Macpherson had refused to make any change in his own costume. His r?le was that of a French soldier on his way to Londonderry--in such a character De Laprade′s passport would lend verisimilitude to his story, if there were any learned enough to read it, about which he had his misgiving8. Gervase was to act apparently9 as his guide, and in such character the old soldier did not doubt but that with ordinary discretion10, they might smuggle11 themselves though the Irish lines if the investment had been completed. If they failed, there was some chance that the stab of a pike or the end of a rope would put a stop to their further adventures in this world.
Notwithstanding, Gervase was in high spirits at starting. He was now completely recovered from his wound, and the eight days′ confinement13 had made the anticipation14 of action and enterprise doubly welcome. He revelled15 in the fresh spring wind that blew softly across the bog16 and heathy mountain side, and could with difficulty restrain his horse to keep pace with Macpherson, who trudged18 at his side with a long swinging stride.
The hedges were green with verdure, and the sunshine touched with a warmer colour the bog myrtle and flowering blackthorn in which the birds were busy building. It was hard to realize that dangers were spread round them on every side, and that the entire country was up in arms 83in a quarrel that could have no end, till one of the combatants went down utterly19. Even Macpherson, whose feelings were not easily moved, was affected20 by the brightness of the morning and the beauty of the scene. His emotions took their own method of expression. For a time he had been entirely21 silent, or replied only in monosyllables, as if engrossed22 in his own secret meditations23, when suddenly he began to sing in loud resonant24 tones:
“The Lord doth reign25 and clothed is He
With majesty26 most bright.”
When he had finished he threw up his beaver with an air of jubilant exultation27.
“There, young sir, is a song for you to sing when you are merry; that eases the oppressed heart, and runs along the nerves and sinews, strengthening them to acts of endurance and valour. Were I a maker28 of songs these were the verses I should write--great words wherewith to hammer out a weapon.”
“I cannot help thinking,” said Gervase, “of the song poor Ralston was singing as we passed this way, hardly a fortnight ago. We little thought then that you and I should return alone.”
“They did their duty,” Macpherson answered, “and died in doing it; brave men want no more. I hope I shall not flinch29 when my time comes, as come it will, and that shortly. I have gotten the message and it doth not sadden me.”
Gervase looked at him inquiringly, but he offered 84no explanation of his mysterious speech and again relapsed into silence.
They continued their journey till noon, when they halted to refresh themselves, Macpherson asserting that if it were not for his great boots he would as readily walk as ride.
On resuming their march Gervase insisted on Macpherson taking his turn upon horseback, which the latter did very unwillingly30.
“One horse to two is out of all reason,” he said. “You are yet too soft for this work and your wilfulness31 will bring its own punishment.”
And Gervase found his words come true. Long after his strength had exhausted32 itself, he found himself toiling33 by Macpherson′s side, too proud to own his weakness and determined34 to keep on till he dropped from sheer fatigue35. Macpherson watched him for a while in silence, with the flicker36 of a grim smile playing about his lips. Then he spoke37;
“′Tis ever wise to confess your weakness in the ear of a friend--keep your bold looks and your wooden guns for the enemy. My dear lad, thou art but pickling a rod for thine own whipping, and that to serve no good or wise purpose. Thank Heaven, I am stout38 of limb, and nought39 can tire me; but for you, your bones are still soft, and I would not have you again a burden on my hands. There is no need for immediate40 haste, for we can accomplish to-morrow all that we might do to-day. Then mount, and let us proceed leisurely41.”
That day they made good progress, and by nightfall 85were a considerable distance on their journey. By the next evening they hoped to reach the ford42 of the Finn. But in the meantime it was necessary to pass the night under the open sky, for the country was completely deserted43, and nowhere within sight was there trace of a human dwelling44-place--only broad tracts45 of rough uncultivated land, and rolling hills of wild heath and tangled46 wood. A few houses they had passed, but the roofless walls afforded neither shelter nor protection. Every dwelling had been given up to fire and destruction, and the inmates47 had fled elsewhere for refuge. A great curse seemed to have fallen on the devoted48 land; all was silence and desolation.
