“Before we left Fort Mackenzie,” the physician began, “your Inspector2 Cameron called me to his office. He told me about the epidemic3. I remember that there was a large map that hung on the wall behind his desk, and to this map he frequently referred. The districts affected4 by smallpox5 he had encircled in red ink. All of these were north of the Mackenzie: one straight north, several northwest, but the largest area of all northeast, in a district which he called Keechewan.”
Brady paused to help Dick unharness one of his dogs, then continued:
“The circle on the map which he called Keechewan was, he explained to me, the country most dangerously affected by smallpox and contained the greatest number of people.
176
“‘This is to be your territory,’ he told me. ‘I’m giving you a most difficult task indeed. Not only will you experience difficulty in reaching your destination, but when you do reach it, you may have trouble with the natives there. There has been an uprising among several of the Indian tribes. Relations between the white people and the Indians are strained. There has been some bloodshed. Your work will not be easy. It is sure to be dangerous, and possibly, doctor, you may never come back.’
“I asked him if anything had been done to relieve the situation. He said that he had sent one of his men, a Corporal Rand, up to that region a few days before to take charge. He was to place the district under police rule.”
Dr. Brady cleared his throat.
“I guess that’s about all, Dick, but you can see what I’m driving at.”
“Yes,” Dick answered, “I think I know what you’re trying to tell me. Corporal Rand never reached his destination. Misfortune overtook him with the result that the uprising at Keechewan has never been put down.”
“Exactly. The district, when we reach it, will not be under police surveillance. We can expect trouble.”
177
During the trip from Mackenzie River barracks, Dick had learned to admire and respect the genial7 man whom he was conducting to Keechewan. Never had he occasion to doubt the doctor’s courage. In every emergency, he had not been found wanting. Yet in the present instance he seemed much worried. Was he really afraid? Dick decided8 to try him out.
“We may be risking our lives by going to Keechewan now,” he said. “Do you realize that, Dr. Brady?”
“Yes, I realize it.”
“I sometimes wonder,” Dick evaded9 the other’s eyes. “—I sometimes wonder if it is all worth while. Most of them are only Indians. They not only do not appreciate what we’re doing for them, but more than that, they resent and scorn our help. Why not,” Dick’s gaze was fixed10 on some object on the distant horizon, “leave them to their own devices, let them suffer the consequences?”
If Dick had struck Brady in the face, the good doctor could not have been more surprised. For a moment he actually sputtered11.
“Richard Kent! Do you mean that? Do you really mean to say that you contemplate12 such a thing—would leave those poor devils in the lurch13?”
Dick raised one hand and grinned mischievously14.
“There, there, doctor! Such a thought hadn’t entered my mind, I assure you.”
“You rascal15! So you were trying me out?”
Dick laughed as he turned the dogs loose And straightened up to take Brady’s arm.
“Well, what do you propose to do?”
178
“That’s just the question I want to ask you.”
“There’s only one thing that I can see: Do our work and Corporal Rand’s too.”
“Yes, that’s what I was thinking, why I came to you just now. I wondered if you had considered the situation.”
“To tell you the truth, I hadn’t. I’ve had so many other things to worry me.”
“We can’t be far from Keechewan mission now,” stated the doctor.
“Only a few more days. Those hills you see over there in the distance must be the divide Inspector Cameron spoke16 of. From there it is not very far to Keechewan, provided, of course, that we don’t get lost again, that our Indians know the way. We’ll soon enter the barren lands.”
For the time being, the subject was dropped. But Dick did not forget that interview. Often, during the next three or four days, he found himself contemplating17 the future with worried, thoughtful gaze. He took inventory18 of his munitions19 and his provisions. Not counting Corporal Rand, there were eight men in the party, really not a very strong force, yet he comforted himself with the thought that Corporal Rand had gone forth20 alone to cope with the situation.
179
One evening, after they had crossed the divide and had pitched their tents on a hill, dark with the shadows of approaching night, a driver drew attention to an unusual phenomenon. Far away, faint, yet plainly discernible, was the glimmering21 of many tiny lights. These lights blinked and beckoned22 to them—and a cry of elation6 went up from every member of the party.
“The mission!” boomed Sandy, throwing his parka high in the air. “Keechewan Mission!”
