My connection with Arsène Lupin was well known. The details that I gather concerning that mysterious man, the irrefutable facts that I present, the new evidence that I produce, the interpretation1 that I place on certain acts of which the public has seen only the exterior2 manifestations3 without being able to discover the secret reasons or the invisible mechanism4, all establish, if not an intimacy5, at least amicable6 relations and regular confidences.
But how did I make his acquaintance? Why was I selected to be his historiographer? Why I, and not some one else?
The answer is simple: chance alone presided over my choice; my merit was not considered. It was chance that put me in his way. It was by chance that I was participant in one of his strangest and most mysterious adventures; and by chance that I was an actor in a drama of which he was the marvelous stage director; an obscure and intricate drama, bristling7 with such thrilling events that I feel a certain embarrassment8 in undertaking9 to describe it.
The first act takes place during that memorable10 night of 22 June, of which so much has already been said. And, for my part, I attribute the anomalous11 conduct of which I was guilty on that occasion to the unusual frame of mind in which I found myself on my return home. I had dined with some friends at the Cascade13 restaurant, and, the entire evening, whilst we smoked and the orchestra played melancholy14 waltzes, we talked only of crimes and thefts, and dark and frightful15 intrigues16. That is always a poor overture17 to a night’s sleep.
The Saint-Martins went away in an automobile18. Jean Daspry—that delightful19, heedless Daspry who, six months later, was killed in such a tragic20 manner on the frontier of Morocco—Jean Daspry and I returned on foot through the dark, warm night. When we arrived in front of the little house in which I had lived for a year at Neuilly, on the boulevard Maillot, he said to me:
“Are you afraid?”
“What an idea!”
“But this house is so isolated21.... no neighbors.... vacant lots....Really, I am not a coward, and yet—-”
“Well, you are very cheering, I must say.”
“Oh! I say that as I would say anything else. The Saint-Martins have impressed me with their stories of brigands22 and thieves.”
We shook hands and said good-night. I took out my key and opened the door.
“Well, that is good,” I murmured, “Antoine has forgotten to light a candle.”
Then I recalled the fact that Antoine was away; I had given him a short leave of absence. Forthwith, I was disagreeably oppressed by the darkness and silence of the night. I ascended23 the stairs on tiptoe, and reached my room as quickly as possible; then, contrary to my usual habit, I turned the key and pushed the bolt.
The light of my candle restored my courage. Yet I was careful to take my revolver from its case—a large, powerful weapon—and place it beside my bed. That precaution completed my reassurance24. I laid down and, as usual, took a book from my night-table to read myself to sleep. Then I received a great surprise. Instead of the paper-knife with which I had marked my place on the preceding, I found an envelope, closed with five seals of red wax. I seized it eagerly. It was addressed to me, and marked: “Urgent.”
A letter! A letter addressed to me! Who could have put it in that place? Nervously25, I tore open the envelope, and read:
“From the moment you open this letter, whatever happens, whatever you may hear, do not move, do not utter one cry. Otherwise you are doomed26.”
I am not a coward, and, quite as well as another, I can face real danger, or smile at the visionary perils27 of imagination. But, let me repeat, I was in an anomalous condition of mind, with my nerves set on edge by the events of the evening. Besides, was there not, in my present situation, something startling and mysterious, calculated to disturb the most courageous28 spirit?
My feverish29 fingers clutched the sheet of paper, and I read and re-read those threatening words: “Do not move, do not utter one cry. Otherwise, you are doomed.”
“Nonsense!” I thought. “It is a joke; the work of some cheerful idiot.”
I was about to laugh—a good loud laugh. Who prevented me? What haunting fear compressed my throat?
At least, I would blow out the candle. No, I could not do it. “Do not move, or you are doomed,” were the words he had written.
These auto-suggestions are frequently more imperious than the most positive realities; but why should I struggle against them? I had simply to close my eyes. I did so.
At that moment, I heard a slight noise, followed by crackling sounds, proceeding30 from a large room used by me as a library. A small room or antechamber was situated31 between the library and my bedchamber.
The approach of an actual danger greatly excited me, and I felt a desire to get up, seize my revolver, and rush into the library. I did not rise; I saw one of the curtains of the left window move. There was no doubt about it: the curtain had moved. It was still moving. And I saw—oh! I saw quite distinctly—in the narrow space between the curtains and the window, a human form; a bulky mass that prevented the curtains from hanging straight. And it is equally certain that the man saw me through the large meshes32 of the curtain. Then, I understood the situation. His mission was to guard me while the others carried away their booty. Should I rise and seize my revolver? Impossible! He was there! At the least movement, at the least cry, I was doomed.
Then came a terrific noise that shook the house; this was followed by lighter33 sounds, two or three together, like those of a hammer that rebounded34. At least, that was the impression formed in my confused brain. These were mingled35 with other sounds, thus creating a veritable uproar36 which proved that the intruders were not only bold, but felt themselves secure from interruption.
They were right. I did not move. Was it cowardice37? No, rather weakness, a total inability to move any portion of my body, combined with discretion38; for why should I struggle? Behind that man, there were ten others who would come to his assistance. Should I risk my life to save a few tapestries39 and bibelots?
Throughout the night, my torture endured. Insufferable torture, terrible anguish40! The noises had stopped, but I was in constant fear of their renewal41. And the man! The man who was guarding me, weapon in hand. My fearful eyes remained cast in his direction. And my heart beat! And a profuse42 perspiration43 oozed44 from every pore of my body!
Suddenly, I experienced an immense relief; a milk-wagon, whose sound was familiar to me, passed along the boulevard; and, at the same time, I had an impression that the light of a new day was trying to steal through the closed window-blinds.
At last, daylight penetrated45 the room; other vehicles passed along the boulevard; and all the phantoms46 of the night vanished. Then I put one arm out of the bed, slowly and cautiously. My eyes were fixed47 upon the curtain, locating the exact spot at which I must fire; I made an exact calculation of the movements I must make; then, quickly, I seized my revolver and fired.
I leaped from my bed with a cry of deliverance, and rushed to the window. The bullet had passed through the curtain and the window-glass, but it had not touched the man—for the very good reason that there was none there. Nobody! Thus, during the entire night, I had been hypnotized by a fold of the curtain. And, during that time, the malefactors....Furiously, with an enthusiasm that nothing could have stopped, I turned the key, opened the door, crossed the antechamber, opened another door, and rushed into the library. But amazement48 stopped me on the threshold, panting, astounded49, more astonished than I had been by the absence of the man. All the things that I supposed had been stolen, furniture, books, pictures, old tapestries, everything was in its proper place.
It was incredible. I could not believe my eyes. Notwithstanding that uproar, those noises of removal....I made a tour, I inspected the walls, I made a mental inventory51 of all the familiar objects. Nothing was missing. And, what was more disconcerting, there was no clue to the intruders, not a sign, not a chair disturbed, not the trace of a footstep.
“Well! Well!” I said to myself, pressing my hands on my bewildered head, “surely I am not crazy! I hear something!”
Inch by inch, I made a careful examination of the room. It was in vain. Unless I could consider this as a discovery: Under a small Persian rug, I found a card—an ordinary playing card. It was the seven of hearts; it was like any other seven of hearts in French playing-cards, with this slight but curious exception: The extreme point of each of the seven red spots or hearts was pierced by a hole, round and regular as if made with the point of an awl52.
Nothing more. A card and a letter found in a book. But was not that sufficient to affirm that I had not been the plaything of a dream?
Throughout the day, I continued my searches in the library. It was a large room, much too large for the requirements of such a house, and the decoration of which attested53 the bizarre taste of its founder54. The floor was a mosaic55 of multicolored stones, formed into large symmetrical designs. The walls were covered with a similar mosaic, arranged in panels, Pompeiian allegories, Byzantine compositions, frescoes56 of the Middle Ages. A Bacchus bestriding a cask. An emperor wearing a gold crown, a flowing beard, and holding a sword in his right hand.
Quite high, after the style of an artist’s studio, there was a large window—the only one in the room. That window being always open at night, it was probable that the men had entered through it, by the aid of a ladder. But, again, there was no evidence. The bottom of the ladder would have left some marks in the soft earth beneath the window; but there were none. Nor were there any traces of footsteps in any part of the yard.
I had no idea of informing the police, because the facts I had before me were so absurd and inconsistent. They would laugh at me. However, as I was then a reporter on the staff of the ‘Gil Blas,’ I wrote a lengthy57 account of my adventure and it was published in the paper on the second day thereafter. The article attracted some attention, but no one took it seriously. They regarded it as a work of fiction rather than a story of real life. The Saint-Martins rallied me. But Daspry, who took an interest in such matters, came to see me, made a study of the affair, but reached no conclusion.
A few mornings later, the door-bell rang, and Antoine came to inform me that a gentleman desired to see me. He would not give his name. I directed Antoine to show him up. He was a man of about forty years of age with a very dark complexion58, lively features, and whose correct dress, slightly frayed59, proclaimed a taste that contrasted strangely with his rather vulgar manners. Without any preamble60, he said to me—in a rough voice that confirmed my suspicion as to his social position:
“Monsieur, whilst in a café, I picked up a copy of the ‘Gil Blas,’ and read your article. It interested me very much.
“Thank you.”
“And here I am.”
“Ah!”
“Yes, to talk to you. Are all the facts related by you quite correct?”
“Absolutely so.”
“Well, in that case, I can, perhaps, give you some information.”
“Very well; proceed.”
“No, not yet. First, I must be sure that the facts are exactly as you have related them.”
“I have given you my word. What further proof do you want?”
“I must remain alone in this room.”
“I do not understand,” I said, with surprise.
“It’s an idea that occurred to me when reading your article. Certain details established an extraordinary coincidence with another case that came under my notice. If I am mistaken, I shall say nothing more. And the only means of ascertaining61 the truth is by my remaining in the room alone.”
What was at the bottom of this proposition? Later, I recalled that the man was exceedingly nervous; but, at the same time, although somewhat astonished, I found nothing particularly abnormal about the man or the request he had made. Moreover, my curiosity was aroused; so I replied:
“Very well. How much time do you require?”
“Oh! three minutes—not longer. Three minutes from now, I will rejoin you.”
I left the room, and went downstairs. I took out my watch. One minute passed. Two minutes. Why did I feel so depressed62? Why did those moments seem so solemn and weird63? Two minutes and a half....Two minutes and three quarters. Then I heard a pistol shot.
I bounded up the stairs and entered the room. A cry of horror escaped me. In the middle of the room, the man was lying on his left side, motionless. Blood was flowing from a wound in his forehead. Near his hand was a revolver, still smoking.
But, in addition to this frightful spectacle, my attention was attracted by another object. At two feet from the body, upon the floor, I saw a playing-card. It was the seven of hearts. I picked it up. The lower extremity64 of each of the seven spots was pierced with a small round hole.
A half-hour later, the commissary of police arrived, then the coroner and the chief of the Sûreté, Mon. Dudouis. I had been careful not to touch the corpse65. The preliminary inquiry66 was very brief, and disclosed nothing. There were no papers in the pockets of the deceased; no name upon his clothes; no initial upon his linen67; nothing to give any clue to his identity. The room was in the same perfect order as before. The furniture had not been disturbed. Yet this man had not come to my house solely68 for the purpose of killing69 himself, or because he considered my place the most convenient one for his suicide! There must have been a motive70 for his act of despair, and that motive was, no doubt, the result of some new fact ascertained71 by him during the three minutes he was alone.
What was that fact? What had he seen? What frightful secret had been revealed to him? There was no answer to these questions. But, at the last moment, an incident occurred that appeared to us of considerable importance. As two policemen were raising the body to place it on a stretcher, the left hand thus being disturbed, a crumpled72 card fell from it. The card bore these words: “Georges Andermatt, 37 Rue73 de Berry.”
What did that mean? Georges Andermatt was a rich banker in Paris, the founder and president of the Metal Exchange which had given such an impulse to the metallic74 industries in France. He lived in princely style; was the possessor of numerous automobiles75, coaches, and an expensive racing-stable. His social affairs were very select, and Madame Andermatt was noted76 for her grace and beauty.
“Can that be the man’s name?” I asked. ———————-
The chief of the Sûreté leaned over him.
“It is not he. Mon. Andermatt is a thin man, and slightly grey.”
“But why this card?”
“Have you a telephone, monsieur?”
“Yes, in the vestibule. Come with me.”
He looked in the directory, and then asked for number 415.21.
“Is Mon. Andermatt at home?....Please tell him that Mon. Dudouis wished him to come at once to 102 Boulevard Maillot. Very important.”
Twenty minutes later, Mon. Andermatt arrived in his automobile. After the circumstances had been explained to him, he was taken in to see the corpse. He displayed considerable emotion, and spoke77, in a low tone, and apparently78 unwillingly79:
“Etienne Varin,” he said.
“You know him?”
“No.... or, at least, yes.... by sight only. His brother....”
“Ah! he has a brother?”
“Yes, Alfred Varin. He came to see me once on some matter of business....I forget what it was.”
“Where does he live?”
“The two brothers live together—rue de Provence, I think.”
“Do you know any reason why he should commit suicide?”
“None.”
“He held a card in his hand. It was your card with your address.”
“I do not understand that. It must have been there by some chance that will be disclosed by the investigation80.”
A very strange chance, I thought; and I felt that the others entertained the same impression.
I discovered the same impression in the papers next day, and amongst all my friends with whom I discussed the affair. Amid the mysteries that enveloped81 it, after the double discovery of the seven of hearts pierced with seven holes, after the two inscrutable events that had happened in my house, that visiting card promised to throw some light on the affair. Through it, the truth may be revealed. But, contrary to our expectations, Mon. Andermatt furnished no explanation. He said:
“I have told you all I know. What more can I do? I am greatly surprised that my card should be found in such a place, and I sincerely hope the point will be cleared up.”
It was not. The official investigation established that the Varin brothers were of Swiss origin, had led a shifting life under various names, frequenting gambling82 resorts, associating with a band of foreigners who had been dispersed83 by the police after a series of robberies in which their participation84 was established only by their flight. At number 24 rue de Provence, where the Varin brothers had lived six years before, no one knew what had become of them.
I confess that, for my part, the case seemed to me so complicated and so mysterious that I did not think the problem would ever be solved, so I concluded to waste no more time upon it. But Jean Daspry, whom I frequently met at that period, became more and more interested in it each day. It was he who pointed85 out to me that item from a foreign newspaper which was reproduced and commented upon by the entire press. It was as follows:
“The first trial of a new model of submarine boat, which is expected to revolutionize naval87 warfare88, will be given in presence of the former Emperor at a place that will be kept secret until the last minute. An indiscretion has revealed its name; it is called ‘The Seven-of-Hearts.’”
The Seven-of-Hearts! That presented a new problem. Could a connection be established between the name of the sub-marine86 and the incidents which we have related? But a connection of what nature? What had happened here could have no possible relation with the sub-marine.
“What do you know about it?” said Daspry to me. “The most diverse effects often proceed from the same cause.”
Two days later, the following foreign news item was received and published:
“It is said that the plans of the new sub-marine ‘Seven-of-Hearts’ were prepared by French engineers, who, having sought, in vain, the support of their compatriots, subsequently entered into negotiations89 with the British Admiralty, without success.”
I do not wish to give undue90 publicity91 to certain delicate matters which once provoked considerable excitement. Yet, since all danger of injury therefrom has now come to an end, I must speak of the article that appeared in the ‘Echo de France,’ which aroused so much comment at that time, and which threw considerable light upon the mystery of the Seven-of-Hearts. This is the article as it was published over the signature of Salvator:
“THE AFFAIR OF THE SEVEN-OF-HEARTS.
“A CORNER OF THE VEIL RAISED.
“We will be brief. Ten years ago, a young mining engineer, Louis
Lacombe, wishing to devote his time and fortune to certain studies,
resigned his position he then held, and rented number 102 boulevard
Maillot, a small house that had been recently built and decorated
for an Italian count. Through the agency of the Varin brothers of
Lausanne, one of whom assisted in the preliminary experiments and
the other acted as financial agent, the young engineer was
introduced to Georges Andermatt, the founder of the Metal Exchange.
“After several interviews, he succeeded in interesting the banker
in a sub-marine boat on which he was working, and it was agreed
that as soon as the invention was perfected, Mon. Andermatt would
use his influence with the Minister of Marine to obtain a series of
trials under the direction of the government. For two years, Louis
Lacombe was a frequent visitor at Andermatt’s house, and he
submitted to the banker the various improvements he made upon his
original plans, until one day, being satisfied with the perfection
of his work, he asked Mon. Andermatt to communicate with the
Minister of Marine. That day, Louis Lacombe dined at Mon.
Andermatt’s house. He left there about half-past eleven at night.
He has not been seen since.
young man’s family caused every possible inquiry to be made, but
without success; and it was the general opinion that Louis Lacombe—
who was known as an original and visionary youth—had quietly left
for parts unknown.
“Let us accept that theory—improbable, though it be,—and let us
consider another question, which is a most important one for our
country: What has become of the plans of the sub-marine? Did Louis
Lacombe carry them away? Are they destroyed?
“After making a thorough investigation, we are able to assert,
positively93, that the plans are in existence, and are now in the
possession of the two brothers Varin. How did they acquire such a
possession? That is a question not yet determined94; nor do we know
why they have not tried to sell them at an earlier date. Did they
fear that their title to them would be called in question? If so,
they have lost that fear, and we can announce definitely, that the
plans of Louis Lacombe are now the property of foreign power, and
we are in a position to publish the correspondence that passed
between the Varin brothers and the representative of that power.
The ‘Seven-of-Hearts’ invented by Louis Lacombe has been actually
constructed by our neighbor.
who were concerned in that treacherous96 act?”
And a post-script adds:
“Later.—Our special correspondent informs us that the preliminary
trial of the ‘Seven-of-Hearts’ has not been satisfactory. It is
quite likely that the plans sold and delivered by the Varin
brothers did not include the final document carried by Louis
Lacombe to Mon. Andermatt on the day of his disappearance97, a
document that was indispensable to a thorough understanding of the
invention. It contained a summary of the final conclusions of the
inventor, and estimates and figures not contained in the other
papers. Without this document, the plans are incomplete; on the
other hand, without the plans, the document is worthless.
“Now is the time to act and recover what belongs to us. It may
be a difficult matter, but we rely upon the assistance of Mon.
Andermatt. It will be to his interest to explain his conduct which
has hitherto been so strange and inscrutable. He will explain not
Etienne Varin, but also why he has never revealed the disappearance
of the paper—a fact well known to him. He will tell why, during
the last six years, he paid spies to watch the movements of the
Varin brothers. We expect from him, not only words, but acts. And
at once. Otherwise—-”
The threat was plainly expressed. But of what did it consist? What whip was Salvator, the anonymous100 writer of the article, holding over the head of Mon. Andermatt?
An army of reporters attacked the banker, and ten interviewers announced the scornful manner in which they were treated. Thereupon, the ‘Echo de France’ announced its position in these words:
“Whether Mon. Andermatt is willing or not, he will be, henceforth, our collaborator101 in the work we have undertaken.”
Daspry and I were dining together on the day on which that announcement appeared. That evening, with the newspapers spread over my table, we discussed the affair and examined it from every point of view with that exasperation102 that a person feels when walking in the dark and finding himself constantly falling over the same obstacles. Suddenly, without any warning whatsoever103, the door opened and a lady entered. Her face was hidden behind a thick veil. I rose at once and approached her.
“Is it you, monsieur, who lives here?” she asked.
“Yes, madame, but I do not understand—-”
“The gate was not locked,” she explained.
“But the vestibule door?”
She did not reply, and it occurred to me that she had used the servants’ entrance. How did she know the way? Then there was a silence that was quite embarrassing. She looked at Daspry, and I was obliged to introduce him. I asked her to be seated and explain the object of her visit. She raised her veil, and I saw that she was a brunette with regular features and, though not handsome, she was attractive—principally, on account of her sad, dark eyes.
“I am Madame Andermatt,” she said.
“Madame Andermatt!” I repeated, with astonishment104.
After a brief pause, she continued with a voice and manner that were quite easy and natural:
“I have come to see you about that affair—you know. I thought I might be able to obtain some information—-”
“Mon Dieu, madame, I know nothing but what has already appeared in the papers. But if you will point out in what way I can help you....”
“I do not know....I do not know.”
Not until then did I suspect that her calm demeanor105 was assumed, and that some poignant106 grief was concealed beneath that air of tranquility. For a moment, we were silent and embarrassed. Then Daspry stepped forward, and said:
“Will you permit me to ask you a few questions?”
“Yes, yes,” she cried. “I will answer.”
“You will answer.... whatever those questions may be?”
“Yes.”
“Did you know Louis Lacombe?” he asked.
“Yes, through my husband.”
“When did you see him for the last time?”
“The evening he dined with us.”
“At that time, was there anything to lead you to believe that you would never see him again?”
“No. But he had spoken of a trip to Russia—in a vague way.”
“Then you expected to see him again?”
“Yes. He was to dine with us, two days later.”
“How do you explain his disappearance?”
“I cannot explain it.”
“And Mon. Andermatt?”
“I do not know.”
“Yet the article published in the ‘Echo de France’ indicates—-”
“Yes, that the Varin brothers had something to do with his disappearance.”
“Is that your opinion?”
“Yes.”
“On what do you base your opinion?”
“When he left our house, Louis Lacombe carried a satchel107 containing all the papers relating to his invention. Two days later, my husband, in a conversation with one of the Varin brothers, learned that the papers were in their possession.”
“And he did not denounce them?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because there was something else in the satchel—something besides the papers of Louis Lacombe.”
“What was it?”
She hesitated; was on the point of speaking, but, finally, remained silent. Daspry continued:
“I presume that is why your husband has kept a close watch over their movements instead of informing the police. He hoped to recover the papers and, at the same time, that compromising article which has enabled the two brothers to hold over him threats of exposure and blackmail108.”
“Over him, and over me.”
“Ah! over you, also?”
“Over me, in particular.”
She uttered the last words in a hollow voice. Daspry observed it; he paced to and fro for a moment, then, turning to her, asked:
“Had you written to Louis Lacombe?”
“Of course. My husband had business with him—”
“Apart from those business letters, had you written to Louis Lacombe.... other letters? Excuse my insistence109, but it is absolutely necessary that I should know the truth. Did you write other letters?”
“Yes,” she replied, blushing.
“And those letters came into the possession of the Varin brothers?”
“Yes.”
“Does Mon. Andermatt know it?”
“He has not seen them, but Alfred Varin has told him of their existence and threatened to publish them if my husband should take any steps against him. My husband was afraid.... of a scandal.”
“But he has tried to recover the letters?”
“I think so; but I do not know. You see, after that last interview with Alfred Varin, and after some harsh words between me and my husband in which he called me to account—we live as strangers.”
“In that case, as you have nothing to lose, what do you fear?”
“I may be indifferent to him now, but I am the woman that he has loved, the one he would still love—oh! I am quite sure of that,” she murmured, in a fervent110 voice, “he would still love me if he had not got hold of those cursed letters——”
“What! Did he succeed?....But the two brothers still defied him?”
“Yes, and they boasted of having a secure hiding-place.”
“Well?”
“I believe my husband discovered that hiding-place.”
“Well?”
“I believe my husband has discovered that hiding-place.”
“Ah! where was it?”
“Here.”
“Here!” I cried in alarm.
“Yes. I always had that suspicion. Louis Lacombe was very ingenious and amused himself in his leisure hours, by making safes and locks. No doubt, the Varin brothers were aware of that fact and utilized111 one of Lacombe’s safes in which to conceal98 the letters.... and other things, perhaps.”
“But they did not live here,” I said.
“Before you came, four months ago, the house had been vacant for some time. And they may have thought that your presence here would not interfere112 with them when they wanted to get the papers. But they did not count on my husband, who came here on the night of 22 June, forced the safe, took what he was seeking, and left his card to inform the two brothers that he feared them no more, and that their positions were now reversed. Two days later, after reading the article in the ‘Gil Blas,’ Etienne Varin came here, remained alone in this room, found the safe empty, and.... killed himself.”
After a moment, Daspry said:
“A very simple theory....Has Mon. Andermatt spoken to you since then?”
“No.”
“Has his attitude toward you changed in any way? Does he appear more gloomy, more anxious?”
“No, I haven’t noticed any change.”
“And yet you think he has secured the letters. Now, in my opinion, he has not got those letters, and it was not he who came here on the night of 22 June.”
“Who was it, then?”
“The mysterious individual who is managing this affair, who holds all the threads in his hands, and whose invisible but far-reaching power we have felt from the beginning. It was he and his friends who entered this house on 22 June; it was he who discovered the hiding-place of the papers; it was he who left Mon. Andermatt’s card; it is he who now holds the correspondence and the evidence of the treachery of the Varin brothers.”
“Who is he?” I asked, impatiently.
“The man who writes letters to the ‘Echo de France’.... Salvator! Have we not convincing evidence of that fact? Does he not mention in his letters certain details that no one could know, except the man who had thus discovered the secrets of the two brothers?”
“Well, then,” stammered113 Madame Andermatt, in great alarm, “he has my letters also, and it is he who now threatens my husband. Mon Dieu! What am I to do?”
“Write to him,” declared Daspry. “Confide in him without reserve. Tell him all you know and all you may hereafter learn. Your interest and his interest are the same. He is not working against Mon. Andermatt, but against Alfred Varin. Help him.”
“How?”
“Has your husband the document that completes the plans of Louis Lacombe?”
“Yes.”
“Tell that to Salvator, and, if possible, procure115 the document for him. Write to him at once. You risk nothing.”
The advice was bold, dangerous even at first sight, but Madame Andermatt had no choice. Besides, as Daspry had said, she ran no risk. If the unknown writer were an enemy, that step would not aggravate116 the situation. If he were a stranger seeking to accomplish a particular purpose, he would attach to those letters only a secondary importance. Whatever might happen, it was the only solution offered to her, and she, in her anxiety, was only too glad to act on it. She thanked us effusively117, and promised to keep us informed.
In fact, two days later, she sent us the following letter that she had received from Salvator:
“Have not found the letters, but I will get them. Rest easy. I am watching everything. S.”
I looked at the letter. It was in the same handwriting as the note I found in my book on the night of 22 June.
Daspry was right. Salvator was, indeed, the originator of that affair.
We were beginning to see a little light coming out of the darkness that surrounded us, and an unexpected light was thrown on certain points; but other points yet remained obscure—for instance, the finding of the two seven-of-hearts. Perhaps I was unnecessarily concerned about those two cards whose seven punctured118 spots had appeared to me under such startling circumstances! Yet I could not refrain from asking myself: What role will they play in the drama? What importance do they bear? What conclusion must be drawn119 from the fact that the submarine constructed from the plans of Louis Lacombe bore the name of ‘Seven-of-Hearts’?
Daspry gave little thought to the other two cards; he devoted120 all his attention to another problem which he considered more urgent; he was seeking the famous hiding-place.
“And who knows,” said he, “I may find the letters that Salvator did not find—by inadvertence, perhaps. It is improbable that the Varin brothers would have removed from a spot, which they deemed inaccessible121, the weapon which was so valuable to them.”
And he continued to search. In a short time, the large room held no more secrets for him, so he extended his investigations122 to the other rooms. He examined the interior and the exterior, the stones of the foundation, the bricks in the walls; he raised the slates123 of the roof.
One day, he came with a pickaxe and a spade, gave me the spade, kept the pickaxe, pointed to the adjacent vacant lots, and said: “Come.”
I followed him, but I lacked his enthusiasm. He divided the vacant land into several sections which he examined in turn. At last, in a corner, at the angle formed by the walls of two neighboring proprietors124, a small pile of earth and gravel125, covered with briers and grass, attracted his attention. He attacked it. I was obliged to help him. For an hour, under a hot sun, we labored126 without success. I was discouraged, but Daspry urged me on. His ardor127 was as strong as ever.
At last, Daspry’s pickaxe unearthed128 some bones—the remains129 of a skeleton to which some scraps130 of clothing still hung. Suddenly, I turned pale. I had discovered, sticking in the earth, a small piece of iron cut in the form of a rectangle, on which I thought I could see red spots. I stooped and picked it up. That little iron plate was the exact size of a playing-card, and the red spots, made with red lead, were arranged upon it in a manner similar to the seven-of-hearts, and each spot was pierced with a round hole similar to the perforations in the two playing cards.
“Listen, Daspry, I have had enough of this. You can stay if it interests you. But I am going.”
Was that simply the expression of my excited nerves? Or was it the result of a laborious131 task executed under a burning sun? I know that I trembled as I walked away, and that I went to bed, where I remained forty-eight hours, restless and feverish, haunted by skeletons that danced around me and threw their bleeding hearts at my head.
Daspry was faithful to me. He came to my house every day, and remained three or four hours, which he spent in the large room, ferreting, thumping132, tapping.
“The letters are here, in this room,” he said, from time to time, “they are here. I will stake my life on it.”
On the morning of the third day I arose—feeble yet, but cured. A substantial breakfast cheered me up. But a letter that I received that afternoon contributed, more than anything else, to my complete recovery, and aroused in me a lively curiosity. This was the letter:
“Monsieur,
“The drama, the first act of which transpired133 on the night of 22
June, is now drawing to a close. Force of circumstances compel me
to bring the two principal actors in that drama face to face, and I
wish that meeting to take place in your house, if you will be so
kind as to give me the use of it for this evening from nine o’clock
to eleven. It will be advisable to give your servant leave of
absence for the evening, and, perhaps, you will be so kind as to
leave the field open to the two adversaries134. You will remember
that when I visited your house on the night of 22 June, I took
excellent care of your property. I feel that I would do you an
discretion in this affair. Your devoted,
“SALVATOR.”
I was amused at the facetious136 tone of his letter and also at the whimsical nature of his request. There was a charming display of confidence and candor137 in his language, and nothing in the world could have induced me to deceive him or repay his confidence with ingratitude138.
I gave my servant a theatre ticket, and he left the house at eight o’clock. A few minutes later, Daspry arrived. I showed him the letter.
“Well?” said he.
“Well, I have left the garden gate unlocked, so anyone can enter.”
“And you—are you going away?”
“Not at all. I intend to stay right here.”
“But he asks you to go—-”
“Ma foi!” exclaimed Daspry, laughing, “you are right, and I shall stay with you. I shouldn’t like to miss it.”
We were interrupted by the sound of the door-bell.
“Here already?” said Daspry, “twenty minutes ahead of time! Incredible!”
I went to the door and ushered140 in the visitor. It was Madame Andermatt. She was faint and nervous, and in a stammering141 voice, she ejaculated:
“My husband.... is coming.... he has an appointment.... they intend to give him the letters....”
“How do you know?” I asked.
“By chance. A message came for my husband while we were at dinner. The servant gave it to me by mistake. My husband grabbed it quickly, but he was too late. I had read it.”
“You read it?”
“Yes. It was something like this: ‘At nine o’clock this evening, be at Boulevard Maillot with the papers connected with the affair. In exchange, the letters.’ So, after dinner, I hastened here.”
“Unknown to your husband?”
“Yes.”
“What do you think about it?” asked Daspry, turning to me.
“I think as you do, that Mon. Andermatt is one of the invited guests.”
“Yes, but for what purpose?”
“That is what we are going to find out.”
I led the men to a large room. The three of us could hide comfortably behind the velvet142 chimney-mantle, and observe all that should happen in the room. We seated ourselves there, with Madame Andermatt in the centre.
The clock struck nine. A few minutes later, the garden gate creaked upon its hinges. I confess that I was greatly agitated143. I was about to learn the key to the mystery. The startling events of the last few weeks were about to be explained, and, under my eyes, the last battle was going to be fought. Daspry seized the hand of Madame Andermatt, and said to her:
“Not a word, not a movement! Whatever you may see or hear, keep quiet!”
Some one entered. It was Alfred Varin. I recognized him at once, owing to the close resemblance he bore to his brother Etienne. There was the same slouching gait; the same cadaverous face covered with a black beard.
He entered with the nervous air of a man who is accustomed to fear the presence of traps and ambushes144; who scents145 and avoids them. He glanced about the room, and I had the impression that the chimney, masked with a velvet portière, did not please him. He took three steps in our direction, when something caused him to turn and walk toward the old mosaic king, with the flowing beard and flamboyant146 sword, which he examined minutely, mounting on a chair and following with his fingers the outlines of the shoulders and head and feeling certain parts of the face. Suddenly, he leaped from the chair and walked away from it. He had heard the sound of approaching footsteps. Mon. Andermatt appeared at the door.
“You! You!” exclaimed the banker. “Was it you who brought me here?”
“I? By no means,” protested Varin, in a rough, jerky voice that reminded me of his brother, “on the contrary, it was your letter that brought me here.”
“My letter?”
“A letter signed by you, in which you offered—-”
“I never wrote to you,” declared Mon. Andermatt.
“You did not write to me!”
Instinctively147, Varin was put on his guard, not against the banker, but against the unknown enemy who had drawn him into this trap. A second time, he looked in our direction, then walked toward the door. But Mon. Andermatt barred his passage.
“Well, where are you going, Varin?”
“There is something about this affair I don’t like. I am going home. Good evening.”
“One moment!”
“No need of that, Mon. Andermatt. I have nothing to say to you.”
“But I have something to say to you, and this is a good time to say it.”
“Let me pass.”
“No, you will not pass.”
“Well, then, be quick about it.”
One thing astonished me; and I have no doubt my two companions experienced a similar feeling. Why was Salvator not there? Was he not a necessary party at this conference? Or was he satisfied to let these two adversaries fight it out between themselves? At all events, his absence was a great disappointment, although it did not detract from the dramatic strength of the situation.
After a moment, Mon. Andermatt approached Varin and, face to face, eye to eye, said:
“Now, after all these years and when you have nothing more to fear, you can answer me candidly150: What have you done with Louis Lacombe?”
“What a question! As if I knew anything about him!”
“You do know! You and your brother were his constant companions, almost lived with him in this very house. You knew all about his plans and his work. And the last night I ever saw Louis Lacombe, when I parted with him at my door, I saw two men slinking away in the shadows of the trees. That, I am ready to swear to.”
“Well, what has that to do with me?”
“The two men were you and your brother.”
“Prove it.”
“The best proof is that, two days later, you yourself showed me the papers and the plans that belonged to Lacombe and offered to sell them. How did these papers come into your possession?”
“I have already told you, Mon. Andermatt, that we found them on Louis Lacombe’s table, the morning after his disappearance.”
“That is a lie!”
“Prove it.”
“The law will prove it.”
“Why did you not appeal to the law?”
“Why? Ah! Why—-,” stammered the banker, with a slight display of emotion.
“You know very well, Mon. Andermatt, if you had the least certainty of our guilt12, our little threat would not have stopped you.”
“What threat? Those letters? Do you suppose I ever gave those letters a moment’s thought?”
“If you did not care for the letters, why did you offer me thousands of francs for their return? And why did you have my brother and me tracked like wild beasts?”
“To recover the plans.”
“Nonsense! You wanted the letters. You knew that as soon as you had the letters in your possession, you could denounce us. Oh! no, I couldn’t part with them!”
“But, enough of this! We are merely going over old ground. We make no headway. We had better let things stand as they are.”
“We will not let them stand as they are,” said the banker, “and since you have referred to the letters, let me tell you that you will not leave this house until you deliver up those letters.”
“I shall go when I please.”
“You will not.”
“Be careful, Mon. Andermatt. I warn you—-”
“I say, you shall not go.”
“We will see about that,” cried Varin, in such a rage that Madame Andermatt could not suppress a cry of fear. Varin must have heard it, for he now tried to force his way out. Mon. Andermatt pushed him back. Then I saw him put his hand into his coat pocket.
“For the last time, let me pass,” he cried.
“The letters, first!”
Varin drew a revolver and, pointing it at Mon. Andermatt, said:
“Yes or no?”
The banker stooped quickly. There was the sound of a pistol-shot. The weapon fell from Varin’s hand. I was amazed. The shot was fired close to me. It was Daspry who had fired it at Varin, causing him to drop the revolver. In a moment, Daspry was standing50 between the two men, facing Varin; he said to him, with a sneer152:
“You were lucky, my friend, very lucky. I fired at your hand and struck only the revolver.”
Both of them looked at him, surprised. Then he turned to the banker, and said:
“I beg your pardon, monsieur, for meddling153 in your business; but, really, you play a very poor game. Let me hold the cards.”
Turning again to Varin, Daspry said:
“It’s between us two, comrade, and play fair, if you please. Hearts are trumps154, and I play the seven.”
Then Daspry held up, before Varin’s bewildered eyes, the little iron plate, marked with the seven red spots. It was a terrible shock to Varin. With livid features, staring eyes, and an air of intense agony, the man seemed to be hypnotized at the sight of it.
“What do you want?”
“What you brought here tonight.”
“I brought nothing.”
“Yes, you did, or you wouldn’t have come. This morning, you received an invitation to come here at nine o’clock, and bring with you all the papers held by you. You are here. Where are the papers?”
There was in Daspry’s voice and manner a tone of authority that I did not understand; his manner was usually quite mild and conciliatory. Absolutely conquered, Varin placed his hand on one of his pockets, and said:
“The papers are here.”
“All of them?”
“Yes.”
“All that you took from Louis Lacombe and afterwards sold to Major von Lieben?”
“Yes.”
“Are these the copies or the originals?”
“I have the originals.”
“How much do you want for them?”
“One hundred thousand francs.”
“You are crazy,” said Daspry. “Why, the major gave you only twenty thousand, and that was like money thrown into the sea, as the boat was a failure at the preliminary trials.”
“They didn’t understand the plans.”
“The plans are not complete.”
“Then, why do you ask me for them?”
“Because I want them. I offer you five thousand francs—not a sou more.”
“Ten thousand. Not a sou less.”
“Agreed,” said Daspry, who now turned to Mon. Andermatt, and said:
“But....I haven’t got—-”
“Your check-book? Here it is.”
Astounded, Mon. Andermatt examined the check-book that Daspry handed to him.
“It is mine,” he gasped. “How does that happen?”
“No idle words, monsieur, if you please. You have merely to sign.”
The banker took out his fountain pen, filled out the check and signed it. Varin held out his hand for it.
“Put down your hand,” said Daspry, “there is something more.” Then, to the banker, he said: “You asked for some letters, did you not?”
“Yes, a package of letters.”
“Where are they, Varin?”
“I haven’t got them.”
“Where are they, Varin?”
“I don’t know. My brother had charge of them.”
“They are hidden in this room.”
“In that case, you know where they are.”
“How should I know?”
“Was it not you who found the hiding-place? You appear to be as well informed.... as Salvator.”
“The letters are not in the hiding-place.”
“They are.”
“Open it.”
Varin looked at him, defiantly158. Were not Daspry and Salvator the same person? Everything pointed to that conclusion. If so, Varin risked nothing in disclosing a hiding-place already known.
“Open it,” repeated Daspry.
“I have not got the seven of hearts.”
“Yes, here it is,” said Daspry, handing him the iron plate. Varin recoiled in terror, and cried:
“No, no, I will not.”
“Never mind,” replied Daspry, as he walked toward the bearded king, climbed on a chair and applied159 the seven of hearts to the lower part of the sword in such a manner that the edges of the iron plate coincided exactly with the two edges of the sword. Then, with the assistance of an awl which he introduced alternately into each of the seven holes, he pressed upon seven of the little mosaic stones. As he pressed upon the seventh one, a clicking sound was heard, and the entire bust160 of the King turned upon a pivot161, disclosing a large opening lined with steel. It was really a fire-proof safe.
“You can see, Varin, the safe is empty.”
“So I see. Then, my brother has taken out the letters.”
Daspry stepped down from the chair, approached Varin, and said:
“Now, no more nonsense with me. There is another hiding-place. Where is it?”
“There is none.”
“Is it money you want? How much?”
“Ten thousand.”
“Monsieur Andermatt, are those letters worth ten thousand francs to you?”
“Yes,” said the banker, firmly.
Varin closed the safe, took the seven of hearts and placed it again on the sword at the same spot. He thrust the awl into each of the seven holes. There was the same clicking sound, but this time, strange to relate, it was only a portion of the safe that revolved162 on the pivot, disclosing quite a small safe that was built within the door of the larger one. The packet of letters was here, tied with a tape, and sealed. Varin handed the packet to Daspry. The latter turned to the banker, and asked:
“Is the check ready, Monsieur Andermatt?”
“Yes.”
“And you have also the last document that you received from Louis Lacombe—the one that completes the plans of the sub-marine?”
“Yes.”
The exchange was made. Daspry pocketed the document and the checks, and offered the packet of letters to Mon. Andermatt.
“This is what you wanted, Monsieur.”
The banker hesitated a moment, as if he were afraid to touch those cursed letters that he had sought so eagerly. Then, with a nervous movement, he took them. Close to me, I heard a moan. I grasped Madame Andermatt’s hand. It was cold.
“I believe, monsieur,” said Daspry to the banker, “that our business is ended. Oh! no thanks. It was only by a mere114 chance that I have been able to do you a good turn. Good-night.”
“Marvelous!” exclaimed Daspry, delighted. “Everything is coming our way. Now, we have only to close our little affair, comrade. You have the papers?”
“Here they are—all of them.”
Daspry examined them carefully, and then placed them in his pocket.
“Quite right. You have kept your word,” he said.
“But—-”
“But what?”
“The two checks? The money?” said Varin, eagerly.
“Well, you have a great deal of assurance, my man. How dare you ask such a thing?”
“I ask only what is due to me.”
“Can you ask pay for returning papers that you stole? Well, I think not!”
Varin was beside himself. He trembled with rage; his eyes were bloodshot.
“The money.... the twenty thousand....” he stammered.
“Impossible! I need it myself.”
“The money!”
“Come, be reasonable, and don’t get excited. It won’t do you any good.”
Daspry seized his arm so forcibly, that Varin uttered a cry of pain. Daspry continued:
“Now, you can go. The air will do you good. Perhaps you want me to show you the way. Ah! yes, we will go together to the vacant lot near here, and I will show you a little mound164 of earth and stones and under it—-”
“That is false! That is false!”
“Oh! no, it is true. That little iron plate with the seven spots on it came from there. Louis Lacombe always carried it, and you buried it with the body—and with some other things that will prove very interesting to a judge and jury.”
Varin covered his face with his hands, and muttered:
“All right, I am beaten. Say no more. But I want to ask you one question. I should like to know—-”
“What is it?”
“Was there a little casket in the large safe?”
“Yes.”
“Was it there on the night of 22 June?”
“Yes.”
“What did it contain?”
“Everything that the Varin brothers had put in it—a very pretty collection of diamonds and pearls picked up here and there by the said brothers.”
“And did you take it?”
“Of course I did. Do you blame me?”
“I understand.... it was the disappearance of that casket that caused my brother to kill himself.”
“Probably. The disappearance of your correspondence was not a sufficient motive. But the disappearance of the casket....Is that all you wish to ask me?”
“One thing more: your name?”
“You ask that with an idea of seeking revenge.”
“Parbleu! The tables may be turned. Today, you are on top. To-morrow—-”
“It will be you.”
“I hope so. Your name?”
“Arsène Lupin.”
“Arsène Lupin!”
The man staggered, as though stunned165 by a heavy blow. Those two words had deprived him of all hope.
Daspry laughed, and said:
“Ah! did you imagine that a Monsieur Durand or Dupont could manage an affair like this? No, it required the skill and cunning of Arsène Lupin. And now that you have my name, go and prepare your revenge. Arsène Lupin will wait for you.”
Then he pushed the bewildered Varin through the door.
“Daspry! Daspry!” I cried, pushing aside the curtain. He ran to me.
“What? What’s the matter?”
“Madame Andermatt is ill.”
“Well, what did it?”
“The letters of Louis Lacombe that you gave to her husband.”
He struck his forehead and said:
“Did she think that I could do such a thing!...But, of course she would. Imbecile that I am!”
Madame Andermatt was now revived. Daspry took from his pocket a small package exactly similar to the one that Mon. Andermatt had carried away.
“Here are your letters, Madame. These are the genuine letters.”
“But.... the others?”
“The others are the same, rewritten by me and carefully worded. Your husband will not find anything objectionable in them, and will never suspect the substitution since they were taken from the safe in his presence.”
“But the handwriting—-”
“There is no handwriting that cannot be imitated.”
She thanked him in the same words she might have used to a man in her own social circle, so I concluded that she had not witnessed the final scene between Varin and Arsène Lupin. But the surprising revelation caused me considerable embarrassment. Lupin! My club companion was none other than Arsène Lupin. I could not realize it. But he said, quite at his ease:
“You can say farewell to Jean Daspry.”
“Ah!”
“Yes, Jean Daspry is going on a long journey. I shall send him to Morocco. There, he may find a death worthy167 of him. I may say that that is his expectation.”
“But Arsène Lupin will remain?”
“Oh! Decidedly. Arsène Lupin is simply at the threshold of his career, and he expects—-”
I was impelled168 by curiosity to interrupt him, and, leading him away from the hearing of Madame Andermatt, I asked:
“Did you discover the smaller safe yourself—the one that held the letters?”
“Yes, after a great deal of trouble. I found it yesterday afternoon while you were asleep. And yet, God knows it was simple enough! But the simplest things are the ones that usually escape our notice.” Then, showing me the seven-of-hearts, he added: “Of course I had guessed that, in order to open the larger safe, this card must be placed on the sword of the mosaic king.”
“How did you guess that?”
“Quite easily. Through private information, I knew that fact when I came here on the evening of 22 June—-”
“After you left me—-”
“Yes, after turning the subject of our conversation to stories of crime and robbery which were sure to reduce you to such a nervous condition that you would not leave your bed, but would allow me to complete my search uninterrupted.”
“Well, I knew when I came here that there was a casket concealed in a safe with a secret lock, and that the seven-of-hearts was the key to that lock. I had merely to place the card upon the spot that was obviously intended for it. An hour’s examination showed me where the spot was.”
“One hour!”
“Observe the fellow in mosaic.”
“The old emperor?”
“That old emperor is an exact representation of the king of hearts on all playing cards.”
“That’s right. But how does the seven of hearts open the larger safe at one time and the smaller safe at another time? And why did you open only the larger safe in the first instance? I mean on the night of 22 June.”
“Why? Because I always placed the seven of hearts in the same way. I never changed the position. But, yesterday, I observed that by reversing the card, by turning it upside down, the arrangement of the seven spots on the mosaic was changed.”
“Parbleu!”
“Of course, parbleu! But a person has to think of those things.”
“There is something else: you did not know the history of those letters until Madame Andermatt—-”
“Spoke of them before me? No. Because I found in the safe, besides the casket, nothing but the correspondence of the two brothers which disclosed their treachery in regard to the plans.”
“Then it was by chance that you were led, first, to investigate the history of the two brothers, and then to search for the plans and documents relating to the sub-marine?”
“Simply by chance.”
“For what purpose did you make the search?”
“Mon Dieu!” exclaimed Daspry, laughing, “how deeply interested you are!”
“The subject fascinates me.”
“Very well, presently, after I have escorted Madame Andermatt to a carriage, and dispatched a short story to the ‘Echo de France,’ I will return and tell you all about it.”
He sat down and wrote one of those short, clear-cut articles which served to amuse and mystify the public. Who does not recall the sensation that followed that article produced throughout the entire world?
“Arsène Lupin has solved the problem recently submitted by Salvator. Having acquired possession of all the documents and original plans of the engineer Louis Lacombe, he has placed them in the hands of the Minister of Marine, and he has headed a subscription170 list for the purpose of presenting to the nation the first submarine constructed from those plans. His subscription is twenty thousand francs.”
“Twenty thousand francs! The checks of Mon. Andermatt?” I exclaimed, when he had given me the paper to read.
And that is how I made the acquaintance of Arsène Lupin. That is how I learned that Jean Daspry, a member of my club, was none other than Arsène Lupin, gentleman-thief. That is how I formed very agreeable ties of friendship with that famous man, and, thanks to the confidence with which he honored me, how I became his very humble172 and faithful historiographer.
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interpretation
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| n.解释，说明，描述；艺术处理 | |
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exterior
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| adj.外部的，外在的；表面的 | |
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manifestations
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| n.表示，显示（manifestation的复数形式） | |
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mechanism
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| n.机械装置；机构，结构 | |
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intimacy
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| n.熟悉，亲密，密切关系，亲昵的言行 | |
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6
amicable
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| adj.和平的，友好的；友善的 | |
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7
bristling
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| a.竖立的 | |
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embarrassment
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| n.尴尬；使人为难的人(事物)；障碍；窘迫 | |
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undertaking
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| n.保证，许诺，事业 | |
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memorable
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| adj.值得回忆的，难忘的，特别的，显著的 | |
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anomalous
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| adj.反常的；不规则的 | |
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guilt
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| n.犯罪；内疚；过失，罪责 | |
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cascade
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| n.小瀑布，喷流；层叠；vi.成瀑布落下 | |
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melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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frightful
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| adj.可怕的；讨厌的 | |
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intrigues
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| n.密谋策划( intrigue的名词复数 )；神秘气氛；引人入胜的复杂情节v.搞阴谋诡计( intrigue的第三人称单数 )；激起…的好奇心 | |
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overture
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| n.前奏曲、序曲，提议，提案，初步交涉 | |
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automobile
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| n.汽车，机动车 | |
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delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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tragic
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| adj.悲剧的，悲剧性的，悲惨的 | |
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isolated
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brigands
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| n.土匪，强盗( brigand的名词复数 ) | |
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23
ascended
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| v.上升，攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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24
reassurance
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| n.使放心，使消除疑虑 | |
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25
nervously
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| adv.神情激动地，不安地 | |
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26
doomed
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| 命定的 | |
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27
perils
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| 极大危险( peril的名词复数 )； 危险的事（或环境） | |
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28
courageous
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| adj.勇敢的，有胆量的 | |
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29
feverish
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| adj.发烧的，狂热的，兴奋的 | |
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30
proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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31
situated
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| adj.坐落在...的，处于某种境地的 | |
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32
meshes
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| 网孔( mesh的名词复数 )； 网状物； 陷阱； 困境 | |
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33
lighter
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| n.打火机，点火器；驳船；v.用驳船运送；light的比较级 | |
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34
rebounded
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| 弹回( rebound的过去式和过去分词 )； 反弹； 产生反作用； 未能奏效 | |
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35
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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36
uproar
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| n.骚动，喧嚣，鼎沸 | |
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37
cowardice
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| n.胆小，怯懦 | |
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38
discretion
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| n.谨慎；随意处理 | |
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39
tapestries
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| n.挂毯( tapestry的名词复数 )；绣帷，织锦v.用挂毯（或绣帷）装饰( tapestry的第三人称单数 ) | |
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40
anguish
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| n.(尤指心灵上的)极度痛苦，烦恼 | |
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41
renewal
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| adj.(契约)延期，续订，更新，复活，重来 | |
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42
profuse
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| adj.很多的，大量的，极其丰富的 | |
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43
perspiration
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| n.汗水；出汗 | |
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44
oozed
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| v.（浓液等）慢慢地冒出，渗出( ooze的过去式和过去分词 )；使（液体）缓缓流出；（浓液）渗出，慢慢流出 | |
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45
penetrated
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| adj. 击穿的，鞭辟入里的 动词penetrate的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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46
phantoms
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| n.鬼怪，幽灵( phantom的名词复数 ) | |
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47
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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48
amazement
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| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
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49
astounded
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| v.使震惊(astound的过去式和过去分词)；愕然；愕；惊讶 | |
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50
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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51
inventory
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| n.详细目录，存货清单 | |
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52
awl
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| n.尖钻 | |
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53
attested
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| adj.经检验证明无病的，经检验证明无菌的v.证明( attest的过去式和过去分词 )；证实；声称…属实；使宣誓 | |
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54
Founder
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| n.创始者，缔造者 | |
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55
mosaic
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| n./adj.镶嵌细工的，镶嵌工艺品的，嵌花式的 | |
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56
frescoes
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| n.壁画( fresco的名词复数 )；温壁画技法，湿壁画 | |
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57
lengthy
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| adj.漫长的，冗长的 | |
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58
complexion
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| n.肤色；情况，局面；气质，性格 | |
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59
frayed
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| adj.磨损的v.（使布、绳等）磨损，磨破( fray的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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60
preamble
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| n.前言；序文 | |
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61
ascertaining
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| v.弄清，确定，查明( ascertain的现在分词 ) | |
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62
depressed
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| adj.沮丧的，抑郁的，不景气的，萧条的 | |
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63
weird
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| adj.古怪的，离奇的；怪诞的，神秘而可怕的 | |
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64
extremity
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| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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65
corpse
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| n.尸体，死尸 | |
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66
inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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67
linen
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| n.亚麻布，亚麻线，亚麻制品；adj.亚麻布制的，亚麻的 | |
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68
solely
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| adv.仅仅，唯一地 | |
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69
killing
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| n.巨额利润；突然赚大钱，发大财 | |
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70
motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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71
ascertained
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| v.弄清，确定，查明( ascertain的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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72
crumpled
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| adj. 弯扭的, 变皱的 动词crumple的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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73
rue
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| n.懊悔，芸香，后悔；v.后悔，悲伤，懊悔 | |
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74
metallic
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| adj.金属的；金属制的；含金属的；产金属的；像金属的 | |
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75
automobiles
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| n.汽车( automobile的名词复数 ) | |
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76
noted
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| adj.著名的，知名的 | |
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77
spoke
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| 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 | |
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78
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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79
unwillingly
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| adv.不情愿地 | |
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80
investigation
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| n.调查，调查研究 | |
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81
enveloped
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| v.包围，笼罩，包住( envelop的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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82
gambling
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| n.赌博；投机 | |
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83
dispersed
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|
| adj. 被驱散的, 被分散的, 散布的 | |
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84
participation
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| n.参与，参加，分享 | |
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85
pointed
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|
| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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86
marine
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|
| adj.海的；海生的；航海的；海事的；n.水兵 | |
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87
naval
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| adj.海军的，军舰的，船的 | |
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88
warfare
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| n.战争(状态)；斗争；冲突 | |
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89
negotiations
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| 协商( negotiation的名词复数 )； 谈判； 完成（难事）； 通过 | |
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90
undue
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| adj.过分的；不适当的；未到期的 | |
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91
publicity
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| n.众所周知，闻名；宣传，广告 | |
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92
perusal
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| n.细读，熟读；目测 | |
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93
positively
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| adv.明确地，断然，坚决地；实在，确实 | |
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94
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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95
fulfill
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| vt.履行，实现，完成；满足，使满意 | |
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96
treacherous
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|
| 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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97
disappearance
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| n.消失，消散，失踪 | |
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98
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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99
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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100
anonymous
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| adj.无名的；匿名的；无特色的 | |
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101
collaborator
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| n.合作者，协作者 | |
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102
exasperation
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| n.愤慨 | |
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103
whatsoever
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| adv.（用于否定句中以加强语气）任何；pron.无论什么 | |
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104
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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105
demeanor
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| n.行为；风度 | |
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106
poignant
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| adj.令人痛苦的，辛酸的，惨痛的 | |
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107
satchel
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| n.(皮或帆布的)书包 | |
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108
blackmail
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| n.讹诈，敲诈，勒索，胁迫，恫吓 | |
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109
insistence
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| n.坚持；强调；坚决主张 | |
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110
fervent
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| adj.热的，热烈的，热情的 | |
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111
utilized
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| v.利用，使用( utilize的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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112
interfere
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| v.(in)干涉，干预；(with)妨碍，打扰 | |
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113
stammered
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| v.结巴地说出( stammer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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114
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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115
procure
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| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
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116
aggravate
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| vt.加重(剧)，使恶化；激怒，使恼火 | |
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117
effusively
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| adv.变溢地，热情洋溢地 | |
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118
punctured
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| v.在（某物）上穿孔( puncture的过去式和过去分词 )；刺穿（某物）；削弱（某人的傲气、信心等）；泄某人的气 | |
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119
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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120
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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121
inaccessible
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| adj.达不到的，难接近的 | |
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122
investigations
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| （正式的）调查( investigation的名词复数 )； 侦查； 科学研究； 学术研究 | |
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123
slates
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| （旧时学生用以写字的）石板( slate的名词复数 )； 板岩； 石板瓦； 石板色 | |
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124
proprietors
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| n.所有人，业主( proprietor的名词复数 ) | |
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125
gravel
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| n.砂跞；砂砾层；结石 | |
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126
labored
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| adj.吃力的，谨慎的v.努力争取(for)( labor的过去式和过去分词 )；苦干；详细分析；（指引擎）缓慢而困难地运转 | |
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127
ardor
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| n.热情，狂热 | |
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128
unearthed
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| 出土的（考古） | |
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129
remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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130
scraps
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| 油渣 | |
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131
laborious
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| adj.吃力的，努力的，不流畅 | |
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132
thumping
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| 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 | |
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133
transpired
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| （事实，秘密等）被人知道( transpire的过去式和过去分词 )； 泄露； 显露； 发生 | |
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134
adversaries
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| n.对手，敌手( adversary的名词复数 ) | |
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135
injustice
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| n.非正义，不公正，不公平，侵犯（别人的）权利 | |
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136
facetious
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| adj.轻浮的，好开玩笑的 | |
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137
candor
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| n.坦白，率真 | |
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138
ingratitude
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| n.忘恩负义 | |
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139
discreet
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| adj.(言行)谨慎的；慎重的；有判断力的 | |
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140
ushered
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| v.引，领，陪同( usher的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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141
stammering
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| v.结巴地说出( stammer的现在分词 ) | |
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142
velvet
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| n.丝绒，天鹅绒；adj.丝绒制的，柔软的 | |
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143
agitated
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| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
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144
ambushes
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| n.埋伏( ambush的名词复数 )；伏击；埋伏着的人；设埋伏点v.埋伏( ambush的第三人称单数 )；埋伏着 | |
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145
scents
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| n.香水( scent的名词复数 )；气味；（动物的）臭迹；（尤指狗的）嗅觉 | |
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146
flamboyant
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|
| adj.火焰般的，华丽的，炫耀的 | |
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147
instinctively
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| adv.本能地 | |
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148
recoiled
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| v.畏缩( recoil的过去式和过去分词 )；退缩；报应；返回 | |
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149
resolute
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| adj.坚决的，果敢的 | |
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150
candidly
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| adv.坦率地，直率而诚恳地 | |
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151
heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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152
sneer
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| v.轻蔑；嘲笑；n.嘲笑，讥讽的言语 | |
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153
meddling
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| v.干涉，干预（他人事务）( meddle的现在分词 ) | |
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154
trumps
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| abbr.trumpets 喇叭；小号；喇叭形状的东西；喇叭筒v.（牌戏）出王牌赢（一牌或一墩）( trump的过去式 )；吹号公告，吹号庆祝；吹喇叭；捏造 | |
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155
gasped
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| v.喘气( gasp的过去式和过去分词 )；喘息；倒抽气；很想要 | |
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156
meddles
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| v.干涉，干预（他人事务）( meddle的第三人称单数 ) | |
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157
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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158
defiantly
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| adv.挑战地，大胆对抗地 | |
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159
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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160
bust
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| vt.打破；vi.爆裂；n.半身像；胸部 | |
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161
pivot
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| v.在枢轴上转动；装枢轴，枢轴；adj.枢轴的 | |
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162
revolved
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| v.（使）旋转( revolve的过去式和过去分词 )；细想 | |
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163
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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164
mound
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| n.土墩，堤，小山；v.筑堤，用土堆防卫 | |
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165
stunned
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| adj. 震惊的，惊讶的 动词stun的过去式和过去分词 | |
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166
inhale
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| v.吸入(气体等)，吸(烟) | |
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167
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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168
impelled
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| v.推动、推进或敦促某人做某事( impel的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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169
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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170
subscription
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| n.预订，预订费，亲笔签名，调配法，下标（处方） | |
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171
redeem
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| v.买回，赎回，挽回，恢复，履行（诺言等） | |
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172
humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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