The voice of our vigilant3 cock, which as he loudly saluted4 the rising moon, was the last sound I heard at night, roused me at daybreak, and I then awoke my wife, that in the quiet interval5 while yet our children slept, we might take counsel together on our situation and prospects6. It was plain to both of us that in the first place, we should ascertain8 if possible the fate of our late companions, and then examine into the nature and resources of the country on which we were stranded9.
We therefore came to the resolution that, as soon as we had breakfasted, Fritz and I should start on an expedition with these objects in view, while my wife remained near our landing- place with the three younger boys.
`Rouse up, rouse up, my boys,' cried I, awakening10 the children cheerfully. `Come and help your mother to get breakfast ready.'
`As to that,' said she, smiling, `we can but set on the pot, and boil some more soup!'
`It has been safe in this hole in the rock all night, father. You see, I thought as the dogs seem to like good things, they might take a fancy to that as well as to the agouti.'
`A very sensible precaution,' remarked I. `I believe even my heedless Jack will learn wisdom in time. It is well the lobster is so large, for we shall want to take part with us on our excursion to-day.'
At the mention of an excursion, the four children were wild with delight, and, capering13 around me, clapped their hands for joy.
`Steady there, steady!' said I, `you cannot expect all to go. Such an expedition as this would be too dangerous and fatiguing14 for you younger ones, and this place seems perfectly15 safe. Fritz and I will go alone this time, with one of the dogs, leaving the other to defend you. Fritz, prepare the guns, and tie up Flora16 so that she will not follow us.'
At the word `guns' the poor boy blushed shamefully17. He tried in vain to straighten his weapon. I left him alone for a short time, but at length I gave him leave to take another, perceiving with pleasure that the vexation had produced a proper feeling in his mind.
A moment later he tried to lay hold of Flora to tie her up, but the dog, recollecting18 the blows she had so lately received, began to snarl19 and would not go near him. Turk behaved the same, and I found it necessary to call with my own voice to induce them to approach us. Fritz then, in tears, entreated20 some biscuit of his mother, declaring that he would rather go without the rest of his breakfast to make his peace with the dogs. He accordingly carried them some biscuit, stroked and caressed21 them, and in every motion seemed to ask their pardon. As of all animals, without excepting man, the dog is least addicted22 to revenge, and at the same time is the most sensible of kind usage, Flora instantly relented and began to lick the hands which fed her; but Turk, who was of a more fierce and independent temper, still held off, and seemed to lack confidence in Fritz's advances.
`Give him a claw of my lobster,' cried Jack, `for I meant to give it to you anyway, for your journey.'
With that treat, Turk seemed ready to forgive Fritz. We then armed ourselves, each taking a gun and a game-bag; Fritz, in addition, sticking a pair of pistols in his belt, and I a small hatchet23 in mine; breakfast being over, we stowed away the remainder of the lobster and some biscuits, with a flask24 of water, and were ready for a start.
`Surely not,' said Fritz.
`Yes,' said I, `we have not yet joined in morning prayer. We are only too ready, amid the cares and pleasures of this life, to forget the God to whom we owe all things.' Then having commended ourselves to his protecting care, I took leave of my wife and children, and bidding them not wander far from the boat and tent, we parted not without some anxiety on either side, for we knew not what might assail26 us in this unknown region.
We now found that the banks of the stream were on both sides so rocky that we could get down to the water by only one narrow passage, and there was no corresponding path on the other side. I was glad to see this, however, for I now knew that my wife and children were on a comparatively inaccessible28 spot, the other side of the tent being protected by steep and precipitous cliffs.
Fritz and I pursued our way up the stream until we reached a point where the waters fell from a considerable height in a cascade29, and where several large rocks lay half covered by the water; by means of these we succeeded in crossing the stream in safety. We thus had the sea on our left, and a long line of rocky heights, here and there adorned30 with clumps31 of trees, stretching away inland to the right.
We had forced our way scarcely fifty yards through the long rank grass, which was here partly withered33 by the sun and much tangled34, when we were much alarmed on hearing behind us a rustling35, and on looking round, we saw the grass waving to and fro, as if some animal were passing through it. Fritz instantly turned and brought his gun to his shoulder, ready to fire the moment the beast should appear.
I was much pleased with my son's coolness and presence of mind, for it showed me that I might thoroughly rely upon him on any future occasion when real danger might occur. This time, however, no savage36 beast rushed out, but our trusty dog Turk, whom, in our anxiety at parting, we had forgotten, and who had been sent after us doubtless by my thoughtful wife. I did not fail to commend both the bravery and the discretion37 of my son, in not yielding to even a rational alarm, and for waiting until he was sure of the object before he resolved to fire.
From this little incident, however, we saw how dangerous was our position, and how difficult escape would be should any fierce beast steal upon us unawares: we therefore hastened to make our way to the open seashore. Here the scene which presented itself was indeed delightful39. A background of hills, the green waving grass, the pleasant groups of trees stretching here and there to the very water's edge, formed a lovely prospect7.
On the smooth sand we searched carefully for any trace of our hapless companions, but not the mark of a footstep could we find. `Shall I fire a shot or two?' said Fritz. `That would bring our companions, if they are within hearing.'
No, no; let us search diligently41, but as quietly as possible.'
`But why, father, should we trouble ourselves about them at all? They left us to shift for ourselves, and I for one don't care to set eyes on them again.'
`You are wrong, my boy,' said I. `In the first place, we should not return evil for evil; then, again, they might be of great assistance to us in building a house of some sort; and lastly, you must remember that they took nothing with them from the vessel42, and may be perishing of hunger.'
`But father, while we are wandering here and losing our time almost without a hope of benefit to them, why should we not instead return to the vessel and save the animals on board?'
`When a variety of duties present themselves for our choice, we should always give the preference to that which can confer the most solid advantage,' I replied. `The saving of the life of a man is a more exalted44 action than contributing to the comfort of a few quadrupeds, whom we have already supplied with food for a few days. Also, the sea is so calm at present that we need not fear that the ship will sink or break up entirely45 before we can return.'
Thus talking, we pushed on until we came to a pleasant grove46 which stretched down to the water's edge; here we halted to rest, seating ourselves under a large tree, by a rivulet47 which murmured and splashed along its pebbly48 bed into the great ocean before us.
A thousand gaily49 plumaged birds flew twittering above us, and Fritz and I gazed up at them. My son suddenly started up. `A monkey,' he exclaimed, `I am nearly sure I saw a monkey.'
As he spoke50 he sprang round to the other side of the tree, and in doing so stumbled over a small round object which he handed to me, remarking, as he did so, that it was a round bird's nest, of which he had often heard.
`You may have done so,' said I, laughing, `but you need not necessarily conclude that every round hairy thing is a bird's nest; this, for instance, is not one, but a cocoanut. Do you not remember reading that a cocoanut is enclosed within a round, fibrous covering over a hard shell, which again is surrounded by a bulky green hull51? In the one you hold in your hand, the outer hull has been destroyed by time, which is the reason that the twisted fibers52 of the inner covering are so apparent. Let us now break the shell, and you will see the nut inside.'
Not without difficulty, we split open the nut, but, to our disgust, found the kernel53 dry and uneatable.
`Hullo,' cried Fritz, `I always thought a cocoanut was full of delicious sweet liquid, like almond milk.'
`So it is,' I replied, `when young and fresh, but as it ripens54 the milk becomes congealed55, and in course of time is solidified56 into a kernel. This kernel then dries as you see here, but when the nut falls on favourable57 soil, the germ within the kernel swells58 until it bursts through the shell, and, taking root, springs up a new tree.'
`I do not understand,' said Fritz, `how the little germ manages to get through this great thick shell, which is not like an almond or hazel-nut shell, that is divided down the middle already.'
`Nature provides for all things,' I answered, taking up the pieces. `Look here, do you see these three round holes near the stalk; it is through them that the germ obtains egress60. Now let us find a good nut if we can.'
As cocoanuts must be over-ripe before they fall naturally from the tree, it was not without difficulty that we obtained one in which the kernel was not dried up. It was a little oily and rancid, but this was not the time to be too particular. We were so refreshed by the fruit that we could defer61 the repast we called our dinner* until later in the day, and so spare our stock of provisions.
* In this book, 'dinner' refers to the midday meal.
Continuing our way through a thicket62, which was so densely63 overgrown with lianas that we had to clear a passage with our hatchets65, we again emerged on the seashore beyond, and found an open view, the forest sweeping66 inland, while on the space before us stood at intervals67 single trees of remarkable68 appearance. These at once attracted Fritz's observant eye, and he pointed69 to them, exclaiming: `Oh, what absurd-looking trees, father! See what strange bumps there are on the trunks.'
We approached to examine them, and I recognized them as calabash trees, the fruit of which grows in this curious way on the stems, and is a species of gourd70, from the hard rind of which bowls, spoons, and bottles can be made. `The savages,' I remarked, `are said to form these things most ingeniously, using them to contain liquids: indeed, they actually cook food in them.'
`Oh, but that is impossible,' returned Fritz. `I am quite sure this rind would be burnt through directly if it was set on the fire.'
`I did not say it was set on the fire at all. When the gourd has been divided in two, and the shell or rind emptied of its contents, it is filled with water, into which the fish, or whatever is to be cooked, is put; red-hot stones are added until the water boils; the food becomes fit to eat, and the gourd-rind remains71 uninjured.'
`That is a very clever plan: very simple too. I daresay I should have hit on it, if I had tried,' said Fritz.
`The friends of Columbus thought it very easy to make an egg stand upon its end when he had shown them how to do it. But now suppose we prepare some of these calabashes, that they may be ready for use when we take them home.'
Fritz instantly took up one of the gourds72, and tried to split it equally with his knife, but in vain: the blade slipped, and the calabash was cut jaggedly. `What a nuisance!' said Fritz, flinging it down, `The thing is spoiled; and yet it seemed so simple to divide it properly.'
`Stay,' said I, `you are too impatient, those pieces are not useless. Do you try to fashion from them a spoon or two while I provide a dish.' I then took from my pocket a piece of string, which I tied tightly round a gourd, as near one end of it as I could; then tapping the string with the back of my knife, it penetrated73 the outer shell. When this was accomplished74, I tied the string yet tighter; and drawing the ends with all my might, the gourd fell, divided exactly as I wished.
`That is clever!' cried Fritz. `What in the world put that plan into your head?'
`It is a plan,' I replied, `which savages adopt, as I have learned from reading books of travel.'
`Well, it certainly makes a capital soup-tureen, and a soup-plate too,' said Fritz, examining the gourd. `But supposing you had wanted to make a bottle, how would you have set to work?'
`It would be an easier operation than this, if possible. All that is necessary, is to cut a round hole at one end, then to scoop75 out the interior, and to drop in several shot or stones; when these are shaken, any remaining portions of the fruit are detached, and the gourd is thoroughly cleaned, and the bottle completed.'
`That would not make a very convenient bottle though, father; it would be more like a barrel.'
`True, my boy; if you want a more shapely vessel, you must take it in hand when it is younger. To give it a neck, for instance, you must tie a bandage round the young gourd while it is still on the tree, and then all will swell59 but that part which you have checked.' As I spoke, I filled the gourds with sand, and left them to dry; marking the spot that we might return for them on our way back.
`Are the bottle-shaped gourds I have seen in Europe trained similarly?'
`No, they are of another species, and what you have seen is their natural shape.'
For three hours or more we pushed forward, keeping a sharp look-out on either side for any trace of our companions, till we reached a bold promontory76, stretching some way into the sea, from whose rocky summit I knew that we should obtain a good and comprehensive view of the surrounding country. With little difficulty we reached the top, but the most careful survey of the beautiful landscape failed to show us the slightest sign or trace of human beings.
Before us stretched a wide and lovely bay, fringed with yellow sands, either side extending into the distance, and almost lost to view in two shadowy promontories77; enclosed by these two arms lay a sheet of rippling78 water, which reflected in its depths the glorious sun above. The scene inland was no less beautiful; and yet Fritz and I both felt a shade of loneliness stealing over us as we gazed on its utter solitude79.
`Cheer up, Fritz, my boy,' said I, presently. `Remember that we chose a settler's life long ago, before we left our own dear country; we certainly did not expect to be so entirely alone—but what matters a few people, more or less? With God's help, let us endeavour to live here contentedly80, thankful that we were not cast upon some bare and inhospitable island. But come, the heat here is getting unbearable81; let us find some shady place before we are completely broiled82 away.'
We descended83 the hill and made for a clump32 of palm trees, which we saw at a little distance. To reach this, we had to pass through a dense64 thicket of reeds, no pleasant or easy task; for, besides the difficulty of forcing our way through, I feared at every step that we might tread on some venomous snake.
Sending Turk in advance, I cut one of the reeds, thinking it would be a more useful weapon against a reptile84 than my gun. I had carried it but a little way, when I noticed a thick juice exuding85 from one end. I tasted it, and to my delight, found it sweet and pleasant. I at once knew that I was standing86 amongst sugar-canes88.
Wishing Fritz to make the same discovery, I advised him to cut a cane87 for his defense89; he did so, and as he beat the ground before him, the reed split, and his hand was covered with the juice. He carefully touched the cane with the tip of his tongue, then, finding the juice sweet, he did so again with less hesitation90; and a moment afterwards sprang back to me, exclaiming, `Oh, father, sugar-cane, sugar-cane! Taste it. Oh, how delicious, how delightful! Do let us take a lot home to mother,' he continued, sucking eagerly at the cane!
`Gently there,' said I, `take breath a moment, moderation in all things, remember. Cut some to take home if you like; only don't take more than you can conveniently carry.'
In spite of my warning, my son cut a dozen or more of the largest canes, and stripping them of their leaves, carried them under his arm. We then pushed through the cane-brake, and reached the clump of palms for which we had been making; as we entered it a troop of monkeys, who had been disporting91 themselves on the ground, sprang up, chattering92 and grimacing93, and before we could clearly distinguish them, were at the very top of the trees.
Fritz was so provoked by their impertinent gestures that he raised his gun, and would have shot one of the poor beasts. `Stay,' cried I, `never take the life of any animal needlessly. A live monkey up in that tree is of more use to us than a dozen dead ones at our feet, as I will show you.'
Saying this, I gathered a handful of small stones, and threw them up towards the apes. The stones did not go near them, but influenced by their instinctive94 mania95 for imitation, they instantly seized all the cocoanuts within their reach, and sent a perfect hail of them down upon us.
Fritz was delighted with my stratagem96, and rushing forward picked up some of the finest of the nuts. We drank the milk they contained, drawing it through the holes which I pierced. The milk of a cocoanut has not a pleasant flavor, but it is excellent for quenching97 thirst. What we liked best was a kind of solid cream which adheres to their shells, and which we scraped off with our spoons.
After this delicious meal, we thoroughly despised the lobster we had been carrying, and threw it to Turk, who ate it gratefully; but far from being satisfied, the poor beast began to gnaw98 the ends of the sugar-canes, and to beg for cocoanut. I slung99 a couple of the nuts over my shoulder, fastening them together by their stalks, and Fritz having resumed his burden, we began our homeward march.
I soon discovered that Fritz found the weight of his canes considerably100 more than he expected: he shifted them from shoulder to shoulder, then for a while carried them under his arm, and finally stopped short with a sigh. `I had no idea,' he said, `that a few reeds would be so heavy. How sincerely I pity the poor negroes who are made to carry heavy loads of them! Yet how glad I shall be when my mother and brothers are tasting them.'
`Never mind, my boy,' I said, `Patience and courage! Do you not remember the story of Aesop and his breadbasket, how heavy he found it when he started, and how light at the end of his journey? Let us each take a fresh staff, and then fasten the bundle crosswise with your gun.'
We did so, and once more stepped forward. Fritz presently noticed that I from time to time sucked the end of my cane.
`Oh, come,' said he, `that's a capital plan of yours, father,
I'll do that too.'
So saying, he began to suck most vigorously, but not a drop of the juice could he extract. `How is this?' he asked. `How do you get the juice out, father?'
`Think a little,' I replied, `you are quite as capable as I am of finding out the way, even if you do not know the real reason of your failure.'
`Oh, of course,' said he, `it is like trying to suck marrow101 from a marrow bone, without making a hole at the other end.'
`Quite right,' I said, `you form a vacuum in your mouth and the end of your tube, and expect the air to force down the liquid from the other end which it cannot possibly enter.'
Fritz was speedily perfect in the accomplishment102 of sucking sugar-cane, discovering by experience the necessity for a fresh cut at each joint103 or knot in the cane, through which the juice could not flow; he talked of the pleasure of initiating104 his brothers in the art, and of how Ernest would enjoy the cocoanut milk, with which he had filled his flask.*
* M. Wyss's acquaintance with sugar has not extended to the sugar cane. The sap does not flow; it is embedded105 in the very fibrous pulp106, and the cane must be crushed, and its juice cooked and repeatedly refined, to make the sugar. People enjoying the cane in its natural state must chew the pulp, which is not particularly sweet.
`My dear boy,' said I, `you need not have added that to your load; the chances are it will be vinegar by the time we get home. In the heat of the sun, it will ferment107 soon after being drawn108 from the nut.'
`Vinegar! Oh, that would be a horrid109 bore! I must look directly, and see how it is getting on,' cried Fritz, hastily swinging the flask from his shoulder, and tugging110 out the cork111. With a loud `pop' the contents came forth112, foaming113 like champagne114.
`There now!' said I, laughing as he tasted this new luxury.
`You will have to exercise moderation again, friend Fritz!
I daresay it is delicious, but it will go to your head, if
you venture deep into your flask.'
`My dear father, you cannot think how good it is! Do take some.
Vinegar, indeed! This is like excellent wine.'
We were both invigorated by this unexpected draught115, and went on so merrily after it, that the distance to the place where we had left our gourd dishes seemed less than we expected. We found them quite dry, and very light and easy to carry.
Just as we had passed through the grove in which we breakfasted, Turk suddenly darted116 away from us, and sprang furiously among a troop of monkeys, which were gambolling117 playfully on the turf at a little distance from the trees. They were taken by surprise completely, and the dog, now really ravenous118 from hunger, had seized one, and was fiercely tearing it to pieces before we could approach the spot.
His luckless victim was the mother of a tiny little monkey, which, being on her back when the dog flew at her, had hindered her flight; the little creature attempted to hide among the grass, and in trembling fear watched the tragic119 fate of its mother.
On perceiving Turk's bloodthirsty design, Fritz had eagerly rushed to the rescue, flinging away all he was carrying, and losing his hat in his haste. All to no purpose as far as the poor mother ape was concerned, and a laughable scene ensued, for no sooner did the young monkey catch sight of him than at one bound it was on his shoulders, and, holding fast by his thick curly hair, it firmly kept its seat in spite of all he could do to dislodge it. He screamed and plunged120 about as he endeavoured to shake or pull the creature off, but all in vain, it only clung the closer to his neck, making the most absurd grimaces121.
I laughed so much at this ridiculous scene, that I could scarcely assist my terrified boy out of his awkward predicament. Indeed, I told Fritz that the animal, having lost its mother, seemed determined122 to adopt Fritz. "Perhaps he has discovered in you something of the air of a father of a family."
"Or rather," Fritz retorted, "the little rogue123 has found out that he has to do with a chicken-heart, who shrinks from the idea of ill-treating an animal which has thrown itself on his protection. But father, he is yanking my hair terribly, and I shall be obliged to you to try once more to get him off."
At last, by coaxing124 the monkey, offering it a bit of biscuit, and gradually disentangling its small sinewy125 paws from the curls it grasped so tightly, I managed to relieve poor Fritz, who then looked with interest at the baby ape, no bigger than a kitten, as it lay in my arms.
`What a jolly little fellow it is!' exclaimed he. `Do let me try to rear it, father. I daresay cocoanut milk would do until we can bring the cow and the goats from the wreck126. If he lives he might be useful to us. I believe monkeys instinctively127 know what fruits are wholesome128 and what are poisonous.'
`Well,' said I, `let the little orphan129 be yours. You bravely and kindly130 exerted yourself to save the mother's life, now you must train her child carefully, for unless you do so its natural instinct will prove mischievous131 instead of useful to us.'
Turk was meanwhile devouring132 with great satisfaction the little animal's unfortunate mother. Fritz wished to drive him away from the feast, but I could not grudge133 it him, and reminded Fritz that continued hunger might have made Turk dangerous to ourselves. We did not think it necessary to wait until he had dined, so we prepared to resume our march, conversing134 as we walked.
"Let me remind you," I said, "in our situation, it would be dangerous to teach the dogs not to attack and kill, if they can, whatever unknown animals they meet. You will see that he will soon regard your little monkey as a member of our family. But we must not discourage him from his fancy for attacking wild beasts. Heaven has bestowed135 the dog on man to be his safeguard and ally, and the horse the same. A man on horseback, accompanied by a troop of well-trained dogs, need not fear any species of wild beasts, not even the lion nor the hyaena."
Thoughtfully, Fritz replied, "I feel fortunate that we are in the possession of two such creatures; but what a pity that the horses on board died during our voyage, and left us with only an ass27."
"Let us take care how we treat even our ass with disdain," I told him. "I wish we had him safe on land. Fortunately he is large and strong. We may train him to do us the same services as are performed by the horse; and it is not improbable that he will improve under our care, given the excellent pasture we will find in this climate."
The tiny ape seated itself in the coolest way imaginable on Fritz's shoulder, I helped to carry his canes, and we were on some distance before Turk overtook us, looking uncommonly136 well pleased, and licking his chops as though recalling the memory of his feast.
He took no notice of the monkey, but it was very uneasy at sight of him, and scrambled137 down into Fritz's arms, which was so inconvenient138 to him that he devised a plan to relieve himself of his burden.
Calling Turk, and seriously enjoining139 obedience140, he seated the monkey on his back, securing it there with a cord, and then putting a second string round the dog's neck that he might lead him, he put a loop of the knot into the comical rider's hand, saying gravely, `Having slain141 the parent, Mr. Turk, you will please to carry the son.'
At first this arrangement mightily142 displeased143 them both, but by and by they yielded to it quietly; the monkey especially amused us by riding along with the air of a person perfectly at his ease.
`We look just like a couple of mountebanks on their way to a fair with animals to exhibit,' said I. `What an outcry the children will make when we appear!'
My son inquired to what species of the monkey tribe I thought his protege belonged, which led to a good deal of talk on the subject, and conversation beguiling144 the way, we found ourselves ere long on the rocky margin145 of the stream and close to the rest of our party.
Juno was the first to be aware of our approach, and gave notice of it by loud barking, to which Turk replied with such hearty146 goodwill147, that his little rider, terrified at the noise his steed was making, slipped from under the cord and fled to his refuge on Fritz's shoulder, where he regained148 his composure and settled himself comfortably.
Turk, who by this time knew where he was, finding himself free, dashed forward to rejoin his friend, and announce our coming. One after another our dear ones came running to the opposite bank, testifying in various ways their delight at our return, and hastening up on their side of the river, as we on ours, to the ford149 at which we had crossed in the morning. We were quickly on the other side, and, full of joy and affection, our happy party was once more united.
The boys suddenly perceiving the little animal which was clinging close to their brother, in alarm at the tumult150 of voices, shouted in ecstasy151:
`A monkey! A monkey! Oh, how splendid! Where did Fritz find him? What may we give him to eat? Oh, what a bundle of sticks! Look at those curious great nuts father has got!'
At length when the excitement subsided153 a little, I was able to say a few words with a chance of being listened to. `I am truly thankful to see you all safe and well, and, thank God, our expedition has been very satisfactory, except that we have entirely failed to discover any trace of our shipmates.'
`If it be the will of God,' said my wife, `to leave us alone on this solitary154 place, let us be content, and rejoice that we are all together in safety. I have been uneasy since you left, and imagined a thousand evils that might beset155 you. The day appeared an age, but now that I see you once more safe and well, I know how foolish my fears must seem.
`Now we want to hear all your adventures, and let us relieve you of your burdens,' added she, taking my game-bag.
Jack shouldered my gun, Ernest took the cocoanuts, and little Franz carried the gourds, Fritz distributed the sugarcanes amongst his brothers, and handing Ernest his gun replaced the monkey on Turk's back. Ernest soon found the burden with which Fritz had laden156 him too heavy to his taste. His mother, perceiving this, offered to relieve him of part of the load. He willingly gave up the cocoanuts, but no sooner had he done so than his elder brother exclaimed:
`Hullo, Ernest, you surely do not know what you are parting with; did you really intend to hand over those good cocoanuts without so much as tasting them?'
`What? ho! Are they really cocoanuts?' cried Ernest, `I thought they were bowls! Do let me take them again, mother, do let me look at them.'
`No, thank you,' replied my wife with a smile. `I have no wish to see you again overburdened.'
`Oh but I have only to throw away these sticks, which are of no use, and then I can easily carry them.'
`Worse and worse,' said Fritz, `I have a particular regard for those heavy useless sticks. Did you ever hear of sugar-canes?'
The words were scarcely out of his mouth when Ernest began to suck vigorously at the end of the cane with no better result, however, than Fritz had obtained as we were on the march.
`Here,' said Fritz, `let me show you the trick of it,' and he speedily set all the youngsters to work extracting the luscious157 juice.
My wife, as a prudent158 housekeeper159 who made much use of sugar, was no less delighted than the children with this discovery; the sight of the dishes also pleased her greatly, for she longed to see us eat once more like civilized160 beings.
We went into the kitchen and there found preparations for a truly sumptuous161 meal. Two forked sticks were planted in the ground on either side of the fire, on these rested a rod from which hung several tempting-looking fish, opposite them hung a goose from a similar contrivance, slowly roasting while the gravy162 dropped into a large shell placed beneath it. Franz gave the spit another turn, assuring me he had been helping163 all day to keep the meal from burning. In the centre sat the great pot from which issued the smell of a most delicious soup. To crown this splendid array, stood an open hogshead full of Dutch cheeses.
All this was very pleasant to two hungry travellers, but I was about to beg my wife to spare the poultry164 until our stock should have increased, when she, perceiving my thought, quickly relieved my anxiety. `This is not one of our geese,' she said, `but a wild bird Ernest killed.'
`Yes,' said Ernest, `it is a penguin165, I think, it let me get quite close, so that I knocked it on the head with a stick. Here are its head and feet which I preserved to show you; the bill is, you see, narrow and curved downwards166, and the feet are webbed. It had funny little bits of useless wings, and its eyes looked so solemnly and sedately167 at me, that I was almost ashamed to kill it. It seemed quite destitute168 of any intelligence, so that I was able to kill it with a single blow from my stick. Do you not think it must have been a penguin?'
`I have little doubt on the matter, my boy,' and I was about to make a few remarks on the habits of this bird, when my wife interrupted me and begged us to come to dinner and continue our natural history conversation at some future time. Fritz now suddenly recollected169 his delicious wine, and producing his flask, begged his mother to taste it.
`Try it first yourself,' said I; Fritz did so, and I instantly saw by his countenance170 that the liquor had passed through the first stage of fermentation and had become vinegar.
`Never mind, my boy,' said my prudent wife, when she learned the cause of his wry171 faces, `we have wine already but no vinegar; I am really pleased at the transformation172. Mixed with the fat which has fallen from our bird with roasting, it will make a most delicious sauce which will be as good a relish173 as a salad.'
And so it proved, as a corrective of the wild and fishy174 flavor of the penguin, as well as improving the taste of the fish. We did full justice to the appetizing meal prepared for us, our gourds coming for the first time into use, and having done it full justice, I produced the cocoanuts by way of dessert.
`Here is better food for your little friend,' said I to Fritz, who had been vainly endeavouring to persuade the monkey to taste dainty morsels175 of the food we had been eating. `The poor little animal has been accustomed to nothing but its mother's milk; fetch me a saw, one of you.'
I then, after extracting the milk of the nuts from their natural holes, carefully cut the shells in half, thus providing several more useful basins. The monkey was perfectly satisfied with the milk, and eagerly sucked the corner of a handkerchief dipped in it.
The sun was now rapidly sinking behind the horizon, and the poultry retiring for the night warned us that we must follow their example. Having offered up our prayers, we lay down on our beds, the monkey crouched176 down between Jack and Fritz, and we were all soon fast asleep.
We did not, however, long enjoy this repose177; a loud barking from our dogs, who were on guard outside the tent, awakened178 us, and the fluttering and cackling of our poultry warned us that a foe179 was approaching. Fritz and I sprang up, and seizing our guns rushed out. There we found a desperate combat going on, our gallant180 dogs, surrounded by a dozen or more large jackals, were fighting bravely, four of their opponents lay dead, but the others were in no way deterred181 by the fate of their comrades.
Fritz and I, however, sent bullets through the heads of a couple more, and the rest galloped182 off. Turk and Juno did not intend that they should escape so cheaply, and pursuing them, they caught, killed, and devoured183 another of the animals, regardless of their near relationship. Fritz wished to save one of the jackals that he might be able to show it to his brothers in the morning; dragging therefore the one that he had shot near the tent, he concealed184 it, and we once more returned to our beds. I told him that in justice, if Turk and Flora were still hungry, we should give this last jackal to them. But they, surfeited185, curled up to sleep.
Soundly and peacefully we slept until cock-crow next morning, when my wife and I awoke. I observed to her that I could not but view with alarm the many cares and exertions186 to be made. `In the first place, a journey to the vessel must be made. This is of absolute necessity, at least, if we would not be deprived of the livestock187 and other useful things, all of which from moment to moment we risk losing by the first heavy sea. What ought we first to resolve on? For example, should not our very first endeavour to be the contriving188 of a better sort of habitation and a more secure retreat from wild beasts, as well as a separate place for our provisions? I own I am at a loss what to begin first.'
`Return to the wreck by all means,' replied my wife, cheerfully. `Patience, order and perseverance189 will help us through all our work, and I agree with you that a visit to the wreck is without doubt our first duty. Come, let us wake the children, and set to work without delay.'
They were soon roused, and Fritz overcoming his drowsiness190 before the others, ran out for his jackal; it was cold and stiff from the night air, and he placed it on its legs before the tent, in a most life-like attitude, and stood by to watch the effect upon the family.
The dogs were the first to perceive their enemy, and growling191, seemed inclined to dispose of the animal as they had disposed of its brethren in the night, but Fritz called them off. The noise the dogs made, however, had the effect of bringing out the younger children, and many were the exclamations192 they made at the sight of the strange animal.
`A yellow dog!' cried Franz.
`A wolf!' exclaimed Jack.
`It is a striped fox,' said Ernest.
`Hullo,' said Fritz. `The greatest men may make mistakes. Our
Professor does not know a jackal when he sees one.'
`But really,' continued Ernest, examining the animal, `I think it is a fox.'
`Very well, very well,' retorted Fritz, `no doubt you know better than your father! He thinks it is a jackal.'
`Come boys,' said I, `no more of this quarrelling; you are none of you very far wrong, for the jackal partakes of the nature of all three, dog, wolf, and fox.'
The monkey had come out on Jack's shoulder, but no sooner did it catch sight of the jackal, than it fled precipitately193 back into the tent, and hid itself in a heap of moss194 until nothing was visible but the tip of its little nose. Jack soothed195 and comforted the frightened little animal, and I then summoned them all to prayers, soon after which we began our breakfast.
So severely196 had we dealt with our supper the previous night, that we had little to eat but the biscuits, which were so dry and hard, that, hungry as we were, we could not swallow much. Fritz and I took some cheese to help them down, while my wife and younger sons soaked theirs in water. Ernest roamed down to the shore, and looked about for shellfish.
Presently he returned with a few whelks. `Ah,' said he, `if we had but some butter.'
`My good boy,' I replied, `Your perpetual "if, if", quite annoys me; I would rather eat a bit of cheese with my biscuit at once, than think of ifs, which bring us so meagre a harvest. Why do you not sit down and eat cheese like the rest of us?'
`Not while I can get butter,' he said, `see here, father,' and he pointed to a large cask, `that barrel contains excellent salt butter. I made a little opening in it with a knife; and see, I got enough to spread nicely upon this piece of biscuit.'
`Really, Ernest,' I said, `we are indebted to you. I will open the cask.' So saying, I took a knife and carefully cut a small hole, so that I could extract the butter without exposing the mass of it to the effects of the air and heat. Filling a cocoanut shell with the good Dutch butter, we once more sat down, toasting our biscuits before the fire and spreading them with butter.
While we were thus employed, I noticed that the two dogs were lying unusually quietly by my side. I at first attributed this drowsiness to their large meal during the night, but I soon discovered that it arose from a different cause; the faithful animals had not escaped unhurt from their late combat, but had received several deep and painful wounds, especially about the neck. The dogs began to lick each other on the places which they could not reach with their own tongues, and my wife carefully dressed the wounds with butter from which she had extracted the salt by washing.
`One of the things we must not forget to look for in the vessel,' said Fritz, `is a spiked197 collar for each of the dogs, as a protection to them should they again be called upon to defend themselves and us from wild beasts.'
`Oh yes,' exclaimed Jack, `but I can make spiked collars, if mother will give me some help.'
`Try by all means, my little fellow,' said I, `and persuade your mother to assist you; and now, Fritz,' I continued, `we must be starting, for you and I are to make a trip to the wreck.'
`That I will, my boy,' she cried, `for I would like to see what new fancy has come into your head. And all of us must remember that we may make as many new inventions as we can think of. We cannot better employ your time, and if you produce something useful, you will be rewarded with the commendations of all.'
I begged the party who were to remain on shore, to keep together as much as possible, reminded my younger sons to obey their mother in all things, and having arranged a set of signals with my wife that we might exchange communications, asked a blessing198 on our enterprise. I erected199 a signal-post, and while Fritz was making preparations for our departure, hoisted200 a strip of sailcloth as a flag; this flag was to remain hoisted so long as all was well on shore, but should our return be desired, three shots were to be fired and the flag lowered.
All was now ready, and warning my wife that we might find it necessary to remain all night on the vessel, we tenderly bade adieu and embarked201. Except our guns and ammunition202 we were taking nothing, that we might leave as much space as possible for the stowage of a large cargo203. Fritz, however, had resolved to bring his little monkey, that he might obtain milk for it as soon as possible.
We had not got far from the shore, when I perceived that a current from the river set in directly for the vessel, and though my nautical204 knowledge was not great, I succeeded in steering206 the boat into the favourable stream, which carried us nearly three-fourths of our passage with little or no trouble to ourselves; then, by dint207 of hard pulling, we accomplished the whole distance, and, entering through the breach208, gladly made fast our boat and stepped on board.
Our first care was to see to the animals, who greeted us with joy—lowing, bellowing209, and bleating210 as we approached—not that the poor beasts were hungry, for they were all still well supplied with food, but they were apparently211 pleased by the mere212 sight of human beings. We removed any partly spoiled food and added a fresh supply, along with fresh water.
Fritz then placed his monkey by one of the goats, and the little animal immediately sucked the milk with evident relish, chattering and grinning all the while; the monkey provided for, we refreshed ourselves with a plentiful213 meal. `Now,' said I, `we have plenty to do; where shall we begin?'
`Let us fix a mast and sail to our boat,' answered Fritz, `for the current which brought us out will not take us back; whereas the fresh breeze we met would help us immensely had we but a sail.'
Quite startled, I demanded, `What makes you think of this at so critical a time, when we have so many necessities to attend to?'
`I must confess,' he said, `that I found it very difficult to row for so long a time, though I assure you I did my best and did not spare my strength. I noticed that, though the wind blew strong in my face, towards land, the current continued to carry us out. Now, as the current will be of no use in our way back, I was thinking that we might make the wind supply its place. Our boat will be very heavy when we have loaded it with all the things we mean to take away, and I am afraid that I shall not be strong enough to row to land.'
`You have reasoned well, my boy,' I replied, `and let us set to work at once. Even so, we must take care not to overload214 the boat, as that might risk our sinking or force us to throw supplies overboard.' I chose a stout215 spar to serve as a mast, and having made a hole in a plank216 nailed across one of the tubs we, with the help of a rope and a couple of blocks, stepped it and secured it with stays.
We then discovered a lug-sail, which had belonged to one of the ship's boats; this we hoisted; and our craft was ready to sail. Fritz begged me to decorate the mast-head with a red streamer, to give our vessel a more finished appearance. Smiling at this childish but natural vanity, I complied with his request. I then contrived217 a rudder, that I might be able to steer205 the boat; for though I knew that an oar43 would serve the purpose, it was cumbrous and inconvenient.
While I was thus employed, Fritz examined the shore with his glass, and soon announced that the flag was flying and all was well.
So much time had now slipped away, that we found we could not return that night, as I had wished. We signalled our intention of remaining on board, and then spent the rest of our time in taking out the stones we had placed in the boat for ballast, and stowed in their place heavy articles, of value to us.
The ship had sailed for the purpose of supplying a young colony; she had therefore on board every conceivable article we could desire in our present situation; our only difficulty indeed was to make a wise selection. Fritz seemed sanguine218 that we would be able to return for more, but of that I was far from certain.
A large quantity of powder and shot we first secured, and as Fritz considered that we could not have too many weapons, we added three excellent guns, and a whole armful of swords, daggers219 and knives. We remembered that knives and forks and spoons were necessary, we therefore laid in a large stock of them, and kitchen utensils220 of all sorts.
Exploring the captain's cabin, we discovered a service of silver-plate and a cellaret of good old wine; we then went over the stores, and supplied ourselves with potted meats, portable soups, Westphalian hams, sausages, a bag of maize221 and wheat, and a quantity of other seeds and vegetables. I then added a barrel of sulphur for matches, and as much string, cordage, and sailcloth as I could find.
Fritz reminded me that sleeping on the ground, even with the leaves and moss the boys had collected, had been both cold and hard, and prevailed upon me to increase our cargo by some hammocks and blankets.
All this—with nails, tools and agricultural implements—completed our cargo, and sank our boat so low, that I should have been obliged to lighten her had not the sea been calm.
Night drew on and a large fire, lighted by those on shore, showed us that all was well. We replied by hoisting222 four ship's lanterns, and two shots announced us that our signal was perceived.
The ship seemed to be in so wretched a condition that the least tempest, such as might arise unexpectedly during the night, must complete her destructions. We resigned ourselves to sleeping in our small boat, which appeared safer than the great vessel. So, with a heartfelt prayer for the safety of our dear ones on shore, we retired223, and Fritz at all events was soon sound asleep.
For a while I could not sleep, the thought of my wife and children—alone and unprotected, save by the great dogs—disturbed my rest. The night at length passed away. At daybreak Fritz and I arose, and went on deck. I brought the telescope to bear upon the shore, and with pleasure saw the flag still waving in the morning breeze; while I kept the glass directed to the land, I saw the door of the tent open, and my wife appear and look steadfastly224 towards us.
I at once hoisted a white flag, and in reply, the flag on shore was thrice dipped. Oh, what a weight seemed lifted from my heart as I saw the signal!
`Fritz,' I said, `now that I have had a sight of your mother, my next concern is for the animals on board. Let us endeavour to save the lives of some of them, at least, and to take them with us.'
`Would it be possible to make a raft,' suggested Fritz, `and get them all on it and in that way take them to shore?'
`But how could we induce a cow, an ass, and a sow either to get upon a raft or, when there to remain motionless and quiet? The sheep and goats one might perhaps find means to remove, they being of a more docile225 temper; but for the larger animals, I am at a loss as to how to proceed.'
`We could tie a long rope around the sow's neck,' Fritz now proposed, `and throw her without ceremony into the sea. Her immense bulk will be sure to sustain her above water, and by the rope, we can draw her after the boat.'
`An excellent idea,' I replied, `but unfortunately it is of no use but for the pig;* and she is the one I care least about preserving.' In fact, I had an idea how to proceed, but I desired to allow Fritz to invent a solution.
* In fact all of the animals would have been able to float, though swimming against the strong current would have been difficult. The solution chosen does not address this problem at all.
`Well,' said Fritz, `I can think of nothing else, unless indeed we make them such swimming-belts as you made for the children.'
`Really, my boy, that idea is worth having. I am not joking, indeed,' I continued, as I saw him smile, `we may get every one of the animals ashore38 in that way.'
So saying, I caught a fine sheep, and proceeded to put our plan into execution. I first fastened a broad piece of linen226 round its belly227, and to this attached some corks228 and empty tins; then with Fritz's help, I flung the animal into the sea—it sank, but a moment afterwards rose and floated famously.
`Hurrah!' exclaimed Fritz, `we will treat them all like that.' We then rapidly caught the other animals and provided them one after the other with a similar contrivance. The cow and ass gave us more trouble than did the others. For them we required something more buoyant than the mere cork; we at last found some empty casks and fastened two to each animal by thongs229 passed under its belly.
This done, the whole herd230 were ready to start, and we brought the ass to one of the ports to be the first to be launched. After some maneuvering231 we got him in a convenient position, and then a sudden heave sent him plunging232 into the sea. He sank, and then, buoyed233 up by the casks, emerged head and back from the water.
The cow, sheep and goats followed him one after the other, and then the sow alone remained. She seemed, however determined not to leave the ship; she kicked, struggled and squealed234 so violently, that I really thought we should be obliged to abandon her. Indeed, we found it necessary to put a muzzle235 on her to prevent her from biting before we could tie a large piece of cork under her body. At length, after much trouble, we succeeded in sending her out of the port after the others, and when once in the water, such was the old lady's energy that she quickly distanced them, and was the first to reach the shore.
We had fastened to the horns or neck of each animal a cord with a float attached to the end, and now embarking236, we gathered up these floats, set sail, and steered237 for shore, drawing our herd after us. I saw, now, how impossible it would have been for us to have succeeded in our enterprise without the aid of a sail; the weight of the goods sank the boat so low in the water that none of our exertions would have allowed us to row such a distance. But with the sail, we proceeded so completely to our satisfaction that were able to get some biscuits and enjoyed a midday meal; then, while Fritz amused himself with his monkey, I took up my glass and tried to make out how our dear ones on shore were employing themselves.
As I was thus engaged, a sudden shout from Fritz surprised me. I glanced up; there stood Fritz with his gun to his shoulder, pointing it at a huge shark. The monster was making for one of the finest sheep; he turned on his side to seize his prey238; as the white of his belly appeared Fritz fired. The shot took effect, and our enemy disappeared, leaving a trace of blood on the calm water.
`Well done, my boy,' I cried, `you will become a crack shot one of these days; but I trust you will not often have such dangerous game to shoot.' Fritz's eyes sparkled at his success and my praise, and reloading his gun, carefully watched the water. But the shark did not again appear, and borne onwards by the breeze, we quickly neared the shore. Steering the boat to a convenient landing place, I cast off the ropes which secured the animals, and let them get ashore as best they might.
There was no sign of my wife or children when we stepped on land, but a few moments afterwards they appeared, and with a shout of joy ran towards us.
We were thankful to be once more united, and after asking and replying to a few preliminary questions, proceeded to release our herd from their swimming belts, which, though so useful in the water, were exceedingly inconvenient on shore. My wife was astonished at the apparatus239. `How clever you are,' said she.
`I am not the inventor,' I replied, `the honour is due to Fritz. He not only thought of this plan for bringing off the animals, but saved one at least of them from a most fearful death.' And I then told them how bravely he had encountered the shark. My wife was delighted with her son's success, but declared that she would dread240 our trips to the vessel more than ever, knowing that such savage fish inhabited the waters.
Fritz, Ernest and I began the work of unloading our craft, while Jack, seeing that the poor donkey was still encumbered241 with his swimming-belt, tried to free him from it. But the donkey would not stand quiet, and the child's fingers were not strong enough to loosen the cordage; finally, therefore, he scrambled upon the animal's back, and urging him on with hand and foot, trotted242 towards us.
`Come, my boy,' I said, `no one must be idle here, even for a moment; you will have riding practise enough hereafter; dismount and come and help us.'
Jack was soon on his feet. `But I have not been idle all day,' he said, `look here!' and he pointed to a belt round his waist. It was a broad belt of yellow skin in which he had stuck a couple of pistols and a knife. `And see,' he added, `what I have made for the dogs. Here, Juno, Turk,' the dogs came bounding up at his call, and I saw that they were each supplied with a collar of the same skin, in which were fastened nails, which bristled243 round their necks in a most formidable manner.
`Capital, capital! my boy,' said I, `but where did you get your materials, and who helped you?'
`Except in sewing,' said my wife, `he had little assistance, and as for the materials, Fritz's jackal supplied us with the skin, and the needles and thread came out of my wonderful bag. You little think how many useful things may be had from that same bag; it is woman's duty and nature, you know, to see after trifles.'
Fritz evidently did not approve of the use to which his jackal's hide had been devoted244, and holding his nose, begged his little brother to keep at a distance. `Really, Jack,' he said, `you should have cured the hide before you used it, the smell is disgusting, don't come near me.'
`It's not the hide that smells at all,' retorted Jack, `it is your nasty jackal itself that you left in the sun.'
`Now, boys,' said I, `no quarrelling here; do you, Jack, help your brother to drag the carcase to the sea, and if your belt smells after that you must take it off and dry it better.'
The jackal was dragged off, and we then finished our work of unloading our boat. When this was accomplished we started for our tent, and finding there no preparation for supper, I said, `Fritz, let us have a Westphalian ham.'
Fritz got out a splendid ham and carried it to his mother triumphantly246, while Ernest set before me a dozen white balls with parchment-like coverings.
`Turtles' eggs!' said I. `Well done, Ernest, where did you get them?'
`That,' replied my wife, `shall be told in due course when we relate our adventures; now we will see what they will do towards making a supper for you; with these and your ham I do not think we shall starve.'
Leaving my wife to prepare supper, we returned to the shore and brought up what of the cargo we had left there; then, having collected our herd of animals (except for the sow, which ran away, and the ducks and geese which deserted247 us for a nearby marshy248 swamp), we returned to the tent.
The meal which awaited us was as unlike the first supper we had there enjoyed as possible. My wife had improvised249 a table of a board laid on two casks, on this was spread a white damask tablecloth250, on which were placed knives, forks, spoons and plates for each person. A tureen of good soup first appeared, followed by a capital omelette, then slices of the ham; and finally some Dutch cheese, butter and biscuits, with a bottle of the captain's canary wine, completed the repast.
While we thus regaled ourselves, I related to my wife our adventures, and then begged she would remember her promise and tell me all that had happened in my absence.
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
thoroughly
|
|
| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
fatigued
|
|
| adj. 疲乏的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
vigilant
|
|
| adj.警觉的，警戒的，警惕的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
saluted
|
|
| v.欢迎，致敬( salute的过去式和过去分词 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
interval
|
|
| n.间隔，间距；幕间休息，中场休息 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
prospects
|
|
| n.希望，前途(恒为复数) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
prospect
|
|
| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
ascertain
|
|
| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
stranded
|
|
| a.搁浅的，进退两难的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
awakening
|
|
| n.觉醒，醒悟 adj.觉醒中的；唤醒的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
jack
|
|
| n.插座，千斤顶，男人；v.抬起，提醒，扛举；n.（Jake）杰克 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
lobster
|
|
| n.龙虾，龙虾肉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
capering
|
|
| v.跳跃，雀跃( caper的现在分词 )；蹦蹦跳跳 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
fatiguing
|
|
| a.使人劳累的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
perfectly
|
|
| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
flora
|
|
| n.(某一地区的)植物群 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
shamefully
|
|
| 可耻地； 丢脸地； 不体面地； 羞耻地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
recollecting
|
|
| v.记起，想起( recollect的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
snarl
|
|
| v.吼叫，怒骂，纠缠，混乱；n.混乱，缠结，咆哮 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
entreated
|
|
| 恳求，乞求( entreat的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
caressed
|
|
| 爱抚或抚摸…( caress的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
addicted
|
|
| adj.沉溺于....的，对...上瘾的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
hatchet
|
|
| n.短柄小斧；v.扼杀 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
flask
|
|
| n.瓶，火药筒，砂箱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
undone
|
|
| a.未做完的，未完成的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
assail
|
|
| v.猛烈攻击，抨击，痛斥 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
ass
|
|
| n.驴；傻瓜，蠢笨的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
inaccessible
|
|
| adj.达不到的，难接近的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
cascade
|
|
| n.小瀑布，喷流；层叠；vi.成瀑布落下 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
adorned
|
|
| [计]被修饰的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
clumps
|
|
| n.（树、灌木、植物等的）丛、簇( clump的名词复数 )；（土、泥等）团；块；笨重的脚步声v.（树、灌木、植物等的）丛、簇( clump的第三人称单数 )；（土、泥等）团；块；笨重的脚步声 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
clump
|
|
| n.树丛，草丛；vi.用沉重的脚步行走 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
withered
|
|
| adj. 枯萎的，干瘪的，（人身体的部分器官）因病萎缩的或未发育良好的 动词wither的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
tangled
|
|
| adj. 纠缠的，紊乱的 动词tangle的过去式和过去分词 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
rustling
|
|
| n. 瑟瑟声，沙沙声 adj. 发沙沙声的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
savage
|
|
| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
discretion
|
|
| n.谨慎；随意处理 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
ashore
|
|
| adv.在(向)岸上，上岸 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
delightful
|
|
| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
savages
|
|
| 未开化的人，野蛮人( savage的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
diligently
|
|
| ad.industriously;carefully | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
vessel
|
|
| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
oar
|
|
| n.桨，橹，划手；v.划行 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
exalted
|
|
| adj.(地位等)高的，崇高的；尊贵的，高尚的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
entirely
|
|
| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
grove
|
|
| n.林子，小树林，园林 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
rivulet
|
|
| n.小溪，小河 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
pebbly
|
|
| 多卵石的，有卵石花纹的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
gaily
|
|
| adv.欢乐地，高兴地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
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： |
|
|
|
|
51
hull
|
|
| n.船身；(果、实等的)外壳；vt.去(谷物等)壳 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
fibers
|
|
| 光纤( fiber的名词复数 )； （织物的）质地； 纤维，纤维物质 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
kernel
|
|
| n.(果实的)核，仁；(问题)的中心，核心 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
ripens
|
|
| v.成熟，使熟( ripen的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
congealed
|
|
| v.使凝结，冻结( congeal的过去式和过去分词 )；（指血）凝结 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
solidified
|
|
| （使）成为固体，（使）变硬，（使）变得坚固( solidify的过去式和过去分词 )； 使团结一致； 充实，巩固； 具体化 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
favourable
|
|
| adj.赞成的，称赞的，有利的，良好的，顺利的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
swells
|
|
| 增强( swell的第三人称单数 )； 肿胀； （使）凸出； 充满（激情） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
swell
|
|
| vi.膨胀，肿胀；增长，增强 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
egress
|
|
| n.出去；出口 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
defer
|
|
| vt.推迟，拖延；vi.(to)遵从，听从，服从 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
thicket
|
|
| n.灌木丛，树林 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
densely
|
|
| ad.密集地；浓厚地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
dense
|
|
| a.密集的，稠密的，浓密的；密度大的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
hatchets
|
|
| n.短柄小斧( hatchet的名词复数 )；恶毒攻击；诽谤；休战 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
sweeping
|
|
| adj.范围广大的，一扫无遗的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
intervals
|
|
| n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 )；间隔时间；[数学]区间；（戏剧、电影或音乐会的）幕间休息 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
68
remarkable
|
|
| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
69
pointed
|
|
| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
70
gourd
|
|
| n.葫芦 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
71
remains
|
|
| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
72
gourds
|
|
| n.葫芦( gourd的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
73
penetrated
|
|
| adj. 击穿的，鞭辟入里的 动词penetrate的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
74
accomplished
|
|
| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
75
scoop
|
|
| n.铲子，舀取，独家新闻；v.汲取，舀取，抢先登出 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
76
promontory
|
|
| n.海角；岬 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
77
promontories
|
|
| n.岬，隆起，海角( promontory的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
78
rippling
|
|
| 起涟漪的，潺潺流水般声音的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
79
solitude
|
|
| n. 孤独; 独居,荒僻之地,幽静的地方 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
80
contentedly
|
|
| adv.心满意足地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
81
unbearable
|
|
| adj.不能容忍的；忍受不住的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
82
broiled
|
|
| a.烤过的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
83
descended
|
|
| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
84
reptile
|
|
| n.爬行动物；两栖动物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
85
exuding
|
|
| v.缓慢流出，渗出，分泌出( exude的现在分词 )；流露出对（某物）的神态或感情 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
86
standing
|
|
| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
87
cane
|
|
| n.手杖，细长的茎，藤条；v.以杖击，以藤编制的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
88
canes
|
|
| n.（某些植物，如竹或甘蔗的）茎( cane的名词复数 )；（用于制作家具等的）竹竿；竹杖 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
89
defense
|
|
| n.防御，保卫；[pl.]防务工事；辩护，答辩 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
90
hesitation
|
|
| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
91
disporting
|
|
| v.嬉戏，玩乐，自娱( disport的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
92
chattering
|
|
| n. （机器振动发出的）咔嗒声，(鸟等)鸣，啁啾 adj. 喋喋不休的，啾啾声的 动词chatter的现在分词形式 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
93
grimacing
|
|
| v.扮鬼相，做鬼脸( grimace的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
94
instinctive
|
|
| adj.(出于)本能的；直觉的；(出于)天性的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
95
mania
|
|
| n.疯狂；躁狂症，狂热，癖好 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
96
stratagem
|
|
| n.诡计，计谋 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
97
quenching
|
|
| 淬火，熄 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
98
gnaw
|
|
| v.不断地啃、咬；使苦恼，折磨 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
99
slung
|
|
| 抛( sling的过去式和过去分词 )； 吊挂； 遣送； 押往 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
100
considerably
|
|
| adv.极大地；相当大地；在很大程度上 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
101
marrow
|
|
| n.骨髓；精华；活力 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
102
accomplishment
|
|
| n.完成，成就，（pl.）造诣，技能 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
103
joint
|
|
| adj.联合的，共同的；n.关节，接合处；v.连接，贴合 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
104
initiating
|
|
| v.开始( initiate的现在分词 )；传授；发起；接纳新成员 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
105
embedded
|
|
| a.扎牢的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
106
pulp
|
|
| n.果肉，纸浆；v.化成纸浆，除去...果肉，制成纸浆 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
107
ferment
|
|
| vt.使发酵；n./vt.（使）激动，（使）动乱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
108
drawn
|
|
| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
109
horrid
|
|
| adj.可怕的；令人惊恐的；恐怖的；极讨厌的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
110
tugging
|
|
| n.牵引感v.用力拉，使劲拉，猛扯( tug的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
111
cork
|
|
| n.软木，软木塞 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
112
forth
|
|
| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
113
foaming
|
|
| adj.布满泡沫的；发泡 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
114
champagne
|
|
| n.香槟酒；微黄色 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
115
draught
|
|
| n.拉，牵引，拖；一网（饮，吸，阵)；顿服药量，通风；v.起草，设计 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
116
darted
|
|
| v.投掷，投射( dart的过去式和过去分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
117
gambolling
|
|
| v.蹦跳，跳跃，嬉戏( gambol的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
118
ravenous
|
|
| adj.极饿的，贪婪的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
119
tragic
|
|
| adj.悲剧的，悲剧性的，悲惨的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
120
plunged
|
|
| v.颠簸( plunge的过去式和过去分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
121
grimaces
|
|
| n.（表蔑视、厌恶等）面部扭曲，鬼脸( grimace的名词复数 )v.扮鬼相，做鬼脸( grimace的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
122
determined
|
|
| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
123
rogue
|
|
| n.流氓；v.游手好闲 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
124
coaxing
|
|
| v.哄，用好话劝说( coax的现在分词 )；巧言骗取；哄劝，劝诱；“锻炼”效应 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
125
sinewy
|
|
| adj.多腱的，强壮有力的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
126
wreck
|
|
| n.失事，遇难；沉船；vt.(船等)失事，遇难 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
127
instinctively
|
|
| adv.本能地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
128
wholesome
|
|
| adj.适合；卫生的；有益健康的；显示身心健康的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
129
orphan
|
|
| n.孤儿；adj.无父母的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
130
kindly
|
|
| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
131
mischievous
|
|
| adj.调皮的，恶作剧的，有害的，伤人的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
132
devouring
|
|
| 吞没( devour的现在分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
133
grudge
|
|
| n.不满，怨恨，妒嫉；vt.勉强给，不情愿做 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
134
conversing
|
|
| v.交谈，谈话( converse的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
135
bestowed
|
|
| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
136
uncommonly
|
|
| adv. 稀罕(极，非常) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
137
scrambled
|
|
| v.快速爬行( scramble的过去式和过去分词 )；攀登；争夺；（军事飞机）紧急起飞 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
138
inconvenient
|
|
| adj.不方便的，令人感到麻烦的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
139
enjoining
|
|
| v.命令( enjoin的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
140
obedience
|
|
| n.服从，顺从 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
141
slain
|
|
| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
142
mightily
|
|
| ad.强烈地；非常地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
143
displeased
|
|
| a.不快的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
144
beguiling
|
|
| adj.欺骗的，诱人的v.欺骗( beguile的现在分词 )；使陶醉；使高兴；消磨（时间等） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
145
margin
|
|
| n.页边空白；差额；余地，余裕；边，边缘 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
146
hearty
|
|
| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
147
goodwill
|
|
| n.善意，亲善，信誉，声誉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
148
regained
|
|
| 复得( regain的过去式和过去分词 )； 赢回； 重回； 复至某地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
149
Ford
|
|
| n.浅滩，水浅可涉处；v.涉水，涉过 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
150
tumult
|
|
| n.喧哗；激动，混乱；吵闹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
151
ecstasy
|
|
| n.狂喜，心醉神怡，入迷 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
152
torrent
|
|
| n.激流，洪流；爆发，(话语等的)连发 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
153
subsided
|
|
| v.（土地）下陷（因在地下采矿）( subside的过去式和过去分词 )；减弱；下降至较低或正常水平；一下子坐在椅子等上 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
154
solitary
|
|
| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
155
beset
|
|
| v.镶嵌；困扰，包围 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
156
laden
|
|
| adj.装满了的；充满了的；负了重担的；苦恼的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
157
luscious
|
|
| adj.美味的；芬芳的；肉感的，引与性欲的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
158
prudent
|
|
| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
159
housekeeper
|
|
| n.管理家务的主妇，女管家 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
160
civilized
|
|
| a.有教养的，文雅的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
161
sumptuous
|
|
| adj.豪华的，奢侈的，华丽的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
162
gravy
|
|
| n.肉汁；轻易得来的钱，外快 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
163
helping
|
|
| n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
164
poultry
|
|
| n.家禽，禽肉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
165
penguin
|
|
| n.企鹅 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
166
downwards
|
|
| adj./adv.向下的（地），下行的（地） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
167
sedately
|
|
| adv.镇静地，安详地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
168
destitute
|
|
| adj.缺乏的；穷困的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
169
recollected
|
|
| adj.冷静的；镇定的；被回忆起的；沉思默想的v.记起，想起( recollect的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
170
countenance
|
|
| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
171
wry
|
|
| adj.讽刺的；扭曲的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
172
transformation
|
|
| n.变化；改造；转变 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
173
relish
|
|
| n.滋味，享受，爱好，调味品；vt.加调味料，享受，品味；vi.有滋味 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
174
fishy
|
|
| adj. 值得怀疑的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
175
morsels
|
|
| n.一口( morsel的名词复数 )；（尤指食物）小块，碎屑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
176
crouched
|
|
| v.屈膝，蹲伏( crouch的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
177
repose
|
|
| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
178
awakened
|
|
| v.（使）醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
179
foe
|
|
| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
180
gallant
|
|
| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
181
deterred
|
|
| v.阻止，制止( deter的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
182
galloped
|
|
| （使马）飞奔，奔驰( gallop的过去式和过去分词 )； 快速做[说]某事 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
183
devoured
|
|
| 吞没( devour的过去式和过去分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
184
concealed
|
|
| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
185
surfeited
|
|
| v.吃得过多( surfeit的过去式和过去分词 )；由于过量而厌腻 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
186
exertions
|
|
| n.努力( exertion的名词复数 )；费力；（能力、权力等的）运用；行使 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
187
livestock
|
|
| n.家畜，牲畜 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
188
contriving
|
|
| （不顾困难地）促成某事( contrive的现在分词 )； 巧妙地策划，精巧地制造（如机器）； 设法做到 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
189
perseverance
|
|
| n.坚持不懈，不屈不挠 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
190
drowsiness
|
|
| n.睡意；嗜睡 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
191
growling
|
|
| n.吠声, 咆哮声 v.怒吠, 咆哮, 吼 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
192
exclamations
|
|
| n.呼喊( exclamation的名词复数 )；感叹；感叹语；感叹词 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
193
precipitately
|
|
| adv.猛进地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
194
moss
|
|
| n.苔，藓，地衣 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
195
soothed
|
|
| v.安慰( soothe的过去式和过去分词 )；抚慰；使舒服；减轻痛苦 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
196
severely
|
|
| adv.严格地；严厉地；非常恶劣地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
197
spiked
|
|
| adj.有穗的；成锥形的；有尖顶的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
198
blessing
|
|
| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
199
ERECTED
|
|
| adj. 直立的，竖立的，笔直的 vt. 使 ... 直立，建立 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
200
hoisted
|
|
| 把…吊起，升起( hoist的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
201
embarked
|
|
| 乘船( embark的过去式和过去分词 )； 装载； 从事 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
202
ammunition
|
|
| n.军火，弹药 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
203
cargo
|
|
| n.(一只船或一架飞机运载的)货物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
204
nautical
|
|
| adj.海上的，航海的，船员的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
205
steer
|
|
| vt.驾驶，为…操舵；引导；vi.驾驶 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
206
steering
|
|
| n.操舵装置 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
207
dint
|
|
| n.由于，靠；凹坑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
208
breach
|
|
| n.违反，不履行；破裂；vt.冲破，攻破 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
209
bellowing
|
|
| v.发出吼叫声，咆哮（尤指因痛苦）( bellow的现在分词 )；（愤怒地）说出（某事），大叫 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
210
bleating
|
|
| v.（羊，小牛）叫( bleat的现在分词 )；哭诉；发出羊叫似的声音；轻声诉说 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
211
apparently
|
|
| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
212
mere
|
|
| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
213
plentiful
|
|
| adj.富裕的，丰富的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
214
overload
|
|
| vt.使超载；n.超载 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
216
plank
|
|
| n.板条，木板，政策要点，政纲条目 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
217
contrived
|
|
| adj.不自然的，做作的；虚构的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
218
sanguine
|
|
| adj.充满希望的，乐观的，血红色的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
219
daggers
|
|
| 匕首，短剑( dagger的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
220
utensils
|
|
| 器具，用具，器皿( utensil的名词复数 )； 器物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
221
maize
|
|
| n.玉米 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
222
hoisting
|
|
| 起重，提升 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
223
retired
|
|
| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
224
steadfastly
|
|
| adv.踏实地，不变地；岿然；坚定不渝 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
225
docile
|
|
| adj.驯服的，易控制的，容易教的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
226
linen
|
|
| n.亚麻布，亚麻线，亚麻制品；adj.亚麻布制的，亚麻的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
227
belly
|
|
| n.肚子，腹部；(像肚子一样)鼓起的部分，膛 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
228
corks
|
|
| n.脐梅衣；软木( cork的名词复数 )；软木塞 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
229
thongs
|
|
| 的东西 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
230
herd
|
|
| n.兽群，牧群；vt.使集中，把…赶在一起 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
231
maneuvering
|
|
| v.移动，用策略( maneuver的现在分词 )；操纵 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
232
plunging
|
|
| adj.跳进的，突进的v.颠簸( plunge的现在分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
233
buoyed
|
|
| v.使浮起( buoy的过去式和过去分词 )；支持；为…设浮标；振奋…的精神 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
234
squealed
|
|
| v.长声尖叫，用长而尖锐的声音说( squeal的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
235
muzzle
|
|
| n.鼻口部；口套；枪(炮)口；vt.使缄默 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
236
embarking
|
|
| 乘船( embark的现在分词 )； 装载； 从事 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
237
steered
|
|
| v.驾驶( steer的过去式和过去分词 )；操纵；控制；引导 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
238
prey
|
|
| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
239
apparatus
|
|
| n.装置，器械；器具，设备 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
240
dread
|
|
| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
241
encumbered
|
|
| v.妨碍，阻碍，拖累( encumber的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
242
trotted
|
|
| 小跑，急走( trot的过去分词 )； 匆匆忙忙地走 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
243
bristled
|
|
| adj. 直立的，多刺毛的 动词bristle的过去式和过去分词 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
244
devoted
|
|
| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
245
conjure
|
|
| v.恳求，祈求；变魔术，变戏法 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
246
triumphantly
|
|
| ad.得意洋洋地；得胜地；成功地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
247
deserted
|
|
| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
248
marshy
|
|
| adj.沼泽的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
249
improvised
|
|
| a.即席而作的,即兴的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
250
tablecloth
|
|
| n.桌布，台布 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |