“Shank,” said Charlie one day as they were sitting in the sunshine near the outlaws’ cave, waiting for Dick and the scout3 to return to their mid-day meal, “it seems to me that we may be detained a good while here, for we cannot leave Ralph, and it is evident that the poor fellow won’t be able to travel for many a day—”
“If ever,” interposed Shank sorrowfully.
“Well, then, I think we must send down to Bull’s Ranch5, to see if there are any letters for us. I feel sure that there must be some, and the question arises—who are we to send?”
“You must not go, Charlie, whoever goes. You are the only link in this mighty6 wilderness7, that connects Ralph and me with home—and hope. Weak and helpless as we are, we cannot afford to let you out of our sight.”
“Well, but if I don’t go I can’t see my way to asking the scout to go, for he alone thoroughly8 understands the ways of the country and of the Indians—if any should chance to come this way. Besides, considering the pledge he is under to be accountable for Buck9 Tom, I doubt if he would consent to go.”
“The question is answered, then,” said Shank, “for the only other man is Dick Darvall.”
“True; and it strikes me that Dick will be very glad to go,” returned Charlie with a smile of peculiar10 meaning.
“D’ye think he’s getting tired of us, Charlie?”
“By no means. But you know he has a roving disposition11, and I think he has a sort of fondness for Jackson—the boss of the ranch.”
It was found when the question was put to him, that Dick was quite ready to set out on the mission required of him. He also admitted his fondness for Roaring Bull!
“But what if you should lose your way?” asked the scout.
“Find it again,” was Dick’s prompt reply.
“And what if you should be attacked by Indians?”
“Fight ’em, of course.”
“But if they should be too many to fight?”
“Why, clap on all sail an’ give ’em a starn chase, which is always a long one. For this purpose, however, I would have to command a good craft so I’d expect you to lend me yours, Hunky Ben.”
“What! my Polly?”
“Even so. Black Polly.”
The scout received this proposal gravely, and shook his head at first, for he was naturally fond of his beautiful mare13, and, besides, doubted the sailor’s horsemanship, though he had perfect faith in his courage and discretion15. Finally, however, he gave in; and accordingly, one fine morning at daybreak, Dick Darvall, mounted on Black Polly, and armed with his favourite Winchester, revolvers, and cutlass, “set sail” down Traitor’s Trap to visit his lady-love!
Of course he knew that his business was to obtain letters and gather news. But honest Dick Darvall could not conceal16 from himself that his main object was—Mary Jackson!
Somehow it has come to be supposed or assumed that a jack12-tar cannot ride. Possibly this may be true of the class as a whole to which Jack belongs, but it is not necessarily true of all, and it certainly is not true of some. Dick Darvall was an expert horseman—though a sailor. He had learned to ride when a boy, before going to sea, and his after-habit of riding the “white horses” of the Norseman, did not cause him to forget the art of managing the “buckers” of the American plains. To use his own words, he felt as much at home on the hurricane deck of a Spanish pony17, as on the fo’c’sl of a man-of-war, so that the scout’s doubt of his capacity as a rider was not well founded.
Tremendous was the bound of exultation18 which our seaman felt, then, when he found himself on the magnificent black mare, with the fresh morning air fanning his temples, and the bright morning sun glinting through a cut in the eastern range.
Soon he reached the lower end of the valley, which, being steep, he had descended19 with tightened20 rein21. On reaching the open prairie he gave the mare her head and went off with a wild whoop22 like an arrow from a bow.
Black Polly required neither spur nor whip. She possessed23 that charmingly sensitive spirit which seems to receive an electric shock from its rider’s lightest chirp24. She was what you may call an anxiously willing steed, yet possessed such a tender mouth that she could be pulled up as easily as she could be made to go. A mere25 child could have ridden her, and Dick found in a few minutes that a slight check was necessary to prevent her scouring26 over the plains at racing27 speed. He restrained her, therefore, to a grand canter, with many a stride and bound interspersed28, when such a thing as a rut or a little bush came in her way.
With arched neck, glistening29 eyes, voluminous mane, and flowing tail she flew onward30, hour after hour, with many a playful shake of the head, and an occasional snort, as though to say, “This is mere child’s play; do let me put on a spurt31!”
It may not be fair to credit such a noble creature with talking, or even thinking, slang, but Dick Darvall clearly understood her to say something of the sort, for after a while he reduced speed to a kind of india-rubber walk and patted her neck, saying—
“No, no, lass, you mustn’t use up your strength at the beginning. We’ve got a longish trip before us, Polly, an’ it won’t do to clap on all sail at the beginnin’ of the voyage.”
At David’s store Dick stopped for a short time to obtain a little refreshment32 for himself and Polly. There he found a group of cow-boys discussing the affairs of their neighbours, and enlarging noisily on things in general under the brain-clearing and reason-inspiring influence of strong drink! To these he recounted briefly33 the incidents of the recent raid of the troops into Traitor’s Trap, and learned that Jake the Flint had “drifted south into Mexico where he was plying34 the trade of cattle and horse stealer, with the usual accompaniments of that profession—fighting, murdering, drinking, etcetera.” Some of the deeds of this notorious outlaw2, as narrated35 by the cow-boy Crux36, who happened to be there, made the blood of Dick run cold—and Dick’s blood was not easily made to run otherwise than naturally by any one—except, of course, by Mary Jackson, who could at all events make it run hot, also fast or slow, very much according to her own sweet will!
But the seaman had no time to lose. He had still a long way to go, and the day was advancing. Remounting Black Polly he was soon out again on the prairie, sweeping37 over the grassy38 waves and down into the hollows with a feeling of hilarious39 jollity, that was born of high health, good-nature, pleasant circumstances, and a free-and-easy mind.
Nothing worthy40 of particular notice occurred after this to mar14 the pleasure of our sailor’s “voyage” over the prairie until he reached a belt of woodland, through which for half a mile he had to travel. Here he drew rein and began to traverse the bit of forest at a quiet amble41, partly to rest Polly, and partly that he might more thoroughly enjoy the woodland scenery through the umbrageous42 canopy43 of which the sun was sending his slanting45 rays and covering the sward with a confused chequer-work of green and gold.
And here Dick Darvall became communicative; entered into conversation, so to speak, with himself. After a few minutes, however, this did not prove a sufficient outlet46 to his exuberant47 spirits.
“Come, Dick,” he exclaimed, “give us a song. Your voice ain’t, perhaps, much to speak of as to quality, but there’s no end of quantity. Strike up, now; what shall it be?”
Without replying to the question he struck up “Rule Britannia” in tones that did not justify48 his disparaging49 remark as to quality. He reached the other end of the wood and the end of the song at the same time. “Britons,” shouted he with unalterable determination—“Never, never, ne–ever, shall be—Redskins!”
This unnatural50 termination was not an intentional51 variation. It was the result of a scene that suddenly burst upon his view.
Far away on the prairie two riders were seen racing at what he would have styled a slant44 away from him. They were going at a pace that suggested fleeing for life.
“Redskins—arter somethin’,” murmured Dick, pulling up, and shading his eyes from the sun with his right hand, as he gazed earnestly at the two riders.
“No–n–no. They’re whites,” he continued, “one o’ them a man; t’other a woman. I can make that out, anyhow.”
As he spoke52, the racing riders topped a far-off knoll53; halted, and turned round as if to gaze back towards the north—the direction from which they had come. Then, wheeling round as if in greater haste than ever, they continued their headlong gallop54 and disappeared on the other side of the knoll.
Dick naturally turned towards the north to see, if possible, what the two riders were flying from. He was not kept long in doubt, for just then a band of horsemen was seen topping the farthest ridge55 in that direction, and bearing down on the belt of woodland, along the edge of which they galloped56 towards him.
There was no mistaking who they were. The war-whoop, sounding faint and shrill57 in the distance, and the wild gesticulations of the riders, told the story at once to our seaman—two pale-faces, pursued by a band of bloodthirsty savages58!
Unskilled though he was in backwoods warfare59, Dick was not unfamiliar60 with war’s alarms, nor was he wanting in common sense. To side with the weaker party was a natural tendency in our seaman. That the pursuers were red, and the pursued white, strengthened the tendency, and the fact that one of the latter was a woman settled the question. Instantly Dick shook the reins61, drove his unarmed heels against the sides of Polly, and away they went after the fugitives63 like a black thunderbolt, if there be such artillery64 in nature!
A wild yell told him that he was seen.
“Howl away, ye land lubbers!” growled65 Dick. “You’ll have to fill your sails wi’ a stiffer breeze than howlin’ before ye overhaul66 this here craft.”
Just then he reached the crest67 of a prairie billow, whence he could see the fugitives still far ahead of him. Suddenly a suspicion entered the seaman’s mind, which made his heart almost choke him. What if this should be Mary Jackson and her father? Their relative size countenanced68 the idea, for the woman seemed small and the man unusually large.
In desperate haste Dick now urged on his gallant69 steed to her best pace, and well did she justify the praises that had been often bestowed70 on her by Hunky Ben. In a very brief space of time she was close behind the fugitives, and Dick was now convinced that his suspicions as to who they were was right. He rode after them with divided feelings—tremblingly anxious lest Mary should fall into the hands of their ruthless foes—exultantly glad that he had come there in time to fight, or die if need be, in her defence.
Suddenly the male fugitive62, who had only glanced over his shoulder from time to time, pulled up, wheeled round, and quickly raised his rifle.
“Hallo! get on, man; don’t stop!” Dick yelled, in a voice worthy of Bull himself. Taking off his hat he waved it violently above his head. As he spoke he saw the woman’s arm flash upwards72; a puff73 of smoke followed, and a bullet whistled close over his head.
Next moment the fugitives had turned and resumed their headlong flight. A few more minutes sufficed to bring Dick and the black mare alongside, for the latter was still vigorous in wind and limb, while the poor jaded74 animals which Mary and her father rode were almost worn out by a prolonged flight.
“Dick Darvall,” exclaimed Jackson, as the former rode up, “I never was gladder to see any man than I am to see you this hour, though but for my Mary I’d surely have sent you to kingdom come. Her ears are better than mine, you see. She recognised the voice an’ knocked up my rifle just as I pulled the trigger. But I’m afeared it’s too late, lad.”
The way in which the man said this, and the look of his pale haggard face, sent a thrill to the heart of Dick.
“What d’ye mean?” he said, looking anxiously at Mary, who with a set rigid75 expression on her pale face was looking straight before her, and urging her tired pony with switch and rein.
“I mean, lad, that we’ve but a poor chance to reach the ranch wi’ such knocked-up brutes76 as these. Of course we can turn at bay an’ kill as many o’ the red-devils as possible before it’s all over wi’ us, but what good would that do to Mary? If we could only check the varmins, there might be some hope, but—”
“Jackson!” exclaimed the seaman, in a firm tone, “I’ll do my best to check them. God bless you, Mary—good-bye. Heave ahead, now, full swing!”
As he spoke, Dick pulled up, while the others continued their headlong flight straight for the ranch, which was by the only a few miles distant.
Wheeling round, Dick cantered back to the knoll over which they had just passed and halted on the top of it. From this position he could see the band, of about fifty Indians, careering towards him and yelling with satisfaction, for they could also see him—a solitary77 horseman—clear cut against the bright sky.
Dick got ready his repeating rifle. We have already mentioned the fact that he had learned to load and fire this formidable weapon with great rapidity, though he had signally failed in his attempts to aim with it. Being well aware of his weakness, he made up his mind in his present desperate extremity78 not to aim at all! He had always felt that the difficulty of getting the back and front sights of the rifle to correspond with the object aimed at was a slow, and, in his case, an impossible process. He therefore resolved to simply point his weapon and fire!
“Surely,” he muttered to himself even in that trying moment, “surely I can’t altogether miss a whole bunch o’ fifty men an’ horses!”
He waited until he thought the savages were within long range, and then, elevating his piece a little, fired.
The result justified79 his hopes. A horse fell dead upon the plain, and its owner, although evidently unwounded, was for the time hors de combat.
True to his plan, Dick kept up such a quick continuous fire, and made so much noise and smoke, that it seemed as if a whole company of riflemen were at work instead of one man, and several horses on the plain testified to the success of the pointing as compared with the aiming principle!
Of course the fire was partly returned, and for a time the stout80 seaman was under a pretty heavy rain of bullets, but as the savages fired while galloping81 their aim was necessarily bad.
This fusillade had naturally the effect of checking the advance of the Indians—especially when they drew near to the reckless man, who, when the snap of his rifle told that his last cartridge82 was off, wheeled about and fled as fast as Black Polly could lay hoofs83 to the plain.
And now he found the value of the trustworthy qualities of his steed, for, instead of guiding her out of the way of obstacles, he gave her her head, held tight with his legs, and merely kept an eye on the ground in front to be ready for any swerve84, bound, or leap, that might be impending85. Thus his hands were set free to re-charge the magazine of his rifle, which he did with deliberate rapidity.
The truth is, that recklessness has a distinct tendency to produce coolness. And there is no one who can afford to be so deliberate, and of whom other men are so much afraid, as the man who has obviously made up his mind to die fighting.
While Dick was loading-up, Black Polly was encouraged by voice and heel to do her best, and her best was something to see and remember! When the charging was finished, Dick drew rein and trotted87 to the next knoll he encountered, from which point he observed with some satisfaction that the fugitives were still pressing on, and that the distance between them and their foe71 had slightly increased.
But the seaman had not much time to look or think, for the band of Redskins was drawing near. When they came within range he again opened fire. But this time the savages divided, evidently with the intention of getting on both sides of him, and so distracting his attention. He perceived their object at once, and reserved his fire until they turned and with frantic88 yells made a simultaneous dash on him right and left. Again he waited till his enemies were close enough, and then opened fire right and left alternately, while the Indians found that they had outwitted themselves and scarcely dared to fire lest the opposite bands should hit each other.
Having expended89 the second supply of ammunition90, Dick wheeled round and took to flight as before. Of course the mare soon carried him out of range, and again he had the satisfaction of observing that the fugitives had increased their distance from the foe.
“One more check o’ this kind,” thought Dick, “and they’ll be safe—I think.”
While thus thinking he was diligently91 re-charging, and soon cantered to the top of a third knoll, where he resolved to make his final stand. The ranch was by that time dimly visible on the horizon, and the weary fugitives were seen struggling towards it. But Dick found, on halting and looking back, that the Indians had changed their tactics. Instead of directing their attention to himself, as on the previous occasions, they had spread out to the right and left and had scattered92, besides keeping well out of range.
“What are the sinners up to now?” muttered the seaman in some perplexity.
He soon perceived that they meant to go past him altogether, if possible, and head towards the fugitives in separate groups.
“Ay, but it’s not possible!” exclaimed Dick, answering his own thoughts as he turned swiftly, and stretched out after his friends. Seeing this, the savages tried to close in on him from both sides, but their already winded ponies93 had no chance against the grand Mexican mare, which having been considerately handled during the day’s journey was comparatively fresh and in full vigour94.
Shooting ahead he now resolved to join his friends and a feeling of triumph began to rise within his breast as he saw them pushing steadily95 onward. The ranch, however, was still at a considerable distance, while the Indians were rapidly gaining ground.
At that moment to Dick’s horror, the pony which Mary Jackson rode stumbled and fell, sending its rider over its head. But the fair Mary, besides being a splendid horsewoman, was singularly agile96 and quick in perception. For some time she had anticipated the catastrophe97, and, at the first indication of a stumble, leaped from the saddle and actually alighted on her feet some yards ahead. Of course she fell with some violence, but the leap broke her fall and probably saved her neck. She sprang up instantly, and grasping the reins, tried to raise her pony. It was too late. The faithful creature was dead.
Jackson, pulling up, wheeled round and was back at her side instantly. Almost at the same moment Dick Darvall came up, threw the mare almost on her haunches, leaped from the saddle, and ran to Mary. As he did so, the crash of a pistol shot at his ear almost deafened98 him, and a glance showed him that Jackson had shot his horse, which fell dead close to his daughter’s pony.
“Kill your horse, Dick,” he growled sharply, as he exerted his great strength to the utmost, and dragged the haunches of his own steed close to the head of the other. “It’s our only chance.”
Dick drew his revolver, and aimed at the heart of Black Polly, but for the soul of him he could not pull the trigger.
“No—I won’t!” he cried, grasping the lasso which always hung at the saddle-bow. “Hobble the fore-legs!”
There was such determination in the sailor’s command, that Jackson felt bound to obey. At the same moment Dick bound the horse’s hind-legs. He fully4 understood what Jackson intended, and the latter was as quick to perceive the seaman’s drift. Seizing the reins, while his friend caught hold of the lasso, Dick cried, “Out o’ the way, Mary!” and with a mighty effort the two men threw the mare on her side.
“First-rate!” cried Jackson, while his companion held down the animal’s head. “It couldn’t have dropped better. Jump inside, Mary, an’ lie down flat behind your pony. Let Mary have the reins, Dick. She knows how to hold its head down without showin’ herself.”
Even while he was speaking, Jackson and Dick leaped into the triangle of horses thus formed, and, crouching99 low, disappeared from the sight of the savages, who now came on yelling with triumph, for they evidently thought themselves sure of their victims by that time.
“Are ye a good shot, Dick?” asked Jackson, as he gazed sternly at the approaching foe.
“No—abominably bad.”
“Fire low then. You may catch the horses if ye miss the Redskins. Anyhow you’ll hit the ground if you aim low, an’ it’s wonderful what execution a bullet may do arter hittin’ mother Earth.”
“I never aim,” replied the sailor. “Only a waste o’ time. I just point straight an’ fire away.”
“Do it, then,” growled roaring Bull, with something that sounded like a short laugh.
At the same moment he himself took quick aim at the foe and fired; the leading horse and man immediately rolled upon the plain.
As both men were armed with repeating rifles the fusillade was rapid, and most of the savages, who seldom fight well in the open, were repulsed101. But several of them, headed apparently102 by their chief, rode on fearlessly until within pistol-shot.
“Lie close, Mary,” cried Jackson as he fired, and the chief’s horse rolled over, almost reaching their position with the impetus105 of the charge. The chief himself lay beside his horse, for another shot had ended his career. As two other horses had fallen, the rest of the band wheeled aside and galloped away, followed by a brisk fire from the white men, who had again crouched106 behind their breast-work and resumed their rifles.
Bullets were by that time flying over them in considerable numbers, for those Indians who had not charged with their chief had, after retiring to a safe distance, taken to firing at long range. At this work Dick’s rifle and straight pointing were of little use, so he reserved his fire for close quarters, while Jackson, who was almost a certain shot at average ranges, kept the savages from drawing nearer.
“Lie closer to the pony, Miss Mary,” said Dick, as a shot passed close over the girl and whistled between him and his comrade. “Were you hurt in the fall?”
“No, not in the least. Don’t you think they’ll hear the firing at the ranch, father?”
“Ay, lass, if there’s anybody to hear it, but I sent the boys out this mornin’ to hunt up a bunch o’ steers107 that have drifted south among Wilson’s cattle, an’ I fear they’ve not come back yet. See, the reptiles108 are goin’ to try it again!”
As he spoke, the remnant of the Redskins who pressed home the first charge, having held a palaver109, induced the whole band to make another attempt, but they were met with the same vigour as before—a continuous volley at long range, which emptied several saddles, and then, when the plucky110 men of the tribe charged close, the white men stood up, as before, and plied100 them with revolvers so rapidly that they were fain to wheel aside and retire.
“Ammunition’s gettin’ low,” said Dick, in an anxious tone.
“Then I’ll waste no more,” growled Jackson, “but only fire when I’m safe to hit.”
As he spoke a distant cheer was heard, and, looking back, they saw, with a rebound111 of hope, that a band of five or six cow-boys were coming from the ranch and galloping full swing to the rescue. Behind them, a few seconds later, appeared a line of men who came on at a swinging trot86.
“Troopers, I do believe!” exclaimed Jackson.
“Thank God!” said Mary, with a deep sigh of relief as she sat up to look at them. The troopers gave a cheer of encouragement as they thundered past to the attack, but the Indians did not await the onset112. At the first sight of the troops they fled, and in a few minutes pursued and pursuers alike were out of sight—hidden behind the prairie waves.
“I can’t tell you how thankful I am that I didn’t shoot the mare,” said Dick, as they unfastened the feet of Black Polly and let her rise. “I’d never have been able to look Hunky Ben in the face again arter it.”
“Well, I’m not sorry you spared her,” said Jackson; “as for the two that are dead, they’re no great loss—yet I’ve a kind o’ regret too, for the poor things served us well.”
“Faithfully—even to death,” added Mary, in a sorrowful tone as she stooped to pat the neck of her dead pony.
“Will you mount, Miss Mary, and ride home?” asked the sailor.
“Thank you—no, I’d rather walk with father. We have not far to go now.”
“Then we’ll all walk together,” said Jackson.
Dick threw Black Polly’s bridle113 over his arm, and they all set off at a smart walk for the ranch of Roaring Bull, while the troops and cow-boys chased the Redskins back into the mountains whence they had come.
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
seaman
|
|
| n.海员，水手，水兵 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
outlaw
|
|
| n.歹徒，亡命之徒；vt.宣布…为不合法 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
scout
|
|
| n.童子军，侦察员；v.侦察，搜索 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
fully
|
|
| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
ranch
|
|
| n.大牧场，大农场 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
mighty
|
|
| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
wilderness
|
|
| n.杳无人烟的一片陆地、水等，荒漠 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
thoroughly
|
|
| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
buck
|
|
| n.雄鹿，雄兔；v.马离地跳跃 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
peculiar
|
|
| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
disposition
|
|
| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
jack
|
|
| n.插座，千斤顶，男人；v.抬起，提醒，扛举；n.（Jake）杰克 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
mare
|
|
| n.母马，母驴 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
mar
|
|
| vt.破坏，毁坏，弄糟 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
discretion
|
|
| n.谨慎；随意处理 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
conceal
|
|
| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
pony
|
|
| adj.小型的；n.小马 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
exultation
|
|
| n.狂喜，得意 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
descended
|
|
| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
tightened
|
|
| 收紧( tighten的过去式和过去分词 )； （使）变紧； （使）绷紧； 加紧 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
rein
|
|
| n.疆绳，统治，支配；vt.以僵绳控制，统治 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
whoop
|
|
| n.大叫，呐喊，喘息声；v.叫喊，喘息 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
possessed
|
|
| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
chirp
|
|
| v.(尤指鸟)唧唧喳喳的叫 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
mere
|
|
| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
scouring
|
|
| 擦[洗]净，冲刷，洗涤 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
racing
|
|
| n.竞赛，赛马；adj.竞赛用的，赛马用的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
interspersed
|
|
| adj.[医]散开的；点缀的v.intersperse的过去式和过去分词 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
glistening
|
|
| adj.闪耀的，反光的v.湿物闪耀，闪亮( glisten的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
onward
|
|
| adj.向前的，前进的；adv.向前，前进，在先 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
spurt
|
|
| v.喷出；突然进发；突然兴隆 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
refreshment
|
|
| n.恢复，精神爽快，提神之事物；（复数）refreshments:点心，茶点 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
briefly
|
|
| adv.简单地，简短地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
plying
|
|
| v.使用（工具）( ply的现在分词 )；经常供应（食物、饮料）；固定往来；经营生意 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
narrated
|
|
| v.故事( narrate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
crux
|
|
| adj.十字形；难事，关键，最重要点 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
sweeping
|
|
| adj.范围广大的，一扫无遗的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
grassy
|
|
| adj.盖满草的；长满草的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
hilarious
|
|
| adj.充满笑声的，欢闹的；[反]depressed | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
worthy
|
|
| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
amble
|
|
| vi.缓行，漫步 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
umbrageous
|
|
| adj.多荫的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
canopy
|
|
| n.天篷，遮篷 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
slant
|
|
| v.倾斜，倾向性地编写或报道；n.斜面，倾向 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
slanting
|
|
| 倾斜的，歪斜的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
outlet
|
|
| n.出口/路；销路；批发商店；通风口；发泄 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
exuberant
|
|
| adj.充满活力的；（植物）繁茂的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
justify
|
|
| vt.证明…正当(或有理)，为…辩护 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
disparaging
|
|
| adj.轻蔑的，毁谤的v.轻视( disparage的现在分词 )；贬低；批评；非难 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
unnatural
|
|
| adj.不自然的；反常的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
intentional
|
|
| adj.故意的，有意（识）的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
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： |
|
|
|
|
53
knoll
|
|
| n.小山，小丘 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
gallop
|
|
| v./n.(马或骑马等)飞奔；飞速发展 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
ridge
|
|
| n.山脊；鼻梁；分水岭 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
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： |
|
|
|
|
57
shrill
|
|
| adj.尖声的；刺耳的；v尖叫 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
savages
|
|
| 未开化的人，野蛮人( savage的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
warfare
|
|
| n.战争(状态)；斗争；冲突 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
unfamiliar
|
|
| adj.陌生的，不熟悉的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
reins
|
|
| 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 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
fugitive
|
|
| adj.逃亡的，易逝的；n.逃犯，逃亡者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
fugitives
|
|
| n.亡命者，逃命者( fugitive的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
artillery
|
|
| n.(军)火炮，大炮；炮兵(部队) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
growled
|
|
| v.（动物）发狺狺声， （雷）作隆隆声( growl的过去式和过去分词 )；低声咆哮着说 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
overhaul
|
|
| v./n.大修，仔细检查 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
crest
|
|
| n.顶点；饰章；羽冠；vt.达到顶点；vi.形成浪尖 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
68
countenanced
|
|
| v.支持，赞同，批准( countenance的过去式 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
69
gallant
|
|
| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
70
bestowed
|
|
| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
71
foe
|
|
| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
72
upwards
|
|
| adv.向上，在更高处...以上 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
73
puff
|
|
| n.一口(气)；一阵(风)；v.喷气，喘气 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
74
jaded
|
|
| adj.精疲力竭的；厌倦的；（因过饱或过多而）腻烦的；迟钝的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
75
rigid
|
|
| adj.严格的，死板的；刚硬的，僵硬的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
76
brutes
|
|
| 兽( brute的名词复数 )； 畜生； 残酷无情的人； 兽性 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
77
solitary
|
|
| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
78
extremity
|
|
| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
79
justified
|
|
| a.正当的，有理的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
81
galloping
|
|
| adj. 飞驰的, 急性的 动词gallop的现在分词形式 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
82
cartridge
|
|
| n.弹壳，弹药筒；(装磁带等的)盒子 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
83
hoofs
|
|
| n.（兽的）蹄，马蹄( hoof的名词复数 )v.（兽的）蹄，马蹄( hoof的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
84
swerve
|
|
| v.突然转向，背离；n．转向，弯曲，背离 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
85
impending
|
|
| a.imminent, about to come or happen | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
86
trot
|
|
| n.疾走，慢跑；n.老太婆；现成译本；(复数）trots:腹泻（与the 连用）；v.小跑，快步走，赶紧 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
87
trotted
|
|
| 小跑，急走( trot的过去分词 )； 匆匆忙忙地走 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
88
frantic
|
|
| adj.狂乱的，错乱的，激昂的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
89
expended
|
|
| v.花费( expend的过去式和过去分词 )；使用（钱等）做某事；用光；耗尽 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
90
ammunition
|
|
| n.军火，弹药 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
91
diligently
|
|
| ad.industriously;carefully | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
92
scattered
|
|
| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
93
ponies
|
|
| 矮种马，小型马( pony的名词复数 )； ￡25 25 英镑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
94
vigour
|
|
| （=vigor）n.智力，体力，精力 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
95
steadily
|
|
| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
96
agile
|
|
| adj.敏捷的，灵活的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
97
catastrophe
|
|
| n.大灾难，大祸 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
98
deafened
|
|
| 使聋( deafen的过去式和过去分词 )； 使隔音 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
99
crouching
|
|
| v.屈膝，蹲伏( crouch的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
100
plied
|
|
| v.使用（工具）( ply的过去式和过去分词 )；经常供应（食物、饮料）；固定往来；经营生意 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
101
repulsed
|
|
| v.击退( repulse的过去式和过去分词 )；驳斥；拒绝 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
102
apparently
|
|
| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
103
defenders
|
|
| n.防御者( defender的名词复数 )；守卫者；保护者；辩护者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
104
fortress
|
|
| n.堡垒，防御工事 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
105
impetus
|
|
| n.推动，促进，刺激；推动力 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
106
crouched
|
|
| v.屈膝，蹲伏( crouch的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
107
steers
|
|
| n.阉公牛，肉用公牛( steer的名词复数 )v.驾驶( steer的第三人称单数 )；操纵；控制；引导 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
108
reptiles
|
|
| n.爬行动物，爬虫( reptile的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
109
palaver
|
|
| adj.壮丽堂皇的；n.废话，空话 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
110
plucky
|
|
| adj.勇敢的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
111
rebound
|
|
| v.弹回；n.弹回，跳回 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
112
onset
|
|
| n.进攻，袭击，开始，突然开始 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
113
bridle
|
|
| n.笼头，束缚；vt.抑制，约束；动怒 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |