I was lost in thought, brooding sadly over the blow which the news would be to my father, when I was startled by a loud sneeze, which sounded as though it were delivered in my very ear. I started to my feet and gazed all round me, but there was nothing save the solid wall behind and the empty chamber before. I had almost come to persuade myself that I had been the creature of some delusion12, when again a crashing sneeze, louder and more prolonged than the last, broke upon the silence. Could some one be hid in one of the bags? Drawing my sword I walked round pricking13 the great flour sacks, but without being able to find cause for the sound. I was still marvelling14 over the matter when a most extraordinary chorus of gasps15, snorts, and whistles broke out, with cries of ‘Oh, holy mother!’ ‘Blessed Redeemer!’ and other such exclamations16. This time there could be no doubt as to whence the uproar17 came. Rushing up to the great chest upon which I had been seated, I threw back the heavy lid and gazed in.
It was more than half full of flour, in the midst of which was floundering some creature, which was so coated and caked with the white powder, that it would have been hard to say that it was human were it not for the pitiable cries which it was uttering. Stooping down I dragged the man from his hiding-place, when he dropped upon his knees upon the floor and yelled for mercy, raising such a cloud of dust from every wriggle19 of his body that I began to cough and to sneeze. As the skin of powder began to scale off from him, I saw to my surprise that he was no miller20 or peasant, but was a man-at-arms, with a huge sword girt to his side, looking at present not unlike a frosted icicle, and a great steel-faced breastplate. His steel cap had remained behind in the flour-bin, and his bright red hair, the only touch of colour about him, stood straight up in the air with terror, as he implored21 me to spare his life. Thinking that there was something familiar about his voice, I drew my hand across his face, which set him yelling as though I had slain22 him. There was no mistaking the heavy cheeks and the little greedy eyes. It was none other than Master Tetheridge, the noisy town-clerk of Taunton.
But how much changed from the town-clerk whom we had seen strutting23, in all the pomp and bravery of his office, before the good Mayor on the day of our coming to Somersetshire! Where now was the ruddy colour like a pippin in September? Where was the assured manner and the manly24 port? As he knelt his great jack25-boots clicked together with apprehension26, and he poured forth27 in a piping voice, like that of a Lincoln’s Inn mumper, a string of pleadings, excuses, and entreaties28, as though I were Feversham in person, and was about to order him to instant execution.
‘I am but a poor scrivener man, your serene29 Highness,’ he bawled30. ‘Indeed, I am a most unhappy clerk, your Honour, who has been driven into these courses by the tyranny of those above him. A more loyal man, your Grace, never wore neat’s leather, but when the mayor says “Yes,” can the clerk say “No”? Spare me, your lordship; spare a most penitent31 wretch32, whose only prayer is that he may be allowed to serve King James to the last drop of his blood!’
‘Do you renounce33 the Duke of Monmouth?’ I asked, in a stern voice.
‘I do — from my heart!’ said he fervently34.
‘Then prepare to die!’ I roared, whipping out my sword, ‘for I am one of his officers.’
At the sight of the steel the wretched clerk gave a perfect bellow35 of terror, and falling upon his face he wriggled36 and twisted, until looking up he perceived that I was laughing. On that he crawled up on to his knees once more, and from that to his feet, glancing at me askance, as though by no means assured of my intentions.
‘You must remember me, Master Tetheridge,’ I said. ‘I am Captain Clarke, of Saxon’s regiment37 of Wiltshire foot. I am surprised, indeed, that you should have fallen away from that allegiance to which you did not only swear yourself, but did administer the oath to so many others.’
‘Not a whit18, Captain, not a whit!’ he answered, resuming his old bantam-cock manner as soon as he saw that there was no danger. ‘I am upon oath as true and as leal a man as ever I was.’
‘That I can fully38 believe,’ I answered.
‘I did but dissimulate,’ he continued, brushing the flour from his person. ‘I did but practise that cunning of the serpent which should in every warrior39 accompany the courage of the lion. You have read your Homer, doubtless. Eh? I too have had a touch of the humanities. I am no mere40 rough soldier, however stoutly41 I can hold mine own at sword-play. Master Ulysses is my type, even as thine, I take it, is Master Ajax.’
‘Methinks that Master Jack-inthe-box would fit you better,’ said I. ‘Wilt have a half of this cake? How came you in the flour-bin?’
‘Why, marry, in this wise,’ he answered, with his mouth full of dough43. ‘It was a wile44 or ruse45, after the fashion of the greatest commanders, who have always been famous for concealing46 their movements, and lurking47 where they were least expected. For when the fight was lost, and I had cut and hacked48 until my arm was weary and my edge blunted, I found that I was left alone alive of all the Taunton men. Were we on the field you could see where I had stood by the ring of slain which would be found within the sweep of my sword-arm. Finding that all was lost and that our rogues50 were fled, I mounted our worthy51 Mayor’s charger, seeing that the gallant52 gentleman had no further need for it, and rode slowly from the field. I promise you that there was that in my eye and bearing which prevented their horse from making too close a pursuit of me. One trooper did indeed throw himself across my path, but mine old back-handed cut was too much for him. Alas53, I have much upon my conscience? I have made both widows and orphans54. Why will they brave me when — God of mercy, what is that?’
‘’Tis but my horse in the stall below,’ I answered.
‘I thought it was the dragoons,’ quoth the clerk, wiping away the drops which had started out upon his brow. ‘You and I would have gone forth and smitten55 them.’
‘Or climbed into the flour-bin,’ said I.
‘I have not yet made clear to you how I came there,’ he continued. ‘Having ridden, then, some leagues from the field, and noting this windmill, it did occur to me that a stout42 man might single-handed make it good against a troop of horse. We have no great love of flight, we Tetheridges. It may be mere empty pride, and yet the feeling runs strong in the family. We have a fighting strain in us ever since my kinsman56 followed Ireton’s army as a sutler. I pulled up, therefore, and had dismounted to take my observations, when my brute57 of a charger gave the bridle58 a twitch59, jerked itself free, and was off in an instant over hedges and ditches. I had, therefore, only my good sword left to trust to. I climbed up the ladder, and was engaged in planning how the defence could best be conducted, when I heard the clank of hoofs60, and on the top of it you did ascend61 from below. I retired62 at once into ambush63, from which I should assuredly have made a sudden outfall or sally, had the flour not so choked my breathing that I felt as though I had a two-pound loaf stuck in my gizzard. For myself, I am glad that it has so come about, for in my blind wrath64 I might unwittingly have done you an injury. Hearing the clank of your sword as you did come up the ladder, I did opine that you were one of King James’s minions65, the captain, perchance, of some troop in the fields below.’
‘All very clear and explicit66, Master Tetheridge,’ said I, re-lighting my pipe. ‘No doubt your demeanour when I did draw you from your hiding-place was also a mere cloak for your valour. But enough of that. It is to the future that we have to look. What are your intentions?’
‘To remain with you, Captain,’ said he.
‘Nay67, that you shall not,’ I answered; ‘I have no great fancy for your companionship. Your overflowing68 valour may bring me into ruffles69 which I had otherwise avoided.’
‘Nay, nay! I shall moderate my spirit,’ he cried. ‘In such troublous times you will find yourself none the worse for the company of a tried fighting man.’
‘Tried and found wanting,’ said I, weary of the man’s braggart70 talk. ‘I tell you I will go alone.’
‘Nay, you need not be so hot about it,’ he exclaimed, shrinking away from me. ‘In any case, we had best stay here until nightfall, when we may make our way to the coast.’
‘That is the first mark of sense that you have shown,’ said I. ‘The King’s horse will find enough to do with the Zoyland cider and the Bridgewater ale. If we can pass through, I have friends on the north coast who would give us a lift in their lugger as far as Holland. This help I will not refuse to give you, since you are my fellow in misfortune. I would that Saxon had stayed with me! I fear he will be taken!’
‘If you mean Colonel Saxon,’ said the clerk, ‘I think that he also is one who hath much guile71 as well as valour. A stern, fierce soldier he was, as I know well, having fought back to back with him for forty minutes by the clock, against a troop of Sarsfield’s horse. Plain of speech he was, and perhaps a trifle inconsiderate of the honour of a cavalier, but in the field it would have been well for the army had they had more such commanders.’
‘You say truly,’ I answered; ‘but now that we have refreshed ourselves it is time that we bethought us of taking some rest, since we may have far to travel this night. I would that I could lay my hand upon a flagon of ale.’
‘I would gladly drink to our further acquaintanceship in the same,’ said my companion, ‘but as to the matter of slumber72 that may be readily arranged. If you ascend that ladder you will find in the loft a litter of empty sacks, upon which you can repose73. For myself, I will stay down here for a while and cook myself another cake.’
‘Do you remain on watch for two hours and then arouse me,’ I replied. ‘I shall then keep guard whilst you sleep.’ He touched the hilt of his sword as a sign that he would be true to his post, so not without some misgivings74 I climbed up into the loft, and throwing myself upon the rude couch was soon in a deep and dreamless slumber, lulled75 by the low, mournful groaning76 and creaking of the sails.
I was awoken by steps beside me, and found that the little clerk had come up the ladder and was bending over me. I asked him if the time had come for me to rouse, on which he answered in a strange quavering voice that I had yet an hour, and that he had come up to see if there was any service which he could render me. I was too weary to take much note of his slinking manner and pallid77 cheeks, so thanking him for his attention, I turned over and was soon asleep once more.
My next waking was a rougher and a sterner one. There came a sudden rush of heavy feet up the ladder, and a dozen red-coats swarmed78 into the room. Springing on to my feet I put out my hand for the sword which I had laid all ready by my side, but the trusty weapon had gone. It had been stolen whilst I slumbered79. Unarmed and taken at a vantage, I was struck down and pinioned80 in a moment. One held a pistol to my head, and swore that he would blow my brains out if I stirred, while the others wound a coil of rope round my body and arms, until Samson himself could scarce have got free. Feeling that my struggles were of no possible avail, I lay silent and waited for whatever was to come. Neither now nor at any time, dear children, have I laid great store upon my life, but far less then than now, for each of you are tiny tendrils which bind81 me to this world. Yet, when I think of the other dear ones who are waiting for me on the further shore, I do not think that even now death would seem an evil thing in my eyes. What a hopeless and empty thing would life be without it!
Having lashed82 my arms, the soldiers dragged me down the ladder, as though I had been a truss of hay, into the room beneath, which was also crowded with troopers. In one corner was the wretched scrivener, a picture of abject83 terror, with chattering84 teeth and trembling knees, only prevented from falling upon the floor by the grasp of a stalwart corporal. In front of him stood two officers, one a little hard brown man with dark twinkling eyes and an alert manner, the other tall and slender, with a long golden moustache, which drooped85 down half-way to his shoulders. The former had my sword in his hand, and they were both examining the blade curiously86.
‘It is a good bit of steel, Dick,’ said one, putting the point against the stone floor, and pressing down until he touched it with the handle. ‘See, with what a snap it rebounds87! No maker’s name, but the date 1638 is stamped upon the pommel. Where did you get it, fellow?’ he asked, fixing his keen gaze upon my face.
‘It was my father’s before me,’ I answered.
‘Then I trust that he drew it in a better quarrel than his son hath done,’ said the taller officer, with a sneer88.
‘In as good, though not in a better,’ I returned. ‘That sword hath always been drawn for the rights and liberties of Englishmen, and against the tyranny of kings and the bigotry89 of priests.’
‘What a tag for a playhouse, Dick,’ cried the officer. ‘How doth it run? “The bigotry of kings and the tyranny of priests.” Why, if well delivered by Betterton close up to the footlights, with one hand upon his heart and the other pointing to the sky, I warrant the pit would rise at it.’
‘Very like,’ said the other, twirling his moustache. ‘But we have no time for fine speeches now. What are we to do with the little one?’
‘Hang him,’ the other answered carelessly.
‘No, no, your most gracious honours,’ howled Master Tetheridge, suddenly writhing90 out of the corporal’s grip and flinging himself upon the floor at their feet. ‘Did I not tell ye where ye could find one of the stoutest91 soldiers of the rebel army? Did not I guide ye to him? Did not I even creep up and remove his sword lest any of the King’s subjects be slain in the taking of him? Surely, surely, ye would not use me so scurvily92 when I have done ye these services? Have I not made good my words? Is he not as I described him, a giant in stature93 and of wondrous94 strength? The whole army will bear me out in it, that he was worth any two in single fight. I have given him over to ye. Surely ye will let me go!’
‘Very well delivered — plaguily so!’ quoth the little officer, clapping the palm of one hand softly against the back of the other. ‘The emphasis was just, and the enunciation95 clear. A little further back towards the wings, corporal, if you please. Thank you! Now, Dick, it is your cue.’
‘Nay, John, you are too absurd!’ cried the other impatiently. ‘The mask and the buskins are well enough in their place, but you look upon the play as a reality and upon the reality as but a play. What this reptile96 hath said is true. We must keep faith with him if we wish that others of the country folk should give up the fugitives97. There is no help for it!’
‘For myself I believe in Jeddart law,’ his companion answered. ‘I would hang the man first and then discuss the question of our promise. However, pink me if I will obtrude98 my opinion on any man!’
‘Nay, it cannot be,’ the taller said. ‘Corporal, do you take him down. Henderson will go with you. Take from him that plate and sword, which his mother would wear with as good a grace. And hark ye, corporal, a few touches of thy stirrup leathers across his fat shoulders might not be amiss, as helping99 him to remember the King’s dragoons.’
My treacherous100 companion was dragged off, struggling and yelping101, and presently a series of piercing howls, growing fainter and fainter as he fled before his tormentors, announced that the hint had been taken. The two officers rushed to the little window of the mill and roared with laughter, while the troopers, peeping furtively102 over their shoulders, could not restrain themselves from joining in their mirth, from which I gathered that Master Tetheridge, as, spurred on by fear, he hurled103 his fat body through hedges and into ditches, was a somewhat comical sight.
‘And now for the other,’ said the little officer, turning away from the window and wiping the tears of laughter from his face. ‘That beam over yonder would serve our purpose. Where is Hangman Broderick, the Jack Ketch of the Royals?’
‘Here I am, sir,’ responded a sullen104, heavy-faced trooper, shuffling105 forward; ‘I have a rope here with a noose106.’
‘Throw it over the beam, then. What is amiss with your hand, you clumsy rogue49, that you should wear linen107 round it?’
‘May it please you, sir,’ the man answered, ‘it was all through an ungrateful, prick-eared Presbyterian knave108 whom I hung at Gommatch. I had done all that could be done for him. Had he been at Tyburn he could scarce have met with more attention. Yet when I did put my hand to his neck to see that all was as it should be, he did fix me with his teeth, and hath gnawed109 a great piece from my thumb.’
‘I am sorry for you,’ said the officer. ‘You know, no doubt, that the human bite under such circumstances is as deadly as that of the mad dog, so that you may find yourself snapping and barking one of these fine mornings. Nay, turn not pale! I have heard you preach patience and courage to your victims. You are not afraid of death?’
‘Not of any Christian110 death, your Honour. Yet, ten shillings a week is scarce enough to pay a man for an end like that!’
‘Nay, it is all a lottery,’ remarked the Captain cheerily. ‘I have heard that in these cases a man is so drawn up that his heels do beat a tattoo111 against the back of his head. But, mayhap, it is not as painful as it would appear. Meanwhile, do you proceed to do your office.’
Three or four troopers caught me by the arms, but I shook them off as best I might, and walked with, as I trust, a steady step and a cheerful face under the beam, which was a great smoke-blackened rafter passing from one side of the chamber to the other. The rope was thrown over this, and the noose placed round my neck with trembling fingers by the hangman, who took particular care to keep beyond the range of my teeth. Half-a-dozen dragoons seized the further end of the coil, and stood ready to swing me into eternity112. Through all my adventurous113 life I have never been so close upon the threshold of death as at that moment, and yet I declare to you that, terrible as my position was, I could think of nothing but the tattoo marks upon old Solomon Sprent’s arm, and the cunning fashion in which he had interwoven the red and the blue. Yet I was keenly alive to all that was going on around me. The scene of the bleak114 stone-floored room, the single narrow window, the two lounging elegant officers, the pile of arms in the corner, and even the texture115 of the coarse red serge and the patterns of the great brass116 buttons upon the sleeve of the man who held me, are all stamped clearly upon my mind.
‘We must do our work with order,’ remarked the taller Captain, taking a note-book from his pocket. ‘Colonel Sarsfield may desire some details. Let me see! This is the seventeenth, is it not?’
‘Four at the farm and five at the cross-roads,’ the other answered, counting upon his fingers. ‘Then there was the one whom we shot in the hedge, and the wounded one who nearly saved himself by dying, and the two in the grove117 under the hill. I can remember no more, save those who were strung up in ‘Bridgewater immediately after the action.’
‘It is well to do it in an orderly fashion,’ quoth the other, scribbling118 in his book. ‘It is very well for Kirke and his men, who are half Moors119 themselves, to hang and to slaughter120 without discrimination or ceremony, but we should set them a better example. What is your name, sirrah?’
‘My name is Captain Micah Clarke,’ I answered.
The two officers looked at each other, and the smaller one gave a long whistle. ‘It is the very man!’ said he. ‘This comes of asking questions! Rat me, if I had not misgivings that it might prove to be so. They said that he was large of limb.’
‘Tell me, sirrah, have you ever known one Major Ogilvy of the Horse Guards Blue?’ asked the Captain.
‘Seeing that I had the honour of taking him prisoner,’ I replied, ‘and seeing also that he hath shared soldier’s fare and quarters with me ever since, I think I may fairly say that I do know him.’
‘Cast loose the cord!’ said the officer, and the hangman reluctantly slipped the cord over my head once more. ‘Young man, you are surely reserved for something great, for you will never be nearer your grave until you do actually step into it. This Major Ogilvy hath made great interest both for you and for a wounded comrade of yours who lies at Bridgewater. Your name hath been given to the commanders of horse, with orders to bring you in unscathed should you be taken. Yet it is but fair to tell you that though the Major’s good word may save you from martial121 law, it will stand you in small stead before a civil judge, before whom ye must in the end take your trial.’
‘I desire to share the same lot and fortune as has befallen my companions-inarms,’ I answered.
‘Nay, that is but a sullen way to take your deliverance,’ cried the smaller officer. ‘The situation is as flat as sutler’s beer. Otway would have made a bettor thing of it. Can you not rise to the occasion? Where is she?’
‘She! Who?’ I asked.
‘She. The she. The woman. Your wife, sweetheart, betrothed122, what you will.’
‘There is none such,’ I answered.
‘There now! What can be done in a case like that?’ cried he despairingly. ‘She should have rushed in from the wings and thrown herself upon your bosom123. I have seen such a situation earn three rounds from the pit. There is good material spoiling here for want of some one to work it up.’
‘We have something else to work up, Jack,’ exclaimed his companion impatiently. ‘Sergeant124 Gredder, do you with two troopers conduct the prisoner to Gommatch Church. It is time that we were once more upon our way, for in a few hours the darkness will hinder the pursuit.’
At the word of command the troopers descended125 into the field where their horses were picketed126, and were speedily on the march once more, the tall Captain leading them, and the stage-struck cornet bringing up the rear. The sergeant to whose care I had been committed — a great square-shouldered, dark-browed man — ordered my own horse to be brought out, and helped me to mount it. He removed the pistols from the holsters, however, and hung them with my sword at his own saddle-bow.
‘Shall I tie his feet under the horse’s belly127?’ asked one of the dragoons.
‘Nay, the lad hath an honest face,’ the sergeant answered. ‘If he promises to be quiet we shall cast free his arms.’
‘I have no desire to escape,’ said I.
‘Then untie128 the rope. A brave man in misfortune hath ever my goodwill129, strike me dumb else! Sergeant Gredder is my name, formerly130 of Mackay’s and now of the Royals — as hard-worked and badly-paid a man as any in his Majesty’s service. Right wheel, and down the pathway! Do ye ride on either side, and I behind! Our carbines are primed, friend, so stand true to your promise!’
‘Nay, you can rely upon it,’ I answered.
‘Your little comrade did play you a scurvy131 trick,’ said the sergeant, ‘for seeing us ride down the road he did make across to us, and bargained with the Captain that his life should be spared, on condition that he should deliver into our hands what he described as one of the stoutest soldiers in the rebel army. Truly you have thews and sinews enough, though you are surely too young to have seen much service.’
‘This hath been my first campaign,’ I answered.
‘And is like to be your last,’ he remarked, with soldierly frankness. ‘I hear that the Privy132 Council intend to make such an example as will take the heart out of the Whigs for twenty years to come. They have a lawyer coming from London whose wig133 is more to be feared than our helmets. He will slay134 more men in a day than a troop of horse in a ten-mile chase. Faith! I would sooner they took this butcher-work into their own hands. See those bodies on yonder tree. It is an evil season when such acorns135 grow upon English oaks.’
‘It is an evil season,’ said I, ‘when men who call themselves Christians136 inflict137 such vengeance138 upon poor simple peasants, who have done no more than their conscience urged them. That the leaders and officers should suffer is but fair. They stood to win in case of success, and should pay forfeit139 now that they have lost. But it goes to my heart to see those poor godly country folk so treated.’
‘Aye, there is truth in that,’ said the sergeant. ‘Now if it were some of these snuffle-nosed preachers, the old lank-haired bell-wethers who have led their flocks to the devil, it would be another thing. Why can they not conform to the Church, and be plagued to them? It is good enough for the King, so surely it is good enough for them; or are their souls so delicate that they cannot satisfy themselves with that on which every honest Englishman thrives? The main road to Heaven is too common for them. They must needs have each a by-path of their own, and cry out against all who will not follow it.’
‘Why,’ said I, ‘there are pious140 men of all creeds141. If a man lead a life of virtue142, what matter what he believes?
‘Let a man keep his virtue in his heart,’ quoth Sergeant Gredder. ‘Let him pack it deep in the knapsack of his soul. I suspect godliness which shows upon the surface, the snuffling talk, the rolling eyes, the groaning and the hawking143. It is like the forged money, which can be told by its being more bright and more showy than the real.’
‘An apt comparison!’ said I. ‘But how comes it, sergeant, that you have given attention to these matters? Unless they are much belied144, the Royal Dragoons find other things to think of.’
‘I was one of Mackay’s foot,’ he answered shortly. ‘I have heard of him,’ said I. ‘A man, I believe, both of parts and of piety145.’
‘That, indeed, he is,’ cried Sergeant Gredder warmly. ‘He is a man stern and soldierly to the outer eye, but with the heart of a saint within him. I promise you there was little need of the strapado in his regiment, for there was not a man who did not fear the look of sorrow in his Colonel’s eyes far more than he did the provost-marshal.’
During the whole of our long ride I found the worthy sergeant a true follower146 of the excellent Colonel Mackay, for he proved to be a man of more than ordinary intelligence, and of serious and thoughtful habit. As to the two troopers, they rode on either side of me as silent as statues; for the common dragoons of those days could but talk of wine and women, and were helpless and speechless when aught else was to the fore9. When we at last rode into the little village of Gommatch, which overlooks the plain of Sedgemoor, it was with regret on each side that I bade my guardian147 adieu. As a parting favour I begged him to take charge of Covenant for me, promising148 to pay a certain sum by the month for his keep, and commissioning him to retain the horse for his own use should I fail to claim him within the year. It was a load off my mind when I saw my trusty companion led away, staring back at me with questioning eyes, as though unable to understand the separation. Come what might, I knew now that, he was in the keeping of a good man who would see that no harm befell him.
点击收听单词发音
1 covenant | |
n.盟约,契约;v.订盟约 | |
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2 hearty | |
adj.热情友好的;衷心的;尽情的,纵情的 | |
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3 loft | |
n.阁楼,顶楼 | |
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4 chamber | |
n.房间,寝室;会议厅;议院;会所 | |
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5 lighting | |
n.照明,光线的明暗,舞台灯光 | |
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6 pitcher | |
n.(有嘴和柄的)大水罐;(棒球)投手 | |
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7 basted | |
v.打( baste的过去式和过去分词 );粗缝;痛斥;(烤肉等时)往上抹[浇]油 | |
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8 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 | |
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9 fore | |
adv.在前面;adj.先前的;在前部的;n.前部 | |
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10 drawn | |
v.拖,拉,拔出;adj.憔悴的,紧张的 | |
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11 muster | |
v.集合,收集,鼓起,激起;n.集合,检阅,集合人员,点名册 | |
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12 delusion | |
n.谬见,欺骗,幻觉,迷惑 | |
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13 pricking | |
刺,刺痕,刺痛感 | |
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14 marvelling | |
v.惊奇,对…感到惊奇( marvel的现在分词 ) | |
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15 gasps | |
v.喘气( gasp的第三人称单数 );喘息;倒抽气;很想要 | |
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16 exclamations | |
n.呼喊( exclamation的名词复数 );感叹;感叹语;感叹词 | |
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17 uproar | |
n.骚动,喧嚣,鼎沸 | |
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18 whit | |
n.一点,丝毫 | |
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19 wriggle | |
v./n.蠕动,扭动;蜿蜒 | |
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20 miller | |
n.磨坊主 | |
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21 implored | |
恳求或乞求(某人)( implore的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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22 slain | |
杀死,宰杀,杀戮( slay的过去分词 ); (slay的过去分词) | |
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23 strutting | |
加固,支撑物 | |
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24 manly | |
adj.有男子气概的;adv.男子般地,果断地 | |
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25 jack | |
n.插座,千斤顶,男人;v.抬起,提醒,扛举;n.(Jake)杰克 | |
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26 apprehension | |
n.理解,领悟;逮捕,拘捕;忧虑 | |
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27 forth | |
adv.向前;向外,往外 | |
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28 entreaties | |
n.恳求,乞求( entreaty的名词复数 ) | |
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29 serene | |
adj. 安详的,宁静的,平静的 | |
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30 bawled | |
v.大叫,大喊( bawl的过去式和过去分词 );放声大哭;大声叫出;叫卖(货物) | |
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31 penitent | |
adj.后悔的;n.后悔者;忏悔者 | |
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32 wretch | |
n.可怜的人,不幸的人;卑鄙的人 | |
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33 renounce | |
v.放弃;拒绝承认,宣布与…断绝关系 | |
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34 fervently | |
adv.热烈地,热情地,强烈地 | |
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35 bellow | |
v.吼叫,怒吼;大声发出,大声喝道 | |
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36 wriggled | |
v.扭动,蠕动,蜿蜒行进( wriggle的过去式和过去分词 );(使身体某一部位)扭动;耍滑不做,逃避(应做的事等) | |
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37 regiment | |
n.团,多数,管理;v.组织,编成团,统制 | |
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38 fully | |
adv.完全地,全部地,彻底地;充分地 | |
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39 warrior | |
n.勇士,武士,斗士 | |
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40 mere | |
adj.纯粹的;仅仅,只不过 | |
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41 stoutly | |
adv.牢固地,粗壮的 | |
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43 dough | |
n.生面团;钱,现款 | |
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44 wile | |
v.诡计,引诱;n.欺骗,欺诈 | |
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45 ruse | |
n.诡计,计策;诡计 | |
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46 concealing | |
v.隐藏,隐瞒,遮住( conceal的现在分词 ) | |
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47 lurking | |
潜在 | |
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48 hacked | |
生气 | |
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49 rogue | |
n.流氓;v.游手好闲 | |
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50 rogues | |
n.流氓( rogue的名词复数 );无赖;调皮捣蛋的人;离群的野兽 | |
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51 worthy | |
adj.(of)值得的,配得上的;有价值的 | |
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52 gallant | |
adj.英勇的,豪侠的;(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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53 alas | |
int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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54 orphans | |
孤儿( orphan的名词复数 ) | |
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55 smitten | |
猛打,重击,打击( smite的过去分词 ) | |
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56 kinsman | |
n.男亲属 | |
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57 brute | |
n.野兽,兽性 | |
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58 bridle | |
n.笼头,束缚;vt.抑制,约束;动怒 | |
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59 twitch | |
v.急拉,抽动,痉挛,抽搐;n.扯,阵痛,痉挛 | |
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60 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 ) | |
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61 ascend | |
vi.渐渐上升,升高;vt.攀登,登上 | |
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62 retired | |
adj.隐退的,退休的,退役的 | |
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63 ambush | |
n.埋伏(地点);伏兵;v.埋伏;伏击 | |
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64 wrath | |
n.愤怒,愤慨,暴怒 | |
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65 minions | |
n.奴颜婢膝的仆从( minion的名词复数 );走狗;宠儿;受人崇拜者 | |
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66 explicit | |
adj.详述的,明确的;坦率的;显然的 | |
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67 nay | |
adv.不;n.反对票,投反对票者 | |
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68 overflowing | |
n. 溢出物,溢流 adj. 充沛的,充满的 动词overflow的现在分词形式 | |
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69 ruffles | |
褶裥花边( ruffle的名词复数 ) | |
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70 braggart | |
n.吹牛者;adj.吹牛的,自夸的 | |
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71 guile | |
n.诈术 | |
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72 slumber | |
n.睡眠,沉睡状态 | |
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73 repose | |
v.(使)休息;n.安息 | |
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74 misgivings | |
n.疑虑,担忧,害怕;疑虑,担心,恐惧( misgiving的名词复数 );疑惧 | |
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75 lulled | |
vt.使镇静,使安静(lull的过去式与过去分词形式) | |
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76 groaning | |
adj. 呜咽的, 呻吟的 动词groan的现在分词形式 | |
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77 pallid | |
adj.苍白的,呆板的 | |
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78 swarmed | |
密集( swarm的过去式和过去分词 ); 云集; 成群地移动; 蜜蜂或其他飞行昆虫成群地飞来飞去 | |
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79 slumbered | |
微睡,睡眠(slumber的过去式与过去分词形式) | |
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80 pinioned | |
v.抓住[捆住](双臂)( pinion的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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81 bind | |
vt.捆,包扎;装订;约束;使凝固;vi.变硬 | |
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82 lashed | |
adj.具睫毛的v.鞭打( lash的过去式和过去分词 );煽动;紧系;怒斥 | |
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83 abject | |
adj.极可怜的,卑屈的 | |
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84 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 | |
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85 drooped | |
弯曲或下垂,发蔫( droop的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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86 curiously | |
adv.有求知欲地;好问地;奇特地 | |
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87 rebounds | |
反弹球( rebound的名词复数 ); 回弹球; 抢断篮板球; 复兴 | |
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88 sneer | |
v.轻蔑;嘲笑;n.嘲笑,讥讽的言语 | |
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89 bigotry | |
n.偏见,偏执,持偏见的行为[态度]等 | |
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90 writhing | |
(因极度痛苦而)扭动或翻滚( writhe的现在分词 ) | |
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91 stoutest | |
粗壮的( stout的最高级 ); 结实的; 坚固的; 坚定的 | |
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92 scurvily | |
下流地,粗鄙地,无礼地 | |
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93 stature | |
n.(高度)水平,(高度)境界,身高,身材 | |
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94 wondrous | |
adj.令人惊奇的,奇妙的;adv.惊人地;异乎寻常地;令人惊叹地 | |
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95 enunciation | |
n.清晰的发音;表明,宣言;口齿 | |
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96 reptile | |
n.爬行动物;两栖动物 | |
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97 fugitives | |
n.亡命者,逃命者( fugitive的名词复数 ) | |
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98 obtrude | |
v.闯入;侵入;打扰 | |
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99 helping | |
n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的,辅助的 | |
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100 treacherous | |
adj.不可靠的,有暗藏的危险的;adj.背叛的,背信弃义的 | |
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101 yelping | |
v.发出短而尖的叫声( yelp的现在分词 ) | |
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102 furtively | |
adv. 偷偷地, 暗中地 | |
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103 hurled | |
v.猛投,用力掷( hurl的过去式和过去分词 );大声叫骂 | |
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104 sullen | |
adj.愠怒的,闷闷不乐的,(天气等)阴沉的 | |
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105 shuffling | |
adj. 慢慢移动的, 滑移的 动词shuffle的现在分词形式 | |
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106 noose | |
n.绳套,绞索(刑);v.用套索捉;使落入圈套;处以绞刑 | |
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107 linen | |
n.亚麻布,亚麻线,亚麻制品;adj.亚麻布制的,亚麻的 | |
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108 knave | |
n.流氓;(纸牌中的)杰克 | |
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109 gnawed | |
咬( gnaw的过去式和过去分词 ); (长时间) 折磨某人; (使)苦恼; (长时间)危害某事物 | |
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110 Christian | |
adj.基督教徒的;n.基督教徒 | |
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111 tattoo | |
n.纹身,(皮肤上的)刺花纹;vt.刺花纹于 | |
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112 eternity | |
n.不朽,来世;永恒,无穷 | |
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113 adventurous | |
adj.爱冒险的;惊心动魄的,惊险的,刺激的 | |
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114 bleak | |
adj.(天气)阴冷的;凄凉的;暗淡的 | |
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115 texture | |
n.(织物)质地;(材料)构造;结构;肌理 | |
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116 brass | |
n.黄铜;黄铜器,铜管乐器 | |
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117 grove | |
n.林子,小树林,园林 | |
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118 scribbling | |
n.乱涂[写]胡[乱]写的文章[作品]v.潦草的书写( scribble的现在分词 );乱画;草草地写;匆匆记下 | |
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119 moors | |
v.停泊,系泊(船只)( moor的第三人称单数 ) | |
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120 slaughter | |
n.屠杀,屠宰;vt.屠杀,宰杀 | |
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121 martial | |
adj.战争的,军事的,尚武的,威武的 | |
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122 betrothed | |
n. 已订婚者 动词betroth的过去式和过去分词 | |
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123 bosom | |
n.胸,胸部;胸怀;内心;adj.亲密的 | |
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124 sergeant | |
n.警官,中士 | |
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125 descended | |
a.为...后裔的,出身于...的 | |
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126 picketed | |
用尖桩围住(picket的过去式与过去分词形式) | |
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127 belly | |
n.肚子,腹部;(像肚子一样)鼓起的部分,膛 | |
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128 untie | |
vt.解开,松开;解放 | |
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129 goodwill | |
n.善意,亲善,信誉,声誉 | |
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130 formerly | |
adv.从前,以前 | |
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131 scurvy | |
adj.下流的,卑鄙的,无礼的;n.坏血病 | |
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132 privy | |
adj.私用的;隐密的 | |
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133 wig | |
n.假发 | |
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134 slay | |
v.杀死,宰杀,杀戮 | |
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135 acorns | |
n.橡子,栎实( acorn的名词复数 ) | |
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136 Christians | |
n.基督教徒( Christian的名词复数 ) | |
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137 inflict | |
vt.(on)把…强加给,使遭受,使承担 | |
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138 vengeance | |
n.报复,报仇,复仇 | |
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139 forfeit | |
vt.丧失;n.罚金,罚款,没收物 | |
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140 pious | |
adj.虔诚的;道貌岸然的 | |
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141 creeds | |
(尤指宗教)信条,教条( creed的名词复数 ) | |
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142 virtue | |
n.德行,美德;贞操;优点;功效,效力 | |
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143 hawking | |
利用鹰行猎 | |
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144 belied | |
v.掩饰( belie的过去式和过去分词 );证明(或显示)…为虚假;辜负;就…扯谎 | |
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145 piety | |
n.虔诚,虔敬 | |
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146 follower | |
n.跟随者;随员;门徒;信徒 | |
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147 guardian | |
n.监护人;守卫者,保护者 | |
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148 promising | |
adj.有希望的,有前途的 | |
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