The Thunderstormby Oksanatranslated by Olga |
7In a couple of days, closer to the evening, Jake and Cruz approached the farm. Emily, Jake's wife, met them."Where're the boys?" Jake asked. "Brian thought it would be better to drive the colts closer to the hills. They must be back soon." Jake introduced Cruz. "Do you really think it's him?" Emily asked excitedly. "I don't know, I have to see him," Cruz said. "Come in please, they will be back soon." Cruz looked around. The house was a small one, but cozy and warm. It occurred to Cruz that he himself wouldn't mind staying here for a while. It was late evening when Jake said, "Here they are!" Two riders were approaching the farm. Having dismounted they came up to Jake and Cruz. Jake introduced Cruz as his friend. Mason was looking at him quietly, as if it really had been the first time he'd met him. Cruz could hardly conceal his surprise seeing Mason, recognizing him, and not recognizing him at the same time. Mason who had always worn classic tailored suits looked quite unusual in a half undone shirt and jeans. His skin was tanned; the hair faded a bit and was now rather fair, with only one white lock at the temple. But it was not only in appearance that Mason had changed. His face that had previously always been like a impenetrable mask was now friendly and open as he held his hand out for Cruz. Cruz shook the strong and muscled hand and they all entered the house. "How are you today?" Jake asked them. Brian and Mason in eager rivalry were telling him what they had been doing while he was away. Jake was nodding in approval. "We must now leave till tomorrow evening," Brian said. "There's a wonderful pasture out there. We'll be back tomorrow." "Matt, isn't it too early for you to go out for a night?" Jake asked. "Jake, I am okay, really," Mason assured him. "All right, let me examine you first, then I will tell." "Oh Jake, aren't I sick with examinations!" Mason drawled discontentedly but still he followed Jake out of the room. When the door was shut Brian looked at Cruz tenaciously and said suddenly, "Isn't it why you have come? To take Matthew away?" "His name is Mason Capwell." "Will you tell him now?" Brian said. "Who is he?" "He's a millionaire's son. A successful barrister. He just started a honeymoon with his wife," Cruz explained. Brian sighed, "Then maybe it'd be better if he didn't know. He's happy now… Damn it!" Mason and Jake came back. "Let's go!" Mason said with joy. "Only after supper," Emily said strictly. At table Cruz never took his eyes off Mason, finding new changes all the time: there was no sarcasm in Mason's speech, nor the flowery style. His speech was simple; he joked a lot and was the first to laugh at himself. It really was another person. After supper Jake asked Cruz aside and said, "Matt… I mean Mason… is so pleased with this trip. Could it wait till tomorrow?" "Ok," Cruz agreed. They went out to see Mason and Brian disappear in the dusk. Having made a cozy shelter in blankets and looking up at the night sky marquee, Mason was enjoying the feeling of quiet and freedom. Brian was uncharacteristically silent. Mason looked at him intently. "This Cruz… did he come for me? Tell me the truth, you know it." "Yeah," Brian admitted after a pause. "I don't want to go," Mason said softly. "I don't want to leave here." "You can always come back," Brian said, "if you want to." Mason rose himself on his elbow and hit Brian slightly on the side, "IF?! Of course I will want to!" He lay back again and asked after a silence, "Did he… say… who I was?" Brian looked at him attentively. "Do you really want to hear it?" "Yes… I think I do… it'd be better if you told me," Mason asked him. Brian sighed. "You are Mason Capwell, the son of a millionaire, a lawyer." Mason gave a whistle. "Are you kidding? If it's true then you'll soon have a new car, and a first class artificial arm." "If you don't forget us," Brian said wistfully, then grinned. "You and your sclerosis!" "I will not forget," Mason said firmly. |