"See that no harm comes to The Red Knight, Dad," was Ned's laughing caution. "It is the one thing on the farm that Dad would not part with."
"Ah!" said the old man with sudden decision, "I maun take a turn hout to the barn. The snow moight 'arm the bonny corn."
Lighting5 his lantern he went out and was gratified to find that the grain was snugly6 secure. When he came in he went to the room where lay the two hundred bushels. Opening the door he flashed his lantern about. Here, too, all was weather-tight. At sight of the pile of wonderful wheat he exclaimed in admiration7. Picking up a handful he held it close to the light.
"'Ee's wealthy-loike!" said the old man, caressing8 the plump brown grains with his fingers. "'Ee's the fat corn und 'evvy! The old un'll make a pile on un."
Shutting the door he returned to his pipe and dreamed of visions of riches in store for Ned and his father, his innocent old face glowing with pleasure at the contemplation of their good fortune. Rising at length he went to the door, took a long look out into the black night, then shut it carefully and retired9 to his bed.
It was nearing the hour of midnight when he was aroused from sleep by a thumping10 upon the door. Rising he threw up the sash and looked down.
"Hello! Is that Mr. Blackford?" called an anxious voice.
"Hit be," was the succinct11 response.
"I am from Jake McCarragh's. One of his mares is down and he wants you to come over and give us a hand."
"Ah! 'Ee's a 'orse sick. Ah'll coome along," was the kind response.
"I'm on the hike," said the voice below. "I'll foot it back on the double quick and help Jake. You hurry after as fast as you can."
The case was evidently urgent.
"Hal roight, go a'ead. Ah'll be along," replied the old man, hastening to dress.
In a short time he was ready and stepped out into the storm, trudging13 down the lane and off into the north with the blizzard14 in his face. He did not hear the muffled15 beat of galloping17 hoofs18 as he emerged into the road-allowance.
As we have mentioned before, there were pedestrians19 about the drifted streets of Pellawa. One of these venturesome wanderers was the little French bagger of the Valley Outfit20, Jean Benoit. He had come to Pellawa in the morning and untoward21 obstructions22 had kept him from setting out on his return home. He was still "hung up" and was plunging23 impatiently through the drifts with determination to make a swift wind up of business when he heard a voice down the lane to his right.
"You are sure Pullar's away?" came clearly through the storm.
"Went in on the morning train with the old man," replied another voice.
Jean halted. The mention of Pullar had awakened24 his curiosity.
"I'd hate to run into the Valley boss. He's a bang-up hitter."
"No danger. We're squaring with Pullar to-night. He'll never know who pinched his wheat."
At this point a mutual25 laugh came through the darkness.
"You meet me with the others at Morrison's bluff26. That's the line, eh?"
"Righto! We'll slip into Pullar's yard about twelve. So long."
There was no more. The men had passed on. Jean lingered. He had not caught the full significance of the brief dialogue, for he could not hear every word and the English troubled him in places. He pieced enough together, however, to conclude that some foul27 work was meditated28 against Ned. He held his counsel and rushed through preparations for departure. As he took the South Cut in his descent into the Valley he saw a light in the Grant home. So agitated29 had he become in his review of the incident in the village that he decided30 to lay the matter before Charles Grant.
The farmer was in bed, but at his knock a light step tripped down the stairs and Margaret opened the door. She invited him in. Grant was promptly31 aroused and evidenced serious perturbation at Jean's story.
"I am afraid there is some devilment afoot," was his comment. "You say there may be a big gang at work?"
"Wan12, two, tree, four! Mebbe other! I do not know. I tink many."
"Can it be an attempt to steal Mr. Pullar's new wheat?" ventured Margaret. "Mary has been telling me so much about it. I saw her to-day. Ned and his father have gone into the City at the call of John T. C. Norrgrene."
"It may be that, lass," agreed her father. "Jean's tale points that way."
"They are after The Red Knight!" said Margaret with intuitive conviction. "It is a terrible night. What can poor old Dad Blackford do against a gang of daring thieves?"
"We'll take a hand in it ourselves," said Grant grimly. "Jean, you take the south trail and let Easy Murphy know. I'll dress and pick up Lawrie and——"
"I'll saddle Flash, Dad," interrupted Margaret. "I'm all ready. I can ride over and let Andy know."
Grant looked at the girl a second, considering.
"Very well, lass! Do it," said her father with a smile. "Ye're good for it and there is not any time to waste. Be careful, for the night is dark."
Before her father had reached the stable Margaret was in the saddle and away.
Andy was easily aroused and in an incredibly short time was astride Night.
"You ride back home," directed he to Margaret. "I'll push Night through. It is half-past eleven and we have four miles to run. I may be in time to scare them off. Your Dad and the others will be right on my heels."
With a farewell shout he plunged32 into the storm. The sound of Night's speeding hoofs smote33 her ears then died away. Reluctantly she turned Flash for home and trotted34 off. They had proceeded but a few rods when she reined35 him in and halted abruptly36, loitering irresolute37.
"Come, Flash! About!" was her sudden command. "We'll be in it, too."
Wheeling her mount she sent him at a gallop16 after Night and his rider.
Andy put his horse through at a stiff pace. The homestead was shrouded38 in blackness as he approached. Riding through the gate he cantered swiftly down the lane, and pulled up beside the house. He had but halted when he discerned the dim movement of figures on all sides of him. With the consciousness of their presence came the realization39 that they were men.
"Good-night, gentlemen!" he called.
But there was no reply. Instead he could hear smothered40 cries of chagrin41 and savage42 anger, followed by a rush of the encompassing43 forms. Night's bridle44 was seized and strong hands grappled him, dragging him from the saddle. Terrified by the rough handling and mysterious commotion45 the horse reared and plunged, tearing away from her captors. Leaping free she dashed off down the lane.
As Andy came to earth he clutched one of his assailants and they rolled over. In the darkness the others seizing his foeman by mistake wrenched46 him away, leaving Andy free. Leaping to his feet, he backed to the wall of the house. Discovering their mistake they rushed him again. He struck out and a shadow staggered and fell. They closed in as another went down. Hands seized him on every side. He was struggling mightily47, tossing his assailants about, when he heard a voice shrill48 out above the smothered tumult49. He realized that it was Margaret's cry and conscious that help was near, fought with renewed fury to free his arms. Then something crashed upon his head and he tottered50 back, falling in a heap against the wall.
Speeding along on the trail behind, Margaret had not spared her horse. She had slowed up and was peering through the darkness for the gate when Flash swerved51 violently, almost unseating her. At the same time there dashed past her some fleeing thing. All she caught was the dim shadow of an empty saddle and flying stirrups. She knew it was Night. Thrilled by a foreboding of disaster she charged down the lane. She rode up to the house, halting Flash on his haunches at the group of struggling men. She could hear the heavy breathing and knew that Andy was fighting desperately52 with his back to the wall. She thought of riding Flash upon them but checked him, fearing she might injure Andy himself. A sense of impotence swept over her. Then flashed into her mind an idea. Rising in her stirrups she shouted:
"Father! Men! This way!"
Immediately Andy went down, but at the same instant Snoopy Bill and his men were stampeded. Sure that a rescue party was on them they dropped their victim and bolted for the sleighs. Leaping in they whirled their teams about and lashing53 them to a run fled out of the yard and back over the fields.
Ten minutes later when Grant galloped54 up with the others they found Margaret sitting in the snow with Andy's head upon her lap.
"Lassie!" cried the astonished Grant. "You here?"
"Yes, Father!" was her quiet reply. "I got here too late to save Andy. They've hurt him terribly."
"Be easy, lass!" soothed55 the man, "it may not be sae serious. The lad will be coming round in a meenit."
They carried him into the house and laid him upon a couch. A quick examination discovered a gash56 in the head from some heavy implement57.
"It is a concussion," said Grant. "But not vera deep. Aye, he is coming out."
Andy opened his eyes. The first object he became conscious of was the face of Margaret bending over him. Smiling faintly he observed in surprise:
"You here, Margaret? I thought I heard you shout just before they got me."
He closed his eyes drowsily58.
"You sent me home," she whispered in his ear. "But I changed my mind and followed you."
When she looked up she discovered that they were alone.
"You should not have come," was the gentle reprimand.
"Indeed? I think you were very rude to send me away."
"But I am glad you are here, now," said he contentedly59.
"You really are?"
"Really."
"And so am I," said the girl softly. "Because—because, Andy, that wonderful 'something' has happened. Now I know beyond all doubt that I have always loved you and—I love you now."
"Then," said he, drawing her head down to him, "then——"
"You may kiss me with a clear conscience, Andy."
While Margaret was dispensing60 her welcome ministrations Grant and his men were going over the buildings. Their swift search found everything intact. Two of the riders who had gone out to the portable granary reported all well there. Not a grain of The Red Knight had been touched. While this was gratifying, the men's faces were exceedingly grave. Nowhere on the premises61 could they find Dad Blackford. They were beginning to discuss the probability of foul play when Easy Murphy gave a yell.
"Hist, ladies and gintlemen!" said he. "Take a look. 'Tis the missing link himsilf, disguised as Santa Clause."
They all took a look and there on the porch stood Dad Blackford hatless and dishevelled, with snow-matted beard and a very red and perspiring62 face. He was blowing like a grampus and looked for all the world like the merry personality of Christmas tide. His eyes were astonished at the sight they met and how they sparkled as they recounted to him the night's adventures. His joy at finding that all was well more than compensated63 for the shameless treatment he had received at the hands of the artful Sykes.
When Margaret got him alone she somewhat surprised him.
"Never mind, Dad," she confided64. "After all it's been a delightful65 adventure. Andy got a sore head but it will soon be better. His heart is well again."
Dad looked at her a moment dumbfounded. Then he tumbled and the laughter of a merry heart twinkled in his eyes.
"Been 'avin' a quarrel with un?" he teased.
"No. Just a little misunderstanding," she whispered back.
This bit of confidence turned the whole affair into a thing of joy for the kind-hearted old Englishman.
While this tête-à-tête was taking place the men were riding down the vandals by the aid of lighted lanterns. The trail was dim to begin with, however, and grew dimmer as they swerved to the west out upon the high prairie. Here it vanished altogether and the party returned. The blackness of the night and the heavily drifting snow enabled Snoopy Bill and his men to make a clean get-away.
Following Sykes' plan providing for misadventure they turned into the west instead of the east and recrossed the Valley about the west end of the lake, eventually arriving in the Square Room thoroughly66 wearied and disgruntled and two hours behind schedule time.
Sykes' face was a picture of blank dismay; McClure's of rage.
"Where is the squealer67?" cried Bob McClure as he stalked among the men.
Blasphemous68 and resentful protestations quite evidently sincere came from all parts of the room.
"No, Rob!" said Snoopy Bill deliberately69. "You are a liar70 if you say it. There isn't a squealer in the gang. Not a man laid down. Any squealing71 that may have taken place was let out by the gents who stayed behind."
Reddy Sykes read the savage light in Baird's eyes.
"You are straight, Bill," he cried soothingly72. "Straight as a die and I know it. The boys came through. But somebody outside got wise. We'll find out and when we do somebody's due to get a blankety unpleasant surprise. The whole thing ran out to dope. We should have that wheat in Hunt's shack73. It's Pullar's luck. But it will change. Here's to a lucky break."
He held his flask74 high. The men caught his spirit and responded with a shout. For an hour the crew caroused75, drinking heavily as they debated the fiasco, breaking up before dawn.
Dad Blackford made a full report to Ned. Though no trace of the perpetrators of the offense76 had been obtained, his mind flew instantly to his two enemies. The Red Knight had been their objective. The incident was big with warning to him. It assured him of two things: of their malicious77, untiring hate; of their dangerous resource. Thoughts of Mary pressed heavily upon him. He remembered her words:
"There is no other way. But, Ned, you will have to be right, always, as well as irresistible78. I know you will be."
"It's a stiff programme, little girl," he reflected ruefully. "But we'll stay with it."
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
hampering
|
|
| 妨碍，束缚，限制( hamper的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
snug
|
|
| adj.温暖舒适的，合身的，安全的；v.使整洁干净，舒适地依靠，紧贴；n.（英）酒吧里的私房 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
solace
|
|
| n.安慰；v.使快乐；vt.安慰(物)，缓和 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
knight
|
|
| n.骑士，武士；爵士 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
lighting
|
|
| n.照明，光线的明暗，舞台灯光 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
snugly
|
|
| adv.紧贴地；贴身地；暖和舒适地；安适地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
admiration
|
|
| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
caressing
|
|
| 爱抚的，表现爱情的，亲切的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
retired
|
|
| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
thumping
|
|
| adj.重大的，巨大的；重击的；尺码大的；极好的adv.极端地；非常地v.重击(thump的现在分词)；狠打；怦怦地跳；全力支持 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
succinct
|
|
| adj.简明的，简洁的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
wan
|
|
| (wide area network)广域网 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
trudging
|
|
| vt.& vi.跋涉，吃力地走（trudge的现在分词形式） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
blizzard
|
|
| n.暴风雪 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
muffled
|
|
| adj.（声音）被隔的；听不太清的；（衣服）裹严的；蒙住的v.压抑，捂住( muffle的过去式和过去分词 )；用厚厚的衣帽包着（自己） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
gallop
|
|
| v./n.(马或骑马等)飞奔；飞速发展 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
galloping
|
|
| adj. 飞驰的, 急性的 动词gallop的现在分词形式 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
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： |
|
|
|
|
19
pedestrians
|
|
| n.步行者( pedestrian的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
outfit
|
|
| n.（为特殊用途的）全套装备，全套服装 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
untoward
|
|
| adj.不利的，不幸的，困难重重的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
obstructions
|
|
| n.障碍物( obstruction的名词复数 )；阻碍物；阻碍；阻挠 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
plunging
|
|
| adj.跳进的，突进的v.颠簸( plunge的现在分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
awakened
|
|
| v.（使）醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
mutual
|
|
| adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
bluff
|
|
| v.虚张声势，用假象骗人；n.虚张声势，欺骗 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
foul
|
|
| adj.污秽的；邪恶的；v.弄脏；妨害；犯规；n.犯规 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
meditated
|
|
| 深思，沉思，冥想( meditate的过去式和过去分词 )； 内心策划，考虑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
agitated
|
|
| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
decided
|
|
| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
promptly
|
|
| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
plunged
|
|
| v.颠簸( plunge的过去式和过去分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
smote
|
|
| v.猛打，重击，打击( smite的过去式 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
trotted
|
|
| 小跑，急走( trot的过去分词 )； 匆匆忙忙地走 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
reined
|
|
| 勒缰绳使（马）停步( rein的过去式和过去分词 )； 驾驭； 严格控制； 加强管理 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
abruptly
|
|
| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
irresolute
|
|
| adj.无决断的，优柔寡断的，踌躇不定的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
shrouded
|
|
| v.隐瞒( shroud的过去式和过去分词 )；保密 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
realization
|
|
| n.实现；认识到，深刻了解 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
smothered
|
|
| （使）窒息， （使）透不过气( smother的过去式和过去分词 )； 覆盖； 忍住； 抑制 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
chagrin
|
|
| n.懊恼；气愤；委屈 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
savage
|
|
| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
encompassing
|
|
| v.围绕( encompass的现在分词 )；包围；包含；包括 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
bridle
|
|
| n.笼头，束缚；vt.抑制，约束；动怒 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
commotion
|
|
| n.骚动，动乱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
wrenched
|
|
| v.（猛力地）扭( wrench的过去式和过去分词 )；扭伤；使感到痛苦；使悲痛 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
mightily
|
|
| ad.强烈地；非常地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
shrill
|
|
| adj.尖声的；刺耳的；v尖叫 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
tumult
|
|
| n.喧哗；激动，混乱；吵闹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
tottered
|
|
| v.走得或动得不稳( totter的过去式和过去分词 )；踉跄；蹒跚；摇摇欲坠 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
swerved
|
|
| v.（使）改变方向，改变目的( swerve的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
desperately
|
|
| adv.极度渴望地，绝望地，孤注一掷地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
lashing
|
|
| n.鞭打；痛斥；大量；许多v.鞭打( lash的现在分词 )；煽动；紧系；怒斥 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
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： |
|
|
|
|
55
soothed
|
|
| v.安慰( soothe的过去式和过去分词 )；抚慰；使舒服；减轻痛苦 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
gash
|
|
| v.深切，划开；n.(深长的)切(伤)口；裂缝 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
implement
|
|
| n.(pl.)工具，器具；vt.实行，实施，执行 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
drowsily
|
|
| adv.睡地，懒洋洋地，昏昏欲睡地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
contentedly
|
|
| adv.心满意足地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
dispensing
|
|
| v.分配( dispense的现在分词 )；施与；配（药） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
premises
|
|
| n.建筑物，房屋 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
perspiring
|
|
| v.出汗，流汗( perspire的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
compensated
|
|
| 补偿，报酬( compensate的过去式和过去分词 )； 给（某人）赔偿（或赔款） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
confided
|
|
| v.吐露（秘密，心事等）( confide的过去式和过去分词 )；（向某人）吐露（隐私、秘密等） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
delightful
|
|
| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
thoroughly
|
|
| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
squealer
|
|
| 发出尖叫声的人；雏鸽；小松鸡；小鹌鹑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
68
blasphemous
|
|
| adj.亵渎神明的，不敬神的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
69
deliberately
|
|
| adv.审慎地；蓄意地；故意地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
70
liar
|
|
| n.说谎的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
71
squealing
|
|
| v.长声尖叫，用长而尖锐的声音说( squeal的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
72
soothingly
|
|
| adv.抚慰地，安慰地；镇痛地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
73
shack
|
|
| adj.简陋的小屋，窝棚 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
74
flask
|
|
| n.瓶，火药筒，砂箱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
75
caroused
|
|
| v.痛饮，闹饮欢宴( carouse的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
76
offense
|
|
| n.犯规，违法行为；冒犯，得罪 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
77
malicious
|
|
| adj.有恶意的，心怀恶意的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
78
irresistible
|
|
| adj.非常诱人的，无法拒绝的，无法抗拒的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |