Chapter XX — Before the Battle

 Ben's term at school had already extended to eight months. Our hero was thorough in whatever he did, and, having an excellent natural capacity, easily took high rank as a scholar.

 

"Do you expect to win the prize, Ben?" asked his friend, James Watson.

 

"I hope to win it," said Ben.

 

"So does Sam Archer¹."

 

"I suppose it lies between us two, unless you step in and carry it off," added Ben, smiling, for he knew that James, who was low in rank, was not at all sensitive on the subject.

 

"Make yourself easy, Ben; I won't interfere² with you. You are my friend, you know, and for your sake I will answer a few questions wrong."

 

"You always were considerate, James. You have relieved my mind of a load of anxiety."

 

"Don't mention it, Ben. I shan't feel the sacrifice."

 

"You are a good fellow, at any rate, James, and that is more than I can say for Sam Archer."

 

"He thinks an awful lot of himself."

 

"He can't forget that his father is superintendent³ of the mill."

 

"By the way, Ben, what are you intending to do in vacation."

 

"I shall try to get employment in the mill again. I have been idle nearly a year now."

 

"Your aunt has been getting along very well."

 

"Yes; thanks to the seven dollars a week received for Emma's board. But I don't like to feel that she is supporting the family. I think it is high time for me to be at work."

 

"Ben, I've been thinking of something."

 

"Out with it, James."

 

"Sam Archer will be very much disappointed if you take the prize over him."

 

"He doesn't love me overmuch now."

 

"I am afraid he will prejudice his father against you, so as to induce him to refuse you employment in the mill."

 

"Do you think he would be as mean as that?"

 

"Do I think so? I know it. Sam Archer is mean enough for anything."

 

"He has just as good a chance as I have."

 

"He told one of the boys you were Mr. Taylor's pet. He will say the prize was give to you on account of favoritism."

 

"Will anybody believe it?"

 

"No one except Sam's special friends. I think Mr. Taylor does like you. That reminds me, where do you think Mr. Taylor is to-night?"

 

"I don't know, I am sure."

 

"He is dining at Mr. Archer's."

 

"That's something new, isn't it?"

 

"Mr. Archer is trying to curry⁴ favor with the principal for Sam."

 

"Then he doesn't know him very well. Mr. Taylor will decide justly, at any rate."

 

"Do you want very much to go back to the mill, Ben?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Then the best thing you can do is to let Sam beat you. That will make him good-natured and you will probably get a place."

 

"I shan't resign the prize. I shall do my best to obtain it. If that loses me employment in the mill, I will go in search of employment elsewhere."

 

"I like your pluck, Ben."

 

"I am willing to wait and I expect to win in the end."

 

"Well, good luck to you, Ben. My supper is ready, and I must go home."

 

The more Ben thought it over, the more he felt that James was probably correct in his prediction as to the effect of his success.

 

"I am determined⁵ to beat Sam," he said to himself. The next morning he entered the schoolroom cool and confident, while Sam, though rather nervous, seemed almost equally confident.

 

"Mr. Taylor won't go back on me," he reflected, "after dining at our house; especially after father has promised to get him a higher salary."

 

The examination lasted all the session. It was partly oral and partly written.

 

"Boys," said the principal, "I shall devote the evening to the examination of your papers. To-morrow morning my decision will be made known."

 

"I wish it were over," thought Sam. "I think he'll give me the prize, but I should like to be sure of it."

 

1 archer   

n.射手，弓箭手

参考例句：

• The archer strung his bow and aimed an arrow at the target.弓箭手拉紧弓弦将箭瞄准靶子。
• The archer's shot was a perfect bull's-eye.射手的那一箭正中靶心。

2 interfere   

v.(in)干涉，干预；(with)妨碍，打扰

参考例句：

• If we interfere, it may do more harm than good.如果我们干预的话，可能弊多利少。
• When others interfere in the affair,it always makes troubles. 别人一卷入这一事件，棘手的事情就来了。

3 superintendent   

n.监督人，主管，总监；(英国)警务长

参考例句：

• He was soon promoted to the post of superintendent of Foreign Trade.他很快就被擢升为对外贸易总监。
• He decided to call the superintendent of the building.他决定给楼房管理员打电话。

4 curry   

n.咖哩粉，咖哩饭菜；v.用咖哩粉调味，用马栉梳，制革

参考例句：

• Rice makes an excellent complement to a curry dish.有咖喱的菜配米饭最棒。
• Add a teaspoonful of curry powder.加一茶匙咖喱粉。

5 determined   

adj.坚定的；有决心的

参考例句：

• I have determined on going to Tibet after graduation.我已决定毕业后去西藏。
• He determined to view the rooms behind the office.他决定查看一下办公室后面的房间。