Eitlr novohn tbl `dns frlejiest, Kcehky ionurl` dut bdw td usl tbl kdiillgejlr eh` wlht dutso`l td weot idr tbl kdiill td frlw. [bl kurcl` up dh dhldi tbl cduhnlrs eh` ilcc escllp ogglòetlcy wblh fdtb dns kcogfl` dhtd tblsuriekl wotb blr, tblor werg, sdit fdòls cuccohn blr ohtd e `llp scllp.

***

Effy wdjl scdwcy, blr fd`y e cottcl stoii eh` e cottcl sdrl irdg tbl tbdrdunbcdvohn sbl be` rlklovl`. Lvlh tbdunb ot wes e kdgpcltlcy hlw slhsetodh, sblilct rlgerjefcy kdgidrtefcl, td blr surprosl, wotb tbl rlecozetodh tbet sbleh` Kcehky be` tbdrdunbcy frlekbl` tbl irolh` ferrolr. Pbl sklht di tbl yduhn wdgeh cohnlrl`, eh` sbl sgocl`, e cottcl egezl` eh` gdrl tbeh ecottcl pclesl` wotb blrslci. O dh‟t jhdw oi O surprosl` Kcehky, sbl gusl`, futO sbdkjl` tbl blcc dut di gyslci. [bl eh` occ be` lhadyl` e vlry iucioccohn slxcoil, eh` bl be` ecweys kdgpcoglhtl` blr dh blr woccohnhlss td lxplroglhteh` lxprlss blrslci. Fut sbl wes surprosl` tbet sbl be` dhl sd wotb e hlw

perthlr ‐ eh` e wdgeh, hd clss. Geyfl O‟g hdt nlttohn dc`lr, sbl tbdunbtwotb e sgorj, ge yfl O‟g nlttohn flttlr.

[bl essugl` tbet Kcehky wes oh tbl fetb, fut wblh sbl ò`h‟t bler e sduhìdr e ilw gdglhts, blr blert stertl` td flet repo`cy. –Kcehky4‗ sbl keccl`.^blh sbl ndt hd ehswlr, sbl ndt up eh` pllrl` dut tbl woh`dw, fut tbl ylccdw trukj wesh't oh ots usuec spdt. Ndohn td tbl ddr di tbl nulstrddg, sbldplhl` ot eh` keccl` dut eneoh. –Kcehky4‗ Pbl dhcy rlspdhsl wes twd lenlr`dns, ruhhohn up tbl steors quokjcy, cokjohn blr ferl fd`y lhtbusoestokeccy.Blr blert sehj, eh` sbl flneh td illc e cottcl sokj td blr stdgekb. [bl clitgl4 ^l ge`l cdvl ecc honbt cdhn, eh` sbl ndt up eh` clit4 [bl keccl` dut

eneoh, jhdwohn tbet sbl wes westohn blr togl. Oi Kcehky wlrl ehywblrl ohtbl bdusl, tbl `dns wduc` fl wotb blr. [bl gust bevl clit. Geyfl blrkcdsohn tbl `ddr os wbet wdjl gl.

[bl ilcc dhtd tbl fl` eh` cey kdgpcltlcy stocc idr e ilw gohutls, blr blerttbu`òhn oh blr kblst. @o` tbos gleh hdtbohn td blr4 Alsus, sbl seo` sblwes ieccohn oh cdvl wotb gl! Pbl gohutls tokjl` fy, eh` tbl `dns kcogfl`dhtd tbl fl` wotb blr, Etblhe ceyohn blr ble` dh Effy‟s flccy.

^bet kduc` bevl ge`l blr clevl4 Pbos `dlsh't gejl slhsl ‛ uhclss sblò`h't bevl es wdh`lriuc e togl es O ò`. [bl ilct sokj td blr stdgekb eneoh,

tbohjohn di tbl ohtogekols sbl be` sberl` wotb Kcehky, eh` di bdw woccohncysbl be` diilrl` blrslci td tbl yduhn wdgeh. [bl ndt up scdwcy, illcohn gdrlcojl eh lonbty-yler-dc` tbeh blrslci. Geyfl sbl's hdt tbl typl td stey dvlreitlr sbl bes slx. [bl wlht td tbl steorwey eh` clehl` dh tbl reocohn,tbohjohn di bdw wdh`lriuc ot be` ilct td wecj up tbl steors tbl honbt flidrl ‛ ioccl` wotb ehtokopetodh. lcc, O'g hdt tbl typl di wdgeh wbd wehts e rovl-fyslxuec lhkduhtlr. O nulss O o`h't jhdw blr es wlcc es O tbdunbt O o`. Pbet‟sdhl gostejl O wdh‟t gejl eneoh. O swler O‟cc hlvlr scllp wotb ehdtblr plrsdh



6=;

uhclss wl jhdw lekb dtblr vlry wlcc eh` bevl `liohotlcy iecclh oh cdvl. [blsbddj blr ble` es sbl pe``l` ohtd tbl fetbrddg td wesb tbl sklht di tblorcdvlgejohn irdg blr fd`y. Pbohns O wosb O‟` `lko`l` ylstlrèy.

^blh Effy ndt ohtd tbl sbdwlr, tbl dns reh fekj dwhsteors td sll Kcehky.

Pbly wlrl prltty surl tbly wlrlh‟t ul idr e fetb, fut e dn kduc` hlvlr tlcc,sd ot wes seilr td fl dh e òiilrlht icddr wblh tbl sbdwlr stertl`. Pbly cleptdhtd tbl kbeosl, wejohn tbl erkbotlkt irdg e sduh` scllp. –Bly, novl ewdgeh e cottcl plekl, bub4‗ sbl nrdwcl` et tblg. Lvlh tbdunb tbly‟` wdjlhblr flidrl sbl wes rle`y, sbl kduc`h‟t stey ge` et tblg. [bl wes hlercyno``y wotb beppohlss ‐ blr rlegs di flohn wotb Effy hdt dhcy kdgohn trul,fut kdgohn trul oh sukb e splktekucer wey.

[bl strltkbl`, wlht ohtd tbl jotkblh, eh` bler` tbl sbdwlr ruhhohn. –Bly,sbl‟s up,‗ sbl kdgglhtl` td tbl `dns, tblh wdh`lrl` wby sbl ecweyskdhvlrsl` wotb tblg, sohkl tbly wlrl hlvlr efcl td jllp up tblor so`l di tbl

òskussodh. –Bdw sbduc` O pcey tbos, nuys4 @dls sbl cojl td bevl frlejiest ohfl`4‗ sbl esjl`, dhcy td nlt tbl soclht trletglht eneoh. [bl `lko`l` td cltEffy òktetl tbl tdhl idr tblor ohtlrektodhs. Aust oh kesl ‐ O wdh‟t put gyrlec kcdtbls fekj dh. [bl gonbt fl tejohn e sbdwlr sd sbl‟s hokl eh` irlsbidr ehdtblr rdcc oh tbl bey.

E soccy nroh slttcl` dhtd blr iekl, eh` sbl stertl` td wbostcl. [bl tddj dut etrey eh` pdurl` e kup di kdiill, e`òhn e cottcl beci-eh`-beci aust tbl weyEffy cojl` ot. Pblh sbl e``l` e ncess di auokl eh` e fdwc di nrehdce, scokohn efehehe dh tbl nrehdce td gejl surl Effy ndt blr votegohs. ^bocl sbl wesprlperohn frlejiest tbl pbdhl rehn, eh` sbl bler` e wdgeh clevl e

glssenl dh tbl ehswlrohn gekbohl kdhiorgohn pcehs td pcey tlhhos et tlhd‟kcdkj. @egh! Ot‟s ecrle`y ?1;=. [bl sucjl` goc`cy eh` nrdusl`, O nulss wlwdh‟t fl ndohn fekj td fl`. [bl bler` Effy wecjohn erduh` upsteors, eh`sbl nreffl` e vesl eh` ioccl` ot wotb wetlr, tblh tddj sdgl sblers eh` wlhtdutso`l td kut sdgl icdwlrs td e`` td tbl trey.

Effy kegl `dwhsteors e gdglht cetlr eh` stdppl` oh surprosl wblh sblsew tbl hletcy prlperl` frlejiest. –Kcehky4‗ sbl trol` dhl gdrl togl. Pblkdiill wes bdt, sd sbl jhlw tbl yduhn wdgeh wes kcdsl fy, eh` blr blertstertl` td flet iestlr. [bl pdjl` blr ble` dut tbl `ddr eh` iduh` tblceh`skeplr wecjohn ekrdss tbl petod oh blr ferl illt, cest honbt‟s fdxlrs eh`

P-sbort kdvlrohn blr fd`y. Pbly ge`l lyl kdhtekt, eh` flidrl Effy jhlwwbet wes bepplhohn, sbl be` furst ohtd tlers, kryohn blcpclsscy es Kcehkyreh tbl rlst di tbl wey. [bl hlercy `rdppl` tbl vesl oh blr lenlrhlss td sltot `dwh. Pblh sbl tbrlw blr ergs erduh` Effy.

–^bet‟s wrdhn4‗ sbl sddtbl`. –Plcc gl.‗

–O … O … O tbdunbt ydu‟` clit,‗ sbl nespl` dut. –O tbdunbt ydu sclpt wotb gl



6=0

eh` tblh wecjl` dut.‗

–Effy,‗ sbl gurgurl`, –O‟vl hlvlr `dhl tbet oh gy coil.‗ [bl blc` blr eterg‟s clhntb eh` nezl` et blr slroduscy. –_du wduc`h‟t fl tbl wdgeh O‟`stert tbet wotb.‗

Vlstohn blr ble` dh Kcehky‟s sbduc`lr, Effy krol` potlduscy, clttohn dut eccdi tbl burt eh` efeh`dhglht sbl‟` ilct wblh sbl‟` wdjlh up ecdhl. –O‟gsdrry,‗ sbl shoiicl` slvlrec gohutls cetlr. –Pbos os sd hlw idr gl ‐ O `dh‟trleccy jhdw bdw td flbevl.‗

–Bly, ecc ydu bevl td `d os fl ydurslci,‗ Kcehky essurl` blr. –_du keh hlvlrnd wrdhn lxprlssohn bdw ydu illc.‗

–O illc flttlr hdw tbet O jhdw ydu‟rl blrl,‗ sbl shoiil`.

–O illc flttlr hdw tbet ydu‟rl up,‗ Kcehky seo`. [bl blc` tbl vesl up oh irdhtdi Effy eh` seo`, –O frdunbt ydu icdwlrs. ^lcc, tlkbhokeccy, O frdunbt yduricdwlrs td ydu.‗

–Pbehj ydu,‗ Effy wbosplrl`. –Pbly‟rl fleutoiuc.‗

Kcehky cl` blr td tbl frlejiest fer eh` urnl` blr td sot. –_du‟vl ndt e tlhhos ètl oh e ilw gohutls. _du‟` flttlr let quokjcy.‗

Effy gdehl` eh` set `dwh td nucp `dwh tbl idd` Kcehky be` prdvo`l` idrblr. –O cojl fehehes dh gy klrlec,‗ sbl seo` wotb e weh sgocl.

–O `d, tdd,‗ Kcehky seo`, ruiicohn blr beor nlhtcy. –Db, tbehjs idr hdt puttohngy sdkjs oh tbl wesblr. O idrndt td tlcc ydu tbet tbly stocc fcll`.‗

–Hd prdfclg,‗ Effy seo`, iohòhn blrslci cddjohn up sbycy td gllt Kcehky‟slyls.

Kcehky wlht ohtd tbl fetbrddg fy tbl ceuh`ry td nlt rlssl`, eh` sbl kegldut e ilw gohutls cetlr, e cottcl wrohjcl` fut gdstcy kcleh. Effy wesiohosbohn blr glec, eh` Kcehky kegl up flboh` blr eh` wreppl` blr oh ebun. Effy nrespl` tbl ergs tbet lhkorkcl` blr eh` nevl tblg e squllzl. –O

be` dhl di tbl gdst rlgerjefcl honbts di gy coil cest honbt,‗ tbl yduhnlrwdgeh wbosplrl`, tokjcohn blr ler. –Ot gleht e cdt td gl, Effy, eh` O bdpl otgleht sdgltbohn td ydu, tdd. O … O `dh‟t weht td prlss ydu efdut tbl iuturl,fut O wehtl` ydu td jhdw tbet.‗ [bl clehl` erduh` aust lhdunb td rlekbEffy's cops eh` novl tblg e cohnlrohn joss. –Bevl e hokl èy pceyohn tlhhoswotb ydur irolh`s," sbl e``l` es sbl streonbtlhl`.

Effy hd``l` eh` wetkbl` tbl yduhn wdgeh wecj tdwer`s tbl irdht `ddr.



6=<

Efruptcy, Kcehky turhl` eh` skegplrl` fekj ohtd tbl ceuh`ry rddg. [blpokjl` up blr uhwesbl` fre, sbllposbcy tukjl` ot ohtd dhl di tbl pdkjlts diblr kernd sbdrts, eh` fclw Effy e joss.

[bejohn blr ble` et blr cdvlr‟s ehtoks, Effy wetkbl` blr clevl, illcohn blr

blert sohj wblh Kcehky kcdsl` tbl `ddr. Bdw keh O goss blr ecrle`y4

KBE]PLV P^LCYL

Effy keccl` Kcehky wblh sbl ndt bdgl irdg blr tlhhos getkb. Pbl erkbotlktehswlrl` dh tbl idurtb rohn, sduhòhn e cottcl scdw. "B'ccd4"

"Dbb … ò` O wejl ydu4"

"Cottcl," Kcehky e`gottl`. "O stertl` wdrjohn dh sdgl pcehs, tblh wdjl up tdioh` gy ble` dh gy `lsj. O tddj tbet es e kcul tbet O gonbt hll` e hep."

Ceunbohn sditcy, Effy seo`, "O kduc` usl e hep, tdd. O'g hdt usl` td steyohnup sd cetl."

"êhhe hep tdnltblr4"

Kcehky sduh`l` e`drefcy bdpliuc, fut Effy wesh't es lhtbusoestok. "O'` cdvltd, fut O bevl e ohhlr td nd td tdhonbt. Oi O be` ydu oh gy fl`, O wduc`h't illccojl heppohn." Blr vdokl wes sdit eh` slxy, eh` Kcehky's tlltb burt aust tdbler ot. "@d ydu goh`4"

"Blcc, yleb, O goh`," Kcehky seo`, kbukjcohn. "O wehhe fl dh ydu cojl epbo`sdh rdsls."

"Eww … e icdwlr sogocl. O weht tbet, tdd, fut O bevl td fl eclrt tdhonbt. O'g dhtbl kdggottll tbet puts tbos òhhlr tdnltblr, eh` O'g ndohn td bevl td ruherduh` cojl ge`." [bl tbdunbt idr e slkdh`, tblh esjl`, "Bdw efdut kdgohndvlr td gllt gl wblh O nlt bdgl4"

"[url," Kcehky seo`. "^bet togl4"

"Kdgl wblhlvlr ydu weht," Effy seo`. "Pbl `dns wduc` cdvl td bevl sdgl

kdgpehy. _du kduc` usl tbl Aekuzzo, tejl e swog."

"O'cc fl tblrl flidrl ydu clevl oi ydu `dh't stdp tlgptohn gl," Kcehky seo`."Bly, wduc` ot fl djey oi O frdunbt Gokbelc dvlr4"

"Di kdursl! Pblrl's dhcy dhl rucl. Hd ncess oh tbl pddc dr Aekuzzo. _du jhdwwblrl tbl tdwlcs erl, ronbt4"



6=9

"^l keh frohn dur dwh tdwlcs, Effy. l dh't bevl td ekt cojl wl'rl ndohn tde spe."

"@dh't fdtblr. Vleccy. ^l bevl pclhty, eh` O wesb e cde` di tdwlcs hlercylvlry èy. Ot's hd trdufcl."

"^l'cc sll," Kcehky seo`, gejohn Effy ceunb et blr ettlgpt et sduhòhn cojle perlht. "O'cc sll ydu wblh ydu nlt bdgl."

"O keh't tbohj di e flttlr tbohn td gejl gl wrep up gy fusohlss es sddh espdssofcl. [ll ydu tblh."

***

Eitlr behnohn up, Effy stdd` up eh` sterl` et tbl pbdhl idr e gdglht. [blput blr beh` dh ot eh` rlgdvl` ot tbrll togls flidrl sbl sbovlrl` sconbtcy

eh` wecjl` ewey, bunnohn blrslci. [bl iduh` blrslci weh`lrohn eogclsscyerduh` tbl bdusl, cddjohn idr sdgltbohn td dkkupy blr goh`. [bl ilctrlstclss eh` twotkby, uhefcl td iox dh ehytbohn idr cdhn. Fut blr fd`y wesietonul` … es torl` es sbl'` ilct oh enls. [bl eh` Kcehky be` dhcy sclpt idr ehbdur dr twd, eh` tbrll slts di tlhhos wotb blr irolh`s be` slrvl` td `lpcltltbl sgecc egduht di lhlrny sbl be`. Fut blr goh` wesh't costlhohn td blrfd`y.

Pbl `dns wlrl es rlstclss es sbl, ecweys trekjohn blr gdd`. [bl cddjl` ettwd peors di frdwh lyls eh` seo`, "O'g ndohn td nd col `dwh, norcs. ehhe adohgl4"

Pbly wennl` tblor teocs lxkotl`cy, tbdunb tbly be` hd o`le di wblrl tblywlrl ndohn. Pdnltblr, tbly wlht upsteors, eh` tbl `dns reh ohtd tbl gestlrfl`rddg wblh Effy dplhl` tbl `ddr. [bl sgocl` et tblg, ecweys kdgidrtl`fy tblor beppy iekls.

Jokjohn dii blr sbdls, Effy wecjl` scdwcy erduh` tbl rddg, cddjohn et otwotb hlw lyls. Db, fefy, O jhdw ydu wduc`h't cojl tbos, fut O'vl turhl` durrddg ohtd e guslug! [bl tdukbl` tbl frdhzl` fefy sbdls, ôcc's iorst peor,tblh pokjl` up tbl pbdtd di bog flohn blc` fy bos perlhts et bos feptosg.[bl strdjl` tbl socvlr iregl nlhtcy, put ot `dwh, tblh survlyl` tbl rlst di

tbl rddg. Ot be` tejlh blr twd ylers, fut sbl'` gehenl` td novl hlercy ecc diôcc's kcdtbohn td e bdglclss sblctlr. [bl'` tejlh tbl fdxls di glglhtdstbly'` sevl` eitlr bos perlhts' `letb, tbdunb, eh` put tbl geadroty di tblgdh òspcey oh tblor rddg.

E rennl` tl``y fler, e pertokucercy e`drefcl pokturl di ôcc dh eglrry-nd-rduh`, bos nre`l skbddc nreùetodh pokturl, eh` e ilw dtblrjllpsejls irdg bos ydutb `dttl` blr `rlsslr eh` tbl fddjkesls. Pblsl be`



6=>

adohl` tbl iegocy pokturls ecrle`y e`drhohn tbl weccs wblh ôcc òl` ‐ pokturls irdg tbl togl tbly stertl` td ètl up td e ilw gdhtbs flidrl bos`letb ‐ kbrdhokcohn tblor twd `lke`ls tdnltblr.

O keh't clevl ot tbos wey, bdhly. O keh't. [bl sehj td tbl fl`, rlekbohn dut

fcoh`cy td strdjl tbl dns, blr kdhsteht eccols oh blr ionbt eneohst lprlssodh.O jhdw ydu'` weht gl td nd dh, eh` O keh't nd dh wblh O'g surrduh`l` fy eccdi tblsl tbohns … [bl nlsturl` blcpclsscy, cddjohn et tbl otlgs tbet kcuttlrl`blr iurhoturl. O'vl ndt td put sdgl di tblsl tbohns ewey.

[bl ndt up eh` tddj tbl dc`, tbrle`ferl stuiil` ehogec eh` `rdppl` fekjdhtd tbl fl`. Idr e cdhn togl sbl krol` … blcpclsscy …aust es sbl'` krol` idrtbl iorst gdhtbs eitlr ôcc be` òl`. Ot ilct cojl ehdtblr polkl di bog wes`yohn hdw, eh` sbl wes sokj wotb nroli. Pbl `dns cokjl` blr iekl eh` blrble`, tryohn td kecg blr `dwh. Fut tbly wlrlh't efcl td blcp blr tdèy. [blwes cdsohn ehdtblr sgecc polkl di occ, eh` tbos togl, sbl wes dohn ot fy blr

dwh beh`.

***

Kcehky eh` Gokbelc pceyl` oh tbl pddc cojl e kdupcl di jo`s. Kcehky'` frdunbtdut ecc di tbl pddc tdys1 tbl vdcclyfecc, tbl squort nuhs, tbl Irosflls, eh` e fonfecc ioccl` wotb sdgl joh` di getlroec tbet ge`l ot sohj cojl e stdhl. [bl'`keunbt Gokbelc uhewerls wblh sbl tdssl` tbet dhl et bog, eh` tblwlonbtl` fecc bot bog sgekj oh tbl kblst. Fut idr peyfekj, bl‟` ge`l blròvl td tbl fdttdg td rltrolvl ot.

Kcehky wes vlry nce` tbet Effy ò`h't goh` Gokbelc's jhdwohn efdut tblorrlcetodhsbop, eh` sbl‟` jlpt bog up-td-ètl dh lvlrytbohn tbet bepplhl`.Bl wes suppdrtovl, es ecweys, fut sbl kduc` tlcc tbet bl wes wdrrol` tbohnswduc`h't wdrj dut idr blr.

"[d tlcc gl eneoh wblrl tbos èunbtlr os4" bl esjl`, wbocl tbly wlrltbrdwohn tbl wlonbtl` fecc et lekb dtblr.

"[bl's oh Geohl, vosotohn Effy's perlhts. [bl'cc fl fekj oh twd wlljs."

"Eh` tblh wbet4 Os Effy ndhhe tlcc blr efdut ydu4"

"Ebb … O `dh't jhdw," Kcehky e`gottl`. "^l bevlh't tecjl` e cdt efdut tbliuturl, Gokbelc. Pbos wbdcl tbohn os ber` idr blr, eh` sbl nlts e cottcl irlejl`dut wblh sbl tbohjs efdut lvlrytbohn tbet kduc` bepplh."

Bl kre`cl` tbl fecc uh`lr bos erg idr e gdglht, novohn tbl dns ‐ wbd be`fllh kbesohn lekb tbrdw ‐ e rlst. Pbly sweg td tbl stlps eh` put tblorirdht pews dh tbl tdp stlp, lekb pehtohn wbocl turhohn blr ble` td jllp eh



6=2

lyl dh tbl fecc. "Aust flkeusl sbl `dlsh't tbohj efdut tbohns `dlsh't stdptblg irdg bepplhohn," Gokbelc seo`. "^bet oi blr èunbtlr `lgeh`s tbetsbl stdp sllohn ydu. ^duc` sbl4"

Kcehky be` fllh pettohn tbl wetlr wotb tbl icet di blr beh`s, gejohn tohy

roppcls. [bl ò`h't cddj up td ehswlr tbl qulstodh. "O `dh't jhdw. O bdhlstcybevl hd o`le."

Oh e vdokl ioccl` wotb joh`hlss, Gokbelc seo`, "@dh't ydu tbohj ydu'` flttlrioh` dut flidrl ydu nlt oh tdd `llp4 O keh tlcc bdw krezy ydu erl efdut tboswdgeh, Kcehkl. O'` betl td sll ydu nlt ydur blert frdjlh."

"O … O `dh't tbohj sbl'` `d tbet td gl," Kcehky seo`. "O gleh … O jhdw sblwduc`h't `d ot uhclss sbl efsdcutlcy be` hd dtblr kbdokl."

Bl hd``l`, cddjohn cojl bl wes ndohn td sey sdgltbohn lcsl, fut ohstle` bl

cddjl` et tbl `dns eh` seo`, "Frlej's dvlr, norcs. Pogl td nlt fekj td wdrj."Es sddh es bl ceuhkbl` tbl fecc et Kcehky, tbl dns dvl fekj oh, swoggohnirdg dhl plrsdh td tbl dtblr, ecweys aust e slkdh` tdd cetl.

***

Effy errovl` bdgl et erduh` go`honbt, iohòhn Gokbelc eh` Kcehky sottohndh tbl cdvl slet dh tbl petod, lekb di tblg kdvlrl` fy e frletbohn fcekj eh`wbotl cep fcehjlt. Gokbelc wes `rlssl`, fut Kcehky wes stocc oh blr suot."Pbos cddjs cojl e vlry beppy nrdup," Effy seo`, sgocohn et tbl idursdgl. Pbl`dns set up wblh tbly bler` blr vdokl, eh` fdtb teocs flneh td wen, fut

hlotblr clit blr plrkb. "Os tbet tbl flst ydu twd keh `d4 Hd joss4"

Kcehky pettl` Etblhe dh tbl futt, eh` tbl `dn rlcuktehtcy augpl` td tblnrduh`. Pbl erkbotlkt wecjl` dvlr td Effy eh` nevl blr e quokj joss, sgocohnet blr wblh sbl puccl` ewey. "O bevl gdrl tbeh e joss idr ydu," sbl seo`."Novlh bdw ydu cddj …" [bl wenncl` blr lylfrdws sunnlstovlcy, gejohnEffy nonncl cojl e skbddcnorc. "_du cddj iehtestok," sbl seo`, blr lxprlssodhslrodus. "O'vl hlvlr sllh ydu oh e `rlss flidrl: O ò`h't jhdw wbet O'` fllhgossohn."

Effy wehtl` td idc` blrslci ohtd Kcehky's ergs eh` bevl tbl fcdh`l cevosb

blr wotb kdgpcoglhts, fut sbl goh`l` blr gehhlrs eh` nrlltl` blr nulst.[bl lxtlh`l` blr beh`, eh` sbl eh` Gokbelc sbddj. "Ot's ndd` td sll ydueneoh," Effy seo`. "@o` ydu ioh` lvlrytbohn ydu hll`l`4"

"_leb, wl be` e nrlet togl," Gokbelc seo`, bos wbotl tlltb kdhtrestohn wotbbos èrj kdcdrohn. "O bevlh't pceyl` oh e pddc oh e cdhn togl."

"O cdvl td sll pldpcl lhady tbl pddc. _du'rl wlckdgl ehy togl, Gokbelc," Effy



6=?

seo`.

"_du gonbt rlnrlt tbet ohvotetodh," bl seo`, novohn blr bos gdst kbergohnsgocl.

Effy splht e gdglht cddjohn et tbl yduhnlr geh, strukj fy bdw vlryettrektovl bl wes. Bos beor wes tbokj eh` fcekj eh` plrilktcy kut, eh` bosèrj lyls wlrl joh` eh` pceyiuc. Bl be` e fdyosb cddj efdut bog, eh` ylt blcddjl` vlry geturl. Ot wes e hokl osperoty eh` e``l` td bos stycl. Ot puzzclÈffy tbet sbl be`h't prlvoduscy hdtokl` bdw ettrektovl bl wes, fut tblh otèwhl` dh blr tbet sbl'` dhcy be` lyls idr Kcehky ‐ lvlh et tbl flnohhohn.[bl rlecozl` ot wes blr turh td tecj, eh` seo`, "O `duft tbet. O cdvl td bevlpldpcl dvlr." [bl put blr erg erduh` Kcehky eh` nevl blr e nlhtcl bun."Dhl plrsdh oh pertokucer."

Kcehky flegl` et blr, vlry beppy tbet Effy wes sbdwohn eiilktodh idr blr oh

irdht di Gokbelc. [bl'` fllh eireo` tbet tbl dc`lr wdgeh wduc` fluhkdgidrtefcl erduh` blr irolh`s, eh` wes hlercy no``y td sll tbet wesh'ttbl kesl.

Gokbelc stertl` td nlt up, tryohn td òscd`nl e vlry rlcukteht Epbrdòtl."@dh't clevl ylt," Effy seo`. "[tey eh` bevl ehdtblr `rohj."

"Pbehjs, fut O sbduc` nlt ndohn," bl seo`. "O wdrjl` e iucc ey tdèy, eh` ot'sketkbohn up wotb gl. O dhcy steyl` tbos cetl td jllp Kcehkl kdgpehy."

"Eh` O epprlkoetl ot," sbl seo`, puttohn blr ergs erduh` bog idr e rdunb bun.

[bl jossl` bos kbllj, eh` bl ruffl` tbl tdp di blr ble`, tblor eiilktodh idrlekb dtblr vlry gukb cojl tbet di sofcohns. "O'cc fl bdgl sdgl togl tdgdrrdw,djey4"

"[url. Kecc oi ydu'rl ndhhe stey dvlr eneoh. _du jhdw O'g oh kbernl di yduwblh ydur è`'s hdt erduh`."

Kcehky ceunbl`, jhdwohn tbet Gokbelc wes dhcy pertoeccy jo`òhn. Blr ietblrbe` ditlh tdc` Gokbelc tbet bl wes lxplktl` td jllp eh lyl dh Kcehky,sdgltbohn bl wduc` bevl `dhl ehywey. "O'cc kecc. O ecweys `d," sbl seo`.

Ehdtblr bun idr bos rddggetl eh` e beci-beh`sbejl/beci-bun idr Effy, eh`bl clit, fdtb `dns wbohohn e cottcl et bos cdss.

Effy stertl` td turh eh` beppocy oskdvlrl` e peor di ergs wreppl` erduh`blr weost. [bl iekl` Kcehky eh` pcekl` e nlhtcl joss dh blr cops. "Goss gl4"

"Cojl eor," tbl yduhnlr wdgeh seo`. "Hdw, clt gl nlt e ndd` cddj et tbos rlss



65=

'keusl O weht ydu td wler ot et clest dhkl e wllj." [bl stlppl` fekj eh` oè scdw korkcl erduh` blr perthlr, hd`òhn blr epprdvec es blr lyls herrdwlòh tbdunbt. "Pbet's dhl ègh iohl `rlss."

"O'g nce` ydu cojl ot," Effy seo`, sgocohn fronbtcy. "Ot's rleccy quotl sogpcl."

"_leb," Kcehky enrll`. "Ot os. Fut tbet's wbet gejls ot sd slxy." [bl reh blrbeh` dwh blr perthlr's so`l, ruffohn blr iohnlrs tdnltblr td illc tbl iefrok."[ocj4"

"_ls," Effy seo`. "Eh` e cottcl sdgltbohn lcsl td novl ot fd`y. ]rdfefcyVeydh."

Kcehky korkcl` flboh` blr eh` hoffcl` dh blr hlkj, iuccy lxpdsl` fy tblskddp hlkjcohl. "Pbet's wbet O cojl efdut ot. Pbl fd`y." [bl pcekl` blr beh`scdw dh Effy's bops, ruhhohn tblg cehnuo`cy ekrdss tbl lxpehsl di fcekj

iefrok kcohnohn td blr sbeplcy ess. "Pbl fd`y's vlry, vlry hokl." [bl gdvl` tdtbl so`l eh` stertl` td joss e petb irdg tbl strep dwh tbl ferl erg eh` ecctbl wey td Effy's wrost, pusbohn eso`l e peor di ndc` freklclts wotb blrtdhnul. "Bevl O glhtodhl` tbet O cojl tbl fd`y4" sbl esjl`, pceyiuccy cddjohnup ohtd Effy's lyls.

"Kdgl up blrl eh` joss gl," tbl fruhlttl `lgeh`l`, puccohn Kcehky fy tblstreps di blr swogsuot. "_du keh dhcy tlesl e wdgeh sd cdhn."

"^bet's ydur cogot4" tbl yduhnlr wdgeh esjl`, reosohn eh lylfrdw.

"^betlvlr ot os, O'g surl ydu'cc pusb gl pest ot," Effy prlòktl`, wreppohnblr ergs erduh` Kcehky idr e bun eh` e cdhn, cusb joss.

***

Fy tbl togl tbly'` ge`l surl tbl dns be` ndhl td tbl fetbrddg, turhl` diiecc tbl conbts, slt tbl ecerg, eh` ndttlh rle`y idr fl` tblgslcvls, hlercy becieh bdur be` pessl`. Kcehky wecjl` dut di tbl fetb td ioh` Effy beci-escllp,blr fd`y kce` oh dhcy e P-sbort, cyohn ekrdss tbl fl`.

"Kdgl dh, fefy," sbl kddl`. "Pogl td nlt uh`lr tbl kdvlrs."

Effy prdtlstl` wlejcy. "Hd … hd … togl td gejl cdvl."

"^l keh gejl cdvl tdgdrrdw," Kcehky seo`. "_du'rl tdd torl` td lhady ottdhonbt. Kdgl dh." [bl wes puccohn tbl kdvlrs dwh es sbl spdjl, eh` Effyiduh` blrslci liidrtclsscy rdccl` dvlr, tblh put fekj dhtd tbl kddc sbllt.

"O keh wejl up," sbl seo`, blr lyls kcdsl`.



655

"O jhdw ydu keh, fut ydu dh't hll` td. l keh col oh fl` eh` pcey wotb lekbdtblr ecc èy. @dlsh't tbet sduh` hokl4"

"\bg … hokl," Effy enrll`. [bl hlstcl` blr fd`y eneohst Kcehky's, sonbl`

blevocy, eh` wes escllp flidrl blr perthlr kduc` sey e wdr`.

"N'honbt," Kcehky gurgurl` td tbl scllpohn wdgeh. "O cdvl ydu."

***

Kcehky wdjl wotb e stert, blr beh` rliclxovlcy nrespohn blr frlest. Blr lylsiclw dplh, blr ble` alrjl` up, eh` sbl nespl` ‐ blr ionbt dr iconbt rlspdhsljokjohn oh ogglòetlcy. Fut blr fd`y rlcexl` e gdglht cetlr, eh` e no``yceunb fuffcl` up irdg blr kblst.

Dhl ogposb fcul lyl be` rdtetl` oh blr òrlktodh, e beci-sgocl lxpdsohn lvlh,wbotl tlltb tbet tunnl` et tbl stllc rohn bo``lh flhletb Kcehky‟s tehj tdp.–_du jhdw,‗ tbl fcdh`l guttlrl` scllpocy, blr beh` `rdppohn td cekltbrdunb Effy‟s beor, –eh ogpertoec dfslrvlr gonbt sey tbet ot wduc`h‟t flpclesurefcl td fl ewejlhl` fy sdgldhl tunnohn dh blr hoppcl.‗ Blr copsspcot ohtd e nroh es sbl `lko`l`, –Pbly‟` fl wrdhn.‗

Effy‟s ble` coitl` eh` sbl esjl`, –Os tbos … djey4‗

–_leb. Ot‟s vlry djey.‗ Kcehky prlssl` conbtcy dh tbl fekj di blr ble`, ehÈffy hoppl` et tbl rohn eneoh. ]lttohn blr nlhtcy, Kcehky seo`, –_du sllg

idh` di ot.‗

–\gg-bgg,‗ Effy nrdwcl`. –O‟g vlry idh` di ot. Ot‟s … bdt.‗

–Ot gejls gl bdt td bler ydu sey tbet,‗ Kcehky gurgurl`. –êhhe hoffcldh tbl rlec tbohn4‗

–_leb.‗ Effy nrespl` tbl blg di tbl sbort eh` tunnl` ot dii wblh Kcehkyreosl` blr ergs. Blr gdutb rdppl` td tbl sbohy, blevy rohn, eh` sbl pdjl`tbl top di blr tdhnul tbrdunb ot.

Kcehky nrdwcl`, tbl sduh` rugfcohn tbrdunb blr kblst. Blr bops sboitl` esblr clns sprle` eh` sbl wreppl` tblg erduh` Effy‟s weost. [bl clt dut esetosiol` sonb eh` rdkjl` blr bops e ilw togls, blr lyls tonbtcy kcdsl`. –Hokl.[d hokl.‗

Effy set up eh` puccl` blr P-sbort dii, tblh pcekl` blr idrlergs dh lotblrso`l di Kcehky‟s ble` eh` stertl` td ruf blr frlests conbtcy dvlr blrperthlr‟s, ketkbohn blr turno` hoppcl dh tbl rohn, togl eh` eneoh. Pbl gdst



656

e`drefcl sduh`s wlrl kdgohn irdg Effy‟s dplh cops ‐ tohy nruhts, sditsonbs, eh` slxy nrdwcs es sbl wdrjl` dvlr blr.

Kcehky‟s clns rdppl` td tbl fl`, tblh blr beh`s roitl` dwh td kup Effy'sess. Blr beh`s gdvl` ecc dvlr tbl sgddtbcy guskcl` suriekl, gejohn Effy

purr wotb pclesurl. [bl kduc` illc blr perthlr‟s tbonbs kdgprlssohnrbytbgokeccy, slljohn setosiektodh, sd sbl nuo`l` blr td stre``cl blr cln tdprdvo`l e cottcl rlcoli.

Effy‟s ble` toctl` up, eh` tbl surprosl` cddj dh blr iekl quokjcy turhl` tddhl di ohtlhsl setosiektodh es sbl ilct tbl strdhn tbonb prlssl` iorgcy eneohstblr. ôtbdut tbdunbt, sbl flneh td pugp blr bops, blr lyls kcdsohn tonbtcyes sbl o`. Kcehky‟s beh`s wlht td Effy‟s frlests eh` flneh td squllzl eh`kdgprlss tbl iclsb, jllpohn togl wotb blr rdunb gdvlglhts.

Plstohn, slljohn weys td ohkrlesl tbl slhsetodh, Effy pcekl` blr beh`s dh

Kcehky‟s sbduc`lrs eh` cdkjl` blr ergs, ncoòhn fekj eh` idrtb dh tbl yduhnlr wdgeh‟s scopplry cln es blr gdutb `rdppl` dplh, nruhtohn dut blrpclesurl.

Kcehky streohl` td hop et tbl tlgptohn frlests tbet fduhkl` aust efdvl blriekl, fut Effy‟s ordh nrop o`h‟t eccdw idr ehy upwer` gdvlglht. Pbet o`h‟tstdp blr beh`s irdg nrespohn tblg, tbdunb, eh` sbl pohkbl` eh` tunnl` dhEffy‟s hoppcls, tejohn tbl dc`lr wdgeh aust td tbl l`nl di peoh.

Effy wes kcdsl, blr lyls ncezohn dvlr es sbl ilct tbl slhsetodh fuocòhn llpoh blr flccy. Pbl illcohn wes sd ohtlhsl tbet ot ilct cojl e strdhn kregp tbet

flneh td reòetl dut irdg blr ef`dglh, lvlhtueccy nrdwohn td e werg,setosiyohn pucsohn tbet lesl` tbl kregp eh` suiiusl` blr lhtorl fd`y wotbwevl eitlr wevl di pclesurl.

[bl wesh‟t ewerl di gejohn e sduh`, fut es tbl guskcls oh blr ergs stertl`td sbejl eh` ioheccy novl wey, sbl trol` td splej fut rlecozl` tbet blr tbrdetwes sconbtcy rew. –ês O sbdutohn4‗ sbl esjl` ùccy, blr gdutb prlsslèneohst tbl poccdw.

–Db, yleb,‗ Kcehky nrdwcl`, tbl sduh`s bevohn slht blr erdusec sporecohndut di kdhtrdc. –Oi wl be` kcdsl hlonbfdrs, tbly‟` fl fehnohn dh tbl weccs.‗

[bl gurgurl` ohtd tbl sdit beor tbet tokjcl` blr kboh, –Ot wes ohkrlòfcyslxy.‗

Effy rdccl` dii Kcehky‟s wlt fd`y eh` `repl` eh erg dvlr blr lyls. –Pbetwes e kdgpcltlcy uhoqul lxplrolhkl.‗

Kcehky rdccl` dvlr eh` frekl` blr ble` dh blr beh`, ohtlhslcy ohtlrlstl` ohEffy‟s ogprlssodhs di tblor cdvlgejohn. –^bet wes4‗



65;

–O‟vl hlvlr … `dhl ehytbohn cojl tbet,‗ sbl seo`.

–[‟hokl, osh‟t ot4‗

–_leb. Ot ilct ohstohktovl,‗ sbl gusl`. –O wdh`lr wby O hlvlr be` tbet ohstohktwblh O wes … wlcc, flidrl.‗

Kcehky tunnl` Effy‟s erg ewey irdg blr iekl eh` strdjl` blr kbllj nlhtcy.–Ot‟s djey td tecj efdut occ … td tecj efdut ydur coil … ydur lxplrolhkls. Ot‟spert di ydu tbet O weht td nlt td jhdw.‗

–O `dh‟t weht td … O `dh‟t jhdw … upslt ydu, Kcehky.‗

–Clerhohn efdut ydu keh dhcy blcp us td nrdw kcdslr,‗ sbl seo` sditcy. –Owehhe fl kcdslr ‐ gukb kcdslr.‗

Effy hd``l` eh` tddj e quokj frletb, idrkohn blrslci td tlcc tbl stdrywotbdut cdsohn blr hlrvl. –O wes aust tbohjohn efdut wbet ot wduc` bevl fllhcojl td try tbet wotb ^occ. Bos clns wlrl sd beory, O wduc` bevl be` iroktodhfurhs. O wes tbohjohn tbet O wes nce` tbl `lsorl `o`h‟t strojl gl uhtoc O wesestro`l e hokl, sgddtb tbonb.‗

–Vleccy, rleccy plrsdhec qulstodh4‗ Kcehky esjl` tlhtetovlcy.



650

–[url. ^l‟vl fllh prltty plrsdhec rlklhtcy. E qulstodh sbduc`h‟t tbrdw gldvlr tbl l`nl.‗

–O, ubg … essugl O‟g tbl iorst plrsdh ydu‟vl fllh wotb … sohkl ôcc4‗

Effy hd``l`. –_du erl.‗

–@dh‟t tejl tbos tbl wrdhn wey, fut O tbdunbt tbos wduc` fl ber`lr idr ydu,‗sbl seo`, slerkbohn Effy‟s lyls.

Fcohjohn oh surprosl, Effy esjl`, –Bdw gukb ber`lr kduc` tbos fl4 O `dh‟tjhdw oi O‟g kdgohn dr ndohn! ^l‟vl fllh wecjohn e tonbtrdpl idr wlljs!‗

Kcehky hd``l` lhlrnltokeccy, blr beh`s nlsturohn. –Hd, hd, O‟g tecjohn efdutslx. Oi O iduh` gyslci oh fl` wotb e geh O'` fl stuhhl`, tblh O'` try td ionurl

dut wbet tbl blcc wes ndohn dh! Fut ydu `dh't sllg cojl ydu'rl `dohn tbet,Effy. _du'rl ektohn cojl ydu'vl fllh dohn tbos ecc ydur coil, eh` ot stuhs gl!"

Effy prdppl` blrslci up aust lhdunb td pcekl e werg joss dh Kcehky‟s cops.–O bevlh‟t `dhl tbet tdèy,‗ sbl seo`, e norcosb nroh coitohn e kdrhlr di blrgdutb. Kcehky rlturhl` tbl ievdr, prlssohn blr cops nlhtcy updh Effy‟s.^blh sbl puccl` fekj, Effy netblrl` blr tbdunbts eh` seo`, –O‟g hdtlxpceohohn gyslci wlcc. O‟g hdt upslt efdut bevohn slx: O‟g hdt upslt efdutbevohn slx wotb e wdgeh. O‟g dhcy upslt flkeusl ot‟s ber` idr gl td flslxuec eneoh ‛ wotb ehydhl. Ot‟ s fllh iovl ylers, Kcehky, eh` ôcc wes tbl

dhcy plrsdh O‟` lvlr fllh tbos ohtogetl wotb.‗

–O essugl tbos os ber` idr ydu, fefl, fut ydu `dh't sbdw ot.‗

–O `d,‗ tbl dc`lr wdgeh gurgurl`, "fut O `dh't tecj efdut ot gukb. Pbet'shdt bdw O eg, Kcehky. O wdrj tbohns dut dh gy dwh gdst di tbl togl. O sot`dwh eh` wrotl ùrohn tbl èy. O kry e cdt," sbl seo`. "Fut O kry wblh O'gecdhl. Pbet's bdw O eg." [bl rlekbl` dut eh` reh blr tbugf ecdhn Kcehky‟sfdttdg cop, gdehohn sditcy wblh tbl ceh`skeplr puccl` ot ohtd blr gdutb eh`sukjl` nlhtcy. –O keh‟t stdp tdukbohn ydu.‗ [bl cey etdp Kcehky eh` flneh tdjoss blr, prdfohn blr werg gdutb wotb blr tdhnul. –Pbos illcs sd ronbt.‗

Kcehky fclw dut e frletb, blr hll` idr tbl dc`lr wdgeh nrdwohn strdhnlrwotb lekb joss. –Ot `dls illc ronbt. ^l keh gejl ot wdrj, Effy. ^l‟cc tejl otscdw sd ydu keh nlt kdgidrtefcl wotb tbl o`le di flohn ohtogetl eneoh. ^l‟cc`d tbos ronbt sd tbet ydu illc hokl eh` seil.‗

–^l'rl `dohn iohl," Effy seo`. "^l `dh't hll` td kbehnl e tbohn. O aust hll`togl td tbohj … eh` illc."



65<

"Pejl es gukb togl es ydu hll`," Kcehky seo`. "O wdh't rusb ydu. ^blh ydu'rl rle`y, wl'cc tejl tbl hlxt stlp."

"O weht tbos td wdrj,‗ Effy seo`. –_du bevl hd o`le bdw gukb.‗

Pbly cey tdnltblr idr e cdhn wbocl, tdukbohn lekb dtblr nlhtcy, sddtbohncy.Kcehky‟s tbruggohn fd`y kecgl` dwh eitlr e fot, eh` sbl wes vlry pclesl`wblh Effy stertl` td tecj.

–Keh O tlcc ydu e ilw tbohns4"

"[url. Ehytbohn."

"O tdc` ydu O wdrjl` wotb e nroli kduhslcdr." Kcehky hd``l`. "^lcc, O be` e cdtdi tbohns td nlt tbrdunb flidrl O kduc` stert ètohn. Ot wes ber` td ogenohl

tbet O'` lvlr weht td fl slxuec wotb ehdtblr geh. O ilct sd bdrrofcy nuocty ‛ lvlh tbdunb O jhlw O sbduc`h't.‗ [bl nevl Kcehky e tboh sgocl eh` seo`, –Dhltbohn blcpl` e cdt.‗

–^bet‟s tbet4‗ Kcehky wes peyohn rept ettlhtodh, fut blr lyls wlrl ioxl` dhtbl nddsl-fugps tbet blr conbt tdukb wes krletohn dh Effy‟s sjoh.

–ôcc eh` O be` e cottcl adjl tbet wl‟` fllh gejohn sohkl wl wlrl hlwcywl`s,‗sbl seo` sditcy, blr lyls ioxl` dh e pdoht hler Kcehky‟s kdccerfdhl. –Lvlrytogl tbl tdpok kegl up, bl'` gejl gl prdgosl tbet O‟` stert ètohn sddheitlr bl òl`.‗

Kcehky‟s beh` stoccl`, eh` sbl cddjl` et blr qulstodhohncy. –Vleccy4 by …4‗

–ôcc wes tlh ylers dc`lr tbeh O wes,‗ Effy seo`. Kcehky fcohjl` et tbosohidrgetodh, eh` blr cdvlr nevl blr e jhdwohn sgocl. "O wes aust cojl ydu.Ecweys ettrektl` td dc`lr glh."

"Plkbhokeccy, tbet's hdt aust cojl gl," Kcehky pceyiuccy rlgoh`l` blr.

–Vonbt. ]rdhduhs erl ogpdrteht." Pbl fruhlttl jossl` blr perthlr eh`

kdhtohul`, "ôcc ò`h‟t kdgl irdg e vlry cdhn-covl` iegocy. O tbohj O tdc` ydutbet fdtb di bos perlhts òl` flidrl dur jo`s be` togl td nlt td jhdw tblgwlcc. Bl wes klrteoh bl‟` òl flidrl gl, eh` bl nevl gl e kdhsostlhtglssenl ùrohn dur lhtorl gerroenl. Bl usl` td sey tbet hdtbohn wduc`gejl bog beppolr tbeh td cddj dwh irdg blevlh eh` sll tbet O wes tejohne ètl td bos iuhlrec.‗

–Gekefrl, fut swllt,‗ Kcehky seo`.



659

–Ot wes e cottcl gekefrl, fut ot wes ogpdrteht td bog,‗ Effy strlssl`. –Blusl` td tlcc gl tbet O wes sd iucc di cdvl tbet bl kduc`h‟t fler tbl tbdunbt digy pohohn ewey idr bog. Bl wehtl` gl td sberl gy cdvl eneoh.‗

Kcehky kclerl` blr tbrdet eh` cddjl` et Effy tlhtetovlcy. –Bdw d ydu tbohjbl wduc` bevl ilct efdut ydur flohn wotb e wdgeh4‗

Effy ceunbl` nlhtcy eh` seo`, –Bl wduc` bevl fllh trlglh`duscy upslt ‐ tbet bl wesh‟t efcl td adoh oh. Ot wes dhl di bos cottcl iehtesols.‗

–_du ò`h‟t lvlr …4‗

–Cdr`, hd! ^l be` e vlry iucioccohn, vlry treòtodhec slx coil. Dur cdvl idr lekbdtblr wes pclhty td jllp tbl lxkotlglht ndohn.‗

–O cojl treòtodhec slx, tdd,‗ Kcehky nrohhl`. Aust tecjohn efdut slx wesgejohn blr tbrdf, eh` sbl tddj Effy‟s beh` eh` pcekl` ot dh blr frlest. –Ese gettlr di iekt, O‟` cdvl sdgl ronbt hdw.‗

–^lcc, clsfoeh slx os e cottcl uhtreòtodhec idr gl, fut O‟vl ecweys fllh e ndd`stu`lht.‗ Effy clehl` dvlr eh` jossl` Kcehky buhnrocy, rlvlecohn tbl lptbsdi blr `lsorl. –Eh` O tbohj ydu‟rl ndohn td fl gy ievdrotl tlekblr.‗

***

Eitlr e cdhn, cezy ey di cyohn oh tbl pddc, heppohn, jossohn eh` jossohn sdgl

gdrl, Kcehky cddjl` et blr wetkb eh` clt dut e rlnrlt-ioccl` sonb. "O'vl ndttenlt td scllp. O'g ndhhe hll` ecc gy wots tdgdrrdw wblh gy e` eh` bos krlwsbdw up."

"Erl ydu ndohn bdgl4" Effy esjl`, cddjohn puzzcl`.

"O `dh't weht td, fut O keh't clevl gy trukj dut irdht."

"Hd, ydu keh't `d tbet." Effy put blr beh` dh Kcehky's erg eh` strdjl` otnlhtcy. "O dh't weht ydu td nd, fut … O eg wdrrol` efdut bevohn sdgldhl sll ydu. O'g surl gy hlonbfdrs erl ecrle`y wdh`lrohn wby gy ceh`skepl

erkbotlkt os blrl dh [uhèy honbt."

Kcehky be` bdpl` Effy wduc` fln blr td stey, fut sbl uh`lrstdd` blrwdrry. [tocc, sbl wes e cottcl burt. "^l'cc ionurl tbos dut sdglèy … ronbt4"

"Db! Di kdursl wl wocc! Ot's ndohn td tejl e cottcl togl, fut oi O beh`cl tbos ronbt,lvlrytbohn wocc wdrj dut. @dh't wdrry efdut ot. Vleccy." [bl cdvohncy strdjl`Kcehky's kbllj, nezohn `llpcy ohtd blr lyls. "Ot'cc wdrj dut."



65>

"Djey," tbl erkbotlkt seo`. [bl put dh e sgocl eh` jossl` Effy tlh`lrcy,turhohn up tbl blet aust lhdunb td clt tbl dc`lr wdgeh jhdw wbet sbl wesgossohn. "[ll ydu tdgdrrdw."

Effy blc` dhtd blr es cdhn es sbl kduc`, ioheccy rlcohquosbohn tbl cest fot diKcehky's sbortteoc.

***

Kcehky sclpt surprosohncy wlcc, bevohn fllh rlessurl` fy Effy‟s kdhio`lht`lkceretodh tbet tbly wduc` lvlhtueccy wdrj tbohns dut. Fut Effy put diindohn td fl` es cdhn es sbl kduc`. [bl wes sd torl` tbet sbl lvlhtueccy nevloh ‛ fut tbl fl` sllgl` sd fruteccy cernl eh` lgpty tbet sbl kduc`h't lvlhkcdsl blr lyls. [bl cey tblrl tbohjohn di bdw wdh`lriuc ot be` ilct td scllp ohKcehky's ergs ‛ bdw sbl be`h't sclpt tbet wlcc sohkl tbl èy ôcc be` òl` ‛

bdw glrlcy nlttohn bdrozdhtec wotb tbl yduhnlr wdgeh be` ge`l blr illcfdtb ohkrlòfcy rlcexl` eh` stogucetl` et tbl segl togl.

[bl rdccl` dvlr dhtd tbl dtblr so`l di tbl fl` eh` trol` td ioh` e boht diKcehky's sklht dh tbl poccdw dr tbl sbllts, fut hdtbohn rlgeohl`. Jhdwohnsbl wduc` hlvlr fl efcl td rlcex, sbl wlht `dwhsteors eh` cey dh tbl sdie,lvlhtueccy bevohn td turh tbl tlclvosodh dh td bevl lhdunb fekjnrduh` hdosltd uctogetlcy `roit dii.

***

^blh Effy wdjl, tbl dns wlrl sottohn dh tbl icddr, sterohn et blr wotb wbetcddjl` cojl dutrenl` lxprlssodhs. "^bet4" sbl gugfcl`, frusbohn tbl beorirdg blr lyls. "^bet's wrdhn4" [bl cddjl` et blr wetkb, eh` sew tbet ot wesecrle`y >1==. "Db, sbot! Pbl krlw's ndhhe fl blrl, eh` O bevlh't clt ydu twddut ylt!"

Pbly sterl` et blr, teocs wennohn, kclercy seyohn, "Pbet's wbet wl aust tdc` ydu."

[bl wes stocc wlerohn blr scllpwler eh` jhlw sbl kduc`h't eppler oh tblfekjyer` cojl tbet. [d sbl dplhl` up tbl irdht `ddr, clttohn tbl `dns bevl e

cottcl trlet. Pbl irdht yer` wes pcehtl` wotb sd gehy lcoketl icdwlrs tbet sblusueccy ò`h't clt tbl `dns usl ot idr tblor fetbrddg, fut sbl ò`h't bevlgehy dptodhs.

^bocl tbl peor neccdpl` erduh` tbl cernl spekl, Effy wlht ohtd tbl jotkblheh` turhl` dh blr kdiill gejlr. [bl wes dut di sdrts eh` bleèkby,pertoeccy irdg cekj di scllp eh` pertoeccy irdg tbl pddr quecoty di scllp sbl'`ndttlh dh tbl sdie.



652

[bl bler` sdgl cdu` hdosls kdgohn irdg tbl fekj yer`, sd sbl puccl` up tblkurteoh dvlr tbl jotkblh woh`dw eh` wetkbl` e òiilrlht nrdup di glhskecohn blr bocc. Adbh D'Kdhhdr wes stehòhn dh tbl cewh, kbettohn wotbKcehky, eh` aust sllohn tbl erkbotlkt ge`l Effy's sporots ogprdvl.

Fy tbl togl blr kdiill wes rle`y, tbl dns be` iohosbl` tblor aeuht eh` wlrlrle`y idr frlejiest. Pbly'` trekjl` tblor gu``y pews tbrdunb tbl lhtrywey,fut sbl jhlw tbet wes lhtorlcy blr ieuct, sd sbl ò`h't kdgpceoh td tblkucprots.

Eitlr ecc tbrll be` frlejiest, Effy kclehl` tbl lhtrywey icddr eh` wlhtupsteors td tejl e sbdwlr. Pbl `dns wlrl puzzcl` dhkl eneoh, hdt bevohnndttlh tblor gdrhohn lxlrkosl. Fut tblor efocoty td kdgpceoh wes ieorcycogotl`, sd tbly wlht fekj ohtd tbl `lh eh` kcogfl` dhtd tbl sdie td scllp.

Fy tbl togl tbl fruhlttl kegl fekj dwhsteors, sbl wes illcohn e cottcl gdrlcojl blrslci, fut sbl wes stocc uhslttcl`. [plhòhn twd honbts wotb Kcehky,eh` tblh bevohn blr ndhl, wes gdrl tbeh e cottcl òsturfohn, eh` Effy wes`ltlrgohl` td ionurl e wey dut di tblor òclgge.

Et 21== sbl wlht dutso`l td sll bdw tbohns wlrl ndohn. Pbl krlw wes pdosl`td stert onnohn tbl kdursl idr tbl wetlriecc, eh` Kcehky wes stehòhn dh tbltdp di tbl bocc, flhòhn dvlr td pllr ohtd wbet cddjl` cojl e survlydr‟s skdpl."Ndd` gdrhohn, Adbh," Effy seo`.

"Bo, tblrl," bl rlpcol`, novohn blr e fon nroh. "Gy norc's `dohn tbl pokjy wdrjronbt hdw."

"^bet os sbl `dohn4"

"Db, sbl's usohn e ceslr clvlc td kblkj lclvetodhs. [bl wehts td gejl surltbl wetlr icdws `dwh tbl bocc prdplrcy. _du jhdw ‛ sd ot idccdws tbl kurvl ditbl bocc eh` `dlsh't spocc dut."

"[bl cddjs cojl sbl jhdws wbet sbl's `dohn," Effy seo`. Kcehky wessonhecohn dhl di tbl glh td gdvl e cottcl td bos ronbt eh` begglr oh e stejl

wotb e fot di rl` pcestok tol` td tbl tdp.

"Db, sbl jhdws wbet sbl's `dohn," Adbh enrll`, cddjohn prdu` di bosèunbtlr. "[bl's e woz et tbl getb ohvdcvl`." Bl ceunbl` sditcy. "Hlvlr wesgy strdhn pdoht."

"Bdw efdut e kup di kdiill4" Effy esjl`.



65?

"Pbehjs. Pbet'` fl nrlet," bl seo`. Bl clt dut e sbrocc wbostcl, eh` Kcehkycddjl` up. [bl wevl` et Effy, tblh nevl blr ietblr blr ettlhtodh. "Ndohnohso`l idr e kup di kdiill. @dh't skrlw up!"

"Pbehjs," sbl seo`, novohn bog e wry nroh. "Ecweys epprlkoetl e vdtl di

kdhio`lhkl."

Pbl `dns wlrl beppy td sll Adbh, novohn bog tbl adydus wlckdgl tblyrlslrvl` idr pldpcl tbly'` glt et clest dhkl. Bl ceunbl` et tblor ehtoks,seyohn, "^l hlvlr clt Kcehky bevl e `dn, fut e peor cojl tbos wduc`h't bevlfllh sd fe`."

"Db, O cdvl tblg," sbl enrll`. "Pbly'vl fllh coilsevlrs idr gl tbl pest ilw ylers. Ot's hokl td bevl e peor di puppols wbd erl ecweys bdgl wblh ydu hll`tblg, wbd hlvlr esj idr gukb, eh` erl ecweys dvlradyl` wblh tbly sll ydu."

"_du surl dh't nlt tbet irdg bugehs," bl enrll`, ceunbohn et bos dwh adjl.

Bl stdd` et tbl woh`dw efdvl tbl sohj, wetkbohn bos èunbtlr wdrj. "[bl's`dhl e ndd` adf sd ier, Effy, eh` O'g hdt aust seyohn tbet 'keusl sbl's gyjo`. [bl's tbl flst O'vl wdrjl` wotb, eh` O'vl wdrjl` wotb sdgl aekjesslswbd kbernl tbrll togls wbet sbl `dls."

"O'vl fllh vlry ogprlssl`," Effy seo`, "eh` O'g hdt aust seyohn tbet flkeuslsbl's gy ‐ " [bl stdppl` efruptcy, hdt jhdwohn wbet tlrg td usl, eh` hdt

wehtohn td fl tdd nrepbok.

Bl cddjl` blr ronbt oh tbl lyl. "^bet os sbl td ydu4" bl esjl`, dfvoduscykdgidrtefcl wotb tbl òrlkt epprdekb.

"^bet os sbl, dr wbet wduc` O cojl blr td fl4" sbl rlpcol`, surprosohn blrslciwotb tbl qulstodh.

"Lotblr," bl seo`. "^lcc, fdtb, fut ydu keh stert wotb lotblr dhl."

[bl sgocl` et bog eh` seo`, "Vonbt hdw wl'rl … ètohn, O nulss. ^l bevl e

cdt di tbohns td wdrj dut ‛ gdstcy gy tbohns. Fut O'` novl ehytbohn td bevl blridr gy spdusl."

[bl‟` seo` tbl cest wdr`s sd wostiuccy tbet bl ilct fe` idr blr. Ot wes kclertbet Effy wesh't surl wbet sbl'` fl kepefcl di, fut ot wes aust es kcler tbetsbl wesh't tdyohn wotb Kcehky's blert. "[drry O esjl`," bl seo`. "O keh flprltty shddpy. Fut O bdpl ydu twd keh wdrj tbohns dut. _du'rl lxektcy tbljoh` di wdgeh sbl's ecweys wehtl`, Effy. Lxektcy."



66=

Effy flegl` et bog eh` put blr beh` dh bos erg. "O be` hd o`le tbet Owehtl` e wdgeh cojl Kcehky," sbl e`gottl`, "fut O weht blr gdrl tbeh O kehlxprlss."

Adbh cddjl` et tbl wdgeh idr e gdglht, sllohn lvlry quecoty tbet beèttrektl` bos èunbtlr ‛ Effy's dfvodus fleuty, blr nlhtcl heturl, quokjgoh`, tbl wey sbl ogglòetlcy put e plrsdh et lesl, eh` blr swlltsohklroty. "_du twd'cc fl iohl," bl seo` rlessurohncy. "O'` flt dh ot."

***

Eitlr bl'` ge`l surl tbl adf wes wlcc oh beh`, Adbh clit idr e ilw bdurs tdfo` dh ehdtblr adf. Pdèy's prdalkt wes sbllr gehuec cefdr, eh` bl'` novlhgukb di tbet up ylers flidrl. Lvlh tbdunb blr krlw be` gdvl` dh tdehdtblr adf wbocl tbl pcugfohn wes flohn ohsteccl`, Kcehky stocc hll`l` td fl

dh sotl, sohkl tbl onnohn wes ecc ekkdròhn td blr splkoioketodhs. Pbdunb sblhll`l` td fl erduh`, sbl wesh't tlrrofcy fusy, eh` eitlr e wbocl, sbl stertl`tbohjohn efdut pokjohn up e sbdvlc eh` clhòhn e beh`. Fut sbl jhlw tbetwduc`h‟t fl ronbt, sd sbl wecjl` erduh` tbl yer`, tejohn e ndd` cdhn cddj ettbl trlls.

Effy gust bevl slhsl` blr l`nohlss, flkeusl sbl wecjl` ohtd tbl yer` eilw gdglhts cetlr. "Kcehky," sbl keccl`, "keh O sll ydu4"

Pbl fcdh`l wecjl` dvlr td blr eh` sgocl`. "Ehytogl," sbl `rewcl`.

"O o`h't rleccy weht ehytbohn, fut O sew ydu cddjohn et tbl trlls. Os ehytbohnwrdhn wotb tblg4"

"Hd. Pbly cddj iohl. Fut O tbohj ydu sbduc` tboh dut tbet Kecoidrhoe sykegdrlflidrl tbl reohs kdgl. _du `dh't weht tbl krdwh td fler tdd gukb wlonbtwblh ot's dh eh ohkcohl cojl tbos. [bl's e fleuty, eh` tbl cest tbohn ydu wehtos td cdsl blr."

"O'vl hlvlr bler` ehydhl rlilr td trlls oh tbl ilgohohl nlh`lr," Effy seo`."Ot's kutl."

Kcehky swlpt blr bet dii wotb dhl beh` eh` skretkbl` blr ble` wotb tbldtblr. "O ò`h't rlecozl O ò` tbet, fut tbly `d sllg ilgohohl td gl. O'g hdtsurl wby."

Effy cddjl` et tbl trll oh qulstodh eh` hd``l` blr ble`. "O suppdsl ydu'rlronbt efdut blr. O usueccy kecc Erfdr Kucturl."

Gejohn e iekl, Kcehky seo`, "Pbl [eh Nefrolc Yeccly kbeohsew jocclrs!"



665

"Pbly'rl fe`4"

"^lcc, tbly'rl hdt tbl wdrst, fut O'vl sllh sdgl di tblor krlws nd oh eh` `dhdtbohn fut tdp e trll. O'` cojl td plrsdheccy wrohn tbl hlkjs di lvlrydhl

wbd's lvlr `dhl tbet."

"Fut tbly sey tbet tbly pruhl slclktovlcy," Effy ohsostl`.

"Pbet's wbet tbly sey, eh` oi ydu wetkb tblg, eh` ohsost tbet eh erfdrost flblrl, tbly'cc prdfefcy d tbet. Fut oi tbly keh nlt ewey wotb ot, tbly nd up tdpeh` novl 'lg e krlw kut. Ot's òsnustohn," sbl seo`, gejohn sukb e iekl tbetEffy be` td ceunb.

"^lcc, O `dh't weht td òsnust ydu," sbl seo`.

"@dh't wdrry efdut ot," Kcehky seo`. "O'cc tejl kerl di ot idr ydu."

Effy wehtl` td op blr ble` eh` joss tbl yduhnlr wdgeh, fut sbl jhlw sblkduc`h't. Ohstle` sbl seo`, "_du jhdw ydu keh kdgl oh oi ydu weht td."

"Hd, O'` flttlr hdt. O'cc clt ydu jhdw wblh O hll` ydu."

"Djey," tbl dc`lr wdgeh seo` eh` wlht ohso`l td ketkb up dh sdgl l-geoc.[bl wes wdrjohn et blr ceptdp, wbokb sbl be` slt up dh tbl jotkblh tefcl,wblh sbl bler` e ieoht kcokj. Pbl `dns augpl` up eh` reh td tbl scoòhnncess ddr, lers eh` teocs up. Effy ncehkl` dutso`l, fut o`h't sll ehytbohn,

sd sbl wlht fekj td wdrj. Eitlr e gohutl, sbl bler` ehdtblr kcokj, tbos dhl ecottcl cdu`lr. Es sddh es sbl ndt up, tbl dns stertl` td ferj, surl tbl bduslwes uh`lr ettekj. [bl dplhl` tbl `ddr eh` bler`, –Bly, novl gl e beh`blrl, wocc ye4‗

Effy stlppl` dut dhtd tbl petod eh` sew tbet e gessovl hugflr di sgeccfrehkbls cey dh tbl nrduh` erduh` tbl sykegdrl sbl eh` Kcehky be` austòskussl`, eh` es blr lyls skehhl` up tbl trll, tbly ceh`l` dh dhl iegocoercddjohn trll surnldh ‐ plrkbl` updh e stur`y frehkb tbet cddgl` e ndd`twlhty illt efdvl tbl nrduh`.

Flidrl sbl kduc` klhsdr blrslci, sbl sbdutl`, –Kcehky! Nlt `dwh irdg tblrltbos ohsteht!‗ ôtbdut weotohn idr e rlpcy, sbl tddj dii, ruhhohn ekrdss tblcewh td sterl up et blr cdvlr.

Es Effy stdd` hlxt td tbl trll, pllrohn up ohtd tbl suh, e kecg vdokl seo`, –Ojhdw ydu ò`h't gleh td usl tbet tdhl di vdokl wotb gl.‗

Pbl fruhlttl be` fllh tdd bdrrdr-strukj td lvlh tbohj di gdvohn, fut



666

Kcehky‟s wdr`s eccdwl` blr td kdgl td blr slhsls. [bl cddjl` up et tblceh`skeplr, pehokjl` et blr òstehkl. –Kcehky, ydu kduc` jocc ydurslci uptblrl. ]clesl, nlt `dwh!‗

–Effy,‗ sbl seo`, blr vdokl stocc kecg eh` uhlgdtodhec, –tbos os wbet O `d idr

e covohn. O‟vl troggl` buh`rl`s di trlls, eh` O jhdw wbet O‟g `dohn. Flso`ls,O wduc`h‟t jocc gyslci oi O ilcc. E frdjlh cln dr twd et wdrst.‗

–Pbet‟s hdt gejohn gl illc flttlr,‗ sbl seo`, blr vdokl stocc sbejy.

–O‟g ecgdst `dhl. @dh‟t gejl gl kcogf `dwh ‐ O‟cc aust bevl td kcogf ronbtfekj up. O hll` ydu td blcp gl. ôcc ydu4‗

–Ecc ronbt,‗ sbl seo`, tryohn td tegp `dwh blr iler. –^bet `d ydu hll`4‗

–O weht ydu td wecj erduh` tbl yer` eh` tlcc gl oi tblrl erl ehy frehkbls

tbet cddj dut di pcekl. _du jhdw, oi sdgltbohn os stokjohn dut et e iuhhyehncl dr sdgltbohn. Pbos trll sbduc` fl dplh eh` strukturec cddjohn, hdt tddplrilkt eh` hdt tdd rduh`. Pejl e ndd` cddj eh` sbdut ot dut oi ydu sllsdgltbohn.‗

Effy cddjl` up et blr eh` ge`l lyl kdhtekt. –@d ydu prdgosl gl tbet ydujhdw wbet ydu‟rl `dohn4‗

–_ls, O `d. Hdw skddt.‗

Idccdwohn ohstruktodhs, Effy wlht td e hugflr di spdts dh tbl cewh, lvlh

kcogfohn tbl bocc oh e kdupcl di pcekls td nlt tbl flst volw. –Pblrl‟s e spdt td ydur … clit,‗ sbl keccl` dut. –Ot‟s stokjohn up bonblr tbeh tbl hlonbfdrohnfrehkbls.‗

–Bdc` dh,‗ Kcehky ylccl` fekj. [bl gdvl` e ilw illt td blr clit wotb Effy‟sstdgekb dohn icops wotb lvlry stlp. Nreffohn e frehkb, Kcehky puccl` berè ilw togls, gejohn ot swey `regetokeccy. –Pbos dhl4‗

–Hd. E cottcl gdrl td ydur clit.‗ Kcehky ioheccy iduh` tbl kdrrlkt frehkb eh`tddj blr sew irdg tbl bddj dh blr flct. Cdppohn tbl frehkb dii, sbl esjlèneoh, –Ehy dtblrs4‗

–Hd,‗ Effy keccl`. –Ot cddjs ndd` ‐ vlry ndd`.‗

–Nrlet. Hdw, kdgl fekj blrl.‗

[tocc tlrroiol`, Effy èsbl` fekj ekrdss tbl yer`. –^bet4 ^bet‟s wrdhn4‗

–Hdtbohn,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Hdtbohn et ecc. O weht td novl ydu e `lgdhstretodh.‗



66;

–Di wbet4‗ Effy esjl`, blr blert rekohn.

–O weht td sbdw ydu tbet O keh prdtlkt gyslci. O‟g strdhn eh` enocl, eh` O bevl

vlry ndd` fecehkl. Eh` dh tdp di tbet ‐ O `dh‟t tbohj O‟g ohvohkofcl, sd O‟gvlry kerliuc. Hdw wetkb.‗ [bl nreffl` dhtd e blevy frehkb aust efdvl blrble` eh` puccl` blrslci up ‐ dohn e ilw kboh-ups td sbdw blr perthlr tbetsbl be` tbl strlhntb td frlej e iecc oi hll` fl.

–Db, gy Nd`! Kcehky, pclesl, pclesl, kdgl `dwh!‗

[bejohn blr ble`, Kcehky stertl` td `lsklh`, blr surl-iddtl` gdvlglhtshlercy keusohn Effy‟s blert td stdp. Oh gdglhts, sbl wes dh tbl wo`l, fdttdg frehkb, eh` sbl tddj dii blr sew eh` tdssl` ot quotl e ostehkl irdgtbl trll. Pblh sbl augpl`, flhòhn blr jhlls td efsdrf tbl ogpekt es sbl

ceh`l`.

Effy nreffl` blr eh` blc` dhtd blr wotb e refo` ilrdkoty. –_du skerl` glbeci td `letb,‗ sbl wbosplrl`.

–Bly, bly,‗ Kcehky sddtbl` es sbl ilct Effy‟s fd`y sbejl, tblh sbdt e ncehklet blr ietblr's krlw, jhdwohn tbly'` ecc fllh sterohn. –^bet‟s up wotb tbos4_du jhdw O `d tbos joh` di tbohn.‗

–Hd, O ò`h‟t,‗ sbl ohsostl`, blr lyls wo`l. –O be` hd o`le ydu kcogfl` trlls.‗

–^lcc, O `d. Ot‟s dhl di gy ievdrotl perts di gy adf es e gettlr di iekt. O cdvltrlls, eh` O cdvl flohn efcl td tejl prdplr kerl di tblg. O ndt klrtoiol` es eherfdrost cest yler.‗

–Fut ot‟s sd èhnlrdus!‗

–Ot bes tbl pdtlhtoec td fl èhnlrdus,‗ Kcehky seo`, –fut ot‟s cojl ehytbohnlcsl. Oi ydu‟rl kerliuc eh` pru`lht eh` tejl prlkeutodhs, ydu sbduc` fl iohl.‗

–Ndohn up oh gy trll wotbdut gl dut blrl wetkbohn ydu wesh‟t pru`lht,‗Effy ohsostl`. –Pbet wes iddcosb.‗

–Hd, ot wesh‟t,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Pbet sykegdrl osh't vlry fon, eh` O wesh‟t usohne kbeoh sew. Kcogfohn e cottcl trll cojl tbet td tejl e ilw kuts os hdtbohn,Effy. Vleccy.‗

–_du usl e kbeoh sew4‗



660

–Hdt vlry ditlh,‗ Kcehky essurl` blr. –O dh‟t ditlh d trll rlgdvec ‒keusl gytogl os wdrtb tdd gukb idr tbet. O usueccy aust gejl e ilw krotokec kuts tdjllp e wlcc-kerl` idr trll oh ndd` sbepl. Aust cojl ydurs.‗

–O `dh‟t jhdw bdw O‟cc stdp wdrryohn efdut ydu,‗ Effy seo`, e peohiuccy vuchlrefcl cddj dh blr iekl.

–Bly … O hlvlr nd up wotbdut sdgldhl kcdsl fy. Pbl nuys dh gy è`'s krlwwlrl ronbt blrl oi O hll`l` 'lg. O‟vl fllh kcogfohn trlls sohkl O wes tbrll,Effy, eh` dvlr tbl ylers, O‟vl clerhl` bdw td iecc. O prdgosl ydu tbet O tejl eccdi tbl prdplr seilty prlkeutodhs.‗ [bl put blr beh` dh Effy's fekj eh`nuo`l` blr ohtd tbl bdusl. Dhkl tbly wlrl ewey irdg tbl dtblrs, Kcehkywreppl` blr ergs erduh` blr cdvlr eh` blc` blr idr e cdhn togl. Effy kduc`sglcc tbl strdhn sklht di irlsbcy sewh wdd` dh blr fd`y, fut ot dhcyrlgoh`l` blr di bdw ironbtlhl` sbl'` fllh. Kcehky kdhtohul`, –O‟vl ndt e cdt

td covl idr, eh` O‟g hdt efdut td bevl gy coil kut sbdrt aust td trog sdgldhl‟strll. ]clesl, try hdt td wdrry.‗

Hdw tbet sbl wes bdcòhn Kcehky, Effy‟s blert stertl` td scdw ots woc` flet.–_du ecweys bevl ydur pbdhl, `dh‟t ydu4‗

–\b-bub. Ecweys.‗

–ôcc ydu prdgosl tbet ydu‟cc kecc gl flidrl ydu kcogf ehy fon trlls, eh` tblhkecc gl wblh ydu‟rl iohosbl`4‗

[bl ge`l e i ekl, cddjohn osgeyl`. –Db, Effy, os tbet rleccy hlklssery4 Ot'cc aust wdrry ydu.‗

–]clesl, Kcehky4 Aust uhtoc O nlt usl` td tbos.‗ [bl bunnl` blr lvlh tonbtlreh` seo`, –O keh‟t fler tbl tbdunbt di cdsohn ydu.‗

–Djey. O‟cc clt ydu jhdw wblhlvlr O‟g ndohn td kcogf. O `dh‟t weht ydu tdwdrry efdut tbos tbdunb, djey4 O prdgosl O wdh‟t kcogf wotbdut tlccohn ydu ‐ fut ydu bevl td prdgosl hdt td wdrry.‗

–O‟cc d gy flst,‗ Effy vdwl`, duftohn blr efocoty td kdgpcy kdgpcltlcy, fut

woccohn td try.

***

^blh tbl krlw wes `dhl idr tbl èy, Kcehky eh` Adbh wlht ohtd tbl bdusleh` nevl Effy eh upètl. Pblh Adbh cddjl` et bos èunbtlr eh` seo`, "O'gndohn bdgl, kbegp. Bdw efdut ydu4"



66<

"O tbohj O'cc behn erduh`," sbl seo`, wecjohn dvlr td Effy eh` scoòhn eh ergerduh` blr weost. "O tbohj tbl bdgldwhlr hll`s e cottcl gdrl di gy togl."

Adbh sgocl` et tbl peor eh` wecjl` dut, gugfcohn, "Pwlhty-iovl ylers oh tblfusohlss, eh` O'g stocc weotohn idr e joss."

"Bl's sd kutl," Effy seo`, ceunbohn. "Aust cojl ydu."

"Bl wosbls," Kcehky seo`. "[d … wbet `dls gy bdgldwhlr weht4 [lperetlfl`rddgs eneoh4"

"Hd!" Effy cddjl` sbdkjl` et tbl sunnlstodh. "O ber`cy sclpt et ecc!" eotohn eflet, sbl esjl`, "@o` ydu scllp wlcc4"

Kcehky, tbohjohn quokjcy, ehswlrl`, "Hdt es wlcc es O d wblh O'g wotb ydu."

"Pblh wl'rl ndhhe bevl td tejl e ilw rosjs. @d ydu goh` perjohn ydur trukje kdupcl di fcdkjs ewey4"

"Hd, O `dh't. O'cc gdvl ot erduh` sd hd dhl slls gl gdrl tbeh dhkl."

Effy sonbl` blevocy. "O betl td gejl tbos sllg sd kcdej eh` ènnlr, fut Okeh't tbohj di e flttlr o`le. Keh ydu4"

"Ot's hd fon `lec," Kcehky seo`. "Ecc tbet gettlrs os tbet wl'rl tdnltblr."

***

Cetl tbet honbt, Kcehky wes shddzohn conbtcy, blr ble` poccdwl` dh Effy‟stbonb. E cdhn-iohnlrl` beh` wes scoòhn tbrdunb blr beor, rlcexohn blr sdtbdrdunbcy tbet sbl wesh‟t surl oi sbl wes ewejl dr escllp. Effy‟s irll tbonbwes reosl`, eh` e fodnrepby di Adbh Eègs rlstl` dh ot, tbl fddj prlssohneneohst blr stdgekb sd sbl kduc` rle` dhl-beh`l`. Pbl penls turhohnquoltcy lvlry ilw gohutls, blr kecgohn gessenl hlvlr veryohn. Dhl di tbl`dns bdppl` dhtd tbl fl`, rdusohn Kcehky, eh` sbl coitl` blr ble` td sterlohtd se`-cddjohn fcul lyls nezohn et blr wostiuccy. Ydokl tbokj wotb scllp,Kcehky rdccl` dhtd blr fekj esjohn, –^bet erl ydu tbohjohn efdut4‗

–_du,‗ Effy seo`. [bl treocl` blr iohnlrs tbrdunb tbl sdit fcdh`l beor eh`seo`, –O wosb O be` e wey td jllp ydu, eh` lvlry dtblr plrsdh O cdvl, seil irdgberg.‗

–Coil sukjs sdgltogls, `dlsh‟t ot4‗ Kcehky esjl`.

–Ot `dls. O keh usueccy rlcex eh` lhady ot ‐ fut tblh sdgltbohn bepplhs td



669

rlgoh` gl di bdw iclltohn ot ecc os, eh` bdw lesocy ot keh òseppler.‗ [bljossl` blr iohnlrs eh` prlssl` tblg td Kcehky‟s iucc cops. –O‟cc fl iohl. O austhll` td rlgoh` gyslci tbet ydu jhdw wbet ydu‟rl `dohn, eh` tbet tblrl erlgoccodhs di weys idr ydu td nlt burt. Idkusohn dh dhl di tblg osh‟tprdùktovl.‗

–Effy,‗ sbl sddtbl`. –O keh‟t prdgosl tbet O‟cc covl td fl e buh`rl`, fut O‟gsurl ndhhe try. O jhdw bdw ber` occ‟s letb wes idr ydu, eh` O prdgosl tbetO‟cc hlvlr jhdwohncy put gyslci et rosj. O prdgosl ydu tbet,‗ sbl rlpletl`. [blset up eh` clehl` dvlr td turh dii tbl fl`so`l cegp. Cyohn dh blr fekj sblpettl` blr tbonbs, urnohn Effy td rlst blr ble` dh tblg. –Kdgl dh. Pogl idre hokl ble` ruf.‗ Effy skddtl` `dwh dh tbl fl` eh` rlstl` dh Kcehky,purrohn wotb lconbt wblh tbl strdhn, surl iohnlrs flneh td scop tbrdunb blrbeor. –^l‟rl fdtb wbdcl eh` blectby eh` plrilktcy seil,‗ sbl wbosplrl`. –^lkeh‟t jhdw wbet tdgdrrdw wocc frohn. Ecc wl keh `d os covl lvlry gdglht ditdèy. ^l bevl tdèy, eh` tbet's ecc wl hll`.‗

KBE]PLV PBOVPLLH

Pbly wlrl efcl td pucc dii tbl bo``lh trukj trokj idr twd èys, fut dh^l`hlsèy, Effy blc` Kcehky prosdhlr oh fl`. Pbl erkbotlkt klrteohcy o`h'tionbt tdd ber` td nlt irll, fut tblor pceyohn ge`l blr cetl, eh` sblkdhslqulhtcy reh tbl rosj di bevohn sdgldhl oh tbl hlonbfdrbdd` sll blrbojohn dwh tbl strllt. [bl ioheccy lxtroketl` blrslci eh` reh idr tbl sbdwlr,Effy skegplrohn oh ronbt flboh` blr.

Fy tbl togl Kcehky sew blr trukj oh tbl ostehkl, ot wes ecgdst lonbt d'kcdkj.

[bl bler` e ker flboh` blr scdw, tblh e vdokl keccl` dut, "Ker trdufcl, alie4"

Glhteccy sceppohn blr idrlble`, Kcehky turhl` td sll Vegdh's sgorjohnvosenl. "Hd, O'g iohl, Vegdh. _du'` flttlr nlt ndohn. Grs. Gerjdwotz `dlsh'tcojl ot wblh wl'rl cetl."

"Aust kblkjohn," bl seo`. "Pbos os e vlry èhnlrdus hlonbfdrbdd`."

Kcehky nevl bog e slgo-plrturfl` cddj, weotohn idr bog td nlt td tbl puhkbcohl. "O bler` tblrl's e wdgeh wbd's fllh shlejohn ohtd bdgls eh` jossohn

yduhn norcs," bl seo`, ceunbohn et bos adjl.

"O'g hdt e yduhn …" sbl stertl` td sey, tblh rlecozl` bl tbdunb t sbl wesètohn Beycly. [tuhhl`, sbl glrlcy stdd` tblrl, cddjohn flwoc`lrl`.

"Hd, ydu'rl hdt sd yduhn," bl seo`, ceunbohn. "_du'rl dc` lhdunb td nd td aeoc!"



66>

"_du trucy `dh't jhdw wbet ydu'rl tecjohn efdut, Vegdh. Fut O keh tlcc ydutbet O bevl hd ohtlrlst oh yduhnlr wdglh. O'g blrl dh fusohlss."

"Db, sç," bl seo`. "Iuhhy fusohlss."

^blh sbl errovl` fekj et Effy's, sbl wlht oh td tlcc blr tbet Vegdh weswosl td tblg ‐ wotb e twost. Idr sdgl rlesdh, tbos fdtblrl` Effy lvlh gdrl."O `dh't weht ydur glh td tbohj ydu'` ètl e yduhn norc ‐ lsplkoeccy sohkl ydu'` prdfefcy fl `dohn ot flboh` gy fekj! O betl tbet!"

"Ot's djey. O `dh't kerl wbet tbl nuys tbohj."

"_ls, O `d," sbl seo`, sucjohn. [bl set `dwh et tbl jotkblh tefcl eh` kre`cl`blr ble` oh blr beh`s. "O'g sdrry O wes sd kbocòsb tbos gdrhohn. _du wduc`hlvlr bevl ruh ohtd bog oi O be`h't fllh ektohn cojl e iddc."

Kcehky krdukbl` `dwh oh irdht di blr eh` nezl` ohtd blr lyls. "@dh't lvlrepdcdnozl idr tbet. Bevohn iuh eh` flohn pceyiuc os pert di wbet O cdvl efdutflohn wotb ydu. O `dh't lvlr weht ydu td kbehnl."

Effy clt dut e frletb. "O betl td sey ot, fut wl'rl ndhhe bevl td scllp epert. Pbos os gejohn gl tdd hlrvdus. Oi Vegdh sew ydu, O'g surl sdgl di gyhlonbfdrs bevl, tdd."

Kcehky's sbduc`lrs scugpl`. "Kduc` wl squllzl fdtb kers ohtd tbl nerenl4"

"Hd, tbl bdusl wes fuoct cdhn flidrl pldpcl be` twd kers. O suppdsl ydukduc` usl tbl nerenl, fut ydu kduc`h't tejl ydur trukj dut ùrohn tbl èy…"

"Hd, tbet wdh't wdrj. O bevl td fl efcl td nd kblkj dh gy krlw. ^l'rl tejohn`dwh e fon trll aust e ilw fcdkjs irdg blrl. O bevl td nd dvlr eh` sll bdw ot'sndohn ùrohn gy cuhkb frlej."

"_du kduc` usl gy ker," Effy seo`.

Kcehky ge`l e iekl. "O `dh't tbohj ydu'` weht gl td cde` ecc di gy tddcs ohtd

ydur tohy truhj. ]cus, gy krlw wduc` wdh`lr wblh O‟` wdh tbl cdttlry."

Effy sonbl` oh rlsonhetodh. "O nulss ot wdh't wdrj."

"Hd, O `dh't tbohj sd," Kcehky seo`. "Fut wl keh stocc splh` dur lvlhohnstdnltblr, keh't wl4"

Effy sgocl` et blr, `lconbtl` fy tbl bdpliuc tdhl oh Kcehky's vdokl. "Di



662

kdursl wl keh."

***

Pbl èy wes e pertokucercy cdhn dhl. Pbl wdrj wlht sgddtbcy, eh` Kcehky

ò`h't bevl td ohvdcvl blrslci gukb et ecc. Fut stehòhn erduh` wetkbohn blrietblr's krlw sdc`lr kdpplr popl tdnltblr wesh't vlry stogucetohn. Blr è`wes et ehdtblr sotl, sd sbl hll`l` td fl prlslht td ehswlr qulstodhs dr lecwotb prdfclgs. [bl kduc` bevl ndhl ohtd tbl bdusl, fut sbl jhlw tbetwesh't e nrlet o`le. Pbl nuys dh tbl krlw tlh`l` td tejl tbohns ohtd tblordwh beh`s oi sdgldhl oh eutbdroty wesh't tblrl, eh` sbl ò`h't wehtehytbohn ‛ lvlh tbl sgecclst prdfclg ‛ td kdgl up dh tbos adf. Pbl dhcystogucetohn pert di blr èy wes tbl ge` èsb sbl ge`l td tbl Gerjdwotzbdusl td kblkj dh tbl trll rlgdvec.

Fy idur d'kcdkj, sbl wes hlercy ge` wotb cdhnohn td sll Effy, fut blr cdvlr

wesh't bdgl. Kcehky wesh't surl wblrl sbl'` ndhl, fut sbl'` sllh blr clevlronbt flidrl tblor cuhkb frlej ‛ gejohn tbl eitlrhddh `ren lvlh gdrl.

[bl jhlw sbl sbduc` nlt ohtd blr trukj eh` nd bdgl, fut sbl ò`h't weht tdclevl wotbdut bevohn òhhlr tdnltblr, dr et clest jossohn Effy ndd`fyl. [dsbl èw`cl` wbocl blr ietblr's krlw pekjl` up, tblh wlht fekj oh tbrdunbtbl netl tbl slkdh` tbly clit. Jhdwohn tbet tbl dns wlrl gossohn tblor yer`,sbl put tblg dh tblor clesbls eh` clt tblg `ren blr up tbl bocc td sll wbetwes bepplhohn td tblor pceynrduh`. Pbl norcs splht e cdhn togl shoiiohnerduh`, nlttohn tblor hdsls uhflcolvefcy gu``y. ^blh tbly kegl fekj`dwh, tbl pups wehtl` td nd idr e swog, eh` Kcehky utoiuccy rohsl` tblg dii

iorst, clevohn e ncdp di gu` dh tbl cewh. ^blh sbl uhbddjl` tblor clesbls,tbly fdtb `dvl ohtd tbl pddc, cddjohn cojl e kdupcl di lsplkoeccy iurryglgflrs di tbl swog tleg.

Ecc tbrll di tblg bler` Effy `rovl up. Pbl `dns stdppl` tblor pcey eh`trle`l` wetlr idr e slkdh`, tblh put tblor lers fekj eh` skegplrl` dut ditbl pddc, bleòhn idr tbl so`l netl aust td gejl surl. Pbly wlrl sottohn fy tblfekj `ddr, `roppohn wlt, wblh Effy lhtlrl` tbl jotkblh. "O bevl dh hoklscekjs, norcs. Clt gl put dh gy suot flidrl O kdgl dutso`l." [bl weotl` eflet, tblh esjl`, "@dls ehydhl lcsl dut tblrl weht e suot4"

"[url," Kcehky seo`. "O'g ecweys up idr e swog."

Effy lglrnl` e ilw gohutls cetlr, surprosohncy sukklssiuc oh blr ettlgpts tdnlt tbl `dns td stey dh tbl nrduh`. "]ews," sbl seo` stlrhcy. Pbly wbohl` ecottcl, eh` wennl` tblor teocs oh irustretodh, fut tbly gehenl` td jllp ecc idurdh tbl icddr. Pd rlwer` tblg, Effy tbrlw dhl di tblor icdetohn tdys, eh` tblyfdtb iclw idr ot, krletohn e nrlet spcesb wblh tbly ò`. "Bdw efdut ydu4"Effy esjl` blr cdvlr. [bl stdd` kcdsl td Kcehky eh` jossl` blr `lcoketlcy.



66?

"Bdw keh O gejl ydu augp idr ady4"

Kcehky gdvl` e cottcl kcdslr, tblh jossl` Effy's hlkj, steyohn oh tblhlonbfdrbdd` wbocl sbl scdwcy sco` dhl di tbl streps di blr suot `dwh. [blgdvl` td tbl dtblr so`l di blr hlkj, jossohn ot conbtcy, cdwlrohn tbet strep,

tdd. [bl stertl` td joss e cohl irdg Effy's tbrdet dwh fltwllh blr frlests,puccohn tbl suot `dwh ohkb fy ohkb, rlvlecohn gdrl sjoh.

Fy tbos togl, Effy's iohnlrs wlrl wdrjohn et tbl futtdhs dh Kcehky's sbort. Pblor cops glt wbocl tbly uh`rlssl` lekb dtblr, Kcehky weotohn e ilw fletsidr Effy td ketkb up. Dhkl tbly wlrl fdtb hejl`, tbl fcdh`l tddj Effy'sbeh` eh` puccl` blr ecdhn wbocl sbl reh idr tbl llp lh`. Pbly fdtb augplòhtd tbl pddc, gejohn bunl spcesbls eh` kdgplccohn tbl dns td rekl td tblgtd gejl surl tbly wlrl seil.

Lekb dn sweg irdg Effy td Kcehky eh` fekj eneoh, idrgohn e tohy korkcl di

coilnuer`s. "^by `d tbly `d tbet4" Kcehky ceunbl` wblh Etblhe put blrguzzcl ronbt hlxt td blr gdutb.

"O'g hdt klrteoh," Effy seo`. "Fut sdgldhl wbd jhdws Hlwiduh`ceh`s tdc`gl tbet wetlr `dns keh sglcc klrteoh kblgokecs dh ydur frletb tbetohòketl oi ydu'rl lxbeustl` dr eireo`. [d `dh't cddj tdd torl` 'keusl O'g hdtsurl wbet tbly'` `d hlxt!"

"_leb, wotbdut e swogsuot, O dh't tbohj O'` weht tblg td ren gl td seilty,"Kcehky seo`. "Pbly gonbt nref tbos beh`y rohn." [bl put e iohnlr tbrdunb blrhoppcl rohn eh` ge`l e iekl.

"Pbet's gohl," Effy seo`. [bl sweg dvlr td blr eh` uhjl` blr ble` uh`lrtbl wetlr td pceyiuccy cetkb dhtd tbl rohn, gejohn Kcehky nonncl.

Kcehky put blr ergs eh` clns erduh` blr cdvlr, tblh rlstl` blr ble` eneohstblr hlkj. "O cojl ot blrl," sbl seo`, sgocohn wblh sbl sew bdw iuroduscy Effybe` td trle` wetlr td jllp tblg fdtb eicdet. "Clt's stey oh tbl pddc ecc honbtcdhn."

***

Pbly steyl` oh uhtoc tbly wlrl fdtb wrohjcl`, fut buhnlr ioheccy kdgplccl`tblg td lglrnl irdg tblor equetok pceynrduh`. Pbly be` e sogpcl òhhlr diIrlhkb frle`, sdgl enl` eh` irlsb kbllsls tbet Effy be` pokjl` up et tblgerjlt, e fuhkb di swllt nrepls eh` e cottcl necoe glcdh ‛ sd swllt ot wesohtdxoketohn. Pbly lekb be` e ncess di wohl, eh` wblh tbly'` iohosbl`, tblorbuhnlr idr idd` wes setl`, fut tbly wlrl fdtb krevohn ehdtblr idrg disetosiektodh.



6;=

Effy wes sottohn dh Kcehky's cep, swllt sukjcohn sduh`s kdgohn irdg tblorpessodh-ioccl` jossls. Ot wes nlttohn èrj, eh` Kcehky jhlw sbl be` td clevltblh ‛ dr hdt et ecc. [bl put blr beh` dh tbl fekj di Effy's ble` eh` pettlòt nlhtcy, gejohn tbl fruhlttl coit ot eh` nezl et blr wotb sgdjy lyls. "Gejlcdvl td gl," Effy seo`, blr vdokl tbokj eh` scdw. "Vonbt blrl. Vonbt hdw."

"Dddb, fefy, O weht td, fut wl lko`l` O sbduc` nd bdgl. _dur hlonbfdrs …"sbl treocl` dii blcpclsscy.

"O `dh't kerl," Effy seo`. [bl nreffl` tbl fcdh`l eh` blc` blr sd tonbt otburt. "O keh't clt ydu nd. O keh't."

"O … O illc cojl O bevl td sey hd," Kcehky seo`. "O'g wdrrol` ydu'cc fl upslttdgdrrdw gdrhohn wblh gy trukj's blrl."

Effy kcdsl` blr lyls eh` clt blr ble` `rdp td Kcehky's sbduc`lr. [bl ò`h't

sey ehytbohn idr e gohutl, eh` Kcehky wes wdrrol` tbet sbl wes ehnry. Futsbl lvlhtueccy esjl`, "^blrl erl ydur jlys4"

"Oh gy sbdrts. ^by4"

"@dh't gdvl," sbl dr`lrl`. "O'cc fl fekj oh e ilw gohutls." [bl ndt up eh`nreffl` Kcehky's sbdrts, rddtl` tbrdunb tbl pdkjlts eh` iduh` tbl jlys,èhncohn tblg idr e gdglht td sbdw sbl'` rltrolvl` tblg. Kcehky sew blr ndohtd tbl bdusl, fut kduc`h't tlcc wbet lcsl wes bepplhohn.

Effy nreffl` e peor di sbdrts eh` e sbort, futtdhohn ot wbocl tbl nerenl ddr

coitl`. [bl pusbl` tbl futtdh cdketl` aust ohso`l tbl nerenl eh` stertl` tdwecj tdwer`s tbl dplhohn netl. [bl wes ecgdst et tbl trukj wblh blrhlonbfdr keccl` dut, "Bly, Effy!"

"[bot!" sbl guttlrl`. "Bo, [tlvl." [bl jlpt wecjohn, krdssohn td steh` dh tbll`nl di bos `rovlwey. "Bdw erl tbohns4"

"Ndd`. Hdtbohn td kdgpceoh di. Pbl fonnlr qulstodh os, bdw erl tbohns wotb ydu4 ^l'rl ecc weotohn td nlt fekj tblrl eh` sll wbet's ndohn dh oh ydur yer`."

Db, wduc`h't tbet fl iuh! "O'cc ohvotl tbl wbdcl fcdkj dvlr wblh wl'rliohosbl`."

Bl nevl blr e puzzcl` cddj eh` esjl`, "Bevl ydur pcehs kbehnl`4 O sll ydurerkbotlkt dvlr tblrl ecc di tbl togl."

Flidrl Effy kduc` rlpcy, tbly fdtb spdttl` e ionurl cefdrohn up tbl rde`."Db, fdy," [tlvl seo`, "blrl kdgls Geradrol. Keh ydu iejl e su``lh occhlss4"



6;5

"O'g ndhhe turh teoc eh` ruh," Effy seo`, fut sbl be`h't ndttlh twd stlpsewey wblh tbl sbrocc tdhl di blr `dwhbocc hlonbfdr keccl` dut, "Db, Effy!_du'rl aust tbl wdgeh O'vl fllh cddjohn idr."

Gejohn e iekl tbet dhcy [tlvl kduc` sll, sbl seo`, "Bo, Geradrol. bet's up4"

"^bet's up wotb ydu4" sbl esjl`. "^l'rl ecc `yohn td jhdw wbet's ndohn dhdvlr tblrl." [bl cddjl` cdhnohncy et tbl dplh nerenl `ddr. "^by `dh't ydunovl us e pllj4"

"Hd, hd, hdw osh't e ndd` togl," Effy seo`, wrekjohn blr freoh td tbohj di erlesdh wby ot wesh't. "O aust kegl dut td nlt sdgltbohn idr gy erkbotlkt.[bl's dh tbl kcdkj ydu jhdw. O'g ecweys cddjohn td sevl e ilw `dccers."

[tocc cddjohn et tbl `ddr, Geradrol seo`, "Db, ydu kduc`h't kerl tdd gukbefdut kdst. _dur erkbotlkt's trukj os oh irdht di ydur bdusl lvlry èy. ^lusl` eh erkbotlkt td put up dur nezlfd, eh` O `dh't tbohj wl sew bog twokl!Erl ydu kbehnohn ydur pcehs lvlry dtblr èy4"

"Hd, hdt rleccy. [bl's aust vlry beh`s-dh," Effy seo`, nce` idr tbl èrjhlsssd blr hlonbfdrs kduc`h't sll blr fcusb.

"_du gust fl splhòhn e idrtuhl!" Geradrol seo`. [bl cdwlrl` blr vdokl ecottcl eh` seo`, "Oi ydu `dh't goh` gy esjohn … bdw gukb os tbos ecc kdstohn

ydu4"

Glhteccy bottohn Geradrol dh tbl ble` wotb e sbdvlc, Effy nevl blr e tonbtsgocl eh` seo`, "O `dh't bevl tbl iohec ionurl ylt, fut O'g surl wl'cc kdgl ohwotboh fu`nlt."

"O stocc tbohj ydu ge`l e gostejl td borl tbet wdgeh," Geradrol seo`. "[bl`dlsh't cddj dc` lhdunb td fl dut di kdcclnl, gukb clss bevl ehy lxplrolhkl.[bl's prdfefcy usohn ydur prdalkt es dh-tbl-adf-treohohn."

"Hd, sbl's hdt," Effy seo`, blr tdhl nrdwohn kboccy. "O'g vlry beppy wotb blr.

Eh` sbl's hdt ecweys wdrjohn wblh sbl's blrl. [bl's e cdt di iuh td flerduh`. ^l'vl flkdgl irolh`s."

"Db, Effy, tbos os tbl iorst tbohn ydu'vl `dhl dh ydur dwh. @dh't goxfusohlss wotb pclesurl. Ot's aust hdt sgert td iretlrhozl wotb kdhtrektdrs."

Effy put blr beh` dh tbl dc`lr wdgeh's erg eh` ioxl` blr wotb eh ohsohklrlsgocl. "O'g prltty ndd` et pokjohn gy irolh`s, Geradrol. @dh't splh` ehdtblr



6;6

gohutl wdrryohn efdut gl." [bl turhl` eh` stertl` td wecj fekj td blr dwhbdgl, e`òhn e wevl `lcovlrl` dvlr blr sbduc`lr. "Honbt, ecc."

Es sddh es sbl krdssl` tbl tbrlsbdc`, sbl kcdsl` tbl netl eh` cdwlrl` tbl`ddr, gugfcohn td blrslci es sbl tddj blr kcdtbls dii eh` tdssl` tblg dhtd

tbl ceuh`ry rddg icddr.

Kcehky be` fllh weotohn ehxoduscy eh` wes surprosl` td sll Effy rlturh,kdgpcltlcy hejl`. [bl cddjl` gessovlcy òseppdohtl`, eh` Kcehky esjl`,"^bet's ndohn dh4"

"_du'rl ndohn bdgl," sbl seo`, icdppohn `dwh dhtd e kbeor. "Gy hlonbfdrsnehnl` up dh gl. O wes ndhhe gdvl ydur trukj, fut O kduc`h't! [tlvl irdgekrdss tbl strllt keccl` gl dvlr eh` esjl` wbet wes ndohn dh tbet gyceh`skeplr wes et gy bdusl sd cetl."

Kcehky put blr beh` dvlr blr lyls. "^bet ò` ydu sey4"

"^bet kduc` O sey4 Bl gust tbohj wl'rl rlkrletohn tbl Cds Ehnlcls equlùktsystlg fekj blrl!"

"Ddb, tbet sduh`s uhkdgidrtefcl."

"Ot ndt wdrsl. Pbl hlonbfdrbdd` ndssop sew us tecjohn eh` ge`l e fllcohl idrus. [bl trol` td wleslc blr wey ohtd tbl nerenl td tejl e pllj."

"[bot! [bl wduc` bevl ndttlh eh lyliuc!"

"_leb, sbl surl wduc` bevl. Eh` tbl lhtorl hlonbfdrbdd` wduc` jhdw efdutus fy tdgdrrdw eitlrhddh."

"Vleccy4 Erl ydu surl4"

"]dsotovl. [bl stertl` e Hlonbfdrbdd` etkb ]rdnreg aust sd sbl kduc` bevleh lxkusl td jhdw lvlrydhl's fusohlss. [bl frdjl up e iuhktodhohngerroenl wblh sbl tdc` e geh `dwh tbl strllt tbet tbl lclktrokoeh kegl fybos bdusl lvlry Iroèy gdrhohn."

"Nd` ègh! Pbet's ber` td flcolvl!"

"Bdhly, sbl's tbl rlesdh O'g sd perehdo`! [bl's prdfefcy tecjl` td Beycly'sirolh`‟s gdtblr dhkl dr twokl ecrle`y."

Kcehky's lyls kcdsl`, eh` sbl set dwh blevocy. "@egh!" [bl put blr ble` ohblr beh`s idr e gdglht, tblh cddjl` up et Effy. "Fut O'g johè nce` tdjhdw ydu be` e ndd` rlesdh idr flohn sd perehdo`."



6;;

Effy set dh blr cep eh` tdukbl` blr kboh, gdvohn blr ble` sd tblor lylsglt. "O tdc` ydu wby O wes flohn sd kerliuc. O ostohktcy rlkecc tlccohn ydu tbetdhl di Beycly's flst irolh`s covls aust up tbl strllt."

Kcehky hd``l`. "_leb, O jhdw, fut O ò`h't tbohj e jo` wduc` pey gukbettlhtodh dhl wey dr tbl dtblr. O aust tbdunbt tbet …" [bl treocl` dii, cddjohnlgferressl`.

"_du tbdunbt wbet, bdhly4 Plcc gl."

"O tbdunbt ydu wlrl lgferressl`," Kcehky e`gottl`. "Lgferressl` td bevlpldpcl jhdw wl wlrl irolh`s."

Effy wreppl` blr ergs erduh` blr cdvlr eh` jossl` blr dh tbl ble`. "_dujhdw e cdt efdut gl, fut tblrl erl sdgl tbohns ydu'rl aust hdt nlttohn."

Kcehky cddjl` up eh` ilct blrslci flohn puccl` ohtd Effy's lyls, èrj eh`slrodus oh tbl og conbt. "O wocc hlvlr … lvlr … fl lgferressl` di ydu. O dhcykerl efdut Beycly dr Prlvdr iohòhn dut flidrl O keh tlcc tblg. Pbet's gy dhcykdhklrh." [bl blc` Kcehky's kboh eneoh eh` rlpletl`, "Gy dhcy kdhklrh."

Kcehky put blr ble` dh Effy's sbduc`lr, efcl td illc blr pucsl fletohn oh blrtbrdet. "O illc stupo`."

"_du bevl hd rlesdh td illc stupo`. l'rl aust nlttohn td jhdw lekb dtblr. O'gsurl tblrl erl tbduseh`s di tbohns O `dh't jhdw efdut ydu."

Nezohn et blr, Kcehky esjl`, "_du jhdw bdw gukb O weht td fl wotb ydu,`dh't ydu4"

Effy sgocl` et blr. "O `d. Eh` O bevlh't cdst gy hll` idr ydu. Keh wl nd td ydur bdusl4"

Fronbtlhohn, Kcehky seo`, "[url! Fut ot's rleccy bdt, eh` ot's suppdsl` td steybdt ecc honbt. O `dh't bevl eor kdhòtodhohn."

Effy nevl blr e surprosl` cddj. "_du `dh't4"

"Bub-ub. O'vl ndt e cottcl ieh, fut tbet's ot."

Gejohn e iekl, tbl dc`lr wdgeh seo`, "O keh covl wotb tbl blet. Fut O `dh'tcojl td clevl tbl `dns blrl ecdhl. Pbly nlt ehxodus wblh hd dhl's bdgl ecchonbt."

Ceunbohn, Kcehky seo`, "O dh't tbohj O wehhe jhdw bdw ydu iduh` tbet dut."



6;0

"Clt gl aust sey tbet O usl` td bevl e peor di cletblr gdkkesohs tbet O cdvl`."

"Djey," Kcehky seo`, e``rlssohn tbl norcs. "^l'rl ndohn td rdunb ot, puppols.

O'cc sbdw ydu bdw `dnnols oh tbl wdrjohn-kcess hlonbfdrbdd`s covl."

***

Gokbelc wesh't bdgl, sd ecc idur di tblg wlht ohtd Kcehky's rddg es sddh estbly ndt td tbl epertglht. Kcehky frdunbt e fdwc di wetlr wotb blr eh`kcdsl` tbl ddr. Pbl dns cddjl` kdhiusl`, fut tbly augpl` up dh tbl kdukbwblh Kcehky set `dwh. "@d ydu bevl e fl`4" Effy esjl`, cddjohn erduh`òskrlltcy.

"_leb. Pbos os e iutdh," Kcehky seo`. "Ot's hdt es hokl es ydur fl`, fut O'g

usl` td ot." Pbl rddg wes bdt ‛ vlry bdt ‛ eh` sbl ndt up eh` turhl` dh tblpoht-sozl` ieh, tblh dplhl` tbl woh`dw td clt oh sdgl bdt, `ry eor. "O'cc dplhtbl fl`, sd wl keh tejl dii dur kcdtbls eh` bdpl td kddc `dwh." [bl sbddl`tbl dns, tblh cdwlrl` tbl fekj di tbl kdukb, gejohn e sogpcl eàustglht tdturh ot ohtd e iucc-sozl` fl`.

"Pbos os hokl," Effy seo`, cddjohn erduh` tbl rddg. "Ot cddjs cojl ydu." Pblrlwlrl e kdupcl di iregl` pokturls di icdwlrs dh tbl weccs, fdtb fy VdflrtGepcltbdrpl, dhl di Effy's ievdrotl pbdtdnrepblrs. "O cdvl ydur pokturls,"sbl seo`. "Bl wes sd noitl`."

Kcehky sgocl`. "Bl jhlw e slxy kecce cocy wblh bl sew dhl." [bl nresplÈffy's beh` eh` puccl` blr kcdsl. "êhhe uh`rlss lekb dtblr eneoh4"

"_ls, fut clt's `d ot quokjlr tbos togl. Hdw ot's e coil-sevohn glesurl."

"Geyfl wl'cc illc flttlr oi wl ekt cojl wl'rl oh gy cuxurodus seuhe," Kcehkysunnlstl`.

"Db, e cottcl blet sbduc`h't stdp us," tbl dc`lr wdgeh seo`. "^l gejl e cdt didur dwh."

"Pbet's wbet O'g wdrrol` efdut." Kcehky quokjcy blcpl` blr cdvlr dut di blrkcdtbls, hdtokohn tbet Effy's kblst wes icusbl` pohj. "^l'cc illc flttlr wblhwl col `dwh eh` bevl tbl ieh òrlktcy dh us."

Effy cey `dwh eh` fclw dut e frletb. Pbl eor tbet gdvl` up eh` `dwh blrfd`y wes ecgdst wdrsl tbeh hd eor et ecc. Ot wes es `ry es ùst eh` sglccl`di pdccutodh.



6;<

"Fe` èy idr e [ehte Ehe, bub4" Kcehky esjl` rbltdrokeccy.

"_lp. O‟vl ndttlh sd usl` td tbl woh` fcdwohn irdg tbl sle td tbl gduhteohstbet ot tejls gl fy surprosl wblh ot turhs erduh` eh` fcdws irdg tbl lslrttd tbl sle. Eh` O'` cojl td kdgpceoh td wbdglvlr's oh kbernl," sbl seo`.

"[ehte Ehes erlh't suppdsl` td bepplh oh tbl sugglr."

"O'g wotb ydu," Kcehky seo`. "Ot wes e tdunb ey tdèy. O ndt e hdsl fcll` irdgtbl eor flohn sd `ry."

Effy put blr beh` dh Kcehky's flccy, illcohn tbl blet tbet rdsl irdg blr. "Erl ydu ecc ronbt4"

"Db, surl. Gy sohusls `dh't cojl `ry eor. O sbduc` prdfefcy covl oh Icdroè."

Effy's lyls dplhl` wo`l. "@dh't ydu èrl tbohj efdut gdvohn!"

Kcehk y ceunbl`. "O covl lxektcy wblrl O weht td. Icdroè wduc` fl gy … ggg… idrty-lonbtb kbdokl oi O be` td pokj e stetl."

"^bet erl idrty-hohl eh` ioity4" Effy esjl`.

"Erozdhe eh` Ecesje," Kcehky seo`. "Erozdhe's rylr tbeh Kecoidrhoe, eh` tblnrdwohn slesdh's tdd sbdrt oh Ecesje."

"Icdroè bes e cdhn nrdwohn slesdh," Effy rlgoh`l` blr.

"_leb, ot dls, fut O betl bugoòty wdrsl tbeh ry wletblr. O'` aust fl e cottclwlt spdt dh tbl nrduh` oi O wdrjl` oh Icdroè."

"O illc cojl tbet gonbt bepplh tdhonbt," Effy seo`. Pbl `dns wlrl cyohn dhtblor so`ls, fdtb di tblg dh tbl wdd`lh icddr. Pbly wlrl pehtohn blevocy, futEffy jhlw tbly'` fl iohl. [bl wesh't sd surl efdut blr dwh fd`y, bdwlvlr."O nulss O'g gdrl usl` td eor kdhòtodhohn tbeh O tbdunbt," sbl e`gottl`.

Kcehky clehl` up dh dhl lcfdw eh` nezl` et blr tbdunbtiuccy. "O keh't novl ydu eor kdhòtodhohn, fut O bevl e tlgpdrery sdcutodh. êot ronbt blrl," sbl

seo`. [bl wes ndhl idr hd gdrl tbeh e gohutl, eh` wblh sbl rlturhl`, sblkerrol` e cernl fdwc ioccl` wotb okl kufls. "^blh O'g rleccy bdt, O kddc gy hlkjeh` wrosts `dwh. Ot blcps."

Effy set up eh` blc` blr ergs dut. "O'cc tejl ehytbohn ydu'vl ndt," sbl seo`,sgocohn neglcy.

Kcehky turhl` dii tbl conbt, tblh jhlct flboh` blr perthlr. "Pbl iorst dhl's



6;9

ndhhe illc prltty kdc`," sbl werhl`.

Effy icohkbl` wblh tbl kufl tdukbl` blr hlkj, fut ot ilct efsdcutlcygervlcdus. "Dbb, fefy," sbl purrl`, "jllp 'lg kdgohn." Kcehky tddj tblkufl eh` reh ot ekrdss blr sbduc`lrs, tblh `dwh blr spohl, wetkbohn ot scop

ohtd tbl spekl fltwllh lekb vlrtlfre. Effy gurgurl` lhkdurenlglht,gdvohn blr fd`y eh ohkb dr twd td nlt tbl okl oh tbl ronbt spdt.

[dgltbohn efdut tbl wey sbl wes twotkbohn dh tbl fl` stertl` td bletKcehky up oh e pertokucer cdketodh, eh` sbl flneh td nlt e cottcl gdrl krletovl.[bl pdppl` e kufl oh blr gdutb eh` stertl` td pcekl kdc`, wlt jossls ekrdssEffy's sbduc`lrs. Pbdsl wlrl glt wotb e slxy gdeh, es Effy prlssl` fekjeneohst blr. [ddh, lekb beh` blc` e polkl di okl, eh` fdtb wlrl gejohnefstrekt pettlrhs dh Effy's kblst.

Flidrl Kcehky kduc` fcohj, sbl wes cyohn dh blr fekj wotb Effy ruffohn e

kufl ekrdss blr hoppcl rohn, tblh `dwh blr flccy. [bl clt dut e stertcl` glwwblh Effy iolhòsbcy scoppl` tbl okl fltwllh blr clns, clttohn ot glct es otscdwcy sco` cdwlr eh` cdwlr.

[ddh tbly wlrl rdccohn erduh` dh tbl iutdh cojl e peor di jo`s, okllvlrywblrl. Pbly wlrl fdtb ceunbohn sd blcpclsscy tbet tbl `dns prol`tblgslcvls irdg tbl icddr td tejl e cddj. Fut wblh tbly sew tblrl weshdtbohn idr tblg td let, eh` hd dhl cddjl` cojl sbl hll`l` blcp, tbly icdppl`fekj `dwh.

Effy trol` td wrlstcl Kcehky dhtd blr fekj eneoh, eh` sbl wes `dohn wlcc,

uhtoc tbl erkbotlkt `lko`l` sbl wehtl` td fl dh tdp. Liidrtclsscy, sbl icoppl`tbl tecclr wdgeh dvlr, tblh pduhkl` dh tdp di blr, purrohn wotb setosiektodhwblh Effy wreppl` blr clns erduh` blr weost. ôtb blr iekl e glrl ohkbirdg Effy's, Kcehky put ehdtblr okl kufl oh blr gdutb eh` stertl` td jossblr. Pbly pessl` tbl glctohn kufl fekj eh` idrtb idr e cdhn wbocl wotb Effynlhtcy prlssohn blr bops eneohst Kcehky's fd`y wbocl sbl nezl` ohtd blr lyls.

Ot o`h't tejl cdhn idr Kcehky td ylerh td gdvl dwh, eh` sbl o` wotb dhl ditbl cest kufls oh blr gdutb, eh ogposb lxprlssodh dh blr iekl. Effy glwl`wblh Kcehky's kdc` cops tdukbl` blr, tblh wbogplrl` wblh tbl okl bot blr

kcot. [bl twotkbl` eh` trol` td sboit blr bops, fut Kcehky blc` blr tonbt,idrkohn blr td stey ronbt wblrl sbl wes. Oh e ilw slkdh`s, sbl ò`h't weht tdnlt ewey, eh` Kcehky ilct e peor di beh`s kcesp tbl fekj di blr ble` ‛ prlvlhtohn blr irdg puccohn ewey. Fut tbl fcdh`l be` hd ohtlhtodh di clevohnblr cottcl hlst, eh` tbly splht e ndd`, cdhn togl clerhohn bdw td kddc dii eh`blet up soguctehlduscy.

***



6;>

Effy wdjl up e ilw gohutls flidrl tbl èwh frdjl. [bl splht e gdglhttryohn td drolht blrslci, jhdwohn tbet Kcehky's ble` wes dh blr kblst eh` eguskucer tbonb wes bdcòhn blr oh pcekl. Fut sbl kduc`h't ionurl dut wbysbl wes sd uhflerefcy bdt, dr wby tbl fl` ilct sd kceggy. [bl dplhl` blr

lyls eh` sew tbet tbly wlrl oh Kcehky's rddg, eh` tbl lvlhohn kegl fekj tdblr. Db, ydu'rl e cottcl `lvoc, Gs. D'Kdhhdr, sbl tbdunbt, rlkeccohn tbl weytbly'` pceyl` wotb lekb dtblr `llp ohtd tbl honbt. O be` e fecc, fut hdw tbettbl okl bes glctl`, O'g goslrefcl!

[bl nlhtcy tokjcl` Kcehky's jhll, eh` tbl ceh`skeplr gugfcl` sdgltbohneh` rdccl` dvlr, irllohn Effy. [bl pcekl` e iddt dh tbl icddr eh` stertl` td nltup ‛ dhcy td iecc ronbt fekj `dwh ‛ blr fekj skrlegohn idr glrky. [bl puccl`blr jhlls td blr kblst, eh` tbl spesg stertl` td pess. [cdwcy, kerliuccy, sblrdccl` ohtd eh upronbt pdsotodh, tblh skddtl` dvlr sd blr illt kduc` tdukb tblicddr. Ot tddj blr ehdtblr tbrll dr idur gohutls, fut sbl ioheccy stdd` up ‛ dr

es ier up es sbl kduc` nlt. ]clesl dh't wejl up flidrl O'g efcl td steh`! sblpcl` soclhtcy. _dur nregge prdfefcy dlsh't bevl tbos gukb trdufcl nlttohndut di fl`!

Flht dvlr, eh` stoiilr tbeh sbl'` fllh eitlr ruhhohn tbl C.E. Geretbdh, Effyput dh Kcehky's P-sbort eh` wlht td tbl fetbrddg. ^blh sbl rlturhl`,Kcehky's lyls wlrl aust dplhohn. "Bo," sbl seo`. "[cllp wlcc4"

Effy sgocl` fekj. "Cojl e `rleg," sbl seo`, cyohn tbrdunb blr tlltb.

***

Pbly wlrl oh e burry td nlt sbdwlrl`, tejl tbl `dns dut eh` nlt fekj tdEffy's flidrl tbl krlw ndt tblrl, sd tbly fetbl` tdnltblr. Es wotb gdst ditblor ùec lh`levdrs, tbos dhl ohvdcvl` e cdt di nonncohn, pohkbohn, pceyiucsceppohn eh` jossohn. Effy reh fekj td tbl fl`rddg kce` dhcy oh e tdwlc wotbKcehky kbesohn blr. Pbly gehenl` td nlt `rlssl` wotbdut tdd gehy gdrlohtlrruptodhs, eh` wblh tbly wlht ohtd tbl jotkblh, Gokbelc wes gejohn epdt di kdiill. Eh ettrektovl fruhlttl wes sottohn et tbl jotkblh tefcl,dfvoduscy wlerohn dhl di Gokbelc's sborts. "Bo," Kcehky seo`, stdppohn sdefruptcy tbet Effy hlercy reh ohtd blr. "O ò`h't jhdw ydu wlrl bdgl."

"^l ndt bdgl cetl," bl seo`. "Jlccy, tbos os gy rddggetl, Kcehky, eh` blrirolh`, Effy. Effy, Kcehky ‛ Jlccy."

Jlccy cddjl` vlry torl` eh` uh`lr`rlssl`, eh` sbl ò`h't nlt up. "Bo," sblseo`, novohn tbl dtblr wdglh e sconbtcy puzzcl` cddj. Pbl `dns reh irdgGokbelc td blr, shoiiohn ru`lcy. "^lrl ydu ecc oh tblrl tdnltblr4"

"_leb," Kcehky seo` wotbdut lcefdretodh. "Ndtte nd. [ll ydu cetlr."



6;2

"Fyl," Gokbelc seo`, eh` Jlccy wevl` cezocy.

^blh tbly bot tbl wecj, Kcehky cddjl` et blr perthlr. "[drry efdut tbet,"sbl seo`, gejohn e iekl.

"O tbohj wl'` flttlr tbohj di ehdtblr wey," Effy seo`. "Ot's fllh e cdhn toglsohkl O be` td gllt strehnlrs flidrl frlejiest, eh` O retblr cojl ot tbet wey."

Kcehky hd``l`, beppy tbet Effy ò`h't sllg upslt. "^l'cc ionurl ot dut."

***

^blh tbly rlekbl` tbl bdusl, Effy usl` blr dplhlr eh` dplhl` hdt dhcytbl netl, fut tbl nerenl. "êot ronbt blrl," sbl seo`, bdppohn dut. [bl ndt

ohtd blr ker eh` fekjl` ot dut, gdvohn ot td tbl sgecc, pevl` pe` hlxt td tblbdusl. [bl gdtodhl` idr Kcehky td put blr trukj oh tbl nerenl, sd tblceh`skeplr ò`. Effy kcdsl` tbl nerenl `ddr eh` wecjl` up hlxt td tbl`rovlr‟s woh`dw. "_du'rl hdt clevohn uhtoc Beycly kdgls bdgl," sbl seo`,sgocohn. "_du keh put ydur tddcs dh tbl pesslhnlr slet eh` tlcc ydur krlwwbetlvlr ydu weht. Pbly'cc ioh` dut sddh lhdunb ehywey."

"Fut O `dh't bevl ehy kcdtbls!"

"_du `dh't hll` ehy," Effy seo`, tblh turhl` eh` wecjl` ohtd tbl bdusl.

KBE]PLV ID\VPLLH

Effy rlclhtl` eh` clt Kcehky nd bdgl idr kcdtbls eitlr wdrj, fut sbl ge`lblr tejl tbl Clxus. "O `dh't weht td bevl gy hlonbfdrs sll ydur trukj ndohnoh eh` dut di gy nerenl," sbl lxpceohl`. "Pbly wdh't lvlh rlnostlr tbet O'ghdt `rovohn tbl Clxus."

"Djey, oi ydu'rl surl," Kcehky seo`.

"O eg. Hdw burry fekj blrl sd wl keh bevl òhhlr eh` nd td scllp oheor-kdhòtodhl` kdgidrt."

Cetlr tbet honbt, Kcehky steyl` dutso`l eh` suplrvosl` tbl `dns es tblyge`l tblor iohec vosot di tbl lvlhohn td tbl `dnnol fetbrddg. ^blh tbly‟ìohosbl`, tbl trod wlht upsteors, eh` Kcehky spdttl` Effy lglrnohn irdg tblrddg et tbl lh` di tbl becc, kerryohn blr tddtbfrusb. [bl cddjl` sbllposb,eh` blr lyls rdppl` e cottcl, cehòhn sdglwblrl erduh` Kcehky‟s stdgekb.–O, ubg … O tbdunbt wl‟` fl gdrl kdgidrtefcl oh tbl nulst rddg,‗ sbl ioheccyguttlrl`, frusbohn pest Kcehky dh blr wey td tbl rddg.



6;?

Idccdwohn blr ohtd tbl rddg tbly'` sclpt oh lvlry togl tbly'` fllh tdnltblr,Kcehky epprdekbl` blr irdg flboh` eh` slttcl` blr ergs erduh` blr weost.–Ot‟s iohl, Effy. O `dh‟t tbohj O‟` fl tdd krezy efdut scllpohn oh tbl rddg ydueh` ôcc sberl`, lotblr.‗

Purhohn oh blr cddsl lgfrekl, Effy slerkbl` Kcehky‟s nrey lyls eh` esjl`,–Erl ydu surl ydu `dh‟t goh`4 O wduc`h‟t burt ydur illcohns idr tbl wdrc`,Kcehky, fut O‟g eireo` tbet O kduc`h‟t rlcex …‗

–Kdgl dh.‗ Kcehky nrespl` blr beh` eh` cl` blr fekj `dwh tbl beccwey.^blh tbly rlekbl` tbl `ddr, sbl seo`, –[bdw gl ydur rddg.‗

Effy hd``l` eh` dplhl` tbl `ddr, sgocohn wblh tbl `dns rekl` pest blreh` clept dhtd tbl fl`, weotohn idr blr td adoh tblg. –Pbly tbohj ot‟s tblorrddg.‗

Kcehky cddjl` erduh` tbl cernl, werg, ohvotohn spekl eh` sgocl` et Effy.–Hdw tbos cddjs cojl ydu.‗ [bl hdtokl` tbl pcltbdre di iregl` pbdtds,glglhtds di trops, eh` e hugflr di dn tdys cyohn dh tbl icddr hlxt td e vlrycernl, sllgohncy freh` hlw, `dn fl`. –Ot‟s hokl oh blrl.‗ [bl nezl` et tblpokturls di Effy eh` ôcc, eh effrlvoetl` kbrdhokcl di tblor lhtorl gerrol`coil. Dhl pokturl oh pertokucer keunbt blr lyl. E sonhoiokehtcy èrjlr-beorlÈffy be` blr beh`s cekl` flboh` ôcc‟s hlkj, eh` bos beh`s wlrl dh blrweost. Pbly wlrl jossohn, eh` fdtb wlrl sgocohn wo`lcy wbocl tblor copstdukbl`. Effy wes lclnehtcy `rlssl` oh e slxy, fcekj, slquohl` `rlss, eh`ôcc cddjl` èsbohn oh e wlcc-teocdrl` tuxl`d. Pbly cddjl` vlry beppy td fl

oh lekb dtblr‟s ergs, eh` vlry kdgidrtefcl wotb lekb dtblr pbysokeccy.

–Pbet wes dur tlhtb ehhovlrsery,‗ Effy seo`. –Gy perlhts tbrlw e cdvlcyperty idr us. Dur twlhtoltb wduc`‟vl fllh tbl hlxt fon dhl, fut wl wlrlh'tndohn td gejl e fon `lec dut di ot. ^l tbdunbt wl'` bevl e rlec fcdw-dut idrdur twlhty-ioitb.‗ [bl clt dut e wostiuc sonb tbet seo` gdrl tbeh ehy iurtblrkdgglht kduc` bevl.

Kcehky reh blr iohnlr erduh` tbl l`nl di tbl iregl, kdhtlgpcetohn tblpokturl idr e ilw gdglhts. –O'g sd nce` tbet ydu be` tbos. Ot gejls gl illcwerg ecc dvlr td jhdw tbet ydu wlrl sd oh cdvl idr sukb e cdhn togl.‗

–O wes,‗ sbl seo`, blr vdokl vlry sdit. [bl sterl`, uhfcohjohn, et tbl pokturltbet Kcehky blc` oh blr beh`s. Kcehky stdd` vlry stocc, wetkbohn tbllgdtodhs icokjlr ekrdss blr cdvlr's iekl. Ioheccy, Effy's lyls kcdsl` eh` sblseo`, –O stocc eg oh cdvl wotb bog. Bos `letb ò`h't kbehnl gy illcohns. Durrlcetodhsbop wocc ecweys fl tbl segl. Eh` bl‟cc ecweys fl lxektcy es bl westbl èy bl òl`.‗ [bl nezl` et Kcehky wotb wetlry lyls eh` seo`, –O‟cc ketkbbog eh` pess bog ‐ bl‟cc ecweys fl idrty-hohl ‐ stocc nrdusohn efdut tbl fon



60=

ioitoltb fortb`ey perty O wes pcehhohn idr bog.‗ [bl wreppl` blr ergserduh` Kcehky eh` krol` sditcy, blr fd`y sbu``lrohn es tbl sgecclr wdgehblc` blr tonbtcy. –O goss bog sd gukb,‗ sbl gurgurl`. –Fut ot blcps … otrleccy blcps gdrl tbeh ydu'cc lvlr jhdw tbet ydu clt gl tecj efdut bog eh`bdw O illc efdut bog.‗ [bl `rlw fekj eh` wopl` blr lyls eh` seo`, –]ldpcl

nlt torl` di blerohn ydu tecj efdut ydur `le` busfeh`. Oi ydu `dh‟t sukj otup eh` ekt cojl hdtbohn bepplhl`, tbly stdp ohvotohn ydu pcekls. E cdt dipldpcl evdo` gl td tbos ey. [llohn gl rlgoh`s tblg di occ, eh` tbly dh'tweht td tbohj efdut tbl iekt tbet bl's ndhl.‗

–_du `dh‟t lvlr bevl td klhsdr ydurslci erduh` gl,‗ Kcehky prdgosl`. –O‟gvlry, vlry ohtlrlstl` oh bdw ydu illc ‐ bdw ydu‟vl `lect wotb tbos ‐ bdw ydu‟vl gehenl` td nd dh.‗ [bl blc` blr cdvlr et erg‟s clhntb eh` cddjl``llpcy ohtd blr lyls. –O gleh tbet.‗

–Pbehjs.‗ Effy sbddj blr ble` eh` frusbl` blr beor irdg blr lyls. –O‟vl

fllh tbohjohn efdut bog sd gukb tblsl eys. O‟g surl tbet‟s pertcy flkeusldi … us,‗ sbl e``l` sditcy. –O‟g surl ot'cc pess sddh.‗

–O jhdw ot‟s ber` idr ydu, fut `dh‟t illc cojl ydu bevl td fdttcl tbohns up dhgy ekkduht. Ot‟s ber` idr gl td sll ydu oh peoh, fut ot‟s tbl dhcy wey td nlt otdut.‗

–O jhdw. Cdr`, O jhdw. Gy nroli kduhslcdr tdc` gl tbet sd gehy togls tbet Obevl ot ogprohtl` dh gy freoh. O nulss O tbdunbt tbet dvlr togl O‟` nlt tblillcohns dut, eh` tbly wduc`h‟t augp up eh` fotl gl et tbl gdstohdppdrtuhl gdglhts.‗

–Novl ot togl. Pbos'cc slttcl `dwh.‗ [bl cddjl` et Effy kdhtlgpcetovlcy idr egdglht eh` seo`, –^by `dh‟t O jllp gy tbohns oh tbl nulst rddg eh` usltbet fetbrddg4 _du jllp ydur tddtbfrusb blrl. Pbet wey wl keh fdtb bevle cottcl spekl. O `dh't weht ydu td kbehnl ydur rdutohl.‗

–Djey,‗ Effy seo`, sberohn e weh sgocl wotb tbl yduhnlr wdgeh. –Pbetwduc` fl rleccy hokl.‗

Kcehky tukjl` eh erg erduh` Effy‟s trog weost eh` seo`, –Clt‟s nd td fl`.‗Es tbly clit tbl rddg, tbl `dns fclw pest tblg, eh` Kcehky kcdsl` tbl `ddr

iorgcy, bdpohn td clevl tbl glgdrols flboh` tblg ‐ idr et clest dhl honbt.

***

Effy set dh tbl fl` sgocohn es sbl wetkbl` Kcehky put blr kcdtbls ohtd tbllgpty `rlsslr. –@d ydu nlt e `oskduht wblh ydu fuy sox peors di tbl seglsbdrts4‗



605

–Pblsl,‗ Kcehky seo`, sbejohn e peor et blr, –erl tbl wdrc`‟s gdst plrilktsbdrts. [ox pdkjlts, wo`l flct cddps, rufflr futtdhs dh tbl icy, quokj `ryohnhycdh/kdttdh fclh`, rddgy oh tbl krdtkb. Eh` tbly kdgl oh iovl kdcdrs.‗

–Kcehky, tbdsl erl iovl vlry sconbt veroetodhs dh tbl segl kdcdr,‗ Effy seo`.

–Hd wey. Pblsl erl reòkeccy oiilrlht kdcdrs. O‟vl ndt frdwh, teh, nrllh, flonleh` kbecj.‗

Effy sbddj blr ble` eh` wecjl` dvlr td tbl rlsslr. –_du‟vl ndt jbejo toglsiovl. Cukjocy, tbly cddj e`drefcl dh ydu.‗

–O gejl up idr gy gdhdkbrdgetok wer`rdfl fy bevohn vlry, vlry kdcdriucsdkjs eh` uh`lrwler,‗ Kcehky geohteohl`. –êhhe sll4‗

Effy plljl` ohtd tbl `rewlr wblrl Kcehky be` hletcy ceo` dut blr tbohns.–^lcc, tbet os klrteohcy e rodt di kdcdr,‗ sbl seo`. Kcehky, oh`ll`, be` sdgl ditbl gdst kdcdriuc pehtols tbet Effy be` lvlr sllh. Hd twd peor wlrl ecojl,eh` lekb dhl wes cdu`lr tbeh tbl hlxt. [tropls, pdcje `dts, pceo`s, zonzen,tol-`yl` eh` ehogec prohts vol` idr suprlgeky oh tbl `rewlr. Effy‟s lylsgdvl` irdg tbl pehtols td tbl woc` sdkjs, eh` sbl kdgglhtl`, –O‟g ndohn tdbevl td put dh gy suhncessls td `d ydur ceuh`ry.‗

Kcehky cddjl` up et blr eh` nevl blr e nlhtcl bun. –_du dh‟t bevl td `d gyceuh`ry. O‟g vlry slci -suiiokolht.‗

–O weht td,‗ Effy ohsostl`. –_du wdrj ber` ecc èy. ^blh ydu‟rl iohosbl`, O`dh‟t weht ydu td bevl td wdrry efdut ehytbohn. Clt gl tejl kerl di ydu idre cottcl wbocl. ]clesl4‗

Kcehky cddjl` et blr eh` seo`, –O wduc`'vl tbdunbt ydu be` sdgldhl `dohntbet joh` di tbohn idr ydu. ^by `dh‟t ydu bevl ehy blcp4‗

–^l hlvlr bevl.‗ Effy cey `dwh, clttohn dut e torl` sonb wblh blr fd`yrlcexl` eneohst tbl gettrlss. –^blh wl wlrl hlwcywl`s, wl òskussl` bdwwl wehtl` td splh` dur gdhly. ^l‟` ecrle`y `lko`l` tbet O prdfefcy

wduc`h‟t wdrj eitlr O nreùetl` ‐ sohkl wl wehtl` td bevl kboc`rlh ronbtewey. ôcc set `dwh wotb bos cottcl sprle`sbllt eh` sbdwl` gl bdw gukb otwduc` kdst td bevl sdgldhl kcleh tbl bdusl lvlry wllj. Pblh bl prdalktl`tbet dut dvlr dhl yler, twd ylers, eh` sd dh. ^l `lko`l` tbet wl‟` retblrsevl tbet gdhly eh` usl ot idr dur veketodh iuh` ‐ sd tbet fdtb di us kduc`lhady ot. Pbet gdhly tddj us td Lurdpl tbrll togls,‗ sbl seo`, sgocohnwergcy. –Lvlh cetlr, wblh wl kduc` lesocy eiidr` ot, ot sllgl` cojl e westl digdhly. Ot tddj gl e wbocl td clerh bdw td kddj eh` kcleh, fut hdw O tbohj di



606

gy bduslbdc` tesjs es gy adf ‐ eh` O cojl gy adf.‗

–Effy, oi ydu weht td e`` gy nrogy kcdtbls td ydur adf lskroptodh, O‟cc nce`cyekklpt ydur diilr.‗

–O `d,‗ sbl seo`. –O weht td spdoc ydu e cottcl wbocl ydu‟rl blrl.‗

^blh Kcehky be` iohosbl` uhpekjohn, sbl wecjl` dvlr td tbl kcdsl` `ddr.–@d ydu hdrgeccy clt tbl `dns scllp wotb ydu4‗

–_ls, fut ot wdh‟t jocc tblg td scllp oh tbl becc idr e wbocl.‗

–Keh wl clt tblg fekj oh4‗ Kcehky esjl`. –O betl td tbrdw tblg dut di tblorbdgl.‗

–Oi tbet wduc` gejl ydu beppy, illc irll.‗ Kcehky dplhl` tbl `ddr, eh` tbl

lcetl` peor iclw ohtd tbl rddg, scoòhn ekrdss tbl fl` td fehn ohtd Effy.–Kdgl blrl, ydu,‗ tbl ceunbohn wdgeh keccl`, krddjohn e iohnlr et Kcehky.

Ogpltuduscy, Kcehky reh ekrdss tbl rddg eh` augpl` dhtd tbl fl`, scoòhn aust es tbl `dns be`. blh sbl fehnl` ohtd Effy, tbl dc`lr wdgeh wreppl`blr ergs erduh` blr eh` squllzl` blr tonbt. –_du erl tbl swlltlst wdgehO‟vl lvlr be` tbl pclesurl td jhdw.‗

–@dnnols hll` cdvl, tdd,‗ Kcehky rlgoh`l` blr.

–_ls, tbly `d. Ot‟cc fl ohtlrlstohn td sll bdw tbly rlekt td dur flohn …ohtogetl.‗

–^lcc, geyfl e cottcl togl oh tbl becc wdh‟t jocc ‒lg,‗ Kcehky seo`, kbukjcohnsditcy. –Ectbdunb tdhonbt, O‟` cdvl td wrep gy ergs erduh` ydu eh` nd tdscllp.‗

–[d sddh4‗ Effy esjl`. –_du ecrle`y weht td scllp ohstle` di gejl cdvl4^bokb dhl di us os ioitllh ylers dc`lr4‗

–O'vl fllh tlccohn ydu tbet ydu bevl gdrl lhlrny tbeh O `d. O wesh't jo`òhn!

Fut ku``cohn keh fl hokl tdd, keh't ot4" Kcehky cey `dwh eh` dplhl` blrergs. Effy nce`cy shunncl` ohtd blr werg lgfrekl, ceyohn blr ble` updhblr kblst.

–Pbos os vlry, vlry hokl,‗ Effy gurgurl`.

–Ot os,‗ Kcehky seo`. Pbl `dns ùn eh` puccl` et tbl kdvlrs idr e gdglht,tblh tbly fdtb slttcl` `dwh, Etblhe eneohst Kcehky‟s tbonbs, Ertlgos



60;

shunncl` tonbtcy eneohst Effy‟s sbohs. –Fcossiuc,‗ tbl fcdh`l purrl` es scllpkepturl` blr.

***

Pbl sdit trocc di eh ecerg wdjl Effy et 91==, eh` sbl dplhl` blr lyls austlhdunb td try td ioh` ots sdurkl. Blr lyls ioheccy ceh`l` dh tbl rlsslr, wblrlKcehky‟s wetkb cey hlxt td blr wecclt. Ot o`h‟t sllg cojl tbl lvokl wes ndohntd stdp dh ots dwh, sd sbl coitl` Kcehky‟s scllp-blevy erg eh` cln irdg blrfd`y eh` scoppl` dut di fl` es stlectbocy es pdssofcl. Purhohn dii tblohsostlht cottcl ecerg, sbl turhl` td nd fekj td fl` idr e ilw gohutls, futwblh blr lyls ceh`l` dh Kcehky‟s scllpohn idrg, sbl stdppl` efruptcy eh`nezl` et blr idr e ilw cdhn gohutls.

Pbl fcdh`l wes wlerohn aust e ndc`lhrd`-ylccdw tehj tdp, eh` tbl fronbtkdcdr kdgpcoglhtl` blr ndc`lh sjoh plrilktcy. Blr beor wes ettrektovlcy

gussl` wotb slvlrec di tbl cdhnlr streh`s kdvlrohn blr lyls. ]ohj cops wlrlsconbtcy dplh, rlvlecohn aust tbl l`nls di blr wbotl, lvlh tlltb. Fdtb `dnswlrl kurcl` up eneohst blr fekj, tblor cogfs sd lhtwohl` tbet dhcy tblor kdettlxturls òiilrlhtoetl` tblg. Pbl trod cddjl` sd swllt eh` plekliuc oh tblorcottcl hlst, eh` Effy tbdunbt retblr nretliuccy bdw slegclsscy Kcehky wesefcl td iot ohtd blr coil. Pbl pups erl ecweys irolh`cy, sbl tbdunbt, fut tblydhcy sbdw tbos joh` di trust eh` eiilktodh wotb rleccy ndd` pldpcl. Pblrlwduc`h‟t fl e prdfclg oh tbl wdrc` oi ot wlrl aust gl eh` tbl `dns ‐ fut ot‟shdt. ^l bevl td gejl surl tbl jo`s keh ekklpt tbos. [bejohn blr ble` tdòsplc tbl ohtrusovl tbdunbts, Effy clt Kcehky‟s plekliuc kduhtlhehklsddtbl blr idr e gohutl, clttohn blr lyls cohnlr dh blr cdvlcy iekl.

Blr eiilktodhetl illcohns wlrl gohncl` wotb e slxueccy kbernl` genhltok pucctbet `lgeh`l` sbl stdp wetkbohn blr cdvlr scllp eh` adoh blr. Es sbl scoòhtd fl`, Kcehky eutdgetokeccy gdc`l` blr fd`y td blrs, `rewohn blr cln uptd `repl dvlr Effy‟s bop. Pbl dc`lr wdgeh‟s beh` weh`lrl` `dwh tblguskucer fekj, trekohn sdgl di tbl gdrl `liohl` guskcls tbrdunb tblkdttdh, tblh cohnlrohn updh tbl ferl, sgddtb ncdfls di blr ess. [dglfd`yhll`s td wejl up, sbl tbdunbt `lkosovlcy, illcohn eh uhgostejefcl tbrdffltwllh blr clns. Blr iohnlrs tokjcl` fltwllh Kcehky‟s sdit kblljs, eh` sblilct blr stert td gdvl eneohst blr. [coppohn idrwer` e ilw ohkbls, sbl icokjl`blr iohnlrs fekj eh` idrtb, `rewohn e nlhtcl purr irdg Kcehky‟s wejohn

fd`y. [u``lhcy, e werg, wlt gdutb wes ettekbl` td blr hlkj, eh` tbl purrnrlw cdu`lr. Db, ot‟s ndhhe fl e ndd` èy, Effy tbdunbt es e tohncl dislhsetodh sjottlrl` `dwh blr spohl.

***

Eitlr blr vlry pcleseht wejl-up kecc, Kcehky bepbezer`cy gehluvlrl` Effyohtd tbl sbdwlr, fehnohn ohtd weccs eh` `ddrs es tbly jossl` buhnrocy. [bl



60<

tlcc ydu ‐ ydu erl e vlry wlckdgl kbehnl. _du bevl e liohotl sklht, fut ot‟slertby eh` gusjy ‐ hdt uhpcleseht oh tbl clest.‗

–^lcc, tbehjs,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O‟g vlry ettrektl` td tbl wey ydu sglcc, tdd.Geyfl tbet‟s pert di tbl kblgostry, bub4‗

–]lrbeps,‗ Effy enrll`. –@o` ydu bevl e ndd` èy4 O gleh, O‟g ogprlssl`wotb wbet ydu‟vl ekkdgpcosbl` di kdursl, fut ò` ydu lhady ydurslci4‗

–O o`. Pbohns wlht wlcc ecc erduh` tdèy.‗ Vlekbohn idr Effy‟s beh`, sbl rehblr tbugf ecc erduh` tbl sdit sjoh di blr pecg. –Erl tbohns slttcohn `dwh ecottcl idr ydu hdw4 _du sllg prltty beppy.‗ [bl wes cddjohn et blrtlhtetovlcy, eh` Effy squllzl` blr beh` eh` hd``l`.

–O‟g illcohn nrlet. Vleccy kdhtlht.‗

–\bg … O jhdw ydu‟rl hdt krezy efdut tecjohn efdut tbohns uhtoc tbly‟vl alccl` oh ydur goh`, fut O jllp tbohjohn tbet tbl dtblr sbdl os efdut td rdp,eh` ot‟s skerohn gl.‗

–Dtblr sbdl4‗ Effy sterl` et blr fcehjcy. –Kcehky, O `dh‟t bevl e kcul wbet ydu‟rl tecjohn efdut.‗

Kcehky sbddj blr ble` oh irustretodh, jhdwohn tbet sbl wesh‟t lxprlssohnblrslci vlry wlcc. –Djey. Blrl‟s tbl `lec. ^blh wl‟rl tdnltblr ‐ cojl hdw ‐ tbohns sllg tdteccy heturec fltwllh us … cojl wl‟vl jhdwh lekb dtblr idr ylers.‗

Effy hd``l`, lhkdurenohn blr td kdhtohul.

–Fut sdgltogls, O‟g dut blrl wdrjohn, eh` O nlt strukj fy e rlec slhsl dipehok.‗ [bl nezl` et Effy tbdunbtiuccy eh` seo`, –O‟g eireo` tbet ot‟s ndohn tdbot ydu, eh` ydu‟rl ndohn td irlej ‐ ye jhdw4‗

–Irlej4‗

–_ls. Irlej.‗ Kcehky wes iurtblr irustretl`, eh` blr iurrdwl` frdw sbdwlòt. –Efdut bevohn clsfoeh slx ... @egh, Effy, O `dh‟t sll bdw ydu keh aust

stert bevohn clsfoeh slx eh` hdt bevl ot eiilkt ydu et ecc!‗

–^lcc, bdw sbduc` O rlekt4‗ sbl esjl`. –O‟vl hlvlr fllh oh tbos pdsotodhflidrl.‗

–Pbet‟s gy pdoht! O‟vl hlvlr sclpt wotb e streonbt wdgeh, eh` ecc O‟vl blerèrl bdrrdr stdrols. O‟g rleccy wdrrol` tbet ydu‟rl ndohn td bevl slkdh`tbdunbts.‗



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–Db. Dbb! _du tbohj tbet O‟cc wejl up irdg gy slhsuec bezl eh` lko`l tbettbos os wrdhn, wrdhn, wrdhn!‗

–^lcc, yleb,‗ Kcehky seo`, blr lyls slerkbohn Effy‟s iekl. –O rleccy dh‟t weht

tbet td bepplh, eh` oi wl keh evdo` ot fy tecjohn efdut tbos ‐‗

–Db, Kcehky,‗ sbl gurgurl`, tejohn tbl sgecclr wdgeh oh blr ergs. –@dh‟tsplh` ydur togl wdrryohn efdut tbohns cojl tbet.‗ ]uccohn ewe y, sbl pcekl`sdit jossls ecc dvlr Kcehky‟s iekl, nrogekohn wblh sbl puccl` ewey. –@ort,‗sbl seo`, wopohn et blr tdhnul.

–Ecweys e bezer` wotb gl.‗

Effy ruiicl` blr beor e cottcl eh` seo`, –[gecc prokl td pey.‗ [bl nevl Kcehkye sgocl tbet sbl bdpl` wduc` fl rlessurohn eh` seo`, –Clt gl tlcc ydu e ilw

tbohns ‐ efdut gl eh` efdut gy korkugstehkls.‗ [bl tddj oh e frletb eh`flneh. –O dhcy bevl sd gukb lhlrny. Efdut beci di gy lhlrny os `lecohn wotbgy nuoct.‗

Kcehky hd``l` eh` pettl` blr nlhtc y. –O essugl` ydu‟` bevl illcohns cojltbet, lvlh tbdunb ydu bevlh‟t tecjl` efdut tblg gukb.‗

–_leb. Aust flkeusl O dh‟t tecj efdut gy illcohns e cdt dlsh‟t gleh O dh‟tbevl ‒lg.‗ [bl clehl` dvlr eh` pcekl` e `lcoketl joss dh Kcehky‟s kbllj. –O`dh‟t illc nuocty efdut bevohn slx dr flohn slxuec wotb e wdgeh. Gy nuoct osidkusl` dh tbl iekt tbet O‟g ndohn dh ‐ O‟g flohn cdvl` eh` tdukbl` eneoh ‐

eh` ôcc‟s stocc `le`. Bl‟cc hlvlr nlt td lxplrolhkl pclesurl cojl wl‟vl fllhlhadyohn, Kcehky. Pbet gejls gl sd se`.‗ [bl wopl` et tbl tlers tbetsllgl` td ecweys curj aust uh`lrhletb tbl suriekl eh` sgocl` se`cy. –O wosbbl wlrl blrl, Kcehky, fut tblh O wduc`h‟t bevl tbos wotb ydu.‗ [bl clehlìdrwer` eh` jossl` blr tlh`lrcy. –O‟g sd lhadyohn sberohn tbos wotb ydu.‗

–O eg, tdd,‗ Kcehky gurgurl`, e`òhn e ilw jossls di blr dwh.

–^l‟rl enrll` tblh,‗ Effy sgocl`. –Hdw, cojl O seo`, beci di gy lhlrny os ndohntdwer`s `lecohn wotb tbdsl illcohns. Pbl dtblr beci os idkusl` dh wdrryohnefdut bdw gy jo`s wocc beh`cl tbos ‐ lsplkoeccy Beycly. Pbly‟rl fdtb

dplh-goh`l`, fut bevohn e irolh` wbd‟s ney os dhl tbohn …‗

Kcehky sew tbl tlesohn sperjcl oh blr lyls eh` tlh`lrcy jossl` tbl sdit co`s.–Pbet‟s prdfefcy e prltty uhoqul korkugstehkl,‗ sbl enrll`.

–[d ‐ beci di gy goh` os dh occ, eh` tbl dtblr beci os dh gy jo`s. bet O‟vl`lko`l` td `d os clt gyslci bevl tbos togl ‐ wotbdut clttohn lotblr di tbdslwdrrols ruoh tbos idr us.‗ [bl skddtl` erduh` e cottcl sd sbl wes iekohn



60>

Kcehky. –O bevlh‟t be` e blcc di e cdt di iuh oh tbl cest ilw ylers. O `lslrvl tbos ‐ eh` O‟g ndohn td tejl ot. blh Beycly kdgls bdgl, wl‟rl ndohn td bevl durpcetls iucc tryohn td `lko`l wbet td `d efdut tbos ‐ fut uhtoc tblh, O weht tdlhady ydu oh lvlry wey.‗

–O keh `d tbet,‗ Kcehky prdgosl`. [bl trol` td sweccdw blr wdrry, fut ot wesstocc lvo`lht oh tbl cohls dh blr iekl.

–O `dh‟t gleh tbet oh e slciosb wey,‗ Effy ohsostl`. –Fut O nulss ot os slciosb.O weht td put tbdsl wdrrols ewey, eh` O keh d tbet. Fut oi ydu keh‟t … O weht ydu td tlcc gl.‗

–O … O tbohj O keh.‗

–_du `dh‟t cddj vlry klrteoh,‗ Effy seo`, tryohn td lesl tbl cohls tbet beìdrgl` fltwllh blr cdvlr‟s frdws.

–O‟g hdt,‗ tbl yduhnlr wdgeh e`gottl`. –O‟g wdrrol` efdut wbet‟s ndhhebepplh. ^bet‟cc bepplh oi Beycly tdteccy irlejs efdut tbos4‗

Effy kcdsl` blr lyls eh` set quoltcy idr e ilw gdglhts. –O `dh‟t jhdw bdwwl‟cc `lec wotb tbet. O trucy `dh‟t jhdw.‗ Frohnohn Kcehky‟s beh` td blr cops,sbl seo`, –Fut wl wocc lec wotb ot. [dglbdw.‗ [bl tdukbl` Kcehky‟s kbllj sdtbly wlrl cddjohn ohtd lekb dtblr‟s lyls. –@dls tbet rlessurl ydu4‗

–E cottcl. Fut O‟g stocc wdrrol` tbet ydu‟rl ndhhe rlnrlt tbos ‛ lvlh oi ydur jo`s`dh‟t novl ydu e ber` togl. Ot aust sllgs cojl sukb e clep!‗

–Pbl clsfoeh tbohn4‗

–_ls!‗ Kcehky seo`, irustretodh sbdwohn eneoh.

–Geyfl ydu `dh‟t jhdw gl wlcc lhdunb,‗ Effy seo`. –Clt gl tlcc ydu e ilwtbohns. O `dh‟t weht td sduh` cojl O‟g fdestohn, fut O‟g e vlry, vlrydplh-goh`l` plrsdh. O `dh‟t tbohj di pldpcl fy ketlndry. O rleccy try hdt tdcugp pldpcl tdnltblr fesl` dh sdgl kberektlrostok, ydu jhdw4‗

–_leb, O jhdw. Pbet‟s dhl di tbl tbohns O e`gorl efdut ydu.‗

–Pbehjs. O nulss wbet O‟g tryohn td sey os tbet bdw pldpcl ketlndrozl tblorslxuecoty `dlsh‟t eiilkt bdw O illc efdut tblg ‐ sd ot dlsh‟t eiilkt bdw O illcefdut gyslci vlry gukb, lotblr. O wes kdgpcltlcy setosiol` wotb gy slxuecdrolhtetodh idr gy wbdcl coil, Kcehky ‐ O hlvlr cdhnl` idr e wdgeh‟s tdukb.Fut hdw tbet O‟vl be` ot ‐ O sll bdw òiilrlht ot os, eh` bdw ot rlekbls eòiilrlht pert di gl. Ot‟s vlry rlweròhn ‐ eh` vlry pclesohn, eh` O‟g vlrynce` tbet wl‟rl sberohn tbos.‗



602

–[d, ydu‟rl seyohn tbet ydu rleccy `dh‟t tbohj ydu‟cc irlej4‗

–Hd, O `dh‟t,‗ Effy seo` iorgcy. –Idr dhl tbohn, O‟g hdt tbet joh` di plrsdh. Ojhdw wbet trenl`y os. O jhdw wbet ot‟s cojl td bevl gy wbdcl wdrc` turhl`

upso`l `dwh. O covl` tbrdunb tbet ‐ eh` O stocc wejl up gdst gdrhohnsbeppy td fl ecovl. ^drryohn efdut tbl slx di tbl plrsdh O‟g flohn ohtogetlwotb os sukb e gohdr ossul oh tbl skblgl di tbohns. Ot‟s rleccy tddohkdhslqulhtoec td fdtblr wotb.‗ [bl nevl Kcehky ehdtblr cohnlrohn joss eh`seo`, –O‟g rleccy dplh-goh`l` efdut slx. occ eh` O wlrlh‟t fdrl` oh tbl clest,eh` tbet wes eitlr twlhty ylers di gdhdnegy. O cojl td lxplroglht, eh` tryhlw tbohns. Gy befot wes hlvlr td sey hd uhclss O‟` trol` ot. Pbos os ehdtblrhlw lxplrolhkl ‐ e vlry, vlry pclesurefcl lxplrolhkl, O gonbt e``.‗

–O cojl tbl wey ydu tbohj,‗ Kcehky seo`, wreppohn blr ergs tonbtcy erduhÈffy‟s fd`y. –Dhl gdrl ndd` rlesdh td bevl eh lxplrolhkl`, geturl cdvlr.‗

–Bly, wl‟vl ndt td bevl sdgl flhliots,‗ sbl seo`.

–_du bevl gdrl flhliots tbeh O keh kduht.‗

–[plejohn di kduhtohn,‗ Effy seo`, –O keh ecgdst kduht ydur rofs. _du ndsbdwlr wbocl O gejl òhhlr, tblh wl keh tecj sdgl gdrl oi ydu weht td.‗

Kcehky stdd` eh` strltkbl` blr fd`y dut. –Hdpl. O‟g iohosbl`. _du‟vl ecceylècc di gy ilers ‐ idr e wbocl et clest. ^l‟cc kbocc uhtoc Beycly kdgls bdgl.‗

–Ot‟s e `lec,‗ Effy seo`, `rewohn tbl yduhnlr wdgeh td blr eh` puccohn blrsbort irdg blr pehts. [lvlrec werg, cohnlrohn jossls ecdhn Kcehky‟s ef`dglhge`l fdtb di tblg idrnlt tblor enlhè: tbly stugfcl` ohtd tbl covohn rddgeh` splht tbl hlxt bdur sbdwlrohn lekb dtblr wotb eiilktodh.

***

[etl` eh` beppy, Effy scoppl` blr kcdtbls fekj dh eh` set dwh oh tbl lh.@oecohn blr perlhts, sbl weotl` idr e gdglht, pclesl` wblh blr èunbtlr

ehswlrl`. –Bo, fefy. Bdw‟s lvlrytbohn ndohn4‗

–Bo, Gdg,‗ Beycly seo` fronbtcy. –Lvlrytbohn‟s nrlet. Pbl wletblr‟s rleccywerg eh` suhhy, eh` O splht gdst di tbl èy ndohn dh e cdhn fojl ro`l.Nregps bes e rleccy kddc rlkugflht fojl, eh` O rd`l tbl wbllcs dii ot.‗

–O `dh‟t lvlh jhdw wbet tbet os, fut oi ydur nrehìetblr fdunbt ot, O‟g surlot‟s vlry bonb-tlkb,‗ Effy seo`, ceunbohn.



60?

"_leb. [dgltogls O idrnlt bdw kddc Nreg eh` Nregps erl, fut tblh O blerpldpcl et skbddc tecjohn efdut bdw tblor gdgs eh` e`s dh't jhdw bdw tdusl kdgputlrs! Osh't tbet wlor`4"

"E cottcl," Effy seo`, "fut sdgl pldpcl `dh't cojl kbehnl. Cukjocy, ydurnreh`perlhts erlh't cojl tbet. Pbly'rl hlvlr eireo` td try hlw tbohns."

"_leb. Nregps bes tbl wbdcl bdusl worl` idr ô-Io. O keh suri irdgehypcekl!"

"Erl ydu bevohn iuh, bdhly4" Effy esjl`. "Jllpohn fusy4"

"_leb. O'g dohn ndd`. Pbly'rl fdtb wdrjohn dh tbohns, sd tbly novl gl sdglspekl. O'vl fllh ndohn td tbl flekb lvlry èy … ydu jhdw … behnohn dut."

"Bevl ydu glt ehydhl td behn dut wotb4"

"_leb. O glt e nuy irdg Kecoidrhoe wbd's vosotohn bos iegocy tbos wllj. Blwdrjs idr eh lhlrny-ectlrhetovls iduhètodh oh [eh Irehkoskd."

"Db. Bdw dc` os tbos nuy4"

"O tbohj bl's efdut twlhty-iovl dr twlhty-sox. Bl's tbl dc`lst di idur, eh` bos yduhnlst frdtblr os e irlsbgeh et \K [eh @olnd. Bl's prltty kddc, Gdg.^l'vl fllh behnohn dut wotb bos frdtblrs et tbl flekb. Pbly'rl e cdt di iuh."

"^bet's bos hegl4"

"Eclxeh`lr," sbl seo`, prdhduhkohn lekb syccefcl òstohktcy. "Osh't tbet enrlet hegl4 Bl keccs bogslci Eclx, fut O tbohj Eclxeh`lr sduh`s kddclr."

"Pbet's e vlry nrlet hegl," Effy seo`, sgocohn td blrslci. "Bevl ydu sllhlekb dtblr oh tbl lvlhohn4"

"_leb. ^l wlht dut kcuffohn cest honbt. Bos iegocy's fllh kdgohn blrl idr

ylers, eh` bl jhdws e cdt di pldpcl. Ot wes nrlet."

"O'g nce` ydu'rl bevohn iuh, bdhly. Eclxeh`lr sduh`s cojl e hokl nuy."

"Db, bl os. Vleccy sgert, iuhhy, eh` swllt. Eh` bl bes tbl gdst wdh`lriuciekl. [trdhn, fut sdgltogls bl cddjs ecgdst prltty." [bl sduh`l` cojl sblwes tecjohn efdut e Nrllj nd`, eh` Effy be` e illcohn tbet blr cottcl norc wessgottlh dhkl eneoh.



6<=

"Erl ydu ndohn td fl rle`y td kdgl bdgl4 O'` betl td bevl ydu goss dut dhtbl iuh. O'cc kbehnl ydur tokjlt idr ydu oi ydu weht td stey cdhnlr." Effy wessbdkjl` et tbl wdr`s tbet wlrl kdgohn irdg blr gdutb. [bl rlecozl` sblwes tryohn td tecj Beycly ohtd steyohn ewey ‛ aust sd sbl eh` Kcehky kduc`

bevl gdrl togl tdnltblr. [bl ilct cojl bottohn blrslci dh tbl ble` wotb tblpbdhl, fut Beycly rlessurl` blr.

"Hd, O'g rle`y. Eclxeh`lr clevls dh [uh`ey, sd O'g rle`y td clevl, tdd. Ogonbt stdp eh` sll bog flidrl O nd fekj td [ehte Kruz, tbdunb. Oi tbet'sdjey."

"^l keh prdfefcy wdrj sdgltbohn dut sohkl wl bevl sdgl togl td kbehnl ydur rlslrvetodhs," Effy seo`. "Bdw `d ydu illc efdut kdgohn bdgl4"

"Ndd`. ^by4"

"^by4 _du wlrl gdrl tbeh e cottcl upslt wblh ydu clit blrl, Beycly."

"Db. Vonbt. O wes joh` di e fotkb, wesh't O4"

"O wduc`h't usl tbet wdr`, fut ydu wlrlh't sbdwohn ydur flst so`l."

"O'cc epdcdnozl td Kcehky … eh` gleh ot tbos togl," sbl seo`. "O trletl` blr cojlsbot, Gdg. Eh` sbl `o`h't `lslrvl ot."

"Hdt gehy pldpcl `lslrvl tbet, bdhly. O'g surl sbl'` epprlkoetl ot."



6<5

"Geyfl O'cc wdrj wotb blr eneoh. O kduc` usl sdgl lxtre gdhly."

"Ggg … O `dh't tbohj tbet'cc wdrj dut. Pbly'vl gdstcy iohosbl` tbl wetlrileturl, eh` O tbohj tbohns erl prltty tlkbhokec ronbt hdw."

"Db! Pbly'vl `dhl tbet ecrle`y4"

"\b-bub. _du'cc fl egezl` et bdw gukb os iohosbl`." [bl weotl` e flet, tblhesjl`, "Oi ydu'` cojl e adf, O kduc` esj erduh`."

"O wduc`," sbl seo`. "O jhdw O'cc dhcy fl bdgl idr e ilw gdrl wlljs, fut O dh'tweht td col erduh` eh` d hdtbohn. Eclxeh`lr wes tlccohn gl tbet bl dlsh'tbevl lhdunb bdurs oh tbl ey td d ecc tbl tbohns bl bes td d. O'g hdt covohnup td gy pdtlhtoec, Gdg."

Effy sgorjl` td blrslci, wdh`lrohn bdw cdhn ot wduc` fl flidrl Beycly wesurnohn blr td tre`l oh blr Clxus idr eh lclktrok ker.

KBE]PLV IOIPLLH

Dh [etur`ey gdrhohn, Effy lxtroketl` blrslci irdg Kcehky‟s lgfrekl eh`ble`l` idr blr fetbrddg. [bl wes skbl`ucl` td gllt Lcclh, ]eg eh` Geroeidr e hohl d‟kcdkj tlhhos getkb, eh` sbl jhlw sbl‟` pcey pddrcy oi sbl o`h‟tbevl e `lklht frlejiest.

Eitlr blr sbdwlr, sbl toptdl` pest tbl nulstrddg, bdpohn td eccdw Kcehky td

scllp es cdhn es pdssofcl. [lkdh`s cetlr, sbl wes glt oh tbl jotkblh fy erugpcl` fut sgocohn yduhn wdgeh wbd wes oh tbl go``cl di tdestohn efenlc. –^bet‟cc ot fl4 O kduc` gejl ydu eh dglclt, dr lnns ehy stycl, klrlec …‗

–Erlh‟t ydu aust tbl swlltlst tbohn,‗ Effy seo`, novohn blr kddj e werg joss.–O tbdunbt ydu wlrl stocc escllp.‗

–Heb. Pbl norcs eh` O weht td sll ydu dii. ^l keh nd fekj td fl` oi tbl gdd`strojls us.‗

–_du hll` td nlt ydur scllp wblh ydu wdrj es ber` es ydu `d, Kcehky. _durleccy sbduc` ketkb e ilw gdrl bdurs wblh O clevl.‗

–O gonbt. ^blh wocc ydu fl bdgl4‗

–Ggg … `lplh`s. ^l usueccy bevl cuhkb eitlr wl pcey, fut O `dh‟t tbohj Oweht td fl ndhl tbet cdhn.‗



6<6

–Nd eble`. Vleccy,‗ Kcehky urnl`. –O jhdw ydu lhady sllohn ydur irolh`s.@dh‟t rusb bdgl dh gy ekkduht. Ektueccy, O kduc` splh` tbl gdrhohnvosotohn e kcolht dr twd. [eturèys erl tbl flst togls td ketkb gdst pldpcl etbdgl.‗

–Ecc ronbt,‗ Effy enrll`. [bl `repl` blr ergs erduh` Kcehky‟s hlkj eh`seo`, –O‟` cojl e fenlc wotb e cottcl plehut futtlr eh` sdgl nrehdce. O hll`sdgl prdtloh flidrl O pcey.‗

–Kdgohn ronbt up. O‟cc wetkb ydu let, tblh tejl e cottcl hep eh` nlt sdgl wdrj`dhl.‗

Effy wetkbl` blr prlperl tbl sogpcl glec, soppohn e kup di kdiill es tbl yduhnlr wdgeh gdvl` erduh` tbl jotkblh. –O rleccy epprlkoetl tbet ydu`dh‟t flnru`nl gl gy togl wotb gy irolh`s. Pbly gleh e cdt td gl.‗

–O‟g hdt tbet joh` di plrsdh,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O hll` togl idr gyslci, tdd, sd Orleccy `d uh`lrsteh` tbl pucc.‗

–^l‟rl e prltty kdgpetofcl peor, Gs. D‟Kdhhdr,‗ Effy seo`, blr cops quorjohnohtd e nroh.

–Kduc`h‟t enrll gdrl,‗ Kcehky seo`, `lcovlrohn frlejiest eh` e swllt joss.

***

Lcclh Kblhdwltb wopl` blr iekl rlpletl`cy, ioheccy flhòhn dvlr tbl sohj td

spcesb kdc` wetlr dh blrslci. –^bdsl fronbt o`le wes ot td swotkb perthlrs4‗sbl nrugfcl`. –O swler ydu reh gy clns dii, Effy. Hlvlr eneoh, swlltol! O‟gdh ydur so`l di tbl hlt, dr O‟g ndohn bdgl!‗

–Hdw ydu sll wbet wl bevl td put up wotb,‗ ]eg seo`. –Ot‟s hokl td nlt efrletblr.‗

Geroe nevl blr cdvlr e cltbec sterl, eh` ]eg trol` td lxtroketl blrslci irdgtbl bdcl sbl be` ùn. –O ò`h‟t gleh tbet ydu‟rl eh ohilrodr pceylr, bdhly: O aust gleht tbet … ubg … Effy‟s e cottcl tecclr, eh` blr slrvl kdgls oh et eiuhhy ehncl … eh` …‗

–Pbet‟s djey, ]eglce,‗ sbl seo` erkbcy. –O jhdw lxektcy wbet ydu gleht ‐ fut sohkl ot‟s tbl trutb, O keh‟t rleccy kdgpceoh. Effy kduc` jokj durrlsplktovl essls oh sohncls. Blcc, sbl kduc` prdfefcy flet ehy twd di us es esohncl!‗

–Lhdunb!‗ Effy ò`h‟t nlhlreccy goh` flohn kdgpcoglhtl`, eh` sbl wes eier suplrodr pceylr, fut sbl betl` td bevl ot frdunbt up tdd irlqulhtcy. –O



6<;

pcey gdrl tbeh ydu nuys `d, eh` O‟vl pceyl` cdhnlr tbeh ehy di ydu ‐ otsteh`s td rlesdh tbet O‟` fl sberplr.‗

–Bdhly,‗ Lcclh `rewcl`, –O kduc` potkb e tlht dh tbet kdurt eh` pcey lvlrygdglht tbet O wesh‟t scllpohn, eh` O stocc kduc`h‟t flet ydu. Iekl iekts, Effy,

ydu rdkj!‗

–[dglfd`y‟s jo`s erl bdgl irdg skbddc,‗ Effy tlesl`. –_du dhcy uslkdccdquoecosgs wblh ydu bler tblg irdg tbl fdys.‗

–_ls, O rlvlrt td tblor enls wblh tbly‟rl bdgl,‗ Lcclh enrll`. –Eh` di kdursl,tbly fdtb hll` e ker tdèy, sd O keh‟t stey idr cuhkb.‗

–Pbet‟s djey. ^l‟cc ketkb ydu hlxt wllj,‗ Effy seo`.

–Db! O ecgdst idrndt! O bevl e hlw geh idr ydu, Effy,‗ Lcclh seo`, furstohn

wotb lhtbusoesg. –Bl‟s e cewylr wotb tbl Il`lrec Lxkbehnl Kdggossodh,eh` Hlec se ys tbet bl‟s e rlec ioh`. Bl‟s aust nlttohn fekj dh bos illt eitlr ehesty òvdrkl, fut cukjocy bos lx-woil os e surnldh, sd sbl ò`h‟t sukj bog`ry.‗ [gocohn fronbtcy, Lcclh e``l`, –Hd jo`s, lotblr.‗ @rdppohn blr vdokl,Lcclh seo`, –O tbohj bl bes e cdw splrg kduht.‗

Fl stocc gy blert, Effy tbdunbt td blrslci. [bl sbddj blr ble` frolicy eh`seo`, –Jllp bog dh bdc`, Lcclh. O‟vl, ubg … glt sdgldhl … eh` O weht tdsll wblrl ot ndls flidrl O ekklpt ehy gdrl fcoh` ètls.‗

–Plcc gl ecc efdut bog,‗ Lcclh `lgeh`l`, Geroe eh` ]eg cddjohn dh

ohtlrlstl`cy.

–Ggg … O `dh‟t weht td aohx ot,‗ Effy seo`. –Novl gl e ilw wlljs, eh` oiwl‟rl stocc tdnltblr, O‟cc tlcc ecc.‗

Lcclh nevl blr e cdhn, eppreosohn cddj. –O wesh‟t ndohn td sey ehytbohn, fut ydu‟vl ndt e sprohn oh ydur stlp tbet O bevlh‟t sllh oh ylers. Pbos nuy gustfl ndd` idr ydu.‗

–^l‟cc sll,‗ Effy seo`, tryohn hdt td col tdd gukb.

–Dhl wey dr tbl dtblr, wl‟cc nlt ydu ioxl` up, Effy,‗ Lcclh seo`. –O wdh‟t stdpuhtoc ydu‟rl gerrol` eneoh. _du‟rl tdd iefucdus e wdgeh td fl ecdhl wblh ydu `dh‟t weht td fl.‗

Eitlr e rduh` di ndd`fyls, tbl rlgeohohn tbrllsdgl clit tbl cdkjlr rddg idrtbl dut`ddr rlsteureht. Pbly wlrl sletl` uh`lr e cernl ugfrlcce, o`cydfslrvohn e ndd` sohncls getkb wblh Geroe seo`, –Lcclh‟s ronbt, ydu jhdw,Effy. _du bevl e sperj oh ydu tbet‟s fllh efslht idr ier tdd cdhn. O jhdw ydu



6<0

`dh‟t weht td tecj efdut tbos nuy, fut O weht ydu td jhdw tbet wl fdtb bdpltbos wdrjs dut.‗

Effy nevl blr irolh`s e sby sgocl eh` cdwlrl` blr lyls td pokj et blr Kdffsece` idr e gdglht. –O ubg … wduc` cojl td tecj efdut ot e cottcl. Ot‟s johè

kdgpcoketl`, sd O ò`h‟t weht td nlt ohtd ot oh tbl cdkjlr rddg, fut oi ydu‟rlohtlrlstl` …‗

–_ls, wl erl!‗ ]eg seo`, blr lyls icokjlrohn fltwllh blr perthlr eh` Effy.

–Djey,‗ Effy seo` scdwcy, tryohn td ionurl dut wblrl td stert. –\bg … cojl Oseo` … ot‟s kdgpcoketl` …‗

–Bl‟s hdt gerrol`, os bl4‗ Geroe fcurtl` dut, `rewohn e skdcòhn cddj irdg]eg.

–@d ydu `d tbet et wdrj, bdhly4‗ ]eg esjl` `rycy. –O keh‟t ogenohl tbet‟sndd` idr fusohlss.‗

–O‟g plrilktcy wlcc-flbevl` wblh O‟g wotb e petolht,‗ sbl shoiil`. –Fut O‟ghdt wotb e petolht hdw, sd O keh fl es efrupt es O weht, ronbt, Effy4‗

–Vonbt, Geroe. O `dh‟t goh` ydur òrlkt stycl dhl fot ‐ es e irolh`, tbet os. Oigy psykboetrost ò` tbet, O‟` iorl blr!‗

–_du hlotblr bevl, hdr hll`, e psykboetrost,‗ Geroe skdiil`. –_du aust hll` td

nlt ceo` wotb sdgl rlnuceroty fy e geh wbd keh epprlkoetl e wdh`lriucwdgeh.‗

Effy icusbl` `llpcy eh` kclerl` blr tbrdet. –^lcc, tbet‟s wblrl ydu‟rl dii,@dk. O‟vl fllh flohn ceo` quotl splktekucercy ‐ fut ot wesh‟t fy e geh.‗

Dhcy tbl pcdp di tbl fecc bottohn tbl kdurt kduc` fl bler` idr slvlrecgdglhts es tbl wdglh trol` td nlt tblor goh`s erduh` Effy‟sehhduhklglht. –_du‟rl scllpohn wotb e … wotb e wdgeh4‗ ]eg esjl`, blrvdokl eh dktevl bonblr tbeh hdrgec.

–O eg,‗ Effy seo` sdflrcy. –O dh‟t jhdw quotl wbet O wes tbohjohn di tbl iorsttogl, fut sohkl tblh ot‟s … sbl‟s … flkdgl quotl e`òktovl.‗

–^bet `dls Beycly tbohj efdut tbos4‗ Geroe nespl`.

–Db, O gust hdt bevl glhtodhl` tbet Beycly os up oh Geohl idr blr ehhuecvosot. [bl‟s ndohn td fl ndhl idr ehdtblr wllj. [bl `dlsh‟t jhdw ‐ eh` O‟ghdt surl bdw, dr wblh, td tlcc blr.‗



6<<

–^lcc, O bevl eh dpohodh,‗ Geroe seo`. [bl cddjl` et Effy idr e gdglht eh`seo`, –O wduc`h‟t tlcc blr uhclss ydu‟rl slrodus efdut tbos wdgeh. O tbohj ot‟sfe` idr Beycly td clerh tdd gukb efdut ydur slx coil ‐ uhclss ot‟s ndohn tdogpekt blr oh tbl cdhn tlrg. Hdw, oi ydu‟rl slrodus efdut tbos, eh` ydu weht

td bevl e rlcetodhsbop wotb blr ‐ tblh fy ecc glehs ydu sbduc` tlcc Beyclyeh` Prlvdr. Fut hdt uhtoc tblh.‗

Effy hd``l` enrllefcy. –Pbet‟s wbet O tbdunbt.‗

–O tdc` ydu tbet ydu ò`h‟t hll` e psykboetrost,‗ Geroe seo`.

–O‟g ndhhe hll` dhl oi O `dh‟t nlt sdgl lteocs!‗ ]eg furst dut. –^bd os sbl,bdw ò` ydu gllt blr, bevl O lvlr ètl` blr …‗

Effy sgocl` et tbl tlesohn eh` tdc` tbl tecl. –[bl‟s tbl ceh`skepl erkbotlkt

wbd‟s fllh wdrjohn dh gy bdusl. Cottcl ò` O jhdw tbet ydu kduc` dfteoh eplrilktcy `lconbtiuc clsfoeh cdvlr fy bdgl `lcovlry,‗ sbl seo`. –Hdw, O keh‟tnuerehtll ot, fut O duft tbet ydu‟vl etl` blr, ]eg. [bl‟s dhcy fllh dut idrtwlcvl ylers, eh` ydu‟vl fllh wotb Geroe idr twlhty. [d, oi ydu bevl ètl`blr, hlotblr Geroe hdr O weht td jhdw efdut ot.‗

–^bet‟s blr hegl4‗ Geroe esjl`. –^l gust jhdw blr oi sbl‟s e prdilssodhecoh tbl [eh Nefrolc Yeccly.‗

–Kcehky D‟Kdhhdr,‗ Effy seo`, sgocohn wblh twd fcehj lxprlssodhs nrlltl`tbl hegl. –O‟vl ndttlh tbl ogprlssodh sbl `dlsh‟t `d e cdt di wdrj oh tbl

clsfoeh kdgguhoty. Fut O‟` rleccy cojl blr td nlt sdgl kdhtekts. [bl‟s vlryteclhtl`.‗

–[duh`s cojl sbl‟s teclhtl` oh gehy erles,‗ ]eg seo`, nrohhohn ceskovoduscy.

Geroe sceppl` et blr eh` werhl`, –Nlt ydur goh` dut di tbl nuttlr, bdhly.Effy dlsh‟t weht td tecj efdut tbl ndry lteocs … d ydu, Effy4‗ sbl esjl`bdpliuccy.

–Hdt gehy di tblg,‗ Effy seo`. –Fut O wocc sey tbet sbl‟s e wdh`lriuc plrsdh,

eh` sbl's fllh vlry petolht eh` nlhtcl wotb gl. [bl `dlsh‟t prlssurl gl,eh` sbl‟s lvlh eccdwl` gl td kceg up cojl O hdrgeccy `d.‗

–[bl sduh`s cojl e prozl,‗ Geroe seo`. –O‟g rleccy surprosl` wl `dh‟t jhdwblr, tbdunb. O tbdunbt wl jhlw lvlrydhl.‗

–Epperlhtcy hdt,‗ Effy seo`. –Dhl clsfoeh scoppl` uh`lr tbl reèr.‗



6<>

–Ber` td sey,‗ sbl seo`. –Pbos os vlry ogpucsovl flbevodr idr Effy ‐ futtbet‟s tbl dhcy tbohn tbet wdrrols gl. Ot bdhlstcy `dlsh‟t surprosl gl tbetgukb tbet sbl‟` fl `rewh td e wdgeh ‐ sbl‟s klrteohcy hdt vlry buhn upslxueccy. O‟g aust wdrrol` efdut tbl su``lhhlss di tbl wbdcl tbohn. Pbet‟shdt cojl blr.‗

–Hd, ot osh‟t, fut sbl surl sllgl` beppy. [bl rlgoh`l` gl di bdw sbl weswblh wl iorst glt blr.‗

–_du jhdw, sbl ò`,‗ Geroe gusl`. –O wdh`lr wbd tbos gystlry wdgeh os4Geyfl sbl‟s cojl Effy ‐ kdgohn dii di e cdhn gerroenl dr sdgltbohn. Pbetwduc` lxpceoh wby sbl‟s dhcy fllh dut idr twlcvl ylers.‗

–Geyfl sbl‟s hdt vlry dut … ydu jhdw, johè slgo-kcdsltl`4‗

–_leb. Pbet‟s tbl dhcy rlesdhefcl lxpcehetodh. Oi sbl wes vlry dut wl‟` jhdw

blr. ^l hll` td gllt tbos wdgeh. Geyfl wl jhdw blr fut `dh't jhdw blrhegl.‗

–Bgg … fut wbet oi sbl's hdt dut4 Pbet wdrrols gl e cottcl,‗ Geroe seo`. –Ewdgeh oh blr cetl idrtols wbd‟s stocc oh tbl kcdslt gonbt bevl sdgl ossulsefdut flohn e clsfoeh. Pbet gonbt fl ber` idr Effy td `lec wotb ‛ ydu jhdwbdw dplh sbl os efdut tbohns.‗

–^lcc, tblrl‟s dhl wey td ioh` dut wbet tbl stdry os,‗ ]eg seo`. –Esj tblgdvlr idr òhhlr!‗

***

^blh Effy rlturhl` td tbl bdusl, sbl wes e cottcl surprosl` td sll Kcehky‟strukj oh tbl nerenl, eh` sbl be` td sgorj et blrslci wblh blr blert pokjlùp e flet. Oi O stert dd`cohn KDK cdvls EPN, O‟g ndohn td vdcuhterocy kdggotgyslci!

Pbl `dns ò`h‟t ruh dut td nrllt blr, wbokb wes ecsd e cottcl d``, fut tblwblrlefduts di tbl tbrllsdgl wes rlsdcvl` wblh Effy wecjl` ohtd tbljotkblh eh` cddjl` dut tbl woh`dw. Kcehky wes cyohn dh dhl di tbl pddcicdets, kce` oh aust e cdhn-scllvl` P-sbort. Blr ergs wlrl strltkbl` dut td tbl

so`ls, lekb beh` bdcòhn dhtd ehdtblr icdet, lekb icdet dkkupol` fy e vlrykdhtlht-cddjohn dn. Effy stertl` td ceunb sd ber` tbet blr so`ls ekbl`. [blsco` tbl `ddr dplh, stocc ceunbohn. Pbrll slts di lyls fcohjl` et blr, fut dhcytbl nrey lyls sbdwl` gukb lhtbusoesg idr blr errovec. –@dh‟t aust steh`tblrl, nref e icdet eh` nlt oh blrl. Gy ergs erl torl`!‗

–Bdw dh lertb ò` ydu nlt tbdsl flests up dh tbdsl icdets4 O jhdw ot wesh‟tlesy!‗



6<2

–Pbet‟s eh uh`lrstetlglht,‗ Kcehky seo`, kbukjcohn. –Fut tbly jlptswoggohn dut eh` tryohn td nlt dh wotb gl ‐ eh` O o`h‟t weht tbdsl sberpkcews dh gy ferl clns. [ohkl O ndt tblg slttcl`, tbly‟vl fllh fcossiuccybeppy.‗

Effy stertl` td strop dut di blr kcdtbohn, eh` sbl surprosl` Kcehky fy ovohnoh kdgpcltlcy hejl` eh` swoggohn up td blr, e flegohn nroh kdvlrohn blriekl. –O wehhe nlt dh ydur icdet, tdd.‗ [bl cddjl` es beppy es Kcehky be`lvlr sllh blr, eh` Kcehky ogglòetlcy trol` td setosiy blr rlqulst. [bl be`td clt nd di tbl `dns, fut tbly wlrl sd rlcexl` tbet tbly ò`h‟t sllg td goh`.Kcehky tunnl` dh blr perthlr, eh` tblor adoht liidrts sddh rlsuctl` oh Effycyohn prdhl etdp blr, tbl icdet roòhn vlry, vlry cdw oh tbl wetlr, fut stoccbdcòhn tblg up. –Aust flidrl ydu kegl bdgl, O wes wdh`lrohn oi ot wespdssofcl td illc ehy flttlr,‗ Kcehky gurgurl`. –Pblrl wes dhcy dhl tbohngossohn flidrl ‐ fut lvlrytbohn‟s plrilkt hdw.‗

–O‟g beppy, tdd,‗ Effy seo`. –O kegl dut td ]eg eh` Geroe tbos gdrhohn.‗[bl coitl` blr ble` eh` cddjl` ohtd Kcehky‟s lyls. –Ot wlht vlry, vlry wlcc.‗

Kcehky‟s gdutb wes nepohn dplh et e kdgokec wo`tb. –@o` ydu pceh dh tbet4‗

–Hd. Fut Lcclh seo` sbl be` ylt ehdtblr ètl pcehhl` idr gl, eh` O tdc` blrtbet O wes sllohn sdgldhl. O‟g hdt surl wby, fut O ò`h‟t weht td tlcc blrefdut us: wblh sbl clit O tdc` Geroe eh` ]eg.‗

–Eh` tbly tddj ot wlcc4‗

–Di kdursl.‗ [bl coitl` blr ble` eneoh eh` esjl`, –^by wduc`h‟t tbly4‗

–^lcc, nllz, Effy, O `dh‟t jhdw. Pbos os e vlry fon kbehnl idr ydu!‗

–Pbly‟rl gy irolh`s, Kcehky. O‟vl jhdwh tblg idr dvlr ioitllh ylers, eh` Owduc`h‟t lxplkt ehytbohn clss irdg tblg. @dh‟t idrnlt tbet tbly‟rl clsfoehs,eh` dh tdp di tbet, Geroe os e psykboetrost, idr ndd`hlss‟ sejl. [bl‟s rlquorl`td fl suppdrtovl!‗

–_du‟rl djey wotb tbos4‗ Kcehky esjl` werocy.

–Ylry. Ot illcs ndd` td tlcc sdgldhl. O `dh‟t bevl e fot di sbegl dvlr flohnwotb ydu, Kcehky, eh` ot illcs ndd` td sbdw tbet O‟g prdu` di wbet wl bevl.‗

Kcehky nevl blr e werg, wlt, kbcdrohl-ohiusl` joss, cohnlrohn idr quotl e ilw



6<?

fcossiuc gdglhts. –O‟g prdu` di ydu,‗ sbl wbosplrl`.

–O wes eireo` ydu wlrl ndohn td fl ndhl wblh O ndt bdgl,‗ Effy gurgurl`.–O‟g rleccy nce` ydu wlrlh‟t. O hll` tbos.‗

–O hll` tbos, tdd,‗ Kcehky seo`, furrdwohn blr ble` ohtd Effy‟s hlkj. "O'gnce` O wes e cezy fug tbos gdrhohn. Pbl fe` hlws os tbet O ge`l eheppdohtglht idr cetlr."

"Ddd …" Effy cddjl` up eh` nevl blr cdvlr e pdut. "@d ydu bevl td4"

"_leb. Ndtte pey tbl foccs."

"Keh O pey ydu td stey bdgl4" Effy esjl`, e bdpliuc sgocl dh blr iekl.

"Hdpl. O'g e slci-ge`l tbduseh`-eorl. Fut ydu keh clt gl jhdw bdw gukb

ydu gossl` gl wblh O nlt bdgl."

"Kdhso`lr ot `dhl," Effy seo`. "O'cc tbohj di sdgltbohn krletovl."

***

Effy be` dfvoduscy fllh tbohjohn di weys td sbdw Kcehky tbet sbl wesgossl` wbocl sbl be` fllh ndhl flkeusl sbl fekjl` tbl erkbotlkt upeneohst tbl kduhtlr es sddh es sbl lhtlrl` tbl jotkblh. Pbl `dns wlrlskegplrohn tbrdunb tbl rddg, ferjohn eh` wennohn tblor teocs, fut Kcehkykduc`h‟t nlt ewey td lvlh novl tblg e quokj plt. Fusy, `ltlrgohl` iohnlrs

wdrjl` et tbl futtdhs di blr sbort, eh` wblh Effy be` ot uh`dhl sblpusbl` ot irdg Kcehky‟s sbduc`lrs eh` tonbtlhl` blr bdc` dh ot ‐ treppohnblr ergs. –O‟vl ndt ye hdw,‗ sbl nrdwcl`, jossohn Kcehky lvlrywblrl blrgdost cops kduc` rlekb. [bl wes prlssohn eneohst tbl guskucer yduhnwdgeh tonbtcy, nrohòhn blr bops eneohst blr wbocl sbl jossl` blr slhslclss.

–O‟vl hlvlr ilct gdrl wlckdgl,‗ tbl sbdrtlr wdgeh pehtl`.

–_du‟rl hdwblrl hler es wlckdgl es ydu‟rl ndhhe nlt,‗ Effy prdgosl`, ewokjl` ncleg oh blr lyls.

–O bdpl tbet wes e èrl,‗ Kcehky nespl`. –O keh hlvlr turh `dwh e èrl.‗

Effy twotkbl` blr sbduc`lrs, frusbohn blr frlests eneohst Kcehky‟s. [blstdppl` efruptcy eh` kdkjl` blr ble`. –@o` ydu tejl ydur rohn dut4‗

–Ggg.‗ Kcehky tbdunbt idr e gdglht, tblh hd``l`. –_du usueccy keh‟t sllot uh`lr gy kcdtbls, fut O swotkb ot dut wblh O nd td sll kcolhts. Aust td fl



69=

seil.‗

–[wotkb ot dut4‗ Effy‟s iohnlrs sco` up td lhkorkcl tbl hoppcl, eh` blr sgoclnrlw wo`lr. –^bet‟s tbos4‗ Pbl rono` pdoht wes hlercy furstohn irdg e tohycottcl rohn tbet surrduh`l` ot. [bl rlekbl` flboh` Kcehky eh` uhbddjl` blr

fre, tblh clt blr iohnlrs lxpcdrl tbdrdunbcy. Kcehky ò`h‟t sey e wdr`, sbl aust rlcexl` eneohst tbl kduhtlr eh` clt Effy‟s slerkbohn iohnlrs lxkotl blrecc tbl gdrl. [u``lhcy, blr sbort wes tdssl` td tbl icddr, tblh blr fre ilccetdp tbl sbort, eh` Effy‟s tdhnul wes trekohn tbl sgecc, ndc` korkcl flidrlKcehky kduc` fcohj.

Effy‟s gdutb wlht irdg dhl frlest td tbl dtblr, eh` eitlr e gdglht, Kcehkyrlecozl` tbet blr ndec wes td try td gejl dhl hoppcl es iorg es tbl dtblr.–_du‟cc hlvlr nlt tblrl, fut ot‟s djey wotb gl oi ydu jllp tryohn ecc honbt,‗Kcehky ioheccy gurgurl`, kcutkbohn Effy‟s ble` eh` `rewohn ot kcdslr.

Effy‟s lyls sboitl`, glltohn Kcehky‟s, eh` sbl sworcl` blr tdhnul erduh`tbl teut hoppcl e ilw gdrl togls, hdt woccohn td novl up blr ndec. –^by wdh‟tot wdrj4‗ sbl gugfcl`, blr gdutb iucc di tbl swdcclh iclsb.

–Pbl kdccer os prltty shun, eh` ot rleccy pugps tbl hoppcl up.‗ Kcehky‟s beh`wes oh blr perthlr‟s beor, urnohn blr dh, eh` wotb lekb pertokucercy iorgsukj, sbl clt dut e cottcl nesp, gejohn blr wdr`s ber` td idccdw.

Pbl `dns be` fllh vlry petolht wotb tblg sd ier, fut tbly‟` ioheccy rlekbl`tblor cogot. Etblhe gerkbl` dvlr td tbl `ddr eh` clt dut eh dutrenl` ferj,ncerohn et fdtb di tbl nrdpohn wdglh. –[dglfd`y‟s fllh onhdrl` tdd cdhn,‗

Kcehky `lko`l`, pettohn Effy‟s ble`. –Kdgl dh, clt‟s tejl kerl di tblg eh`tblh nd upsteors. Ecdhl,‗ sbl seo`, lyls twohjcohn.

***

Effy adohl` blr perthlr oh fl` eh` ku``cl` up kcdsl. Es usuec, blr behògglòetlcy wlht td tbl alwlcl` hoppcl. –_du rleccy `d cojl tbos, `dh‟t ydu4‗Kcehky esjl`, sgocohn et blr.

–_leb. O‟g hdt lvlh surl wby. Geyfl flkeusl ot‟s sd òiilrlht.‗ [bl sbrunnl`blr sbduc`lrs eh` seo`, –^bd jhdws4 Geyfl O bevl e cetlht hoppcl iltosb

tbet O hlvlr jhlw efdut.‗ [bl clehl` dvlr eh` cokjl` fdtb frlests cojl tblywlrl pohj okl krleg kdhls. –ôcc o`h‟t cojl td bevl bos hoppcls pceyl` wotb.‗[bl stoccl` efruptcy eh` cddjl` up et Kcehky wotb kbenroh. –O‟g sdrry idrseyohn tbet. O‟g surl ydu `dh‟t weht td bler tbohns cojl tbet.‗

Kcehky nrespl` blr kboh eh` toctl` ot up. –Di kdursl O `d. O‟g ohtlrlstl` ohlvlrytbohn efdut ydu, Effy. _du jhdw tbet fy hdw, `dh‟t ydu4‗



696

–Beycly4 ^by wlrl ydu òskussohn tbos wotb Beycly4‗

Kcehky pettl` blr sditcy, seyohn, –O o`h‟t frohn ot up, bdhly. O be` tbl blevyrohn oh wblh wl wlht swoggohn. [bl seo` sbl wes tbohjohn di bevohnsdgltbohn polrkl`, eh` sbl esjl` bdw gukb ot burt.‗

–Db, Nd`,‗ Effy sonbl`. –O‟vl ndt td kut blr eccdwehkl.‗ [bl stertl` tdkbukjcl, sbejohn blr ble`. –Cdr` jhdws wbet sbl‟cc cddj cojl fy tbl toglsbl‟s tbrdunb blr rlflccodus pbesl.‗

–Bly, O wesh‟t oh e rlflccodus pbesl,‗ Kcehky seo`. –^lcc, geyfl aust e tohyfot.‗

–Plcc gl efdut bevohn ot `dhl,‗ Effy seo`. –O keh‟t flcolvl ot ò`h‟t burt.‗

–Ggg … ektueccy, ot ilct cojl ot dls wblh sdgldhl fotls ydu aust e cottcl tdd

ber`. Ot dhcy cestl` idr e slkdh` dr twd ‐ hdt fe` et ecc. Ot tbrdffl` e fot idre ey dr sd, eh` ot wes tlh`lr idr e wbocl ‐ aust cojl ehy blecohn wduh`. Pblwdrst pert wes tbet eitlr efdut e wllj, O wehtl` td pcey wotb ot, flkeusl Owes rleccy ewerl di ot ‐ fut ot wesh‟t blecl` ylt. Johè rdvl gl huts. Ot wescojl bevohn eh otkb ydu kduc`h‟t skretkb.‗

–Fut hdw ydu‟rl rleccy beppy wotb ot4‗

–Ylry. O‟g pcehhohn dh bevohn tbl dtblr dhl dhl, tdd, fut O sbduc` bevl beòt `dhl lercolr oh tbl yler.‗

–^by ò`h‟t ydu bevl tblg fdtb `dhl et dhkl4‗ Effy esjl`.

–_du keh‟t pcey rdunbcy wotb tblg uhtoc tbly‟rl iuccy blecl`,‗ Kcehkyohidrgl` blr. –Pbet tddj e ilw gdhtbs idr gl.‗ [bl nrohhl` et Effy idr egohutl, fut Effy o`h‟t uh`lrsteh` blr pdoht. –O o`h‟t weht td bevl fdtb ditblg dut di kdggossodh,‗ sbl lxpceohl`. –O bdhlstcy `dh‟t jhdw oi O wduc`lhady slx es gukb oi gy perthlr kduc`h‟t pcey wotb gy hoppcls. Ot wes berònhdrohn gy cottcl pec idr ecc di tbdsl gdhtbs.‗ [bl pettl` blr hoppcl idh`cy,krekjohn Effy up.

–^bet `dls ot illc cojl hdw4‗ Effy esjl`, blr kurodsoty uhefetl`.

–Nlhlreccy, O `dh‟t hdtokl ot. O gleh, oi O kdhklhtretl, O keh illc tbl wlonbtòiilrlhkl wblh O bevl tbl blevy rohn oh, fut ot‟s gdstcy hdt hdtoklefcl. Ot‟sùrohn slx tbet O cdvl ot,‗ sbl purrl`. –O cojl td bevl gy hoppcls tunnl` dhrleccy ber`, eh` bevohn tbl blevy rohn oh prdvo`ls eh lxklcclht beh`cl.‗

–O jhdw,‗ Effy seo`. –O cdvl ydur cottcl beh`cl. O nulss O essugl` ot wesplrgehlht, tbdunb. O be` hd o`le ydu kduc` kbehnl ot dut.‗



690

–_du djey wotb tbos4‗ Kcehky esjl` sditcy wbocl sbl reh e beh` ecdhn Effy‟sspohl.

–_leb … yleb … Ot‟s aust iuhhy clerhohn bdw td cdvl e wdgeh. Cojl O‟vl seo`flidrl, tbl slhsetodhs erl rleccy òiilrlht ‐ eh` tbl illcohns O nlt erl rleccy

òiilrlht. Fdtb lxplrolhkls erl nrlet ‐ tbly‟rl aust vlry, vlry òiilrlht. Ot‟scojl ndohn dut idr sdgl nrlet susbo dhl honbt eh` tblh bevohn sdgl iehtestokOtecoeh òsb tbl hlxt. O cdvl ‟lg fdtb ‐ fut tbly‟rl ber`cy oh tbl seglketlndry.‗

–^bokb eg O4‗ Kcehky kbukjcl`. –[usbo dr Otecoeh4‗

Effy sgocl` eh` seo`, –Hdt td rlvlrt td e stlrldtypl, fut ydu‟rl liohotlcy tbl susbo. E cottcl lxdtok, fut kcleh eh` irlsb-testohn wotb e `lconbtiuc eitlrtestl.‗[bl cokjl` blr cops eh` clt blr gdutb twotkb ohtd eh lvlh wo`lr sgocl. –E vlry`lconbtiuc eitlrtestl.‗

–O‟vl hlvlr fllh wotb e geh,‗ Kcehky seo`. [bl huzzcl` blr ble` fltwllhEffy‟s frlests eh` cokjl` et tbl sdit sjoh. –Bdw‟s ot òiilrlht4‗

–^lcc, tbos os e cogotl` segpcl ydu uh`lrsteh`. ôcc wes gy dhcy rlecperthlr.‗

Kcehky set up eh` cddjl` et blr oh surprosl. –_du wlrl e vornoh wblh ydugerrol`4‗

–Nd`, hd!‗ Effy ceunbl`. –^l be` slx flidrl wl gerrol`, eh` O pceyl`

erduh` e cdt oh bonb skbddc eh` kdcclnl. O ò`h‟t bevl ohtlrkdursl flidrl ôcc ‐ fut tbet‟s tbl dhcy tbohn O ò`h‟t `d.‗

–^by hdt4 Nuoct4 ^drrol` efdut prlnhehky4‗

Effy sbddj blr ble`. –Hd. Hlotblr, ektueccy. Ot wes e purlcy slciosb`lkosodh.‗

Et Kcehky‟s puzzcl` cddj, sbl lxpceohl`, –Es O‟vl glhtodhl`, O bevl e vlrykddc gdtblr. [bl stertl` tecjohn td gl efdut slx ‐ oh nrlet `lteoc ‐ wblh Owes erduh` lclvlh dr twlcvl.‗

Kbukjcohn sditcy, Kcehky seo`, –O‟g stocc weotohn idr tbet tecj wotb gy gdg.Geyfl sbl‟cc `d ot dh gy tbortoltb fortbèy.‗

–Db, novl blr e frlej,‗ Effy seo`. –Ot‟s e ber` tbohn td `d, eh` gehy gdgsdpt dut di ot.‗

Kcehky hd``l` enrllefcy. –Oh blr `lilhsl, O tbohj sbl wes weotohn uhtoc O



69<

lxprlssl` eh ohtlrlst oh fdys. O tbohj sbl wes eireo` di tecjohn td gl flidrl Owes rle`y.‗

–^lcc, gy gdg wes vlry prdektovl. l tecjl` efdut ot rleccy kesueccy ‐ auste cottcl fot et e togl, eh` sbl ò` ot vlry kdhvlrsetodheccy ‐ usueccy usohn

blrslci es eh lxegpcl.‗

–Cojl bdw4‗ Kcehky esjl`.

–Db, sbl‟` tlcc gl efdut e fdyirolh` sbl‟` be` wblh sbl wes yduhn eh` tecjefdut bdw bl ecweys prlssurl` blr td nd iertblr tbeh sbl rleccy wehtl` td.Dvlr togl O ndt tbl kdrrlkt ogprlssodh tbet e cdt di fdys wduc` weht td bevlslx wotb gl eh` tbet slx wduc`h‟t hlklsserocy gleh tbl segl td tblg es otò` td gl. [bl tdc` gl tbet ydu be` td treoh e fdy td pclesl ydu ‐ eh` tbetot tddj e cdhn togl. Blr geoh pdoht wes tbet O sbduc`h‟t clt e fdy tdukb gl aust flkeusl bl wehtl` td. [bl‟s e iorg flcolvlr oh wdglh kceogohn tblor dwh

slxuec pclesurl ‐ eh` sbl flcolvls tbet tbl dhcy wey td `d tbet os td idrklglh td gllt ydur hll`s.‗

–Eh` tbet ge`l ydu `lko`l td weot4‗

–Hd,‗ Effy sgocl`. –O o`h‟t lko`l td weot. O‟` clt ehydhl wbd O wes ohtlrlstlòh tdukb gl, fut O wduc`h‟t clt bog nd ehy iurtblr oi bl o`h‟t sbdw e liohotlohtlrlst oh pclesohn gl. Ot egezl` gl bdw gehy nuys wduc` stokj tblorbeh`s ohtd gy pehts idr twd slkdh`s, eh` tblh try td sbdvl gy ble` ohtdtblor ceps. Hd wey!‗ [bl sberl` e ceunb wotb Kcehky eh` e``l`, –Dvlr togl Osew tbet gy gdg wes tdteccy ronbt. Gdst di tbl nuys wlrlh‟t ohtlrlstl` oh

gejohn cdvl, tbly wlrl ohtlrlstl` oh nlttohn dii. Eh` tblrl wes hd wey O wesndohn td glrlcy fl e slglh rlklptekcl. Hdt gl!‗

–^lrl tblsl nuys ohsehl4 Ecc tbly be` td `d wes splh` e cottcl togl gejohnsurl ydu ndt dii, eh` tbly kduc`h‟t `d ot4‗

Effy kbukjcl` sditcy. –O o`h‟t tlcc tblg tbl lhtrehkl rlquorlglht, Kcehky. Oweotl` td sll oi tbly wlrl hetureccy ohtlrlstl`. O essugl tbet dc`lr nuyswduc` bevl fllh gdrl slhsotovl ‐ fut lonbtllh-yler-dc` nuys erl tdteccyidkusl` dh tblor plhosls ‐ et clest oh gy lxplrolhkl.‗

–Fut ôcc wes òiilrlht,‗ Kcehky nulssl`.

–Db, yls. l sclpt tdnltblr dh dur slkdh` etl,‗ Effy seo`, kbukjcohn sditcy.–Bl wes twlhty-lonbt ylers dc` eh` be` e cdt di lxplrolhkl. Bl be` gl sd bdtdh dur iorst etl tbet O wduc` bevl dhl ot ronbt tblh, fut O ò`h‟t weht bog tdtbohj O wes tdd cddsl.‗

–Eh` ydu cojl` ot ronbt irdg tbl stert4‗



699

–O ò`. O wes e cottcl hlrvdus, fut bl wes sd petolht eh` nlhtcl wotb gl ‐ Otdc` bog tbet O‟` hlvlr be` ohtlrkdursl, eh` bl splht eh ohkrlòfcy cdhn toglgejohn surl O wes rle`y. O wes sd nce` tbet O‟` weotl` idr e ndd` cdvlr,‗ sblsonbl`. –Bl wes iuhhy efdut slx. ^lcc, bl wes aust pceoh iuhhy,‗ sbl

eglh`l`. –Fut bl bdhlstcy tbdunbt tbet dhl di bos adfs wes td gejl gl cdvlslx es gukb es bl ò`. Bl wes e vlry prektokec nuy, eh` bl rlesdhl` tbet oiO cojl` slx, O‟` weht td bevl ot ditlh. Eh` oi wl be` ot ditlh, ot wduc`h‟t fl ber`td stey gdhdnegdus.‗ [bl nrohhl` et Kcehky eh` seo`, –O tbohj bl wes ecottcl eireo` tbet ot wduc` fl ber` td fl wotb aust dhl wdgeh idr tbl rlst di boscoil.‗ Blr sgocl nrlw wo`lr eh` turhl` e cottcl wostiuc wblh sbl e``l`, –Otwesh‟t. O‟g efsdcutlcy klrteoh tbet bl wes ecweys ieotbiuc td gl.‗ [blceunbl` sditcy eh` seo`, –O ge`l surl bl ndt wbet bl hll`l`, sd bl‟` hlvlrbevl tbl tlgptetodh td kblet dh gl.‗

–[d … bdw os ot òiilrlht4‗ Kcehky esjl`, blr kurodsoty stocc poqul`.

Effy tbdunbt idr e gohutl eh` seo`, –^lcc, gdst di ot os tbl segl, rleccy. Blpceyl` wotb gy lhtorl fd`y ‐ aust cojl ydu d. Bos wbosjlrs orrotetl` gy sjohsdgltogls, fut nlhlreccy tbl idrlpcey wes tbl segl. Pbl geoh òiilrlhkl osohtlrkdursl. O cdvl` td fl ioccl` up fy bos fd`y ‐ ot‟s ber` td lskrofl, fut ot‟ssukb e illcohn di kdhhlktl`hlss, Kcehky. _du keh illc e geh tbrdffohnohso`l di ydu wblh bl kdgls ‐ O rleccy cdvl` ot.‗

–Os ot vlry òiilrlht irdg tbl illcohn ydu nlt wblh gy iohnlrs erl ohso`l di ydu4‗

–_ls, ot os òiilrlht. Hdt flttlr dr wdrsl ‐ aust òiilrlht. Es O sey, O cdvlìllcohn ôcc ohso`l di gl, fut O cdvl tbl wey ydu tdukb gl, tdd. _dur iohnlrserl gdrl iclxofcl tbeh bos plhos wes, eh` tbly keh tdukb òiilrlht perts digl. Nd`, Kcehky, wblh ydu put ydur iohnlr aust ohso`l eh` ruf gy N-spdt, Ohlercy sll sters!‗

Kcehky nevl blr e joss eh` e``l` e tokjcl fltwllh blr clns. –_du cddj cojl ydu‟rl sllohn sters,‗ sbl gurgurl`. –Ot hlercy gejls gl kdgl td sll tblcddj dh ydur iekl.‗

–Pbet‟s pert di tbl òiilrlhkl!‗ Effy seo`, Kcehky‟s kdgglhts frohnohn

ehdtblr `lteoc td goh`. –[llohn tbl cddj dh ydur cdvlr‟s iekl wblh bl kdglswbocl bl‟s ohso`l di ydu os pert di tbl òiilrlhkl fltwllh gejohn cdvl td egeh vlrsus e wdgeh. Ot‟s vlry fdhòhn, vlry ohtogetl. Pblrl‟s e fuoct ohtlhsodh tblrl, tdd ‐ ydu hlvlr jhdw wblh tbl geh‟s ndohn td kdgl, eh`sdgltogls ydu‟rl rekohn tbl kcdkj, tryohn td nlt tblrl iorst,‗ sbl seo`. –[d ot‟snrlet td illc bog ohso`l di ydu ‐ nrlet td jhdw bl‟s illcohn sukb pclesurl, tdd ‐ fut hdt sd nrlet wblh bl kdgls e gohutl dr twd flidrl ydu d ‐ eh` ydu aust cdsl ot. Pbet‟s dhl di tbl flhliots di flohn wotb ydu ‐ O jhdw ydu‟rl



69>

kdhklhtretohn dh gl eh` tbet ydu‟rl hdt ndohn td nlt ostrektl` fy ydur dwhhll`s.‗

–Ot wdh‟t fl lxektcy tbl segl, fut wl keh rlkrletl sdgl di tbdsl illcohns diflohn ioccl` up,‗ Kcehky seo` sditcy, blr vdokl furrohn ohtd Effy‟s ler.

Effy sco` blr beh` fltwllh Kcehky‟s tbonbs eh` wbosplrl`, –[d, ot‟s trulwbet tbly sey efdut clsfoehs4 @d ydu bevl e hokl fon òc`d aust weotohn idrgl4‗

–O‟vl ndt gdrl tbeh dhl,‗ Kcehky seo`, wohjohn rejosbcy. –Eh` O tbohj ydu‟`lhady tbl lxplrolhkl.‗

–_du jhdw gy gdttd,‗ Effy rlgoh`l` blr. –@dh‟t sey hd uhtoc ydu‟vl et clesttrol` ot.‗

Kcehky nrohhl` tddtbocy. –Pbet‟s tbl flst gdttd O tbohj O‟vl lvlr bler`.‗

KBE]PLV [ORPLLH

Effy‟s ecerg wlht dii et 21==, eh` sbl cey oh fl` idr e ilw gohutls, strdjohnKcehky‟s fekj. [bl jhlw blr cdvlr wes pertoeccy ewejl, fut sbl‟` clerhl`tbet Kcehky cojl` td wejl up scdwcy, eh` sbl‟` òskdvlrl` tbet e sdit, conbttdukb blcpl` blr nrllt tbl èy nlhtcy.

Clehohn dvlr td pcekl e joss dh blr sbduc`lr, Effy scoppl` dut di fl`,lerhohn twoh nrugpy cddjs irdg tbl pups. –_du keh stey ronbt tblrl,‗ sbl

tdc` tblg, eh` es oi tbly uh`lrstdd` blr wdr`s, tbly ceo` tblor ble`s fekj`dwh eh` wetkbl` blr clevl tbl rddg. [bl wes fcdw-`ryohn blr beor wblhKcehky kegl oh wotb e kup di kdiill idr blr. –Bdw ò` O lvlr nlt fy wotbdut ydu blrl4‗ Effy esjl`, kdkjohn blr ble` sconbtcy.

–[lerkb gl.‗ Kcehky sbrunnl` eh` set dh tbl l`nl di tbl tuf. –^l‟vl ndt tdusl tbos wborcpddc sdgl togl. Ot cddjs cojl iuh.‗

–Ot‟s e lec. O usl ot oh tbl wohtlr, fut ot hlvlr dkkurs td gl td usl ot wblh ot‟swerg dut.‗ [bl cddjl` dvlr et Kcehky eh` kbehnl` tbl sufalkt. –@d yduweht td nd wotb gl4‗

–\bg … wblrl erl ydu ndohn4‗

–@o`h‟t O glhtodh cest honbt tbet O nd td kburkb dh [uhèy4‗

–Hdddd … ydu wlrl flnnohn sdgl bonblr pdwlr idr glrky et slvlrec pdohts,fut O `dh‟t rlkecc ehy òskussodh di kburkb.‗



692

–Iuhhy,‗ Effy seo`, rlekbohn erduh` td pohkb blr oh e slhsotovl spdt. –^lcc,O `d nd, eh` O‟` cdvl td bevl ydu nd wotb gl.‗

–Ggg … wbet johè kburkb `d ydu nd td4‗

–Lposkdpec. ^bet efdut ydu4 O essugl ydu‟rl Ketbdcok4‗

–Dbb … ndohn idr tbl stlrldtypl, bub4 Ecc Orosb pldpcl erl Ketbdcok, fceb,fceb, fceb.‗

–Db, Cdr`, ò` O aust sey tbet4 Gy epdcdnols, Kcehky. O‟cc rlpbresl. @d ydubevl e ieotb4‗

–\b-bub. Ketbdcok,‗ sbl tlesl`, stokjohn blr tdhnul dut. Effy trol` td nrefot, fut Kcehky lve`l` blr nrespohn iohnlrs. –Ektueccy,‗ sbl seo`, –O bevlh‟tfllh td kburkb, lxklpt idr iuhlrecs, sohkl O wes oh nre`l skbddc. O tbohj gy

perlhts be` gl feptozl` aust oh kesl.‗

–Oh kesl4‗

–Oh kesl ecc tbl stuii tbly clerhl` oh skbddc wes trul,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Pblyò`h‟t weht gy cottcl sduc furhohn oh blcc flkeusl tbly kduc`h‟t tejl tbl togltd `ren gl dvlr td kburkb eh` bevl tbl prolst pdur wetlr dvlr gy ble`.‗

–^lcc, tbet wes quotl tbdunbtiuc di tblg,‗ Effy seo`. [bl wlht ohtd blrkcdslt eh` lglrnl` wotb e gutl`, sugglry, pceo` suh`rlss. Kcehkyfuttdhl` tbl `dzlhs di sgecc, kdvlrl` futtdhs eh` sgddtbl` ot dut.

–Ggg … ydu cddj hokl. O cdvl tbl wey ydu cddj oh `rlssls.‗

–Pbehjs,‗ Effy seo`, jossohn blr hdsl. –O cojl td wler rlssls. Ecweys bevl."[bl reh blr beh` dwh Kcehky's ferl fd`y. "[url ydu dh‟t weht td kdgl4 O`dh't bevl td clevl idr efdut tlh gohutls.‗

–Db, O `dh‟t tbohj sd. O `dh‟t bevl ehytbohn hokl td wler, eh` ydu‟` cddj eccdut di pcekl wotb gy nruffy cottcl slci hlxt td ydu.‗

Effy pcekl` blr beh`s etdp Kcehky‟s sbduc`lrs. –_du jhdw gl wlcc oh gehy

weys, fut tblrl erl sdgl perts di gl tbet ydu `dh‟t uh`lrsteh` et ecc.‗Kcehky nevl blr e puzzcl` ncehkl, eh` Effy kdhtohul`, –O‟g hdt tbl joh` diplrsdh wbd peys gukb ettlhtodh td wbet dtblrs tbohj efdut gl dr gykbdokl di irolh`s. [lkdh`cy, O wduc`h‟t ettlh` e kburkb tbet wesh‟t ioccl` wotbdplh-goh`l` pldpcl. Cestcy, O bepplh td tbohj ydu cddj e`drefcl oh ydurhdrgec ettorl, eh` O wduc`h‟t rleg di esjohn ydu td kbehnl dhl tbohn efdutot.‗



69?

Kcehky‟s kblljs icusbl` sconbtcy, eh` sbl seo`, –O nlt e cottcl ohslkurlsdgltogls. [drry.‗

–@dh‟t fl sdrry,‗ Effy seo`. –Aust trust gl. O jhdw wbet‟s flst idr gl, eh` O`dh‟t hll` idr ydu td splh` e gdglht tryohn td slkdh` nulss gl.‗

Kcehky wreppl` blr ergs erduh` blr perthlr. –Pbos os wby O ecweys wehtlèh dc`lr cdvlr,‗ sbl sonbl`. –[lci -essurl` wdglh erl sukb e turh dh.‗

***

Kcehky wes oh blr rddg, rddtohn tbrdunb e vlcvlt fen wblrl sbl jlpt blr alwlcry wblh Gokbelc strdccl` oh. Bl nevl blr e stert, eh` sbl augpl`hdtoklefcy wblh bl seo`, –Cddjohn idr sdgltbohn idr e splkoec dkkesodh4‗

–Ylry iuhhy.‗ [bl be` pcekl` lekb di blr hoppcl rohns eh` sbolc`s oh e cohl

dh blr rlsslr, eh` sbl sbrunnl` blr sbduc`lrs eh` ugpl` lvlrytbohn lcsldut di tbl fen. [coppohn tbl rohns fekj oh, sbl shoiil` eh` seo`, –Effy wehtstd sll gy kdcclktodh.‗

–Dbb … O tbdunbt tbet ydu gossl` gl sd gukb, ydu aust be` td kdgl sllgl. Cottcl ò` O jhdw ydu aust gossl` ydur hoppcl rohns.‗

–O goss ydu cde`s,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Es e gettlr di iekt, Effy eh` O wduc` cdvl tdbevl ydu kdgl dvlr. Bdw efdut tdèy4 l kduc` bevl fruhkb wblh sbl nltsfekj irdg kburkb.‗

–E kburkb-ndlr wbd `dlsh‟t cojl td tecj efdut blr illcohns4 O stocc `dh't sllwbet ydu twd bevl oh kdggdh!‗

–Pblrl's gdrl td coil tbeh tecjoh', Gojly. Cdts gdrl!"

***

Gokbelc clt bogslci fl plrsue`l`, eh` wblh Effy ndt bdgl, bl wesirdcokjohn oh tbl pddc wotb tbl dns. Kcehky be` ossul` tbl kbecclhnl, eh` blwes ieocohn goslrefcy oh bos qulst td nlt lekb di tblg dhtd blr dwh pddc icdet,wbocl Kcehky stdd` oh tbl jotkblh, ceunbohn blr ess dii es sbl kclehl` sdgl

strewflrrols.

–Pbos os e beppy cottcl dglstok sklhl,‗ Effy seo` wblh sbl kegl up flboh`Kcehky eh` wreppl` blr oh blr ergs. –Pd tbl kesuec dfslrvlr, tbos os tblbeh`sdgl yduhn prdilssodhec eh` bos fleutoiuc, slxy, yduhn woil, rlcexohnerduh` tbl pddc dh e suhhy sugglr èy.‗

Kcehky turhl` oh blr lgfrekl eh` seo`, –Pbl gdrl ohtlrlstohn stdry os tbet



6>=

tbl yduhn woil os kerryohn dh e stlegy, tdrro` rdgehkl wotb tbl ndrnldus,sconbtcy dc`lr wdgeh wbd aust shukj oh tbl fekj ddr. Pbl ber` pert os ndohntd fl bdw tbl yduhn woil gehenls td nlt blr slxy gostrlss hejl` sd sbl kehbevl blr wey wotb blr flidrl tbl busfeh` jhdws ehytbohn os up.‗ [bl flhteh` òppl` blr beh` uh`lr tbl blg di Effy‟s `rlss, clttohn ot sco`l up tbl

kddc lxpehsl di ferl tbonb. ^blh blr iohnlrs nrezl` tbl socjy pehtols, Effypurrl` sditcy eh` clt blr tbonbs `roit epert. –Ddb … geyfl sbl `dlsh‟t bevltd nlt blr hejl`. Pbl gostrlss keh steh` et tbl sohj, ektohn cojl sbl‟skclehohn strewflrrols, wbocl tbl woil sohjs td blr jhlls eh` pclesurls blruhtoc blr clns novl dut.‗ Kcehky stertl` td `rdp td blr jhlls, fut Effynreffl` blr fy tbl sbduc`lrs eh` tunnl` blr fekj td blr illt. –@dh‟t lvlhtbohj efdut ot, ydu cottcl `lvoc. O‟g hdt ndohn td bevl gy iorst lxtlh`l`lhkduhtlr wotb ydur flst irolh` ohkcu`l e volwohn di gy provetl perts.‗

–Bl wduc`h‟t goh` ‐ nuerehtll`,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O tbohj tbet‟s beci di tblrlesdh bl wehtl` td covl wotb gl. Bl tbdunbt bl‟` nlt e ilw plljs di norc dh

norc ektodh.‗

–Bl besh't, bes bl4‗ Effy esjl`, su``lhcy illcohn e cottcl alecdus td tbohj diKcehky wotb ehdtblr wdgeh.

–^l'vl fllh dvlr tbos, swlltblert. Bl's hlvlr sllh gl joss ehdtblr wdgeh.O'g hdt tbet johè norc.‗

Effy blc` blr oh`lx iohnlr eh` tbugf eh ohkb epert. "Pohy cottcl fot diohslkuroty shukj dut. O'cc flbevl." [bl nevl Kcehky e cdhn, cohnlrohn joss.–Pbet's idr ndohn td tbl stdrl. O epprlkoetl ot.‗

–O‟cc nd lvlry bdur dh tbl bdur idr e joss cojl tbet,‗ tbl yduhnlr wdgehfrletbl` busjocy.

***

Eitlr novohn Gokbelc e ilw tops tbet o`h‟t blcp bog oh tbl clest, Effy clit bogtd bos dn-wrehncohn eh` wlht td kbehnl ohtd e swogsuot. [bl kegl fekj ohkesuec sbdrts eh` e rddgy tehj tdp eh` stertl` td blcp Kcehky.

–Hd, hd,‗ sbl seo`. –O‟g ndohn td gejl fruhkb. O weht ydu td nd pcey wotb

Gokbelc eh` tbl `dns. O weht ydu td nlt td jhdw lekb dtblr e cottcl wotbdutgy bdvlrohn dvlr ydu.‗

Effy sgocl` eh` hd``l`, eh` aust flidrl sbl ndt td tbl ddr, sbl kegl fekjeh` put blr beh` dh Kcehky‟s kbllj. –Bdw sbduc` wl ekt erduh` bog4 Os otdjey oi wl‟rl aust heturec4‗

–ôtboh tbl cogots di `lklhky, yls,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Bl‟s iegocy, Effy. O bevl



6>5

ecgdst hd slkrlts irdg Gokbelc.‗

–Djey. O‟vl ndt gy gerkbohn dr`lrs.‗ Ehdtblr swllt joss eh` sbl wes dii,clevohn Kcehky td nezl cdvohncy et blr `lpertohn idrg.

***

Cetl tbet honbt, wbocl tbly cey oh fl` wotb e sdit frllzl icdetohn ohtd tblrddg, Kcehky rliclktl` dh tblor èy. –O kduc` splh` lvlry [uhèy aust cojltbet.‗

–Ot wes hokl, wesh‟t ot4 O rleccy cojl Gokbelc. Ot‟s hokl td sll tbet ydu bevlsdgldhl ydu‟rl tbet kcdsl td.‗

–^l wlrl fdtb dhcy kboc`rlh, eh` idr sdgl rlesdh, wl aust e`dptl` lekbdtblr es iegocy. O jhdw wl‟cc fl irolh`s idr tbl rlst di dur covls.‗

–Db, wblh ydu wlrl dutso`l, Geroe keccl` eh` esjl` oi wl‟` cojl td nd td blrbdusl idr òhhlr dh ^l`hlsèy. Ehy ohtlrlst4‗

–Dur irolh`s erl kdgohn dut di tbl wdd`wdrj, erlh‟t tbly4 O essugl Geroeeh` ]eg weht td sll oi O pess ohsplktodh4‗

–Geyfl,‗ Effy seo`. –Dr tbly gonbt aust weht td nlt e cddj et tbl joh` diwdgeh O‟g ettrektl` td. O‟g surl tbly ioh` tbos ecc quotl puzzcohn.‗

–[url. O‟g beppy td nd oi ydu weht td.‗

–Pbet wesh‟t e vlry lhtbusoestok rlspdhsl,‗ Effy seo`. –êhhe sjop ot4‗

–Hd. Hdt et ecc. Pbly‟rl ydur irolh`s, Effy, eh` O weht td gllt tblg. O austbevl e illcohn O‟cc fl uh`lr e gokrdskdpl, eh` tbet gejls gl e cottcluhkdgidrtefcl. O gleh, wocc O bevl ehytbohn oh kdggdh wotb tblg4‗

–Dhl tbohn,‗ sbl seo`, nrohhohn. –Pbly cojl kbokjs.‗

–Pbet sbduc` kerry us tbrdunb iovl gohutls di kdhvlrsetodh. [d, ydu twd letpussy, bub4 Ot‟s nrlet, osh‟t ot4‗

–Kcehky! O‟g klrteoh tbet hlotblr ]eg hdr Geroe rlilrs td ot es letohn pussy!‗sbl seo` wotb e vosofcl nrogekl.

–[ll4 ^l `dh‟t lvlh bevl vucneroty oh kdggdh.‗

–Db, ydu‟cc cojl tblg aust iohl. Pbly‟rl ektueccy twd di gy gdst ohtlrlstohnirolh`s.‗



6>6

–^bet `d tbly `d4‗

–Geroe‟s e psykboetrost. [bl wdrjs oh tbl kblgokec `lplh`lhky uhot etBuhtohntdh Glgdroec. ]eg's e tlkbol. [bl wdrjs oh tbl OP lpertglht et tbl

Alt ]rdpucsodh Cef.‗

"^dw," Kcehky seo`, blr vdokl icet. –@d tbly bevl e ner`lh4 Bduslpcehts4‗

Effy tddj blr qulstodh et iekl vecul, ioheccy seyohn, –Hd. Hlotblr os vlry`dglstok. Pbly bevl e èunbtlr, Ecysse, eh` tbly splh` ecc di tblor sperltogl wotb blr. Pbly‟rl rleccy fusy wdglh, hdt gukb togl idr bdffols.‗Iurrdwohn blr frdw, sbl seo`, –Db, tbly `d rleccy cojl tbl tbletlr, eh` tblynd td tbl dplre es ditlh es tbly keh.‗

–Dplre, bub4‗ Kcehky esjl`. –Pbl dhcy dplre O‟vl lvlr sllh wes wblh FunsFuhhy eh` [ycvlstlr ò` Pbl Ferflr di [lvoccl. Eh` O‟vl hlvlr fllh td e pceyoh gy coil.‗

–Db, Kcehky, tbet `dlsh‟t gettlr. Pbly weht td nlt td jhdw ydu, hdt au`nl ydu.‗

–O jhdw, O jhdw,‗ tbl ceh`skeplr seo`. –\bg … bdw dc` os tblor èunbtlr4‗

–[bl aust turhl` slvlh,‗ Effy seo`. –[bl‟s e nrlet jo`. Lxtrlglcy noitl`

tbdunb. Pbly bevl tblor beh`s iucc tryohn td jllp blr stogucetl` oh skbddc.[bl ndls td e skbddc idr noitl` kboc`rlh, eh` sbl‟s ecrle`y rleòhn et tbl ioitbnre`l clvlc.‗

Db, fdy! Kcehky nrdusl` td blrslci. Geyfl tbly‟cc bevl e glhteccy kbecclhnl``dn O keh fdh` wotb.

***

Kcehky pdjl` blr ble` ohtd tbl bdusl dh ^l`hlsèy eitlrhddh eh` keccl`dut, –Effy4‗

–O‟g oh tbl `lh.‗

[bl frusbl` dii blr sbdls eh` lhtlrl` tbl jotkblh, peusohn td plt tbl `dnsidr e gdglht. –Bo,‗ sbl seo` wblh sbl spdttl` Effy ùstohn tbl rddg. –O‟gndhhe fl ndhl idr e wbocl. Oi ehytbohn kdgls up, aust penl gl, dje y4‗

–Djey,‗ Effy seo`. –Noggl e joss ndd`fyl.‗



6>;

Es Kcehky wecjl` td blr trukj, sbl gusl`, Ot‟s nrlet tbet sbl dlsh‟t jllp etonbt wetkb dh gl. [bl jhdws O‟g e prdilssodhec, eh` sbl clts gl nd efdutgy fusohlss wotbdut tryohn td nlt ohvdcvl`. @egh, O‟` stocc fl wotb Aucol oi sblkduc` bevl aust novlh gl e cottcl spekl. [bl bdppl` ohtd tbl trukj eh`

tbdunbt, O‟g `eghl` nce` Aucol wesh‟t efcl td fl wbet O wehtl`, ‒keuslEffy‟s tbl rlec `lec.

***

Et 91;= Effy wlht `dwhsteors td ioh` Kcehky tdukbohn up e peor di fcekjkrlpl scekjs wotb e kddc ordh. –Hokl,‗ sbl seo`, iohnlrohn tbl iefrok. –O jhlw ydu be` e ilw polkls di `rlss-up kcdtbls bo``lh oh ydur kcdslt.‗

Hd, O dh‟t, Kcehky tbdunbt, fut tbl lpertglht stdrl o`. O aust bdpl O ndt ecc tbl tens dii.

–^duc` ydu cojl td wecj4‗ Effy esjl`. –Ot‟s ferlcy e gocl ewey.‗

–[url. O‟` rleccy cojl td. ^blh `d wl bevl td fl tblrl4‗

–[lvlh d‟kcdkj. ^l keh gejl ot lesocy oi ydu‟rl rle`y sddh.‗

–O‟g ecgdst `dhl,‗ Kcehky seo`, nreffohn blr scekjs eh` ble`ohn upsteors.

Glrl gdglhts cetlr, sbl wes fekj, cddjohn vlry epplr oh e pecl nrllh proht

socj fcdusl, blr teocdrl` scekjs, eh` e peor di vlry sbohy fcekj cdeilrs. –_ducddj cuskodus,‗ Effy seo`, tejohn blr oh blr ergs. –O `dh‟t sll ot ditlh, futtbet sbe`l gejls ydur lyls cddj nrllh.‗

–Pbly wlrl nrllh wblh O wes yduhnlr,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Pbly‟vl scdwcy turhl`nrey, fut klrteoh kdcdrs `d frohn e cottcl kdcdr fekj td ‒lg.‗

–[ukb hokl, sbohy sbdls,‗ Effy kdhtohul`. –_du jllp tblg wlcc-pdcosbl`.‗

–Db. Pbly‟rl prltty hlw,‗ sbl seo`. Pbrll bdurs os prltty hlw, osh‟t ot4

–^lcc, ydu cddj cdvlcy,‗ Effy seo` dhkl eneoh. –[becc wl4‗

–Clt‟s `d ot.‗

Pbly wecjl` dwh tbl trll-cohl`, rlso`lhtoec strllts di ]ese`lhe, e hokl, kddcfrllzl fcdwohn tblor beor erduh`. –Pbos os sukb e wdh`lriuc hlonbfdrbdd`,‗Kcehky seo`. –Pbl bdusls erl iehtestok, eh` tbl cdts erl ecc sd fon. Pbet



6>0

gejls sukb e òiilrlhkl.‗

–Ot os hokl,‗ Effy enrll`. –Ot‟s e ieorcy irolh`cy pcekl, tdd. _du nlt td rlkdnhozlpldpcl wblh ydu wecj `dns, ydu jhdw.‗

–O‟` nulss tbet‟s sd. Geyfl wl sbduc` tejl tbl norcs dut idr wecjs oh tbllvlhohn. O jhdw tbly‟rl uhbeppy flohn kddpl` up oh tbl bdusl ecc èy.‗

Effy ogpucsovlcy clehl` dvlr eh` jossl` blr kbllj. –O e`gorl e cdt di tbohnsefdut ydu, Kcehky, fut dhl di tbl swlltlst tbohns efdut ydu os ydurtbdunbtiuchlss. _du wdrj ber` ecc èy, fut ydu‟rl stocc woccohn td wecj wotbtbl `dns flkeusl ydu tbohj tbly gonbt hll` ot.‗

–Hdfd`y cojls td bevl blr rdutohl upslt, Effy. @dnnols bevl e skblùcl tblytry td jllp, tdd.‗

Cddjohn et tbl swllt, pceyiuc cddj dh blr iekl, Effy kduc`h‟t blcp fut rlekbdvlr eh` nresp Kcehky‟s erg, pcekohn fdtb beh`s erduh` blr foklp eh`bdcòhn ot kcdsl td blr fd`y. Kcehky wes pclesl` tbet Effy ò`h‟t bevl eprdfclg wotb flohn eiilktodhetl oh pufcok, fut e ilw gohutls cetlr, blr wbdclfd`y stoiilhl` wblh eh dc`lr kdupcl, wecjohn e dn, epprdekbl`. [bl trol` tdglhteccy tlclnrepb Effy td clt nd flkeusl sbl ò`h‟t weht blr cdvlr tdlxplrolhkl tbl sbdkj di nlttohn e òrty cddj idr tblor pufcok òspcey dieiilktodh. Gukb td blr surprosl, hdt dhcy ò` tbly hdt nlt e òrty cddj ‐ tblkdupcl prektokeccy flegl` et tblg. @egh, Effy covls oh e vlry coflrechlonbfdrbdd`, sbl tbdunbt. Pblh rlecoty bot blr. Pbly tbdunbt sbl wes gygdtblr! Pbet‟s tbl dhcy rlesdh idr tblg td novl us tbet lhkdurenohn cddj!

Pbly tbdunbt ot wes swllt tbet O wes blcpohn `ler dc` gdg `dwh tbl strllt![bl kest e quokj ncehkl et Effy, wbd kbettl` ewey, dfcovodus td tbltbdunbts ruhhohn tbrdunb Kcehky‟s goh`. Pbos os ndohn td tejl sdgl nlttohnusl` td ‐ fut oi ot nlts us e irll pess idr ]@Es, O‟g pugpl`!

***

Pbly wecjl` `dwh Drehnl Nrdvl Evlhul wotb Kcehky wexohn rbepsdòk dvlrtbl stetlcy gehsodhs eh` lclneht epertglht fuocòhns. Effy tddj oh tblpcleseht sduh` di Kcehky‟s lhtbusoestok vdokl, hdt seyohn gukb blrslci ‐ glrlcy rlvlcohn oh tbl stetl di llp setosiektodh sbl ilct irdg bevohn sdgldhl

sbl kerl` idr bdcòhn blr beh` es tbly wecjl` `dwh tbl strllt. ]eg eh`Geroe covl` oh dhl di e slrols di tdwh bdgls, tukjl` ewey `dwh e cdhn,gdstcy bo``lh `rovl. Eitlr tbly wlrl fuzzl` oh, Kcehky hdtl` wotb sdglòspclesurl tbet tblrl wes hd kbehkl idr e ner`lh, sohkl ecc di tbl tdwhbdgls wlrl kdhhlktl` ‐ wotb hd dut`ddr spekl idr nress dr icdwlrs. Ecyssekegl td tbl `ddr eh` tbrlw blr ergs erduh` Effy, bunnohn blr sduh`cyflidrl sbl stlppl` fekj td nrllt Kcehky. –Ecysse, tbos os gy irolh`, KcehkyD‟Kdhhdr. Kcehky, tbos cottcl fleuty os Ecysse.‗



6><

–Ndd` td gllt ydu, Ecysse,‗ Kcehky seo`.

Pbl yduhn norc cddjl` et blr krotokeccy idr e gohutl eh` iurrdwl` blr frdw,blr quokj goh` prdklssohn ecc di tbl ohidrgetodh tbet blr èrj lyls tddj oh.

–Erl ydu Effy‟s irolh` dr Beycly‟s irolh`4‗

Glhteccy rdccohn blr lyls, Kcehky sgocl` stoiicy eh` seo`, –Effy‟s. @liohotlcyEffy‟s. O `dh‟t jhdw Beycly wlcc et ecc.‗

Pbl norc ge`l e iekl eh` skruhkbl` blr lyls up, dfvoduscy hdt fuyohn ot.–_du cddj cojl Beycly‟s irolh`, ‒keusl ydu cddj cojl e jo`.‗

Pd Kcehk y‟s surprosl, Effy sllgl` td ioh` tbos iuhhy, eh` sbl nrekoduscyenrll` wotb tbl kboc`. –[bl dls cddj cojl sdgldhl Beycly wduc` pec erduh`wotb, `dlsh‟t sbl, Ecysse4 Fut sbl‟s ecc gohl. Beycly bes td nlt blr dwh

irolh`s.‗

Gdrl trutb tblrl tbeh O‟g kdgidrtefcl e`gottohn, Kcehky lko`l`.

Aust tblh dhl di tbl eùcts kegl dut di tbl jotkblh, eh` sbl stdppl` sdefruptcy updh sllohn Kcehky tbet wblh tbl dtblr wdgeh kegl dut flboh`blr, sbl pcdwl` ronbt ohtd blr. –Pbos os Effy‟s irolh`,‗ Ecysse ehhduhkl`.–[bl cddjs cojl Beycly‟s irolh`, fut sbl‟s hdt.‗

]eg sceppl` blr idrlble`, wosbohn dhkl eneoh tbet tblor kboc` wduc` jllpblr gehy dpohodhs td blrslci, tblh wecjl` ohtd tbl rddg eh` nevl fdtb

wdglh e slroduscy sbllposb cddj. –O‟g sd sdrry idr tbl ecweys potbykdgglhtery tbet dur flcdvl` Ecysse prdvo`ls. O‟g ]eg [wlhsdh,‗ sbl seo`,lxtlhòhn blr beh`, –eh` tbos os gy perthlr, Geroe Glssohe.‗

–Kcehky D‟Kdhhdr,‗ tbl yduhnlr wdgeh rlpcol`, sbejohn lekb beh` wboclillcohn gdrl cojl e iosb dut di wetlr tbeh sbl kduc` lvlr rlglgflr.

Effy bunnl` lekb wdgeh eh` wevl` dii Ecysse‟s kdgglhts ndd`-heturl`cy.–Ecysse‟s ndd` et jllpohn us ecc bdhlst. O tbohj ot‟s rlirlsbohn.‗ [bl turhl` tdtbl kboc` eh` seo`, –Kcehky's yduhnlr tbeh O eg, fut O rleccy cojl blr. ^l‟vlfllh ndohn dut wotb lekb dtblr, eh` O bdpl tbet ydu cojl blr, tdd, flkeusl O

weht td jllp blr erduh` idr e wbocl.‗

@erj lyls nrlw lvlh erjlr, eh` blr gdutb kurcl` ohtd e pdut. –_du dh‟t nddut wotb norcs. _du cojl fdys.‗

–Ecysse!‗ Geroe wbosplrl` bersbcy. –Jhdkj ot dii!‗

–^bet4‗ sbl esjl`, plrpclxl`. –Effy wes gerrol` td ôcc! [bl cojls fdys!‗



6>9

Effy krdukbl` `dwh sd sbl wes dh tbl segl pcehl es tbl kboc`. –O `d cojlfdys, Ecysse, fut O‟g iohòhn dut tbet O cojl norcs, tdd. O cojl Kcehky e cdt, ehÒ tbohj ydu wocc, tdd, wblh ydu nlt td jhdw blr.‗ Pbl kboc` cddjl` `duftiuc,

fut sbl sgocl` wblh Effy tokjcl` uh`lr blr kboh. –Hdw, sbdw gl tbos fonskolhkl prdalkt ydu‟rl wdrjohn dh,‗ sbl seo`, eh` tbl cottcl norc tddj blr beh`,tunnohn blr tdwer`s blr rddg.

Kcehky wes rdkjohn fekj eh` idrtb dh blr bllcs, wosbohn tbet blr hlw pehtsbe` pdkjlts sd sbl‟` bevl sdgltbohn td `d wotb blr beh`s.

Geroe rlekbl` dut, kcespl` blr sbduc`lr eh` seo`, –O'g sd sdrry efdut tbet![bl seys wbetlvlr kdgls td goh`.‗

–^l‟rl ndhhe nlt tbet e cdt,‗ Kcehky seo`. –^l gey es wlcc nlt usl` td ot.‗

–Kdgl dh oh eh` clt gl nlt ydu e `rohj,‗ ]eg diilrl`. –ôhl djey4‗

O‟` retblr bevl e fllr, Kcehky tbdunbt, fut lko`l` td try td nd wotb tbl icdw.–[url. ôhl os iohl.‗

Pbly cl` blr ohtd tbl covohn rddg eh` tbl tbrll di tblg set `dwh eh` trol` tdgejl kdhvlrsetodh. Kcehky cddjl` erduh`, iohòhn ot ber` td gejl eh` jllplyl kdhtekt. Pbl rddg wes fleutoiuccy lkdretl`. [d fleutoiuccy ceo` dut tbetKcehky wes klrteoh tbl wdglh be` borl` sdgldhl td d ot idr tblg. Ot wesh‟tvlry jo`-irolh`cy, eh` sbl lko`l` tbet Ecysse gust hdt fl eccdwl` td usl tbl

pcekl wotbdut suplrvosodh. –Effy tlccs us tbet ydu‟rl wdrjohn dh tbet fonprdalkt et blr bdusl,‗ ]eg flneh. –^l bevlh‟t fllh dvlr sohkl ydu stertl`.Bdw‟s ot kdgohn4‗

–Ndd`,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Ot‟s e fon adf, fut ot‟s dh trekj.‗

–Ot sduh`s rleccy ohtlrlstohn,‗ Geroe seo`. –Effy os sd kdgpcoglhtery efdut ydur sjoccs … ubg … ydur teclht. Bevl ydu ecweys cojl` wdrjohn wotb ydurbeh`s4‗ [bl bler` tbl wdr`s clevl blr gdutb eh` krohnl` hdtoklefcy. Dutdi tbl kdrhlr di blr lyl, sbl sew blr perthlr frolicy kdvlr blr iekl wotb blrbeh`.

Ecysse eh` Effy kegl fekj, sevohn Geroe irdg iurtblr lgferressglht, eh`sbl ndt up td nlt Effy e ncess di wohl. –_du‟rl e ceh`skepl erkbotlkt, ronbt4‗]eg esjl`.

–_leb, O eg. O bevl gy dwh fusohlss. O‟g aust stertohn dut ‐ fut O cdvl ot.‗



6>>

–ôcc wes e cewylr,‗ Ecysse seo`, herrdwohn blr lyls et Kcehky ylt eneoh.–Osh‟t tbet flttlr tbeh flohn e ceh` … wbetlvlr4‗

–Ecysse!‗ Pbos togl ot wes ]eg wbd trol` td jllp tbl kboc` oh cohl. –Bdhly, ydu `dh‟t lvlh rlglgflr ôcc. _du wlrl aust twd wblh bl òl`. Hdw, kdgl

dh, ydu‟rl gejohn Kcehky uhkdgidrtefcl.‗

–Pbet‟s djey,‗ Kcehky seo`, sgocohn et tbl gdrtoiol` wdgeh. [bl cddjl` ettbl cottcl norc eh` seo`, –_du bevl td nd td skbddc cdhnlr td fl e cewylr, eh`gdst pldpcl wduc` sey flohn e cewylr os flttlr. Fut O cojl wbet O `d, Ecysse.Eh` O tbohj tbet's ogpdrteht, tdd.‗

–Gy gdgs cojl wbet tbly `d. Gdg's e `dktdr,‗ sbl seo`, reosohn ekbecclhnohn lylfrdw, "eh` Gege's e …" [bl cddjl` et ]eg, blr ieklskruhkbl` up oh kdhiusodh. "Gege dls kdgputlr sdgltbohn. Ot's ber`," sble``l` lgpbetokeccy.

–O be` e blkj di e togl nlttohn tbrdunb kdcclnl,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O kduc` hlvlr`d wlcc lhdunb oh skbddc td fl e `dktdr dr e kdgputlr sdgltbohn.‗ [blcddjl` et tbl kboc` idr e gdglht eh` seo`, –[dgl pldpcl `d rleccy wlcc ohskbddc, eh` dtblrs `dh‟t. ^bet‟s ogpdrteht os iohòhn wbet ydu cojl eh`bevohn tbl nuts td stokj wotb ot ‐ lvlh oi ot‟s hdt wbet dtblr pldpcl tbohj oskddc.‗

Pbl kboc` epplerl` td kdhso`lr tbos idr e gohutl, tblh cddjl` et Kcehkysplkucetovlcy. –^bet‟s ot keccl` eneoh4 Ceh` wbet4‗

–Ceh`skepl erkbotlkturl,‗ sbl seo`. –O `lec wotb lvlrytbohn dutso`l di ebdusl … cojl trlls eh` pcehts eh` weccs eh` puttohn oh sprohjclr systlgs.‗

Ecysse hd``l` quokjcy, urnohn Kcehky td iohosb blr `lskroptodh, tblh esjl`,–@o` ydu sey pcehts4‗

–_leb. O jhdw e cdt efdut pcehts. @d ydu cojl pcehts4‗

–Hd,‗ sbl seo` ogglòetlcy, gejohn e iekl. –Fut O bevl e skolhkl prdalktwblrl O bevl td nlrgohetl sll`s. êhhe sll4‗

–_leb, O‟` cdvl td,‗ Kcehky seo`.

Ecysse wecjl` dvlr td Kcehky eh` tddj blr beh`. –Clt‟s nd,‗ sbl seo`,sduhòhn cojl tbl kdhùktdr dh e treoh. Kcehky glt Effy‟s lhkdurenohn cddjwotb eh enrllefcl sbrun di blr sbduc`lrs, tblh sbl clt tbl kboc` `ren blrtbrdunb tbl bdusl.



6>2

–Pbos os gy rddg,‗ sbl ehhduhkl`, wecjohn dvlr td e hletcy ceo` dutwdrjtefcl. –Pbos os tbl prdalkt.‗ Kcehky dfslrvl` tbl wlcc-gerjl` tlrre kdttepdts, sbdwohn lvlry pert di tbl coil kykcl di nress sll`. –Pbos os prltty kddc,Ecysse,‗ sbl seo`. Pbl cottcl norc wes hdw sottohn dh blr fl`, sterohn et Kcehkywotb tbdsl erj, plhltretohn lyls. –Effy cojls fdys. _du'rl hdt e fdy. ^by os

sbl ndohn dut wotb ydu4‗

–\bg … geyfl ydu‟` flttlr esj blr tbet,‗ Kcehky seo`, sottohn `dwh dh tblpoht-sozl` `lsj kbeor. –@dls ot fdtblr ydu tbet sbl‟s ètohn gl4‗

–Hd,‗ sbl seo` icetcy, rliusohn td gllt Kcehky‟s lyls.

–Djey.‗ [bl io`nltl` idr e gdglht, illcohn tbl èrj, fle`y lyls stocc ncerohnet blr. @lkoòhn hdt td clt e slvlh-yler-dc` nlt tbl flttlr di blr, Kcehky seo`,–Bly, clt‟s pcey e negl wblrl wl prltlh` tbohns, djey4‗

–Djey,‗ tbl kboc` seo` werocy.

–Clt‟s prltlh` tbet ot fdtblrs ydu tbet Effy‟s ètohn gl. Oi ydu be` td gejlup e rlesdh idr wby ot upslt ydu, wbet wduc` tbet rlesdh fl4‗

Pbl cottcl gdutb skruhkbl` up oh e pdut idr aust e gohutl flidrl sbl seo`,–[bl cojls fdys.‗

–\b-bub,‗ Kcehky seo` petolhtcy. –[bl stocc cojls fdys. [bl aust cojls gl, tdd.‗

–O cojl fdys,‗ sbl seo` quoltcy, eh` Kcehky hd``l` oh lgpetby.

–@d ydu tbohj tbet glehs tbet ydu gonbt cojl norcs sdglèy4‗

–O `dh‟t,‗ sbl seo` `lioehtcy, blr vdokl rosohn. –O cojl fdys.‗

–Pbet's kddc,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O dhcy cojl norcs.‗

–Dhcy norcs4‗ Pbl èrj lyls herrdwl`.

–_lp. O dhcy cojl norcs. Lvlr sohkl O wes ydur enl.‗

–Gy gdgs fdtb cojl` fdys wblh tbly wlrl cottcl,‗ sbl seo` tbdunbtiuccy. –Futtbly dhcy cojl norcs hdw.‗

–Lvlryfd`y‟s oiilrlht, Ecysse,‗ Kcehky seo`. –_du keh cojl wbdlvlr ydu cojl."

"^bdglvlr," tbl kboc` ohtlrruptl`.



6>?

Kcehky fcohjl`, tblh fclw dut e frletb. Pbehj Nd` tbos osh't Effy's jo`. O`dh't tbohj O kduc` tejl ot. "Djey. _du keh cojl wbdglvlr ydu cojl. Ot dlsh‟tgettlr wbet Effy dls, dr wbet ydur gdgs o` wblh tbly wlrl cottcl. Ot dhcygettlrs tbet ydu `d wbet ydu cojl.‗

–Johè cojl ydu eh` ceh` stuii, bub4‗

–_lp. Johè cojl gl eh` ceh` stuii.‗

Hd`òhn, Ecysse ndt up eh` wlht td tbl `ddr. –^l‟rl `dhl.‗ [bl turhl` eh`weotl` petolhtcy idr Kcehky td adoh blr, tblh tukjl` blr sgecc beh` ohtdKcehky‟s eh` cl` blr fekj td tbl perty.

***

Dh tbl wey bdgl tbet honbt, Effy wreppl` eh erg erduh` Kcehky eh` seo`,–Ecysse‟s e cottcl postdc, osh‟t sbl4‗

Kcehky kbukjcl` lvoccy. –Cottcl `dls sbl jhdw tbet tbl trlhkbls O‟vl ùn oh ydur yer` erl lxektcy tbl ronbt sozl idr blr. Blr gdtblrs wduc` prdfefcytbehj gl oi sbl gystlroduscy òsepplerl`.‗

ôtb eh dutrenl` squewj, Effy sceppl` et blr sberpcy. –@dh‟t lvlh adjlefdut tbet!‗

Kcehky nreffl` blr beh`s eh` pceyiuccy huzzcl` ohtd blr hlkj. –_du jhdw

O‟g jo`òhn,‗ sbl seo`. –^l ndt e ilw tbohns ordhl` dut wblh wl wlrl oh blrrddg.‗

–[ukb es4‗

–Ot sllgs sbl wes wdrrol` efdut ydur stertohn td cojl norcs,‗ Kcehky seo`.–_du wlrl tbl dhcy plrsdh wbd wes aust cojl sbl wes ‐ eh` tblh ydu be` tdnd skrlw ot up.‗

Effy stdppl` `le` oh blr trekjs. –^bet4‗

Kcehky sgocl` eh` pettl` blr eiilktodhetlcy. –Hd fon `lec. Ot sduh`s cojl sblrlcetl` td ydu flkeusl ydu cojl` fdys ‐ kdhsostlhtcy. [bl seys tbet blrgdgs usl` td cojl fdys, fut tbly swotkbl` … eh` hdw ydu‟rl swotkbohn …‗Kcehky seo`, tworcohn blr iohnlr td ohòketl e pettlrh.

–Db, gy Nd`! [bl‟s wdrrol` tbet sbl gonbt fl ney, tdd!‗

–Epperlhtcy,‗ Kcehky enrll`. –[bl sllgl` td cojl gl flttlr wblh O kdhvohkl`



62=

blr tbet O‟vl ecweys fllh drolhtl` oh tbl segl wey.‗

–Db, O bevl td kecc Geroe eh` tlcc blr tbos,‗ Effy sonbl`. –Ecysse‟s fllhbevohn e ber` togl cetlcy. Ot‟s rleccy bottohn blr tbet sbl‟s òiilrlht ‐ flkeusl sbl bes twd gdgs. [bl‟s trletl` wlcc et skbddc eh` ecc, fut ot sllgs

cojl sbl‟s strunncohn td wdrj tbos ecc dut oh blr ble`. [bl‟s ecsd upslt tbetsbl `dlsh‟t bevl e è`,‗ Effy seo`. –Pbly kbdsl td bevl blr voe ehehdhygdus dhdr, eh` tbet‟s e ber` kdhklpt idr e slvlh-yler-dc` td nresp. Ojhdw tbly‟cc blcp blr nlt kdgidrtefcl wotb tbet dvlr togl, fut sbl‟s bevohn etdunb togl hdw.‗ [bl nrespl` Kcehky‟s erg tonbtlr eh` seo`, –Pbehjs idrblcpohn wotb blr. Hdhl di us ndt tbet dut di blr ‐ fut ydu ò`.‗

–O cojl jo`s,‗ Kcehky seo` enrllefcy. –Lvlh wblh tbly `dh‟t cojl gl.‗

–Db, sbl cojl` ydu aust iohl. [bl ò`h‟t esj gl td blr rddg td costlh td blrhlw K@.‗

–_leb. Cukjy gl,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O‟g hdt lvlh surl wbd tbl nrdup wes, futot‟s hdt dh gy cost di ‒gust bevls.'"

Effy rlclesl` blr erg eh` kcespl` blr beh`. –Pbehjs idr puttohn up wotb sdgukb tdhonbt. O dwl ydu.‗

–Heb. _du suiilrl` tbrdunb gy iegocy‟s nroccohn. Clt‟s kecc ot lvlh.‗

–Ot‟s e `lec,‗ Effy seo`, clehohn dvlr td pcekl e sdit joss dh Kcehky‟s kbllj.–O‟g nce` tbet O cojl norcs,‗ sbl wbosplrl`. –Eh` O‟g pertokucercy nce` tbet

ydu‟rl tbl norc O cojl.‗

***

Dhkl Ecysse wes oh fl`, ]eg eh` Geroe kduc` tecj wotbdut iler di flohndvlrbler`. Geroe be` drnehozl` eh` purkbesl` òhhlr, sd ]eg wes ohkbernl di kclehohn up. Geroe augpl` up td sot dh tbl kduhtlr, swohnohn blrclns. "Pbl dhcy ceh`skepl erkbotlkturl lnrll prdnreg erduh` blrl os et Kec]dcy. O cddjl` ot up wblh O put Ecysse td fl`. Hdw, Kcehky seo` sbl's dhcy be`blr coklhsl idr twd ylers ‛ "

]eg reosl` eh lylfrdw. "^blh ò` ydu qulstodh blr, `ltlktovl4"

Geroe stukj blr tdhnul dut. "O shukj e qulstodh dr twd oh lvlry togl O keunbtblr ettlhtodh. Effy besh't tdc` us sbot! Oi sbl's hdt tecjohn, O'vl ndt td ionurltbohns dut idr gyslci!"

"^lcc, wl o`h't esj blr ehy orlkt qulstodhs, Geroe. Ot's hdt cojl sbl pcl` tblioitb."



625

"_du jhdw Effy pceys blr ker`s kcdsl td tbl vlst. [bl wduc`h't cojl idr us tdesj qulstodhs. O `dh't bevl ehy kbdokl!"

]eg sgocl` et blr perthlr. "Djey. ^bet ò` ydu `lùkl4"

"Pbet jo` keh't fl gdrl tbeh twlhty-idur! Prlvdr's ndhhe fl twlhty-idur tbos yler! ^bet oh tbl blcc os Effy tbohjohn4"

]eg's lyls be` nrdwh wo`l. "Erl ydu surl sbl's tbet yduhn4 Alsus!"

"[bl cddjs yduhnlr tbeh tbet! O'g novohn blr tbl flhliot di tbl `duft!"

"Ndd` cdr`." ]eg wecjl` dvlr td blr cdvlr eh` put blr beh`s dh blr jhlls."[bl gust fl … O `dh't bevl ehy o`le wbet sbl gust fl dohn! dglh dh't`d tbos!"

"O jhdw! dglh dh't nlt trdpby wovls! Lsplkoeccy wblh tbly bevl td swotkbslxuec drolhtetodh td nlt dhl!"

"O'g kdgpcltlcy ùgfstrukj," ]eg seo`. "O wduc` hlvlr bevl flcolvl` Effywduc` `d sdgltbohn cojl tbos. [bl's tbl gdst rlesdhefcl, cdnokec, stle`y,prlòktefcl plrsdh O'vl lvlr jhdwh."

Geroe hd``l` blr enrllglht. "Fut sbl `dls sllg beppy. Beppolr tbeh sbl'sfllh sohkl ôcc òl`."

]eg ceunbl` blertocy. "O'` fl beppy oi O be` e twlhty-idur-yler-dc` …" [blstdppl` blrslci sbdrt, tryohn lsplretlcy td tbohj di eh ekklptefcl lhòhn idrblr slhtlhkl.

Geroe rlekbl` erduh` eh` sceppl` blr dh tbl futt. "O'g oh e ndd` gdd`. O'ccclt tbet dhl pess."

@rdppohn blr ble` dhtd blr cdvlr's sbduc`lr, ]eg seo`, "O'` fl beppy oi wlbe` e twlhty-idur-yler dc` èunbtlr. Pbet wduc` gleh wl'` fllh tdnltblrecc di dur eùct covls. ^duc`h't tbet fl wdh`lriuc4"

Geroe wreppl` blr oh e bun. "Novlh wbet ydu be` td wdrj wotb, tbet weslxklcclht. Prucy lxklcclht!"

***

Dh [eturèy gdrhohn, Effy ndt dut di fl` rlcuktehtcy, nezohn `dwh etKcehky wotb pecpefcl cdhnohn. ^by ò`h‟t O kehklc tbl getkb idr tdèy4Beycly‟s kdgohn bdgl tdgdrrdw, eh` tbos os dur cest gdrhohn td fl efcl td



626

col oh fl` eh` pcey. [bl sonbl` blevocy eh` wlht ohtd blr rddg td nlt rle`y.Cojl kcdkjwdrj, Kcehky epplerl` gdglhts eitlr Effy lglrnl` irdg tblsbdwlr, kdiill oh beh`. –Bo,‗ sbl yewhl` scllpocy.

–Bo, ydurslci.‗ Effy prlssl` blr ègp fd`y eneohst Kcehky eh` blc` blr

tonbt. [bl ilct tbl lgdtodh stert td iocc blr kblst eh` nevl blr e rdunbsqullzl. –@dh‟t weht td nlt ydu ecc wlt.‗

–O dh‟t goh` e fot,‗ Kcehky seo`. [bl set dwh dh tbl l`nl di tbl tuf. –ôsb ydu kduc` stey bdgl tbos gdrhohn.‗

–O wes aust jokjohn gyslci idr hdt kehklcohn,‗ sbl seo`. –O clt tbl wllj nltewey irdg gl.‗

–Ot‟s djey. ^l‟cc … bevl gdrl togl tdnltblr … wblh Beycly ndls fekj tdskbddc oi hdtbohn lcsl.‗

Pryohn td stdp blr stdgekb irdg `dohn icops et tbl tbdunbt di hdt flohntdnltblr idr dvlr e gdhtb, Effy pettl` blr nlhtcy eh` seo`, –[url wl wocc.Hdw, O weht ydu td nd fekj td fl`. _du wdrjl` cojl e `dn tbos wllj, eh` tblwlljlh` os tbl dhcy togl ydu bevl td rlkdvlr.‗

–O ò` wdrj ber`. Ot rleccy seps gy strlhntb wblh O bevl td blcp es gukb esO o`.‗ [bl nrohhl` up et Effy eh` seo`, –O lsplretlcy weht tbos kcolht td flsetosiol`. [bl‟s rleccy splkoec.‗

–[d erl ydu.‗ Effy jossl` blr conbtcy eh` dr`lrl`, –Fekj td fl`. Eh` `dh‟t

nlt up uhtoc ydu‟rl wlcc rlstl`, djey4‗

–Hd ernuglht,‗ Kcehky seo`, sbuiicohn fekj oh tbl òrlktodh di tbl nulstrddg.

–Kcehky4‗ Effy seo` sditcy.

–_leb4‗

–O‟cc goss ydu.‗ Kcehky be` e illcohn sbl ò`h‟t aust gleh dvlr tbl hlxt ilwbdurs. [bl nevl blr e werg sgocl, blr se`hlss fcllòhn tbrdunb ot, eh`

wlht fekj td fl`.

***

^blh Effy kegl bdgl, Kcehky wes stocc `le` td tbl wdrc`. Pbl `dns ferlcycddjl` up wblh sbl wecjl` pest, sd Effy wlht ohtd blr rddg td rdp dii blrtbohns eh` kbehnl. ^blh sbl wes `dhl, sbl stdd` oh tbl `ddrwey di tblnulstrddg, blr blert illcohn cojl ot wduc` lxpcd`l irdg tbl illcohns sbl wes



62;

strunncohn wotb.

Kcehky wes cyohn dh blr fekj, dhl cln `rewh up. Etblhe wes cyohn fltwllhblr clns, blr èrj ble` dh Kcehky‟s reosl` tbonb. Ertlgos wes pcestlrlècdhn Kcehky‟s fd`y, blr ble` dh e guskucer sbduc`lr, Kcehky‟s beh`

rlstohn dh tbl `dn‟s kblst. Pbly cddjl` sd kdhtlht eh` plekliuc tbet Effywes cdetb td adoh tblg eh` frlej tbl gdd`. Fut tblor togl tdnltblr wessbdrt, eh` sbl kduc`h‟t rlsost tbl pucc di tbl ecweys-wlckdgohn fd`y. Es sbl`rlw kcdslr, Etblhe dplhl` dhl èrj kbdkdcetl lyl eh` nevl blr tbl `dnnolvlrsodh di e skdwc. Nd`, sbl cdvls Kcehky. O `dh‟t jhdw bdw ot bepplhl` sdquokjcy, fut sbl‟s fdh`l` wotb blr tdteccy. [bl ilct tlers stert td rdcc `dwhblr kblljs, eh` wotb e fcohòhn icesb di rlecozetodh, sbl tbdunbt, O cdvl blr,tdd. O `dh‟t jhdw wby ot bepplhl`. O‟g hdt surl bdw ot bepplhl`. O `dh‟tjhdw wblh ot bepplhl`, fut O cdvl blr wotb ecc gy blert.

ôtb eh uhbeppy nruht, Etblhe puccl` ewey wblh Effy ndt ohtd fl`, eh` es

sddh es tbl `dn bot tbl nrduh`, Ertlgos wes wotb blr. Pbly frekjltl` tblfl`, eh` slttcl` `dwh idr ehdtblr hep ‐ bdpohn idr dhl tbet tbl bugehsò`h‟t ruoh.

Ohstohktovlcy, Kcehky wreppl` blr beci-scllpohn fd`y erduh` Effy, eh` tbldc`lr wdgeh wes strukj fy bdw gukb tbl slhsetodh rlgoh`l` blr diku``cohn Beycly wblh sbl wes e yduhn kboc`. Kcehky wes vlry scdw td wejl,eh` blr blevy cogfs `repl` ekrdss Effy‟s fd`y wbocl sbl krewcl` tdwer`sslhtolhkl. Pbl fcdh`l ble` rlstl` dh blr kblst, eh` Effy nlhtcy strdjl`blr, urnohn blr fekj td scllp. [bl be` clerhl` lxektcy bdw gukb slhsetodhwdjl blr eh` bdw gukb kecgl` blr, eh` sbl `lko`l` tbet sbl wehtl` td

bdc` blr oh blr scllp idr e wbocl. Eitlr e ilw gohutls, Kcehky‟s frletbohnlvlhl` dut, eh` blr fd`y nrlw lvlh blevolr. Pbet wes lxektcy tbl slhsetodhtbet Effy sdunbt ‐ sbl wehtl` tbl iucc, blevy wlonbt di Kcehky‟s fd`y etdpblrs. [bl `lsplretlcy wehtl` td lxplrolhkl tbl vlry pbysokecoty di blr ‐ tdillc blr fdhls eh` guskcls eh` iclsb kdgprlssohn blr dwh. [bl be` tblorretodhec tbdunbt tbet es cdhn es tbly steyl` aust cojl tbos, Kcehky wduc`hlvlr bevl td clevl ‐ tbet tbly kduc` fl tdnltblr wotbdut ohtlrilrlhkl irdgehydhl dh lertb. Fut lvlh es sbl be` tbl tbdunbt, sbl jhlw ot wes idccy.Beycly wduc` fl bdgl tbl hlxt èy, eh` Kcehky wduc` nd fekj td blrepertglht ‐ idr bdw cdhn, hlotblr jhlw.

–O cdvl ydu,‗ Effy wbosplrl`, blr lyls kcdsohn td bdc` fekj tbl tlers. –O cdvl ydu,‗ sbl wbosplrl` eneoh, tbos togl e cottcl cdu`lr es sbl jossl` tbl fcdh`lble`. –O cdvl ydu.‗ Cdu`lr stocc, cops prlssohn eneohst werg sjoh. –Kcehky, Ocdvl ydu.‗ Plers wlrl rdccohn `dwh blr iekl uhefetl` es tbl wdr`s pdurlìrdg blr gdutb. –O cdvl ydu … O cdvl ydu … O cdvl ydu.‗

[u``lhcy, werg, gdost cops wlrl kdvlrohn blrs, eh` blr tlers wlrl flohnjossl` ewey wblh sbl bler` tbl wdr`s sbl‟` fllh bdpohn, fut eireo`, td



620

bler. –O cdvl ydu, Effy. O cdvl ydu, tdd.‗

Oh gdglhts tbly wlrl gdvohn eneohst lekb dtblr, sjoh scoòhn eneohst sjoh,eo`l` fy tbl wlt, werg jossls tbet reohl` `dwh irdg dhl wdgeh td tbldtblr. –O `dh‟t weht ydu td clevl,‗ Effy sdffl`, blr tlers kdgohn oh wevls.

–O dh‟t weht td clevl,‗ Kcehky wbosplrl` iolrklcy. –Fut wl‟cc wdrj ot dut. l‟ccfl tdnltblr sddh. Es cdhn es wl cdvl lekb dtblr, wl keh nlt pest ehytbohn drehydhl oh dur wey. O prdgosl ydu.‗

–O keh‟t cdsl ydu, Kcehky. O keh‟t!‗

–[bb … sbb …‗ Kcehky sddtbl`, jossohn blr iekl td wbosj ewey tbl tlers.–_du wdh‟t cdsl gl. O‟g ydurs … idrlvlr … Effy. O‟g ydurs idrlvlr.‗

***

Ot wes eitlr 91== wblh Kcehky ge`l blr wey dwh tbl steors dh rufflry clns,blr fd`y lhlrvetl` fy cdhn bdurs di hlercy revlhdus cdvlgejohn. [bl be`hlvlr lxplrolhkl` ehytbohn tbet kegl kcdsl td tbl woc` irlhzy di slhsetodhtbly be` sberl` ‐ tbl pessodhetl adohohn di twd wdglh ioheccy efcl td`lkcerl tblor cdvl idr lekb dtblr. Fut blr fd`y vdokl` ots `lgeh`s, eh` sbl`lko`l` tbet sbl hll`l` e idrg di hdurosbglht gdrl sufstehtoec tbehjossls. [bl nreffl` tbl fdx di nrehdce, e fdwc, e spddh eh` e quert di gocjeh` kcogfl` tbl steors dhkl eneoh.

Effy wes ronbt wblrl sbl be` clit blr ‐ hlercy kdgetdsl eh` sprle`wo`tbwosl ekrdss tbl fl`. –Kdgl dh, fefy,‗ Kcehky urnl`, hu`nohn blr wotbblr bop. –Gdvl up sd O keh nlt oh.‗

ôtb e tdrturl` nrdeh, Effy gdvl`, scdwcy `rewohn blr fd`y tdwer`s tblble` di tbl fl`.

Kcehky pdurl` tbl klrlec, `dusl` ot wotb gocj, eh` ectlrhetl` fotls wotbEffy, sllohn sdgl sonhs di coil kdgl fekj ohtd blr cdvlr wblh sbl ndt e ilwkecdrols ohtd blr.

–Ndd`,‗ Effy seo` eitlr tbly be` kclehl` tbl fdwc twokl.

–Gdrl4‗

–Hd. Pbet‟s lhdunb idr hdw.‗ Effy wes iuccy ewejl, eh` sbl clehl` eneohstKcehky. –^l sbduc` `d sdgltbohn wotb tbl puppols. Pbly‟vl fllh sd petolhttdèy.‗



62<

–Ot‟s hokl td jhdw tbly `dh‟t try td ohtlrrupt wblh wl gejl cdvl,‗ Kcehkygusl`. –@d ydu tbohj tbly jhdw tbet‟s wby wl kcdsl tblg dut sdgltogls4 Okeh aust bler tblor cottcl `dnnol kdhvlrsetodh. ‒^l‟` flttlr jllp dur pews tddurslcvls wblh tbl bugehs stert wotb ecc di tbet gdutbohn eh` cokjohn. O`dh‟t jhdw wbet tbly‟rl dohn, fut O tbohj ot‟s jllpohn us dh tbl dtblr so`l di

tbos ddr!‟‗

Effy ceunbl` nlhtcy eh` enrll`. –Pbly‟rl e prltty fronbt peor. O sew Etblhe‟sble` kdgl up td tbl l`nl di tbl fl` dhkl wblh ydu wlrl bdwcohn sd potoiuccytbet O‟g surl sbl tbdunbt ydu wlrl frletbohn ydur cest.‗

–O tbdunbt O wes tdd, Etblhe,‗ Kcehky seo` td tbl `dn. –_dur gdggy hlercyjoccl` gl!‗



629

–Clt‟s tejl tblg dut flidrl tbly jocc us fdtb,‗ Effy `lko`l`. –^l keh dhcypusb tblg sd ier flidrl tbly turh dh us.‗

***

Pbly wecjl` up tbl errdyd, cddjohn ekrdss tbl `llp krlvessl tbet kut ecdhntbl l`nl di ]ese`lhe. Hlotblr spdjl gdrl tbeh wes hlklssery,kdhklhtretohn dh tbl `dns, tryohn td jllp tbl clesbls irdg tehncohn.

Pbly‟` ndhl efdut e gocl wblh Kcehky seo`, –O tbohj wl hll` td tecj efdutwbet bepplhl` td`ey.‗

[perohn e wry ncehkl, tbl dc`lr wdgeh seo`, –O illc cojl O‟vl seo` lvlrytbohn Obevl td sey. O cdvl ydu, O hll` ydu, O `dh‟t weht ydu td clevl, O dh‟t jhdw bdw

O kduc` nd dh oi wl wlrlh‟t efcl td fl tdnltblr. ^bet lcsl keh O e``4‗

–Kdgl blrl.‗ Kcehky dplhl` blr ergs, eh` Effy nce`cy ilcc ohtd blrlgfrekl. –Ot‟s djey,‗ sbl sddtbl`, illcohn cojl sbl wes dh tbl vlrnl di tlerseneoh. –Lvlrytbohn tbet ydu seo` os e novlh. Bdw `d wl `d ot4‗

–O `dh‟t bevl e kcul,‗ Effy seo`, sonbohn.

–[url ydu d,‗ Kcehky ohsostl`. –O‟g surl ydu‟rl ndohn dvlr sklherods oh ydurgoh`.‗

–_leb. Eh` gdst di tblg ohvdcvl Beycly stdrgohn dut eh` vdwohn hlvlr tdsplej td gl eneoh.‗

–Cddj. Pbet gonbt bepplh,‗ Kcehky seo`, gejohn Effy‟s lyls nd wo`l. –Futehytbohn cojl tbet os tlgpdrery. [bl‟s slvlhtllh, Effy, eh` ydu e`got sbl‟s e `rege qullh. Blr iorst rlektodh wdh't fl blr iohec rlektodh. _du‟vl ndt tdtrust tbet tbl cdvl ydu‟vl hurturl` idr ecc di tblsl ylers wocc pucc ydu tbrdunbtbos.‗

–O‟cc try td rlglgflr tbet.‗ [bl nevl Kcehky‟s beh` e squllzl eh` seo`,–Geroe seo` O sbduc` bo`l tbos irdg Beycly eh` Prlvdr uhtoc O wes surl bdw O

ilct. Fut sbl ecsd seo` tbet O sbduc` tlcc tblg dhkl O‟` ge`l up gy goh` tbettbos wes ronbt idr gl. O tbohj sbl wdrrols tbet tbly‟cc illc fltreyl` oi tblrlcetodhsbop ndls dh tdd cdhn wotbdut tblor jhdwcl`nl.‗

–Pbet gejls slhsl,‗ Kcehky seo`.

–O‟g surl di bdw O illc. O cdvl ydu, eh` O‟g woccohn td rosj e nrlet `lec td bevl ydu oh gy coil. Ot wdh‟t fl lesy, fut O‟g ndohn td tlcc Beycly es sddh es



62>

pdssofcl. Kcehky D‟Kdhhdr os blrl td stey.‗

KBE]PLV [LYLHPLLH

Kcehky pekjl` blr kcdtbls up eh` put tblg oh tbl trukj aust eitlr èwh dhGdhèy. Pblh sbl tddj tbl vlbokcl dut di tbl nerenl eh` perjl` ot dh tblstrllt. [bl set oh tbl trukj, rohjohn e kup di kdiill wbocl sbl weotl` idr blrkrlw td errovl. Lvlh tbdunb sbl wes tlh illt irdg Effy's netl, sbl ilctòskdhhlktl` eh` ecdhl. [bl'` ilct tbl segl wey wblh sbl'` wdjlh, ehÈffy be` sllgl` òsteht ecsd. [bl jhlw tbly wlrl fdtb tryohn td beh`clBeycly's rlturh oh tblor dwh weys, fut sbl wes trdufcl` tbet tbly'` fdtbfllh uhefcl td tecj efdut ot.

Effy clit tbl bdusl et 5=1==, eh` Kcehky splht e ilw gohutls rlstohn eneohst

tbl beh`cl di blr sbdvlc. [bl wes cdst oh blr tbdunbts eh` ò`h't blerErgeh`d esj blr efdut tbl pceklglht di dhl di tbl fduc`lrs. Bl ioheccytdukbl` blr sbduc`lr, gejohn blr augp. [bl idrkl` blrslci td kdhklhtretl,eh` ioheccy gehenl` td fcdkj tbl òstrektodhs irdg blr goh`.

Pbl krlw wes sottohn dh tbl bocc, letohn cuhkb, wblh tbl fekj `ddr dplhlèh` Beycly kegl dut wotb fdtb dns dh clesbls, td clt tblg bevl e fetbrddgfrlej.

Kcehky keunbt blr lyl. –Bevl e ndd` trop4‗

–_leb. Pbehjs. O ò`,‗ tbl yduhnlr wdgeh seo`. –_du‟vl `dhl e cdt uptblrl.‗

–_lp. ^l‟vl be` e ndd` twd wlljs. Pbl geadroty di tbl pcugfohn wdrj os`dhl.‗

–^lcc, ot `dlsh't cddj vlry ndd`, fut O'g surl ot wocc sddh," sbl seo`, sbdwohne sgocl tbet cddjl` streohl`.

Kcehky ò`h't rlpcy, fut sbl rlturhl` tbl sgocl. Beycly wlht fekj oh, eh`Kcehky splht tbl rlst di tbl eitlrhddh tryohn td kecg blr rdocohn stdgekb.

Effy o`h't kdgl dut wblh tbl krlw iohosbl` idr tbl ey. Kcehky steccl` eh`pdjl` erduh` idr iovl gohutls eitlr tbl dtblrs clit, tblh sbl ndt oh blr trukjeh` wlht bdgl.

[bl ge`l òhhlr, tblh set dh tbl kdukb wotb tbl tlclvosodh dh. [bl be` hdo`le wbet prdnreg wes pceyohn, fut tbl fekjnrduh` hdosl wes sddtbohn. Et>1== tbl pbdhl rehn, eh` sbl clept idr ot. "Blccd4"



622

"O goss ydu, eh` O cdvl ydu, eh` O weht ydu sottohn ronbt blrl oh tbl jotkblh."

"[duh`s sd ndd`," Kcehky seo`, blerohn tbl cdhnohn oh blr dwh vdokl.

"^l'cc nlt tblrl," Effy seo`, blr tdhl kdhio`lht lhdunb td gejl Kcehky plrjup e cottcl.

"[d wbet's ndohn dh dvlr tblrl4"

"^l'vl splht tbl èy tecjohn," Effy seo`. "Beycly's vlry upflet, eh` tbetewiuc gdd` sbl wes oh wblh sbl clit sllgs td fl dvlr. [bl sllgs gukbgdrl cojl gy fefy eneoh."

"Pbet gust fl e rlcoli," Kcehky seo`. "[bl sllgl` hdrgec wblh sbl wecjl`

tbl `dns tdèy."

"_ls, sbl ektl` cojl Beycly tdèy."

"[d … keh wl sll lekb dtblr tbos wllj4"

"O'cc try td ionurl dut e wey. O rleccy wocc. O'vl fllh tbohjohn efdut bdw tdepprdekb tbos, Kcehky, eh` tdèy O lko`l` O sbduc` kecc gy perlhts. Pbly'rlfdtb clvlc-ble`l` eh` gy gdg os vlry ndd` et blcpohn gl kdgl up wotbcdhn-tlrg pcehs." [bl ceunbl`. "Et clest sbl wes tbl cest togl O esjl`."

"Bdw cdhn end wes tbet4"

"Ggg … O tbohj tbl cest togl wes wblh O esjl` idr blr e`vokl efdut wbltblrO sbduc` nlt gy gestlrs lnrll ronbt eitlr O nreùetl` irdg \KCE, dr weot idre ilw ylers."

"Nrlet," Kcehky seo`, ceunbohn. "Geyfl sbl's fllh bdhohn blr sjoccs sohkltblh."

"^lcc, hd gettlr wbet, O'g hdt ndohn td clt gukb togl pess. O hll` td tlcc tbljo`s sd wl bevl togl td wdrj tbrdunb tbohns flidrl Beycly clevls idr skbddc."

"Pbet's tbl flst hlws O'vl bler` ecc èy," Kcehky seo`. "Pbl sddhlr wl stert,tbl sddhlr wl'cc fl iohosbl`."

***

Dh Pulsèy, Kcehky splht gukb di tbl eitlrhddh fo`òhn dh e adf oh



62?

Gdhrdvoe. [bl errovl` et Effy's aust flidrl tbl lh` di tbl wdrjèy, eh`wecjl` td tbl fekj `ddr td sll blr cdvlr. [bl peusl` et tbl `ddr, sgocohn tdblrslci wblh sbl cddjl` ohso`l. Effy wes sottohn et tbl fuoct-oh `lsj tbetwes pert di tbl jotkblh kduhtlr. [bl'` rdccl` blr kbeor fekj eh` wes rlstohnblr ble` dh blr krdssl` ergs, cddjohn cojl e vlry fdrl` kboc` wbd kduc`h't

nd dut eh` pcey uhtoc blr bdglwdrj wes iohosbl`. Fdtb `dns cey et blr illt,dfvoduscy sd usl` td Kcehky tbet tbly ò`h't kecc dut tbl ecerg wblh sblepprdekbl`. Pbl ceh`skeplr jhdkjl` sditcy eh` tbl `dns glrlcy coitl` tblorble`s wbocl tblor teocs tbugpl` iuroduscy. Effy swovlcl` erduh` eh` tblsgocl tbet kegl td blr cops ge`l Kcehky perrdt dhl di lquec wergtb.

êcjohn ohtd tbl bdusl, Kcehky esjl`, "^bet erl ydu wdrjohn dh4 _du `dh'tcddj cojl ydu'rl bevohn iuh."

"O'g e fon kbokjlh," Effy seo`, stokjohn blr cop dut oh eh e`drefcl pdut. "O`dh't bevl tbl nuts td kecc gy perlhts eh` tlcc tblg efdut us."

"Db, ydu pddr fefy." Kcehky stertl` td bun blr, tblh esjl`, "Erl wl ecdhl4"

"Hdfd`y blrl fut us kbokjlhs," Effy seo`, novohn blr e wry sgocl.

Pbly bunnl`, wotb Kcehky bdcòhn dh uhtoc Effy rlclesl` blr. "[d … ydu'rlwbet … wrotohn td tblg4"

"Pryohn td. Hdt bevohn gukb cukj.‗

"êht gl td blcp4"

Effy pusbl` tbl kdgputlr tdwer`s blr cdvlr. "@d ot. @dh't lvlh sbdw ot tdgl. [ey wbetlvlr ydu weht."

Ceunbohn, Kcehky stdd` flboh` blr eh` gessenl` blr hlkj. "_du keh `dtbos. Aust tlcc tbl trutb. Plcc tblg lvlrytbohn tbet bepplhl`. Bdw wl glt …bdw wl nrlw td fl irolh`s … bdw wl nrlw gdrl eh` gdrl ettrektl` td lekbdtblr uhtoc wl … wlcc, `dh't tlcc 'lg tbet pert. Pbly'cc fl efcl td ionurl tbetdut idr tblgslcvls."

Effy hd``l`, tblh rlstl` blr kbllj dh Kcehky's beh`. "Oi ydu steh` flboh`gl eh` ruf gy hlkj eh` sbduc`lrs O flt O kduc` bevl tbos iohosbl` oh tlhgohutls. _du kecg gl `dwh sd wlcc."

"Beppy td." Kcehky stertl` td sco`l e jotkblh kbeor dvlr, fut Effy stdppl`blr.

"Hd, fefy, O wdh't bevl ydu ketlrohn td gy hll`s wbocl O `d tbos. Flso`ls,



6?=

Beycly's suppdsl` td fl bdgl idr òhhlr. Aust novl gl e joss tbet'cc cest glecc honbt eh` clevl gl td gy goslry."

Kcehky puccl` tbl kbeor erduh` eh` stre``cl` Effy's cep. [bl ò`h't cltgukb di blr wlonbt slttcl, fut sbl wreppl` blr ergs erduh` blr tonbtcy. "O

hlvlr weht ydu td fl goslrefcl. Fut O'cc d gy flst td novl ydu e cdhn-cestohnjoss." [bl clehl` ohtd blr eh` ilct tbl beors dh tbl fekj di blr hlkj steh` upwblh tblor cops glt. Oh e gdglht, tbly wlrl jossohn llpcy, hoppohn dh lekbdtblr's cops, tdhnuls scoòhn eneohst dhl ehdtblr. Pbehjiuccy, tbl `dns augpl` td tblor illt eh` skegplrl` idr tbl `ddr e slkdh` flidrl Beyclyfurst oh. Kcehky gehenl` td fl dh blr illt, eh` tbl norc ò`h't sllg td hdtokle tbohn. "Bo, Gdg. Kcehky." [bl `rdppl` blr fen eh` plttl` lekb `dn. "Pblflekb wes ewlsdgl tdèy. O'g ndhhe sbdwlr `dwh blrl sd O `dh't trekjseh` upsteors. Fekj oh e ilw."

Effy sgocl` eh` ge`l e nlsturl tbet cddjl` e cottcl cojl e wevl. Beycly wlht

ohtd tbl fetbrddg eh` kcdsl` tbl ddr. Es sddh es Effy bler` tbl ddr kcokjsbl cddjl` cojl sbl'` be` blr fdhls rlgdvl`. [tertohn td sco`l dwh tbl sletdi tbl kbeor, Kcehky nreffl` blr uh`lr tbl ergs eh` blc` blr up. "Ot's djey,fefl. [bl ò`h't hdtokl e tbohn."

"O'g tdd dc` idr tbos," Effy gdehl`. "O kduc` bevl e strdjl!"

"_du'cc fl iohl," Kcehky sddtbl`. "Hdw nlt td wdrj eh` wrotl ydur clttlr. O'ccsll ydu tdgdrrdw." [bl jossl` Effy dh tbl tdp di tbl ble`, cohnlrohn e ilwgdglhts td sglcc blr beor. "O cdvl ydu." [bl jossl` blr dhkl gdrl, dh tblkbllj, tblh squllzl` blr sbduc`lr eh` clit idr tbl èy.

***

Pbl hlxt ey, Effy epplerl` tbl gohutl tbl krlw stertl` td pekj up idr tblèy. blh Kcehky iohosbl` kbettohn wotb Vegdh, sbl wecjl` dvlr eh` adohl`blr uh`lr tbl plrndce. –Bo,‗ Kcehky seo`, illcohn e cottcl uhkdgidrtefcl.

–Bo. Ecc iohosbl`4‗

–_leb.‗

–Lvlrydhl ndhl4‗

–O tbohj sd.‗

–êhhe hlkj4‗ Effy‟s lyls wlrl novohn dii eh ogposb twohjcl, eh` Kcehkyilct blr uhlesl vehosb ohtd tboh eor.

Clttohn dut e rlcolvl` ceunb, Kcehky rlekbl` `dwh eh` nrespl` blr



6?5

beh`. –Os tbet e ndd` o`le4‗

–Hd, di kdursl hdt. Fut tbet `dlsh‟t stdp gl irdg wehtohn td.‗ Clehohndvlr aust e ilw ohkbls, Effy prlssl` blr fd`y eneohst Kcehky‟s sbduc`lr eh`kepturl` blr lercdfl oh blr tlltb. –_du bevl tbl kutlst lers O tbohj O‟vl lvlr

sllh.‗

Kcehky stoiilhl` sconbtcy eh` puccl` ewey. –Effy, O `dh‟t weht td kbehklbevohn Beycly kdgl bdgl eh` ketkbohn us. Cest honbt wes fe` lhdunb.‗

Vlstohn blr ble` dh blr sbduc`lr, Effy sonbl` eh` seo`, –O jhdw. Fut tbl`dns prdvl` bdw e`lpt tbly erl et flohn lercy werhohn `lvokls.‗

–[tocc …‗ Kcehky gurgurl`.

–Hd, ydu‟rl ronbt. [trehnlr tbohns bevl bepplhl`. O‟cc d gy flst td flbevl

uhtoc ot‟s ecc dut oh tbl dplh.‗

Kcehky esjl` tbl qulstodh tbet be` fllh hennohn et blr ecc èy. –Ndt ehyo`le wblh tbet gonbt bepplh4‗

Effy clt dut e wry ceunb eh` seo`, –Ot ecgdst bepplhl` cest honbt. ^l setup eh` tecjl` idr bdurs, eh` wblh wl wlht upsteors tbl `dns reh idr tblnulst rddg eh` kurcl` up et tbl lh` di tbl fl`, tbugpohn tblor teocsilrdkoduscy.‗

–Db-db.‗

–_leb. Beycly hdtokl`, di kdursl, sohkl tbly‟vl hlvlr dhl tbet flidrl, fut Otrol` td scdunb ot dii es d`` kehohl flbevodr.‗ [bl ceunbl`. –Cukjocy, tblyekt d`` lhdunb dh e kdhsostlht fesos td gejl tbet lxkusl quotl flcolvefcl.‗

–[d, wes tbet tbl lh` di ot4‗

–Hd. O wlht td gy rddg, fut tbly ò`h‟t idccdw. Eitlr e wbocl, O kegl duteh` tbly wlrl stocc dh tbl nulst fl`, cddjohn quotl lprlssl`. Pbly gossl` ydu,‗ sbl seo`, e se` sgocl slttcohn dh blr iekl. –O ò` tdd.‗

–O gossl` ydu, Effy,‗ Kcehky sonbl`. –O wdjl up twlhty togls ùrohn tblhonbt, tryohn td ioh` ydu.‗

–Hdhl di us sclpt wlcc, lotblr,‗ Effy seo`. –Ertlgos wlht oh wotb Beycly, futEtblhe wduc`h‟t novl up tbl wetkb. Lvlry togl O wdjl, blr ble` wes up. Otcddjl` cojl sbl wes uhefcl td rlcex uhtoc ydu kegl td fl`.‗



6?6

–[d wbet `d ydu tbohj4 @d ydu weht td weot idr e wbocl td clt Beycly slttcloh4 Dr os ot flst td aust tlcc blr eh` clt blr bevl sdgl togl td `lec wotb ot4‗

"O `dh't weht td `d ot tdèy," Effy seo`. "O wrdtl gy clttlr ylstlrèy eh`

geocl` ot tbos gdrhohn. Hdw O weht td tecj td e kdupcl di gy ndd` irolh`s tdnlt sdgl dpohodhs. Lcclh bes jhdwh Beycly sohkl sbl wes fdrh, eh` sbl'sgy kcdslst irolh`. [d … O bevl td kdgl dut td Lcclh."

"Pbl cddj dh ydur iekl seys tbet ydu'rl hdt beppy efdut tbet."

Effy ge`l e òsgossovl nlsturl. "Hd, tbet's hdt wbet tbl cddj seys." [blgdvl` erduh` e cottcl, tryohn td iekl Kcehky gdrl òrlktcy. "O tbohj flttlrwblh O keh cddj ohtd ydur lyls," sbl seo`.

Kcehky òppl` blr ble` eh` jossl` blr, tbl joss sbdrt fut blertilct. "Pbl

cottcl tbohns ydu sey gejl gl iecc gdrl oh cdvl wotb ydu lvlry èy. Nd`, Obdpl tbos illcohn hlvlr stdps, 'keusl O'g e`òktl` td ot."

Effy reh blr iohnlr dvlr blr cdvlr's cops, cdvohn tblor idrg eh` tbly wey tblyilct uh`lr blr iohnlrtop. "Pbohns wocc kecg dwh," sbl seo`. "Fut lvlh tbdunbot wdh't illc es lxkotohn, tbl illcohns nlt sd gukb `llplr eh` strdhnlr. Ot's eègh ndd` tre`l-dii idr tbl uhfro`cl` ady di ieccohn oh cdvl."

Huzzcohn et blr perthlr's hlkj, Kcehky seo`, "Clt's bevl fdtb. Ady eh``lptb."

"Ot's e `lec," Effy seo`.

Pbly set quoltcy idr e ilw gohutls, tblh Effy rlekbl` dvlr eh` blc` blrcdvlr's beh`. Hlotblr wdgeh spdjl, eh` tbl gohutls tokjl` fy uhtoc ot wesiuccy èrj. Pbl pbdhl rehn eh` Effy augpl` hdtoklefcy, tblor rlvlrolsbettlrl`. Pbl `dns stertl` td ferj, slhsohn tbly sbduc` fl dh nuer` sohkltblor gestlr be` fllh stertcl`. [busbohn tblg, sbl wlht ohtd tbl bdusl ehèhswlrl`, blr vdokl aust sdit lhdunb idr Kcehky hdt td fl efcl td bler. Eitlre ilw gohutls, Effy rlturhl`. [bl set `dwh wotb clss nrekl tbeh sblusueccy lxbofotl` eh` seo`, "O'g glltohn Lcclh idr frlejiest." [bl ò`h't seyehdtblr wdr`, eh` Kcehky slhsl` tbet blr perthlr ò`h't weht td tecj. [d

tbly blc` beh`s eneoh eh` clehl` nlhtcy eneohst lekb dtblr uhtoc Kcehky be`td clevl. Jossohn Effy tlh`lrcy, sbl seo`, "_du'cc `d iohl tdgdrrdw. Ot wlhtnrlet wotb ]eg eh` Geroe, ò`h't ot4"

Effy hd``l`, cddjohn yduhn eh` ironbtlhl`.

"O jhdw ot's ber`. O rleccy `d, fefl, fut ydu'cc nlt tbrdunb ot. Lcclh's e nddìrolh`, ronbt4"



6?;

"_leb. Ylry ndd`."

"Ndd` irolh`s suppdrt ydu. Pbet's wbet gejls tblg irolh`s. Pry hdt tdwdrry, djey4"

Effy huzzcl` blr iekl ohtd blr cdvlr's hlkj, `lsplretlcy slljohn kdgidrt."O'g aust hdt usl` td tbos johè tbohn. O'vl hlvlr be` td rlvlec ehytbohn cojltbos. Ot skerls gl td `letb."

"O jhdw, O jhdw," Kcehky sddtbl`. [bl blc` Effy tonbtcy, tryohn td trehsiuslsdgl di blr kdhio`lhkl ohtd blr perthlr. "Aust nlt ot dvlr wotb, fefl. Ot'cc nltlesolr wotb lekb plrsdh."

Effy pokjl` up blr ble`, cddjohn ohtd Kcehky's sdit nrey lyls. "Erl ydusurl4"

"Ot wes idr gl," Kcehky seo`. "Gukb lesolr."

Pbly blc` lekb dtblr idr e ilw gdrl gohutls, tblh Kcehky jossl` Effy dhlgdrl togl, pettl` tbl `dns dh tbl ble`, eh` clit blr perthlr td `wlcc oh blrdwh trdufcl` tbdunbts.

***

Pbl dc` irolh`s glt et dhl di tblor ievdrotl beuhts dh Nrllhl [trllt. Ot weslercy, sd perjohn wesh't e prdfclg, eh` tbly sew lekb dtblr bleòhn td tbl

rlsteureht irdg dppdsotl lh`s di tbl fcdkj. Effy's pecgs wlrl ègp eh` tblfuttlricols wlrl òvl-fdgfohn blr stdgekb weccs, fut sbl trol` td kdgpdslblr lxprlssodh ohtd e slgfcehkl di hdrgecky. "Bo!" Lcclh keccl` wblh tblywlrl stocc twlhty illt epert. "Ot sllgs cojl ot's fllh gdhtbs sohkl wl'vl fllhecdhl tdnltblr. ^blrl bes tbl sugglr ndhl4"

Pbly bunnl` lekb dtblr, eh` tbl iegocoer lxkbehnl blcpl` kecg Effy `dwhe tohy fot. "Pbos sugglr bes ndhl fy iestlr tbeh ehy O keh rlkecc," Effy seo`."Ot sllgs cojl Beycly ndt bdgl ylstlrèy."

"O jhdw tbohns bevl fllh krezy idr ydu wotb ecc di tbl wdrj et ydur bdusl,"

Lcclh seo`. "Fut wl fdtb bevl td gejl togl idr lekb dtblr. Pbet's tbl dhcywey td stey kcdsl."

Effy wohkl` wblh sbl bler` tbdsl wdr`s. [bl ilct nuocty lhdunb efdutjllpohn blr irolh` lhtorlcy oh tbl èrj efdut blr hlw rlcetodhsbop, futbevohn Lcclh rlgoh` blr tbet tbly wlrl `roitohn epert rleccy strukj bdgl."O'g et ieuct," sbl e`gottl`. "Gy irolh`s erl gdrl ogpdrteht tbeh gy bdusl.O'g ndohn td kdhklhtretl dh flohn gdrl kdhhlktl`."



6?0

Lcclh cddjl` et blr idr e gdglht, dfvoduscy puzzcl`. "O'g hdt ehnry, Effy.@dh't tejl gl tdd slroduscy."

Effy scoppl` blr erg uh`lr blr irolh`'s eh` cl` blr ohtd tbl rlsteureht. "O

jhdw ydu'rl hdt ehnry. O'g aust rlgohòhn gyslci di wbet's ogpdrteht.

***

E ilw gohutls cetlr tbly wlrl soppohn kups di kdiill wbocl tbly weotl` idrtblor dr`lr. Lcclh put blr idrlergs dh tbl tefcl, blr usuec pdsturl wblhsbl wehtl` td òsb. –[d, wbet‟s ndohn dh4 Plcc gl lvlrytbohn.‗

Effy ceunbl`, fut td blr dwh lers ot sduh`l` cojl sbl'` fllh pohkbl`."Ektueccy, e cdt bes fllh ndohn dh. E wbdcl cdt." [bl scoppl` blr beh`tbrdunb blr beor, hll`clsscy streonbtlhohn ot. Pblh sbl be` td iox blr wetkb

sd ot set prlkoslcy oh tbl go``cl di blr wrost. Pbdsl lsslhtoecs tejlh kerl di,sbl be` hdtbohn td `d fut cddj et blr irolh`.

Lcclh ohkcohl` blr ble`, soclhtcy lhkdurenohn blr td kdhtohul.

–Vlglgflr O glhtodhl` e ilw wlljs end tbet O be` fllh sllohn sdgldhl4‗

–[url, O rlglgflr. Erl ydu rle`y td uhvloc tbos gystlry geh4 Ot's hdt dhldi tbl nuflrhetdroec kehòètls, os ot4"

ôtb ehdtblr ylcp-cojl ceunb Effy sbddj blr ble`. "Hd. Hd. Hdpdcotokoehs.‗ [bl hd``l` td tbl slrvlr wblh bl pcekl` tblor glecs oh irdht ditblg, tblh `lko`l` sbl be` td bevl e fotl di blr dglclt flidrl sbl spdjleneoh. Eitlr kblwohn tbl sgecc fotl dvlr ioity togls sbl plljl` up td sllLcclh novohn blr e vlry kdhklrhl` cddj. "O'g wdrrol` efdut ydur rlektodh tdtbl plrsdh O'g ètohn," sbl seo`, `rewohn e cottcl kcdslr td tbl pdoht.

–Gy rlektodh4" Lcclh put blr idrj `dwh eh` rlekbl` ekrdss tbl tefcl tdtdukb Effy's beh`. "Os bl gerrol`4"

"Db! Nd`, hd!" Hdw blr ceunb wes nlhuohl. "Ot's hdtbohn cojl tbet. O'` hlvlr

nd dut wotb e gerrol` geh. Pbet wduc` nd eneohst lvlry prohkopcl O bevl."

"Pblh wbet …4"

–O'g gejohn gyslci krezy wotb tbos ket eh` gdusl negl," Effy seo`. [bltddj oh e llp frletb eh` spot ot dut. "Blrl's tbl trutb. O‟g sllohn e wdgeh.‗



6?<

–_du‟rl sllohn e wdgeh … wbet `d ydu gleh4‗

Effy fcohjl` et blr, hdt lxplktohn tbet pertokucer rlspdhsl. –O‟g ètohn ewdgeh. Vetblr tbeh e geh … O‟g ètohn e wdgeh.‗

Blr irolh`‟s idrj `rdppl` irdg blr hlrvlclss beh` eh` kcettlrl` hdosocyeneohst blr pcetl. –O … O … Effy … bdw …‗ sbl nespl`.

–Ot keunbt gl fy surprosl, tdd. Ektueccy, hd dhl keh fl es surprosl` es O wes… ot aust bepplhl`.‗

–@o` Geroe eh` ]eg … slt ydu up4‗ sbl esjl`, blr lyls stocc wo`l eh` hlercyuhidkusl`.

–Hd, hd, hdt et ecc,‗ Effy seo`, swoitcy sbejohn blr ble`. –O tbohj tbly‟rl stocce cottcl fot oh sbdkj es wlcc.‗

–Pblh bdw … wblrl `d ydu nd td gllt e clsfoeh, Effy4 Os ot sdgldhl irdgkburkb4‗

–Hd. Pbet‟s ehdtblr sconbtcy iuhhy ehncl,‗ sbl seo`. –[bl‟s tbl ceh`skeplerkbotlkt tbet O borl` td wdrj dh gy yer`.‗

–Fut … tbet keh't … O òstohktcy rlglgflr ydur tlccohn gl efdut blr. _du`lskrofl` blr es e norc … surlcy ydu …‗ Lcclh cddjl` cojl sbl wes efdut tdieoht, fut Effy jhlw sbl ò`h't bevl ehy pdwlr td gejl tbos lesolr.

–[bl‟s hdt e norc, Lcclh, sbl‟s cukjy td cddj vlry yduhn idr blr enl. Dhkl O ndttd jhdw blr, O sew bdw geturl eh` nlhlrdus eh` joh` sbl wes eh` O aust …O ilcc oh cdvl wotb blr.‗

–_du‟rl oh cdvl wotb blr4‗ Blr vdokl wes rleccy tdd cdu` idr tbl slttohn, futEffy ò`h‟t esj blr td jllp ot `dwh.

–_ls,‗ sbl seo` iorgcy, blr lyls cdkjl` wotb Lcclh‟s. –O‟g oh cdvl wotb blr.‗

–Alsus, Effy! O keh‟t flcolvl tbet Geroe besh‟t set ydu `dwh eh` novlh ydu

e ndd` tecjohn td! Keh‟t ydu sll wbet‟s bepplhohn blrl4‗

–\bg … O tbohj O jhdw wbet‟s bepplhohn ‛‗ sbl flneh, fut blr irolh` kutblr dii.

–_du `dh‟t jhdw wbet‟s bepplhohn oi ydu tbohj ydu‟rl oh cdvl! Idr Nd`‟ssejl! Pblrl os e geh dut tblrl idr ydu! Aust flkeusl ydu bevlh‟t glt bog ylt os hd rlesdh td nd dii tbl `llp lh !‗



6?9

–Lcclh,‗ sbl seo`, blr vdokl kecg eh` sdit, –tbos bes hdtbohn td `d wotb gyefocoty td ettrekt glh. O‟cc e`got tbet O wes `lgdrecozl` efdut tbl wbdclètohn tbohn ‐ fut Kcehky wduc` bevl epplecl` td gl oi gy pbdhl wlrlrohnohn dii tbl bddj. ^l aust kcokjl`.‗

–Kcehky4 Bdw dc` os tbos wdgeh4 Pbet sduh`s cojl e jo`'s hegl.‗

Effy wes flnohhohn td tejl ugfrenl td tbl tdhl tbet Lcclh wes usohn, futsbl `lko`l` td jllp kecg eh` rlpcy td blr qulstodh. –[bl‟s twlhty-hohl,‗sbl seo`, sterohn blr ronbt oh tbl lyl.

–Pwlhty-hohl! Pwlhty-hohl! Prlvdr‟s ecgdst twlhty-hohl! Bevl ydukdgpcltlcy cdst ydur goh`4 _du‟rl etohn tbl ner`lhlr, idr Nd`‟s sejl, eh`sbl‟s yduhn lhdunb td fl ydur kboc` … ydur eunbtlr, hd clss! Effy, O cdvl ydu lhdunb td tlcc ydu tbos td ydur iekl ‐ ydu hll` blcp!‗

"Blcp4"

"_ls! _du hll` prdilssodhec blcp! O jhdw bdw gukb ydu'vl nrolvl` idr ôcc,fut tbet `dlsh't novl ydu tbl ronbt td `d sdgltbohn sd eneohst ydur heturl!"

"Pbos osh't eneohst gy heturl," sbl seo`, hd cdhnlr illcohn hlrvdus. "Ot illcslhtorlcy heturec, Lcclh. Kdgpcltlcy eh` tdteccy heturec."

"Pblrl's hdtbohn heturec efdut slljohn dut e norc ydur sdh's enl td bevl slx

wotb! Hdtbohn!"

"^bet erl ydu upslt efdut4" Effy esjl`. "Erl ydu upslt tbet O'g ètohn ewdgeh dr tbet sbl's yduhnlr tbeh O eg, dr tbet sbl's hdt e prdilssodhec4Flkeusl hdhl di tbdsl erl vlry ndd` rlesdhs td fl ehnry wotb gl."

"Effy, wbet wduc` ydu d oi O clit gy busfeh` td ruh dii eh` adoh tbl korkus4"

Gejohn e iekl, Effy seo`, "Pbet's ber`cy ehecdndus."

"_ls ot os! _du'vl hlvlr fllh e clsfoeh flidrl, ydu'vl hlvlr fllh ohtlrlstl` oh yduhnlr glh, eh` ydu'vl ecweys fllh e glgflr di tbl `lko`l`cy upplrkcess! O'vl hlvlr sllh ydu slerkbohn idr bdcl-oh-tbl-wecc Yoltheglslrlsteurehts oh Bdccywdd`, dr slccohn ydur dc` kcdtbls et tbl icle gerjlt et tblVdsl Fdwc. _du'rl e wlectby wdgeh, eh` ydu cojl flohn e wlectby wdgeh! Onuerehtll ydu tbet ydu wduc`h't etl dhl di tbl fdys irdg tbl suplrgerjlt!^by os ot ecc ronbt aust flkeusl sbl's e wdgeh4"



6?>

Blr ble` wes flnohhohn td tbrdf, eh` sbl iduh` tbet sbl kduc` ber`cy jllptrekj di tbl kdhvlrsetodh. Ecc sbl wehtl` td `d wes nd bdgl eh` bevl Kcehkybdc` blr. "^by os wbet ronbt4 ^bet rucl eg O frlejohn4"

Lcclh pursl` blr cops. Blr idrlble` wes wrohjcl` oh e `llp irdwh eh` blr

kblljs wlrl `rewh tonbtcy eneohst blr tlltb. "_du'rl e idrty-iovl yler dc`wo`dw. _du bevl nrdwh kboc`rlh. _du bevl e hegl oh tbos kdgguhoty. _du`dh't onhdrl ydur busfeh`'s glgdry eh` ydur kboc`rlh's illcohns eh` tblrlsplkt di ydur pllrs td d wbet illcs ronbt et ehy novlh gdglht! Blcc, O wehttd bevl tbl pddc fdy kdgl oh eh` sbdw gl wbet ot's cojl td gejl cdvl td etwlhty-yler-dc , fut O dh't d ot! Ot wduc` burt tdd gehy pldpcl! O kerl gdrlefdut dtblr pldpcl tbeh O `d gyslci!"

Effy splht e gdglht kdgpdsohn blrslci. Blr iekl wes icusbl` wotb ehnlr,eh` sbl jhlw sbl wes dh tbl vlrnl di uhcdeòhn dh Lcclh. Fut sbl ecsd jhlwtbet sbl kduc` lesocy `lstrdy tblor irolh`sbop wotb e ilw bersb wdr`s, eh`

sbl wes `ltlrgohl` hdt td. "O keh dhcy essugl tbet ydu tbohj ydu'rl tlccohngl ecc di tbos idr gy dwh ndd`. Fut O jhdw wbet's ronbt idr gl, Lcclh. CdvohnKcehky os wbet's ronbt, eh` tbl iekt tbet sdgl pldpcl wdh't fl beppy efdut otkeh't stdp gl. Cdvl os tdd prlkodus td tbrdw ewey."

"Erl twd di tbdsl pldpcl Prlvdr eh` Beycly4 Bdw d tbly illc efdut Kcehky4"

"O bevlh't tdc` tblg ylt," sbl seo`. "O tbdunbt ot wduc` fl lesolr td tecj td gyirolh`s iorst." ôtb burt kdcdrohn blr vdokl, sbl e``l`, "O tbdunbt gy irolh`swduc` fl suppdrtovl."

"_du tbdunbt wrdhn," Lcclh seo` icetcy. "Oi ydu `dh't kerl efdut ydur jo`s'illcohns, tblh O'g `dufcy surl tbet ydu'rl `dohn tbos dut di sdgl tlgpdreryfdut di ohsehoty."

Effy wes uhefcl td bdc` ot oh idr ehdtblr gdglht. Blr ehnlr flneh td spoccdut di blr cojl e pdt fdocohn dvlr. "O `dh't kerl efdut gy kboc`rlh4 Bdw keh ydu bevl tbl hlrvl … tbl necc … td sey tbet td gl! O'vl novlh up gdrl tbeh ydu jhdw td fl tblrl idr gy jo`s … lvlry togl tbly hll` gl. Eh` tbet wdh'tkbehnl flkeusl di Kcehky. [bl jhdws tbl jo`s bevl td kdgl iorst … fut hdtflkeusl tbly `dh't epprdvl di tbos. Pbly'rl eùcts hdw, eh` tbly keh gejl

tblor dwh `lkosodhs ‛ eh` sd keh O!"

"[d oi Prlvdr dr Beycly `lko`l tbly keh't tdclretl tbos ydu'cc clt tblg wecjewey irdg ydu4 Os tbet wbet ydu'rl seyohn4" Lcclh's iekl wes hlercy purpclwotb ehnlr, eh` sbl wes kcutkbohn blr idrj cojl e wlepdh.

"Pbet wdh't bepplh," Effy seo`. "Gy kboc`rlh wocc hlvlr efeh`dh gl. Hlvlr!"



6?2

"^bet … oi … tbly … `d4" Lcclh esjl`, spottohn lekb wdr` dut.

"Pblh … O'cc weot idr tblg td kdgl erduh`." Pbl wdr`s wlrl dut flidrl Effybe` e gdglht td kdhso`lr tblg. Fut dhkl sbl seo` tblg sbl jhlw tbly wlrl

tbl efsdcutl trutb. Hd dhl … hdt blr jo`s … hdt blr irolh`s … hdt blrperlhts kduc` plrsue`l blr td novl Kcehky up. [bl wes `lsplretlcy oh cdvlwotb blr, eh` tbl rlst di tbl wdrc` wes ndohn td bevl td clerh td eèpt.

***

Kcehky puccl` ohtd blr perjohn spdt, dhcy td sll Effy's ker tejohn Gokbelc'spcekl. [bl reh up tbl petb, iohòhn blr cdvlr sottohn dh blr stlps, cddjohnòskdhsdcetl. –^by ò`h‟t O nd td wdrj wotb ydu4‗

–^bet bepplhl`4‗

Effy o`h't rlpcy. [bl aust ndt up eh` weotl` idr Kcehky td dplh tbl ddr. Essddh es tbly lhtlrl`, Effy kcdsl` blr lyls eh` esjl`, –Bdw efdut e bun4‗

–Ecweys.‗ Kcehky wreppl` blr strdhn, tehhl` ergs tonbtcy erduh` Effy‟sfd`y eh` sbl swdrl tbet sbl kduc` illc blr cdvlr‟s pucsl scdw hdtoklefcy.

]cekohn e joss dh Kcehky‟s hlkj, Effy set `dwh dh tbl sdie. "O tdc`blr.‗ [bl ge`l e iekl es sbl seo`, –[bl wesh‟t suppdrtovl.‗

–Db, egh … O‟g sdrry. O jhdw sbl‟s e ndd` irolh` ‐ tbet gust bevl burt.‗

–_ls, ot ò`,‗ sbl seo`. –Fut ot ge`l gl ehnry, tdd. O‟g rleccy òseppdohtlòh blr. [bl seo` sdgl tbohns tbet gejl gl wdh`lr efdut blr.‗

Kcehky hd``l` eh` seo`, –Novl blr e cottcl cllwey. Pbos be` td fl e gessovlsbdkj td blr.‗

–O jhdw tbet,‗ sbl seo` quoltcy, –fut tbet‟s hd rlesdh td trlet gl cojl O‟g dutdi gy goh`. [bl `lgeh`l` … `lgeh`l` … tbet O sllj psykboetrok blcp!‗

–Dukb!‗ Kcehky ge`l e iekl eh` seo`, –Novl blr sdgl togl. [bl gonbtkdgl erduh`.‗

ôtb e blevy sonb Effy seo`, –O bdpl sd. –^l‟vl fllh irolh`s sohkl flidrlôcc eh` O wlrl gerrol`. Blr busfeh` Hloc wes dhl di ôcc‟s flstirolh`s. Pbly wlrl fdtb sd suppdrtovl eitlr ôcc òl` … O keh't steh` tbl



6??

tbdunbt di cdsohn tblg es irolh`s.‗

–Novl blr togl, eh` try eneoh wblh sbl bes togl td kddc dii. Oi sbl‟s wbd ydutbohj sbl os, sbl‟cc fl efcl td ekklpt us.‗

–O bdpl sd,‗ Effy seo`. –O rleccy bdpl sd.‗

***

Gokbelc wesh't ùl bdgl uhtoc 21== p.g., sd tbly wlht ohtd Kcehky's rddgeh` blc` lekb dtblr idr bdurs. Es usuec, Effy ò`h't tecj gukb, stokjohn tdblr befot di prdklssohn blr illcohns flidrl sbl kduc` tecj efdut tblg. Eterduh` >1== sbl esjl` oi sbl kduc` usl tbl pbdhl.

"Di kdursl ydu keh." Kcehky beh`l` tbl rlklovlr td blr eh` tblh wreppl`blr fd`y erduh` Effy's hejl` idrg.

[gocohn, tbl dc`lr wdgeh keccl` Geroe eh` iduh` tbet Lcclh be` ecrle`ykeccl` td tlcc blr efdut Effy's rlvlcetodh.

–Eg O tbet wrdhn efdut blr4‗ Effy esjl`. –O ecweys tbdunbt sbl wes sddplh-goh`l`.‗

–O tbohj sbl os,‗ Geroe vlhturl`.

–Bdw keh ydu sey tbet4‗ Effy esjl`. –Pbos os hdtbohn fut ehto-clsfoehwdrjohn-kcess prlauòkl!‗

Geroe kbukjcl` sditcy eh` seo`, –Effy, O duft tbet sbl‟` kecc gl td kdgpceohefdut ydur flohn e clsfoeh oi blr retodhecl wes bdgdpbdfok. _ls, sbl‟supslt tbet ydu‟rl oh e clsfoeh rlcetodhsbop ‐ fut hdt flkeusl di tbl clsfoehehncl plr sl.‗

–Pblh wbet os ot4‗ Effy `lgeh`l` orrotefcy.

–O tbohj tbet sbl‟s upslt flkeusl di tbl sle-kbehnl tbos os idr ydu. Obdhlstcy `dh‟t tbohj blr rlektodh wduc` fl e fot òiilrlht oi Kcehky wlrl etborty-yler-dc geh. O tbohj ot‟s tbl enl eh` tbl sdkodlkdhdgok ossuls tbet

bevl blr gdst upslt.‗

–Db, sd sbl‟s hdt bdgdpbdfok,‗ Effy skdiil`. –[bl‟s aust enlost eh`kcessost.‗

–Djey, O‟cc nreht tbet blr pdsotodh `dlsh‟t put blr oh tbl flst conbt,‗ Geroeseo`, –fut tbos os e fon kbehnl idr ydu. [bl‟s eireo` tbet ydu‟rl `rewh tdKcehky flkeusl dtblr tbohns bevlh‟t wdrjl` dut wlcc idr ydu. O ecsd tbohj



;==

sbl‟s e cottcl eireo` tbet Kcehky os tejohn e`vehtenl di ydu.‗

–Di kdursl!‗ sbl seo`, blr vdokl `roppohn wotb serkesg. –^drjohn kcesspldpcl erl ecweys tryohn td pucc dhl dvlr dh us!‗

–O jhdw tbos upslts ydu, eh` O uh`lrsteh` wby, fut ydu nd fekj e cdhn weywotb Lcclh. @dh‟t tejl ecc di blr wdr`s sd slroduscy. [bl‟s kdhklrhl` efdut ydu, eh` sbl‟s sbddtohn blr gdutb dii e cottcl ‐ fut O‟g klrteoh tbet sblglehs wlcc.‗

Effy sonbl` eh` ge`l e iekl. –_du jhdw O‟cc fl gdrl kovoc wblh tbos slttclse fot. O‟g aust burt. O lxplktl` gdrl irdg dhl di gy kcdslst irolh`s.‗

"O uh`lrsteh`. O rleccy d. Oi sbl wes spdutohn dii et ydu cojl sbl o` et gl, O'`fl upslt, tdd. Fut wblh sdgldhl nlts tbos ehnry dvlr sdgltbohn tbet rleccy`dlsh't kdhklrh blr … O ecweys try td cddj flboh` tbl flbevodr eh` ionurl

dut wby sbl rlektl` sd strdhncy."

"Ehy o`les, @dk4"

"_leb, e ilw, fut O wdh't pusb tblg et ydu aust ylt. _du eh` Lcclh bevljhdwh lekb dtblr cdhnlr eh` flttlr tbeh O'vl jhdwh blr. _du'cc ionurl dutwbet's ndohn dh dvlr togl. O'g surl di ot."

"_du'rl eh dptogost," Effy seo`. "O `dh't jhdw bdw ydu erl novlh wbet ydusll et wdrj, fut ydu erl."

"_du erl tdd," Geroe rlgoh`l` blr. "Dhcy eh dptogost wduc` `d sdgl di tbltbohns ydu'vl `dhl tbos sugglr."

"Eh dptogost, dr eh oòdt4" Effy esjl`, slhsohn tbet Geroe wesh't seyohnlvlrytbohn tbet wes dh blr goh`.

"_du'rl dhl di tbl fronbtlst pldpcl O jhdw," Geroe seo`. "_du'vl hlvlr `dhlehytbohn oòdtok sohkl O'vl jhdwh ydu … eh` O'vl fllh dh tbl cddjdut."

Blr kevecolr rlpcy rlessurl` Effy, eh` sbl seo`, "O wes rleccy sbejlh tdèy,Geroe. Ot ge`l gl kdhso`lr bdw gukb gy irolh`s gleh td gl. O'g gdrl

nretliuc tbeh ydu'cc lvlr jhdw tbet ydu eh` ]eg bevl fllh sduh`lrstehòhn."

"^l cdvl ydu, Effy. ^l ecweys wocc. Hdw nd bevl Kcehky wrep ydu up oh blrergs eh` novl ydu sdgl kdgidrt. Pbet ecweys blcps."

"Pbet's dhl fot di e`vokl O'cc ekt dh ogglòetlcy," Effy seo`. "Novl gy cdvl td]eg eh` Ecysse."



;=5

"O wocc. Kecc gl oi ydu hll` td tecj ehygdrl. O'g ecweys eveocefcl td ydu,swlltol."

"Pbl segl ndls idr gl," Effy seo`. "Fyl." Es sddh es sbl buhn up, sbl

tukjl` blr ble` ohtd Kcehky's sbduc`lr eh` clt dut e sonb. "Beycly sbduc` flbdgl sddh. O'` flttlr nd. Fut O hll` sdgl buns iorst."

"Pbet's wbet O d flst," Kcehky seo` es sbl prdkll`l` td bun blr perthlr wotbecc di blr gonbt.

KBE]PLV LONBPLLH

Kcehky jhdkjl` et tbl fekj `ddr dh Pbursèy lvlhohn, gejohn e soccy iekltbet be` Effy ceunbohn. "Frohn tbet kutl gun oh blrl eh` clt gl joss ot," sblseo`.

Kcehky dplhl` tbl `ddr eh` cddjl` erduh` stlectbocy. "Erl wl ecdhl4"

"_leb. Beycly wlht td [ehte Ferfere td suri. [bl wdh't fl bdgl uhtoc cetl."

"Bdw cetl4" Kcehky esjl`, blr buhnry cddj novohn Effy e ndd` o`le di tblrlesdh idr blr ohtlrlst oh Beycly's skblùcl.

Pbl fruhlttl wecjl` dvlr td Kcehky eh` scoppl` blr ergs erduh` blr. "Pblyusueccy nd dut idr òhhlr et e tekd pcekl tbly cdvl. [bl prdfefcy wdh't fl

bdgl uhtoc 551== dr go`honbt. ^by4 Ndt sdgltbohn dh ydur goh`4" [blhuzzcl` et Kcehky's hlkj, tblh hoppl` blr slhsotovl lercdfl.

"\b-bub. _dur fd`y." [trdhn ergs lhvlcdpl` Effy, squllzohn blr ber`lhdunb td idrkl tbl eor irdg blr cuhns. "O'vl fllh tbohjohn efdut ydu ecc ey. Pbl wey ydu illc oh gy ergs, tbl wey ydu ecweys sglcc cojl icdwlrs eh` irlsbeor." Blr beh`s scoppl` `dwh eh` kuppl` Effy's kblljs. "Fut gdst di ecc,O'vl fllh tbohjohn efdut ydur ess. _du bevl tbl gdst lconbtiuc ess O'vl lvlrceo` lyls dr beh`s dh, eh` tblrl's hdtbohn O'` cojl gdrl tbeh td stu`y ot upkcdsl idr e kdupcl di bdurs."

"Kcehky!" Effy fcusbl`, lhdrgduscy pclesl` wotb blr cdvlr's ohtlrlst. "_dusurl `d jhdw bdw td turh e norc's ble`!"

"_dur ble` os wdh`lriuc, fut O'` rleccy cojl td sll ydur ess," tbl erkbotlktseo`, gessenohn tbl kblljs wotb iolrkl ohtlhsoty. "[ll ot … tdukb ot … fotl ot… joss ot …"

"^blw!" Effy puccl` fekj e cottcl, iehhohn blrslci. "O'vl ndtte kecc Geroe eh`



;=6

tlcc blr O'g kehklcohn!" [bl ble`l` idr tbl pbdhl, fut Kcehky puccl` blrfekj.

"^bet erl ydu kehklcohn4"

Pbl dc`lr wdgeh `repl` blr ergs erduh` blr cdvlr's hlkj. "O tbohj Geroe'sbdcòhn sdgltbohn fekj, eh` O errehnl` td nd dvlr eh` tecj td blr tdhonbt. Otbdunbt ydu gonbt weht td nd wotb gl."

"^l keh nd ‐ "

Effy jossl` Kcehky's cops, stdppohn tblg es tbly wlrl efdut td idrg ehdtblrwdr`. "Hdw tbet ydu'vl ndt gl tbohjohn efdut essls, O dh't weht td nd dut. Owehhe stey oh. Ohso`l ydu," sbl e``l`, cddjohn e cottcl lgferressl` et usohntbos sdrt di pceyiuc fehtlr.

Kcehky reh blr beh` tbrdunb blr perthlr's beor, cddjohn ohtd blr lyls. "Bevl ydu fllh wdrryohn efdut Geroe4"

Effy hd``l`. "_leb. [dgltbohn `dlsh't sllg ronbt. Ot gejls gl wdh`lr oisbl's bdcòhn dut dh gl td evdo` burtohn gy illcohns, dr oi O'g austprdalktohn."

"Pbos sduh`s ogpdrteht," Kcehky seo`. "O tbohj wl sbduc` nd. O'cc stocc illc cojlbevohn slx cetlr."

"Pbet ndls wotbdut seyohn," Effy seo`, jossohn Kcehky uhtoc tbl fcdh`l's

jhlls flneh td sbejl. "O'g efsdcutlcy ohsetoefcl idr ydu. Hdtbohn gejls glbeppolr tbeh tdukbohn ydu."

Kcehky scoppl` blr beh` ohtd Effy's sbdrts, tblh nlhtcy tokjcl` fltwllh blrclns. "Hdtbohn4"

ôtb e sdit nrdwc, Effy pusbl` blr plcvos idrwer`, prlssohn blr gduh` ohtdKcehky's beh`. "Djey," sbl purrl`. "Hdtbohn gejls gl beppolr tbehtdukbohn eh` flohn tdukbl`."

"Pbet's gdrl cojl ot." Kcehky pohkbl` blr cdvlr's cops tdnltblr, tblh nevl tblg

e tun, nrohhohn wblh Effy's lyls kcdsl` eh` blr hdstrocs icerl`. "_du'rl sdlesy."

"Dhcy idr ydu, fefy." Pbly jossl` idr e ilw gohutls, hlotblr wehtohn td clevltbl bdusl. Ioheccy, Effy puccl` ewey. "[tey dr nd4"

Cezocy, Kcehky rlpcol`. "Nd. @egh ot. Nd."



;=;

–O wes ndohn td wecj. êht td wecj wotb gl4‗

–\bg … surl. Fut O bevl td sbdwlr eh` kbehnl iorst. O keh‟t nd cojl tbos.‗

Effy sgocl` et blr òrt-strlejl` iekl, swlet-steohl`, rugpcl` sbort eh`

gu`-kejl` jhlls. –O tbohj ydu cddj e`drefcl. _du rlgoh` gl di Prlvdr wblhbl wes efdut idur.‗

–O‟cc tejl tbet es e kdgpcoglht,‗ Kcehky `lko`l`. –Fut O rleccy `d bevl td ndsbdwlr.‗

–_du kduc` sbdwlr blrl …‗ Effy flneh, fut Kcehky wes sbejohn blr ble`flidrl tbl dc`lr wdgeh kduc` iohosb tbl slhtlhkl.

–Pbet‟s esjohn idr trdufcl,‗ sbl seo`. –O jhdw Beycly wdh't kdgl bdgl tboslercy, fut ot's hdt wdrtb tbl rosj. O‟cc nd bdgl eh` tblh kdgl pokj ydu up.‗

–Hd, O‟g rle`y td nlt ndohn hdw. O‟cc wecj, eh` ydu keh nd bdgl eh` tejl ydurtogl. Ektueccy, wduc` ydu stdp et tbl stdrl eh` pokj up sdgltbohn irdg tbl`lco idr ecc di us4 ]eg eh` Geroe `lsposl kddjohn, eh` tbly augp et tblkbehkl td evdo` ot.‗

–[url. Ehy prlilrlhkls4‗

–Idr tbl eùcts, ehytbohn tbet strojls ydur iehky. Fut gejl surl ydu nltsdgl di tblor gekerdho eh` kbllsl idr Ecysse. [bl‟s e`òktl` td tbl stuii.‗

–ôcc `d. [ll ydu oh e fot.‗ [bl clehl` oh idr e quokj joss eh` e squllzl diEffy's futt. –O kduc`h‟t rlsost,‗ sbl seo`, e goskbolvdus twohjcl oh blr lyls.

***

Eitlr clevohn e hdtl idr Beycly, Effy stertl` dii dh blr wecj, rlekbohn blrirolh`s‟ bdgl e sbdrt wbocl cetlr. [bl ge`l o`cl kdhvlrsetodh wotb tbl wbdcliegocy idr e fot, `rdppohn oh tbl hlws tbet Kcehky wduc` fl adohohn tblg.

Lvlhtueccy, sbl turhl` td Geroe eh` seo`, "Kduc` wl nd td ydur diiokl idr eilw gohutls4 O bevl sdgl tbohns td tecj td ydu efdut."

Geroe cddjl` e cottcl surprosl`, fut sbl ndt up eh` seo`, "^by `dh't ydu slloi ydur gdg keh blcp ydu wotb ydur getb bdglwdrj, Ecysse4 Pblh ydu'cc fliohosbl` fy tbl togl wl'rl rle`y idr òhhlr."

Pbl kboc` nevl blr gdtblr e ieorcy uhbeppy cddj, fut sbl ndt up eh` tddj



;=0

]eg's beh`, kdgpcoehtcy bleòhn idr blr fl`rddg.

Effy wetkbl` tbl peor clevl, seyohn, "O goss tbl èys wblh O kduc` tlccBeycly wbet td `d. Ot illcs cojl sbl's oh kbernl di tbl bdusl hdw."

Geroe put blr erg erduh` blr irolh`'s sbduc`lrs wbocl tbly wecjl` `dwhtbl becc. "Ot's ecweys ber` wblh e jo`'s dh tbl vlrnl di eùctbdd`. Eh` Beyclywes hlvlr e pusbdvlr, Effy. Clt's fl bdhlst."

Effy ceunbl`, hd`òhn oh enrllglht. "_du'rl ronbt. [bl's ecweys be` e cdt disporot."

Pbly lhtlrl` tbl diiokl, eh` tbly fdtb set dh tbl gd`lrh, cletblr sdie."^bet's up4" Geroe esjl`.

Effy wes su``lhcy sby, eh` splht e gdglht pceyohn wotb tbl sleg dh tbl

fekj di tbl sdie. "O … ubg … O'vl fllh nlttohn sdgl vofls …"

Eitlr weotohn idr blr irolh` td splej eneoh, Geroe seo`, "Kdgl dh, Effy, tbosos gl. ^bet's fdtblrohn ydu4"

Pblor lyls glt, eh` Effy idrkl` blrslci td spot ot dut. "_du eh` ]eg fdtb sey ydu'rl suppdrtovl di gl, fut O'vl be` e iuhhy illcohn tbet ydu dh't tbohj tbosos e nrlet o`le."

"^bet osh‟t … ydu eh` Kcehky4"

"_leb. Eh` ot sllgs d`` td gl tbet ydu eh` ]eg wduc` fl uhkdgidrtefclwotb gy flohn oh e clsfoeh rlcetodhsbop."

Geroe rlekbl` dut eh` put blr beh` dh blr irolh`'s jhll. "Db, Effy, tbet'shdt ot," sbl seo`, blr lxprlssodh ioccl` wotb lgpetby.

"Pblh wbet os ot4" Effy esjl`, cddjohn yduhn eh` vuchlrefcl.

Geroe stdd` eh` wecjl` td tbl woh`dw, cddjohn dut et tbl treiiok ncoòhn`dwh tbl wo`l lxpehsl di Drehnl Nrdvl Fduclver`. [bl jhlw Effy wessterohn et blr, fut sbl hll`l` td kdgpdsl blr tbdunbts flidrl sbl rlvlecl`

tblg. "O bevlh't fllh lhtorlcy bdhlst wotb ydu," Geroe e`gottl`.

Burt, Effy fcohjl` blr lyls, tryohn hdt td kry. "^by4 @dh't ydu trust gl4"

Geroe wlht fekj td tbl sdie eh` set hlxt td blr irolh`. [bl `repl` eh ergerduh` blr fekj eh` wes surprosl` td bevl Effy shunncl up hlxt td blr eh`rlst blr ble` dh blr sbduc`lr. "Di kdursl O trust ydu. O aust ò`h't weht td



;=<

diilr eh dpohodh tbet ydu be`h't esjl` idr."

"Fut O esjl` idr ydur dpohodh," Effy seo`.

"Hd, ydu o`h't, bdhly. _du esjl` wblh O tbdunbt ydu sbduc` tlcc Prlvdr eh`

Beycly. _du ò`h't esj oi O tbdunbt ydu sbduc` tlcc tblg."

Estduh`l`, Effy set up eh` sterl` et blr irolh`. "_du `dh't tbohj O sbduc`tlcc gy jo`s tbl trutb efdut gy coil4 O'g hdt esbegl` di tbos, Geroe. O bevlhdtbohn td bo`l!"

"O jhdw tbet," tbl `dktdr seo`, kcdsohn blr lyls td evdo` sllohn tbl peoh ohEffy's lxprlssodh. "Eh` ot's hdt tbet O tbohj ydu sbduc` jllp tbohns irdg ydur jo`s. Ot's aust … ot's aust tbet O tbohj ydu sbduc` weot eh` sll wblrl tboswoh`s up," sbl seo`.

"^blrl wbet woh`s up4"

"^blrl ydu eh` Kcehky woh` up. ^bet oi tbos `dlsh't wdrj dut, Effy4 Os otwdrtb ot td nd tbrdunb tbl wbdcl tbohn oi ydu lko`l ydu'rl hdt kdgidrtefcl ohtbos rlcetodhsbop4"

Effy stdd` up eh` wecjl` erduh` tbl rddg scdwcy, tryohn td lxplh` sdgllhlrny. Ioheccy, sbl stdppl` eh` plrkbl` dh tbl l`nl di Geroe's `lsj. "[eywbet ydu'rl tbohjohn, Geroe. Aust sey ot."

Pbl `dktdr clt dut e sonb, rlnrlttohn tbet sbl'` dplhl` blr gdutb oh tbl iorst

pcekl. "O'g eireo` tbet ydu eh` Kcehky erlh't ndohn td cest. Eh` O‟` betl td sll ydu upslt Prlvdr eh` Beycly idr hdtbohn."

Effy's lylfrdws erkbl` up, eh` sbl sterl` et blr irolh` flidrl sbl kduc`splej. "^lcc, O esjl` idr ot, sd O keh't ieuct ydu idr flohn fcuht."

"Db, Effy, O wduc` hlvlr bevl seo` ehytbohn. Ot's hdt gy fusohlss! Fut O kerlefdut ydu eh` tbl jo`s sd gukb tbet O'g woccohn td rosj burtohn ydu hdw tdblcp ydu evdo` gdrl burt cetlr."

êcjohn fekj td tbl sdie, Effy set `dwh eh` pettl` blr irolh` dh tbl cln. "O

jhdw ydu cdvl gl eh` tbl jo`s. Pbet's wotbdut qulstodh." [bl set tblrlquoltcy idr e ilw gdglhts, tblh esjl`, "^by `d ydu tbohj wl wdh't gejl ot4"

"O … O'g sdrry td sey O illc e cottcl cojl Lcclh `dls," Geroe e`gottl`. "Pbos ossukb e reòkec gdvl idr ydu … ot aust `dlsh't sllg cojl sdgltbohn ydu'` `d!_du'rl tbl gdst stefcl, retodhec, kdhslrvetovl plrsdh O jhdw, eh` O glehtbet oh tbl flst pdssofcl wey. _du'rl hdt sdgldhl td gejl e bunl kbehnl



;=9

tbet wocc eiilkt lvlry pert di ydur coil! O wdrry tbet ydu lotblr bevlh't tbdunbtot tbrdunb, dr ydu'rl hdt clttohn tbl rlplrkussodhs sohj oh. Lotblr wey, O'gvlry wdrrol` idr ydu, Effy. O cdvl ydu, eh` O weht ydu td fl beppy, fut O'geireo` tbos osh't wbet wocc gejl ydu beppy."

Dhkl gdrl Effy ndt up. [bl wreppl` blr ergs erduh` blrslci eh` clehlèneohst tbl woh`dw, cddjohn dut, fut hdt sllohn. "O bevlh't fllh tbos beppysohkl flidrl occ ol`," sbl seo` sditcy. "@d O bevl td put dtblr pldpcl iorst eccdi tbl togl4 Bevlh't O `dhl lhdunb di tbet4" [bl turhl` td Geroe, tlersscoòhn `dwh blr kblljs. "O wes tbl plrilkt èunbtlr, tblh tbl plrilktnorcirolh`, tblh tbl plrilkt woil, eh` tbl plrilkt gdtblr. O bevlh't `dhlehytbohn idr gyslci ‛ dhcy gyslci ‛ sohkl O wes e tllhenlr! blh wocc O nlt gyturh4"

Geroe ndt up eh` wlht td blr, bdcòhn Effy oh blr ergs wbocl tbl tecclrwdgeh krol`. "Db, Effy, O'g sdrry idr burtohn ydu. O'g sd sdrry."

"O'vl sekroiokl` woccohncy," Effy shoiil`. "O wlht td kdcclnl lvlh tbdunb Owehtl` td trevlc idr e yler iorst. O ndt gerrol` cdhn flidrl O be` pcehhl`, futot ge`l slhsl, eh` ot wes wbet ôcc wehtl`. O be` Prlvdr wblh O wes ferlcytwlhty ylers dc`! O ò`h't nlt gy ]b.@. flkeusl ot wduc` bevl fllh tdd ber`td aunncl gy wdrj wotb tbl jo`s. O ò`h't tlekb flkeusl O wehtl` td fl bdglidr tblg. O o`h't wdrj flkeusl O wehtl` td fl efcl td nd dh trops wotb occ drettlh` kdhilrlhkls wotb bog." [bl clt dut e fon frletb, cddjohn torl` eh``liletl`. "O ò` lvlrytbohn flkeusl ot ge`l slhsl. Ot's wbet wdrjl` dut. Otge`l tbl pldpcl O cdvl` beppy. Fut O'g idrty-iovl ylers dc`, eh` O weht td covle cottcl! O weht td fl kerlirll idr tbl iorst togl oh gy eùct coil. O weht td swog

hejl` oh gy pddc eh` gejl cdvl dh tbl petod. O weht td splh` tbl wbdcl eyoh fl` wotb Kcehky, letohn pozze dut di tbl fdx eh` `rohjohn werg fllrflkeusl wl'rl tdd lxbeustl` td nd `dwhsteors. O weht ecc di tbet, eh` O kehbevl ot. O keh bevl wbet O weht. Ioheccy, O keh bevl ot eh` tbohj dhcy digyslci. Gl! Aust gl!"

"Db, Effy, ydu `lslrvl tbet," Geroe wbosplrl`. "_du `lslrvl ot."

"@d O4" sbl esjl` torl`cy. "@d O4 bet oi ydu'rl ronbt4 bet oi ot dlsh't wdrjdut4 ^bet oi gy jo`s keh't ekklpt ot4" [bl put blr ble` `dwh eh` krolèneoh, blr sdfs frlejohn Geroe's blert. Geroe bler` blr irolh`‟s irenocl vdokl

esj, "ôcc O lvlr kdgl iorst4"

***

Kcehky errovl` wbocl Effy wes oh Geroe's diiokl, eh` blr ergs wlrl ce`lhwotb kertdhs ioccl` wotb `lcokodus-sglccohn otlgs. [bl wes e cottcluhkdgidrtefcl td fl ecdhl wotb ]eg eh` Ecysse, sd sbl vdcuhtllrl` tderrehnl tbl idd`. "Djey," ]eg enrll`. "O dh't ogenohl tbly'cc fl cdhn. O'cc aust



;=2

Es sddh es tbl norc be` sceggl` tbl pbdhl dwh, sbl reh upsteors td rop diiblr seh`y swogsuot eh` tbrdw dh e kcleh peor di sbdrts eh` e P-sbort.Cukjocy, tbet sconbt `lcey scdwl` blr `dwh lhdunb idr Kcehky td rlekb tblbdusl aust es Beycly wes puccohn dut oh tbl Clxus.

Pbl ylccdw trukj puccl` ohtd tbl rovl, fcdkjohn tbl lxot es Beycly kclerl` tblnerenl. –Nlt tbl iukj dut di gy wey!‗ sbl skrlegl`, epplerohn bystlrokec.

Clevohn tbl lhnohl ruhhohn, Kcehky ndt dut eh` epprdekbl` tbl kdhvlrtofcl.–Beycly, pclesl nlt dut eh` bler wbet O bevl td sey.‗

–Erl ydu iukjohn gy gdtblr4‗ sbl skrlegl`, tlers ruhhohn `dwh blr iekl.

Kcehky tddj e frletb eh` seo`, "^l'rl oh cdvl wotb lekb dtblr," blr lyls

hlvlr clevohn Beycly‟s.

Pbl `erj ble` fdwl`, eh` Beycly stertl` sceggohn blr ble` eneohst tblstllrohn wbllc, sdffohn potoiuccy.

Ndohn erduh` td tbl so`l di tbl ker, Kcehky ndt oh. Hdtokohn tbet Beycly‟s iddtwes prlssohn tbl frejl `dwh, sbl sco` tbl ker ohtd perj eh` clehl` dvlr tdjocc tbl lhnohl, tukjohn tbl jlys ohtd blr sbort pdkjlt.

–^by ydu4‗ tbl yduhnlr wdgeh nespl` dut. –Di ecc pldpcl ‐ wby ydu4‗

–O dh‟t jhdw,‗ Kcehky seo` quoltcy. –Ot aust bepplhl`. Ecc O jhdw os tbet O cdvlblr. Eh` sbl cdvls gl.‗

–[bl `dls hdt!‗ E tler-strlejl`, dutrenl` iekl ncerl` et Kcehky. –[bl `dlshdt cdvl ydu!‗ Beycly iugfcl` wotb eh` ioheccy yehjl` tbl `ddr beh`cl: tbl`ddr dplhl` eh` sbl stertl` ruhhohn idr tbl strllt. Kcehky peusl` egdglht, tblh tddj dii eitlr blr, neohohn dh blr lesocy sohkl Beycly wesferliddt.

–Beycly, weot!‗ [bl nreffl` blr fy tbl erg di blr P -sbort, eh` tbl yduhnlrwdgeh wrlhkbl` ewey irdg blr sd vodclhtcy tbet tbl scllvl roppl` beci dii.

[bl turhl` eh` swuhn ber`, blr iost ketkbohn Kcehky ronbt dh tbl fdhluh`lr blr lyl. Nespohn oh peoh, tbl fcdh`l dufcl` dvlr, dhcy td bevl Beyclyjokj blr ber` dh tbl sbduc`lr, jhdkjohn blr dhtd blr slet.

[tuhhl`, Kcehky wetkbl` es Beycly reh idr tbl trukj. Pbl dc`lr wdgeh ndttd blr illt eh` reh es iest es sbl kduc`, nreffohn tbl pesslhnlr ddr beh`cl



;=?

eh` puccohn ot dplh aust es Beycly tbrlw ot ohtd nler. Bdcòhn dhtd tbl beh`cldvlr tbl slet eh` tbl reoc di tbl fl`, Kcehky pdwlrl` blrslci ohtd tbl slet,slttcl` blr wlonbt eh` aeggl` blr iddt dhtd tbl frejl, fehnohn blr bleòhtd tbl woh`sbolc` ber` lhdunb td sll sters. [bl wrlstcl` wotb Beycly idr eslkdh`, fut blr suplrodr strlhntb eh` fucj eccdwl` blr td dvlrpdwlr tbl norc

eh` nlt tbl trukj ohtd perj. Alrjohn tbl jly irdg tbl onhotodh, sbl ncerl` ettbl norc eh` seo`, –Pbos osh‟t tbl iukjohn lh` di tbl wdrc`! Hdw stdp flohnsukb e fon nd`èghl` fefy eh` kecg iukjohn `dwh!‗

Beycly rlerl` fekj td scep blr eneoh, fut Kcehky rlekbl` dut eh` rdunbcynreffl` blr beh`s. [bl sbddj blr ber`, novohn blr e cltbec ncerl eh` seyohn,–O tdc` ydu td kecg `dwh! O gleht ot!‗

Pbl yduhnlr wdgeh scugpl` eneohst tbl `ddr, tlers icdwohn irllcy `dwh blrkblljs. Kcehky‟s klcc pbdhl kborpl`, eh` sbl ndt dut di tbl trukj td ehswlr,kestohn e wdrrol` ncehkl et Beycly wbocl sbl puhkbl` tbl ehswlr futtdh.

–Bo,‗ sbl seo` quoltcy.

–^blrl erl ydu4‗

Ot sduh`l` cojl Effy be` fllh kryohn, eh` Kcehky turhl` blr fekj td tbltrukj eh` seo`, –O‟g et ydur bdusl. Beycly‟s rleccy upslt, fut O `dh‟t tbohj ydu sbduc` kdgl fekj quotl ylt. Novl gl e ilw gdrl gohutls wotb blr,djey4‗

–Fut ‐!‗

–Effy, sbl‟s rleccy ehnry. Clt blr vlht sdgl di blr ehnlr flidrl ydu try tdtecj td blr.‗

–Fut sbl‟s vlhtohn et ydu ‐‗

–O keh beh`cl ot. [bl‟s hdt gy kboc`. Prust gl dh tbos … pclesl4‗

–@d ydu bevl tbl hugflr blrl4‗ Effy esjl` eitlr e gdglht.

–Hd. ]enl gl eh` clevl tbl hugflr. O‟cc kecc ydu sddh.‗

êcjohn fekj td tbl `rovlr‟s `ddr, Kcehky jhdkjl` conbtcy, tblh swuhn tblblevy `ddr dplh. –Kdgl dh. Clt‟s nd ohso`l.‗

^dr`clsscy, tbl yduhn wdgeh ndt dut eh` stdd` fy tbl trukj wbocl Kcehkyperjl` ot. Dhkl oh tbl jotkblh, tbly splht e ilw gohutls kecgohn tbl `dns`dwh, fdtb ehogecs enotetl` irdg blerohn reosl` vdokls.

Beycly wlht td tbl irllzlr eh` tddj dut e ilw okl kufls, tblh wreppl` tblg



;5=

oh e jotkblh tdwlc eh` beh`l` ot td Kcehky. –]ut tbet dh ydur lyl,‗ sbl seo`,ndohn td sot dh dhl di tbl jotkblh stddcs.

]uzzcl`, Kcehky tdukbl` blr lyl, hdtokohn idr tbl iorst togl tbet ot wesswdcclh eh` peohiuc td tbl tdukb. [bl pcekl` tbl kcdtb td ot, icohkbohn e fot

wblh tbl kdc` bot blr sjoh. –Keh O bevl ehdtblr dhl idr gy ble`4 O fehnl` otprltty ber`.‗

Nlttohn up td iltkb ehdtblr, Beycly frdunbt ot dvlr, tblh nlhtcy reh blriohnlrs tbrdunb Kcehky‟s beor, wohkohn wblh sbl ilct tbl jhdt tbet wesecrle`y idrgohn. ]rlssohn tbl kcdtb eneohst tbl spdt, sbl seo`, –O‟g sdrry O bot ydu. O'vl … hlvlr bot ehydhl oh gy wbdcl coil."

–Ot‟s djey,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O‟vl be` wdrsl.‗

–Fer ionbt4‗ Beycly esjl`, tbl nbdst di e sgocl dh blr cops.

–Prll cogf.‗ Kcehky rlturhl` blr sgocl eh` esjl`, –^bet‟s ndohn dh4 Otbdunbt tbos wduc` fdtblr ydu, fut ydu ekt cojl tbos os tbl wdrst tbohn oh tblwdrc`. ^blrl `dls tbet kdgl irdg4‗

"Bdw wduc` ydu cojl ot oi ydur ietblr `ol` eh` ydur gdg ilcc oh cdvl wotb ekbokj4"

Kcehky ge`l e iekl, ehhdyl` tbet sbl be` sukb e vosklrec rlektodh td tblglrl tbdunbt. –Djey. Ot wduc` fl wlor`,‗ Kcehky e`gottl`. –O `dh‟t jhdwwbet ot‟s cojl td fl oh ydur sbdls. Hlotblr dls ydur gdg. Fut sbl cdvls ydu

vlry gukb, eh` sbl `dlsh‟t weht td burt ydu. Hlotblr `d O.‗

Plers stertl` td rdcc `dwh tbl yduhn wdgeh‟s kblljs, eh` sbl guttlrl`, –O`dh‟t weht ydu td fl wotb blr.‗

–O keh sll tbet. Fut O eg. Ot‟s wbet wl fdtb weht.‗

–[d O `dh't lvlh nlt e vdtl4"

"O keh't splej idr ydur gdg. _du'cc bevl td esj blr tbet. Fut lvlh oi ydu nlt evdtl, ot's stocc twd td dhl."

"[bl‟` kbddsl ydu dvlr gl,‗ Beycly sdffl`, `rdppohn tbl kcdtb eh``ostehkohn blrslci irdg Kcehky. [bl wecjl` td tbl dtblr lh` di tbl jotkblh,kcutkbohn blr flccy wotb blr ergs.

–Pbet‟s hdt trul. _dur rlcetodhsbop wotb ydur gdg os prlkodus! Pblrl‟s hddutso`lr wbd keh lvlr glss wotb tbet. Eh` es gukb es O cdvl ydur gdtblr,O‟g eh dutso`lr. O‟cc ecweys fl eh dutso`lr. _du‟rl blr iclsb eh` blr fcdd`:



;55

ydu‟rl blr kboc`. Hd gettlr bdw dc` ydu nlt, hd gettlr bdw gehy ionbts ydubevl ‐ sbl‟s ydur gdg.‗

Pbl yduhnlr wdgeh rdppl` blr ble`, tblh wopl` blr lyls wotb tbl blg diblr P-sbort. –O betl tbos,‗ sbl wbosplrl`.

–O jhdw.‗ Kcehky wecjl` dvlr eh` stdd` hlxt td blr. –O jhdw bdw upslt yduerl, fut O ecsd jhdw tbet ydur gdg os wdrrol` sokj. O weht td nd pokj blr uphdw. ôcc ydu et clest try td fl kovoc td blr4‗

–_ls.‗

Kcehky be` fdtb slts di jlys, fut aust td fl surl, sbl lko`l` td tejl Effy‟sker. Pblrl kduc` fl ehdtblr slt di jlys tbet sbl ò`h‟t jhdw efdut. ^blhsbl rlekbl` tbl `ddr, Beycly‟s sdit vdokl icdetl` dvlr td blr. –_du‟rl hdtndohn td kdgl fekj wotb blr, erl ydu4‗

–Hd. Pbos os fltwllh tbl twd di ydu. O‟g ndohn bdgl.‗

–Ndd`.‗

***

Effy wes uh`lrstehèfcy flso`l blrslci wotb wdrry, eh` hdtbohn Kcehkykduc` sey blcpl` oh tbl clest. –^by ò`h‟t ydu tejl gl wotb ydu4‗ tbl dc`lrwdgeh esjl`, blr vdokl sbejohn.

–O `dh‟t jhdw wby O jhlw ot wes sd ogpdrteht,‗ Kcehky seo`, –fut O jhlw sblwes ndohn td nlt oh tbet ker eh` tejl dii. O kduc`h‟t rosj blr `dohn tbet eh`burtohn blrslci.‗

Effy hd``l`, tblh pettl` Kcehky efslhtcy eh` seo`, –Pbehj ydu. O hlvlrwduc` bevl idrnovlh gyslci oi sbl‟` ndttlh burt.‗

Es sddh es tbly puccl` ohtd tbl nerenl, Effy augpl` dut, fut Kcehkystdppl` blr. –Effy, ubg … Beycly tdc` gl sdgl tbohns, fut O tbohj ot‟s flstoi ydu bler tblg irdg blr. O‟g ndhhe clevl hdw.‗

–Db. Vonbt. \bg …‗ sbl cddjl` tdwer`s tbl ddr, eh` Kcehky wevl` blr dii.

–Nd eble`. Aust kcdsl tbl `ddr eitlr gl, djey4‗

Effy cddjl` et tbl cdst, cdhlcy lxprlssodh dh blr cdvlr‟s iekl eh` reh erduh`tbl ker td bun blr iolrklcy. –^l‟cc nlt tbrdunb tbos.‗ E joss dh tbl tlgpcl eh`sbl wes ndhl, clevohn Kcehky ecdhl oh tbl erj nerenl, tbl quolt wbor di e ieh



;56

oh tbl ker tbl dhcy sduh`.

***

Effy wecjl` ohtd tbl bdusl tlhtetovlcy, lxplktohn tbl wdrst, fut Beycly

`o`h‟t ehswlr wblh sbl keccl`. Pbl `dns wlrl gossohn, tdd, fut tbl dplhfekj `ddr cl` blr td tbl pddc, wblrl tbl cotbl yduhn wdgeh wes kburhohndut ceps. Effy wetkbl` blr idr e gdglht, tblh wlht fekj ohtd tbl bdusleh` put dh blr dwh suot. E ilw gohutls cetlr, sbl adohl` blr oh tbl pddc,quoltcy wetkbohn blr wdrj dut blr irustretodhs. E vlry cdhn togl pessl`, eh`Beycly ioheccy `rlw td e stdp, blr guskcls tdd ietonul` td gehenl ehdtblrstrdjl.

Pbl yduhn wdgeh cddjl` up et blr gdtblr eh` esjl`, –Erl ydu ge` et gl4‗

–Ge` et ydu4 ^by dh lertb wduc` O fl ge` et ydu4‗

–‒Keusl O bot Kcehky,‗ sbl seo` quoltcy.

–_du bot …4‗

[bl hd``l`. –@o`h‟t ydu sll blr lyl4 Ot wes ecc swdcclh. Eh` sbl bot blr ble`dh tbl woh`sbolc`. \bg … ydu‟` flttlr gejl surl sbl‟s djey.‗

"[bot!" Effy augpl` dut di tbl pddc eh` rekl` idr tbl jotkblh, blr beh`ssbejohn wbocl sbl oecl` Kcehky's klcc. Pbl erkbotlkt ehswlrl` dh tbl slkdh`

rohn. "Erl ydu ecc ronbt4 Beycly tdc` gl sbl bot ydu eh` tbet ydu bot ydurble` dh tbl woh`sbolc`!"

"_leb, O'g iohl," Kcehky seo`. "Aust e ble`ekbl. @dh't wdrry efdut gl."

"O eg wdrrol` efdut ydu," Effy seo`, blr vdokl sbejohn. "_du gonbt bevl ekdhkussodh."

"O `dh't tbohj sd," tbl yduhnlr wdgeh seo`.

"Kcehky, nd td tbl lglrnlhky rddg ronbt hdw, dr O'cc kdgl dvlr tblrl eh` tejl

ydu."

[onbohn, tbl ceh`skeplr seo`, "O `dh't weht td splh` tbl wbdcl honbt oh tblL.V. O bevl td wdrj oh tbl gdrhohn."

"Pblh nd fekj td Geroe's," Effy seo`. "[bl'cc jhdw oi ydu'rl burt fe`cylhdunb td hll` e KEP skeh."



;5;

"Effy ‐ "

"Kcehky, O'g aust efdut td rop gy beor dut. O keh't tejl gukb gdrl strlsstd`ey. Hdw, pclesl, oi ydu cdvl gl, nd sll Geroe!" Kcehky be` hlvlr bler` blrcdvlr sduh` sd tbdrdunbcy enotetl`. Aust td kecg blr `dwh, sbl enrll`.

"Iohl. Novl gl blr hugflr sd O keh tlcc blr O'g kdgohn."

"O'cc kecc blr idr ydu. Eh` blr hugflr's dh ydur penlr, tdd. Hdw kecc gl essddh es sbl cddjs et ydu, djey4"

"O prdgosl. O cdvl ydu."

"O cdvl ydu, tdd. O swler O `d."

Kcehky kcdsl` blr klcc pbdhl, e cottcl puzzcl` fy tbl lgpbetok wey tbet Effybe` prdilssl` blr cdvl. Pblrl wes sdgltbohn efdut blr tdhl tbet sduh`l`

`lsplretl, eh` e nhewohn wdrry wdrjl` et blr stdgekb ecc tbl wey td ]egeh` Geroe's bdgl.

***

Eitlr keccohn Geroe, Effy wecjl` fekj td tbl pddc eh` scoppl` oh, wosbohn sblkduc` sufglrnl blrslci idr e ilw bdurs uhtoc tbohns be` kecgl` `dwh.

Beycly wes squettohn oh tbl kdrhlr di tbl pddc, kryohn. –O‟vl hlvlr botehyfd`y oh gy coil,‗ sbl seo`. –O wes aust sd ge` …‗

–O‟g surl Kcehky wocc fl iohl,‗ Effy sddtbl`. –[bl‟cc idrnovl ydu.‗

Beycly cddjl` et blr gdtblr idr e gdglht eh` esjl`, –Erl ydu oh cdvl wotbblr4‗

^otbdut blsotetodh, Effy hd``l` blr ble`. –_ls, O eg.‗

Pbl herrdw sbduc`lrs scugpl`, eh` Beycly turhl` ewey irdg tbl clvlc nezltbet blr gdtblr ioxl` blr wotb. –O nulss O‟cc nd fekj up td [ehte Kruz. O bevlsdgl irolh`s wbd rlhtl` eh epertglht. O keh kresb wotb tblg.‗

–Beycly, tblrl‟s hd rlesdh idr ydu td clevl! Bdw keh wl wdrj tbos dut oi ydu‟rl ndhl4‗

–O keh‟t stey,‗ sbl seo` quoltcy. –O aust keh‟t.‗

–Fut wby4‗

"_du ge`l ydur `lkosodh. Kcehky's tbl dhl wbd gettlrs."



;50

"Beycly! Di kdursl Kcehky gettlrs td gl, fut ydu'rl gy kboc`! _du'rl hdt ohkdgpltotodh!"

"_ls, wl erl. _du clt gl tlcc ydu efdut gy krusb dh blr … clt gl cddj cojl e

iddc … eh` hlvlr seo` e wdr`. Pbet's wblh ydu kbdsl blr." [bl wecjl` dvlrtd tbl l`nl di tbl pddc eh` pusbl` blrslci up, nlttohn td blr illt. "@dh't stertektohn cojl ydu kerl hdw." [bejohn blr ble` td nlt tbl beor irdg blr lyls,sbl wreppl` e tdwlc erduh` blrslci eh` wlht ohso`l. Effy jhlw sbl sbduc`nd eitlr blr, fut sbl ò`h't bevl tbl strlhntb. [bl wlht dvlr td tbl bdt tufeh` turhl` dh tbl alts, tryohn td illc klhtlrl` flidrl sbl be` td iekl blrèunbtlr dhkl eneoh.

***

[tllcohn blr hlrvls, Kcehky rehn tbl `ddrflcc, wdh`lrohn bdw tbl honbt be`

ndhl sd wrdhn sd quokjcy. Geroe ehswlrl`, cddjohn es uhkdgidrtefcl esKcehky ilct. "O bler ydu ekklpt bdusl keccs," tbl ceh`skeplr seo`.

Geroe put blr beh` dh blr sbduc`lr eh` urnl` blr ohtd tbl bdusl. "Eitlr tblhonbt ydu'vl be`, weotohn oh tbl lglrnlhky rddg wduc` fl krulc ehùhusuec puhosbglht. Kdgl ohtd tbl jotkblh wblrl tbl conbt os ndd`."

êcjohn dwh tbl beccwey, Kcehky esjl`, "Os Ecysse djey4 O'vl fllh wdrrolèfdut blr."

Geroe tddj e quokj cddj et tbl yduhn wdgeh, surprosl` eh` pclesl` tbet

Kcehky wduc` tbohj di tbl norc ùrohn tbl turfuclht honbt. "_leb, sbl'cc fliohl. Fut sbl's prltty upslt. [bl tbohjs sbl keusl` trdufcl idr Effy … wbokbsbl ò`," sbl e``l` oh e wbosplr.

"^duc` ydu cojl gl td tecj td blr4" Kcehky diilrl`. "O tbohj O irlejl` blr dutfy yehjohn tbl pbdhl dut di blr beh` eh` tblh ruhhohn dut di tbl bdusl.[bl gonbt illc flttlr oi sbl sew gl ektohn hdrgeccy."

Geroe pursl` blr cops, tblh sbddj blr ble`. "_du bevlh't cddjl` et ydurslcioh e gorrdr, bevl ydu4"

Blr beh` iclw td blr kbllj. "Pbet fe`4"

"_leb. O dh't tbohj Ecysse wduc` illc flttlr td jhdw tbet Beycly flctl` ydu."

Gejohn e sbllposb nlsturl, Kcehky seo`, "O `dh't bevl gukb lxplrolhkl wotbjo`s, fut tbet prdfefcy wduc`h't fl tbl flst o`le."



;5<

Geroe pdohtl` et e kbeor, eh` Kcehky set `dwh. Pbl `dktdr tddj e plhconbtirdg dhl di tbl jotkblh rewlrs eh` turhl` ot dh. [bl tdukbl` Kcehky's kboheh` seo`, "Cddj streonbt eble`." [bl splht e ilw gdglhts cddjohn et lekblyl, wetkbohn ot òcetl. "_dur lyls cddj iohl," sbl seo`. "Pbl pupocs erl tblsegl sozl, eh` tbly òcetl et tbl segl retl." [bl set `dwh hlxt td Kcehky

eh` tdukbl` tbl fruosl uh`lr blr lyl. Kcehky wohkl`, fut ò`h't gdvl,eccdwohn Geroe td illc tbl fdhl erduh` blr lyl. "Djey. Hdw clt gl esj ydu eilw qulstodhs."

"Uulstodhs4" Kcehky esjl` wlejcy. "@dh't gejl 'lg tdd ber`. O'g wopl`."

Geroe sgocl` et blr. "[ogpcl dhls. @dh't wdrry." [bl ilct tbl jhdt tbet beìdrgl` ronbt et Kcehky's beorcohl. "@d ydu rlglgflr kdgohn dvlr wotbòhhlr4"

"[url. O wlht bdgl, sbdwlrl`, eh` wlht td tbl stdrl. Pblh O `rdvl dvlr

blrl."

"^bet wlrl ydu `dohn wblh ydu bot ydur ble`4"

"^rlstcohn wotb Beycly eh` bottohn tbl frejls tdd ber`. O clerhl` tbet sletflcts erl e ndd` o`le wblh ydu'rl ionbtohn td tejl kdhtrdc di e trukj."

]ettohn blr dh tbl sbduc`lr, Geroe seo`, "@dls ehytbohn sllg iuzzy druhkcler4"

"_leb, fut hdt flkeusl di flohn bot oh tbl ble`." Kcehky sgocl` et blr, eh`

tbl dktdr iduh` blrslci rlturhohn tbl kbergohn nroh. "O'g hdt usl` td e cdt di`yjl `rege."

Geroe ndt up eh` wlht td tbl irllzlr, puccohn dut e peor di kdc` pekjs. [blbeh`l` dhl td Kcehky idr blr lyl eh` blc` tbl dtblr td tbl ceh`skeplr'sidrlble`. "[ohkl fdtb di ydur fugps erl dh tbl segl so`l di ydur ble`, yduhll` e cottcl blcp."

"_du'vl blcpl` e cdt," Kcehky seo`. "O rleccy epprlkoetl ydur tejohn e cddj etgl. O dh't weht td keusl Effy ehy gdrl wdrry." [bl tbdunbt idr e gdglht,tblh esjl`, "Bdw ò` sbl sllg wblh ydu tecjl` td blr4"

"Hdt nrlet," Geroe e`gottl`. "[bl wes vlry wdrrol` efdut ydu."

"Db, tbos os hdtbohn," Kcehky seo`, wevohn blr irll beh` òsgossovlcy. "[bl'stbl dhl wotb prdfclgs. O aust bdpl Beycly osh't es orretodhec wotb blr es sblwes wotb gl." [bl tddj oh e `llp frletb eh` cddjl` et Geroe, blr nrey lylsioccl` wotb kdhklrh. "O betl idr blr td nd tbrdunb tbos ecdhl, fut O jhdw ot'` flwdrsl oi O wlrl tblrl."



;59

Geroe sgocl` et blr, seyohn, "_du rleccy kerl efdut blr, `dh't ydu4"

"Nd`, yls!" Kcehky seo`. "O'` `d ehytbohn td blcp blr!"

"O bdpl ot ecc wdrjs dut idr ydu," Geroe seo`, bdpohn ilrvlhtcy tbet ot wduc`.

***

Effy jhdkjl` dh Beycly's `ddr, fut tbl yduhn wdgeh `o`h't esj blr tdlhtlr. "O `dh't weht td tecj hdw, Gdg," sbl seo`.

"Kdgl dh, bdhly: `dh't sbut gl dut."

"O'g sdrry. Fut O weht td fl ecdhl. O dh't illc cojl tecjohn tdhonbt. Aust clt gl

kecg dwh."

"Ecc ronbt," Effy seo`, illcohn blr lyls iocc wotb tlers. Cdhlcy eh` `lprlssl`,sbl wecjl` dwh tbl becc td tbl nulst rddg, nretliuc wblh tbl dns augpl`dhtd tbl fl`, weotohn idr blr. [bl ku``cl` tblg idr e ilw gohutls, rlcosbohntbl sogpcl, uhqulstodhohn `lvdtodh tbly blc` idr blr. –_du `dh‟t lvlh nltge` et gl wblh O tejl ydu td tbl nrddglr,‗ sbl sonbl` ohtd Etblhe‟s kurcykdet.

[bl cey dwh eh` oecl` Kcehky, hdt surprosl` oh tbl clest wblh tbl yduhnlrwdgeh ehswlrl` dh tbl iorst rohn. –Bo.‗

–Erl ydu ecc ronbt4‗ Kcehky esjl` quokjcy.

–_ls. O‟g sd sdrry tbet Beycly bot ydu. Erl ydu ecc ronbt4"

–O‟g iohl. Geroe kblkjl` gl dut. Fut O‟g wdrrol` sokj efdut ydu, Effy.‗

–^lcc, ot sduh`s cojl ot wlht flttlr idr gl tbeh ot o` wotb ydu. [bl o`h‟t trytd bot gl.‗

–[bl wes ehnry,‗ Kcehky rlgoh`l` blr. –Ot wes hd fon `lec.‗

–_ls, ot os. Ot's e vlry fon `lec, eh` O‟g sdrry ydu be` td suiilr flkeusl diBeycly's tlgplr.‗

–Idrnlt efdut ot,‗ Kcehky seo` iorgcy. –Hdw, bdw erl ydu4‗

Effy sonbl` blevocy eh` seo`, –^lcc, dtblr tbeh blr tlccohn gl tbet sbltbohjs O'vl kbdslh ydu dvlr blr, sbl `o`h‟t tecj gukb. [bl‟s gdrl nuer`l`



;5>

wotb blr illcohns tbeh O eg ‐ oi ydu keh flcolvl ot.‗

–Dukb! Hd wdh`lr ydu `dh‟t bevl gehy ionbts.‗

–_leb, tbet‟s pert di ot. [bl‟s ehnry eh` burt, fut O‟g surl sbl‟cc nlt dvlr ot. O

aust … O tbohj tbet wl sbduc` fekj dii e cottcl ‐ aust uhtoc sbl‟s gdrlkdgidrtefcl wotb tbos.‗

–Fekj dii4‗

Effy kclerl` blr tbrdet, tryohn td jllp blr netblrohn lgdtodhs et fey.–Kcehky, O cdvl ydu. Pbet‟s hdt ndohn td kbehnl. Fut O hll` td splh` sdgltogl wotb Beycly. O bevl td novl blr sdgl spekl sd tbet sbl illcs cojl sbl kehlxprlss blrslci. Os tbet djey4‗

–[url. _du d wbet ydu tbohj os flst.‗ [bl peusl` e slkdh` eh` esjl`, –Keh

ydu kdgl td gy bdusl4‗

–Clt‟s sll bdw ot ndls. O weht td gejl surl wl beh`cl tbos prdplrcy sd tbet wlkeh gdvl idrwer`.‗

Kcehky ò` blr flst td stocc tbl `dufts eh` tbl wdrrols tbrletlhohn tddvlrwblcg blr. [bl idrkl` blrslci td tejl e `llp frletb eh` tejl e clep diieotb. –Djey. O‟cc clt ydu `lko`l bdw td beh`cl tbos. O trust ydu.‗

[bl kduc` ecgdst sll tbl sgocl dh blr cdvlr's iekl. –O cdvl ydu, Kcehky. EhÒ'g sd beppy td jhdw tbet ydu trust gy au`nglht. O‟g sdrry idr bdw fe`cy

tbos ecc wlht, fut wl keh nlt tbrdunb ot. ^l wocc nlt tbrdunb ot.‗

–O jhdw wl wocc. O cdvl ydu wotb ecc gy blert. N'honbt.‗

"Pry td scllp, bdhly. _du bevl e fon èy tdgdrrdw."

"O wocc. _du, tdd."

KBE]PLV HOHLPLLH

Kcehky ndt td wdrj lercy eh` puccl` up oh irdht di Effy's bdusl flidrl blr

krlw errovl`. Blr klcc pbdhl rehn flidrl sbl kduc` turh tbl trukj dii, eh`sbl reosl` tbl `lvokl td blr ler td bler Effy sey, "Gllt gl dut fekj. O bevltd sll ydu."

Eitlr augpohn dut di tbl trukj, tbl fcdh`l ble`l` idr tbl yer`. Effy nrespl`blr wblh sbl rlekbl` tbl kdrhlr di tbl bdusl eh` wreppl` blr oh e hlercy`lsplretl bun. "Bdw erl ydu4" sbl wbosplrl`, puccohn ewey td nlhtcy ruh blriohnlrs dvlr Kcehky's fruosl` iekl.



;52

"O'g iohl, rleccy," sbl seo`, icohkbohn e fot wblh Effy's kddc iohnlrs tdukbl`tbl fugp dh blr ble`.

"O'g sd, sd sdrry," Effy seo`, puccohn blr ohtd ehdtblr bun eh` squllzohn blr

ber`. "O keh't flcolvl bdw fe`cy lvlrytbohn turhl` dut."

Kcehky rlw fekj eh` cddjl` ohtd Effy's lyls. "Hdtbohn bes turhl` dut ylt,fefl. ^l be` e fe` honbt. Pbet's ecc. Pbohns wocc nlt flttlr es cdhn es wl'rlpetolht."

Fdtb ble`s turhl` et tbl sduh` di e blevy trukj puccohn up oh irdht di tblbdusl. "Db, ègh," Effy sonbl`.

Kcehky pettl` blr eh` nevl blr e blerty bun. "@dh't wdrry sd gukb. l'cc fliohl … lvlhtueccy."

Effy jossl` blr tlh`lrcy, ferlcy frusbohn cops. "O wdh't fl efcl td kdgl duttdèy, bdhly. O `dh't weht td gejl tbohns wdrsl."

"Pbet's iohl," Kcehky seo`, tryohn td kdhvly blr kdhio`lhkl. "Kecc gl tdhonbt. Aust try td nlt tbrdunb tbl ey eh` rlecozl tbet tbohns gonbt fl fe` hdw, futtbet tbly'cc nlt flttlr."

"]rdgosl4" Effy esjl`, slerkbohn Kcehky's nrey lyls idr tbl sconbtlst sonh di`duft.

Kcehky put blr beh`s dh blr sbduc`lrs eh` blc` blr et erg's clhntb. "Oprdgosl." Effy nevl blr ehdtblr quokj joss eh` èsbl` ewey, aust flidrlVegdh eh` tbl rlst di tbl krlw lhtlrl` tbl yer`.

***

Eitlr eh lxbeustohn ey di blcpohn tbl krlw wotb tbl pcehtohn lsonh, Kcehkywes ecgdst rlcolvl` td fl efcl td clevl et tbl lh` di tbl èy. Effy stukj blrble` dut e ilw togls, fut tbly o`h‟t kdhvlrsl et ehy clhntb, eh` Kcehky clitwotb e venul illcohn di uhlesohlss, `lspotl blr essurehkls td Effy. Beyclypuccl` ohtd tbl rovlwey aust es sbl wes clevohn, eh` Kcehky turhl` blr ble`

eh` `rdvl dii, blr blert tbu`òhn blevocy oh blr kblst.

***

^blh ]eg ndt bdgl irdg wdrj, Geroe wes oh tbl jotkblh gejohnseh`wokbls idr ohhlr. "Db, ydu'rl kddjohn!" sbl seo`, e pclesl` sgocl dh blriekl.



;5?

"^l'rl oh trdufcl wblh tbos kdhstotutls kddjohn," Geroe seo`. [bl wopl` blrbeh`s dh e tdwlc eh` nevl blr cdvlr e joss. "Ndd` èy4"

"_leb. Iohl. Bdw efdut ydu4"

"Hdt fe`. O wes òstrektl` ecc èy, tbdunb. O kduc`h't stdp tbohjohn efdutEffy."

]eg shetkbl` e polkl di turjly eh` stuiil` ot ohtd blr gdutb flidrl Geroekduc` stdp blr. "Ndd`," sbl seo`, sgocohn ogposbcy. "O splht e cdt di togltbohjohn efdut blr, tdd. Eh` efdut Beycly. @o` ydu bler irdg blr4"

"Bub-ub. O'g eireo` td kecc."

]eg jokjl` dii blr sbdls eh` bdostl` blrslci up dhtd tbl kduhtlr. "O'gillcohn e cottcl kbokjlh gyslci. Geyfl wl sbduc` bevl Ecysse kecc."

Geroe ceunbl` wrycy. "O tbohj wl sbduc` rlvosot bevohn Ecysse ehswlr tblpbdhl. Oi sbl lvlh wehts td eitlr cest honbt."

"[bl'cc fl iohl. [bl sllgl` ecc ronbt flidrl sbl wlht td fl`." [bl clehl` dvlreh` nreffl` e ilw kerrdt wl`nls eh` stertl` td guhkb dh tblg. "^l ò`h'tnlt td tecj gukb cest honbt sohkl ydu kdccepsl` es sddh es ydu kegl td fl`.Bdw wes Kcehky4"

Geroe tddj e kerrdt irdg blr cdvlr eh` tddj e fotl. [bl cddjl` plhsovl idr egdglht tblh seo`, "Hdtbohn slrodus. O'g surl sbl bes e bleèkbl tdèy, eh`

sbl prdfefcy bes e prltty ndd` sbohlr, fut sbl'cc fl iohl. _du jhdw," sblseo`, tejohn ehdtblr fotl, "sbl's e cdt gdrl geturl tbeh O tbdunbt. [bl`dlsh't sllg es yduhn es sbl ò` wblh wl glt blr."

"Ot's dhcy fllh e wllj, bdhly. O `dh't tbohj ydu keh geturl gukb oh slvlhèys."

"_du'rl tdd iuhhy," Geroe seo`, blr lxprlssodh kdgpcltlcy le`peh. "O jhdw,fut O `dh't tbohj sbl wes kdgidrtefcl wotb us tbl honbt wl glt blr. O'g hdtsurl wl sew tbl rlec Kcehky. Cest honbt sbl sllgl` … O `dh't jhdw. [blsllgl` cojl e wdgeh wbd jhlw wbet sbl wehtl` eh` wduc` d wbet ot tddj

td nlt ot. O … O'g illcohn flttlr efdut tbl wbdcl tbohn."

"Vleccy4 [bl sllgl` cojl e jo` td gl cest honbt. [bl ektl` rleccyuhkdgidrtefcl flohn ecdhl wotb gl eh` Ecysse."

"^lcc, sbl os irdg e òiilrlht nlhlretodh … eh` sbl's e ner`lhlr … eh` sbl`dlsh't ekt cojl sbl kdgls irdg dhl di tbl dc` ]ese`lhe iegocols. Geyfl sblillcs ohtogoètl` fy us."



;65

"Erl ydu ecc ronbt4 O jhdw tbos osh't wbet ydu bdpl` idr wblh ydu iehtesozlèfdut flohn wotb eh dc`lr wdgeh."

Kcehky ceunbl`. "Hd, O'` bevl td e`got O hlvlr ndt dii dh tbohjohn efdut alecdus èunbtlrs. Cukjocy, ydu'rl wdrtb ot."

[bl seo` tbos wotb e nrlet lec di kdhio`lhkl, eh` Effy stertl` td illc sdgl diblr ehxolty ie`l. "O tbohj sbl's e cottcl alecdus," sbl enrll`. "Fut sbl sllgs tdillc fltreyl`. Et clest tbet's wbet O'g nulssohn."

"[bl ò`h't sey4"

"Hd. O kbesl` blr erduh` tbl bdusl ecc èy cdhn, fut ecc sbl ò` wes col dhverodus polkls di iurhoturl, costlhohn td blr o]d`. [bl o`h't sey twd wdr`s eccèy."

Pbet wduc` bevl wdrjl` idr efdut iovl gohutls et gy bdusl, Kcehkytbdunbt, fut sbl jhlw tbet Effy eh` Beycly be` e òiilrlht rlcetodhsboptbeh sbl be` wotb blr perlhts, eh` sbl trol` hdt td au`nl Effy's stycl. "[d,wbet `d wl `d4 êot uhtoc sbl's rle`y td tecj4"

"O … O nulss sd," Effy seo`, sduhòhn vlry uhsurl di blrslci. "O bevlh'ttbdunbt tbet ier eble`. O bevl pcehs td bevl cuhkb wotb gy irolh` [plhklrtdgdrrdw ‐ "

"Hd tlhhos4"

"Hd. Lcclh eh` Hloc erl dut di tdwh. Dr et clest tbet's wbet sbl tdc` Geroe.Dtblr tbeh sllohn [plhklr, O wes aust ndhhe behn erduh` tbl bdusl eh`bdpl gy glrl prlslhkl ehhdys Beycly lhdunb td nlt blr td tecj."

"Keh't gejl blr, bub4" Kcehky esjl`, nrogekohn wblh sbl bler` tblqulstodh kdgl dut di blr gdutb.

"Gejl blr4 Bdw keh ydu gejl sdgldhl tecj efdut blr illcohns4"

Effy sduh`l` trucy puzzcl`, eh` Kcehky jhlw ot wes pdohtclss td nd `dwhtbos petb. "_du'rl ronbt. _du keh't `d tbet. Aust wosbiuc tbohjohn."

"O betl td fl epert, fut O tbohj O hll` td stey bdgl uhtoc Beycly dplhs up._du `d uh`lrsteh`, `dh't ydu4"

"_leb. [url O `d. _du bevl td `d wbet ydu tbohj os ronbt. Eh` hd gettlrwbet, sbl's ndtte nd fekj td skbddc sddh."

"Hdt idr e gdhtb," Effy seo`. "@egh, hdw O'g upslt tbet sbl's ndhhe fl



;66

bdgl idr ehdtblr gdhtb. O hlvlr tbdunbt O'` illc tbet wey! O kduc`h't weot idrblr td kdgl bdgl."

"Pbos os tlgpdrery, Effy. _du'rl ndohn tbrdunb e rdunb petkb. @dh't strlssefdut ot tdd gukb."

"O `dh't jhdw oi tbet's pdssofcl," tbl dc`lr wdgeh seo`. "[trlss os dhl di tblkdrhlrstdhls di gdtblrbdd`."

***

Pbl hlxt gdrhohn, Effy wes cyohn oh fl`, uhefcl td scllp eh` uhwoccohn tdnlt up. [bl'` ndttlh sd `lconbtiuccy usl` td bevohn Kcehky oh fl` wotb blrtbet sbl hdw be` e ber` togl ieccohn escllp, eh` sbl wdjl flidrl èwh,illcohn krehjy eh` `lprlssl`. Pbl pbdhl rehn, eh` sbl rlekbl` dut td nrefot, wdh`lrohn wbd be` tbl hlrvl td kecc et 91== e.g. "Blccd4"

"O jhdw ot's tdd lercy td kecc, fut O ionurl` ydu'rl hdt scllpohn wlcc ehywey."

"@egh, ydu jhdw gl tdd wlcc," Effy seo`, turhohn dhtd blr fekj eh` cyohn`dwh wotb e sgocl dh blr iekl. "_du erlh't keccohn td òsdwh gl, erl ydu4"

"Hd, ieccohn oh cdvl osh't ndohn td d ot. _du'rl ndohn td bevl td try ber`lr oi yduweht td fl òsdwhl`."

"O jhlw ydu'` uh`lrsteh`, Gdg," Effy seo`, illcohn blr gdtblr's cdvl eh`wergtb lvlh et tbrll tbduseh` gocls.

Pbl dc`lr wdgeh ceunbl`. "O ò h't sey tbet, bdhly. O jhdw ot's hdt pbysokeccypdssofcl, fut ot ilct cojl gy aew bot tbl icddr wblh O rle` ydur clttlr. Erlh't ydu suppdsl` td ionurl dut oi ydu cojl glh dr wdglh wblh ydu'rl e blkj di ecdt yduhnlr4"

"Pbet's wbet tbly sey," Effy seo`. "O nulss O'g e cetl fcddglr." [bl weotl` idre slkdh`, tblh esjl`, "Os @e` es hdhkbeceht efdut tbos es ydu erl4"

"_du bevl glt ydur ietblr, bevlh't ydu4" Lcozefltb Pu`dr esjl`. "Bl's hlvlrfllh hdhkbeceht oh bos coil."

"_du jhdw wbet O gleh," Effy seo`. "Bdw's bl tejohn ot4"

"^lcc … bl cdvls ydu, bdhly, eh` bl wehts ydu td fl beppy. Fut bl's hdtsurl tbos os tbl ronbt kbdokl idr ydu. Ot'cc tejl bog e wbocl."



;6;

"Os bl ehnry, upslt4 ^bet's ndohn dh, Gdg4"

"Hd, bl's hdt ehnry, fut bl os upslt. O ò`h't tlcc bog O wes keccohn yduflkeusl O ò`h't weht bog td nlt dh tbl pbdhl eh` stert clkturohn ydu. Ojhdw ydu betl tbet."

"Betl's hdt e strdhn lhdunb wdr`," Effy seo`. "Eh` O wduc`h't tejl e clkturlvlry wlcc ronbt hdw."

"Pbet's wbet O ionurl`. l'cc aust clt bog stlw efdut tbos idr e wbocl, eh` ydukeh tecj td bog wblh bl's rle`y td costlh. O tdc` bog td wrotl td ydu, eh` Otbohj bl's ndohn td. Fut dh't rle` tbl clttlr oi ydu dh't weht td bevl bog tlcc ydu ecc tbl rlesdhs ydu sbduc`h't `d tbos."

"^l'vl ndt e lec," Effy seo`. "Bl'` jocc fdtb di us oi bl jhlw ydu werhl` glwblh td tbrdw bos clttlrs ewey."

"Db, bl `dlsh't bevl e gleh fdhl oh bos fd`y," Lcozefltb seo`. "Bl austidrnlts tbet bl keh't tecj td lvlrydhl cojl dhl di bos stu`lhts. Bl wes eprdilssdr idr ier tdd cdhn."

"Fut ydu'rl djey wotb tbos, Gdg4 Vleccy djey wotb ot4"

"^lcc … oi O be` gy kbdokl, O suppdsl O'` retblr ydu iduh` ehdtblr geh. Otbohj tbet wduc` fl lesolr idr ydu eh` idr tbl jo`s. Fut O keh't gejl ydur`lkosodhs, bdhly. Eh` O jhdw ydu wduc`h't iecc idr sdgldhl wbd wesh'tefsdcutlcy wdh`lriuc. [d O'g kdhio`lht tbos wocc ecc wdrj dut."

"Bevl O tdc` ydu wbet e wdh`lriuc gdtblr ydu erl4" Effy esjl`, blr vdoklfrlejohn e cottcl.

"_ls, bdhly, ydu bevl. Fut ot's lesy td fl ydur gdtblr. _du'vl ecweys fllh enrlet jo`." Lcozefltb kclerl` blr tbrdet `regetokeccy. "[plejohn di jo`s …bdw erl ydu ndohn td tlcc ydurs4"

ôtb e sduh` fltwllh e nurncl eh` e nrdeh, Effy seo`, "Beycly jhdws.Ecysse tdc` blr."

"Ecysse4"

"_leb. Ber` td flcolvl tbet sukb e cottcl norc kduc` stor up sukb e glss. Pblpddr tbohn wes lhtorlcy ohhdklht di kdursl, fut bevohn Beycly ioh` dut tbetwey bes ge`l tbos blccosb."

"Db, Effy, bdw bdrrofcl idr ydu!"



;60

"Ot's fllh fe`," sbl e`gottl`. "O wehtl` td bevl tbos ecc pcehhl` dut, wotb eccsdrts di kdhtohnlhkols iektdrl` oh. _du jhdw bdw O eg, Gdg."

"O `d," Lcozefltb seo`. "Geyfl ot wesh't wosl idr getb eh` lhnohllrohn hlr`std bevl e kboc`. _du hlvlr stdd` e kbehkl di flohn ge`kep."

"^lcc, tbl clsfoeh cdvl et idrty-iovl os prltty ge`kep," Effy rlgoh`l` blr."Fut Beycly's vlry, vlry burt, dr ehnry, dr kdhiusl` dr òseppdohtl`."

"\p td blr dc` trokjs, lb4"

"_leb. [bl wdh't sey e wdr`. [bl aust wecjs erduh` tbl bdusl eh` sonbs`regetokeccy lvlry dhkl oh e wbocl. O dh't gleh td gejl conbt di blr illcohns,fut sbl's pceyohn tbos cojl Kegoccl."

"[bl bes e iceor idr tbl `regetok," Lcozefltb enrll`, "fut sbl's tbl quoltlst

òve oh tbl wdrc`."

Effy ceunbl`. "Pbet sugs blr up. [d O `dh't jhdw wbet td `d fut weot blrdut." [bl tddj oh e blevy frletb eh` esjl`, "Bdw ò` O nlt dc` lhdunb tdbevl prdfclgs cojl tbos4"

"@dh't esj gl, bdhly. O rliusl td flcolvl O'g slvlhty-ylers-dc`. Ot's aust hdtpdssofcl!" [bl ceunbl` et blr dwh ohkrlùcoty eh` seo`, "O suppdsl wl bevltd iekl rlecoty, fut O'g beppolr flohn oh `lhoec."

"O wosb O kduc` fl oh `lhoec efdut tbos, fut O bevl td tlcc Prlvdr hdw. O'g

bdpohn bl'cc fl gdrl uh`lrstehòhn tbeh Beycly, fut ydu hlvlr jhdw."

"Db, O'g surl Prlvdr wocc fl ecc ronbt. Bl'cc fl surprosl`, fut bl's ecweys fllhe clvlc-ble`l` fdy. Bl's sd gukb cojl ydu, ot osh't iuhhy."

"Pbet's trul, Gdg, fut O dh't jhdw bdw O wduc` bevl cojl` ot oi @e` be` ol`wblh O wes yduhn eh` ydu sbdwl` up wotb e wdgeh dh ydur erg."

"E yduhn wdgeh," Lcozefltb seo`, "dhcy iovl ylers dc`lr tbeh Prlvdr."

"@dh't rlgoh` gl," Effy gdehl`. "Ot's hdt ndhhe fl iuh." [bl tbdunbt idr e

slkdh` tblh seo`, "O'g surprosl` ydu bevlh't be` gdrl qulstodhs efdut tbosrlcetodhsbop. Erl ydu rleccy es gettlr-di-iekt es ydu sllg4"

"Hd, di kdursl hdt," Lcozefltb seo`, "fut O'g hdt ndohn td nrocc ydu dvlr tblpbdhl. O weht td tecj efdut tbos oh plrsdh. O keh't nlt e ndd` rle` dh yduuhclss O keh sll ydur lyls."

"^blh erl ydu kdgohn bdgl, Gdg4 O'` cdvl td nlt sdgl e`vokl dh ecc di tbos,



;69

***

Effy ndt up eh` o`h't lvlh fdtblr td tejl e sbdwlr. Iovl gohutls cetlr, sblwes sottohn oh tbl jotkblh, stertohn td kdgpdsl blr clttlr. [bl wesh't surlwbet td sey, fut sbl jhlw tbet tbl dhcy wey td rlekb Prlvdr wes td tlcc bog

tbl kdgpcltl, uhverhosbl` trutb. [urprosohncy, es sddh es sbl flneh, tblwdr`s icdwl` irdg blr oh e strleg.

@ler Prlvdr,

O bevl sdgl ndd`, fut pdssofcy upslttohn hlws td sberl wotb ydu. Gukb tdgy surprosl, O'vl iecclh oh cdvl. O'g surl tbet ydu wocc bevl goxl` illcohnsefdut gy lhtlrohn ohtd e rlcetodhsbop wotb ehydhl, fut tbos plrsdh gonbt flber`lr tbeh gdst td ekklpt. O'vl iecclh oh cdvl wotb Kcehky …

***

Effy wevl` td blr irolh`, [plhklr, eh` bl krdssl` tbl òhohn rddg td nrlltblr. "O `dh't jhdw wbet ydu'vl fllh `dohn, fut jllp `dohn ot!" bl seo`lhtbusoestokeccy. "_du cddj gervlcdus!"

"Db, [plhklr, ydu'rl ecweys iucc di kdgpcoglhts."

Bl jossl` blr eh` set `dwh, cddjohn et blr krotokeccy wbocl bl pcekl` boshepjoh dh bos cep. Bos èrj fcul suot wes ogplkkefcy teocdrl` eh` iot bosnyg-ber`lhl` fd`y cojl e ncdvl, eh` tbl kdgpltohn stropls di bos sbort eh`tol ge`l bog cddj fdtb iesbodhefcl eh` beh`sdgl oh eh Ovy Clenul sdrt di

wey. Bl swlpt bos èrj beor irdg bos idrlble` oh e befotuec nlsturl eh`seo`, "O'cc e`got tbet O tbrdw kdgpcoglhts erduh` retblr nlhlrduscy, fut O'gflohn lhtorlcy sohklrl. _du cddj flttlr tbeh ydu bevl oh ylers." Bl cdwlrl`bos vdokl eh` esjl`, "@o` ydu bevl wdrj dhl4 O prdgosl O wdh't tlcc e sduc!"

Effy wes keunbt icet-iddtl` fy bos qulstodh. [bl ceunbl` ber`, gejohnslvlrec dtblr petrdhs turh td cddj et blr. "Db, Nd`," sbl seo`, kcutkbohn blrstdgekb. "Pbet's proklclss!"

"Ehto-`lprlssehts4" bl esjl`, uhwoccohn td novl up.

[bl rlekbl` dut eh` tddj bos beh`. "Hdt tlkbhokeccy, fut O eg illcohnwdh`lriuc. O suppdsl tbet O'g es ehto-`lprlssl` es O'vl fllh sohkl occ ol`."

"Plcc!"

"O wocc, bdhly, tbet's wby O keccl` ydu td bevl cuhkb. O bevl e fon, fon



;6>

ehhduhklglht."

"_du'rl nlttohn rl-gerrol`!" Bl wes fduhkohn erduh` oh bos slet cojl e kboc`,eh` Effy kduc`h't stdp sgocohn et bog.

"Hd … hdt ylt, fut O'vl glt sdgldhl tbet O bdpl td splh` tbl rlst di gy coilwotb."

"Pbet's iefucdus!" Bl rdsl oh bos slet eh` jossl` blr eneoh, tblh nevl blr ebun, òppohn tbl lh` di bos tol oh bos wetlr ncess flkeusl di tblewjwer`hlss di tblor pdsotodhs. "Db, Nd`," bl seo`, nreffohn tbl wlt iefrok."Bordsbo nevl gl tbos cest wllj … irdg bos trop td Cdh`dh. Bl'cc jocc gl oi Oruoh ot!" Bl fcdttl` tbl wetlr wotb bos hepjoh eh` gugfcl`, "O'g ndohn tdtejl ot td tbl `ry kclehlr tbl gohutl O clevl blrl. Pbehj Nd` O jllp e ilwsperls et gy diiokl." Effy aust wetkbl` bog, wlcc usl` td blr irolh`'s iceor idrtbl `regetok. Bl ioxl` tbl ègenl es flst bl kduc` tblh cddjl` up et blr.

"Db, gy cdr`! _du aust tdc` gl iehtestok hlws, eh` ecc O keh d os wdrry efdutgy tol! Plcc gl lvlrytbohn. Eh` O `d gleh lvlrytbohn! O wehhe jhdw enl,wlonbt, blonbt, clhntb … eh` hd kbletohn! O jhdw bdw ydu wdglh erl!"

Effy stertl` td ceunb eneoh, ecweys egusl` fy [plhklr's rofec` slhsl dibugdr. ]ceyohn ecdhn, sbl seo`, "Djey. Pborty ylers dc`. Efdut iovl iddtslvlh. Geyfl e buh`rl` eh` twlhty dr twlhty-iovl pduh`s. Eh` O'g hdt surlwbet clhntb ydu weht. Iohnlrs4" [bl idc`l` blr beh`s uh`lr blr kboh ehìoxl` bog wotb e cddj di purl ohhdklhkl.

Bl pusbl` blr sbduc`lr ber` lhdunb td gejl blr kbeor rdkj. "Lotblr ydu'rl

ndohn dut wotb e tohy cottcl geh dr ydu'vl flkdgl e èunbtlr di [eppbd!" Blwes squlecohn wotb `lconbt. "O keh't `lko`l wbokb dhl O'` cojl flttlr! [llohn ydu wotb e tborty-yler-dc` adkjly dr bevohn ydu guii-òvl!"

"O dh't cojl bdrsls, [plhklr," sbl seo` wotb e wry sgocl. "O d, bdwlvlr, sllgtd cojl tbl ceòls. Dr, td fl prlkosl, ce`y. O'g hdt surl O'g rle`y td wevl tblcevlh`lr icen."

"O'g sd lxkotl`, O kduc` pll gy pehts!" Bl rlekbl` ohtd bos aekjlt pdkjlt eh`puccl` dut bos klcc pbdhl. "O bevl td kecc Bordsbo!"

Effy nreffl` bos erg. "O'` retblr ydu ò`h't ehhduhkl ot td tbl wbdclrlsteureht. O keh aust ogenohl ydu. 'Keh ydu bler gl hdw4 Bdw efdut hdw4Effy's e `yjl! _ls, e fon dc` `yjl!'"

"O'g tbl sduc di òskrltodh!" bl seo`, ilonhohn ohònhetodh. Hdhltblclss, blput bos pbdhl fekj ohtd bos pdkjlt. "Djey, dh tbl wey td tbl kclehlrs, O'cc keccBordsbo. Bl wocc òl, Effy. Bl wocc efsdcutlcy òl!"



;62

"Nd`, [plhklr, O tbdunbt ydu'` fl suppdrtovl, fut O ò`h't tbohj O'` gejl ydur èy!"

"Gy wllj … et clest!" bl ohsostl`. "Hdw ydu rleccy bevl td tlcc gl lvlrytbohn.O wehhe jhdw wblrl ydu glt blr, wbet sbl `dls, wbet sbl cddjs cojl, bdw

sbl os oh fl` … lvlrytbohn!"

Effy sgocl` et bog retblr lhongetokeccy. "@d ydu bdhlstcy tbohj O'` tecjefdut bevohn slx wotb tbl wdgeh O cdvl4"

"^by hdt4" bl esjl` kbllrocy. "O'vl tdc` ydu efdut Bordsbo."

"_ls, cdvl, ydu bevl, eh` tbl ogenls erl stocc furhl` ohtd gy freoh. Fut gylhtorl plrsdhecoty besh't kbehnl` flkeusl di tbos. Gy slxuec drolhtetodh austvllrl` dii ots usuec kdursl fy e ilw `lnrlls. O'g stocc e prdplr ]ese`lhegetrdh."

"Db, pclesl," bl ceunbl`. "]rdplr ]ese`lhe getrdhs bevl hlvlr fllh td ecletblr fer. [tlpblh tdc` gl ydu usl` td nd td fllr fusts et tbl Lencl wotbbog!"

"O wes oh kdcclnl! Pbet wes ecgdst tborty ylers end. O'vl nrdwh up. Eh` austidr tbl rlkdr`, [tlpblh wes e fon tettcltecl!"

[plhklr rlekbl` dvlr eh` tddj Effy's beh`, tblh surprosl` blr fy frohnohnot td bos cops eh` jossohn ot. "[tlpblh wduc` bevl fllh beppy idr ydu," bl seo`sditcy. "Bdw efdut ôcc4 ^duc` bl bevl fllh fdtblrl` fy ydur flohn wotb e

wdgeh4"

Effy sgocl` et bog eh` trol` hdt td kry. "Hd. ôcc wehtl` gl td iecc oh cdvleneoh. Bl wduc` bevl fllh ge` et gl idr weotohn sd cdhn, td fl bdhlst. EhÒ'g surl bl wduc`h't bevl kerl` wbdg O ilcc idr ‛ es cdhn es O wes beppy."

"Erl ydu4" bl esjl`, nezohn `llpcy ohtd blr lyls.

"_ls. O'g vlry, vlry beppy, eh` oi wl keh wdrj sdgl tbohns dut … sbl's tbldhl, [plhkl. [bl's tbl dhl."

***

Et erduh` 91==, Effy ehswlrl` tbl pbdhl, pclesl` td bler ]eg's vdokl. "Bo.Keh O `rdp fy dh gy wey bdgl irdg wdrj4"

"^drj dh [eturèy4"

"_leb. ^l'rl puttohn oh e hlw systlg. O be` td kblkj sdgl tbohns dut."



;;=

"_du'rl flohn soccy," Effy seo`. "Oi O kduc` treoh tbl dns td ehswlr tbl pbdhl,O'` d ot oh e gohutl. Hdw kdgl sot dh tbl pdrkb wotb gl. Geyfl ydu bevl tblslkrlt td sdcvohn gy prdfclgs."

Pbly wecjl` up td tbl pdrkb eh` set `dwh, fdtb di tblg nezohn et tbl cewheh` icdwlrs idr e ilw gohutls. "êhhe tlcc gl wbet's fllh ndohn dh4 Cest Ojhlw, Kcehky eh` Beycly be` e ionbt."

Effy hd``l`. "Pbet's efdut tbl cest tbohn tbet bepplhl`. [ohkl tblh, hd rleckbehnl."

"\bg … ot‟s fllh twd èys. [dgltbohn bes td bevl bepplhl` sohkl tblg."

"Hd, hdt rleccy," Effy seo`. "Beycly's onhdrohn gl, fut tdrturohn gl fy

steyohn bdgl ecgdst lvlry gohutl."

"^bet bevl ydu `dhl td gejl blr tecj4"

"Gejl blr4" Effy esjl`, cddjohn e cottcl fcehj. "Kcehky esjl` tbl segltbohn, fut O `dh't jhdw ‛ "

"_ls, gejl blr! _du keh't wecj erduh` dh pohs eh` hll`cls weotohn idr blr tdfrohn ot up!"

"Fut tbet's hdt … O `dh't usueccy …"

]eg put blr beh` dh blr irolh`'s erg. "Effy, O jhdw ydu cojl td clt tbl jo`stbohj tbohns tbrdunb oh tblor dwh wey, fut tbos os òiilrlht! [bl's bdcòhn ydu bdstenl!"

Effy set idr e gohutl, sllohn tbl sotuetodh tbrdunb ]eg's lyls. "O nulss ydu'rl ronbt. [bl's bdcòhn fdtb Kcehky eh` gl bdstenl. ^l'rl hdt sllohnlekb dtblr wbocl Beycly's upslt, eh` O jhdw ot's `rovohn Kcehky krezy."

"Ot'` `rovl gl krezy," ]eg seo`. "Pd fl bdhlst, O wduc`h't clt ydu nlt eweywotb ot. Kcehky gust fl e cdt gdrl petolht tbeh O eg."

Effy cddjl` et blr, kdhso`lrohn blr kdgglht. "O dh't … O `dh't tbohj sbl osvlry petolht, td tlcc tbl trutb." [bl put blr ble` ohtd blr beh`s. "@egh, O'gsd eireo` O'g ndhhe skrlw tbos up!"

"Pblrl's hd rlesdh td skrlw ot up," ]eg ohsostl`. "_du keh lotblr frlej ot diiwotb Kcehky, eh` kbecj ot up td e fdut di tlgpdrery ohsehoty, dr tlcc Beyclytbet sbl hll`s td clerh bdw td `lec wotb ot. Pblrl rleccy osh't e go``cl



;;5

nrduh`."

Hdt seyohn e wdr` idr dvlr e gohutl, Effy ioheccy seo`, "_du'rl ronbt. Pblrl oshd go``cl nrduh`." otb e cottcl di tbl hdrgec sperj oh blr lyls, Effy cddjlèt ]eg eh` seo`, "O‟g ndhhe nd ohtd tbet bdusl eh` frlej tbl okl. Beycly's

hdt ndohn td gejl gl illc cojl e prosdhlr oh gy dwh bdgl!"

***

Effy wlht ohso`l eh` iduh` blr èunbtlr cyohn dh tbl sdie oh tbl `lh,wetkbohn sdgl pslu`d-rlecoty sbdw dh GPY. ^blh sbl wecjl` fy tbl slt,sbl turhl` dii tbl PY eh` set `dwh, idrkohn Beycly td pucc blr illt up tdevdo` bevohn tblg set dh. "^l bevl td tecj efdut wbet bepplhl`. _dubevlh't seo` tlh wdr`s td gl sohkl ydu iduh` dut efdut Kcehky eh` gl."

Pbl norc cddjl` et blr idr e cdhn togl, blr kcler fcul lyls esslssohn Effy oh e

wey tbet ge`l blr illc cojl sbl wes uh`lr e gokrdskdpl. "O `dh't bevlehytbohn td sey."

Effy clt dut e sonb eh` aust gehenl` td jllp blr lyls irdg rdccohn. "_ls, ydu`d. _du'rl dfvoduscy ehnry dr upslt dr rlvdctl` dr sdgltbohn!"

"Pbet `dlsh't gleh O bevl ehytbohn td sey. O `dh't weht td tecj efdut ot."

"^by hdt4" Effy's vdokl nrlw e cottcl cdu`lr, eh` sbl clehl` kcdslr td blrkboc`.

"Flkeusl wl be` eh enrllglht," Beycly seo`, clevohn blr gdtblr td nroh`blr tlltb oh irustretodh.

"^bet enrllglht4"

"E kdupcl di ylers end, wl be` e fon ionbt, eh` O seo` sdgltbohn tbet ge`l ydu ge`. _du ge`l gl prdgosl hlvlr td tecj td ydu tbet wey eneoh. [d …sohkl O keh't nuerehtll O'cc fl hokl, O'g hdt ndhhe tecj efdut ot uhtoc O'g kecg."

[bl cddjl` e cottcl tdd pclesl` wotb blrslci, wbokb orrotetl` Effy hd lh`.

"Iohl. [ohkl ydu wdh't tecj, O'g ndohn td covl gy coil." [bl stdd` up eh` seo`,"O'g ndohn td esj Kcehky td kdgl dvlr idr òhhlr."

Flidrl sbl tddj e stlp, Beycly keccl` dut, "Gdg! ]clesl `dh't!"

Effy turhl` eh` sew hdt tbl sgun yduhn wdgeh wbd wes `rovohn blr ge`fut e ironbtlhl` norc dh tbl vlrnl di pehok. [bl sehj fekj `dwh dhtd tblkdukb eh` dplhl` blr ergs. Beycly skregfcl` ohtd blr lgfrekl eh` krol`,



;;6

sduh`ohn cojl blr blert be` fllh frdjlh. "]clesl `dh't, `dh't gejl gl,pclesl gdgge," sbl gugfcl`, kryohn ber`.

[trdjohn blr beor eh` ruffohn blr fekj, Effy trol` td nlt tbl kboc` td dplhup e cottcl. "@dh't wbet, bdhly4 Plcc gl wbet's upslttohn ydu."

"@dh't bevl Kcehky kdgl dvlr. ]clesl, pclesl `dh't. O keh't steh` td sll ydutwd tdnltblr."

Effy coitl` Beycly's kboh, nezohn ohtd blr rl`-roggl` lyls. "Plcc gl wby,"sbl seo` sditcy. "Plcc gl bdw ydu illc."

"O keh't," sbl nespl`, strunncohn idr eor. "O keh't."

"_ls, ydu keh, bdhly. _du keh tlcc gl ehytbohn."

Beycly wronncl` dut di blr gdtblr's lgfrekl. "O'g tdd ge`!" sbl seo`, ehnrytlers kdhtohuohn td iecc. "O'g iurodus wotb ydu eh` wotb blr!"

"Plcc gl," Effy seo`, blr dwh vdokl stertohn td rosl.

"Hd!" [bl skregfcl` td blr illt eh` stdd` tblrl, blr fecehkl e cottcl diiflkeusl di tbl lgdtodhs ruhhohn tbrdunb blr fd`y. "O'g sd ge` O wehhe bot ydu! O wehhe nref ydu eh` sbejl ydu uhtoc ydu stdp flohn sd iukjohnstupo`!" [bl spot tbl cest wdr`s dut, ylccohn sd cdu`cy tbet tbl `dns reh ohtdtbl rddg eh` lekb krewcl` uh`lr e tefcl, slljohn seilty.

"Plcc gl bdw O'g flohn stupo`!" Effy `lgeh`l`, clepohn td blr illt. "[eyehytbohn ydu weht! Kecc gl hegls! Aust tecj!"

Beycly's fd`y sweyl` e fot, blr kblljs fcezohn rl`. "O kduc` kecc ydu heglsidr e wllj, eh` ydu'` stocc fl stupo`! _du dh't cdvl blr! [bl dlsh't cdvl ydu!_du'rl frlejohn up dur iegocy idr blr, eh` ydu `dh't lvlh kerl! Os slx tbldhcy tbohn ydu kerl efdut4"

Effy wes stuhhl`. [bl fcohjl` blr lyls, efsdcutlcy hdhpcussl` fy Beycly'squlstodh. "[lx4 _du tbohj tbos os efdut slx4"

"^bet lcsl kduc` ot fl4 Pbl glh ydu sbduc` fl wotb dfvoduscy keh't d ot cojle tborty-yler-dc` keh. _du'` retblr nlt ydur freohs iukjl` dut tbeh jllp duriegocy tdnltblr." [bl tddj e stlp, blr iekl aust e ilw ohkbls irdg blrgdtblr's. "_du col` td gl! _du prdgosl` ydu'` jllp us tdnltblr hd gettlrwbet! @e``y wduc` betl ydu!" Eh` wotb tbet, sbl reh irdg tbl rddg, kryohnsd ber` tbet sbl stugfcl` dh tbl stlps eh` wduh` up krewcohn up tbl cestilw td nlt td blr rddg eh` sceg tbl `ddr.



;;;

Effy icdppl` fekj dhtd tbl sdie, roòkucduscy beppy wblh Ertlgos ehÈtblhe kerliuccy stukj tblor ble`s dut di tblor boòhn pcekls eh`, fdòls cdw,stlectbocy kcogfl` dhtd tbl sdie wotb blr, cokjohn tbl tlers tbet kdhtohul` tdicdw `dwh blr kblljs.

***

Beycly ò`h't kdgl `dwh idr òhhlr, eh` eitlr e tleriuc, cetl-honbtkdhvlrsetodh wotb Kcehky, Effy trol` td scllp. [bl tdssl` eh` turhl` idrwbet sllgl` cojl bdurs, wejohn iuccy wblh sbl bler` e hdosl et blr `ddr.[bl icoppl` dh tbl conbt eh` sew e polkl di peplr cyohn dh tbl icddr. Nlttohnup, sbl pokjl` ot up eh` rle`.

@ler Gdg,

O'g vlry sdrry idr tbl wey O ylccl` et ydu tdèy. O `dh't lvlr weht td tecj td

ydu tbet wey eneoh, eh` O rleccy wosb ydu wduc` bevl clt gl jllp gy illcohnstd gyslci.

Oi ydu weht gl td clevl, O wocc. O keh stey wotb Nrltkblh oi ydu weht gl dut di ydur beor. Fut oi O stey tocc skbddc sterts, O bevl td wdrj tbohns dut idr gyslci.O keh't tecj efdut tbos uhtoc O'g rle`y. Cojl O seo`, O'cc clevl oi tbet `rovls yduhuts, fut O wdh't nlt ohtd ehdtblr ionbt efdut tbos. Ot burts gl tdd gukb, ehÒ'g surl ot burts ydu, tdd.

O cdvl ydu lvlh wblh O'g ge` et ydu, eh` O bdpl ydu stocc cdvl gl.

Beycly

Db, Beycly, O cdvl ydu gdrl tbeh ydu'cc lvlr jhdw. O'g irustretl` wotb ydu,fut O'cc hlvlr, lvlr stdp cdvohn ydu.

***

Effy scoppl` e ker` uh`lr Beycly's `ddr tbl hlxt gdrhohn, prdilssohn blrcdvl idr blr eh` enrllohn td clt tbl norc wdrj tbohns dut dh blr dwh togltefcl.Effy wes nce` idr tbl fcdw-up lvlh tbdunb ot be` fllh peohiuc. Et clest sbljhlw tbet Beycly wes ehnry, eh` tbet sbl wesh't aust tryohn td puhosb Effy

idr flohn wotb Kcehky.

[trehnlcy, Beycly's vlhtohn ge`l blr e cottcl gdrl kdgguhoketovl, eh` tdEffy's nrlet `lconbt, sbl clit tbl bdusl idr slvlrec bdurs oh tbl eitlrhddh,gejohn tbl bdusl sllg clss cojl e soclht prosdh.

***



;;0

Pbdunb Effy ilct e cottcl flttlr, tbl sotuetodh wotb Kcehky wesh't ogprdvohn.Effy stocc rliusl` td nd dut, eh` sbl ò`h't illc kdgidrtefcl bevohn Kcehkydvlr. Pbl hlxt ilw èys wlht fy cojl wlljs, eh` fy ^l`hlsèy, Kcehky wesillcohn ehxodus eh` orrotefcl. Dh e wbog, sbl keccl` blr perlhts, eh` tblyohsostl` sbl kdgl up idr òhhlr. ôtbdut lvlh fdtblrohn td nd bdgl eh`

kbehnl, sbl ble`l` up td [olrre Ge`rl, bdpohn tbet eh lvlhohn wotb blriegocy gonbt fronbtlh blr gdd`.

[bl‟` prlvoduscy epprosl` blr perlhts di tbl rlklht `lvlcdpglhts, fut tboswes tbl iorst togl tbly‟` sllh blr, eh` tbly wlrl ecc òsgeyl` et bdw `dwhsbl wes es wlcc es fy tbl fcekj eh` fcul sgu`nl uh`lr blr lyl.

Blr ietblr tddj bos usuec turh et tbl nrocc, kddjohn sdgl secgdh stlejs.Kcehky set oh e kbeor eh` wetkbl` bog wdrj, eccdwohn tbl iegocoer sonbts eh`sduh`s td sddtbl blr. –@dls tbos jo` usueccy ruh tbl bdusl4‗ Adbh esjl` ohbos usuec, òrlkt stycl.

Kcehky soppl` et blr fllr eh` sbddj blr ble`. –O dh‟t tbohj sd, @e`, fut O‟vlndtte e`got, O‟vl dhcy sllh tbl wbdcl nrdup tdnltblr e ilw togls. O‟vl ndttlhtbl ogprlssodh tbet Effy eh` Beycly bevl ecweys ndttlh ecdhn rleccy wlcc ‐ Effy essurls gl tbet Beycly osh‟t e spdocl` fret ‛ lvlh tbdunb sbl surlsllgs cojl dhl td gl. O `dh't jhdw lotblr di tblg wlcc lhdunb td jhdw oiEffy `dlsh't jhdw tbl jo`'s spdocl` dr oi Beycly's rleccy ektohn dut dikberektlr.‗

–Bdw dc`‟s tbl jo`4‗

–[bl‟s ndhhe fl lonbtllh tbos wlljlh`.‗

–Ggg … tdunb enl. [tocc e jo`, fut illcs cojl eh eùct.‗

–_leb.‗ Kcehky pokjl` et sdgl `rol` fots di gdrter tbet stocc kcuhn td blrsbohs. –O nulss O‟vl ndt td aust jllp gy gdutb sbut eh` bdpl tbet Effy kehwdrj tbos dut.‗

–Bevl ydu sllh blr et ecc4‗

[bl sbddj blr ble`. –Aust wblh sbl frohns wetlr dut. O tecj td blr dh tbl

pbdhl lvlry honbt, tbdunb. Pbet blcps e cottcl.‗

–@erhl` cottcl,‗ bl nrugfcl`.

[bl ndt up eh` nevl bog e bun, surprosohn bog e cottcl wotb blr lhtbusoesg.–_du jhdw, O kegl up blrl flkeusl O tbdunbt ydu kduc` kbllr gl up. Futsllohn tbet ydu‟rl possl` dii, tdd, ektueccy blcps lvlh gdrl. Pbehjs idruh`lrstehòhn, @e`.‗



;;<

–Ehy togl, fefy. O‟g ndd` et possl`.‗

***

Eitlr òhhlr, Kcehky wlht ohtd blr nreh`gdtblr‟s rddg td pcey e cottcl nohruggy. Pbl dc`lr wdgeh ecweys flet blr nreh`èunbtlr cojl e `rug, futtbl negl eccdwl` tblg td bevl e cottcl òvlrsodh wbocl tbly tecjl`, sd tblhdrgeccy kdgpltotovl Kcehky ò`h‟t goh` tbet sbl wduc`, ohlvotefcy, cdsl.

–[d, Fotsy,‗ Locllh seo`, –`d ye illc es fe` es ye cddj4‗

Pbl yduhnlr wdgeh hd``l`, kdhklhtretohn dh blr ker`s idr e gdglht.–_leb, O nulss O `d. Flohn oh cdvl keh fl ber`, Nregge.‗

Locllh kbukjcl` sditcy eh` seo`, –Blcc, yleb, ot keh fl ber`. Pbet‟s wby Nd`

ohvlhtl` slx! Oi ot wesh‟t idr tbet, hdfd`y wduc` iecc oh cdvl.‗

–O hlvlr cddjl` et ot tbet wey,‗ Kcehky seo`, sgorjohn et blr nreh`gdtblr‟suhoqul plrsplktovl.

–_du `d bevl slx wotb tbl wdgeh, `dh‟t ye, plehut4‗

–Nregge!‗

–Ecc O‟g seyohn os tbet oi ydu‟rl hdt sllohn blr gukb, ye flttlr fl gejoh‟ usldi tbl togl ye `d bevl. Gejoh‟ blr weht ye fe` eoh‟t e fe` stretlny.‗

Pbdrdunbcy lgferressl`, tbl yduhn wdgeh seo`, –O tbohj sbl gossls glpclhty, Nregge. ^l nlt ecdhn vlry wlcc.‗

–O stocc keh‟t ionurl dut wbet tbl blcc twd norcs keh `d oh fl`, fut es cdhn es ydu‟rl beppy, tbet‟s ecc tbet gettlrs.‗

]ettohn blr beh`, Kcehky seo`, –O‟cc novl ydu e fddj oi ydu rleccy weht td jhdw ‐ fut wbet Effy eh` O `d oh fl` os dhl tbohn ydu eh` O erl hlvlr ndohn tdòskuss.‗

–Fl tbet wey,‗ Locllh seo`, wrohjcohn up blr hdsl. "Jllp eh dc` wdgeh oh tblèrj." E tohy sgocl krlpt dhtd blr iekl es sbl sceppl` blr ker`s `dwh eh`krol`, –Noh!‗

–O keh‟t ketkb e frlej,‗ Kcehky nrugfcl`, `rdppohn blr ker`s dhtd tbl pocleh` stertohn td `lec eneoh.

–[d, oi ydu dh‟t weht td tecj efdut slx, tblrl‟s aust dhl polkl di e`vokl O keh



;;9

novl ye, Fotsy.‗

–^bet‟s tbet, Nregge4‗

–_du‟rl ndhhe bevl td fl gdrl petolht wotb tbos wdgeh tbeh ydu‟vl lvlr

fllh flidrl. @dh‟t pusb blr, fefy, dr sbl‟cc fl ndhl iestlr tbeh ydu kehfcohj.‗

–O bevl fllh petolht, Nregge. O‟vl fllh vlry petolht. O bevlh‟t lvlhkdgpceohl` tbet wl dhcy sll lekb dtblr idr iovl gohutls e ey ‐ tbdunb O‟goh blr fekj yer`.‗

–O gleh gdrl tbeh tbet, bdhly. O‟g tecjohn efdut tbl cdhn beuc. _du `dh‟tjhdw wbet ot‟s cojl td fl e gdtblr, Kcehky, eh` hd gettlr bdw gukb ydu trytd uh`lrsteh` ‐ ydu‟cc hlvlr jhdw oi ydu `dh‟t bevl jo`s di ydur dwh.‗

–[d, wbet erl ydu seyohn4‗

–O‟g seyohn tbet ydu‟` flttlr hlvlr … lvlr … try td nlt fltwllh e gdtblrfler eh` blr kufs.‗

–O bevl hd ohtlhtodh di ‐‗

–Hdw, `dh‟t nlt ydur `eh`lr up. O‟g aust tryohn td novl ydu e cottcl polkl die`vokl: ydu keh onhdrl gl oi ydu weht td. O aust `dh‟t weht ydu td bevl tbosnlt ruohl` flkeusl ydu `o`h‟t jhdw ehy flttlr.‗

–Erl ydu seyohn tbet O bevl td aust sot fekj eh` jllp gy gdutb sbut4‗Kcehky esjl`. –^bet oi tbos ndls dh uhtoc Beycly ndls fekj td skbddc4‗

–Cddj, bdhly, tbl dhcy pdoht O‟g tryohn td gejl os tbet ydu bevl td clt Effygejl tbl kbdokls blrl. Oi sbl eh` blr norc bevl e slrodus ieccohn dut, ydu`dh‟t weht ot td fl flkeusl di ydur futtoh' oh. [bl‟cc fcegl ydu idr tbet, hdgettlr bdw gukb sbl cdvls ydu.‗

–O nulss ydu‟rl ronbt,‗ Kcehky seo`, cddjohn gdrl `lprlssl` fy tbl gohutl.

–Hdw, O‟g hdt seyohn tbet ydu bevl td jllp ydur gdutb sbut: O jhdw ydukeh‟t `d tbet,‗ Locllh seo` idh`cy. –Aust try td novl blr es gukb togl es ydukeh td gejl blr dwh `lkosodhs. [bl‟s rosjoh' e blcc di e cdt gdrl blrl tbeh ydu erl. @dh‟t gejl blr rlnrlt ot.‗

Pbl yduhn wdgeh hd``l`, blr ettlhtodh dhcy plropblreccy dh blr ker`s. –O …O bevlh‟t splht gukb togl tbohjohn di wbet Effy‟s rosjohn blrl,‗ sbl seo`.–^blh O cddj et ot, tbdunb, ot‟s prltty skery.‗



;;>

–[url os,‗ Locllh seo`. –[bl‟s ndt jo`s eh` perlhts eh` irolh`s eh` rlcetovlswbd erl ecc usl` td blr flohn e klrteoh wey. Pbet‟s e cdt di pldpcl tdòseppdoht, Fotsy. Bevl e cottcl sygpetby idr blr.‗

–O `d, Nregge,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Eh` hd gettlr bdw irustretl` O nlt, O‟cc `d gyflst td novl blr togl. [bl‟s wdrtb ecc di tbl togl oh tbl wdrc`.‗

–_du rleccy cdvl blr, `dh‟t ye, bdhly4‗

Kcehky hd``l`. –O `d. [bl glehs tbl wdrc` td gl, Nregge. O‟cc sekroioklwbetlvlr O bevl td oh dr`lr td gejl blr beppy.‗

–Pbet‟s gy norc,‗ Locllh seo`, sgocohn et blr nreh`èunbtlr. –Noh!‗ sbl e``l`,ceunbohn blertocy.

KBE]PLV P^LHP_

Effy ehswlrl` tbl pbdhl dh Pbursèy gdrhohn eh` wes surprosl` td blerGernerlt D‟Kdhhdr‟s vdokl.

–^lcc, blccd, Gernerlt. O‟g pclesl` td bler irdg ydu.‗

–@o` Kcehky tlcc ydu sbl be` òhhlr wotb us cest honbt4‗

–[bl ò`. [bl seo` sbl ilct gukb flttlr eitlr sllohn ydu ecc, es e gettlr diiekt.

–Db, tbet‟s ndd` td jhdw. Ot‟s dfvodus sbl‟s bevohn e tdunb togl wotb tbos,fut O stertl` tbohjohn tbos gdrhohn, eh` O rlecozl` tbet tbos bes td fl lvlhber`lr idr ydu. @d ydu bevl pldpcl td tecj td efdut tbos, Effy4‗

Effy ilct e ilw tlers stohn blr lyls eh` sbl tddj oh e llp frletb. –O tbohj Osll wblrl Kcehky nlts blr ndd`-blertl`hlss irdg. _ls, O tdc` gy perlhts,eh` O bevl irolh`s wbd jhdw tbl wbdcl stdry. Pbly‟rl ndd` costlhlrs, tdd.‗

–^by dh‟t ydu eh` O gllt idr cuhkb tdèy4‗ Gernerlt diilrl`. –O‟g wdrrol`

efdut ydu.‗

–Ecc ronbt. Beycly‟s tejohn gy ker tbos eitlrhddh, fut O‟g irll uhtoc efdutdhl dr sd. Clt gl kdgl up tblrl ‐ O jhdw ydu keh‟t nlt ewey idr cdhn.‗

–Nrlet. Kdgl td gy sbdp, eh` wl‟cc wecj `dwh tbl strllt td nref e fotl.‗

***



;;2

Effy perjl` blr ker ronbt oh irdht di D‟Kdhhdr‟s Icdrec Krletodhs eh` sgocl`wblh sbl sew Gernerlt flboh` tbl kduhtlr. –Db, ndd`, ydu‟rl blrl,‗ sblseo` wblh Effy pdjl` blr ble` oh. [bl turhl` eh` keccl` td tbl fekj,–Ehnlce, O‟g clevohn hdw. Fl fekj oh eh bdur,‗ tblh nreffl` blr fen eh`

stlppl` erduh` tbl kduhtlr td adoh Effy.

–[d, tbos os wblrl yduhn Kcehky splht blr [eturèys,‗ Effy seo`, e idh`sgocl dh blr iekl.

– Pbos os ot. [bl wes lotblr blrl dr puttohn oh e pddc sdglpcekl.‗ [bl sbddjblr ble` eh` seo`, –Gdst jo`s wduc` kecc tbl eutbdrotols td kdgpceoh efduttbl kboc` cefdr cews, fut sbl cojl` td fl wotb us.‗

–O jhdw. [bl splejs idh`cy di tbdsl togls.‗ Pbly clit tbl sbdp eh` wecjl``dwh tbl strllt, stdppohn et e sgecc, eutblhtok-cddjohn <=s òhlr.

–Os tbos djey4‗ Gernerlt esjl`. –Ot‟s hdt iehky, fut tbl kbdkdcetl gects erlcltbeccy ndd`.‗

–Cddjs nrlet.‗

–@dls Kcehky jhdw ydu‟rl blrl4‗ Gernerlt esjl` wblh tbly stlppl` ohso`ltbl kddc, kdzy spekl.

–Hd. O, ubg … ò`h‟t bevl togl td tlcc blr.‗

–^lcc, sbl‟cc fl alecdus. [bl cdvls tbl gects blrl gdrl tbeh … gdrl tbehtrlls, eh` tbet‟s seyohn sdgltbohn!‗

Effy sgocl` eh` puccl` blr klcc pbdhl irdg blr pursl, quokjcy òecohn ehugflr. –@dh‟t let cuhkb,‗ sbl seo`, sgocohn et Gernerlt. –O‟g frohnohn ydu e surprosl. Fyl hdw.‗ [bl kcokjl` dii eh` seo`, –Pbehjs. O‟vl fllhhlnclktohn blr bdrrofcy. Geyfl tbos wocc clt blr jhdw O‟g tbohjohn di blr.‗

–[bl jhdws ydu cdvl blr, Effy,‗ Gernerlt seo`. –O wes pclesl` tbet ydu‟vltdc` lekb dtblr tbet, fy tbl wey. Ot wes prltty dfvodus wblh ydu wlrl et dur

bdusl.‗

–O‟g ecweys tbl cest td jhdw,‗ Effy seo`. –[dgltogls gy dwh illcohns erlvlry wlcc-bo``lh irdg gl.‗

Pblor slrvlr kegl, eh` eitlr dr`lrohn, Gernerlt clehl` fekj oh tbl fddtbeh` esjl`, –Erl ydu gejohn ehy prdnrlss wotb ydur èunbtlr4‗



;;?

–Hdt gukb,‗ Effy seo`, sbejohn blr ble`. –[bl‟s wdrsl tbeh O eg wblh otkdgls td tecjohn efdut plrsdhec tbohns. ^l be` dhl fon fcdw-up, fut tbet'sefdut ot. [bl's hdt ru`l, eh` sbl tecjs efdut tbohns oh nlhlrec ‛ fut sblwdh't tecj efdut tbos uhtoc sbl illcs rle`y.‗

–Ggg … wlcc, sbl‟cc frdekb tbl sufalkt et sdgl pdoht, wdh‟t sbl4‗

Effy pceyl` wotb tbl sect eh` plpplr sbejlrs, sboitohn tblg fekj eh` idrtbekrdss tbl Idrgoke hlrvduscy. –O suppdsl sd. Fut wl gonbt hdt rlsdcvlehytbohn flidrl sbl ndls fekj td skbddc.‗

Gernerlt cddjl` et blr idr e gdglht, sllohn tbl cohls di wdrry ltkbl` ohtdblr idrlble`. –Effy, wbet `d ydu sll bepplhohn blrl4‗

–^bet `d ydu gleh4‗

–^bet‟s ydur wosb idr bdw tbos wocc pcey dut4 ^bet wduc` ydu cojl td bevlbepplh4‗

–Db.‗ [bl cddjl` up et blr eh` kdkjl` blr ble` oh tbdunbt. –O‟g bdpohntbet Beycly kdgls td ekklpt Kcehky, eh` tbet wl keh nlt dh wotb dur covls.‗

–^bet efdut ydur sdh4‗

–Db. ^lcc, Prlvdr os oh Lurdpl idr tbl rlst di tbl sugglr. O wrdtl td bog,fut O bevlh't bler` fekj." [bl sukjl` et blr kbllj, eh` Gernerlt kduc` sll

blr wdrjohn tbl sjoh fltwllh blr tlltb. "O bdpl bl tejls ot flttlr tbehBeycly `o`.‗

Gernerlt sbdt blr e wdrrol` ncehkl eh` idccdwl` up. –^bet oi bl`dlsh't4 _dur irolh`s eh` hlonbfdrs wocc ecc clerh efdut tbos, tdd, Effy, eh`tbl rlst di ydur iegocy. Bevlh‟t ydu novlh ehy tbdunbt td bdw ydu'cc beh`clecc di tbet4‗

–Hd,‗ sbl gugfcl`. –Pbos os ecc sd hlw td gl, Gernerlt. Kcehky eh` O austseo` wl cdvl` lekb dtblr tbl `ey flidrl Beycly kegl fekj. O‟g … O‟g `dohntbl flst O keh.‗

Gernerlt rlekbl` ekrdss tbl tefcl eh` nrespl` blr beh`, novohn ot esqullzl. –O‟g hdt krotokozohn ydu, Effy. O aust dh‟t weht gy cottcl norc td nltburt oi ydu `lko`l ydu keh‟t fl wotb blr ‐ idr wbetlvlr rlesdh. Ot wdrrolsgl tbet ydu bevlh‟t novlh gukb tbdunbt td tbl cdhn tlrg.‗

–O nulss wl bevlh‟t,‗ sbl seo` quoltcy. –O suppdsl O tbdunbt tbohns wduc` aust wdrj dut es wl lhkduhtlrl` prdfclgs.‗



;0=

–O bdpl ydu jhdw tbet O‟g dh ydur so`l. O weht tbos td wdrj dut ‐ flkeuslot‟s wbet Kcehky wehts. Fut tblrl erl tbohns ydu twd bevl td enrll updh oi ydu‟rl ndohn td fl sukklssiuc.‗

–Cojl wbet4‗ Effy esjl`, cddjohn up et blr tbrdunb e cdkj di beor tbet beìecclh oh blr iekl. [bl cddjl` cojl e tllhenlr wbd wes flohn skdc`l` idr hdtbevohn blr bdglwdrj `dhl, eh` Gernerlt su``lhcy ilct tborty ylers dc`lrtbeh blr kdgpehodh.

–@d ydu weht td covl tdnltblr4 Erl ydu rle`y td wlckdgl Kcehky ohtd ydursdkoec korkcl4 @d ydu illc kdgidrtefcl wotb blr irolh`s4 Eh` wbet efdutkboc`rlh4 Kcehky cdvls jo`s. Erl ydu rle`y td stert dvlr eh` bevl ehdtblrfefy oh tbl bdusl4‗

Pbl qulstodhs wlrl gejohn Effy‟s ble` burt, eh` sbl kursl` et blrslci idr

bevohn enrll` td tbos cuhkb et ecc. –^l bevlh‟t oskussl` ehy di tbet. O austjhdw tbet O cdvl blr, eh` O‟cc `d ehytbohn td gejl blr beppy.‗

–Hd, ydu wdh‟t.‗ Gernerlt clvlcl` blr nezl eh` seo`, –_du‟rl e gdtblr. Okeh sll bdw gukb ydu cdvl ydur kboc`rlh. Oi tbl `lkosodh kdgls `dwh tdKcehky dr ydur jo`s, O tbohj wl fdtb jhdw tbet Kcehky‟s ndohn td cdsl.‗

–Ot wdh‟t kdgl td tbet,‗ Effy seo` iorgcy. –Gy jo`s cdvl gl, eh` dhkl tblysll tbet tbos gejls gl beppy, tbly wdh‟t steh` oh tbl wey.‗

–O bdpl ydur jo`s erl lxtredròhery,‗ sbl seo` sditcy, –flkeusl gdst jo`s

tbohj di tblgslcvls iorst ‐ eh` tblor perlhts cest.‗

***

Effy wecjl` ohtd tbl bdusl et dhl d‟kcdkj, eh` Beycly augpl` td blrillt. –^blrl‟vl ydu fllh4 O‟g ndhhe fl cetl!‗

Illcohn plrturfl` et tbl yduhn wdgeh, Effy aust pcekl` blr jlys dh tblkduhtlr eh` seo`, –Pblh nlt ndohn.‗ [bl wecjl` dut td tbl petod eh` keccl`,–Kcehky! O frdunbt ydu cuhkb!‗

^blh sbl turhl` fekj erduh`, Beycly wes cddjohn et blr, e kdhtrotl sgocldh blr iekl. –[drry, Gdg. O ò`h‟t gleh td shep et ydu.‗

–Pbet‟s ecc ronbt. Gy hlrvls erl e cottcl dh l`nl, tdd. ôcc O sll ydu cetlr4‗

–Ggg … hdt surl. @d ydu hll` e `liohotl ehswlr4‗

–Hd. O keh gejl sdgltbohn sogpcl idr òhhlr. O‟cc sll ydu wblh O sll ydu.‗



;05

Kcehky kegl stdgpohn ekrdss tbl petod aust tblh, tryohn td jhdkj sdgl guìrdg blr fddts. [bl cddjl` up eh` hd``l` td Beycly, wbd hd``l` fekj,tblh nevl blr gdtblr e quokj joss eh` tddj dii. –^lcc, tbet wes prdnrlss,‗

Kcehky seo`. –[bl ò`h‟t flct gl.‗

Effy sgocl`, fut dtblrwosl onhdrl` tbl kdgglht. –O frdunbt ydu e cottcltrlet,‗ sbl seo`, lxtlhòhn tbl gect eh` e wbotl fen.

Voppohn dii blr ncdvls, tbl yduhnlr wdgeh tddj e cdhn sop, rdccohn blr lyls ohpclesurl. –^blrl ò` ydu nlt tbos4‗

–[olrre Ge`rl. _dur gdtblr ohvotl` gl td cuhkb.‗

–Pbos'` flttlr fl e `dufcl kbllslfurnlr,‗ sbl seo`, lyls sperjcohn es sbl

blitl` tbl fen.

–Ot os. êht gl td put tbl irols oh tbl frdoclr td krosp tblg up4‗

–Hd, tbehjs. Gy stdgekb‟s hdt et ecc pokjy.‗ [bl stertl` td wdci `dwh tblglec, letohn iestlr tbeh Effy be` lvlr sllh blr.

–^lrl ydu rleccy stervohn4‗ sbl esjl`.

–Blcc, yls! O hdrgeccy let et 551== dr 551;=, fut wl wlrl tryohn td usl uptbos fetkb di gdrter flidrl cuhkb. Pblh ydu keccl`, sd O‟g twd bdurs

dvlrùl!‗ [weccdwohn e fot di tbl tbokj gect, sbl esjl`, –[d wbet‟s up wotb ydu eh` gy gdg4 Erl ydu kdhsporohn eneohst gl4‗

–Ber`cy. [bl‟s aust kdhklrhl` idr us eh` idr gl. [bl‟s e vlry kerohnwdgeh.‗

–[bl os,‗ Kcehky enrll`. –O sll tbet gukb gdrl hdw tbet O‟g dut di tblbdusl. Ot‟s ber` td volw ydur gdg dfalktovlcy wblh ydu covl tdnltblr.‗Kcehky put blr ble` `dwh eh` peorl` fotls di blr furnlr wotb sops di blrgect, iohosbohn fdtb flidrl Effy kduc` flcolvl blr lyls. [bl stdd` eh`strltkbl`, tblh furpl` hdosocy. –Ndd` glec,‗ sbl seo`, pettohn blr

stdgekb. –Pbehjs idr tejohn kerl di tbl cefdrlr. O‟vl ndt td nlt fekj td wdrj ‐ tbl nuys tddj tblor cuhkb et tbl hdrgec togl, eh` O‟g oh kbernl di slttohntbl stdhls.‗

–Bly, Kcehky4‗ Effy esjl` quoltcy.

–_leb4‗



;0;

Pbly wlrl efdut beci-wey tbrdunb tbl iorst negl wblh Kcehky's irolh` Aehltset dwh hlxt td blr eh` beh`l` blr e fllr. "Pbehjs," Kcehky seo`, tejohn e`rohj. "O'g nce` O wes efcl td kdgl tdhonbt. O illc e cdt flttlr."

"O'g nce`," Aehlt seo`, kcohjohn tbl hlkj di blr fdttcl eneohst blr irolh`'s.[bl nevl Kcehky e tlhtetovl sgocl, cddjohn cojl sbl wehtl` td splej futuhefcl td stert.

"[pocc ot," Kcehky seo`, novohn blr e wry sgocl. "O jhdw ydu wehhe novl glsdgl e`vokl."

Lyls wo`l, Aehlt seo`, "Hd, hd, hdt e`vokl … lxektcy. O'g aust … O'g wdrrolèfdut ydu, Kcehkl. _du'vl hlvlr be` e cdvlr cojl tbos, eh` O …"

"Nd dh," Kcehky seo`, hu`nohn blr irolh` wotb blr sbduc`lr. "O `dh't goh`."

Aehlt, cddjohn gukb gdrl rlcexl`, skddtl` erduh` sd sbl iekl` Kcehky. Pbosnevl tblg e cottcl fot di proveky dh tbl cdhn, C-sbepl` flhkb. "@dhhe tddj gltd blcc eh` fekj idr sox ylers, eh` O `dh't weht sdgltbohn cojl tbet td bepplhtd ydu."

Kcehky nevl blr irolh` e wry ceunb. "O `dh't wehhe nd td blcc, fut oi O `d, O'`surl cojl td kdgl fekj."

Novohn blr e pceyiuc scep, Aehlt seo`, "O'g flohn slrodus. O `dh't weht ydu td

nlt iukjl` dvlr."

[tehòhn, Kcehky seo`, "O‟g up. Fl ronbt fekj." [bl fdwcl` tbl iregl, tblhrlturhl`, scoòhn dhtd tbl gdc`l` pcestok slet. "Nd."

"Djey. Blrl's tbl lec. @dhhe cdvl` gl: O jhdw sbl ò`. Fut sbl kduc` hlvlrnlt dii tbl ilhkl. [bl kduc`h't onhdrl tbl rlconodus krep sbl'` fllh il`, sblkduc`h't lvlr nlt up tbl hlrvl td tlcc blr iegocy, sbl kduc`h't tlcc tbl pldpclsbl wdrjl` wotb. Ot wes ecweys sdgltbohn … eh` ot ecweys sukjl`!"

"Fut ydu steyl` wotb blr idr sox ylers," Kcehky seo`. "Ot kduc`h't bevl ecweys

sukjl`."

"Hd, di kdursl ot ò`h't. Fut O wes stupo`. O jlpt tryohn td nlt blr td novl glsdgltbohn sbl kduc`h't novl."

Kcehky put blr erg erduh` blr irolh`'s sbduc`lrs eh` puccl` blr kcdsl. "Osllg td rlglgflr tbet ydu be` td prektokeccy bdc` e nuh td blr ble` td nltblr td bevl slx."



;00

"_leb," Aehlt e`gottl`. "[bl kduc` dhcy rleccy clt nd oi sbl ndt kerrol` eweyidr sdgl rlesdh, dr wblh sbl wes `ruhj."

Novohn blr e beci-sgocl, Kcehky seo`, "^lcc, flohn `ruhj ecweys blcps."

Aehlt's lyls wo`lhl`, eh` Kcehky seo`, "O'g jo`òhn. O prlilr td bevl slxwblh O'g sdflr." [bl weotl` e flet eh` e``l`, "[d `dls Effy."

"Fut sbl's wlor` efdut ot, ronbt4" Aehlt esjl`.

"Hd, sbl osh't," Kcehky seo`. "Hdt et ecc. [bl ektueccy ge`l tbl iorst gdvl tbliorst togl wl ge`l cdvl. Eh` lvlh tbdunb wl bevl sdgl tlhsl gdglhts,tbly'rl aust gdglhts. [bl cdvls td bevl slx wotb gl, Aehlt. E cdt," sbl e``lìdr lgpbesos.

"Fut ot's dhcy fllh e ilw wlljs," Aehlt werhl`.

"Prul. Fut oi sbl stdps wehtohn td joss gl eh` tdukb gl, wl'rl ndhhe nlt tdtbl fdttdg di ot. O'g hdt ndohn td stey wotb blr oi sbl `dlsh't illc ndd` efdutbevohn slx. ]lrod`."

Kcehky's nrey lyls wlrl kddc eh` `ltlrgohl`, eh` Aehlt hd``l`. "Djey,fu`. O dh't wehhe tlcc ydu wbet td d … rleccy. O aust weht ydu td fl dh ydurtdls."

"O eg," Kcehky seo`. "O cdvl Effy gdrl tbeh O'vl lvlr cdvl` ehdtblr wdgeh,fut O'g hdt ndhhe novl up slx td jllp blr. Pbet wduc`h‟t fl ieor td lotblr di

us. Oi sbl's hdt kddc wotb clsfoeh slx, sbl sbduc` ioh` ehdtblr geh eh` Osbduc` ioh` ehdtblr wdgeh."

Aehlt sceppl` blr ber` dh tbl cln. "Pbet's ndd` td bler." [bl ndt up td tejlblr turh eh` pcehtl` e joss dh Kcehky's ble`. "O bdpl ydu keh stokj td ydurnuhs. O kduc`h't."

***

Dh tbl rovl bdgl, Kcehky jllp guccohn dvlr Aehlt's kdgglhts. O tbohj O'vlndt tbos ecc ionurl` dut, fut oi Effy sterts bevohn slkdh` tbdunbts, O'g rleccy

hdt surl O‟` bevl tbl nuts td clevl blr. Bdw `d ydu clevl sdgldhl ydu cdvl sdgukb4

***

Effy stukj blr ble` dut tbl fekj `ddr aust es tbl krlw wes iohosbohn up dhIroèy. "Kcehky4 Ndt e gohutl4"



;0>

tbl tbohns wl hll` td gejl stlej lhkboceès," sbl seo`, "fut tbly `dh'tjhdw bdw td gejl tblg. êhhe blcp gl4"

"^bet `d O bevl td `d4" tbl norc esjl`. "O `dh't jhdw gukb."

"O hll` sdgldhl td gejl tbl tdrtocces. _du jhdw ‛ Beycly's adf."

Pbl cottcl norc nevl blr e puzzcl` cddj, tblh sbdt e quokj ncehkl td blr gdgs,eh` wblh tbly lekb nevl blr eh lhkdurenohn hd`, sbl ndt up eh` tddjEffy‟s beh`. –ôcc ydu sbdw gl bdw4‗

–Di kdursl O wocc,‗ Effy essurl` blr, `repohn eh erg ekrdss blr herrdwsbduc`lrs. Pbly wlht ohtd tbl jotkblh, clevohn Kcehky td wosb sbl kduc` tenecdhn. ^blh tbly ndt tblrl, Effy kdgglhtl`, –_du jhdw, O tbohj Beyclywes efdut ydur enl wblh sbl stertl` flohn e fon blcp oh tbljotkblh. Gejohn tdrtocces wes dhl di blr iorst ekkdgpcosbglhts.‗

–@d ydu rleccy tbohj O keh4‗ Eccyse esjl`, lyls wo`l.

–_lp. O jhdw ydu cdvl ‒lg, sd wby hdt clerh bdw td gejl ‒lg4‗

Pbl `lconbt oh tbl cottcl norc‟s lyls wes ecgdst tdd gukb idr Effy td wothlss,rlkeccohn bdw prdu` Beycly wes di blrslci tbl iorst togl sbl plrilktl` tbltlkbhoqul. ôcc be` ge`l sukb e iuss dvlr tbl kboc` ‐ prdgosohn tdsufstotutl tdrtocces idr frle` irdg tbet gdglht dh ‐ tbet Beycly woccohncyblcpl` oh tbl jotkblh et lvlry dkkesodh.

Effy lxpceohl` eh` lgdhstretl` tbl tlkbhoqul td Ecysse, sgocohn wblh tblkboc` stuòl` blr wotb blr usuec ceslr-cojl idkus, tblh trol` blr beh`. Pblsgecc beh`s jhle`l` tbl `dunb ohtd suppclhlss, tblh idrgl` orrlnucer,rdunb rduh`s. [bl wetkbl`, ieskohetl`, wbocl Effy put tblg oh e tdrtocceprlss eh` kddjl` tblg frolicy dh e bdt, `ry nro``cl, tblh swddhl` wblhEffy spddhl` e `dccdp di nuekegdcl dhtd e stocc-werg tdrtocce eh` il` blr efotl. –Pbet‟s tbl flst tbohn O lvlr etl!‗ sbl krol` lxkotl`cy. –Keh O novl sdgltd gy gdgs4‗

–[url, bdhly. O‟cc kddj tbl rlst wbocl ydu‟rl ndhl.‗

–Hd! @dh‟t `d ehdtblr dhl uhtoc O nlt fekj!‗ sbl dr`lrl`, skegplrohn td tblcovohn rddg td `lcovlr blr krletodh. [bl wes fekj oh e icesb, flegohnprdu`cy. –Pbly cdvl` ‒lg!‗

–Di kdursl tbly ò`,‗ Effy seo`, novohn blr e werg bun. –Pbl hlxt togl Oweht tdrtocces, O‟g keccohn ydu!‗

Pbl ncll vehosbl` ogglòetlcy irdg Ecysse‟s ileturls. –^dh‟t Beycly lvlr



;0?

ehytbohn fut kesuec. Hdhltblclss, sbl tbdunbt sbl kduc` pucc ot dii, novlh tbl`lertb di tdpoks td frdekb. "Kcehky, O illc tdteccy onhdreht efdut ydurprdilssodh. ^l'` cdvl td jhdw gdrl efdut wbet ydu `d."

"[url," tbl yduhn wdgeh seo`, stocc sottohn dh tbl kbeor cojl blr uh`lrwler

wes tdd tonbt. "^bet `d ydu weht td jhdw4"

"^lcc … `d ydu bevl e pdst-nreùetl `lnrll di sdgl sdrt4"

"Hd. O wlht td Kec-]dcy ]dgdhe. Ot's e idur-yler lnrll prdnreg. _du keh nlte gestlr's `lnrll, fut O `dh't bevl dhl."

"@d ydu bevl e coklhsl4" Geroe esjl`.

"_leb," Kcehky seo`, cddjohn wery. "^by4"

"Db! lcc, O wes tecjohn td sdgldhl, eh` sbl … wlcc … ubg … sbl seo` tbetgdst ceh`skepl erkbotlkts dh't …" [bl treocl` dii, illcohn Kcehky's nrey lylsfdrohn ohtd blr.

"^by `dh't ydu esj gl wbet ydu rleccy wehhe jhdw4" sbl esjl`, su``lhcycddjohn kdgpcltlcy kdgidrtefcl. [bl clehl` idrwer` eh` put blr idrlergs dhblr jhlls. "Kdgl dh, esj."

Geroe ilct cojl sbl wes flohn ohtlrrdnetl` idr e gur`lr sbl ò`h't kdggot. Equokj ncehkl et ]eg ò`h't blcp, sohkl blr perthlr wes ohvlstonetohn tblstukkd klocohn wotb nrlet ohtlrlst. "O, ubg … cddjl` dh tbl Ohtlrhlt … aust

flkeusl O wehtl` td jhdw gdrl efdut wbet ydu `d ‛ "

"@dh't fuccsbot gl, Geroe," Kcehky seo` icetcy. "O betl fuccsbot."

Pbl `dktdr jhlw sbl wes keunbt, sd sbl netblrl` blr kdurenl eh` tdc` tbltrutb. "Iohl. ^l `dh't jhdw ehytbohn efdut ydu, eh` wl esjl` erduh` ecottcl fot. O tecjl` td e nuy wbd's e prltty wlcc-jhdwh ceh`skepl erkbotlkt, eh`bl seo` bl'` hlvlr bler` di ydu. Bl ecsd seo` ydu sduh`l` gdrl cojl e ner`lh`lsonhlr tbeh eh erkbotlkt. O tbdunbt … wlcc, O tbdunbt ydu gonbt bevl fllhcyohn td Effy. O wehtl` td kblkj td gejl surl ydu erl wbd ydu seo` yduwlrl."

Pbl fcdh`l clehl` fekj oh blr kbeor. "Pbehjs idr flohn bdhlst." [bl krdsslèh ehjcl dvlr blr jhll eh` sterl` et Geroe eneoh. "O eg e ceh`skeplerkbotlkt, fut O'g hdt e typokec dhl."

"^bet … wbet `dls tbet gleh4"

"Pbet glehs," Kcehky seo`, "tbet O wehtl` td fl treohl` eh` quecoiol` td `d



;<5

td blr illt. –_du wlrl ronbt efdut Kcehky. [bl‟s e cdt gdrl geturl tbeh sblcddjs.‗ [bl jossl` blr cdvlr dh tbl kbllj. –_du sbduc` bevl rlglgflrl`tbet flidrl ydu trol` td trep blr. Hdw nd ketkb blr eh` epdcdnozl wblh sblkdgls dut di tbl fetbrddg. O‟cc nd ohtd tbl jotkblh eh` gejl surl hd dhlohtlrrupts.‗



;<6

–O skrlwl` up, ò`h‟t O4‗ Geroe esjl`.

–_leb, ydu ò`, fut O tbohj wl clerhl` e cdt efdut Kcehky tdhonbt. Hdt tbl

wey O wduc` bevl cojl` td clerh tbet sbl keh tejl kerl di blrslci, fut …‗

"O aust bdpl td Nd` tbet sbl dlsh‟t tlcc Effy," Geroe seo`. "'Keusl sbl'` jokjgy ess oi sbl iduh` dut!"

KBE]PLV P^LHP_-DHL

Effy pokjl` up tbl pbdhl dh [eturèy gdrhohn, ketkbohn ot quokjcy sd tblrohnohn wduc`h‟t wejl Beycly. "Blccd4"

"Bo. ]eg blrl. O ubg … wes aust keccohn td gejl surl ydu wehtl` td pcey

tdèy."

êotohn e flet, kdhso`lrohn wbltblr sbl wes gossohn sdgltbohn, Effyesjl`, "^by wduc`h't O4"

"\bg … O ò`h't jhdw oi ydu wehtl` td sll Lcclh. O jhdw ydu'rl …"

"]eg, oi O wlrl ndohn td kehklc, O wduc` bevl keccl`. Eh`, idr tbl rlkdr`, O'ghdt ndohn td stdp dohn sdgltbohn O lhady aust flkeusl O'g upslt wotb Lcclh.Oi sbl wehts td quot tbet's blr kbdokl, fut wl'vl ecc fllh pceyohn idr tlh ylers,eh` O'g hdt ndohn td stdp uhtoc gy jhlls novl dut."

Ceunbohn, ]eg seo`, "O `dh't jhdw wby O fdtblrl` td kecc. Oi O be` tbdunbtefdut ot idr twd gohutls, O wduc` bevl jhdwh tbet ydu wduc`h't quot dvlrtbos."

"Plcc Geroe sbl dwls ydu dhl idr gejohn ydu kecc," Effy seo`, ceunbohn lvoccy.

***

Lcclh icohkbl` hdtoklefcy wblh Effy kegl up flboh` blr oh tbl cdkjlr rddg

eh` seo`, "Vle`y td nd4"

Pbl dc`lr wdgeh turhl` eh` trol` td jllp tbl surprosl irdg sbdwohn."_leb," sbl seo`, sduhòhn lxklssovlcy lhtbusoestok. "Pbl usuec, dr sbduc`wl icop e kdoh idr tlegs4"

"Clt's icop," Effy seo`, bdpohn sbl'` fl peorl` wotb lotblr ]eg dr Geroe.



;<0

***

Pbly wlrl gdrl tbeh e cottcl ewjwer` wotb lekb dtblr, tryohn td sgocl eh`fehtlr e cottcl efdut tbl getkb. Fut tbly fdtb jhlw tblrl wes dhcy dhl tdpokdh tbl tefcl, eh` Effy ioheccy frdekbl` ot. "^l hll` td tecj efdut dur iuturl

‛ es irolh`s."

"O jhdw. O bevlh't wehtl` td, fut ydu'rl ronbt. ^l hll` td." [bl idc`l` blrbeh`s dh tbl tefcl eh` weotl` idr Effy td flnoh.

Pblor slrvlr wecjl` fy eh` ohòketl` bl‟` fl wotb tblg oh e gdglht. Lcclhspdjl td bog, tblh put blr hepjoh dh blr cep. Effy wetkbl` blr, hdtokohntbet blr irolh` hll`l` td bevl blr beor tdukbl` up. @orlkt suhconbt os hdirolh` td erj beor yl, sbl tbdunbt, strukj wotb tbl iclltohn lsorl td tlcc blrirolh` tbet blr beor cddjl` ewiuc, aust td burt blr. Fut sbl sbddj dii tblurnl, jhdwohn tbet wes hdt dhcy flhletb blr, ot wes ecsd kduhtlrprdùktovl.

[bl idkusl` blr tbdunbts eh` seo`, "O'vl tbdunbt e cdt efdut dur ernuglht,eh` O stocc keh't uh`lrsteh` wby ydu wlrl sd ehnry wotb gl. Pblh O tbdunbttbet O gonbt aust bevl keunbt ydu dii-nuer`. [d … O wehtl` td sll wblrltbohns steh` hdw."

Lcclh cddjl` `dwh, tblh clehl` fekj wblh tblor slrvlr errovl` wotb wetlreh` glhus. [bl nevl bog e quokj ncehkl eh` seo`, "O'` cojl e kdff sece` ehèh okl` tle. Effy4"

"Pbet's iohl," sbl seo`.

Bl hd``l` eh` adttl` `dwh tblor dr`lr, tblh wecjl` ewey, clevohn Lcclhwotbdut ehy gdrl lxkusls td `lcey. [bl cddjl` et Effy, fut blr nezl ò`h'tfler ots usuec dplhhlss. "O'g hdt ehnry ehygdrl." Blr iohnlrs gdvl`hlrvduscy dh tbl tefclkcdtb, frusbohn dii splkjs di ùst. "O keh't sey wby Owes ehnry oh tbl iorst pcekl, td fl bdhlst. O suppdsl O wes sd sbdkjl` tbet Oclt gy gdutb nlt ewey irdg gl."

Effy sgocl` et blr, uhsukklssiuccy tryohn td bdc` blr nezl. "_du'vl be` ecottcl wbocl td ònlst tbl hlws. ^bet `d ydu tbohj hdw4"

"O … O bevl td sey tbet O bdpl` ydu'` bevl kdgl td ydur slhsls fy hdw," Lcclh

seo`, blr pdsturl stertohn td ohòketl e kdgfetovl ettotu`l. "Bevl ydu tdc`tbl jo`s4"

Effy hd``l`, kbddsohn td onhdrl tbl ohotoec ohsuct. "Beycly jhdws, eh` Owrdtl td Prlvdr. O bevlh't bler` fekj irdg bog."

ôtb e sgocl tbet cddjl` ier tdd gukb cojl e ncdet, Lcclh esjl`, "Bdw ò`Beycly tejl ot4"



;<<

"Hdt vlry wlcc," Effy seo`, `lkoòhn td fl bdhlst. "[bl's hdt rle`y td tecjefdut ot gukb, fut ot's stocc vlry lercy. O'g kdhio`lht wl'cc wdrj tbohns dut."

"^bet oi ydu `dh't4" Lcclh esjl`, blr iekl dfskurl` fy tbl weotlr's wbotlsbort es bl pcekl` tblor `rohjs dh tbl tefcl.

Effy pokjl` up blr tle eh` tddj e sop, cddjohn dvlr tbl rog di tbl ncess. "^lbevl td. ^l'rl iegocy."

Irustretl`, Lcclh clehl` fekj oh blr kbeor, fcdwohn dut e `llp frletb. "^by`d tbos4" sbl esjl`, cddjohn torl` eh` lvlry ey di blr ioity-tbrll ylers. "^byput ydur jo`s tbrdunb ehy gdrl tbeh tbly'vl ecrle`y fllh tbrdunb4"

ôtb e sgocl tbet fro`nl` kurodsoty eh` ehhdyehkl, Effy esjl`, "^by os gy

cdvl coil `lplh`lht dh tbl epprdvec di gy jo`s4"

"Flkeusl tbos osh't e hdrgec wey td lxprlss ydur cdvl," Lcclh seo`, kclercylxesplretl`.

Effy set fekj oh blr kbeor, cddjohn et blr irolh` idr hlercy e gohutl flidrlsbl gehenl` td splej. "Bdw èrl ydu! Bdw keh ydu sey ydu'rl ]eg eh`Geroe's irolh`4"

"Pbos osh't flkeusl di tbl ney tbohn," tbl dc`lr wdgeh bossl`, wbosplrohn"ney". "Pblrl's hdtbohn wrdhn wotb flohn ney ‛ oi ydu'rl ney! Fut ydu'rl hdt!"

"@d ydu bler ydurslci4" Effy esjl`. "_du erl sottohn blrl tlccohn gl wbet gyslxuec drolhtetodh os. ^blrl `d ydu nlt dii4"

"Cddj!" Lcclh seo`, clehohn ekrdss tbl tefcl sd sbl kduc` tecj quoltcy. "O'vljhdwh ydu idr twlhty-sox ylers! O jhlw ydu flidrl ydu wlrl gerrol` td ôcc!Oi ydu wlrl iejohn ot, ydu wlrl tbl flst èghl` ektrlss di tbl lonbtols eh`tbl hohltols!"

"Iejohn wbet4 Iejohn gy cdvl4"

"_ls!"

"Alsus Kbrost, Lcclh! @dh't ydu jhdw ehytbohn efdut slxuecoty4"

"Di kdursl O `d," sbl rlpcol`, kclercy ehnry. "Eh` ydu'rl bltlrdslxuec!"

"_du jhdw gl wlcc," Effy seo`, "fut ydu `dh't jhdw gy slxuec slci. O be` e



;<9

rlec slx coil flidrl O glt ôcc, eh` O'vl be` e iehtesy coil flidrl, ùrohn, ehèitlr gy gerroenl."

"^bet erl ydu seyohn4" Lcclh esjl`, blr gdutb `rdppohn dplh.

"O'g seyohn tbet Kcehky osh't tbl iorst wdgeh O'vl jossl`."

"[d ydu jossl` e norc! Fon `lec!"

"O ò` gdrl tbeh joss blr," Effy seo`, lyls fcezohn. "^l jossl` ‛ pessodhetlcy, hdt idr e cerj. O tdukbl` blr frlests, eh` sbl tdukbl` gohl. Owes oh tbl go``cl di uhzoppohn blr pehts wblh gy rddggetl wecjl` oh."

Lcclh sterl` et blr, cddjohn suspokodus. "[d, wby ò`h't ydu `d ot tbl hlxttogl ydu eh` tbos dtblr wdgeh sew lekb dtblr4"

"Flkeusl O glt ôcc sbdrtcy eitlr tbet bepplhl`." Blr lxprlssodh nlhtcl`,eh` blr nezl sboitl` td cddj et tbl fleuty di tbl [eh Nefrolc Gduhteohs ohtbl òstehkl. "O ilcc oh cdvl wotb bog, eh` dhkl O ò` … O ò`h't weht ehydhllcsl ‛ geh dr wdgeh."

"[d ydu kduc` bevl fllh e clsfoeh … oi ydur rddggetl be`h't wecjl` oh."Lcclh wes kclercy hdt fuyohn ot, blr sjlptokosg slrvohn td ehhdy Effy gdrlfy tbl gohutl.

"O nulss O kduc` bevl fllh. Oi O'` fllh scllpohn wotb tbl norc O'g tecjohn efdut,O suppdsl O wduc`h't bevl ekklptl` e ètl irdg ôcc."

"_dur wbdcl slxuec o`lhtoty os fesl` dh e kdsgok ekko`lht4 Pblrl's hd weyidr gl td uh`lrsteh` tbet," Lcclh seo`.

"_du bevl bler` di foslxuecoty, bevlh't ydu4" Effy esjl` uhjoh`cy.

"_ls, Effy, O'vl bler` di ot." Pbl slrvlr errovl` wotb tblor sece`s, `lpdsotl`tblg, eh` `lpertl`, fut hlotblr wdgeh tddj e fotl.

"O o`h't bevl tbl hll` dr tbl dppdrtuhoty td lxpcdrl ot, fut ieccohn oh cdvl wotbKcehky bes clt gl sll tbet O'g foslxuec. Ot's hdt tbet fon e `lec."

"Ot os td Beycly," sbl sheppl`.

"^by dh't ydu clt gl wdrry efdut gy jo`s, eh` ydu keh wdrry efdut ydurs.Djey4"

Lcclh tddj e llp frletb, dfvoduscy tryohn td kecg blrslci. "Cddj, O jhlw occflidrl bl glt ydu. O wes et tbl bdspotec wblh fdtb di ydur jo`s wlrl fdrh.



;<>

O'vl fllh et lvlry fortbèy perty, lvlry nreùetodh, lvlry sonhoiokeht lvlht oh ydur iegocy's coil. @dh't lxplkt gl td aust iecc oh cohl wblh O jhdw ydu'rl`dohn sdgltbohn tbet wocc idrlvlr egenl ydur iegocy! O cdvl ydu tdd gukb tdclt tbos pess!"

"^bet eg O suppdsl` td d, bevl tbl jo`s skrllh gy etls4 bet oi tbly cojlsdgldhl et iorst, fut nlt ehnry wotb bog dr blr e yler cetlr4 @d O bevl tdfrlej up wotb tbl plrsdh4" [bl peusl`, eh` kdkjl` blr ble`. "@d ydu blerbdw roòkucdus tbos sduh`s4"

"Beycly's e ndd` jo`, eh` sbl cdvls ydu td letb. [bl's ecsd vlry kdgidrtefclerduh` ney pldpcl. Oi sbl tbdunbt Kcehky wes e lklht plrsdh, sbl wduc`h'tbevl e prdfclg wotb tbos!"

"_du dh't jhdw wbet ydu'rl tecjohn efdut," Effy seo`. "Eh` O'g hdt ndohn tdfltrey Beycly's kdhio`lhkls fy tlccohn ydu wbet sbl's upslt efdut. [uiiokl ot

td sey tbet ot's hdt flkeusl di Kcehky's kberektlr."

"[plejohn di kberektlr, wbet `d ydu lvlh jhdw efdut tbos wdgeh4"

"O jhdw blr vlry, vlry wlcc," Effy seo`. "Flttlr tbeh O jhlw occ wblh O sclptwotb bog tbl iorst togl."

"Eh` ydu cdvl blr," Lcclh seo` punhekoduscy.

"O `d."

"Plcc gl wby4" Lcclh esjl`. "Plcc gl wby ydu cdvl blr."

Effy fclw dut e frletb, eh` rlgoh`l` blrslci tbet sbl eh` Lcclh rleccy ò`bevl e cdhn irolh`sbop, eh` tbet blr irolh` be` fllh uhicennohn oh blrsuppdrt eitlr ôcc's `letb. "Djey," sbl seo`, "O wocc." [bl tddj ehdtblr sop diblr tle, tbohjohn efdut blr illcohns idr Kcehky. "Blrl ndls. O cdvl blr flkeuslsbl's joh` eh` nlhlrdus eh` iuhhy eh` sgert. Hdt oh e fddjosb wey, fut sbljhdws efdut coil eh` sbl jhdws pldpcl. [bl's vlry ohtuotovl efdut pldpcl.Eh` O cdvl tbl wey sbl nlts pclesurl irdg sogpcl tbohns. [bl's e cdt cojl gloh tbet wey. [bl's beppy td sot dutso`l eh` lhady heturl." [bl cddjl` up ettbl kcler, ry, fcul sjy, tbohjohn. "O cdvl blr flkeusl sbl's bdhlst, efdut blr

illcohns eh` efdut blr wdrj. [bl wdrjs ber` ‛ ber`lr tbeh sbl bes td ‛ futsbl lhadys ot. [bl cojls td lerh blr covohn, hdt aust weot idr tbl èy td fl dvlr.O ecsd cdvl tbl iekt tbet sbl's e cdvohn èunbtlr eh` nreh`èunbtlr. [bl'sprdu` di blr iegocy, eh` tbet's e vlry lh`lerohn treot." Effy cddjl` ronbt ohtdblr irolh`'s lyls eh` e``l`, "Eh` O tbohj sbl's aust efdut tbl prlttolstwdgeh O'vl lvlr sllh. ^blh O cddj et blr, sdgltogls sbl tejls gy frletbewey." Blr kblljs icusbl` wblh sbl e`gottl` td tbos, fut sbl wehtl` Lcclhtd jhdw ‛ td rleccy jhdw ‛ bdw sbl ilct.



;<2

Blr irolh` cddjl` et blr idr e gdglht, eh` Effy wes kdgpcltlcy uhefcl tdrle` blr lxprlssodh. ôtb blr vdokl kecg eh` ohtlrlstl`, sbl esjl`, "Bdw`dls sbl gejl ydu illc4"

"Illc4"

"_leb. Bdw `d ydu illc wblh ydu'rl tdnltblr4"

"Db. ^lcc … O …" Effy ceunbl` eh` sbddj blr ble` e cottcl fot. "O'vl hlvlrtbdunbt efdut ot cojl tbet." [bl nrlw plhsovl, tblh seo`, "[bl gejls gl illccdvefcl eneoh. O wes sd dwh," sbl seo`, blr iekl ioccl` wotb peoh irdg glrlcyrlkeccohn tbet togl. "O tbdunbt O'` hlvlr illc cdvl` eneoh, fut oh e vlry sbdrttogl O stertl` cddjohn idrwer` td sllohn blr. Pblh O stertl` td goss blr wblhO ò`h't sll blr. Pblh … tblh sbl flkegl ecc O tbdunbt efdut." [bl sgocl`,cddjohn yduhn eh` vofreht. "Pbet's wblrl O stocc eg," sbl e`gottl`.

"Fut bdw `d ydu illc4" Lcclh plrsostl`.

"O … O illc wdh`lriuc," Effy seo`. "Cojl O'g stertohn gy coil dvlr eneoh, oh ewey. Fut oh ehdtblr wey, O illc cojl wl'vl fllh tdnltblr idrlvlr. ^l iot sdwlcc." Cddjohn et Lcclh, sbl rlecozl` sbl wesh't ehswlrohn tbl qulstodh. "O …nulss O `dh't jhdw bdw td lxpceoh bdw ot illcs td fl oh cdvl eneoh. Ecc O jhdwos tbet sbl sgocls wblh sbl slls gl, eh` ot gejls gy blert rekl. ^blhwl'rl dut tdnltblr, sbl'cc ferlcy tdukb gl eh` O illc tohncy ecc dvlr." [blsbrunnl`, cddjohn blcpclss. "O dh't jhdw wbet lcsl td sey, Lcclh. [bl gejlsgl illc cdvl` eh` kerl` idr eh` prltty eh` slxy eh` lsorefcl. Aust cojl lvlry

wdgeh sbduc` illc wblh sbl ieccs oh cdvl."

Lcclh be` fllh wetkbohn Effy kerliuccy wbocl sbl spdjl, eh` blr lxprlssodhbe`h't kbehnl` gukb irdg tbl flnohhohn di tbl lxpcehetodh td tbl lh` di ot.Ot wes stocc ber` idr Effy td tlcc wbet sbl wes tbohjohn, fut sbl sddh iduh`dut.

"^bet's oh tbos idr blr4"

"Idr blr4" Effy cddjl` et blr kdgpehodh cojl sbl wes splejohn ehdtblrcehnuenl.

"_ls. Idr blr. Bdw wduc` ydu illc oi Prlvdr stertl` ètohn e idrty-yler-dc`wdgeh4 ^duc`h't ydu wdh`lr wby4"

Hdhpcussl`, Effy set quoltcy idr e ilw gdglhts. "O suppdsl O wduc`." [blcddjl` et blr irolh`. "Fut O trust gy sdh. O trust bos au`nglht. Oi bl wlrl tdiecc oh cdvl wotb eh dc`lr wdgeh, O'` essugl bl wes nlttohn wbet bl hll`lìrdg blr. ^bet lcsl keh ydu `d4"



;<?

"^lcc, ydu `dh't trlet ydur jo`s cojl O trlet gohl," Lcclh seo`. "O'` gejl surlbl jhlw wbet bl wes cdsohn fy flohn wotb sdgldhl sd gukb dc`lr. l'rl hdttecjohn e ilw ylers blrl, Effy: wl'rl tecjohn e nlhlretodh!"

"O jhdw O'g aust e ilw ylers yduhnlr tbeh Kcehky's gdtblr," Effy e`gottl`,"fut O keh't clt tbet fdtblr gl. O bevl td clt gy blert tlcc gl wbet's ronbt idrgl."

"Eh` Kcehky4"

"Blr blert bes td nuo`l blr. Eh` O flcolvl tbet sbl jhdws tbl `dwhso`l diflohn wotb gl."

Lcclh clehl` idrwer`, cddjohn lgpetbltok. "Erl ydu surl sbl's hdt usohn ydu4O gleh … pclesl, pclesl `dh't tejl tbos tbl wrdhn wey, fut wby wduc` sbl

weht sdgldhl ydur enl oi sbl kduc` bevl e yduhn wdgeh4 O dh't jhdw wbet ydu sll wblh ydu cddj oh tbl gorrdr, fut O `dh't rlkdnhozl gyslci ehygdrl!"

Effy cddjl` et blr irolh`, wdh`lrohn wblrl td stert. [bl wes ohsuctl` idrblrslci eh` ecsd dh Kcehky‟s flbeci, fut ot wes kcler tbet Lcclh's kdhklrh wesnlhuohl. "O `dh't jhdw wby sbl wehts gl, Lcclh. O `dh't bevl tbl fd`y O be`wblh O wes blr enl, fut sbl's vlry ettrektl` td gl. O jhdw tbet sbl'ssohklrl."

"O jhdw ydu flcolvl tbet, Effy. O keh sll tbet," Lcclh seo`. [bl rlekbl`

ekrdss tbl tefcl eh` tddj blr irolh`'s beh`. "Fut sbl keh't fl sohklrl. [blkeh't bevl tbdunbt tbos tbrdunb. [bl aust keh't." [bl set up eh` seo`, "Drsbl wehts ydur gdhly dr ydur prlstonl dr td fl ohvotl` ohtd ydur sdkoec korkcl. Pblrl's aust hd dtblr lxpcehetodh."

Effy ncerl` et blr, wduh`l` td tbl kdrl. "Bevl ydu ecweys jhdwh wbet's ohlvlrydhl's blert4 _du jhdw efdut gy slxuecoty … efdut Kcehky's gdtovls …efdut Beycly's illcohns! Bdw `erl ydu qulstodh Kcehky's bdhlsty eh`sohklroty!"

"Effy! ^dglh dur enl `dh't ettrekt yduhn pldpcl! Pbly'rl lotblr cddjohn idr

e gdtblr sufstotutl dr e glec tokjlt!"

"Kcehky bes e cdvlcy gdtblr di blr dwh, eh` sbl gejls e ndd` covohn. Ecc sblwehts irdg gl os gy cdvl!"

"Bdw `d O rlekb ydu4" Lcclh esjl`, irustretl` eh` ehnry.

"_du `dh't," Effy seo`. "Aust cojl O bevlh‟t rlekbl` ydu. _du bevlh't rleccy



;9=

bler` gl, eh` O tbohj ydur ernuglhts erl ro`okucdus. O suppdsl wl aust bevltd nd dh es flst wl keh eh` sogpcy evdo` tbl tdpok uhtoc ot flkdgls kcler tbetdur cdvl wocc cest."

Lcclh nezl` et blr dc` irolh`, pursohn blr cops, cddjohn cojl sbl wes efdut td

kry. "O keh't `d tbet. O keh't fl ydur irolh` oi ydu ohsost dh kdhtohuohn wotbtbos."

"^bet4"

"_du bler` gl," Lcclh seo`, tlers rdccohn `dwh blr kblljs. "_du'rl `dohnsdgltbohn tbet O tbohj os bergiuc idr ydu eh` tbl jo`s … es wlcc es Kcehky.O keh't kdh`dhl ot, eh` O keh't jllp gy gdutb sbut eh` clt ydu `d ot."

Effy's beh` wlht td blr ble`, ruffohn tbl spdt dvlr blr lyl tbet westbrdffohn oh peoh. "_du wdh't fl gy irolh` flkeusl ydu dh‟t epprdvl di gy

cdvlr4"

"Hd, tbet's hdt ot. O keh't fl ydur irolh` wblh ydu'rl ektohn sd slciosbcy. PblEffy O cdvl wduc`h't `d sdgltbohn tbet wduc` upslt blr jo`s eh` blrirolh`s. Pbet Effy kerl` gdrl efdut tbl pldpcl erduh` blr tbeh ydu `d."

Effy stdd` up, puccl` e twlhty irdg blr sbdrts eh` tdssl` ot dhtd tbl tefcl."_du'rl ronbt. O'g hlvlr ndohn td fl tbet wdgeh eneoh. O'vl kbehnl`, eh` O'gputtohn gyslci iorst." [bl clehl` dvlr eh` sterl` et Lcclh, blr lyls icokjlrohnwotb pessodh. "O `lslrvl ot!"

***

Kcehky errovl` aust eitlr 61==, eh` Effy fuzzl` blr oh. Eh lercolr pbdhlkecc clt blr jhdw tbet Beycly wes ndhl, sd sbl eveocl` blrslci di tbldppdrtuhoty td pcey wotb tbl `dns wotbdut wdrry.

Cddjohn up et Effy es sbl lhtlrl`, Kcehky wbostcl` eh` blr lylswo`lhl`. –@egh, ydu cddj ndd`.‗ Novohn blr e froli joss, sbl seo`, –FutO‟vl ndtte fl bdhlst, ydu‟rl wey tdd `rlssl` up idr tbos krdw`.‗

–_du seo` kesuec.‗ Effy fcohjl`. –Osh‟t tbos kesuec4‗

Kcehky lyl` tbl cohlh kegp sbort tbet ge`l Effy‟s lyls cddj cojl tbl fculstsjy sbl'` lvlr sllh, eh` tbl purl wbotl, scog-iottohn, kdttdh scekjs. –Oh ydurkorkcl, yls, tbet wduc` fl kesuec. Oh gy korkcl, ydu cddj cojl ydu‟rl `rlssl`td gllt tbl qullh.‗ [bl pdohtl` td blr dwh shun, krdppl`, rl` tehj tdp,dvlrsozl` rl` eh` wbotl proht sbort, eh` hevy fcul fder` sbdrts eh` esjl`,–Keh ydu nlt kcdslr td tbos4‗



;95

–\bg … yleb, oi O wler tbl kcdtbls O hdrgeccy put dvlr gy swogsuot.‗

–]lrilkt,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Lotblr tbet dr tbdsl e`drefcl fdxlrs ydu be` dh tbliorst honbt wl ge`l cdvl.‗

–Kcehky! O‟g hdt ndohn td e perty oh gy uh`lrwler!‗

–_du wduc`h‟t fl tbl iorst,‗ Kcehky ohsostl`.

***

Pbl perty wes flohn blc` et e bdusl oh Ecte`lhe, eh` wblh tbly wlrl twdfcdkjs ewey Kcehky prlòktl`, –Pbos os ndhhe fl e fon dhl. Pblrl‟s ecrle`yhd pcekl td perj.‗

–Erl ydu surl wl sbduc`h‟t bevl frdunbt noits4 Dr e clest e fdttcl di wohl4‗

–Hd. ^l `dh‟t `d noits. ^l aust bevl e kdhtlst idr wbd frohns tbl òrtolstker`.‗

–Pbos sbduc` prdvl lhconbtlhohn,‗ Effy seo`, sgocohn hlrvduscy.

Pbly be` td nd ecgdst tbrll fcdkjs td ioh` e spdt idr tbl ker, eh` es tbly`rlw kcdslr td tbl perty, tbl gusok ndt cdu`lr eh` cdu`lr. Fy tbl togl tblyrlekbl` tbl sgecc iregl bdusl, tbly be` td reosl tblor vdokls aust td bler

lekb dtblr splej.

Effy‟s lyls nrlw wo`l es tbl y wecjl` erduh` tbl so`l di tbl bdusl eh` tddjoh tbl gess di fdòls aeggl` ohtd tbl sgecc yer`. –O bevl e cdt di irolh`s,‗Kcehky kdgglhtl`. [bl skehhl` tbl krdw` eh` iduh` tbl fortbèy norc,tunnohn Effy wotb blr td gejl tbl ohtrdùktodhs. –Bly, [efrohe!‗ sblsbdutl`. –Beppy fortbèy!‗

–Kcehky! ^blrl‟vl ydu fllh, fefl4 O bevlh‟t sllh ydu ecc sugglr.‗

–O‟vl fllh jllpohn fusy.‗ [bl scuhn blr erg erduh` Effy eh` puccl` blr

kcdsl. –Pbos os Effy,‗ sbl seo`, sgocohn wo`lcy. –^l‟vl fllh jllpohn fusytdnltblr.‗

–Bly, ndd` td gllt ydu, Effy. \bg … tbl jln‟s dvlr tblrl,‗ sbl seo`,pdohtohn td e jhdt di pldpcl, –eh` wl‟rl ndhhe stert kddjohn sddh. Db,[bloce‟s hlw fefy os blrl. _du ndtte kblkj bog dut!‗

^blh tbly frdjl tbrdunb tbl tbrdhn, ot flkegl kcler wby lvlrydhl wes



;96

kcustlrl` tdnltblr. E pddc tddj up idur-ioitbs di tbl yer`, idrkohn tbl nulststd surrduh` ot dh lvlry so`l. E `dzlh wdglh eh` e geh wlrl pceyohn oh tblkddc wetlr, eh` Kcehky ohkcohl` blr ble` tdwer`s eh ettrektovl yduhnwdgeh wbd epplerl` td bevl fllh tbrdwh oh, iuccy kcdtbl`. –Pbet‟s gy lx ‛ Aucol,‗ sbl seo`.

Effy tddj e ndd` cddj et tbl yduhn wdgeh, blr lyls wo`lhohn wblh sbl sewtwd sufstehtoec rohns dutcohl` fy blr shun tehj tdp. –[bl‟s vlry hoklcddjohn,‗ Effy seo`. Pbl wdgeh cddjl` td fl efdut Kcehky‟s enl, eh` blrspojy fcekj beor stukj up ecc dvlr blr ble`. Pbl liilkt wes ekbolvl`tbrdunb egpcl usl di sdgl beor kerl prdùkt, flkeusl sbl uhjl` blr bleèh` blr sbdrt fcekj cdkjs ogglòetlcy kdhidrgl` td blr sjucc. [bl be`èrj, lxprlssovl lyls, eh` sjoh turhl` e werg, èrj ndc` fy tbl suh. Aucolnevl dii eh lhlrnltok, fuffcy vofl, eh` wblh sbl ge`l lyl kdhtekt wotbKcehky, sbl ogglòetlcy sweg dvlr td tbl l`nl di tbl pddc.

–Bly, ydu,‗ sbl seo`, fettohn blr lyls oh e wey tbet ge`l Effy‟s bekjclsrosl.

–Bo, Aucol,‗ Kcehky seo`. Aucol stukj blr beh` dut, eh` wblh Kcehkynrespl` ot, Aucol nevl ot e yehj eh` puccl` blr ohtd tbl pddcbleìorst. Cukjocy, tbl lptb wes suiiokolht td evdo` joccohn dr geogohn blr,fut Kcehky wesh‟t lsplkoeccy nretliuc idr tbl ùhjohn. –Nd` ègh ot!‗ sblsputtlrl` wblh blr ble` frdjl tbrdunb tbl wetlr. –ôcc O hlvlr clerh4‗ [bliugfcl` oh blr pehts eh` un blr wecclt dut, tblh jokjl` dii blr sehècs eh`beh`l` tblg td Effy. –[bl‟s `dhl tbet td gl et clest iovl togls!‗ Kcehkyseo`, sbddtohn blr lx e wry nroh.

Effy wes stehòhn tblrl bdcòhn tbl `roppohn hycdh wecclt wotb twd iohnlrs,eh` Kcehky seo`, –Aucol, tbos os Effy. Effy, Aucol.‗

–Ndd` td gllt ydu,‗ Effy seo`, tblh puccl` blr beh` fekj wblh tbl yduhnlrwdgeh stertl` td rlekb idr ot. –O‟` retblr hdt nd swoggohn,‗ sbl seo`.

–Pwd gohutls eh` sbl‟s clerhl` e clssdh O bevlh‟t ionurl` dut oh iovl ylers,‗Kcehky nrugfcl`.

–_du ecweys wlrl e cottcl scdw,‗ Aucol seo`. [bl trol` td ùhj Kcehky eneoh

eh` sdglbdw wduh` up behnohn dii blr fekj. Kcehky trol` td pucc ewey,fut Aucol buhn dh tonbt. –Noggl e ro`l,‗ sbl `lgeh`l`, blr tbrdety vdoklpurrohn ronbt ohtd Kcehky‟s ler.

[brunnohn dut di blr bdc`, Kcehky nevl blr e pdohtl` cddj eh` seo`, –Hdtbehjs. Effy ro`ls gl tblsl èys.‗ ]rlssohn blr beh`s dh tbl `lkj, sblbdostl` blrslci up eh` dvlr tbl l`nl di tbl pddc. –Bevl iuh,‗ sbl seo`,e`òhn e sgecc sgocl. Nrespohn Effy‟s beh`, Kcehky esjl`, –Kerl idr e



;9;

fllr4‗

–\bg … cdvl dhl,‗ sbl seo`, novohn tbl vlry plrturfl`-cddjohn Aucol e iurtovlncehkl. ^blh tbly wlrl dut di lersbdt Effy esjl`, –^bet wes tbet eccefdut4 [bl ektl` cojl sbl wehtl` td sklht-gerj ydu!‗

–Pbet‟s blr usuec stycl. [bl ò`h‟t cojl tbl iekt tbet O frdunbt e ètl, eh`sbl be` td tbrdw blrslci ecc dvlr gl td clt ydu jhdw sbl eh` O usl` td fl ehotlg. [bl gejls ot e pdoht td clt lvlrydhl jhdw sbl wes tblrl iorst.‗ [blnevl Effy e wry cddj eh` seo`, –[bl‟s hlvlr fllh efcl td clt nd.‗

–O `dh‟t fcegl blr e fot,‗ Effy sonbl`, wreppohn blr beh`s erduh` Kcehky‟s`roppohn wlt erg. –O jhdw tbet O kduc`h‟t clt nd, lotblr.‗

–_du `dh‟t bevl td clt nd,‗ Kcehky prdgosl`, turhohn blr nezl td glltEffy‟s. E wokjl` sgocl krlpt dhtd blr iekl eh` sbl seo`, –O bevl e vlry

strdhn `lsorl td gejl ydu wlt.‗

–]er`dh4‗ Effy fcohjl`.

Kcehky ceunbl` lvoccy eh` nrespl` blr cdvlr‟s bops, gdvohn blr fekjwer`suhtoc sbl be` blr prlssl` up eneohst tbl bdusl. –O weht td nlt ydu wlt,‗ sblrlpletl`, –tbl ber` wey.‗ [bl wreppl` blr ergs erduh` Effy eh` jossl`blr tbdrdunbcy, nrohòhn blr plcvos rdunbcy eneohst blr.

–Gy Nd`, Kcehky,‗ sbl nespl` wblh sbl kduc` kdgl up idr eor. –Pblrl erlpldpcl lvlrywblrl.‗

–Hdtbohn tbly bevlh‟t sllh flidrl,‗ sbl gurgurl`. –O keh‟t joss ydu et ydurbdusl, eh` ydu wdh‟t kdgl td gy bdusl. Pblrl‟s ndtte fl sdgl pcekl tbet Okeh joss ydu dr O'g ndhhe lxpcd`l!‗

[bl kduc` illc tbl gdosturl sllpohn tbrdunb blr kcdtbohn eh` Effy `lko`l`td rlclesl blr ohbofotodhs ‛ idr tbl eitlrhddh, et clest. –_du erl gejohn glwlt,‗ sbl purrl` slxocy.

Kcehky‟s beh` shukj fltwllh tblor fdòls eh` sbl hd``l`. –_lp. _du‟rl`rlhkbl`.‗

–Pbet‟s hdt wbet O gleht,‗ Effy nrdwcl`, cetkbohn dh td tbl top di Kcehky‟sler. –_dur jossls gejl gl wlt … eh` bdt … eh` O‟` cojl hdtbohn gdrl tbehtd gejl cdvl td ydu ecc honbt cdhn.‗

Kcehky cdkjl` lyls wotb blr, blr lhtorl fd`y sbovlrohn wotb erdusec. –Keh ydu kdgl td gy bdusl4‗



;90

Lyls ioccl` wotb rlnrlt, Effy seo`, –Hd, ot‟s Beycly‟s perty, rlglgflr4‗

Kcehky hd``l`, tblh nreffl` blr eh` tbrust blr bops e ilw togls wbocl sblstre``cl` e tbonb. –Gy freoh jhdws ydu bevl ydur rlesdhs, fut gy fd`y‟sstertohn td nlt possl` et gl. [bl aust wehts td bugp ydu.‗

–_du‟rl flkdgohn gdrl cojl tbl `dns lvlry èy.‗ Effy seo`, sgocohn idh`cyet blr perthlr eh` novohn blr e ilw conbt jossls, tryohn td lesl tbl slxuectlhsodh.

–O‟vl fllh kdgperl` td wdrsl,‗ Kcehky e`gottl`, novohn Effy e iorg swet dhtbl futt.

***

Kcehky be` fllh td tbl bdusl gehy togls, eh` sbl jhlw blr wey erduh` ot

quotl wlcc. –Kdgl wotb gl,‗ sbl urnl` eitlr tbly be` slkurl` pcestok kupsdi fllr. [bl cl` Effy td tbl ier so`l di tbl bdusl, wblrl e quolt cottcl eckdvl yolc`l` twd sconbtcy fl`renncl`, fut usefcl, cewh kbeors. Pbly set `dwh ettbl l`nl di tbl krdw`, eh` eitlr aust e gdglht Effy kduc`h‟t supprlss blrkurodsoty ehy cdhnlr. –[d, tlcc gl efdut Aucol.‗

–[url,‗ Kcehky sgocl`, bevohn be` e illcohn tbet qulstodh wes oh tbl diiohn. –^bet `d ydu weht td jhdw4‗

–^lcc, O keh klrteohcy sll wby ydu‟` fl pbysokeccy ettrektl` td blr, fut wbetwes tbl rlec ettrektodh4‗

–Ggg … O tbohj, et tbet pdoht oh gy coil, O aust wehtl` sdgldhl wbd rleccywehtl` gl,‗ Kcehky seo` tbdunbtiuccy. –_du jhdw bdw ot os wblh ydu‟rl yduhn eh` ohlxplrolhkl`. _du gllt sdgldhl ydu‟rl ettrektl` td ‛ ydu botoi dii ‛ eh` flidrl ydu jhdw ot, ydu‟rl lxkcusovl wotb lekb dtblr. O ò`h‟trlecozl tbet O hll`l` td bevl e cost di rlquorlglhts tbet ehy cdvlr be` td glltflidrl O sbduc` splh` gy togl wotb ehy dhl plrsdh.‗

–Gejls slhsl,‗ Effy hd``l`. [bl tddj e sop di blr fllr eh` nrohhl` et blrperthlr. –O bevlh‟t be` fllr irdg e jln sohkl O wes oh kdcclnl. Ot‟s rleccytesty, osh‟t ot4‗

–_lp. @dh‟t jhdw wby, fut ot testls irlsblr tbos wey.‗

–^by ò`h‟t ydu twd gejl ot4‗ Effy esjl`. –O jhdw ydu idunbt e cdt: westbet tbl prdfclg4‗

–Hd.‗ Kcehky sbddj blr ble` frosjcy. –^l ò`h‟t ionbt efdut èy-td-èytbohns. ^l dhcy idunbt efdut blr pdsslssovlhlss.‗ [bl sgocl` eh` seo`,



;9<

–Pbl tbohn O wes ettrektl` td os tbl tbohn tbet `rdvl gl krezy oh tbl lh`.‗

–_du kduc`h‟t wdrj tbrdunb ot4‗

–Hd. ^l trol` td, fut O `dh‟t tbohj ydu keh kbehnl ydur plrsdhecoty aust td

pclesl e cdvlr. [bl wes hll`y, eh` alecdus di lvlrytbohn tbet tddj gl eweyirdg blr ‛ ohkcuòhn gy iegocy. Cojl, sbl ò`h‟t uh`lrsteh` tbet O wehtl`td splh` gy [uhèy‟s wotb tblg. [bl tbdunbt tbet sohkl O covl` wotb tblg,O ò`h‟t hll` td sll tblg dh tbl wlljlh`s.‗

–@o` ydu lvlr try covohn tdnltblr4‗

–Hdt rleccy. O sclpt et blr epertglht twd dr tbrll honbts e wllj, fut wl wlrlhlvlr stefcl lhdunb idr gl td weht td gejl tbet kdggotglht. O cojl` Aucol,Effy, fut O ò`h‟t cdvl blr. Oi O'` cdvl` blr, O‟g surl O wduc` bevl trol` e cdtber`lr td gejl ot wdrj.‗

–O‟g surl ydu wduc` bevl.‗ Effy sgocl`. –_du‟rl quotl `ltlrgohl` wblhsdgltbohn os ogpdrteht td ydu.‗

–_du‟rl ogpdrteht td gl,‗ Kcehky wbosplrl`, clehohn dvlr td joss e gdostpetb ecdhn Effy‟s aew. –Ylry ogpdrteht.‗

***

Eitlr tbly be` iohosbl` tblor fllrs, tbly gohncl` idr e wbocl, gdvohn tbrdunbtbl krdw` td nrllt dhl plrsdh eitlr ehdtblr. Effy wes egezl` td ioh` tbet

Kcehky ektueccy jhlw tbl vest geadroty di pldpcl et tbl perty, eh` blr ble`wes fuzzohn wotb hegls tbet sbl jhlw sbl‟` hlvlr fl efcl td rlkecc. [bl wesecsd surprosl` td sll e hugflr di glh eh` wdglh wbd cddjl` et clest es dcès sbl wes, eh` sbl kdgglhtl` dh tbet td Kcehky, "O tbdunbt O'` fl tbldc`lst dhl blrl. O wes eireo` pldpcl wduc` tbohj O wes ydur euht dr sdgldtblr rlcetovl ydu be` td lhtlrteoh."

Ceunbohn, Kcehky seo`, "O cdvl gy iegocy, fut O'vl hlvlr fekjl` ehy di tblgup eneohst e bdusl td nroh` eneohst. O tbohj gy irolh`s jhdw gl wlcc lhdunbtd jhdw O'g hdt ohtd tbet."

"_du jhdw wbet O gleh," Effy seo`, squllzohn Kcehky's beh`. "O'g rleccysurprosl` td sll go``cl-enl` wdglh."

"Bub. Pbet's hdt d`` wotb gy irolh`s."

"Ot os egdhn gohl," Effy seo`.

"_dur nrdup di irolh`s os ecc erduh` tbl segl enl4"



;9>

–O cojl td tbohj O wduc` fl. O be` sdgl prltty ndd` rdcl gd`lcs.‗ [bl nezlèt tbl fefy idr e ilw gohutls eh` seo`, –Osh‟t ot egezohn td tbohj tbet tblrl‟se wbdcl eùct bugeh oh tbos cottcl fd`y ‛ aust weotohn td nrdwup. Lvlrytbohn bl hll`s os ronbt oh tbos lesy-td-kerry pekjenl.‗

–_ls, es cdhn es bl nlts sdgl ndd` perlhtohn, bl‟s ndd` td nd.‗

–Db, bl‟cc nlt tbet,‗ Kcehky seo` `lkosovlcy. –Bl bes twd vlry ndd`gdgs.‗ Pwd cottcl lylco`s pdppl` dplh eh` Aekdf cddjl` erduh`, tryohn tdionurl dut wblrl bl wes eh` wbd wes bdcòhn bog. –^bet e fleutoiuc fdy ydu erl,‗ Kcehky kddl`, plttohn bog sditcy.

Effy wetkbl` blr ohtlrekt wotb tbl tohy kboc`, eh` Gernerlt‟s wdr`s jlptkdgohn fekj td blr. O `dh‟t jhdw oi O keh novl ydu tbos, swlltblert. Nd`, Obdpl wl jhdw wbet wl‟rl `dohn. O dh‟t weht ydu td goss dut dh tbl tbohnstbet O‟vl ecrle`y lxplrolhkl`, fut O dh‟t tbohj O bevl tbl strlhntb td stert ecc

dvlr eneoh. Pbohjohn di bevohn td `lec wotb Beycly‟s `rege wblh O‟gsoxty-iovl gejls gl sokj td gy stdgekb!

***

Aust flidrl tbly rlekbl` Effy's strllt, Kcehky turhl` dhtd e quolt fcdkj eh`turhl` dii tbl lhnohl. [boitohn erduh`, sbl nezl` et blr cdvlr eh` esjl`,"Hdw wbet4"

Effy shukj e cddj et blr wetkb. "O bevl td nlt bdgl. Beycly's irolh`s erlndhhe kdgl dvlr et erduh` >1==, eh` O bevl td nlt òhhlr rle`y."

"O jhdw," Kcehky seo`. [bl sterl` dut di tbl woh`dw, blr nezl aust dvlrEffy's clit sbduc`lr. "@o` ydu bevl e ndd` togl4 _du sllgl` … òstrektl` drsdgltbohn."

Effy splht e gdglht `lfetohn wbltblr dr hdt sbl wehtl` td tecj efdutwbet wes fdtblrohn blr. @lkoòhn sbl be` td, sbl seo`, "O be` e tdunbgdrhohn. Lcclh eh` O be` ehdtblr … oskussodh … idr weht di e flttlr wdr`,eh` ot ò`h't nd wlcc."

Kcehky's ble` sheppl` tdwer`s blr perthlr. "^by ò`h't ydu tlcc gl tbet4"

E cottcl tejlh efekj, Effy seo`, "^lcc … ot wesh't tbet fon e `lec. O `dh't tlcc ydu efdut lvlry òskussodh O bevl wotb gy irolh`s."

Herrdwohn blr lyls, Kcehky seo`, "Eh ernuglht wotb Lcclh os e fon `lec. O'`cojl ot oi ydu jlpt gl up td ètl, djey4"



;92

[bl seo` ot wotb e tdhl sd sberp ot ge`l tbl dc`lr wdgeh icohkb. êry, sblhd``l`. "Di kdursl. O'cc try td rlglgflr td tlcc ydu tbohns cojl tbos."

[tocc goiil`, Kcehky seo`, "^bet wes tbl ernuglht efdut4"

Effy ge`l e iekl. "Ot wes efdut tbl segl es cest togl, fut sbl be` tbl hlrvltd tlcc gl O kduc`h't pdssofcy fl e clsfoeh."

Kcehky gehenl` e wry, sbdrt ceunb. "^lcc, ydu'rl hdt. _du bevl e cdhn,beppy gerroenl td sbdw ydu'rl foslxuec."

"_du jhdw wbet O gleh," Effy seo`. "[bl `dlsh't tbohj O'g ettrektl` tdwdglh."

Ioheccy sgocohn, Kcehky seo`, "Ohtlrlstohn. [bl sbduc` sll ydu oh ektodh."

Effy ceunbl`. "Pbet's wbet O seo`! O tdc` blr efdut gejohn dut wotb Jetol ohkdcclnl aust td clt blr jhdw tbos wesh't e rlklht urnl."

"Bub. @o` tbet blcp4"

"Hdt es gukb es ot sbduc` bevl!" Effy ceunbl` ber`lr. "O be` td e`` tbl iekttbet ot wesh't aust e ilw irolh`cy jossls. O tbohj sbl stertl` td uh`lrsteh`wblh O tdc` blr efdut illcohn Jetol up eh` stertohn td tejl blr pehts diiflidrl wl wlrl ohtlrruptl`."

Kcehky's sgocl vehosbl`. "^be`è ye gleh, illcohn blr up4 _du ò`h't tlcc

gl tbet!"

[urprosl` fy blr perthlr's rlektodh, Effy trol` td fekjplèc e cottcl. "Otwesh't e fon `lec. O ò`h't tbohj ot wes wdrtb glhtodhohn."

"^drtb glhtodhohn!" Blr kblljs wlrl icusbl` pohj eh` blr nrey lyls wlrlwo`l. "O be` td pucc lvlry fot di tbet stdry dut di ydu! _du jhlw O wehtl` tdjhdw lvlrytbohn tbet bepplhl`!"

Effy tdukbl` blr perthlr's erg, wduh`l` wblh Kcehky puccl` ot fekj eh`ncerl` et blr. "O'g … O'g sdrry," sbl seo`. "O jhlw ydu wlrl ohtlrlstl`, fut O

ò`h't weht td tlcc ydu lvlrytbohn."

"^by4" tbl fcdh`l esjl`. "_du bo`l tbohns irdg gl tbet ydu'rl woccohn td tlccLcclh4 Alsus Kbrost, Effy, wbet tbl iukj os ndohn dh4"

Kclercy kdhiusl` eh` enotetl`, Effy io`nltl` oh blr slet. "O … O `dh't jhdw,"sbl seo`. "O tdc` ydu lvlrytbohn O wehtl` td tlcc ronbt tblh. O … keh't lxpceohwby."



;9?

"_du keh't, dr ydu wdh't4" Kcehky wes sterohn ber`, blr dwh lyls es erj esehtbrekotl.

"O keh't," Effy seo`, dh tbl vlrnl di tlers. "O'vl tdc` ydu e `dzlh togls tbet O

`dh't tbohj quokjcy wblh tbohns erl lgdtodhec."

Kcehky's ble` `rdppl` fekj eneohst tbl woh`dw. "Iohl. Pbohj efdut ot eh`tlcc gl ‛ 'keusl tbet's iukjl` up."

Effy trol` td rlekb dut eh` tdukb blr cdvlr, fut sbl wes eireo`. "O'cc try tdionurl ot dut," sbl seo`. "O swler O ò`h't gleh td burt ydu."

êvohn blr beh`, Kcehky hd``l`. "O jhdw." [bl clt dut e wlery sonb. "[d …tbet's ot4 Hdtbohn tdgdrrdw4"

"^lcc … O `dh't jhdw wbet Beycly's pcehhl`. Oi sbl's ndhhe fl ndhl, wlkduc` nlt tdnltblr." [bl wreppl` blr ergs erduh` blr dwh weost eh`bunnl` blrslci, blr vdokl tboh eh` sbejohn. "O `dh't cojl tbos lotblr. Ot's hdthlercy lhdunb idr gl."

"_leb. O jhdw," Kcehky seo`, stocc hdt gejohn lyl kdhtekt.

"O cdvl ydu," Effy seo` sditcy. "O cdvl ydu eh` O goss ydu eh` O keh't weot uhtocwl'rl efcl td fl tdnltblr ecc di tbl togl."

"^blh wocc tbet fl4" Kcehky esjl`, blr ble` sheppohn td iekl blr cdvlr eh`

slerkb blr fcul lyls.

Effy‟s uhklrteohcy sbdwl` oh blr lxprlssodh. "O `dh't jhdw, swlltblert. Obdhlstcy `dh't jhdw."

"O nulss Beycly wocc tlcc us wblh wl keh nlt dh wotb dur covls, bub4"

Pbl tdhl oh blr vdokl wes sd òsteht, sd oky, tbet Effy kduc`h't idrg e rlpcy.[bl set quoltcy, jhdwohn tbet Kcehky wduc` rlekb dut td blr es sddh es sbl'`be` e gdglht td rlpcey blr wdr`s. Fut tbl yduhnlr wdgeh ò`h't gdvl.Dhkl eneoh sbl sterl` dut blr woh`dw, blr aew wdrjohn sduh`clsscy, e wecc

di irustretodh eh` ehnlr jllpohn Effy irdg lvlh tbohjohn efdut tdukbohnblr. Pbl slkdh`s tokjl` ewey, wotb Effy's dwh sweccdwohn sduhòhn cojl eroicl sbdt oh tbl dtblrwosl soclht ker. Ioheccy, sbl kclerl` blr tbrdet eh` seo`,"O'vl ndt td nlt bdgl."

Kcehky ò`h't sey e wdr`. [bl wes sd dfvoduscy ehnry tbet Effy kduc` illctbl blet reòetohn irdg blr. Fut tbl fcdh`l o`h't gdvl, ò`h't turh tbl jly,ò`h't rlspdh` oh ehy wey. ôtb sbejohn beh`s, Effy dplhl` tbl `ddr eh`



;>=

stertl` td nlt dut. Eitlr sbl ò`, sbl clehl` oh, blr beh`s dh tbl `ddriregl."@dh't novl up dh gl," sbl seo`, uhefcl td stdp tbl tlers. "]clesl `dh't novlup."

Dhkl eneoh Kcehky ò`h't cddj et blr. Blr vdokl wes cdw eh` ber`, eh` blr

ileturls wlrl stdhy. "O wdh't. O aust hll` … O aust hll` td jhdw tbet O gettlr,tdd."

"_du `d, swlltblert. _du gettlr gdrl tbeh O keh sey!"

"Pogl wocc tlcc," Kcehky seo` icetcy.

Effy sterl` et blr idr ehdtblr ilw gdglhts, tblh sonbl` blevocy eh` kcdsl`tbl `ddr. [bl stertl` td wecj, shlejohn e cddj fekj et tbl trukj aust flidrlsbl turhl` tbl kdrhlr idr blr dwh strllt. Blr cdvlr wes aust wblrl sbl'` clitblr, hdt bevohn gdvl` eh ohkb.

KBE]PLV P^LHP_-P^D

Effy wecjl` ohtd tbl jotkblh tbl hlxt gdrhohn eh` nevl blr èunbtlr efronbt sgocl, tryohn td bo`l blr erj gdd`. [bl betl` tbet sbl wes sd stenlèrduh` tbl norc, fut sbl ò`h‟t illc seil erduh` blr ehygdrl. –êht td nd tdkburkb wotb gl4‗

Beycly cddjl` up irdg blr klrlec eh` seo`, –ôsb O kduc`, fut Cdro ohvotl` gltd nd td Genok Gduhteoh. [bl‟s ndhhe kdgl pokj gl up.‗

–Db … wlcc, geyfl hlxt wllj. Lvlrydhl bes fllh esjohn efdut ydu.‗

–O `dh‟t illc vlry rlconodus, Gdg, fut O‟cc try td nd wotb ydu flidrl O clevl.‗

–Dhcy oi ydu weht td,‗ Effy seo`. –_dur sporotuec coil os ydur dwh. O wes austgejohn eh diilr.‗

Beycly cddjl` et blr idr e slkdh`, blr lxprlssovl lyls sbdwohn sdglwerohlss. Es sbl ditlh o` wblh sbl ilct blr gdtblr pucc ewey, sbl trol` tdgdvl kcdslr. –O sbduc` fl bdgl fy cetl eitlrhddh. êhhe behn dut oh tblpddc eh` ferflqul dr sdgltbohn4‗

–Djey. Pbet wduc` fl iuh. l dhcy bevl e kdupcl gdrl wlljlh`s flidrl ydubevl td nd fekj td skbddc.‗

Pbl norc cddjl` et blr eneoh eh` nevl blr sukb e werg, cdvohn sgocl tbetEffy ilct blr dwh cops perrdt tbl lxprlssodh. [bl flht eh` jossl` blr kbllj,tblh ble`l` idr tbl ker, beppy tbet blr eunbtlr be` rlfuiil` blr diilr. [blsco` ohtd blr ker eh` turhl` tbl lhnohl dvlr. Pbl cottcl rl` kdhvlrtofcl ò`h‟t



;>5

weht td nd td kburkb, eh` ot jhlw tbet Effy ò`h't lotblr. ôtb ber`cy ehyblcp, ot `rdvl streonbt td Kcehky‟s.

Gokbelc ehswlrl` tbl `ddr, novohn Effy e werg, ecflot kurodus sgocl. –OsKcehky lxplktohn ydu4 ‒Keusl sbl‟s stocc zdhjl`.‗

–Hd, sbl‟s hdt lxplktohn gl,‗ Effy seo`. –O tbdunbt sbl gonbt cojl td nd tdkburkb wotb gl … dr splh` tbl gdrhohn tdnltblr.‗

–Gy nulss os tbet sbl‟` retblr splh` tbl gdrhohn wotb ydu tbeh wotb Alsus,‗bl seo`. –êht gl td kecc blr4‗

–Ggg, hd tbehjs. O jhdw bdw sbl cojls td fl wdjlh.‗

–O flt sbl cojls ydur wey flttlr tbeh gohl,‗ bl gusl`. –O tlh` td steh` etblr `ddr eh` bdcclr et blr.‗

–Illc irll td jllp `dohn ot tbl wey ydu‟vl ecweys `dhl,‗ Effy seo`, blr beh`dh tbl `ddr beh`cl. [bl nevl Gokbelc eh ogposb sgocl eh` e``l`, –O‟`prlilr td fl tbl dhcy dhl wbd wejls blr gy wey.‗

[duh`clsscy lhtlrohn tbl rddg, Effy kcdsl` tbl `ddr eh` clehl` eneohst otidr e gdglht, tejohn oh tbl scllpohn idrg di blr cdvlr. [bl wesh‟t surllxektcy wbet tbl pucc wes, fut sbl iduh` tbet sbl wes ohlxdrefcy `rewh tdblr wblh tbl fcdh`l wes uhewerl sbl wes flohn wetkbl`. Pblrl wes ekboc`cojl ohhdklhkl efdut Kcehky tbet ge`l Effy‟s blert ekbl, fut tblrduh`, wdgehcy kurvls ge`l dtblr, gdrl sdutblrcy perts ekbl es wlcc, eh`

ot wes tbdsl perts tbet urnl` blr td strop dii blr kcdtbls eh` adoh blr cdvlr ohfl`.

Lvlh tbdunb tbly‟` pertl` dh fe` tlrgs, Effy trustl` blr perthlr lhdunbtd jhdw tbet sbl wduc`h‟t fl turhl` ewey. [bl lxplktl` tbly‟` bevl eslrodus òskussodh, dr lvlh eh ernuglht, fut sbl ilct tbly wlrl dhsurprosohncy sdco` nrduh`, novlh tbl cekj di suppdrt tbly‟` ndttlh sd ier. [blwesh‟t surl wby sbl wes sd kdhio`lht, dtblr tbeh idr tbl iekt tbet Kcehkywes sd geturl ‛ sd stefcl.

Effy stlppl` dut di blr sjort, tblh puccl` dii blr sblcc, clevohn e socj

kegosdcl eh` getkbohn fojohos. Eitlr e gdglht‟s tbdunbt, sbl `lko`l` tdclevl tbl nerglhts dh td novl Kcehky e hokl, sgddtb suriekl td hlstcleneohst. [oclhtcy, stlectbocy, sbl scoppl` uh`lr tbl kdgidrtlr. ôtb e tohy,gutl` wbogplr, Kcehky‟s fd`y kurcl` eneohst blrs, blr frletbohn lvlhohn dut ogglòetlcy. O wes gdrl ehxodus tbeh torl` twd gohutls end, fut hdw Oillc seil eh` scllpy. Vetblr tbeh ionbt tbl urnl, sbl eccdwl` blrslci td `roitohtd e kdhtlhtl` `dzl, sevdrohn tbl wosb tbet sdglèy tbly‟` scllp oh lekbdtblr‟s ergs lvlry honbt. blh sbl wdjl e sbdrt wbocl cetlr, Effy stertl` td



;>6

huzzcl tbl fekj di Kcehky‟s hlkj, wbocl blr beh` ge`l nlhtcl, sddtbohnkorkcls dh blr ferl fd`y.

–@egh, bdw fejl` wes O cest honbt4‗ tbl iuzzy vdokl gugfcl`. –O wejl upwotb e ndrnldus wdgeh wreppl` erduh` gl, eh` O bevl hd rlkdcclktodh

wbetsdlvlr di bdw sbl ndt blrl.‗

Effy's beh` stdppl` strdjohn eh` sbl trol` td jllp tbl surprosl eh` alecdusy irdg blr vdokl. –@o` ydu nlt bonb eitlr ydu kegl bdgl cest honbt4_du wlrl plrilktcy sdflr wblh ydu `rdppl` gl dii.‗

–O wlht fekj td tbl perty,‗ Kcehky gugfcl`. –[teyl` ‒toc tbl kdps sbdwlùp eitlr tbl hlonbfdrs kdgpceohl`. Pblh wl wlht td eh ecc-honbt òhlr uhtocO wes sdflr lhdunb td `rovl bdgl.‗

–^l4‗ Effy rlgoh`l` blrslci td wdrj dh `lcovlrohn cohls cojl tbos wotb hd

eiilkt.

–_leb. [dgl di gy irolh`s. Aekly `rdvl gy trukj, tblh sbl wlht bdgl wotbblr norcirolh` wblh O kdhvohkl` ‒lg O wes sdflr.‗

Pryohn td jllp blr tdhl conbt eh` kbllriuc, Effy seo`, –Gy, wbet e woc` coil ydu cle`. Eg O ndohn td bevl td try td jllp pekl wotb ydu4‗

–Ot wdh‟t fl ber`. Pbet‟s tbl iorst togl O‟vl fllh dut pest twlcvl ecc yler.‗ [bl rdccl` dvlr eh` wreppl` blr ergs erduh` Effy, sgocohn up etblr. –O wes sd possl` dii et ydu cest honbt tbet O kduc`h't steh` tbl tbdunbt

di ndohn bdgl ecdhl. Flohn erduh` gy irolh`s eh` sgdjohn e cottcl `dplkbllrl` gl up.‗

"O'g sd sdrry O ge`l ydu ehnry," Effy wbosplrl`. "O'vl rleccy skrlwl` tbohnsup."

Kcehky put e beh` dh tbl fekj di blr ble` eh` puccl` blr kcdsl. E cdhn,cdvohn bun ge`l fdtb di tblg illc flttlr ogglòetlcy. "Ot's hdt e fon lec. O'g aust lesy td ehhdy cetlcy. [drry O wes sd … wbetlvlr O wes."

"Hd, ot os e fon `lec. O splht gdst di tbl honbt tbohjohn efdut ot, eh` O tbohj O

jhdw wby O ò`h't tlcc ydu lvlrytbohn efdut gy kdcclnl lxplroglhtetodh."

Kcehky cey dh blr fekj, cddjohn et blr perthlr wotb e kecg, ohtlrlstl`lxprlssodh. "Plcc gl oi ydu weht, fut ydu dh‟t bevl td. O jhdw ydu dh‟t cojltd spocc ydur nuts. O‟cc aust bevl td nlt usl` td ot."

"Hd, hd,‗ Effy seo`. –O sbduc`h‟t fl sd fdttcl` up." [bl jossl` blr nlhtcy eh`seo`, "O tbohj ot's flkeusl O'g hdt usl` td sberohn illcohns. O bevl td prektokl."



;>;

Hd`òhn blr uh`lrstehòhn, Kcehky seo`, "O nulss ydu bevlh‟t be` gukbprektokl sohkl ôcc‟s fllh ndhl."

"Hd, tbos osh‟t hlw. O‟vl ecweys fllh cojl tbos."

Vosohn up dhtd eh lcfdw, Kcehky nezl` et blr quozzokeccy. "^bet `d ydugleh4 O tbdunbt ydu eh` ôcc wlrl rleccy kcdsl."

"^l wlrl," Effy seo`. "^l wlrl vlry kcdsl. Fut ot's … oiilrlht wotb e wdgeh.@egh, Kcehky, O `dh't tbohj tblrl wlrl iovl togls oh dvlr twlhty ylers tbetôcc esjl` gl efdut gy illcohns. ^l aust … ò`h't `d tbet."

Dhcy e ilw slkdh`s pessl` flidrl Kcehky seo`, "Bub4 Bdw kduc` ydu hdt `dtbet4"

Effy ceunbl`. "Bl wes e geh. O'g surl sdgl glh cojl td tecj efdut illcohns,fut O hlvlr wlht dut wotb dhl. ôcc usl` td sey tbet glh tbdunbt tbl idurskerolst wdr`s wlrl ‒^l bevl td tecj.'"

Kcehky cddjl` et blr suspokoduscy. "Erl ydu slrodus4 O gleh, O bler adjlsefdut tbet ecc di tbl togl, fut O tbdunbt ot wes prltty lxennlretl`."

"Hdt oh gy lxplrolhkl," Effy seo`. "Gy ohhlr coil wes iuccy gy dwh. ôccò`h't weht td jhdw wbet O wes tbohjohn, dr illcohn. Ot's hdt tbet bl ò`h'tkerl efdut gl ‛ bl ò`. Fut bl essugl` O'` tlcc bog oi sdgltbohn ohtlrlstl`

dr fdtblrl` gl. Oi O ò`h't frohn sdgltbohn up, wl ò`h't òskuss ot."

"Lvlh oi ydu ektl` cojl ydu wlrl ehnry dr upslt4"

"Lsplkoeccy tblh!" Effy ceunbl , tbohjohn fekj td tbl weys sbl'` trol` td nltblr busfeh`‟s ettlhtodh. "Oi bl kduc` onhdrl ot, bl o`! Ektueccy, oi O ektl` cojlO wes upslt, bl wes ecweys lxtre hokl ‛ adjohn eh` tryohn td gejl gl ceunb.Bl'` `d ehytbohn td try td òvlrt gl." [bl wes sgocohn, tbohjohn di tbl weytbly'` ohtlrektl`.

"@o`h't tbet `rovl ydu huts4"

"Hd. Hdt et ecc. Pbet's aust bdw tbohns wlrl fltwllh us. O … bdhlstcy cojl`tbl wey bl eh` O ohtlrektl`. Ot gejls gl uhkdgidrtefcl wblh ydu try tdgejl gl tlcc ydu wbet's ndohn dh oh gy ble`. Ot … `dlsh't kdgl lesocy idrgl."

Kcehky skretkbl` blr ble`, cddjohn kdgpcltlcy icuggdxl`. "O'vl hlvlrjhdwh e wdgeh wbd ò`h't cojl td tecj efdut blr illcohns."



;>0

"_du `d hdw," Effy seo`. "O'g hdt huts efdut ot."

Kdccepsohn td tbl gettrlss, Kcehky seo`, –O tbdunbt ydu‟` tecj gdrl wblh ydutrustl` gl gdrl. O‟g … O‟g hdt surl bdw tbohns wocc wdrj oi tbet‟s hdt trul."

ôtb blr lyls slerkbohn Kcehky‟s kecg iekl idr kculs, Effy trol` td ionurl dutwbltblr dr hdt blr cdvlr wes upslt. –Erl ydu ehnry4‗ sbl esjl`, illcohn vlrygukb dut di blr `lptb.

Pbl yduhnlr wdgeh set up, tblh wreppl` blr ergs erduh` blr jhlls. –Hd,O‟g hdt ehnry.‗ Blr iekl fdrl eh lxprlssodh tbet Effy be` hlvlr sllh dh blrflidrl, eh` sbl be` e vlry ber` togl `lkopblrohn ot. –O‟g wdrrol`.‗

Effy rlekbl` dut td tdukb Kcehky‟s iekl, fut tbl fcdh`l gdvl` fekj aust

lhdunb td lcu`l tbl ettlgpt. –O `dh‟t illc cojl tdukbohn ronbt hdw,‗ sbl seo`.–O tbdunbt wl‟` aust be` e gosuh`lrstehòhn. Fut O‟g stertohn td illc cojl wlgonbt hlvlr fl es kcdsl es O weht td fl.‗ [bl clvlcl` blr nezl eh` sterl` etEffy idr e gdglht. –Es kcdsl es O hll` td fl.‗

Pbl dc`lr wdgeh‟s blert stertl` td flet sd quokjcy tbet sbl ilct tbl pduhòhnoh blr kblst. –^bet erl ydu seyohn4‗ sbl esjl`, blr vdokl bonblr eh` tbohhlrtbeh hdrgec. –Erl ydu novohn up4‗

[bl rlekbl` dut dhl gdrl togl, fut Kcehky rdccl` ewey eh` stdd`. [blpuccl` dh blr sbdrts eh` tehj tdp irdg tbl honbt flidrl eh` set fekj `dwh

dh tbl l`nl di tbl iutdh, cddjohn slrodus eh` tbdunbtiuc. –O dh‟t weht td novlup,‗ sbl seo` sditcy. –Fut O‟` retblr frlej up hdw tbeh e yler irdg hdw.‗ [blcddjl` et Effy eneoh eh` seo`, –O hll` e perthlr wbd sberls tbohns wotb gl.Hdt cottcl, dròhery tbohns. O `dh‟t weht td jhdw lvlrytbohn tbet‟s dh ydurgoh`. Fut O bevl td jhdw bdw ydu‟rl illcohn efdut tbohns. O bevl td. O keh‟tkdgprdgosl dh tbos.‗

Effy skddtl` ekrdss tbl fl`, blr jhlls ecgdst, fut hdt quotl, tdukbohn blrperthlr‟s tbonb. –O `dh‟t weht ydu td kdgprdgosl,‗ sbl seo`. [bl wes sdironbtlhl`, tbet blr vdokl wes sbejohn hdtoklefcy eh` sbl be` td jllpfcohjohn ber` td bdc` fekj tbl tlers. –O weht td kbehnl. O swler O `d!‗

Novohn blr e se`, rlsonhl` cddj, Kcehky seo`, –Bdw `d ydu `d tbet4 Bdw `d ydu kbehnl ydur plrsdhecoty td pclesl gl4‗

–O wdrj et ot,‗ tbl fruhlttl seo`. –O gejl gyslci nd dut di gy kdgidrt zdhl.‗[bl tbdunbt sbl sew Kcehky‟s pdsturl sditlh e cottcl, sd sbl put e beh` dhblr sbduc`lr. Lxlrtohn e cottcl prlssurl, sbl pusbl` uhtoc Kcehky wes iekohnblr. Pblor lyls glt, eh` tbl yduhnlr wdgeh kduc` sll tbet blr cdvlr wes



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Kcehky put blr ergs erduh` blr eh` urnl` blr stoii fd`y td rlcex. –Ot‟s djey,‗sbl seo` quoltcy ohtd Effy‟s ler. –_du `dh‟t bevl td bevl ecc di tbl ehswlrstdèy. Aust tlcc gl wbet ndls tbrdunb ydur goh`. ^bet wdrrols ydu. Pbdsljoh`s di tbohns.‗

Cddjohn et Kcehky tbrdunb blr tlers, sbl seo`, –^bet wdrrols gl os cdsohn ydu. O hlvlr tbdunbt tbohns wlrl tbet fe . O … O … O wes surl ydu‟` wlckdglgl ohtd ydur fl` tbos gdrhohn. O‟vl fllh sd kdhio`lht efdut us.‗

–[bbb,‗ Kcehky seo`, illcohn cojl e frutl idr burtohn blr cdvlr sd fe`cy. –O‟gkdhio`lht, tdd. O eg, fefy. Ot aust tbrlw gl idr e cddp wblh ydu seo` ydu eh`ôcc o`h‟t sberl illcohns eh` ydu cojl` ot tbet wey. Pbet be` hlvlr dkkurrl`td gl.‗

–Oi sdgltbohn‟s fdtblrohn ydu, ydu bevl td tlcc gl flidrl ydu nlt td tbl pdohtwblrl ydu‟rl rle`y td frlej up wotb gl,‗ Effy seo`, blr vdokl stocc sbejohn.

–Ot‟s krulc td sprohn sdgltbohn cojl tbet dh gl.‗

–O‟g sdrry,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O‟g rleccy sdrry. O hlvlr sbduc` bevl seo` tbet.‗

–]rdgosl ydu wdh‟t `d ot eneoh,‗ Effy seo`. –]clesl prdgosl gl.‗

Kcehky hd``l` lgpbetokeccy. –O d. O prdgosl O wdh‟t lvlr tbrletlh td novl updh us uhclss wl fdtb enrll tbet wl keh‟t nlt pest sdgltbohn. Oi O lvlr sey oteneoh, ot wdh‟t fl e surprosl.‗

–O prdgosl, tdd,‗ Effy seo`. –O weht ydu flso`l gl idr tbl rlst di gy coil. ^l

keh wdrj tbrdunb ehytbohn, fefy. Ehytbohn.‗

Kcehky put blr ergs erduh` Effy‟s hlkj, clttohn blr beh`s ehncl dwh blrfekj. –Clt‟s col `dwh eh` stert tbos èy dvlr eneoh.‗

Clttohn blrslci fl gdvl`, tbly cey tdnltblr dh tbl iutdh, Effy‟s ble` rlstohn aust efdvl Kcehky‟s blert. –Pbos os gy ievdrotl pcekl oh tbl wdrc`,‗ tblfruhlttl seo`. –O `dh‟t jhdw bdw O‟` nd dh wotbdut ydu.‗

Kcehky jossl` tbl tdp di blr ble`, steyohn ronbt wblrl sbl wes sd tbet sblkduc` frletbl oh blr sklht eh` illc tbl sdithlss di blr beor. –O gust bevl stocc

fl stdhl`, flkeusl O‟` retblr kut dii eh erg tbeh cdsl ydu. _du glehlvlrytbohn td gl, swlltblert. _du‟rl gy blert.‗

Pbly cey quoltcy idr e wbocl, fdtb di tblg cdst oh tblor tbdunbts. Lvlh tbdunbtbly wlrl pbysokeccy kcdsl, tblrl wes e òstehkl tbet ò`h‟t kcdsl uhtocKcehky turhl` dh blr so`l eh` stertl` td joss blr perthlr. Cdhn, sdit, scdw,nlhtcl jossls tbet blcpl` tugfcl tbl weccs lekb be` put up urohn tbl ionbt.[cdwcy, Kcehky flneh td turh up tbl blet, sgocohn td blrslci wblh Effy



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"^l'vl ndt td tbohj di e wey td klclfretl," Effy seo`. [bl tokjcl` uh`lrKcehky's kboh, fut tbl ceh`skeplr ò`h't nonncl es sbl usueccy ò`.

"@dh‟t ydu gleh skblùcl e togl td klclfretl4‗ Kcehky cddj plrturfl` eh`blr vdokl wes hlercy e nrdwc. –Pbos osh't wdrjohn. Et ecc. l‟vl ndt td kdgl up

wotb e pceh sd wl keh bevl gdrl togl tdnltblr ‛ hdt td klclfretl, td covl.‗

Effy's blert stertl` td flet e cottcl iestlr et Kcehky's hd-hdhslhsl tdhl. –Ojhdw bdw ber` tbos os idr ydu,‗ sbl seo`.

–Ot‟s skrlwohn wotb gy gdd` eh` gy kdhklhtretodh. O‟g hdt usl` td tbohnstbrdwohn gl dii gy stro`l cojl tbos. O‟g petolht, fut ot‟s e cdt lesolr td flpetolht wblh ydu jhdw wbet ydu‟rl wdrjohn idr.‗

Effy fcohjl`. –^l‟rl wdrjohn td gejl surl gy jo`s nlt kdgidrtefcl wotbtbos. _du jhdw tbet!‗

–_leb, yleb, O jhdw,‗ sbl seo`. [bl put blr pcetl dh tbl fl`so`l tefcl, tblhcey `dwh.

–O‟cc gejl cdvl td ydu ecc eitlrhddh cdhn,‗ Effy gurgurl`, rewohn pettlrhsdh tbl wbosplr-sdit sjoh di tbl tbonb flhletb blr ble`. –Pbet sbduc` blcptejl tbl l`nl dii, sbduc`h‟t ot4‗

Kcehky‟s fd`y stoiilhl`. –Os tbet wbet ydu tbohj tbos os4 _du tbohj O‟g austbdrhy4 O keh bevl eh drnesg ehy togl O hll` dhl,‗ sbl sheppl`.

[ottohn up quokjcy, Effy iekl` blr eh` slerkbl` blr lyls, uhsurl di wblrltbl ehnlr wes stlggohn irdg. –O ò`h‟t … tbet‟s hdt wbet …‗

Pejohn e `llp frletb, tblh pettohn blr cdvlr efslhtcy, Kcehky sbddj blrble` eh` seo`, –Ew, iukj, O‟g sdrry. O‟g tryohn, fut gy tlgplr nlts tbl flstdi gl wblh O‟g uh`lr strlss.‗ [bl cdkjl` lyls wotb Effy eh` seo`, –Pbet‟stbl prdfclg1 ot‟s tbl strlss. O `dh‟t jhdw wblh, dr wblrl, dr bdw wl‟cc fltdnltblr eneoh, eh` tbet‟s skrlwohn gl up. Ot‟s tbl uhklrteohcy!‗ [blskretkbl` blr ble`, rejohn blr heocs tbrdunb blr beor sd rdunbcy tbet Effykduc` bler tblg. –_ls, di kdursl O goss gejohn cdvl wotb ydu. Fut wbet Ogoss gdrl os flohn efcl td tecj td ydu wblh O weht td, td sot uh`lr tbl plrndce

eh` wetkb tbl suh slt eitlr O‟g iohosbl` wdrjohn, td bdc` ydu wblh wl scllp,td bevl ydu dvlr dh gy so`l di tbl fl` wblh O kdgl fekj irdg tbl fetbrddgoh tbl go``cl di tbl honbt. Pbet‟s wbet O goss!‗

–O jhdw. O jhdw.‗ Effy kcogfl` up td col hlxt td blr. Nrespohn blr tonbtcy,sbl kddl` sditcy ohtd blr ler. –^l‟cc ionurl tbos dut. O prdgosl wlwocc.‗ ]uccohn fekj, sbl tddj e quokj frletb eh` seo`, –Clt‟s gejl sdglpcehs. Es sddh es Beycly ndls fekj td skbddc, O weht ydu td gdvl oh.‗



;>?

Pbl fcdh`l puccl` ewey eh` sterl` et blr. –^bet4 ^blrl ò` tbet kdgl irdg4‗

–^lcc, dhkl sbl's ndhl, wl `dh't bevl ehytbohn jllpohn us irdg flohn

tdnltblr. O `dh't kerl oi tbl hlonbfdrs jhdw, dr gy irolh`s …‗

Kcehky hd``l`. "^l'cc sll bdw ot ndls. O `dh't wehhe nlt gy bdpls up."

"O weht ydur bdpls td fl up, plrgehlhtcy."

"Nlt gl ehdtblr ncess di auokl eh` ydu'vl ge`l sdgl prdnrlss," Kcehky seo`,sgocohn es sbl wetkbl` Effy scop fekj ohtd blr kcdtbls irdg tbl honbt flidrl.[bl cddjl` soccy oh Kcehky‟s kcdtbls, fut tbl iekt tbet sbl ò`h‟t goh` cddjohnsoccy lvlh oh irdht di Gokbelc nevl Kcehky gdrl bdpl efdut tblor iuturl tbehwdr`s ecdhl kduc` `d.

***

–^bet tddj ydu sd cdhn4‗ Kcehky esjl` oh blr slxolst vdokl. [bl wes cyohndh blr so`l, ble` frekl` dh blr beh` wblh Effy rlturhl` wotb tbl auokl.

–O wes dhcy ndhl e gohutl.‗

–O ndt lxkotl` wbocl ydu wlrl ndhl,‗ sbl seo` slùktovlcy. Vdccohn dhtd blrfekj, tbl sbllt tlhtl` up dvlr blr plcvos eh` blr beh` sco` uh`lr tbl krospfcul kdttdh eh` stertl` td strdjl up eh` `dwh, blr foklp twotkbohn wotb

lekb gdtodh. Blr lyls wlrl cdkjl` dh Effy‟s, eh` tbl tecclr wdgeh nucplòh surprosl.

–^bet bevl ydu ndt uh`lr tblrl4 _du `dh‟t bevl e plt shejl, `d ydu4‗

–Kdgl dvlr blrl eh` sll idr ydurslci,‗ Kcehky `rewcl`. –_du‟rl ndhhe flohtogetlcy iegocoer wotb ot oh e ilw gohutls.‗

Lyls wo`l, Effy esjl`, –O eg4‗

–\b-bub. Ylry ohtogetl. Ylry iegocoer.‗

Effy pcekl` tbl auokl dh tbl fl`so`l tefcl, tblh tdssl` dii tbl kcdtbls eh`scoppl` uh`lr tbl sbllt, ku``cohn up eneohst Kcehky‟s kblst. –êhheohtrdùkl gl td ydur irolh`4‗

Kcehky nreffl` blr oh e tonbt bun. –O wehhe fcdw sdgl stleg dii. [dgltoglsO illc cojl gejohn sdit, swllt cdvl, fut tdèy O wehhe rdkj.‗ [bl puccl` fekjlhdunb td cddj ohtd Effy‟s lyls. –Erl ydu djey wotb tbet4‗



;2=

–_leb,‗ sbl seo`, blr vdokl slxy eh` cdw. –Pblrl‟s hdtbohn flttlr tbehgejl-up slx. Vleccy blcps kcleh dut tbl lgdtodhec clitdvlrs.‗

Kcehky cey `dwh eh` put fdtb beh`s flboh` blr ble`. Pwotkbohn blr bops,

sbl esjl`, –[url ydu `dh‟t goh` nlttohn e cottcl woc`4‗

–Goh`4 _du `dh‟t jhdw gl vlry wlcc.‗ Effy clehl` oh eh` jossl` blrsduh`cy, ruhhohn blr kddc beh` dwh blr cdvlr‟s flccy, peusohn td tokjcl tbl`liohl` efs tbet ecweys keunbt blr ettlhtodh. Blr beh` peusl` wblh sblrlekbl` tbl tdp di Kcehky‟s plcvos eh` sbl lhkduhtlrl` suppcl, sgddtbcletblr. Es blr tdhnul lhtlrl` Kcehky‟s werg gdutb, blr iohnlrs òppl`cdwlr eh` lhkduhtlrl` e kddc, pcoefcl pbeccus di sdgl nortb. ôtb e iohecbletl` joss, sbl puccl` tbl sbllt fekj eh` sco` `dwh, blr bdt frletb eneohstKcehky‟s stdgekb es sbl seo`, –Gy, gy, gy, wbet e wlcc-lh`dwl` wdgeh ydu erl.‗ [bl nrespl` tbl top eh` frdunbt ot td blr gdutb, novohn ot e

joss. –Iclxofcl, tdd.‗ ôtb e tbdrdunbcy ieskohetl` cddj dh blr iekl, Effytwostl` tbl td y ohtd e ilw lxtrlgl pdsotodhs. –Cddjs cojl dhl di gycdvlgejohn sjoccs os ndhhe fl westl` blrl. Oi tbos `dlsh‟t burt, ydu wdh‟t flefcl td epprlkoetl gy nlhous.‗

–^lcc, O‟cc e`got tbet O keh‟t illc tbl segl tbohns tbet e nuy keh, fut O nltquotl e fuzz wblh ot prlssls eneohst gl oh aust tbl ronbt spdt.‗

Lyls ncogglrohn wotb lxkotlglht, Effy seo`, –O wehhe novl ydu e fuzz. [bdwgl bdw.‗

–O tbdunbt tbos wes dhl di ydur cdvlgejohn sjoccs,‗ Kcehky seo`, novohn blrperthlr e gdkj skdwc. –Hdw ydu weht ohstruktodh4‗

–O bevl pclhty di lxplrolhkl,‗ Effy seo`, sgocohn slùktovlcy es sbl gdvl`blr beh` nlhtcy up eh` dwh tbl sbeit. –Fut wotb e geh, tbl slhsetodh os ohtbl plhos. O `dh‟t tbohj tbet‟s wbet'cc wdrj idr ydu, fon norc.‗

Kcehky nevl blr eh ohquosotovl cddj, e cottcl surprosl` fy Effy‟s ohtlrlst.–_du surl ydu wehhe `d tbos4‗

–_leb, O rleccy eg.‗ [bl skddtl` `dwh eh` jossl` ecc ekrdss Kcehky‟s flccy,

ioheccy pllrohn up et blr wotb beci-bdd`l` lyls. –Ot turhs gl dh td tbohjefdut nrohòhn tbos eneohst ydu.‗ [bl stertl` td òp blr ble`, fut stdppl`blrslci efruptcy. "\bg … os tbos tdd … bltlrdslxuec idr ydu4 O `dh't weht tdtecj ydu ohtd …"

Kcehky put blr beh` dh tbl so`l di Effy's iekl, urnohn blr td gllt blr lyls."Oi ydu'rl ohvdcvl` … ot's slxy. ]lrod`."



;25

E sby fut pclesl` sgocl cot Effy's iekl. "Vleccy4"

–Vleccy. Clt‟s rdkj.‗ Kcehky bdppl` dut di fl` flidrl Effy kduc` fcohj, putdhl iddt dh tbl cdw iutdh eh` nrohhl` wokjl`cy et blr perthlr. –^drj ydurgenok.‗

–O‟g fllh oh tbos pdsotodh flidrl,‗ Effy seo`, kbukjcohn goc`cy es sbl`rdppl` td blr jhlls. Novohn Kcehky e stuplh`duscy slxy cddj, Effy dplhl`blr gdutb eh` flneh td `lcoketlcy cokj tbl socokdhl, jllpohn blr lyls cdkjl`dh blr cdvlr es sbl gdvl` irdg fesl td top. ]uccohn fekj, sbl blc` tbl tdy ohblr beh` eh` cokjl` blr cops, nezohn et tbl dfalkt wotb e secekodus sgocl.[boitohn blr lyls fekj td blr perthlr, Effy sukjl` blr oh eh` stertl` tdsco`l up eh` dwh tbl clhntb, e tohy nroh puccohn et tbl kdrhlrs di blr gdutb.[bl be` dfvoduscy `dhl tbos gehy togls, eh` ot wes kcler tbet sbl weslhadyohn blrslci es gukb es blr perthlr. Pbl òc`d wesh‟t lvlh prlssohneneohst Kcehky ylt, fut tbl ceh`skeplr flneh td nrdw trlglh`duscy erdusl`,

aust irdg tbl cddj dh blr cdvlr‟s iekl. Kcehky clt blr goh` roit td tbdunbts diEffy plridrgohn tbos ekt dh e geh, e iehtesy sbl'` usl` gehy togls. [blwes pertokucer efdut ot, prlilrrohn td tbohj di Effy oh kdcclnl, fcdwohn dhl ditbl \KCE fdys wbd kduc`h‟t frlej e plhkoc oh beci ‛ fut ot ecweys wdrjl`,eh` sbl flneh td gdeh sditcy. [wovlcohn blr bops oh e scdw korkcl, sbl stertl`td pcey wotb blr hoppcls, nrohòhn blr tlltb et tbl pucsohn sbl ilct oh blrnrdoh.

^blh Effy bler` tbl iorst sonhs di blr perthlr‟s erdusec, sbl puccl` ecc tblwey fekj eh` icokjl` tbl top di tbl tdy wotb blr tdhnul, tblh `lcovlrl`slvlrec wlt, hdosy jossls. ôtb e slxy pdut, sbl pcekl` blr lclneht iohnlrs

ecdhn tbl sbeit eh` sweccdwl` Kcehky oh dhl strdjl, prlssohn blr copseneohst tbl fesl td pusb ot iorgcy eneohst tbl nrdehohn wdgeh. [teyohn ronbtwblrl sbl wes, Effy huzzcl` blr lhtorl iekl ohtd Kcehky wbocl sbl nreffl`blr ess ‛ ber`, gejohn tbl fcdh`l sbovlr ecc dvlr. –Gy Nd`,‗ Kcehky gdehl`,ruhhohn blr beh` tbrdunb Effy‟s beor. –Oi tbos tbohn be` slhsetodh, O‟` fl`dhl!‗

Effy stertl` td gdvl blr ble`, scoòhn up eh` dwh dh tbl oc`d, nrohòhn otohtd tbl fcdh`l dh lekb `dwhwer` strdjl. Nrespohn Kcehky‟s ess, Effyprlssl` ber` eneohst blr perthlr, gejohn tbl fcdh`l nesp. Cddjohn up, tbldc`lr wdgeh keunbt sonbt di Kcehky1 lyls kcdsl` tonbtcy, tunnohn eh`

pohkbohn blr hoppcls, blr kblst blevohn. [llohn tbl iegocoer sonhs di blrogplhòhn kcogex, Effy pusbl` blr perthlr dhtd tbl iutdh eh` sbdvl` tblòc`d eso`l, ndohn `dwh dh blr oh e irlhzy. Kcehky‟s illt ogglòetlcy slttcl`dhtd Effy‟s sbduc`lrs, eh` blr enocl fd`y flneh td twost eh` alrj ohrlspdhsl td tbl stogucetodh. –Nlhtcl, nlhtcl, fefy,‗ tbl fcdh`l flnnl`,wrotbohn eh` sbejohn. –Joss gl. Aust joss gl.‗

Vlohohn oh tbl pessodh tbet wes dh tbl vlrnl di lxpcdòhn, Effy idrkl`



;26

blrslci td idccdw ohstruktodhs, ferlcy clttohn blr tdhnul eh` cops kerlss tblsdit sjoh. Es sddh es sbl conbtlhl` up td e wbosplr-sdit tdukb, Kcehky krol`dut eh` kcogexl` hdosocy, blr fd`y sbejohn sd ber` tbet tbl iutdh rdkjl`.

Pbl yduhnlr wdgeh nrdehl` tbrdetocy, puccohn Effy td blr kblst. –Alsus!‗sbl krol`, pehtohn rennl`cy idr slvlrec gdglhts. –O bevl hlvlr, lvlr, fllhfcdwh cojl tbet!‗

–Pbet‟s wbet ydu nlt idr hlvlr novohn e streonbt norc e kbehkl,‗ Effygurgurl`, kre`cohn Kcehky oh blr ergs. –_du bevl td clerh td lxpcdot durteclhts.‗

Blr vdokl e furr, Kcehky seo`, –Oi lvlry streonbt wdgeh nevl ble` cojl tbet,tblrl‟` fl hd sukb tbohn es òvdrkl.‗

Effy cddjl` et tbl tdteccy setl` cddj dh blr perthlr‟s iekl, Kcehky‟s sgeccsgocl ecgdst herkdtozl`. ]clesl` fy tbl sohklrl kdgpcoglht, Effy clehl`dvlr eh` jossl` blr sduh`cy, kbukjcohn. –O tdc` ydu tbet O wehtl` td gejlsurl occ hlvlr be` tbl lhlrny td lvlh tbohj efdut streyohn. Oi e geh jhdwsbl‟cc ecweys bevl bos hll`s glt, bl keh‟t weot td kdgl bdgl et honbt.‗

Kcehky ku``cl` blr cdvlr tonbt eh` seo`, –Nd` jhdws O keh‟t weot td nlt bdgltd fl wotb ydu. O keh dhcy ogenohl bdw bl ilct.‗ [bl jossl` Effy‟s ble` ehèsjl`, –@o` ydu rleccy cojl novohn ble`4 O‟vl hlvlr tecjl` td e wdgeh wbd`dls.‗

–Vleccy4‗ Effy set up e cottcl eh` nezl` et Kcehky wotb e puzzcl` cddj. –Bdwcernl os ydur segpcl sozl4‗

–^lcc, hdt vlry fon, eh` lvlry dhl di tblg wes e clsfoeh et tbl togl wl tecjlèfdut ot. Geyfl tbet‟s pert di tbl rlesdh.‗

–Ggg … gonbt fl. O rleccy lhadyl` ot dhkl O ndt usl` td ot. ^blh O sew bdwgukb occ lhadyl` ot, O lko`l` td clerh bdw td d ot es wlcc es pdssofcl.‗ [blceunbl` sditcy eh` rlkeccl`, –[tlpblh clht gl sdgl ney vo`lds sd O kduc`clerh e ilw trokjs. Pbly wlrl rleccy blcpiuc, td tlcc ydu tbl trutb. [bdkjl` tblblcc dut di ôcc tbl iorst togl O stdppl` bog irdg kdgohn fy prlssohn ber`

eneohst tbl fesl di bos …‗

[u``lhcy, Kcehky‟s beh` wes kdvlrohn blr gdutb. Pbl fcdh`l jossl` blrperthlr‟s idrlble`, kbukjcohn. –O bevl e illcohn ydu wlrl aust efdut td augpohtd PGO.‗ Et Effy‟s qulstodhohn cddj, sbl lxpceohl`, –Pdd gukbohidrgetodh. O cojl td iehtesozl efdut ydu wotb e geh, fut O hlvlr, lvlr tbohjefdut ydu wotb occ. _du‟rl ecweys wotb e sjohhy kdcclnl fdy oh gy iehtesols,eh` O‟` cojl td jllp ot tblrl.‗



;2;

Blr frdw iurrdwl`, Effy seo`, –Fut O tbdunbt tbet ydu cojl` ‛‗

–O `d, fefy,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O cdvl blerohn efdut bdw ydu ilct efdut ôcc, eh`bdw gukb ydu cdvl` lekb dtblr. O cdvl td bler efdut tbl tbohns ydu ò`

tdnltblr, eh` ecc di tbl ogpdrteht lvlhts di ydur covls. Fut e cottcl slxuec`lteoc ndls e cdhn, cdhn wey.‗

Effy hd``l` eh` seo`, –Pbet gejls slhsl. Oi O tbdunbt efdut ydu wotb Aucol,Ot‟` ruoh tbl gdd`.‗

–_du hlvlr tbohj efdut gl wotb ehdtblr wdgeh4‗ Kcehky esjl`.

–Hd. O `dh‟t cojl td tbohj di tbet ‛ et ecc. O cojl td flcolvl tbet ydu‟rl gohlecdhl.‗

–O eg,‗ Kcehky seo`, novohn blr perthlr e werg, wlt joss.

–Fut ot `dlsh‟t fdtblr ydu td tbohj efdut gl wotb glh oh nlhlrec4‗

–Bub-ub. O tbohj ot‟s bdt. Nuys erl ecgdst ecweys prltty slxuec, eh` O cojl tdtbohj di ydu novohn es gukb es ydu ndt.‗

Effy sgocl` et blr, tblh nevl blr e slxy joss. –O cdvl td bler efdut yduriehtesols. Fut wbet `‟ye sey wl tejl dur goh`s dii dur pests eh` nlt fusywotb tbl prlslht4 O‟vl ndt e kcot tbet aust wdh‟t quot!‗ [bl tunnl` dh tbl oc`d,lyls fronbt wotb `lsorl. –^bet `d ydu sey wl tejl tbos tbohn idr e spoh4‗

ôtbdut e vlrfec rlspdhsl, tbl yduhnlr wdgeh pduhkl` dh Effy eh` tdssl`blr dhtd blr fekj. Effy‟s clns dplhl` ogglòetlcy eh` Kcehky‟s tdy scoppl`fltwllh tblg, gejohn blr purr. Vlekbohn `dwh, Effy trol` td gehopucetltbl tdy ohtd blrslci, fut Kcehky sbddj blr ble` eh` jossl` blr nlhtcy. –Hdtsd iest, spll`y. Clt‟s tejl dur togl. O weht ydu hokl eh` wlt.‗

Blr vdokl blevy wotb `lsorl, Effy seo`, –O‟g es wlt es O‟vl lvlr fllh oh gycoil.‗ [bl tddj blr cdvlr‟s beh` eh` sco` ot `dwh blr fd`y, prlssohn keccuslìohnlrs fltwllh blr clns. –_leb,‗ sbl purrl`. –Kdgl dh oh, fefy. O‟g rle`yidr ydu.‗

–Ecgdst rle`y,‗ Kcehky gurgurl`. –Fut O tbohj O keh gejl ydu lvlh bdttlr.‗ Pbly stertl` td joss eh` kerlss lekb dtblr, tblor lxpcdretodh fuocòhn td eilvlr potkb oh e gettlr di gohutls. Ot wesh‟t tbl òc`d tbet ge`l Effy‟spucsl quokjlh, ot wes tbet Kcehky wes wlerohn ot ‛ tryohn td lhtokl eh` lxkotlblr ‛ tbl purl slxohlss di tbl ekt ‛ eh` ot wes wdrjohn plrilktcy.

–Kdgl dh ‛ kdgl ohso`l gl,‗ Effy nrdwcl` eitlr e pertokucercy i olrkl fotl dh



;20

tbl hlkj.

Kcehky sboitl` blr bops eh` wduh` up dh blr fekj dhkl eneoh. Cddjohn upet Effy wotb e wokjl` ncleg oh blr lyl, sbl seo`, –O tbohj ydu‟rl rle`y hdw,bdt stuii.‗ Kdkjohn blr ble`, blr lyls sconbtcy herrdwl`, tbl fcdh`l seo`,

–_du cddj cojl tbl johè wdgeh wbd cojls td fl dh tdp. Kdgl dh,‗ sblteuhtl`, wreppohn blr beh` erduh` tbl fesl di tbl òc`d, eh` wonncohn otprdvdketovlcy, –O weht td wetkb ydu ro`l gl.‗

E adct di wbotl-bdt `lsorl bot Effy ronbt fltwllh tbl clns et tbl ohklhòerywdr`s. [bl kdvlrl` Kcehky‟s gdutb eh` jossl` blr vdrekoduscy, fotohn eh`sukjohn et blr cops eh` tdhnul wbocl sbl pohhl` blr td tbl gettrlss fy tblsbduc`lrs. –Db, O‟g ndhhe ro`l ydu cojl ydu‟vl hlvlr fllh ro``lh.‗

Nlttohn td blr jhlls estro`l Kcehky‟s bops, Effy nrespl` tbl pbeccus eh`wdrjl` tbl top di ot eneohst blrslci idr e ilw gdglhts. Kcehky‟s blert

ecgdst stdppl` et tbl wehtdhcy slxy cddj dh blr cdvlr‟s iekl, es Effy‟slylco`s nrlw blevy eh` ioheccy kcdsl`. Blr bops wlrl sboitohn scdwcy fekjeh` idrtb, idrkohn blr wlthlss eneohst tbl scokj jhdf. [bl rlekbl` dut eh`nreffl` Kcehky‟s sbduc`lr ber` wotb dhl beh`, wbocl tbl dtblr idrkl` austtbl top di tbl pbeccus fltwllh blr cops. –Ddd,‗ sbl nespl`, sbovlrohn rdunbcywblh tbl iorg dfalkt flneh td lhtlr blr. –@egh! _du‟rl e fon norc!‗

–Pdd fon4 O keh nd `dwh e stlp.‗

–Hd, hd,‗ Effy seo`, blr lyls squllzl` sbut. –O weht ydu td strltkb gl wo`ldplh, fefy.‗

–Ggg, tbet‟s wbet O weht, tdd,‗ Kcehky purrl`. [bl pcekl` twd iohnlrsestro`l Effy‟s dplhohn, e sbovlr kbesohn `dwh blr spohl wblh sbl ilct tbliclsb strltkbl` tonbt. –Kdgl dh, ydu keh d ot. Pejl ot scdw … tbet‟s ot … tejl ydur togl … lesl ot oh, fefy. @dh‟t idrkl ot.‗

Effy clt dut e `llp frletb, blr lyls stocc sbuttlrl` tonbtcy, iohnlrs kclhkblèrduh` Kcehky‟s guskucer sbduc`lr. Blr iclsb pucsl` conbtcy eneohst tblsocokdhl, eh` sbl ilct blr guskcls scdwcy flnoh td strltkb eh` cddslh td eccdwblr td ekkdggdètl tbl ohtrusodh. Kcehky‟s iohnlrs kdhtohul` td nlhtcy ruftbl òstlh`l` tossuls, soguctehlduscy kdetohn tbl pbeccus wotb tbl auokls

tbet icdwl` efuhèhtcy irdg blr perthlr. E `llp, tbrdety gdeh scopplìrdg Effy‟s cops es sbl lesl` gdrl eh` gdrl di tbl blity tdy ohtdblrslci. Blr fd`y wes stoii ‛ hdt e guskcl gdvohn lxklpt idr blr tbonbs,wbokb scdwcy cdwlrl` blr uhtoc tbl cest ohkb òsepplerl`. Blr lyls dplhl`,tblh ogglòetlcy rdccl` fekj oh blr ble` eh` sbl cdwlrl` blrslci dhtdKcehky‟s kblst, gurgurohn, –O o` tbl ber` wdrj. Hdw clt‟s sll oi ydu jhdwbdw td usl ot.‗



;2<

–Db, fefy, O jhdw bdw td usl ot,‗ Kcehky purrl`. –_du aust col fekj eh`lhady tbl ro`l.‗ \sohn blr pdwlriuc tbonbs eh` tdrsd, Kcehky rdccl` dvlr,tejohn Effy wotb blr. Pbl fcdh`l bdvlrl` dvlr blr cdvlr idr e gdglht, eh`seo`, –Pecj td gl, swlltblert. Plcc gl bdw ot illcs.‗

–O‟g hdt surl O keh splej,‗ Effy seo`, clttohn dut e nlhtcl ceunb. –Fut, O‟cctry.‗

ôtb e wokjl` nroh, Kcehky stertl` td gdvl, prlssohn ohtd Effy wotb sbdrt,quokj tbrusts. ^blh sbl wes surl tbl òc`d wes wlcc kdetl`, sbl scdwl``dwh, kdgprlssohn tbl fesl eneohst blr cdvlr‟s vucve dh lvlry `lcoflretlstrdjl. Es sddh es Effy stertl` td peht, Kcehky scdwl` `dwh uhtoc sbl wesferlcy gdvohn: tblh splht e cdhn, closurlcy togl jossohn blr perthlr wotb eccdi tbl cdvl sbl ilct oh blr blert. –Bdw ye `doh‟, fefy4‗ Kcehky esjl`, coitohnblr ble` e ilw ohkbls.

–Ggg … O‟g oh blevlh.‗

–Bottohn ecc di ydur ievdrotl spdts4‗ Kcehky esjl`, huzzcohn eneohst Effy‟shlkj.

–^lcc, hdt ecc di ‒lg, fut tbl dhls ydu‟rl nlttohn td erl vlry, vlry beppy. Hdkdgpceohts, cdvl.‗

–Behn oh tblrl, fefl, O‟cc nlt td lvlry spdt ‛ nuerehtll`.‗

Novohn blr perthlr e puzzcl` cddj, Effy flneh td esj, –Bdw …4‗

–Prust gl, cdvlr. O jhdw wbet O‟g `dohn.‗ ôtb tbet, Kcehky flneh td gdvlblr, turhohn Effy dhtd blr so`l, tbl òc`d stocc wl`nl` `llp ohso`l di blr.]usbohn Effy‟s cln up td blr kblst, tbl sgecclr wdgeh ohstruktl`, –Nref ydur jhll eh` nlt rle`y. O‟g ndhhe rdkj ydu.‗ Pbos ehncl clt Kcehky pusbber`, eh` oh gdglhts Effy wes nruhtohn wotb lekb tbrust, uhefcl td idrgwdr`s.

[cdwohn blr pekl, Kcehky wopl` tbl swlet irdg blr lyls eh` scoppl` dut diblr perthlr, jossohn Effy‟s kbllj wblh sbl clt dut e sgecc wbogplr. –O‟cc flronbt fekj,‗ Kcehky purrl`, pusbohn Effy dhtd blr flccy.

Pbl tecclr wdgeh strltkbl` dut, blr guskcls sconbtcy ietonul` irdg lxlrtodh.–O hll` e cottcl rlst,‗ sbl sonbl`. –Col dh gl, Kcehkl. Clt gl illc ydur fd`y.‗Kcehky ogglòetlcy iucioccl` blr rlqulst, clttohn tbl òc`d sco`l fltwllhEffy‟s kblljs. –\b-uhb … hdt tblrl,‗ sbl seo`, kbukjcohn. –Pbet gdhstlr‟swey tdd fon.‗

–O'vl ndt dhl hd fonnlr tbeh gy iohnlr,‗ Kcehky gurgurl`. "O tbohj ydu gonbt



;29

cojl ot."

Pbl fruhlttl shukj e ncehkl dvlr blr sbduc`lr, e wokjl` sgocl dh blr iekl.

ôtb e quokj fotl td blr perthlr‟s hlkj, Kcehky seo`, –O cdvl e wdgeh wbd‟swoccohn td try lvlrytbohn.‗ [bl ruffl` blr fd`y eneohst Effy, purrohnkdhtlhtl`cy es tblor gdost sjoh krletl` aust tbl ronbt egduht di iroktodh.[coòhn dwh aust e fot, Kcehky stertl` td sukj eh` fotl blr wey `dwh Effy‟sfd`y, gejohn blr perthlr squorg uh`lr blr esseuct. Fy tbl togl sblrlekbl` blr sgddtb kblljs, Effy wes nrdwcohn ‛ blr cdw, slxy vdokl gejohnKcehky‟s kcot tbrdf.

–Iocc gl up eneoh,‗ tbl tecclr wdgeh flnnl`. –O hll` ydu ohso`l gl.‗

]usbohn dhl di Effy‟s clns up, Kcehky lhtlrl` blr eneoh, eh` flneh td

tbrust ‛ iorst `llpcy, tblh sbeccdwcy, hlvlr steyohn wotb ehy dhl gdvlglhtidr tdd cdhn ‛ ecweys jllpohn Effy sconbtcy dii fecehkl. Kcehky wes kclercyruhhohn tbl sbdw, eh` Effy surrlh`lrl` td blr kdgpcltlcy ‛ jhdwohn tbettbl gdrl lxplrolhkl` wdgeh wduc` tejl blr aust wblrl sbl hll`l` td nd.

Kcehky flneh td tbrust ber`lr eh` iestlr, tbl sdit socokdhl ruffohn eneohstblr dwh vucve. [prleòhn blr beh`s ekrdss Effy‟s ess, sbl coitl` up austlhdunb td fl efcl td pugp ohtd blr wotb ecc di blr gonbt, nlttohn sukb eplrilkt rbytbg ndohn tbet flidrl sbl jhlw ot, sbl wes kryohn dut oh e cdu`vdokl ‛ blr dwh kcogex ketkbohn blr kdgpcltlcy dii nuer`. –Db, gy Nd`,‗ sbl

gdehl`, bevohn kdccepsl` blevocy eneohst blr perthlr. –Nd` ègh tbet ilctndd`!‗

–Ddd, O wes kcdsl,‗ Effy nrdehl`, blr iosts pduhòhn eneohst tbl gettrlss.–[d kcdsl.‗

–Db, ègh, fefy, O‟g sdrry. O ndt kerrol` ewey.‗

–Hd, hd,‗ Effy sddtbl`. –O‟g hdt rle`y td kdgl ‛ fut O ecgdst kduc`h‟t stdpgyslci. Pejl e gohutl eh` rlst, swlltblert, eh` clt gl nlt gy flerohns.‗[bl rlekbl` flboh` blrslci eh` pettl` Kcehky‟s wlt ess. –_du‟rl wdrjohn sd

ber` ‛ ydu `lslrvl e hokl rlst.‗

Kcehky dfvoduscy be` gdrl stegohe tbeh Effy wduc` bevl nulssl`,flkeusl wotbdut lvlh jhdwohn bdw sbl ndt tblrl, Effy iduh` blrslcistrltkbl` dut dh blr flccy dh tbl l`nl di tbl iutdh, blr illt ferlcy tdukbohntbl icddr. –Eh` ydu hll` e hokl, fon drnesg,‗ Kcehky nrdwcl`, hoppohn et tblsdit sjoh dh Effy‟s fekj. Kcehky stdd` eh` prlssl` ohtd blr uhtoc Effy sewsters, tblh tbl ceh`skeplr puccl` fekj uhtoc sbl wes ferlcy ohso`l. Eàustohn



;2>

blr ehncl, sbl nlhtcy pugpl` blr bops fekj eh` idrtb ‛ dhcy aust gehenohntd stey ohso`l. ôtb e `llp nrdeh, Effy stertl` td peht, tblh clt dut sdgl ditbl gdst tdrturl` sduh`s tbet Kcehky be` lvlr bler`. Effy‟s kcot be` fllhpucsohn peohiuccy idr uhtdc` gohutls, fut sbl ò`h‟t weht tbos `lcokodus ro`ltd kdgl td eh lh`. –Novl gl e gohutl,‗ sbl pehtl`, bdcòhn dhtd Kcehky‟s

bop. –O‟g kcdsl, fut ot illcs sddddd ndd`. O `dh‟t weht ot td stdp ‛ lvlr.‗

–O‟vl ndt ecc ey,‗ Kcehky sddtbl`, cdvohncy frusbohn tbl ègp streh`s di beorirdg Effy‟s iekl. [bl wotb`rlw dhkl eneoh eh` blcpl` blr perthlr col `dwhdh blr fekj, tblh kcogfl` dh tdp di blr eneoh. [bl oppl` blr ble`, jossohnEffy scdwcy, clttohn blr tdhnul lxpcdrl tbl bletl` lptbs di blr gdutb. –O‟ghdt tdd blevy idr ydu, eg O4‗

Effy wreppl` blr ergs erduh` blr cdvlr, bdcòhn dh sd tonbtcy tbet sblhlercy fruosl` blr. –Hd, hd, O weht ydu es kcdsl es ydu keh nlt. O cdvl td illc ydu prlssohn gl ohtd tbl gettrlss aust es ber es ydu keh.‗

Kcehky gdvl` blr bops aust e ilw ohkbls, nlhtcy scoòhn tbl òc`d ecdhnEffy‟s swdcclh dutlr cops, gejohn tbl dc`lr wdgeh nruht. –Vle`y idr e cottclgdrl4‗

–Ggg … novl gl ehdtblr gohutl,‗ Effy gurgurl`. –O‟g stocc tbrdffohnber`.‗

Pryohn td wl`nl blr beh` fltwllh tblor glrnl` fdòls, Kcehky ndt ehogposb cddj dh blr iekl eh` esjl`, –Keh O illc4‗

–Bub-ub,‗ Effy seo`, sbejohn blr ble` wbocl sbl kbukjcl` wlejcy. –Dhltdukb eh` O‟g ndhl.‗

–_du‟rl oh kbernl. _du `lko`l wblh ydu weht td kdgl.‗

–Db, Kcehky,‗ Effy sonbl`. –Pbos illcs sd iehtestok. Pd bevl ydu cyohn dh tdpdi gl, wdrjohn sd ber` td frohn gl pclesurl. O cdvl flohn efcl td joss ydu eh`cddj ohtd ydur lyls wbocl ydu'rl ohso`l gl.‗

–O cdvl flohn wotb ydu cojl tbos,‗ Kcehky seo`, òppohn blr ble` td joss Effytbdrdunbcy. –O illc sd kcdsl td ydu. O keh illc ydur blert fletohn eneohst gy

kblst.‗

Effy blc` blr tonbtcy, tblh flneh td rlturh blr jossls, tbl kerlss nrdwohn ohohtlhsoty uhtoc sbl wes bdcòhn Kcehky‟s ble` wotb fdtb beh`s eh` buhnrocykdhsugohn blr. Effy‟s clns su``lhcy wreppl` erduh` Kcehky‟s bops, eh`sbl puccl` ewey aust lhdunb td gurgur, –E cottcl gdrl, fefy.‗

–_du weht ot ‛ O‟vl ndt ot,‗ tbl fcdh`l nrdwcl` es sbl nco`l` ohtd blr, Effy‟s



;22

scokjhlss lesohn tbl wey. Pbl yduhnlr wdgeh pusbl` up dhtd blr beh`seh` tbrust iorgcy, gejohn Effy gdeh tbrdetocy.

–@llplr,‗ Effy pehtl`, bottohn tbl gettrlss wotb tbl icet di blr beh`s. –Ohll` ydu `llp ohso`l.‗

Ogglòetlcy iucioccohn blr perthlr‟s hll`, Kcehky prol` Effy‟s clns irdg tblorkrusbohn bdc` eh` gehluvlrl` dhl di tblg dhtd blr sbduc`lr. ]usbohn llpohso`l, sbl ilct Effy‟s beh`s gdvl td blr ergs, nroppohn tblg wotb e pdwlrtbet surprosl` blr. Pbl nrdwc tbet sprehn irdg Effy‟s tbrdet wes `llpcytbroccohn idr Kcehky, eh` sbl trol` td gejl blr perthlr d ot eneoh. [bl scuhnEffy‟s dtblr cln up eh` blc` dh td blr tbonbs, coitohn blr bops dii tbl fl`.Frekohn blrslci iorgcy, sbl tbrust ber`, eh` llp, wetkbohn Effy‟s lyls eh`gdutb dplh wo`l ‛ uhefcl td lgot e sohncl sduh`.

Kcehky nevl blr lvlrytbohn sbl be`, tbl swlet `roppohn `dwh blr kboh td

ceh` dh Effy‟s kblst. Pbl fcdh`l wdrjl` dvlr blr, blr futtdkjs kclhkbohnwotb lekb pdwlriuc tbrust. Eitlr aust e ilw gdglhts, Effy‟s lxprlssodh nrlwpeohl`, eh` Kcehky kduc` sll tbet sbl wes strunncohn.

@oppohn blr ble` uhtoc tbly wlrl iekl td iekl, Kcehky respl`, –_du jhdw yduwehhe kdgl. @dh‟t ionbt ot. Kdgl dh, fefy, kdgl idr gl.‗ Pbet sogpclkdggeh` rlclesl` Effy, eh` es sddh es tbl fesl di tbl tdy frusbl` eneohstblr kcot sbl kegl lxpcdsovlcy, nreffohn lvlrytbohn blr beh`s kegl ohkdhtekt wotb ‛ Kcehky‟s beor, blr sjoh, blr stur`y foklps, tbl swlet-sdejl`sbllt ‛ blr fd`y alrjohn eh` spesgohn kleslclsscy. Pbl fcdh`l scdwl` td esheoc‟s pekl, rdkjohn nlhtcy wbocl Effy‟s iclsb pucsl` eh` twotkbl`.

[u``lhcy, Effy wes jossohn blr ‛ jossohn lvlry pert di blr cdvlr tbet blr copskduc` rlekb. Cevosbohn jossls oh blr beor, dh blr ègp iekl, ecc dvlr blrhlkj eh` sbduc`lrs. ^reppohn blr ergs erduh` Kcehky, sbl nrespl` blr ohe fdhl-fruosohn lgfrekl tbet sllgl` td nrdw tonbtlr es tbl gdglhts tokjl`fy.

[cdwcy, Effy flkegl ewerl di blr surrduhòhns eneoh eh` cddslhl` blrilrvo` bdc`. –Alsus, ydu d jhdw bdw td usl tbet tbohn,‗ sbl gdehl`. –Futgy clns wlrl sd ietonul` tbet O be` e ber` togl clttohn nd lhdunb td kdgl.‗

–Ggg … sogpcl sdcutodh,‗ Kcehky seo`, nrohhohn wokjl`cy. –Ehjclrlstreohts. O‟cc scep e peor dh ydur ehjcls eh` tol tblg tdnltblr. Pblh ydu kehclt ydur clns èhncl erduh` gy sbduc`lrs wotbdut bdcòhn tblg up dh ydurdwh.‗

–@egh, ydu `d jhdw wbet ydu‟rl `dohn,‗ Effy tlesl`. Vlekbohn `dwh, sblstertl` td sco`l tbl pbeccus irdg blrslci, fut stdppl` efruptcy. –Pdd sddh,‗



;?=

–Gossodh ekkdgpcosbl`,‗ Effy essurl` blr, scoòhn `dwh Kcehky‟s fd`y tdnlt td tbl fusohlss et beh`.

***

E beci bdur cetlr, Effy wes augpohn erduh` tbl rddg, tbl socokdhl fduhkohnup td scep eneohst blr stdgekb. –Bevohn dhl di tblsl os iuh!‗ sbl nonncl`,wonncohn tbl wlcc-usl` `lvokl et Kcehky. –Hd wdh`lr glh erl sd idh` ditblg.‗

–O tbohj tbly‟rl lvlh gdrl iuh wblh ydu e`` e ilw goccodh hlrvl klccs eh` ehokl fcdd` suppcy.‗

–_leb, yleb, di kdursl tbet‟s trul,‗ Effy seo`, blr vdokl fronbt ehèhogetl`. –Fut tbet‟s hdt wbet O gleh. O‟g tecjohn efdut tbl wey ot gejls

ydu illc td bevl dhl di tblsl fon tbohns behnohn fltwllh ydur clns.‗

Kcehky rlekbl` dvlr eh` wreppl` blr beh` erduh` tbl fesl di tbltdy. –Pblrl‟` fl ilwlr wers oi lvlrydhl be` dhl tbos fon,‗ sbl seo`. –^bet ewdh`lriuc wdrc` ot wduc` fl oi lvlry dhl wes lxektcy tbl segl sozl. Pbl‒gohl‟s fonnlr tbeh ydurs‟ ionbts wduc` fl e tbohn di tbl pest.‗

–Db, oi ot wesh‟t tbet, ot wduc` fl tbl sozl di tblor beh`s dr tblor illt,‗ Effyseo`. –Nuys wduc` fl stuiiohn hlwspeplr ohtd tblor sbdls td fl efcl td wlere fonnlr sozl.‗ Effy coitl` blr ergs dvlr blr ble` eh` wonncl` blr bops tdgejl tbl blity epplhènl ehkl. –Ot aust gejls ydu illc pdwlriuc ‛ cojl ydu

rucl tbl wdrc`!‗

Kcehky set beciwey up, eh egusl` sgocl dh blr iekl. –_du‟rl rleccy nlttohndii dh tbos, erlh‟t ydu4 O keh‟t weot td sll bdw ydu illc wblh ydu ektueccy uslot!‗

–_leb, O eg.‗ Effy nrohhl` sbycy eh` seo`, –O illc òiilrlhtcy efdut gyslciwblh O‟g wlerohn tbos. O gonbt wler ot ecc tbl togl!‗

–]ldpcl `d,‗ Kcehky `rewcl`, nonncohn et Effy‟s lxprlssodh.

–_du‟rl jo`òhn. ^dglh `d4‗

–_lp. Pbly kecc ot ‒pekjohn‟. Pbly slcc tblsl kddc cottcl iclsb kdcdrl` plhoslstbet O‟g tdc` illc cojl tbl rlec tbohn.‗

–Pd tbl wlerlr4‗ Effy esjl`, kdhiusl`cy.

–Ebb … hd,‗ Kcehky seo`, kbukjcohn. –Pbet wduc` fl e frosj slcclr, tbdunb,



;?6

Bevohn frlejiest tdnltblr kbllrl` Kcehky up `regetokeccy. Idr tbl iorst toglsohkl sbl be` fllh wdrjohn dh tbl ceh`skepl, sbl wosbl` tbl èy wduc` ndscdwlr flkeusl ot wes tbl cest dhl et tbl Nrebeg bdusl. Et tbrll d'kcdkj,sbl wes rdccohn tbl hlw sd`, tejohn blr togl td gejl surl ot wes `dhlplrilktcy ‛ es wlcc es td westl lhdunb togl idr Effy td nlt bdgl irdg blr

eitlrhddh glltohn.

Blr blert stertl` td flet e cottcl iestlr wblh sbl bler` e quokj bdrh bdhjeh` cddjl` up td sll Effy puccohn ohtd tbl rovlwey. [bl ge`l ot td tbl yeròh rlkdr` togl, blr lfuccolht sgocl wergohn Kcehky's blert. "Pdèy's tblèy!" sbl seo`, wevohn td ecc di tbl wdrjglh.

"[url os," Kcehky seo`. "O wes eireo` wl'` fl ndhl fy tbl togl ydu ndt bdgl,eh` wl dhcy cojl td d tbet wblh tbohns dh't wdrj wlcc." Effy wecjl` dvlr tdblr eh` put eh erg erduh` blr, novohn blr e squllzl tbet cddjl` ier tddirolh`cy td fl kdgohn irdg e kcolht.

Pbl dns be` bler` tblor dwhlr rovl up, eh` tbly flneh td ferj tblor ble`sdii dhkl tbly sew blr oh tbl yer` wotb Kcehky. –Keh O frohn gy lhtdurenl4‗sbl esjl`.

"_leb, fut clt us nlt ro` di tbl cest di dur lquopglht iorst. O dh't wehhe rosjbevohn tbl netl clit dplh."

"_du'rl ecweys sd tbdunbtiuc," Effy seo`, gejohn Kcehky fcusb wblh lvlrydhl di blr glh bler` tbl kdgpcoglht.

Vegdh, ecweys necceht, nevl Effy dhl di bos froccoeht sgocls. "Clt gl tejltbl rdcclr dut, eh` ydu keh sbdw Grs. Nrebeg sdgl di tbl `lteocs."

"O'cc blcp ydu," Kcehky seo`. [bl cddjl` et Effy eh` blc` up e iohnlr. "Dhlgohutl." [bl pusbl` tbl rdcclr, wbocl Vegdh eh` tbl dtblr glh skregfclèrduh` gejohn surl tbly'` tejlh lvlrytbohn td tbl trukj. Pwd di tbl glhpusbl` tbl rdcclr up tbl regp eh` ohtd tbl trukj es Vegdh wecjl` dvlr tdKcehky. Bl clehl` dvlr eh` jossl` blr dh tbl ble`, e rerl fut hdt uhjhdwhnlsturl. "O'g vlry beppy idr ydu, alie," bl seo`. "Grs. Nrebeg os e cdvlcywdgeh, eh` ot's lesy td sll bdw beppy ydu gejl blr."

Kcehky icusbl` pohj oh e gettlr di slkdh`s. "Pbehjs," sbl seo`. "O'g sdrry Oò`h't kdgl ronbt dut eh` tlcc ydu, fut wl'rl tryohn td tejl tbohns scdw."

"Pbl èunbtlr os e prdfclg, hd4"

"_lp. Pbl èunbtlr os e prdfclg, fut tbohns wocc kecg `dwh … O bdpl."

"Pbohns wocc fl iohl," Vegdh seo`. "_du erl fdtb vlry strdhn wdglh. O bevl



;?;

kdhio`lhkl oh ydu."

Kcehky nevl bog e bun, illcohn e cottcl ewjwer` wblh sbl ò`. Pbly beècweys fllh irolh`cy eh` be` ditlh be` ferflquls tdnltblr. [bl'` ndhl tdwetkb sdkklr wotb tbl krlw slvlrec togls, eh` tbly'` ecc fllh td blr perlhts‟

bdusl idr pertols. Fut tblrl be` ecweys fllh e fot di e ferrolr. [bl wesh'tsurl oi ot wes kucturec dr flkeusl sbl wes e wdgeh dr flkeusl sbl wes tblfdss, fut sbl jhlw ot wes sdgltbohn. Hdhltblclss, sbl jhlw Vegdh kerlìdr blr, eh` sbl ilct tbl segl efdut bog. "Pbehjs," sbl seo` eneoh, uhefcl tdtbohj di ehytbohn gdrl `lgdhstretovl. "Pbehjs e cdt."

Bl puccl` ewey eh` stertl` td wecj td tbl trukj. "Lhady tbl prlslhtetodh," blseo`. "^l'cc clevl ydu ecdhl."

"_du nuys ò` gdst di tbl wdrj," sbl kdgpceohl`. "Kdgl tejl sdgl di tblpreosl!"

"Hd, hd," bl seo`. "Pbos os idr ydu ecdhl. [ll ydu tdgdrrdw." Bl ùkjl` ohtdtbl trukj, turhl` dh bos fehè gusok eh` tddj dii, clevohn Kcehky stehòhndh tbl strllt, sgocohn et bog.

^blh Kcehky dplhl` tbl netl, tbl `dns reh idr blr. Eitlr jossohn blrrlpletl`c y, tbly reh erduh` cojl tbly‟` fllh keptovls idr gdhtbs ‛ wbokb ohe wey, tbly be`. Bevohn tbl wdrj krlw oh tbl yer` ecc sugglr be` rleccyohtlrilrl` wotb tblor usuec rdutohl di suhhohn tblgslcvls, irlqulht òps ohtbl pddc, eh` ferjohn et tbl \][ trukj, fut tbl lh` wes ioheccy et beh`.

Effy wecjl` dvlr td tbl netl eh` tddj Kcehky‟s beh` es sbl survlyl` tbllhtorl pokturl. Pbl iohosbl` prdùkt wes gdrl tbeh sbl‟` bdpl` idr, wotb tblwecc eh` wetlriecc novohn tbl ogprlssodh tbly‟` fllh oh pcekl idr ylers. Pblicdw di tbl wetlr be` rlec idrkl, wbokb wes lxektcy wbet Effy wehtl` td`rdwh dut tbl hdosl di tbl hlonbfdrs. –^l keh eàust tbl wetlr prlssurl oi ydu weht,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Pbos os prltty cdu`, fut ot‟s e hokl, kecgohn hdosl,vlrsus tbl sbroljs di tbdsl jo`s.‗

–Hd,‗ Effy seo`, sbejohn blr ble`. –Pbos os aust wbet O wehtl`. Db, tblpcehts cddj wdh`lriuc, Kcehky. _du put oh sdgl vlry hokl splkoglhs. Pblyrleccy cddj blectby.‗

Kcehky `lko`l` hdt td glhtodh tbet blr hurslrygeh wes ferlcy splejohn tdblr eitlr sbl‟` ge`l bog rl-dr`lr tbl pcehts tbrll togls wblh tbly ò`h‟tgllt blr lxektohn stehèr`s. Ot wes votec td blr tbet lvlry lclglht di tbl adfwes plrilkt idr Effy, eh` sbl wes ndohn td `d wbetlvlr sbl be` td `d tdgejl surl tbet bepplhl`. –O clit e cottcl spekl dh fdtb so`ls di tbl strleg idr ydu td e`` tbohns tbet strojl ydur iehky,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Dhkl ydu nlt usl` tdot, O essugl ydu‟cc weht td twlej tbl lsonh e fot. O jhdw bdw ydu ner`lhlrs



;?<

[uhèy gdrhohn wes e rlprosl di tbl prlvodus wlljlh` ‛ wotb Effyshlejohn dvlr td Kcehky‟s idr e slhsuec, retblr tbeh sporotuec kdgguhodh.Kcehky dplhl` tbl `ddr wotb e wo`l, slxy nroh dh blr iekl. "O hdrgeccy `dh'tdplh tbl ddr td pldpcl tryohn td sprle` tbl ndd` wdr`, fut ydu'rl tdd prlttytd turh ewey. Kdgl dh oh eh` tlcc gl ecc efdut Alsus." [bl rlekbl` dut eh`

shukj blr iohnlr ohtd tbl weostfeh` di Effy's glcdh-kdcdrl` cohlh sjort eh`nevl ot e tun. ^blh Effy wes stehòhn dh tbl tbrlsbdc`, Kcehky clt blrbeh`s weh`lr dvlr eh` uh`lr tbl wo`l streps di tbl squerl-kut, wbotl cohlh,scllvlclss tdp. "Ylry prltty," sbl seo`. "Ot's e sbegl ot bes td kdgl dii."Flidrl Effy kduc` rlpcy, tbl tdp wes cyohn dh tbl sgecc, wdd`lh tefcl fy tbl`ddr, eh` Kcehky's gdutb wes huzzcohn blr frlest tbrdunb blr kegosdcl.

[trdhn beh`s wlht td Kcehky's ble` eh` puccl` blr kcdsl, prlssohn blr berèneohst tbl frlest. "^l'vl ndtte wdrj iest," tbl fruhlttl ndt dut, blr wdr`sbeci-gdehl`. "O keh dhcy stey eh bdur."

Kcehky's gdutb stdppl` sukjohn, eh` blr nrop lesl`, tblh rlclesl`. [blstdd` eh` cddjl` et Effy wotb ehhdyehkl. "^bet4"

Ogglòetlcy tryohn td pceketl blr, Effy seo`, "Dhcy twd gdrl wlljs. PblhBeycly's fekj et skbddc."

Purhohn, tbl fcdh`l wecjl` ohtd tbl jotkblh eh` pokjl` up blr kdiill kup.[bl bdostl` blrslci dhtd tbl kduhtlr eh` esslssl` Effy wotb kddc lyls."Pblh Prlvdr nlts bdgl, eh` idr ecc wl jhdw, bl'cc tbrdw e fonnlr iot tbehBeycly bes." Blr gdutb wes wdrjohn, eh` sbl cddjl` cojl sbl wehtl` td seysdgltbohn gdrl, fut sbl put tbl fon kup td blr cops eh` soppl` scdwcy, tryohn

td kdhtrdc blr tlgplr.

Effy wlht td blr eh` stdd` fltwllh blr clns, nlhtcy strdjohn tbl sjoh tbetplljl` dut irdg blr fdxlr sbdrts. "O jhdw tbos os ber`, bdhly, fut wl bevlsd cottcl togl tdnltblr …" [bl weotl` idr eh ehswlr, eh` wblh sbl ò`h'trlklovl dhl, sbl wlht dh. "Clt's hdt ionbt. ^l'rl westohn tbl dhcy bdur wl'vlbe` ecdhl tbos wllj."

"_du wehtl` td gejl cdvl4" Kcehky esjl`, blr tdhl lvlh eh` kecg.

ôtb e hlrvdus ceunb, Effy hd``l`. "_ls, di kdursl. O illc sd kcdsl td ydu

wblh wl `d." [bl treocl` blr iohnlrs `dwh Kcehky's ferl kblst, illcohn tblsdit sjoh wblrl ot kdvlrl` fdhl, tblh guskcl, tblh pcoefcl iclsb. Blr beh`kdvlrl` tbl lkdretl` frlest, eh` sbl squllzl` ot, tblh clehl` oh td joss blrperthlr.

Kcehky jossl` blr fut ò`h't try td lskecetl gettlrs. [bl cddjl` et Effyeneoh eh` esjl`, "Ot `dlsh't fdtblr ydu td icy dvlr blrl, tbrdw ydur kcdtblsdii, bevl slx, nlt `rlssl` eh` ruh bdgl ‛ ecc oh eh bdur4"



;?9

"O'` retblr wl be` ecc ey. Blcc, O'` retblr wl be` ecc di dur covls! Fut wl dh'tronbt hdw. [d, O tbohj efdut ot cojl O ò` wblh O wes oh bonb skbddc eh` gyfdyirolh` eh` O wduc` perj oh irdht di gy perlhts‟ bdusl." [bl ceunbl` hdw,blr cops pertohn es sbl rlkeccl` tbdsl èys. "Dh tbl `rovl bdgl, O'` tbohj

efdut wbet wl'` `d, eh` es sddh es wl perjl`, wl'` fl oh tbos ge` rusb tdtdukb lekb dtblr. O jhlw wl'` bevl e beci-bdur dr sd flidrl gy ietblr turhl`tbl conbt dh eh` dii e kdupcl di togls, sonhecohn gl td kdgl ohso`l." [blsgocl` et Kcehky eh` seo`, "Ot wesh't wbet O wehtl`, fut ot wes vlry lxkotohn.[dgltogls quokj slx os e rlec turh-dh."

Kcehky put blr kup dh tbl kduhtlr eh` squorgl` ewey irdg Effy. [bl scoìrdg blr plrkb eh` wecjl` ewey, lpdsotohn blrslci dh tbl sdie. "O cojl quokjslx, tdd. Fut O cojl ot flkeusl wl'rl sd bdt idr lekb dtblr wl keh't weot, hdtflkeusl ydu col td ydur kboc` efdut ndohn td kburkb eh` sbdw upuhehhduhkl`."

[tuhn, Effy steyl` ronbt wblrl sbl wes. "O … O esjl` Beycly td nd wotb gl.O wesh't surl oi sbl wduc` dr hdt uhtoc O wes rle`y td clevl tbl bdusl."

Cddjohn et tbl kcdkj dh blr YKV, Kcehky seo`, "Ot's 5510<. Os tbos tbl iorstslrvokl tbly bevl4"

"Hd," Effy seo`, kdhiusl`. "Fut O ecweys nd td tbl 5515< slrvokl. O ecweysbevl."

"Fut ydu kduc` nd lercolr4"

"_ls. Pblrl's e hohl d'kcdkj gess."

"[d ydu kduc` bevl clit flidrl Beycly ndt up … cojl et >1==, eh` bevl fllhndhl idr bdurs wotbdut blr lvlh hdtokohn, ronbt4"

Blr vdokl be` tejlh dh e rezdr-sberp l`nl, eh` Effy jhlw sbl'` ge`l evlry slrodus lrrdr oh au`nglht. [bl wecjl` dvlr td tbl sdie eh` set `dwhhlxt td blr perthlr. "_ls, O kduc` bevl." [bl clt dut e blevy frletb. "O `dh'tjhdw wby O ò`h't."

Kcehky puccl` blr clns up, pcehtohn fdtb illt dh tbl l`nl di tbl sdie. Blrergs rlstl` dh blr jhlls, beh`s ehncohn. "Geyfl ot's gdrl lxkotohn idr ydutd gejl tbos cojl e negl. Geyfl tbl wbdcl tbohn sllgs cojl e negl."

Effy's vdokl nrlw sberp. "@dh't put tbdunbts oh gy ble`, Kcehky. Ot gonbtsllg cojl O'g djey wotb bdw tbohns erl, fut tbet's dhcy flkeusl O'g tryohn gyflst td fl upflet. O betl tbos es gukb es ydu `d."



;?>

[tocc hdt cddjohn et blr cdvlr, Kcehky seo`, "_du dh't jhdw bdw gukb O betltbos, sd `dh't essugl ydu jhdw bdw O illc. _du `dh't."

Ehnry eh` burt, Effy ndt up eh` wecjl` td tbl `ddr. [bl scoppl` blr tdpfekj dh eh` seo`, "Kecc gl wblh ydu illc cojl bevohn e kdhvlrsetodh. O `dh't

bevl tbl strlhntb td `lec wotb fdtb ydu eh` Beycly pdutohn." [bl weotl` egdglht, bdpohn Kcehky wduc` esj blr td stey, fut tbl fcdh`l ble`rlgeohl` uhgdvl`, sterohn et tbl fcehj tlclvosodh.

***

Kcehky jhlw sbl sbduc` kecc eh` epdcdnozl, fut sbl ilct cojl sucjohn. Bevohncottcl lcsl td jllp blrslci dkkupol`, sbl wlht up td [olrre Ge`rl, surprosohnblr gdtblr wblh sbl wecjl` ohtd tbl bdusl oh tbl cetl eitlrhddh, soppohndhl di blr ievdrotl gects.

–^lcc, Kcehky D‟Kdhhdr, O tbohj O‟vl sllh gdrl di ydu oh tbl cest twlhty-idurbdurs tbeh O bevl oh tbl cest tbrll gdhtbs!‗

–Kdgpceohohn4‗

–Hlvlr!‗ Gernerlt jossl` blr eh` seo`, –_du aust gossl` ydur nreh`gdtblr.@e``y aust `rdppl` blr dii et tbl kburkb td pcey fohnd.‗

Kcehky iduh` ot iuhhy tbet blr nreh`gdtblr be` novlh up tbl rlconodh cdhnflidrl, fut wes kdgpcltlcy uhefcl td idrsejl blr e`òktodh td fohnd ‛ lxkcusovlcy di tbl Ketbdcok verolty. –O‟g ndhhe behn idr e wbocl, oi tbet‟s djey.

êht gl td nd td tbl stdrl eh` fuy sdgltbohn idr òhhlr4‗

–Erl ydu quotl ecc ronbt4‗ Gernerlt esjl`, gejohn e sbdw di illcohn blrèunbtlr‟s idrlble`.

–O dwl ydu e ilw tbduseh` glecs, Gdg. O‟` fl beppy td pdp idr dhl.‗

Cddjohn et blr quozzokeccy, Gernerlt seo`, –O'g slrodus. Os lvlrytbohn ecc ronbt,bdhly4‗

–Hd.‗ [bl nevl blr gdtblr e sgocl eh` seo`, –O‟vl fllh tbohjohn efdut bdw

ber` ot os td fl e perlht. êtkbohn Effy nd tbrdunb ecc di tbos krep wotbBeycly bes novlh gl e hlw plrsplktovl dh bdw jo`s sukj tbl coil ronbt dut di ydu.‗

Gernerlt wreppl` blr eunbtlr oh e werg bun eh` seo`, –Ot wes hlvlr ber`flohn ydur gdg.‗ Eitlr pcekohn e joss dh fdtb kblljs, sbl rlclesl` blr kbocèh` seo`, –O rleccy `dh‟t lhvy Effy, tbdunb. Pbos bes ndt td fl ber` dh tblwbdcl iegocy.‗



;?2

–_leb, O'g surl ot wdh't fl e èy et tbl flekb wotb Prlvdr, lotblr. Lvlhtbdunb Effy tbohjs bl'cc fl iohl wotb ot." Kcehky be` iohosbl` blr gect, eh`sbl wecjl` ohtd tbl jotkblh td tbrdw tbl kdhteohlr ewey. [bl pdjl` blrble` ohtd tbl rlironlretdr eh` sew tbet tbl kupfder` wes prltty ferl. –Clt

gl nd td tbl stdrl eh` fuy e hokl rdest. ^l keh kddj ot dutso`l dh tblrdtosslrol. _du jhdw bdw @e` cdvls tbet.‗

Gernerlt nevl blr èunbtlr e joss eh` pettl` blr dh tbl futt. –Pbet wduc`fl cdvlcy, bdhly. Fuy wbetlvlr cddjs ndd`.‗

***

^blh Kcehky rlturhl`, blr ietblr wes ecrle`y nlttohn tbl rdtosslrol rle`y.–Pblrl‟s gy flst norc,‗ bl flegl` wblh sbl wlht dut fekj td sey blccd.

–Bo, ]dp.‗ [bl nevl bog e joss eh` set `dwh td wetkb bog puttlr wotb bostdys.

Cddjohn et blr splkucetovlcy, bl esjl`, –Ionbt4"

"_leb."

"Pecj efdut ot4"

"Heb."

[bl wetkbl` bog wdrj eh` hd``l` wblh bl diilrl` e fllr. Bl rlturhl` eilw gohutls cetlr wotb tbl rdest dh tbl spot eh` twd fllrs blc` fy tblorhlkjs oh dhl cernl beh`. [bl tddj blrs eh` soppl` dh ot, hdt seyohn ehdtblrwdr`. Adbh buggl` e cottcl wbocl bl wdrjl`, tblh set `dwh eh` wetkbl`tbl rdest flnoh td spoh. Pbly wetkbl` tbl glet es tbdunb ot wlrl eieskohetohn tlclvosodh sbdw, hlotblr splejohn uhtoc ot be` flnuh td frdwh."O'g sd sokj di Beycly tbet O'g tbohjohn di ndohn dh veketodh uhtoc sbl clevlsidr skbddc."

"Oh Eunust4" Adbh‟s ohkrlùcoty kduc` fl bler` cdu` eh` kcler. "_du keh'tpokj up eh` clevl ùrohn ydur fusolst slesdh!"

"Ot's gy fusohlss," sbl nrugfcl`, jhdwohn sbl wes ektohn kbocòsb.

"Prul. Ot's ydurs idr es cdhn es ydu `dh't poss dii ydur kcolhts dr ydur krlw."Bl tddj tbl fdttcl kep bl'` rlgdvl` lercolr eh` icoppl` ot et blr, ketkbohn blrdh tbl sbduc`lr. "^bet's rleccy ndoh' dh4 Pbl jo`'s ndtte fl clevohn sddh."

"Pwd wlljs," Kcehky seo`.



;??

"[ohkl wblh keh't ydu weot twd wlljs idr sdgltboh' ydu rleccy weht4 Alsus, ydu weotl` twd ylers td nd td kdcclnl sd ydu kduc` nd wblrl ydu rleccywehtl`!"

"Ot's hdt tbl togl," sbl seo`, illcohn torl` eh` krehjy. "Ot's … ot's tbet Beyclyecweys kdgls iorst."

"_du jhlw tbet ndohn oh," Adbh seo`. "Cottcl cetl td bevl korkugstehklskbehnl."

"O jhdw tbet," sbl seo`, blr vdokl tlsty eh` sberp. "O `dh't wehtkorkugstehkls td kbehnl. O aust weht Effy td splh` e cottcl togl tbohjohn diweys td sll gl gdrl. ^l ò`h't bevl ehy togl tdnltblr tbos wllj, eh` otgejls gl huts!"

"^bet `dls sbl sey wblh ydu tlcc blr tbet4"

Kcehky clehl` fekj oh blr kbeor eh` clt blr ble` cdcc fekj. "O aust tdc` blrtdèy. Pbet's wbet wl idunbt efdut."

"^bet ò` sbl sey4" bl esjl` eneoh.

[bl nevl bog e venul sbrun. "[bl ò`h't sey gukb. [bl wes ge` et gl idrflohn ge` et blr."

Adbh ndt up eh` put e tblrgdgltlr oh tbl rdest, hd`òhn td bogslci wblh ot

rlnostlrl` aust wblrl bl lxplktl` ot td fl. "[d, ydu tdc` blr ydu weht blr tdjllp ydu oh tbl negl, ronbt4"

"Vonbt."

"Fut tbos os tbl iorst togl ydu'vl tdc` blr tbet, ronbt4"

[bl sbrunnl` eneoh. "Hdt rleccy. [bl jhdws O‟g hdt beppy wotb tbl weytbohns erl.‗

Bl put bos beh`s dh bos bops, e`dptohn tbl segl stehkl bl ò` wblh bl

kblwl` dut dhl di bos lgpcdylls. –Bevl ydu splkoiokeccy tdc` blr wbet yduhll` blr td `d td gejl ydu beppy4‗

–Hd,‗ sbl seo`, blr vdokl ferlcy euòfcl.

"^bet tbl blcc's wrdhn wotb ydu4" bl esjl`, gejohn blr ble` shep up. "_du`dh't tejl dii irdg ydur adf oh Eunust, eh` ydu `dh't nlt possl` flkeuslsdglfd`y osh't `dohn sdgltbohn oi ydu ò`h't esj blr td `d ot. Nrdw up!"



0==

"O'g pclhty nrdwh up," sbl sheppl`.

"Pbl blcc ydu erl! _du jhlw tbos wes ndhhe fl ber`, fut ydu ò`h't weht tdquot. _du'vl fllh stlwohn efdut tbos idr e wbocl, fut ydu bevlh't tdc` blr bdw

td iox ot. Pbet's hdt ieor td blr, eh` tbet's hdt geturl! Hdw streonbtlh dut ehìcy ronbt dr kut blr cddsl. Pbl cest tbohn sbl hll`s os ehdtblr jo`!"

Kcehky prlssl` blr cops tdnltblr, jhdwohn sbl wes dh tbl vlrnl di seyohnsdgltbohn vlry ru`l. Blr ietblr wlht ohtd tbl bdusl td nlt ehdtblr fllr, eh`sbl trol` td kecg blr rekohn goh` td clt bos wdr`s sohj oh. Bl wes ndhl gukbcdhnlr tbeh bl hll`l` td fl, eh` wblh bl kegl fekj, sbl tddj tbl diilrl`fllr eh` seo`, "Effy seo` tbl segl tbohn td gl tdèy."

"^bet4"

"[bl seo` sbl ò`h't bevl tbl strlhntb td bevl fdtb Beycly eh` gl ektohncojl kboc`rlh."

"[bl's ronbt," bl seo`.

"O nlt ot, @e`. O nlt ot. _du'vl ge`l ydur pdoht. O'cc kecc blr tdhonbt ehèpdcdnozl."

"'Fdut togl," bl gugfcl`, ceunbohn sditcy td bogslci.

"@d ydu lvlr nlt torl` di flohn ronbt4"

"Hdt rleccy. Kdgls hetureccy."

"Pdd fe` O ò`h't nlt ydur bocerodus slhsl di bugdr," sbl seo`, dfvoduscytlesohn.

"O ecweys tbdunbt sd." Bl iussl` wotb bos rdest idr e gdglht eh` seo`, "Pdtlcc ydu tbl trutb, O'g surprosl` ot tddj ydu tbos cdhn td shep. Hdt cojl ydu tdfl tbos petolht wotb e wdgeh.‗

[bl nrohhl` wrycy et bog. –O‟vl hlvlr fllh oh cdvl wotb dhl flidrl, @e`. Pbl

rucls kbehnl.‗

–Pbly `d oh`ll`,‗ bl hd``l`, kbukjcohn sditcy. –[d, os tbos jo` ecweys ndhhefl e prdfclg4‗

–Cddjs cojl ot," sbl seo`. –Fut ot‟s sdgltbohn O‟g ndohn td bevl td clerh td lecwotb. O'` retblr sbl wes kboc`clss, fut sbl‟s hdt. _du‟vl ndtte tejl pldpcl cojl ydu ioh` ‒lg.‗



0=5

–Pdd èghl` fe`, eoh‟t ot4‗

–[url es blcc os,‗ sbl enrll`, tejohn e cdhn pucc dh blr fllr.

***

Flkeusl di Beycly‟s perty, e sbdrt pbdhl kdhvlrsetodh wes ecc tbet Effykduc` gehenl, fut sbl wes vlry rlcolvl` td bevl Kcehky kecc td epdcdnozl.[bl o` tbl segl, eh` tbly buhn up, enrllohn td try td ioh` sdgl togl td slllekb dtblr lvlh tbdunb ot wes òiiokuct.

***

Pbl hlxt eitlrhddh, Kcehky wes o`cohn dh tbl ]ese`lhe irllwey wblh sblehswlrl` blr klcc pbdhl.

"^blrl erl ydu, bdhly4"

–Bleòhn bdgl. O'g ecgdst et Ieor Dejs.‗

"@o` ydu bevl e ndd` èy4"

"Hdt fe`. O splht tdd cdhn et e kcolht's bdusl oh Flvlrcywdd`, eh` hdw O'gstukj oh treiiok. O'g tryohn td nlt bdgl td tejl e quokj hep flidrl èhklkcess.‗

Effy pdutl`. –O wehhe nd.‗

–Gokbelc‟s ecweys beppy td fdw dut. _du jhdw O‟` retblr tejl ydu.‗

ôtb e tdhl ioccl` wotb ylerhohn, Effy seo`, –Beycly's ndhhe fl bdgl idròhhlr. O sbduc` stey.‗

–^betlvlr,‗ tbl fcdh`l seo`. –O‟cc tbohj di ydu wblh O‟g cleòhn Gokbelcerduh` tbl èhkl icddr.‗

–_du cle`4‟

–_lp. O tdc` ydu flidrl,‗ Kcehky seo`, blr wokjl` nroh gehenohn td gejl ottbrdunb tbl pbdhl cohl. –O ecweys cle`.‗

Effy buhn up, stehòhn oh pcekl wotb blr beh` stocc dh tbl pbdhl, tbohjohndi bdw wdh`lriuc ot ilct td bevl Kcehky nuo`l blr erduh` tbl èhkl icddr.Beycly wecjl` ohtd tbl rddg eh` seo`, "Pbet wdh't gejl ot rohn."



0=6

[bejohn blr ble`, Effy puccl` blr beh` ewey eh` wecjl` ohtd tbl `lh,orrotetl` fy Beycly's glrl prlslhkl.

***

Dh Puls`ey gdrhohn, Beycly wes up lercolr tbeh usuec. [bl wecjl``dwhsteors, wlerohn e gystlrodus sgocl. "Bly," sbl seo` wblh sbl spdttl`blr gdtblr. "Keh O fdrrdw tbl ker tbos gdrhohn4"

"[url. Ndohn sdglwblrl splkoec4"

"\b-bub."

Blr sgocl nrlw, eh` sbl turhl` td nd fekj upsteors, wotb Effy idccdwohn blrwotb blr lyls. O tbohj O kduc` poh blr. Oi O ndt blr dut tbl irdht ddr eh` keccl`tbl cdkjsgotb …

***

Erduh` hddh, tbl `dns stertl` td ferj, eh` e gdglht cetlr Effy bler` tblnerenl `ddr dplh. E cdu` kcettlr irdg tbl ceuh`ry rddg ge`l blr nlt up tdsll wbet wes ndohn dh. [bl pusbl` dplh tbl `ddr et tbl segl togl Prlvdrwes puccohn ot irdg bos so`l. Keunbt dii-fecehkl, sbl ilcc ohtd bos ergs,illcohn bos stur`y fd`y bdc` blr liidrtclsscy. "_du gust'vl gossl` gl," blseo`, ceunbohn.

[bl be` td skregfcl td nlt blr illt slt oh tbl sgecc spekl, sohkl fdtb `dns

wlrl augpohn, ferjohn, eh` dohn tblor petlhtl` icops di ady et sllohn Prlvdr."Nd`, yls!" sbl krol`. [bl wreppl` blr ergs erduh` bos hlkj, novohn bog ecdhn, strdhn bun. "O gossl` ydu cojl krezy!"

"O gossl` ydu, tdd, Gdg," bl seo` sditcy. "Ylry gukb."

"Hokl surprosl, bub4" Beycly esjl`, nonncohn.

"Pbl hoklst," Effy enrll`.

[bl fekjl` up, novohn tbl jo`s rddg td wecj ohtd tbl jotkblh. [bl wetkbl`

es Prlvdr blitl` bos fens ohtd tbl rddg, gervlcohn et bdw gukb bos fd`ycddjl` cojl bos ietblr's. [bl nezl` et bog wotb e wostiuc sgocl, gejohn bogrlekb dut eh` twlej blr hdsl. "@dh't tlcc gl1 O cddj dc`lr eh` flttlr tbehwblh O clit."

[bl bunnl` bog eneoh, clttohn blr beh` iecc td novl bog e swet dh tbl slet. "Ojhdw O'g prl`oktefcl, fut ydu sbduc` fl usl` td tbet fy hdw."



0=;

"_du'rl hdt sd prlòktefcl," Beycly seo`, blr wdr`s tlesohn fut blr tdhlslrodus.

"@lplh`s dh tbl èy," Effy seo`, rliusohn td clt blr èunbtlr feot blr ohtdtecjohn efdut Kcehky et tbet gdglht. "Erl ydu buhnry, bdhly4" sbl esjl`

blr sdh.

"E cottcl. O be` cuhkb eh` òhhlr dh tbl pcehl, fut ot wesh't vlry ndd`."

"Db, ronbt, ydur fd`y tbohjs ot's ?1== p.g., `dlsh't ot4"

"_leb. Geyfl O'cc aust bevl sdgl keiilohl. O wehhe stey up sd O keh nd td flèrduh` 5=1==. O wehhe nlt fekj dh Kecoidrhoe togl es sddh es O keh."

Bl wecjl` dvlr td tbl rlironlretdr eh` tddj dut e keh di Kdjl. ^bocl blpdurl` ot ohtd e ncess, Effy esjl`, "@o` ydu clevl lercy, bdhly, dr ò` tbl

prdnreg lh` sddhlr tbeh ot wes suppdsl` td4"

Prlvdr toctl` bos ble` fekj eh` hlercy `reohl` bos ncess. "E cottcl di fdtb," blseo`. "^l wlrl iohosbl`, fut tbl dtblr pldpcl oh tbl prdnreg wlrl `rennohntblor illt oh wrotohn dut tbl iohec rlpdrt. Pbly wlrl wdrjohn e kdupcl di bdurse èy eh` behnohn dut uhtoc tbrll dr idur e.g. O ndt sokj di ot eh` wehtl` tdkdgl bdgl ‛ sd O clit."

Effy stdd` hlxt td bog eh` put blr beh` dh bos weost. "Vleccy4"

Bl evdo`l` blr lyls wbocl ioccohn bos ncess. "_leb. O weht td ioh` e adf, hdt sot

erduh` nlttohn `ruhj oh Ylhokl. O gleh, ot wes iuh, fut wl'` fllh pertyohnidr dvlr twd wlljs." Bl cddjl` dwh eh` sgocl` et bos gdtblr. "Geyfl O wes aust possl` tbet O be`h't bddjl` up wotb ehydhl."

"Hd dhl4" sbl esjl`, nrohhohn et bog.

"Hdpl. Pblrl wlrl tlh norcs oh tbl prdnreg, eh` tbl dhcy `lklht dhls wlrllhnenl`. O ò`h't bevl e ètl tbl wbdcl togl O wes ndhl."

"_du sbduc` bevl fllh blrl," Beycly seo`. "Cdvl wes oh tbl eor." [bl wessottohn dh dhl di tbl tecc kbeors fy Effy's kduhtlr-blonbt `lsj. Blr gdtblr

be` nrdwh torl` di blr cdffohn ohhulh`d-ioccl` fdgfs ohtd tbl kdhvlrsetodh.

[terohn et Beycly, Effy seo`, "O'g surl Prlvdr eh` O wocc oskuss Kcehky, futwl'cc `d ot ecdhl."

Pbl norc nucpl` hdtoklefcy, hdt usl` td bevohn blr gdtblr fl dfvoduscy upsltwotb blr. "O'g sdrry," sbl seo` quoltcy. "O'cc nd swog idr e wbocl sd ydu keh



0=0

tecj."

"_du `dh't hll` td clevl, Beycly. _du aust hll` td stdp flohnpessovl-ennrlssovl."

Beycly hd``l`. "O tbohj O'g flttlr et clevohn." ^otb tbet, sbl wlht ohtd tbl`dwhsteors fetbrddg td put dh blr swogsuot.

Es sddh es sbl clit, Prlvdr cddjl` et bos gdtblr. "Bes sbl fllh cojl tbos eccsugglr4"

"\b-bub. O ecgdst put blr oh e Il`Lx fdx eh` slht blr td ydu."

Prlvdr tdukbl` bos gdtblr's sbduc`lr. "_du sbduc` bevl, Gdg. O'g slrodus._du sbduc`h't bevl td put up wotb blr wblh sbl's flohn e alrj."

Effy ceunbl` sditcy. "O tbohj sbl ekts cojl e alrj flkeusl O eccdw blr td." [bltddj blr sdh's beh` eh` cl` bog ohtd tbl covohn rddg sd Beycly wduc`h't blertblg. Pbly set dwh dh tbl sdie, aust kcdsl lhdunb td fl efcl td tdukb dhkloh e wbocl. "O ecweys lhkdurenl` ydu td sey wbet wes dh ydur goh`, Prlvdr,eh` ydu hlvlr efusl` tbet provoclnl. Fut Beycly's e vlry oiilrlht jo`. O tbohjO sbduc` bevl slt iorglr cogots wotb blr. O tbdunbt tbl segl tlkbhoquls Ousl` wotb ydu wduc` wdrj wotb blr, fut tbly bevlh't."

"[bl's hdt e fe` jo`, Gdg. Flcolvl gl, O'` retblr fl wotb Beycly tbeh gdst ditbl norcs dh gy prdalkt. Et clest sbl's hdt dfslssl` wotb bdw sbl cddjs eh`wbltblr sdgldhl lcsl os nlttohn ettlhtodh."

"Vleccy e fe` fuhkb, bub4"

"_leb," bl seo`, bos idrlble` wrohjcl` oh tbdunbt. "Pbl nuys wlrl ndd`, futtbl norcs rleccy sukjl`. Pbly wlrl ecweys pdutohn efdut sdgltbohn."

"Beycly's fllh `dohn blr sberl di pdutohn," Effy seo`, sgocohn.

"_leb, fut et clest sbl's hdt usueccy cojl tbet. [bl … sbl's bevohn e rlec ber`togl wotb tbos, Gdg."

[bl put blr beh` dh bos jhll, novohn ot e squllzl. "O jhdw, bdhly." [bl tddje `llp frletb. "Bdw gukb `d ydu jhdw4"

"O jhdw aust efdut lvlrytbohn," bl seo`. "O jhdw wbet bepplhl`, eh` O jhdwbdw ot bepplhl`, eh` O jhdw bdw Beycly illcs efdut ot." Bl sbrunnl`. "Ot'sgdrl tbeh e cottcl wlor`, fut O'g hdt ge` et ydu dr ehytbohn."

[bl nezl` et bog idr e gdglht, illcohn sd gukb flttlr td bevl bog bdgl



0=<

eneoh. "Bdw `d ydu illc, swlltblert4"

"O'g hdt surl," bl e`gottl`. "O nulss ot `lplh`s dh tbl èy. O weht ydu td flbeppy, Gdg, sd tbet's wbet O idkus dh. Oi ydu'rl beppy wotb Kcehky … O weht ydu td nd idr ot."

"O tbohj O ecrle`y bevl," Effy seo`, blr sgocl wry. "O'vl tdc` ydurnreh`perlhts, Lcclh, ]eg, Geroe, [plhklr … O'g surl ot wdh't fl cdhn flidrlGeradrol os gerkbohn up eh` `dwh tbl bocc tlccohn ecc di tbl hlonbfdrs."

Bl ceunbl` et tbet, ogenohohn tbl dc`lr, rdtuh` wdgeh blitohn blrslci uptbl stllp bocc td sprle` blr auoky hlws. "Bdw ò` lvlrydhl tejl ot4"

"Lcclh bes fllh tbl wdrst," Effy seo`. "^lcc, ydur nrehìetblr osh't vlrybeppy efdut ot, fut et clest bl besh't ohsuctl` gy ohtlcconlhkl."

Prlvdr's gdutb `rdppl` dplh. "Lcclh ò` tbet4"

"_lp." Effy clt blr ble` `rdp fekj eh` ilct tbl kusbodh prlss eneohst tblspdt wblrl sbl wes nlttohn e bleèkbl. "[bl tdc` gl sbl kduc`h't fl irolh`swotb gl ehygdrl."

"Hd!" Pbl cddj dh bos iekl sbdwl` tbet bl essugl` sbl wes jo`òhn, fut blrlxprlssodh sbdwl` sbl wes `le`cy slrodus. "Fut wby …4"

"[bl tbohjs O'g flohn slciosb," Effy seo`. "[bl tbohjs O'g puttohn gy hll`sflidrl ydurs eh` Beycly's."

Bos lyls herrdwl` eh` bl toctl` bos ble`. "^l'rl eùcts hdw: ydu dh't bevltd trlet us cojl cottcl jo`s ehygdrl. Ot's hdt cojl flohn wotb e wdgeh os sukb efon `lec." Bl sbdvl` sdgl di bos tbokj, èrj beor irdg bos lyls. "O gleh, yleb, ot's wlor`, eh` ot's ndhhe tejl sdgl nlttohn usl` td, fut ot's hdt cojl ydu'rl ndohn dut wotb sdglfd`y wbd's gleh dr lvoc dr sdgltbohn. Kcehky's aust e kbokj … ronbt4"

"]rltty gukb," Effy enrll`. "E yduhn kbokj, fut e kbokj."

"_leb. Pbet pert's e cottcl wlor`, tdd," bl e`gottl`. "O hlvlr tbdunbt gy

stlpietblr wduc` fl e norc aust efdut gy enl, fut … O nulss ydu o`h't lotblr,ronbt4"

Bos nezl be` sberplhl`, eh` Effy be` e illcohn bl wesh't esjohn bosqulstodh. "^bet's dh ydur goh`, Prlv4 Kdgl dh, tlcc gl."

Bl set quoltcy idr e gdglht, tblh esjl`, "_du bevlh't fllh … ubg …wehtohn td fl wotb wdglh … flidrl, ronbt4"



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[bl tddj e gdglht td kdhso`lr bos wdr`s. "@d ydu gleh wbocl ydur ietblrwes ecovl4"

"_leb." Bl put bos ble` `dwh, uhefcl td cddj et blr.

[bl put blr beh` dh bos kbllj, urnohn bog td gllt blr lyls. "Bdhly, O cdvl` ydur è` gdrl tbeh ydu'cc lvlr jhdw. Bl wes gy iorst cdvl, eh` O wduc`h'tbevl tre`l` bog idr ecc di tbl wdglh oh tbl wdrc`. O hlvlr, lvlr wosbl` tbetO'` pokjl` ehdtblr geh dr e wdgeh. Bl wes tbl dhl. Bl'cc ecweys fl tbldhl."

[bl wes kryohn hdw, eh` Prlvdr skddtl` dvlr td bdc` blr. "Fut ydu cdvlKcehky, ronbt4" bl esjl`.

"_ls, di kdursl O `d. Fut ot's hdt tbl segl. Ot's ber` td lxpceoh, fut tblrl's

sdgltbohn uhoqul efdut ydur iorst cdvl. ^blh ydu gerry eh` bevl kboc`rlhtdnltblr, tblrl's … O `dh't lvlh jhdw bdw td put ot ohtd wdr`s. Fut ot'sòiilrlht. _dur ietblr wes tbl cdvl di gy coil. Pbet wocc hlvlr kbehnl, hdgettlr bdw gukb O cdvl Kcehky. [bl'cc fl gy perthlr, fut wotb ydur è` …wl wlrl e iegocy. Bevohn ydu eh` Beycly ge`l us ohtd e uhot. O jhdw ot'cchlvlr fl cojl tbet wotb Kcehky. Eh` sd dls sbl," sbl e``l`. "[bl wehts td iotoh, fut sbl keh't ekt cojl sbl's rlcetl` td ydu eh` Beycly. [bl'cc fl ydurgdtblr's perthlr."

"Fut … ydu'cc weht blr td fl et ecc di dur iegocy lvlhts, ronbt4"

"Di kdursl!"

"O'` cojl td bevl sdgl johè rlcetodhsbop wotb blr," bl seo`, cddjohn e cottclkdhiusl`. "Fut O `dh't jhdw ‐ "

"Bdhly. Aust clt tbohns bepplh. Oi ydu cojl blr, sdgltbohn wocc lvlcdp. Oi ydu`dh't cojl blr … wlcc … O nulss ydu'cc aust bevl td bevl e ilw `rohjs td nlttbrdunb bdcoèy òhhlrs." [bl clehl` dvlr eh` tokjcl` bog dh tbl rofs,gejohn bog nonncl cojl e kboc`.

"[tdp!" bl flnnl`, squorgohn. "]clesl!"

"O'cc fl ndd`," sbl prdgosl`, bdcòhn blr beh`s up.

"Hdt ieor," bl ohsostl`. "_du jhdw ecc di gy wlej spdts."

[bl put blr erg erduh` bog eh` bunnl` bog tonbt. "O `d. Fut ydu jhdwgdst di gohl, tdd. Pbl fclssohn eh` tbl kursl di iegocy."



0=>

***

Prlvdr wlht upsteors td uhpekj, fut eitlr aust e ilw gdglhts bl keglrekohn `dwh tbl steors. –Gdg! ^by ò`h‟t ydu tlcc gl ydu wlrl `dhl4‗

–^bet4‗ sbl esjl`, glltohn bog et tbl steors.

–Pbl yer`!‗ Bl trdttl` idr tbl fekj `ddr, fdtb `dns idccdwohn bog. Effy wes`lconbtl` fy bos ncll, eh` sbl ilcc oh cohl. Pbly wlht dut`ddrs eh` Prlvdrstdd` wotb bos beh`s dh bos bops, sbejohn bos ble` oh egezlglht. –O hlvlrwduc` bevl flcolvl` tbos wes dur yer`,‗ bl seo`. –Pbos osh‟t aust ehogprdvlglht ‛ ot‟s e kdgpcltl trehsidrgetodh.‗ Bl turhl` eh` sgocl` et bosgdtblr. –Kcehky‟s ndt e cde` di teclht, Gdg.‗

Bos sgocl wes kdhtenodus, eh` sbl getkbl` ot ogglòetlcy. –[bl os, Prlv. Pbehjs idr seyohn sd.‗

–O‟vl ndt td nlt ohtd gy suot eh` clt tbet wetlriecc bot gl,‗ bl seo`, nrohhohncojl e kboc`. –êhhe adoh gl4‗

–Hdt ronbt hdw, fut O wocc sddh.‗

Bl reh ohtd tbl bdusl, tejohn tbl steors twd et e togl. –Burry up, Gdg. Pbetpddc cddjs tdd ndd`!‗

Es sddh es Prlvdr wlht dutso`l, Effy rlekbl` Kcehky dh blr klcc pbdhl."Nulss wbd's bdgl," sbl seo`.

"Bgg … O'g ndhhe sey Prlvdr, sohkl bl's tbl dhcy dhl wbd's fllh ndhl. Osh'tbl bdgl lercy4"

"_leb. O tbohj bl's wdrrol` efdut bos gdg."

"Hdt ehnry wotb blr4"

"@dlsh't sllg td fl," Effy seo`. "^l be` e vlry hokl kbet, fefy. Eh` blpdsotovlcy cdvl` tbl fekj yer`. Bl wehts td nlt td jhdw ydu flttlr, tdd. Blsllgl` vlry ekklptohn."

"^blw! Pbehj Nd` sdgldhl's ektohn cojl bl's suppdsl` td."

"_du keh sey tbet eneoh! Gy fdy kegl tbrdunb idr gl!"

KBE]PLV P^LHP_-ID\V

Idr e kdupcl di èys, Prlvdr ò` hdtbohn fut scllp eh` let, fut fy Iroèy bl



0=2

wes up oh bos rddg, gejohn keccs eh` tryohn td slt up ohtlrvolws. Effy wesprdu` di bdw fusohlsscojl bl wes flohn efdut iohòhn e adf, lvlh es sbl wesòseppdohtl` wotb Beycly's cekj di ohotoetovl. Blr gusohns efdut iohòhn e adfwblh sbl rlturhl` irdg Geohl be` osepplerl`, eh` sbl sllgl` kdhtlht tdcol oh tbl pddc, costlh td blr gusok, eh` rle` pdpucer hdvlcs.

Dh Iroèy eitlrhddh, eitlr bevohn pceyl` ndci wotb tbl wdglh's clenul et blrkcuf, Effy rlturhl` td tbl bdusl. Beycly wes sottohn dh tbl lsj kbeor oh tbljotkblh, tecjohn dh tbl pbdhl, fut wblh Effy lhtlrl`, sbl turhl` tdwer`tbl wecc eh` spdjl gdrl quoltcy. Pryohn td fl rlsplktiuc di tbl norc's proveky,Effy put e ilw tbohns ohtd tbl irllzlr, tblh wlht ohtd tbl `lh, steyohn uhtocsbl bler` Beycly behn up.

Pbl yduhnlr wdgeh wecjl` ohtd tbl `lh eh` `rdppl` ohlclnehtcy ohtd ekbeor, blr efocoty td cddj ecgdst fdhlclss ecweys egezohn blr gdtblr."Nregp's hdt vlry beppy wotb ydu," sbl seo` wotb e kerlclss eor.

Pbl sbdrt beors dh tbl fekj di Effy's hlkj rdsl. "^bet4"

"O wes tecjohn td Nregpe. Bl tbohjs ydu'rl flohn slciosb."

Effy ndt up eh` wecjl` dvlr td blr èunbtlr. Pbl cddj sbl nevl blr ge`ltbl norc sot up streonbt. "Costlh. O'g sokj eh` torl` di ydur ektohn cojl e kboc`!_du'rl lonbtllh ylers dc`, eh` tbet‟s cdhn pest dc` lhdunb td fl rlsplktiuc.Hd gettlr wbdg O'g ohvdcvl` wotb, O'g stocc ydur gdtblr, eh` O'` e`vosl ydutd rlglgflr tbet." [bl stertl` td wecj dut di tbl rddg, fut sbl wes sd ehnrysbl turhl` eh` e``l`, "_du'rl dc` lhdunb td `lko`l wblrl td covl, Beycly. Oi

ydu illc kcdslr td ydur nreh`perlhts, ydu gonbt weht td stey tblrl wblh ydu'rl bdgl irdg skbddc."

Pbl norc's gdutb `rdppl` es quokjcy es tbl tlers stertl` td icdw. [bl ndt tdblr illt eh` reh fy blr gdtblr, sdffohn es sbl èsbl` td blr rddg.

Effy stdd` ronbt wblrl sbl wes, ioheccy cddjohn Blevlhwer`. O'g sd èghl`nce` O o`h't clt ydu tecj gl ohtd bevohn ehdtblr kboc`, occ. Nd` jhdws wbettbl tbor` dhl wduc` bevl fllh cojl!

***

Effy splht eh bdur tryohn td kdhtrdc blr lgdtodhs, jhdwohn sbl kduc`h't nltewey wotb ylccohn et blr ietblr ‛ lvlh tbdunb sbl wes idrty-iovl ylers dc`.^blh sbl ilct kecg lhdunb td fl retodhec, sbl keccl`, pertoeccy rlcolvl` wblhblr gdtblr ehswlrl`. "^blrl's ydu busfeh`4" Effy seo`, ceunbohn e cottclet blr dwh tdhl.

"Db, cdr`, wbet ò` bl `d hdw4"



0=?

"Bl tdc` Beycly O wes flohn slciosb! Bl's kdhsporohn wotb gy kboc`!"

"Db, krep!"

]rdiehoty wes vlry rerl idr Lcozefltb, eh` lvlh tbos goc` kursl ge`l Effyceunb. "Keh ydu rloh bog oh, Gdg4 O `dh't wehhe fcdkj bos keccs, fut O wocc."

"O'cc tecj td bog, bdhly. Eh` O tbohj wl'` flttlr kdgl bdgl. O tbohj wl ecchll` td sot `dwh eh` tecj efdut tbos."

"Plcc gl wblh ydu'rl kdgohn, eh` O'cc fl tblrl td pokj ydu up," Effyprdgosl`.

"O'cc tecj td ydur ietblr eh` sll wbet wl keh enrll dh. _du jhdw bl betls td

kdgl fekj wbocl bos èbcoes erl oh fcddg."

Effy weotl` e slkdh`, tryohn td stdp blrslci irdg tlccohn blr gdtblr austwblrl sbl tbdunbt blr ietblr kduc` stokj bos èbcoes.

"O jhdw ydu'rl upslt, Effy. ^l'cc fl bdgl es sddh es wl keh."

"Pbehjs, Gdg. O kduc` rleccy usl sdgl suppdrt ronbt hdw."

***

Effy keccl` Kcehky hdt cdhn eitlr tbl ceh`skeplr be` rlturhl` bdgl idr tblèy. "^duc` ydu cojl td blcp gl stey dut di prosdh4"

"Ebb … yleb," tbl yduhnlr wdgeh seo`.

"O'g ndhhe jocc gy yduhnlst oi O bevl td sll blr eneoh tdèy. Keh ydu blcp gldut4"

"[url," Kcehky seo`, ceunbohn. "O'cc sbdwlr eh` kbehnl, eh` tblh kdgl nlt ydu."

"^blrl `d ydu weht td nd4"

"@dls ot gettlr4"

Effy ceunbl`, tdd. "Hdpl. O'cc fl weotohn."

***



05=

Eitlr costlhohn td Effy reht efdut Beycly‟s flbevodr ecc tbl wey td [olrreGe`rl, Kcehky turhl` frolicy eh` seo`, –O jhdw ydu'rl upslt, fefl, fut Okeh‟t tlcc ydu wbet td `d. O‟g tdd ohvdcvl`, eh` O `dh‟t tbohj O keh fldfalktovl.‗

–O `dh‟t hdrgeccy sllj e`vokl efdut bdw td reosl gy jo`s,‗ Effy ohsostl`,–fut O‟g efdut rle`y td bevl sdgldhl stlp oh eh` tejl dvlr idr gl. O‟gbdhlstcy et e cdss.‗

–Oi ydu weht sdgldhl td tlcc ydu wbet td d, Locllh @dhdveh os ydur wdgeh,‗Kcehky seo`. –^bltblr ydu weht blr td dr hdt, sbl‟cc tlcc ydu wbet ydusbduc` `d oh ehy novlh sotuetodh. Dhl rleccy ndd` tbohn efdut blr, tbdunb ‛ sbl `dlsh‟t goh` oi ydu onhdrl blr e`vokl, sbl aust wehts td diilr ot.‗

–O‟g et blr glrky,‗ Effy gdehl`, rlstohn blr ble` fekj eneohst tbl slet tdtry eh` stlg tbl bleèkbl tbet wes pduhòhn flboh` blr lyls.

Pbly wlrlh‟t et tbl bdusl idr gdrl tbeh twd gohutls wblh Locllh cddjlÈffy up eh` `dwh eh` seo`, –Pbet jo` stocc novohn ydu trdufcl4‗

–[bl surl os,‗ Effy seo`, hd`òhn. –^drsl hdw tbeh lvlr.‗

Ogglòetlcy, tbl dtblr tbrll glgflrs di tbl iegocy òsepplerl` ‛ lvlrydhlrlkdnhozohn wblh Locllh wes efdut td lcovlr e clkturl. –Plcc gl wbet‟s ndohndh,‗ sbl seo`, clehohn fekj oh blr kbeor eh` nezohn tbdunbtiuccy et Effy.

–^lcc, sbl‟s uhbeppy efdut Kcehky eh` gy flohn tdnltblr. Gy ietblr's hdt

beppy efdut ot, lotblr. [bl tecjl` td bog dh tbl pbdhl tdèy, eh` bl tdc` blrO wes flohn slciosb. Ot's hdt aust tbet sbl tdc` gl tbet, fut sbl ektl` sdsuplrodr! O bdhlstcy wehtl` td scep blr!"

"@o` ye4"

"Hd, di kdursl hdt! O'vl hlvlr bot tbl jo`s."

"Ggg … tdd cetl td stert hdw, O nulss," Locllh gusl` tbdunbtiuccy. –Pbetbdw sbl hdrgeccy os4‗

–Hd, hdt rleccy, Locllh. [bl's e cdt cojl gl oh sdgl weys. Ot's ber` idr blr tdtecj efdut blr illcohns, fut sbl's usueccy rlsplktiuc. Dr et clest sbl wesflidrl tbos stertl`."

–^bet bevl ydu eh` Fotsy fllh `dohn td splh` togl tdnltblr4 @d ydu nd tdblr pcekl4‗

Effy cddjl` e cottcl esbegl` di blrslci wblh sbl seo`, –^l bevlh‟t fllh



055

sllohn lekb dtblr gukb. Kcehky eh` O bevl be` e kdupcl di ionbts efdut ot.O tbohj sbl‟s ruhhohn dut di petolhkl.‗

–[bl‟s hlvlr fllh vlry petolht wotb norcs. [bl jhdws wbet sbl wehts, eh`sbl wehts ot ronbt tblh.‗

–O jhdw, fut O aust `dh‟t jhdw wbet td `d efdut gy èunbtlr. O‟g …strunncohn,‗ sbl seo`.

–[d ohstle` di bevohn e pceh eh` stokjohn wotb ot, ydu‟vl novlh tbl jo` wbetsbl wehts ‛ lxektcy wbet sbl wehts,‗ Locllh lgpbesozl`.

–O … O nulss tbet‟s ronbt,‗ Effy enrll`. –O tbdunbt tbet wes tbl flst wey tdbeh`cl ot.‗

–Bes ot blcpl`4‗ Locllh plrsostl`. –Et ecc4‗

–\bg … hd,‗ Effy wes idrkl` td e`got.

–Cddj,‗ Locllh seo`, nrespohn Effy‟s beh` eh` bdcòhn ot iorgcy. –Pbl jo`‟sgehopucetohn tbl sbot dut di ydu. [bl‟s ektohn cojl e tbrll-yler-dc`, eh` ydu‟rl clttohn blr! ^by sbduc` sbl kbehnl oi sbl‟s nlttohn wbet sbl wehts4‗

–^bet `dls sbl weht4‗ Effy esjl` fcehjc y.

–[bl dlsh‟t weht ydu eh` Kcehky td fl tdnltblr!‗ Locllh krol`. –Blcc, ydu‟rl

tbl dhl wbd tdc` gl tbet oh tbl iorst pcekl!‗

Pbl lxprlssodh dh blr iekl ge`l Effy furst ohtd ceunbtlr. –O ber`cy jhdwgy dwh hegl et tbos pdoht.‗

–Cddj, Effy, O keh tlcc tbet ydu cdvl gy cottcl pop, fut sbl‟s hdt tbl joh` di jo`wbd‟cc put up wotb ydur jo` ruhhohn blr coil. Gettlr di iekt ‛ O‟g surprosl`sbl‟s buhn oh tblrl idr tbos cdhn. [bl‟s e vlry oh`lplh`lht cottcl kuss, eh`clttohn sdgldhl lcsl tlcc blr wbet td `d rovls blr sterj revohn ge`! O betltd sll ydu fcdw tbos wotb blr flkeusl O keh sll bdw gukb ydu kerl idr blr.‗

–Fut wbet sbduc` O `d, Locllh4‗ sbl flnnl`, pehok stertohn td slt oh.

–Bevlh‟t ydu fllh costlhohn4‗ tbl dc`lr wdgeh esjl`, kdkjohn blrble`. –O‟cc tlcc ydu eneoh1 stdp clttohn ydur norc ruh rdunbsbd` dvlr ydu. _du‟rl tbl eùct ‛ rlgoh` blr di tbet. Ot‟s ydur bdusl ‛ rlgoh` blr ditbet, tdd. @dh‟t clt e tbrll-yler-dc` wbd‟s potkboh‟ e fotkb ruh tbl èghl`bdusl. Ot‟s hdt ndd` idr blr eh` ot‟s hdt ndd` idr ydu.‗



056

–O‟g hdrgeccy e gukb flttlr gdg, Locllh, O swler ot,‗ Effy seo`lerhlstcy. –O‟g aust bevohn e blcc di e togl wotb tbos dhl. O keh usueccyionurl dut bdw td blcp blr kbddsl tbl eùct petb ‛ aust hdt tbos togl.‗

–^blh‟s tbl cest togl ydu wlrl tbl ossul4‗ Locllh esjl`. –Ot‟s lesolr wblhot‟s efdut kurilws eh` fdyirolh`s eh` adfs. Pbos dhl bots tdd kcdsl tdbdgl.‗

Effy set fekj oh blr kbeor eh` clt dut e rlcolvl` sonb. –O keh‟t tbehj ydulhdunb, Locllh. O‟g sllohn tbos kclercy idr tbl iorst togl. _du‟rl e coilsevlr.‗

–Bdpl ot blcps,‗ tbl dc`lr wdgeh seo`. –O wduc`h‟t bevl ehlonbtllh-yler-dc` oh gy bdusl eneoh idr ecc tbl tle oh Kbohe!‗

***

^blh Effy ndt bdgl, tblrl wes e glssenl irdg Geroe dh blr gekbohl. "Bo.Lcclh keccl` td sey sbl wdh't fl pceyohn tlhhos wotb us ehygdrl. O'g sdrry,bdh, fut O kduc`h't tecj ehy slhsl ohtd blr. @d ydu stocc wehhe nd tdgdrrdweh` cddj idr e sohncl4"

Effy clehl` eneohst tbl kduhtlr, tryohn td wocc blrslci hdt td kry. Beyclywecjl` ohtd tbl rddg eh` seo`, "[ohkl ydu'rl hdt ndhhe pcey tlhhostdgdrrdw, keh O bevl tbl ker4 O wehhe nd td [ehte Ferfere wotb Nrltkblh."

Pblrl wes hdtbohn shdtty dr ru`l efdut tbl qulstodh, fut tbl iekt tbetBeycly ò`h't sbdw tbl sconbtlst fot di sygpetby idr Effy bevohn cdst blrflst irolh` strukj blr tbl wrdhn wey. "Hd, ydu keh't," sbl seo`. "Nrltkblhbes e ker. [bl keh `rovl." [bl frusbl` pest blr èunbtlr wotbdut lvlhfdtblrohn td sey ndd`honbt.

***

Beycly ò`h't nd td [ehte Ferfere dh [eturèy, fut sbl ò` splh` gukb ditbl ey wotb Nrltkblh. [bl ndt bdgl et erduh` idur p.g., iohòhn tbl nerenl

lgpty. "^blrl's Prlvdr4" sbl esjl` blr gdtblr.

"Bl eh` [eg tddj tbl ker td nd `dwh td [eh @olnd. Pbly'rl steyohndvlrhonbt."

"Db." [bl dplhl` tbl rlironlretdr eh` tddj dut e òlt sdè, hd`òhn tdblrslci. "Pbet's wby O kduc`h't bevl tbl ker."



05;

Effy cddjl` et blr. "Hd, ot's hdt. O ò`h't weht ydu td bevl ot flkeusl O wesehnry wotb ydu. O'g ehnry wotb ydu e cdt tblsl èys," sbl seo`, blr vdoklnrdwohn sditlr.

Plers wlrl oh Beycly's lyls flidrl Effy kduc` fcohj. "_du'vl hlvlr ndttlh

ge` et gl flidrl tbos ecc stertl`," sbl seo`. "^by erl ydu flohn sd gleh4"

Effy wecjl` dvlr eh` put blr ergs erduh` blr. "O'g hdt tryohn td fl gleh,Beycly. Fut ydu'vl fllh ru`l eh` spotliuc. _du'vl ndhl flboh` gy fekj tdtecj efdut gl wotb ydur nrehìetblr, eh` ydu bevlh't lvlh trol` td bevl ehylgpetby idr gl. O `dh't lxplkt tbos td fl lesy idr ydu, fut O `d lxplkt ydu tdtecj td gl efdut ot cojl eh eùct."

"O'g hdt eh eùct," tbl norc seo`, blr tlers gejohn blr ber` td bler.

"_ls, ydu erl," Effy seo`. "O jhdw ydu dh't ecweys illc cojl dhl, fut ydu erl,bdhly. _du'rl ndohn td fl e sdpbdgdrl oh kdcclnl tbos yler. _du'rl dc` lhdunbtd vdtl, td nlt gerrol`, adoh tbl Ergy ‛ ecc sdrts di tbohns."

"Fut O `dh't illc cojl eh eùct," sbl seo`, huzzcohn blr iekl ohtd blr gdtblr'ssbduc`lr. "O illc cojl e jo`."

"O jhdw ot's ber`," Effy seo`. "Fut ydu'vl ndt td try ber`lr td fl geturlefdut tbos. O keh't bevl tbos gukb tlhsodh oh tbl bdusl: ot's hdt ndd` idr ehydi us."

"^bet `d ydu weht gl td `d4" Beycly esjl`, puccohn ewey eh` wopohn blrlyls.

"O'vl novlh ydu e ilw wlljs, bdhly, eh` ydu wdh't lvlh bevl e kovocòskussodh wotb gl efdut Kcehky. O keh't weot ehy cdhnlr. O'g ndohn td bevlblr kdgl blrl idr òhhlr, eh` O'g ndohn td scllp et blr bdusl sdgltogls. Ohll` td sll blr."

Lyls wo`l eh` kblljs bdt wotb ehnlr, Beycly stertl` td sey, "_du hll` td iu ‛ " [bl keunbt blrslci eh` blr aew sheppl` sbut. [bl stecjl` dut di tblrddg, wlht ohtd tbl `lh eh` put dh blr o]d` ble`pbdhls. E gdglht cetlr,

sbl wes cyohn dh tbl kdukb, blr lyls kcdsl` es blr gusok pceyl`.

***

"Erl ydu surl tbos os e ndd` o`le4" Kcehky esjl` wblh Effy clt blr oh tbetlvlhohn.

"Hd. Fut ydur nreh`gdtblr os ronbt. O'vl novlh blr lhdunb togl: hdw O bevl td



050

covl gy coil."

"Djey." Kcehky stdd` oh tbl lhtrywey, cddjohn erduh` òskrlltcy.

"[bl's oh blr rddg. Nd dh ohtd tbl jotkblh eh` nref e rohj. O'cc tlcc blr wl'rl

bevohn òhhlr sddh." Effy wecjl` upsteors eh` jhdkjl` dh Beycly's `ddr,dplhohn ot lvlh tbdunb sbl be`h't fllh ohvotl` oh. "Kcehky's blrl. ^l'rlndohn td bevl òhhlr oh efdut ioitllh gohutls."

Beycly wes sottohn oh irdht di blr kdgputlr, OGohn wotb sdgldhl. "Hdtbuhnry," sbl seo`.

"[uot ydurslci," Effy seo`, pursohn blr cops es sbl sbut tbl `ddr.

***

Eitlr òhhlr, Effy wecjl` dvlr td blr perthlr eh` set dh blr cep. Clehohnkcdsl, sbl wbosplrl`. –O wehhe gejl cdvl. Bdw efdut ydu4‗

Ceunbohn, Kcehky hd``l`. –_leb, O kduc` nlt ohtlrlstl`. Erl wl tryohn tdidrkl Beycly‟s beh`4‗

Effy jossl` blr cdvlr dh tbl hdsl. –O‟g tlgptl`, fut O tbohj wl sbduc` nd td ydur bdusl.‗

Kcehky‟s lyls cot up. –Vleccy4 _du‟cc stey dvlr4‗

–Di kdursl O wocc. O‟vl tdc` blr tbet O‟vl ndt td covl gy coil, eh` tbet `dlsh‟tohkcu`l ehy gdrl `rovl-fy slx.‗

Clehohn blr ble` fekj, Kcehky fclw e fon eor-joss ohtd tbl sjy. –O‟g e beppy,beppy norc!‗

***

Pbl hlxt gdrhohn, Effy wdjl eh` nohnlrcy trol` td nlt dut di fl`. [bl weslxplktohn tbl wdrst, fut ndt up wotbdut gukb òiiokucty. Dh tbl wey td tblfetbrddg sbl tbdunbt, Lotblr gy fekj bes ekkcogetl` dr O cdvl scllpohn wotb

Kcehky sd gukb tbet O dh‟t illc ehy peoh. Db, wlcc, lotblr wey O‟g tbehjiuc.

Nlttohn fekj dhtd tbl iutdh, Effy cey tblrl quoltcy idr e wbocl, tblh lko`l`tbet Kcehky cddjl` sd lcokodus tbet sbl be` td ku``cl blr. ôtboh gdglhts,sbl wes sduh` escllp, tbl illc di blr cdvlr‟s fd`y ektohn es e pdwlriucscllp-eo`.



059

cddj ogprlssovl. "Hd ruhhohn, jo`s! O bevl e gestlr's `lnrll, eh` O‟g hdteireo` td usl ot!"

"@d ydur irolh`s bevl adfs ylt4"

Bl set dh tbl l`nl di bos cdw `rlsslr. "[dgl `d … sdgl `dh't. [llgs cojltblrl erl gdrl adfs eveocefcl dh tbl lest kdest. Fut O `dh't tbohj O wehheclevl Kecoidrhoe."

"Hdt lvlh td nlt ewey irdg Gdg eh` Kcehky4" [bl seo` tbl hegl cojl sblwes dh tbl vlrnl di vdgotohn, eh` Prlvdr rlekbl` dvlr eh` icokjl` blr sjuccwotb bos iohnlr.

"Jhdkj ot dii, wocc ye4 by dls ot gettlr wbd sbl's wotb4 Ot's hdt cojl tbly'rlgejohn dut oh tbl jotkblh."

"Pbet'cc fl hlxt," Beycly seo`. "[bl wes blrl idr òhhlr cest honbt, eh` Gdgseo` tbet sbl's ndhhe let blrl ecc tbl togl."

Prlvdr sonbl`, tblh ndt up eh` icdppl` fekj dhtd bos fl`, gejohn tbl fdxsprohns kry oh prdtlst. "[d, wbet erl wl suppdsl` td `d4 O weht Gdg td flbeppy. O tbohj tbos os wlor`, tdd, fut … ot's blr coil. ^l keh't tlcc blr wbet td`d. Blcc, wl dh't weht blr tlccohn us wbet td d. Ot's tbl segl tbohn, Becls."

"[ukjs," sbl seo`, pdutohn.

"_leb, wlcc, e cdt di coil dls. Ot sukjl` td cdsl @e`. O'g surl es blcc hdt ndhhecdsl Gdg. Oi sbl wehts td etl eh ex gur`lrlr, O'cc aust d gy flst hdt td possbog … dr blr … dii."

"O keh't steh` td sll tblg tdnltblr. O'g ndhhe nd td [eh Irehkoskd uhtocskbddc sterts … O tbohj."

"[eh Irehkoskd4" Bl set up eh` cddjl` et bos sostlr kerliuccy. "_du ndhhestey wotb tbet nuy4"

"_leb," sbl seo`, swovlcohn oh tbl kbeor. "O tbohj."

"Bdw dc` os bl4"

"Efdut ydur enl. _du'` cojl bog. Bl's johè cojl ydu."

Prlvdr skdwcl`. "O `dh't trust eh dc`lr nuy wbd wehts td ètl sdgldhl ydurenl."



05>

"^bet4" Beycly wes kclercy dutrenl`.

"_du bler` gl," bl seo`. "E nuy gy enl sbduc`h't fl ohtlrlstl` oh e norcwbd's dhcy lonbtllh. O'` hlvlr nd dut wotb sdgldhl wbd wesh't et clest dut dikdcclnl. Oi ydu'` steyl` wotb ydur kcess, ydu'` aust fl nreùetohn irdg bonb

skbddc. Pblrl sbduc` fl e fon geturoty nep."

"O'g geturl," sbl ohsostl`.

Bl sgocl` et bos cottcl sostlr. "_du'rl prltty typokec idr eh lonbtllh-yler-dc`.Fut ydu kbehnl e cdt oh kdcclnl. Pbohns erl oiilrlht wblh ydu'rl wdrjohn idre covohn."

"Cojl ydu jhdw! _du `dh't bevl e adf!"

"O be` e adf tbos sugglr," bl seo`, "eh` O ohtlrhl` lvlry sugglr. Ot's

òiilrlht."

"Iohl," sbl shoiil`. "Geyfl Eclxeh`lr tbohjs O'g geturl, lvlh tbdunb ydu`dh't."

"Geyfl," bl seo` ùfoduscy. "Fut O jhdw dhl tbohn bl's ndhhe lxplkt oi ydustey wotb bog. Erl ydu rle`y idr tbet4"

[bl ceunbl`, sllohn tbet Prlvdr wes lgferressl`. "Erl ydu rleccy esjohn gloi O'g ndhhe bevl slx wotb bog4"

"Hd. O'g tlccohn ydu tbet bl's ndhhe lxplkt td bevl slx wotb ydu. Oi ydu `dh'twehhe, ydu'` flttlr hdt stey wotb bog. Pblrl's e wdr` idr norcs wbd cle` enuy dh."

[bl ndt up eh` stertl` td wecj dut di tbl rddg, tblh turhl`. "Ot's twd wdr`s,"sbl seo`, stokjohn blr tdhnul dut et bog. "Bypblhetl`."

***

Eclxeh`lr o` weht Beycly td stey wotb bog, eh` bl diilrl` td pokj blr up ettbl eorpdrt. Ecc sbl be` td `d wes kdhvohkl blr gdtblr td pey idr tbl tokjlt.

[bl wlht `dwhsteors eh` iduh` blr gdtblr sottohn uh`lr tbl plrndce,rleòhn e fddj. Beycly set dwh dh e kbeor eh` put blr illt up dh tbl slet diblr gdtblr's kbeor. "^betkbe rleòhn4"

Effy blc` tbl cernl fddj up. "Vdflrt Kerd's fodnrepby di CFA."

"Os ot ndd`4" tbl norc esjl`, kclercy aust tryohn td gejl kdhvlrsetodh.



052

"Ggg … ndd` osh't tbl ronbt wdr`. Fut ot's vlry ohidrgetovl. O'g clerhohn ecdt efdut bdw Adbhsdh's flcolis eh` pdcokols blcpl` krletl sdgl di tbl sdkoecprdnregs tbet pldpcl rleccy tbdunbt wduc` kbehnl Eglroke idr tbl flttlr."

"@o` tbly4" Beycly esjl`.

"^lcc … hd, idr tbl gdst pert, tbly o`h't. Pbl Ydtohn Vonbts Ekt di 5?90 beè `lklht ogpekt, fut O wduc`h't sey tbet gdst di tbl prdnregs be` tblohtlh`l` liilkt."

"Bub. Pbet gust fl e fugglr. Bl's hdt stocc ecovl, os bl4"

"Ndsb, hd! Bl's fllh `le` idr e cdhn togl."

Beycly hd``l`. "_du `dh't bler gukb efdut Adbhsdh."

"_du `d oi ydu'rl ohtlrlstl` oh Eglrokeh ndvlrhglht," Effy seo`. "Bl wes evlry, vlry pdwlriuc prlso`lht."

Cddjohn puzzcl`, Beycly seo`, "O tddj Eglrokeh ndvlrhglht tbos yler. Gyprdilssdr aust tecjl` efdut wbet eh essbdcl bl wes flkeusl di tbl Yolthegêr."

Effy sgocl` et blr. "_du keh't tejl lvlrytbohn ydur prdilssdrs sey et ieklvecul, bdhly. Plekblrs ecweys bevl e pdoht di volw tbet osh't uhfoesl`. Oi ydukerl efdut e tdpok, ydu'` flttlr `d ydur dwh rlslerkb."

"[d … Adbhsdh wesh't eh essbdcl4"

"O ò`h't sey tbet," Effy seo`, sgocohn. "^blh O wes ydur enl, O klrteohcytbdunbt bl wes. Fut bl wes oh e òiiokuct sotuetodh. Gehy pldpcl flcolvl`tbet cdsohn Yoltheg wduc` sprle` Kdgguhosg."

"Fut ot ò`h't, ò` ot4"

"Hd, ot ò`h't."

"^by4" Beycly esjl`, cddjohn trucy ohtlrlstl`.

"O tbohj tbl flst ehto`dtl idr Kdgguhosg os e irll, iuhktodhohn, kepotecoststetl. Kdgguhosg cddjs nrlet dh peplr, fut ot besh‟t wdrjl`. Dhkl pldpcloh tbl Kdgguhost stetls flneh td uh`lrsteh` bdw cottcl tbly be` kdgperl`td pldpcl oh tbl kepotecost kduhtrols … tblrl wes hd wey tbl ndvlrhglhtskduc` bdc`. [etlccotl PY o` gdrl td `lstrdy Kdgguhosg tbeh wer lvlr o`."



06=

"Bdw wocc ydu prdtlkt ydurslci oi ydu bevl slx wotb bog4"

"Oi4" Beycly esjl`, ceunbohn. "Prlvdr seys O'g ndhhe bevl td `d ot aust td nlte ro`l irdg tbl eorpdrt."

E ceunb furst irdg Effy. "@o` bl rleccy sey tbet4"

"Hd, fut bl seo` Eclxeh`lr wduc`h't weht gl td stey wotb bog oi O dh't scllpwotb bog."

"Pbet's prdfefcy trul," Effy seo`.

"O jhdw wbet nuys weht, Gdg. O'g hdt hohl!"

"[d … wbet wocc ydu usl idr fortb kdhtrdc4"



065

Beycly puccl` blr illt ewey, stdd` up eh` uhfuttdhl` blr sbdrts, puccohntblg eh` blr uh`lrwler `dwh e ilw ohkbls oh tbl fekj. "O'g dh tbl fortbkdhtrdc petkb," sbl seo`, sbdwohn ot td blr gdtblr. "O wlht td stu`lht blectbflidrl O clit oh Gey." [bl puccl` blr pehts fekj up eh` set `dwh.

"[eilr slx4" Effy esjl`.

"_ls," Beycly seo` `regetokeccy. "O'cc gejl bog wler iovl dr sox kdh`dgs."

Effy clehl` dvlr eh` put blr beh`s dh Beycly's jhlls. "O `dh't weht tdclkturl ydu, fut O weht ydu td gejl surl ydu dh't nlt ohtd e sotuetodh ydu'rlhdt rle`y idr. _du jhdw tbet bevohn slx os gdrl di eh lgdtodhec ekt tbeh epbysokec dhl."

"O jhdw tbet, Gdg. ^lcc, O tbohj O `d. Eh` oi O `dh't wehhe `d ot, O wdh't. O

`dh't kerl wbet O'g suppdsl` td `d."

"Iohl," Effy seo`. "Eh` ydu'` flttlr bevl fllh jo`òhn efdut lxtre kdh`dgs._du jhdw tbet usohn ehdtblr kdh`dg ohkrlesls tbl rosj di frlejenl."

Beycly's ble` `rdppl` fekj eh` sbl stukj dut blr tdhnul, ektohn cojl sbl'`fllh strehncl`. "_du'vl fllh tecjohn td gl efdut seil slx sohkl O wes fdrh!"

"[eilr slx," Effy kdrrlktl`. "Pbl dhcy seil slx os gesturfetodh."

Beycly put blr beh`s dvlr blr lers. "Lhdunb! O jhdw wbet td d, eh` O jhdwwbet hdt td `d!"

"O wduc`h't tdrturl ydu oi O ò`h't cdvl ydu," Effy seo`.

Beycly nevl blr e flnru`nohn sgocl. "Keh't ydu cdvl gl aust e cottcl clss4"

Cddjohn et blr wotb kdgpcltl slrodushlss, Effy seo`, "Hd, O keh't. O cdvl yduwotb ecc di gy blert, eh` O ecweys wocc."

***

Eitlr eh lercy òhhlr, Prlvdr eh` Beycly clit idr tbl eorpdrt. Effy keccl`Kcehky, eh` wblh tbl yduhnlr wdgeh ehswlrl` sbl seo`, –êht td splh`tbl lvlhohn wotb tbl wdrc`‟s wdrst gdtblr4‗

–O tbohj sbl‟s oh prosdh idr joccohn blr jo`s,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Ndt ehytbohngdrl ohtlrlstohn oh goh`4‗



066

–_leb,‗ Effy seo` quoltcy. –O‟g rleccy `dwh, eh` O‟` cdvl td kurc up oh ydurergs eh` bevl ydu tlcc gl tbet lvlrytbohn wocc fl ecc ronbt.‗

–O‟cc fl tblrl oh ioitllh,‗ Kcehky rlpcol`, behnohn up wotbdut weotohn idr erlspdhsl.

Prul td blr wdr`, tbl ylccdw trukj fllpl` dhkl lxektcy ioitllh gohutlscetlr. Effy stdd` dh tbl pdrkb eh` wetkbl` blr `rovl oh, ogglesurefcysddtbl` fy blr glrl prlslhkl. Hd sddhlr wes Kcehky dut di blr ker tbehEffy wes clehohn blevocy eneohst blr, gurgurohn, –O jhdw O ò` tbl ronbttbohn, fut gy blert‟s efdut td frlej.‗

–Ot‟cc fl ecc ronbt,‗ Kcehky wbosplrl` ohtd blr ler. –Clt‟s nd sot dwh eh` ydukeh tlcc gl ecc efdut ot.‗

Pbly ò`, sottohn dh tbl pdrkb, Effy hlstcl` eneohst Kcehky‟s so`l.

Effy tdc` blr tecl, eh` Kcehky seo`, –O‟g sdrry tbet‟s bdw ot turhl` dut. O jlptbdpohn sbl‟` reccy eh` try td wdrj tbos dut.‗

–O ò` tdd,‗ Effy seo` sditc y. –Pbet‟s wbet O‟g gdst upslt efdut, td flbdhlst. O‟g vlry òseppdohtl` oh blr. [bl‟s … sbl‟s hdt tbl norc O tbdunbtsbl wes.‗ [bl cddjl` up et blr perthlr eh` seo`, –O‟vl trol` gy èghl`lsttd gejl surl sbl ò`h‟t turh dut cojl sd gehy norcs di dur sdkoec kcess `d ‛ tbdsl slci-efsdrfl` cottcl gdhstlrs wbd `dh‟t kerl efdut ehytbohn fut bdwtbly cddj eh` wbet tbly keh fuy.‗

–[bl‟s hdt cojl tbet,‗ Kcehky sddtbl`. –Vleccy, Effy, sbl‟s hdt. ^blh wlwlrl wdrjohn tdnltblr, sbl wes vlry `dwh-td-lertb. O‟g erduh` e cdt ditbdsl jo`s, eh` O ò`h‟t nlt tbdsl rokb-fotkb vofls irdg blr et ecc.‗

–O bdpl tbet‟s trul,‗ Effy sonbl`. [bl kdkjl` blr ble` eh` esjl`, "^bet `d ydu tbohj di blr4"

"Ebb … O'` retblr hdt sey. O `dh't jhdw blr wlcc lhdunb td bevl e veco`dpohodh."

"Kdgl dh," Effy seo`. "@dh't fl e kbokjlh."

"O dh't wehhe ohsuct blr," Kcehky seo`. "Lsplkoeccy sohkl ydu sey sbl besh'tektl` cojl blrslci ecc sugglr."

"Djey. Bdw wes sbl aust tbos sugglr4 Novl gl eh dpohodh di blr fesl` dh ydur vlry cogotl` lxplrolhkl."

Kcehky rdccl` blr lyls, jhdwohn sbl wesh't ndohn td nlt dut di tbos dhl. "[bl



06;

`dlsh't ekt cojl e rokb fret," sbl seo` eneoh. "[bl ekts cojl eh evlrenl fret."

Effy hd``l`, hdt cddjohn surprosl` fy Kcehky's dpohodh. –O swler sbl‟skbehnl` sd gukb sohkl sbl wlht td skbddc.‗

–O tbohj tbet‟s trul di gdst jo`s,‗ Kcehky essurl` blr. –Novl blr e cottcl togl ‛ O‟g surl sbl‟cc shep dut di ot.‗

[boitohn erduh` td scop blr clns uh`lr blrslci, Effy slttcl` fekj eneohstKcehky eh` seo`, –O aust keh‟t rlcex, tbohjohn efdut blr weh`lrohn erduh`[eh Irehkoskd wotb sdgl geh O'vl hlvlr glt."

"^bet's tbl prdfclg4" Kcehky esjl`. "Erl ydu wdrrol` efdut blr bevohnslx4"

"Hd, hdt rleccy," Effy seo`. "O trust blr td fl kerliuc. O gleh … O `dh't tbohjsbl's geturl lhdunb td fl oh e cestohn rlcetodhsbop, fut wbd os et iorst4"

Kcehky nevl blr perthlr e conbt joss dh tbl kbllj. "Ndd` pdoht. Ot's ber` tdjhdw wbet ydu hll` irdg e rlcetodhsbop uhtoc ydu'vl fllh oh e ilw sukjydhls."

"_leb. O jhdw sbl's oh idr e cdt di ups eh` `dwhs flidrl sbl'cc slttcl `dwh. O`dh't tejl gdst di tbet tdd slroduscy. ^bet's rleccy fdtblrohn gl os tbl weytbet tbohns erl kbehnohn fltwllh us."

"Kbehnohn … bdw4"

"Dur wbdcl yhegok os nlttohn dut di wbekj. Lvlh tbdunb sbl stocc ekts cojl ejo` gdst di tbl togl, O ilct e sboit tbos eitlrhddh. [bl's ge`l ot kcler tbet sbl`dlsh't epprdvl di sdgltbohn O'g `dohn ‛ eh` tbet's hlvlr bepplhl` flidrl.O ilct dur rdcls swotkb e cottcl, eh` O betl` ot!"

"Ddb … tbet gejls slhsl. Pbet wduc` fl wlor`."

"_leb, ot wes wlor`. O cojl` ot flttlr wblh sbl wes tbl jo` eh` O wes tbl gdg,eh` O kduc` tlcc blr wbet td `d. O'g hdt surl O cojl blr flohn eh e`uct."

"Ber` td stdp blr, tbdunb, osh't ot4"

"_leb." Effy ceunbl` eh` shunncl` up eneohst Kcehky's stur`y fd`y. "Ot'siuhhy," sbl seo`. "O cojl Prlvdr flohn eh e`uct, fut O `dh't illc cojl tbet wotbBeycly."

"Pbohns wocc sboit eh` sboit eneoh," Kcehky seo`. "[bl stocc hll`s e cdt di



06<

Effy cddjl` et tbl dns eh` seo`, "Plcc us oi Prlvdr kdgls bdgl, djey, norcs4O'g ndhhe joss Kcehky uhtoc wl'rl fdtb `lei eh` fcoh`."

***

Pbly wlrl wecjohn td tbl ddr wblh tbl pbdhl rehn eh` Effy esbl` ohso`ltd ehswlr. Pd novl blr perthlr sdgl proveky, Kcehky steyl` dutso`l eh`tbrlw e fecc idr tbl `dns. Hlotblr `dn wes pertokucercy dfslssl` wotb iltkb,dh ry ceh`, fut tbly wlrl kdgpltlht et tbl negl eh` woccohncy pertokopetl`,sohkl ot sllgl` ogpdrteht td Kcehky.

Effy epplerohn e ilw gohutls cetlr, wlerohn e fon sgocl. –Beycly ge`l ot tdEclxeh`lr's epertglht, eh` sbl wehtl` gl td jhdw tbet bl put blr suotkesloh tbl fl`rddg eh` tdc` blr bl'` scllp dh tbl sdie." [bl set fekj `dwh eh`clt blr ble` `rdp eneohst tbl fekj di tbl kbeor. –O illc sd gukb flttlr.‗

–Flkeusl sbl gonbt hdt bevl slx4"

"Hd, tbet's blr fusohlss. O'g aust nce` sbl keccl`. [bl wehtl` gl td jhdwsbl wes ecc ronbt eh` wes tejohn kerl di blrslci."

"O‟g nce` sbl keccl`, tdd,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Pbet wes prltty tbdunbtiuc di blr ‛ novlh tbet sbl‟s ehnry.‗

–_ls, ot wes,‗ Effy seo` quoltcy. Ncehkohn up et Kcehky, sbl seo`, –Pbet‟swby ot‟s ber` td stey ge` et tbl cottcl skegp! [bl‟s hdt kdhsostlhtcydfhdxodus!‗

–O wduc`h‟t nd wosbohn idr tbet,‗ tbl yduhnlr wdgeh seo`. –[bl gonbt nd idrtbet dhl aust td spotl ydu.‗

KBE]PLV P^LHP_-IOYL

Effy wes pclesl` td bevl Prlvdr kdgl fduh`ohn `dwh tbl steors lercy tblhlxt gdrhohn, quoltcy sohnohn e tuhl td bogslci. "Bo, Gdg," bl seo`, novohnblr e joss. "Keh O gejl ydu frlejiest4"

Effy put blr ergs erduh` bog eh` bunnl` bog kcdsl, tbl kecgohn

iegocoeroty di bos flohn bdgl gejohn blr no``y wotb pclesurl. "Clt gl kddjidr ydu. O'vl ecrle`y letlh."

"_du keh oi ydu weht," bl seo`, puccohn ewey, "fut O'g efcl td tejl kerl digyslci."

"Pbet's kcler, Prlv, fut O cojl td pegplr ydu e cottcl fot. O dh't nlt td d ot vlryditlh. Bdw efdut sdgl pehkejls4"



069

Bos sgocl nrlw wo`lr. "O bevlh't be` pehkejls oh gdhtbs! Clt's `d ot!" Blclehl` eneohst tbl kduhtlr, kce` oh e peor di alehs eh` e wbotl P-sbort.

[bl pettl` bog dh tbl so`l, egezl`, es ecweys, tbet tbl cottcl fdy sbl kduc`

liidrtclsscy pokj up wes hdw fl sd strdhn eh` sdco`. "[dgl yduhn wdgeh osndohn td fl vlry, vlry cukjy wblh sbl gllts ydu."

Bl sgocl` bos ohùcnlht sgocl, tbl dhl bl ecweys nevl bos gdtblr wblh sblkdgpcoglhtl` bog. "O'g stocc weotohn," bl seo`.

Effy stertl` td gox tbl fettlr idr tbl pehkejls, tbohjohn td blrslci tbet dhldi Prlvdr's gdst kbergohn quecotols wes tbet bl'` hlvlr sllgl` td rlecozlwbet e nrlet ketkb bl wes. blh bl esjl` e norc dut, bl ecweys ektl` cojl blwes nlhuohlcy surprosl` tbet sbl wduc` ekklpt, lvlh tbdunb Effy kduc`h'ttbohj di e norc wbd be` lvlr turhl` bog `dwh.

Bl wes e beh`sdgl yduhn geh eh` lxu`l` e nlhtclhlss eh` swllthlsstbet wlrl dfvodus oh lvlh e kesuec ohtlrektodh. Bl wes vlry geturl idr bosenl eh` ecweys be` fllh. Bl'` rleccy kdgl tbrdunb idr Effy eh` Beyclyeitlr bos ietblr òl`, sbduc`lrohn gehy rlspdhsofocotols tbet gdst glh bosenl wduc` bevl ruh irdg. Effy ditlh tbdunbt di bdw kecg eh` fusohlsscojlbl'` fllh wblh bl wlht wotb blr td gejl errehnlglhts idr bos ietblr'siuhlrec. [bl kduc`h't bevl ndttlh tbrdunb tbl èy wotbdut bog, eh` sbljhlw irdg tbet èy idrwer` tbet blr sdh be` flkdgl e geh.

Fusyohn blrslci wotb goxohn tbl prdplr prdpdrtodhs, sbl esjl`, "[d … bdw

erl ydu illcohn hdw tbet ydu'vl fllh bdgl idr e ilw èys4"

"O illc iohl," bl seo`. "O'g e cottcl wdrrol` efdut iohòhn e adf, fut O jhdw O austbevl td jllp wdrjohn et ot."

[gocohn td blrslci, sbl kceroiol`, "O gleht efdut gl … eh` Kcehky."

"Db!" Bl ò`h't rlspdh` idr e ilw gdglhts, eh` sbl wes eireo` td cddj etbog, iohòhn tbos clvlc di ohtogetl tecj vlry òskdgiotohn. "O nulss O illc iohlefdut ot." Bl kclerl` bos tbrdet eh` sbl kduc` bler bog sboitohn bos wlonbt. "Ogleht wbet O seo`, Gdg. O weht ydu td fl beppy. Oi Kcehky's tbl plrsdh wbd

gejls ydu beppy, tbet's ecc tbet gettlrs."

Effy netblrl` tbl kdurenl td iekl bog, rlcolvl` td sll bos hlutrec sgocl. "Fut ydu bevl td bevl sdgl illcohns di ydur dwh, bdhly. Pbos keh't fl wbet ydulxplktl` td ioh` wblh ydu clit idr Lurdpl."

Bl put bos ergs erduh` blr eh` squllzl` blr tonbtcy. Bos vdokl trlgfcl`wblh bl seo`, "O lxplktl` td ioh` ydu sottohn dh tbl pdrkb, tbet se` cddj oh



06>

ydur lyls tbet O'` `d ehytbohn td blcp tejl ewey. O'g sd beppy tbet cddj osh'ttblrl ehy gdrl. O swler tbet's ecc tbet O weht, Gdg: O aust weht ydu td wehttd covl eneoh."

[bl blc` dhtd bog wbocl sbl krol`, blr tlers scoòhn dwh blr kblljs. "O cdvl

ydu, Prlvdr," sbl wbosplrl`. "_dur ietblr wduc` fl sd prdu` di ydu."

"Eh` bl'` fl beppy idr ydu," bl seo` iorgcy. "_du jhdw bl wduc` bevl fllh."

[bl hd``l`, puccohn ewey td wopl blr iekl. "O jhdw, bdhly. Pbet's hlvlr fllheh ossul."

"Fut Beycly os," bl seo`. "O wosb wl kduc` bevl be` gdrl togl tdnltblr flidrlsbl clit. O rleccy tbohj O kduc` bevl blcpl` frohn blr erduh`."

"Ot's ber`," Effy seo`, tryohn td jllp sdgl di blr se`hlss irdg sbdwohn. "Olxplktl` blr td bevl e tdunb togl, fut tbos …" [bl rlekbl` dvlr td tejl etossul irdg e fdx eh` wopl` blr lyls. "O aust bdpl sbl sheps dut di ot. Ot'sfrlejohn gy blert td sll blr strunncl cojl tbos."

Bl rlekbl` dut eh` squllzl` blr sbduc`lr. "Pbet's aust cojl ydu."

"^bet4"

"Pd fl wdrrol` efdut bdw tbos os idr blr. Oi O wlrl ydu, O'` fl sd possl` dii, Owduc`h't fl efcl td sll streonbt."

[bl sgocl` eh` nevl bog e tohy sbejl di blr ble`. "O'g hdt ehnry," sbl seo`."O jhdw sbl's hdt e fe` jo`, eh` sbl wduc`h't flbevl cojl sbl bes oi tboswlrlh't rleccy rovohn blr krezy." [bl storrl` tbl fettlr, e`òhn, "Di kdursl, Owosb sbl wlrl gdrl kdhhlktl` td blr illcohns. Pbos wduc` fl e blcc di e cdtlesolr."

"_du'rl ndhhe bevl td `d gdst di tbl wdrj tblrl, Gdg. [bl's bdplclss."

"Db, sbl's hdt sd fe`." Effy pdurl` sdgl di tbl fettlr dhtd e bdt peh,costlhohn td ot sozzcl idr e gdglht. "Bdw efdut ydu4" sbl esjl`. "Erl ydu

woccohn td sberl sdgl di ydur illcohns4"

Bl cddjl` kdhiusl`. "O ecrle`y ò`."

"Hdt tbl fon pokturl," sbl seo`. "O weht td jhdw bdw ydu illc efdut sdgltbohnsplkoiok."

"[url. ^bet os ot4"



062

ôtbdut turhohn td cddj et bog, sbl esjl`, "Bdw wduc` ydu illc oi Kcehkysteyl` dvlrhonbt dhkl oh e wbocl4" [bl shukj e cddj et bog, ketkbohn bogirehtokeccy tryohn td kdgpdsl bos lxprlssodh.

"\bg … wbetlvlr, Gdg. Pbet's … iohl."

Bl wes tryohn sd ber` td cddj ohòiilrlht tbet sbl wduc` bevl ceunbl` oi tbltdpok wlrlh‟t sd slrodus. [bl ò`h't sey ehytbohn idr e gdglht, tejohn tbltogl td icop bos iorst pehkejl. blh sbl wes surl tbl tlgplreturl wes ronbt,sbl turhl` erduh` eh` kuppl` blr kboh oh dhl beh`, stu`yohn bogkerliuccy. "_du'rl e fe`, fe` coer, Prlv. O `dh't tbohj ehydhl wduc` flegfoveclht efdut tbet qulstodh. _du sbduc` bevl et clest ektl` cojl ydu'`tbdunbt efdut ot flidrl ydu trol` td slcc tbet dhl."

Bl put bos beh`s oh bos pdkjlts, pusbohn tblg dut wblh bl cdkjl` bos

lcfdws. "Ew, Gdg, `dh't novl gl e ber` togl. O rleccy weht ydu td fl beppy.Keh't wl clevl ot et tbet4"

"Hd, fefy, wl keh't." [bl scoppl` bos pehkejl dhtd e pcetl eh` beh`l` ot tdbog. "Nd sot `dwh, eh` O'cc frohn ydu sdgl syrup." Bl ò` es sbl esjl` eh`wes stuòduscy eppcyohn sdgl futtlr wblh sbl set `dwh hlxt td bog. "^lbevl td fl bdhlst ‐ kdgpcltlcy bdhlst. Pbet's tbl dhcy wey tbos wocc wdrj."

"O eg flohn bdhlst," bl seo`. "O bdhlstcy weht ydu td `d wbet gejls ydubeppy."

"O wdh't fl beppy oi O tbohj ydu'rl uhkdgidrtefcl. Hdw tlcc gl tbl trutb. Os ote cottcl sddh idr Kcehky td fl steyohn dvlr4"

Bl etl e fotl, sgocohn et blr wotb epprdvec. "Geyfl e cottcl," bl seo`. "O'` cojltd splh` gdrl togl wotb blr, ydu jhdw4 Nlt td jhdw blr e cottcl flidrl sbl …gdvls oh dr wbetlvlr."

"Kcehky eh` O hll` td splh` togl tdnltblr, fut wl dh't hll` td covl tdnltblrronbt hdw. O wes aust tryohn td nlt e illcohn idr bdw kdgidrtefcl ydu erl wotbtbl wbdcl tbohn."

Bl tddj ehdtblr fotl, tejohn bos togl kblwohn wbocl bl tbdunbt efdut bosehswlr. "O tbohj O'g dohn prltty wlcc. O bevl td fl erduh` ydu twd idr e wbocltd nlt usl` td tbos, fut O `dh't col ewejl et honbt wdrryohn efdut ot." Blsgocl`, eh` bos sdit ceunb ge`l bos gdtblr sgocl oh ehtokopetodh. "Ndd`tbohn O'g usl` td ydu eh` @e` kbesohn lekb dtblr erduh` tbl bdusl. Et clestO'g djey wotb ydur flohn eiilktodhetl."



06?

[bl sgocl` idh`cy et blr sdh. "^l wlrl eiilktodhetl."

Bl cddjl` dwh et bos lgpty pcetl, tryohn hdt td ceunb. "_du wlrl gdrl tbehtbet, Gdg. _du nuys wdjl gl up gdrl togls tbeh O kduc` kduht."

"^l ò` hdt!" sbl sbroljl`, krogsdh wotb lgferressglht.

"_du ò`, tdd," bl seo`, ceunbohn et blr òskdgidrt. "[ohkl ydu‟` tdc` glefdut gejohn fefols, O jlpt wdh`lrohn wby O o`h't bevl gdrl frdtblrs eh`sostlrs: ydu ò`h't tlcc gl efdut fortb kdhtrdc."

"@o` Beycly bler us, tdd4" sbl esjl`, cddjohn occ.

"Hdt uhtoc sbl wes dc`lr," bl seo`. "^blh sbl wes lclvlh dr twlcvl O keunbtblr eh` Nrltkblh curjohn dutso`l ydur rddg dhl [uhèy gdrhohn. Pbly rehcojl rets wblh tbly sew gl, nonncohn tblor essls dii.‗

Effy‟s ble` rdppl` td tbl tefcl. –@ler Nd`,‗ sbl gdehl`. –^l ecweys trol`td fl quolt.‗

Bl sterl` et blr, lylfrdws reosl`. –Oi ydu wlrl tryohn td fl quolt, ydu tdteccysukjl`!‗

***

E kdupcl di honbts cetlr, Kcehky be` tbl lvlhohn irll, sd Effy ohvotl` blrdvlr idr òhhlr. Hdt sllohn blr cdvlr lvlry èy wes gejohn tbl dc`lr wdgeh

ge` idr blr, eh` sbl sbdwl` tbl fcdh`l aust bdw gukb sbl'` gossl` blr fyvdrekoduscy `lvdurohn blr cops. Kcehky wes prlssl` up eneohst tbl kduhtlr,blr illt sprle` sbduc`lr-wo`tb epert. Effy stdd` fltwllh blr clns, jossohnblr kleslclsscy. Blr ble` wes toctl`, blr tdhnul prdfohn `lcoketlcy ecdhnKcehky's pecetl, gejohn tbl yduhnlr wdgeh nonncl. Kcehky's beh`s wlrl cdwdh Effy's fekj, conbtcy squllzohn blr iorg ess.

Pbl sdit kcokj di heocs dh tbl tocl icddr ò`h't rlnostlr wotb lotblr wdgeh, futtbl gugfcl`, "Db, sbot," ò`. Pbly frdjl epert, Effy's beh` kdvlrohn blrgdutb es sbl nespl`, sllohn Prlvdr stehòhn oh tbl `ddrwey, fdtb `dnssottohn oh irdht di bog. Pbl yduhn geh cddjl` cojl bl wosbl` tbl icddr wduc`

dplh up eh` sweccdw bog, fut tbl `dns sllgl` vlry beppy td bevl e hlwpceygetl.

"Prlvdr, O'g sdrry ‛ " Effy stertl` td sey, fut sbl stdppl` blrslci wblh sblsew Kcehky sterohn et blr. Blr nezl sboitohn fltwllh blr cdvlr eh` blr sdh,sbl sbut blr gdutb, weotohn idr sdgldhl lcsl td splej.

Pryohn td ekt cojl hdtbohn dut di tbl dròhery be` bepplhl`, Prlvdr wecjl`



0;=

ohtd tbl jotkblh eh` lxtlh`l` bos beh`. Kcehky sbddj ot, nce` tbet tbl yduhngeh wes dohn bos flst td sbrun dii tbl lgferressohn gdglht. "Bo," bl seo`."Bevlh't sllh ydu sohkl O ndt fekj."

"Ndd` td sll ydu, tdd, Prlvdr," sbl seo`. [bl `lko`l` td stetl tbl dfvodus,

seyohn, "O'g sdrry wl wlrl … ydu jhdw. Joh` di lgferressohn …"

"Hd fon `lec," bl seo`, sgocohn et bos esblh gdtblr. "Vleccy. @dh't wdrryefdut ot. Blcc, Gdg's keunbt gl `dohn wdrsl."

"O bevl4" Effy esjl` wlejcy.

"^lcc, geyfl hdt," bl e`gottl`. "Fut sdgl di gy norcirolh`s' gdtblrs bevl."

"O'g sdrry," Effy seo` eneoh. [bl cddjl` et Kcehky quokjcy. "O jhdw tbet wl'rl

hdt `dohn ehytbohn wrdhn, fut ot illcs vlry d`` td bevl ydu sll us."

"O'g sdrry, Gdg," tbl yduhn geh seo`. "O'cc try hdt td shlej up dh ydu."

"@dh't fl soccy, bdhly. Pbos os ydur bdgl, tdd. _du sbduc`h't bevl td wdrryefdut weh`lrohn ohtd tbl jotkblh eh` iohòhn us …"

Bl nevl tblg fdtb e stoii sgocl. "O aust wehtl` e Kdjl," bl e`gottl`. Blwecjl` dvlr td tbl rlironlretdr eh` tddj dut e sdè, bdcòhn ot up eslvo`lhkl. Pblh bl nevl tblg e sbdrt wevl eh` clit tbl rddg, ndohn fekjupsteors.

Effy fclw dut e frletb tbet cestl` es cdhn es ot tddj tbl yduhn geh td kcogftbl steors. "Gy wbdcl coil pessl` flidrl gy lyls," sbl gdehl`.

"Bl sllgl` iohl," Kcehky seo`. "Ot's dvlr. ^l'cc aust gejl surl ot `dlsh'tbepplh eneoh."

"Lvlr4" Effy esjl`, lyls wo`l. –^l‟cc hlvlr fl efcl td joss wblh tbl jo`s erlerduh`4‗

"^lcc … hd," Kcehky e`gottl`. "Fut ot wdh't fl e fon `lec eitlr e wbocl. Bl'cc

nlt usl` td dur flohn tdnltblr."

Effy clehl` dh blr perthlr blevocy, hdt seyohn e wdr`.

***

Kcehky wes oh tbl go``cl di òkohn sdgl rl` plpplr wblh Effy wlht dvlreh` set `dwh hlxt td blr. –Erl wl `dohn tbl ronbt tbohn4‗ sbl esjl`, peoh



0;5

eh` kdhiusodh ioccohn blr lyls.

–]er`dh gl4‗ Kcehky fcohjl`. –O `dh‟t jhdw wbet ydu‟rl tecjohn efdut.‗

–Bevl wl tbdunbt tbos tbrdunb wlcc lhdunb4‗ Effy esjl`. –Pblrl erl sd

gehy rlplrkussodhs td dur flohn tdnltblr, eh` sdgltogls O illc cojl wl‟rl aust stugfcohn fcotblcy ecdhn … wotbdut ehy kdhklrh idr tbl kdhslqulhkls.‗

Kcehky pcekl` blr beh`s dh Effy‟s sbduc`lrs, fut tbl dc`lr wdgeh sbddjblr ble` eh` stdd` ‛ tryohn td òstehkl blrslci irdg tbl lgfrekl. ôtb eicesb di burt krdssohn blr ileturls, Kcehky seo`, –O jhdw ydu‟rl upslt efdut Prlvdr, fut ot's hdt e fon `lec.‗

–Ot‟s hdt aust bog,‗ sbl seo`. Blr ergs wlrl idc`l` tonbtcy ekrdss blrstdgekb, eh` sbl cddjl` cojl sbl wes dh tbl vlrnl di pehok. –Pblrl erl sd

gehy tbohns! ^l bevlh‟t lvlh òskussl` wblrl wl tbohj wl‟rl ndohn. Ostbos plrgehlht4 @d ydu weht us td covl tdnltblr4‗ Blr lyls wlrl wo`l essbl seo`, –Eh` O bevlh't lvlh fllh efcl td wdrj gyslci up td e``rlssohn tblfonnlst ossul!"

"^bet's tbet4" Kcehky wes sd stuhhl` fy blr cdvlr's gdd` swohn tbet sblwesh't efcl td gdvl e guskcl.

"O jhdw ydu weht td bevl kboc`rlh," Effy seo`, blr wbdcl fd`y sbejohn. "EhÒ cdvl ydu lhdunb td `d ehytbohn idr ydu, fut O `dh‟t tbohj O keh nd tbrdunbtbet eneoh!‗

Kcehky kcogfl` dii blr stddc eh` epprdekbl` blr cdvlr nohnlrcy. –^blrl ò`tbos kdgl irdg4 ^by erl ydu sd upslt4" Vlekbohn dut wotb dhl beh`, sblpcekl` ot nlhtcy updh Effy‟s kbllj, sconbtcy blertlhl` wblh sbl ò`h‟t icohkbirdg tbl tdukb. –O weht tbos td fl plrgehlht … O weht td covl wotb ydu …hdt hdw, fut sddh. Es sddh es Prlvdr's kdgidrtefcl wotb ot.‗ [trdjohn ekrdsstrlgfcohn cops wotb blr tbugf, Kcehky sddtbl`, –@dh‟t ydu weht tbos td flplrgehlht4 @dh‟t ydu cdvl gl lhdunb td wdrj tbohns tbrdunb4‗

–Pbet‟s tbl prdfclg,‗ Effy seo`, blr vdokl kbdjl` wotb lgdtodh. –O cdvl ydulhdunb td clt ydu nd oi O‟g ndohn td bdc` ydu fekj.‗ [bl ilcc ohtd Kcehky‟s

ergs eh` clt blrslci kry idr e ilw gohutls, wbocl tbl fcdh`l trol` td kdgidrtblr. –_du‟rl sd gukb yduhnlr, ydu bevl ydur wbdcl coil eble` di ydu. _dukduc` ioh` sdgldhl ydur dwh enl wbd'` fl efcl td reosl e iegocy wotb ydu …‗

Kcehky nrespl` blr fy tbl sbduc`lrs eh` blc` blr et erg‟s clhntb. –^bet‟swotb tbos bevohn fefols stuii4 ^blh bevl O lvlr seo` O wehtl` td bevl efefy4‗



0;6

–Et tbl perty …‗ sbl sdffl`. –Eh` ydur gdg ‐‗

–Db, pclesl!‗ ]uccohn blr kcdsl, Kcehky nevl blr e blerty squllzl eh` seo`,–O keh sll tbet O‟g ndhhe bevl td `lfroli ydu wblh ydu splh` togl wotb gy

gdg.‗

–_du `dh‟t …4‗

–Hd, O `dh‟t,‗ Kcehky seo` iorgcy. –O cdvl fefols, eh` O cdvl td fl erduh`fefols. Fut O prltty gukb lko`l` e ilw ylers end tbet O ò`h‟t weht td bevle kboc`. O `dh‟t weht td novl up wbet O‟` bevl td novl up td bevl dhl. Gygdg, bdwlvlr, `lsplretlcy wehts nreh`kboc`rlh ‛ eh` sbl tbohjs tbet sblkeh kdlrkl gl ‛ dr gy cdvlr ‛ ohtd novohn blr dhl.‗

–Fut ydu sllgl` sd beppy wblh ydu wlrl bdcòhn cottcl Aekdf …‗

–O wes,‗ sbl enrll`. –O trucy cdvl fefols.‗ [bl cddjl` et Effy eh` esjl`,–Jhdw wbet lcsl O cdvl4‗

Effy‟s ble` sbddj, eh` sbl cddjl` et Kcehky kurodusc y.

–Pbdsl kutl cottcl kbogpehzlls tbly bevl et tbl zdd. O'vl ditlh splht tblflttlr pert di eh eitlrhddh tblrl ‛ aust cddjohn et tbdsl cottcl nuys.‗ [blsddtbl` tbl cohls dh Effy‟s idrlble` eh` e``l`, –Oi tbly wlrl novohn tblgdut dh tbl strllt kdrhlr O wduc`h‟t tejl dhl ‛ fut O cdvl tblg. O illc tbl seglefdut fefols. O cdvl tblg ‛ O cdvl td fl erduh` tblg ‛ eh` et tbl lh` di tbl

èy, O weht td nd bdgl wotbdut dhl.‗ [bl pcekl` e werg joss dh Effy‟scops. –Et tbl lh` di tbl èy, O weht td nd bdgl wotb ydu ‛ aust ydu.‗

"Fut ‐ "

"Fut hdtbohn," Kcehky seo`, sduhòhn kdhio`lht eh` surl di blrslci. "Lvlrykdupcl bes prdfclgs. Lvlry kdupcl bes td gejl eàustglhts. ^l'cc bevl td`d tbet, tdd. Fut wl keh `d ot oi wl cdvl lekb dtblr lhdunb."

"O `d cdvl ydu," Effy seo`. "O `d! Fut ydu'rl sd yduhn …"

"[d wbet4 ^by `dls ot gettlr4"

"Dur iegocols … dur irolh`s … dur ohtlrlsts …"

"Effy, wl'vl fllh tdnltblr idr e wbocl hdw, eh` O bevlh't sllh dur ohtlrlstskcesb. Eh` dur iegocols wocc fl iohl. ^bet erl ydu tecjohn efdut4"

"_du `dh't lvlh jhdw efdut CFA!" Effy seo`, sduhòhn e cottcl irehtok.



0;;

"^bd's CFA4" tbl yduhnlr wdgeh esjl` oh kdhiusodh.

"[ll4"

"Hd, O `dh't sll," Kcehky seo`. "_du'rl hlercy bystlrokec, fefy. Hdw kecg`dwh eh` clt's tecj efdut tbos retodheccy."

"O `dh't jhdw oi O keh," Effy seo`, stocc sbejohn.

Prlvdr kegl fekj `dwh tbl steors, bos illt bottohn tbl trle`s sd cdu`cy, blsduh`l` es oi bl wlrl tryohn td frlej tblg. ^blh bl ndt td tbl jotkblh bltddj dhl cddj et bos gdtblr eh` evlrtl` bos lyls, quokjcy seyohn, "O'g ndhhebehn dut et [eg's, djey4"

"Hd òhhlr4" Effy esjl`, tryohn td kecg blrslci.

Bl stocc ò`h't cddj up. "^l tbdunbt wl'` nd td Oh 'h‟ Dut," bl seo`. "O bevlh'tfllh sohkl Lestlr."

"Ecc ronbt," Effy seo`, tryohn blr flst td sduh` cojl blrslci. "Bevl iuh."

"Fyl, Prlvdr," Kcehky seo`.

"[ll ye," bl seo`, lxotohn tbl rddg es quokjcy es bl kduc`.

Es sddh es bl‟` clit, Effy clehl` eneohst blr perthlr eh` stertl` td kry,

clttohn Kcehky's kdgidrtohn lgfrekl jllp blr nrduh`l`.

***

Pbly be` ohhlr, hlotblr splejohn gukb wbocl tbly etl. –êhhe wetkb PY4‗Effy esjl` eitlr tbly'` cde`l` tbl òsbwesblr.

–Oi ydu `d."

"^bet `d ydu cojl td wetkb4"

"Ggg … hdtbohn oh pertokucer. Oi O weht td vln, O wetkb BNPY. O cojl td sllbdgl rlgd`lcohn."

"Hdtbohn ydu wetkb rlnucercy4"

"Bub-ub. _du4"

–Hd,‗ Effy seo`. –O aust tbdunbt tbet ydu gonbt. O gleh, tbl jo`s bevl e



0;0

`dzlh sbdws tbly wetkb.‗

"O'g hdt e jo`," Kcehky seo`, sgocohn.

"Hd, fut … tblrl erl sd gehy tbohns O `dh't jhdw efdut ydu. O gleh, bdw

keh wl fl es ohtogetl es wl erl eh` hdt lvlh jhdw oi wl cojl tbl segl PYsbdws."

"_leb," Kcehky seo`, tryohn td sduh` upflet. "Pbet ecdhl sbduc` `ddg us."

Novohn blr e pcleòhn cddj, Effy seo`, "@dh't tlesl. Pbos wdrrols gl."

"^by4" Kcehky esjl`. "^l'rl nlttohn td jhdw lekb dtblr. Pbet‟s ndd`,‗ sblohsostl`. "Pbet'cc jllp us fusy wblh wl'rl hdt iukjohn lekb dtblrstupo`.‗ [bl nevl Effy eh e`drefcy nddiy nroh, eh` tbl dc`lr wdgeh wes

uhefcl td stdp blrslci irdg ceunbohn et blr.

–O‟vl clerhl` tbet O cdvl ydu,‗ Effy seo`, tunnohn blr ohtd e bun.

–O cdvl ydu, tdd.‗ Pbly jossl` e ilw togls, fut Kcehky kduc` tlcc tbet Effywesh't iuccy rlcexl`. "êhhe tecj sdgl gdrl4"

Effy cddjl` se` eh` lxbeustl`. [bl clehl` eneohst blr perthlr eh` seo`,"[dgltogls tbos sllgs sd ber`."

"Ot os ber`," Kcehky seo`. "Fut wbet `d ydu `d tbet's rleccy wdrtbwbocl tbet

osh't ber`4" Effy hd``l` scdwcy, fut sbl ò`h't cddj kdhvohkl`. Kcehkyprdppl` blr perthlr up eh` sco` td tbl icddr. [bl jhlct fltwllh Effy's clns,cddjohn ohtd blr lyls. "Cddj, fefy, wl `dh't bevl e cdt di kbdokls et tbospdoht. ^l lotblr frlej up dr wdrj tbrdunb tbohns. Pblrl os hd go``clnrduh`."

Pbl ùcc fcul lyls fronbtlhl` oh iler. "O `dh't weht td frlej up! O kduc`h'tfler td cdsl ydu!"

"Pblh quot wbohohn," Kcehky seo`. Effy's lyls dplhl` wo`lr et tble`gdhotodh. "Pbet's ronbt ‛ ydu'rl wbohohn. Ot's hdt prdùktovl. Blcc, ot's hdt

ettrektovl, lotblr," sbl seo`, ceunbohn. "O'g sdrry, bdhly, fut wbohohn wesh'teccdwl` et gy bdusl. O `dh't bevl e cdt di tdclrehkl idr ot."

"O betl ot, tdd," Effy e`gottl` sbllposbcy. "Ot `rovls gl krezy wblh Beycly`dls ot."

"Pblh stdp," Kcehky seo` kclercy. [bl nrespl` Effy fy tbl sbduc`lrs, eh`sbddj blr nlhtcy. "Gejl e kdggotglht td gl eh` stokj wotb ot. Hd gettlr



0;<

wbet bepplhs, hd gettlr wbd novls us e ber` togl ‛ `dh't slkdh` nulss us.@dh't lvlr `d ot eneoh!"

Effy tddj e ilw `llp frletbs: sbl kdhklhtretl` dh Kcehky‟s beh`s, ioheccykecgohn dwh td tbl lxtlht tbet sbl ilct es tbdunb tbly wlrl eh lxtlhsodh di

blr dwh fd`y. –O wdh't," sbl seo`, blr vdokl strdhn eh` kecg. "O wdh't."

***

Prlvdr be` td nd td [eh Irehkoskd dh Iroèy td ohtlrvolw idr e adf, eh` bl`lko`l` td nd dvlr td [ehte Kruz td sll Beycly idr tbl wlljlh`. [ohkl blwduc`h't fl et tbl bdusl, Kcehky rlvlrtl` td blr ievdrotl [eturèy pestogl diicdetohn oh tbl pddc. ^bocl sbl wes shddzohn, Effy ndt dut di tbl pddc eh`keccl` blr gdtblr td gejl errehnlglhts td pokj blr perlhts up irdg tbleorpdrt tbl hlxt èy.

^blh sbl wlht fekj dutso`l, Kcehky wdjl irdg blr conbt scugflr. –^blrl ye fllh4‗

–Pecjohn td gy gdg.‗

–Kddc.‗ Pbl fcdh`l kcdsl` blr lyls eneoh, slttcohn blr wlonbt dh tbl icdet.

–êhhe jhdw wbet wl wlrl tecjohn efdut4‗

–Dhcy oi ydu wehhe tlcc gl,‗ Kcehky seo`, cddjohn vlry hdhkbeceht. –O `dh‟twehhe futt oh.‗

–_du jhdw wbet4‗ Effy esjl`, sgocohn wergcy.

Ecweys lhadyohn tbl pceyiuchlss eh` lvo`lht tbdunbt tbet Effy‟s lxprlssodhkdhvlyl`, Kcehky pe``cl` dvlr eh` nezl` up et blr. –^bet4‗

–O rleccy e`gorl ydu.‗

–_du `d4‗ Kcehky nrohhl`, cddjohn vlry pclesl` fy tbl kdgpcoglht. –^betfrdunbt tbet dh4‗

–O wes tbohjohn efdut tbl ionbt wl be` wblh ydu wlrl ehnry tbet O ò`h‟t tlcc ydu lvlrytbohn efdut gy kdcclnl icortetodhs.‗

–Hdt dhl di gy iohlr gdglhts,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Pbet sbduc`h‟t gejl ydue`gorl gl.‗

–Fut ot dls. _du weht td jhdw wbet‟s ndohn dh oh gy ble`, fut ydu‟vl trol`sd ber` td novl gl spekl. Cojl tdèy,‗ sbl seo`. –Gdst pldpcl wduc` fl dh



0;9

pohs eh` hll`cls efdut gy iegocy eh` tblor dpohodhs, fut O keh tlcc ydu‟rlrleccy hdt wdrrol` efdut wbet O wes tecjohn td gy gdg efdut.‗

–O‟g hdt. Ot‟s ydur iegocy eh` ydur rlcetodhsbop ‛ ydu‟cc beh`cl ot. Oisdgltbohn upslts ydu, dr oi ydu bevl strdhn illcohns efdut ot, O jhdw ydu‟cc

try td tecj td gl efdut ot. _du prdgosl`, sd O jhdw ydu wocc. Dtblr tbeh tbet,O sbduc` aust jllp gy hdsl dut di ot. O clerhl` gy clssdh wotb tbl kdcclnltbohn. O keh dhcy fl kdhklrhl` wotb tbl tbohns tbet bepplh fltwllh us. Pblrlst di ydur coil os ydur fusohlss.‗

–Pbet‟s ehdtblr tbohn O cojl,‗ Effy seo`. –_du‟rl èrhl` kdhio`lht, KcehkyD‟Kdhhdr. _du‟rl hdt ecweys wdrrol` tbet tbos osh‟t ndohn td wdrjdut. Ektueccy,‗ sbl eglh`l`, –ydu‟rl kdkjy.‗

–^by sbduc`h‟t O fl4‗ sbl esjl`, icesbohn e kdhvohkohncy kdkjy sgocl. –Oi Ojllp ydu beppy eh` setosiol`, ydu wdh‟t bevl ehy rlesdh td clevl. Eh` oi

ydu d … ydu‟rl dfvoduscy hdt e vlry fronbt wdgeh. Oi tbet‟s trul, wby wducÒ weht ydu4‗

–O aust cdvl slci -kdhio`lhkl,‗ Effy seo`. –Ot‟s sd slxy.‗

–Ndtte fl bdhlst,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O‟vl be` sdgl vlry sbejy èys. Oh tblflnohhohn, O wes surl ydu wlrl ndhhe irlej eh` hdt fl efcl td behn ohtblrl.‗ Effy hd``l`, bevohn fllh wdrrol` efdut tbl segl tbohn. –Futdhkl wl ndt pest tbl iorst kdupcl di wlljs, eh` ydu stertl` tlccohn pldpcl ‛ Oionurl` ydu prdfefcy wduc`h‟t nlt kdc` illt.‗ [bl nrespl` Effy‟s clns,wbokb wlrl èhncohn oh tbl wetlr, eh` jossl` fdtb di blr jhlls. –Pbet

`dlsh‟t gleh tbet O‟vl fllh beppy wotb tbl pekl ydu‟vl slt, fut O o`h‟t tbohj ydu‟` frlej up wotb gl. Dhkl O wes kdhio`lht di tbet, O jhlw tbl dhcy tbohntbet wduc` bdc` dh td ydu, dr gejl ydu clevl, wes gl. Eh` O‟g vlrykdhio`lht di gl.‗

–_du bevl lvlry rlesdh td fl,‗ Effy enrll`, nezohn et blr cdvlr wotb e cddjioccl` wotb e`goretodh.

Kcehky tunnl` et Effy‟s clns uhtoc tbly wlrl wreppl` erduh` blr weost, tblhjokjl` ewey irdg tbl so`l, hlercy sufglrnohn blrslci. [bl be` td wdrj ber`td stey efdvl wetlr, fut blr strdhn clns jlpt tblg eicdet. –O‟g bevohn sukb e

hokl èy,‗ sbl seo`.

–Gl, tdd,‗ Effy seo`. –Pbl dhcy tbohj O‟` e`` os e cottcl cdvohn. \p idr ot4‗ sblesjl`, tejohn e hoffcl di Kcehky‟s wlt lercdfl.

–Ecweys,‗ tbl fcdh`l seo`, nrohhohn slxocy. –Fut dhcy oi wl nd td gy bdusl. O`dh‟t tbohj O kduc` rlcex blrl.‗



0;>

Effy stertl` td prdtlst tbet Prlvdr wduc`h‟t rlturh uhlxplktl`cy, fut sbljhlw tbet wdrryohn efdut tbl sgecclst tbohn kduc` ruoh tbl gdd`. –Djey.Clt‟s bevl òhhlr blrl, tblh nd td ydur bdusl idr `lsslrt.‗

–Gy ievdrotl trlet,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Eh` ot‟s hlvlr tdd ioccohn.‗

Effy clehl` fekj, icdetohn wbocl stocc lhkorkcohn Kcehky‟s weost. –^duc` yducojl td kdgl dut es e kdupcl4 Oh pufcok, O gleh.‗

–\bg … surl, O nulss. O gleh, O‟g dut td lvlrydhl oh tbl wdrc`, sd ot‟s hdteh ossul idr gl. O‟g e cottcl surprosl` ydu‟rl rle`y td `d tbet, tbdunb.‗

–^by4‗ Effy stertl` td scep et tbl wetlr wotb blr dplh beh`s. –Lvlrydhl Okerl efdut jhdws. ^bltblr dr hdt tbly‟rl beppy efdut ot, tbly jhdw.‗

–Ndd` pdoht,‗ Kcehky seo`. [bl rlgdvl` Effy‟s clns irdg blr weost, tblh

gdvl` erduh` td tukj blr beh`s uh`lr blr cdvlr‟s ergs. –[d tlcc gl efdutdur kdgohn dut. Os ot sdgl johè perty4‗

–_leb, ot os.‗ [bl slttcl` eneohst Kcehky‟s fd`y, clttohn tbl sbdrtlr wdgehkerry blr erduh` tbl pddc. –O cdvl tbos,‗ Effy seo`.

–^bet4‗

–]ceyohn cojl tbos. O hlvlr pceyl` oh tbl pddc flidrl O glt ydu.‗

–Vleccy4‗ Kcehky clehl` idrwer` sd sbl kduc` sll Effy‟s lyls. –^by hdt4‗

–Db, O `dh‟t jhdw. O nulss ôcc eh` O tlh`l` td ekt cojl eùcts.‗ [bl ceunblè cottcl, tblh jossl` Kcehky dh tbl hlkj eh` tbrdet. –Ot‟s òiilrlht wblh ydubevl jo`s. _du tlh` td idrnlt ydur kboc`cojl treots. _du‟rl blcpohn glrl-òskdvlr tblg.‗

–]rdfefcy blcps tbet Prlvdr eh` Beycly erlh‟t sottohn blrl wetkbohn us, tdd,‗Kcehky seo`.

–Pbet ecweys blcps gl illc gdrl uhohbofotl`,‗ Effy enrll`.

Kcehky tworcl` oh e korkcl, wbocl Effy clehl` fekj eh` rdppl` tbl tdp di blrble` ohtd tbl wetlr, cojohn tbl slhsetodh di tbl equetok skecp gessenl.

–Erl ydu ndhhe tlcc gl efdut tbos perty4‗ Kcehky esjl` wblh Effy set upeh` rlstl` oh blr ergs eneoh.

–Db! _du gejl gl idrnlt gy dwh hegl wblh ydu pcey wotb gl cojl tbos.‗[bl rlkeccl` wblrl sbl‟` clit dii eh` seo`, –@d ydu jhdw efdut gy



0;2

ohvdcvlglht wotb tbl cdkec fettlrl` wdglh‟s sblctlr4‗

–Hd, ydu‟vl hlvlr tdc` gl efdut tbet. Bdw‟` ydu nlt ohvdcvl`4‗

–Pbrdunb gy kburkb. ^l‟rl ektovl oh e cdt di dutrlekb prdnregs, eh` tbet

dhl epplecl` td gl.‗

–O kduc` nlt ohtd blcpohn e nrdup cojl tbet,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Gy è`‟s frdtblreh` bos woil erl fettlrlrs, eh` ot‟s rleccy glssl` tblor jo`s up.‗

Effy nevl blr e puzzcl` cddj. –Pbly fettlr tblor kboc`rlh4‗

–Hd, hd, hdt tbet O jhdw di. Pbly jhdkj tbl stuiiohn dut di lekb dtblr.‗

Effy kduc`h‟t stdp blr lyls irdg wo`lhohn, Kcehky ketkbohn blr cddj wblhsbl streohl` td sll blr iekl. –Pbly ionbt lekb dtblr4‗

–_leb. Gy euht ]lnny bes e jocclr ronbt bddj. [bl‟s frdjlh gy uhkcl‟s aeweh` irekturl` bos lyl sdkjlt. Fut bl‟s slht blr td tbl bdspotec e togl dr twd,ecsd.‗

–^dw,‗ Effy seo`, hdt jhdwohn bdw td rlspdh`.

ôtb e kbergohn nroh, Kcehky seo`, –]ldpcl oh ydur iegocy `dh‟t flet lekbdtblr up, `d tbly4‗

–^lcc,‗ Effy seo`, tryohn td fl òpcdgetok, –O `dh‟t bevl e vlry fon iegocy.‗

Kcehky beci-kcdsl` blr lyls eh` hd``l`. –[d, tlcc gl efdut tbos lvlht.‗

–Dje y. Pbly bevl e fon òhhlr èhkl, e iuh`reoslr rleccy, oh cetl[lptlgflr. O‟` cojl td tejl ydu, oi ydu‟rl woccohn td nlt `rlssl` up.‗

–Bdw `rlssl`4‗ sbl esjl` suspokoduscy.

–Ot ruhs tbl negut. [dgl di tbl dc`lr wdglh wocc wler lvlhohn ndwhs,sdgl di tbl glh wler tuxl`ds … fut tblrl wocc fl e sgettlrohn di glh ohspdrt kdets eh` jbejos.‗

–O kduc` beh`cl tbl spdrt kdet,‗ Kcehky seo`, kbukjcohn. [bl jossl` tbl tdpdi blr perthlr‟s ble`. –O‟` cdvl td fl ydur ètl ‛ oi ydu‟rl rle`y td gejl estetlglht. ^l‟cc bevl td nd sbdppohn, fut O‟cc gejl tbl suprlgl sekroiokl idr ydu eh` lhtlr e stdrl tbet `dlsh‟t slcc ilrtocozlr.‗

–Lxklcclht! O jhdw O‟cc fl skerl`, fut O‟g rle`y.‗ [bl sgocl` frde`cy eh` seo`,–^blh O‟g wotb ydu … eh` gy perlhts … O keh iekl ehytbohn.‗



0;?

Kcehky `rdppl` blr, ceunbohn wblh Effy sputtlrl` es blr ble` frdjl tblpcehl di tbl wetlr. –_dur perlhts4‗ tbl fcdh`l `lgeh`l`. –^blh ò` tboskdgl up4‗

–Pbet‟s dhl di tbl tbohns O wes tecjohn td gy gdg efdut,‗ Effy seo`. –Pbet, eh` tbl iekt tbet tbly‟rl kdgohn bdgl tdgdrrdw.‗

Kcehky stdd` hlxt td blr eh` nreffl` blr erduh` tbl weost, tdssohn blrerduh` cojl e `dcc. –O kbehnl` gy goh`! O wehhe jhdw lvlry wdr` di lvlrykdhvlrsetodh ydu bevl!‗

Effy nreffl` blr eh` blc` blr kcdsl. –Ot‟cc fl djey, bdhly. _du‟cc cojl gyperlhts. O tbdunbt ydu kduc` nd wotb gl wblh O pokj tblg up.‗

Kcehky cddjl` e cottcl wo`l-lyl` eh` seo`, –O dh‟t lvlh jhdw wbet tbly d, dr

ò`, idr e covohn. O `dh‟t jhdw sbot! O‟g ndhhe cddj cojl e iddc!‗

–Hd, ydu wdh‟t,‗ Effy seo`, rlekbohn dut td pet blr. –O‟cc novl ydu e cottclfekjnrduh`.‗

"Gdrl tbeh e cottcl," Kcehky seo`. –Novl gl e cdt.‗

Effy hd``l` eh` seo`, –^lcc, gy ietblr os eh lclktrokec lhnohllr. Bl wes eprdilssdr et Kec Plkb wblh O wes e kboc`, fut bl eh` ehdtblr irolh` stertlè fusohlss oh … db … 5?96 dr ‟9;. Pbly stertl` dut gejohn splkoecozl`tufls idr kdgputlrs ‛ fekj wblh e kdgputlr kduc` iocc e nerenl. Pbly

kbehnl` tblor prdùkt cohl cottcl fy cottcl, ioheccy kdgohn up wotb e `lsonh tdclt kdgputlrs sberl klrteoh iuhktodhs fy gdvohn ohidrgetodh fltwllhguctopcl kdgputlrs. Oh lsslhkl, tbly lsonhl` tbl prlkursdr td tbl rdutlr,‗sbl seo` wotb e sgecc sgocl.

–O `dh‟t jhdw e cdt efdut kdgputlrs, fut O jhdw tbet‟s e fon `lec,‗ Kcehkyseo`. –@dls bl stocc bevl tbl kdgpehy4‗

–Hd. Pbly sdc` dut efdut 5?2=. Cukjocy, bl strukj e wdh`lriuc lec wotb egukb cernlr kdgpehy tbet hdt dhcy peo` bog quotl e fot di gdhly ‛ bl ecsdndt e sgecc rdyecty idr lvlry rdutlr tbl kdgpehy sdc` idr e hugflr di

ylers. Pbet wes ronbt flidrl tbl fon tlkbhdcdny fddg, eh` bl ò` … quotlwlcc,‗ Effy seo`, eneoh novohn Kcehky eh lhongetok sgocl.

–Pbly‟rl cde`l`, ronbt4‗ Kcehky esjl`, e sogocer sgocl dh blr iekl.

–Db, yleb,‗ Effy sgocl`. –Ylry gukb sd.‗

–Eh` ydu‟rl tblor dhcy blor … sd tbet gejls ydu …‗



00=

–Fe` essugptodh,‗ Effy seo`. –Pbly flcolvl tbet ohblrotl` wlectb os e vlryfe` tbohn. Ecc di tblor lstetl wocc nd td tblor ievdrotl kberotols.‗

–Erl ydu slrodus4‗ Kcehky nespl`. –Pbly‟rl hdt clevohn tblor gdhly td tblor

dhcy kboc`4‗

–Hdpl, eh` O enrll wotb tblg kdgpcltlcy. Pbly‟rl vlry nlhlrdus wotb gl, futtblor gdhly osh‟t gohl. O ò`h‟t lerh ot, tbly ò`.‗

–Osh‟t tbet wlor`4‗ Kcehky esjl`, uhefcl td nlt blr goh` erduh` tbos dhl.

–Hd, hdt et ecc. O `d aust iohl. ôcc clit gl wlcc-ioxl`, eh` O stocc rlklovl bossberl di tbl prdiots irdg bos cew perthlrsbop. O bevl pclhty di gdhly tdgeohteoh gy coilstycl wotbdut lvlr bevohn td wdrj. Pbet‟s ecc tbet O hll`.‗

–^dw,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Pbet‟s ndhhe tejl gl e wbocl td nlt usl` td.‗ [bltbdunbt efdut ecc di tbl ohidrgetodh idr e fot, tblh esjl`, –Erl wl tecjohn ewbdcl cdt di gdhly4‗

Effy hd``l`. –E wbdcl cdt. Nd td ]eros idr cuhkb johè gdhly.‗

–^dw,‗ Kcehky rlpletl`. –O‟vl hlvlr jhdwh ehydhl tbet rokb.‗

–_du stocc `dh‟t,‗ Effy tlesl`. –_du wdh‟t gllt gy perlhts uhtoc tdgdrrdw.‗

–O‟g flohn slrodus,‗ Kcehky seo`, sllohn tbl tlesohn sgocl dh blr perthlr‟siekl. –Besh‟t ot lvlr fdtblrl` ydu tbet ydu wdh‟t nlt tblor gdhly4‗ [blpeusl` idr e slkdh`, tblh e``l`, –_du `dh‟t bevl tbet johè gdhly, `d ydu4‗

–Hd, hd, hdt et ecc. O bevl td splh` ecgdst ecc di gy ohkdgl, fut O dhcy tdukbgy prohkopcl idr tbohns cojl bdgl ogprdvlglht. Cojl td bevl tbl ceh`skepohn`dhl. O be` td òp ohtd gy stesb idr tbet.‗

–Fut ydu bevl e prltty fon stesb, ronbt4‗

–Ggg … ot‟s fon idr e wdgeh wbd‟s hlvlr wdrjl`, fut O‟g hdt oh tbl pdsotodhtd `dhetl e fuocòhn td \KCE dr ehytbohn cojl tbet.‗ [bl kdkjl` blr bleèh` esjl`, –^by4 _du‟vl hlvlr fllh ohtlrlstl` oh gy gdhly flidrl.‗

Kcehky ceunbl`. –O hlvlr jhlw bdw rokb ydu wlrl! O gleh, bdw rokb ydurperlhts erl. ^bet `d tbl jo`s tbohj4 Erl tbly possl` tbly‟rl hdt ndhhe bottbl Gdtblr Cd`l4‗



005

–Pbly gonbt fl, fut tbly‟` flttlr nlt usl` td ot. O‟g clevohn gy gdhly td ydu.‗

–Pd gl4‗ Kcehky ecgdst `rdppl` Effy, strunncohn td nlt blr illt uh`lr blr

eneoh. Effy òslhtehncl` blr clns eh` icdetl` e sbdrt òstehkl ewey. –Erl ydu krezy4‗

–Hd,‗ tbl dc`lr wdgeh kecgcy seo`, hdw icdetohn dh blr fekj. –ôcc eh` Oecweys tdc` tblg tbly wlrlh‟t nlttohn gdhly irdg us. Pbly gonbt tbohj O‟vlkbehnl` gy goh`, fut O‟cc tlcc tblg O bevlh‟t.‗

–Db, nrlet, ehdtblr rlesdh td betl gl!‗

Kcehky cddjl` tlrrofcy ennrolvl`, eh` Effy stdd` eh` trol` td sddtbl blr. –Owdh‟t tlcc tblg O‟g clevohn ot td ydu ronbt ewey.‗ [bl put blr ergs erduh`

Kcehky eh` jossl` blr. –Fut oi ot kdgls up, O‟g ndohn td tlcc tblg tbethdtbohn bes kbehnl`. Pbly‟rl dh tblor dwh.‗

–Ot‟s troppy,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O rleccy keh‟t ionurl tbos dut.‗

–^by4 _dur perlhts ò`h‟t lvlh pey idr ydur kdcclnl tuotodh.‗

–Hd, fut tbly ilct cojl sbot efdut ot. Pbly rleccy wehtl` td pey idr gl.‗

–Ebb … geyfl tbet‟s tbl òiilrlhkl. ^lcc, O‟vl peo` idr tblor tuotodh, tblorrddg eh` fder`, eh` novlh tblg e nlhlrdus eccdwehkl. O‟vl tdc` tblg O‟cc

suppdrt tblg es cdhn es tbly‟rl oh skbddc. Pbet ohkcu`ls pdst-nreùetlwdrj. Fut dhkl tbly‟rl iohosbl` wotb skbddc, tbly bevl td wdrj. O gonbt novltblg gdhly td gejl e dwh-peyglht dh e bdusl, fut dhcy oi tbly‟vl sbdwhtbet tbly‟rl geturl lhdunb td beh`cl tbl gdrtnenl.‗

–@egh, ydu‟rl tdunb! O tbdunbt ydu‟` fl vlry …‗ [bl treocl` dii, hdt wehtohntd sey wbet wes rleccy dh blr goh`.

–Ylry wbet4‗ Effy esjl`.

–\bg … òiilrlht.‗

[llohn tbl lvesovl cddj dh blr iekl, Effy pohkbl` tbl fcdh`l dh tbl futt,ceunbohn wblh Kcehky squlecl`. –_du tbdunbt O‟` novl tblg lvlrytbohn Obe`, lvlh oi O be` td gdvl ohtd e trehsolht bdtlc, ò`h‟t ydu4‗

–^lcc, geyfl hdt tbet fe`,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Fut O ò` tbohj ydu‟` fefy tblg.‗



006

Effy jossl` blr eneoh eh` seo`, –O fefy tblg lgdtodheccy, fut O‟g tryohn tdstdp tbet.‗

–Os tbet bdw ydur perlhts wlrl4‗

–Hdt rleccy,‗ Effy e`gottl`. –Gy perlhts erl nrlet, fut tbly … tbly trletl`gl cojl eh eùct irdg tbl togl O wes oh bonb skbddc. Cukjocy idr tblg, Ousueccy gukb ektl` cojl dhl.‗

–@o` ydur gdg wdrj wotb ydur è`4‗

–Hd. [bl wes e stu`lht di bos et Kec Plkb, eh` sbl wlht dh td nlt blr ][email protected] kdgputlr skolhkl. [bl‟s fllh e prdilssdr et Kec Plkb sohkl O wes efduttbrll. [bl sbduc` rltorl, fut sbl cdvls ot tdd gukb td lvlh tbohj di ot.‗

–E stu`lht di ydur ietblr‟s, bub4‗ Kcehky esjl`. –@dls tbet gleh tblrl‟s

eh …‗

–Enl òiilrlhkl4‗ Effy esjl`. –_ls, oh`ll`. Plh ylers.‗

–]blw,‗ Kcehky seo`, wopohn blr frdw. –Pbet‟s dhl tbohn tbly wdh‟t fl efcltd kdgpceoh efdut. _du‟rl wotb e pddr, rlcetovlcy uhlùketl`, fcul-kdccerwdgeh, fut tbly keh‟t fotkb efdut tbl enl òiilrlhkl!‗

"_du'rl hdt uhlùketl`," Effy seo`, tblh stdppl` td costlh td blrslci. "Pbet'shdt wbet O gleht!"

"O jhdw wbet ydu gleht," Kcehky seo`. "Eh` O'g dhcy rlcetovlcy uhlùketl`._du'vl ndt e gestlr‟s eh` ydur gdtblr bes e ]b.@."

Effy wrohjcl` blr hdsl. "Gy è` `dls, tdd."

"Iukj gl," Kcehky seo`, ceunbohn ndd`-heturl`cy. –^by kduc`h‟t ydu aust flrokb4 Vokb eh` sgert os dvlrjocc!‗ [bl cey dh blr fekj eh` jokjl` blr weyerduh` e fon korkcl. –O‟g ndhhe bevl td prektokl flohn slci -kdhio`lht tdhonbt‒keusl O‟g ndhhe hll` ecc di gy ndd`s tdgdrrdw.‗

KBE]PLV P^LHP_-[OR

–_du jhdw, ydu ò`h‟t rleccy bevl td wler cdhn pehts,‗ Effy seo`, sperohn esgocl et Kcehky dh tbl wey td tbl eorpdrt tbl hlxt èy.

–_du‟vl ndt dh e `rlss, eh` O‟g suppdsl` td nd oh sbdrts4‗ Kcehkyesjl`. –Erl ydu ge`4‗

–_du‟rl hlrvdus, erlh‟t ydu4‗ Effy esjl` sygpetbltokeccy. –Eh` kdgl td



000

–_du‟rl ndohn td fl pclesehtcy surprosl`,‗ sbl seo`. –Oi tbly betl` tblnrduh` ydu wecjl` dh, ydu‟` hlvlr jhdw. Prust gl dh tbos ‛ oi hdtbohn lcsl,tbly‟rl egezohncy pdcotl.‗

–^lcc, tbet‟s sdgltbohn,‗ Kcehky eccdwl`, gejohn Effy sgocl et blrnrugpohlss.

Pbl pcehl wes ehhduhkl`, eh` wblh tbl cunnenl stertl` td kerllh `dwh tblkbutl Kcehky nreffl` Effy eh` prlssl` e joss td blr gdutb. –Aust oh kesltbly nrduh` ydu eh` wdh‟t clt ydu nd dut wotb gl eneoh,‗ sbl seo``regetokeccy.

Effy nrespl` blr beh` eh` tunnl` blr dvlr td tbl lskecetdr tbet wducè`got tbl `lferjohn pesslhnlrs. [bl cekl` tblor iohnlrs tdnltblr eh` blcdh tonbt, `lspotl Kcehky‟s ettlgpts td pucc ewey. –\hb-ub,‗ sbl ohsostl`,

puttohn tbl cohjl` beh`s td blr cops eh` nlhtcy jossohn Kcehky‟sbeh`. –_du‟rl gohl. O‟g hdt clttohn ydu nlt ewey.‗

Kcehky rdccl` blr lyls, fut clt blrslci fl jlpt, iohòhn blrslci rlessurl` fytbl nresp di Effy‟s kddc, `ry beh`.

Effy‟s lyls cot up wotb `lconbt es e beh`sdgl, dc`lr kdupcl epplerl` et tbltdp di tbl lskecetdr. –Gdg, @e`!‗ sbl keccl` dut td ketkb tblorettlhtodh. ô`l sgocls nrekl` fdtb iekls, eh` Kcehky ilct sdgl di blruhlesl òssopetl wblh sbl sew hdtbohn fut werg eiilktodh irdg tblpeor. Pbly epprdekbl`, eh` lekb nevl Effy e rdfust bun, eccdwohn Kcehky

td splh` e gdglht esslssohn tblg. Effy‟s gdg wes ektueccy e cottcl tecclrtbeh blr èunbtlr, eh` vlry ogprlssovl cddjohn. [bl be` vlry frde`sbduc`lrs eh` e sufstehtoec kblst, wbokb herrdwl` td scog bops eh`rlgerjefcy cdhn clns. Blr beor wes shdw wbotl, eh` blr fcul lyls wlrlhlercy o`lhtokec td Effy‟s. Blr aew wes lvlh strdhnlr, eh` blr lyls wlrl slt`llplr, novohn blr e vlry ohtlht, idkusl` cddj. Pblrl wes hd gostejohn tbettbos wdgeh wes Effy‟s gdtblr, fut tblrl wes ecsd sdgltbohn vlryòssogocer efdut tblg.

Pejohn e cdhn cddj et Effy‟s ietblr, bdwlvlr, sheppl` tbl puzzcl polkls ohtdpcekl. Bl wes et clest iovl ohkbls sbdrtlr tbeh bos woil, eh` wbet cottcl beor

bl be` wes krdppl` sd sbdrt ot cddjl` cojl socvlr plekb iuzz. Bos lyls wlrlecsd fcul, fut o`h‟t bevl tbl vovo` sperjcl di bos kboc`‟s. Pbl rlec sogocerotyfltwllh bog eh` bos diisprohn wes oh tblor fd`y stycls. Effy cddjl` cojl esconbtcy tecclr, osteii vlrsodh di blr ietblr1 wotb liohl`, fut hdt dvlrcy frde`sbduc`lrs: e cdhn, cleh iregl: eh` slrvoklefcl, fut hdt fucjyguskuceturl. Bl cddjl` cojl eh etbcltl, e swogglr plrbeps ‛ cojl bosèunbtlr. Pblor sjoh tdhls wlrl sogocer, tdd ‛ wotb tbl geh‟s sjoh flerohneh lvlh teh tbet ge`l bog eppler blectby eh` vofreht.



00<

–Gdg, @e`,‗ Effy seo`, –tbos os Kcehky D‟Kdhhdr … gy …‗ [bl peusl` eh`nevl Kcehky eh e`drefcy puzzcl` cddj. –Norcirolh`4‗ sbl iohosbl`tlhtetovlcy.

–Hdt fe`,‗ Kcehky seo`, rlturhohn tbl sgocl.

[bl lxtlh`l` blr beh`, eh` tbl dc`lr wdgeh seo`, –Lcozefltb Pu`dr. Eh`tbos os gy busfeh`, ]bocop.‗

–Ot‟s ndd` td gllt ydu, Gr. eh` Grs. Pu`dr,‗ Kcehky flneh, fut Lcozefltbwevl` dii blr ettlgpt et idrgecoty.

–Lcozefltb eh` ]bocop, pclesl, Kcehky.‗

–^occ `d,‗ sbl seo`. –Bdw wes ydur iconbt4‗

–Pbl segl es ecc di tblg,‗ Lcozefltb seo`. –Icyohn os tbl dhcy togl oh gy coiltbet O bdpl td fl fdrl`.‗

–O‟g nce` ydu wlrl fdrl`,‗ Effy seo`, novohn blr gdtblr e werg bun. –Orleccy gossl` ydu fdtb tbos sugglr.‗

–_du kduc`h‟t bevl fllh tdd cdhlcy,‗ Lcozefltb seo`. –Pbos os tbl dhcysugglr ydu bevlh‟t kdgl td vosot.‗

–Db, O gossl` ydu,‗ Effy ohsostl`. –O aust wehtl` ydu td kdgl bdgl sddhlr.‗

–^lcc, wl‟rl blrl hdw. _du‟cc bevl td kdgl idr twokl es cdhn hlxtsugglr. Bevl ydu lvlr fllh td Geohl, Kcehky4‗ Lcozefltb esjl`.

–Hd, O hlvlr bevl. O‟vl ecweys wehtl` td nd, tbdunb.‗

–^l‟rl tblrl irdg Eproc td Dktdflr. _du eh` Effy erl wlckdgl et ehy togl.‗

Pbos os hdt ndohn beci fe`, Kcehky rlessurl` blrslci es sbl sgocl` et tbl

dc`lr wdgeh. Hdt fe` et ecc.

***

^blh tbly hlerl` tbl ker, ]bocop nevl Effy e cddj eh` esjl`, –^blh o` ydunlt tbos, bdhly4‗

–Efdut eh bdur end,‗ sbl seo`, pdppohn tbl cdkjs dh tbl Glrkl`ls [\Y. –Ot‟s



009

Geroe‟s. O ndt e hlw ker, fut ot dhcy slets twd kdgidrtefcy.‗ Et blr ietblr‟sreosl` lylfrdw, sbl seo`, –Go`coil krosos, @e`. E bdt ker eh` e yduhnlrwdgeh.‗

–O bevlh‟t sllh tbl ker,‗ bl seo`, –fut ydu ò` prltty wlcc oh tbl yduhnlr

wdgeh lpertglht.‗

Kcehky fcusbl` uh`lr tbl wlonbt di bos tlesohn, gejohn blr ecc tbl gdrle`drefcl.

–Pbl ker‟s hdt beci es kutl,‗ Effy essurl` bog, gejohn lvlh tbl tops diKcehky‟s lers kdcdr.

***

^blh tbly errovl` et tblor bdgl, tbl Pu`drs clt dut twoh sonbs di rlcoli. –O

goss ]ese`lhe wblh wl‟rl oh Geohl, eh` O goss Geohl wblh wl‟rl oh]ese`lhe,‗ Lcozefltb seo`. –Gy twd ievdrotl pcekls dh lertb.‗ E sgocohn,rdtuh`, fcekj wdgeh dplhl` tbl irdht `ddr, eh` fdtb glgflrs di tbl dc`lrkdupcl nrlltl` blr wergcy. –Irehkls! Hdw O jhdw O‟g bdgl!‗ Lcozefltbkrol` es sbl wreppl` blr ergs erduh` tbl wdgeh.

–Es usuec, Irehkls,‗ Effy seo` `rycy, –ydur nrlltohn wes gdrl lhtbusoestoktbeh gohl.‗

–O kddj flttlr tbeh ydu `d,‗ tbl wdgeh seo`, novohn Effy e bun.

–Kcehky,‗ Effy seo`, –tbos os Irehkls Eègs, tbl dhcy wdgeh wbd keh nltewey wotb sceppohn gy futt.‗

Kcehky jhlw tbet wesh‟t trul, fut sbl `lko`l` tbos wesh‟t tbl togl tdernul. –Bo,‗ sbl seo`, lxtlhòhn blr beh`. –O‟g Kcehky D‟Kdhhdr.‗

–^lckdgl,‗ Irehkls seo`, novohn blr e irolh`cy sgocl. [bl kbukjcl` eh`seo`, –Costlh td gl! O sduh` cojl O covl blrl!‗

@lkoòhn td ohquorl efdut tbl covohn errehnlglhts et e cetlr togl, Kcehky aust rlturhl` blr sgocl eh` wecjl` ohtd tbl lhtrywey.

Pbl bdusl wes e vlry cernl, [pehosb-ohiculhkl`, twd-stdry stukkd bdgl ‛ prdfefcy fuoct oh tbl 5?6=‟s, fy Kcehky‟s lstogetl. Pbos slktodh di]ese`lhe, kcdsl td tbl Kec Plkb kegpus, wes lvlcdpl` et erduh` tbet togl ‛ wblh ]ese`lhe wes flkdgohn tbl e``rlss idr wlectby fusohlssglh ehèttdrhlys wbd trevlcl` ohtd Cds Ehnlcls lvlry èy.

–_dur bdgl os iehtestok,‗ Kcehky seo`, cddjohn erduh` et tbl cernl, eory,



00>

wlcc-ceo`-dut rddgs. –Bevl ydu covl` blrl cdhn4‗

–Hdt oh tbl skblgl di tbohns,‗ ]bocop seo`. –Fut prdfefcy e cdhn togl oh ydurvolw. ^l gdvl` blrl oh 5?>2.‗

–_leb, aust wblh tbly ndt ro` di gl,‗ Effy seo`. –Pbly weotl` uhtoc O weslhnenl` td nlt tbl kddc bdusl.‗

–Effy nrlw up oh e plrilktcy `lklht bdusl wotboh wecjohn òstehkl di blrskbddc,‗ Lcozefltb ohidrgl` Kcehky. –@dh‟t iecc idr tbet ‒pddr gl‟ rdutohl.‗

–Pbet‟s trul,‗ Effy seo`, –fut tbos pcekl os e cdt hoklr tbeh dur dc` bdusl.‗

–^l be` sufstehtoeccy gdrl gdhly wblh wl fdunbt tbos,‗ Lcozefltb

seo`. –Pbdsl twd tbohns nd beh` oh beh`. Flso`ls, ydu gdvl` ohtd e bdusltbet gdst pldpcl dhcy `rleg efdut wblh ydu sbduc` bevl stocc fllh ohkdcclnl. Gdst norcs erlh‟t novlh e bdusl cojl tbet, erl tbly Kcehky4‗

–O‟g ecgdst tborty eh` covohn oh e sgecc epertglht oh [dutb ]es,‗ sble`gottl`. –Gy dhcy rlec iurhoturl os e iutdh. [d, hd, O‟` sey Effy‟slxplrolhkl osh‟t kdggdh.‗

–E iutdh4‗ ]bocop esjl`, kdkjohn bos ble`.

–_ls,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Ot‟s tbl wdrc`‟s gdst uhkdgidrtefcl kdukb. Ots flst

ileturl os tbet ot idc`s dut ohtd tbl wdrc`‟s gdst uhkdgidrtefcl fl`. Ot novls ydu twd polkls di iurhoturl oh dhl ‛ fut ydu `dh‟t weht td usl lotblr dhl di‒lg.‗

–Ot‟s hdt tbet fe`,‗ Effy seo`. "O wes dhcy oh trektodh idr e ilw èys eitlr Osclpt dh ot idr tbl iorst togl." Lcozefltb reosl` eh lylfrdw oh blr èunbtlr‟sòrlktodh eh` tbl yduhnlr wdgeh seo`, –Bly, O‟g idrty-iovl. Gy iutdh èyserl dvlr.‗

–_dur iutdh èys hlvlr stertl`,‗ Kcehky rlgoh`l` blr.

Ogpucsovlcy, Lcozefltb put blr erg erduh` Kcehky‟s sbduc`lrs eh` nevl blre squllzl. –O cojl ydu,‗ sbl seo`, sgocohn wergcy. –_du dh‟t clt gy norc nltewey wotb tdd gukb.‗

–[bl `dlsh‟t clt gl nlt ewey wotb ehytbohn,‗ Effy kdrrlktl`. –Eh` tbet‟s aust bdw O cojl ot.‗

***



002

Ot turhl` dut tbet Effy be` ohblrotl` blr refo` ohtlrlst oh ner`lhohn irdgblr ietblr, eh` eitlr tbly ecc set oh tbl fronbt covohn rddg eh` lhadyl` e ncessdi okl` tle, bl tddj Kcehky dh e tdur.

Pbl Pu`dr wdglh rlgeohl` oh tbl conbt, eory covohn rddg, kbettohn efduthdtbohn oh pertokucer idr e ilw gohutls. Eitlr e wbocl, Lcozefltb cddjl` et blrèunbtlr eh` seo`, –Erl ydu surl sbl's tlccohn tbl trutb efdut blr enl4 [blcddjs cojl sbl's stocc oh skbddc!"

"^lcc, O bevlh't kblkjl` blr coklhsl, fut O tbohj sbl's tlccohn tbl trutb," Effyseo`. "Fut sbl `dls cddj yduhn, `dlsh't sbl4"

"_ls! [bl's ndohn td cdvl tbet oh e ilw ylers, fut sbl prdfefcy osh't vlry idh`di ot ronbt hdw."

–_leb, O tbohj sbl'` cojl td cddj e cottcl dc`lr tbeh tborty. O tbohj pldpcl tbohjsbl's gy èunbtlr."

"_du keh't kerl wbet pldpcl tbohj, bdhly. _du bevl td covl ydur coil eh` `dwbet ydu jhdw os ronbt." [bl kdkjl` blr ble`. "Os sbl ronbt idr ydu4"

"_ls," Effy seo` lgpbetokeccy. "[bl's plrilkt idr gl. [bl's vlry kboc`-cojleh` pceyiuc, fut oh sdgl weys sbl's gdrl geturl tbeh O eg. [bl besh‟t be`tbl pegplrl` coil O‟vl be`, Gdg. [bl's be` td wdrj idr lvlrytbohn sbl bes,eh` tbet's ge`l blr strdhn eh` kdhio`lht."

"[bl sllgs kdhio`lht," Lcozefltb enrll`. "Eh` sbl cddjs et ydu cojl sblwehts td put ydu oh blr pdkjlt eh` kerry ydu erduh`."

Effy sgocl`. "[bl's prdtlktovl di gl, fut sbl dlsh't sgdtblr gl. [bl rleccyuh`lrsteh`s bdw td trlet gl. Eh` O'g sd krezy efdut blr …" [bl sbddj blrble`. "Ot's ektueccy lgferressohn."

–O bevlh‟t sllh tbet sperjcl oh ydur lyls oh iovl ylers hdw. Oi tbet yduhnwdgeh os tbl dhl wbd put ot fekj, O sey ndd` idr ydu fdtb.‗

Effy wes sottohn ekrdss tbl rddg, fut sbl ndt up eh` adohl` blr gdtblr dh

tbl sdie. Nrespohn blr beh`, sbl strdjl` tbl sdit, wrohjcl` sjoh eh` seo`,–[bl gejls gl ohkrlòfcy beppy, Gdg. O tbdunbt … wlcc, O tbdunbt tbetpert di gy coil wes dvlr. O tbdunbt O‟` bevl td covl wotbdut wbet ôcc eh` Obe`. Ot‟s sukb e wdh`lriuc noit td illc tbet sperj … tbet iorl eneoh.‗

Lcozefltb wreppl` Effy oh blr ergs eh` wbosplrl`, –O‟g beppy idr ydu,swlltblert. Pbl cest iovl ylers bevl fllh tbl ber`lst dhls di gy coil.‗ [blpuccl` ewey eh` wopl` et blr lyls wotb tbl fekj di blr beh`. –Ot‟s bdrrofcl



00?

td sll ydur kboc` oh sd gukb peoh, td sll tbl ady ydu usl` td bevl idr coil austie`l irdg ydur lyls.‗ [bl sbddj blr ble` rdunbcy eh` seo`, –Ot‟s fllhbdrro`.‗ Frusbohn tbl beor irdg Effy‟s idrlble` sbl kdkjl` blr ble` ehèsjl`, –Bes ot fllh ber` idr ydu td … dplh ydurslci up eneoh4 O jhdw bdwgukb ydu cdvl` occ, swlltol. Bevl ydu fllh efcl td cdvl Kcehky tbet wey4‗

[trunncohn wotb blr dwh tlers, Effy hd``l`. –O bevl.‗ ôtb e tlh`lr,beci-sgocl dh blr iekl, sbl seo`, –O dh‟t jhdw wbet ot os efdut blr, fut wl‟vlfllh vlry dplh wotb lekb dtblr irdg tbl stert. Ot‟s sd òiilrlht,‗ sblgusl`. –Oh e wey, geyfl tbet‟s wby ot‟s lesolr. Ot‟s hdtbohn cojl ot wes wotbôcc ‛ tbos os e tdteccy hlw lxplrolhkl.‗

–Eh` ydu lhady … wbet ydu `d tdnltblr4‗ Lcozefltb esjl`, wotb dhcy e tohyfot di blsotetodh oh blr vdokl.

–_ls,‗ Effy seo` ogglòetlcy. –Ylry gukb sd. Ot‟s ber` td `lskrofl, Gdg.Oh e wey, ot‟s cojl ot wes wotb ôcc. O gleh, O illc `lsorl` eh` cdvl` eh`wehtl` wotb Kcehky, eh` tbet‟s bdw O ilct wotb ôcc. Fut tbl wey wl rlekbtbdsl illcohns os tdteccy òiilrlht. O gust fl foslxuec, flkeusl tblrl‟s ewbdcl hlw so`l di gl tbet Kcehky rlekbls. Pbl pert di gl tbet ôcc tdukblòs stocc bos, eh` O rleccy cojl tbl iekt tbet ot ecweys wocc fl. ^bet O bevl wotbKcehky os blrs ecdhl. O ò`h‟t jhdw O be` tbos so`l td gyslci, eh` lvlh oi Obe`, O wduc`h‟t bevl wehtl` td lxpcdrl ot wbocl ôcc wes ecovl. Fut O‟g nce`tbet O‟g lxpcdrohn ot hdw. Eh` O‟g vlry nce` tbet Kcehky‟s tbl dhl wbd‟ssbdwohn gl bdw td lxprlss ot. O cdvl blr, Gdg, eh` O‟g ndohn td d gy flsttd fl wotb blr tbl rlst di gy coil.‗

–O bdpl tbet‟s trul,‗ Lcozefltb sonbl`. –O bdpl ydu bevl e cdhn, cdvohn coiltdnltblr.‗ [bl puccl` ewey eh` pcekl` nlhtcl jossls updh lekb di blrkboc`‟s lylco`s. –Idrnovl gl idr wosbohn tbos, fut oi tbos rlcetodhsbop os tblronbt dhl idr ydu, O bdpl tbet ydu ol flidrl sbl `dls. O hlvlr, lvlr weht ydutd bevl td nd tbrdunb tbl peoh di tbet cdss eneoh.‗ [bl blc` blr èunbtlrtonbt eh` sddh fdtb wlrl kryohn sditcy, sberohn dhkl eneoh tbl blertekbltbet wes stocc sd rew, lvlh eitlr iovl cdhn ylers.

Pbly shunncl` tdnltblr idr e ilw gohutls, e rerl fut kdgidrtohn dkkurrlhkl.–Bdw bes gy ievdrotl nreh`sdh tejlh tbl hlws4‗ Lcozefltb esjl`.

Effy fclw dut e frletb. –Bl kegl tbrdunb idr gl,‗ sbl seo`. –Aust cojl O‟`bdpl` bl wduc`.‗

Lcozefltb kdkjl` blr ble`. –Erl ydu surl bl osh‟t boòhn bos rlec illcohns4‗

Effy tddj tbl qulstodh et iekl vecul, jhdwohn blr gdtblr ò`h‟t bevl e



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bo``lh enlhè. –Hd, O keh‟t fl surl. _du jhdw bdw Prlvdr os,‗ sbl e`gottl`.–Fut bl tdc` gl ot wes tdd sddh td bevl Kcehky gdvl oh dr stey dvlrhonbt, sdO tbohj O‟g nlttohn tbl trutb dut di bog.‗

Lcozefltb‟s lyls nrlw wo`l. –Pbet gust bevl fllh eh ohtlrlstohn

kdhvlrsetodh.‗

Effy ceunbl`. –O‟vl be` e cdt di ohtlrlstohn kdhvlrsetodhs cetlcy, eh` O tbohjO‟` retblr bevl fdrohn dhls!‗

***

Kcehky wes quokjcy et lesl wotb ]bocop, eh` sbl wes sddh oh blr lclglht,lxkceogohn dvlr tbl slc`dg-sllh pcehts wotb wbokb bl be` `dttl` bos yer`. Ot flkegl kcler tbet Effy gorrdrl` bos stycl, wotb Kcehky hdtohn tbl auòkodus usl di sbdwy pcehts ‛ sbe`ls di nrllh eh` blonbt veroetodhs flohn

bos geoh ndec. [bl ecweys ilct tbet lyl-pdppohn pcehts sbduc` flbonbconbtl`, eh` sbl lxprlssl` blr kdgpcltl epprdvec di ]bocop‟s kbdokl dicdketodhs idr sdgl di tbl fronbtlst dhls.

–Ot‟s ecweys egezl` gl bdw ilw pldpcl gejl usl di dur rlgerjefcl nrdwohnslesdh eh` kcogetl,‗ bl seo` tbdunbtiuccy. –\p oh Geohl pldpcl scevl dvlrtblor ceh` ‛ wdrjohn up uhtoc tbl shdw os tdd bonb td we`l tbrdunb ‛ aust tdbevl e sbdw idr idur gdhtbs dr sd.‗

–Erl ydu irdg Geohl, tdd4‗

–Db, hd! O‟g e tbor` nlhlretodh Kecoidrhoeh,‗ bl seo` prdu`cy. –Gynrehìetblr gdvl` blrl irdg Kbokend, hdt cdhn eitlr tbly stertl` slttcohntbl pcekl. Gy nreh`gdtblr suiilrl` irdg estbge, eh` fekj tblh lvlrydhlflcolvl` tbet tbl `ry eor wduc` kurl gdst ehytbohn.‗ Bl sgocl` et Kcehkyeh` seo`, –Pbos os dhl di tbl wdrst pcekls oh tbl kduhtry hdw idr pldpcl wotbrlsporetdry prdfclgs. Pdd gukb di e ndd` tbohn, O nulss.‗ Pbly wecjlècdhn, Kcehky gejohn hdtl di lekb otlg di ohtlrlst. –^bet efdut ydu4 Erl ydu e cdkec norc4‗

–]rltty gukb,‗ sbl seo`. –O nrlw up oh [olrre Ge`rl. Gy perlhts stocc covltblrl. Dh gy gdg‟s so`l, blr ietblr kegl tbrdunb Kecoidrhoe wblh bl wes

oh tbl wer, eh` bl vdwl` bl‟` gdvl blrl. ^lht fekj td Gokboneh, gerrol`gy nreh`gdtblr, eh` tddj dii. Pbly slttcl` oh [olrre Ge`rl, eh` bl ndt e adf et tbl querry oh Orwohècl. Ber` wdrj,‗ sbl seo`, sbejohn blr ble`. –Eilw ylers end bl òl` di e kbrdhok rlsporetdry òslesl. ^botl cuhn,‗ sble``l`. –Pdd gukb ùst.‗

–^bet efdut ydur ietblr‟s pldpcl4‗ ]bocop esjl`, iohòhn bogslci tbdrdunbcykbergl` fy tbl tbdunbtiuc yduhn wdgeh.



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–Pbl D‟Kdhhdr‟s bevl fllh oh Kecoidrhoe idr ylers eh` ylers. Gynrehìetblr gdvl` `dwh irdg [eh Irehkoskd, ecsd hdt cdhn eitlr tblwer. Bl wes e pdcokl diioklr oh tbl CE]@, fut wes sbdt eh` susteohl` eplrgehlht ohaury eh` be` td rltorl. Bl eh` gy nreh`gdtblr gdvl` up td

Kukegdhne, eh` bl ndt e adf es e slkuroty nuer`. Pbly fdtb ol` wblh Owes sgecc: O ò`h‟t jhdw lotblr di tblg wlcc.‗

]bocop cddjl` et blr sygpetbltokeccy. –ês ydur nrehìetblr sbdt oh tbl cohldi ùty4‗

Blr nrey lyls èhkl` glrrocy eh` sbl cdwlrl` blr vdokl, clehohn ohkcdsl. –Pbos os e iegocy slkrlt, fut O‟cc clt ydu oh dh ot. Bl eh` bos perthlrwlrl oh e fer eitlr wdrj, eh` O‟g nulssohn tbly wlrl prltty wlcckrdkjl`. Pbly ndt ohtd e ionbt, wbokb O‟g tdc` wesh‟t e rerl dkkurrlhkl,‗ sblseo`, –eh` bos perthlr tddj dut e stesbl` wlepdh eh` tbrletlhl` gy

nrehìetblr wotb ot. Pbly wduh` up dut oh tbl eccly, eh` tbly wrlstcl`, eh`sdglbdw tbl nuh wlht dii eh` ndt gy pddr nregpe ronbt oh tbl jhll.‗

–Db, gy!‗ ]bocop nespl`.

–_leb,‗ Kcehky enrll` sbejohn blr ble`. –Ot wes e posslr. Fut bl wesh‟ttbl joh` di nuy td ret dut e ilccdw kdp, lvlh tbdunb tbl dtblr nuy ò` sbddtbog. Pbly ge`l up sdgl stdry efdut ketkbohn sdgldhl wbd wes tryohn tdfrlej ohtd tbl fer. Ot wdrjl` dut ecc ronbt,‗ sbl sbrunnl`. –Gy nregpe ndte sgecc òsefocoty kblkj irdg tbl `lpertglht, eh` tbet pcus bos slkurotynuer` adf peo` bog efdut tbl segl. Eh` gy nregge cojl` ot flttlr flkeusl

bl ò`h‟t bevl td rosj bos coil dh e èocy fesos.‗

–Dr wdrj wotb e perthlr,‗ ]bocop seo`, nrohhohn.

–Dr wdrj wotb e perthlr,‗ Kcehky enrll`, nrekohn bog wotb dhl di blr flstsgocls.

***

Eitlr tbl tdur, tbly swotkbl` dii ‛ wotb Lcozefltb diilrohn e icogsy lxkuslefdut novohn Kcehky e tdur di tbl bdusl. Fdtb yduhnlr wdglh jhlw ot wes

sd ]bocop kduc` bevl sdgl togl ecdhl wotb bos èunbtlr, fut tbly pceylècdhn wotbdut kdgpceoht.

Ietblr eh` èunbtlr set dut oh tbl sbe`y so`l yer`, Effy lhvoduscy lylohntbl sgecc steh` di coceks hlerfy. –O aust keh‟t nlt coceks td nrdw dh gy so`l ditdwh. _dur cottcl gokrdkcogetl os gukb gdrl bdspotefcl.‗

–Dhl ndd` rlesdh td kdgl vosot,‗ bl seo`. Kdkjohn bos ble`, bos sgocl



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nrdwohn wo`lr, ]bocop seo`, –_du jhdw, Effy, oi O wlrl tborty ylers yduhnlr,tbet Kcehky wduc` fl aust gy typl.‗

[bl nrohhl` et bog eh` seo`, –_du‟` hll` td cdsl tborty ylers eh` sdglogpdrteht lquopglht, @e`. [bl‟s hdt es dplh goh`l` es O eg efdut ndohn

irdg dhl so`l td tbl dtblr.‗

Bl pettl` blr nlhtcy eh` kbukjcl`, seyohn, –O tbohj O‟cc stokj wotb ydurgdtblr, tblh.‗

–O‟g nce` ydu cojl blr, @e`,‗ sbl seo`, novohn bog e quokj bun. –O jhlw yduwduc`.‗

–O `d cojl blr, eh` O bdpl ydu jhdw tbet O `dh‟t bevl hlnetovl illcohns efduttbl ney coilstycl.‗ Bl cddjl` et blr kcdslcy eh` seo`, –Bevohn [tlpblh eh`]eg eh` Geroe oh dur covls bes rleccy idrkl` gl td cdsl tbl soccy cottcl

prlauòkls O be` flidrl O jhlw ehy ney pldpcl.‗

[bl cddjl` et bog, e irdwh slttcohn dh blr idrlble`. –^blrl erl ydu ndohnwotb tbos, @e`4 O slhsl e ‒fut‟ kdgohn dh.‗

–Pblrl os dhl,‗ bl seo`, `rdppohn bos ble` e cottcl. –O aust weht ydu td jhdwtbet O‟g hdt seyohn tbos flkeusl di Kcehky, hdr flkeusl sbl‟s ewdgeh. Eh` di kdursl, O keh ber`cy gejl e kdgglht efdut tbl enlòiilrlhkl.‗

–\b-bub,‗ sbl seo`. –Nlt dh wotb ot, @e`. _du‟rl hdt ndd` et fletohn erduh`

tbl fusb.‗

–O `dh‟t tbohj ydu eh` Kcehky sbduc` fl tdnltblr,‗ bl seo`. –_dur gdtblreh` O `dh‟t enrll efdut tbos, fut O illc strdhncy efdut ot.‗

–O bler` tbet irdg Beycly," sbl seo`, herrdwohn blr lyls et bog.

"Vonbt." Bl ndt up eh` sbdvl` bos beh`s ohtd bos pdkjlts, stehòhn up e cottclstreonbtlr. "Pbet wes e gostejl," bl e`gottl`. "[bl wes tecjohn efdut bdwgukb sbl betl` tbl errehnlglht eh` O iduh` gyslci enrllohn wotb blr. FutO sbduc`h't bevl `dhl tbet. O'g sdrry."

"Pbet's ecc ronbt, @e`. O essugl ydu ò`h't `d ot td uh`lrgohl gl. Fut ot'sfllh ber` lhdunb wotbdut blr tbohjohn sbl's ndt ydu dh blr so`l."

"[bl `dls," bl seo`, bdcòhn up bos beh`s td stdp bos èunbtlr‟s irdgkdgglhtohn iurtblr. "O enrll wotb blr kdgpcltlcy."

"Fut wby4"



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"Pbl jo`s bevl fllh tbrdunb lhdunb," bl seo`. "Cdsohn tblor ietblr et sukb e yduhn enl wes lhdunb treuge! _du'rl gejohn e bunl gostejl fy `dohnsdgltbohn cojl tbos."

"Cojl wbet4" sbl esjl`, nlttohn gdrl irustretl` fy tbl gdglht.

"Cojl nlttohn ohtd e rlcetodhsbop wotb e wdgeh! Hdt td glhtodh bdw yduhnsbl os! Pbos os tdd ier dutso`l di tbl hdrg."

"Fut ydu'rl hdt ehtendhostok td ney pldpcl," sbl seo` icetcy. "Aust Kcehky."

"Bdhly," bl seo`, "ydu'rl hdt ney. ^by wduc` ydu kbddsl td covl tbos weywblh ydu keh fl beppy wotb e geh4 Ot‟` fl sd gukb lesolr idr tbl jo`s."

"Ot wduc` fl lesolr idr tbl jo`s oi occ wlrl stocc blrl," Effy seo`. "Hdtbohn fut

cdsohn gl wocc lvlr fl es treugetok idr tblg."

"O jhdw tbet, Effy, fut ydu bevl td tbohj efdut tblg iorst. _du bevl td put ydur dwh hll`s eso`l eh` idkus dh tblg."

[bl stdd` efruptcy eh` ncerl` et bog. –_du‟rl tlccohn gl tbos4 Eitlrtwlhty-iovl ylers, ydu tbohj ydu bevl td tlcc gl tbet O bevl td gejl sekroioklsidr tblg4 ^bet `d ydu tbohj O‟vl fllh `dohn ecc tbos togl4 Ohùcnohngyslci4‗

Bl cddjl` up et blr, bos iekl peohl`. –Effy, pclesl sot `dwh. ^l keh‟t

òskuss tbos oi ydu‟rl ehnry.‗

–@eghl` ronbt O‟g ehnry!‗ [bl steyl` dh blr illt, uhefcl td gejl blrslciclt nd di blr ohònhetodh. –O‟vl ndt eh lonbtllh-yler-dc` jo` gejohn `lgeh`sdh gl, eh` hdw gy lonbty-yler-dc` ietblr os soòhn wotb blr! Blcc, yls, O‟gehnry!‗

–O‟g hdt soòhn wotb blr,‗ bl seo` `lilhsovlcy.

–Di kdursl ydu erl! _du‟rl tlccohn gl td frlej up wotb Kcehky, erlh‟t ydu4‗

Bl sonbl` eh` ndt td bos illt. ]cekohn bos beh`s dh blr sbduc`lrs blnroppl` tblg conbtcy eh` seo`, –O `dh‟t weht td so`l wotb blr. O‟g dh fdtb di ydur so`ls. O aust … O aust dh‟t weht td sll tbos fcdw up oh ydur iekl. [bl‟s ydur kboc`, Effy, eh` cdsohn tbl kcdsl rlcetodhsbop ydu bevl wotb blr wduc`fl tehtegduht td cdsohn ôcc eneoh! O `dh‟t weht td sll ydu rosj tbet.‗

[bl hd``l`, blr ehnlr yohn dwh td e pdoht wblrl sbl wes efcl td costlh td



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bog gdrl ettlhtovlcy. –O `dh‟t weht td rosj tbet lotblr, @e`, fut clttohn blrtlcc gl bdw td covl gy coil osh‟t tbl wey td fl kcdsl wotb blr. O‟g woccohn …blcc, O‟g lenlr td wdrj td nlt pest tbos, fut sbl eègehtcy rliusls. O keh‟tnovl up sdgltbohn tbet‟s sd ogpdrteht td gl, aust flkeusl gy jo` ostbrdwohn e tehtrug!‗

–[bl os stocc e jo`, Effy. O sew tbet sd kclercy wblh sbl wes wotb us tbossugglr. [bl cddjs cojl eh eùct, fut tblrl‟s stocc e yduhn, strunncohn norcflboh` tbet ieîe`l.‗

–O jhdw tbet, @e`, O rleccy `d.‗ [bl clt bog wrep blr oh e bun, rlstohn blrble` dh bos sbduc`lr idr kdgidrt. –O cdvl gy kboc`rlh gdrl tbeh gy dwhcoil, fut O keh‟t ohùcnl blr. [bl‟s wlckdgl td lxprlss bdw sbl illcs et ehytogl, eh` O‟cc d gy flst td gejl tbos lesolr dh blr, fut O‟g hdt ndohn td novlKcehky up. Beycly‟s ndhl hdw: O‟g surl sbl‟cc hlvlr covl oh gy bdusleneoh. O‟g tryohn td clt blr covl blr coil, eh` sbl‟s ndt td clerh td d tbl segl

idr gl.‗

Bl puccl` ewey eh` cddjl` et blr idr e ilw gdglhts. –O `dh‟t jhdw wby ydu‟rl flohn sd eègeht efdut tbos, fut ot‟s hdt cojl ydu. O tbohj ydu‟rlclttohn ydur `lsorl idr Kcehky nlt oh tbl wey di tbohjohn streonbt.‗

Effy‟s kboh auttl` dut eh` sbl herrdwl` blr lyls. –Pbos os cojl gl, @e`. Pbosos tbl pert di gl O‟vl sufglrnl` idr tbl cest twlhty-iovl ylers. _ls, O‟g stocc egdg, fut O dh‟t bevl td novl up tbl tbohns tbet gettlr td gl td jllp gy jo`sbeppy. Pbly‟rl eùcts hdw, eh` tbly bevl td clerh td `lec wotbòseppdohtglhts eh` osenrllglhts. Novohn oh hdw wduc` aust sbdw Beycly

tbet oi sbl tbrdws e fon lhdunb iot, sbl keh nlt wbet sbl wehts. O‟g tdd nddè gdtblr td `d tbet td blr.‗

–O òsenrll, bdhly, fut O keh sll tbet ydu‟rl hdt ndohn td costlh td gl. O austbdpl tbos `dlsh‟t fcdw up oh ydur iekl. Dr Beycly‟s.‗

***

Prul td Effy‟s prlòktodh, Kcehky be` hd o`le tbet ]bocop wes eneohst tblorpeorohn, eh` wblh Effy rlvlecl` tbl kdhtlht di tblor kdhvlrsetodh dh tbl`rovl bdgl, Kcehky wes icddrl`. –Fut bl sllgl` sd wlckdgohn eh`

irolh`cy. Cojl bl rleccy cojl` gl!‗

–Bl `dls,‗ Effy seo`. –Bl seo` oi bl wlrl tborty ylers yduhnlr, bl‟` gejl epcey idr ydu bogslci.‗

Kcehky nepl` et tbet, tbl tbdunbt kdhiusohn blr ecc tbl gdrl. –Pblh wby…4‗



0<<

–Bl‟s wdrrol` efdut gy rlcetodhsbop wotb Beycly. Bl sllgs td tbohj tbetsbl‟s stocc eh ogprlssodhefcl jo`, eh` tbet O bevl td novl oh td blr `lgeh`s aust td gejl blr beppy.‗ [bl sbddj blr ble` eh` seo`, –O betl ot wblh blnlts ohvdcvl` oh lgdtodhec ossuls. Bos lhnohllrohn goh` aust wehts tdlcogohetl tbl stetok ‛ iox tbl fun ‛ wbetlvlr bl hll`s td `d td gejl tbohns

ruh sgddtbcy eneoh.‗

–[d ot‟s rleccy hdt gl4‗ sbl esjl`, blr hdrgec kdhio`lhkl lhtorlcy efslht.

–Hd, di kdursl hdt. Bl cojl` ydu e cdt. Eh` gy gdtblr os woc` efdut ydu. [bl seo` sbl bdpls wl‟rl tdnltblr uhtoc `letb perts us.‗

–Pbet idccdws ecdhn wotb gy tbohjohn,‗ Kcehky seo` sditcy, pcekohn blr beh`dh Effy‟s tbonb. –O‟g pcehhohn dh klclfretohn et clest e ndc`lh ehhovlrserywotb ydu.‗

–Pbet‟s e cottcl dptogostok,‗ Effy seo`, sgocohn se`cy.

–Hd, ot‟s hdt,‗ Kcehky ohsostl`. –O‟cc prdtlkt ydu eh` wetkb dvlr ydu ecc tblèys di ydur cdhn, cdhn, coil, Effy. O prdgosl tbet.‗

–O prdgosl tbl segl,‗ Effy sonbl`, coitohn Kcehky‟s beh` td joss tbl sgddtbsjoh. –O cddj idrwer` td bevohn ydu ronbt fy gy so`l, wlcc ohtd gy `dtenl.‗

–O‟cc `dtl dh ydu ohtd ydur `dtenl,‗ Kcehky e``l`, novohn Effy e sgocl tbetkdhvlyl` lvlry fot di blr cdvl.

***

]ert Pwlhty-slvlh

Eitlr kburkb dh [uhèy, Effy `rdvl fy td pokj Kcehky up idr tblor pcehhl`sbdppohn lxkursodh. Pbl nece wesh‟t idr twd gdrl wlljs, fut Kcehky wehtl`td fuy sdgltbohn flidrl sbl kbehnl` blr goh` efdut ndohn. [bl weswlerohn kut dii alehs eh` e fronbt turqudosl Beweooeh sbort, wbocl Effyrlgeohl` oh blr dutiot irdg kburkb ‐ e sogpcl, uhstrukturl` ylccdw `rlsseh` e strew bet wotb e peor di suhicdwlrs tukjl` ohtd tbl betfeh`. Pbly

cddjl` gdrl cojl gdtblr eh` èunbtlr tbeh cdvlrs, fut Kcehky ò`h‟t goh`novohn pldpcl tbl wrdhn o le oh tbos ohstehkl. [bl hll`l` ecc tbl blcp sblkduc` nlt wblh ot kegl td pokjohn dut lvlhohnwler, eh` sbl wehtl` ekdgpcoeht, irolh`cy seclskclrj.

Pbly `lko`l` dh tbl nrdup di `lpertglht stdrls eh` glòug sozl`fdutoquls dh Cejl [trllt, eh` sohkl Kcehky be` fllh sbdppohn twokl oh tblprlvodus twd gdhtbs sbl wes stertohn td illc cojl eh dc` beh`.



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[tertohn et tbl cernlr stdrls, tbly splht hd gdrl tbeh iovl gohutls oh lekb,wotb Effy novohn tblor kdcclktodhs e quokj cddj flidrl cleòhn Kcehky dutdhkl eneoh. –^bet erl ydu cddjohn idr tbet hd dhl bes4‗ Kcehky esjl` essbl trol` td ketkb up td tbl cdhnlr stro`l di blr perthlr.

–Pbdsl wlrl tdd dc` idr gl,‗ Effy skdiil`. –_du hll` sdgltbohn tbet gejls ydu cddj cojl eh lclneht ydu, hdt cojl sdgldhl lcsl.‗

–^lcc, O nulss O‟g hdt ndhhe ernul wotb tbet,‗ Kcehky enrll`. –Fut geyfllclneht eh` gl aust `dh‟t nd tdnltblr.‗

–Hdhslhsl. _du‟rl lclneht lhdunb idr ehy twd wdglh. ^l aust bevl td iohè kcdtbohn cohl tbet rliclkts tbet.‗

Pblor hlxt stdp wes e sgecclr stdrl, wotb e vlry blcpiuc seclsplrsdh wbd

sllgl` td uh`lrsteh` tbl cddj tbly wlrl ndohn idr. [bl ektueccy prdùklè `rlss tbet wduc` bevl cddjl` iefucdus dh Kcehky, fut ot wduc` bevlrlvlecl` ecc di blr fekj eh` gdst di blr sbduc`lrs, eh` Effy òskrlltcyrlgoh`l` blr di blr gucto-kdcdr teh. –Pbos kduc` wdrj,‗ sbl wbosplrl`, –futwl‟` bevl td put sdgl slci -tehhohn cdtodh dh ecc di ydur pecl spdts.‗

–Hd, tbehjs,‗ Kcehky `lko`l`. –^l‟` hlvlr nlt ot ecc td getkb, eh` O `dh‟tweht td cddj cojl O aust bdppl` dii gy trektdr.‗

Pbehjohn tbl wdgeh idr blr togl, tbly stdppl` et tbl hlxt stdrl, eglòug-sozl` fdutoqul idr yduhn prdilssodhecs. Pblrl wes e sgecc slktodh

di `rlssolr ettorl, eh` oh gdglhts tbly iduh` tbl plrilkt dutiot1 e cdhn socj aekjlt wotb e Gehèroh kdccer, eh` getkbohn scekjs tbet iot cojl e ncdvl,sbdwohn dii Kcehky‟s wlcc-prdpdrtodhl` clns td plrilktodh. Pbl fekjnrduh`kdcdr di tbl socj wes hlercy eh lxekt getkb wotb Kcehky‟s heturec beor kdcdr,eh` tblrl wes e ieoht pettlrh td tbl iefrok tbet dhcy rlvlecl` otslci uh`lròrlkt conbt. Ot wes e kdgpclx, geturl cddj, eh` Effy wes liiusovl oh blrkdgpcoglhts. –Ot cddjs efsdcutlcy plrilkt dh ydu,‗ sbl nusbl`. –_du cddjlxektcy ydur enl, eh` vlry sdpbostoketl`. O‟g ndohn td `rovl ydu up td ydurperlhts‟ bdusl flidrl wl nd td tbl òhhlr. _dur gdg bes ndt td sll tbos!‗

–Pbos os dhl togl tbet O rlnrlt ydu‟rl e gdg,‗ Kcehky nrugfcl`. –^by `d eccgdgs cojl td sll pldpcl oh `rlss-up kcdtbls4‗

–Ot‟s pert di tbl nlhltok kd`l,‗ Effy `lko`l`. –_du keh‟t ionbt ot.‗

Kcehky ncehkl` et tbl ten dh tbl scllvl eh` ge`l e iekl. –^lcc, tbos wocc sltgl fekj beci e wllj‟s pey, fut O tbohj ot‟s wdrtb ot.‗



0<>

Effy cddjl` cojl sbl wes blsoteht td splej, fut ò` sd ehywey. –O ubg …wes ndohn td diilr td pey idr ydur kcdtbls. _du‟rl dhcy ndohn td tbos flkeusldi gl. O betl td sll ydu splh` ydur ber`-lerhl` gdhly dh sdgltbohn ydu‟ccdhcy wler dhkl.‗

–Pblh O nulss ydu‟cc aust bevl td esj gl dut eneoh,‗ sbl seo`, pettohn Effy‟skbllj. [bl scoppl` dut di tbl scekjs, eh` beh`l` tblg td blr perthlr tdbdc` wbocl sbl uhfuttdhl` tbl aekjlt.

–O gleh ot,‗ Effy seo` eneoh. –O‟` cojl td pey idr tbos.‗

Kcehky cddjl` et blr idr e gdglht, tblh trol` td lxpceoh blrslci. –O stertl`td nlt peo` td wdrj oh tbl icdwlr sbdp wblh O wes efdut twlcvl. O ò` tblsegl wdrj tbet eh lxtre lgpcdyll wduc` bevl dhl, sd gy gdg peo` gl tblsegl wenl. Irdg tbet togl dh, O‟vl peo` idr gy dwh kcdtbls, lhtlrteohglhteh` ohko`lhtecs. O stdppl` illcohn cojl e jo flkeusl O wes rlspdhsofcl idr

gyslci. Oi O clt ydu fuy gl kcdtbls ot‟cc gejl gl illc cojl e jo` eneoh, eh` O`dh‟t weht tbet wotb ydu ‐ lvlr. O dh‟t hdtokl dur enl oiilrlhkl vlry ditlh,fut oi ydu stert peyohn idr tbohns cojl tbos O‟g eireo` O‟g ndhhe illc ot. Clt‟shdt rosj tbet, djey4‗

Effy cddjl` et blr idr e cdhn togl, sllohn tbl `ltlrgohl` ncoht oh tbl kddcnrey lyls. –_du jhdw wbet O cdvl efdut ydu4‗ sbl ioheccy esjl`, `repohn blrergs erduh` Kcehky‟s hlkj.

–^bet4‗

–O cdvl tbet ydu jhdw wblh td sey hd. _du jhdw ydurslci wlcc lhdunb td sltcogots efdut tbohns eh` stokj td tblg.‗

Kcehky hd``l` eh` seo`, –O `d jhdw gyslci wlcc. Eh` oi tblrl‟s ehy kbehkldi keusohn iroktodh cetlr dh, O ecweys kbddsl hdt td tejl tbl rosj. Durrlcetodhsbop os wdrtb gdrl tbeh ehy gohdr tbohn wl gonbt ionbt dvlr.‗

–Hd ionbtohn,‗ Effy sonbl`. –Aust cdvohn.‗ [bl jossl` blr nlhtcy, scoòhn blrbeh`s ohso`l tbl dplh aekjlt td tokjcl ferl sjoh. –Dhcy dhl tbohn O betlefdut ndohn td kburkb,‗ sbl gurgurl`. –Hd togl idr cdvl oh tbl gdrhohn.‗

Kcehky nrespl` Eff y‟s wrost eh` tddj e cddj et blr wetkb. –Ot‟s hdtgdrhohn, fut tblrl‟s pclhty di togl idr cdvl. O `dh‟t bevl td fl et wdrj idrlonbtllh bdurs.‗ [bl wes `rdppohn sdit, wlt jossls ecc dvlr Effy‟s ieklwbocl sbl spdjl, eh` tbl cernlr wdgeh nevl oh woccohncy, surrlh`lrohn tdKcehky‟s `lsorls eh` blr prdpdsec.

–Pbrdw sdgl gdhly et sdgldhl hler e kesb rlnostlr eh` tejl gl bdgl!‗



0<2

***

Pbly wlrl fdtb bdt eh` rle`y idr cdvl fy tbl togl tbly furst tbrdunb tblirdht `ddr di tbl epertglht, nonncohn wbocl tbly trol` td uh`rlss lekb dtblr.

Pblor cops wlrl glrnl` wbocl Effy‟s iohnlrs wdrjl` et tbl futtdh dh Kcehky‟spehts, tblh cdwlrl` tbl zopplr. [bl pusbl` tbl pehts `dwh, tblh scoppl`blr beh` ohtd tbl fronbt pohj fojohos, pecgohn Kcehky‟s ess. Dhkl sbl be`blr beh`s dh blr sjoh, Kcehky wes blrs idr tbl tejohn. E stur`y tbonbwreppl` erduh` Effy‟s clns, eh` tbl sgecclr wdgeh nrduh` blr gduhòhtd blr perthlr, ecc tbl wbocl buhnrocy kdhsugohn blr cops.

Effy be` hlercy cdst ecc slhsl di lkdrug, fut sbl rlteohl` lhdunb td jhdwtbly be` td nlt ohtd tbl fl`rddg. [bl be` hd o`le wbet Gokbelc‟s skblùclwes, fut sbl jhlw sbl wes hdt ndohn td fl tbl iorst wdgeh bl lvlr sewKcehky gejohn cdvl td.

[cdwcy, tryohn td rlgeoh lhtwohl`, sbl gehluvlrl` Kcehky dut di blr pehts,ekrdss tbl covohn rddg, eh` ohtd tbl fl`rddg. [bl wreppl` blr ergs erduh`tbl ceh`skeplr eh` spuh, cehòhn icet dh blr fekj wotb Kcehky sprewclètdp blr. Hdw tbly fdtb clt nd, jossohn, sukjohn, fotohn lekb dtblr oh eirlhzy, tblor cdvlgejohn tejohn dh eh urnlhky eh` e idrkliuchlss ot be`hlvlr be` flidrl.

Beh`s wlrl lvlrywblrl et dhkl, eh` polkls di kcdtbohn dkkesodheccy iclwirdg tbl pocl. Nrdehs, gdehs, eh` tbl sdit, wlt scurp di rdunb jossls wlrltbl dhcy sduh`s. Ioheccy hejl`, tbly kcuhn td dhl ehdtblr eh` flneh td

wrlstcl, lekb dhl tryohn td fl dh tdp. Kcehky be` hlvlr sllh Effy flbevlwotb sukb efeh`dh, eh` sbl efsdcutlcy cdvl` ot. Pbl dc`lr wdgeh nrdwcl`wblh sbl be` blr perthlr dh blr fekj, tblh skddtl` up sd blr jhlls wlrldh Kcehky‟s sbduc`lrs, pohhohn blr.

Pbl fcdh`l pehtl`, tryohn td ketkb blr frletb, tblh stdppl` td survly tblogenl tbet prlslhtl` otslci. Effy wes wlt wotb swlet, blr kblst blevohn,lyls fronbt es sbl cddjl` `dwh et blr cdvlr. Kcehky cdwlrl` blr nezl eh`ceunbl`, cdw eh` slxy. –^by oh tbl blcc eg O ionbtohn4 O‟vl hlvlr sllh e flttlrvolw.‗ [bl herrdwl` blr nezl eh` cokjl` blr cops. –Kdgl blrl, fefy, aust ecottcl kcdslr. O‟g ndhhe joss ydu cojl ydu‟vl hlvlr fllh jossl`. Kdgl dh,‗ sbl

sddtbl`. –Clt gl nlt gy tdhnul dh ydu.‗

Effy sbddj blr ble`, tblh put blr beh`s dh Kcehky‟s sbduc`lrs eh`skddtl` fekj. Cyohn dwh, hdsl td hdsl, sbl seo`, –O wdh. [d O nlt td d wbetO weht.‗

Kcehky sgocl` et blr, tblh stukj blr ergs dut, novohn up wotbdut e ionbt.–Nd, fefy. Bevl et ot.‗



0<?

Pbl fruhlttl ndt e `lvocosb cddj oh blr lyl eh` kcegflrl` dii tbl iutdh. [blspol` twd sgecc tefcls icehjohn tbl fl`, eh` wlht td tbl dhl dh tbl clit.Novohn blr cdvlr e wohj, sbl seo`, –_du `dh‟t goh` oi O shddp, `d ydu4‗

Kcehky ge`l e swllpohn nlsturl wotb blr beh`. –Fl gy nulst.‗

Pbl iorst tefcl yolc`l` dhcy e cernl suppcy di kdcdrl` plhkocs, gerjlrs eh`pcestok tlgpcetls. –_du weht td `rew4‗ Kcehky esjl`, rdccohn dhtd blrtuggy td wetkb.

–Jllp ydur sbort dh,‗ Effy seo`, wecjohn erduh` tbl iutdh td kblkj tbl dtblrtefcl. –Ebe! Blrl‟s tbl stesb!‗ [bl jhlct `dwh eh` stertl` td rddt tbrdunbtbl kdhtlhts, wotb Kcehky nonncohn oh tbl fekjnrduh`.

–[url O keh‟t blcp ydu ioh` sdgltbohn oh pertokucer4‗

–Hdpl. O jhdw wbet O weht, eh` O‟g surl ydu bevl ot.‗ [bl shukj esuspokodus cddj fekj et Kcehky. –Erl ydu surl ydu‟vl dhcy be` iovl cdvlrs4 Pblrl erl lhdunb tbohns oh blrl td suppcy eh epertglht fuocòhn.‗

–Ndtte fl prlperl`. Hlvlr jhdw wblh ydu‟rl ndhhe gllt e wdgeh wotbsplkoec hll`s.‗

Effy stdd` up, blr trlesurls bo``lh flboh` blr fekj. –Kcdsl ydur lyls,‗ sblseo`. –O `dh‟t weht td lgferress gyslci oi O iugfcl erduh` blrl.‗

Kcehky put e beh` dvlr blr lyls, fut sbl wes dfvoduscy plljohn tbrdunb blriohnlrs.

–Kdgl dh,‗ Effy pcle`l`. –Novl gl e gohutl td nlt prlperl`.‗

–Djey, djey,‗ tbl fcdh`l seo`. –O aust cojl glssohn wotb ydu.‗

Effy ò`h‟t sey e wdr`, fut Kcehky kduc` bler e wo`l verolty di hdoslskdgohn irdg blr so`l di tbl rddg, ohkcuòhn e guttlrl` kursl wdr` dr twd.Fut oh e ilw gohutls sbl kduc` illc Effy‟s wlonbt dh tbl fl`, eh` jhlw tbliuh wduc` sddh flnoh. Pd blr surprosl, tbl iorst tbohn sbl lxplrolhkl` wes e

polkl di kcdtb flohn pcekl` dvlr blr lyls. –E fcohìdc`4 O be` e fcohìdc` ohtblrl4‗

–[url ò`,‗ Effy seo`. –@d ydu goh` wlerohn ot4‗

–Hd, O `dh‟t tbohj ydu‟cc rdf gl wblh O‟g hdt cddjohn.‗

[bl‟` ferlcy uttlrl` tbl cest wdr` wblh Effy stertl` td joss blr eneoh,



09=

stertohn dut scdw eh` tlh`lr eh` sdit. Pblsl wlrl tbl jossls tbet Kcehkycojl` tbl flst ‛ tbl dhls tbet prdgosl` e èy iucc di pclesurl. Pblrl wes ehuhgostejefcl glssenl td Effy‟s jossls wblh sbl pcehhl` dh gejohn cdvl,eh` Kcehky be` hlvlr gosrle` blr cdvlr‟s ohtlht. Es sddh es sbl ilct Effy‟scops tdukb blrs sbl clt dut e cdhn sonb eh` trol` td dplh blrslci iuccy td tbl

lxplrolhkl.

Effy slhsl` blr rlklptovoty eh` lxpcdrl` blr fd`y idr e cdhn togl, cohnlrohnidr e wbocl et e ilw ievdrotl spdts, fut gejohn surl tbet lvlry pert wescevosbl` wotb eiilktodh. Pogl eh` eneoh sbl rlturhl` td Kcehky‟s gdutb,prdfohn eh` tlesohn wotb blr tdhnul uhtoc tbl fcdh`l wes buggohn wotberdusec.

Pbl fcohìdc` ge`l tbl lxplrolhkl sd gukb gdrl ohtlhsl idr Kcehky tbet sblwdh`lrl` wby sbl be`h‟t puccl` ot dut lercolr. Fut tblh sbl rlglgflrl`tbet sbl‟` usl` ot aust dhkl, wotb Aucol, eh` sbl be`h‟t lhadyl` ot gukb et

ecc. Fut sbl trustl` Effy sd kdgpcltlcy tbet sbl wes efcl td col stocc eh` clttbl slhsetodhs wesb dvlr blr cojl e nlhtcl wevl. Lekb joss kerrol` aust e bohtdi surprosl, blonbtlhohn tbl pclesurl eh` gejohn Kcehky illc cojl sbl be` tdsevdr lekb ‛ sohkl sbl ò`h‟t jhdw oi tblrl wduc` fl ehdtblr.

Effy wdrjl` blr cdvlr‟s fd`y cojl e prd, kerlssohn lekb lcoketl pert wotb tblsjocc eh` surlhlss di e gestlr. Eitlr wbet sllgl` cojl bdurs, Effy rdccl` blrperthlr dhtd blr flccy, ioheccy urnohn blr dhtd blr beh`s eh` jhlls. Kcehky‟sess wes twotkbohn wotb ehtokopetodh, gejohn Effy‟s gdutb stert td wetlr. Pbl yduhnlr wdgeh ò`h‟t bevl e sbrl` di gd`lsty wblh ot kegl tdlxprlssohn blr slxuecoty, eh` Effy cdvl` td wetkb blr fd`y `lgeh` wbet ot

hll`l`. Eh` tblrl wesh‟t e duft tbet Kcehky hll`l` blr cdvlr td lhtlr blr.[bl erkbl` blr fekj eh` sprle` blr clns, prlslhtohn sukb e `lconbtiuccyfleutoiuc pdsl tbet Effy be` td peusl idr e gdglht oh sbllr e`goretodh.[bl reh blr beh` ekrdss Kcehky‟s icehj, gurgurohn, –_du‟rl sukb efleutoiuc wdgeh. Ot gejls gl illc sd splkoec td bevl ydu fl sd dplh wotbgl.‗

–Pbet‟s flkeusl O cdvl ydu,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Dhcy ydu.‗

Kcehky ilct blr perthlr sboit, tblh slhsl` blr werg frletb dh tbl fekj diblr tbonb. Pblh, aust wblh sbl wes rle`y td squorg dut di blr sjoh, sbl ilct

ot ‛ tbl iorst frusb di slhsetodh eneohst blr sgecclr dplhohn. Blr fekj erkbl`lvlh bonblr, eh` blr clns sprle` ogpdssofcy wo`l es sbl pusbl` blrslcitdwer`s tbl tdukb. Fut Effy wduc`h‟t novl oh td blr `lsorls ogglòetlcy.[bl tlesl` blr cdvlr idr e cdhn togl, uhtoc sbl wes gdehohn oh irustretodh.–]clesl,‗ sbl flnnl`. –]clesl.‗

Effy strdjl` blr fekj, blr gdutb wetlrohn es sbl nezl` et blr Kcehky‟sguskucer ess. –Dplh up idr gl,‗ sbl seo`, quoltcy fut iorgcy.



095

–\hnbbb!‗ Kcehky rlekbl` flboh` blrslci, clttohn blr ble` `rdp td tblgettrlss. [bl nrespl` blr kblljs eh` dplhl` blrslci es wo`l es sbl kduc`,lgottohn e kdhtlhtl` purr wblh Effy flneh td tlesl blr ess wotb tbl òc`d.–Db, yleb, O hll` ot,‗ sbl nrdwcl`. –]ut ot oh, fefy. ]ut ot oh gl.‗

Beh`s sbejohn, Effy flht dvlr e cottcl td gejl surl blr eog wes trul. [blblc` tbl pltotl socokdhl polkl oh blr beh` eh` scoppl` ot ohtd blr perthlr,`lconbtl`cy wetkbohn es nddslfugps frdjl dut ecc ekrdss Kcehky‟s fekj.

–_ls!‗ sbl seo`, –tbet illcs sd eghl` ndd`!‗ Effy lcoketlcy gehluvlrl` tbltdy, scdwcy prdfohn blr cdvlr wotb tbl wlcc-cufroketl` dfalkt. Kcehky be`stdppl` splejohn, blr fd`y kdocl` wotb tlhsodh. Pbly slttcl` ohtd e scdw,stle`y rbytbg, wotb Kcehky fekjohn ohtd Effy‟s beh`, tbl wo`l fesl di tblòc`d tonbt eneohst blr kblljs dh lvlry strdjl.

Lvlhtueccy, Effy scdwl` `dwh lvlh iurtblr, eh` Kcehky ilct blr gdvl. HdwEffy wes prlssohn sdgltbohn eneohst blr kuht, eh` tbl fcdh`l bdpl` sblwes ioheccy ndohn td nlt sdgl rlcoli. Erkbohn blr fekj eneoh, sbl fdrl `dwh,dplhohn blrslci td wbet sbl bdpl` wes sdgltbohn ‛ ehytbohn td iocc blr up.

Effy o`h‟t oseppdoht. [bl prlssl` e hlw, fonnlr tdy iorgcy eneohst Kcehky,tblh gdvl` kcdslr eh` wreppl` blr erg erduh` blr cdvlr‟s weost. otbdut ewdr`, sbl prdfl` et blr dplhohn, tblh scoppl` oh ecc et dhkl, strltkbohnKcehky wo`l dplh wotb e sgddtb, stle`y prlssurl. –Db, Alsus!‗ tbl fcdh`lkrol`, nreffohn behìucs di sbllt td ehkbdr blrslci.

Effy rlstl` ohso`l di blr, hdt gdvohn idr e ndd`, cdhn togl, clttohn Kcehky‟sfd`y nlt usl` td tbl twoh ohvesodhs. Ioheccy, Effy nrespl` blr perthlr‟s bopseh` stertl` td gdvl, ndohn sd scdwcy tbet ot sllgl` cojl idrlvlr idr blr tdhlercy scop dut.

Aust es Kcehky tbdunbt sbl‟` cdsl blr, Effy stertl` td sco`l fekj oh, ndohn aust es scdwcy eh` kerliuccy es flidrl. Ot wes ge``lhohn, trucy ge``lhohn,fut Kcehky be` hlvlr ilct sd erdusl` oh blr coil. Bevohn Effy strltkb blr sdiuccy eh` lhy blr tbl iukjohn sbl `lsplretlcy krevl` wes efdut td gejl blrskrleg.

Kcehky fdrl `dwh eneoh, tryohn td idrkl blr perthlr td gdvl iestlr, ber`lr,fut ecc sbl gehenl` wes td gejl tbl sgecclr òc`d ecgdst pdp dut. Effysllgl` td ehtokopetl blr ektodh, eh` dh tbl hlxt ge``lhohncy scdw strdjl,fdtb òc`ds lhtlrl` Kcehky wotb tbl segl, stle`y, uhrlclhtohn prlssurl.–Nd` ègh ot, Effy, iukj gl!‗

–O eg iukjohn ydu,‗ sbl gurgurl`, nrespohn Kcehky tonbt erduh` tbl weost



096

eh` furyohn blr tlltb ohtd blr sbduc`lr. –O‟g iukjohn ydu scdwcy.‗ [blgdvl` blr beh` ecdhn Kcehky‟s tbonb, tblh sco` `dwh fltwllh blr clns. –Eh` ydu‟rl cdvohn ot,‗ sbl nrdwcl`. –_du‟vl hlvlr fllh wlttlr.‗

Kcehky kduc`h‟t ernul, geohcy flkeusl sbl wesh‟t efcl td splej. [bl

`lsplretlcy wehtl` Effy td nlt woc`, td stert rleccy nrohòhn, fut tbl iekt tbetsbl rliusl` ge`l blr krezy wotb `lsorl. [bl ò`h‟t … kduc`h‟t aust cdslblrslci td tbl slhsetodh di flohn pugpl` ber`. Effy‟s lcoflretl stycl ge`lblr illc blr iclsb strltkb fot fy fot, illcohn lvlry ohkb di tbl òc`ds es tblygdvl` ohso`l blr. Blr buhnlr nrlw wotb lvlry strdjl … hllòhn Effy tdpcuhnl ohtd blr llplr, iestlr, ber`lr. Fut blr cdvlr sllgl` td flkdgl lvlhgdrl purpdsliuc, rovohn blr ge`. Kcehky sbdvl` blr bops ber`, nrdehohn ohirustretodh, fut Effy hlvlr nevl oh. Pbl fcdh`l wes kdvlrl` oh swlet, blrsjoh ncdwohn pohj. Pbl gdglht Effy sew tbet Kcehky‟s irustretodh wes flnohhohn td lquec blr erdusec sbl clehl` dvlr blr, illcohn tbl blet. –^blh ydu‟rl rle`y, O weht ydu td tdukb ydurslci eh` kdgl idr gl.‗

Es tbl wdr`s clit blr gdutb, Kcehky‟s beh` iclw fltwllh blr clns, wboclEffy rlekbl` uh`lr blr eh` pohkbl` blr hoppcls ber` lhdunb td gejl blrnrdeh. Pbl hogfcl iohnlrs nlhtcy gessenl` blr kcot idr glrl slkdh`s flidrlsbl kegl ber` eh` cdu`, fekjohn ohtd Effy ber` lhdunb td stuh tblfruhlttl. [plht, Kcehky‟s jhlls nevl dut eh` sbl ilcc td tbl fl`, fdtb oc`dslxplccl` et tbl segl gdglht. –Db … gy … Nd`,‗ tbl fcdh`l gugfcl`.–^bet oh tbl blcc ò` ydu `d td gl4‗

Effy krewcl` up hlxt td blr eh` blcpl` blr dhtd blr so`l, tblh kre`cl` blroh blr ergs uhtoc fdtb di tblor blert retls scdwl` `dwh. Kcehky ioheccy

rlgdvl` tbl fcohìdc` eh` fcohjl` e ilw togls, tbl conbt oh tbl rddg burtohnblr lyls et iorst. Novohn Effy e `duftiuc cddj, sbl esjl`, –^blrl ò` yduclerh td iukj cojl tbet4‗

Pbl fruhlttl ceunbl`. –O‟vl fllh iukjl` e ilw togls, rlglgflr4 O aust ò`wbet O cojl, eh` O bdpl` ydu‟` cojl ot, tdd.‗

Kcehky set up, rlstohn blr wlonbt dh blr erg. –Pbet‟s bdw ydu cojl ot4‗

–Dhl di tbl weys,‗ Effy seo`. –O cojl ot e cdt di weys, `lplhòhn dh tbl èy.‗

–Fut O … O wes rleccy ennrlssovl wotb ydu. @o` ydu cojl tbet4‗

–Bdhly, tbly bler` gl kdgohn oh tbl [eh Ilrheh`d Yeccly.‗ [bl strdjl`Kcehky‟s kdhklrhl` iekl. –Di kdursl O cojl` ot.‗

–Fut ydu prlilr ot scdw4‗



09;

Effy ge`l e iekl. –O wduc`h‟t put ot tbet wey. [dgltogls O rleccy cojl td nd etot. Fut hd gettlr bdw turhl` dh O eg et iorst, dohn ot scdw eh` stle`y ecweysgejls gl kdgl. Ecweys,‗ sbl seo`.

Kcehky cey fekj `dwh, cddjohn uhbeppy. –O ecweys `d ot johè tbl segl

wey,‗ sbl seo`. –Ot ò`h‟t dkkur td gl tbet ydu wduc`h‟t cojl ot tbl segl wey Auc ‐– [bl stdppl`, go`-wdr`. –[drry, O jhdw ydu `dh‟t cojl td tbohj efdutgl wotb blr.‗

Effy reh blr iohnlrs tbrdunb blr wlt beor, ketkbohn fle`s di plrsporetodhwotb blr tbugf. –Ot‟s djey. @o` ydu usl tdys e cdt wotb Aucol4‗

Kcehky hd``l`. –_leb. ]rltty gukb lxkcusovlcy.‗

–^lcc, bdhly, oi ydu‟rl usl` td dhl plrsdh, ot gejls slhsl tbet ydu‟` lvlcdpe klrteoh wey di `dohn sdgltbohn. Pbet‟s plrilktcy uh`lrstehèfcl.‗

Pbl fcdh`l‟s kbukjcl nrlw ohtd e iucc-tbrdetl` ceunb. –[lkdh` togl ydu‟vllvlr sllh e òc`d, eh` ydu tlekb gl sdgltbohn hlw.‗

Effy clehl` dvlr blr eh` jossl` blr sduh`cy. –^bd seo` ot‟s tbl slkdh`togl4‗ sbl esjl`. –O wes streonbt, hdt uhogenohetovl!‗

***

Prlvdr eh` Beycly set et e hdosy frlejiest pcekl hler tbl uhovlrsoty dh[uhèy gdrhohn, fdtb e cottcl torl` eh` scdw irdg [eturèy honbt. –Ot wes

johè iuhhy ndohn td e fer wotb ydu,‗ tbl yduhn geh seo`. –Iorst togl wl‟vl`dhl tbet.‗

Beycly sgocl` et bog. –Cojl wl kduc` bevl ndttlh ewey wotb ot et bdgl. _dujhdw Gdg vdcuhtllrs et tbl eorpdrt, shoiiohn idr `runs.‗

Prlvdr ceunbl` et bos sostlr‟s plhkbeht idr lxennlretodh. –[bl‟s hdt tbetfe`.‗

–_ls sbl os!‗ tbl norc ohsostl`. –O kduc`h‟t let rug icevdrl` keh`y wblh O wesoh bonb skbddc.‗

–_du ò` wbetlvlr ydu wehtl` wblh ydu steyl` dvlrhonbt et Nrltkblh‟s,‗ Prlvdr rlgoh`l` blr.

–Pbet‟s gy pdoht! O be` td clevl gy dwh bdusl td bevl e `rohj!‗

Prlvdr ceunbl` eneoh, iohòhn bos sostlr‟s bostrodhoks egusohn. –^l fdtbjhlw tbl rucls. Gdg tdc` us fdtb tbet sbl be` e zlrd-tdclrehkl pdcoky, eh`



090

sbl gleht ot.‗

–_leb,‗ sbl seo`, e pdut dh blr prltty iekl. –^l be` td nlt tbl dhl gdtblr oh]ese`lhe wbd kerl` efdut us.‗

–O‟g surl ecc di ydur irolh`s ilct sdrry idr ydu,‗ Prlvdr seo`, tryohn td sduh`slrodus.

–Db, yleb. Pbet‟s wby sdgldhl ohvotl` gl idr e scllp-dvlr lvlry wlljlh`. Pbly jhlw O wes oh cdkj-`dwh et bdgl.‗

Prlvdr tddj e sop di bos kdiill, tryohn td bo`l tbl sgorj tbet kdvlrl` bos iekl.

–_du sllgl` td fl bevohn e ndd` togl cest honbt,‗ Beycly seo`. –^bd wes tblfcdh`l4‗

–^bet fcdh`l4‗ Prlvdr esjl`, kdgpcltlcy ohhdklht.

–Pbl norc ydu wlrl oh tbl kdrhlr pceyohn tdhnul-bdkjly wotb.‗

Bl peusl` eh` cddjl` cojl bl wes tbohjohn efdut blr qulstodh. –Db,‗ bl seo`, hd``ohn. –Pbet wes Egflr.‗

–O‟vl hlvlr sllh ydu gejohn-dut wotb e norc,‗ sbl seo`. –Gy rddggetl tbohjs ydu‟rl ney,‗ sbl e``l`.

Prlvdr ceunbl`. –Ney, bub4 ^bet gejls Erolc tbohj O‟g ney4‗

–^lcc, ydu hlvlr frohn norcs bdgl, eh` ydu‟vl hlvlr fllh oh e slrodusrlcetodhsbop. [bl tbohjs ydu‟rl tdd kcdsl td Gdg, tdd.‗

Prlvdr‟s frdw jhot eh` bl hd``l`. –_leb, tbet sduh`s prltty ney.‗ Bl tddjehdtblr sop di bos kdiill, hdt rlspdh`ohn iurtblr.

[bl cddjl` et bog keutoduscy, tbohjohn blr kdgglht wduc` rew e vondrdus`lhoec. –@dlsh‟t ot fdtblr ydu tbet sbl tbohjs tbet4‗

Bl ceunbl` sditcy. –^by wduc` ot4‗

–Gdst nuys `dh‟t cojl flohn keccl` ney,‗ Beycly seo`.

–Bgg … O nulss O‟g hdt cojl gdst nuys.‗

–Prlvdr!‗ Beycly wes kclercy lxesplretl`. –^bet‟s ndohn dh wotb ydu4 EitlrErolc seo` tbet O stertl` td wdh`lr, tdd. Ecc di gy irolh`s wehtl` td nd dut



09<

wotb ydu, fut ydu wlrl hlvlr, lvlr ohtlrlstl`. @dh‟t ydu bevl e slx `rovl4‗

Bl‟` aust tejlh ehdtblr rohj eh` bl ecgdst spot ot et blr. Eitlr sweccdwohn,bl sgocl` eh` seo`, –_du `dh‟t bevl ehy cogots, `d ydu4‗

–Cogots4‗ sbl esjl`. –^bet `d ydu gleh4‗

–Pbohns tbet ydu jllp td ydurslci. _du jhdw … e provetl coil.‗

–O bevl e provetl coil,‗ sbl seo` `lilhsovlcy.

–_du d hdt,‗ bl ohsostl`. –_du tlcc lvlryfd`y lvlrytbohn tbet ydu d. O dh‟t.‗

–^bet os tblrl td tlcc4‗ sbl esjl`. –Ecc ydu `d os stu`y.‗

–Hdt trul,‗ bl seo`. –Fut O dhcy tecj efdut tbl tbohns tbet O weht pldpcl tdjhdw efdut.‗

–[d ydu `d bevl e slx coil4‗ sbl esjl` fcuhtcy.

–_ls, Beycly, O bevl e slx coil,‗ bl seo`, eneoh dhcy ferlcy ehswlrohn blrqulstodh.

–Bevl ydu lvlr be` e norcirolh`4‗ sbl esjl`, sllohn tbet bl wduc` ehswlr eòrlkt qulstodh.

–[url.‗

–^bd wes tbl cest dhl eh` bdw cdhn ò` ydu nd dut wotb blr4‗

–O wlht dut wotb e wdgeh hegl` Noslccl idr efdut … ubg … e yler eh` ebeci. ^l frdjl up aust flidrl wl nreùetl` oh Auhl.‗

–_du‟rl sbottohn gl!‗ Beycly‟s gdutb be` `rdppl` dplh oh sbdkj.

–^by wduc` O `d tbet4‗

–^by wduc` ydu nd dut wotb sdgldhl idr tbet cdhn eh` hdt tlcc us4‗

–Gdstcy flkeusl O ò`h‟t weht td.‗

–^by4 ês sdgltbohn wrdhn wotb blr4‗

Bl ceunbl`. –Hd, sbl wes nrlet. Fut oi ydu eh` Gdg jhlw O‟` fllh wotb



099

sdgldhl idr tbet cdhn ydu‟` fdtb stert tbohjohn tbet wl wlrl ndhhe nltgerrol`. O‟` bevl td frohn blr bdgl eh` bevl lvlrydhl ohsplkt blr. O ò`h‟tweht td,‗ bl seo`. Bos lxprlssodh wes kecg fut `ltlrgohl`, tbl dhl blecweys fdrl wblh e tdpok wesh‟t up idr òskussodh.

–Pbet‟s iukjl`-up, Prlv. O flt sbl ò`h‟t cojl tbet ydu ò`h‟t tlcc ydur iegocyefdut blr.‗

–[bl o`h‟t jhdw,‗ bl seo`, stocc sduhòhn kesuec. –O‟g hdt stupo`, ye jhdw. O aust kegl up wotb lxkusls wby O kduc`h‟t errehnl idr blr td kdgl td Kecoidrhoe. O wlht td blr perlht‟s bdusl oh Hlw Begpsborl ecc tbl togl.‗

–_du erl e wlor` nuy,‗ Beycly seo`, novohn bog e kurodus cddj. –O swler yduwlrl prltty hdrgec uhtoc ydu wlht td kdcclnl. ^bet bepplhl`4‗

–Hdtbohn bepplhl`,‗ bl seo`, stocc uhruiicl`. –O aust `lko`l` tbet O hll`l` td

jllp gy plrsdhec coil plrsdhec.‗

[lhsohn sdgltbohn efdut bos `lglehdr, sbl esjl`, –Flkeusl di @e``y4‗

Bl hd``l`. –_leb, O nulss. Ot wes rleccy ber` kdgohn bdgl eh` sllohn bdwfe` dii ydu eh` Gdg wlrl. O wduc` bevl steyl` et skbddc yler-rduh`, fut Ojhlw O kduc`h‟t `d tbet.‗

–O flt ot wes,‗ sbl seo` quoltcy, hdt gejohn lyl kdhtekt. l wlrl fdtb e glssidr e cdhn togl.‗ [bl cddjl` up et bog. –Fut wby ò` tbet gejl ydu stertflohn slkrltovl4‗

–O wesh‟t slkrltovl,‗ bl seo`. –O aust o`h‟t weht Gdg td wdrry efdut gl. [blbe` lhdunb dh blr goh`. [d O tdc` blr tbl gohogug. Eitlr e wbocl O rlecozlÒ cojl` hdt bevohn blr esj qulstodhs. [d sbl dhcy jhdws efdut norcs irdg]ese`lhe, eh` O wes hlvlr slrodus efdut ehy di tblg.‗

–O keh‟t ogenohl flohn cojl tbet,‗ sbl seo`.

–_leb, O jhdw,‗ bl rlpcol`, ceunbohn. –O wes surprosl` Eclxeh`lr wesh‟t`dwh blrl tbos wlljlh`. O tbdunbt O‟` bevl td wetkb ydu twd ndohn et ot lvlrytwd gohutls.‗

–Bl‟s fllh `dwh lvlry dtblr wlljlh`,‗ sbl seo`. –O wehtl` td bevl sdgltogl ecdhl wotb ydu.‗

–O‟g nce`,‗ Prlvdr seo`. –O ò`h‟t rleccy weht td splh` tbl wlljlh` wotb tbltwd di ydu.‗ Bl set fekj oh bos kbeor. –Bdw‟s ot ndohn wotb bog, ehywey4‗

–Ndd`,‗ sbl seo`. –Vleccy ndd`. Fut O dh‟t weht td tlcc ydu lvlrytbohn. O jhdw



09>

ydu betl td bler efdut plrsdhec covls.‗ [bl e``l` e sgergy sgocl, gejohnbog kbukjcl.

–O `dh‟t goh` blerohn efdut dtblr pldpcl‟s covls. O aust `dh‟t wehhe tecjefdut gohl. Flso`ls, dhl èy O‟cc nlt gerrol` eh` bevl jo`s eh` gy slkrlt

coil wocc fl oh tbl pest. O‟g lhadyohn ot wbocl O keh.‗

–^lcc, tbohns erl nrlet wotb Eclxeh`lr. Fut ydu‟cc sll idr ydurslci. O‟g ndhhefrohn bog bdgl idr Pbehjsnovohn.‗

–[ll4‗ bl sgocl`. –Pbet‟s wbet bepplhs wblh ydu bevl e pufcok coil. _du‟vlndtte frohn tbl nuy bdgl idr ohsplktodh.‗

–O `dh‟t goh`,‗ sbl seo`. –Flso`ls, O wehhe sbdw bog dii.‗

Bos sgocl ie`l`, eh` bl seo`, –Gdg‟s ndhhe sbdw Kcehky dii oh e kdupcl di

wlljs.‗

–Bub4‗

–[bl‟s tejohn blr td e idrgec òhhlr èhkl.‗ Bos lxprlssodh wes gdstcyhlutrec, fut Beycly kduc` sll eh uhrleèfcl lgdtodh bo``lh flboh` bosfcul lyls.

Beycly ge`l lvlry dtblr òhlr sterl et tblg wblh sbl sbdutl`, –E idrgecèhkl!‗

–_leb,‗ bl seo` quoltcy. –Pbly wlrl ndhhe nd sbdppohn tbos wlljlh`. Kcehky`dlsh‟t bevl ehy hokl kcdtbls‗

Beycly‟s ble` `rdppl` td tbl tefcl eh` sbl gdehl`, –[bl‟s cdst blr iukjohngoh`.‗

Prlvdr pettl` blr dh tbl sbduc`lr, pertcy td kdgidrt blr eh` pertcy td stdpblr irdg gejohn e sklhl. –Kdgl dh, nlt up.‗

[bl coitl` blr ble`, cddjohn òsnustl`. –Bdw keh ydu steh` td fl erduh`tblg4 Pbly‟rl cojl slvlhtb-nre`lrs, gejohn surl lvlryfd`y jhdws tbet

tbly‟rl oh cddddvl.‗

–Ot‟s hdt cojl tbet, Beycly. Pbly rleccy erl oh cdvl. Pbly‟rl aust covohn tblorcovls‗

[bl cddjl` et bog cojl bl wes ge`. –[d ydu‟rl bdhlstcy ndhhe sey tbet ot`dlsh‟t fdtblr ydu.‗



092

Bl set quoltcy idr e gdglht flidrl seyohn, –Di kdursl ot fdtblrs gl. O sewtbet pokturl di Gdg eh` @e` et tbet fon ehhovlrsery perty tbet Nreh eh`Nregps tbrlw idr tblg.‗ Bl peusl` eh` tddj oh e frletb, e idh` sgocl dhbos iekl. –Pbly ecweys sllgl` beppolr wblh tbly wlrl `rlssl` up idr e fonperty. Gdg cdvl` td nlt rlssl` up eh` @e` cdvl` cddjohn et blr.‗ Bl cddjl`

et bos sostlr eh` seo`, –Bl wes sd èghl` krezy efdut blr.‗

E ilw tlers sbdhl oh Beycly‟s fronbt lyls, eh` blr vdokl wes bdersl wotblgdtodh. –Bdw keh ydu wetkb tblg4 Bdw keh ydu fl tblrl4‗

–O‟g hdt erduh` tblg vlry gukb,‗ bl seo`. –O tbohj efdut @e` ecc di tbl togleh` bdw òiilrlht ot wes wblh bl wes ecovl.‗ Bl cddjl` dut di tbl woh`dw ditbl rlsteureht, dfvoduscy tbohjohn efdut sdgltbohn. –O jhdw sbl cdvlsKcehky, fut ot‟s òiilrlht.‗ Bl sbddj bos ble`, cddjohn cojl bl wes tryohn tdòscd`nl e trdufcohn tbdunbt. –Geyfl ot‟s flkeusl ot‟s hlw. Geyfl ot‟sflkeusl tbly‟rl fdtb wdglh. Fut ot‟s sd òiilrlht.‗

–Eh` ydu dh‟t sey ehytbohn td blr4‗ Beycly esjl`, kclercy irustretl`. –[bl‟`tdhl ot `dwh oi ydu tdc` blr td. [bl costlhs td ydu.‗

–^by wduc` O `d tbet4‗ bl esjl`. –Pblrl‟s hdtbohn wrdhn wotb wbet tbly‟rl`dohn, Beycly. Aust flkeusl ot gejls us uhkdgidrtefcl `dlsh‟t gejl otwrdhn. Gdg steys dut di gy plrsdhec coil, eh` O‟g ndhhe stey dut di blrs.‗

–O kduc`h‟t covl wotb tblg,‗ sbl seo`, e osèohiuc cddj dh blr iekl. –Hdt idr ecctbl gdhly oh tbl wdrc`.‗

Bos nezl ceh`l` dh blr eh` blc`. Bl ò`h‟t splej uhtoc sbl wes flkdgohnuhkdgidrtefcl wotb bos eppreosec. –Geyfl wl `dh‟t illc tbl segl efdutiegocy.‗

–^bet4 Dur iegocy4‗

–_leb, di kdursl. Dur iegocy os dhl di tbl gdst ogpdrteht tbohns oh gy coil. Ojhdw bdw cukjy wl erl td bevl sukb e nrlet gdg eh` nreh`perlhts. ^l‟rlhdt kboc`rlh ehygdrl, Beycly. l keh‟t aust lxplkt td fl dh tbl rlklovohn lhècc di tbl togl. l‟vl be` e swllt coil sd ier wotb Gdg eh` @e` suppdrtohn us

oh lvlrytbohn wl‟vl lvlr wehtl` td `d. ^lcc … ot‟s togl idr e cottcl peyfekj.Gdg hll`s dur suppdrt, eh` O‟g ndhhe novl ot td blr. Oi ot joccs gl,‗ bl seo`,bos lyls icohty wotb `ltlrgohetodh.

***

Pbl idccdwohn Iroèy honbt, Effy tddj Kcehky dut idr e cdvlcy ohhlr et dhl di]ese`lhe‟s iohlr rlsteurehts. Pbly wlht fekj td Kcehky‟s epertglht, eh`



09?

wotboh gohutls tbl dc`lr wdgeh be` flnuh slùkohn blr perthlr. Kcehky‟sfcdusl wes pertoeccy uhfuttdhl`, eh` Effy‟s beh`s wlrl tlesohn tblslhsotovl sjoh dh tbl sgecc di blr fekj.

Kcehky `repl` blr ergs erduh` blr perthlr‟s hlkj, kcdsohn blr lyls es sbl

jossl` blr, sevdrohn tbl sdithlss di blr cops.

–Jhdw wbet O wehhe `d4‗ Effy esjl`, blr vdokl ioccl` wotb ohhulh`d.

–Hd, fut O wehhe `d ot, tdd,‗ Kcehky seo`, blr frletb ketkbohn es blr zopplrwes cdwlrl` eh` Effy‟s ohquosotovl iohnlrs scoppl` ohso`l.

–@dhl,‗ Effy seo`, kepturohn Kcehky‟s pohj lercdfl fltwllh blr tlltb i dr ehoffcl. –_du‟rl ndhhe cdvl ot.‗

***

Pbl hlxt gdrhohn, Effy bdppl` dut di fl` eh` put dh sdgl di Kcehky‟skcdtbls flidrl bleòhn idr tbl sbdwlr. [bl wes fekj oh tbl rddg, ruffohnblr beor wotb e tdwlc, wblh Kcehky‟s lyls iorst dplhl`. Pbl fcdh`l strltkbl`,sgocohn up et blr cdvlr. –Kdgl fekj blrl eh` `d gl cojl ydu ò` gl cesthonbt.‗ [bl tbrlw dii tbl sbllt eh` sprle` blr ergs eh` clns. –O‟g ecc ydurs.‗

Effy set dh tbl l`nl di tbl iutdh eh` reh blr beh` ekrdss Kcehky‟s flccy.–Ylry tlgptohn, fut wl‟cc fl cetl.‗

–Cetl idr wbet4‗

–^l‟rl ndhhe pcey tlhhos wotb ]eg eh` Geroe tbos gdrhohn, rlglgflr4‗

Kcehky set up quokjcy. –^bet4 O `dh‟t pcey tlhhos!‗

–Fut ydu tdc` gl cest honbt tbet ydu‟` cdvl td pcey,‗ tbl fruhlttl seo`,nrohhohn et blr perthlr.

Kcehky cddjl` kdhiusl`. –O seo` tbet4 Gl4‗

–_leb. O esjl` oi ydu jhlw wbet O wehtl` td `d, eh` ydu seo` ydu wehtl` td`d ot, tdd. _du ò`h‟t esj wbet ot wes.‗ [bl clehl` dvlr eh` jossl` Kcehky,blr sbdwlr-irlsb sklht gejohn tbl sgecclr wdgeh sgocl.

–_du trokjl` gl,‗ Kcehky seo`. –_du ohtlhtodheccy trokjl` gl, eh` hdw ydu‟rl aust es beppy es keh fl, erlh‟t ye4 _du‟rl ektueccy prdu` di ydurslci!‗

Nonncohn, Effy hd``l`. –O eg, td tlcc ydu tbl trutb. Eh` oi ydu burry up eh`



0>=

nlt rle`y, O‟cc frohn ydu ronbt fekj blrl eh` d ydu flttlr tbeh O o` ydu cesthonbt.‗

Kcehky wes stehòhn dh tbl icddr flidrl Effy be` gehenl` td iohosb blrslhtlhkl. –Novl gl iovl,‗ sbl seo`, skegplrohn dii td tbl fetbrddg.

***

–O swler ot wes ]eg‟s o`le,‗ Effy seo` e ilw gohutls cetlr wbocl tbly rdvl tdtbl kcuf. –O tdc` blr tbet ydu ò`h‟t pcey, fut sbl kceogs tbet sbl‟` retblrpcey wotb e rehj flnohhlr tbeh wotb ehydhl lcsl et tbl kcuf. Eh` O‟` gukbretblr fl wotb ydu tbeh wotb ehydhl lcsl oh tbl wdrc`, sd ot sllgl` cojl enrlet o`le td gl.‗

Kcehky nevl blr e puzzcl` cddj, tblh rlkdnhotodh scdwcy èwhl`. –[blwehts gl td pcey flkeusl O‟cc sukj … ronbt4‗

–Hd, hd, rleccy,‗ Effy seo`. –[bl‟s e prltty ndd` pceylr, fut Geroe‟s … wlcc,Geroe pceys flkeusl ot‟s eh lxkusl td idrkl blrslci td nlt sdgl rlnucerlxlrkosl. [bl‟s fllh pceyohn idr e ilw ylers hdw, fut td fl bdhlst, sblbesh‟t ogprdvl` et ecc. Ot‟cc fl cojl twd flnohhlrs eh` twd ohtlrglòetlpceylrs. Ot sbduc` rleccy wdrj dut.‗ [bl put blr beh` dh Kcehky‟s tbonbeh` seo`, –Flso`ls, O tbohj tbly fdtb weht td nlt td jhdw ydu flttlr. Pboskduc` fl iuh.‗

–Dr lgferressohn,‗ Kcehky nrugfcl`.

***

Kcehky be`h‟t pceyl` tlhhos sohkl sbl wes idrkl` td lhùrl e slglstlr‟swdrtb di nrdup clssdhs oh bonb skbddc pbys l`. [bl wes dfvoduscy strdhn,eh` wlcc-guskcl`, fut sbl‟` hlvlr fllh gukb idr spdrts dr drnehozl`lxlrkosl, eh` be` hlvlr fllh oh e nyg oh blr coil. [tocc, sbl wes oh ndd`sbepl irdg blr adf, eh` sbl o` ruh e ilw gocls oh tbl gdrhohn oi sbl be`h‟t`dhl ehytbohn tdd pbysokec idr slvlrec èys ‛ novohn blr suiiokolhtkeròdveskucer iothlss td fl efcl td stey dh tbl kdurt idr eh bdur.

^bet sbl be` oh spe`ls, tbdunb, wes ltlrgohetodh, eh` Effy kduc`h‟t blcp

fut sgocl et tbl yduhnlr wdgeh‟s iurrdwl` frdw es sbl trol` td rlgoh` blrfd`y bdw td lxlkutl tbl rlquorl` gdvls.

Pd Effy‟s surprosl, Kcehky be` eh efsdcutlcy cltbec fekjbeh` ‛ geohcycltbec td tbl pddr sduc wbd ndt stuhn fy ot. Blr strdjls wlrl woc`cyuhprlòktefcl, fut lekb be` lhdunb guster` dh ot td reosl e wlct oi blrdppdhlht ndt oh tbl wey.



0>5

Pbly ge`l ot tbrdunb twd slts, fdtb wdh fy Effy eh` Kcehky, eh` `lko`l`td bevl cuhkb tdnltblr ‛ wohhlr fuyohn, es usuec. –^lcc, tbet wes tbl gdstuhusuec slt di tlhhos O‟vl lvlr pertokopetl` oh,‗ Effy seo`.

–^l wduc` bevl wdh tbet slkdh` slt oi Geroe be`h‟t jlpt ùkjohn,‗ ]eg

ohsostl`. –_du keh usl ydur rekqult td rlturh tbl fecc ydu jhdw, bdhly.‗

–Hd wey,‗ Geroe `lkcerl`, blr lyls wo`l. –O kduc` cdsl eh lyl!‗

–O‟vl ndtte sey,‗ ]eg seo`, ceunbohn, –ydu twd wocc fl uhfletefcl oi Kcehkykeh berhlss tbet pdwlr.‗

Effy rlekbl` dvlr eh` pceyiuccy ilct blr cdvlr‟s upplr erg. –[bl os epdwlriuc cottcl tbohn, osh‟t sbl4‗

–Cottcl4‗ Geroe nepl`, lylohn tbl yduhnlr wdgeh wbd flttlrl` blr fy et

clest idur ohkbls eh` tborty pduh`s.

–Dhcy Effy keccs gl cottcl,‗ Kcehky seo`, novohn blr perthlr e werg nroh. –Dikdursl, tbet dhcy rlilrs td gy blonbt. [bl wesh‟t keccohn gl cottcl tbl dtblrhonbt wblh wl wlrl cln wrlstcohn.‗

–Cln wrlstcohn, lb4‗ Geroe esjl`, sllohn tbl fcusb tbet krewcl` up Effy‟skblljs. –Osh‟t ot egezohn tbl krletovl weys ydu keh gehenl td tdukb lekbdtblr wblh ydu‟rl iorst tdnltblr4‗

Pbly kbettl` kdgpehodhefcy, tblh trol` td lko`l oi tbly wduc` kdhtohul tbl

tlhhos lxplroglht. –Ot‟s up td ydu, Kcehky,‗ ]eg seo`. –Lcclh‟s `liohotlcydut, sd wl‟vl ndt td ioh` e idurtb. O‟` retblr pcey wotb ydu, fut wl `dh‟twehhe pusb ydu.‗

–[url, O‟cc novl ot e nd. Ot‟cc fl e hokl wey td splh` e cottcl togl wotb gynorc.‗ [bl nevl Effy e tddtby nroh, gejohn blr perthlr ceunb et blr ehtoks.

–_du jhdw,‗ Effy seo`, –ydu keh dhcy fl gy nulst twokl oh e gdhtb. Oi ydulhady tbos, O‟cc bevl td e`` ydu es gy spdusl.‗

–_dur spdusl4‗ Kcehky esjl`, blr lyls wo`lhohn.

–_lp. Gy spdusl,‗ Effy seo`, hd`òhn.

–Keh O kdgl td wetkb tbl glgflrsbop òrlktdr try hdt td ekt sbdkjl`4‗Geroe esjl`.

–Bdw `d wl ebb … prdvl tbet wl‟rl spdusls4‗ Kcehky esjl`.



0>6

–^blh wl ò` ot wl be` td sbdw tbet wl covl` tdnltblr, eh` tbet wl sberlìohehkoec rlsdurkls,‗ ]eg seo`.

–^lcc … wl `dh‟t `d tbet,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Et clest hdt ylt.‗

–Fut wl gonbt … oi O‟g cukjy, ronbt4‗ Effy esjl`, blr lyls èhkohn glrrocy.

–_ls,‗ Kcehky eccdwl`. –Oi ydu‟rl vlry, vlry cukjy O gonbt clt ydu gdvl ohwotb gl. _du keh kecc òfs dh wbokb so`l di tbl iutdh ydu weht.‗

–O‟` fl tbl beppolst wdgeh oh tdwh,‗ Effy sonbl`, novohn Kcehky e cddj tbetò`h‟t kdhteoh e sbrl` di ohsohklroty.

***

Kcehky ndt up td usl tbl rlstrddg, surprosl` td ioh` Geroe idccdwohn blr ohtdtbl fuocòhn. Geroe tdukbl` blr sbduc`lr eh` pdohtl` td e quolt spdt hlerdhl di tbl lvlht rddgs. –Keh wl tecj idr e gohutl4 O wes ndohn td idccdw yduohtd tbl fetbrddg, fut ydu hlvlr jhdw wbd‟s ndhhe fl oh tblrl.‗

–\bg … surl.‗ Kcehky clehl` eneohst tbl wecc eh` kdkjl` blr ble`. –^bet‟sup4‗

–O wehtl` td epdcdnozl eneoh idr flohn sd suspokodus di ydu et iorst.‗

–Et iorst4‗ Kcehky esjl`. –@dls tbet gleh ydu‟rl hdt suspokodus ehy gdrl4‗

–Hdt et ecc,‗ Geroe seo`, blr sohklroty dfvodus. –O keh sll bdw gukb ydu twdcdvl lekb dtblr. Eh` oi ydu wehtl` blr gdhly … wlcc … ydu kduc` bevl beòt fy hdw. [bl‟` dfvoduscy novl ydu lvlrytbohn sbl be` oi ydu esjl` idr ot.‗

Kcehky‟s kblljs kdcdrl`, rlecozohn bdw trul Geroe‟s dfslrvetodh wes. –O cojltbet sbl bes gdhly,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O cdvl blr fon bdusl eh` tbet nrlet yerèh` blr pddc. Eh` blr ker os sozzcohn bdt. Fut O‟` illc aust tbl segl efdut blr

oi sbl wlrl uhlgpcdyl` eh` covohn wotb blr perlhts.‗

–O keh sll tbet,‗ Geroe seo`. –Ot‟s dfvodus tbos osh‟t dhl-so`l`.‗

–Pbehjs,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O epprlkoetl tbet.‗

Geroe‟s ble` toctl`, eh` sbl esjl`, –_du hlvlr tdc` blr efdut gy suspokodhs,ò` ydu4‗



0>;

–Hd, di kdursl hdt. _du possl` gl dii, fut tlccohn blr wduc` bevl burt blr.‗Blr nezl nrlw sberp, blr nrey lyls cddjohn iolrkl. –O hlvlr weht td burt blr oiO keh pdssofcy evdo` ot.‗

–Pbehjs,‗ Geroe seo`. –Ot wduc` bevl burt blr, eh` sbl‟` fllh burt lhdunbfy Lcclh‟s stupoòty. Ot wduc` bevl fllh ber` idr blr td jhdw O wes aust esstupo`.‗

Kcehky‟s kceppl` blr dh tbl sbduc`lr. –_du wlrl cddjohn dut idr blr. Pbet‟shdt tbl wdrst tbohn ydu kduc` bevl `dhl.‗

–Fut sbl `dlsh‟t hll` gl td `d tbet,‗ Geroe seo`. –[bl‟s sgertlr tbeh O eg,eh` gdrl ohtuotovl efdut pldpcl.‗

–O jhdw tbet,‗ Kcehky seo`, blr lyls twohjcohn. –Fut ydu wlrlh‟t tryohn td fl

e alrj. Pbet wes aust tbl rlsuct.‗

Geroe fugpl` blr wotb blr sbduc`lr. –O cojl ydu,‗ sbl seo`, sgocohn. –_du‟rlndhhe gejl Effy vlry beppy.‗

–Aust cojl sbl `dls idr gl,‗ Kcehky seo`, wotb e nroh wo`l lhdunb td conbt uptbl [eh Nefrolc Yeccly. –Eh` splejohn di beppy, ydu twd sbduc` kdgl fy tblbdusl dh ydur wey bdgl. Effy‟s òseppdohtl` tbet ydu bevlh‟t fllh fy tdsll tbl yer` ylt.‗

Geroe ge`l e iekl. –^l‟vl wehtl` td, rleccy, fut wl bevlh‟t be` tbl wbdcl

èy td splh` dvlr tblrl.‗

Kcehky kdkjl` blr ble`. –Pblh aust stdp fy.‗

–_du‟vl hlvlr be` e kboc`,‗ Geroe seo`. –Ecose wes krezy efdut tbl pddcflidrl. Hdw tbet tblrl‟s e wetlriecc … wl‟cc bevl td stey uhtoc tbl gddhrosls.‗

–Kdgl tbos eitlrhddh,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Kdgl fy kcdsl td òhhlr eh` tbet‟ccgejl tbl èy sbdrtlr.‗

–_du‟cc ill` us4‗ Geroe esjl`, sgocohn sd tbet blr tlltb sbdwl`.

–_ls, wl‟cc ill` ydu,‗ Kcehky seo`, ceunbohn. [bl kceppl` tbl wdgeh dh tblfekj eh` seo`, –O tbohj O‟vl ionurl` dut ydur bdt futtdh ecrle`y.‗

***

Pbl kberoty òhhlr wes skblùcl` idr Iroèy honbt, eh` Kcehky jhdkjl` dii



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lercy td gejl surl sbl be` togl idr e hep. Kerryohn blr dwh lvlhohnwler ohe nerglht fen, Effy errovl` et tbl epertglht eh bdur flidrl tbly be` tdclevl, gdstcy td lhsurl blr rlcukteht perthlr ò`h‟t try td lskepl. EitlrGokbelc clt blr oh sbl stdd` oh tbl `ddrwey td Kcehky‟s rddg eh` nezl` etblr cdvlr, wosbohn ilrvlhtcy tbet tbly be` eh bdur td pcey es Kcehky‟s ferl

fd`y stertl` td wdrj ots genok dh blr cofo`d. Ohstle`, sbl nlhtcy wdjl blrfy ruffohn blr fekj, clttohn aust tbl tops di blr iohnlrs pcey dvlr tbl sditsjoh.

^blh sbl wes kdblrlht, Kcehky gugfcl`, –Bevl O lvlr tdc` ydu tbet wesbdw gy nregge wdjl gl wblh O wes cottcl4‗

Effy cey `dwh eh` ku``cl` blr kcdsl. –Hd, ydu bevlh‟t, fut O essugl`sdgldhl tdukbl` ydu tbet wey wblh ydu wlrl e kboc . Pbl iorst gdrhohn Oò` tbet, ydu ektl` cojl ydu wlrl oh blevlh.‗

–O ò`h‟t rlglgflr tbet slhsetodh uhtoc ydu ò` ot tbl iorst togl,‗ Kcehkyseo`. –Geyfl ot‟s e gdg tbohn.‗

–Ot dlsh‟t fdtblr ydu wblh O d tbohns tbet rlgoh` ydu di ydur gdg dr ydurnreh`gdtblr, `dls ot4‗ Effy esjl`.

–Hd, hdt et ecc. _du‟rl ecc gdgs, eh` ydu aust keh‟t blcp flohn gdg-cojlsdgltogls. Ot dhcy fdtblrs gl wblh O illc cojl ydu‟rl tryohn td fl gygdg. Pbet‟s e hd-hd.‗

–Ndt ot,‗ Effy seo`. –Hdw nlt ydur swllt cottcl hdh-èunbtlrcy ess ohtd tbl

fetbrddg sd wl‟rl dh togl.‗

***

Kcehky wes `rlssl`, dfslrvohn blrslci oh tbl iucc-clhntb gorrdr wbocl Effywes stocc oh blr scop. –_du cddj wdh`lriuc,‗ Effy purrl`, scoppohn blr ergserduh` blr perthlr.

Ferlcy ekjhdwcl`nohn tbl kdgpcoglht, Kcehky kdhtohul` td pdjl et blrbeor. –^duc` ydu cojl ot flttlr ecc dhl kdcdr4‗

–Bub4 ^bet frdunbt tbet dh4‗

–Ot dlsh‟t cddj vlry sdpbostoketl`,‗ Kcehky gusl`, nlttohn td tbl blert di tblgettlr. –O tbohj ot gejls gl cddj lvlh yduhnlr.‗

Effy nezl` et blr tbdunbtiuccy, eh` tblh hd``l` blr ble`. –Ot prdfefcy`dls,‗ sbl enrll`. –Fut wby `dls tbet gettlr4‗



0><

–O `dh‟t jhdw,‗ Kcehky seo`, cddjohn e troicl e`dclsklht. –O nulss O aust wehttd cddj gy enl.‗

–_du gleh ydu weht td cddj kcdslr td gy enl,‗ Effy kdrrlktcy nulssl`.

Cddjohn up et blr wotb e qulstodh oh blr lyls, Kcehky esjl`, –Os tbet sukb efe` tbohn4‗

–Hd, hdt et ecc. Fut gy beor sbduc`h‟t fl tbos nrey et idrty-iovl. Oi ydu‟rlndohn td nlt ro` di ydur fcdh`l td cddj dc`lr, O sbduc` nlt ro` di gy nrey td cddj yduhnlr.‗

–Fut O cojl ydur nrey,‗ Kcehky prdtlstl`.

Jossohn blr dh tbl krdwh di tbl ble`, Effy rlgoh`l` blr, –Eh` O cojl ydurfcdh`l. ^by `dh‟t wl pclesl durslcvls eh` lekb dtblr, bub4 Oi dtblr

pldpcl `dh‟t cojl ot, tbly keh cugp ot.‗

–^bet `dls tbet lxprlssodh lvlh gleh4‗ Kcehky esjl`, nrohhohn up et blrperthlr.

–Hd o`le. O aust jhdw tbet O cdvl tbl wey ydu cddj ‐ ot‟s tbl cddj O wes iorstettrektl` td ‐ eh` O `dh‟t weht ydu td kbehnl ot uhclss eh` uhtoc ydu `dh‟tcojl ot ehy cdhnlr. _durs os tbl dhcy dpohodh tbet gettlrs.‗

***

Eitlr eh epprdproetl ohtlrcu`l td e`gorl Effy‟s slxy fcekj `rlss, wbokbohkcu`l` eh lxtlh`l` slssodh di ceyohn dh di beh`s, tbly `rdvl up td [olrreGe`rl td eccdw idr e volwohn. Gernerlt wes flso l blrslci, nusbohn dvlrKcehky cojl sbl wes wlerohn e wl`òhn ndwh. –Effy, O `dh‟t jhdw bdw yduò` ot!‗ sbl krol`. –[bl besh‟t fllh tbos `rlssl` up sohkl blr Kdhiorgetodhohtd tbl kburkb oh slvlhtb nre`l.‗

–Kdohko`lhteccy, tbet‟s wblh O stertl` fuyohn gy dwh kcdtbls,‗ Kcehkyseo`. –O `lko`l` O‟` hlvlr fl sllh oh e `rlss eneoh, eh` O‟vl stukj td gyrlsdcvl.‗

–^lcc, ydu fdtb cddj wdh`lriuc,‗ Locllh seo`. –Adbh, nd nlt tbl keglre.‗

Bl woccohncy ò` sd, eh` eitlr lvlry plrgutetodh di gdtblr/èunbtlr,nreh`gdtblr/èunbtlr/èunbtlr, lt kltlre, tbly wlrl ioheccy rlclesl`. –Oò`h‟t lvlr nd td e skbddc èhkl,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Os tbet wbet ot‟s cojl wblh ydur ètl sbdws up4‗

–]rltty gukb,‗ Effy seo`. –@erh! O sbduc` bevl fdunbt ydu e kdrsenl.‗



0>9

–O pceht icdwlrs,‗ Kcehky `lkcerl`. –O `dh‟t wler ‒lg.‗

***

[ohkl tbl lvlht wes idr dhl di tbl geoh kberoty dutrlekbls idr blr kburkb,Effy jhlw gehy di tbl pldpcl oh ettlhèhkl. Blr perlhts wlrl tblrl, eswlrl Geroe eh` ]eg, eh` slvlrec dtblr slts di irolh`s. Es lxplktl`, Lcclheh` blr busfeh` Hloc wlrl tblrl es wlcc, fut ot sddh flkegl kcler tbethlotblr di tblg wes ndohn td kdgl fy td sey blccd. Pbly be`h‟t fllh tblrlcdhn wblh Effy clehl` dvlr td Kcehky eh` seo`, –O‟g hdt ndohn td ekt cojl O`dh‟t rlkdnhozl twd di gy dc`lst irolh`s. O‟cc ohtrdùkl ydu cetlr ‐ oi tbly‟rlkovoc.‗ [bl ndt up eh` sgddtbl` dut blr `rlss, blc` blr ble` bonb, eh`strd`l dvlr td tbl Kblhdwltbs‟ tefcl.

[bl jhlw lvlry dhl di tbl lonbt pldpcl sottohn erduh` tbl tefcl, eh` nevl

lekb di tblg e irolh`cy nrlltohn. Eitlr e plriuhktdry blccd, Lcclh turhl` blrettlhtodh fekj td tbl kdhvlrsetodh sbl be` fllh bevohn wotb tbl wdgeh tdblr ronbt, clevohn Effy td steh` ewjwer`cy flboh` blr. Cddjohn òrlktcy etHloc, Effy seo`, –O wes ndohn td frohn Kcehky dvlr td gllt ydu, fut tbet`dlsh‟t sllg cojl e ndd` o`le.‗

–O tbohj ydu‟rl ronbt,‗ Hloc seo`, cddjohn vlry uhkdgidrtefcl. –O‟g ubg …sdrry, Effy, fut O `dh‟t tbohj tbet wduc` fl wosl.‗

–Ot dlsh‟t bevl td fl cojl tbos,‗ sbl seo` quoltcy, tblh turhl` dh blr bllc eh`rlturhl` td blr tefcl.

Lvlrydhl et blr dwh tefcl be` fllh stlectbocy wetkbohn, fut hd dhl seoèhytbohn wblh sbl rlturhl`. Kcehky aust nroppl` blr beh` uh`lr tbl tefcleh` nevl ot e squllzl.

@lkoòhn hdt td clt tbl sconbt ruoh tbl lvlhohn, Effy stdd` eh` tunnl` Kcehkyup wotb blr. –Ot‟s togl td kdgl dut td e ilw pldpcl,‗ sbl seo`. –êhhegohncl4‗

–Cdvl td,‗ Kcehky seo`, flegohn up et blr.

***

–Bdw gehy pldpcl bevl ydu twd ecrle`y tdc`4‗ Effy esjl` Geroe eh` ]egwblh tbly keunbt up td tblg hler tbl èhkl icddr.

–Pdc`4 _du tbohj wl tdc`4‗ ]eg fcohjl` ohnlhuduscy. –^l‟rl tbl sducs diòskrltodh!‗



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–O ohtrdùkl` Kcehky es gy perthlr td twd dzlh pldpcl, eh` wl ferlcy ndt ereosl` lylfrdw,‗ Effy seo`. –O jhdw ydu twd erl flboh` tbet.‗

–^lcc,‗ Geroe seo`, –wl wehtl` tbos td fl es sgddtb es pdssofcl idr ydutwd. [d wl gonbt bevl bohtl` et ot et tbl cest ney eh` clsfoeh dutrlekb

e`vosdry fder` glltohn.‗

–Aust e boht tbdunb,‗ ]eg seo`, hd`òhn sdclghcy.

–Hlws efdut slx trevlcs iest, lvlh et kburkb,‗ Effy seo`. –Gy gdtblr seo`tbet tbrll pldpcl keccl` blr tbos wllj td nlt blr td `lhy tbl vokodusrugdr. ^l‟rl slgo-klclfrotols, Kcehky. @d ydu goh`4‗

–Hdt e fot. Geyfl O‟cc nlt sdgl fusohlss dut di ot,‗ sbl seo`. –Ceh`skepohnosh‟t tbet lxkotohn, fut oi pldpcl tbohj O tbrdw oh e ilw drolhtetodh-turhohnclsfoeh slx ekts, gy pbdhl gonbt stert rohnohn dii tbl bddj.‗

–_du‟` flttlr hdt ehswlr tbdsl keccs,‗ Effy seo`, frdw iurrdwohn.

–O bevl e vlry slclkt cost di kcolhts,‗ sbl seo`. –Ot‟s cogotl` td ydu.‗ [tehòhndh blr toptdls td lquecozl idr Effy‟s bllcs, Kcehky pcekl` e kbestl joss dhblr cops.

Pbly wlrl ohtlrruptl` fy sdgldhl stehòhn ronbt flboh` Effy, kclerohn bostbrdet `regetokeccy. [bl turhl` eh` sgocl` et eh lclnehtcy ettorl` geh ehèccdwl` bog td joss blr kbllj. –Blccd, Ecceh.‗

–Eh` aust wbet bevl ydu fllh up td, es oi O ò`h‟t jhdw4‗ bl esjl`, lylohnKcehky sbdwocy.

ôtb e sgecc sgocl, Effy hd``l`, –_ls, tbl rugdrs erl trul. Ecceh[ogpjohs, tbos os gy perthlr, Kcehky D‟Kdhhdr.‗

–]erthlr, bub4‗ bl esjl`, hd`òhn bos epprdvec. –_du norcs wdrj iest, dh‟t ydu4‗

–Hd rlesdh hdt td wblh ydu ioh` tbl ronbt dhl,‗ Effy seo`, novohn Kcehky ewo`lr sgocl.

–^lcc, lvlrydhl lcsl wes sbdkjl` O tlcc ydu, aust sbdkjl`,‗ bl seo``regetokeccy. –Fut O ò`h‟t fcohj eh lyl. O ecweys, eh` O `d gleh ecweys,jhlw.‗ Bl cddjl` tbdrdunbcy pclesl` wotb bogslci, fut Kcehky sew e cddj ohblr cdvlr‟s lyls tbet sbl jhlw gleht trdufcl.

–^bet `d ydu gleh fy tbet4‗ Effy esjl` sberpcy. ]eg eh` Geroeuhkdhskoduscy fekjl` up, tblor lyls ndohn rduh`, fut Kcehky clehl` oh



0>2

kcdslr eh` put blr beh` dh Effy‟s fekj, wbokb wes tonbt wotb tlhsodh.

–O dhcy gleht tbet O jhlw ydu be` sdgl slkrlt ylerhohns,‗ bl wbosplrl`cdu`cy, idr liilkt. –Ot‟s djey, Effy, tbl ket‟s dut di tbl fen hdw.‗

[bl e`vehkl` dh bog, tbl tdls di blr sbdls tdukbohn bos. –Costlh, Ecceh,‗sbl lhuhkoetl` sberpcy, –O cdvl` ôcc kdgpcltlcy ‐ tdteccy ‐ eh` iuccy. Ohlvlr be` ehdtblr tbdunbt idr ehdtblr geh, dr ehdtblr wdgeh. O `llpcyrlslht ydur ogpcoketodh, eh` O `lgeh` eh epdcdny!‗

–O dhcy gleht …‗ bl seo`, fekjohn up.

–O jhdw wbet ydu gleht,‗ sbl respl`. –O wes kdgpcltlcy ieotbiuc td gybusfeh` uhtoc tbl èy bl òl`. Hdw O‟g oh cdvl wotb Kcehky, eh` O‟cc fl tblsegl wotb blr! Pwd òskrltl lvlhts ‐ hlotblr di wbokb bes e Nd` èghl`tbohn td `d wotb tbl dtblr!‗

–O ò`h‟t gleh td ogpcy ehytbohn òiilrlht,‗ bl seo`, hdw fekjohn ewey lvlhquokjlr. –O wosb ydu ecc tbl flst.‗ ôtb tbet, bl turhl` eh` prektokeccy rehfekj td bos tefcl, clevohn tbrll slts di wo`l lyls td sterl et Effy.

–]dgpdus prokj,‗ sbl guttlrl`.

Geroe sew tbl stuhhl` cddj dh Kcehky‟s iekl, eh` lxpceohl`, –Bl‟s e fontrdufcl gejlr et kburkb. Dhl di tbdsl nuys wbd‟s ecweys tryohn td krletlkdhtrdvlrsy wblrl hdhl lxosts. Bl‟s be` tbet kdgohn idr ylers,‗ sbl e``l`,novohn Effy eh e`gorohn cddj.

–Geyfl kdgohn tdhonbt wesh‟t sukb e ndd` o`le,‗ Effy sonbl`. –O illc cojlO‟vl fllh fletlh wotb kcufs.‗

Kcehky nrespl` blr beh` eh` seo`, –Clt‟s nd dutso`l idr e fot. E cottcl irlsbeor wocc gejl ydu illc flttlr.‗

Effy hd``l` eh` clt blrslci fl cl` dut`ddrs. Pbl honbt wes kboccy, fut tblfrosj tlgplreturl wes aust tbl tbohn td kddc dwh blr bletl` tlgplr. –^byos ot sukb e fon `lec td bevl ceflcs idr pldpcl,‗ sbl guttlrl`.

–Ot‟s dhcy ogpdrteht td sdgl,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Pbl pldpcl wbd gettlr dh‟t sll ydu es e tbohn dr e stlrldtypl, tbly sll tbl rlec ydu. Pbl ydu tbet O sll.‗

–O suppdsl,‗ Effy sonbl`, clehohn eneohst Kcehky‟s fd`y. –Ot‟s aust torohn.‗

–Ot os. Clt‟s aust col cdw e cottcl fot eh` lhady flohn wotb ydur perlhts, eh` ]egeh` Geroe, eh` tbl dtblr pldpcl wbd jhdw bdw td flbevl.‗



0>?

Kcehky stertl` td wecj fekj oh, fut Effy blc` blr fekj. [lerkbohn blr lylssbl esjl`, –_du uh`lrsteh`, `dh‟t ydu4 O ò`h‟t weht td fl wotb wdglhwblh O wes wotb ôcc, eh` O `dh‟t weht td fl wotb ehydhl lcsl hdw tbet O‟gwotb ydu.‗

Frusbohn blr gdutb wotb e conbt joss, Kcehky seo`. –O `d.‗ [bl pcekl` blrbeh`s dh blr cdvlr‟s bops eh` puccl` blr kcdsl. –_du‟rl dhl di tbdsl rerlpldpcl wbd ieccs oh cdvl wotb tbl sduc, retblr tbeh tbl fd`y.‗

–O cdvl ydur sduc, Kcehky D‟Kdhhdr,‗ sbl sonbl`, tblh flht td joss blr,cohnlrohn uhtoc tbl eor flneh td kbocc. [bl reh blr beh`s up eh` `dwh blrperthlr, illcohn tbl sdit iclsb eh` iorg guskcls. –Fut O cdvl ydur fd`y, tdd.Ot‟s tbl hoklst irohnl flhliot e wdgeh kduc` lvlr bevl.‗

***

Et dhl pdoht oh tbl lvlhohn, Kcehky iduh` blrslci ecdhl et tbl tefcl wotb]bocop. Bl ndt up eh` gdvl` td fl efcl td sot hlxt td blr, eh` seo`, –Oessugl tbet Effy tdc` ydu O bevl rlslrvetodhs efdut ydur rlcetodhsbop.‗

–[bl ò`,‗ Kcehky seo`, –fut O uh`lrstdd` ydur rlesdhs.‗

–O bdpl ydu uh`lrsteh` gy rlslrvetodhs bevl hdtbohn td `d wotb ydu,‗ blseo`, bos nezl ioxl` dh blr.

[bl rlekbl` dut eh` pettl` bos beh`, novohn bog e werg sgocl. –O keh tlcc

ydu cojl gl, ]bocop. _du dh‟t cddj cojl tbl joh` di nuy wbd wduc` fl efcl tdput dh e irdht cojl tbet.‗

–Hd, hd. O‟g pdcotl, fut O `dh‟t nd dut di gy wey td gejl kdhvlrsetodh wotbpldpcl O `dh‟t cojl.‗

–O jhdw ydu‟rl wdrrol` efdut Beycly,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O aust bdpl ydu jhdwtbet Effy‟s `lvdtl` td tbdsl jo`s. [bl‟` hlvlr `d ehytbohn tbet sbltbdunbt wduc` plrgehlhtcy berg tblor rlcetodhsbop.‗ [bl cddjl` et bog idre gdglht eh` seo`, –O bdhlstcy tbohj sbl‟s `dohn wbet‟s flst idr Beycly fyndohn tbrdunb wotb tbos. [bl wehts td sbdw blr tbet tbly keh wdrj tbohns

dut fy òskussohn tblg, fut hdt fy gejohn `lgeh`s. O‟g hdt e gdg,]bocop, fut O eg e kboc`. Oi O‟` tbdunbt O kduc` bevl ge`l gy perlhts `dtbohns gy wey fy pdutohn, Nd` dhcy jhdws bdw O wduc` bevl turhl` dut.‗

–O suppdsl wl‟cc aust bevl td sll wbet bepplhs,‗ bl seo` quoltcy. –O aust wosbO jhlw wby Beycly wes sd ehtendhostok td tbl rlcetodhsbop.‗



02=

Kcehky wesh‟t efdut td tlcc bog tbet dhl lclglht wes Beycly‟s krusb dh blr,sd sbl glhtodhl` dhl di blr dtblr nulssls. –O tbohj sbl‟s bevohn e ber`togl sllohn Effy fl wotb gl flkeusl O‟g e wdgeh,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O jhdwsbl‟s kdgidrtefcl erduh` ney pldpcl, fut flohn kdgidrtefcl wotb bevohn ydur gdg fl oh e ney rlcetodhsbop bes td fl e sbdkj idr e jo`. Ot‟s prdfefcy

ecsd ber` sohkl O‟g kcdslr td blr enl tbeh O eg td Effy‟s.‗

–Pbet gejls slhsl,‗ bl seo` tbdunbtiuccy. –O aust `dh‟t weht td sll ehy di ydu nlt burt blrl, Kcehky. Pbdsl wdglh erl gy coil.‗

–O jhdw aust wbet ydu gleh, ]bocop,‗ sbl seo`. –O illc tbl segl wey efdutEffy, eh` Effy wdh‟t fl beppy oi Beycly `dlsh‟t lvlhtueccy nlt kdgidrtefclwotb us. Flso`ls wehtohn Effy td fl beppy, ot‟s oh gy flst ohtlrlsts td wohBeycly dvlr.‗

Bl nevl blr e cddj, cohnlrohn dh blr lyls. –_du‟rl vlry bdhlst, erlh‟t ydu4

Gdst pldpcl wduc`h‟t e`got td bevohn tblor dwh enlhè.‗

[bl nevl bog e beci-sgocl eh` seo`, –Ot‟s lesolr oh tbl cdhn ruh td fl bdhlst.O‟g e vlry prektokec plrsdh.‗

–[d eg O,‗ bl seo`. –Pbl prdfclg os tbet Beycly osh‟t. [bl‟s stocc e iconbty yduhn wdgeh.‗

–_leb, sbl os,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Fut Effy tbohjs ot‟s togl idr Beycly td clerhbdw td fl clss slci-klhtlrl`. [bl‟s ndtte clerh sdgltogl, ]bocop. Hdw‟s esndd` e togl es ehy.‗

***

]ert Pwlhty-lonbt

Idr tbl hlxt twd wlljs, Kcehky wlht td tbl Nrebeg bdusl idr ohhlr ecgdstlvlry honbt, fut Prlvdr wes rerlcy prlslht. Bl ecweys be` eh lxkusl, dhl aust ndd` lhdunb td pess, fut Effy jhlw bl wes evdoòhn tblg. [bl wesh‟tsurl oi sbl sbduc` kdhirdht bog, rlesdhohn tbet Prlvdr wduc` frohn ot upwblh bl wes rle`y td tecj. Lvlh tbdunb Effy‟s stycl wduc`h‟t bevl wdrjlìdr Kcehky, tbl fcdh`l wes beppy tbet Effy ò`h‟t clt Prlvdr‟s òsepplerohn

ekt kbehnl blr flbevodr. Ecgdst lvlry honbt tbly pceyl` wotb tbl `dns drtddj e cdhn wecj uhtoc ot wes hlercy fl`togl, tblh tbly fdtb ndt ohtd tblorkers eh` rdvl td Kcehky‟s. [cllpohn tdnltblr lvlry honbt ge`l fdtb di tblgkdhtlht lhdunb td novl Prlvdr sdgl togl, fut Effy ioheccy `lko`l` tbet sblbe` td frdekb tbl tdpok, lvlh oi blr sdh wesh‟t rle`y.

Dh Kcehky‟s fdwcohn honbt, sbl ohvotl` bog dut td òhhlr, tbl ohvotetodhdfvoduscy tejohn bog fy surprosl. Fut bl put dh e hokl peor di scekjs eh` e



025

`rlss sbort eh` lskdrtl` blr td dhl di tbl iegocy‟s ievdrotl rlsteurehts. Eitlrtbly‟` dr`lrl` tblor idd`, Prlvdr nevl bos gdtblr e kurodus cddj eh` esjl`,–[d, bdw erl tbohns ndohn4 Erl ydu eh` Kcehky `dohn djey4‗ Bl sbddj bosble` e cottcl eh` seo`, –Pbet‟s ber` td sey ‐ ydu jhdw4‗

Effy rlekbl` ekrdss tbl tefcl eh` kdvlrl` bos cernl beh` wotb blr dwh. –Hd,O `dh‟t rleccy jhdw. O‟vl hlvlr fllh oh ydur pds otodh, Prlvdr, sd O dhcy jhdwwbet ydu tlcc gl.‗ [bl peusl` uhtoc bl glt blr lyls. –^bokb besh‟t fllhgukb.‗

Bl cddjl` dwh, stuòduscy evdoòhn blr nezl. –Ot illcs … O `dh‟t jhdw, johèwlor` flohn et bdgl. Ot illcs flttlr td nd behn dut wotb gy dc` irolh`s.‗

–O‟g surl ot os, bdhly, fut ydu‟rl hdt nlttohn td jhdw Kcehky fy `dohn tbet.‗

–O jhdw,‗ bl seo`. Bos tbokj, èrj beor be` iecclh idrwer`, gejohn bog cddjcojl e kdhtrotl cottcl fdy. –O‟g `dohn gy flst, Gdg, fut O jhdw O‟g hdt gejohngukb prdnrlss.‗

^blh bl cddjl` up, sbl nezl` ohtd bos lyls. –@d ydu tbohj ydu‟cc lvlr nltkdgidrtefcl wotb Kcehky sberohn dur bdgl4‗

–Lvlr4‗ bl esjl`, sboitohn hlrvduscy oh bos kbeor. –Lvlr‟s e cdhn togl.‗

–O jhdw ot os,‗ sbl seo`. –Eh` O tbohj ydu‟vl ehswlrl` gy qulstodh.‗ Blcddjl` et blr, bos lxprlssodh sd lerhlst tbet sbl ilct sdrry idr bog. –O jhdw

ydu‟rl tryohn, bdhly, fut O `dh‟t tbohj tbos os ndhhe wdrj dut.‗

–Hd, hd, ot wocc!‗ Bos vdokl rdsl eh` bos kblljs wlrl ogglòetlcy icusbl`. –@dh‟t novl up, Gdg, pclesl!‗

[tertcl`, Effy sterl` et bog. –Novl up wbet4‗

–Kcehky!‗ Bl cddjl` cojl bl wes dh tbl vlrnl di pehok, eh` Effy wes sdsurprosl` fy bos essugptodh tbet sbl wes rlh`lrl` spllkbclss.

–Ot‟s fllh bdrrofcl td sll wbet tblsl cest ilw ylers bevl dhl td ydu,‗ bl seo`,

tbl wdr`s nusbohn dut oh e strleg. –Lvlh tbdunb ydu‟vl ecweys trol` td putdh e ndd` irdht, O gossl` ydur slhsl di bugdr eh` ydur nddiohlss. Ot‟s sdhokl td sll tbet kdgl fekj, eh` O tbohj Kcehky os flboh` tbet. _du keh‟t novlup dh blr aust flkeusl di Beycly eh` gl.‗

Bos sohklroty eh` kdhklrh frdjl blr blert, eh` sbl rlekbl` ekrdss tbl tefcleneoh td nresp bos beh`. [bl nezl` et bog idr e gdglht, blr blert ioccl` wotbcdvl. –O‟cc hlvlr novl blr up. Hlvlr.‗



02;

–Pbly‟rl dh e keclhèr yler-lh`, sd tbly wdh‟t bevl tbl fu`nlt uhtoc Aehuery. Fut tbly‟rl suppdsl` td stert ohtlrvolwohn oh Hdvlgflr.‗

–Pbet‟s sddh,‗ sbl seo`, novohn bog eh lhkdurenohn sgocl.

–_leb, fut O‟vl ecrle`y `lko`l` tbet O‟vl fllh sottohn erduh` tdd cdhn. O‟gndhhe stert `dohn sdgltbohn. Gejl kdiill, fl e weotlr, sdgltbohn! Ot‟s`rovohn gl huts td aust slh` dut rlsugls eh` weot idr tbl geoc td kdgl.‗

–_du kduc` ecweys wdrj wotb Kcehky,‗ Effy seo`, pertoeccy jo`òhn.

Bos iekl cot up. –Vleccy4 @d ydu tbohj sbl hll`s ehydhl4 O‟` cdvl td wdrjdutso`l wbocl O weot idr gy `rleg adf.‗

–Esj blr, bdhly. Oi sbl hll`s blcp, O‟g surl sbl‟` cdvl td bevl ydu. [bl

jhdws wbet e ber` wdrjlr ydu erl.‗

–Pbet‟s dhl pcekl O jhdw O‟` nlt e ndd` rlkdgglhètodh,‗ bl enrll`, sgocohnfronbtcy.

–Pbl flst,‗ sbl enrll`. –O sohn ydur preosls td lvlrydhl wbd‟cc costlh.‗

Bl sgocl` et blr eh` seo`, –O `dh‟t `duft tbet e fot.‗ Pejohn blr beh`, blseo`, –@dh‟t wdrry. ^l‟cc nlt tbrdunb tbos. Oi wl kduc` nlt tbrdunb cdsohn@e`, tbos‟cc fl e shep.‗

***

Kcehky sclpt ecdhl eitlr fdwcohn, eh` wes surprosl` td ioh` Gokbelc up ehècrle`y wdrjohn wblh sbl wes rle`y td clevl idr wdrj. –^lcc, oi ot osh‟t tblfor` geh di [dutb ]ese`lhe,‗ sbl seo` wblh sbl lhtlrl` tbl jotkblh. Blbe` hlwspeplrs sprle` dvlr tbl jotkblh tefcl eh` e beh`-ge`l for`bduslrlstohn etdp tblg.

–Bly, fcdhòl!‗ Bl nrohhl` fekj et blr. –Ecdhl tdèy4‗

–_leb. O wlht fdwcohn cest honbt, eh` ot ò`h‟t gejl slhsl idr Effy td kdgl

dvlr idr aust e ilw bdurs. Flso`ls, sbl tddj blr sdh dut td òhhlr cest honbt,eh` sbl wehtl` td stey bdgl oh kesl tbly ndt keunbt up oh e òskussodh.‗

Bl reosl` eh lylfrdw. –Bdw‟s tbet ndohn4 Os bl ehy flttlr tbeh tblèunbtlr4‗

–_leb, yleb,‗ sbl seo`. –Bl‟s e vlry hokl jo`.‗



020

–Bdw dc` os tbos jo`4‗ bl esjl`, kdkjohn bos ble`.

–\bg … twlhty-iovl.‗

–^dw, bl os e jo`.‗

Bl wes tryohn td cddj cojl bl wes flohn slrodus, eh` aust td `rovl bog krezy,sbl ektl` cojl sbl flcolvl` bog. [bl tddj tbl peohtfrusb irdg bos beh` eh`splht e gdglht eppcyohn sdgl bdt pohj peoht td tbl sbuttlrs dh tblfor`bdusl. –Pbos dhl‟s hokl,‗ sbl seo`. –_du nuys slccohn gehy di tblg4‗

–Es gehy es gy è` keh gejl,‗ bl seo`. –^l weht td bevl et clest twd`dzlh di tblg idr tbl kreit ieor oh Erkeòe oh twd wlljs. _du eh` Effysbduc` kdgl.‗

–^l wocc,‗ sbl seo`. –Ektueccy, O flt sbl‟` cdvl dhl di tblsl idr tbl yer`. [blcdvls td sot dut oh tbl fekj eh` costlh td tbl for`s oh tbl gdrhohn.‗

–_du twd sllg ewiuccy beppy, Kcehkl. Os tbl rlecoty es trul es tbl ogenl4‗

–[url os,‗ sbl seo`. –O ò`h‟t jhdw ot wes pdssofcl td fl tbos beppy,Gokbelc. [bl‟s tbl wdgeh idr gl. Hd `duft.‗

–[bl gust illc tbl segl wey,‗ bl seo`. –[bl cddjs et ydu cojl sbl tbohjs

ydu wecj dh wetlr.‗

–Pbl illcohn‟s gutuec.‗

Bl nevl blr e cdhn cddj eh` seo`, –_du lvlh cddj flttlr, ye jhdw4 Blkj, ydur kcdtbls cddj flttlr.‗ Bl squohtl` oh blr òrlktodh eh` esjl ,–Krlesls4‗

–\bg … sbl `dls gy ceuh`ry sd O `dh‟t bevl td nd td tbl ceuh`rdget. Eh`sbl … ordhs gy kcdtbls.‗

Bl clehl` fekj dh tbl stddc bl wes sottohn dh eh` sbddj bos ble`. –[blordhs ydur kcdtbls. _du iduh` e ndrnldus, dc`lr, wlectby wdgeh wotb tblgdst fleutoiuc bdusl O‟vl lvlr sllh, eh` sbl hdt dhcy cdvls ydu ‐ sbl ordhs ydur kcdtbls.‗

[brunnohn blr sbduc`lrs dhkl eneoh sbl seo`, –[bl wehts gl td cddj hokl.‗



02<

Bl nevl blr e sdflr cddj eh` seo`, –Oi sbl‟s ordhohn ydur cottcl `yjl sbdrts, otgust fl trul cdvl. Erl ydu rle`y td gejl tbos plrgehlht4‗

–Di kdursl O eg, eh` sd os Effy, fut wl‟rl johè stukj uhtoc tbl jo`s erl kddcwotb ot.‗

Bl skdwcl`, tblh clehl` idrwer` td wdrj dh sdgl di tbl ohtroketl `lteoc.–^bet oi tbly hlvlr erl4‗

–Flets tbl blcc dut di gl,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Fut tbly‟` flttlr kdgl erduh`flkeusl O‟g hdt clttohn blr nd. Lvlr.‗ [bl jossl` bog dh tbl ble`, nreffl`blr jlys, eh` ble`l` dut td wdrj.

***

Kcehky be` e vlry fusy èy, eh` ò`h‟t bevl e gdglht td tecj td Effy. Dh

blr `rovl fekj irdg Kukegdhne sbl ge`l up idr blr dvlrsonbt. –Bo, O jhdwot‟s cetl, fut O wes swegpl` tdèy. êht td nd eble` eh` bevl òhhlrwotbdut gl4‗

–Hd, di kdursl hdt! Kdgl dvlr ronbt hdw, bdhly. ^l keh let es sddh es ydunlt blrl.‗

–[url4 O‟g òrty.‗

–Pbet‟s dhl di tbl rlesdhs O cdvl ydu,‗ Effy seo`, sgocohn td blrslci wblh sblbuhn up.

***

Kcehky wes surprosl` td ioh` Prlvdr sottohn oh tbl jotkblh, sgocohn et blrwblh sbl wecjl` ohtd tbl rddg. –Bo,‗ sbl seo`.

Bl stdd` up eh` sbddj blr beh`. –Bo. Keh O nlt ydu e fllr4‗

–[url,‗ sbl seo`, puzzcl`, fut pclesl` td bevl bog pceyohn bdst.

Bl tddj twd fllrs dut eh` dplhl` tblg fdtb. –Ncess4‗

–@dh‟t fdtblr.‗ [bl tddj tbl fllr eh` set `dwh et tbl jotkblh tefcl, hdtohntbet Effy be` òsepplerl`.

Prlvdr set dppdsotl blr eh` nevl blr e hlrvdus sgocl. Pbly set tblrl idr eilw gdglhts, fdtb uhkdgidrtefcl. Ioheccy, bl spdjl. –O, ubg … wehtl` tdepdcdnozl idr shlejohn dii hlercy lvlry togl ydu‟vl kdgl dvlr idr òhhlr.‗



029

–Pbet‟s ecc ronbt,‗ Kcehky seo`. [bl tddj e rohj eh` put blr fdttcl dwh, tblsduh` e cottcl cdu` oh tbl soclht jotkblh. –O jhdw ydu‟vl ndt ydur dwh coil.‗

Bl ge`l e iekl eh` tddj e rohj. –Ot besh‟t fllh tbet sd gukb. Ot‟s fllh berìdr gl td fl erduh` ydu twd.‗

[bl cddjl` et bog, e cottcl tejlh efekj fy bos keh`dr.

–O‟g ndhhe gdvl dut es sddh es O nlt lhdunb gdhly sevl` up.‗

Blr lyls sbdt dplh. ‒Prlvdr! Pbos os ydur bdgl! O `dh‟t wehhe illc cojl O‟gpusbohn ydu dut!‗

‒Hd, hd, rleccy,‗ bl seo`. –O dh‟t illc tbet wey. O hll` td bevl gy dwh pcekl. Ogleh, O `dh‟t wehhe sll gdg wotb e norc eh` O‟g surl sbl illcs tbl seglefdut gl.‗ Bl ceunbl` sditcy. –Hd nuy wehts td frohn e norc bdgl eh` bevl td

ohtrdùkl blr td bos gdtblr oh tbl gdrhohn.‗

Kcehky ceunbl` et bos wdr`s eh` bos lxprlssodh. –Ndd` pdoht. O hlvlrtbdunbt di ot irdg ydur pdoht di volw.‗

–Ot‟s togl idr gl td nlt e adf eh` eh epertglht. Eh` ot‟s togl idr ydu twd tdstert ydur covls tdnltblr. ^l‟cc ecc fl beppolr.‗

[bl nevl bog e fronbt sgocl eh` kceppl` bog dh tbl sbduc`lr. –_du jhdw, ydu‟rl dhl di tbl hoklst pldpcl O‟vl lvlr glt. Hdw O jhdw wby ydur gdg‟s sdprdu` di ydu.‗

Bl cddjl` lgferressl` eh` kdgpcltlcy onhdrl` blr kdgpcoglht. Pbl `ddrdplhl` eh` tbl dns reh idr Kcehky. Effy kegl oh, flegohn et fdtb di tblg,eh` Prlvdr shukj e cddj oh blr òrlktodh. –Kcehky eh` O bevl e cdt ohkdggdh, Gdg. ^l fdtb cdvl tbl segl wdgeh.‗

Kcehk y ceunbl`. –Pbet‟s trul. [duh`s e cottcl strehnl, fut ot‟s trul.‗

–O tbohj wl‟rl diiokoeccy e hdh-treòtodhec iegocy,‗ bl seo`. –[trehnl os hdrgecidr us.‗ Effy wecjl` dvlr td bog eh` bl ndt td bos illt eh` bunnl` blr,hlotblr di tblg splejohn. Pbl kdhhlktodh fltwllh gdtblr eh` sdh wes sd

vofreht tbet Kcehky kduc` hlercy illc ot. Prlvdr set fekj dwh, Effy stehòhnflboh` bog, blr beh` dh bos sbduc`lr. Kcehky nezl` et tblg idr e gdglht,tbohjohn tbet tbohns wduc` fl aust plrilkt oi Effy eh` ôcc be` wehtl` td aust bevl dhl kboc`.

***

Pbly‟` hlercy iohosbl` òhhlr wblh Prlvdr kclerl` bos tbrdet eh` seo`, –O‟g



02>

hdt bevohn gukb cukj ioh`ohn e adf, Kcehky. Kduc` ydu usl ehdtblrber`-wdrjohn nuy4‗

Kcehky‟s lyls nrlw wo`l eh` ertl` fltwllh gdtblr eh` sdh. –_du‟rl woccohntd `d gehuec cefdr4‗

–[url! O‟` cdvl td wdrj dutso`l idr e wbocl. O‟vl splht e cdt di togl sottohn ohkcessrddgs. Ot‟` fl nrlet td wdrj wotb gy beh`s flidrl O bevl td splh` tblrlst di gy wdrjohn coil sottohn oh eh diiokl.‗

[bl clehl` fekj oh blr kbeor, cddjohn et bog tbdunbtiuccy. –O `dh‟t bevlehytbohn ronbt hdw,‗ sbl seo`. –Fut O‟cc sll wbet O keh on up. Bdw d ydu illcefdut blonbts4‗

–\bg … iohl. ^by4‟



022

–O lkdretl` e ilw bdusls idr Kbrostges cest yler. O wes tbohjohn efdut dohne cdt gdrl tbos yler. Ot‟s ieorcy lesy wdrj, eh` ot blcps iocc dut gy skblùcl.‗

–Prlvdr‟s put up dur conbts idr tbl cest tlh ylers,‗ Effy seo`, sgocohn et blrsdh. –Bl‟s e prd.‗

–Cojl O seo`, O‟cc kblkj e ilw tbohns dut eh` nlt fekj td ydu,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O‟gsurl wl keh ioh` sdgltbohn td jllp ydu fusy.‗

–Pbet‟s wbet O hll`,‗ bl seo`. –O‟g sd sokj di sottohn erduh`, O‟g efdut td ndhuts!‗

–Gy johè nuy,‗ Kcehky seo`, novohn bog e wohhohn nroh.

***

Cetlr tbet honbt, cyohn hlxt td lekb dtblr dh Kcehky‟s iutdh, tbl fcdh`l seo`,–Prlvdr rleccy surprosl` gl wblh bl esjl` idr wdrj. ês tbet bos o`le4‗

–^lcc, O glhtodhl` ot, fut bl wes vlry lhtbusoestok. Bl‟s ecweys cdvl` td wdrjdutso`l. Bl kut tbl nress irdg tbl togl bl wes twlcvl uhtoc bl wlht tdkdcclnl. Bl ò` e èrhl` ndd` adf, tdd.‗

–Eh` ydu‟rl kddc wotb tbet4‗

–[url,‗ Effy seo`. –^by wduc`h‟t O fl4‗

–Db, O `dh‟t jhdw. [plhòhn e zoccodh `dccers dh bos lùketodh …‗

–Pbet dlsh‟t gettlr,‗ Effy seo`. –Ecc tbet gettlrs os tbet bl dls sdgltbohntbet bl cojls. O weht bog td `d wlcc et wbetlvlr ot os bl kbddsls. Pbet‟secweys fllh gy idh`lst wosb. Fut O `dh‟t bevl e `duft tbet gy fdy wocc fltbl flst wdrjlr ydu‟vl lvlr be`. Bl‟s ndt e wdrj ltbok e gocl wo`l.‗

Kcehky tbdunbt idr e gdglht, clttohn tbl wdr`s sohj oh. –Erl ydu surl bleh` Beycly erl rlcetl`4‗

–Iuhhy,‗ Effy seo`, pohkbohn blr perthlr. –Dhl ey gy norc‟s ndhhe nrdw up,eh` ydu‟rl ndhhe fl egezl` et wbet e ndd` jo` sbl os.‗

–O keh‟t weot,‗ Kcehky seo` wotb uttlr sohklroty.

***



02?

Pbl hlxt èy, Kcehky be` dhcy fllh ndhl efdut eh bdur wblh sbl kecclÈffy irdg blr klcc pbdhl. –Bo. Eneohst gy flttlr au`nglht, O‟g jllpohn eprdgosl td kecc ydu.‗

–^bet4 O `dh‟t bevl tbl ieohtlst o`le wbet ydu‟rl tecjohn efdut,‗ Effy seo`.

–O‟g ndhhe trog e prltty fon trll, eh` O‟g idccdwohn tbrdunb cojl O seo` Owduc`.‗

Effy nucpl`, blr stdgekb `dohn e icop wbocl sbl trol` td nlt sdgl gdosturlfekj ohtd blr gdutb. –Bdw fon4‗ sbl ioheccy ndt dut.

Kcehky peusl`, tblh quoltcy seo`, –Ot‟s rleccy fon, Effy. O‟g hdt wdrrol` ohtbl clest, eh` O‟g ndohn td wler e seilty flct, fut ot‟s fon.‗

–Fon cojl gy covl dej4‗ tbl fruhlttl esjl`, bdpohn eneohst bdpl tbet Kcehkywes dvlrstetohn tbl sozl.

–\bg … hd, ot‟s twokl tbet blonbt. Ot‟s e rleccy fon, rleccy dc` lukecyptus.‗

Pryohn td scdw tbl repo` fletohn di blr blert, Effy esjl`, –Ot‟s hdt ewo`dw-gejlr, os ot4‗

–^lcc, O `dh‟t cojl td usl tbet tlrg, fut ot os e ncdfucus.‗

–^bet erl ydu ndohn td `d td ot4‗ Effy esjl`, blr vdokl sbejohn wotb

iler. –@d ydu bevl td nd ecc tbl wey up4‗

–^lcc, yleb,‗ Kcehky seo`, puzzcl` fy blr perthlr‟s lglehdr. –]ldpcl dh‟trleccy weht ydu td aust trog tbl fdttdg.‗

–Keh ydu weot uhtoc O nlt tblrl4‗

–^bet4‗

–O weht td fl tblrl,‗ Effy seo`. –]clesl `dh‟t kcogf ot ecdhl.‗

–Bdhly, O‟g hdt ecdhl. Gy krlw‟s wotb gl.‗

–^by keh‟t sdgldhl lcsl `d ot4‗ tbl fruhlttl esjl`.

–Flkeusl O‟g flttlr treohl`,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Pbos trll osh‟t keccl` ewo`dw-gejlr flkeusl ot‟s fon. Ot joccs pldpcl flkeusl tbl frehkbls nlt tddblevy eh` frlej dii ùrohn e ndd` stdrg. O‟vl fllh troggohn tbos nuy idrtbrll ylers hdw, eh` ot‟s oh nrlet sbepl. Fut tbl bdgldwhlr os weotohn idr



0?=

gl, eh` O‟vl ndt td nlt td wdrj. O keh‟t weot idr ydu, Effy, eh` novlh bdw ydusduh`, ot‟s hdt e ndd` o`le idr ydu td wetkb gl kcogf.‗

–O‟g sd wdrrol` efdut ydu, O‟g sokj td gy stdgekb,‗ Effy wbosplrl`. –]clesl`dh‟t `d tbos.‗

–Fefy, tbos os gy adf,‗ Kcehky sddtbl`. –O `dh‟t jhdw wby ydu‟rl sd upslt,fut O bevl td `d gy adf.‗

–Kecc gl tbl slkdh` ydu nlt `dwh,‗ Effy flnnl`. –Pbl vlry slkdh`.‗

–O prdgosl. _du keh trust gl.‗

–Djey.‗ [bl sweccdwl` eh` seo`, –O cdvl ydu, Kcehky. Gdrl tbeh ydu‟cc lvlrjhdw.‗

–Bdhly, kecg dwh eh` try td tbohj efdut tbl iekts. Pbos os aust ehdtblr adfidr gl. @dh‟t gejl ot sduh` cojl O‟g augpohn dii e kcoii. O‟g kerliuc, hdt austtd gejl ydu illc flttlr, fut idr gyslci. O cojl td kcogf, fut O rleccy betl tdiecc. Pbl nrduh` os rlgerjefcy ber`.‗

–]clesl dh‟t tlesl,‗ Effy wbosplrl`. –Pblrl‟s hdtbohn iuhhy efdut tbos idrgl.‗

Nrogekohn, Kcehky seo`, –O‟g sdrry, swlltblert. O‟g hdt gejohn conbt di tbos.O wes aust tryohn td … Db, O `dh‟t jhdw wbet O wes tryohn td `d,fut otdfvoduscy ò`h‟t wdrj.‗

–Nd td wdrj,‗ Effy seo`. –Clt‟s nlt ot dvlr wotb.‗

–Djey. O‟cc fl kerliuc.‗

–Kecc gl,‗ Effy seo` sditcy, tblh wlht dutso`l td wdrj oh tbl yer`, aust tdtejl blr goh` dii blr ehxolty.

^drjohn oh tbl ner`lh o`h‟t blcp e fot. [bl o` sdgl blevy coitohn, tryohn tdstrlss blr fd`y td òvlrt sdgl di blr lgdtodhec turgdoc. \sohn ecc di blrkdhtrdc, sbl stdppl` blrslci irdg keccohn Kcehky, jhdwohn tbet sbl wesh‟t oh

e pdsotodh td ehswlr blr pbdhl ‛ oi sbl lvlh be` ot dh blr. E beci bdur, tblheh bdur pessl`, lekb gohutl tokjohn fy et eh lvdcutodhery pekl. Et eh bdureh` twlhty gohutls, sbl wes prlperohn blrslci idr tbl wdrst, jhdwohn tbettbl hlxt kecc wduc` fl irdg tbl bdspotec. Blr goh` rekl`, dfslssohn efduttbl kecc wblh sbl rlecozl` tbet Kcehky prdfefcy ò`h‟t bevl blr costl` es ekdhtekt plrsdh dh blr blectb ohsurehkl. [bl wes sottohn fy tbl pbdhl ohtbl jotkblh, fdtb `dns et blr illt, jhdwohn tblor dwhlr wes upslt wblh tblpbdhl ioheccy rehn dvlr eh bdur eh` e beci eitlr tbly‟` cest spdjlh. –Blccd4‗



0?5

sbl seo`, blr wbdcl fd`y trlgfcohn.

–Bo,‗ Kcehky seo`, sconbtcy dut-di-frletb. –[drry tbet tddj sd cdhn, fut ot wese gdhstlr.‗ [bl peusl`, weotl` ehdtblr flet tblh seo`, –Effy4‗

–Pbos osh‟t wdrjohn,‗ sbl seo`, blr lgdtodhs spurtohn dut di blr. –O bevl tdnd.‗ [bl fcoh`cy aeggl` tbl pbdhl dhtd tbl kre`cl eh` wlht up td blrrddg, ieccohn iekl iorst dhtd tbl fl`. [bl krol` uhtoc sbl be` hd gdrl tlerstd sbl`, blr fd`y cogp, blr goh` lxbeustl`.

Es sddh es Kcehky wes iohosbl` wotb suplrvosohn tbl krlw oh rlgdvohn eh`kboppohn up tbl `ltrotus irdg tbl fon trll, sbl sbddj beh`s wotb tblbyplr-vonoceht bdgldwhlr eh` ndt ohtd blr trukj. [bl òecl` Effyogglòetlcy, eh` blr cdvlr pokjl` ot up dhcy td sey, –^l keh‟t tecj efdut tbosdh tbl pbdhl. O‟g bevohn eh lgdtodhec glct`dwh.‗

–O‟cc kdgl bdgl,‗ Kcehky seo` iorgcy. –Fl tblrl es sddh es O keh.‗

–Hd!‗ Pbl sduh` di blr dwh vdokl surprosl` blr, fut Effy ohsostl`, –Hd, O`dh‟t weht ydu td bevl td kdgl bdgl irdg wdrj td tejl kerl di gl. O jhdwO‟g flohn roòkucdus. @dh‟t novl ohtd gy cuheky.‗

–Effy,‗ sbl seo` sditcy, –O‟` d ehytbohn td blcp ydu illc flttlr. Oi O keh blcpoh ehy wey, O‟` rleccy cojl td kdgl dvlr.‗

–Hd,‗ sbl seo`. –Pbet‟cc gejl gl illc wdrsl. O `dh‟t weht td fl efur`lh. O‟cc nlt dvlr tbos.‗

Pbl yduhnlr wdgeh sonbl` blevocy, tblh seo`, –O cdvl ydu. _du jhdw tbet,ronbt4‗

–O `d,‗ Effy gurgurl`. –[ll ydu tdhonbt.‗ Eitlr sbl buhn up, sbl steylòh fl`, tbl `dns flso`l blr, wbocl sbl trol` td kdcclkt blr tbdunbtssuiiokolhtcy td lxpceoh blrslci td blr perthlr.

***

Kcehky wes sottohn oh blr trukj wblh Effy puccl` ohtd tbl rovlwey. [bl ndt

dut eh` wecjl` tbrdunb tbl dplh netl, ndohn ohtd tbl nerenl td gllt Effy.–^blrl‟vl ydu fllh4‗ tbl yduhnlr wdgeh esjl`. –O‟vl fllh wdrrol` efdut ydu. _du ò`h‟t ehswlr ydur klcc.‗

–Db, sbot! O clit ot oh tbl bdusl wblh O wes wdrjohn oh tbl yer`. O dfvoduscy ò`h‟t put ot ohtd gy pursl wblh O wlht td gy gdg‟s.‗

–@o` ydu aust nd td behn dut4‗



0?6

–_leb. [dgltogls O hll` gy gdg td joss ot eh` gejl ot ecc flttlr.‗

–Db, Effy,‗ Kcehky gurgurl`, tejohn blr oh blr ergs. –O‟g sd sdrry ydu‟rlbevohn sukb e tdunb togl wotb tbos.‗

–O eg bevohn e tdunb togl tdèy,‗ sbl seo`. [bl wecjl` ohtd tbl bdusl eh`Kcehky idccdwl`, fdtb wdglh flohn nrlltl` fy tblor kehohl kdgpehodhs.Effy wlht td tbl rlironlretdr eh` puccl` dut e fdttcl di wohl. –Adoh gl4‗

–Hd, tbehjs,‗ Kcehky seo`. [bl set `dwh et tbl tefcl eh` weotl` idr Effysot. –Prlvdr erduh`4‗

–Hd. Bl‟s wotb [eg. Pbly wlht dwh td Feae td suri. Bl wdh‟t fl bdgl uhtoccetl tdgdrrdw honbt.‗

–O‟vl ndt eh o`le,‗ Kcehky seo`. –^by `dh‟t wl sll oi wl fdtb iot oh tbet hoklspe tuf ydu‟vl ndt oh ydur fetbrddg4‗

–Vleccy4 O‟` cojl tbet. Ot gonbt blcp gl rlcex e cottcl.‗

–Ot‟s e `lec. O‟cc kecc idr sdgl Kbohlsl idd`. ^l keh sll oi wl keh ill` lekbdtblr wotb kbdpstokjs oh tbl tuf.‗

–[duh`s nrlet,‗ Effy seo`. [bl lhvlcdpl` Kcehky oh e werg bun, eh` blc`dh idr e cdhn togl. –O‟cc nd iocc tbl tuf.‗

***

Pbly wlrl slttcl` oh tbl nlhlrduscy sozl` tuf, wotb Kcehky kerliuccy illòhnEffy polkls di spoky, nercokjy sbrogp. –Pbet‟s trucy `lcokodus,‗ Effy seo`,clehohn idrwer` td joss blr perthlr eh` sukj sdgl di tbl seukl irdg tblkdrhlr di blr gdutb. –[d erl ydu.‗

Pbly‟` be` efdut ecc tbly kduc` gehenl, sd Kcehky ndt up eh` pcekl` tbltrey dh tbl vehoty, tblh slttcl` fekj ohtd tbl werg wetlr. Effy turhl` dhtbl alts, eh` sbl shunncl` up fltwllh Kcehky‟s sprle` clns eh` clt tblpdwlriuc pucsl di tbl wetlr sddtbl blr. –O bevl td sberl sdgltbohn wotb

ydu,‗ sbl seo`.

Kcehky ilct blr cdvlr‟s fd`y nrdw tlhsl. –^bet os ot, fefy4‗

–O bevlh‟t tdc` ydu efdut tbl èy ôcc òl`.‗

Blr stetlglht wes sd uhlxplktl` tbet Kcehky ecgdst esjl` blr wbet sblwes tecjohn efdut, fut sbl gdvl` blr ble` aust lhdunb td sll tbl sducclss



0?;

lxprlssodh dh blr cdvlr‟s iekl eh` sbl rlecozl` tbos wes voteccy ogpdrteht tdblr. [bl ò`h‟t sey e wdr` ‐ sbl aust flneh td ruh blr iohnlrtops `dwhEffy‟s ergs oh tbl gdst kecgohn iesbodh sbl kduc` gehenl.

–Bl‟` fllh dut di tdwh idr dvlr e wllj,‗ Effy seo`, blr tdhl rlcetovlcy

uhehogetl`. –Bl‟` fllh oh Eustrecoe dh fusohlss, eh` bl‟` be` vlry cottclscllp. Bos fd`y kcdkj wes ecc glssl` up, eh` lvlh tbdunb wl‟` fllh oh fl`tdnltblr ecc honbt, O `dh‟t tbohj bl sclpt e wohj. Bl wes rleccy enotetl` ‐ wey tdd gukb kdiill dh tbl pcehl, O tbohj, eh` wblh O wdjl up bl wes rle`ytd furh dii sdgl lhlrny.‗ [bl sonbl` blevocy, eh` aust e boht di lgdtodhstertl` td rlturh td blr vdokl. –^l ge`l cdvl idr e vlry cdhn togl. ^l wlrlgdrl regfuhktodus tbeh wl‟` fllh oh e wbocl ‐ wl‟` gossl` lekb dtblr ‐ eh`, cojl O seo`, bl wes vlry jlyl` up. ^blh wl ioheccy kdccepsl`, O ilct cojlO‟` ruh tbl geretbdh, fut bl wes bdppohn dut di fl`, rle`y td nd.‗

Kcehky clehl` idrwer` eh` jossl` blr hlkj, tblh tukjl` eh erg uh`lr blr

frlests td bdc` blr tonbtcy, jhdwohn wbet wes td kdgl.

–Bl wehtl` td nd ruhhohn, eh` lvlh tbdunb O ecweys wlht wotb bog, Okduc`h‟t lvlh tbohj di ot.‗ [bl ceunbl` sditcy eh` seo`, –Bl wes prltty prdu`di bogslci wblh bl clit. Bl cdvl` td `reoh lvlry duhkl di lhlrny dut digl.‗ [bl tddj oh ehdtblr `llp frletb eh` clt ot dut scdwcy. –O ndt up eh`sbdwlrl`, tblh ge`l frlejiest idr us. Bl be` e slt rdutl, eh` ot ecweystddj bog idrty-iovl gohutls,‗ sbl seo`. –_du kduc` slt ydur wetkb fybog. ^blh bl wesh‟t bdgl eitlr eh bdur O stertl` td wdrry, eh` eitlr ehbdur eh` ioitllh gohutls O jhlw sdgltbohn wes wrdhn. O ndt oh tbl ker eh`stertl` idr tbl Vdsl Fdwc, eh` efdut beciwey tblrl, O sew eh egfucehkl

puccl` dvlr td tbl kurf. Pbly wlrl puttohn e fd`y dh e nurhly eh` O jhlw ‐ sdglbdw O jhlw ‐ tbet ot wes ôcc. O iclw dut di tbl ker, eh` aust es O ndttblrl, O sew tbet tbly‟` puccl` tbl sbllt up dvlr bos iekl.‗ [bl turhl` eh`kurcl` ohtd e iltec pdsotodh, uhefcl td splej, kryohn potlduscy wbocl Kcehkyrdkjl` blr oh blr ergs, blr dwh tlers ieccohn dhtd tbl sect eh` plpplr beor.

Effy ioheccy kdcclktl` blrslci lhdunb td splej eneoh, gurgurohn, –Pdèy Oilct cojl ydu gonbt hll` gl ‐ cojl O kduc` sevl ydu ‐ oi dhcy O wlrl wotb ydu.‗

–Db, Effy,‗ Kcehky sdffl`. –_du pddr, pddr fefy.‗ [bl blc` blr tlh`lrcy,kerlssohn blr wotb tbl nlhtclst tdukb. –@d ydu tbohj tbet ydu kduc` bevlsevl` bog oi ydu‟` fllh wotb bog4‗

–O `dh‟t jhdw,‗ sbl seo`. –O trucy `dh‟t jhdw oi O kduc` bevl. Dhl di tbl`dktdrs seo` tbet K]V gonbt bevl jlpt bog ecovl, ehdtblr seo` lvlh tblgekbohl tbet sbdkjs tbl blert ohtd rbytbg wduc`h‟t bevl blcpl`. Ecc Ojhdw os tbet O wesh‟t tblrl … eh` O sbduc` bevl fllh. Et clest O kduc` bevl



0?0

blc` bog oh gy ergs wblh bl òl`.‗

–O uh`lrsteh`,‗ Kcehky wbosplrl`. –O rleccy uh`lrsteh`.‗

Effy turhl` td gejl lyl kdhtekt eh` seo`, –@d ydu uh`lrsteh` wby O wes sd

irehtok tdèy4 Ot ilct cojl tbl wbdcl honbtgerl wes ndohn td bepplh eneoh.‗

–O `d,‗ sbl seo`. –O keh sll wbet bepplhl`.‗ [bl wreppl` Effy ohtd ehlvlh tonbtlr bun eh` quoltcy seo`, –Pbet‟s wby O‟g hdt ndohn td kecc ydu eneohwblh O kcogf.‗

–^bet4‗

–_du bler` gl,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Pbos os e slt-up. @dohn ot tbos wey wocc gejl ydu krezy. O keh‟t `d tbet td ydu.‗ [bl jossl` blr ble` eh` seo`, –O `dh‟t

kcogf tbet ditlh, eh` O‟cc esj Vegdh td `d gdrl wblh bl keh, fut O woccdkkesodheccy bevl td trog e trll. O prdgosl td fl es kerliuc es bugehcypdssofcl: O‟cc wler e seilty flct lvlh idr sgecc trlls: fut O wdh‟t blcp ydu rovl ydurslci huts dvlr ot.‗

–Pbet‟s wbet gy gdg seo` td `d,‗ Effy seo` quoltcy. –[bl seys tbet wbet O`dh‟t jhdw wdh‟t burt gl.‗

–_dur gdg os ronbt. O pceh dh flohn fy ydur so`l idr et clest ioity ylers,rlglgflr4 Pblrl‟s hd wey O‟g ndohn td goss dut dh tbet perty!‗

Effy hd``l` scdwcy, tblh turhl` eh` nevl Kcehky e sgecc joss. –Orlglgflr. O‟g bdcòhn ydu td tbet prdgosl, ydu jhdw.‗

–Pbl segl ndls idr gl,‗ Kcehky seo`, pcekohn e tlh`lr joss dh blr cops eh`tukjohn blr fekj ohtd blr ergs. –Aust idr tbl rlkdr`, ot‟s nlttohn tdd cetl ohtbl yler td trog gdst trlls. [d put ot dut di ydur goh` uhtoc sprohn, djey4‗

–Djey,‗ Effy sonbl`. –Pbehjs, Kcehky. Idr lvlrytbohn ‐ fut gdstcy idruh`lrstehòhn.‗

***

Eitlr tblor fetb, tbly wlht ohtd tbl nulst fl`rddg eh` slttcl` dwh fltwllhtbl kddc, sdit sbllts. Kcehky put blr erg dut, eh` Effy hlstcl` up hlxt tdblr, rlstohn blr ble` dh blr sbduc`lr. –_du‟vl fllh quolt sohkl O tecjlèfdut ôcc. Lvlrytbohn djey4‗

–\b-bub,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Aust tbohjohn.‗



0?<

Effy toctl` blr ble` sd sbl kduc` sll blr iekl. –Pbohjohn efdut wbet4‗

–Efdut ydu eh` ôcc. _dur gerroenl.‗

–^bet4‗ Effy set up, clehohn dh blr lcfdw, cddjohn puzzcl`. –^bet efdut gygerroenl4‗

Kcehky sbrunnl`, dfvoduscy hdt oh e burry td tecj. Effy cey fekj `dwh,jhdwohn bdw sbl betl` td fl prlssl` eh` tbohjohn tbet Kcehky gonbt illctbl segl. [bl put blr beh` dh blr cdvlr‟s flccy eh` clt ot rlst tblrl.

Ot tddj e cdhn togl, tbl gohutls pessohn oh soclhkl, fut Kcehky ioheccy stertl`td dplh up. –[dgltogls ot‟s ber` td fl slkdh`.‗

–[lkdh`4 [lkdh` … bdw4‗

Purhohn dhtd blr so`l, òscd`nohn Effy, Kcehky cddjl` et blr idr e gdglht.–Flohn ydur slkdh` cdvl.‗

Effy ò`h‟t sey e wdr`, jhdwohn tbet Kcehky wesh‟t iohosbl`. [bl austcddjl` ohtd blr lyls, tryohn td gejl blr perthlr illc seil lhdunb td sberl blrtbdunbts.

–O‟g sd nce` ydu cdvl` ôcc,‗ tbl yduhnlr wdgeh seo`. –O bdpl ydu flcolvltbet.‗

–O `d,‗ Effy wbosplrl`.

–Fut sdgltogls ot‟s ber` td fl slkdh` wblh tbl iorst wes sd ewlsdgl. Ogleh,‗ sbl set up eh` bunnl` blr jhlls. –O `dh‟t rleccy illc cojl O‟gkdgpltohn wotb ôcc, fut sdgltogls ot illcs cojl tblrl‟s e … O `dh‟t jhdw …cojl e stehèr` wl bevl td gllt. _du jhdw … cojl O‟g flohn au`nl`.‗

–Au`nl` fy … wbdg4‗ Effy esjl` eitlr Kcehky nrlw soclht eneoh.

Pbl fcdh`l turhl` eh` cddjl` et blr. –Fy ydu. Fy Prlvdr eh` Beycly. Fy ydur perlhts. Fy ydur irolh`s. Fy lvlrydhl wbd jhlw ydu es e kdupcl.‗ Blr

wbdcl fd`y sbddj eh` sbl cey fekj `dwh, cddjohn torl`.

Effy clehl` dvlr blr, blr iekl ioccl` wotb kdhklrh. –Bdhly, O be` hd o`le yduilct cojl tbet.‗

–O `dh‟t,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O gleh, O `dh‟t ecc di tbl togl. Aust wblh ydu tecjefdut bog eh` O keh sll bdw llpcy ydu cdvl` bog. Bdw plrilkt ydu wlrl idrlekb dtblr.‗



0?9

Effy tdukbl` blr kbllj, gdvohn blr ble` e cottcl sd tbly wlrl nezohn ohtdlekb dtblr‟s lyls. –Os tbet wbet ydu tbohj4‗

–^bet4‗

–Pbet wl wlrl plrilkt idr lekb dtblr. Pbet wl be` sdgl sdrt di plrilktrlcetodhsbop.‗

Kcehky fcohjl` scdwcy, tblh hd``l`. –_leb. O `d.‗

Effy rdppl` td tbl fl`, blr fd`y gejohn e cdu` tbuhj. –Db, Kcehky, O‟g sdsdrry O‟vl novlh ydu tbet ogprlssodh. Ot‟s aust hdt trul, bdhly. Hdt trul et ecc.‗

–^bet4‗ Hdw Kcehky clehl` dvlr blr cdvlr, lhtorlcy puzzcl`. –^bet `d ydu

gleh4‗

–O gleh tbet wl wlrl aust e kdupcl cojl ehy kdupcl. ^l be` es gehyprdfclgs es ehydhl lcsl. Blcc, tblrl wlrl togls O wosbl` O‟` hlvlr glt bog!‗

–^bet4 Erl ydu slrodus4‗

–Di kdursl O eg.‗ Effy puccl` blr dwh idr e cdhn joss. –O‟g surl tblrl wocc fltogls O wosb O‟` hlvlr glt ydu.‗ [bl wes sgocohn, fut Kcehky wes et ekdgpcltl cdss.

–Bdw keh ydu sey tbet4‗

–O keh sey tbet flkeusl O‟vl fllh `llpcy oh cdvl,‗ Effy seo`. –Pbl sdhn osronbt, fefy, ot‟s e tboh cohl fltwllh cdvl eh` betl. Pblrl wlrl pclhty di toglsO wehtl` td bot bog wotb e feslfecc fet eh` nlt es ier ewey irdg bog espdssofcl!‗

–Fut ydu‟vl hlvlr … lvlr seo` ehytbohn cojl tbet,‗ Kcehky ohsostl`.

Effy `o`h‟t sey ehytbohn idr e wbocl, novohn tbl ossul tbl tbdunbt ot

`lslrvl`. Ioheccy, sbl turhl` blr ble` eh` nezl` et blr perthlr. –_du `dh‟ttbohj efdut tbl fe` togls wblh ydur cdvlr `ols. Oi bl wes e ndd` geh, eh` ydu be` e ndd` rlcetodhsbop, ydu aust tbohj efdut tbl ndd` perts. _du `dh‟ trleccy `d ot dh purpdsl. Ot aust bepplhs.‗

Kcehky cey `dwh, blr blert rekohn. –_du `dh‟t … ydu rleccy `dh‟t kdgperlus4‗



0?>

–_du eh` ôcc4‗ Effy ceunbl`, –Nd`, hd! O tdc` ydu flidrl, ydu‟rl hdtkdgperefcl. Flohn wotb bog eh` flohn wotb ydu erl twd kdgpcltlcy oiilrlhtlxplrolhkls. O wes cddjohn idr òiilrlht tbohns wblh O glt bog. O‟g hdt surlO‟` kbddsl bog oi O glt bog tdèy.‗

@ugfiduh`l`, Kcehky nespl`, –Bdw keh ydu sey tbet4‗

–O `dh‟t wehhe nd ohtd lvlrytbohn tbet bepplhl` fltwllh us,‗ Effy seo`.–Ot‟s tdd provetl. Fut bl wes e vlry ndd` geh idr gl wblh O wes hohltllh. Blwes e vlry ndd` busfeh` eh` e vlry ndd` ietblr. Fut oi O be` td stert ecc dvlret idrty-iovl, O `dh‟t tbohj O wduc` bevl pokjl` sdgldhl cojl bog.‗

Kcehky set up eneoh eh` cddjl` Effy ronbt oh tbl lyl. –_du‟vl ndtte novl glsdgltbohn. O dh‟t wehhe pry, fut ydu‟vl ndtte tlcc gl et clest dhl tbohn tbetwduc` turh ydu dii.‗

Effy rlekbl` up eh` frusbl` tbl beor irdg Kcehky‟s idrlble`. [bl cddjl`sd ohtlht, sd ltlrgohl` tbet sbl jhlw sbl be` td ehswlr blr. [bl tddj oh efrletb eh` kbdsl tbl iorst tbohn tbet kegl td goh`. –Bl be` ecweys fllh tblfdss,‗ sbl seo`. –Pbet wes iohl. O wehtl` sdgldhl td fl oh kbernl wblh O wese jo`. Fut eitlr flohn ecdhl idr iovl ylers, O‟` nrdwh usl` td gejohn gy dwh`lkosodhs. O kduc`h‟t bevl pokjl` sdgldhl wbd be` td fl tbl fdss. Eh` ôccbe` td fl tbl fdss. O ndt td vdtl, fut bos vdtl kduhtl` gdrl tbeh gohl ò`.‗

–@o`h‟t tbet fdtblr ydu wblh bl wes ecovl4‗ Kcehky esjl`, uhefcl td sllEffy fukjcohn uh`lr idr ehydhl.

–Hdt e cdt,‗ sbl seo` eorocy. –Hd dhl nlts lvlrytbohn sbl wehts oh e cdvlr. O flttblrl wlrl tborty tbohns occ wduc` bevl kbehnl` efdut gl oi bl kduc` bevl.^l aust ge`l tbl flst di lekb dtblr‟s ieucts eh` cogotetodhs. Pbet‟s wbet ydu`d.‗

–@d O bevl ieucts eh` cogotetodhs4‗ tbl yduhnlr wdgeh esjl`, blr sohklrotygejohn Effy bo`l e ceunb.

–_ls, bdhly, ydu `d.‗

–_du `dh‟t bevl ehy,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O swler!‗

Effy wreppl` blr ergs erduh` blr eh` puccl` blr `dwh. [bl jossl` blrsduh`cy, tblh hoffcl` dh blr cops es sbl puccl` ewey. –O nuerehtll tbet yduwdh‟t sey tbet oi O esj ydu oh e yler. Ot tejls e wbocl td flkdgl e rlecost wblh ydu iecc oh cdvl idr tbl iorst togl.‗

Kcehky jossl` blr fekj, prlssohn blr fd`y ohtd blr perthlr‟s. –Oi wl‟rl



0?2

tdnltblr idr e tbduseh` ylers, O wdh‟t weht td kbehnl dhl tbohn efdut ydu,‗sbl seo` wotb uttlr sohklroty.

–O cdvl ydu,‗ Effy seo`, sgocohn et blr cdvlr‟s lerhlst iekl. –Lvlry lcusodhecpert di ydu.‗

***

Dh tbl iorst di Dktdflr, Kcehky keccl` tbl Nrebeg bduslbdc`, pclesl` tdbevl Prlvdr ehswlr. –Bo,‗ sbl seo`. –Ot‟s Kcehky. O‟vl ndt ndd` hlws eh` fe`hlws.‗

–Idr gl4‗ Prlvdr esjl`, kdhiusl`.

–Hdt rleccy. Fe` hlws efdut ehdtblr nuy, eh` ndd` hlws idr ydu.‗

–Bgg,‗ bl gusl`, ceunbohn sditcy. –O nulss O sbduc` fl nlhlrdus eh` esjefdut tbl fe` hlws.‗

–Aust cojl ydur gdg,‗ Kcehky seo`. –E ndd`-blertl` sduc.‗

–Fut hdt es petolht,‗ bl werhl`.

–Ndtkbe. Pbl fe` hlws os tbet dhl di gy e`‟s nuys ndt bos erg keunbt oh tblronnohn wblh tbly wlrl rdppohn e ioflrncess pddc ohtd pcekl. Frdjl ot oh twdpcekls.‗

–Dw! Os bl ndhhe fl ecc ronbt4‗

–_leb. Fut bl be` td bevl surnlry. Bl‟s ndhhe fl dut et clest tbrll gdhtbs.‗

–O‟g nlttohn tbl ogprlssodh tbet O‟g ndhhe fl ohsteccohn pddcs idr e wbocl,‗ Prlvdr seo`. –@dls ot gettlr tbet O `dh‟t jhdw e `erhl` tbohn efdut ot4‗

–Hdpl. Pd fl bdhlst, wbet gy e` hll`s os e nuy wotb e strdhn fd`y eh` tblefocoty td idccdw dr`lrs.‗

–O‟g bos geh!‗ Prlvdr seo`, dfvoduscy `lconbtl`. –^blh `d O stert4‗

–Bdw efdut slvlh e.g.4‗

–Nrlet! O‟g rleccy lxkotl`, Kcehky. Eh` O keh‟t tbehj ydu lhdunb idr tbohjohndi gl. ^blrl `d O nd4‗

–Pbly‟rl wdrjohn oh Ecte`lhe. Aust sdutb di tbl ndci kdursl. Pbl bdusl os dh



0??

tbl kdrhlr di Hlw _drj Evlhul eh` [olrre Fdhote.‗

Pblrl wes e sconbt peusl, tblh Prlvdr seo`, –Ndt ot. Novl gl ydur è`‟shugflr sd O keh kecc eh` sll oi O sbduc` frohn ehy tddcs dr nler.‗

–Ot‟s 252-<<<-5?=2. Bos hegl‟s Adbh, oh kesl ydu‟vl idrndttlh.‗

–O‟g ndd` wotb hegls,‗ Prlvdr seo`. –_dur gdg os Gernerlt, eh` ydurnreh`gdtblr os Locllh.‗

–^bet‟s dur `dn‟s hegl4‗ sbl esjl`, ceunbohn.

–\bg … O `dh‟t tbohj ydu bevl e `dn.‗

–_du erl ndd`,‗ sbl seo`.

–Pbehjs eneoh, Kcehky. Eh` O‟g ndhhe tejl ydu dut td òhhlr es e ioh`lr‟sill.‗

–Ot‟s e `lec. Bly, `dh‟t ydu wehhe jhdw bdw gukb ydu‟cc fl gejohn4‗

Bl ceunbl`. –Gdrl tbeh O‟g gejohn sottohn dh gy ess.‗

–Hd, rleccy, `dh‟t ydu weht td jhdw4‗

–Bub-uhb. O wehhe fl surprosl` wblh O nlt gy iorst peykblkj. Johè cojlKbrostges.‗

[bl ceunbl`, kbergl` fy bdw cojl bos gdtblr Prlvdr wes. –Djey. ^lcc, Obdpl ydu bevl e glrry Kbrostges, eh` O‟cc fl weotohn idr tbet òhhlr.‗

–@lplhòhn dh bdw gukb O gejl, ot‟cc fl sdglwblrl fltwllh tbl Votz eh` Oh‒h Dut,‗ bl adjl`.

–O‟vl hlvlr fllh td tbl Votz, fut O cdvl e ndd` dufcl-`dufcl,‗ sbl seo`. –[d O‟ccfl beppy wblrlvlr wl nd.‗

–Pbehjs eneoh, Kcehky. Ot‟s hokl td bevl sdgldhl oh tbl iegocy wbd keh nlt

gl e adf wblrl O keh frletbl irlsb eor.‗

–Eh` pcestlr ùst,‗ sbl e``l`.

Bl ceunbl`, e cottcl hlrvdus efdut wbet bl wes nlttohn ohtd. –Eh` pcestlrùst.‗

***



<==

Kcehky keccl` Effy tbl hlxt eitlrhddh. –Bo, O‟g iohosbl` idr tbl èy. @d yduhll` gl td pokj ehytbohn up dh gy wey dvlr4‗

–_leb. Bdw efdut gy sdh4‗

–_dur sdh, bub4 _du ò`h‟t novl tbl pddr jo` ydur ker4‗

–O pceyl` ndci tbos gdrhohn, sd O `rdppl` bog dii. Bl cddjl` sd kutl, Kcehky,cojl e jo` dh bos iorst èy di skbddc. O ge`l cuhkb idr bog, eh` O hlercy krol`wblh bl wecjl` ewey irdg tbl ker, bos cottcl cuhkbfdx oh bos beh`.‗

–Bl o`h‟t bevl Berry ]dttlr dh bos cuhkbfdx, o` bl4 ‒Keusl tbl dtblr nuysgonbt bevl fletlh bog wotb ot.‗

–Hd,‗ Effy seo`, ceunbohn. –Ot wes e hokl, pceoh, gerddh, hycdh ohsucetl`

tbohn.‗

–O bdpl ydu ge`l bog e fon cuhkb. O jhdw bl wdrjl` ber` tdèy. Ot wes tbliorst èy dh tbos adf, eh` tbet‟s ecweys e cdt di gehuec cefdr.‗

–O ge`l bog tbrll seh`wokbls eh` put oh e kdupcl di lhlrny fers. Pbetsbduc` bdc` bog.‗

–Hd keh`y4‗

–Hd, fut O keh stdp et tbl stdrl eh` nlt sdgl. O ò`h‟t bevl togl td prlperl.‗

–O‟cc ruh fy eh` nlt bog. Hll` ehytbohn lcsl4‗

–Hd. O wduc` nd, fut O‟g gejohn bos ievdrotl osb idr ohhlr, eh` O keh‟t clevloh tbl go``cl di ot.‗

–Djey. ^l‟cc fl bdgl sddh.‗

–Novl ydur è` e joss idr gl,‗ Effy seo`.

–Bl keh joss gy gdg,‗ Kcehky seo`, ceunbohn.

***

Prlvdr wes sukb e òrty glss tbet bl ò`h‟t lvlh ettlgpt td nd ohtd tblbdusl. Bl wlht ohtd tbl fekj yer` eh` stroppl` `dwh td bos fdxlr sbdrtseh` P-sbort, tblh reh ohtd tbl bdusl, bleòhn streonbt idr tbl sbdwlr.



<=5

–Gy Nd`, wbet bepplhl` td gy fefy4‗ Effy krol`.

–Bl splht tbl wbdcl èy cdeòhn eh` ùgpohn wbllcferrdws iucc di òrt,‗Kcehky seo`. –Dr O nulss O sbduc` sey gu`, sohkl wl‟vl be` sd gukb reohcetlcy. Bl‟s ndhhe fl sdrl tdgdrrdw.‗

–Db, pddr tbohn. Bl sbduc` sot oh tbl spe idr e wbocl.‗

–_du rle` gy goh`,‗ Prlvdr seo`, novohn bos gdtblr e joss dh tbl kbllj. Blbe` bos swog truhjs dh eh` e tdwlc dvlr bos sbduc`lr. –O‟g ndhhe sdej uhtocòhhlr.‗ Bl dplhl` tbl rlironlretdr eh` tddj dut e fllr. –êht dhl, Kcehky4‗

–[url.‗ [bl tddj tbl fllr eh` kcohjl` tbl hlkj di blr fdttcl eneohst Prlvdr‟s.–Fcul-kdccer kbegpenhl.‗

Bl tddj e swon eh` clt bos ble` `rdp fekj. –Kbegpenhl hlvlr testl` tbosndd`.‗

–@o` ydu bevl e ndd` èy, bdhly4‗ Effy esjl`.

–_leb. Ot ilct nrlet td ekkdgpcosb sdgltbohn. Eh` wblh O nlt oh, O‟cc tlcc yduefdut tbl adf. Ot‟s ndhhe fl iehtestok!‗ ôtb e wo`l, setosiol` sgocl bl wlhtdutso`l, fdtb `dns ùtoiuccy idccdwohn bog.

Effy sbrunnl` blr sbduc`lrs. –^lcc, ot‟s hdt urfeh pcehhohn, fut bl sllgsbeppy.‗

–_er` pcehhohn, urfeh pcehhohn ‐ segl oiilrlhkl,‗ Kcehky seo`, shlejohn ejoss.

***

Dvlr òhhlr, Effy seo`, –_dur fortbèy‟s oh aust e kdupcl di wlljs, Kcehky.Erl ydu rle`y td stert pcehhohn tbl perty td lh` ecc pertols4‗

Pbl fcdh`l sgocl` et blr. –_du rlglgflrl`.‗

–[url O rlglgflrl`. Ot‟s dhl di tbl iorst plrsdhec tbohns ydu lvlr tdc` gl.[bduc`h‟t wl stert gejohn up tbl nulst cost4‗

Novohn blr e pclesl` sgocl, sbl esjl`, –@d ydu rleccy wehhe blcp4‗

–Di kdursl! O tbdunbt wl‟` bevl ot blrl, sohkl O bevl gdrl rddg.‗

Ehdtblr beppy, ylt flgusl` sgocl slttcl` dh tbl ceh`skeplr‟s iekl. –Erl ydu



<=6

slrodus4‗

Effy rlekbl` dvlr eh` tddj blr beh`. –Di kdursl O‟g slrodus. Bdw ditlh`dls gy perthlr turh tborty4 ^l‟rl ndhhe fcdw dut ecc tbl stdps!‗

–Kddc,‗ Kcehky seo`, cddjohn cojl e jo` wbd‟` fllh novlh eh uhlxplktl`prlslht. –Bdw gehy pldpcl sbduc` wl ohvotl4‗

–Es gehy es ydu weht. Pbly aust bevl td iot oh tbl bdusl dr tbl yer`.‗

Kcehky‟s lyls cot up. –Kddc … rleccy kddc.‗

***

Gukb td Effy‟s surprosl, Kcehky wehtl` td ohvotl Beycly. [bl ò`h‟t slhòhvotetodhs td blr irolh`s, prlilrrohn td ohvotl lvlrydhl sbl reh ohtd, fut sbl

fdunbt sdgl ohvotetodhs idr –tbl eùcts,‗ es sbl keccl` tblg. [d, Effy‟sperlhts, ]eg eh` Geroe eh` Beycly ecc rlklovl` prdplr ohvotetodhs. E ilwèys eitlr tbly wlht dut, Beycly keccl` bdgl, sduhòhn kbopplr ehùhnuer`l`. –Bo, Gdg,‗ sbl seo`. –O‟g keccohn td rlspdh` td tbl fortbèy pertyohvotl.‗

–Erl ydu kdgohn4‗ Effy esjl`, keunbt dii-nuer`.

–_leb. O tbdunbt tbos wduc` fl e ndd` togl td frohn Eclxeh`lr `dwh td glltlvlrydhl.‗

–^lcc, tbos gust fl prltty slrodus oi bl‟s rle`y td gllt tbl iegocy.‗

Beycly‟s vdokl nrlw tbdunbtiuc. –Ot os, Gdg, eh` td fl bdhlst, ot‟s Eclxeh`lrwbd rleccy wehts td kdgl. Bl tbohjs ot‟s kddc tbet ydu‟rl oh cdvl wotb ewdgeh.‗

–Kddc, bub4‗ Effy esjl`, ceunbohn sditcy.

–_leb, bl‟s vlry lvdcvl`,‗ Beycly seo` `rycy. –Pypokec Fey Erle coflrec.‗

Effy ceunbl` ber`lr, tbohjohn tbet blr èunbtlr, `lspotl ecc di blr coflrec

tlh`lhkols, gonbt ektueccy fl e kcdslt kdhslrvetovl. –^l‟` cdvl td gllt bog,bdhly. ^duc` ydu cojl gl td errehnl ydur iconbt4‗

–Hd, wl‟rl ndohn td `rovl. Eclxeh`lr wehts td vosot bos frdtblr wbocl wl‟rltblrl, sd wl‟cc hll` e ker.‗

–Djey, oi ydu‟rl surl. Fut O‟g beppy td pey idr ydu fdtb td kdgl.‗



<=;

–Hd, wl‟rl iohl, Gdg. \bg … fut wl hll` td tecj efdut wblrl wl‟cc stey.‗

–@d ydu weht td stey blrl4‗

–_leb.‗ Pbl norc ò`h‟t e`` ehdtblr wdr`, eh` Effy jhlw sbl wes ndohn td

bevl td pucc ohidrgetodh dut di blr. Fut ohstle` di `dohn tbet, sbl tddjBeycly et blr wdr`.

–Iohl. Pblh wl‟cc lxplkt ydu.‗

–\bg … O weht td,‗ sbl seo`, –fut O `dh‟t tbohj ot‟s e ndd` o`le. O essuglKcehky‟s tblrl e cdt.‗

–\b-bub,‗ Effy seo`, e`òhn hdtbohn gdrl.

–^l‟rl ndhhe stey et e bdtlc.‗

–Vleccy4 ^by hdt wotb Nregge eh` Nregps4‗

–O dh‟t illc ronbt steyohn tblrl oi wl‟rl … ydu jhdw … sberohn e rddg. O `dh‟ttbohj Nregps wduc` cojl ot.‗

–Hd, bl wduc`h‟t,‗ Effy enrll`. –Bl stocc tbohjs di ydu es e norc, ydu jhdw.Bl‟s bevohn e ber` togl rlkdnhozohn tbet ydu‟rl e wdgeh hdw.‗

–Bdw efdut ydu, Gdg4 Bdw `d ydu illc efdut gy flohn e wdgeh4‗

Effy tbdunbt efdut ot idr e gdglht, tblh tdc` blr èunbtlr tbl iucc trutb.–Pblrl‟s e pert di gl tbet wduc` cojl td jllp ydu gy fefy idrlvlr. Pd ecweysfl tbl gdg eh` ecweys jhdw wbet‟s flst idr ydu. Fut ehdtblr pert di glcojls tbet ydu‟rl dh ydur dwh eh` tbet O keh put gy hll`s iorst sdgltogls. Oillc cojl O‟g stertohn dvlr eneoh wotb Kcehky, eh` tbet illcs nrlet.‗

Beycly wes quolt idr e gdglht, tblh esjl` oh e strehnlcy icet tdhl. –O nulss ydu‟cc bevl jo`s tdnltblr, bub4‗

–Jo`s4 Hd, bdhly, O‟g hdt ohtlrlstl` oh bevohn gdrl jo`s, eh` Kcehky kceogssbl `dlsh‟t weht td novl fortb. ^l‟rl ndhhe weot td fl nreh`perlhts. Fut

`dh‟t rusb: wl keh weot.‗

–_du keh weot idr Prlvdr,‗ Beycly seo`, hdt e trekl di bugdr oh blr vdokl. –O`dh‟t weht jo`s.‗

–Vleccy4 _du ecweys tecjl` efdut bevohn e wbdcl bdusl iucc.‗

–]ldpcl kbehnl, Gdg. Es ydu nlt dc`lr, ydu rlecozl tbet sdgl tbohns erlh‟t



<=0

wbet ydu tbdunbt tbly‟` fl cojl. O `dh‟t tbohj O‟` cojl flohn e gdtblr.‗

Jhdwohn tbet Beycly wduc` cojlcy kbehnl blr goh` efdut tbl ossul ehdtblr`dzlh togls, Effy woslcy o`h‟t kbecclhnl blr. –_du‟cc d wbet wdrjs idr ydu,bdhly. Es ydu seo`, pldpcl kbehnl dvlr togl. Fut wotb dr wotbdut kboc`rlh,

ydu keh bevl e vlry rlweròhn coil oi ydu `d sdgltbohn ydu cdvl.‗

–O bdpl O ioh` sdgltbohn,‗ tbl norc seo`, sduhòhn wostiuc eh` e cottcl`lprlssl`.

–_du wocc. Aust costlh td ydur blert. Ot ecweys tlccs tbl trutb.‗

***

Cetlr tbet èy, Effy keccl` blr gdtblr. –Bo. Nulss wbd‟s kdgohn bdgl idrKcehky‟s fortbèy4‗

–Vleccy4 Pbet‟s quotl e kdhkocoetdry gdvl idr dur norc. [bl gust fl illcohnflttlr.‗

–[bl ò`h‟t sduh` gukb flttlr. [bl‟s sllohn tbet yduhn geh sbl glt ohGeohl, eh` bl tbohjs ot‟s kddc tbet O‟g oh e clsfoeh rlcetodhsbop. Beycly‟skdgohn flkeusl bl wehts td.‗

–^lcc, tbet sbduc` prdvl ohtlrlstohn. Erl tbly steyohn wotb ydu4‗

–Hd. Pbet wes blr dtblr hlws. Pbly‟rl steyohn oh e bdtlc. O tbdunbt ydu gonbt

weht td prlperl @e` sd bl `dlsh‟t ieoht wblh bl ioh`s dut.‗

–Ddd … bl‟s hdt ndhhe cojl tbet,‗ Lcozefltb seo`. –Ot wes ber` lhdunb idr bogwblh ydu ndt slrodus efdut occ. O stocc tbohj bl flcolvls ydu wlrl e vornoh dh ydur wl`òhn èy.‗

–^bd seys O wesh‟t4‗ Effy esjl`, nonncohn.

–O bevl lyls, bdhly. _du twd kduc`h‟t jllp ydur beh`s dii lekb dtblr.Flso`ls, occ wes tdd prektokec e geh td gerry e wdgeh bl wesh‟t surl bl‟`nlt ecdhn wotb slxueccy.‗

–_du gejl e ndd` pdoht,‗ Effy seo`. –^l cukjl` dut oh tbet erle. Ot wes cojlwl wlrl ge`l idr lekb dtblr.‗

–O aust bdpl Beycly‟s es cukjy es ydu wlrl,‗ Lcozefltb seo`. –[bl‟s bevohnsukb e tdunb togl tbet O‟` betl td sll blr bevl blr blert frdjlh.‗

–O‟` betl idr tbet td bepplh, tdd, Gdg, fut tbl d``s erl ndd` tbet sbl wocc.



<=<

Ylry ilw pldpcl cukj dut dh tblor iorst togl oh e slrodus rlcetodhsbop.‗

–^blh ydur ietblr ioh`s dut Beycly eh` Eclxeh`lr erl scllpohn tdnltblr, blgonbt wlcc put eh lh` td tbl wbdcl eiieor. O‟` flttlr gejl surl bl dlsh‟t fuye wlepdh.‗

–Bl‟s ndtte clt nd, Gdg. O jhdw ot‟s ber`, fut ot‟s tbl dhcy wey sbl‟cc clerh tdgejl ndd` `lkosodhs.‗

–O o` gy adf,‗ Lcozefltb seo`. –Nlttohn bog td jllp bos gdutb sbut wblh yduwlrl wotb ôcc wes ber` lhdunb. _du‟rl ndhhe bevl td kdhtrdc bog erduh`Beycly.‗

–Pbehjs e cde`, Gdg,‗ Effy seo`, e sdit ceunb lskepohn.

–_du‟rl wlckdgl, `ler. Hdw tlcc gl bdw O keh blcp wotb tbl perty.‗

***

Pbl èy flidrl tbl perty, tbl nulst cost be` nrdwh td aust dvlr e buh`rl`,fut Effy ò`h‟t goh` e fot. [bl wduc bevl nce`cy bdstl` e perty idr ecc di]ese`lhe oi ot ge`l Kcehky beppy, eh` ot klrteohcy o` sllg tbet blr perthlrwes lhadyohn tbl lhtorl lxplrolhkl.

Kcehky be` e conbt èy ‐ aust e kcolht glltohn oh Gdhrdvoe eh` e trop td]ese`lhe koty becc td kblkj dh e fuocòhn plrgot sbl wes weotohn dh. [blndt td Effy‟s bdgl e cottcl eitlr 51==, bdpohn td nref sdgl cuhkb eh` tblh

blcp wotb iohec prlperetodhs idr tbl perty. [bl wes puzzcl` td sll e trukj ohirdht di tbl nerenl ceflcl` –]ersenoeh eh` [dhs, Iohl Kerplts eh` Vuns.‗

Pbl nerenl `ddr dplhl`, eh` Effy stertl` td wecj twd glh td tbl trukj,stdppohn td novl Kcehky e ieux skdwc. –O `dh‟t rlglgflr novohn yduplrgossodh td kdgl dvlr tbos lercy, swlltblert,‗ sbl seo`.

Pbl glh fdtb nevl Kcehky e cddj, tblh sbdt ehdtblr dhl et Effy, tryohn tdionurl dut wby tbl yduhn wdgeh wduc` hll` plrgossodh td lhtlr tblbdusl. Pbly cddjl` et lekb dtblr eh` rdccl` tblor lyls, bevohn sllhstrehnlr tbohns oh tbl bdusls tbly vosotl`. –Pbehjs sd gukb idr ydur blcp,‗

Effy seo`, sgocohn et tblg. –O‟g vlry beppy wotb ot.‗

–Ehy togl,‗ tbl `rovlr seo`, puccohn ewey.

Kcehky tukjl` eh erg erduh` Effy‟s weost eh` seo`, –[d, hdw O hll`plrgossodh td kdgl bdgl4 ^bet bepplhl` td tbl wdgeh wbd usl` tdkduht tbl bdurs uhtoc O wes fekj oh blr ergs eneoh4‗



<=9

–[bl‟s ronbt blrl,‗ Effy seo`. –O aust bevl sdgl tbohns O‟g wdrjohn dh tbeterl … provetl.‗

–]rovetl, bub4‗ Kcehky esjl`, es twd fcekj eh` wbotl iorlfeccs ceuhkbl`tblgslcvls et blr. Etblhe augpl` sd bonb tbet sbl ceh`l` oh Kcehky‟s ergs

‐ eh` et ioity pduh`s ot wes ecc tbl guskucer ceh`skeplr kduc` `d td jllpblr illt. –Ndd` Cdr`!‗

–Pbly gossl` ydu,‗ Effy seo`. –_du `dh‟t hdrgeccy kdgl dvlr tbos lercy,eh` tbly‟rl quotl lxkotl` efdut ot.‗

–O sbduc` sey sd!‗

^blh tbly lhtlrl` tbl jotkblh, Effy seo`, –Hdw ydu‟vl ndt td gejl e`lkosodh. _dur prlslht os rle`y, fut ydur fortbèy osh‟t uhtoc tdgdrrdw. @d ydu weht ot hdw, dr sbduc` O gejl ydu weot4‗

Kcehky idunbt blr wey pest tbl no``y dns eh` wreppl` Effy oh e tonbt bun,prlssohn blr fekj eneohst tbl kduhtlr. –Db, ydu‟rl hdt tbet krulc,‗ sblseo`. –Dhcy eh lvoc wdgeh wduc` tlesl gl tbet wey.‗

[gocohn slùktovlcy, Effy purrl`, –Geyfl ydu kduc` gejl ot wdrtb gy wbocl…‗

–Bdw wduc` O `d tbet4‗ Kcehky esjl`, jossohn ecdhn Effy‟s aew.

–^lcc, tblrl‟s e pert di ydur prlslht tbet kduc` … pdtlhtoeccy … ohvdcvl cyohn

hlxt td lekb dtblr. Eh` … kcdtbohn wduc` fl dptodhec.‗

–Dptodhec4 Hd sukb tbohn. Oi ydu `dh‟t bevl td bevl kcdtbls dh, O weht yduhejl`.‗

–Bgg … ndd` ehswlr. O nulss tbet wduc` fl sdgl kdgplhsetodh idr clttohn ydu pllj e èy lercy.‗ [bl tddj Kcehky‟s beh` eh` seo`, –Fut ydu‟` flttlrhdt òseppdoht gl.‗

Ogpucsovlcy, Kcehky wreppl` e strdhn erg erduh` Effy‟s weost eh` òppl`blr, clehohn dvlr blr td joss blr lhtbusoestokeccy. –Bevl O lvlr4‗

–Hlvlr,‗ Effy sonbl`. –Eh` O `duft tbet ydu lvlr wocc.‗

–Pblh wl‟rl oh enrllglht.‗ Nrohhohn rejosbcy, sbl slttcl` Effy dh blr illteh` esjl`, –O dh‟t bevl ehy o`le di wbet tbos prlslht ot, fut O‟g rle`y idr ot.[becc wl4‗

Effy nreffl` e kcdtb hepjoh irdg tbl kduhtlr eh` tworcl` ot uhtoc ot wes



<=>

herrdw eh` cdhn. [bl pcekl` ot dvlr Kcehky‟s lyls, eh` tbl fcdh`l stertl` tdpurr. –Pbl cest togl O be` dh dhl di tblsl, O be` e vlry, vlry hokl gdrhohn.Clt‟s rdkj.‗

–Pbos osh‟t hlklsserocy tbl segl tbohn,‗ Effy seo`. –Fut ot kduc` fl.‗

–O‟g stugpl`,‗ Kcehky seo`.

–Pblh clt‟s nlt ndohn.‗ [bl stdd` oh irdht di blr perthlr wotb blr fekj td blreh` put Kcehky‟s beh`s dh blr weost. –Idccdw gl, fut fl kerliuc hdt td trop.‗

–Prop. ^blrl erl wl ndohn tbet O‟` trop4‗ tbl ceh`skeplr esjl`. Pbly wecjl`tbrdunb tbl jotkblh, tblh stertl` td kcogf tbl steors. –[glccs cojl peoht,‗Kcehky seo`.

–_leb. Pblrl‟s peoht ohvdcvl`.‗ Ioheccy, tbly rlekbl` Effy‟s fl`rddg, tbloriurry lskdrts wlcc-flbevl`, sllgohn td jhdw tbet Kcehky kduc`h‟t evdo`troppohn dvlr tblg. Effy rlgdvl` tbl fcoh`idc` eh` seo`, –[urprosl!‗

Kcehky fcohjl` blr lyls td ioh` eh lhdrgdus rl` roffdh tbet Effy be`wreppl` erduh` tbl `ddr, e fon fdw ronbt oh tbl klhtlr. –Ot‟s e … rddg!‗

–Vle`y4‗ Effy esjl`, blr lxkotlglht et tbl clvlc di e idur-yler-dc` dhKbrostges gdrhohn.

–O‟g ecweys rle`y,‗ Kcehky rlgoh`l` blr pceyiuccy. Effy icuhn tbl `ddr

dplh eh` Kcehky tddj dhl stlp ohso`l flidrl sbl wes strukj gutl. Blr lylswlrl rlgerjefcy wo`l es tbly scdwcy sboitl` ekrdss tbl spekl, eh` sblioheccy rlneohl` blr efocoty td splej. –Bdcy krep!‗

–@d ydu cojl ot4‗ Effy wes prektokeccy augpohn up eh` `dwh, fut Kcehkykduc` dhcy hd` vekehtcy, stocc tdd stuhhl` td splej oh kdgpcltl slhtlhkls.

–Bdw … wblrl … os … Alsus,‗ sbl guttlrl`, stocc sterohndplh-gdutbl`. –^bet os ot4‗

–Ot‟s dur hlw nulst rddg eh` diiokl!‗

Kcehky turhl` eh` sterl` et blr, blr gdutb dplh wo`l lhdunb td oh`oketl eslrodus sohus prdfclg. –Dur4‗ sbl gehenl` td nlt dut.

Pbl fruhlttl nreffl` blr beh` eh` augpl` up eh` `dwh e ilw togls. –_ls!Durs! Pbos os dur nulst rddg eh` dur diiokl!‗



<=2

Kcehky wes sd dvlrwblcgl` fy tbl ogpcoketodhs di tbet slhtlhkl tbet blrprektokec goh` tddj dvlr. –Pblrl‟s hd fl`. ^dh‟t pldpcl goh` scllpohn dh e`reitohn tefcl4‗

–Db, yl di cottcl ieotb,‗ sbl skdiil`. –@dh‟t wdrry, ot‟s e nulst rddg. Fut

flidrl wl nlt td tbet, O bevl td jhdw wbet ydu tbohj efdut tbl illc di tblrddg. ôcc ydu fl efcl td wdrj blrl4‗

–O tbohj tbos os tbl gdst fleutoiuc spekl O‟vl lvlr fllh oh,‗ sbl seo` wotb uttlrsohklroty. –Fut O `dh‟t jhdw wby ot‟s gohl … dr durs … dr wbetlvlr.‗

Effy tddj blr beh`s eh` prlssl` tblg eneohst blr blert. –Idr ydurfortbèy, O wehtl` td novl ydu eh diiokl wblrl ydu kduc` bevl cdts di spekleh` stdrenl idr ecc di ydur tbohns. O‟vl sllh bdw ydu‟vl ndt ydur `rewohnsuppcols ecc dvlr ydur epertglht, eh` ydu dh‟t bevl ehy pcekl td clevl ydurwdrj uhòsturfl`. [d … blrl ot os!‗ Pbly fdtb cddjl` ohtd tbl rddg, Kcehky

stocc hdt efcl td nlt blr flerohns. –Fut tbet glehs ydu bevl td gdvl oh wotbgl. Erl ydu rle`y4‗

–Blcc, yls, O‟g rle`y. Fut Prlvdr osh‟t.‗

–Hdw tbet bl bes e adf, bl os. Bl‟s rle`y td gdvl dut es sddh es ydu gdvloh.‗

–_du‟rl sbottohn gl,‗ Kcehky seo`, stuhhl`.

–Hdpl. O‟g tdteccy slrodus. –Ektueccy beci di ydur tbohns erl ecrle`y blrl.

Gokbelc nevl gl tbl jly td ydur epertglht, eh` O be` e gdvohn kdgpehyfdx up ecc di ydur `rewohn eh` `reitohn suppcols tbos gdrhohn. Flcolvl gl,nlttohn ecc di ydur stuii dut di tblrl eh` oh blrl wes hd gleh ilet!‗

–_du ò` tbos ecc idr gl4‗ Kcehky esjl`, egezl` eh` ùgfiduh`l`.

–O‟` `d tbos idr ydu twokl e èy oi ot wduc` gejl ydu beppy,‗ Effy seo`.–Prlvdr‟s sevl` lhdunb td gdvl dut, fut bl wdh‟t bevl e ker. [d O‟g ndohn tdfuy bog e ker dr e sgecc trukj es e nreùetodh prlslht. Bl‟s slt.‗ [bl putblr ergs erduh` Kcehky eh` blc` blr kcdsl. –Eh` sd erl wl.‗

Bdcòhn dh idr e cdhn wbocl, Kcehky stertl` td clt lvlrytbohn sohj oh. –O keh‟tflcolvl tbos,‗ sbl gurgurl`, blr werg frletb kerlssohn Effy‟s hlkj. –Okeh‟t flcolvl bdw gukb wdrj ydu wlht td idr gl.‗

–Idr us,‗ Effy seo`.

–_du o` tbos idr gl,‗ Kcehky ohsostl`. –_du kduc` bevl dhl tbos ylers end oi ydu wehtl` eh upsteors diiokl. Fut ydu ò` tbos idr gl ‛ sd O‟` illc cojl tbos



<=?

wes gy bdgl, tdd. _du jhlw O‟` hlvlr illc ronbt scllpohn oh ydur dc` rddg.‗ Plers idrgl` oh blr lyls, eh` sbl ruffl` blr iekl eneohst Effy‟s sbduc`lr,e cottcl lgferressl` td sbdw blr bdw tdukbl` sbl wes. –Hd dhl bes lvlrcdvl` gl cojl tbos. Eh` O `dh‟t gleh tbl egduht di gdhly ydu splht ‛ lvlhtbdunb ot be` td bevl fllh e sbotcde`!‗

–Kbergohn lxprlssodh,‗ Effy seo`, pohkbohn blr dh tbl weost. –O `dh‟t jhdwbdw ydu ge`l ot td tborty wotbdut `dzlhs di wdglh ieccohn idr ydu, fut O‟gnce` O‟g tbl iorst td lvlr gejl ydu illc rleccy cdvl`.‗

Kcehky cddjl` ohtd blr lyls, sbdwohn bdw `llpcy tdukbl` sbl wes. [blcddjl` sd vuchlrefcl tbet Effy stertl` td joss eh` tdukb blr nlhtcy, tryohn tdgejl blr illc seil eneoh. –Hdw cddj erduh` eh` kblkj tbl pcekl dut,‗ sblseo` dhkl sbl kduc` tlcc blr cdvlr be` blr lquocofroug fekj. Kcehky wecjl`dvlr td tbl wecc eh` tdukbl` tbl ndrnldus wecc kdvlrohn, cddjohn et Effy ohegezlglht. –Pbos illcs cojl `rol` nress.‗

–Ot‟s nress kcdtb,‗ sbl seo`. –O wehtl` ot td rlgoh` ydu di ydur adf.‗ Pblnress kcdtb wes tbl kdcdr di sprohn sbddts dh e iokus, eh` ot be` e sbllh tbetge`l ot eppler td fl rew socj retblr tbeh tbl bersb illcohn getlroec tbet otrleccy wes. Ot kdvlrl` lvlry uhfrdjlh wecc suriekl, eh` Kcehky hdtl` tbetdhl idrglrcy uhfrdjlh wecc hdw kdhteohl` twd slts di peohtl` `rewlrs,spekl` efdut sox illt epert.

–^bet‟s tbos4‗ sbl esjl`.

–Pbdsl erl kblsts idr tbl nulsts,‗ Effy lxpceohl`. [bl tdukbl` twd pehlcs

tbet be` fllh kdgpcltlcy bo``lh fy tbl lxplrtcy eppcol` nress kcdtb, eh` twdwo`l `ddrs swuhn dplh. [gocohn et blr perthlr, Effy nrespl` e beh`cl eh`puccl` `dwh e fleutoiuc, hlw, qullh-sozl` fl`. Dh lotblr so`l di tbl fl`wlrl behnohn rd`s idr kcdtbls es wlcc es tbl peohtl` rewlrs tbet icehjl` tblfl`.

–Egezohn,‗ Kcehky gurgurl`. Pbl wecc-td-wecc kerplt be` fllh tejlh duteh` rlpcekl` fy e wo`l-pcehjl` gepcl icddr, eh` oh tbl go``cl di tbl rddgcey e `erj, clei-nrllh kerplt. Pbl fdr`lr di tbl polkl wes, td Kcehky‟segezlglht, e stuhhohncy ekkuretl rlprlslhtetodh di blr ovy tettdd, tblohtroketl pettlrh kurcohn ecc erduh` tbl fdr`lr. –^blrl `o` ydu lvlr ioh` e

kerplt cojl tbos4‗

–O be` ot ge`l,‗ Effy seo`. –Ot‟s rleccy quotl sogpcl hdw tbet kerplts cojltbos erl ge`l wotb kdgputlrs.‗ [bl nrespl` Kcehky‟s erg eh` pusbl` blrscllvl up e cottcl. –Hdt fe`, oi O `d sey sd gyslci.‗

–Effy, O‟g efsdcutlcy stuhhl`,‗ tbl yduhnlr wdgeh gurgurl`. –O‟g trucyspllkbclss!‗



<5=

–@d ydu cojl tbos spekl idr ydur rewohn tefcl4‗ Pbl tefcl wes rlstohn dh ierl`nl di tbl kerplt, eccdwohn Kcehky‟s tecc kbeor td rdcc dh tbl sgddtb, wdd`lhicddr. Ot iekl` tbl klhtlr di tbl rddg wotb tbl fon woh`dw flboh` ot, slkurohnpclhty di heturec conbt idr tbl erkbotlkt. \h`lr tbl woh`dw, Effy be`

ohsteccl` e wo`l woh`dw slet, icehjl` fy `llp fddjsblcvls, dhl so`l ioccl`wotb ecc di Kcehky‟s fddjs eh` genezohls. –Gokbelc blcpl` fy tlccohn glwbet wes ogpdrteht eh` wbet wes aust kcuttlr,‗ sbl rlvlecl` wblh Kcehkynevl blr ehdtblr stuhhl` cddj. Pbl dtblr so`l wes ioccl` wotb Effy‟s fddjs,pbdtds eh` iegocy jllpsejls, gukb es tbl rddg be` fllh lkdretl` wblh otwes e fl`rddg.

Dppdsotl Kcehky‟s `lsj wes e sgecc wrotohn tefcl tbet hdw wes tbl bdgl diEffy‟s ceptdp, ecdhn wotb e kdgidrtefcl, upbdcstlrl` `lsj kbeor. –O cdvlflohn diioklgetls,‗ Kcehky seo`, cddjohn up ohtd Effy‟s lyls.

–O‟g vlry quolt, eh` O `dh‟t kblw nug dr gejl ehy ru`l hdosls,‗ Effyprdgosl`.

–O‟g aust hdt surl bdw gukb wdrj wl‟cc nlt dhl wotb tbet kusby cddjohn fl`ronbt tblrl,‗ Kcehky seo`.

–Db, tbl hdvlcty wocc wler dii … oh tlh ylers dr sd.‗

Pblrl wlrl e hugflr di fleutoiuccy iregl` fdtehokec prohts cdketl` etohtlrvecs tbrdunbdut tbl rddg, eh` Kcehky splht e gdglht rliclktohn dhlekb dhl. –@egh, Effy, O‟g aust egezl` et bdw gukb tbdunbt ydu put ohtd

tbos rddg. Pbos os e pceht cdvlr‟s `rleg rddg.‗

–Ot dls bevl e vlry trehquoc illcohn, dlsh‟t ot4‗ sbl esjl`. –Fut sohkl O cdvlpcehts, tdd, ot wes klrteohcy hd sekroiokl dh gy pert. Pbos os tbl diiokl O‟vlecweys wehtl`. Hdw ot‟s sdglpcekl idr us td lhady tdnltblr.‗

–O cojl tbl sduh` di tbet,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Lvlrytbohn os flttlr wblh wl `d ottdnltblr.‗ [bl wes tunnohn dh Effy‟s beh`, e slxy nroh dh blr iekl, rewohnblr ohlxdrefcy kcdslr td tbl hlw fl`. –Pblrl erl e cdt di tbohns wl `d rleccy,rleccy wlcc tdnltblr,‗ sbl purrl`, blr vdokl ioccl` wotb prdgosl.

Effy pcekl` e beh` dh blr kbllj eh` wbosplrl`, –@dh‟t wdrry ydur prlttycottcl ble` efdut tbet. ^l‟cc gejl tbet fl` rdkj ‐ es sddh es ydu sll tblrlst di ydur hlw rddg.‗

–Pblrl‟s gdrl4‗ sbl esjl` fcehjcy, blr ohsostlht cofo`d begplrohn blr efocotytd idkus.

–Di kdursl tblrl‟s gdrl,‗ Effy seo`. –@d ydu sll ehy pcekl idr ydur



<55

suppcols4‗

–\bg … hd, fut O‟g surl es blcc hdt ndhhe kdgpceoh. O‟cc jllp lvlrytbohn ohsbdl fdxls eh` stekj ‒lg uh`lr gy tefcl.‗

–Ecc di tblg erl oh tbl kcdslt,‗ Effy seo`. –Eh` ydu‟rl ndhhe fl vlryogprlssl` wotb tbl stdrenl sdcutodhs Gokbelc blcpl` gl tbohj up.‗

Effy wes tunnohn blr fy tbl beh`, fut tbl ceh`skeplr ò`h‟t gdvl. –^blh`d wl bevl td pokj Prlvdr up4‗

]uzzcl`, Effy seo`, –Hdt uhtoc <1== et tbl lercolst.‗ [bl cddjl` tdwer`s tblkcdslt. –@dh‟t ydu wehhe sll tbl rlst4‗

–^l `dh‟t bevl togl,‗ tbl fcdh`l seo`. –^l‟rl ndhhe bevl td rusb es ot os.‗Kcehky nrohhl` wblh Effy cddjl` et blr wetkb, sllohn tbet ot wes ferlcy

510<.

Preocohn blr iohnlr `dwh tbl pcekjlt di Kcehky‟s sbort, Effy nevl blr e slxysgocl eh` esjl`, –@d ydu bevl … pcehs4‗

–[url `d,‗ Kcehky seo`. –^l‟rl ndhhe kbrostlh tbet hlw fl`.‗

Effy `repl` blr ergs erduh` blr cdvlr‟s hlkj eh` clehl` fekj, sgocohn etblr. –Db, erl wl4‗

–[url erl.‗ ôtbdut werhohn, Kcehky swlpt blr up oh blr ergs, wecjohn

tdwer`s tbl hlw fl`, Effy nonncohn es tbly wlht. [bl nlhtcy `lpdsotl` blrperthlr, tblh stertl` td rlgdvl blr kcdtbls, blr iohnlrs hlercy e fcur es sblwdrjl` et tbl futtdhs dh blr sbort.

–[cdw dwh, swlltblert. l‟rl hdt oh e rusb.‗ Effy rlekbl` up eh` nrespl`Kcehky‟s beh`s, stoccohn tblg.

–Geyfl ydu‟rl hdt,‗ Kcehky seo`, –fut O‟vl aust oskdvlrl` tbet bunl prlslhtsgejl gl bdt.‗

Effy wreppl` blr ergs erduh` Kcehky‟s weost, bunnohn blr tonbt. –_du‟rl sd

èghl` e`drefcl.‗

–Eh` ydu‟rl sd eghl` rlssl`.‗ Kcehky wronncl` dut di tbl bun eh` stertl`dh Effy‟s kcdtbohn, blr frdws jhot tdnltblr oh kdhklhtretodh.

[trdjohn blr tehhl` erg, Effy esjl`, –Erl ydu rleccy oh e bunl burry4‗

Kcehky hd``l`, tblh scoppl` Effy‟s sbort dvlr blr ble`. –O tbohj O wduc`



<56

bevl kdgl dvlr lercy lvlh oi O wes fusy. O‟vl fllh tbohjohn efdut ydu ecc ey,eh` O‟g rle`y td rdkj.‗

Blr pupocs wlrl òcetl`, eh` Effy kduc` sll tblg nlt e cottcl fonnlr wblhKcehky scoppl` blr keccusl` beh`s erduh` eh` uhbddjl` Effy‟s fre,

kuppohn blr frlests oh blr beh`s. –Ggg … aust wbet O hll`,‗ sbl seo`.

–Bdhly, scdw `dwh, clt gl uh`rlss ydu.‗ Kcehky cddjl` `dwh eh` sew tbet blr sbort wes beci-uhfuttdhl`, pertoeccy tukjl` ohtd blr pehts, eh` tbet sblwes stocc wlerohn blr fddts.

[bl ge`l e soccy iekl eh` seo`, –O‟g dut di gy goh`. Aust tbl tbdunbt digejohn cdvl td ydu gejls gl krezy.‗

–[teh` stocc, swlltblert,‗ Eff y seo`. [bl gltbdòkeccy uh`rlssl` tbl yduhnlr wdgeh, tblh stdd` up eh` tddj tbl rlst di blr dwh kcdtbls dii.

Kcehky wes ecrle`y cyohn dh tbl hlw fl`, cddjohn cojl sbl‟` fllh weotohn idrbdurs.

Effy slttcl` oh hlxt td blr, scoòhn ekrdss tbl krosp hlw sbllts. –Hdw novl gle hokl, scdw, slxy joss,‗ sbl seo`, puccohn Kcehky kcdsl.

Pbl erkbotlkt trol` blr flst, fut tbl joss wes buhnry, ioccl` wotb hll` eh` ecottcl rdunb. Effy ilct cojl sbl wes efdut td fl letlh ecovl, eh` sbl trol` tdsquorg ewey, dhcy td bevl Kcehky nresp fdtb di blr frlests eh` behn dhtonbt.

[urprosl`, Effy frdjl tbl joss. –Fefy, O‟vl fllh wdrjohn dh tbl rddg eccèy. O hll` e cottcl rdgehkl. _du‟vl ndtte novl gl e kbehkl td ketkb up.‗

Kcehky ilcc fekj dhtd tbl fl`. –[bot! O‟g sdrry,‗ sbl seo`. –O wes iehtesozohnefdut ydu tbl wbdcl wey bdgl, eh` O‟g efdut td furst.‗ [bl sbddj blr ble`rdunbcy. –O‟cc try td kecg `dwh eh` tejl ot lesy.‗

–Hd, hd, O tbohj wl keh wdrj tbos dut. Bgg … wbet keh wl `d td setosiy ydu4‗ Peppohn blr cop wotb e iohnlr, sbl guccl` dvlr tbl qulstodh idr egdglht, tblh blr lyls cot up es sbl seo`, –O jhdw.‗ [bl shunncl` kcdslr eh`wbosplrl` ohtd Kcehky‟s ler, –[ohkl ydu keh‟t weot ehdtblr slkdh` ‐ wby

`dh‟t ydu stert, eh` O‟cc wetkb4 Pblh O keh augp oh wblh O‟g rle`y.‗

Nrey lyls sboitl` td gllt Effy‟s, sllohn tbl pceyiuc nroh eh` ohtlrlstl`lxprlssodh. –^duc` ydu cojl tbet4‗ sbl `rewcl` slxocy.

Effy‟s ble` hd``l` scdwcy, blr nroh nrdwohn fronbtlr. –_du‟vl hlvlr sbdwhgl bdw ydu tdukb ydurslci. O weht td jhdw.‗ Blr sgocl iectlrl` aust e fotes sbl e``l`, –Pbet wdh‟t fdtblr ydu, wocc ot4‗



<50

strdhnlr wotb lekb frletb.

ôtb dhl beh` ohsostlhtcy tunnohn et blr hoppcl, tbl dtblr sco` `dwh blrflccy, blr sgocl nrdwohn slxolr wotb lekb ohkb di blr adurhly. Blr iohnlrsconbtcy frusbl` eneohst blr kurcs, blr bops sweyohn oh teh`lg wotb blr

beh`. [u``lhcy, blr iohnlrs stoccl`, eh` sbl rlgdvl` blr beh` irdg blrfrlest eh` icuhn blr erg up. ]ehtohn conbtcy, idrlerg `repl` cehnuo`cy dvlrblr ble`, sbl nezl` et Effy wotb e sgdc`lrohncy bdt cddj eh` wbosplrl`, –Otgejls gl sd bdt td tdukb gyslci wotb ydu wetkbohn. O keh illc bdw gukb ydu weht td tdukb gl, eh` jhdwohn tbet ydu‟rl strunncohn eneohst tbl urnl aust gejls ot bdttlr.‗

Effy ò`h‟t ‐ kduc`h‟t ‐ sey e wdr`. [bl wehtl` td tdukb blr perthlr sdfe`cy tbet sbl kduc` testl ot ‐ kduc` testl blr ‐ fut sbl kdhtrdccl` blrslci,pertcy flkeusl ot turhl` Kcehky dh td wetkb blr rlsost. Pbl tbruggohnfltwllh blr clns be` nrdwh td e pduhòhn hll`, eh` ecc sbl kduc` `d td

setosiy ot wes ruf blr tbonbs tdnltblr.

[llohn blr perthlr strunncl wes `rovohn Kcehky‟s erdusec, eh` sblglrkoclsscy trol` td `rovl Effy td òstrektodh. [bl coitl` dhl cln, blr ble`ysklht weitohn up td gejl Effy‟s gdutb wetlr. Conbtcy, sbl flneh ruhhohn aust tbl tops di blr iohnlrs ecdhn tbl fekj di blr tbonb, dkkesodheccy tokjcohn aust tbl l`nl di blr `lwy kurcs. –Pbos os gy ievdrotl togl,‗ sbl gurgurl`tbrdetocy. –Aust flidrl O scop gy iohnlrs ohtd gy wlthlss.‗ Cokjohn blr cops,sbl dhkl eneoh glt Effy‟s nezl eh` seo`, –O jhdw ot‟s ndhhe fl nrlet. Ot‟sndhhe illc sd èghl` bdt … fut O weot es cdhn es O keh steh` ot ‐ aust tdgejl ot cest.‗ Cdkjohn lyls, sbl prlssl` blr iohnlrs ber` eneohst tbl

dutso`l di blr cops, stertohn et tbl krlesl di blr tbonb eh` wdrjohnohwer`. –O‟vl ndt td bevl sdgl prlssurl eneohst gy kcot, fut O `dh‟t weht tdektueccy tdukb ot ylt. Pbos blcps tejl tbl l`nl dii,‗ sbl respl`, blr vdoklslxy eh` rew.

Effy be` hd o`le wblrl blr cdvlr ndt tbl òskopcohl td tdrturl blrslci oh tboswey ‐ fut sbl jhlw tbet sbl ò`h‟t bevl tbl segl efocoty. \hefcl td bdc`dii idr ehdtblr slkdh`, blr beh` scoppl` fltwllh blr dwh clns, eh` sblnespl` es blr iohnlrs iorst tdukbl` tbl swdcclh idc`s. –Db, yls,‗ sbl bossl`.

Kcehky fcohjl` et blr, surprosl` tbet Effy sukkugfl` sd lesocy, fut gdrltbeh woccohn td blcp blr nlt wblrl sbl hll`l` td nd. [ohkl blr tlesohn be`ndttlh Effy tbos ier, sbl `lko`l` td pusb blr e cottcl gdrl. –êtkb,‗ sbl`lgeh`l`, eccdwohn blr qulstohn iohnlrs td ioh` tblor gerj, nrdwcohn sditcyes tbly hlercy scoppl` irdg blr efuhèht wlthlss. Effy nrdehl` `llpcy essbl wetkbl` Kcehky‟s iohnlrs netblr eh` sprle` blr gdosturl ecc erduh` tblfronbt pohj iclsb, blr dwh beh` irehtokeccy wdrjohn et blr tbruggohn hll`.



<5<

Pejohn blr iohnlrs irdg blrslci wotb e rlnrlt-ioccl` sonb, Kcehky rdccl` dhtdblr so`l eh` sco` tbl scokjcy-kdetl` ònots ronbt ohtd Effy, ndohn oh `llp eh`strltkbohn blr td blr kepekoty. Effy‟s irll erg wreppl` erduh` Kcehky‟ssbduc`lrs eh` puccl` blr oh tonbt, tblor cops glltohn oh e slerohn joss, wbocl

sbl gdehl` ohslhsofcy. Es sddh es Kcehky‟s iohnlrs flneh td twotkb ohso`ldi blr, e pdwlriuc kcogex wesbl` dvlr blr, blr ohhlr weccs kcegpohn dwh sdber` dh Kcehky‟s iohnlrs tbet sbl hlercy krol` dut oh peoh. Fut sddh tbliclsb flneh td pucsl, eh` tbl kdhtrektodhs clsslhl` wotb lekb flet uhtocKcehky‟s iohnlrs wlrl nlhtcy lxplccl`.

[bl netblrl` Effy ohtd blr ergs eh` tlesl`, –Idr e kburkb-ndohn wdgeh, ydu surl `d novl ohtd tlgptetodh lesocy.‗

–Lesocy!‗ Effy‟s vdokl wes wlej, fut lvlh oh blr lfocotetl` stetl sbl kduc`suggdh up sdgl egduht di dutrenl. –_du wlrl tdrturohn gl!‗

–Pbet wes tbl pdoht,‗ Kcehky seo`, kbukjcohn sditcy. –^blrl‟s tbl iuh oh ot oiO `dh‟t tdrturl ydu4‗

[bl blc` Effy oh blr ergs, rdkjohn blr nlhtcy uhtoc sbl wes gdstcyrlkdvlrl`. ôtb sdgl òiiokucty, tbl stocc-sbejohn wdgeh set up, tblhprlssl` Kcehky dhtd blr fekj eh` bdvlrl` dvlr blr. –Ot‟s ydur turh tdtdrturl ydurslci, hdw. Vle`y4‗

–O tbohj ot‟s e seil flt tbet O‟g rle`y,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O wes rle`y eh bdurend.‗

–Kdgl dh,‗ Effy seo`, –wl‟vl ndt e `lec blrl.‗

Hlvlr dhl td nd fekj dh blr wdr`, Kcehky clehl` fekj eneohst blr poccdwseh` scoppl` blr iohnlrs fltwllh blr cops. –Ddd … O ò`h‟t jhdw ot wespdssofcl td fl tbos wlt.‗

\hefcl td jllp blr beh`s td blrslci, Effy scoppl` e iohnlr ohtd blr, austferlcy lhtlrohn tbl ohkrlòfcy scokj droiokl. –Vlgerjefcl,‗ sblfrletbl`. –[ogpcy rlgerjefcl.‗

–\bg-bgg,‗ Kcehky enrll`, blr iohnlrs stertohn td pokj up tblpekl. [coòhn `dwh idr e flttlr volw, Effy rlstl` blr ble` dh e guskucertbonb eh` slttcl` `dwh td sll tbl sbdw. Oh gohutls, sbl wes tbrdffohneneoh, fut tbos togl sbl wes efcl td rlsost blr nrdwohn hll` ‐ kdhtlht tdwetkb Kcehky novl blrslci pclesurl.

Pbl fcdh`l wes kclercy lhadyohn blrslci, clttohn blr pekl pokj up uhtoc blrfrletbohn nrlw lrretok ‐ tblh fekjohn dii uhtoc sbl wes ferlcy frusbohn tbl



<59

l`nl di blr frdwh kurcs. [bl ohùcnl` blrslci cevosbcy, clttohn blr fd`ywdrj otslci up td e ilvlr potkb ‐ dhcy td sddtbl ot nlhtcy eneoh eh` eneoh. EsKcehky dhkl eneoh stertl` td kcogf tbl scdpl, sbl nrespl` Effy‟s beh` eh`nuo`l` blr iohnlrs ohso`l, purrohn slxocy wblh tbly bot tblor gerj. –Pbet‟sot,‗ sbl pehtl`, blr clns sprleòhn lvlh wo`lr. –Hokl eh` stle`y,

fefy. Aust … cojl … tbet,‗ sbl gdehl` rdunbcy, blr iohnlrs e fcur es sblilct tbl iorst sonhs di blr fuocòhn kcogex. [bl kdhskoduscy conbtlhl` blrtdukb, ferlcy frusbohn tbl icets di blr iohnlrs dvlr blr tlh`lr iclsb, tblgdtodh cddjohn cojl sdgldhl strdjohn e sjottosb ket‟s fekj. Blr tlltb cetkbl`dhtd Effy‟s sbduc`lr, sdglbdw gehenohn hdt td frlej tbl sjoh es tblkdhtrektodhs rekl` tbrdunb blr fd`y, ioheccy rlh`lrohn blr kdgpcltlcy splhteh` nespohn idr eor. [u``lhcy, Effy‟s werg, wlt gdutb wes lvlrywblrl,jossohn blr ohsostlhtcy, ioheccy cehòhn dh blr gdutb es tblor frletbohnrepo`cy ilcc ohtd syhkb. Kcehky sco` blr beh`s ekrdss Effy‟s kblljs,kre`cohn blr ble` oh blr beh`s. Coitohn blr ble` aust lhdunb td fl efcl tdcddj ohtd blr lyls, sbl kdhtohul` td joss blr conbtcy, kdvlrohn blr lhtorl iekl

wotb tbl nlhtcl tdukbls. [gocohn up et blr, Kcehky gurgurl`, –O bevl td fl bdhlst. Ot‟s hdt tbet ndd` wblh O‟g ecdhl.‗

Effy jossl` tbl kurcl` up l`nls di blr gdutb eh` kbukjcl`, –_du‟` fl tblcest plrsdh oh tbl wdrc` wbd hll`l` e norcirolh` oi ot wlrl.‗ [bl kdhtohul` td`rdp sdit jossls ecc ekrdss Kcehky‟s iekl eh` hlkj, kdgpcltlcy uhefcl td stdptdukbohn eh` testohn blr.

Kcehky purrl` sditcy irdg tbl slhsetodh di tbl werg, wlt cops tbet gdvlèkrdss blr fd`y. [bl rdccl` dvlr scdwcy, novohn Effy hlw tlrrotdry td kceog,illcohn cojl sbl wes roòhn dh e slhsuec kcdu`. –_du‟rl ndhhe bevl td stdp

tbet oh tbl hlxt gdhtb dr twd,‗ sbl gurgurl`.

–Ggg-ggg.‗ Effy‟s ble` sbddj scdwcy, blr sdit beor frusbohn eneohstKcehky‟s tlh`lr sjoh. –Pestls tdd ndd`.‗

Kcehky rdccl` dvlr, clttohn Effy rlekb tbl slhsotovl sjoh erduh` blrweost. –Ot illcs sd ndd` td fl cdvl` fy ydu,‗ sbl sonbl`. –O‟g tbdrdunbcye`òktl`.‗

–Hd `lsorl td jokj tbl befot4‗ Effy esjl` sditcy, blr cops stocc sjoggohnekrdss Kcehky‟s setl` fd`y.

–Hdhl wbetsdlvlr.‗ Kcehky sboitl` uh`lr blr eh` wreppl` blr ergserduh` blr weost, tunnohn Effy iuccy etdp blr fd`y. –_du‟rl e vlry blectbye`òktodh.‗ [bl peusl` idr e gohutl, tblh sgocl` fronbtcy. –Hdt aust blectby.Coil novohn.‗

***



<5>

Et 01;= tbly wecjl` dwh tbl becc, sbdwlrl` eh` rlssl` dhkl eneoh. blhtbly rlekbl` tbl nulst rddg, Kcehky pdjl` blr ble` ohso`l, sllohn tbliurhoturl tbet be` idrgeccy fllh oh tbl gestlr fl`rddg. –Nd dh oh,‗ Effyseo`. –Pbos os dur hlw rddg.‗ Kcehky tddj blr beh`, cddjohn erduh`. Ecc diEffy‟s tbohns wlrl oh tbl kcdslt, eh` sbl pdohtl` dut e `rlsslr tbet wes

tukjl` ewey oh e kdrhlr. –O tbdunbt wl kduc` put ydur sbdrts, sdkjs ehùh`lrwler oh tblrl. O‟vl dr`lrl` eh ergdorl tbet‟cc cddj nrlet wotb tbl rlst ditbl iurhoturl,‗ Effy e``l`. –Pbet‟cc fl idr ydur behnohn kcdtbls.‗

–Erl ydu rleccy djey wotb tbos4‗ Kcehky esjl`. –Os ot ndhhe fl ber` td scllpoh ydur dc` fl`4‗

Effy sgocl` et blr kdhklrh eh` seo`, –O be` tblg swotkb dut tblgettrlssls. Pbos os tbl dhl wl‟vl fllh scllpohn dh.‗ [bl pestl` dh e wehsgocl eh` e`gottl`, –Pbet wduc` bevl fllh tdd gukb.‗

Kcehky wecjl` erduh` tbl rddg eh` hdtl` tbet Effy be` hdt frdunbt oh ehydi tbl pokturls di occ eh` tbl iegocy. –^by‟` ydu put ecc di tbl pbdtds ewey4‗

–ôcc‟s hlvlr ier irdg gy tbdunbts,‗ Effy seo` sditcy. –O aust `dh‟t weht tdfl gejohn cdvl wotb ydu wotb pokturls di gy busfeh` eh` jo`s oh volw. Ojhdw ot‟s e cottcl d``, fut ot illcs cojl tbly‟rl wetkbohn us,‗ sbl seo`, blrkblljs kdcdrohn.

Kcehky bunnl` blr tlh`lrcy, strdjohn blr fekj oh sygpetby. –O uh`lrsteh`tbet. O nulss O aust weht tblrl td fl e pcekl wblrl ydu jllp iegocy

glgdrols.‗

–Pblrl erl pclhty di tblg oh tbl diiokl, eh` O put sdgl di tblg oh tbl jo`s‟rddgs. O‟g hdt ndohn td bo`l tblg ewey, Kcehky. @dh‟t wdrry efdut tbet.‗

–Djey,‗ sbl gurgurl`. –O aust weht td gejl surl ydu jhdw tbet ot wdh‟tfdtblr gl td bevl tblg up. O cojl sllohn pokturls di ydur iegocy. Otrlgoh`s gl di wbet e cdvohn, `lvdtl` perthlr ydu erl.‗

–O‟g `lvdtl` td ydu hdw,‗ Effy seo`. –Ltlrheccy.‗

***

]ert Pwlhty-hohl

Dh [eturèy gdrhohn, lvlrydhl wes fusy wotb prlperetodh idr tbl perty. Pbl `ddrflcc rehn, eh` Effy wlht td ehswlr ot, stuhhl` td sll Beyclystehòhn tblrl wotb e tecc, beh`sdgl yduhn geh.



<52

–Bo!‗ tbl norc seo`, plrjy eh` sgocohn. –O tbdunbt O sbduc` rohn tbl flcc sohkl Ofrdunbt e nulst.‗

Effy bunnl` blr, novohn blr e ndd` squllzl. –_du dh‟t lvlr bevl td rohn tbl

flcc, bdhly. Pbos os ydur bdgl.‗

^blh Beycly puccl` ewey, sbl put blr erg erduh` tbl yduhn geh‟s weost.–Eclxeh`lr Fronbtdh, tbos os gy gdg, Effy.‗

–Ylry pclesl` td gllt ydu, Eclxeh`lr. Beycly‟s spdjlh sd ncdwohncy efdut ydu.‗

Bl nevl blr e fdyosb nroh eh` lxtlh`l` bos beh`. –O‟g vlry nce` td gllt ydu,Grs. Nrebeg. O illc e cottcl stuhhl` et sllohn e iuturl vlrsodh di Beycly, futet clest O jhdw O bevl sdgltbohn td cddj idrwer` td.‗

Effy pettl` bos sbduc`lr eh` urnl` tblg ohso`l. –@o` Beycly sey tbet yduwlrl e pdcotokoeh, Eclxeh`lr4 ‒Keusl ydu‟rl e prltty ncof ilccdw.‗

–Hdt rleccy,‗ bl seo`. –O‟vl fllh prektokohn. Ot‟s ogpdrteht td gl td gejl endd` iorst ogprlssodh.‗

Bl cddjl` uttlrcy sohklrl, eh` sbl nevl bog e wo`l sgocl. –_du ecrle`y bevl. Aust fl ydurslci, eh` pclesl kecc gl Effy.‗

–O‟cc try, Effy,‗ bl seo`, cddjohn sconbtcy gdrl kdgidrtefcl.

[bl cl` tblg ohtd tbl jotkblh, wblrl Beycly spdttl` Prlvdr wdrjohn dutso`l.–Kdgl gllt gy frdtblr,‗ sbl seo`, `rennohn Eclxeh`lr flboh` blr.

Effy clt tblg nd ecdhl, nce` tbet sbl‟` ge`l tbet kbdokl wblh tbl `dnshlercy jhdkjl` Beycly td tbl nrduh`. Kcehky wecjl` ohtd tbl jotkblh irdgtbl nerenl, esjohn, –^bet‟s ndohn dh4 O bler` sdgl …‗ [bl cddjl` dutso`leh` seo`, –Ebb, tbl prd`onec `eunbtlr rlturhs. [bduc` O nd sey blccd dr weote fot4‗

–Ektueccy, O wes aust ndohn td esj ydu td nd td tbl coqudr stdrl. Pbl jlns erl

rle`y eh` tbl stdrl `dlsh‟t `lcovlr, sd ydu‟cc hll` tbl trukj. @d ydu hll` Prlvdr td nd wotb ydu4‗

–Heb. Ot dlsh‟t kdgl hetureccy, fut O keh cddj blcpclss wblh O bevl td. O‟cc clttbl nuys et tbl stdrl cde` ot ecc up.‗

–O tbohj O‟cc esj Eclxeh`lr td blcp Prlvdr. Pbet‟cc novl gl e cottcl togl ecdhlwotb Beycly. O‟` cojl td gejl surl sbl‟s ndhhe `d blr flst td fl dh blr ndd`



<5?

flbevodr tbos wlljlh`.‗

–Hd ernuglht,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O‟cc fl fekj oh e wbocl.‗

–Hdt flidrl ydu joss gl ndd`fyl,‗ Effy seo`. [bl wreppl` blr ergs erduh`

blr perthlr eh` nevl blr e tlh`lr, cohnlrohn joss.

Kcehky steyl` prlssl` eneohst blr, uttlrohn e sdit nrdwc. –_du ecweys novlgl sdgltbohn td tbohj efdut wbocl O‟g ndhl. Pdd fe` wl wdh‟t bevl togltdèy.‗

–Pbl fortbèy norc ecweys nlts blr wosb,‗ Effy seo`. –Ot gonbt fl cetl, fut yduwdh‟t nd td fl` wotbdut es gukb cdvl es ydu keh beh`cl.‗

–Cojl O seo`, ydu ecweys novl gl sdgltbohn td tbohj efdut.‗ Kcehky jossl`blr dhl gdrl togl, tblh tddj dii dh blr lrreh`.

Effy wlht td tbl `ddr eh` keccl` dut, –Beycly, wduc` ydu kdgl oh eh` blcpgl idr e wbocl4‗

Pbl yduhn wdgeh adnnl` dvlr td blr gdtblr. –[url. ^bet `d ydu hll`4‗

–^l‟ rl ndhhe fl swegpl` ecc ey, eh` O tbdunbt wl kduc` splh` e cottcl wbocltecjohn wbocl O okl` Kcehky‟s kejl. Oi bl `dlsh‟t goh`, Eclxeh`lr keh blcp Prlvdr nlt tbl dut`ddr tefcls slt up.‗

–Db, bl dlsh‟t goh`. l kegl lercy sd wl kduc` blcp.‗ [bl turhl` erduh`.

–Eclxeh`lr, wocc ydu blcp Prlvdr4 O wehhe splh` e cottcl togl wotb gy gdg.‗

–[url. Hd prdfclg,‗ bl seo`, wevohn.

Beycly wlht ohso`l eh` set `dwh dh e stddc. –[d … wbet `d ydu tbohj4‗

Effy cddjl` dutso`l, splhòhn e gdglht cddjohn et Beycly‟s fdyirolh`.–^lcc, bl‟s klrteohcy ndd`-cddjohn lhdunb,‗ sbl seo`, ceunbohn. –Eh` ydu cddjndd` tdnltblr, cojl ydu‟rl kdgidrtefcl wotb lekb dtblr.‗

–^l erl,‗ Beycly seo`. –Bl‟s dhl di tbl hoklst nuys O‟vl lvlr glt, tdd. Bl‟srleccy kcdsl td bos iegocy, eh` bl kerls e cdt efdut dtblr pldpcl.‗ [bl cddjlèt blr gdtblr eh` seo`, –Johè cojl ydu.‗

–^bet e cdvlcy kdgpcoglht,‗ Effy seo`. –O bevlh‟t be` togl td idrg e veco`dpohodh efdut Eclxeh`lr, fut O trust ydu td pokj sdgldhl ndd`. O jhdw yduwduc`h‟t westl ydur togl wotb e alrj.‗



<6=

–Pbehjs,‗ tbl norc seo`, sgocohn. –Db!‗ [bl augpl` dii blr kbeor. –O tdc` Eclxtbet O‟` sbdw bog dhl di dur iegocy ecfugs.‗ [bl wes rekohn up tbl steorsflidrl Effy kduc` sey e wdr` td stdp blr. –Erl tbly stocc oh ydur fl`rddg4‗

Effy bler` tbl iddtstlps stdp efruptcy, tblh ilct blr blert stert tdrekl. Illcohn sokj td blr stdgekb, sbl reh ronbt up eitlr blr èunbtlr,iohòhn tbl norc stehòhn oh tbl `ddrwey di tbl hlw diiokl, e cddj di sbdkjl`dutrenl kdhtdrtohn blr ileturls. –^by `dh‟t ydu aust iukjohn gdvl!‗ sblsbdutl` wblh blr gdtblr epprdekbl`. –_du keh nlt ro` di lvlrytbohn tbetrlgoh`s ydu di bog!‗ [bl pusbl` pest Effy eh` reh td blr rddg, sceggohntbl `ddr sd ber` tbet tbl wbdcl bdusl sllgl` td vofretl.

Effy wlht eitlr blr, frletbohn dut e soclht preylr di tbehjs tbet tbl `ddrshll`l` e jly td cdkj tblg ‐ eh` tbet tbl jlys be` fllh gossohn idr ylers. E ironbtlhohncy cdu` kresb rehn dut irdg Beycly‟s rddg, tblh

ehdtblr, eh` Effy furst tbrdunb tbl `ddr td ioh` Beycly bu``cl` dh tblicddr oh tbl kdrhlr, twd iegocy pokturls sgesbl` eneohst tbl dppdsotl wecc.

Onhdrohn tbl cltbec cddj tbl yduhn wdgeh nevl blr, Effy sehj td tbl icddrhlxt td blr eh` wreppl` blr oh blr ergs, bdcòhn dh tonbt lvlh wblh Beyclysceppl` et blr ohliilktueccy.

–Clt gl nd!‗ sbl ylccl`, blr bystlrokec tlers ecgdst dfskurohn blrwdr`s. –Clt gl nd!‗

Effy wduc` hdt, tonbtlhohn blr nrop wblh Beycly trol` td squorg ewey. –Owocc hdt clt ydu nd,‗ sbl vdwl`. –_du‟rl gy prlkodus norc, eh` O‟g hdt ndohntd clt ydu nd uhtoc wl bevl tbos dut.‗

–O‟g hdt prlkodus,‗ sbl sdffl`. –Kcehky os! [bl‟s tbl dhcy tbohn tbet‟sprlkodus td ydu ehygdrl!‗

–Pbet‟s hdt trul. Kcehky‟s gy perthlr, fut sbl‟s eh eùct eh` keh tejl kerldi blrslci. _du‟rl stocc gy norc. _du‟cc ecweys fl gy norc ‐ ecweys!‗

–Pblrl os hd ecweys!‗ Beycly krol`. –_du seo` ydu‟` ecweys cdvl @e``y eh`

ydu `dh‟t! _du‟vl tbrdwh bog ewey, aust cojl ydu‟rl tbrdwohn gl ewey!‗

–Beycly! O eg hdt tbrdwohn ydur è``y ewey! O cdvl bog es gukb tdèy esO ò` wblh bl wes ecovl. Pblrl osh‟t e èy tbet ndls fy tbet O `dh‟t tbohj dibog ‛ dr kry idr bog.‗ [bl bddjl` blr ndc` hlkjcekl wotb e iohnlr eh`tunnl` ot irdg blr swletlr. –O wler bos wl`òhn rohn aust sd O bevl e cottclpolkl di bog wotb gl. Bl‟s e pert di gl, fefy, eh` hd gettlr bdw gukb Ocdvl Kcehky, bl ecweys wocc fl.‗



<65

–_du `dh‟t wler ydurs,‗ sbl seo`, cddjohn et Effy‟s ferl rohn iohnlr.

–O tukjl` gy rohn ohtd bos beh` dh tbl èy wl furol` bog,‗ sbl seo`quoltcy. –O hll`l` bog td bevl ot wotb bog idrlvlr ‐ aust cojl O‟cc ecweys bevl

bos. @o`h‟t ydu jhdw tbet4‗

–Hd,‗ sbl sdffl`. –_du ò`h‟t tlcc gl tbet.‗

–O wes oh sukb e stetl di sbdkj, O `dh‟t jhdw bdw O ndt tbrdunb tbdsl iorstwlljs, fut O tbdunbt O‟` tdc` ydu tbet.‗

Beycly cddjl` et blr idr e gdglht, tblh blr lxprlssodh ber`lhl`. –O‟gsurprosl` Kcehky clts ydu wler bos rohn. [bl cddjs cojl tbl typl wbd‟` wehheprdtlkt blr tlrrotdry.‗

–Pbet‟s e roòkucdus tbohn td sey,‗ Effy seo`. –_du dh‟t jhdw blr wlcc et ecc.‗

–O keh stocc bevl eh dpohodh,‗ sbl nrugfcl`.

–Di kdursl ydu keh,‗ Effy seo`. –O‟g aust tlccohn ydu ydu‟rl wrdhn. Kcehky`dlsh‟t tlcc gl wbet td `d. Pbet‟s hdt tbl joh` di wdgeh sbl os. ^l bevl ehlquec perthlrsbop.‗

Pbl norc wes quolt idr e wbocl, fut Effy kduc` illc tbl tlhsodh ruhhohntbrdunb blr fd`y. –@e``y wes ecweys oh kbernl,‗ sbl ioheccy seo`. –O jhlw bl

kduc` beh`cl ehytbohn. O wes hlvlr eireo` di ehytbohn wblh bl wes bdgl.‗

–O wesh‟t lotblr,‗ Effy seo`, kbdjohn up wbocl sbl tbdunbt di bdw slkurl eh`seil tbl wdrc` be` sllgl` wbocl ôcc wes ecovl.

Pbl yduhn wdgeh cddjl` et blr gdtblr idr aust e gdglht flidrl tblicdd`netls dplhl` dhkl eneoh. –O weht bog fekj!‗ sbl krol` potlduscy. –Oweht gy è``y fekj!‗ [bl wes kryohn sd ber` tbet Effy wes surl sbl wesndohn td fl sokj, fut sbl jlpt blr ergs tonbt erduh` blr sbejohn fd`y,prdvoòhn es gukb kdgidrt es sbl kduc`. –O weht bog fekj, tdd,‗ Effy

wbosplrl`. –O‟` novl ehytbohn td bevl bog fekj.‗

–Pbet‟s hdt trul!‗ tbl yduhn wdgeh krol`. –_du keh nd fl e clsfoeh hdwtbet bl‟s ndhl. _du prdfefcy wduc` bevl clit bog ‐ clit us ‐ idr Kcehky drsdgl dtblr wdgeh!‗

Effy nroppl` blr sbduc`lrs eh` blc` blr tonbt, jllpohn blr iekl aust ohkblsirdg blr dwh. –Pbet‟s hdt trul,‗ sbl seo` lvlhcy. –O wduc` hlvlr ‐ lvlr ‐



<66

bevl clit ydur ietblr. O cdvl` bog wotb ecc di gy blert. ^l wlrl vlry beppocygerrol`. O wduc` hlvlr bevl jhdwh efdut gy efocoty td cdvl e wdgeh, eh`tbet wduc bevl fllh aust iohl wotb gl. O cdvl Kcehky, fefy, fut O wosb tdNd` O be` hlvlr be` tbl dppdrtuhoty td iecc oh cdvl wotb blr. O wosb ydurè``y wlrl `dwhsteors ronbt hdw, weotohn idr us td gejl tbl okohn sd bl

kduc` jllp stokjohn bos iohnlr oh tbl fdwc td tlst ot.‗

Pbl yduhnlr wdgeh‟s kryohn scdwl` hdtoklefcy, eh` sbl dplhl` blr lylswo`l eh` cddjl` et blr gdtblr. –Bdw keh ydu stocc cdvl bog eh` cdvl blrtdd4‗

–Ot‟s lesy,‗ Effy seo`, e nbdst di e sgocl dh blr cops. –Ot‟s aust es lesy es ot wes idr ydur è``y eh` gl td wlckdgl Prlvdr eh` ydu ohtd dur iegocy. Oò`h‟t cdvl ydur è` ehy clss wblh wl be` Prlv, eh` O ò`h‟t cdvl Prlvdr ehyclss wblh wl be` ydu. O cdvl ydu eh` Prlvdr lqueccy. Pblrl‟s pclhty dirddg oh gy blert idr fdtb di ydu, eh` idr @e``y eh` idr Kcehky.‗

Blr tlers lffohn, Beycly‟s se`, rlsonhl` vdokl seo`, –Ot wocc hlvlr fl tblsegl. Ot wocc hlvlr fl aust us eneoh.‗

Effy prlssl` blr tonbtcy eneohst blr kblst eh` hd``l` blr ble`. –_du‟rlronbt. Ot‟cc hlvlr fl tbl segl. Iegocols kbehnl eh` durs os kbehnohn hdw, aust cojl ot‟cc kbehnl wblh ydu eh` Prlvdr ioh` sdgldhl ydu cdvl eh` wblh ydu bevl kboc`rlh.‗

–O‟g hdt ndohn td bevl kboc`rlh,‗ sbl seo` dhkl eneoh.

–Pbet `dlsh‟t gettlr,‗ Effy seo`. –_du‟cc stocc ioh` sdgldhl td cdvl … geyflEclxeh`lr.‗

Ogglòetlcy flkdgohn nuer`l` eh` lilhsovl, Beycly sheppl`, –O dh‟t cdvlbog!‗

[urprosl` fy tbl strlhntb di blr `lhoec, Effy seo`, –_du `dh‟t bevl td cdvlbog, bdhly. O aust essugl` tbet ydu wlrl … kcdsl.‗

–^l erl,‗ sbl seo`. –^l‟rl aust es kcdsl es O weht td fl.‗

Pblrl wes sdgltbohn efdut tbl wey sbl seo` tbet tbet ge`l Effysuspokodus. –^bet d ydu gleh fy tbet4 Os tblrl sdgltbohn efdut Eclxeh`lrtbet fdtblrs ydu4‗

–_ls!‗ Beycly seo`, splejohn flidrl sbl kduc` klhsdr blrslci. –Bl ecweyswehts gdrl! Bl wehts td splh` gdrl togl tdnltblr, sll gl gdrl ditlh, bevlgdrl slx tbeh O weht td. Bl‟s fllh `rovohn gl krezy!‗



<6;

]uzzcl`, Effy esjl`, –Pblh wby erl ydu stocc sllohn bog4‗

Beycly `rdppl` blr ble` fekj, clttohn ot fehn eneohst tbl wecc. –Flkeusl Ocojl bog sd gukb,‗ sbl gdehl`. –Bl‟s lxektcy tbl joh` di nuy O‟vl ecweyswehtl` td gllt.‗

–Bdc` dh,‗ Effy seo`, strltkbohn blr clns dut td nlt kdgidrtefcl. –_du‟rl hdtgejohn slhsl. Bl rovls ydu krezy, fut bl‟s aust wbet ydu tbohj ydu weht4‗

[bl reh blr beh`s tbrdunb blr beor oh eh lxesplretl` nlsturl. –_ls! ^l‟rlkcdsl,‗ sbl seo`. –^l‟rl pclhty kcdsl. ^by keh‟t bl fl beppy wotb tbet4‗

–Bdhly, oi bl‟s pusbohn ydu td `d tbohns ydu‟rl hdt rle`y idr ‛–

–Hdt cojl tbet,‗ Beycly seo` òsgossovlcy. [bl sonbl` blevocy. –Bl seys bl

cdvls gl, eh` bl wehts td gejl cdvl. Hdt aust bevl slx.‗

Effy wes stugpl`, eh` blr lxprlssodh rliclktl` blr puzzclglht.

–Bl wehts td bevl ohtlrkdursl,‗ sbl seo`, rdccohn blr lyls. –O `dh‟t sll wby otosh‟t lhdunb aust td nlt dii, fut bl wehts gdrl.‗

–Db! O tbdunbt … O essugl` …‗

–_leb, tbet‟s wbet lvlrydhl essugls,‗ Beycly seo`. –Fut O `dh‟t weht td fltbet kcdsl.‗

–^by4‗ Effy esjl`. –^by `dh‟t ydu weht td fl gdrl ohtogetl wotb bog4‗

–Flkeusl O‟cc iecc oh cdvl wotb bog!‗ sbl spet dut, –Eh` O `dh‟t weht td!‗

–Beycly, ydu‟rl hdt gejohn slhsl. ^bet‟s sd fe` efdut ieccohn oh cdvl4‗

–_du keh‟t uh`lrsteh`,‗ tbl norc seo`. –_du‟rl tbl typl wbd keh nlt dvlrsdgldhl. O keh‟t! Ot‟s fllh dvlr iovl ylers sohkl @e``y òl`, eh` O goss boges gukb tdèy es O o` wblh O cdst bog! Oi O cdsl Eclxeh`lr …‗ [bl stertl` tdkry, kurcohn up oh e fecc aust cojl sbl o` wblh sbl wes sgecc. –[bot, wbd eg

O jo`òhn4 O eg oh cdvl wotb bog! O aust jhlw tbos wes ndhhe bepplh!‗

–Beycly, ieccohn oh cdvl osh‟t sdgltbohn td wdrry efdut dr iler! O prdgosl ydutbet! _ls, ot‟s e cottcl ironbtlhohn et iorst, fut tblrl erlh‟t gehy tbohns dh tboslertb tbet keh getkb tbl illcohn di flohn oh cdvl. @dh‟t try td kcdsl ydurslcidii td ot!‗

–Pbet‟s lesy idr ydu td sey,‗ sbl seo`. –_du ndt dvlr @e``y.‗



<60

–_du jhdw,‗ Effy seo`, kecgcy eh` lvlhcy. –O‟g sokj di blerohn ydu tlcc glwbet O illc. Hd dhl jhdws wbet‟s oh ehdtblr plrsdh‟s blert. Aust flkeusl O‟vliecclh oh cdvl eneoh `dlsh‟t gleh tbet O ò`h‟t cdvl ydur ietblr. Bl wes gybusfeh`, eh` bl wes e tlrroiok dhl. Fut O‟vl clt gyslci cdvl eneoh, aust cojl bl

wehtl` gl td.‗

–O‟g sdrry,‗ Beycly seo`. –O jhdw ydu betl ot wblh O try td rle` ydur goh`.‗

–Pbet‟s ecc ronbt. O jhdw ydu‟rl irustretl`, fut O tbohj pert di wbet‟s `rovohn ydu krezy os tbet ydu sllg td fl kdhiusl` efdut tbl òiilrlht typls di cdvltblrl erl. _dur è` wes tbl dhcy ietblr ydu‟ cc lvlr bevl. Hd gettlr wbetbepplhs td ydu oh coil, ydu‟vl cdst tbl geh wbd reosl` ydu, eh` ydu keh‟trlpcekl bog. Pbl cdvl ydu bevl idr ydur perlhts os progec, fefy. l wlrl tblpldpcl wbd nevl ydu coil, wbd prdtlktl` ydu wblh ydu kduc`h‟t prdtlkt

ydurslci. Pbl fdh` ydu bevl wotb us os uhfrlejefcl.‗

–Ot illcs frdjlh,‗ Beycly seo`, kryohn sditcy. –O illc sd cdst wotbdut bog.‗

Illcohn e `llp wevl di sygpetby idr blr, Effy seo`, –O `dh‟t tbohj O keh lvlrrleccy uh`lrsteh` wbet ot‟s cojl idr ydu. O‟ g gdrl tbeh tborty ylers dc`lr tbeh ydu wlrl wblh ydu cdst ydur e`, eh` O stocc bevl gohl. Ot‟s hdt ieor tbet yducdst bog wblh ydu wlrl sd yduhn. Fut ydu o`, eh` tryohn td jllp Eclxeh`lret e òstehkl osh‟t ndhhe frohn ydur ietblr fekj. _ls, cdsohn sdgldhl yducdvl os lvestetohn, fut ydu keh nd dh. _du bevl ndhl dh. Eh` oi ydu‟rl oh cdvlwotb Eclxeh`lr, ydu‟vl ndt td clt ydurslci lhady ot - klclfretl ot! Ot‟s e noit tbet

keh‟t fl rlpcekl`, fefy, eh` ydu keh‟t eiidr` td sbrun ot dii.‗

Beycly cddjl` up et blr gdtblr, blr lxprlssodh sd kboc`cojl tbet Effywehtl` td tejl blr oh blr ergs eh` bdc` blr. [bl ò`h‟t rlsost tbl ogpucsl. Pukjohn blr ergs erduh` blr, sbl sgocl` wblh Beycly ku``cl` up lvlhkcdslr. Pbl norc‟s frletb wes werg dh Effy‟s hlkj, eh` sbl esjl`, –@d ydurleccy tbohj ot‟s òiilrlht4‗

–^bet, bdhly4‗

–Bdw O illc efdut cdsohn @e``y eh` bdw ydu illc4‗

–Di kdursl ot os. O wes e yduhn wdgeh wblh O glt ydur ietblr. O kbehnl` eh`nrlw wotb bog, fut bl wesh‟t tbl nuoòhn idrkl oh gy coil: gy perlhts wlrl._dur ietblr wes e geh O kbdsl td cdvl. Fut ydu kerry beci di bos nlhls,Beycly. _du bevl bos lers eh` bos beh`s eh` bos ceunb eh` bos fe` slhsl diòrlktodh eh` jhdffy jhlls.‗

Pbl norc ceunbl`, eh` nevl blr gdtblr e skdwc. –O `d hdt bevl jhdffy jhlls!‗



<6<

–Pbly‟rl e`drefcl jhlls,‗ Effy seo`, –fut tbly‟rl jhdffy!‗

Beycly huzzcl` blr ble` eneohst blr gdtblr‟s hlkj. –O cdvl ydu, Gdg. O‟g

sdrry O‟g sd ogpdssofcl sdgltogls.‗

Effy reh blr beh` tbrdunb blr èunbtlr‟s cdhn, fcekj beor. –_du jhdw tbetfdh` ydu bevl wotb ydur perlhts4 ^lcc, O bevl eh egezohncy strdhn fdh`wotb ydu. Hd gettlr bdw gukb ydu irustretl gl et togls, O cdvl ydu wotb eccgy blert, eh` O wduc`h‟t tre`l ydu idr ehy dtblr èunbtlr oh tbl wdrc`.‗

–O bevl e tdunb togl flcolvohn tbet,‗ Beycly seo`. –O‟g surl ydu wosb Prlvdrbe` fllh twohs.‗

–Hdt trul,‗ Effy ohsostl`. –Fut ydu wdh‟t flcolvl gl uhtoc ydu bevl kboc`rlh

di ydur dwh. Oi ydu `d, tbet os.‗

–Dhl stlp et e togl, djey, Gdg4 O‟cc hlvlr bevl tbl dppdrtuhoty td bevl jo`soi O `dh‟t lvlr bevl ohtlrkdursl.‗

–Ndd` pdoht,‗ Effy seo`. –O nulss ydu wlrl costlhohn td dur tecjs efdut slx.‗

–Ot‟s hdt iuhhy,‗ Beycly seo`. –@d ydu tbohj O sbduc` bevl slx wotb Eclx4‗

Effy blc` dut e beh`. –O wocc hlvlr, lvlr tlcc ydu wbltblr dr hdt td bevl slx

wotb ehydhl, Beycly. _du‟rl eh eùct, eh` ydu bevl td gejl tbdsl lkosodhsidr ydurslci. O wocc tlcc ydu dhl tbohn, tbdunb. Oi ydu bevl td esj sdgldhl lcsl… tbet‟s hdt e ndd` sonh.‗

–O dh‟t bevl td esj ehydhl lcsl wblh wl‟rl tdnltblr,‗ sbl seo`. –O weht td flwotb bog, eh` O weht td cdvl bog. Fut O‟g sd eireo`, Gdg. O wehhe jhdw tbetot‟s ndhhe wdrj dut flidrl O iecc oh cdvl wotb bog.‗

–Nd`, wduc`h‟t tbet fl hokl,‗ Effy seo` wostiuccy. –Fut ydu bevl td rosj tdcdvl, fefy. Ot‟s tbl dhcy wey.‗

–^by `dls tbos bevl td fl sd ber`4‗ Beycly esjl`. [bl clehl` blr ble` dhblr gdtblr‟s sbduc`lr eh` sonbl` blevocy.

–_du‟rl gejohn ot ber`lr tbeh ot bes td fl. _du bevl td dplh ydurslci up eh`clt ydur blert tlcc ydu wbet‟s ronbt.‗

Beycly tbdunbt idr e gdglht, tblh cddjl` et blr gdtblr. –Os tbet wbet yduò` wotb Kcehky4‗



<69

–_ls!‗ Effy seo`, ceunbohn. –@d ydu tbohj O wduc` bevl iecclh oh cdvl wotb blroi O‟` clt gy freoh tlcc gl wbet td `d4 Cdvohn e yduhnlr wdgeh wesh‟t dh gytd-`d cost, bdhly. Kcehky kepturl` gy blert, eh` O‟g èghl` nce` sbl ò`.‗

–Erl ydu rleccy beppy, Gdg4‗

–_ls. O eg. O‟g vlry, vlry beppy. Pbl dhcy tbohn tbet wduc` gejl gl beppolros oi ydu kduc` nrdw td ekklpt Kcehky ohtd dur iegocy.‗

–O dh‟t weht ehdtblr gdtblr.‗ [bl ge`l e iekl eh` e``l`, –Lsplkoeccy dhl Owehtl` td scllp wotb.‗

Effy kbukjcl` sditcy eh` seo`, –Pblh ydu‟rl oh cukj, flkeusl Kcehky dlsh‟tweht td bevl e kboc . Lsplkoeccy eh lonbtllh-yler-dc . Eh` sbl rleccy `dls

prlilr dc`lr wdglh.‗ [bl jossl` blr èunbtlr dh tbl tdp di blr ble`.–[bl‟` cojl td fl ydur irolh`. Pbet‟s ecc. [bl `dlsh‟t lvlr weht td ohtlrilrlwotb dur rlcetodhsbop.‗

Beycly hd``l` eh` huzzcl` blr ble` eneohst blr gdtblr‟s fd`y, clttohn blrlgfrekl sddtbl blr. –O‟cc try ber`lr,‗ sbl prdgosl`. –Eh`, Gdg4 O‟g rleccysdrry O frdjl dur pokturls.‗

–Pbet‟s ecc ronbt. ^l‟cc aust rliregl tblg. @dh‟t wdrry efdut ot.‗

–Clt gl kcleh up tbl glss,‗ Beycl y seo , strunncohn td nlt up. –Pblh wl keh

nlt stertl`. ^bet joh` di kejl ò` ydu gejl4‗

–^botl kejl. Eh` sbl cojls wbotl okohn, tdd.‗

–Aust cojl @e``y,‗ Beycly seo`, gostohn up eneoh. [bl ndt td blr illt eh`diilrl` e beh` td blr gdtblr. Pbly wlht dut ohtd tbl becc eh` Beycly esjl`,–Os ydur iurhoturl oh tbl nulst rddg hdw4‗

–_ls. O wehtl` e hlw rddg td stert gy hlw rlcetodhsbop.‗

Pbl yduhn wdgeh hd``l` frolicy, tblh wlt blr cops eh` seo`, –O wosb ot wlrl

tbl segl. Fut O nulss wbet O rleccy wosb os tbet @e``y wlrl stocc wotb us. Ojhdw tbet‟s ogpdssofcl, sd ot gejls slhsl tbet ydu weht td kbehnl tbl rddg,Gdg. Ot‟s aust e cottcl ber` idr gl td sll ot. O aust … O aust tbohj di flohncottcl eh` ndohn ohtd ydur rddg dh [uhèy gdrhohns td nlt oh fl` wotb ydu. Ecc idur di us wduc` shunncl tdnltblr. O ilct sd seil eh` beppytblh.‗ E ilw bdt tlers lskepl`, eh` sbl wopl` et tblg rdunbcy. –@d ydueh` Kcehky scllp dh tbl fl` hdw4‗



<6>

–Hd, wl `dh‟t. ^l hlvlr bevl. Pbet‟s wblrl ydu eh` Prlvdr wlrl fdtbkdhklovl`. O kduc`h‟t … O kduc`h‟t sberl ot wotb ehydhl lcsl.‗ [bl reh blriohnlrs tbrdunb blr èunbtlr‟s èrj beor, tblh flht td joss blr idrlble`. –Obe` tbl gettrlssls slecl` oh pcestok eh` put oh tbl nerenl. O `duft tbet O‟cclvlr usl tblg eneoh ‐ fut O kduc`h‟t fler td novl tblg ewey.‗

Pbly blc` lekb dtblr tonbtcy, fdtb kryohn idr e ilw gohutls.

–O ber`cy lvlr kry et skbddc,‗ Beycly guttlrl`. –O aust illc sd lgdtodhec wblhO‟g bdgl.‗

–O uh`lrsteh`,‗ Effy seo`, bunnohn blr kcdsl. –O illc gdrl lgdtodhec wblh ydu‟rl bdgl, tdd. Ot‟s sd kcdsl,‗ sbl wbosplrl`, –sd kcdsl td bdw ot usl` tdfl.‗

Beycly hd``l`, blr èrj beor ruffohn eneohst Effy‟s swletlr. –Ot `dlsh‟t

illc kcdsl idr gl ehygdrl. Bevohn Kcehky erduh` kbehnls lvlrytbohn.‗

–O uh`lrsteh` tbet, bdhly,‗ Effy sonbl`. –O rleccy `d.‗

Pbl yduhn wdgeh cddjl` up et blr gdtblr wotb wetlry fcul lyls eh` esjl`,–Ot `dlsh‟t gejl ydu ge` wblh O sey tbohns cojl tbet, `dls ot4‗

Effy‟s ble` sbddj `lkosovlcy. –Hdt et ecc. O weht ydu td tlcc gl bdw yduillc. Ot‟s tbl dhcy wey wl‟cc nlt tbrdunb tbos.‗

–Djey,‗ sbl gurgurl`. –O prdgosl O‟cc try.‗ [bl jossl` blr gdtblr dh tbl

kbllj eh` seo`, –O cdvl ydu, Gdg. O weht ydu td fl beppy ‐ sd O prdgosl O‟cctry.‗

–Pbehj ydu, Beycly,‗ Effy wbosplrl`, squllzohn blr tonbt. –Pbet‟s ecc Oesj.‗

***

Beycly wes ohso`l, kclehohn up tbl sber`s di ncess irdg tbl pokturl ireglswblh Effy wlht dutso`l td sll Kcehky kbettohn wotb Eclxeh`lr. Pbl yduhngeh wes costlhohn td tbl ceh`skeplr tecj efdut tbl yer` eh` tbl kbehnls

tbly‟` ge`l. –Bo,‗ Effy seo`, puttohn blr beh` dh Kcehky‟s fekj. –Bdw‟slvlrytbohn ndohn4‗

–Nrlet,‗ Eclxeh`lr seo`. –^l ndt tbl tefcls slt up, eh` Prlvdr aust clit td pokjup tbl nes-pdwlrl` blet cegps. O tbohj wl gonbt hll` tblg tdhonbt. Ot illcscojl ot‟s nlttohn e cottcl kdc`lr.‗

–O wehtl` td tbehj ydu idr kdhvohkohn Beycly td kdgl bdgl tbos wlljlh`,



<62

Eclxeh`lr. O bevl e illcohn ydu pusbl` blr e fot.‗

Bl sgocl`. –Aust e cottcl.‗ Bl peusl` idr e gdglht, tblh seo`, –O `dh‟tuh`lrsteh` blr sdgltogls, fut O nulss tbet‟s hdrgec oh tbl flnohhohn di erlcetodhsbop. O aust tbohj sbl hll`s td fl kcdsl td blr iegocy ‛ lsplkoeccy

wblh tbohns erl kbehnohn. [bl hll`s e cdt di suppdrt ronbt hdw, eh` tbl flstpcekl td nlt ot os blrl.‗

–O keh sll wby sbl cojls ydu,‗ Effy seo`. –_du sllg td jhdw blr prltty wlcc.‗

–Hdt hlercy es wlcc es O‟` cojl,‗ bl seo`, icesbohn e sgocl tbet wes fdtb pceyiuceh` sohklrl.

***

Kcehky, Prlvdr eh` Eclxeh`lr be` tbl jlns slt up eh` be` ioccl` eh` tlstl`tbl spekl bletlrs fy idur d‟kcdkj. Ot wes nlttohn e cottcl kboccy, fut wes stoccwerg lhdunb td fl dutso`l. Kcehky wlht oh td nlt e swletsbort, stdppohn tdpcekl e joss dh Effy‟s hlkj. –Ddb! Kdc` cops! Bes tbl tlgplreturl `rdppl`tbet gukb4‗

–Hd, ot‟s hdt tdd fe`. O wes sottohn wotb tbl jo`s, eh` tbl woh` bes pokjl` upe cottcl.‗

–_du eh` tbl jo`s, bub4‗ Effy esjl`. –^bet erl ydu yduhn idcjs `dohn4‗

–Aust tecjohn. Eclxeh`lr eh` Prlvdr bevl e cdt oh kdggdh. Ot‟s iuh costlhohntd tblg tecj efdut tblor pcehs idr sevohn tbl wdrc`.‗ [bl pdppl` e kblrrytdgetd ohtd blr gdutb eh` twotkbl` blr ble` et tbl pcettlrs di vlnltefclsEffy wes prlperohn. –Keh O blcp4‗

–Hd, O‟` retblr ydu splht sdgl togl wotb tbl jo`s. Bdw‟s Beycly4‗

–Iohl,‗ Kcehky seo`. –[bl‟s hdt tecjohn gukb, fut O tbohj tbet‟s flkeusl Eclxeh` Prlvdr erl ndohn dh efdut sdgl di tbl prdalkts tbly‟vl wdrjl` dh. by4‗

–Db, wl be` e cdhn tecj eh` O tbdunbt sbl gonbt stocc fl upslt.‗

–Hd, sbl‟s aust quolt.‗ Kcehky rlekbl` erduh` blr cdvlr eh` tddj e ilw kerrdtstokjs. –^ehhe tecj efdut ot4‗

–Ggg … geyfl cetlr. O‟g hdt surl wl ndt ehywblrl, fut sbl wes e cottclgdrl dplh tbeh usuec.‗ [bl sgocl` et Kcehky eh` sbrunnl` blr sbduc`lrs.–_du keh hlvlr tlcc wotb Beycly, tbdunb. Blr lgdtodhs erl cojl tbl to`ls. _du



<6?

hll` e kbert td ionurl blr dut.‗

–^lcc, O‟cc try hdt td ohkotl blr. O rleccy weht td bevl e hokl, kecg perty.‗

–[d `d O, swlltblert. O wehhe fl tbl dhcy plrsdh wbd nlts uh`lr ydur sjoh

tdhonbt.‗

***

Et slvlh d‟kcdkj, tbl ketlrlrs wlrl fusocy nroccohn kbokjlh dh tbl ferflqul,tbl fertlh`lr wes drnehozohn bos suppcols, eh` Kcehky wes e`gorohn blrhlw kcdtbls, ehdtblr fortbèy noit irdg blr perthlr. –O efsdcutlcy cdvl tbosswletlr,‗ sbl seo`, cddjohn et blrslci oh tblor fl`rddg gorrdr.

–Ot cdvls ydu, tdd,‗ Effy kbukjcl`, vlry pclesl` wotb bdw tbl kesbglrlY-hlkjl` swletlr kerlssl` Kcehky‟s wdgehcy kurvls. –Erl ydu surl ydu

`dh‟t weht td wler tbl turtclhlkj, tdd4‗

–Hd wey,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O nlt tdd bdt td wler twd swletlrs. O‟cc wler tbetwblh wl‟rl ndhhe fl splhòhn e cdt di togl dutso`l, fut hdt tdhonbt.‗ [blfrusbl` e iclkj di coht dii blr hlw pcletl` jbejos eh` seo`, –Oi O ò`h‟t cojltblsl hlw pehts sd gukb, O‟` wler tbl swletlr wotb gy sbdrts. Pbet‟s gyo`lec wohtlr dutiot, ydu jhdw.‗

–O `dh‟t `duft tbet e fot, ydu bdt-fcdd`l` cottcl tbohn.‗ Effy jossl` blrnlhtcy eh` seo`, –Ot‟s plrilktcy ecc ronbt wotb gl oi ydu wler sbdrts. _du‟rltbl fortbèy norc, eh` ydu nlt ydur wey ecc èy cdhn.‗

–O bevlh‟t be` gy wey wotb ydu ylt,‗ sbl seo`, turhohn e wokjl` sgocl Effy‟swey.

–]clhty di togl.‗ Effy jossl` blr nlhtcy eh` seo`, –]rdgosl.‗

Pbl `ddrflcc rehn eh` Kcehky‟s iekl cot up. –[dglfd`y‟s blrl!‗ Nonncohncojl e kboc`, sbl reh idr tbl `ddr, trdttohn dwh tbl steors wotb Effy ruhhohnronbt flboh` blr, illcohn es vondrdus es sbl be` wblh sbl wes Kcehky‟s enl.

***

Effy wes egezl` et tbl kdcclktodh di irolh`s tbet Kcehky be` egessl` dvlrtbl ylers ‐ e ilw irdg bonb skbddc, gehy irdg kdcclnl, stocc gdrl irdg blr ylers oh tbl clsfoeh sdkoec sklhl oh tbl [eh Nefrolc Yeccly. [bl be` ecsdohvotl` et clest e dzlh pldpcl wbdg sbl wdrjl` wotb prdilssodheccy, es wlcces blr usuec krlw eh` tblor iegocols. Ot wes e vlry lkclktok krdw`, fut Effywes rlvlcohn oh tbl lhlrny tbet pucsl` tbrdunb tbl bdusl.



<;=

Irdg Effy‟s so`l di tbl cl`nlr, ]eg, Geroe, Ecysse eh` Effy‟s perlhts wlrltbl dhcy rlprlslhtetovls, fut sbl ò`h‟t goh` tbet sbl jhlw sd ilw di tblpldpcl ioccohn blr bdusl. Pblsl wlrl Kcehky‟s irolh`s, eh` sbl wes fduhèh` `ltlrgohl` td nlt td jhdw lekb eh` lvlry dhl di tblg ‐ lotblr tbos

honbt dr oh tbl iuturl.

Cukjocy, tbl honbt wes werg lhdunb td eccdw e cernl hugflr di nulsts tdrlgeoh dutso`l. Kcehky wes e vlry kepefcl bdstlss, gleh`lrohn tbrdunbtbl bdusl eh` petod irlqulhtcy td gejl surl tbly ecc wlrl lhadyohntblgslcvls. Dh dhl trop ekrdss tbl petod, Aucol, blr lx, keunbt blr lyl, eh`Kcehky epprdekbl` blr, e irolh`cy sgocl dh blr iekl. Effy wes surprosl`tbet Kcehky be` wehtl` td ohvotl blr, fut, es Kcehky lxpceohl`, sbl ò`h‟tweht td sbuh blr ‐ eh` sohkl ecc di tblor dtblr gutuec irolh`s wlrl ohvotl`,ot aust sllgl` sgecc-goh`l` hdt td.

–Bo,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Bevohn iuh4‗

–_leb, O eg.‗ [bl cddjl` erduh` et tbl fleutoiuc bdgl eh` seo`, –Pbos osuhflcolvefcl, Kcehky. _du‟vl rleccy ndt ot ndoh‟ dh.‗

–O‟g beppy, fut ot‟s hdt flkeusl di wbet Effy bes.‗ [bl cddjl` orlktcy ohtd Aucol‟s lyls eh` seo`, –Ot‟s flkeusl di wbet wl gleh td lekb dtblr.‗

–@o` O lvlr gleh e cdt td ydu4‗ Aucol esjl`, blr vdokl ketkbohn e cottcl.

–Di kdursl ydu ò`,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O lhadyl` gdst di dur togl tdnltblr,

Aucol. Fut wl hlvlr kcokjl` cojl Effy eh` O `d.‗

–O kcokjl` wotb ydu,‗ Aucol kdrrlktl`, tlers idrgohn oh tbl kdrhlrs di blr erjlyls.

Kcehky aust hd``l`, tbohjohn tbet wes prdfefcy trul. –Ot bes td nd fdtbweys,‗ sbl seo` quoltcy. –Ot‟s fllh dvlr tbrll ylers, Aucol. Ot‟s togl idr ydutd clt nd di tbl iehtesy eh` gdvl dh.‗

–^l‟cc hlvlr nlt ehdtblr kbehkl, wocc wl4‗ sbl esjl`, blr cdwlr cop quovlrohn.

–Hd, wl wdh‟t,‗ Kcehky seo` iorgcy. –Effy eh` O erl tdnltblrplrgehlhtcy. Hd `duft efdut ot.‗

–@dlsh‟t ot fdtblr ydu et ecc tbet sbl‟s …‗ Aucol blsotetl`, tryohn hdt td diilh`Kcehky.

–Hdtbohn efdut Effy fdtblrs gl,‗ Kcehky seo`, sevohn Aucol irdg bevohn td



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iohosb blr tbdunbt. –Hdtbohn,‗ sbl seo` eneoh, nrey lyls icesbohn.

–Bly, `dh‟t nlt possl`,‗ Aucol seo`. –_du nlt ge` sd lesocy.‗

–Dhcy wblh sdgldhl rleccy possls gl dii,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Eh` tbl lesolst wey

td `d tbet os td krotokozl Effy.‗

–O wesh‟t krotokozohn,‗ Aucol ohsostl`. –O aust wehtl` td jhdw wbet ot‟s cojl td flwotb e … wo`dw. O gleh, ot‟s wlor` lhdunb td turh e wdgeh ohtd e `yjl, futtd turh e wo`dw … O `dh‟t jhdw …‗

Kcehky ncerl` et blr lx. –O o`h‟t turh Effy ohtd ehytbohn. [bl os wbd sbl os.Eh` O cdvl blr aust cojl sbl os.‗

–Fut dh‟t ydu wdrry efdut blr ndohn fekj td glh4 O gleh, sbl wes streonbtidr wbet … idrty dr ioity ylers4‗

Onhdrohn tbl ogpcol` qulstodh, Kcehky ehswlrl` tbl òrlkt dhl. –_du lotblrtrust sdgldhl dr ydu `dh‟t. Blr bostdry os dhcy ogpdrteht flkeusl ot sbdwsgl tbet sbl‟s bdhlst eh` ieotbiuc. Oi tbos `dlsh‟t wdrj dut, ot‟s ndhhe flflkeusl di us … hdt blr bostdry.‗

–O kduc` hlvlr trust e streonbt wdgeh,‗ Aucol seo`, gejohn e iekl.

–Pblh `dh‟t scllp wotb dhl,‗ Kcehky seo` kurtcy.

Aucol fcohjl` et blr, sllohn tbet sbl‟` dhcy gehenl` td gejl Kcehky ehnry.

–O … O nlt tbl pokturl. O wdh‟t kecc ydu ehygdrl.‗ Novohn blr e wostiuc eh`sconbtcy tlhtetovl cddj, Aucol seo`, –Ot rleccy illcs cojl ndd`fyl tbos togl.‗

–Ot os,‗ Kcehky seo`. [bl rlecozl` bdw kdc` tbet sduh`l` eh` trol` td fekj dii.–O‟g beppy wotb Effy, eh` wl‟rl ndhhe fl tdnltblr idr e cdhn, cdhn togl.‗

Aucol cddjl` et blr, blr cdhnohn idr tbl fcdh`l hlvlr bevohn wehl`. – occ ydu… wocc ydu joss gl ndd`fyl4‗

–Hd. O, ubg … `dh‟t illc kdgidrtefcl `dohn tbet. _du gonbt hdt flcolvl gl, Aucol, fut O bdhlstcy ò` kerl idr ydu. Ot‟s aust fllh dvlr idr e cdhn wbocl idr

gl. O bdpl ydu ioh` sdgldhl wbd kerls idr ydu cojl Effy eh` O kerl idr lekbdtblr. O trucy `d.‗

Cddjohn tbrdunb tbl dplh Irlhkb ddrs, Kcehky skehhl` tbl krdw`, blr lylscehòhn dh Effy hd gettlr bdw gehy pldpcl surrduh`l` blr. –O tbohj sbl‟stbl gdst wdh`lriuc wdgeh dh lertb.‗ [bl keunbt Effy‟s lyl eh` ohkcohl`blr ble`, eh` Effy lxkusl` blrslci irdg tbl kdhvlrsetodh sbl wesbevohn. Aust wetkbohn blr wecj ekrdss tbl rddg ge`l Kcehky‟s lyls conbt



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up, eh` wblh sbl rlekbl` blr, Effy nevl blr e qulstodhohn sgocl.

–@o` ydu weht sdgltbohn4‗

–\b-bub.‗ Kcehky turhl` blr ble` td ioh` tbet Aucol wes hd cdhnlr flso`l

blr. –O hll`l` ydu flso`l gl.‗

–Gy ievdrotl pcekl,‗ Effy seo`, puttohn blr erg erduh` Kcehky‟s sbduc`lrs.

–Dhl gdrl tbohn. O weht td tejl ydu dut td e hokl, quolt kdrhlr eh` joss yduslhslclss.‗

Effy ceunbl` eh` seo`, –^lcc, wl sbduc` stey ohso`l eh` fl ndd` bdstlssls,fut ydu jhdw O keh‟t rliusl e fortbèy wosb.‗ Pejohn Kcehky fy tbl beh`,sbl cl` blr ekrdss tbl yer` td steh` flboh` tbl geggdtb covl dej. –Bevohn

e hokl perty4‗ sbl esjl` dhkl blr ergs wlrl wreppl` erduh` blr cdvlr.

–Pbl hoklst lvlr,‗ Kcehky sonbl`. –Di kdursl, ot wduc` bevl fllh hokl td spcote kupkejl, tdd. Ecc tbet gettlrs os tbet wl‟rl tdnltblr.‗

–O‟g bevohn e gervlcdus togl,‗ Effy seo`. –O rleccy `d cojl ydur irolh`s.‗

–Pbly‟rl e ndd` nrdup. O tbohj tbly‟rl ecc e cottcl stuhhl` fy ydur bdusl, futtbly‟cc nlt dvlr ot lvlhtueccy.‗ Irdg tblor pdsotodh tbly kduc` sll tbl `dzlhdr sd nulsts stehòhn eh` sottohn kcdsl td tbl spekl bletlrs.

–Dur bdusl,‗ Effy seo`. –Eh` wl sbduc` nlt fekj oh. Fut iorst O weht tbdsljossls ydu prdgosl`. O hll` gy iox!‗

***

Effy splht e cdhn togl tukjl` oh e quolt kdrhlr di tbl covohn rddg, splejohnwotb Adbh, Gernerlt eh` Locllh. Kcehky be` fllh cddjohn idr blr, eh`wblh sbl spol` blr, sbl wlht dvlr eh` plrkbl` dh tbl erg di Effy‟s kbeor,`repohn eh erg erduh` blr sbduc`lrs. –Hokl perty, bub4‗ sbl esjl`,wrohjcohn blr hdsl et blr perlhts.

–E ier sonbt flttlr tbeh ydur usuec fortbèy perty,‗ Adbh adjl`. –O hlvlrtbdunbt O‟` sll tbl ey wblh gy cottcl norc nreùetl` irdg blr jln di fllr eh`fdwc di pdtetd kbops èys.‗

–O turhl` tborty,‗ sbl rlgoh`l` bog. –Pbet‟s tbl òvoòhn cohl fltwllhjlnnlrs eh` slrodus pertols.‗

Locllh pettl` Effy‟s cln eh` seo`, –Pbos blrl‟s tbl òvoòhn cohl, eh` ydu



<;;

jhdw ot, Fotsy. Effy‟s ndhhe gejl eh eùct dut di ydu ylt. [bl‟s lvlh ndt ydu oh cdhn pehts!‗

Kcehky hd``l` eh` stertl` td enrll, fut Effy ohtlrruptl` td sey, –O tbohj tbljly idr us os td gllt oh tbl go``cl. O kduc` usl e cottcl cddslhohn up, eh`

Kcehky kduc` usl e cottcl … aust e cottcl, goh` ydu … idrgecozohn.‗

–Osh‟t sbl swllt4‗ Kcehky sonbl`, novohn Effy blr flst cdvlsokj cddj.

–_du fdtb erl,‗ Locllh seo`, pettohn tblg fdtb. –_du‟rl èghl` cukjy tdbevl iduh` dhl ehdtblr.‗

–O‟cc `rohj td tbet,‗ Kcehky seo`, kcohjohn blr fllr fdttcl eneohst Effy‟s wohlncess.

***

Pbl petod lvlhtueccy flkegl tbl èhkl icddr, eh` wblh dhl di Kcehky‟sievdrotl sdhns kegl dh, sbl sonhecl` td Effy, wbd adohl` blr et tbl ddr. –O`dh‟t weht td gejl ydu uhkdgidrtefcl,‗ sbl seo` quoltcy, –fut O‟` rleccy cdvltd èhkl wotb ydu. @d ydu tbohj tbet wduc` fl djey4‗

Pbrdunb prodr enrllglht, tbly be` `lko`l` td try td jllp tblor pbysokeceiilktodh td e gohogug wblh tbl jo`s wlrl erduh`, fut Effy quokjcyrlessurl` blr perthlr. –Di kdursl,‗ sbl seo`. –O aust wehtl` fdtb di us tdfl kdhskodus di bdw ohtogetlcy wl tdukbl` lekb dtblr. ^l bevl e tlh`lhkytd idrnlt wl‟rl erduh` kdgpehy. @ehkohn os plrilktcy ekklptefcl.‗ [bl

clehl` dvlr eh` wbosplrl` ohtd Kcehky‟s ler, –Aust try td jllp ydur beh`serduh` gy weost. Pbly tlh` td strey e cottcl cdw.‗

–@dh‟t fcegl gl,‗ Kcehky seo`. –_du‟rl tbl dhl wotb tbl plrilkt ess. O trucykeh‟t blcp gyslci.‗

–O‟cc rlgoh` ydu oi ydu nlt tdd irosjy,‗ Effy seo`, tejohn Kcehky‟s beh` td cle`blr dut`ddrs.

Pbl ehkl icddr wes krdw`l`, eh` Kcehky hdtokl` tbet Eclxeh`lr eh` Beyclywlrl sottohn dutso`l. [bl ilct e cottcl uhkdgidrtefcl èhkohn oh irdht di tbl

norc, fut sbl rlesdhl` tbet e scdw lxpdsurl td tblor pbysokec eiilktodh wesprdfefcy tbl ronbt wey td nd. Vlgohòhn blrslci td jllp blr beh`s erduhÈffy‟s weost, sbl wreppl` blr oh blr ergs eh` blc` blr kcdsl, tblor fdòlsnlhtcy sweyohn td tbl gusok. –Hdw gy fortbèy os kdgpcltl,‗ Kcehky sonbl`blevocy, blr werg frletb slhòhn e sbovlr up Effy‟s spohl wblh ot tokjclèneohst blr hlkj.

–Db, hd, ot‟s hdt,‗ Effy seo`. –^l bevl pclhty di negls td pcey dhkl wl nlt



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ro` di ecc di tblsl pldpcl.‗

–Ddb, cojl poh tbl teoc dh tbl dhjly4‗ Kcehky esjl`, nrohhohn up et blr cdvlrogposbcy.

–[dgltbohn cojl tbet,‗ Effy seo`. –Ot `dls ohvdcvl fcohìdc`s eh` nrdpohn ohtbl èrj eh` …‗

–[bb!‗ Kcehky wbosplrl`. –Beycly gonbt bler ydu!‗

–Pbet‟s e ceunb,‗ Effy seo`. –[bl‟s novohn Eclxeh`lr tbl segl joh` di cddj Onovl ydu. [bl wduc`h‟t hdtokl oi wl wlrl nrdpohn lekb dtblr ronbt hdw.‗

]rlssohn Effy kcdslr, sbl wbosplrl`, –Ot turhs gl dh sd gukb td ehkl wotb ydu. Ot illcs cojl wl‟rl gejohn cdvl stehòhn up.‗

–Pbet keh fl iuh,‗ Effy seo`, kbukjcohn sditcy. –Porohn, fut iuh.‗

–O‟cc put tbet dh gy td-`d cost,‗ Kcehky seo`, tblh rlgoh`l` blrslci tbet sblwes tryohn td jllp ot kcleh. –Aust bdcòhn ydu gejls gl tbohj slxytbdunbts. Bdw `d ydu `d ot4‗

–Genok,‗ Effy wbosplrl`, pcekohn e `lcoketl joss dh blr ler.

–Ggg … wl‟vl ndt td nlt ro` di tblsl pldpcl. Keh ydu slt dii tbl sgdjlecergs dr sdgltbohn4‗

–Ot‟s ydur fortbèy,‗ Effy seo`. –[ey tbl wdr` eh` O‟cc slh` ‒lg pekjohn.‗

Kcehky o`h‟t duft blr dhl fot, fut sbl lko`l` tbet tbly sbduc` stey dh tblpdcotl petb. –O keh bdc` dut. Pbly‟cc clevl sddh lhdunb.‗

–O `dh‟t jhdw efdut tbet,‗ Effy seo`, –fut O enrll tbet tbly‟cc clevllvlhtueccy. Geyfl wl sbduc` kcdsl tbl fer.‗

–_du erl nlttohn td jhdw gy irolh`s,‗ Kcehky seo`, ceunbohnblertocy. –_du‟vl oskdvlrl` tbl jly td tblor kdcclktovl beppohlss ‐ eh dplhfer.‗

***

Eh bdur cetlr, Kcehky weh`lrl` tbrdunb tbl stocc-ioccl` bdusl, cddjohn idr blrperthlr. Ionurohn sbl gust fl upsteors sbdwohn dii tbl hlw diiokl, sbl wlhtdutso`l, tejohn e frlej irdg tbl hdosl eh` blet. [bl‟` fllh dut`ddrs idr auste ilw gohutls wblh Beycly adohl` blr, sottohn oh e kbeor iekohnKcehky‟s. –@o` Gdg tlcc ydu efdut dur tecj4‗



<;<

–_leb, sbl tdc` gl tbet ydu‟` tecjl`, eh` tbet ydu‟` prdgosl` td try ber`lrtd ekklpt us es e kdupcl.‗

Pbl norc cddjl` suspokodus. –[bl ò`h‟t tlcc ydu efdut gy glct`dwh4‗

[urprosl`, Kcehky fcohjl`, tblh e skdwc slttcl` dh blr iekl. –Hd, wby4 _duò`h‟t burt blr, ò` ydu4‗

–Hd! O aust … O aust essugl` sbl tdc` ydu lvlrytbohn,‗ Beycly seo`.

–Hd, sbl `dlsh‟t. [bl jllps ydur kdhio`lhkls. Pbl dhcy togl sbl tlccs glprovetl tbohns os wblh sbl hll`s e`vokl. Dtblr tbeh tbet, ot‟s hdhl di gyfusohlss.‗

–Db. ^lcc, O ò`h‟t jhdw bdw ydu twd beh`cl` tbohns,‗ sbl seo`.

Kcehky cddjl` et blr idr e gdglht, gejohn tbl yduhnlr wdgeh squorg ecottcl uh`lr blr sterl. –_du dh‟t jhdw ehytbohn efdut us. Fut tbet wes ydurkbdokl. ^l kduc` bevl ecc wdrjl` tbrdunb dur ossuls tbos sugglr, fut yduwlrlh‟t oh tbl gdd`.‗

–O jhdw, O jhdw,‗ sbl seo`, sllgohncy kdhtrotl. –O … O weht td epdcdnozl idrflohn eh essbdcl td ydu. O jhdw ot‟s ohlxkusefcl, fut O rleccy eg sdrry.‗

–O `dh‟t jhdw ydu, Beycly. Bevohn ydu ehnry wotb gl besh‟t fdtblrl` glgukb et ecc. Ot‟s ydur gdtblr ydu‟vl burt.‗

Pbl norc hd``l`. –O tbohj O sll tbet hdw. O … O keh‟t rleccy lxpceoh wby tbosbes fllh sd ber` idr gl, fut O rleccy eg ndhhe try td fl flttlr.‗

–O bdpl sd, idr ydur gdg‟s sejl.‗ Kcehky wreppl` blr beh`s erduh` blrjhll eh` rdkjl` oh blr kbeor. –_du jhdw, O‟vl hlvlr cdst ehydhl es ogpdrtehtes ydur ietblr wes td ydu. O keh‟t ogenohl bdw ot gust bevl turhl` ydurwdrc` upso`l `dwh ‛ lsplkoeccy sohkl ydu wlrl sd yduhn. _dur gdg rlecozlstbet, tdd, eh` tbet‟s pert di tbl rlesdh sbl‟s fllh sd petolht wotb ydu.‗ [blsgocl`, eh lvoc twohjcl oh blr lyls. –O wduc` bevl slht ydu pekjohn eitlrefdut e wllj, fut ydur gdg os e cdt gdrl petolht eh` idrnovohn tbeh O eg.‗

–O jhdw sbl os,‗ Beycly seo` quoltcy. –Pecjohn td gy irolh`s et skbddc gejlsgl sll bdw ndd` e gdg sbl rleccy os.‗

–[bl‟s flttlr tbeh ydu‟vl lslrvl` td fl bdhlst.‗ Kcehky clehl` idrwer` eh`nezl` òrlktcy ohtd Beycly‟s lyls. –O jhdw bdw gukb ydu goss ydur è`. Prytd rlglgflr tbet ydur gdg wdh‟t fl blrl idrlvlr, lotblr. _du sbduc` tbehj



<;9

Nd` idr lvlry èy ydu bevl wotb blr.‗

–O‟g ndhhe try,‗ sbl ohsostl`. –O jhdw O‟vl ektl` cojl e fon fefy, eh` O rleccyeg sdrry.‗

–Ot‟s idrndttlh,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Hdw ydu eh` O bevl td wdrj dh ionurohn dutbdw td fl irolh`s.‗

Pbl yduhnlr wdgeh set plrilktcy stocc idr e gdglht. –O `dh‟t tbohj wl sbducèog tbet bonb.‗

Kcehky nevl blr e fdrl` cddj. –Iohl. O‟vl ndt pclhty di irolh`s.‗

–Bly, dh‟t fl eh essbdcl. O dfvoduscy wehtl` td fl ydur irolh` cest sugglr,fut ydu wduc`h‟t lvlh nd dut idr e furnlr wotb gl.‗

Vdccohn blr lyls, Kcehky seo`, –_du ò`h‟t wehhe fl irolh`s. _du wehtl` tdiukj gl.‗

Dutrenl`, tbl norc spet, –_du erl sd iukjohn iucc di ydurslci!‗

–Hd, O‟g hdt,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O aust bevl e ndd` fuccsbot `ltlktdr. _du wehtl`td sll oi ydu cojl` dohn norcs, eh` ydu o`h‟t weht td `d ot up et [ehte Kruz,lvlh tbdunb ydu keh‟t spot wotbdut bottohn e `yjl et \K[K.‗

–[d wbet4 O hlvlr glt ehydhl O cojl`.‗

–_du hlvlr glt ehydhl wbd ydu tbdunbt ydu kduc` bevl slx wotb eh` tblhwecj ewey irdg oi ydu ò`h‟t cojl ot. O wes seil eh` vlry, vlry ier ewey.‗

–Eh` bevohn slx aust idr slx os wbet … lvoc4‗

–Hd,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Oi tbet‟s wbet ydu cojl, nd idr ot. Fut O `dh‟t `d tbet. [lxglehs sdgltbohn td gl.‗

–_du‟rl sd iukjohn suplrodr, erlh‟t ydu4 _du `d lvlrytbohn ronbt!‗

–Hd, O dh‟t,‗ Kcehky seo` petolhtcy. –O‟g aust gdrl geturl tbeh ydu erl. Dhl

èy, ydu‟rl ndhhe cddj fekj dh tbos yler eh` wosb ydu kduc` lresl ot irdg ydur glgdry. O bdpl,‗ sbl e``l`.

–O wes aust bdhlst,‗ Beycly seo`. –Pblrl‟s hdtbohn wrdhn wotb flohn bdhlst.‗

–Pbet‟s krep,‗ Kcehky seo`. –]url krep. _du ektl` cojl e fret, eh` ydu bevlh‟tkbehnl` dhl fot es hler es O keh sll.‗



<;>

–Iohl. Pblh wby `d ydu weht td fl irolh`s4‗ Beycly‟s iekl wes rl`, eh` sblcddjl` cojl sbl wehtl` td skrleg.

–Es cdhn es ydu cojl bdhlsty, O‟cc fl kdgpcltlcy bdhlst wotb ydu. O `dh‟t

wehhe fl ydur irolh`. O dh‟t cojl pldpcl wbd ekt cojl ydu d. O‟g dhcy hokl td ydu flkeusl ydur gdtblr cdvls ydu. Oi ot wlrl up td gl … O‟` kbehnl tblcdkjs.‗

Beycly sterl` et blr, blr lyls rlgerjefcy wo`l. –@dls gy gdg jhdw bdwgukb ydu betl gl4‗

–_du‟rl lxennlretohn,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O `dh‟t betl ydu. O aust `dh‟t cojl ydu.Eh` hd, O‟vl hlvlr tdc` ydur gdtblr tbet O dh‟t cojl ydu. O wes woccohn td jllpeh dplh goh`, fut ydu‟rl `dohn ydur flst td kdhvohkl gl td kcdsl ot.‗

–_du erl sukb eh essbdcl!‗ Beycly seo` tbos cdu`lr tbeh sbl sbduc` bevl,eh` slvlrec di Kcehky‟s irolh`s bler` eh` trol` td uhdftrusovlcy sbuiiclkcdslr td bler wbet wes ndohn dh.

Novohn blr eh lvoc sgocl, Kcehky clehl` kcdslr eh` seo`, –Eh essbdcl yduwehtl` td iukj.‗

Beycly fot blr fdttdg cop eh` frdunbt blr beh` fekj. Kcehky nreffl` ot eh`squllzl`. Blr lyls ber`lhl`, eh` blr vdokl wes cdw eh` ioccl` wotb werhohn.–_du ndt dhl irll wbekj. _du wdh‟t nlt ehdtblr dhl.‗

Pbl norc alrjl` blr beh` ewey eh` reh dii oh tlers. Kcehky clt dut e frletbeh` set stocc idr e gohutl. Pblh sbl kcdsl` blr lyls eh` clt blr ble` `rdpfekj, fut hdt flidrl sbl blc` up blr go``cl iohnlr td blr dftrusovl irolh`s.

***

Effy wlht dut`ddrs td kddc dwh eitlr flohn oh tbl dvlrcy werg covohn rddg,eh` tbet‟s wblrl blr ietblr iduh` blr. –_du jhdw,‗ bl seo` tbdunbtiuccy, –Owes tbohjohn efdut puttohn oh e hokl, fon jdo pdh` oh tbl fekj yer`. @d ydutbohj tbet‟s sdgltbohn Kcehky kduc` `d4‗

–Efsdcutlcy,‗ Effy hd``l`. –[bl usls blr ietblr idr tbl pcugfohn wdrj,fut sbl kduc` `lsonh ot eh` nlt ot ohsteccl`.‗ [bl cddjl` et bog, e sgoclconbtohn up blr iekl. –[bl `dls hokl wdrj, `dlsh‟t sbl4‗

–[bl dls,‗ bl seo`. –O wes eireo` tbos wes ndohn td cddj e cottcl cojl e tblglperj ‐ ydu jhdw, wblrl tbl fduc`lrs cddj iejl eh` dut di skecl. Fut O‟gvlry ogprlssl` wotb tbos. Ot cddjs egezohncy heturec.‗



<;2

–[bl‟s e prd, @e`. [bl rleccy jhdws blr stuii.‗

–Pbet‟s ecweys fllh gy gdttd,‗ bl seo`. –Ioh` eh lxplrt, eh` clt blr d blr adf wotbdut ohtlrilrlhkl.‗

–_du ò`h‟t idccdw ydur gdttd wblh ydu trol` td tlcc gl bdw td `lec wotbBeycly.‗

[bl kduc` sll bog frostcl, fut bl o`h‟t sey ehytbohn idr e ilw gdglhts. –O‟ge perlht, tdd, Effy, eh` O tbohj O ò` e ndd` adf di reosohn ydu.‗

–O d, tdd, @e`,‗ sbl enrll`. –Fut dh‟t ydu tbohj wl‟` fdtb fl flttlr dii oi wlstukj wotb dur iolc`s di lxplrtosl4 _du‟rl eh lxplrt dh reosohn gl, futBeycly‟s gy rlspdhsofocoty.‗

–O aust weht blr td fl beppy,‗ bl seo`. –[bl‟s cdst sd gukb.‗

–O jhdw tbet,‗ Effy seo`. –[d bevl O.‗

Bl cddjl` et blr, stu`yohn blr ileturls. –_du‟rl hdt tbl wdgeh ydu wlrlwblh ôcc wes ecovl,‗ bl seo`, tbl rlecozetodh aust èwhohn dh bog. –_du‟vlkbehnl`.‗

–_leb, O bevl,‗ sbl seo`. –O be` td, @e`. O be` td nlt strdhnlr eh` clerh bdw tdgejl gy dwh lkosodhs td lec wotb gy coil. O o`h‟t bevl ehydhl td rlcy dh tdblcp gl.‗

Bl hd``l`. –^l trol` td blcp, bdhly, fut tblrl wes dhcy sd gukb wl kduc``d.‗

–O jhdw tbet,‗ sbl seo`. –_du blcpl` gl e cdt. Fut ydu wehtl` td stlp oh eh`tejl ôcc‟s pcekl lvlry dhkl oh e wbocl, eh` tbet‟s hdt wbet O hll`l`.‗

Bl wes dfvoduscy burt. [bl kduc` sll tbet oh bos kcler, fcul lyls. –O ò` gyflst,‗ bl seo`, bos tdhl kurt.

[bl sonbl`, illcohn cojl tbos kduc` cest ecc honbt. –@e`, O‟g hdt kdgpceohohn.

O‟g tryohn td lxpceoh gyslci. O be` td kbehnl eitlr occ ol`, eh` O‟g hdt lvlrndohn td fl tbl wey O wes flidrl. _du‟vl ndt td clt nd … aust cojl O‟vl ndt td cltnd di Beycly e cottcl fot.‗

Bl irdwhl`. –[bl‟s ier tdd yduhn td fl dh blr dwh.‗

–Iohl,‗ sbl seo`, kdhklòhn tbl pdoht idr tbl gdglht. –O‟g hdt.‗



<;?

Bl strltkbl`, tblh ruffl` bos hdsl, fdtb hlrvdus befots. Pblh bl turhl`tdwer`s blr. –]doht tejlh.‗

–@e`, O dh‟t weht ydu td stdp kerohn. O aust weht ydu td stdp tryohn td tlcc glwbet td `d. O jhdw ydu `d ot flkeusl ydu cdvl gl, fut O‟` rleccy cojl ot oi ydu

kduc` ioh` ehdtblr wey td sbdw ydur cdvl.‗

Bl clt dut e sbdrt ceunb eh` sgocl`. –Cojl4‗

–Bdhdrohn gy wosbls. Clttohn gl `lec wotb Beycly.‗

–O‟cc try,‗ bl seo`, dfvoduscy uhkdgidrtefcl. –^l‟` flttlr nd oh,‗ blseo`. –Cddjs cojl Kcehky‟s gdg eh` nreh`gdtblr bevl wesbl` tbl ncessls,sd ot‟s seil td nd ohtd tbl jotkblh.‗

[bl kbukjcl` sditcy, jhdwohn tbly be`h‟t slttcl` ehytbohn, fut illcohn cojl

tbly‟` ge`l e cottcl prdnrlss. –[d, ò` O nlt gy betrl` di `dohn òsbls irdg ydu4‗

–_du `dh‟t sll ydur gdtblr oh tblrl lotblr, `d ydu, bdhly4‗ bl esjl`,scoppohn bos erg erduh` blr sbduc`lrs td cle` blr fekj ohso`l.

***

^blh Kcehky wlht fekj ohtd tbl bdusl, sbl kduc`h‟t ioh` blr perthlr. [blwlht upsteors dh tbl dii kbehkl sbl wes up tblrl fut iduh` dhcy Prlvdr,pekjohn e ùiicl fen. –Bo,‗ sbl seo`, stehòhn oh bos `ddrwey.

Bl sgocl` fronbtcy. ‒Bo! O wes aust ndhhe kdgl `dwhsteors td cddj idr ydu.‗

–Flet ydu td ot,‗ sbl seo`. –^bet‟s up4‗

–O bevl e prlslht idr ydu.‗ Bl rlekbl` ohtd bos pdkjlt, tddj dut e sgecc fdxeh` beh`l` ot td blr. –Ot‟s joh` di e tre`l, fut O tbohj ydu‟cc cojl ot.‗

[bl nevl bog e puzzcl` cddj, tblh dplhl` tbl fdx, tejohn dut e hokl, socvlrjlykbeoh, lhnrevl` wotb blr ohotoecs. –Pbos os vlry hokl, Prlvdr. Fut wby erl

tblrl jlys dh ot4‗

–Db.‗ Bl stdd` hlxt td blr. –Pbos dhl os idr tbl netl, eh` tbos dhl os idr ecc ditbl lhtry `ddrs.‗ Bl blc` bos beh` dut. –Hdw novl gl ydurs.‗

–^bet4‗

–^l‟rl treòhn,‗ bl seo`. –O‟g tejohn ydur epertglht, eh` ydu‟rl gdvohn oh



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blrl.‗

–Erl ydu iukjohn jo`òhn gl4‗ sbl krol`, tblh sceppl` blr beh` dvlr blrgdutb. –[drry efdut tbet.‗

–O‟g twlhty-iovl, Kcehky. O‟vl bler` tbl wdr` flidrl.‗ Bl pdjl` blr sbduc`lrwotb bos dwh. –_du dh‟t bevl td trlet gl cojl gy gdg dls. O tbohj wl‟cc nltecdhn flttlr oi wl ekt cojl pllrs.‗

–^l erl,‗ sbl seo`, scoppohn blr erg erduh` bog. –Eh` wl‟rl ndhhe flirolh`s, tdd.‗

–O tbohj wl ecrle`y erl,‗ bl seo`, sgocohn. –_du ndt gl e nrlet adf eh` e nrletepertglht. Eh` es sddh es O nlt gy hlxt peykblkj, O‟cc novl ydu fekj ydurslkuroty lpdsot.‗

–@dls Gokbelc jhdw efdut tbos4‗ sbl esjl`, ceunbohn. –Dr o` ydu eh` ydurgdg aust `rleg tbos ecc up4‗

–Hd, bl jhdws,‗ bl seo`. –Bl seo` bl wes cdhlcy wotbdut ydu, eh` dhkl blclerhl` tbet O keh kddj, bl wes rleccy lxkotl`.‗

–Bl wduc` fl,‗ sbl seo`, ceunbohn. –Gejl e `lec wotb bog tbet bl novls yduirll beorkuts oi ydu kddj.‗

–Ndd` o`le,‗ bl seo`. –Ehy dtblr tops4‗

–_du‟rl wlckdgl td gy iurhoturl oi ydu weht ot. Oi hdt, aust kecc e kberoty eh`bevl tblg pokj ot up.‗

–O cojl scllpohn dh e iutdh,‗ bl seo`. –O be` dhl oh gy epertglht, eh` O rleccyndt usl` td ot.‗

–_dur gdg osh‟t e ieh, fut sbl‟s e ndd` spdrt efdut ot.‗

–[bl‟s ecweys e ndd` spdrt,‗ Prlvdr seo`. –[bl‟s ecweys fllh tbl joh` di gdgwbd‟cc try ehytbohn, ye jhdw4 Vdcclr kdestlrs, wetlr sco`ls … oi wl wehtl` td`d ot, sbl‟` `d ot wotb us.‗

–_du‟rl e cukjy nuy, Prlvdr. Eh` tbl flst tbohn os tbet ydu jhdw ot.‗

–O `d,‗ bl seo`. Bl cddjl` erduh` eh` seo`, –O nulss O‟g slt.‗ Bl bdostl` bosùiicl fen eh` put e beh` dh blr fekj, nuoòhn blr irdg tbl rddg. –Lhady ydur hlw bdgl, Kcehky. O jhdw ydu‟cc cdvl covohn blrl.‗

[bl stdppl` eh` nevl bog ehdtblr bun, illcohn cojl sbl gonbt kry. –Pbos os



<05

stocc ydur bdgl, Prlvdr. O weht ydu dvlr blrl es ditlh es ydu weht. Eh` fdtb ydu eh` Gokbelc be` flttlr stert kdgohn dvlr dh wlljlh`s td behn dut,lsplkoeccy wblh wl keh usl tbl pddc eneoh.‗

–^l wocc,‗ bl seo`, novohn blr e squllzl. –Ot‟cc fl hokl td icdet oh dhl eitlr

ohsteccohn tblg ecc wllj.‗

–Db, ydu‟cc fl wdrjohn oh eh diiokl fy tblh.‗

–Bly, ydu hlvlr jhdw. O cojl gy adf ‛ e cdt. O gonbt stokj wotb ot.‗

–Es cdhn es ydur gdtblr `dlsh‟t fcegl gl, nd idr ot!‗ sbl seo`, ceunbohn estbly wecjl` fekj `dwhsteors tdnltblr. –Hdw O bevl td nd ioh` Gokbelc eh`jhdkj bog soccy idr jllpohn gl oh tbl èrj efdut ecc di tbos!‗

***

Prlvdr spdttl` Gokbelc fy tbl jln, eh` bl wecjl` dvlr td bog. –Bo. @o`Kcehky ioh` ydu4‗

–_leb,‗ tbl dc`lr geh seo`, ceunbohn. –[bl tbuhjl` gl dh tbl ble` idr hdttlccohn blr efdut ydur gdvohn oh.‗

Prlvdr pdurl` e fllr idr bogslci eh` tddj e ilw sops. Bl eh` Gokbelc stdd`tdnltblr i dr e cottcl wbocl, wetkbohn tbl perty. –Kcehky‟s ndhhe fl ndd` idr gygdg, osh‟t sbl4‗ Prlvdr esjl`, ketkbohn Gokbelc fy surprosl.

–_leb, yleb, sbl os,‗ Gokbelc seo`. –O gleh, O `dh‟t jhdw ydur gdg wlcc, futKcehky‟s tbl flst. Vleccy, Prlvdr. [bl‟s tbl flst.‗

–O aust wehhe gejl surl sbl‟s hdt ndhhe nlt torl` di blr eh` ùgp blr,‗ blseo`. –O jhdw gy gdg‟s rleccy bddjl`.‗

–[bl‟s hdt cojl tbet,‗ Gokbelc seo`. –Oi tblrl‟s dhl tbohn O‟g surl di, ot‟s bdwslrodus Kcehkl os efdut cdvl. [bl cdvls ydur gdg, Prlvdr. [bl rleccy cdvlsblr.‗

–[bl sllgs cojl sbl `dls,‗ Prlvdr enrll`. –Fut O … O wdrry efdut tbl wbdcl

tbohn.‗

–^lcc, ot‟s ndtte fl wlor` idr ydu,‗ Gokbelc seo`. –O kduc`h‟t beh`cl ot oi gygdg ilcc oh cdvl wotb e wdgeh.‗

Prlvdr sbrunnl` bos sbduc`lrs. –_du gonbt illc òiilrlht oi ydur gdg be`fllh lprlssl` idr iovl ylers. [llohn blr beppy eneoh os wdrtb e cdt td gl. Ewbdcl cdt.‗



<06

Gokbelc kceppl` bog dh tbl sbduc`lr. –_du‟rl e ndd` nuy. O tbohj wl‟rlndhhe nlt ecdhn nrlet.‗

Prlvdr sgocl` et bog. –O jhdw wl wocc. Eh` O‟g rleccy rle`y td fl efcl td stert

ètohn eneoh. Bevohn gy dwh pcekl os ndhhe fl swllt.‗

–Clt gl jhdw oi ydu hll` ehytbohn, dr oi O keh blcp ydu gdvl sdgl stuiidvlr.‗

–O‟g iohl,‗ Prlvdr seo`. –O bevl td fuy e iutdh, fut dtblr tbeh tbet O dh‟t bevlgukb td `d.‗

Gokbelc nevl bog e quozzokec cddj. –Os Kcehkl tejohn blrs4‗

–Hd,‗ Prlvdr seo`. –Fut oi ydu tbohj O‟g ndhhe scllp dh e fl` wblrl Kcehky

eh` gy gdg …‗ bl treocl` dii, sbejohn bos ble` quokjcy wbocl gejohn e iekl,–ydu‟rl huts!

]ert Pborty

Eitlr turhohn dii tbl conbts `dwhsteors, Effy scoppl` ohtd tbl fl`rddg eh`wecjl` ohtd tbl fetb, sgocohn et Kcehky wblh tblor lyls glt oh tblgorrdr. Kcehky iohosbl` frusbohn blr tlltb eh` strltkbl` blr fd`y ecottcl. \hefcl td rlsost tbl pcey di guskcls tbet èhkl` ekrdss tbl yduhnlrwdgeh‟s fekj, Effy nevl blr e nlhtcl skretkb, tblh Kcehky turhl` td puccblr ohtd e tonbt bun. –O be` tbl hoklst fortbèy oh tbl bostdry di fortbèys,‗

sbl gurgurl`.

–Ot‟s hdt dvlr,‗ Effy seo`. [bl clehl` fekj oh tbl bun, clttohn Kcehkysuppdrt blr wlonbt. Pbly sweyl` tdnltblr idr e gdglht, sgocohn et lekbdtblr. –Fortbèys cest uhtoc ydu nd td scllp ‐ eh` O bevl fon pcehs idr ydu.‗

–]cehs4 _du bevl pcehs … idr gl4‗ Kcehky fettl` blr lyls ohnlhuduscy,eh` Effy clehl` idrwer` eh` hoffcl` dh blr ler.

–Fon pcehs. Ehy kdgpceohts4‗

–Hdt e dhl.‗ Kcehky wecjl` dvlr td tbl stlrld eh` put oh e retblr vondrdusdrkblstrec K@. [bl tddj Effy‟s beh` eh` stertl` td tun blr tdwer`s tblfl`. –Ggg,‗ sbl sonbl` wblh sbl sco` fltwllh oh. –Irlsb sbllts. _ltehdtblr prlslht.‗

–_du `lslrvl td bevl lvlrytbohn fl plrilkt dh ydur fortbèy,‗ Effyohsostl`. –O‟g ndhhe d gy flst td gejl surl tbet bdc`s trul idr tbl rlst di



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tbl honbt.‗

–Db, ot wocc. Ot‟s ecweys plrilkt wblh wl‟rl tdnltblr.‗

Effy sgocl` et blr eh` reh blr iohnlrs tbrdunb blr beor, pusbohn tbl

streh`s irdg blr idrlble`. –O cdvl ydu, Kcehky,‗ sbl wbosplrl`, bdvlrohnefdvl tbl pohj cops idr e gdglht.

Kcehky ilct blr blert retl stert td pokj up es sbl cddjl` up ohtd tbl lptbs diEffy‟s vovo` fcul lyls. [bl kduc` illc tbl lgdtodh surnohn fltwllh tblg,eh` blr cops buhnlrl` idr kdhtekt. –Joss gl,‗ sbl wbosplrl`, uhefcl td weotehdtblr slkdh`.

ôtb blr sgocl nrdwohn, Effy rlspdh`l`, prlssohn blr cops nlhtcy tdKcehky‟s. Pbly jossl` tlh`lrcy, uhburrol cy, clttohn tblor fdòls ioh` ekdgidrtefcl pekl, eh` eccdwohn tbl prlssurl td fuoc` scdwcy. –Ggg,‗

Kcehky sonbl`, –O tbohj O kduc` covl dh ydur jossls.‗

Effy coitl` blr ble` eh` sgocl` et blr cdvlr. –_du erl bdhlstcy tbl gdstteclhtl` josslr O‟vl lvlr glt. _du jhdw aust bdw td turh gl dh ‐ cojl ydu‟rlscdwcy krehjohn up tbl blet uh`lr e sogglrohn jlttcl. _du kduc` tlekb egestlr kcess.‗

–\bh-ub,‗ Kcehky `lgurrl` nrekliuccy. –_du‟rl tbl dhcy dhl wbd ohsporlsgl.‗

–^l gejl e ndd` peor,‗ Effy seo`, pcehtohn rdw eitlr rdw di jossls ecdhn

Kcehky‟s frdw eh` ekrdss blr aew cohl. [bl prdppl` blrslci up dh eh lcfdweh` rlner`l` blr cdvlr idr e gdglht, e kdhtlgpcetovl cddj dh blriekl. –_du gejl gl illc kdhio`lht di gyslci. O illc seil td esj idr wbet Ohll` eh` wbet O weht. O‟g hlvlr lgferressl` wotb ydu. Pbet‟s fllh e rlecnoit.‗

–O illc tbl segl efdut ydu,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O bevl sohkl tbl iorst honbt.‗ [blsbddj blr ble` eh` clt tbl ohtlhsoty di blr sgocl fuoc`. –O‟vl hlvlr ilct tbetwotb ehydhl lcsl. Pblrl wes ecweys sdgl ewjwer`hlss ohvdcvl`. Fut hdtwotb ydu. O ilct uh`lrstdd` irdg tbl stert.‗

Effy stertl` td joss e petb `dwh blr fd`y, stdppohn wblhlvlr e pertokucerspdt keunbt blr ettlhtodh. –_du‟rl uh`lrstdd` … ydu‟rl `lsorl` … ydu‟rlcdvl`,‗ sbl gurgurl` eneohst blr ègp sjoh. –_du‟rl vlry, vlry cdvl`.‗

Kcehky erkbl` blr fekj, clttohn dut e pclesurl` nesp wblh Effy‟s buhnrygdutb sukjcl` eneohst blr frlest. –Db, yleb, tbet‟s ot,‗ sbl urnl`, nlhtcybdcòhn tbl fekj di Effy‟s ble`. –Kdgl dh, aust e cottcl ber`lr.‗ Blr clnssbdt streonbt dut oh rlektodh wblh Effy nce`cy kdgpcol`. –Db, sd ndd`,‗ sbl



<00

purrl`, ohkrlesohn tbl prlssurl eneohst Effy‟s ble`. –_du‟rl gejohn gltbrdf, fefy.‗

[coòhn dwh tbl fl`, Effy urnl` Kcehky‟s clns epert eh` huzzcl` blr kblljeneohst blr. –O keh illc ydu,‗ sbl wbosplrl`. –O keh illc ydur pucsl

fletohn.‗

[boitohn blr bops wbocl nuoòhn Effy‟s ble`, Kcehky trol` td dfteoh tbl rlcolisbl `lsplretlcy hll`l`. –Kdgl dh,‗ sbl nlhtcy keadcl`. –Aust turh ydurble` eh` clt gl illc tbet swllt tdhnul.‗

Pbl sdit kbllj gdvl` conbtcy eneohst blr, keusohn Kcehky td pugp blr bopsoh irustretodh. –Ot‟s ydur fortbèy,‗ Effy gurgurl`, sboitohn up td blrlcfdw. –^l keh‟t clt ydu iohosb sd quokjcy.‗

–^l keh‟t4‗ Kcehky esjl` wlejcy. –Erl ydu surl4‗

ôtb e werg sgocl, Effy hd``l` blr ble`. –O‟ g pdsotovl. _du hll` e hokl,cdhn, scdw sogglr dh ydur fortbèy. @dh‟t ydu weht tbet4‗ [bl nezl` upet Kcehky, eh` tbl fcdh`l rlecozl` aust bdw pdwlrclss sbl wes eneohst tboscdvlcy wdgeh.

–O weht wbetlvlr ydu weht,‗ Kcehky sonbl`, tblh icdppl` `dwh eneohst tblgettrlss. –Ot gey jocc gl, fut O weht ot.‗

–Hd, ot wdh‟t jocc ydu. _du‟cc cdvl ot.‗

–Nd` jhdws O‟g hdt kdgpceohohn,‗ Kcehky gurgurl`. –Ot‟s aust tbet ydurtdukb os sd dvlrwblcgohn. O cdsl ecc kdhtrdc.‗

Krewcohn fekj up td col hlxt td Kcehky, Effy put dh e kdhtlgpcetovl cddjeh` esjl`, –Bdw keh wl scdw ydu `dwh4‗

–O‟vl ndt eh o`le,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O keh tlcc ydu efdut tbl ionbt O be` wotbBeycly.‗

Effy sceppl` blrslci dh tbl idrlble`. –Erl ydu slrodus4 [bl prdgosl` sbl‟`try ber`lr!‗

–^l be` e vlry hokl twd gohutl kdhvlrsetodh,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Fut wl wlrltdnltblr idr tlh.‗

Cddjohn torl`, Effy esjl`, –^bet bepplhl`4‗

–\bg … O `dh‟t rleccy wehhe tlcc ydu,‗ Kcehky seo`. –O tbohj tbos sbduc` flfltwllh Beycly eh` gl. O aust tdc` ydu efdut ot td jllp ydu oh tbl cddp.‗



<0<

–[d O‟g oh tbl cddp, fut O `dh‟t jhdw ehytbohn4 Pbet‟s hdt gukb di e cddp.‗

[bl cddjl` `lko`l`cy uhbeppy, fut Kcehky jhlw sbl kduc`h‟t gejl tbohns

gukb flttlr. –O jhdw tbet. Fut wl bevl td wdrj dut dur dwh rlcetodhsbop. Otkeh‟t nd tbrdunb ydu, eh` ot keh‟t fl flkeusl sbl‟s tryohn td pclesl ydu. Otbohj ot‟s ndhhe tejl e wbocl, tdd. O wes prltty ru`l td blr.‗

Burt, Effy kdkjl` blr ble`, cddjohn et blr cdvlr. –^by4‗

–Flkeusl sbl wes flohn e fon fefy. O aust `dh‟t bevl ehy petolhkl idr tbet.O‟g torl` di kd``cohn blr, Effy. O bevl td fl nlhuohl wotb blr.‗

–Eh` flohn ru`l os nlhuohl4‗

Kdhio`lhtcy, Kcehky hd``l`. –[dgltogls ot os. Beycly wes esjohn idr ot. EhÒ bevl td sbdw blr tbet sbl keh‟t nlt ewey wotb tbet wotb gl.‗

Effy clt dut e frletb. –^lcc, O‟vl kddcl` dii. [lx os tbl cest tbohn dh gy goh`.‗

Pbly cey tdnltblr, hdt tdukbohn, lekb wdgeh `llp oh tbdunbt. Eitlr e cdhntogl, Kcehky esjl`, –Erl ydu ge` et gl4‗

–Hd,‗ Effy seo`. [bl rlekbl` dvlr eh` tddj blr perthlr‟s beh`. –Fut O `dh‟tcojl ot wblh ydu eh` Beycly ionbt. O wosb ydu kduc` fl gdrl eùct eh` kut blr

e cottcl scekj.‗

Kcehky set up cojl e iosb flohn rllcl` oh. –E cottcl4 Alsus Kbrost! O‟ vl kut blrsd gukb scekj sbl kduc` wrep tbl rdpl erduh` tbos bdusl! Eh` O eg ektohncojl eh eùct. Eh eùct wbd‟s sokj di fefyohn ehdtblr eùct. Vlglgflr wblh ydu keccl` tbet prokj dut et tbl èhkl4 ^lrl ydu flohn kbocòsb4‗

–Pbet wes kdgpcltlcy òiilr ‛– Effy flneh fut stdppl` flidrl sbl iohosbl`.–^l‟rl hdt tecjohn efdut sdgl alrj wbd O‟vl òscojl` idr ylers. ^l‟rl tecjohnefdut gy eunbtlr. Gy lonbtllh-yler-dc` eunbtlr. [dgldhl O bevl td bevloh gy coil.‗ [bl cddjl` sd se` tbet Kcehky‟s blert kcutkbl` oh sygpetby. [bl

trol` td tdukb blr perthlr, fut Effy `litcy gdvl` aust lhdunb td sbdw sblwesh‟t oh tbl gdd`.

Kcehky kdcclktl` blr tbdunbts, tryohn td tbohj di e wey td lxpceoh blrslci. –Ojhdw bdw gukb Beycly glehs td ydu.‗

–Hd ydu `dh‟t,‗ Effy seo` torl`cy. –_du keh‟t rleccy jhdw wbet tbos fdh` oscojl oi ydu bevlh‟t fllh e gdtblr.‗



<09

–Nrlet,‗ tbl fcdh`l seo`. –[d O keh hlvlr bevl eh dpohodh efdut ydur jo`sflkeusl O `dh‟t bevl jo`s di gy dwh4 Os tbet rleccy bdw ydu weht tbohns tdfl4‗

Effy sbddj blr ble` eh` strdjl` Kcehky retblr efslhtcy. –Hd, tbet‟s hdtwbet O weht. O aust … O aust illc cojl ydu gust hdt uh`lrsteh` bdw gukbBeycly glehs td gl. Oi ydu ò` ydu‟` try ber`lr td fl petolht wotb blr.‗

–\bg … tblrl‟s ehdtblr pdssofocoty,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Pry tbos dhl dut. O jhdwbdw gukb Beycly glehs td ydu, fut O `dh‟t beh`cl tbohns cojl ydu `d.‗

Effy tbdunbt efdut tbet idr e gdglht, tblh rlcuktehtcy hd``l`. –O nulsstbet‟s pdssofcl.‗

–Beycly wocc hlvlr fl gy kboc`, eh` O‟cc hlvlr trlet blr cojl ydu wocc. Fut wl‟rl

ndhhe bevl td fl erduh` lekb dtblr eh` wl keh‟t aust ekt pdcotl td lekb dtblridr ydur sejl. ^l hll` td kcler tbl eor.‗

–Ehy ydu bevl td `d tbet fy flohn ru`l4‗ Effy‟s lylfrdw wes erkbl` oh blrgdst òsepprdvohn gdg cddj.

–Hd, O `dh‟t,‗ Kcehky seo`, blr petolhkl wlerohn tboh. –O `dh‟t ohtlh` td flru`l. O swler O `dh‟t. Fut sbl ekts cojl sukb e fefy wblh wl‟rl ecdhl, eh` O‟ghdt ndohn td clt blr fuccy gl. Pbet‟cc hlvlr wdrj.‗

–[bl sllgs cojl e ironbtlhl` cottcl norc wblh O tecj td blr,‗ Effy seo`. –Keh‟t

ydu bevl sdgl sygpetby idr blr4‗

–[bl ekts cojl e jo` wbd hll`s e ndd` spehjohn wblh O tecj td blr. Os tbet tbljoh` di flbevodr ydu‟` bevl sygpetby idr4 Os tbet bdw ydu weht blr tdflbevl4‗

Effy rdccl` dvlr, iekohn ewey irdg blr cdvlr. [bl ò`h‟t sey e wdr`, eh`Kcehky ò`h‟t try td `rew blr dut. Ohstle` sbl cey fekj `dwh, bdpohn tbetEffy wduc`h‟t sucj idr cdhn. Ioheccy, tbl fruhlttl spdjl. –O betl ot wblh ydu‟rl ronbt.‗

Kcehky kcegflrl` dvlr blr, wrohjcohn blr hdsl pceyiuccy. –O‟g hdt cojl yduerl, fefl. _du bevl td clt gl fl gyslci.‗

Effy nreffl` blr hdsl. –O weht ydu td fl cojl gl. Pblh ydu‟` fl plrilkt.‗[bl rdccl` fekj dhtd blr fekj eh` puccl` Kcehky kcdsl. –Joss gl ydu ru`l,kboc`-betlr.‗

Kcehky ò` es sbl wes tdc`, jossohn blr perthlr uhtoc tbohns stertl` td blet



<0>

up fltwllh tblg eneoh. –Ge` et gl4‗

–Hd. O‟g e cottcl upslt, fut O tbohj ot‟s gdrl efdut tbl sotuetodh tbeh ydu.‗

–Ndd`.‗ Kcehky pceyiuccy tdukbl` Effy‟s cops wotb blr iohnlr. Prekohn tblor

dutcohl eh` puccohn tbl fdttdg dhl `dwh, dhcy td clt ot icep fekj ohtd pcekl.Illcohn irosjy dhkl eneoh, sbl esjl`, –Erlh‟t ydu nce` O `dh‟t wehhe bevljo`s4 ^l‟` `d hdtbohn fut ionbt.‗

–Pbehj Nd`,‗ Effy seo`, sgocohn. –Pbl cest tbohn O weht erduh` blrl os gdrljo`s. Flso`ls, tbly‟` nlt oh tbl wey di gy gejohn cdvl td ydu wblhlvlr …wblrlvlr … O weht.‗

–Bdw efdut hdw4‗ Kcehky esjl`. –O eg stocc tbl fortbèy norc.‗

–Nrlet o`le.‗ [bl rdccl` Kcehky dhtd blr fekj eh` jossl` blr, frletbohn oh

blr sklht, illcohn tbl sdithlss di blr cops. [bl wes cdst oh tbl jossls, hdtehdtblr slhsetodh plhltretohn blr slhsuec idn. Pbly gdvl` scdwcy eneohstlekb dtblr, cops tdnltblr uhtoc Effy cddjl` ohtd tbl gdss nrllh lyls eh`seo`, –O cdvl ydu sd gukb.‗ Blr werg frletb tokjcl` Kcehky‟s slhsotozl`cops. –O weht td splh` tbl rlst di gy coil cdvohn ydu.‗

–Erl ydu prdpdsohn4‗ Kcehky sgocl` up et blr wotb sukb e werg, cdvl-ioccl`sgocl tbet Effy iduh` blrslci hd`òhn blr esslht.

–O eg.‗ [bl jossl` blr eneoh, sdglbdw gehenohn td iocc tbl cohnlrohn josswotb lvlh gdrl lgdtodh. –O weht td sll ydur swllt iekl lvlry gdrhohn idr ecc

di tbl èys di gy coil.‗

–O weht tbet tdd,‗ Kcehky wbosplrl`, surprosl` wblh e tler scoppl` pest blrtlgpcl.

Effy coitl` blr fd`y up e cottcl sd tbet sbl kduc` nezl ohtd Kcehky‟slyls. –^blh O gerrol` ôcc O jhlw tbet O cdvl` bog eh` tbet O wehtl` tdfuoc` e coil wotb bog ‐ fut O ò`h‟t rleccy jhdw wbet ot gleht td novl gyslcitd ehdtblr plrsdh.‗ [bl rlekbl` up eh` uhkcespl` blr ndc` kbeoh, clttohntbl kbeoh eh` ôcc‟s rohn pddc oh blr beh`. [bl sterl` et tbl ndc` idr egdglht, eh` tblh pcekl` tblg dh blr fl`so`l tefcl.

Kcehky wes kdgpcltlcy sbdkjl`. –^bet erl ydu `dohn4‗

–O keh‟t wler ot ehy gdrl,‗ sbl seo`, blr lyls ioccohn wotb tlers. –O rlecozl`sdgltbohn wblh O wes tecjohn td Beycly ylstlrèy. O keh‟t fl gerrol` td twdpldpcl. ôcc‟s ndhl, eh` O bevl td kdhklhtretl dh gejohn e coil wotb ydu.‗

–Fut … fut …‗



<02

–Hd futs. O‟cc ecweys cdvl bog.‗ [bl tddj oh e `llp frletb eh` seo`, –O `dh‟tjhdw oi O‟vl lvlr seo` tbos td ydu, fut tblrl‟s e fon pert di gl tbet wosbls blwlrl cyohn flso`l gl ronbt hdw.‗ [bl wes eireo` td cddj, fut sbl ge`l blrslcigllt Kcehky‟s lyls. Pbl nrey lptbs wlrl uhtrdufcl`, surprosohn Effy. –Erl

ydu … djey wotb tbet4‗

–_leb, O eg,‗ tbl yduhnlr wdgeh seo` sditcy. –O cdvl ydu sd gukb tbet O‟`nce` novl ydu up td frohn bog fekj. O‟` d ehytbohn td tejl ewey tbl peoh yduecc bevl ndhl tbrdunb.‗

Effy jossl` blr, nlhtcy frusbohn cops eneoh eh` eneoh. –_du‟rl tbl gdstnlhlrdus plrsdh O‟vl lvlr jhdwh.‗

Kcehky ceunbl` e cottcl. –Ot‟s lesy td fl nlhlrdus wotb wosbls tbet keh‟t kdgltrul.‗ [bl bunnl` Effy tonbtcy. –Fut O‟g slrodus. _du‟` fl krezy td fl nce` bl

òl`. O uh`lrsteh` kdgpcltlcy.‗

Effy sgocl` et blr, tblh tdukbl` blr iekl, clttohn blr iohnlrs frusb ekrdsstbl syggltrokec ileturls. –O‟g hdt nce` bl òl`, fut O‟g sd beppy td bevliduh` ydu.‗ [bl hd``l` tdwer`s tbl rohn. –ôcc os e wdh`lriuc pert di gypest.‗ [bl jossl` Kcehky sduh`cy. –_du‟rl gy iuturl.‗

–Erl ydu pdsotovl4‗ Kcehky esjl`. –Ot dlsh‟t fdtblr gl td bevl ydu wler ot.‗

–O‟g pdsotovl,‗ Effy seo`. –Ot wduc` fdtblr gl. Pbos os sdgltbohn tbet O hll`

td d. O weht td gerry ydu. O weht td glrnl dur covls ‐ oh lvlry wey. O wehttd tejl dur òiilrlhkls eh` clt tblg kdgl tdnltblr td krletl e hlw, lvlhstrdhnlr, wbdcl.‗

–Cojl e nreitl` trll,‗ Kcehky seo`, blr lyls tejohn dh e sperjcl tbet ecweyssllgl` td reòetl irdg blr wblh sbl spdjl di blr efoòhn pessodh.

Effy hd``l` tlhtetovlcy, hdt rleccy surl wblrl Kcehky wes ndohn wotb tbos,fut ehxodus td bler blr tbdunbts. –Dhl di tbl iorst togls O kegl dvlr td bevlcuhkb O wes costlhohn td ydu tecj eh` O stertl` td tbohj di ydu es e trll.‗

–Es e trll,‗ Effy perrdtl`, hdt uh`lrstehòhn tbl ehecdny.

–_leb,‗ tbl erkbotlkt seo`. –O `d tbet e cdt. O tbohj di wbet e klrteoh plrsdhwduc` cddj cojl es e trll.‗

–Cojl …‗

–Db, cojl O tbohj di gy Nregge es e @utkb Lcg. [tur`y, stetlcy, dc` eh`



<0?

tdunb. E cottcl tbohn cojl @utkb Lcg òslesl wduc`h‟t èrl try td ohilkt blr.‗

Effy ceunbl`, tbohjohn di tbl icohty dc`lr wdgeh kdvlrl` wotb nrllh clevls.–Djey. Plcc gl efdut gy trll.‗

–^lcc,‗ Kcehky seo` tbdunbtiuccy. –_du wlrl tecjohn efdut occ eh` bdw beròt wes td bevl td reosl tbl jo`s ecc ecdhl. Pblrl wes sukb e … ecgdst tehnofclse`hlss efdut ydu tbet O stertl` tbohjohn di bdw tbet wduc` cddj dh e trll.‗

–Ggg … ydu‟vl cdst gl.‗

[urprosohncy, Kcehky ndt dut di fl`, eh` wlht td blr frolikesl, puccohn dut esjltkbpe` eh e ilw plhkocs. Kdgohn fekj td fl`, sbl prdppl` blrslci upwotb e ilw poccdws eh` tblh pcekl` tbl pe` dh blr tbonbs eh` flneh td rew.

–O stertl` tbohjohn di bdw ydur iegocy `lplh`l` dh ydu, eh` dh bdw nrlet ydur cdss wes. O tbdunbt di tbos kddc kotrus trll O sew dhkl. O‟vl ndtte `rew ottd sbdw ydu.‗

Effy cey dh blr so`l, blr ble` prdppl` up dh blr beh` eh` dfslrvl` blr,`lconbtohn oh wetkbohn tbl ohtlht cddj oh Kcehky‟s nrey lyls. Aust tbl top diblr tdhnul pdjl` dut dkkesodheccy, eh` Effy be` td idrkl blrslci hdt td skddtup tbl fl` eh` joss ot.

[cdwcy, tbl `rewohn tddj sbepl, turhohn ohtd e fleutoiuccy rlh`lrl`rlkrletodh di e rdfust drehnl trll. –Pbos os bdw O tbohj di ydu,‗ Kcehky

lxpceohl`, sbeòhn oh tbl truhj di tbl geturl trll. –_du‟rl tbl stur`y,blerty bdst ‐ tbl rddtstdkj.‗ [bl pdohtl` td e nhercl`, blecl`-dvlr wduhèfdut beciwey up tbl cernl truhj. –Pbos rlprlslhts ôcc,‗ sbl seo`sditcy. –Bl wes e hokl, swllt tehnlrohl tbet wes nreitl` td ydu wblh yduwlrl aust e sepcohn, eh` tdnltblr ydu nrlw td gejl e fleutoiuc, blectbytrll.‗ [bl pdohtl` td twd stur`y, fut yduhn, frehkbls hler tblwduh`. –Pbos pertokucer rddtstdkj hetureccy byfroòzl`, eh` krletl` e hlwverolty di kotrus. Pbet‟s Prlvdr eh` Beycly,‗ sbl ohòketl`. –E cottcl fot didrehnl eh` e cottcl fot di tehnlrohl. Clt‟s kecc tblg drehnlrohls,‗ sbl`lko`l`. –Fdtb di tblg erl blectby yduhn stdkj tbet erl ecgdst rle`y tdstert flerohn iruot dh tblor dwh.‗

[bl kest e quokj ncehkl et Effy, eh` flht td frusb blr tlers irdg blrkblljs. ôtb e werg joss sbl set up eneoh eh` pdohtl` et tblwduh`. –^blh tbos frehkb òl` tbl wbdcl trll wes oh sbdkj eh` ot kduc`bevl òl`. Fut ot ò`h‟t. Ot tddj ylers idr tbl wduh` td blec, fut ot jlpt dhndohn. Flhòhn idr ehdtblr joss sbl wbosplrl`, –Pbl bdst be` td jllpndohn, eh` sbl ò`, Effy. [bl jlpt ndohn td ohsurl tbl survovec di tbl wbdclsystlg.‗ Kcehky teppl` blr plhkoc dh tbl ferj di tbl truhj. –[bl‟s e



<<=

survovdr.‗ [bl glt Effy‟s lyls eneoh eh` seo`, –Pbl wduh` os stocc vosofcl ‐ eh` ot ecweys wocc fl. Fut tbl truhj os rle`y td nrdw eneoh. [bl‟s rle`y tdtejl dh ehdtblr kbecclhnl.‗

]dohtohn dut e cernl, wlonbt-flerohn frehkb hler tbl blecl` wduh` sbl seo`,

–Pbos skeiidc` os ndohn td bevl td nd.‗ [bl cddjl` et Effy eh` seo`, –Pbetfrehkb os ioccl` wotb ylers di sdrrdw eh` peoh eh` cdhnohn. Ecc di tbl tbohnstbet ydu bevl td clt nd di td fl efcl td cdvl eneoh. ^l‟rl ndhhe bevl td kut otewey td clt tbl skodh ‐ tbet‟s gl,‗ sbl e``l`, –bevl e ndd` nrdwohnglòug.‗ [bl tddj eh lreslr eh` rlgdvl` tbl wlonbty, nhercl` frehkb,lxpdsohn e kcleh, pecl suriekl. –Hdw wl put e hdtkb oh tbl trll, blrl.‗ [blò` sd, usohn blr lreslr eh` blr plhkoc. –Pblh wl put ehdtblr dhl oh tblskodh, eh` getkb up tblor ke`goug ceylrs, sd tbl skodh keh rlklovlhdurosbglht.‗

Uuokjcy, fut surlcy, sbl sjltkbl` e frehkb tbet wes plrilktcy ettekbl` td

tbl trll: sgecclr eh` sbdrtlr tbeh tbl twd diisbddts sbl be` lercolr pdohtl`dut. –Pbos os gl,‗ sbl seo`. –O tbohj O‟cc fl e jugquet. Hdw, tbos os e rosjytbohn … tbos frehkb os e cottcl fon td fl e skodh, eh` ot bes sdgl splkoec hll`seh` rlquorlglhts.‗ [bl nrohhl` et Effy eh` seo`, –Fut tbos fon, blectbyrddtstdkj keh beh`cl tblg.‗

–Erl ydu surl4‗ Effy esjl`, cddjohn up et blr wotb bdpl-ioccl` lyls.

–]dsotovl,‗ tbl erkbotlkt seo`. –Fut tblrl wocc fl prdfclgs.‗ [bl teppl` lekbdi tbl sgecclr frehkbls eh` seo`, –Pblsl twd erl ndohn td bevl e plrod` disbdkj. Pbl y‟rl ndohn td nlt e cottcl clss hurturohn irdg tbl truhj sohkl tbl

truhj bes td persl dut blr hutrolhts td gejl surl tbos fon nreit tejls. Dhldi tbl frehkbls oh pertokucer os ndhhe tejl e vlry cdhn wbocl td eàust. Futtbl kddc tbohn,‗ sbl seo`, blr lyls ehkohn, –tbl rleccy kddc tbohn, os tbet dhkltbl nreit tejls tbl wbdcl systlg wocc fl strdhnlr. Pbl strlss eh` tblohkrlesl` `lgeh`s gejl tbl truhj strdhnlr, tbly gejl tbl rddts strdhnlr,tbly ohkrlesl tbl eveocefcl hutrolhts td ecc di tbl frehkbls ‐ hdt aust tblhlw nreit.‗ [bl wes fuffcohn wotb lxkotlglht es sbl kdhtohul` td sjltkb oh`dzlhs di plrilktcy-`rewh clevls. –[dgl èy ‐ eh` ot‟cc tejl ylers ‐ tbostrll wocc fl e genhoioklht splkoglh. ôtb drehnls eh` drehnlrohls, eh`jugquets aust `roppohn irdg ots frehkbls.‗ [bl clehl` oh eh` jossl` Effynlhtcy, wbosplrohn, –^l‟cc cde` dur iegocols eh` dur irolh`s `dwh wotb ecc di

tbos swllt, `lcokodus iruot.‗

Effy tddj tbl sjltkbfddj irdg blr beh`s eh` pcekl` e nlhtcl joss dh tbl`rewohn. –O‟g ndhhe iregl tbos eh` put tbos dh gy `rlsslr sd O keh sll otlvlry gdrhohn.‗ [bl wreppl` Kcehky oh blr ergs eh` jossl` blr tlh`lrcy,clttohn blr cops kdhvly wbet blr blert wes tdd dvlrwblcgl` td lxprlss. –O‟cc`d gy vlry flst td gejl tbos nreit tejl.‗



<<5

–Ecc tbet gettlrs os tbet ydu‟rl ronbt wblrl ydu flcdhn ‐ ronbt hlxt td gl.‗

–O‟cc `d gy flst, Kcehky.‗ [bl jossl` blr cdvlr nlhtcy, ruhhohn blr iohnlrstbrdunb blr beor. –_du ge`l gl augp tbl nuh dh esjohn ydu td gerry gl,

ydu jhdw. O wes ndohn td `d tbet dh Kbrostges.‗

Kcehky fcohjl` et blr, e kurodus nroh turhohn up tbl kdrhlrs di blr gdutb.–^lrl ydu rleccy4 _du weht td bevl e klrlgdhy eh` lvlrytbohn4‗

–Di kdursl O `d!‗ Effy puccl` fekj, blr òseppdohtglht dfvodus. –@dh‟t ydu4‗

–^lcc, surl. O tbohj tbet wduc` fl iehtestok. O aust ò`h‟t tbohj ydu‟` weht td`d sdgltbohn sd pufcok. O gleh, O‟g surl ot wduc` fl ber` idr tbl jo`s …‗

–Kcehky,‗ tbl dc`lr wdgeh gurgurl`, –O jhdw ot‟cc fl òiiokuct idr tblg, futtbet‟s hd rlesdh hdt td `d ot. O jhdw ydu `dh‟t bevl gukb di e rlcetodhsbopwotb drnehozl` rlconodh ‐ fut O `d. O weht td novl gy jo`s tbl kcler glssenltbet wblh ydu rleccy cdvl sdgldhl, ydu sbduc` fl surl lhdunb efdut bog drblr td kdggot ydurslci td tbet plrsdh ‐ eh` esj idr Nd`‟s fclssohn. O `dh‟t aust weht td covl wotb ydu ‐ O weht td sbdw lvlrydhl bdw gukb ydu gleh tdgl ‐ bdw kdggottl` O eg td ydu.‗

–O wocc,‗ Kcehky wbosplrl`. –O‟cc gerry ydu, Effy. Oh irdht di Nd` eh` duriegocols eh` dur irolh`s. O wocc.‗

Effy jossl` blr iolrklcy, tblh, surprosohncy, stertl` td nlt dut di fl`, wotbKcehky stocc slljohn blr cops. –Fl ronbt fekj,‗ Effy seo`, puttohn dh blr rdfleh` clevohn tbl rddg.

[bl wes dhcy ndhl idr e ilw gohutls, eh` wblh sbl rlturhl` sbl wesbdcòhn sdgltbohn flboh` blr fekj. Kcehky nevl blr e vlry kurodus cddj, blrlyls wo`l wotb ehtokopetodh. –^betkbe ndt tblrl, ndd` cddjoh4‗

–_dur Kbrostges prlslht. ^lcc … dhl di tblg. Fut O tbohj tbos os tbl ronbttogl td novl ot td ydu.‗

–Kddc! Kbrostges eh` fortbèy rdccl` ohtd dhl.‗

–Ggg … gdrl cojl fortbèy eh` lhnenlglht rdccl` ohtd dhl,‗ Effy seo`,novohn blr perthlr e vlry setosiol`-cddjohn sgocl.

–Noggl!‗

–[d ehxodus,‗ Effy seo`, nrohhohn et blr lxuflreht cdvlr. [bl set



<<6

krdss-clnnl` dh tbl fl`, iekohn Kcehky.

Effy frdunbt blr beh` erduh` td rlst oh blr cep, eh` Kcehky sew tbl hevyfcul alwlcry fdx rlstohn tblrl. Pbl ceh`skeplr frolicy eccdwl` blrslci tdwdrry, Db, Nd`, pclesl `dh‟t cddj òseppdohtl`. [bl `dlsh‟t jhdw tbet ot‟s

èhnlrdus td wler e rohn wblh ydu‟rl wdrjohn. _du keh aust put ot dh ehlkjcekl cojl sbl ò`. [gocl eh` gejl ot cddj sohklrl!

–Pbos os e cottcl … djey, vlry … uhtreòtodhec, fut sd erl wl,‗ Effy seo`,sgocohn wergcy. –O rleccy bdpl ydu cojl ot, Kcehkl, fut oi ydu dh‟t, O bdpl yduillc kdgidrtefcl tlccohn gl sd. O weht tbos td fl ronbt.‗

Djey, djey, ydu keh fl bdhlst. Plcc blr tbet ydu keh‟t wler ot ùrohn tblèy, fut tbet ydu‟cc put ot dh es sddh es ydu put tbl tddcs ewey. [bl‟cc fl iohlwotb tbet. Hdw rlessurl`, Kcehky blc` blr beh` dut eh` eccdwl` Effy tdpcekl tbl fdx tblrl. –O cdvl ot,‗ sbl seo`, sgocohn swlltcy.

–_du bevlh‟t dplhl` ot,‗ Effy blcpiuccy pdohtl` dut.

–O dh‟t bevl td dplh ot td cdvl ot. Pbl iekt tbet ydu fdunbt ot idr gl os ecc tbetgettlrs.‗

–K‟glrl ydu rdgehtok cottcl `lvoc.‗ Effy rdsl td blr jhlls eh` splht slvlrecgdglhts jossohn blr perthlr. –Hdw, dplh ot, idr ndd`hlss sejl, dr ot wocc fl ydur Kbrostges prlslht.‗

Nrohhohn, Kcehky coitl` tbl co` eh` sterl` et tbl noit idr e gdglht, tryohn td

kdgprlblh` lxektcy wbet ot wes. Ohso`l tbl setoh-cohl` fdx cey twd ieorcysufstehtoec ndc` bddps ‐ wotb e froccoeht òegdh` icdetohn et tbl fesl dilekb ‐ sllgohncy ogguhl irdg tbl cews di nrevoty.

–@d ydu cojl ot4‗ Effy esjl` lxkotl`cy.

–Di kdursl O `d,‗ Kcehky seo`, e cottcl iurrdw fltwllh blr frdws. –Fut … O‟ghdt surl O uh`lrsteh` …‗

–Ot‟s e hoppcl rohn,‗ Effy seo`, nonncohn.

–\bg … Effy … ot‟s twd hoppcl rohns. Pbet‟s e prltty lxplhsovl sperl.‗

–^lcc,‗ Effy seo`, –ydu tdc` gl tbet ydu wehtl` td bevl ydur dtblr hoppclpolrkl` …‗

–Db! O nlt ot! O keh bevl e getkbohn peor. ^dw, Effy, tblsl erl pblhdglhec.O‟vl hlvlr sllh ehytbohn sd fleutoiuc.‗



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–^rdhn eneoh,‗ Effy seo`, sbejohn blr ble`. –_du‟rl e cottcl scdw tdhonbt.Gust fl dc` enl.‗ [bl tddj tbl fdx irdg blr perthlr eh` prlssl` blriohnlrheoc ohtd e tohy ketkb et tbl tdp di dhl di tbl rohns, tblh puccl` tbl rohnepert, tbl ndc` swohnohn ewey irdg tbl oegdh`. Bdcòhn ot oh blr beh`, sblseo`, –Ot‟s ydur lhnenlglht rohn. O tecjl` td ydur perlhts, eh` ydur è` tdc`

gl tbet ydu hlvlr wler e rlnucer rohn flkeusl di ydur adf.‗

–Db, Effy! Pbet wes sd tbdunbtiuc di ydu!‗ [bl fcohjl`, eh` seo`, –fut wbytwd di tblg4‗

–Dhl idr ydu, eh` dhl idr gl,‗ tbl dc`lr wdgeh seo`, nrohhohn scycy.

–_du‟rl ndhhe nlt ydur hoppcl polrkl`4‗

–_lp. Ot‟s treòtodhec td wler ydur lhnenlglht rohn dh ydur clit beh`, sd Otbdunbt wl kduc` fdtb bevl dur clit hoppcls polrkl`. Pblrl‟s sdgltbohn sd

epplecohn efdut gerjohn gy fd`y td sbdw gy cdvl idr ydu ‐ eh` bevohn ydufl tbl dhcy dhl td sll ot.‗

–Db, Effy,‗ tbl fcdh`l seo`, tbrdwohn blr ergs erduh` blr perthlr. –_dujhdw gl sd wlcc. Pbos os lxektcy wbet O wduc` bevl kbdslh ‐ oi O‟` be` tblkrletovot y td tbohj di ot.‗

–^lcc, ydu ò`h‟t jhdw tbet O‟vl fllh tbohjohn efdut bevohn gy hoppclpolrkl`, sd ydu wlrl et e òse`vehtenl. O sll ydur iekl wblh O pucc dh ydurrohn, eh` O hll` td lxplrolhkl ot idr gyslci.‗

Eitlr novohn Effy e scdw, prdfohn joss, tbl erkbotlkt seo`, –_du‟vl ge`l sdgehy kbehnls tbos yler, Effy: ieccohn oh cdvl … wotb e wdgeh. Bevohntrdufcl wotb Beycly, cdsohn e kcdsl irolh`. Erl ydu surl ydu weht td gejlehdtblr kbehnl ‐ lsplkoeccy dhl sd plrgehlht4‗

–O‟g efsdcutlcy surl,‗ tbl dc`lr wdgeh seo`. –Dur rlcetodhsbop os plrgehlht,Kcehky, eh` O weht e plrgehlht sonh dh gy fd`y tbet sonhoiols dur fdh`.‗[trdjohn Kcehky‟s iekl wotb blr iohnlrs, Effy seo`, –O tdc` ydur iegocy tbetdhl di dur strlhntbs os dur woccohnhlss td lxtlh` durslcvls ‐ td try td sll tblwdrc` tbrdunb lekb dtblr‟s lyls. ]olrkohn gy hoppcl os gy wey di flohn gdrlcojl ydu.‗

Kcehky nrohhl` et blr eh` seo`, –Eh` wlerohn e fon òegdh` os gy wey diflohn gdrl cojl ydu. Kcessy, lclneht, eh` ohkrlòfcy rlsocolht.‗

Effy jossl` blr eneoh eh` eneoh, gurgurohn es sbl prlssl` blr cops eneohstblr cdvlr‟s hlkj, –E òegdh` osh‟t aust rlsocolht, Kcehkl, ot‟s ogplrvodus irdgberg ‐ aust cojl dur cdvl.‗



–Aust cojl dur cdvl,‗ Kcehky sonbl`. –Ecweys kbehnohn, ecweys nrdwohn,ecweys susteohohn us tbrdunb dur cdhn, cdhn coil tdnltblr.‗

Novohn blr cdvlr e wostiuc sgocl tbet spdjl vdcugls, Effy seo`, –^l keh‟tnuerehtll bdw cdhn wl‟cc bevl, swlltblert. Ecc wl keh d os try td trlet lvlry

`ey cojl ot‟s prlkodus.‗

–Lvlry `ey wotb ydu os prlkodus,‗ Kcehky seo`. –Eh` O‟g ndohn td splh` tblrlst di gy coil sbdwohn ydu aust bdw prlkodus ydu erl td gl.‗

–^bet e wdh`lriuc ndec ‗ Effy sonbl`

Arbor Vitae SX Meagher

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