That night they passed under a thorn hedge, which proved, as Gervase found, a cold and uncomfortable lodging49, and afforded little protection from the night dews and the wind that blew across the open with a shrewd and penetrating50 keenness. To Macpherson it mattered not at all, for, rolled in his cloak, he slept the sleep of the just, and did not awake till the morning was some way up. But Gervase could not sleep. Above his head the jewels in the sword-belt of Orion flashed with a bright and still a brighter lustre51, and the wind seemed to call with almost a human articulateness from the distant hills. The lonely night with its mystery and silence, was instinct with life. In such a presence his own fate seemed to dwindle52 into infinitely53 little importance, and all human endeavour appeared of no greater moment than that of the ant or the mole54 in the ditch hard 86by. Gervase was not given to talking sermons nor to much introspection, but he felt these things in his own way. He was glad when he saw the morning coming up; and when he arose from his damp uncomfortable couch, felt little inclination55 for a day′s hard work. But when he had bathed his face and hands in the neighbouring rivulet56, and partaken of the breakfast Macpherson insisted on their making before they started, life assumed a somewhat brighter outlook, and his flagging spirits revived a little.
Macpherson′s spirits were keen and high. The prospect57 of danger ever acted upon him like wine, and Gervase saw his eyes kindle58, now and again, under his rugged59 brows, with that sudden flashing light he had seen in them before, in the time of peril60. He had loaded his pistol afresh and carefully looked to its priming.
“We may fall in with the enemy now at any moment,” he said, “and it behoves us to be ready either for peace or war. Peace I should prefer, but if, haply, the rogues61 number not more than half a dozen, a skirmish were not out of place to afford us a little amusement. A young soldier requires practice, and cannot have his hand in too often.”
“Faith!” said Gervase laughing, “fighting would seem to be meat and drink to you, but I have not yet acquired such relish62 for the fare that I cannot do without it. I fear you are like to prove a troublesome companion for all your boasted diplomacy63.”
“Tut, man, do not fear. We are not an army, nor even a troop, and may not carry things as we 87would. But a little fighting is a wonderful medicine, and clears the humours better than any elixir64. I mean but that when we can we may as well be honest, and keep our stratagems65 for such times as we shall be hard pushed, and must employ them, will we, nill we. D′ye see?”
“Oh! ′tis not easy to mistake your meaning. You give it just emphasis with that long sword and pistol handle. But I had rather you were less inclined to violence; there were more chance of our reaching Londonderry in safety.”
“All in good time, we shall see. By evening we shall arrive at the ford, which we had better cross in the dark. One pair of legs will then be worth two pairs of hands, even with toys like these in them;” and he touched the sword he carried with a smile. Then after a pause he went on, “Who knows what may have befallen since we left the city last? There are brave hearts within the walls, but there are traitors67 and cowards too; and the latter have sometimes the best of it in this world. Still, I think not, and will wager68 that the Protestant cause goes bravely on. They are a stiff-necked race, these men of Ulster; bend they cannot and break they will not. I have watched them narrowly; if they did break at Dromore it was because they were fearful of the treachery of their friends, not of the violence of their enemies. But I know not what Colonel Lundy means--if he be not a traitor66 and a knave69 at heart, I know not what he is.”
For the greater part of the day they continued 88their journey without adventure. Several small parties of the enemy they met with, but were subjected to no very rigorous cross-examination. Their replies proved perfectly70 satisfactory. The story Macpherson told was eminently71 plausible72, and about Gervase they did not trouble themselves. There were many French gentlemen in the Irish army, and it was not a strange thing to find one on his way to head-quarters accompanied by a guide. One troop of dragoons had, indeed, stopped them and put several questions to Gervase, but he managed, with the voluble assistance of Macpherson, to disarm74 their suspicions. Fortunately his questioners spoke English only, and the fragments of the Irish tongue that Gervase had acquired, stood him in good stead.
It was now two hours to sundown, and they anticipated that another hour′s travel would bring them to the ford. They were toiling uphill, Gervase a little in advance mounted upon Bayard, and Macpherson stepping out sturdily in the rear. On the top of the hill Gervase halted, reined75 the horse back hastily within shelter of a clump76 of hazel, and called out to Macpherson, who hurried up and joined him where he stood. Together they looked down the valley.
“What is the matter yonder?” Macpherson asked, instinctively77 placing his hand on his pistol-butt.
“I know not,” said Gervase, “but I think it is robbery and murder.”
89“Then, my young friend,” said the other, laying his hand on the horse′s bridle78, “it is not our business, and we have cares enough of our own without taking on us the troubles of others. But how is the day going?”
A quarter of a mile down the steep road lay a post-chaise overturned: one of the horses lay dead in the ditch, the other was flying with broken traces over a neighbouring field. A man with his back to the coach and a sword in his hand, was valiantly79 striving to keep at bay half-a-dozen wild-looking fellows armed with half-pikes. Two bodies lay at his feet, another a little distance away, and outside the ring of assailants that surrounded the solitary80 swordsman, a young woman was kneeling in an agony of distress81 over the prostrate82 body of a man. The man with the sword fought with skill and strength, but the odds83 were terribly against him. In the end he must succumb84.
“By the living God, it is a woman,” said Gervase, grappling blindly and eagerly at the holster.
“Softly, what would you--what have we to do with women?”
“Follow me, follow me, for God′s sake, as speedily as you can,” Gervase cried, dashing his unarmed heels into the horse′s flank, and giving him free head.
Away went the brave steed thundering down the steep road, as Gervase gave a great shout and flourished the long pistol above his head. Macpherson watched his breakneck career down the 90hill for a few seconds, and then proceeded to follow him with the best speed that he could make.
“I would not lose the youth or my good horse for all the women in Christendom. This is but the beginning of trouble, and it begins with a woman.”
Hearing the shout, the swordsman had turned his head for a moment, and at that instant one of his assailants sprang within his guard, and plunged85 his skene deep into his breast. With one last convulsive effort the wounded man struck his opponent fair in the face with the sword hilt, and they both dropped on the road together. Seeing Gervase approaching, the ruffians appeared to doubt whether they should take to flight or await his attack, but while they were making up their minds, Gervase was on the top of them.
Reserving his fire until he was among them, he discharged his pistol pointblank at the head of one fellow with deadly effect, and riding down another, wrenched86 the half-pike from his hand. Then they were utterly panic-stricken and fled right and left, leaving Gervase master of the situation.
Meanwhile the young lady had risen to her feet, and was standing12 looking in wonder at her unexpected deliverer, who had reined up his horse, and was watching the fugitives87 as if in doubt whether to follow them or to allow them to depart unpursued. Then Gervase turned towards her and raising his hat, was silent for a moment.
She was only a girl in years, but of a sweet and 91stately figure and striking beauty. Her abundant hair loosed from its confinement, streamed in disorder88 over her shapely shoulders, and fell in thick folds to her waist. Her lips were trembling and her cheeks were blanched89 and colourless, but her great, dark eyes looked with a steady and courageous90 glance. There was no sign of fear in the sweet face--only a high, resolute91 courage. Her scarf had been torn from her shoulders, and showed too much of her white and heaving bosom92. Instinctively she put up her hand to cover it.
“I fear,” said Gervase, hat in hand, “that I have come too late to save this gallant93 fellow from these wretched cowards. But I am glad that I was still in time to render you some service. Haply,” he continued, dismounting from his horse, “the wound may not be fatal, and something may still be done.”
The girl looked in great surprise at the strange figure before her, and was evidently lost in wonder at hearing her wild-looking and ragged94 champion deliver himself in such excellent English, and with such a well-bred air. To outward seeming he was as much a cateran as any of the scoundrels he had lately put to flight.
“I thank you, sir,” she said simply. “It may be poor Martin is still living.”
She knelt down by the side of the fallen man and raised his head upon her knees. But the skene, driven with great force, had passed beneath the breast-bone and had penetrated95 the heart--the man 92was dead. A glance was sufficient to show that life was extinct. She allowed the head to remain resting upon her lap for some minutes, gazing at the rugged face of the dead man in silence, and then she looked up, her eyes filled with tears. “I have known him all my life,” she said, “and never was there a braver or a kinder heart. Years ago he saved my father′s life, and now he has died to save mine.”
Gervase had knelt down beside her, and had been endeavouring to catch some feeble sign of movement in the pulse. “Yes, he is dead,” he said, “and we can do nothing for him, but it may be the other needs our help.”
“My grandfather has not been injured,” she said. “He swooned when they came round the coach, and though they used him roughly, I do not think he hath suffered from aught but fright. Still, he is an old man and very frail96, and it may be--”
But the old man had raised himself on his elbow, and was looking round him with an expression of bewilderment, as though not yet able to realize what had happened. Then suddenly his eye fell upon the chaise lying overturned, and with a nimbleness that one could not have expected, he leapt to his feet, and walked with rapid strides to the vehicle.
“Dorothy,” he shouted, “Dorothy, help me, girl! The rogues have stolen my treasure. Good God! I am a beggar--a beggar. Why the ---- did they not take my life? The gold that I have watched growing and growing, and the precious stones that I 93would not have parted with for a kingdom! Oh God! I am a beggar, and will die on the road-side after all.”
The old man seemed entirely beside himself with grief and rage, and began to pour forth97 such a string of oaths, wild and incoherent, that Gervase felt deeply for the girl who was in vain endeavouring to calm him.
“I think, grandfather,” she said, “it is still safe, but I had thought the matter was of little worth--”
“Worth! Great Heaven! there were ten thousand pounds--” here he stopped short and looked at Gervase, whose appearance did not tend to reassure98 him.
“I am an old man, sir,” he went on piteously, “and I know not what I say. These are but wild words of mine, and, I prithee, forget them. They meant nothing--nothing, and I ask you to let them pass. Would it trouble you too much to assist my servant?--Where the devil is Martin, the rascal99?”
“Your servant, sir, is dead,” said Gervase, losing his temper somewhat, “and this young lady and yourself are left alone, in great straits and peril. Therefore I would ask you to dismiss all thoughts of the trash from your mind, and let me know what you purpose doing.”
But the old man had already clambered into the coach, and in a few seconds reappeared with a heavy, brass-bound box in his arms, which he clutched with every expression of delight.
94At this moment Macpherson, who seeing Gervase completely victorious100, had been strolling down the hill in a leisurely fashion, had come up.
“What is this Punchinello?” he said roughly, but as he saw the old man cower101 terrorstricken, he continued in a more kindly102 tone, “Fear hath turned his brain, and, haply, he takes me for one of those marauding rascals103, of whom, I doubt not, we have not yet seen the last. And now, madam,” he said, turning to the girl, “as you see, this gentleman and I are your friends and are bound to serve you, though I tell you plainly, I would it had fallen to other hands. We were even trying to bring ourselves to some place of safety, which is like to prove a matter of some difficulty.”
“Then, sir,” and here the girl′s eyes flashed proudly, “I pray you do not trouble yourself further, or imperil your safety on our account. For the gallant service this--this gentleman hath rendered me and my grandfather, I give him our best thanks, poor as they are, but we would not be a burden to you, and therefore think not of us, but go your way.”
“My friend,” said Gervase, “speaks not as he means, nor will I let him do discredit104 to his own kind heart. The sword which this poor fellow drew to defend you, will still be used for that end in my hands, and if I cannot use it as well it will be the power and not the will fails me.”
Macpherson turned away, muttering under his breath, “Humph! the young fool is caught already. I see that she hath him in the snare105.”
95“We were on the road to Londonderry, and though my friend is somewhat rough and discourteous106 withal, I doubt not he will do his best to help you thither107, if such be, as I imagine, your desire.”
“We were on the way to the city when we were attacked as you saw. My grandfather, who is Colonel Carew of Castleton, refused to believe that there was any danger in remaining at home; but last night, hearing that the enemy was burning and plundering108 round us, he set off at midnight, and we have been travelling ever since; and now I think the terror has turned his brain, for I never saw him thus before. What we shall do I know not, but if we can trust you----”
“Appearances are against me, I admit,” said Gervase, with a smile, and feeling, with perhaps excusable vanity, that he would have preferred to cut a gallanter figure. “Still, I hope that you will believe me when I say that I am a gentleman, and most desirous of serving you. I have carried the colours in Mountjoy′s regiment109 and----”
“And I think that I can trust you,” she said, holding out her hand, with a frank look in her eyes, and a sweet, sad smile upon her lips.
“In your service wholly,” said Gervase, bending low over her hand, which he pressed with unnecessary fervour. “My friend is an old soldier who has a grudge110 against your sex for some reason known to himself, but I have cause to know that a more loyal and faithful friend there never was. He will scoff111 and rail, I doubt not, but believe me, he will 96serve you with the last drop of blood in his heart. He hath great experience in matters of danger, and I doubt not some scheme may be devised whereby we may convey you to Londonderry in safety.”
“I care not for myself,” she answered; “it is for my grandfather that I fear. He seems to have lost his reason.”
The old man had carried the box to a distance, and had sat down before it, examining the contents eagerly, and talking to himself in a loud excited tone. From time to time he glanced round furtively112 to see if he was observed, and then went on with his examination. “Safe! safe!” he muttered. “That was the Spaniard′s gold, and you wear bravely, my beautiful doubloons. How you shine, my beauties, and I thought you were gone for ever! It would have broken my old heart--I could not have lived without you. And my stones of price----What want you, sir?” he said, closing the box, and turning round savagely113 as Macpherson approached.
“I know not what devil′s trinkets you have enclosed there,” said the soldier, “but I would have you act like a reasonable man, and tell me what you purpose doing. Yonder lady is young and unprotected, and we would not willingly leave you, but this is no time to give heed114 to such trash as you have shut up there, when your life is in danger every moment.”
“My life is here,” answered the old man, “and I pray you, for God′s sake, leave me in peace. I know you not.”
97Macpherson turned on his heel and rejoined Gervase and the girl. “His mind is gone utterly,” he said, “and it is useless endeavouring to reason with him. My young friend, madam, has, I doubt not, told you how matters stand with us. If you will, we shall endeavour to carry you with us, and trust to the fortunes of war to bring you safely through. Another hour should bring us to the ford. I trust that you are able to ride, for the chaise is rendered useless, and were it not, we have not horses to draw it. In the meantime I had better secure your nag73.”
Macpherson went after the stray horse which was now quietly grazing at some distance, and shortly returned with it. “And now,” he said, “I regret that we cannot give this brave fellow Christian115 burial, but if you, madam, will look after your grandfather, my young friend and I will even place him where he may sleep his last sleep decently, like a brave and honest man as I doubt not he was.”
The girl went over to the dead man, and kneeling down kissed his forehead, and then rising without a word, but with a great sob116 which she bravely strove to repress, went over to her grandfather. Macpherson and Gervase carried the body into the field, and placing it in the ditch, cut a quantity of bramble with which they reverently117 covered it.
“Sorry I am that we cannot dig a grave,” said Macpherson, “but it may be that is a pagan thought. He hath died like a man, and at the last day he will rise, knowing that he fell in the path of duty. 98What does it matter for this poor carcase what becomes of it? ′Tis for the living, not for the dead, that we should mourn. And now look you, Gervase Orme, I love you like a son, and would not willingly see you come to evil. Yonder damsel is goodly to look upon and hath the tender ways of a woman. I can see that you are already drawn118 towards her, and are ready even now to let her lead you as she will. Be warned by me, and shun119 the snare while you are still heart-whole and your wings are still unplucked. Nay120, you are angry at the wise counsel of a friend; I speak only for your good, and will say no more. But I would that we had not met them, and would yet--”
“Surely,” said Gervase, with warmth, “you would not leave this defenceless girl and the feeble old man, even if you might?”
“Nay, I said not that. In some sort they have been committed to our care, but it means for both of us, or I am much mistaken, either the length of a rope or the inside of a prison. I am older than you, my young friend, and think there is no woman worth the sacrifice either of my life or of my liberty. Now, go your way, and see her mounted upon Bayard, while I look after the old man, for I will have nothing to do with the wench. The rogues you dispersed121 will be looking for us presently. Before we meet them I should prefer being within sight of the Royal troops.”
The old world laughs at Love, as laugh it may. And yet from generation to generation unheeding 99youth takes up the foolish old song, and dances to the ancient measure with a light and joyful122 heart. What though the roses wither123 and the garlands fade? These are fresh, and the morning dew is on them. What though the lips grow dumb, and the sound of the flute124 and the song is hushed and stilled? In the fresh and roseate morning as yet there are no shadows and no regrets; the heart is full of hope and joy. And so it has been since the lips of our first parents met in newly-awakened bliss125, in the time when the world was young, and pain and satiety126 were unknown to mortals.
As yet Gervase was not in love, but his heart throbbed127 with an indefinable emotion as Dorothy Carew rested her hand upon his shoulder, and placing her dainty foot in his hand, sprang upon the great military saddle and thanked him with a smile.
“This is a dear old horse,” she said, patting the charger′s neck, and gathering128 up the reins129 in her hand. “We begin early to trouble you, and shall never be able to repay you and your friend.”
“It were repayment130 enough,” said Gervase, “to find you safe within the walls of Londonderry, and I am pleased to think that I have been able to serve you a little.”
“That is the speech of a gentleman, after all,” she said smiling. “I little thought you were a friend as you came shouting down the road; indeed, you would make a great hit at Drury Lane or Sadler′s Wells; and what a figure you would cut at Saint James′s!”
100“I confess I do not make a very gallant show,” said Gervase, “but these rags will serve their turn, and help us both, I trust, to better fortune.”
The old man had been helped upon the second horse, and, with his box placed before him, followed them along the rough and broken road. He seemed wholly oblivious131 to what was taking place, and so long as his treasure was safe, seemed perfectly content to act as he was bidden. Macpherson, with his head bent132, walked by the horse′s bridle and listened with a frown upon his face to the conversation of Gervase and the girl. He had cast no glance in her direction, but after he had delivered his mind to Gervase, had busied himself about the old man with a rough kindliness133.
“Thus we trudge17 on,” he said, as if talking to himself, “as the world is doing everywhere. The old fool, at the end of his journey, thinking only of the pieces of gold for which he will have his throat cut in all likelihood before sunset. Heaven and Eternity134 are shut up in his box. The young fool, thinking only of the brown eyes and tender speeches of the wench, and willing to dare all things for her foolish sake, while the wench herself, woman that she is, baits her trap with honied words and draws the manhood out of him with the glance of her eye. And I--I must go where the Providence135 of God directs my steps, though avarice136 and vanity and the folly137 of youth be my companions and my guide. ′Tis a strange world and full of shadows, and these are of them.”
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1
trudging
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| vt.& vi.跋涉，吃力地走（trudge的现在分词形式） | |
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attire
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| v.穿衣，装扮[同]array；n.衣着；盛装 | |
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embroidered
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| adj．绣花的 | |
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beaver
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| n.海狸，河狸 | |
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divested
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| v.剥夺( divest的过去式和过去分词 )；脱去（衣服）；2。从…取去…；1。（给某人）脱衣服 | |
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swarming
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| 密集( swarm的现在分词 )； 云集； 成群地移动； 蜜蜂或其他飞行昆虫成群地飞来飞去 | |
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plunder
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| vt.劫掠财物，掠夺；n.劫掠物，赃物；劫掠 | |
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misgiving
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| n.疑虑，担忧，害怕 | |
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apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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discretion
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| n.谨慎；随意处理 | |
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smuggle
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| vt.私运；vi.走私 | |
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standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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confinement
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| n.幽禁，拘留，监禁；分娩；限制，局限 | |
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anticipation
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| n.预期，预料，期望 | |
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revelled
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| v.作乐( revel的过去式和过去分词 )；狂欢；着迷；陶醉 | |
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bog
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| n.沼泽；室...陷入泥淖 | |
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trudge
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| v.步履艰难地走；n.跋涉，费力艰难的步行 | |
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trudged
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| vt.& vi.跋涉，吃力地走（trudge的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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engrossed
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| adj.全神贯注的 | |
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23
meditations
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| 默想( meditation的名词复数 )； 默念； 沉思； 冥想 | |
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24
resonant
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| adj.(声音)洪亮的，共鸣的 | |
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25
reign
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| n.统治时期，统治，支配，盛行；v.占优势 | |
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majesty
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| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
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27
exultation
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| n.狂喜，得意 | |
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28
maker
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| n.制造者，制造商 | |
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29
flinch
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| v.畏缩，退缩 | |
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30
unwillingly
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| adv.不情愿地 | |
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31
wilfulness
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| 任性；倔强 | |
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32
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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33
toiling
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| 长时间或辛苦地工作( toil的现在分词 )； 艰难缓慢地移动，跋涉 | |
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34
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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35
fatigue
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| n.疲劳，劳累 | |
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36
flicker
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| vi./n.闪烁，摇曳，闪现 | |
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37
spoke
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| 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 | |
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39
nought
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| n.／adj.无，零 | |
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40
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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41
leisurely
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| adj.悠闲的；从容的，慢慢的 | |
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42
Ford
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| n.浅滩，水浅可涉处；v.涉水，涉过 | |
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43
deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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44
dwelling
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| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
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45
tracts
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| 大片土地( tract的名词复数 )； 地带； （体内的）道； （尤指宣扬宗教、伦理或政治的）短文 | |
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46
tangled
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| adj. 纠缠的，紊乱的 动词tangle的过去式和过去分词 | |
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47
inmates
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| n.囚犯( inmate的名词复数 ) | |
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48
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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49
lodging
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| n.寄宿，住所；(大学生的)校外宿舍 | |
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50
penetrating
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| adj.（声音）响亮的，尖锐的adj.（气味）刺激的adj.（思想）敏锐的，有洞察力的 | |
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51
lustre
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| n.光亮，光泽；荣誉 | |
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52
dwindle
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| v.逐渐变小（或减少） | |
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53
infinitely
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| adv.无限地，无穷地 | |
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54
mole
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| n.胎块；痣；克分子 | |
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55
inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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56
rivulet
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| n.小溪，小河 | |
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57
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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58
kindle
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| v.点燃，着火 | |
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59
rugged
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| adj.高低不平的，粗糙的，粗壮的，强健的 | |
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60
peril
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| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
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61
rogues
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| n.流氓( rogue的名词复数 )；无赖；调皮捣蛋的人；离群的野兽 | |
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62
relish
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| n.滋味，享受，爱好，调味品；vt.加调味料，享受，品味；vi.有滋味 | |
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63
diplomacy
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| n.外交；外交手腕，交际手腕 | |
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64
elixir
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| n.长生不老药，万能药 | |
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65
stratagems
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| n.诡计，计谋( stratagem的名词复数 )；花招 | |
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66
traitor
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| n.叛徒，卖国贼 | |
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67
traitors
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| 卖国贼( traitor的名词复数 )； 叛徒； 背叛者； 背信弃义的人 | |
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68
wager
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| n.赌注；vt.押注，打赌 | |
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69
knave
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| n.流氓；（纸牌中的）杰克 | |
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70
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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71
eminently
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| adv.突出地；显著地；不寻常地 | |
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72
plausible
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| adj.似真实的，似乎有理的，似乎可信的 | |
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73
nag
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| v.(对…)不停地唠叨；n.爱唠叨的人 | |
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74
disarm
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| v.解除武装，回复平常的编制，缓和 | |
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75
reined
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| 勒缰绳使（马）停步( rein的过去式和过去分词 )； 驾驭； 严格控制； 加强管理 | |
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76
clump
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| n.树丛，草丛；vi.用沉重的脚步行走 | |
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77
instinctively
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| adv.本能地 | |
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78
bridle
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| n.笼头，束缚；vt.抑制，约束；动怒 | |
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79
valiantly
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| adv.勇敢地，英勇地；雄赳赳 | |
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80
solitary
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| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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81
distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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82
prostrate
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| v.拜倒，平卧，衰竭；adj.拜倒的，平卧的，衰竭的 | |
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83
odds
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| n.让步，机率，可能性，比率；胜败优劣之别 | |
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84
succumb
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| v.屈服，屈从；死 | |
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85
plunged
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| v.颠簸( plunge的过去式和过去分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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86
wrenched
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| v.（猛力地）扭( wrench的过去式和过去分词 )；扭伤；使感到痛苦；使悲痛 | |
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87
fugitives
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| n.亡命者，逃命者( fugitive的名词复数 ) | |
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88
disorder
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| n.紊乱，混乱；骚动，骚乱；疾病，失调 | |
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89
blanched
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| v.使变白( blanch的过去式 )；使（植物）不见阳光而变白；酸洗（金属）使有光泽；用沸水烫（杏仁等）以便去皮 | |
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90
courageous
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| adj.勇敢的，有胆量的 | |
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91
resolute
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| adj.坚决的，果敢的 | |
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92
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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93
gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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94
ragged
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| adj.衣衫褴褛的，粗糙的，刺耳的 | |
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95
penetrated
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| adj. 击穿的，鞭辟入里的 动词penetrate的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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96
frail
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| adj.身体虚弱的；易损坏的 | |
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97
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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98
reassure
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| v.使放心，使消除疑虑 | |
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99
rascal
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| n.流氓；不诚实的人 | |
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100
victorious
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| adj.胜利的，得胜的 | |
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101
cower
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| v.畏缩，退缩，抖缩 | |
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102
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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103
rascals
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| 流氓( rascal的名词复数 )； 无赖； （开玩笑说法）淘气的人（尤指小孩）； 恶作剧的人 | |
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104
discredit
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| vt.使不可置信；n.丧失信义；不信，怀疑 | |
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105
snare
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| n.陷阱，诱惑，圈套；（去除息肉或者肿瘤的）勒除器；响弦，小军鼓；vt.以陷阱捕获，诱惑 | |
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106
discourteous
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| adj.不恭的，不敬的 | |
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107
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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108
plundering
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| 掠夺，抢劫( plunder的现在分词 ) | |
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109
regiment
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| n.团，多数，管理；v.组织，编成团，统制 | |
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110
grudge
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| n.不满，怨恨，妒嫉；vt.勉强给，不情愿做 | |
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111
scoff
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| n.嘲笑，笑柄，愚弄；v.嘲笑，嘲弄，愚弄，狼吞虎咽 | |
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112
furtively
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| adv. 偷偷地, 暗中地 | |
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113
savagely
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| adv. 野蛮地，残酷地 | |
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114
heed
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| v.注意，留意；n.注意，留心 | |
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115
Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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116
sob
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| n.空间轨道的轰炸机；呜咽，哭泣 | |
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117
reverently
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| adv.虔诚地 | |
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118
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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119
shun
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| vt.避开，回避，避免 | |
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120
nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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121
dispersed
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| adj. 被驱散的, 被分散的, 散布的 | |
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122
joyful
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| adj.欢乐的，令人欢欣的 | |
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123
wither
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| vt.使凋谢，使衰退，(用眼神气势等)使畏缩；vi.枯萎，衰退，消亡 | |
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124
flute
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| n.长笛；v.吹笛 | |
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125
bliss
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| n.狂喜，福佑，天赐的福 | |
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126
satiety
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| n.饱和；(市场的)充分供应 | |
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127
throbbed
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| 抽痛( throb的过去式和过去分词 )； （心脏、脉搏等）跳动 | |
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128
gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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129
reins
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| 感情，激情； 缰( rein的名词复数 )； 控制手段； 掌管； （成人带着幼儿走路以防其走失时用的）保护带 | |
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130
repayment
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| n.偿还，偿还款；报酬 | |
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131
oblivious
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| adj.易忘的，遗忘的，忘却的，健忘的 | |
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132
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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133
kindliness
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| n.厚道，亲切，友好的行为 | |
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134
eternity
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| n.不朽，来世；永恒，无穷 | |
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135
providence
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| n.深谋远虑，天道，天意；远见；节约；上帝 | |
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136
avarice
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| n.贪婪；贪心 | |
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137
folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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