Venders Of Human Property Are Not Responsible For Its Mental Caprices
READER! be patient with us, for our task is complex and tedious. We have but one great object in view-that of showing a large number of persons in the south, now held as slaves, who are by the laws of the land, as well as the laws of nature, entitled to their freedom. These people, for whom, in the name of justice and every offspring of human right, we plead, were consigned2 to the bondage3 they now endure through the unrighteous act of one whose name (instead of being execrated4 by a nation jealous of its honour), a singular species of southern historian has attempted to enshrine with fame. Posterity6, ignorant of his character, will find his name clothed with a paragon's armour7, while respecting the writer who so cleverly with a pen obliterated8 his crimes. We have only feelings of pity for the historian who discards truth thus to pollute paper with his kindness; such debts due to friendship are badly paid at the shrine5 of falsehood. No such debts do we owe; we shall perform our duty fearlessly, avoiding dramatic effect, or aught else that may tend to improperly9 excite the feelings of the benevolent10. No one better knows the defects of our social system-no one feels more forcibly that much to be lamented11 fact of there being no human law extant not liable to be evaded12 or weakened by the intrigues13 of designing men;--we know of no power reposed14 in man the administration of which is not susceptible15 of abuse, or being turned to means of oppression: how much more exposed, then, must all these functions be where slavery in its popular sway rides triumphant16 over the common law of the land. Divine laws are with impunity17 disregarded and abused by anointed teachers of divinity. Peculation18, in sumptuous19 garb20, and with modern appliances, finds itself modestly-perhaps unconsciously-gathering dross21 at the sacred altar. How saint-like in semblance22, and how unconscious of wrong, are ye bishops23 (holy ones, scarce of earth, in holy lawn) in that land of freedom where the slave's chains fall ere his foot pads its soil! how calmly resigned the freemen who yield to the necessity of making strong the altar with the sword of state! How, in the fulness of an expansive soul, these little ones, in lawn so white, spurn24 the unsanctified spoiler-themselves neck-deep in the very coffers of covetousness25 the while! How to their christian26 spirit it seems ordained27 they should see a people's ekeings serve their rolling in wealth and luxury! and, yet, let no man question their walking in the ways of a meek28 and lowly Saviour-that Redeemer of mankind whose seamless garb no man purchaseth with the rights of his fellow. Complacently29 innocent of themselves, they would have us join their flock and follow them,--their pious30 eyes seeing only heavenly objects to be gained, and their pure hearts beating in heavy throbs31 for the wicked turmoil32 of our common world. Pardon us, brother of the flesh, say they, in saintly whispers,--it is all for the Church and Christ. Boldly fortified33 with sanctimony34, they hurl35 back the shafts36 of reform, and ask to live on sumptuously37, as the only sought recompense for their christian love. Pious infallibility! how blind, to see not the crime!
Reader! excuse the diversion, and accompany us while we retrace38 our steps to where we left the loquacious39 Mr. M'Fadden, recovered from the fear of death, which had been produced by whiskey in draughts40 too strong. In company with a numerous party, he is just returning from an unsuccessful search for his lost preacher. They have scoured41 the lawns, delved42 the morasses43, penetrated44 thick jungles of brakes, driven the cypress45 swamps, and sent the hounds through places seemingly impossible for human being to seclude46 himself, and where only the veteran rattlesnake would seek to lay his viperous47 head. No preacher have they found. They utter vile48 imprecations on his head, pit him "a common nigger," declare he has just learned enough, in his own crooked50 way, to be dubious51 property-good, if a man can keep him at minister business.
Mine host of the Inn feels assured, if he be hiding among the swamp jungle, the snakes and alligators52 will certainly drive him out: an indisputable fact this, inasmuch as alligators and snakes hate niggers. M'Fadden affirms solemnly, that the day he bought that clergyman was one of the unlucky days of his life; and he positively53 regrets ever having been a politician, or troubling his head about the southern-rights question. The party gather round the front stoop, and are what is termed in southern parlance55 "tuckered out." They are equally well satisfied of having done their duty to the state and a good cause. Dogs, their tails drooping56, sneak57 to their kennels58, horses reek59 with foam60, the human dogs will "liquor" long and strong.
"Tisn't such prime stock, after all!" says M'Fadden, entering the veranda61, reeking62 with mud and perspiration63: "after a third attempt we had as well give it up." He shakes his head, and then strikes his whip on the floor. "I'll stand shy about buying a preacher, another time," he continues; like a man, much against his will, forced to give up a prize.
The crackers64 and wire-grass men (rude sons of the sand hills), take the matter more philosophically,--probably under the impression that to keep quiet will be to "bring the nigger out" where he may be caught and the reward secured. Two hundred dollars is a sum for which they would not scruple65 to sacrifice life; but they have three gods-whiskey, ignorance, and idleness, any one of which can easily gain a mastery over their faculties66.
Mr. M'Fadden requests that his friends will all come into the bar-room-all jolly fellows; which, when done, he orders mine host to supply as much "good strong stuff" as will warm up their spirits. He, however, will first take a glass himself, that he may drink all their very good healths. This compliment paid, he finds himself pacing up and down, and across the room, now and then casting suspicious glances at the notice of reward, as if questioning the policy of offering so large an amount. But sundown is close upon them, and as the bar-room begins to fill up again, each new-comer anxiously enquires67 the result of the last search,--which only serves to increase the disappointed gentleman's excitement. The affair has been unnecessarily expensive, for, in addition to the loss of his preacher, the price of whom is no very inconsiderable sum, he finds a vexatious bill running up against him at the bar. The friendship of those who have sympathised with him, and have joined him in the exhilarating sport of man-hunting, must be repaid with swimming drinks. Somewhat celebrated68 for economy, his friends are surprised to find him, on this occasion, rather inclined to extend the latitude69 of his liberality. His keen eye, however, soon detects, to his sudden surprise, that the hunters are not alone enjoying his liberality, but that every new comer, finding the drinks provided at M'Fadden's expense, has no objection to join in drinking his health; to which he would have no sort of an objection, but for the cost. Like all men suffering from the effect of sudden loss, he begins to consider the means of economising by which he may repay the loss of the preacher. "I say, Squire70!" he ejaculates, suddenly stopping short in one of his walks, and beckoning71 mine host aside, "That won't do, it won't! It's a coming too tough, I tell you!" he says, shaking his head, and touching72 mine host significantly on the arm. "A fellow what's lost his property in this shape don't feel like drinkin everybody on whiskey what costs as much as your 'bright eye.' You see, every feller what's comin in's 'takin' at my expense, and claiming friendship on the strength on't. It don't pay, Squire! just stop it, won't ye?"
Mine host immediately directs the bar-keeper, with a sign and a whisper:--"No more drinks at M'Fadden's score, 'cept to two or three o' the most harristocratic." He must not announce the discontinuance openly; it will insult the feelings of the friendly people, many of whom anticipate a feast of drinks commensurate with their services and Mr. Lawrence M'Fadden's distinguished73 position in political life. Were they, the magnanimous people, informed of this sudden shutting off of their supplies, the man who had just enjoyed their flattering encomiums would suddenly find himself plentifully74 showered with epithets75 a tyrant76 slave-dealer could scarcely endure.
Calling mine host into a little room opening from the bar, he takes him by the arm,--intimates his desire to have a consultation77 on the state of his affairs, and the probable whereabouts of his divine:--"You see, this is all the thanks I get for my kindness (he spreads his hands and shrugs78 his shoulders.) A northern man may do what he pleases for southern rights, and it's just the same; he never gets any thanks for it. These sort o' fellers isn't to be sneered79 at when a body wants to carry a political end," he adds, touching mine host modestly on the shoulder, and giving him a quizzing look, "but ye can't make 'um behave mannerly towards respectable people, such as you and me is. But 'twould'nt do to give 'um edukation, for they'd just spile society-they would! Ain't my ideas logical, now, squire?" Mr. M'Fadden's mind seems soaring away among the generalities of state.
"Well!" returns mine host, prefacing the importance of his opinion with an imprecation, "I'm fixed81 a'tween two fires; so I can't say what would be square policy in affairs of state. One has feelins different on these things: I depends a deal on what our big folks say in the way of setting examples. And, too, what can you expect when this sort a ruff-scuff forms the means of raising their political positions; but, they are customers of mine,--have made my success in tavern82-keeping!" he concludes, in an earnest whisper.
"Now, squire!" M'Fadden places his hand in mine host's arm, and looks at him seriously: "What 'bout54 that ar nigger preacher gittin off so? No way t' find it out, eh squire?" M'Fadden enquires, with great seriousness.
"Can't tell how on earth the critter did the thing; looked like peaceable property when he went to be locked up, did!"
"I think somebody's responsible for him, squire?" interrupts M'Fadden, watching the changes of the other's countenance83: "seems how I heard ye say ye'd take the risk-"
"No,--no,--no!" rejoins the other, quickly; "that never will do. I never receipt for nigger property, never hold myself responsible to the customers, and never run any risks about their niggers. You forget, my friend, that whatever shadow of a claim you had on me by law was invalidated by your own act."
"My own act?" interrupts the disappointed man. "How by my own act? explain yourself!" suddenly allowing his feelings to become excited.
"Sending for him to come to your bedside and pray for you. It was when you thought Mr. Jones, the gentleman with the horns, stood over you with a warrant in his hand," mine host whispers in his ear, shrugging his shoulders, and giving his face a quizzical expression. "You appreciated the mental of the property then; but now you view it as a decided84 defect."
The disappointed gentleman remains85 silent for a few moments. He is deeply impressed with the anomaly of his case, but has not the slightest objection to fasten the responsibility on somebody, never for a moment supposing the law would interpose against the exercise of his very best inclinations86. He hopes God will bless him, says it is always his luck; yet he cannot relinquish87 the idea of somebody being responsible. He will know more about the preaching rascal's departure. Turning to mine host of the inn: "But, you must have a clue to him, somewhere?" he says, enquiringly.
"There's my woman; can see if she knows anything about the nigger!" returns mine host, complacently. Ellen Juvarna is brought into the presence of the injured man, who interrogates88 her with great care; but all her disclosures only tend to throw a greater degree of mystery over the whole affair. At this, Mr. M'Fadden declares that the policy he has always maintained with reference to education is proved true with the preacher's running away. Nigger property should never be perverted89 by learning; though, if you could separate the nigger from the preaching part of the property, it might do some good, for preaching was at times a good article to distribute among certain slaves "what had keen instincts." At times, nevertheless, it would make them run away. Ellen knew Harry90 as a good slave, a good man, a good Christian, sound in his probity91, not at all inclined to be roguish,--as most niggers are--a little given to drink, but never bad-tempered92. Her honest opinion is that such a pattern of worthy93 nature and moral firmness would not disgrace itself by running away, unless induced by white "Buckra." She thinks she heard a lumbering95 and shuffling96 somewhere about the pen, shortly after midnight. It might have been wolves, however. To all this Mr. M'Fadden listens with marked attention. Now and then he interposes a word, to gratify some new idea swelling97 his brain. There is nothing satisfactory yet: he turns the matter over and over in his mind, looks Ellen steadfastly98 in the face, and watches the movement of every muscle. "Ah!" he sighs, "nothing new developing." He dismissed the wench, and turns to mine host of the inn. "Now, squire, (one minute mine host is squire, and the next Mr. Jones) tell ye what 'tis; thar's roguery goin on somewhere among them ar' fellers--them sharpers in the city, I means! (he shakes his head knowingly, and buttons his light sack-coat round him). That's a good gal99, isn't she?" he enquires, drawing his chair somewhat closer, his hard face assuming great seriousness.
Mine host gives an affirmative nod, and says, "Nothin shorter! Can take her word on a turn of life or death. Tip top gal, that! Paid a price for her what u'd make ye wink100, I reckon."
"That's just what I wanted to know," he interrupts, suddenly grasping the hand of his friend. "Ye see how I'se a little of a philosopher, a tall politician, and a major in the brigade down our district,--I didn't get my law akermin for nothin; and now I jist discovers how somebody-I mean some white somebody-has had a hand in helpin that ar' nig' preacher to run off. Cus'd critters! never know nothing till some white nigger fills their heads with roguery."
"Say, my worthy M'Fadden," interrupts the publican, rising suddenly from his seat, as if some new discovery had just broke forth101 in his mind, "war'nt that boy sold under a warrant?"
"Warranted-warranted-warranted sound in every particular? That he was. Just think of this, squire; you're a knowin one. It takes you! I never thought on't afore, and have had all my nervousness for nothin. Warranted sound in every particular, means-"
"A moment!" mine host interposes, suddenly: "there's a keen point of law there; but it might be twisted to some account, if a body only had the right sort of a lawyer to twist it."
The perplexed103 man rejoins by hoping he may not be interrupted just at this moment. He is just getting the point of it straight in his mind. "You see," he says, "the thing begun to dissolve itself in my philosophy, and by that I discovered the pint104 the whole thing stands on. Its entirely105 metaphysical, though," he says, with a significant shake of the head. He laughs at his discovery; his father, long since, told him he was exceedingly clever. Quite a match for the publican in all matters requiring a comprehensive mind, he declares there are few lawyers his equal at penetrating106 into points. "He warranted him in every particular," he mutters, as mine host, watching his seriousness, endeavours to suppress a smile. M'Fadden makes a most learned motion of the fore102 finger of the right hand, which he presses firmly into the palm of his left, while contracting his brows. He will soon essay forth the point of logic80 he wishes to enforce. The property being a certain man endowed with preaching propensities107, soundness means the qualities of the man, mental as well as physical; and running away being an unsound quality, the auctioneer is responsible for all such contingencies108. "I have him there,--I have!" he holds up his hands exultingly109, as he exclaims the words; his face brightens with animation110. Thrusting his hands into his trowsers pockets he paces the room for several minutes, at a rapid pace, as if his mind had been relieved of some deep study. "I will go directly into the city, and there see what I can do with the chap I bought that feller of. I think when I put the law points to him, he'll shell out."
Making some preliminary arrangements with Jones of the tavern, he orders a horse to the door immediately, and in a few minutes more is hastening on his way to the city.
Arriving about noon-day, he makes his way through its busy thoroughfares, and is soon in the presence of the auctioneer. There, in wondrous111 dignity, sits the seller of bodies and souls, his cushioned arm-chair presenting an air of opulence112. How coolly that pomp of his profession sits on the hard mask of his iron features, beneath which lurks113 a contempt of shame! He is an important item in the political hemisphere of the state, has an honourable114 position in society (for he is high above the minion115 traders), joined the Episcopal church not many months ago, and cautions Mr. M'Fadden against the immorality116 of using profane117 language, which that aggrieved118 individual allows to escape his lips ere he enters the door.
The office of our man of fame and fortune is thirty feet long by twenty wide, and sixteen high. Its walls are brilliantly papered, and painted with landscape designs; and from the centre of the ceiling hangs a large chandelier, with ground-glass globes, on which eagles of liberty are inscribed119. Fine black-walnut desks, in chaste120 carving121, stand along its sides, at which genteelly-dressed clerks are exhibiting great attention to business. An oil-cloth, with large flowers painted on its surface, spreads the floor, while an air of neatness reigns122 throughout the establishment singularly at variance123 with the outer mart, where Mr. Forshou sells his men, women, and little children. But its walls are hung with badly-executed engravings, in frames of gilt124. Of the distinguished vender1's taste a correct estimation may be drawn125 when we inform the reader that many of these engravings represented nude126 females and celebrated racehorses.
"Excuse me, sir! I didn't mean it," Mr. M'Fadden says, in reply to the gentleman's caution, approaching him as he sits in his elegant chair, a few feet from the street door, luxuriantly enjoying a choice regalia. "It's the little point of a very nasty habit that hangs upon me yet. I does let out the swear once in a while, ye see; but it's only when I gets a crook49 in my mind what won't come straight." Thus M'Fadden introduces himself, surprised to find the few very consistent oaths he has made use of not compatible with the man-seller's pious business habits. He will be cautious the next time; he will not permit such foul127 breath to escape and wound the gentleman's very tender feelings.
Mr. Lawrence M'Fadden addresses him as squire, and with studious words informs him of the nigger preacher property he sold him having actually run away! "Ye warranted him, ye know, squire!" he says, discovering the object of his visit, then drawing a chair, and seating himself in close proximity128.
"Can't help that-quality we never warrant!" coolly returns the other, turning politely in his arm-chair, which works in a socket129, and directing a clerk at one of the desks to add six months' interest to the item of three wenches sold at ten o'clock.
"Don't talk that ar way, squire! I trades a deal in your line, and a heap o' times, with you. Now we'll talk over the legal points."
"Make them short, if you please!"
"Well! ye warranted the nigger in every particular. There's the advertisement; and there's no getting over that! Ye must do the clean thing-no possumin-squire, or there 'll be a long lawsuit130 what takes the tin. Honour's the word in our trade." He watches the changes that are fast coming over the vender's countenance, folds his arms, places his right foot over his left knee, and awaits a reply. Interrupting the vender just as he is about to give his opinion he draws from his pocket a copy of the paper containing the advertisement, and places it in his hand: "If ye'll be good enough to squint131 at it, ye'll see the hang o' my ideas," he says.
"My friend," returns the vender, curtly133, having glanced over the paper, "save me and yourself any further annoyance134. I could have told you how far the property was warranted, before I read the paper; and I remember making some very particular remarks when selling that item in the invoice135. A nigger's intelligence is often a mere136 item of consideration in the amount he brings under the hammer; but we never warrant the exercise or extension of it. Po'h, man! we might just as well attempt to warrant a nigger's stealing, lying, cunning, and all such 'cheating master' propensities. Some of them are considered qualities of much value-especially by poor planters. Warrant nigger property not to run away, eh! Oh! nothing could be worse in our business."
"A minute, squire!" interrupts the appealing Mr. M'Fadden, just as the other is about to add a suspending clause to his remarks. "If warrantin nigger proper sound in all partiklers is'nt warrantin it not to run away, I'm no deacon! When a nigger's got run-away in him he ain't sound property, no way ye can fix it. Ye may turn all the law and philosophy yer mind to over in yer head, but it won't cum common sense to me, that ye warrant a nigger's body part, and let the head part go unwarranted. When ye sells a critter like that, ye sells all his deviltry; and when ye warrants one ye warrants t'other; that's the square rule o' my law and philosophy!"
The vender puffs137 his weed very coolly the while; and then, calling a negro servant, orders a chair upon which to comfortably place his feet. "Are you through, my friend?" he enquires, laconically138; and being answered in the affirmative, proceeds-"I fear your philosophy is common philosophy-not the philosophy upon which nigger law is founded. You don't comprehend, my valued friend, that when we insert that negro property will be warranted, we don't include the thinking part; and, of course, running away belongs to that!" he would inform all those curious on such matters. Having given this opinion for the benefit of M'Fadden, and the rest of mankind interested in slavery, he rises from his seat, elongates139 himself into a consequential140 posi- tion, and stands biting his lips, and dangling141 his watch chain with the fingers of his left hand.
"Take ye up, there," the other suddenly interrupts, as if he has drawn the point from his antagonist142, and is prepared to sustain the principle, having brought to his aid new ideas from the deepest recesses143 of his logical mind. Grasping the vender firmly by the arm, he looks him in the face, and reminds him that the runaway144 part of niggers belongs to the heels, and not to the head.
The vender exhibits some discomfiture145, and, at the same time, a decided unwillingness146 to become a disciple147 of such philosophy. Nor is he pleased with the familiarity of his importuning148 customer, whose arm he rejects with a repulsive149 air.
There has evidently become a very nice and serious question, of which Mr. M'Fadden is inclined to take a commonsense150 view. His opponent, however, will not deviate151 from the strictest usages of business. Business mentioned the mental qualities of the property, but warranted only the physical,--hence the curious perplexity.
While the point stands thus nicely poised152 between their logic, Romescos rushes into the office, and, as if to surprise M'Fadden, extends his hand, smiling and looking in his face gratefully, as if the very soul of friendship incited153 him. "Mighty154 glad to see ye, old Buck94!" he ejaculates, "feared ye war going to kick out."
The appalled155 man stands for a few seconds as unmoved as a statue; and then, turning with a half-subdued smile, takes the hand of the other, coldly.
"Friends again! ain't we, old boy?" breaks forth from Romescos, who continues shaking his hand, at the same time turning his head and giving a significant wink to a clerk at one of the desks. "Politics makes bad friends now and then, but I always thought well of you, Mack! Now, neighbour, I'll make a bargain with you; we'll live as good folks ought to after this," Romescos continues, laconically. His advance is so strange that the other is at a loss to comprehend its purport156. He casts doubting glances at his wily antagonist, seems considering how to appreciate the quality of such an unexpected expression of friendship, and is half inclined to demand an earnest of its sincerity157. At the same time, and as the matter now stands, he would fain give his considerate friend wide space, and remain within a proper range of etiquette158 until his eyes behold159 the substantial. He draws aside from Romescos, who says tremblingly: "Losing that preacher, neighbour, was a hard case-warn't it? You wouldn't a' catched this individual buyin' preachers-know too much about 'em, I reckon! It's no use frettin, though; the two hundred dollars 'll bring him. This child wouldn't want a profitabler day's work for his hound dogs." Romescos winks160 at the vender, and makes grimaces161 over M'Fadden's shoulder, as that gentleman turns and grumbles163 out,--"He warranted him in every partikler; and running away is one of a nigger's partiklers?"
"My pertinacious164 friend!" exclaims the vender, turning suddenly towards his dissatisfied customer, "seeing you are not disposed to comprehend the necessities of my business, nor to respect my position, I will have nothing further to say to you upon the subject-not another word, now!" The dignified165 gentleman expresses himself in peremptory166 tones. It is only the obtuseness167 of his innate168 character becoming unnecessarily excited.
Romescos interposes a word or two, by way of keeping up the zest169; for so he calls it. Things are getting crooked, according to his notion of the dispute, but fightin' won't bring back the lost. "'Spose ye leaves the settlin on't to me? There's nothing like friendship in trade; and seeing how I am up in such matters, p'raps I can smooth it down."
"There's not much friendship about a loss of this kind; and he was warranted sound in every particular!" returns the invincible170 man, shaking his head, and affecting great seriousness of countenance.
"Stop that harpin, I say!" the vender demands, drawing himself into a pugnacious171 attitude; "your insinuations against my honour aggravate172 me more and more."
"Well! just as you say about it," is the cool rejoinder. "But you 'll have to settle the case afore lawyer Sprouts173, you will!" Stupidly inclined to dog his opinions, the sensitive gentleman, claiming to be much better versed174 in the mode of selling human things, becomes fearfully enraged175. M'Fadden contends purely176 upon contingencies which may arise in the mental and physical complications of property in man; and this the gentleman man-seller cannot bear the reiteration177 of.
"Romescos thinks it is at best but a perplexin snarl178, requiring gentlemen to keep very cool. To him they are both honourable men, who should not quarrel over the very small item of one preacher. "This warrantin' niggers' heads never amounts to anything,--it's just like warrantin' their heels; and when one gets bad, isn't t'other sure to be movin? Them's my sentiments, gratis179!" Stepping a few feet behind M'Fadden, Romescos rubs his hands in great anxiety, makes curious signs to the clerks at the desk, and charges his mouth with a fresh cut of tobacco.
"Nobody bespoke180 your opinion," says the disconsolate181 M'Fadden, turning quickly, in consequence of a sign he detected one of the clerks making, and catching182 Romescos bestowing183 a grimace162 of no very complimentary184 character, "Your presence and your opinion are, in my estimation, things that may easily be dispensed185 with."
"I say!" interrupts Romescos, his right hand in a threatening attitude, "not quite so fast"-he drawls his words-"a gentleman don't stand an insult o' that sort. Just draw them ar' words back, like a yard of tape, or this individual 'll do a small amount of bruising186 on that ar' profile, (he draws his hand backward and forward across M'Fadden's face). 'Twon't do to go to church on Sundays with a broken phiz?" His face reddens with anger, as he works his head into a daring attitude, grates his teeth, again draws his fist across M'Fadden's face; and at length rubs his nasal organ.
"I understand you too well!" replies M'Fadden, with a curt132 twist of his head. "A man of your cloth can't insult a gentleman like me; you're lawless!" He moves towards the door, stepping sideways, watching Romescos over his left shoulder.
"I say!-Romescos takes his man by the arm-Come back here, and make a gentleman's apology!" He lets go M'Fadden's arm and seizes him by the collar violently, his face in a blaze of excitement.
"Nigger killer187!" ejaculates M'Fadden, "let go there!" He gives his angry antagonist a determined188 look, as he, for a moment, looses his hold. He pauses, as if contemplating189 his next move.
The very amiable190 and gentlemanly man-vender thinks it time he interposed for the purpose of reconciling matters. "Gentlemen! gentlemen! respect me, if you do not respect yourselves. My office is no place for such disgraceful broils191 as these; you must go elsewhere." The modest gentleman, whose very distinguished family connexions have done much to promote his interests, would have it particularly understood that his office is an important place, used only for the very distinguished business of selling men, women, and little children. But Romescos is not so easily satisfied. He pushes the amiable gentleman aside, calls Mr. Lawrence M'Fadden a tyrant what kills niggers by the detestably mean process of starving them to death. "A pretty feller he is to talk about nigger killin! And just think what our state has come to when such fellers as him can make votes for the next election!" says Romescos, addressing himself to the vender. "The Irish influence is fast destroying the political morality of the country."
Turning to Mr. M'Fadden, who seems preparing for a display of his combativeness192, he adds, "Ye see, Mack, ye will lie, and lie crooked too! and ye will steal, and steal dishonourably; and I can lick a dozen on ye quicker nor chain lightnin? I can send the hol batch193 on ye-rubbish as it is-to take supper t'other side of sundown." To be equal with his adversary194, Romescos is evidently preparing himself for the reception of something more than words. Twice or thrice he is seen to pass his right hand into the left breast pocket of his sack, where commonly his shining steel is secreted195. In another moment he turns suddenly towards the vender, pushes him aside with his left hand, and brings his right in close proximity with Mr. M'Fadden's left listener. That individual exhibits signs of renewed courage, to which he adds the significant warning: "Not quite so close, if you please!"
"As close as I sees fit!" returns the other, with a sardonic196 grin. "Why don't you resent it?-a gentleman would!"
Following the word, Mr. M'Fadden makes a pass at his antagonist, which, he says, is only with the intention of keeping him at a respectful distance. Scarcely has his arm passed when Romescos cries out, "There! he has struck me! He has struck me again!" and deals M'Fadden a blow with his clenched197 fist that fells him lumbering to the floor. Simultaneously198 Romescos falls upon his prostrate199 victim, and a desperate struggle ensues.
The vender, whose sacred premises200 are thus disgraced, runs out to call the police, while the clerks make an ineffectual attempt to separate the combatants. Not a policeman is to be found. At night they may be seen swarming201 the city, guarding the fears of a white populace ever sensitive of black rebellion.
Like an infuriated tiger, Romescos, nimble as a catamount, is fast destroying every vestige202 of outline in his antagonist's face, drenching203 it with blood, and adding ghastliness by the strangulation he is endeavouring to effect.
"Try-try-trying to-kill-me-eh? You-you mad brute204!" gutters205 out the struggling man, his eyes starting from the sockets206 like balls of fire, while gore207 and saliva208 foam from his mouth and nostrils209 as if his struggles are in death.
"Kill ye-kill ye?" Romescos rejoins, the shaggy red hair falling in tufts about his face, now burning with desperation: "it would be killin' only a wretch210 whose death society calls for."
At this, the struggling man, like one borne to energy by the last throes of despair, gives a desperate spring, succeeds in turning his antagonist, grasps him by the throat with his left hand, and from his pocket fires a pistol with his right. The report alarms; the shrill211 whistle calls to the rescue; but the ball has only taken effect in the flesh of Romescos's right arm. Quick to the moment, his arm dripping with gore from the wound, he draws his glittering dirk, and plunges212 it, with unerring aim, into the breast of his antagonist. The wounded man starts convulsively, as the other coolly draws back the weapon, the blood gushing213 forth in a livid stream. "Is not that in self-defence?" exclaims the bloody214 votary215, turning his haggard and enraged face to receive the approval of the bystanders. The dying man, writhing216 under the grasp of his murderer, utters a piercing shriek217. "Murdered! I'm dying! Oh, heaven! is this my last-last-last? Forgive me, Lord,--forgive me!" he gurgles; and making another convulsive effort, wrings218 his body from under the perpetrator of the foul deed. How tenacious219 of life is the dying man! He grasps the leg of a desk, raises himself to his feet, and, as if goaded220 with the thoughts of hell, in his last struggles staggers to the door,--discharges a second shot, vaults221, as it were, into the street, and falls prostrate upon the pavement, surrounded by a crowd of eager lookers-on. He is dead! The career of Mr. M'Fadden is ended; his spirit is summoned for trial before a just God.
The murderer (perhaps we abuse the word, and should apply the more southern, term of renconterist), sits in a chair, calling for water, as a few among the crowd prepare to carry the dead body into Graspum's slave-pen, a few squares below.
Southern sensibility may call these scenes by whatever name it will; we have no desire to change the appropriateness, nor to lessen222 the moral tenor223 of southern society. It nurtures224 a frail225 democracy, and from its bastard226 offspring we have a tyrant dying by the hand of a tyrant, and the spoils of tyranny serving the good growth of the Christian church. Money constructs opinions, pious as well as political, and even changes the feelings of good men, who invoke227 heaven's aid against the bondage of the souls of men.
Romescos will not flee to escape the terrible award of earthly justice. Nay228, that, in our atmosphere of probity, would be dishonourable; nor would it aid the purpose he seeks to gain.
收听单词发音 |
1
vender
|
|
| n.小贩 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
consigned
|
|
| v.把…置于（令人不快的境地）( consign的过去式和过去分词 )；把…托付给；把…托人代售；丟弃 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
bondage
|
|
| n.奴役，束缚 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
execrated
|
|
| v.憎恶( execrate的过去式和过去分词 )；厌恶；诅咒；咒骂 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
shrine
|
|
| n.圣地，神龛，庙；v.将...置于神龛内，把...奉为神圣 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
posterity
|
|
| n.后裔，子孙，后代 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
armour
|
|
| （=armor）n.盔甲；装甲部队 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
obliterated
|
|
| v.除去( obliterate的过去式和过去分词 )；涂去；擦掉；彻底破坏或毁灭 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
improperly
|
|
| 不正确地，不适当地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
benevolent
|
|
| adj.仁慈的，乐善好施的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
lamented
|
|
| adj.被哀悼的，令人遗憾的v.（为…）哀悼，痛哭，悲伤( lament的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
evaded
|
|
| 逃避( evade的过去式和过去分词 )； 避开； 回避； 想不出 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
intrigues
|
|
| 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 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
reposed
|
|
| v.将（手臂等）靠在某人（某物）上( repose的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
susceptible
|
|
| adj.过敏的，敏感的；易动感情的，易受感动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
triumphant
|
|
| adj.胜利的，成功的；狂欢的，喜悦的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
impunity
|
|
| n.(惩罚、损失、伤害等的)免除 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
peculation
|
|
| n.侵吞公款[公物] | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
sumptuous
|
|
| adj.豪华的，奢侈的，华丽的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
garb
|
|
| n.服装，装束 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
dross
|
|
| n.渣滓；无用之物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
semblance
|
|
| n.外貌，外表 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
bishops
|
|
| （基督教某些教派管辖大教区的）主教( bishop的名词复数 )； （国际象棋的）象 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
spurn
|
|
| v.拒绝，摈弃；n.轻视的拒绝；踢开 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
covetousness
|
|
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
Christian
|
|
| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
ordained
|
|
| v.任命（某人）为牧师( ordain的过去式和过去分词 )；授予（某人）圣职；（上帝、法律等）命令；判定 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
meek
|
|
| adj.温顺的，逆来顺受的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
complacently
|
|
| adv. 满足地, 自满地, 沾沾自喜地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
pious
|
|
| adj.虔诚的；道貌岸然的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
throbs
|
|
| 体内的跳动( throb的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
turmoil
|
|
| n.骚乱，混乱，动乱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
fortified
|
|
| adj. 加强的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
sanctimony
|
|
| n.假装神圣 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
35
hurl
|
|
| vt.猛投，力掷，声叫骂 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
shafts
|
|
| n.轴( shaft的名词复数 )；（箭、高尔夫球棒等的）杆；通风井；一阵（疼痛、害怕等） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
sumptuously
|
|
| 奢侈地，豪华地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
retrace
|
|
| v.折回；追溯，探源 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
loquacious
|
|
| adj.多嘴的，饶舌的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
draughts
|
|
| n. <英>国际跳棋 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
scoured
|
|
| 走遍（某地）搜寻（人或物）( scour的过去式和过去分词 )； （用力）刷； 擦净； 擦亮 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
delved
|
|
| v.深入探究，钻研( delve的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
morasses
|
|
| n.缠作一团( morass的名词复数 )；困境；沼泽；陷阱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
44
penetrated
|
|
| adj. 击穿的，鞭辟入里的 动词penetrate的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
cypress
|
|
| n.柏树 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
seclude
|
|
| vi.使隔离，使孤立，使隐退 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
viperous
|
|
| adj.有毒的，阴险的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
48
vile
|
|
| adj.卑鄙的，可耻的，邪恶的；坏透的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
crook
|
|
| v.使弯曲；n.小偷，骗子，贼；弯曲(处) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
crooked
|
|
| adj.弯曲的；不诚实的，狡猾的，不正当的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
dubious
|
|
| adj.怀疑的，无把握的；有问题的，靠不住的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
alligators
|
|
| n.短吻鳄( alligator的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
positively
|
|
| adv.明确地，断然，坚决地；实在，确实 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
bout
|
|
| n.侵袭，发作；一次(阵，回)；拳击等比赛 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
parlance
|
|
| n.说法；语调 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
drooping
|
|
| adj. 下垂的，无力的 动词droop的现在分词 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
sneak
|
|
| vt.潜行(隐藏,填石缝)；偷偷摸摸做；n.潜行；adj.暗中进行 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
kennels
|
|
| n.主人外出时的小动物寄养处，养狗场；狗窝( kennel的名词复数 )；养狗场 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
reek
|
|
| v.发出臭气；n.恶臭 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
foam
|
|
| v./n.泡沫，起泡沫 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
veranda
|
|
| n.走廊；阳台 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
reeking
|
|
| v.发出浓烈的臭气( reek的现在分词 )；散发臭气；发出难闻的气味 (of sth)；明显带有（令人不快或生疑的跡象） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
perspiration
|
|
| n.汗水；出汗 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
crackers
|
|
| adj.精神错乱的，癫狂的n.爆竹( cracker的名词复数 )；薄脆饼干；（认为）十分愉快的事；迷人的姑娘 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
scruple
|
|
| n./v.顾忌，迟疑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
faculties
|
|
| n.能力( faculty的名词复数 )；全体教职员；技巧；院 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
enquires
|
|
| 打听( enquire的第三人称单数 )； 询问； 问问题； 查问 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
68
celebrated
|
|
| adj.有名的，声誉卓著的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
69
latitude
|
|
| n.纬度，行动或言论的自由(范围)，(pl.)地区 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
70
squire
|
|
| n.护卫, 侍从, 乡绅 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
71
beckoning
|
|
| adj.引诱人的，令人心动的v.（用头或手的动作）示意，召唤( beckon的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
72
touching
|
|
| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
73
distinguished
|
|
| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
74
plentifully
|
|
| adv. 许多地，丰饶地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
75
epithets
|
|
| n.（表示性质、特征等的）词语( epithet的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
76
tyrant
|
|
| n.暴君，专制的君主，残暴的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
77
consultation
|
|
| n.咨询；商量；商议；会议 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
78
shrugs
|
|
| n.耸肩（以表示冷淡，怀疑等）( shrug的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
79
sneered
|
|
| 讥笑，冷笑( sneer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
80
logic
|
|
| n.逻辑(学)；逻辑性 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
81
fixed
|
|
| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
82
tavern
|
|
| n.小旅馆，客栈；小酒店 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
83
countenance
|
|
| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
84
decided
|
|
| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
85
remains
|
|
| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
86
inclinations
|
|
| 倾向( inclination的名词复数 )； 倾斜； 爱好； 斜坡 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
87
relinquish
|
|
| v.放弃，撤回，让与，放手 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
88
interrogates
|
|
| n.询问( interrogate的名词复数 )；审问；（在计算机或其他机器上）查询v.询问( interrogate的第三人称单数 )；审问；（在计算机或其他机器上）查询 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
89
perverted
|
|
| adj.不正当的v.滥用( pervert的过去式和过去分词 )；腐蚀；败坏；使堕落 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
90
harry
|
|
| vt.掠夺，蹂躏，使苦恼 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
91
probity
|
|
| n.刚直；廉洁，正直 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
92
bad-tempered
|
|
| adj.脾气坏的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
93
worthy
|
|
| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
94
buck
|
|
| n.雄鹿，雄兔；v.马离地跳跃 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
95
lumbering
|
|
| n.采伐林木 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
96
shuffling
|
|
| adj. 慢慢移动的, 滑移的 动词shuffle的现在分词形式 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
97
swelling
|
|
| n.肿胀 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
98
steadfastly
|
|
| adv.踏实地，不变地；岿然；坚定不渝 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
99
gal
|
|
| n.姑娘，少女 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
100
wink
|
|
| n.眨眼，使眼色，瞬间；v.眨眼，使眼色，闪烁 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
101
forth
|
|
| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
102
fore
|
|
| adv.在前面；adj.先前的；在前部的；n.前部 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
103
perplexed
|
|
| adj.不知所措的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
104
pint
|
|
| n.品脱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
105
entirely
|
|
| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
106
penetrating
|
|
| adj.（声音）响亮的，尖锐的adj.（气味）刺激的adj.（思想）敏锐的，有洞察力的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
107
propensities
|
|
| n.倾向，习性( propensity的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
108
contingencies
|
|
| n.偶然发生的事故，意外事故( contingency的名词复数 )；以备万一 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
109
exultingly
|
|
| 兴高采烈地，得意地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
110
animation
|
|
| n.活泼，兴奋，卡通片／动画片的制作 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
111
wondrous
|
|
| adj.令人惊奇的，奇妙的；adv.惊人地；异乎寻常地；令人惊叹地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
112
opulence
|
|
| n.财富，富裕 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
113
lurks
|
|
| n.潜在，潜伏；（lurk的复数形式）vi.潜伏，埋伏（lurk的第三人称单数形式） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
114
honourable
|
|
| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
115
minion
|
|
| n.宠仆；宠爱之人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
116
immorality
|
|
| n. 不道德, 无道义 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
117
profane
|
|
| adj.亵神的，亵渎的；vt.亵渎，玷污 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
118
aggrieved
|
|
| adj.愤愤不平的，受委屈的；悲痛的；（在合法权利方面）受侵害的v.令委屈，令苦恼，侵害( aggrieve的过去式)；令委屈，令苦恼，侵害( aggrieve的过去式和过去分词) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
119
inscribed
|
|
| v.写，刻( inscribe的过去式和过去分词 )；内接 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
120
chaste
|
|
| adj.贞洁的；有道德的；善良的；简朴的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
121
carving
|
|
| n.雕刻品，雕花 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
122
reigns
|
|
| n.君主的统治( reign的名词复数 )；君主统治时期；任期；当政期 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
123
variance
|
|
| n.矛盾，不同 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
124
gilt
|
|
| adj.镀金的；n.金边证券 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
125
drawn
|
|
| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
126
nude
|
|
| adj.裸体的；n.裸体者，裸体艺术品 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
127
foul
|
|
| adj.污秽的；邪恶的；v.弄脏；妨害；犯规；n.犯规 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
128
proximity
|
|
| n.接近，邻近 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
129
socket
|
|
| n.窝，穴，孔，插座，插口 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
130
lawsuit
|
|
| n.诉讼，控诉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
131
squint
|
|
| v. 使变斜视眼, 斜视, 眯眼看, 偏移, 窥视; n. 斜视, 斜孔小窗; adj. 斜视的, 斜的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
132
curt
|
|
| adj.简短的，草率的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
133
curtly
|
|
| adv.简短地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
134
annoyance
|
|
| n.恼怒，生气，烦恼 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
135
invoice
|
|
| vt.开发票；n.发票，装货清单 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
136
mere
|
|
| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
137
puffs
|
|
| n.吸( puff的名词复数 )；（烟斗或香烟的）一吸；一缕（烟、蒸汽等）；（呼吸或风的）呼v.使喷出( puff的第三人称单数 )；喷着汽（或烟）移动；吹嘘；吹捧 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
138
laconically
|
|
| adv.简短地，简洁地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
139
elongates
|
|
| v.延长，加长( elongate的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
140
consequential
|
|
| adj.作为结果的，间接的；重要的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
141
dangling
|
|
| 悬吊着( dangle的现在分词 )； 摆动不定； 用某事物诱惑…； 吊胃口 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
142
antagonist
|
|
| n.敌人，对抗者，对手 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
143
recesses
|
|
| n.壁凹( recess的名词复数 )；（工作或业务活动的）中止或暂停期间；学校的课间休息；某物内部的凹形空间v.把某物放在墙壁的凹处( recess的第三人称单数 )；将（墙）做成凹形，在（墙）上做壁龛；休息，休会，休庭 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
144
runaway
|
|
| n.逃走的人，逃亡，亡命者；adj.逃亡的，逃走的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
145
discomfiture
|
|
| n.崩溃；大败；挫败；困惑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
146
unwillingness
|
|
| n. 不愿意，不情愿 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
147
disciple
|
|
| n.信徒，门徒，追随者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
148
importuning
|
|
| v.纠缠，向（某人）不断要求( importune的现在分词 )；（妓女）拉（客） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
149
repulsive
|
|
| adj.排斥的，使人反感的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
150
commonsense
|
|
| adj.有常识的；明白事理的；注重实际的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
151
deviate
|
|
| v.(from)背离，偏离 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
152
poised
|
|
| a.摆好姿势不动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
153
incited
|
|
| 刺激，激励，煽动( incite的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
154
mighty
|
|
| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
155
appalled
|
|
| v.使惊骇，使充满恐惧( appall的过去式和过去分词)adj.惊骇的；丧胆的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
156
purport
|
|
| n.意义，要旨，大要；v.意味著，做为...要旨，要领是... | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
157
sincerity
|
|
| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
158
etiquette
|
|
| n.礼仪，礼节；规矩 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
159
behold
|
|
| v.看，注视，看到 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
160
winks
|
|
| v.使眼色( wink的第三人称单数 )；递眼色（表示友好或高兴等）；（指光）闪烁；闪亮 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
161
grimaces
|
|
| n.（表蔑视、厌恶等）面部扭曲，鬼脸( grimace的名词复数 )v.扮鬼相，做鬼脸( grimace的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
162
grimace
|
|
| v.做鬼脸，面部歪扭 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
163
grumbles
|
|
| 抱怨( grumble的第三人称单数 )； 发牢骚； 咕哝； 发哼声 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
164
pertinacious
|
|
| adj.顽固的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
165
dignified
|
|
| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
166
peremptory
|
|
| adj.紧急的，专横的，断然的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
167
obtuseness
|
|
| 感觉迟钝 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
168
innate
|
|
| adj.天生的，固有的，天赋的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
169
zest
|
|
| n.乐趣；滋味，风味；兴趣 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
170
invincible
|
|
| adj.不可征服的，难以制服的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
171
pugnacious
|
|
| adj.好斗的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
172
aggravate
|
|
| vt.加重(剧)，使恶化；激怒，使恼火 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
173
sprouts
|
|
| n.新芽，嫩枝( sprout的名词复数 )v.发芽( sprout的第三人称单数 )；抽芽；出现；（使）涌现出 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
174
versed
|
|
| adj. 精通，熟练 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
175
enraged
|
|
| 使暴怒( enrage的过去式和过去分词 )； 歜； 激愤 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
176
purely
|
|
| adv.纯粹地，完全地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
177
reiteration
|
|
| n. 重覆, 反覆, 重说 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
178
snarl
|
|
| v.吼叫，怒骂，纠缠，混乱；n.混乱，缠结，咆哮 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
179
gratis
|
|
| adj.免费的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
180
bespoke
|
|
| adj.（产品）订做的；专做订货的v.预定( bespeak的过去式 )；订（货）；证明；预先请求 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
181
disconsolate
|
|
| adj.忧郁的，不快的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
182
catching
|
|
| adj.易传染的，有魅力的，迷人的，接住 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
183
bestowing
|
|
| 砖窑中砖堆上层已烧透的砖 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
184
complimentary
|
|
| adj.赠送的，免费的，赞美的，恭维的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
185
dispensed
|
|
| v.分配( dispense的过去式和过去分词 )；施与；配（药） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
186
bruising
|
|
| adj.殊死的；十分激烈的v.擦伤(bruise的现在分词形式) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
187
killer
|
|
| n.杀人者，杀人犯，杀手，屠杀者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
188
determined
|
|
| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
189
contemplating
|
|
| 深思，细想，仔细考虑( contemplate的现在分词 )； 注视，凝视； 考虑接受（发生某事的可能性）； 深思熟虑，沉思，苦思冥想 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
190
amiable
|
|
| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
191
broils
|
|
| v.（用火）烤（焙、炙等）( broil的第三人称单数 )；使卷入争吵；使混乱；被烤（或炙） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
192
combativeness
|
|
| n.好战 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
193
batch
|
|
| n.一批(组，群)；一批生产量 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
194
adversary
|
|
| adj.敌手，对手 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
195
secreted
|
|
| v.（尤指动物或植物器官）分泌( secrete的过去式和过去分词 )；隐匿，隐藏 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
196
sardonic
|
|
| adj.嘲笑的，冷笑的，讥讽的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
197
clenched
|
|
| v.紧握，抓紧，咬紧( clench的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
198
simultaneously
|
|
| adv.同时发生地，同时进行地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
199
prostrate
|
|
| v.拜倒，平卧，衰竭；adj.拜倒的，平卧的，衰竭的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
200
premises
|
|
| n.建筑物，房屋 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
201
swarming
|
|
| 密集( swarm的现在分词 )； 云集； 成群地移动； 蜜蜂或其他飞行昆虫成群地飞来飞去 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
202
vestige
|
|
| n.痕迹，遗迹，残余 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
203
drenching
|
|
| n.湿透v.使湿透( drench的现在分词 )；在某人（某物）上大量使用（某液体） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
204
brute
|
|
| n.野兽，兽性 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
205
gutters
|
|
| （路边）排水沟( gutter的名词复数 )； 阴沟； （屋顶的）天沟； 贫贱的境地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
206
sockets
|
|
| n.套接字，使应用程序能够读写与收发通讯协定(protocol)与资料的程序( Socket的名词复数 )；孔( socket的名词复数 )；（电器上的）插口；托座；凹穴 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
207
gore
|
|
| n.凝血，血污；v.（动物）用角撞伤，用牙刺破；缝以补裆；顶 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
208
saliva
|
|
| n.唾液，口水 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
209
nostrils
|
|
| 鼻孔( nostril的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
210
wretch
|
|
| n.可怜的人，不幸的人；卑鄙的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
211
shrill
|
|
| adj.尖声的；刺耳的；v尖叫 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
212
plunges
|
|
| n.跳进，投入vt.使投入，使插入，使陷入vi.投入，跳进，陷入v.颠簸( plunge的第三人称单数 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
213
gushing
|
|
| adj.迸出的；涌出的；喷出的；过分热情的v.喷，涌( gush的现在分词 )；滔滔不绝地说话 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
214
bloody
|
|
| adj.非常的的；流血的；残忍的；adv.很；vt.血染 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
215
votary
|
|
| n.崇拜者；爱好者；adj.誓约的，立誓任圣职的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
216
writhing
|
|
| （因极度痛苦而）扭动或翻滚( writhe的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
217
shriek
|
|
| v./n.尖叫，叫喊 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
218
wrings
|
|
| 绞( wring的第三人称单数 )； 握紧（尤指别人的手）； 把（湿衣服）拧干； 绞掉（水） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
219
tenacious
|
|
| adj.顽强的，固执的，记忆力强的，粘的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
220
goaded
|
|
| v.刺激( goad的过去式和过去分词 )；激励；（用尖棒）驱赶；驱使（或怂恿、刺激）某人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
221
vaults
|
|
| n.拱顶( vault的名词复数 )；地下室；撑物跳高；墓穴 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
222
lessen
|
|
| vt.减少，减轻；缩小 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
223
tenor
|
|
| n.男高音（歌手），次中音（乐器），要旨，大意 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
224
nurtures
|
|
| 教养，培育( nurture的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
225
frail
|
|
| adj.身体虚弱的；易损坏的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
226
bastard
|
|
| n.坏蛋，混蛋；私生子 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
227
invoke
|
|
| v.求助于(神、法律)；恳求，乞求 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
228
nay
|
|
| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |