Original subtitles

This movie was inspired by Victor Ion Popa's novel.

Only poor guys...

What's your name, soldier ?

Preda. Manlache Preda.

I'm coming home, uncle Petrache.

THE PUNISHMENT

I'll shoot you, you hear ?

- What have I done to you ? - Why don't you pay ?

For what I didn't drink ?

- I'm not giving drinks away. - Who's asking for charity ?

This is how I do business.

I ask for money up front. For I got tricked before.

Get out of here, or I'll shoot you like dog !

Drunkard !

Shoot me !

Big as I am, you don't even 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 from here.

Move it or I'll shoot.

That's what I'm saying. Shoot me, cause I ain't movin' !

God damn you ! Move it, or I'll shoot !

Why do you curse me ? What have I done to you ?

Shoot ! Come on !

Ion ! What's the matter ?

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 know you.

I came from the frontline, from hell.

And why don't you go home ? What are you doing here ?

Why do you get so upset ?

On a day like today, I just wanted to offer some drinks.

I'm returning home after 12 years.

- What's your name ? - Manlache Preda.

And where have you been for 12 years ?

10 years I was sentenced to hard labor, from 1907 till 1917.

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 killed his uncle with an axe, and now...

Had he not do that, the other would still be waiting for his inheritance.

Did I ask you something ? Did I ask for your opinion ?

- You better give me a drink. - Alright...

- Here. - No, thank you.

- Good day, Madam... - 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 assassin.

I know what I'm doing.

Hush, doggies... I'm not a stranger.

You forgot me, woman. It's me.

Manlache !

I got out, I went to the war, and now I'm here.

Don't cry, go see to your meal.

- Here, take this money. - Forgive me, Manlache !

Forgive me, Manlache ! I couldn't wait for you !

It was hard ! Oh God, how hard it was ! I couldn't wait.

Forgive me !

What did you do with the land ? You sold it. To whom ?

To the landowner. Forgive me, Manlache !

- This wasn't the deal, sir ! - Get out of here, you thief !

- I 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 ? - I 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.

- But if you want to work for it... - It's a deal, sir.

Fine. I'm glad.

Let's go, my dear.

Manlache, 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... - I can't accept, officer.

Don't call me "officer". Call me "Ion", I'm a simple man too.

I can't accept it, lon. 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 disgust you ? What have I done to you ?

Nothing. And you're not disgusting me. It's just that...

Why did you stop ? Go on ! It's all the same.

I don't like the way you look at me.

I'm alone, I don't have anyone...

... and I'm used to follow my own way, for better or worse.

- Try to understand. - Please.

- I can't. - Here, take it.

I can't take it. Thank you.

Uncle Manlache !

- Can I come in ? - Of course. Why not ?

Do you remember me ?

Sure. You were chained to my father. You helped him walk.

- And your mother ? - Passed on.

And you ? All alone ?

All by myself, Manlache. I'm sorry, I can't call you "uncle"...

... even though your hair turned grey before its time.

Do you manage to live like this ?

- With the axe close by, it's OK. - Of course, why not ? Even alone...

- Do you know why I came ? - You're here. I don't care why.

I heard your dog has puppies.

It's a good breed, if the bitch is the one I knew.

Please, give me one, when they open their eyes.

Aren't there enough dogs, at the farm ?

There are... But they're 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 1910, at Christmas.

He wasn't ill.

He just said to me : "Manlache, I'm done."

- Don't cry. - I'm not crying. I forgot.

And then I buried him and I wrote you this letter.

- Don't you drink anymore ? - No, I lost the habit.

I didn't even had the time to start to like it.

- And it messes my head. - It's OK.

When the wine messes your head, you forget.

- How do you know ? - I just think so.

- How old are you ? - 25. Old maid...

- Why didn't you get married ? - I didn't find the one.

- And what does the gendarme want ? - He wants me.

- Are you in love with him ? - Me ? With him ?

You look like your your father.

Do you think so ?

If only you'd have a better fate...

I'm goin'.

I'll get your dog. I know which one. It's called Little String.

- Little String ? Why ? - Because he's a mean bastard.

- Manlache ! - What ?

- Will you come again ? - I will.

Why don't you sing ? You don't know the other verses ?

- I do... - So ?

Don't want to.

But if I give you a penny, will you sing ?

Here it is. But you'll sing...

Stay here and sing.

That's it.

- Who are your parents, kid ? - My mom is 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 Manlache, the one who've been 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.

Manlache, do you know what I'd like ?

- What ? - To be forever like it is now.

- What do you mean ? - I don't know. Just like now.

- It's about time you get married. - You take me.

- God forbid ! What nonsense ! - I'm not joking.

Don't make fun of me.

Me ? Who would dare to make fun of a man like you ?

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.

Anyway, lady or not, we all go through this.

You sure speak your mind. I like this lack of prejudice.

Everyone thinks the way he sees fit.

You play, you pay.

Manlache, 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. - I'm not. So help me God, I'm not.

What are you doing here ?

- What happened ? - I don't know, my dear.

I can't believe it...

Manlache, I thought you would help us.

Iordan, as long as I'm here, don't try this anymore.

Next time, I'll hit you, but not with the fists...

- Leave ! - I'm leaving, God bless you !

Bandits ! And we're just alone, in this desert.

Do you think Manlache made a deal with them ?

Maybe he called them here.

Maybe they're his people from the salt mines.

Shut up, for Christ's sake !

Manlache !

Don't open !

- Who is it ? - It's me, sir, Manlache.

What happened ?

Nothing. The dogs are nervous.

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, to 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 and...

I'm not a girl anymore.

And let the people laugh. They'll forget their 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 ? - I told you I'd come.

I'd like so much to ride on the fields, on the hills...

To shout for joy !

But if you broke your bones, don't come crying.

Have you ever seen me cry ?

No, I didn't.

What came onto you, to chain your life with someone like me ?

My business. Do you have to know it all ?

It's such a storm ! The perfect night for bandits...

... and for something else too.

- 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 the stables...

... shouldn't make you use their language.

God damn you ! I'm fed up !

You got me here, in this desert, to bury me !

- Why ?! - Calm down, my dear.

We only meet servants and your smelly merchants !

I can't stand it anymore ! I can't stand it !

- Calm down... - I'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 13 years.

I didn't want to forget what you did then, in 1907...

... when you killed my uncle.

- You all forgot. - Who has forgotten ?

Those who die during the revolt,

or in the salt mines or, later, in the war ?

- The village. - The village... What remains of it...

Old people, women, a few kids...

- Did you forget ? - No.

You're honest, I like that.

I saw it at first time. That's why I hired you.

While I was in Paris, you did a good job. I'm pleased.

Tomorrow, we'll burn everything here.

We bring in new furniture and 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 jail.

I wanted to make you my right hand man...

Be careful, Manlache, 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 noon. Good bye, dear !

See you tomorrow !

Come on !

Come on !

And now, she'll take care of Manlache.

Noblemen, but stupid. Too cocky...

Even a blind man could see the lady's hot for Manlache's eyes.

- I hope it won't stir trouble. - I hope it will, sonny.

He made me sick !

Ruxandra, sometimes I'm so sorry that...

... God didn't give me a singing voice.

Just to be able to sing once...

I hear the melody in my head, like an angels' choir.

And when I open my mouth,

the dogs in seven villages start running...

- Manlache. - What is it ?

Nothing.

Do you feel fine with me ?

My God ! What are you talking about ?

Fine ?

Manlache, I'm pregnant.

Later you'll hear him moving. He's just four months old.

- Why didn't you tell me ? - Time hadn't come.

God bless you, Ruxandra !

Little String !

Run !

Wait for me !

I was betrayed.

Hello !

Mr. prosecutor, he will explain you everything.

I'm gendarme Ion. I run the station here.

I found the victim covered in blood, with the axe nearby.

- At what time ? - Around 4 o'clock.

- We suspect an ex-convict. - OK. Let's go and get him.

Make way !

- Manlache ! For God's sake, run ! - What is it ?

Someone killed the master and they suspect you. Run !

Face against the wall !

That's the man, sir. He was just trying to run away.

- Did you kill Mr. Paraianu ? - No, I didn't.

Where have you been last night, between midnight and 4 o'clock ?

You're surprised I know ? We know everything !

Look at his boots, sir. Who else has this size ?

They're alike the footprints next to the corpse.

Aren't you Preda Manlache ?

- Is there another exit ? - On the other side !

Don't shoot him ! I want him alive.

Little String...

Uncle Petrache, did anyone pass through here, last night ?

- No, no one. - It can't be.

I'm telling you.

I didn't sleep all night. I've been waiting for a freight train.

At dawn, I was at the railway gate.

How about some petroleum sellers ?

They passed, but the day before yesterday. They went on to the village.

- Didn't they come back ? - No.

- Though, there is no other way... - Well, there is one.

It turns on the Colac's valley.

And there is another one. But the roads are really bad...

What's the matter with you ?

Halt !

Stay here !

- Uncle Petrache... - Manlache !

Yes.

Uncle Petrache...

- Come inside, you may be hungry. - Is it the right thing to do ?

I've learned what is right and what is not.

The gendarmes are on the roads, trying to get you. Sit there.

If that's my punishment...

If that's your punishment, why don't you surrender ?

- Why should I, uncle Petrache ? - Why are they looking for you ?

For unjust reasons.

If you start thinking of it...

... you'll find that many things are unjust, in this world.

That Mr. Leon was a bastard.

He looked like an angel...

... but what a beast he was ! Like his uncle, the one you...

Like father, like son.

I worked for him for a while.

I had a beautiful girl and I wanted ta take an axe, too...

I didn't have the strength. And now, you made it right.

Just like in 1907.

Uncle Petrache, I didn't kill him.

Good thing you didn't take his money.

They found it in the carriage.

Shrewd as he was, he wouldn't carry it on him.

I didn't kill him, don't you get it ?

- You don't believe me. - Then, it's someone else.

But they found your footprints next to the dead man.

I was there, but I came 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... For I didn't find him.

- Who's there ? - It'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 !

You prefer this way ?!

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 will not rest until I can prove it.

And tell her too that I'm hiding in the mountains.

I don't know, Manlache...

Somebody may see me.

If you don't want to, I'll go myself.

Even if they catch me...

... at least one soul in this world will know I'm innocent.

- I payed for what I did then. - You weren't to blame then.

If you want to, I'll go to the girl.

The winter came a bit early, this year.

- Are you sick ? - No.

Listen to me. He's not guilty.

Trust me, Manlache 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 go there. I will.

I know this Preda.

His footsteps are next to the corpse.

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 Mr. Leon's money.

That's right. It 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.

What a snow day !

What do you think of the killing, greybeard ?

Well, I think it would've been nice to have you there 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 Manlache Preda ? - No, sir.

Have you seen him since he got back ?

No, sir.

- You know about his woman ? - Yes. I just came from her place.

- She's ill. - What do you think of Mr. Leon ?

He looked like a nice man.

Just looked like ?

Only God know how's the man on the inside. He judges everything...

... here and in the other world.

- Did he have any enemies ? - Like every man.

Do you know who they were ?

Maybe even the ones he didn't suspect.

- Maybe even Manlache Preda. - I can't say, I'm an old man.

Those who say being old means being wise are fools.

- A man dies just as stupied as he's born. - OK, uncle Petrache.

Do you know a watchman named Petrache ?

Yes.

We'll go tomorrow to search his place.

Greybeard !

Read the Bucharest newspaper, you'll soon see your picture !

Yes ! Mine and the king's !

Ruxandra !

Where is she ?

Why don't you answer me ?

Where is she ? Don't you hear me ?

Halt !

- Did you take Ruxandra ? - Surrender !

Manlache !

I'll kill you !

Why are you starring at me ? Go ahead !

Wait for the train to pass.

Stop !

Halt !

I want him alive, you hear ? Alive !

Stop !

You let them run away !

Down !

We better surround the swamp and wait. There's no way out.

You're hurt badly.

- You must not 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 I ?

You already said that in 1907.

You didn't forget.

In the mines I forgot even the face of my wife.

But I'll never forget the way you denied us back.

Why did you start the fire ?

Don't worry, they can't see the smoke during the night.

As for the fire, here, in the reed...

- I 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, evil dog !

You want to sell me, just to save your miserable life !

You were a Judas in 1907, and what did it bring to you ?

Because of people like you I spent 10 years in the mines !

And now you want to sell me !

No, you'll stay here, with me, until I croak !

After that, you do whatever you want.

Bury me or feed me to the dogs !

But until then, you're staying here !

Until I croak !

Son ! Manlache !

Dear God...

Son...

Son ! Manlache !

Holy God !

Wait !

Manlache ! Wait, son !

Manlache, 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 then, you hear ?

Don't you die !

Manlache, 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, or I'll make sure you rot here !

- What's your name ? - Vasile.

- And... - Asandei. Asandei Vasile.

What a surprise !

- And where are you from ? - From 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 watchman called Petrache Sava ?

Petrache ? No.

I know many with this name, but I don't recall this one.

I'll make you remember !

Have you ever heard of one Manlache Preda ?

Poor guy! He's at the hard labour.

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 Manlache Preda ! - I don't know, officer.

You do ! You've been hiding him, after he killed Mr. Leon.

- Maybe God hides him ! - You do !

Your name is Petrache. And don't tell me it's not true !

I'll take care of you !

I can see you'll take care of me, no matter what I say.

Are you going to tell me the truth or not ?

- I will. - Speak !

I don't know.

Please !

Now you know ?

I don't know.

Pick him up. He's faking...

Did you see what happens when you don't answer ?

If you want me to tell you exactly what you want to hear...

... why bother asking me ?

Tell them I've said it 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 after that.

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, Manlache wouldn't have 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 "soldier" or "Manlache" ?

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 to see.

When I saw him coming, I run away in the woods.

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 ?

Who wouldn't recognize Manlache ?

- Why did you hide him ? - I 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 probably thought you picked me up because of him.

- And where is he now ? - Around Valeni, far away.

I sent him there. 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.

Rumors say that you had a personal relationship with Manlache Preda.

Are you insinuating we were sleeping together ?

No, madam. I never insinuate.

I'm glad.

Because, had it not been so...

... I would have been forced to report that 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 Manlache Preda is the assassin ?

My intuition.

I see. But justice is made with facts and proofs.

That's your business !

Who are 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 ? - It 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 to catch Manlache...

... prove his complicity and that's it. Take him !

Move on !

What is it, old man ?

Don't put your gendarmes on the roads again. No one will find him.

- What ? - No one will find Manlache.

- Why ? - Because I killed him.

Don't say ! Life in the country seemed so idyllic and look here !

- They kill each other all day long ! - He lies, sir.

How could an old man like you kill a giant like Manlache ?

- The knife. - What knife ?

It's smeared with Manlache's blood.

Yes, it's blood.

- How did you kill him ? - In his sleep.

Why ?

I told him I killed the landowner and he wanted to sell me.

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 ? Catch him !

Why did you shoot, you moron ? After him !

Halt !

You thought you could escape ? Pick him up !

Don't try to startle me ! I'd kill you right here.

Move on ! Show us where you hid him !

It's around here, somewhere.

- Manlache ? - Yes, my friend.

- What happened to your hand ? - They got me.

- Are you hungry ? - I don't know.

Let's go inside.

I'll give you a cornbread and we'll see if you're hungry or not.

Why do all the bad things stick to you ?

I don't 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, not a human being.

- When will you go down ? - Tomorrow.

I'll leave all of this to you. And some sheeps too.

Until springtime, I'll send you some more.

Don't worry, I know how.

- Be careful not to get in trouble. - Wouldn't you do the same ?

- I don't know anymore. - Bad thing if you don't know.

Do you need something else ?

- You know Ruxandra ? - Yes.

Tell her I'm staying here until springtime.

- And then, I'll try to find justice. - I'll tell her.

Here comes this shitty winter...

You're toast, Bobinca !

If the doctor finds out he died because of the beatings...

... you're in big trouble.

But, sir, I just wanted to...

He was acting crazy. "I 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 Ion and me.

We lock the cell and took the key.

In an hour we will be there in front of the prosecutor.

Listen to me carefully !

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 locked him in his cell...

... and when you returned to take him to the doctor, he hanged himself.

He hanged himself !

- Where did he find the rope ? - I don't know !

Maybe he stole it yesterday morning...

... when he helped cleaning up the toilets.

Lay him here.

Come on, take him.

Who made him those marks ?

He fell down the stairs, this morning, after the audience.

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've been appointed to Bucharest.

Or, should I say, you've been appointed back, to your old post.

- Don't take me for a fool, sir ! - I don't want you think that...

My agents followed Manlache's woman.

I know where he is hiding in the mountain.

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 and meet Manlache.

This is crazy !

You have the appointment for Bucharest in your pocket...

... and want to wander the mountain, looking for a convict ?

- Wait for after the holidays. - No, we're going right now.

Get ready for departure !

- Now, in the Christmas' Eve ? - Yes.

And what should I do ? Go with you ?

- It's not your job. - Then, I'll wait for you here.

Yes, that is your job.

- Get your coats and let's go ! - Yes, sir !

Ion, 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. His name was Vasile.

- Nice name. - It was also my father's name.

Don't say ! I forgot.

What's wrong ?

Manlache, The pain begins ahead of the time.

Maybe you're just 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 !

Manlache, I can't stand it.

You're shivering. Are you cold ?

Manlache !

Manlache, somebody's calling.

No, it's just the wind.

There's somebody outside. Somebody's calling.

There'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 !

Manlache, I forgot to tell you. The gendarme...

Ion 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 ?

Manlache ! I'm in labor !

Push !

- Manlache ! - What ?

I can't ! I can't !

Calm down ! I'll get you a woman.

Hello !

- God forgive him ! - God rest him.

He was such a good man.

Well, the lady already got a replacement for him.

Rumor has it she paid the killer.

For such a fortune, I would think so...

Poor Mr. 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 climb up the mountain during a blizzard storm !

In my opinion, he had a secret love and committed suicide.

There's no other explanation.

Too bad ! He was so stylish.

Stylish ? He was crazy, my dear lady !

God forgive him... That's tradition.

Still... Don't you think the story of Manlache Preda...

... and Mr. prosecutor is similar to the one of Jean Valjean and Javert ?

From a juridic 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 professional curiosity, I looked for him.

But he's dead as well.

Bitten by a stray dog who, villagers say,

was Manlache's dog.

And what happened to Manlache Preda ?

He ran away. There's a bounty on his head.

The gendarmes are looking for him up in the mountains.

God damn world !