Spanish Gardener, The (1956) Movie Script
...but that's not a job.
- In my position...
Vienna, Paris and now Madrid.
Each time I have been
passed over. In fact my official career
during the past years
has been dogged by injustice.
Come now, Mr. Brande,
the Consular Service is selective,
it has to be.
But never, I think, unjust.
Hello, Nicholas.
- Hello.
Next my experience,
scholarship, my social assets...
Don't suppose your
father will be long now.
Thank you.
Do you collect stamps?
I've got some rather
interesting ones, here.
How about these?
I haven't got that one.
Or that. Or that.
I've got that one. Collected the whole set
when father was in France. -Of course.
OK. Well, keep it as a swap.
- Thank you.
Jolly fine watch you've got there.
It's new.
My mother sent it to me.
It's a beauty.
- It's got my initials on the back.
Lucky boy.
I'm sorry, Brande,
but there's nothing more to say.
Well, Nicolas,
I think you're going to enjoy
your new home at San Jorge.
There're lots of sandy beaches.
Do you swim?
- No, sir.
My son is delicate.
Goodbye, Brande.
Goodbye, Sam.
- Goodbye, Nicholas. -Goodbye, sir.
Lay over on your tummy for a moment.
Looking forward to school?
- I don't think I'm going, now.
I have decided to take him with me.
I see.
You eating well?
- Yes, thank you.
Well that's alright, Nicky, you're fine.
Go and get dressed.
You'll find a tin on the sideboard.
Help yourself.
What is it, Brande?
You know the boy's perfectly well.
I wish to resettle.
I went to see the Consul-General.
I should have listened to you.
- What happened?
Oh, it was useless.
Tenney has been given the appointment.
So all that remains is for me...
to take over the minor
post that he has vacated.
But you knew all this.
He questioned me about
my personal affairs.
He probed me about my wife.
Your private life is part of your job.
I have to go through it all again.
Explain.
Tell him there was no scandal.
That my wife left me of her own volition
without cause or motive.
You told him that?
There was no alternative. He...
So you still think it was my fault.
Brande,
I don't expect you'll believe this.
But this new appointment might be
the best thing that could have happened.
It's not the job you wanted
but it does mean leaving Madrid.
The change can help.
If you let it.
Try it for your own sake, and for Nicholas.
Don't you think I would have tolerated this
if it hadn't been for him.
You'd had done much better
to have sent him to school.
No, school can give him little at his age.
Besides, I enjoy the
lessons we do together.
I wasn't thinking of the lessons,
I was thinking of the companionship.
You're questioning my
ability to give him that?
I meant boys of his own age.
You don't understand
how much we mean to each other.
Perhaps I do
but don't expect too much from him.
Ready, Nicholas?
When you are off?
We leave at 10 on Thursday.
- Well, enjoy yourselves.
We'll do our best.
Won't we, Nicholas?
San Jorge!
Carefully down, now.
Mr. Brande? Welcome to San Jorge.
I'm Robert Burton.
How do you do?
This is my son Nicholas, Mr. Burton.
Pleased to meet you, Nicholas.
- Pleased to meet you, too.
I'll get the luggage, sir.
One doesn't say "pleased
to meet you", Nicholas.
This is Garcia Moreno, sir.
You'll find three heavy cases in the luggage
compartment. They're clearly labeled.
I engaged him as chauffeur-valet.
And his wife as cook.
Mr. Tenney take his servants with him?
- Oh, yes sir.
The main trade is cork and olive oil.
Keeps us busy.
Mr. Tenney used to say...
"We don't get much money,
but we do see life."
Mr. Tenney must have had
an original turn of mind.
Mario will bring the luggage, Senor.
The residence?
- Yes, please Garcia.
It's very old, of course
and a bit out of repair.
Oh, and there's no electricity.
Mr. Tenney always felt...
Shall we forget about Mr. Tenney,
just for a moment, Mr. Burton?
I'm sorry, sir.
Father, may I go and explore?
- Very well, Nicholas. Only be careful.
I take it my predecessor
didn't employ a gardener.
No sir, but Mrs. Tenney used to do a bit.
Now and then.
Right there.
- Yes sir.
That will be all, Garcia.
Tell Magdalena I will see her later.
I wish to discuss my son's diet.
Yes sir.
Nicholas!
- Yes, Father.
Time for bed.
Listen.
You can hear the sea.
What's that light, over on the front?
It's a little lighthouse, to guide the
ships into the harbor at San Jorge.
And your teeth?
- No, Father.
Tonic first.
- Do I have to take it?
It's for your own good, Nicholas.
Now your teeth.
I think it's the nicest
house we've ever had.
And the nicest garden, too.
I must say, I find myself pleased with it.
But we must do something
about the garden.
I like it as it is.
It makes it more exciting to play in.
We'll keep one part of it
wild for you, Nicholas.
Now your prayers.
Our Father, which art in Heaven,
hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done,
on Earth, as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive them, forgive
them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
And please God, bless and
take care of Father...
and of me and look after us.
And please God take care of mommy.
For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
Excuse me.
Where's my father?
Your father left you in my care,
says you're to rest after your journey.
If you go back to your room
I'll bring your breakfast in.
Thank you.
Robinson Crusoe.
To my darling Nicky...
- Give it to me!
...on his eighth birthday
with love from Mommy.
Where is your mother?
- In Scotland.
Oh, wonderful country.
Why not here?
- She doesn't live with us any more.
Ring if you require anything.
It's certainly loud enough.
But servants are always
supposed to be deaf of course.
If you don't get a move on, Bob,
you're going to be late.
You're as bad as he is.
Be back at two o'clock precisely.
Now I have a surprise for
you, Mr. Harrington Brande.
I propose to be at least one minute late.
It's only his first day.
Give him time to relax.
But he won't relax.
He's a stuffed shirt. He's bent
double with the chips on his shoulder.
I suppose that's why he's here
and not someone more important.
Than we should be nice to him.
See you later.
- Bye.
Hello, Maria.
Carol, don't forget to ask
Maria about her boyfriend.
I won't.
Hello, Maria.
- Senora.
Maria, you've done it beautifully.
You know you'd make
a fortune in London.
Thank you, senora.
By the way, the new Consul wants
a gardener up at the Casa Breza.
We wondered if perhaps Jos...
- Yes, senora!
He's not working now, is he?
- No, senora.
And he's worked as a gardener before?
Indeed, senora. He's a very good gardener.
Well ask him to be up at the Casa
Breza at six o'clock this evening.
Mr. Brande'll see him when he
gets back from the consulate.
Thank you, senora.
Thank you for thinking of him.
What is your name?
Jos.
Jos Santero, senor.
And you are an expert gardener.
I can dig and hoe,
care for the soil, prune and plant.
But I am not so expert.
- I understood you had experience.
For three years I worked
in the Montaro vineyards.
But there is little work in the hills now.
Have you references?
Please?
A letter from an employer
to testify to your work.
We don't bother
about such things here, senor.
But if you care to ask
Diego Borgano of Montara,
I think he'll speak well of me.
I shall expect you
to work hard, you know.
The pay is 250 pesetas a week.
Do you agree?
I don't quarrel, senor.
Very good.
Be here at eight in the morning.
Thank you.
Father!
Will you help me to make a swing?
I'm afraid not, Nicholas.
It won't take it very long.
- I know, but I've got my work to do.
Remind me about it at the weekend.
Now you run along and play, and I'll
read to you later when you're in bed.
Well?
- I start tomorrow.
Oh, I knew you'd get it.
- How?
The senor could see at once
that you were a good gardener.
He'd have no doubt it all.
- Not everyone thinks as you do.
Well you got the job, didn't you?
What did he say?
What's he like?
Tall.
Deep lines.
He spoke little.
- But you liked him.
I think he may be difficult to please.
But the pay is good.
Better than I hoped.
Enough for us to save?
- If we try.
Thank you.
What have you been writing all afternoon?
- An essay. On Napoleon.
You must be very clever.
- I only wrote a page.
Anyone that writes a page
on Napoleon must be very clever.
Why don't you sit in the sunshine?
- I have to keep out of the sun.
Have you finished your work?
- Yes.
Would you like to come
help me for a little?
Yes, please!
Why not take your jacket off?
Just for a while, eh?
There.
Now, then, do this.
We'll do some digging.
A little at first eh?
What's your name?
- Nicholas.
Mine's Jos.
Silence.
Do you think they'll grow?
- I'm sure, if you plant them well.
Do I?
I like doing it.
Nicholas!
- Father! You're early.
What are you doing?
- They're seedlings. I'm planting them.
But where is your shirt?
And why are you not wearing a hat?
I don't need them.
- Indeed you do.
You must put them on at once.
Or else you must come in.
May I stay, now?
Well, not too long.
I don't want you to get tired.
I won't.
Ah, they've arrived at last.
That's excellent.
Shall I unpack for the senor?
Thank you, Garcia. That's something
that I shall very much enjoy doing myself.
All my personal treasures
are in these boxes.
My pictures, books, manuscripts.
And china.
I've missed them.
Will you ask my son to come in.
I wish to speak to him.
Yes, senor.
Father, Garcia says that...
- Look, Nicholas, they've arrived at last.
All our friends.
Isn't it nice to see them again?
Yes, but Garcia says I've got to come in.
But don't you want to help?
I've got to finish what I'm doing.
I have to water the plants.
Have to?
I employ a gardener to work in the garden.
Yes, but it's my job.
Jos gave it to me.
"Yes-But", "Yes-But."
What's happened to your vocabulary?
Is it possible you prefer working
in the garden to helping me?
Couldn't I help you later, father?
The seedlings will die
if I don't water them.
Oh, very well, Nicholas.
I had been looking forward to doing
this together but it doesn't matter.
I can manage by myself.
- I won't be long.
Garcia.
- Senor?
Is my son in the habit of
working in the garden?
Indeed, every day, senor.
As soon as he's finished his lessons.
He seems to have become very
friendly with the gardener.
Friendly?
Oh yes, they're, they're
continually together, senor.
Indeed?
Father? Father?
Can I go to the pelota?
Pelota?
- Yes.
It's a kind of game they play here.
All the towns in the Costa
Brava are in the league.
Calda, they are the champions,
are meeting San Jorge today.
You are a very knowledgeable young man.
Where does this game take place?
At the frontn. And it's at four o'clock.
Do let's go?
Well, you go and have your rest now.
And we'll see.
- All right.
Thank you, Father.
It will be starting in a moment.
Do you see those two walls?
That one's the frontis,
and that one's the pareo de rebote.
Do you understand the game?
- Yes.
Now you see, now you see why we came.
He's seen us, he's waving.
Jos! Jos!
- Nicholas!
Come on, San Jorge!
Come on, Jos!
We must win.
Come on, Jos! Come on, San Jorge!
Is there anything wrong, Father?
Nothing, except that I
have a splitting headache.
Father.
- Nicholas.
I came to say goodnight.
But you know I always come
to say goodnight to you.
I thought you were angry with me.
Even if I were, Nicholas,
I wouldn't neglect you.
You know that.
You were angry, Father.
Not angry, Nicholas, but disappointed.
Is it because you didn't like the game?
It wasn't the game you
took me to see, was it?
That was a pretence.
It was deceitful.
I wanted it to be a surprise for you.
I thought you'd be proud of him.
Whatever you've thought, Nicolas,
doesn't alter the fact
that you were deceitful.
I'm sorry, Father, I didn't mean to be.
Nicholas.
You and I are alone now,
since your mother left us.
There are times when it isn't easy.
But I've never wavered in
my devotion to your care.
I ask little in return, Nicholas.
But the knowledge of your love.
- I do love you.
I do.
Do you?
This afternoon, I wondered.
It hurt me deeply that my son could
be so thoughtless of my feelings.
I never want to hurt you.
I know you don't.
In future we must be more
careful not to hurt each other.
Yes Father.
I will.
This is quite like old times.
We used to come here
often when the Tenneys...
The garden is looking wonderful, sir.
That's because of Jos.
- Of course.
Do you know he's the
pelota champion here?
He's quite a person in San Jorge.
- Indeed.
It's, it's never struck
me before, Mrs. Burton,
but San Jorge must be
a very dull place for a woman.
Dull? No it isn't,
there are lots of things to do.
Sailing, and swimming...
- And the local movies.
We started a club for the local children.
Ping-pong and that sort of thing.
I make ice cream.
- I try to teach them cricket.
We wondered if perhaps
Nicholas might like to come along.
I, I'm afraid my son is delicate.
It rather rules that out
What a pity, the Tenney children did.
You know, they used to run wild up here.
I kept expecting one of them
to jump out from behind one of the bushes.
Could you get me
another sandwich please, Nicholas.
Jos!
Come over here!
Did you get some big ones?
Can I have a look?
Let's see, let's see them, Jos!
How many did you catch?
Pardon senor.
But I bring you a small gift.
What a lovely present.
Where did you catch them, Jos?
In the place you told me about?
The mill-pond?
- No, Nicco, the deep water higher up.
Nicco?
It's my name for him, senor.
I think you'll enjoy them.
I'm sorry, I never eat freshwater fish
and they're too rich for my son.
Father!
Thank you no, perhaps
you'd care to have them.
No.
- But Father, Jos wants us to have them.
I'm sorry you don't care for them, senor.
With your permission, senor,
I'll take them home.
As you please.
He got up in the dark and
walked miles to get them.
Never mind, Jos.
Have them for your supper.
If you forgive me, sir,
I don't think that was very kind.
I know it isn't my place but...
- No, it isn't, is it Mrs. Burton?
Carol, I think we'd better be going.
Goodbye sir.
- Goodbye, Mr. Brande. -Goodbye, Mrs. Burton.
Goodbye, Burton.
Good of you to have come.
Nicholas.
Your behavior at tea
yesterday was disgraceful.
I've decided that you're spending
too much of your time with the gardener.
It's obviously having a bad effect on you.
Besides, he's interfering with your work.
- But he isn't.
I consider that he is.
I've even thought of dismissing him.
I think that would be cruel, father.
Cruel?
To whom?
To Jos.
He would think he wasn't a good gardener.
If he is to stay, you must give me
your word that you won't talk to him.
Not talk?
But that's silly, father.
Can't I even say "Good morning"?
You are not to exchange
any words with him at all.
If one makes a rule one must abide by it.
Good-bye, Nicholas.
Senor.
- I wish to speak to you.
There is to be no more
conversation between you and Nicholas.
I forbid you to talk to him.
God gave me a tongue, senor.
Do you prohibit me from using it?
As far as my son is concerned, yes.
And under no circumstances
you are to set him to work.
You've been making him dig
and hoe and hack down bushes.
I did it to make him strong.
That is an impertinence.
I'm sorry.
But you can see for yourself.
Already he looks well and strong.
He likes being with me.
- I forbid you to talk to him.
If you do so I shall dismiss you at once.
And another matter. That rockery
I wish to have it cleared away.
Completely cleared.
Proud of your strength, aren't you?
See that you make good job of it.
Jos, I hate to see you working so hard.
I wish I could help you.
This work is nothing. You know
I am as strong as a donkey.
Don't worry so much. Jos
San Jorge, 2-7.
Yes, senor.
- Garcia, I have to go to Madrid.
Tonight, senor?
- Yes, is that you Mrs. Burton?
Mr. Harrington Brande.
May I speak to your husband?
Thank you.
There's plenty of time to catch the late train.
I shall want you to drive me to the station.
And how long will you be away, senor?
Oh, three or four days, but I shall
let you know before I return.
Then I shall pack for you immediately, Sir.
Hello, Burton?
I've just had an urgent letter from Madrid.
They need me there at once.
Yes, by the train tonight.
They wish me to take over.
The Consulship.
Thank you, Burton.
No, there's nothing you can do.
I shall leave him here.
I have every confidence in Garcia.
Good morning, Nicholas.
- Magdalena.
Come now. Here's your breakfast.
- Thank you.
Did Father catch his train last night?
- Yes.
Yes, I'm sure he did.
I didn't hear the car come back.
No, Garcia didn't return last night.
He's gone away.
Gone away?
- To Gerona.
He has friends there.
They have business together.
But Father said Garcia...
- It was very important that he should go.
But there's no need for you
to say anything about it.
How long is he away for?
- Two days, I think.
Nicholas, you're pleased
that he's gone away.
That's not very nice of you.
Anyway, we shall manage
very well together.
Now what would you like for your lunch?
Anything, anything you like.
I'll prepare you something special.
- Thank You.
I am alone with Magdalena for two days
Tomorrow is Sunday
Are you going fishing?
Magdalena! Magdalena!
Brande, my dear fellow.
It's good of you to come so soon.
I didn't expect you till Monday.
I hurried to Madrid naturally
as soon as I heard from you.
I'm very grateful to you.
But I didn't mean to
break your dear weekend.
Please sit down.
Very sad about Tenney, isn't it?
- Yes, indeed.
I'm afraid he's a pretty sick man.
I know that San Jorge does not
exactly overtax your abilities.
That's an understatement, sir.
- So I wanted to know if you'd help us out?
We're unusually busy now.
And as Herbert Meyer
isn't available for a few weeks...
Meyer?
- You knew he'd been appointed.
No, sir.
- But the letter...
Made no reference to Meyer.
It stated that Tenney was sick
and that you wish to see me at once.
I'm terribly sorry about this, Brande.
I should have written to you myself.
I hope you accept my apologies.
And to infer that you intend
using me as a stopgap?
I wouldn't have put it like that.
This is monstrous.
Monstrous? What do
you mean, monstrous?
There's been an unfortunate
misunderstanding for which I apologize.
It's so blatantly unjust.
Mister Brande, in a previous conversation
we discussed your position in the service.
At that time I left many things unsaid.
- Indeed, sir?
You must understand that your academic
qualifications have never been questioned.
That would be difficult,
they are higher than most in the service.
It's as a man that you failed.
Do you consider yourself
the ultimate judge, Sir?
I am as far as the service is concerned.
If that's your only answer I must ask you
to excuse me from deputizing in Madrid.
I ought to report this, but I won't.
Very well, Brande,
go back to San Jorge.
But for Heaven sake,
try to behave like a human being.
Nicco, I'm going to speak to you.
Because not to speak
would be childish and dangerous.
We're going to the river and it's
necessary that I tell you what to do.
But you needn't talk to me.
I'd like to speak too, Jos.
Good. Then we'll be like men
and not like children.
Does anyone live here?
Only the frogs.
I found this place
years ago, when I was about your age.
I often come here fishing.
I caught one!
That's a beauty, Nicco!
Now put him in the shade
and bring me the bait.
Nicco.
Wait 'til you see how good it tastes.
Do you remember catching your first fish?
Oh indeed, I do.
Something you never forget.
What did you do with it?
- I took it home to my mother.
Was she pleased?
- Yes.
She was very proud.
She wanted to keep it forever.
Forever?
Did she?
- No, she fried it for my breakfast.
My mother'd do the same.
Only...
Only what?
- Nothing, really.
Your mother lives in
England, doesn't she Nicco?
In Scotland.
Sometimes she goes away.
She writes to me from
wherever she goes. Long letters.
Will she come to see you here?
No, father says
she won't ever be coming here.
Why not?
- He says it was wrong of her to go away.
But I'm sure she would
never do anything wrong.
No, I'm sure.
Father says I'm the only one he needs now.
You know Nicco, when your father said
we mustn't talk to each other,
I was very angry.
- I was angry, too.
Well, we were both wrong.
I think perhaps it's because...
he's not happy.
He thinks you do not love him enough.
- But I do love him.
I know you do.
This is your first trout, Nicco.
It'll taste different from anything else.
You'll remember it all your life.
Try it.
Oww!
It's hot!
Give me your rod.
- Will you take me again soon, Jos?
Well, I hope so.
- I'll catch even more fish next time.
Well, goodnight Nicco, sleep well.
See you tomorrow, Jos.
- Um hmm.
So you're back!
Come here.
And where've you been?
Go on, in you go.
What've you been doing, eh?
I told you he'd gone fishing.
It's no business of yours.
Fishing.
Where's the fish?
There's a fisherman for you.
Not cleaned, not prepared.
Not prepared for the master's table.
Stop it! Those are my fish! I caught them.
- You caught them.
Would you like me to
cut your head off too?
Garcia, you fool! Leave him!
Silly little brat!
- Garcia, you fool! Go away from there!
I'll teach you to bring back fish.
Jos! Jos!
What's the matter?
Come and sit down.
What's the matter? What's happened?
It was Garcia, he had a knife.
He cut the heads off my fish.
You have to clean them
before you can eat them.
It wasn't that.
He lifted it up and said
he'd cut my head off.
Cut your head off? Now Nicco!
It's true, Jos.
He would have if I hadn't run away.
He followed me
and tried to break down the door.
What door, where?
- Of my bedroom.
I waited till he'd gone,
then I ran and ran.
You must stop crying.
There's no need to be frightened any more.
We'll go back to the house together.
Don't send me back, Jos,
please, don't send me back.
You'll kill me if you do.
Now he won't kill you. That's
silly, he's drunk, perhaps.
He will, he will.
Now stop it, Nicco.
All right, I won't take you back.
We'll go to my house, to my mother.
Will that do?
When you feel better
we can talk about it.
Better?
Come on, let's go.
It's a pity you've got to take him back.
I'm not taking him back tonight.
You can't keep him here.
What about his father.
What would he say?
I don't know, Maria.
We'll know that tomorrow.
But tonight, Nicco stays here.
But ese, what about us?
You've been in trouble with him before.
This time you'll lose your job.
Don't worry about us for a while.
If I lose my job
I'll get another one. That's all.
You've done so much to help him.
- I've won, I've won!
I'd take him back
early tomorrow, Jos.
Yes, I will.
And I'll talk to his father.
Be careful what you say,
for your own sake.
Don't worry.
What is it, senor?
- Garcia, where is my son?
Your son, senor?
- His bed's not been slept in. Where is he?
But I took him to his room myself, senor.
I shut the door.
But he's not there, I tell you.
He came home late last night, senor, I...
- Just a moment.
Forgive me, senor, I should have
told you, you see yesterday I...
That's all, Garcia.
Nicco.
- Yes, Jos.
When your father comes back,
I'll ask to speak to him.
And if you want me, I'll be nearby.
I'm all right I'm not afraid now.
- Good.
Off you go.
Father! I thought...
- Why are you not wearing your shirt?
And where have you been?
- With Jos.
You spent the night in his house?
Will you please explain
why you took advantage of my absence?
I ran away. Garcia frightened me.
He was going to kill me.
What are you talking about?
- He was drunk, father.
Drunk?
- Yes, Jos said so.
Rubbish.
Now let's have the truth.
It is true.
- I don't like defiance.
But, father, you shouldn't say
I'm not telling the truth when I am.
Where does this new boldness come from?
And what has happened
that you disobey me?
But, father...
But what?
I meant to tell you. I thought you...
- You thought.
Perhaps you gave
some thought to your disobedience.
You gave me your word
that you wouldn't speak to that man.
I didn't to start with,
and it seemed very childish.
There was no reason
why we shouldn't talk together.
Those his words or yours?
- Mine, father.
It's pleasing for your father
to see to what a degree
that friendship sprang up
between you and this illiterate lad.
You don't know him.
- I know him better than you think.
The servant who ingratiates himself,
who lies about other servants.
He doesn't lie.
It's Garcia that lies.
He's not good like Jos.
And who are you to say
what's good or bad?
But Garcia had a knife.
He cut the heads off my fish.
The blood ran all down the table.
- You're out of your wits. What fish?
The fish that I caught.
So you went fishing?
- Yes.
With that oaf?
- With Jos. He taught me how to fish.
So, he taught you how to defy
and disobey your father.
Go away from me.
Go to your room.
Why do you want to see him?
You know why I want to see him.
It's about the boy.
Senor?
- What is it?
The gardener wishes to
speak with you, senor.
Get out.
Hello?
Hello!
I want to make a personal
call to a doctor Harvey.
H- A-R...
Good evening.
- Good evening, senor.
The Consul is expecting you, senor.
- Yes, he is.
Harvey!
Thank God you've come.
Would you mind getting my bag, please?
- Certainly, senor.
Brande, my dear fellow,
what's the matter?
It's Nicholas, Harvey.
Nicholas, is he ill?
No, not that, but if ever I
needed your help, it's now.
I got back from Madrid...
Shall I serve dinner, senor?
We'll have it later, shall we?
I'd like a drink and you
can tell me all about it.
I thought of all these
things for a long time.
The flowers that weren't to be picked.
The fish I brought him,
the rocks I had to move.
For no reason.
It's difficult to understand.
He thinks I'm trying to take
the child away from him.
This is madness.
He admits he was wrong
to take Nicky fishing.
But to look after the boy
when he was obviously...
frightened, was an act of simple kindness.
Senor?
- What is it?
Excuse me, senor.
Will you require anything else tonight?
Thank you, Garcia, no.
I don't believe that
Nicholas was frightened.
This pack of lies about Garcia,
the words were put into his mouth.
No. There's no doubt
that he was frightened.
Without much cause I
think, but there it is.
The gardener says he tried
to see you, to explain.
I couldn't trust myself so to speak to him.
The man who's poisoned my son,
made him disobedient and dishonest.
But you'll have to.
- I never wish to see the man again.
After he's gone, perhaps I'll
regain my son's affection.
If you send him away, you'll
lose Nicky's love altogether.
But he must be punished.
Why? Because Nicky enjoys his company?
Or because you're jealous?
- Jealous?
What other reason is there for you to deny
Nicky this perfectly ordinary friendship?
He'd have gained from it, if you'd let him.
- I don't believe it.
It's true.
I warned you. I asked you
to let him see his mother.
I begged you to send him to
school, but you wouldn't listen.
Your love for Nicky was
too selfish and demanding.
No!
Be honest with yourself for once.
You know it's true.
Thank you Harvey, for your advice.
I can't pretend I find
it easy to accept it.
Nor do I believe that
everything you say is true, but...
I do promise that I will do nothing
until I've considered all you said.
Forgive me, you must be tired.
Doctor Harvey asked me to say
goodbye to you. He left early.
I heard his car go.
I thought I'd talk to Mr. Burton today.
About his boy's club.
- Yes, father.
We might go there one evening.
Would you like that?
What about you, father?
You don't like games.
I played cricket for my college, Nicholas.
- Did you, father?
Oh, I shall have to go, now.
I can't find my watch, father.
Never mind. I'll help you
to look for it this evening.
Well, search it.
I prefer senor, you do it.
You sent for me, senor?
Where did you get this? And what've you
done with the other things you've stolen?
I don't understand, senor.
That's your son's watch.
Then perhaps you could explain
how it came to be in your pocket.
It's not possible.
I found it myself,
in the presence of a witness.
If indeed it was in my pocket...
it must have been put
there by someone else.
Put there.
By someone else.
Very convincing answer.
Not the answer you require, perhaps.
- Don't be impertinent.
I demand an explanation
or I shall call the police.
You don't want an explanation.
And you'll call the police whatever I say.
I have never stolen in my life
and I did not steal that watch.
If your friend the Englishman
were here he'd believe me.
How dare you?
How dare you question my integrity?
You insufferable, you clumsy fool. You wormed your way
into my son's affections in order to steal from him.
You'll pay for this!
- Come no closer, senor.
I've no wish to harm you,
but you've said enough.
I don't know what evil loathes in
your mind, but I pity your son.
I shall return to my work.
You must do as you please.
San Jorge 4-9.
All right, senor Brande will see you.
The matter is out of my hands.
Why don't you go to the police?
The police won't listen to us, senor.
He must suffer the
consequences of his own act.
His own act? That's what
we don't understand, senor.
Then his dishonesty must
grieve you. I'm sorry.
He's never done a dishonest
thing in his life.
There's no one in this town
who would doubt his goodness.
Perhaps, until now. He's
stolen many valuable things.
Even my son's watch, though he
pretended affection for him.
Father!
Jos would never steal my watch.
Go to your room.
Maria, where is Jos?
- He's in prison, my child.
They say he stole from this house.
Who says so?
Whoever says so is a liar.
Go to your room.
- He's right. He speaks the truth.
Do as I say, Nicholas!
I'm sorry, but I don't wish to
discuss the matter any further.
Senor, even if you believe he has done it,
can't you find it in your
heart to forgive him?
It would be an act of charity, senor.
By the laws of any country
a thief goes to jail.
Who am I to interfere?
We were foolish to come here.
You're hard and cruel.
Your eyes don't see the tears of others,
and your heart doesn't feel.
The little boy knows who's good and
who's bad because he sees and feels.
He understands already
what kind of man you are.
I must ask you to excuse me,
- They're taking him to the court tomorrow.
You in your high position, senior.
Couldn't you perhaps...?
Senor.
- Where have you been?
I senor? In the town.
- Did you take the car?
It was necessary. Magdalena required
some things for the house.
And why are you so late?
I have some friends there,
I stayed with them for a little.
I hope I haven't inconvenienced
you. Magdalena was here.
You've been drinking?
Senor?
- Have you been drinking?
Well, I'm only human, senor.
The affair of the gardener
has troubled me very much.
I ask your pardon.
- Very well.
If you'll excuse me...
- One moment, listen:
It will be necessary for you to
go to Barcelona tomorrow.
They're taking the gardener to the court.
You'll be required as a witness.
I, senor?
- Yes, you'll come with me.
One other thing. You'll need your
references and identity papers.
That's all.
What are you doing, Nicholas?
- Nothing.
I have to go to Barcelona.
I'll be back this evening.
Is it about Jos?
- Yes
Don't go, father.
Why do you say that?
He'll have a better chance
if you aren't there.
Do you believe that I would be unjust?
- Jos couldn't steal.
If he's innocent he'll get a
chance to prove it at the court.
It won't be for me to say,
- You want them to send him to prison.
Nicholas, you know that to be untrue.
You could stop them if you wanted to.
- If he's a thief he must be punished.
You hate him.
Nicholas, you don't know
what you're saying.
If they hurt him it'll be your fault.
Are those things necessary?
If you require me, senor,
I shall be in the next carriage.
Thank you, Garcia.
Pedro, Pedro, it's me, Nicco.
Did you see Jos before he left?
Yes, I saw him this morning, Nicco.
- Did he send me any message?
Let me see now what was it.
Oh, there was something about a donkey.
Was he frightened?
- No, he wasn't afraid, Nicco.
Isn't there anything we can do?
- No, Nicco, nothing.
But you are his friend
so I can tell you this.
Before now, men have escaped to the hills.
There are places where they can hide.
Jos knows them well.
I went to the Arengo with Jos.
That's in the hills, isn't it?
Yes.
And now you must go
home and forget this.
Jos is good. Jos is good.
Jos is good. Jos is good.
Jos is good. Jos is good.
Can't you see it, father?
Jos couldn't steal.
It's Garcia that lies.
It's Garcia that lies.
I bring you a small gift, Senor.
I bring you a small gift.
Jos belongs to us, doesn't he?
He won the game.
If they hurt him, father,
it will be your fault.
Jos is good.
It is Garcia that lies.
Jealousy has poisoned your mind!
Poisoned! Poisoned! Poisoned!
Wait!
Nicholas, where is he?
He's gone.
- What do you mean "gone"?
Where is he? You must know.
How should we know?
After we got your message we came right
up here. The house was ransacked.
They'd taken everything of value
and gone off in your car.
But where is Nicholas?
We searched everywhere.
The house was empty.
Bob went immediately to
the police, I waited...
It's Garcia. Garcia has taken him!
No, they've caught
Garcia outside Barcelona.
Nicholas wasn't with him.
Magdalena says he ran away.
Ran away?
- Yes, as soon as you'd left.
From me?
They're doing everything they can.
But it isn't easy.
They don't know where to look.
There is one place he could
have gone, it's possible.
Where?
- The Calle Corriente.
Jos's house.
- Yes, he went there before.
But I don't think that...
Would you like me to go?
You can wait here.
No, Mrs. Burton.
Have you seen my son?
Your son, senor?
What about Jos?
What have you done to him?
- We know nothing, senor.
Except that he must hate you as we do.
It is better that you go away.
Jos is innocent. It was Garcia.
I will do everything
possible to make amends.
You say that Jos's
innocence is proved?
Yes.
So the charge against him is withdrawn?
He'll be free?
Senor, he was here,
your son was here.
What did he say?
What did you tell him?
That Jos might go to the hills...
That he might escape.
But where, where would he go?
I, I don't know, senor.
He once went to fish...
at a mill above Santa Christina.
How do I get there?
Jos! Jos!
Can't we get through?
- It's impossible.
I'll give you anything you like!
- Not a question of money, senor.
See for yourself.
Right. Wait here for me, then.
Jos, you got here.
Nicco...
Nicco.
You're hurt.
Why are you here?
What happened?
- It was Pedro. I knew you'd come here.
You came, came by yourself?
Through the storm?
That was very brave of you, Nicco.
What's the matter with your
arm, Jos? Is it broken?
Yes, I think so.
It's my father. It's all his
fault that this has happened.
But your father...
- I don't care about my father.
I hate him.
Nicco, about tomorrow.
Yes?
You'll have to go back.
Go back?
Come here, Nicco.
Listen.
What you've done for me is true friendship.
And I shall always remember it.
But when your father
finds out that you've gone,
he'll be very unhappy.
I don't care if he is,
I want to stay with you.
You can't stay with me for always, Nicco.
You don't love me.
- That's not what I mean.
Then why are you sending me away?
It's not so simple.
To me... your father has shown injustice,
but he loves you.
I don't want his love.
I hate him! I hate him!
It's bad to give hate for love, Nicco.
What has happened between your
father and me is our affair.
Something between grown-ups.
He meant you no harm.
But the things he's done to you.
We must forgive those things.
Don't touch him! I'll kill you if you do!
I hate you! I hate you!
Don't touch him! Don't touch him!
- Don't be afraid.
Jos, I understand
now... what I've done.
Don't believe him, it's a trick!
I know now you're innocent.
Everyone knows.
Forgive me, Jos.
Forgive me.
- Don't believe him!
Forgive me.
- No! No!
You must believe him, Nicco.
Nicholas.
Hold this, will you?
Put it under his arm.
Here, father?
- Yes.
Jos! Jos!
I thought you were never coming!
You're just in time.
- Hello, Nicco.
I've been waiting for you.
How's old Pedro and Maria and all of them?
They're well and they
send their love to you.
And in a few weeks time I
shall be playing pelota again.
Tell me, Nicco. Where's this
place you're going to?
It's Stockholm, that's in Sweden.
And you'll be going to school?
Yes, in England.
- Good!
In the holidays I shall
see my mother again.
Then you'll be happy, hmm?
Yes I quite understand,
but the question of the shipping.
Shall I take that up with Madrid?
Jos.
Yes, senor?
Before leaving...
I wish to thank you, Jos.
And to say... how sorry
I am for what has happened.
Senor...
It's over now.
He's happy.
And soon he'll forget.
He won't forget you.
Nor shall I.
Goodbye, Jos.
Come to the station, Jos.
No, Nicco.
I must stay here in the garden.
I've been away a long time.
There's much to do.
Goodbye, Nicco.
- Goodbye, Jos.
Go on.
edited by Subransu
and Zaphod
- In my position...
Vienna, Paris and now Madrid.
Each time I have been
passed over. In fact my official career
during the past years
has been dogged by injustice.
Come now, Mr. Brande,
the Consular Service is selective,
it has to be.
But never, I think, unjust.
Hello, Nicholas.
- Hello.
Next my experience,
scholarship, my social assets...
Don't suppose your
father will be long now.
Thank you.
Do you collect stamps?
I've got some rather
interesting ones, here.
How about these?
I haven't got that one.
Or that. Or that.
I've got that one. Collected the whole set
when father was in France. -Of course.
OK. Well, keep it as a swap.
- Thank you.
Jolly fine watch you've got there.
It's new.
My mother sent it to me.
It's a beauty.
- It's got my initials on the back.
Lucky boy.
I'm sorry, Brande,
but there's nothing more to say.
Well, Nicolas,
I think you're going to enjoy
your new home at San Jorge.
There're lots of sandy beaches.
Do you swim?
- No, sir.
My son is delicate.
Goodbye, Brande.
Goodbye, Sam.
- Goodbye, Nicholas. -Goodbye, sir.
Lay over on your tummy for a moment.
Looking forward to school?
- I don't think I'm going, now.
I have decided to take him with me.
I see.
You eating well?
- Yes, thank you.
Well that's alright, Nicky, you're fine.
Go and get dressed.
You'll find a tin on the sideboard.
Help yourself.
What is it, Brande?
You know the boy's perfectly well.
I wish to resettle.
I went to see the Consul-General.
I should have listened to you.
- What happened?
Oh, it was useless.
Tenney has been given the appointment.
So all that remains is for me...
to take over the minor
post that he has vacated.
But you knew all this.
He questioned me about
my personal affairs.
He probed me about my wife.
Your private life is part of your job.
I have to go through it all again.
Explain.
Tell him there was no scandal.
That my wife left me of her own volition
without cause or motive.
You told him that?
There was no alternative. He...
So you still think it was my fault.
Brande,
I don't expect you'll believe this.
But this new appointment might be
the best thing that could have happened.
It's not the job you wanted
but it does mean leaving Madrid.
The change can help.
If you let it.
Try it for your own sake, and for Nicholas.
Don't you think I would have tolerated this
if it hadn't been for him.
You'd had done much better
to have sent him to school.
No, school can give him little at his age.
Besides, I enjoy the
lessons we do together.
I wasn't thinking of the lessons,
I was thinking of the companionship.
You're questioning my
ability to give him that?
I meant boys of his own age.
You don't understand
how much we mean to each other.
Perhaps I do
but don't expect too much from him.
Ready, Nicholas?
When you are off?
We leave at 10 on Thursday.
- Well, enjoy yourselves.
We'll do our best.
Won't we, Nicholas?
San Jorge!
Carefully down, now.
Mr. Brande? Welcome to San Jorge.
I'm Robert Burton.
How do you do?
This is my son Nicholas, Mr. Burton.
Pleased to meet you, Nicholas.
- Pleased to meet you, too.
I'll get the luggage, sir.
One doesn't say "pleased
to meet you", Nicholas.
This is Garcia Moreno, sir.
You'll find three heavy cases in the luggage
compartment. They're clearly labeled.
I engaged him as chauffeur-valet.
And his wife as cook.
Mr. Tenney take his servants with him?
- Oh, yes sir.
The main trade is cork and olive oil.
Keeps us busy.
Mr. Tenney used to say...
"We don't get much money,
but we do see life."
Mr. Tenney must have had
an original turn of mind.
Mario will bring the luggage, Senor.
The residence?
- Yes, please Garcia.
It's very old, of course
and a bit out of repair.
Oh, and there's no electricity.
Mr. Tenney always felt...
Shall we forget about Mr. Tenney,
just for a moment, Mr. Burton?
I'm sorry, sir.
Father, may I go and explore?
- Very well, Nicholas. Only be careful.
I take it my predecessor
didn't employ a gardener.
No sir, but Mrs. Tenney used to do a bit.
Now and then.
Right there.
- Yes sir.
That will be all, Garcia.
Tell Magdalena I will see her later.
I wish to discuss my son's diet.
Yes sir.
Nicholas!
- Yes, Father.
Time for bed.
Listen.
You can hear the sea.
What's that light, over on the front?
It's a little lighthouse, to guide the
ships into the harbor at San Jorge.
And your teeth?
- No, Father.
Tonic first.
- Do I have to take it?
It's for your own good, Nicholas.
Now your teeth.
I think it's the nicest
house we've ever had.
And the nicest garden, too.
I must say, I find myself pleased with it.
But we must do something
about the garden.
I like it as it is.
It makes it more exciting to play in.
We'll keep one part of it
wild for you, Nicholas.
Now your prayers.
Our Father, which art in Heaven,
hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done,
on Earth, as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive them, forgive
them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
And please God, bless and
take care of Father...
and of me and look after us.
And please God take care of mommy.
For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
Excuse me.
Where's my father?
Your father left you in my care,
says you're to rest after your journey.
If you go back to your room
I'll bring your breakfast in.
Thank you.
Robinson Crusoe.
To my darling Nicky...
- Give it to me!
...on his eighth birthday
with love from Mommy.
Where is your mother?
- In Scotland.
Oh, wonderful country.
Why not here?
- She doesn't live with us any more.
Ring if you require anything.
It's certainly loud enough.
But servants are always
supposed to be deaf of course.
If you don't get a move on, Bob,
you're going to be late.
You're as bad as he is.
Be back at two o'clock precisely.
Now I have a surprise for
you, Mr. Harrington Brande.
I propose to be at least one minute late.
It's only his first day.
Give him time to relax.
But he won't relax.
He's a stuffed shirt. He's bent
double with the chips on his shoulder.
I suppose that's why he's here
and not someone more important.
Than we should be nice to him.
See you later.
- Bye.
Hello, Maria.
Carol, don't forget to ask
Maria about her boyfriend.
I won't.
Hello, Maria.
- Senora.
Maria, you've done it beautifully.
You know you'd make
a fortune in London.
Thank you, senora.
By the way, the new Consul wants
a gardener up at the Casa Breza.
We wondered if perhaps Jos...
- Yes, senora!
He's not working now, is he?
- No, senora.
And he's worked as a gardener before?
Indeed, senora. He's a very good gardener.
Well ask him to be up at the Casa
Breza at six o'clock this evening.
Mr. Brande'll see him when he
gets back from the consulate.
Thank you, senora.
Thank you for thinking of him.
What is your name?
Jos.
Jos Santero, senor.
And you are an expert gardener.
I can dig and hoe,
care for the soil, prune and plant.
But I am not so expert.
- I understood you had experience.
For three years I worked
in the Montaro vineyards.
But there is little work in the hills now.
Have you references?
Please?
A letter from an employer
to testify to your work.
We don't bother
about such things here, senor.
But if you care to ask
Diego Borgano of Montara,
I think he'll speak well of me.
I shall expect you
to work hard, you know.
The pay is 250 pesetas a week.
Do you agree?
I don't quarrel, senor.
Very good.
Be here at eight in the morning.
Thank you.
Father!
Will you help me to make a swing?
I'm afraid not, Nicholas.
It won't take it very long.
- I know, but I've got my work to do.
Remind me about it at the weekend.
Now you run along and play, and I'll
read to you later when you're in bed.
Well?
- I start tomorrow.
Oh, I knew you'd get it.
- How?
The senor could see at once
that you were a good gardener.
He'd have no doubt it all.
- Not everyone thinks as you do.
Well you got the job, didn't you?
What did he say?
What's he like?
Tall.
Deep lines.
He spoke little.
- But you liked him.
I think he may be difficult to please.
But the pay is good.
Better than I hoped.
Enough for us to save?
- If we try.
Thank you.
What have you been writing all afternoon?
- An essay. On Napoleon.
You must be very clever.
- I only wrote a page.
Anyone that writes a page
on Napoleon must be very clever.
Why don't you sit in the sunshine?
- I have to keep out of the sun.
Have you finished your work?
- Yes.
Would you like to come
help me for a little?
Yes, please!
Why not take your jacket off?
Just for a while, eh?
There.
Now, then, do this.
We'll do some digging.
A little at first eh?
What's your name?
- Nicholas.
Mine's Jos.
Silence.
Do you think they'll grow?
- I'm sure, if you plant them well.
Do I?
I like doing it.
Nicholas!
- Father! You're early.
What are you doing?
- They're seedlings. I'm planting them.
But where is your shirt?
And why are you not wearing a hat?
I don't need them.
- Indeed you do.
You must put them on at once.
Or else you must come in.
May I stay, now?
Well, not too long.
I don't want you to get tired.
I won't.
Ah, they've arrived at last.
That's excellent.
Shall I unpack for the senor?
Thank you, Garcia. That's something
that I shall very much enjoy doing myself.
All my personal treasures
are in these boxes.
My pictures, books, manuscripts.
And china.
I've missed them.
Will you ask my son to come in.
I wish to speak to him.
Yes, senor.
Father, Garcia says that...
- Look, Nicholas, they've arrived at last.
All our friends.
Isn't it nice to see them again?
Yes, but Garcia says I've got to come in.
But don't you want to help?
I've got to finish what I'm doing.
I have to water the plants.
Have to?
I employ a gardener to work in the garden.
Yes, but it's my job.
Jos gave it to me.
"Yes-But", "Yes-But."
What's happened to your vocabulary?
Is it possible you prefer working
in the garden to helping me?
Couldn't I help you later, father?
The seedlings will die
if I don't water them.
Oh, very well, Nicholas.
I had been looking forward to doing
this together but it doesn't matter.
I can manage by myself.
- I won't be long.
Garcia.
- Senor?
Is my son in the habit of
working in the garden?
Indeed, every day, senor.
As soon as he's finished his lessons.
He seems to have become very
friendly with the gardener.
Friendly?
Oh yes, they're, they're
continually together, senor.
Indeed?
Father? Father?
Can I go to the pelota?
Pelota?
- Yes.
It's a kind of game they play here.
All the towns in the Costa
Brava are in the league.
Calda, they are the champions,
are meeting San Jorge today.
You are a very knowledgeable young man.
Where does this game take place?
At the frontn. And it's at four o'clock.
Do let's go?
Well, you go and have your rest now.
And we'll see.
- All right.
Thank you, Father.
It will be starting in a moment.
Do you see those two walls?
That one's the frontis,
and that one's the pareo de rebote.
Do you understand the game?
- Yes.
Now you see, now you see why we came.
He's seen us, he's waving.
Jos! Jos!
- Nicholas!
Come on, San Jorge!
Come on, Jos!
We must win.
Come on, Jos! Come on, San Jorge!
Is there anything wrong, Father?
Nothing, except that I
have a splitting headache.
Father.
- Nicholas.
I came to say goodnight.
But you know I always come
to say goodnight to you.
I thought you were angry with me.
Even if I were, Nicholas,
I wouldn't neglect you.
You know that.
You were angry, Father.
Not angry, Nicholas, but disappointed.
Is it because you didn't like the game?
It wasn't the game you
took me to see, was it?
That was a pretence.
It was deceitful.
I wanted it to be a surprise for you.
I thought you'd be proud of him.
Whatever you've thought, Nicolas,
doesn't alter the fact
that you were deceitful.
I'm sorry, Father, I didn't mean to be.
Nicholas.
You and I are alone now,
since your mother left us.
There are times when it isn't easy.
But I've never wavered in
my devotion to your care.
I ask little in return, Nicholas.
But the knowledge of your love.
- I do love you.
I do.
Do you?
This afternoon, I wondered.
It hurt me deeply that my son could
be so thoughtless of my feelings.
I never want to hurt you.
I know you don't.
In future we must be more
careful not to hurt each other.
Yes Father.
I will.
This is quite like old times.
We used to come here
often when the Tenneys...
The garden is looking wonderful, sir.
That's because of Jos.
- Of course.
Do you know he's the
pelota champion here?
He's quite a person in San Jorge.
- Indeed.
It's, it's never struck
me before, Mrs. Burton,
but San Jorge must be
a very dull place for a woman.
Dull? No it isn't,
there are lots of things to do.
Sailing, and swimming...
- And the local movies.
We started a club for the local children.
Ping-pong and that sort of thing.
I make ice cream.
- I try to teach them cricket.
We wondered if perhaps
Nicholas might like to come along.
I, I'm afraid my son is delicate.
It rather rules that out
What a pity, the Tenney children did.
You know, they used to run wild up here.
I kept expecting one of them
to jump out from behind one of the bushes.
Could you get me
another sandwich please, Nicholas.
Jos!
Come over here!
Did you get some big ones?
Can I have a look?
Let's see, let's see them, Jos!
How many did you catch?
Pardon senor.
But I bring you a small gift.
What a lovely present.
Where did you catch them, Jos?
In the place you told me about?
The mill-pond?
- No, Nicco, the deep water higher up.
Nicco?
It's my name for him, senor.
I think you'll enjoy them.
I'm sorry, I never eat freshwater fish
and they're too rich for my son.
Father!
Thank you no, perhaps
you'd care to have them.
No.
- But Father, Jos wants us to have them.
I'm sorry you don't care for them, senor.
With your permission, senor,
I'll take them home.
As you please.
He got up in the dark and
walked miles to get them.
Never mind, Jos.
Have them for your supper.
If you forgive me, sir,
I don't think that was very kind.
I know it isn't my place but...
- No, it isn't, is it Mrs. Burton?
Carol, I think we'd better be going.
Goodbye sir.
- Goodbye, Mr. Brande. -Goodbye, Mrs. Burton.
Goodbye, Burton.
Good of you to have come.
Nicholas.
Your behavior at tea
yesterday was disgraceful.
I've decided that you're spending
too much of your time with the gardener.
It's obviously having a bad effect on you.
Besides, he's interfering with your work.
- But he isn't.
I consider that he is.
I've even thought of dismissing him.
I think that would be cruel, father.
Cruel?
To whom?
To Jos.
He would think he wasn't a good gardener.
If he is to stay, you must give me
your word that you won't talk to him.
Not talk?
But that's silly, father.
Can't I even say "Good morning"?
You are not to exchange
any words with him at all.
If one makes a rule one must abide by it.
Good-bye, Nicholas.
Senor.
- I wish to speak to you.
There is to be no more
conversation between you and Nicholas.
I forbid you to talk to him.
God gave me a tongue, senor.
Do you prohibit me from using it?
As far as my son is concerned, yes.
And under no circumstances
you are to set him to work.
You've been making him dig
and hoe and hack down bushes.
I did it to make him strong.
That is an impertinence.
I'm sorry.
But you can see for yourself.
Already he looks well and strong.
He likes being with me.
- I forbid you to talk to him.
If you do so I shall dismiss you at once.
And another matter. That rockery
I wish to have it cleared away.
Completely cleared.
Proud of your strength, aren't you?
See that you make good job of it.
Jos, I hate to see you working so hard.
I wish I could help you.
This work is nothing. You know
I am as strong as a donkey.
Don't worry so much. Jos
San Jorge, 2-7.
Yes, senor.
- Garcia, I have to go to Madrid.
Tonight, senor?
- Yes, is that you Mrs. Burton?
Mr. Harrington Brande.
May I speak to your husband?
Thank you.
There's plenty of time to catch the late train.
I shall want you to drive me to the station.
And how long will you be away, senor?
Oh, three or four days, but I shall
let you know before I return.
Then I shall pack for you immediately, Sir.
Hello, Burton?
I've just had an urgent letter from Madrid.
They need me there at once.
Yes, by the train tonight.
They wish me to take over.
The Consulship.
Thank you, Burton.
No, there's nothing you can do.
I shall leave him here.
I have every confidence in Garcia.
Good morning, Nicholas.
- Magdalena.
Come now. Here's your breakfast.
- Thank you.
Did Father catch his train last night?
- Yes.
Yes, I'm sure he did.
I didn't hear the car come back.
No, Garcia didn't return last night.
He's gone away.
Gone away?
- To Gerona.
He has friends there.
They have business together.
But Father said Garcia...
- It was very important that he should go.
But there's no need for you
to say anything about it.
How long is he away for?
- Two days, I think.
Nicholas, you're pleased
that he's gone away.
That's not very nice of you.
Anyway, we shall manage
very well together.
Now what would you like for your lunch?
Anything, anything you like.
I'll prepare you something special.
- Thank You.
I am alone with Magdalena for two days
Tomorrow is Sunday
Are you going fishing?
Magdalena! Magdalena!
Brande, my dear fellow.
It's good of you to come so soon.
I didn't expect you till Monday.
I hurried to Madrid naturally
as soon as I heard from you.
I'm very grateful to you.
But I didn't mean to
break your dear weekend.
Please sit down.
Very sad about Tenney, isn't it?
- Yes, indeed.
I'm afraid he's a pretty sick man.
I know that San Jorge does not
exactly overtax your abilities.
That's an understatement, sir.
- So I wanted to know if you'd help us out?
We're unusually busy now.
And as Herbert Meyer
isn't available for a few weeks...
Meyer?
- You knew he'd been appointed.
No, sir.
- But the letter...
Made no reference to Meyer.
It stated that Tenney was sick
and that you wish to see me at once.
I'm terribly sorry about this, Brande.
I should have written to you myself.
I hope you accept my apologies.
And to infer that you intend
using me as a stopgap?
I wouldn't have put it like that.
This is monstrous.
Monstrous? What do
you mean, monstrous?
There's been an unfortunate
misunderstanding for which I apologize.
It's so blatantly unjust.
Mister Brande, in a previous conversation
we discussed your position in the service.
At that time I left many things unsaid.
- Indeed, sir?
You must understand that your academic
qualifications have never been questioned.
That would be difficult,
they are higher than most in the service.
It's as a man that you failed.
Do you consider yourself
the ultimate judge, Sir?
I am as far as the service is concerned.
If that's your only answer I must ask you
to excuse me from deputizing in Madrid.
I ought to report this, but I won't.
Very well, Brande,
go back to San Jorge.
But for Heaven sake,
try to behave like a human being.
Nicco, I'm going to speak to you.
Because not to speak
would be childish and dangerous.
We're going to the river and it's
necessary that I tell you what to do.
But you needn't talk to me.
I'd like to speak too, Jos.
Good. Then we'll be like men
and not like children.
Does anyone live here?
Only the frogs.
I found this place
years ago, when I was about your age.
I often come here fishing.
I caught one!
That's a beauty, Nicco!
Now put him in the shade
and bring me the bait.
Nicco.
Wait 'til you see how good it tastes.
Do you remember catching your first fish?
Oh indeed, I do.
Something you never forget.
What did you do with it?
- I took it home to my mother.
Was she pleased?
- Yes.
She was very proud.
She wanted to keep it forever.
Forever?
Did she?
- No, she fried it for my breakfast.
My mother'd do the same.
Only...
Only what?
- Nothing, really.
Your mother lives in
England, doesn't she Nicco?
In Scotland.
Sometimes she goes away.
She writes to me from
wherever she goes. Long letters.
Will she come to see you here?
No, father says
she won't ever be coming here.
Why not?
- He says it was wrong of her to go away.
But I'm sure she would
never do anything wrong.
No, I'm sure.
Father says I'm the only one he needs now.
You know Nicco, when your father said
we mustn't talk to each other,
I was very angry.
- I was angry, too.
Well, we were both wrong.
I think perhaps it's because...
he's not happy.
He thinks you do not love him enough.
- But I do love him.
I know you do.
This is your first trout, Nicco.
It'll taste different from anything else.
You'll remember it all your life.
Try it.
Oww!
It's hot!
Give me your rod.
- Will you take me again soon, Jos?
Well, I hope so.
- I'll catch even more fish next time.
Well, goodnight Nicco, sleep well.
See you tomorrow, Jos.
- Um hmm.
So you're back!
Come here.
And where've you been?
Go on, in you go.
What've you been doing, eh?
I told you he'd gone fishing.
It's no business of yours.
Fishing.
Where's the fish?
There's a fisherman for you.
Not cleaned, not prepared.
Not prepared for the master's table.
Stop it! Those are my fish! I caught them.
- You caught them.
Would you like me to
cut your head off too?
Garcia, you fool! Leave him!
Silly little brat!
- Garcia, you fool! Go away from there!
I'll teach you to bring back fish.
Jos! Jos!
What's the matter?
Come and sit down.
What's the matter? What's happened?
It was Garcia, he had a knife.
He cut the heads off my fish.
You have to clean them
before you can eat them.
It wasn't that.
He lifted it up and said
he'd cut my head off.
Cut your head off? Now Nicco!
It's true, Jos.
He would have if I hadn't run away.
He followed me
and tried to break down the door.
What door, where?
- Of my bedroom.
I waited till he'd gone,
then I ran and ran.
You must stop crying.
There's no need to be frightened any more.
We'll go back to the house together.
Don't send me back, Jos,
please, don't send me back.
You'll kill me if you do.
Now he won't kill you. That's
silly, he's drunk, perhaps.
He will, he will.
Now stop it, Nicco.
All right, I won't take you back.
We'll go to my house, to my mother.
Will that do?
When you feel better
we can talk about it.
Better?
Come on, let's go.
It's a pity you've got to take him back.
I'm not taking him back tonight.
You can't keep him here.
What about his father.
What would he say?
I don't know, Maria.
We'll know that tomorrow.
But tonight, Nicco stays here.
But ese, what about us?
You've been in trouble with him before.
This time you'll lose your job.
Don't worry about us for a while.
If I lose my job
I'll get another one. That's all.
You've done so much to help him.
- I've won, I've won!
I'd take him back
early tomorrow, Jos.
Yes, I will.
And I'll talk to his father.
Be careful what you say,
for your own sake.
Don't worry.
What is it, senor?
- Garcia, where is my son?
Your son, senor?
- His bed's not been slept in. Where is he?
But I took him to his room myself, senor.
I shut the door.
But he's not there, I tell you.
He came home late last night, senor, I...
- Just a moment.
Forgive me, senor, I should have
told you, you see yesterday I...
That's all, Garcia.
Nicco.
- Yes, Jos.
When your father comes back,
I'll ask to speak to him.
And if you want me, I'll be nearby.
I'm all right I'm not afraid now.
- Good.
Off you go.
Father! I thought...
- Why are you not wearing your shirt?
And where have you been?
- With Jos.
You spent the night in his house?
Will you please explain
why you took advantage of my absence?
I ran away. Garcia frightened me.
He was going to kill me.
What are you talking about?
- He was drunk, father.
Drunk?
- Yes, Jos said so.
Rubbish.
Now let's have the truth.
It is true.
- I don't like defiance.
But, father, you shouldn't say
I'm not telling the truth when I am.
Where does this new boldness come from?
And what has happened
that you disobey me?
But, father...
But what?
I meant to tell you. I thought you...
- You thought.
Perhaps you gave
some thought to your disobedience.
You gave me your word
that you wouldn't speak to that man.
I didn't to start with,
and it seemed very childish.
There was no reason
why we shouldn't talk together.
Those his words or yours?
- Mine, father.
It's pleasing for your father
to see to what a degree
that friendship sprang up
between you and this illiterate lad.
You don't know him.
- I know him better than you think.
The servant who ingratiates himself,
who lies about other servants.
He doesn't lie.
It's Garcia that lies.
He's not good like Jos.
And who are you to say
what's good or bad?
But Garcia had a knife.
He cut the heads off my fish.
The blood ran all down the table.
- You're out of your wits. What fish?
The fish that I caught.
So you went fishing?
- Yes.
With that oaf?
- With Jos. He taught me how to fish.
So, he taught you how to defy
and disobey your father.
Go away from me.
Go to your room.
Why do you want to see him?
You know why I want to see him.
It's about the boy.
Senor?
- What is it?
The gardener wishes to
speak with you, senor.
Get out.
Hello?
Hello!
I want to make a personal
call to a doctor Harvey.
H- A-R...
Good evening.
- Good evening, senor.
The Consul is expecting you, senor.
- Yes, he is.
Harvey!
Thank God you've come.
Would you mind getting my bag, please?
- Certainly, senor.
Brande, my dear fellow,
what's the matter?
It's Nicholas, Harvey.
Nicholas, is he ill?
No, not that, but if ever I
needed your help, it's now.
I got back from Madrid...
Shall I serve dinner, senor?
We'll have it later, shall we?
I'd like a drink and you
can tell me all about it.
I thought of all these
things for a long time.
The flowers that weren't to be picked.
The fish I brought him,
the rocks I had to move.
For no reason.
It's difficult to understand.
He thinks I'm trying to take
the child away from him.
This is madness.
He admits he was wrong
to take Nicky fishing.
But to look after the boy
when he was obviously...
frightened, was an act of simple kindness.
Senor?
- What is it?
Excuse me, senor.
Will you require anything else tonight?
Thank you, Garcia, no.
I don't believe that
Nicholas was frightened.
This pack of lies about Garcia,
the words were put into his mouth.
No. There's no doubt
that he was frightened.
Without much cause I
think, but there it is.
The gardener says he tried
to see you, to explain.
I couldn't trust myself so to speak to him.
The man who's poisoned my son,
made him disobedient and dishonest.
But you'll have to.
- I never wish to see the man again.
After he's gone, perhaps I'll
regain my son's affection.
If you send him away, you'll
lose Nicky's love altogether.
But he must be punished.
Why? Because Nicky enjoys his company?
Or because you're jealous?
- Jealous?
What other reason is there for you to deny
Nicky this perfectly ordinary friendship?
He'd have gained from it, if you'd let him.
- I don't believe it.
It's true.
I warned you. I asked you
to let him see his mother.
I begged you to send him to
school, but you wouldn't listen.
Your love for Nicky was
too selfish and demanding.
No!
Be honest with yourself for once.
You know it's true.
Thank you Harvey, for your advice.
I can't pretend I find
it easy to accept it.
Nor do I believe that
everything you say is true, but...
I do promise that I will do nothing
until I've considered all you said.
Forgive me, you must be tired.
Doctor Harvey asked me to say
goodbye to you. He left early.
I heard his car go.
I thought I'd talk to Mr. Burton today.
About his boy's club.
- Yes, father.
We might go there one evening.
Would you like that?
What about you, father?
You don't like games.
I played cricket for my college, Nicholas.
- Did you, father?
Oh, I shall have to go, now.
I can't find my watch, father.
Never mind. I'll help you
to look for it this evening.
Well, search it.
I prefer senor, you do it.
You sent for me, senor?
Where did you get this? And what've you
done with the other things you've stolen?
I don't understand, senor.
That's your son's watch.
Then perhaps you could explain
how it came to be in your pocket.
It's not possible.
I found it myself,
in the presence of a witness.
If indeed it was in my pocket...
it must have been put
there by someone else.
Put there.
By someone else.
Very convincing answer.
Not the answer you require, perhaps.
- Don't be impertinent.
I demand an explanation
or I shall call the police.
You don't want an explanation.
And you'll call the police whatever I say.
I have never stolen in my life
and I did not steal that watch.
If your friend the Englishman
were here he'd believe me.
How dare you?
How dare you question my integrity?
You insufferable, you clumsy fool. You wormed your way
into my son's affections in order to steal from him.
You'll pay for this!
- Come no closer, senor.
I've no wish to harm you,
but you've said enough.
I don't know what evil loathes in
your mind, but I pity your son.
I shall return to my work.
You must do as you please.
San Jorge 4-9.
All right, senor Brande will see you.
The matter is out of my hands.
Why don't you go to the police?
The police won't listen to us, senor.
He must suffer the
consequences of his own act.
His own act? That's what
we don't understand, senor.
Then his dishonesty must
grieve you. I'm sorry.
He's never done a dishonest
thing in his life.
There's no one in this town
who would doubt his goodness.
Perhaps, until now. He's
stolen many valuable things.
Even my son's watch, though he
pretended affection for him.
Father!
Jos would never steal my watch.
Go to your room.
Maria, where is Jos?
- He's in prison, my child.
They say he stole from this house.
Who says so?
Whoever says so is a liar.
Go to your room.
- He's right. He speaks the truth.
Do as I say, Nicholas!
I'm sorry, but I don't wish to
discuss the matter any further.
Senor, even if you believe he has done it,
can't you find it in your
heart to forgive him?
It would be an act of charity, senor.
By the laws of any country
a thief goes to jail.
Who am I to interfere?
We were foolish to come here.
You're hard and cruel.
Your eyes don't see the tears of others,
and your heart doesn't feel.
The little boy knows who's good and
who's bad because he sees and feels.
He understands already
what kind of man you are.
I must ask you to excuse me,
- They're taking him to the court tomorrow.
You in your high position, senior.
Couldn't you perhaps...?
Senor.
- Where have you been?
I senor? In the town.
- Did you take the car?
It was necessary. Magdalena required
some things for the house.
And why are you so late?
I have some friends there,
I stayed with them for a little.
I hope I haven't inconvenienced
you. Magdalena was here.
You've been drinking?
Senor?
- Have you been drinking?
Well, I'm only human, senor.
The affair of the gardener
has troubled me very much.
I ask your pardon.
- Very well.
If you'll excuse me...
- One moment, listen:
It will be necessary for you to
go to Barcelona tomorrow.
They're taking the gardener to the court.
You'll be required as a witness.
I, senor?
- Yes, you'll come with me.
One other thing. You'll need your
references and identity papers.
That's all.
What are you doing, Nicholas?
- Nothing.
I have to go to Barcelona.
I'll be back this evening.
Is it about Jos?
- Yes
Don't go, father.
Why do you say that?
He'll have a better chance
if you aren't there.
Do you believe that I would be unjust?
- Jos couldn't steal.
If he's innocent he'll get a
chance to prove it at the court.
It won't be for me to say,
- You want them to send him to prison.
Nicholas, you know that to be untrue.
You could stop them if you wanted to.
- If he's a thief he must be punished.
You hate him.
Nicholas, you don't know
what you're saying.
If they hurt him it'll be your fault.
Are those things necessary?
If you require me, senor,
I shall be in the next carriage.
Thank you, Garcia.
Pedro, Pedro, it's me, Nicco.
Did you see Jos before he left?
Yes, I saw him this morning, Nicco.
- Did he send me any message?
Let me see now what was it.
Oh, there was something about a donkey.
Was he frightened?
- No, he wasn't afraid, Nicco.
Isn't there anything we can do?
- No, Nicco, nothing.
But you are his friend
so I can tell you this.
Before now, men have escaped to the hills.
There are places where they can hide.
Jos knows them well.
I went to the Arengo with Jos.
That's in the hills, isn't it?
Yes.
And now you must go
home and forget this.
Jos is good. Jos is good.
Jos is good. Jos is good.
Jos is good. Jos is good.
Can't you see it, father?
Jos couldn't steal.
It's Garcia that lies.
It's Garcia that lies.
I bring you a small gift, Senor.
I bring you a small gift.
Jos belongs to us, doesn't he?
He won the game.
If they hurt him, father,
it will be your fault.
Jos is good.
It is Garcia that lies.
Jealousy has poisoned your mind!
Poisoned! Poisoned! Poisoned!
Wait!
Nicholas, where is he?
He's gone.
- What do you mean "gone"?
Where is he? You must know.
How should we know?
After we got your message we came right
up here. The house was ransacked.
They'd taken everything of value
and gone off in your car.
But where is Nicholas?
We searched everywhere.
The house was empty.
Bob went immediately to
the police, I waited...
It's Garcia. Garcia has taken him!
No, they've caught
Garcia outside Barcelona.
Nicholas wasn't with him.
Magdalena says he ran away.
Ran away?
- Yes, as soon as you'd left.
From me?
They're doing everything they can.
But it isn't easy.
They don't know where to look.
There is one place he could
have gone, it's possible.
Where?
- The Calle Corriente.
Jos's house.
- Yes, he went there before.
But I don't think that...
Would you like me to go?
You can wait here.
No, Mrs. Burton.
Have you seen my son?
Your son, senor?
What about Jos?
What have you done to him?
- We know nothing, senor.
Except that he must hate you as we do.
It is better that you go away.
Jos is innocent. It was Garcia.
I will do everything
possible to make amends.
You say that Jos's
innocence is proved?
Yes.
So the charge against him is withdrawn?
He'll be free?
Senor, he was here,
your son was here.
What did he say?
What did you tell him?
That Jos might go to the hills...
That he might escape.
But where, where would he go?
I, I don't know, senor.
He once went to fish...
at a mill above Santa Christina.
How do I get there?
Jos! Jos!
Can't we get through?
- It's impossible.
I'll give you anything you like!
- Not a question of money, senor.
See for yourself.
Right. Wait here for me, then.
Jos, you got here.
Nicco...
Nicco.
You're hurt.
Why are you here?
What happened?
- It was Pedro. I knew you'd come here.
You came, came by yourself?
Through the storm?
That was very brave of you, Nicco.
What's the matter with your
arm, Jos? Is it broken?
Yes, I think so.
It's my father. It's all his
fault that this has happened.
But your father...
- I don't care about my father.
I hate him.
Nicco, about tomorrow.
Yes?
You'll have to go back.
Go back?
Come here, Nicco.
Listen.
What you've done for me is true friendship.
And I shall always remember it.
But when your father
finds out that you've gone,
he'll be very unhappy.
I don't care if he is,
I want to stay with you.
You can't stay with me for always, Nicco.
You don't love me.
- That's not what I mean.
Then why are you sending me away?
It's not so simple.
To me... your father has shown injustice,
but he loves you.
I don't want his love.
I hate him! I hate him!
It's bad to give hate for love, Nicco.
What has happened between your
father and me is our affair.
Something between grown-ups.
He meant you no harm.
But the things he's done to you.
We must forgive those things.
Don't touch him! I'll kill you if you do!
I hate you! I hate you!
Don't touch him! Don't touch him!
- Don't be afraid.
Jos, I understand
now... what I've done.
Don't believe him, it's a trick!
I know now you're innocent.
Everyone knows.
Forgive me, Jos.
Forgive me.
- Don't believe him!
Forgive me.
- No! No!
You must believe him, Nicco.
Nicholas.
Hold this, will you?
Put it under his arm.
Here, father?
- Yes.
Jos! Jos!
I thought you were never coming!
You're just in time.
- Hello, Nicco.
I've been waiting for you.
How's old Pedro and Maria and all of them?
They're well and they
send their love to you.
And in a few weeks time I
shall be playing pelota again.
Tell me, Nicco. Where's this
place you're going to?
It's Stockholm, that's in Sweden.
And you'll be going to school?
Yes, in England.
- Good!
In the holidays I shall
see my mother again.
Then you'll be happy, hmm?
Yes I quite understand,
but the question of the shipping.
Shall I take that up with Madrid?
Jos.
Yes, senor?
Before leaving...
I wish to thank you, Jos.
And to say... how sorry
I am for what has happened.
Senor...
It's over now.
He's happy.
And soon he'll forget.
He won't forget you.
Nor shall I.
Goodbye, Jos.
Come to the station, Jos.
No, Nicco.
I must stay here in the garden.
I've been away a long time.
There's much to do.
Goodbye, Nicco.
- Goodbye, Jos.
Go on.
edited by Subransu
and Zaphod