"The screenplay for this movie was inspired by Victor lon Popa's works." "Poor people..." "What's your name, soldier ?" "Preda." "Manolache Preda." "starring" "I'm coming home, uncle Petrache." "THE PUN lSHMENT" "I'll shoot you, you hear ?" " What have I done to you ?" " Why don't you pay ?" "For what I didn't drink ?" " l'm not giving drinks away." " l didn't ask for charity." "This is how I do business." "I ask for money up front, I got tricked before." "Get out of here, or I'll shoot you like dog !" "Drunkard !" "Shoot me !" "Big as I am, you needn't have to take aim." "Come on, shoot me !" "The gun wasn't ready..." " You're lucky you're a soldier." " Some luck..." "Let's get to the office !" "Move it !" "You threw me out of this place, cause it's his pub." "But there's not a bullet in this world strong enough to make me move." "Move it or I'll shoot." "That's what I'm saying." "Shoot me, cause I ain't moving' !" "God damn you !" "Move it, or I'll shoot !" "Why do you curse me ?" "What have I done to you ?" "Shoot !" "Come on !" "lon !" "What happened ?" "Sir, this deserter got drunk and he's looking for trouble." "Gendarme, what law allows you to tell lies ?" "Here are the papers for my discharge." "And then, tell me, do I look like I've been drinking ?" "Who are you and where did you come from ?" "I don't recognize you." "I came from the frontline, from the war." "And why don't you go home ?" "What are you doing here ?" "Why do you get so upset ?" "I wanted do buy the people some drinks, on a day like today." "I'm returning home after 1 2 years." " What's your name ?" " Manolache Preda." "And where were you for 1 2 years ?" "1 0 years I was sentenced to hard labor, from 1 907 till 1 91 7." "Since then until now, on the battlefront." "Piece of cake, sir." "Isn't it ?" " Good day !" " Where are you going ?" " Home, in the swamp." " Get on the couch, we'll take you." "And you take care of those thieves that got my horses." "Should I make a complaint to Bucharest ?" "These landowners..." "He broke his uncle's head with the axe, and now..." "Had he not do that, he'd still be waiting for his inheritance." "Did I ask you something ?" "Did I ask for your opinion ?" " You better give me a tuica." " Fine..." " Here." " No, thank you." " Good day, miss..." " Hello !" "Listen, if you need anything, you know where to find me." "Your uncle would turn in his grave, seeing how you behave with his killer." "Trust me, I know what I'm doing." "Hush, doggies..." "I'm not a stranger." "You forgot me, woman." "It's me." "Manolache !" "I got out, I went to the war, now I'm here." "Don't cry, go see to your meal." " Here, take this money." " Forgive me, Manolache !" "Forgive me, Manolache !" "I couldn't wait for you !" "It was hard !" "It was so hard..." "I couldn't wait." "Forgive me !" "What did you do with the land ?" "You sold it." "To whom ?" "To the landowner." "Forgive me, Manolache !" " This wasn't the deal, sir !" " Get out of here, you thief !" " l don't want to see you here !" " This wasn't our deal !" "What are these thieves doing here !" "You, idiot !" "I'll fire you !" "I don't have anyone to trust !" " Do you want to work for me ?" " l didn't come here for this, sir." " What for, then ?" " For my land." "Your land... I bought that land from your wife, it was all legal." " lf you want to work for it." " lt's a deal, sir." "Fine. I'm glad." "Let's go, my dear." "Manolache, you used to hit them with the axe." "Now you kiss their asses." "Listen here, Iordan." "That's your name, right ?" "When I left you didn't have too much brain." "I can see you didn't change." "Don't you dare judge other people." " Please, take it." "Please..." " l can't accept, officer." "Don't call me "officer"." "Call me "lon", I'm human too." "I can't accept it, loane." "If I take this, soon, you'll want me to take you into my home." "And I don't want to argue with you." "Why do I make you so sick ?" "What have I done to you ?" "Nothing." "And I'm not sick of you." "is just that..." "Why did you stop ?" "Go on, it's all the same." "I don't like the way you're looking at me." "I'm alone, I don't have anyone, and I'm used to do as I please, for better or worse..." " Try to understand." " Please." " l can't." " Here, take it." "I can't take it." "Thank you." "Uncle Manolache !" " Can I come in ?" " Of course." "Do you remember me ?" "Of course." "You were chained to my father, you helped them walk." " And your mother ?" " Passed on." "And you ?" "All alone ?" "All by myself, Manolache." "I'm