I confess that it was with no little impatience4 that I waited for him to finish his meal. All the time he was eating I was thinking of Moira, and wondering whether she was alive or dead. I knew the rough place that she had been taken to. It was as bad a grog shanty5 as there was in the district; a bad place for a man, but a thousand times worse for a woman. A wicked hole to be well in, but to be ill there would be more than awful. When I thought of it, something seemed to say in my brain, “hurry, hurry,” and a feeling of nervous anxiety took hold of me. I bit the stem of my unlit pipe, until I almost bit it through; and it was only by a tremendous effort that I kept myself from urging Flaxman to make haste. But a good meal was essential to him, so I wrestled6 with myself and possessed7 my soul in patience; yet it seemed ages before he rose up and said he was prepared to start; then I was like a colt getting out of a drafting yard when the rails are slipped, and he is allowed to go free.
In a very short while we completed our arrangements, and were in the saddle, waving farewells to our friend the landlord, who called out after us, “Don’t forget to let me know.” So we began our journey back to Montalta, where I was destined8 to go through the most momentous9 event of my life. I could not help contrasting this setting out for the Station that had become so dear to both of us, and where we had spent so many happy and prosperous days, with that of our first start to take possession. Now a feeling was upon me that all this happiness would be changed, and it was a long time before I was able to throw off the sense of apprehension10 that had come over me.
We rode side by side without addressing a word to one another. Doubtless both of us had our minds too full of the errand that was before us. Once or twice I glanced at Flaxman and noted11 how haggard and worn he still looked; and I fancied that I could see tears in his eyes. This was acute pain to me, for I knew that I was greatly to blame in the treatment that I had shown him. How I longed to be able to set aside the past, and return once more to the old feeling of comradeship now gone for ever! Things, I felt, could never be the same again. So it is; a few hasty words spoken in heat and anger, and lifelong friendships are undone13. Now there was nothing for it but to make the best amends14 I could.
It was only when we reached the summit of a high hill, from which a magnificent view of the surrounding country is obtained, that Flaxman spoke12. This particular spot was a great favourite of his, and he never tired of admiring its beauties. He always drew rein15 here to gaze with delight upon the superb prospect16 that lay spread as it were at our feet. Miles upon miles of green grass dotted everywhere with blue gums and oaks, while in the far distance towered the ranges outlined against the azure17 sky. What an expanse of earth and sky it was, majestic18 in its sublime19 grandeur20! The road or track that we followed passed at the edge of a steep hill, which dropped away for about six or seven hundred feet. Blue gums and mulga scrub clothed its side, interspersed22 here and there with great grey boulders23. At the foot of this hill was the green valley, made exceptionally charming and fresh by the recent rains. As far as the eye could reach was sunlight and colour, and not a living creature, save an old-man kangaroo, who suddenly caught sight of us and lopped lazily away down the hillside. All around we could hear the cicalas busily chirruping among the trees, and the chatter24 of the parakeets, and occasionally the call of an old crow engaged somewhere near in the wattle bushes.
Flaxman was an artist and a good judge of views, and this one pleased him more than any other. This time he stopped, and I followed his example, although I was all impatience to bring our journey to an end, and was in no mood, on this occasion, to discuss the beauties of Nature.
He sat perfectly25 still on his horse for three or four minutes, gazing over the beautiful scene, and taking in all its glories.
“Oh, what a view it is, old boy,” he said, and turned to me as if he wished me to endorse26 what he said, “and to think that it is the last time that I shall ever look upon it.”
“What on earth are you talking about,” I answered. “Why, my dear chap, you’ll see it again hundreds of times.”
“No, George, I’ve a feeling in my inmost soul that I shall never see it again. I don’t know what it is that makes me think this, but it is so. You have always laughed at my superstitions27, as you are pleased to call them, yet, so certain am I of what I say, that I have taken the precaution of writing a letter to you which I want you to act upon, if anything happens to me. We have been such awfully28 good friends, old man, that I could die perfectly happy knowing that you will carry out my wishes. Will you promise me to do so?”
“Of course I will. But really you must not talk like this. I am certain that you will live for years yet to enjoy your success. You are seedy and worn out, and things that have happened have got on your nerves. Let’s hurry up and get back to the Station. It makes me miserable29 to see you so glum30.”
“My dear old friend,” he answered, while he looked at me with the old affectionate smile that I knew so well, “our life has been a very happy one together, until--until--forgive me for saying it, until you brought Moira back with you; since then I have not had a moment’s peace of mind. You will wonder at my saying this, but when you know all you will not be surprised, but don’t think that I was in love with her, for nothing in the world would give me greater pleasure than to see you two married, if such a thing could be possible, and I earnestly hope that I shall live to have my wish gratified.”
To say that I was surprised at the turn the conversation had taken was to put it too mildly. I was amazed; I could find nothing to answer, but only sat like an idiot gazing at him in astonishment31.
“You look as if you imagine I am mad, George, but I’m not, I never was so sane32 in my life. I know that you thought I was in love with Moira, but I was not. I had the greatest admiration33 and affection for her, and when you know all you will appreciate my position. But I can only tell you of one incident in my career--I have a wife. It’s impossible for me to tell you more now, for the subject is one that is far too painful to me, but some day you will know everything and can judge my actions for yourself.”
I couldn’t answer a word, I was dumb-founded. I tried to stammer34 out a few sentences, but the words stuck in my throat. What a fool I had made of myself all through! What a jealous, unreasonable35 brute36 I had been! I could have kicked myself for my idiocy37. To think that in my blundering folly38 I should have attributed motives39 to him which were entirely40 foreign to his mind! I felt more contemptible41 than it was possible to say.
However, I managed to bring the talk into another channel, and as we started once more on our homeward journey, I informed him that I had seen Braithwaite, who was coming up in a few hours to the Station to stay with us, and would bring the doctor with him.
At last we came in sight of the Station, and drew up at the slip-rails of the horse paddock, removed our saddles and bridles42, then sent the horses loose, and made for the house.
With mixed feelings I gazed upon our home once again. It seemed to me that I had been away months and months. How delightfully44 peaceful and quiet it looked, nestling in a wealth of peppermint45, orange, and loquat trees, with here and there great gums, and tall feathery bamboos. The shady walks and neat flower-beds filled with great masses of colour, which poured out the sweetest fragrance46, all told of the unceasing care and attention paid to the place. The broad verandah, which was built round the house, covered with roses and creepers of all kinds, looked so cool and delightfully homelike, with its striped awnings47, that one felt tempted48 to throw oneself into the deepest and easiest of the big wicker chairs which stood so invitingly49 about, and sink contentedly50 into a doze51, lulled52 softly by the humming of the innumerable insects among the trees.
But no, there was a much more important matter to be attended to; so, after giving orders that the tray buggy should be made ready, with a mattress53 laid on it, so that Moira might travel with all the comfort possible, I went to my bedroom, and after taking a refreshing54 bath, dressed myself for the journey, and made my way to the verandah, where I found Flaxman also prepared to start.
I had already given instructions that Moira’s bedroom should be prepared and everything made ready to receive her, and a note was sent off to the overseer’s wife at the distant homestead, asking her to come over and see that Miss Pendragon wanted for nothing. She was a very nice little woman, devoted55 to Flaxman and myself, and I knew that she would do all that lay in her power to help us, for she was extremely fond of Moira.
At last we were ready to start. Flaxman was to drive the buggy, while I rode old Ready, a big brown horse, a particular favourite of mine, who had carried me for many weary miles on some of our hardest days’ mustering56 at the distant parts of the run.
Snowball, of course, who was already waiting for us at the slip-panels, would trot57 patiently at our side, never tiring; he was one of the cleverest trackers it was ever my lot to meet, and nothing in the world could put him off. So we started, and I was glad to feel that it would not be many hours before Moira would be safe once again under our roof. Both of us were eager beyond words to reach the “Bushman’s Rest,” as the grog shanty was so grandiloquently58 called, though it belied59 its name most terribly, for the man who entered its portals knew no rest whatever, at least not until the amount of his cheque was liquidated60 in more senses than one.
When we left the vicinity of the Station, our route lay through the scrub, and then over broad green stretches of pasture land, right at the outlying portion of our run. As we journeyed along we happened to come across herds61 of our cattle, in such gorgeous condition that I could not resist the temptation to stop and call Flaxman’s attention to them, for within a week or so we were to begin mustering a big mob of fat cattle for the market, and in my mind’s eye I saw good prices and large cheques. The excellent rains so recently fallen had produced abundant and luscious62 herbage, and on all sides the stock gave evidence of doing as well as the most exacting63 of breeders could wish. There was an indescribable charm and delight in gazing upon the splendid beasts lazily feeding on the tender and nutritive grass, the while they swished the flies off their sleek64 sides with their long tails and moved slowly on a few paces, or raised their heads and lowed to another, while some stood knee deep in the reed-fringed pools, their goodly proportions reflected in the clear water.
There is no picture that can give greater pleasure than that of seeing one’s property improving every day, and in my case I had the best of reasons to be satisfied on this score.
After leaving these fresh and fertile pastures we struck our boundary, when the aspect of the country began to change. In place of the delightful43 green of the watered lands, we began to see the sand, while the scrub became denser65; then, as we ascended66 to the ranges, we came across great grey boulders.
“The Bushman’s Rest” still lay some miles to the north, and it meant climbing up for about three miles and then descending68. On every side we saw mulga scrub and spinnifex, and here and there a stunted69 gum. We had to pick our way pretty carefully now, as the ground was strewn with large rocks and the going for the buggy was not of the pleasantest, but it was the quickest route to take us to Moira, and that was enough for us. After what Flaxman told me during the early part of the day I felt almost light-hearted, so I told myself that if all was well I would ask Moira to become my wife at the earliest possible moment. The very thought of it urged me on.
It took us a long time to reach the highest point that we had to get over; at last, however, we began to descend67, and before long we dived once more into the scrub. All the time Snowball was guiding us; soon we came to a clearing, and here he informed us was the spot that O’Connor had chosen to attack Moira. Neither of us spoke, but Flaxman urged the horses on as if the place was accursed. Within another hour we were near enough to see the corrugated70 iron building that was our destination. It stood upon an eminence71 quite devoid72 of trees, or indeed any growth, but the very coarsest of grass. From its position it commanded the most wonderful view for miles and miles over an immense tract73 of country.
The position chosen was an excellent one; the shanty was to be seen for a very considerable distance by any travellers on the coach track that passed in front of the building, and as the place depended upon the custom of the wayfarer74 for what little trade it did, this was most important.
It was by no means an imposing75 hostelry, as apart from its blatant76 ugliness it stood sadly in need of repair. On the facia board was painted, evidently by an amateur hand, “The Bushman’s Rest. Good accommodation for man and beast.” This board was of the rottenest description, and in imminent77 danger of falling upon the head of the unwary customer beneath. Nearly all the windows were broken, and the doors and frames were fast decaying for want of paint, while what little paint-work there was had been burnt and blistered78 by the heat beyond recognition. In fact, the whole building was warped79 and twisted from the same cause, for the whole strength of the sun fell directly upon it, there being no shade whatsoever80 from morning till night.
A verandah was erected81 in the front of the place, which consisted of about half a dozen rough tree stems, supporting a sloping iron roof, and rough boards for flooring, many of which had decayed and fallen in, leaving a nasty hole to catch the foot of the intoxicated82 customer.
An old barrel turned on its side, at one end of the verandah, did duty as a kennel83 for a savage84 mongrel dog on a chain, who did not disguise his animosity to us. On the right hand side of the building a tin shed was erected, which went by the name of “The Deadhouse,” where the gentle customer was deposited to sleep off the drunken frenzy85 that always succeeds a too liberal imbibing86 of the vile87 concoction88 that passes for whisky at these hells.
Even as we arrived terrific yells and cursings emanated89 from this shed, telling only too well the state of its occupant. A man, evidently a station hand, reclined in a drunken stupor90 upon a bench on the verandah, while another supported himself against one of the tree stems that did duty as a pillar. His face bore signs of a recent bout21, for it was ashen91 grey, and the eyes were sunken and bloodshot to the last degree. Altogether it was a beastly sight, but yet one that we had grown accustomed to see at these places, and if it had not been that Moira was lying ill here, we should have thought little of it. As it was, I felt eager to go up and kick the drunken brutes92 away, and take the proprietor93 by the neck and give him the soundest hiding he had ever had in his life. My heart sank when I thought of what Moira might have to listen to in this abominable94 place. Many a time I have ridden by these grog shanties95, and heard some poor devil howling and shrieking96 in delirium97 in the “deadhouse”; while the landlord calmly sits in the verandah and smokes his pipe, no doubt speculating as to how much he could rob the poor brute of from the cheque which he handed him when he arrived--perhaps the fruits of months of hard work at some neighbouring station.
These places are one of the curses of Australia, and a never-ceasing anxiety to the authorities, for they do an incalculable amount of harm; yet, notwithstanding the risks they run, these blackguards, by their nefarious99 doings, manage to secure huge profits and retire on a handsome competency.
When he heard us pull up before the entrance, the proprietor came out on the verandah, and regarded us with a curious expression on his surly countenance100, the while he puffed101 clouds of foul102 smoke from the foulest103 of pipes.
I knew the fellow well. Many a time I had had cause to remonstrate104 forcibly with him, on account of his having given the black boys liquor, and on more than one occasion we had almost come to blows over the matter.
He was as bad a rascal105 as any in the district, and half the discontent and strikes among the station hands emanated from his fertile brain. He set up as a politician, but in fact he was merely an agitator106, and a lazy and blackguard one at that.
However, on this occasion it behoved me to be very cautious in my dealings with the worthy107, until I had ascertained108 what treatment he had meted109 out to Moira, for if he had behaved decently, then he should have sound compensation; but, on the other hand, if he had neglected her--well--I should break his neck.
In response to my “Good afternoon,” he gave a surly grunt110. I then dismounted and gave the horse into Snowball’s charge, and stepped up on to the verandah.
“Snowball here tells me that you have been kind enough to take a lady in, who was injured in the Bush. That is so, is it not?”
“Yes, it is,” he replied, while he blew his filthy111 smoke almost into my face, “and a tarnation nuisance she’s been, I can tell you, shrieking and shouting, like a mad cow. Blest if I shan’t lose my license112 if the police hear of it, for they’ll be after thinkin’ I’m allowing drunkeness on the premises113.”
At this moment a piercing yell came from the “deadhouse.”
I looked at the rascal before me, but he didn’t move a muscle.
“What’s that then?” I asked meaningly.
“Oh, that’s a dog I keeps there for protection.”
I looked him fair in the eye, which meant that he was a liar114 as plain as a look could mean it. He couldn’t face me after this; muttering something about fetching his missis, he went into the house.
I cooled my heels for a few minutes listening to the deep snoring of the purple--faced drunkard on the seat near me. Inside I could hear a muttered conversation taking place, evidently between the proprietor and his wife, and after a while she appeared, wiping her hands on the dirtiest of aprons115.
She was a huge, raw-boned woman, with thin black hair combed tightly back over her skull116, her eyes were jet black and protruded117 slightly, while one was ornamented118 with a blue and green bruise119, and she had also lost one of her front teeth, both of which defects I put down to her lord and master. The sleeves of her bodice were tucked up, and her arms, though thin, were muscular as a man’s. Altogether she looked an ugly customer to tackle, and I confess that I would much rather have discussed the subject with the husband than with the wife.
Yet, as it proved, there was a rough kindness about her that one would never have expected from her appearance. She told me how ill Moira had been, and that she had insisted on her being put to bed despite her husband’s objection, whom she spoke of as a dirty dog before his face, at which he scowled120 menacingly, and I saw prospects121 of a big battle when we departed.
It appeared that Moira had been insensible for more than twenty hours from concussion122 of the brain, and that even now she was in a feeble state. I was taken in to see her, and was shocked at her appearance. She seemed pleased to see me, and softly pressed my hand when I told her that we had come to take her back to the Station.
It took about half an hour to get her ready for the journey back to Montalta, but it seemed hours before we were informed that all preparations were completed. We had her wrapped in blankets that we brought with us, and then Flaxman and I carried her as tenderly as we possibly could to the buggy, and laid her upon the mattress, and placed pillows under her head. When this was satisfactorily accomplished123, and she was as comfortable as possible under the circumstances, I returned to the house. Without addressing the landlord, I enquired124 what sum would compensate125 them for the trouble they had been put to on Moira’s account. Hereupon the man demanded twenty pounds, but the woman immediately shut him up, and ordered him from the room, and it was curious to note how meekly126 he obeyed her. When we were alone together I handed her ten pounds, and offered my thanks for the kindness she had shown to the injured girl.
“Don’t thank me, sir,” she said, as she took the money and placed it in a mysterious pocket. “I would not take anything at all, only things are so very bad one way and another. I was right down sorry, and my heart ached for the young lady, sir. I can tell you that it was just lucky Snowball came when he did, and she was brought here, for she’d have died in the scrub for a certainty. Although this ain’t the place for the likes of her, yet it’s a mighty127 sight better than lying in the Bush. She’ll soon get well when she can have better food and rest.”
“That we shall most certainly give her,” I replied, making my way to the door, for I was very anxious to get off.
“Before you go, sir, I’d like to tell you something,” she said, dropping her voice so that no one might overhear her words. “The young lady has been here before, it was some months ago. Bob, that’s my dog of a husband, was powerful bad after a liquor bout, and gave me a murderous cruel blow over the head with an axe128, which fair knocked me out. If he hadn’t been in liquor he wouldn’t have had the pluck to do it. Well, when I came to my senses I opens my eyes to find this young lady bathing my head and nursing me like an angel. Yes, in this black, dirty hole. A wicked place for a dog, let alone a human being. I’ve known better days myself, and I can tell you I was just struck dumb to see her pretty face a-bending over me.”
“How did she come to be here?” I inquired eagerly.
“Why, she came with her husband, Flash Jim; he was killed in the Bush by lightning two or three days after he left here, and from all accounts it served him right, for I never in the whole of my natural came near such a dirty blackguard. Yet they tells me he was a gentleman born, and powerful rich once, and kept racehorses, down Melbourne way. But he weren’t powerful rich here, for they’d neither of ’em got more than they stood up in.”
“Was he cruel to her?”
“Cruel! Lord, man, he was a devil, especially in his cups. She told me, poor soul, that she expected he would kill her one day, and she his wife! Only a chit of a thing hardly out of the nursery.”
“The brute! But can you tell me where they were going then?”
“Bob, that’s my man, says they was agoing to meet a cove2 named Black, least--ways he was, and she had to go where he wanted, poor child. I don’t know what the game was, but Black is a wrong ’un of the worst kind, and Flash Jim, well, he was as bad, so I’ve no doubt they’d got a nice piece of devilry on. In her illness she would call out, ‘George, George, don’t, don’t let him come near me; he’ll kill me, he’ll kill me,’ and I guessed that was about true, but who George is, Lord only knows.”
I turned away to hide the emotion that these few words brought to me. Thank God, then, I was in her thoughts, if it was only in her delirium.
How I longed to be able to take her in my arms, and speak to her of my love, and tell her how much she was to me, that I could not live without her, and implore129 her to marry me. Somehow I had always expected that she would prove to be the wife of the man who was killed by lightning, but now that he was dead she was free, and I could make her life happy, affording some recompense for the misery130 and cruelty that she had so long been subjected to.
But I had to put these thoughts from me for the present. We must get her back to the Station, and make her well once more. Then--then--I could speak, but not before.
I held out my hand to the landlady131, who took it in her hard one and shook it warmly, while I fancied I saw tears in her eyes.
“It’s my hope, sir,” she said, “that the young lady will soon be well again and safe from these rough brutes. God knows, she’s seen enough of sorrow.”
“Thank you, thank you,” I replied, and went to the door. I quickly mounted my horse, and we set off, the landlady standing98 on the verandah watching us until we were out of sight.
We went back by the route which would prove easiest for the invalid132, and it was quite dark before we arrived at the Station, to find the Doctor awaiting us with Braithwaite.
Moira was at once put to bed, and the Doctor attended her, while we waited with impatience for the result of his diagnosis133.
In the meantime our meal was prepared, and, having changed our clothes, we sat down to it. We were just about to commence, when the Doctor entered the room and informed us that the patient had borne the journey satisfactorily and was going on well. More than that, he promised us that in less than a fortnight, with proper care and attention, she would be about again. The blows that O’Connor had given her had been serious, but, thanks to an excellent constitution, we might expect to see a complete recovery.
I was delighted to hear the report, and promised myself that I would see that everything possible was done to hasten this desirable result.
We were a pleasant little party to sit down to our substantial meal, and nothing was wanting to make it thoroughly134 enjoyable. Many and varied135 were the topics of conversation that we discussed, for both Braithwaite and the Doctor had been through queer experiences and each could tell a good yarn136. So the time passed very pleasantly.
Having at last satisfied the pangs137 of hunger, we betook ourselves to the verandah, where we discussed all points in connection with the recent occurrences while smoking our pipes and sipping138 our grogs.
Braithwaite informed us that he had brought with him two homing pigeons that we were to keep handy, and on the first sight of Vandergrave, or any other of his crew, were to set free, and directly they returned to the police station the Superintendent139 would know that his services were required, and would set out forthwith.
This was a most satisfactory scheme, and I felt that I could now sleep easily in my bed, knowing that in the event of trouble arising I could communicate at once with the authorities.
As we sat in our easy chairs and smoked unceasingly, the full moon began to rise over the distant ranges and to flood the intervening landscape with its mellow140 light. How beautiful it made everything appear! There was something most exquisitely141 peaceful in looking at the long shadows cast by the trees and bushes across the well--cut lawns, and then away over the undulating plains, dotted here and there with gums standing out like grey ghosts, and, above all, the majestic moon hanging in the heavens, a ball of gold. All around us the flowers gave out their sweetest perfumes, and not a sound was heard.
As I watched there came over me a feeling of intense peace and thankfulness that all had turned out so well.
How little did I know that it was but the calm before the storm, how little did I reckon on the awful occurrences that were about to take place, deeds that would change the whole tenor142 of my existence, and leave an abiding143 sorrow never to be put out of my mind! However, at that time, I saw only peace and comfort before me.
I was aroused from my reverie by a prolonged snore from the Doctor, which warned me that the hour was late. Looking at my watch I found it was one o’clock, whereupon I roused myself and suggested bed.
As we were all agreeable, we turned in, and before long the entire place was wrapped in slumber144.
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
dignified
|
|
| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
cove
|
|
| n.小海湾，小峡谷 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
divulge
|
|
| v.泄漏(秘密等)；宣布，公布 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
impatience
|
|
| n.不耐烦，急躁 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
shanty
|
|
| n.小屋，棚屋；船工号子 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
wrestled
|
|
| v.（与某人）搏斗( wrestle的过去式和过去分词 )；扭成一团；扭打；（与…）摔跤 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
possessed
|
|
| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
destined
|
|
| adj.命中注定的；(for)以…为目的地的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
momentous
|
|
| adj.重要的，重大的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
apprehension
|
|
| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
noted
|
|
| adj.著名的，知名的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
spoke
|
|
| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
undone
|
|
| a.未做完的，未完成的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
amends
|
|
| n. 赔偿 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
rein
|
|
| n.疆绳，统治，支配；vt.以僵绳控制，统治 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
prospect
|
|
| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
azure
|
|
| adj.天蓝色的，蔚蓝色的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
majestic
|
|
| adj.雄伟的，壮丽的，庄严的，威严的，崇高的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
sublime
|
|
| adj.崇高的，伟大的；极度的，不顾后果的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
grandeur
|
|
| n.伟大，崇高，宏伟，庄严，豪华 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
bout
|
|
| n.侵袭，发作；一次(阵，回)；拳击等比赛 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
interspersed
|
|
| adj.[医]散开的；点缀的v.intersperse的过去式和过去分词 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
boulders
|
|
| n.卵石( boulder的名词复数 )；巨砾；（受水或天气侵蚀而成的）巨石；漂砾 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
chatter
|
|
| vi.／n.喋喋不休；短促尖叫；(牙齿)打战 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
perfectly
|
|
| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
endorse
|
|
| vt.(支票、汇票等)背书，背署；批注；同意 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
superstitions
|
|
| 迷信，迷信行为( superstition的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
awfully
|
|
| adv.可怕地，非常地，极端地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
miserable
|
|
| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
glum
|
|
| adj.闷闷不乐的，阴郁的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
astonishment
|
|
| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
sane
|
|
| adj.心智健全的，神志清醒的，明智的，稳健的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
admiration
|
|
| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
stammer
|
|
| n.结巴，口吃；v.结结巴巴地说 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
unreasonable
|
|
| adj.不讲道理的，不合情理的，过度的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
brute
|
|
| n.野兽，兽性 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
idiocy
|
|
| n.愚蠢 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
folly
|
|
| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
motives
|
|
| n.动机，目的( motive的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
entirely
|
|
| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
contemptible
|
|
| adj.可鄙的，可轻视的，卑劣的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
bridles
|
|
| 约束( bridle的名词复数 )； 限动器； 马笼头； 系带 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
delightful
|
|
| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
delightfully
|
|
| 大喜，欣然 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
peppermint
|
|
| n.薄荷，薄荷油，薄荷糖 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
fragrance
|
|
| n.芬芳，香味，香气 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
awnings
|
|
| 篷帐布 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
tempted
|
|
| v.怂恿（某人）干不正当的事；冒…的险（tempt的过去分词） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
invitingly
|
|
| adv. 动人地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
contentedly
|
|
| adv.心满意足地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
doze
|
|
| v.打瞌睡；n.打盹，假寐 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
lulled
|
|
| vt.使镇静，使安静（lull的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
mattress
|
|
| n.床垫，床褥 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
refreshing
|
|
| adj.使精神振作的，使人清爽的，使人喜欢的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
devoted
|
|
| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
mustering
|
|
| v.集合，召集，集结（尤指部队）( muster的现在分词 )；（自他人处）搜集某事物；聚集；激发 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
trot
|
|
| n.疾走，慢跑；n.老太婆；现成译本；(复数）trots:腹泻（与the 连用）；v.小跑，快步走，赶紧 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
grandiloquently
|
|
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
belied
|
|
| v.掩饰( belie的过去式和过去分词 )；证明（或显示）…为虚假；辜负；就…扯谎 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
liquidated
|
|
| v.清算( liquidate的过去式和过去分词 )；清除（某人）；清偿；变卖 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
herds
|
|
| 兽群( herd的名词复数 )； 牧群； 人群； 群众 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
luscious
|
|
| adj.美味的；芬芳的；肉感的，引与性欲的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
exacting
|
|
| adj.苛求的，要求严格的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
sleek
|
|
| adj.光滑的，井然有序的；v.使光滑，梳拢 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
denser
|
|
| adj. 不易看透的, 密集的, 浓厚的, 愚钝的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
ascended
|
|
| v.上升，攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
descend
|
|
| vt./vi.传下来，下来，下降 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
68
descending
|
|
| n. 下行 adj. 下降的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
69
stunted
|
|
| adj.矮小的；发育迟缓的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
70
corrugated
|
|
| adj.波纹的；缩成皱纹的；波纹面的；波纹状的v.（使某物）起皱褶(corrugate的过去式和过去分词) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
71
eminence
|
|
| n.卓越，显赫；高地，高处；名家 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
72
devoid
|
|
| adj.全无的，缺乏的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
73
tract
|
|
| n.传单，小册子，大片(土地或森林) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
74
wayfarer
|
|
| n.旅人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
75
imposing
|
|
| adj.使人难忘的，壮丽的，堂皇的，雄伟的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
76
blatant
|
|
| adj.厚颜无耻的；显眼的；炫耀的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
77
imminent
|
|
| adj.即将发生的，临近的，逼近的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
78
blistered
|
|
| adj.水疮状的，泡状的v.（使）起水泡( blister的过去式和过去分词 )；（使表皮等）涨破，爆裂 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
79
warped
|
|
| adj.反常的；乖戾的；（变）弯曲的；变形的v.弄弯，变歪( warp的过去式和过去分词 )；使（行为等）不合情理，使乖戾， | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
80
whatsoever
|
|
| adv.（用于否定句中以加强语气）任何；pron.无论什么 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
81
ERECTED
|
|
| adj. 直立的，竖立的，笔直的 vt. 使 ... 直立，建立 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
82
intoxicated
|
|
| 喝醉的，极其兴奋的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
83
kennel
|
|
| n.狗舍，狗窝 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
84
savage
|
|
| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
85
frenzy
|
|
| n.疯狂，狂热，极度的激动 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
86
imbibing
|
|
| v.吸收( imbibe的现在分词 )；喝；吸取；吸气 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
87
vile
|
|
| adj.卑鄙的，可耻的，邪恶的；坏透的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
88
concoction
|
|
| n.调配(物)；谎言 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
89
emanated
|
|
| v.从…处传出，传出( emanate的过去式和过去分词 )；产生，表现，显示 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
90
stupor
|
|
| v.昏迷；不省人事 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
91
ashen
|
|
| adj.灰的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
92
brutes
|
|
| 兽( brute的名词复数 )； 畜生； 残酷无情的人； 兽性 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
93
proprietor
|
|
| n.所有人；业主；经营者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
94
abominable
|
|
| adj.可厌的，令人憎恶的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
95
shanties
|
|
| n.简陋的小木屋( shanty的名词复数 )；铁皮棚屋；船工号子；船歌 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
96
shrieking
|
|
| v.尖叫( shriek的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
97
delirium
|
|
| n. 神智昏迷,说胡话;极度兴奋 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
98
standing
|
|
| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
99
nefarious
|
|
| adj.恶毒的，极坏的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
100
countenance
|
|
| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
101
puffed
|
|
| adj.疏松的v.使喷出( puff的过去式和过去分词 )；喷着汽（或烟）移动；吹嘘；吹捧 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
102
foul
|
|
| adj.污秽的；邪恶的；v.弄脏；妨害；犯规；n.犯规 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
103
foulest
|
|
| adj.恶劣的( foul的最高级 )；邪恶的；难闻的；下流的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
104
remonstrate
|
|
| v.抗议，规劝 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
105
rascal
|
|
| n.流氓；不诚实的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
106
agitator
|
|
| n.鼓动者；搅拌器 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
107
worthy
|
|
| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
108
ascertained
|
|
| v.弄清，确定，查明( ascertain的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
109
meted
|
|
| v.（对某人）施以，给予（处罚等）( mete的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
110
grunt
|
|
| v.嘟哝；作呼噜声；n.呼噜声，嘟哝 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
111
filthy
|
|
| adj.卑劣的；恶劣的，肮脏的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
112
license
|
|
| n.执照，许可证，特许；v.许可，特许 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
113
premises
|
|
| n.建筑物，房屋 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
114
liar
|
|
| n.说谎的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
115
aprons
|
|
| 围裙( apron的名词复数 )； 停机坪，台口（舞台幕前的部份） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
116
skull
|
|
| n.头骨；颅骨 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
117
protruded
|
|
| v.（使某物）伸出，（使某物）突出( protrude的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
118
ornamented
|
|
| adj.花式字体的v.装饰，点缀，美化( ornament的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
119
bruise
|
|
| n.青肿，挫伤；伤痕；vt.打青；挫伤 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
120
scowled
|
|
| 怒视，生气地皱眉( scowl的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
121
prospects
|
|
| n.希望，前途(恒为复数) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
122
concussion
|
|
| n.脑震荡；震动 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
123
accomplished
|
|
| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
124
enquired
|
|
| 打听( enquire的过去式和过去分词 )； 询问； 问问题； 查问 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
125
compensate
|
|
| vt.补偿，赔偿；酬报 vi.弥补；补偿；抵消 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
126
meekly
|
|
| adv.温顺地，逆来顺受地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
127
mighty
|
|
| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
128
axe
|
|
| n.斧子；v.用斧头砍，削减 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
129
implore
|
|
| vt.乞求，恳求，哀求 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
130
misery
|
|
| n.痛苦，苦恼，苦难；悲惨的境遇，贫苦 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
131
landlady
|
|
| n.女房东，女地主 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
132
invalid
|
|
| n.病人，伤残人；adj.有病的，伤残的；无效的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
133
diagnosis
|
|
| n.诊断，诊断结果，调查分析，判断 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
134
thoroughly
|
|
| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
135
varied
|
|
| adj.多样的，多变化的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
136
yarn
|
|
| n.纱，纱线，纺线；奇闻漫谈，旅行轶事 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
137
pangs
|
|
| 突然的剧痛( pang的名词复数 )； 悲痛 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
138
sipping
|
|
| v.小口喝，呷，抿( sip的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
139
superintendent
|
|
| n.监督人，主管，总监；(英国)警务长 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
140
mellow
|
|
| adj.柔和的；熟透的；v.变柔和；(使)成熟 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
141
exquisitely
|
|
| adv.精致地；强烈地；剧烈地；异常地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
142
tenor
|
|
| n.男高音（歌手），次中音（乐器），要旨，大意 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
143
abiding
|
|
| adj.永久的，持久的，不变的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
144
slumber
|
|
| n.睡眠，沉睡状态 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |