The Two Travellers and the Oyster

 As two men were walking by the seaside at low water they saw an Oyster¹, and they both stooped at the same time to pick it up. Immediately, one pushed the other away, and a dispute ensued.

 

A third Traveller coming along at the time, they determined² to refer the matter to him, as to which of the two had the better right to the Oyster.

 

While they were each telling his story the Arbitrator gravely took out his knife, opened the shell and loosened the Oyster.

 

When they had finished, and were listening for his decision, he just as gravely swallowed the Oyster, and offered them the two halves of the shell. "The Court," said he, "awards you each a Shell. The Oyster will cover the costs."

 

1 oyster   

n.牡蛎；沉默寡言的人

参考例句：

• I enjoy eating oyster; it's really delicious.我喜欢吃牡蛎，它味道真美。
• I find I fairly like eating when he finally persuades me to taste the oyster.当他最后说服我尝尝牡蛎时，我发现我相当喜欢吃。

2 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。