sorry, I can't call you "uncle", even though your hair turned grey before its time." "And do you manage to live like this ?" " With the axe close by, I can." " Of course, why not ?" "All alone..." " Do you know why I came ?" " You're here, I don't care." "I heard your dog has puppies." "They're good quality, if the bitch is the same one..." "Please, give me one, when they open their eyes." "Aren't there enough dogs, at the farm ?" "There are..." "But they are not mine." "I'm only working there." "I don't have anyone to talk to." "Don't you want to come in ?" "Come on..." "He died in 1 91 0, at Christmas." "He wasn't ill." "He just said to me:" ""Manolache, I'm done."" " Don't you cry." " l'm not crying. I forgot." "And then I buried him and I wrote you." " Don't you drink anymore ?" " No, I don't... I didn't even had the time to start to like it." " And then, it messes with my head." " lt's OK." "When the wine messes with your head, you forget." " How do you know ?" " l just think so." " How old are you ?" " l'm 25." "Old maid..." " Why didn't you get married ?" " l didn't find anyone." " And what does the gendarme want ?" " He wants me." " Are you sleeping with him ?" " Me ?" "!" "You have the looks of your father." "Do you think so ?" "If only you'd have a better fate... I'm goin'." "I'll get your dog." "The one called Little String." " Little String ?" "Why ?" " Because he's a mean bastard." " Manolache !" " What ?" " Come again." " l will." "Why don't you sing ?" "You don't know the song ?" " l do..." " So ?" "Because... lf l give you a penny, will you sing ?" "Here you go." "But you'll sing..." "Sit here and sing." "That's it." " Who are your parents, kid ?" " My mom is loana." "Ioana..." "And if I go to your mother and ask her to sell Nicu to me..." " My name is Vasile." " Vasile..." "Nice name." "Anyway, would you ?" "What do you say ?" "Why ?" "I have money." "I'd buy you shoes, I'd take you to school." " Why don't you want, Vasile ?" " No !" "Let me go !" "I know you're Manolache and worked in the salt mines !" "Vasile, the cow !" "I brought him." "You walk like a cat." "You startle me." "Don't say... I didn't forget." "He's black inside his mouth." "Manolache, do you know what I'd like ?" " What ?" " To be forever like it's now." " What do you mean ?" " l don't know how to put it..." " lt's about time you get married." " You take me." " God forbid !" "What nonsense !" " l'm not joking." "Don't make fun of me." "Me ?" "Are you the kind of man anyone can make fun of ?" "Life..." " Why didn't you come ?" " Would you've wanted me to come ?" "Yes." "Well, look here !" "The bear came out of his den." "Be careful, girl." "He stayed in prison too much, he'll make you cry." "I don't cry for such a thing, lady." "And then, lady or not, we all go through this at one time." "You sure speak your mind." "I like this lack of prejudice." "Everyone thinks the way he sees fit." "You play, you pay." "Manolache, you sure got a fiery one." "Should I be late, please, tell your master that I went for a ride on the hills." "What's the matter ?" "She's a beautiful woman." "Let's go, it's late." "Don't you want to come to my place ?" " Ruxandra, don't make fun of me." " l'm not." "So help me God, I am not." "Easy !" "Where to ?" " What happened ?" " l don't know, my dear." "It's unbelievable !" "Manolache, I thought you would help us." "lordane, as long as I'm here, don't try this anymore." "Next time, I'll hit you, but not with the fists..." " Leave !" " l'm leaving, God bless you !" "The bandits !" "And we're here, alone !" "You think Manolache made a deal with them ?" "Maybe he called them here." "Maybe they're his people from the salt mines." "Shut up already !" "Manolache !" "Don't open !" " Who is it ?" " lt's me, sir, Manolache." "What happened ?" "It's nothing." "The dogs, like crazy..." "Have no fear, get back to sleep." "The dogs have nightmares too and they bark." "Good night !" "You stay here, I'll go take a closer look." "The dog, when he feels well, gets on the road." " Are you going to your lover ?" " Yes, officer, he's my lover." "Not only yours, the lady got her eyes on him." "Ruxandra, be careful not to become the laughing stock of the whole village, you're a poor girl... I'm not a girl anymore." "And let the people laugh, they have enough problems..." "And you know what else ?" "Why don't you mind your own business ?" "You'll be sorry later." " Leon." " Yes, my dear." " Why did you come on such weather ?" " l told you I'd come." "I'd like so much to ride on the fields, on the hills..." "To scream !" "But if you broke your bones, don't cry." "Have you ever seen me cry ?" "No, I didn't." "What came onto you, to chain your life with someone like me ?" "This is my business." "Do you have to know it all ?" "It's such a storm !" "The pertect night for bandits." "And for something else." " Where are you going, my dear ?" " To hell !" " What is it, lady ?" " Nothing." "She can't sleep." "Put it out, god damn it !" "My dear, the fact that you're going to the stables shouldn't make you use their language." "God damn you !" "I'm fed up !" "You got me here, in this place, to bury me !" " Why ?" " Calm down, my dear." "All day with the servants !" "With your smelly merchants !" "I can't stand it anymore !" "I can't stand it !" " Calm down..." " l'm sick and tired !" "I can't stand it !" "I'm sorry, my dear." "Please, forgive me." "Don't touch me !" "I didn't realize." "Of course, you're right." "We're wasting our most precious years here." "We'll go wherever you want." "We'll got to Bucharest, if you want." "Or to Paris." "To Paris, my dear." "I was such an idiot !" "We're going to Paris." "ONE YEAR LATER" "Rumors has it he won a lot of money in Paris, playing roulette." "That's life." "Money goes to those who has it." "God damn life..." " Nice to see you." " Welcome, sir !" " Welcome, lady !" " Hello !" "Come with me." "Hello !" "After one year, it's good to be home, even here, in this forsaken place." "Yes, my darling." "Come." " You know this room." " Yes." "I kept it like this for 1 3 years." "I didn't want to forget what you did then, in 1 907, when you killed my uncle." " You all forgot." " What are you talking about ?" "Some of us died during the revolt, other in the salt mines or, later, in the war." " The village." " The village..." "What's left of it ?" "Old people, women, a few kids..." " Did you forget ?" " No." "You're honest, I like it." "Of course, I saw this right away, that's why I hired you." "While I was in Paris, you worked hard, I'm pleased." "Starting tomorrow, we burn everything." "We bring in new furniture, we forget everything." "You're forgiven." " Aren't you glad ?" " What about our deal, sir ?" "What deal ?" "With my land." "The land you took from my wife, while I was in prison." "I wanted to make you my right hand man..." "Be careful, Manolache, not to get prison again." "Whatever my punishment..." "Do we still clean this place up ?" "Please, do not overreact." "Don't worry." "Take care of yourself." "Don't you want me to take you, sir ?" "No, thank you." "You take care of the house." "I'll be back tomorrow, at lunch." "Good bye, dear !" "I'll see you tomorrow." "Come on !" "Come on !" "And now, let's take care of Manolache." "Noblemen, but stupid." "Too cocky..." "Even a blind man could see the lady's hot for Manolache's eyes." " Sir, what if you'll stir trouble ?" " That's what I want, sonny." "I'm sick of him !" "Ruxandra, sometimes I'm really sorry" "God didn't give me a singing voice." "Just to sing once... I hear the melody in my head, like voices of angels." "And when I open my mouth, the dogs in seven villages start running..." " Manolache." " What is it ?" "Nothing." "Do you feel fine with me ?" "My God !" "What are you talking about ?" "Fine ?" "Manolache, I'm pregnant." "Later you'll hear him moving." "He's just four months old." " Why didn't you tell me ?" " lt wasn't time." "God bless you, Ruxandra !" "Little String !" "Hurry up !" "Wait for me !" "She betrayed me !" "Hello !" "Mr. prosecutor, he will explain everything to you." "I'm gendarme lon." "I run the station here." "I found the victim full of blood, with the axe nearby." " At what time ?" " Around 4 o'clock." " We suspect an ex-convict." " OK." "Let's go there." "Make way !" " Manolache !" "For God's sake, run !" " What is it ?" "They killed the master and they suspect you." "Run !" "Face against the wall !" "He is, sir." "He was just trying to run away." " You killed mr." "Paraianu ?" " l didn't kill him." "Where were you last night, between 1 2 and 4 o'clock ?" "You're surprised I know ?" "We know everything !" "Look at his boots, sir." "Who else has this size ?" "His are the footprints next to the dead man." "Aren't you Preda Manolache ?" " ls there another exit ?" " On the other side !" "Don't shot him !" "I want him alive." "Little String..." "Uncle Petrache, did anyone pass through here, last night ?" " No, no one." " lt can't be." "I'm telling you." "I didn't close my eyes all night." "I waited for a train." "At dawn, I was at the railway gate." "How about some petroleum sellers ?" "Yes, but the day before yesterday." "They went on to the village." " Didn't they come back ?" " No." " There is no other way for the cart." " Well, there is..." "The one that turns on the Colac's valley, and the other one on the other side, but the roads are really bad..." "Why are you so shocked ?" "Halt !" "Stop !" " Uncle Petrache..." " Manolache !" "Yes, me." "Uncle Petrache..." " Come inside, you maybe hungry." " lt's right ?" "I've learned what is right and what's not." "The police is always on the road, hoping to get you." "Sit there... lf that's my punishment... lf that's your punishment, why don't you turn in ?" " What for, uncle Petrache ?" " Why are they looking for you ?" "For nothing." "If you search for it, you'll find that many things are not right, in this world." "Master Leon..." "Such a bastard !" "When you looked at him, you would've thought he's an angel, but what a beast he was !" "Like his uncle, you..." "Like father, like son." "I worked for him for a while." "I had a beautiful girl and I wanted to get my hand on an axe, too... I didn't have the strength." "And now, you made it right." "Like then." "Uncle Petrache, I didn't kill him." "Good thing you didn't take his money." "They found it in the carriage." "He was shrewd, he wouldn't carry it on him." "I didn't kill him, don't you get it ?" " You don't believe me." " Then, that guy who killed him..." "They found your footprints next to the dead man." "I was next to him, but I arrived too late." "He was dying." "When I got close, he died." "The killer ran away." "My dog ran after him and didn't come back." "He didn't kill him." "The dog, I mean..." "I didn't find him." " Who's there ?" " lt's me." "Have no fear." "Don't you scream !" "Leave me !" "No !" "Ruxandra, you know how much I love you." "I'll do anything for you !" "It's fine like this !" "Who is it ?" "It's me, my boy." "Don't worry." "Take a rest, to get strength." "Uncle Petrache, I'm begging you, go in the village, to Ruxandra." "Tell her I'm innocent and I will not rest until I can prove it." "And tell her I'll hide in the mountains." "I don't know if it's the right thing to do." "They might follow me." "If you don't want to, I'll go myself." "Even if they get me, at least one soul in this world will know I'm innocent." " l payed for what I did then." " You weren't to blame then." "But, if you want to, I'll got in the morning." "The winter came a bit early, this year." " Are you sick ?" " No." "Listen to me." "He's not guilty." "He's not..." "Trust me, Manolache didn't kill anybody." "Even if he killed him, he's still my man." "It's not like he killed a poor man !" "Don't talk such nonsense." "He didn't kill anybody." "He's up in the mountains, at Badin's sheepfold." "He asked me to come to tell you." "I'll come. I will... I know this Preda." "His footsteps are next to the body." "The gendarme sees him coming back, right after the murder." "And why did he run away ?" "Maybe he doesn't trust our justice system." "A criminal who doesn't trust the justice." "Come on... I say we catch him, dead or alive, and close the case." "No, sir, we're not closing anything." "I have information that two petroleum sellers from the next village spent a huge amount of money." "But the killer didn't steal Leon's money." "That's right. lt means someone payed those men for something." "What other evidence do you have against them ?" "The axe." " And who do you think payed them ?" " Maybe mrs." "Paraianu, the only heir." "You bit the dust once before and they sent you here." "I bit the marble, not the dust." "This is the axe." "He didn't use the sharp edge, but the other side." "It's snowing..." "What do you think of the killing, old man ?" "Well, I think it would've been nice to have you here with this machine, when it happened." " What's your name, old man ?" " Petrache." "What is your age and occupation ?" "I wanted to become a great man, but it didn't turn out that way." "I remained at the railway gate." "But I'm the boss there, I'm a watchman." "As for my age, I have just a few left." " Do you know Manolache Preda ?" " No, sir." "Have you seen him since he got back ?" "No, sir." " You know his mistress ?" " Yes. I just came from her." " She's ill." " What do you think of master Leon ?" "He was a nice man." "I mean, his appearance..." "Just his appearance ?" "Only God know how's the man on the inside, He judges everything, here and on the other world." " Did he has any enemies ?" " Like anybody." "Do you know who were they ?" "Maybe even the ones he didn't suspect." " Maybe even Manolache Preda." " l can't say, I'm an old man." "And is a fool who says being old means being wise." " The man dies just as he is born." " OK, uncle Petrache." "Do you know a watchman named Petrache ?" "Yes." "We'll go tomorrow to search his place." "Old man !" "Read the papers in Bucharest, you'll see your picture !" "Yes !" "Me and the king !" "Ruxandra !" "Where is she ?" "Why don't you answer me ?" "Where is she ?" "Don't you hear me ?" "Halt !" " You took Ruxandra ?" " Surrender !" "Manolache !" "You'll die by my hand !" "Why are you starring at me ?" "Go ahead !" "Wait for the train to pass." "Stop !" "Stop !" "I want him alive, you hear ?" "Stop !" "You let them run away !" "Down !" "We better surround the swamp and wait." "There's no way out." "You're hurt bad." " You can't sleep." " Why ?" "If you fall asleep, you'll get high fever." "Does it hurt ?" "Let me tie it." "Go on, tie it." "You didn't surrender and freed me from their clutches." "You took me like I was a puppy." "Would you preferred to go to the mines ?" "I didn't do anything, why should they ?" "You were thinking like that in 1 907." "You didn't forget... ln the mines I forgot even the face of my woman." "But I'll never forget the way you denied us back then." "Why did you start the fire ?" "Don't worry, you can't see the smoke during the night." "As for the fire, here, in the reed..." " l didn't know it was like this." " What ?" "When you leave this whore of a world..." "You walk through walls of white salt." "And you keep on walking, but you don't know if you're up or down." "Let me go to a apothecary, for some medicines." " Stay here !" " Listen to me." "Your wound is starting to swell." "We have to burst it." "Let me go !" "God damn you, old, evil dog !" "You want to sell me, so you keep on living your petty life !" "You were a Judas in 1 907 and what good did it do to you ?" "Because of people like you we filled up the salt mines !" "And now you want to sell me !" "No, you'll stay here, with me, until I'm dead !" "After that, you do whatever you want." "Bury me or feed me to the dogs !" "But until then, you're staying here !" "Until I'm dead !" "Son !" "Manolache !" "Dear God..." "Son..." "Son !" "Manolache !" "My God !" "Wait !" "Manolache !" "Wait, son !" "Manolache, my boy..." "Do you hear me ?" "I'm going for the medicines." "Don't worry, I will not betray you." "I never sold anyone in my life." "I didn't sell you back than, you hear ?" "You shouldn't die !" "Manolache, my boy, I'm going." " Don't let him escape !" " He took the road !" "After him !" " What are you doing here ?" " Can't you see ?" "Don't get smart with me, I'll make sure you rot here !" " What's your name ?" " Vasile." " And..." " Asandei." "Asandei Vasile." "Look here !" "What a surprise !" " And where are you from ?" " From Hanu' lu' Conache." "But I got married with a girl from Codalbe." " And what are you doing here ?" " Didn't you see ?" "Do you know a railway watchmen by the name of Petrache Sava ?" "Petrache ?" "I don't know." "I know many with this name, but I don't recall this one." "I'll make you remember !" "Have you ever heard of one Manolache Preda ?" "Manolache ?" "He's in prison." "He was and he'll return there." "But nowadays he's around here, somewhere." "Please, be so kind and tell me where is he." "I haven't seen him since he was a young lad." "Listen to me, God damn you !" "Don't make fun of me or I'll stomp you to the ground, get it ?" " Tell me where is Manolache Preda." " l don't know, sir." "You do !" "You've been hiding him, since he killed that man." " Maybe God hides him !" " No !" "You do !" "You are Petrache !" "And don't tell me this is not your name, I'll take care of you !" "I can see you'll take care of me, no matter what I do." "Are you going to tell me the truth or not ?" " l will." " Tell me !" "I don't know." "Stop !" "Now you know ?" "I don't know." "Pick him up." "He's faking..." "Did you see what happens if you don't answer ?" "If you want me to tell you exactly what you want to hear, why bother asking me ?" "Tell them I said that and that's it !" "God damn you, beast !" "Take him to the judge !" "There, he'll tell even what he saw in his mother's womb !" "Your name is not Petrache, you say ?" "That's enough !" " Bring in the woman." " Go !" "It's obvious." "Why did you lie to the gendarme ?" "Judge, I'll tell you exactly how it happened, if you'll let me rest." "OK, I'm listening." "I killed the landowner." "And why didn't you take his money ?" "I didn't care for his money." "And, had I did, Manolache wouldn't let me." "What did the convict do there ?" "is he your partner in crime ?" "Why do you keep calling him "convict" ?" "He served his sentence !" "Why don't you call him "the soldier" or "Manolache" ?" "Don't change the subject !" "Answer him !" "No, he wasn't my partner." "Unfortunately for him, he happened to pass by." "He heard screaming and came running." "When I saw him coming, I run away, in the woods, I came home." "Why did he ran away, if he wasn't guilty ?" "He heard everybody saying he did it." "So, you recognized him, but he didn't recognize you !" "How so ?" "My goodness !" "Who wouldn't know Manolache ?" " Why did you hide him ?" " l knew he didn't do it." "I couldn't let him take the fall for me." "Why did he saved you from the gendarmes ?" "He thought you picked me up because of him." " And where is he ?" " Around Valeni... I sent him." "I knew you'd get me." "Don't be surprised, sir, it's a family tradition to mourn in white." "Please, excuse me..." "Don't get formal." "Let's get straight to the point." "It's unpleasant for me, but I hope you'll understand." "There are some rumors that you had a relationship with Manolache Preda." "Are you insinuating I was sleeping with him ?" "No, ma'am." "I never insinuate." "I'm glad." "Because, had it not been so, I would've been forced to talk to your superiors." "And, to reply to your question, no, from that point of view, I cannot say anything bad against the assassin." "You mean the suspect." "I'm not very familiar with the justice system..." "Still, couldn't we talk about something else ?" "I insist, what made you say Manolache Preda is the assassin ?" "My intuition." "Yes, but justice is made with facts and proofs." "That's your business !" "And you ?" "I'm looking for mr. prosecutor Marian." "Next time you enter someone's house, you knock on the door and ask the master to see me." " Please, forgive me." " You're so formal !" "My dear lady, please excuse me." "This case is starting to clarify." " Really ?" " lt seems so." "Good bye !" "Hello !" "You see ?" "You had it wrong." "No suppositions, no complications." "One slap and he confessed." "Now all we have to do is catch Manolache, to prove his complicity and that's it." "Take him !" "Move it !" "What is it, old man ?" "Don't bother, no one will find him." " What ?" " No one will find Manolache." " Why ?" " Because I killed him." "Don't say !" "Life in the country seemed so idyllic and look here !" " They kill each other !" " He's lying, sir." "How could an old man like you kill a giant like Manolache ?" " The knife." " What knife ?" "It's smeared with Manolache's blood." "Yes, it's blood." " How did you kill him ?" " ln his sleep." "Why ?" "I told him I killed the landowner and he wanted to turn me in." "Did you bury him ?" "I dragged him into the swamp and let him there, let the water take its course." "Step lightly, don't let him hear us." "What are you doing ?" "After him !" "Why did you shot, you moron ?" "After him !" "Stop !" "You think you'll get away from me ?" "Pick him up !" "You want to startle me ?" "I'll kill you right here !" "Move it !" "Show us where you hid him !" "It's around here, somewhere." " Manolache ?" " Yes, my friend." " What happened to your hand ?" " They got me." " Are you hungry ?" " l don't know." "Let's go inside." "I'll make you a cornbread and we'll see if you are hungry or not." "How come all the bad things stick to you ?" "How should I know ?" "This is how it works down there." "Up here, things are different." "The bear comes and takes its prey." "If you have courage, you drive him away." "If not, he gets the sheep and disappears !" "He's an honest beast, he's not human." " When are you going down ?" " Tomorrow." "I'll leave all of this to you." "I'll leave you some sheep." "Until springtime, I'll send you some more things." "Don't worry, I know how." " Be careful not to get in trouble." " Wouldn't you do the same ?" " l don't know." " That is not good." "Do you need something else ?" " You know Ruxandra ?" " Yes." "Tell her I'm staying here until springtime." " Then, I'll try to find justice." " Fine, I'll tell her." "Here comes this shitty year..." "You're toast, Bobinca !" "If the doctor says he died because of the beatings, you're in big trouble." "No, sir. I just wanted to..." "He was acting crazy." ""l did it, I didn't do it."" "And you know the problem with the lawyers..." "They can go on with the trial..." "I just wanted him to say clearly." "Will you shut up !" "Hello !" "Yes." "You heard." "We'll meet there, in an hour." " Does anybody else know ?" " Nobody." "Only lon and me." "We lock the cell and took the key." "In an hour I'll go there with the prosecutor." "Listen to me !" "The old man tumbled down the stairs, when you left the courtyard." "Right ?" "Right." "We have witnesses." "He hurt himself and that's why he has those wounds on his face." "You got him to his cell and when you returned to take him to the doctor, he hanged himself." "He hanged himself !" " Where did he find the rope ?" " l don't know !" "Maybe he stole it yesterday morning, when he helped cleaning up the toilets." "Lay him here." "Come on, take him." "Who beat him up ?" "He felt down the stairs, this morning, when we got him back." "Maybe he was afraid or maybe his conscience got the better of him." "As for your negligence, we'll talk about it later." "Now, the case is closed." "God forgive them all !" "If he can... I have good news for you." "You have been appointed to Bucharest." "Or, should I say, you have been appointed back, to your old post." " Don't take me for a fool, sir !" " l don't want you think that..." "My two agents followed Manolache mistress." "I know where they are hiding, in the mountains." "The old man can't talk anymore." "And I don't believe a single word he said !" " And what do you want to do ?" " To go to Manolache." "This is crazy." "You have the appointment for Bucharest in your pocket and want to wander the mountains, looking for a convict ?" " Wait for after the holidays..." " No, we're going right away." "Get ready for departure." " Now, in the Christmas' Eve ?" " Yes." "And what should I do ?" "To go with you ?" " This is not your job." " Then, I'll wait for you here." "Yes, this is your job, to wait for me here." " Get your coats and let's go !" " Yes, sir !" "lon, do you know the road ?" "Yes, sir, through here, to the top." "I made him some toys." " What name shall we give him ?" " Whatever you choose." "I didn't know my father." "He's name was Vasile." " Nice name." " My father's name also..." "Don't say !" "I forgot." "What's wrong ?" "Manolache, I'm pain ahead of the time." "Maybe it's because you're tired." "I'll give you something to eat." "Mr. prosecutor !" "Mr. prosecutor !" "Let's go back !" "I can't go any further." "And you can't either." "The wolves !" "Up there !" "Don't leave me here !" "Manolache, I can't stand it." "You're shivering." "Are you cold ?" "Manolache !" "Manolache, somebody's calling." "No, it's just the wind." "It's somebody outside." "Somebody's calling." "It's nobody." "Don't worry." "Ruxandra !" "Ruxandra, can you hear me ?" "Ruxandra !" "Don't leave me !" "Be careful." "Ruxandra !" "I'll get you down." "Don't be scared !" "I'll get you down !" "Ruxandra !" "Hold on !" "Don't be scared !" "Ruxandra !" "Ruxandra !" "Come on, we're here !" "Manolache, I forgot to tell you." "The gendarme... lon tried to... I fought him." "I don't understand." "What are you trying to say ?" "Ruxandra !" "Ruxandra !" "Do you hear me ?" "What is it ?" "Ruxandra, what is it ?" "Manolache !" "I'm in labor !" "Push !" " Manolache !" " What is it ?" "I can't !" "Relax, I'll get you a woman." "Hello !" " God forgive him !" " God rest him." "He was such a good man." "Well, the lady got a replacement for him..." "Rumor has it she paid the killer." "For such a fortune, I would think so..." "Poor mister Leon, who would've thought ?" "A young, rich man !" "Look at this house !" "And a gorgeous wife..." "As for the prosecutor Marian..." "He was crazy !" "To go up the mountain during a blizzard storm !" "I think he had a secret love and he committed suicide." "There's not other explanation." "Too bad..." "He was very stylish." "What style ?" "He was crazy, my dear lady !" "God forgive him..." "That's tradition." "Still..." "Don't you think the story of Manolache Preda and mr. prosecutor is similar to the one of Jean Valjean and Javere ?" "From the justice point of view, the things are clear." "Petrache did it, he confessed." "But..." "My colleague left some notes in which he said the killer might be a petroleum seller." "And ?" "Out of curiosity, I looked for him." "He's dead also." "He got bitten by a stray dog who, villagers say, was Manolache's dog." "And what happened to Manolache Preda ?" "He ran away." "There's a bounty on his head." "The gendarmes are looking for him up in the mountains." "God damn world !"