“Not more than eight miles away,” adjudged Dick.
“More than that,” said Toma.
“We’ll arrive there tomorrow forenoon sometime,” exulted23 the doctor.
That night, so elated were they, that they could hardly sleep. Dick and Sandy lay awake until a late hour, talking and planning. On the following morning, they rose early to waken the camp. Breakfast was hurried through, and they were on the trail nearly an hour before sunrise.
It was eleven o’clock by Dick’s watch, when they entered the mission village, their eyes feasting on the row of snow-roofed cabins that fronted the winding24, narrow street.
180
Here and there, a face appeared at a window. Now and again, some incurious form opened a door and watched them go by. But no one was abroad on the single narrow street. Had it not been for the sight of smoke, circling upward from mud chimneys, one might have thought that the village was practically deserted25. There hovered26 about it an atmosphere of loneliness. There was something ominous27 about it, too, something eerie28 and unnatural29. Dick felt somehow as if he were proceeding30 through a village of the dead. This feeling was accentuated31 by the sight of many red flags, draped over windows, hanging from doors—mute tokens of a terrible visitation.
It was a mournful little party that drew up in front of the small but picturesque32 Catholic Church at the far end of the winding street. They stood there as if in doubt and perplexity, looking at each other, no one volunteering to be the first to move or make a suggestion. Finally, Dick called to Dr. Brady and the two strode across to a more or less pretentious33 two-storey dwelling34, immediately beyond the church.
A little man, dressed in the flowing robes of a monk35, answered Dick’s timorous36 knock. The priest started in surprise as he perceived who his visitors were, then his face brightened and, with a friendly gesture, he motioned them within.
“Ah!” he said, a slight but unmistakable catch in his voice. “White men! How do you do. You honor me, monsieurs. May I not bid you welcome?”
181
“Inspector Cameron of the mounted police sent us here to help you,” explained Dick. “This gentleman here,” indicating Dr. Brady, “is an Edmonton physician. I am Dick Kent.”
The priest nodded understandingly and led the way to a small but nicely furnished room, standing37 aside as his visitors entered. At one end of the room, a spruce log burned brightly in the mud fireplace. There were several comfortable chairs and a large bookcase, filled with row upon row of books. Near the bookcase was a desk, fitted with drawers, and on its smooth, highly-polished surface were papers, ink, and a small bronze statue of the Christ.
The atmosphere of the room was cheerful and inviting38, and Dick and Dr. Brady immediately felt at ease. They took the chairs their host indicated, waiting for him to speak.
“I sent a message to Inspector Cameron,” the priest began fluently, “about six weeks ago. I am glad to see that he is sending help to my stricken people. You, doctor, are especially welcome. We have done all that we possibly can to check the course of the terrible disease, but our efforts, I am sorry to inform you, have not been very successful. Many, many deaths have taken place. The villagers are almost without hope. There are many bereaved39, monsieurs, much suffering and,” he hesitated for a brief moment, “much complaining.”
182
“Inspector Cameron,” said Dr. Brady, “told us about an uprising of some sort. Has the mission been attacked?”
“It has,” the priest nodded. “Twice there has been a general attack, which we repulsed40. Since then we have not been left in peace. Skulkers come here at night and attempt to fire our dwellings41. One man, a loyal and true friend of mine, was shot down in the street. We live in apprehension42. Daily, there is some new outrage43 to add to the complexity44 of our other troubles.”
Dick looked across at the grave but patient face.
“We will do all in our power to help you,” he encouraged him. “We will attempt to deal with these skulkers and prevent an uprising. Does most of your trouble come from outside the village?”
“For the most part, yes. There are several Indian tribes in the vicinity. At first we went among them, caring for their sick, but lately we have not been able to do this because of their warlike attitude. On the last occasion one of us went there, Father Levereaux was treated most shamefully45, subjected to many indignities46, and finally left outside their village. He was hurt and unconscious when we found him. He has now, I am glad to inform you, recovered from his injuries, but I fear that he has contracted smallpox. Last night, when I went to his room, he was very ill.”
183
“I will attend him,” said Dr. Brady, while Dick rose to his feet.
“There are nine men in our party,” Dick said. “Perhaps there is an empty dwelling somewhere where we can stay.”
“There are several places,” the priest answered, “any one of which I can place at your disposal.”
He, too, arose. “I will lead you there. You must rest after your journey. I can see that you are very tired. I must find you something to eat.”
“No,” objected Dr. Brady, “we must start to work at once.”
“What do you propose to do first?” asked the priest.
“Vaccinate every person in the village. After that I’ll attend to those who already have the disease.”
“Have you plenty of medicines and supplies?”
“Yes.”
The other’s face wreathed in a smile.
“That is wonderful, monsieur. It was very kind of you to come. In my heart I thank the noble Inspector of Police. Praise God, I think we have come to the end of our trouble. I am very happy, monsieurs.”
And tears of gladness slowly trickled47 down his cheeks.
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
hesitation
|
|
| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
inspector
|
|
| n.检查员，监察员，视察员 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
epidemic
|
|
| n.流行病；盛行；adj.流行性的，流传极广的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
affected
|
|
| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
smallpox
|
|
| n.天花 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
elation
|
|
| n.兴高采烈，洋洋得意 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
genial
|
|
| adj.亲切的，和蔼的，愉快的，脾气好的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
decided
|
|
| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
evaded
|
|
| 逃避( evade的过去式和过去分词 )； 避开； 回避； 想不出 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
fixed
|
|
| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
sputtered
|
|
| v.唾沫飞溅( sputter的过去式和过去分词 )；发劈啪声；喷出；飞溅出 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
contemplate
|
|
| vt.盘算，计议；周密考虑；注视，凝视 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
lurch
|
|
| n.突然向前或旁边倒；v.蹒跚而行 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
mischievously
|
|
| adv.有害地；淘气地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
rascal
|
|
| n.流氓；不诚实的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
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： |
|
|
|
|
17
contemplating
|
|
| 深思，细想，仔细考虑( contemplate的现在分词 )； 注视，凝视； 考虑接受（发生某事的可能性）； 深思熟虑，沉思，苦思冥想 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
inventory
|
|
| n.详细目录，存货清单 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
munitions
|
|
| n.军火，弹药；v.供应…军需品 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
forth
|
|
| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
glimmering
|
|
| n.微光，隐约的一瞥adj.薄弱地发光的v.发闪光，发微光( glimmer的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
beckoned
|
|
| v.（用头或手的动作）示意，召唤( beckon的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
exulted
|
|
| 狂喜，欢跃( exult的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
winding
|
|
| n.绕，缠，绕组，线圈 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
deserted
|
|
| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
hovered
|
|
| 鸟( hover的过去式和过去分词 )； 靠近（某事物）； （人）徘徊； 犹豫 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
ominous
|
|
| adj.不祥的，不吉的，预兆的，预示的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
eerie
|
|
| adj.怪诞的；奇异的；可怕的；胆怯的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
unnatural
|
|
| adj.不自然的；反常的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
proceeding
|
|
| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
accentuated
|
|
| v.重读( accentuate的过去式和过去分词 )；使突出；使恶化；加重音符号于 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
picturesque
|
|
| adj.美丽如画的，（语言）生动的，绘声绘色的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
pretentious
|
|
| adj.自命不凡的，自负的，炫耀的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
dwelling
|
|
| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
monk
|
|
| n.和尚，僧侣，修道士 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
timorous
|
|
| adj.胆怯的，胆小的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
standing
|
|
| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
inviting
|
|
| adj.诱人的，引人注目的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
bereaved
|
|
| adj.刚刚丧失亲人的v.使失去（希望、生命等）( bereave的过去式和过去分词)；（尤指死亡）使丧失（亲人、朋友等）；使孤寂；抢走（财物） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
repulsed
|
|
| v.击退( repulse的过去式和过去分词 )；驳斥；拒绝 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
dwellings
|
|
| n.住处，处所( dwelling的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
apprehension
|
|
| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
outrage
|
|
| n.暴行，侮辱，愤怒；vt.凌辱，激怒 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
complexity
|
|
| n.复杂(性)，复杂的事物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
shamefully
|
|
| 可耻地； 丢脸地； 不体面地； 羞耻地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
indignities
|
|
| n.侮辱，轻蔑( indignity的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
trickled
|
|
| v.滴( trickle的过去式和过去分词 )；淌；使)慢慢走；缓慢移动 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |