You must know, then, that it was in the Second Hussars—called the Hussars of Chamberan—that I had served as a lieutenant2 and as a junior captain. At the time I speak of I was only twenty-five years of age, as reckless and desperate a man as any in that great army.
It chanced that the war had come to a halt in Germany, while it was still raging in Spain, so the Emperor, wishing to reinforce the Spanish army, transferred me as senior captain to the Hussars of Conflans, which were at that time in the Fifth Army Corps3 under Marshal Lannes.
It was a long journey from Berlin to the Pyrenees.
My new regiment4 formed part of the force which, under Marshal Lannes, was then besieging5 the Spanish town of Saragossa. I turned my horse's head in that direction, therefore, and behold6 me a week or so later at the French headquarters, whence I was directed to the camp of the Hussars of Conflans.
You have read, no doubt, of this famous siege of Saragossa, and I will only say that no general could have had a harder task than that with which Marshal Lannes was confronted. The immense city was crowded with a horde7 of Spaniards—soldiers, peasants, priests—all filled with the most furious hatred8 of the French, and the most savage9 determination to perish before they would surrender. There were eighty thousand men in the town and only thirty thousand to besiege10 them. Yet we had a powerful artillery11, and our engineers were of the best. There was never such a siege, for it is usual that when the fortifications are taken the city falls, but here it was not until the fortifications were taken that the real fighting began. Every house was a fort and every street a battle-field, so that slowly, day by day, we had to work our way inwards, blowing up the houses with their garrisons12 until more than half the city had disappeared. Yet the other half was as determined14 as ever and in a better position for defence, since it consisted of enormous convents and monasteries15 with walls like the Bastille, which could not be so easily brushed out of our way. This was the state of things at the time that I joined the army.
I will confess to you that cavalry16 are not of much use in a siege, although there was a time when I would not have permitted anyone to have made such an observation. The Hussars of Conflans were encamped to the south of the town, and it was their duty to throw out patrols and to make sure that no Spanish force was advancing from that quarter. The colonel of the regiment was not a good soldier, and the regiment was at that time very far from being in the high condition which it afterwards attained17. Even in that one evening I saw several things which shocked me, for I had a high standard, and it went to my heart to see an ill-arranged camp, an ill-groomed horse, or a slovenly18 trooper. That night I supped with twenty-six of my new brother-officers, and I fear that in my zeal19 I showed them only too plainly that I found things very different to what I was accustomed in the army of Germany.
There was silence in the mess after my remarks, and I felt that I had been indiscreet when I saw the glances that were cast at me. The colonel especially was furious, and a great major named Olivier, who was the fire-eater of the regiment, sat opposite to me curling his huge black moustaches, and staring at me as if he would eat me. However, I did not resent his attitude, for I felt that I had indeed been indiscreet, and that it would give a bad impression if upon this my first evening I quarrelled with my superior officer.
So far I admit that I was wrong, but now I come to the sequel. Supper over, the colonel and some other officers left the room, for it was in a farm-house that the mess was held. There remained a dozen or so, and a goat-skin of Spanish wine having been brought in we all made merry. Presently this Major Olivier asked me some questions concerning the army of Germany and as to the part which I had myself played in the campaign. Flushed with the wine, I was drawn21 on from story to story. It was not unnatural22, my friends.
You will sympathise with me. Up there I had been the model for every officer of my years in the army. I was the first swordsman, the most dashing rider, the hero of a hundred adventures. Here I found myself not only unknown, but even disliked. Was it not natural that I should wish to tell these brave comrades what sort of man it was that had come among them? Was it not natural that I should wish to say, “Rejoice, my friends, rejoice! It is no ordinary man who has joined you to-night, but it is I, THE Gerard, the hero of Ratisbon, the victor of Jena, the man who broke the square at Austerlitz”? I could not say all this. But I could at least tell them some incidents which would enable them to say it for themselves. I did so. They listened unmoved. I told them more. At last, after my tale of how I had guided the army across the Danube, one universal shout of laughter broke from them all. I sprang to my feet, flushed with shame and anger. They had drawn me on. They were making game of me. They were convinced that they had to do with a braggart23 and a liar24. Was this my reception in the Hussars of Conflans?
I dashed the tears of mortification25 from my eyes, and they laughed the more at the sight.
“Do you know, Captain Pelletan, whether Marshal Lannes is still with the army?” asked the major.
“I believe that he is, sir,” said the other.
“Really, I should have thought that his presence was hardly necessary now that Captain Gerard has arrived.”
Again there was a roar of laughter. I can see the ring of faces, the mocking eyes, the open mouths—Olivier with his great black bristles26, Pelletan thin and sneering27, even the young sub-lieutenants28 convulsed with merriment. Heavens, the indignity29 of it! But my rage had dried my tears. I was myself again, cold, quiet, self-contained, ice without and fire within.
“May I ask, sir,” said I to the major, “at what hour the regiment is paraded?”
“I trust, Captain Gerard, that you do not mean to alter our hours,” said he, and again there was a burst of laughter, which died away as I looked slowly round the circle.
“What hour is the assembly?” I asked, sharply, of Captain Pelletan.
Some mocking answer was on his tongue, but my glance kept it there. “The assembly is at six,” he answered.
“I thank you,” said I. I then counted the company and found that I had to do with fourteen officers, two of whom appeared to be boys fresh from St. Cyr. I could not condescend30 to take any notice of their indiscretion.
There remained the major, four captains, and seven lieutenants.
“Gentlemen,” I continued, looking from one to the other of them, “I should feel myself unworthy of this famous regiment if I did not ask you for satisfaction for the rudeness with which you have greeted me, and I should hold you to be unworthy of it if on any pretext31 you refused to grant it.”
“You will have no difficulty upon that score,” said the major. “I am prepared to waive32 my rank and to give you every satisfaction in the name of the Hussars of Conflans.”
“I thank you,” I answered. “I feel, however, that I have some claim upon these other gentlemen who laughed at my expense.”
“Whom would you fight, then?” asked Captain Pelletan.
“All of you,” I answered.
They looked in surprise from one to the other. Then they drew off to the other end of the room, and I heard the buzz of their whispers. They were laughing. Evidently they still thought that they had to do with some empty braggart. Then they returned.
“Your request is unusual,” said Major Olivier, “but it will be granted. How do you propose to conduct such a duel34? The terms lie with you.”
“Sabres,” said I. “And I will take you in order of seniority, beginning with you, Major Olivier, at five o'clock. I will thus be able to devote five minutes to each before the assembly is blown. I must, however, beg you to have the courtesy to name the place of meeting, since I am still ignorant of the locality.”
They were impressed by my cold and practical manner.
Already the smile had died away from their lips.
Olivier's face was no longer mocking, but it was dark and stern.
“There is a small open space behind the horse lines,” said he. “We have held a few affairs of honour there and it has done very well. We shall be there, Captain Gerard, at the hour you name.”
I was in the act of bowing to thank them for their acceptance when the door of the mess-room was flung open and the colonel hurried into the room, with an agitated35 face.
“Gentlemen,” said he, “I have been asked to call for a volunteer from among you for a service which involves the greatest possible danger. I will not disguise from you that the matter is serious in the last degree, and that Marshal Lannes has chosen a cavalry officer because he can be better spared than an officer of infantry36 or of engineers. Married men are not eligible37. Of the others, who will volunteer?”
I need not say that all the unmarried officers stepped to the front. The colonel looked round in some embarrassment38.
I could see his dilemma39. It was the best man who should go, and yet it was the best man whom he could least spare.
“Sir,” said I, “may I be permitted to make a suggestion?”
He looked at me with a hard eye. He had not forgotten my observations at supper. “Speak!” said he.
“I would point out, sir,” said I, “that this mission is mine both by right and by convenience.”
“Why so, Captain Gerard?”
“By right because I am the senior captain. By convenience because I shall not be missed in the regiments40 since the men have not yet learned to know me.”
The colonel's features relaxed.
“There is certainly truth in what you say, Captain Gerard,” said he. “I think that you are indeed best fitted to go upon this mission. If you will come with me I will give you your instructions.”
I wished my new comrades good-night as I left the room, and I repeated that I should hold myself at their disposal at five o'clock next morning. They bowed in silence, and I thought that I could see from the expression of their faces that they had already begun to take a more just view of my character.
I had expected that the colonel would at once inform me what it was that I had been chosen to do, but instead of that he walked on in silence, I following behind him.
We passed through the camp and made our way across the trenches41 and over the ruined heaps of stones which marked the old wall of the town. Within, there was a labyrinth42 of passages formed among the debris43 of the houses which had been destroyed by the mines of the engineers. Acres and acres were covered with splintered walls and piles of brick which had once been a populous44 suburb. Lanes had been driven through it and lanterns placed at the corners with inscriptions45 to direct the wayfarer46. The colonel hurried onward47 until at last, after a long walk, we found our way barred by a high grey wall which stretched right across our path.
Here behind a barricade48 lay our advance guard. The colonel led me into a roofless house, and there I found two general officers, a map stretched over a drum in front of them, they kneeling beside it and examining it carefully by the light of a lantern. The one with the clean-shaven face and the twisted neck was Marshal Lannes, the other was General Razout, the head of the engineers.
“Captain Gerard has volunteered to go,” said the colonel.
Marshal Lannes rose from his knees and shook me by the hand.
“You are a brave man, sir,” said he. “I have a present to make to you,” he added, handing me a very tiny glass tube. “It has been specially20 prepared by Dr. Fardet. At the supreme49 moment you have but to put it to your lips and you will be dead in an instant.”
This was a cheerful beginning. I will confess to you, my friends, that a cold chill passed up my back and my hair rose upon my head.
“Excuse me, sir,” said I, as I saluted51, “I am aware that I have volunteered for a service of great danger, but the exact details have not yet been given to me.”
“Colonel Perrin,” said Lannes, severely52, “it is unfair to allow this brave officer to volunteer before he has learned what the perils53 are to which he will be exposed.”
But already I was myself once more.
“Sir,” said I, “permit me to remark that the greater the danger the greater the glory, and that I could only repent54 of volunteering if I found that there were no risks to be run.”
It was a noble speech, and my appearance gave force to my words. For the moment I was a heroic figure.
As I saw Lannes's eyes fixed55 in admiration56 upon my face it thrilled me to think how splendid was the debut57 which I was making in the army of Spain. If I died that night my name would not be forgotten. My new comrades and my old, divided in all else, would still have a point of union in their love and admiration of Etienne Gerard.
The engineer officer rose, his compasses in his hand.
He led me to the door and pointed59 to the high grey wall which towered up amongst the debris of the shattered houses.
“That is the enemy's present line of defence,” said he. “It is the wall of the great Convent of the Madonna. If we can carry it the city must fall, but they have run countermines all round it, and the walls are so enormously thick that it would be an immense labour to breach60 it with artillery. We happen to know, however, that the enemy have a considerable store of powder in one of the lower chambers61. If that could be exploded the way would be clear for us.”
“How can it be reached?” I asked.
“I will explain. We have a French agent within the town named Hubert. This brave man has been in constant communication with us, and he had promised to explode the magazine. It was to be done in the early morning, and for two days running we have had a storming party of a thousand Grenadiers waiting for the breach to be formed. But there has been no explosion, and for these two days we have had no communication from Hubert. The question is, what has become of him?”
“You wish me to go and see?”
“Precisely. Is he ill, or wounded, or dead? Shall we still wait for him, or shall we attempt the attack elsewhere? We cannot determine this until we have heard from him. This is a map of the town, Captain Gerard. You perceive that within this ring of convents and monasteries are a number of streets which branch off from a central square. If you come so far as this square you will find the cathedral at one corner. In that corner is the street of Toledo. Hubert lives in a small house between a cobbler's and a wine-shop, on the right-hand side as you go from the cathedral. Do you follow me?”
“Clearly.”
“You are to reach that house, to see him, and to find out if his plan is still feasible or if we must abandon it.”
He produced what appeared to be a roll of dirty brown flannel62. “This is the dress of a Franciscan friar,” said he. “You will find it the most useful disguise.”
I shrank away from it.
“It turns me into a spy,” I cried. “Surely I can go in my uniform?”
“Impossible! How could you hope to pass through the streets of the city? Remember, also, that the Spaniards take no prisoners, and that your fate will be the same in whatever dress you are taken.”
It was true, and I had been long enough in Spain to know that that fate was likely to be something more serious than mere63 death. All the way from the frontier I had heard grim tales of torture and mutilation. I enveloped64 myself in the Franciscan gown.
“Now I am ready.”
“Are you armed?”
“My sabre.”
“They will hear it clank. Take this knife, and leave your sword. Tell Hubert that at four o'clock, before dawn, the storming party will again be ready. There is a sergeant65 outside who will show you how to get into the city. Good-night, and good luck!”
Before I had left the room, the two generals had their cocked hats touching66 each other over the map. At the door an under-officer of engineers was waiting for me.
I tied the girdle of my gown, and taking off my busby, I drew the cowl over my head. My spurs I removed. Then in silence I followed my guide.
It was necessary to move with caution, for the walls above were lined by the Spanish sentries67, who fired down continually at our advance posts. Slinking along under the very shadow of the great convent, we picked our way slowly and carefully among the piles of ruins until we came to a large chestnut68 tree. Here the sergeant stopped.
“It is an easy tree to climb,” said he. “A scaling ladder would not be simpler. Go up it, and you will find that the top branch will enable you to step upon the roof of that house. After that it is your guardian69 angel who must be your guide, for I can help you no more.”
Girding up the heavy brown gown, I ascended70 the tree as directed. A half moon was shining brightly, and the line of roof stood out dark and hard against the purple, starry71 sky. The tree was in the shadow of the house.
Slowly I crept from branch to branch until I was near the top. I had but to climb along a stout72 limb in order to reach the wall. But suddenly my ears caught the patter of feet, and I cowered73 against the trunk and tried to blend myself with its shadow. A man was coming toward me on the roof. I saw his dark figure creeping along, his body crouching74, his head advanced, the barrel of his gun protruding75. His whole bearing was full of caution and suspicion. Once or twice he paused, and then came on again until he had reached the edge of the parapet within a few yards of me. Then he knelt down, levelled his musket76, and fired.
I was so astonished at this sudden crash at my very elbow that I nearly fell out of the tree. For an instant I could not be sure that he had not hit me. But when I heard a deep groan77 from below, and the Spaniard leaned over the parapet and laughed aloud, I understood what had occurred. It was my poor, faithful sergeant, who had waited to see the last of me. The Spaniard had seen him standing78 under the tree and had shot him. You will think that it was good shooting in the dark, but these people used trabucos, or blunderbusses, which were filled up with all sorts of stones and scraps79 of metal, so that they would hit you as certainly as I have hit a pheasant on a branch. The Spaniard stood peering down through the darkness, while an occasional groan from below showed that the sergeant was still living. The sentry80 looked round and everything was still and safe.
Perhaps he thought that he would like to finish of this accursed Frenchman, or perhaps he had a desire to see what was in his pockets; but whatever his motive81, he laid down his gun, leaned forward, and swung himself into the tree. The same instant I buried my knife in his body, and he fell with a loud crashing through the branches and came with a thud to the ground. I heard a short struggle below and an oath or two in French.
For some minutes I did not dare to move, for it seemed certain that someone would be attracted by the noise.
However, all was silent save for the chimes striking midnight in the city. I crept along the branch and lifted myself on to the roof. The Spaniard's gun was lying there, but it was of no service to me, since he had the powder-horn at his belt. At the same time, if it were found, it would warn the enemy that something had happened, so I thought it best to drop it over the wall.
Then I looked round for the means of getting off the roof and down into the city.
It was very evident that the simplest way by which I could get down was that by which the sentinel had got up, and what this was soon became evident. A voice along the roof called “Manuelo! Manuelo!” several times, and, crouching in the shadow, I saw in the moonlight a bearded head, which protruded83 from a trap-door.
Receiving no answer to his summons, the man climbed through, followed by three other fellows, all armed to the teeth. You will see here how important it is not to neglect small precautions, for had I left the man's gun where I found it, a search must have followed and I should certainly have been discovered. As it was, the patrol saw no sign of their sentry, and thought, no doubt, that he had moved along the line of the roofs.
They hurried on, therefore, in that direction, and I, the instant that their backs were turned, rushed to the open trap-door and descended84 the flight of steps which led from it. The house appeared to be an empty one, for I passed through the heart of it and out, by an open door, into the street beyond.
It was a narrow and deserted85 lane, but it opened into a broader road, which was dotted with fires, round which a great number of soldiers and peasants were sleeping.
The smell within the city was so horrible that one wondered how people could live in it, for during the months that the siege had lasted there had been no attempt to cleanse86 the streets or to bury the dead. Many people were moving up and down from fire to fire, and among them I observed several monks87. Seeing that they came and went unquestioned, I took heart and hurried on my way in the direction of the great square. Once a man rose from beside one of the fires and stopped me by seizing my sleeve. He pointed to a woman who lay motionless on the road, and I took him to mean that she was dying, and that he desired me to administer the last offices of the Church. I sought refuge, however, in the very little Latin that was left to me. “Ora pro33 nobis,” said I, from the depths of my cowl. “Te Deum laudamus. Ora pro nobis.” I raised my hand as I spoke88 and pointed forward. The fellow released my sleeve and shrank back in silence, while I, with a solemn gesture, hurried upon my way.
As I had imagined, this broad boulevard led out into the central square, which was full of troops and blazing with fires. I walked swiftly onward, disregarding one or two people who addressed remarks to me. I passed the cathedral and followed the street which had been described to me. Being upon the side of the city which was farthest from our attack, there were no troops encamped in it, and it lay in darkness, save for an occasional glimmer89 in a window. It was not difficult to find the house to which I had been directed, between the wine-shop and the cobbler's. There was no light within and the door was shut. Cautiously I pressed the latch90, and I felt that it had yielded. Who was within I could not tell, and yet I must take the risk. I pushed the door open and entered.
It was pitch-dark within—the more so as I had closed the door behind me. I felt round and came upon the edge of a table. Then I stood still and wondered what I should do next, and how I could gain some news of this Hubert, in whose house I found myself. Any mistake would cost me not only my life but the failure of my mission. Perhaps he did not live alone. Perhaps he was only a lodger91 in a Spanish family, and my visit might bring ruin to him as well as to myself. Seldom in my life have I been more perplexed92. And then, suddenly, something turned my blood cold in my veins93. It was a voice, a whispering voice, in my very ear. “Mon Dieu!” cried the voice, in a tone of agony. “Oh, mon Dieu! mon Dieu!” Then there was a dry sob94 in the darkness, and all was still once more.
It thrilled me with horror, that terrible voice, but it thrilled me also with hope, for it was the voice of a Frenchman.
“Who is there?” I asked.
“Is that you, Monsieur Hubert?”
“Yes, yes,” sighed the voice, so low that I could hardly hear it. “Water, water, for Heaven's sake, water!”
I advanced in the direction of the sound, but only to come in contact with the wall. Again I heard a groan, but this time there could be no doubt that it was above my head. I put up my hands, but they felt only empty air.
“Where are you?” I cried.
“Here! Here!” whispered the strange, tremulous voice.
I stretched my hand along the wall and I came upon a man's naked foot. It was as high as my face, and yet, so far as I could feel, it had nothing to support it. I staggered back in amazement96. Then I took a tinder-box from my pocket and struck a light. At the first flash a man seemed to be floating in the air in front of me, and I dropped the box in my amazement. Again with tremulous fingers I struck the flint against the steel, and this time I lit not only the tinder but the wax taper97. I held it up, and if my amazement was lessened98 my horror was increased by that which it revealed.
The man had been nailed to the wall as a weasel is nailed to the door of a barn. Huge spikes99 had been driven through his hands and his feet. The poor wretch100 was in his last agony, his head sunk upon his shoulder and his blackened tongue protruding from his lips. He was dying as much from thirst as from his wounds, and these inhuman101 wretches102 had placed a beaker of wine upon the table in front of him to add a fresh pang103 to his tortures.
I raised it to his lips. He had still strength enough to swallow, and the light came back a little to his dim eyes.
“Are you a Frenchman?” he whispered.
“Yes. They have sent me to learn what had befallen you.”
“They discovered me. They have killed me for it. But before I die let me tell you what I know. A little more of that wine, please! Quick! Quick! I am very near the end. My strength is going. Listen to me! The powder is stored in the Mother Superior's room. The wall is pierced, and the end of the train is in Sister Angela's cell, next the chapel104. All was ready two days ago. But they discovered a letter and they tortured me.”
“Good heavens! have you been hanging here for two days?”
“It seems like two years. Comrade, I have served France, have I not? Then do one little service for me. Stab me to the heart, dear friend! I implore105 you, I entreat106 you, to put an end to my sufferings.”
The man was indeed in a hopeless plight107, and the kindest action would have been that for which he begged.
And yet I could not in cold blood drive my knife into his body, although I knew how I should have prayed for such a mercy had I been in his place. But a sudden thought crossed my mind. In my pocket I held that which would give an instant and a painless death. It was my own safeguard against torture, and yet this poor soul was in very pressing need of it, and he had deserved well of France. I took out my phial and emptied it into the cup of wine. I was in the act of handing it to him when I heard a sudden clash of arms outside the door.
In an instant I put out my light and slipped behind the window-curtains. Next moment the door was flung open and two Spaniards strode into the room, fierce, swarthy men in the dress of citizens, but with muskets108 slung109 over their shoulders. I looked through the chink in the curtains in an agony of fear lest they had come upon my traces, but it was evident that their visit was simply in order to feast their eyes upon my unfortunate compatriot.
One of them held the lantern which he carried up in front of the dying man, and both of them burst into a shout of mocking laughter. Then the eyes of the man with the lantern fell upon the flagon of wine upon the table. He picked it up, held it, with a devilish grin, to the lips of Hubert, and then, as the poor wretch involuntarily inclined his head forward to reach it, he snatched it back and took a long gulp110 himself. At the same instant he uttered a loud cry, clutched wildly at his own throat, and fell stone-dead upon the floor. His comrade stared at him in horror and amazement. Then, overcome by his own superstitious111 fears, he gave a yell of terror and rushed madly from the room. I heard his feet clattering112 wildly on the cobble-stones until the sound died away in the distance.
The lantern had been left burning upon the table, and by its light I saw, as I came out from behind my curtain, that the unfortunate Hubert's head had fallen forward upon his chest and that he also was dead. That motion to reach the wine with his lips had been his last. A clock ticked loudly in the house, but otherwise all was absolutely still. On the wall hung the twisted form of the Frenchman, on the floor lay the motionless body of the Spaniard, all dimly lit by the horn lantern. For the first time in my life a frantic113 spasm114 of terror came over me. I had seen ten thousand men in every conceivable degree of mutilation stretched upon the ground, but the sight had never affected115 me like those two silent figures who were my companions in that shadowy room. I rushed into the street as the Spaniard had done, eager only to leave that house of gloom behind me, and I had run as far as the cathedral before my wits came back to me.
There I stopped, panting, in the shadow, and, my hand pressed to my side, I tried to collect my scattered116 senses and to plan out what I should do. As I stood there, breathless, the great brass117 bells roared twice above my head. It was two o'clock. Four was the hour when the storming-party would be in its place. I had still two hours in which to act.
The cathedral was brilliantly lit within, and a number of people were passing in and out; so I entered, thinking that I was less likely to be accosted118 there, and that I might have quiet to form my plans. It was certainly a singular sight, for the place had been turned into an hospital, a refuge, and a store-house. One aisle119 was crammed120 with provisions, another was littered with sick and wounded, while in the centre a great number of helpless people had taken up their abode121, and had even lit their cooking fires upon the mosaic122 floors. There were many at prayer, so I knelt in the shadow of a pillar, and I prayed with all my heart that I might have the good luck to get out of this scrape alive, and that I might do such a deed that night as would make my name as famous in Spain as it had already become in Germany. I waited until the clock struck three, and then I left the cathedral and made my way toward the Convent of the Madonna, where the assault was to be delivered. You will understand, you who know me so well, that I was not the man to return tamely to the French camp with the report that our agent was dead and that other means must be found of entering the city. Either I should find some means to finish his uncompleted task or there would be a vacancy123 for a senior captain in the Hussars of Conflans.
I passed unquestioned down the broad boulevard, which I have already described, until I came to the great stone convent which formed the outwork of the defence.
It was built in a square with a garden in the centre. In this garden some hundreds of men were assembled, all armed and ready, for it was known, of course, within the town that this was the point against which the French attack was likely to be made. Up to this time our fighting all over Europe had always been done between one army and another. It was only here in Spain that we learned how terrible a thing it is to fight against a people.
On the one hand there is no glory, for what glory could be gained by defeating this rabble124 of elderly shopkeepers, ignorant peasants, fanatical priests, excited women, and all the other creatures who made up the garrison13? On the other hand there were extreme discomfort125 and danger, for these people would give you no rest, would observe no rules of war, and were desperately126 earnest in their desire by hook or by crook127 to do you an injury. I began to realise how odious128 was our task as I looked upon the motley but ferocious129 groups who were gathered round the watch-fires in the garden of the Convent of the Madonna. It was not for us soldiers to think about politics, but from the beginning there always seemed to be a curse upon this war in Spain.
However, at the moment I had no time to brood over such matters as these. There was, as I have said, no difficulty in getting as far as the convent garden, but to pass inside the convent unquestioned was not so easy.
The first thing which I did was to walk round the garden, and I was soon able to pick out one large stained-glass window which must belong to the chapel. I had understood from Hubert that the Mother Superior's room, in which the powder was stored, was near to this, and that the train had been laid through a hole in the wall from some neighbouring cell. I must, at all costs, get into the convent. There was a guard at the door, and how could I get in without explanations? But a sudden inspiration showed me how the thing might be done. In the garden was a well, and beside the well were a number of empty buckets. I filled two of these, and approached the door. The errand of a man who carries a bucket of water in each hand does not need to be explained. The guard opened to let me through. I found myself in a long, stone-flagged corridor, lit with lanterns, with the cells of the nuns130 leading out from one side of it. Now at last I was on the high road to success. I walked on without hesitation131, for I knew by my observations in the garden which way to go for the chapel.
A number of Spanish soldiers were lounging and smoking in the corridor, several of whom addressed me as I passed. I fancy it was for my blessing132 that they asked, and my “Ora pro nobis” seemed to entirely133 satisfy them. Soon I had got as far as the chapel, and it was easy enough to see that the cell next door was used as a magazine, for the floor was all black with powder in front of it. The door was shut, and two fierce-looking fellows stood on guard outside it, one of them with a key stuck in his belt. Had we been alone, it would not have been long before it would have been in my hand, but with his comrade there it was impossible for me to hope to take it by force. The cell next door to the magazine on the far side from the chapel must be the one which belonged to Sister Angela. It was half open. I took my courage in both hands and, leaving my buckets in the corridor, I walked unchallenged into the room.
I was prepared to find half a dozen fierce Spanish desperadoes within, but what actually met my eyes was even more embarrassing. The room had apparently134 been set aside for the use of some of the nuns, who for some reason had refused to quit their home. Three of them were within, one an elderly, stern-faced dame135, who was evidently the Mother Superior, the others, young ladies of charming appearance. They were seated together at the far side of the room, but they all rose at my entrance, and I saw with some amazement, by their manner and expressions, that my coming was both welcome and expected. In a moment my presence of mind had returned, and I saw exactly how the matter lay.
Naturally, since an attack was about to be made upon the convent, these sisters had been expecting to be directed to some place of safety. Probably they were under vow136 not to quit the walls, and they had been told to remain in this cell until they received further orders.
In any case I adapted my conduct to this supposition, since it was clear that I must get them out of the room, and this would give me a ready excuse to do so. I first cast a glance at the door and observed that the key was within. I then made a gesture to the nuns to follow me. The Mother Superior asked me some question, but I shook my head impatiently and beckoned137 to her again.
She hesitated, but I stamped my foot and called them forth138 in so imperious a manner that they came at once.
They would be safer in the chapel, and thither139 I led them, placing them at the end which was farthest from the magazine. As the three nuns took their places before the altar my heart bounded with joy and pride within me, for I felt that the last obstacle had been lifted from my path.
And yet how often have I not found that that is the very moment of danger? I took a last glance at the Mother Superior, and to my dismay I saw that her piercing dark eyes were fixed, with an expression in which surprise was deepening into suspicion, upon my right hand. There were two points which might well have attracted her attention. One was that it was red with the blood of the sentinel whom I had stabbed in the tree. That alone might count for little, as the knife was as familiar as the breviary to the monks of Saragossa.
But on my forefinger140 I wore a heavy gold ring—the gift of a certain German baroness141 whose name I may not mention. It shone brightly in the light of the altar lamp. Now, a ring upon a friar's hand is an impossibility, since they are vowed142 to absolute poverty.
I turned quickly and made for the door of the chapel, but the mischief143 was done. As I glanced back I saw that the Mother Superior was already hurrying after me. I ran through the chapel door and along the corridor, but she called out some shrill144 warning to the two guards in front. Fortunately I had the presence of mind to call out also, and to point down the passage as if we were both pursuing the same object. Next instant I had dashed past them, sprang into the cell, slammed the heavy door, and fastened it upon the inside.
With a bolt above and below and a huge lock in the centre it was a piece of timber that would take some forcing.
Even now if they had had the wit to put a barrel of powder against the door I should have been ruined. It was their only chance, for I had come to the final stage of my adventure. Here at last, after such a string of dangers as few men have ever lived to talk of, I was at one end of the powder train, with the Saragossa magazine at the other. They were howling like wolves out in the passage, and muskets were crashing against the door. I paid no heed145 to their clamour, but I looked eagerly around for that train of which Hubert had spoken. Of course, it must be at the side of the room next to the magazine. I crawled along it on my hands and knees, looking into every crevice146, but no sign could I see. Two bullets flew through the door and flattened147 themselves against the wall. The thudding and smashing grew ever louder. I saw a grey pile in a corner, flew to it with a cry of joy, and found that it was only dust. Then I got back to the side of the door where no bullets could ever reach me—they were streaming freely into the room—and I tried to forget this fiendish howling in my ear and to think out where this train could be. It must have been carefully laid by Hubert lest these nuns should see it. I tried to imagine how I should myself have arranged it had I been in his place.
My eye was attracted by a statue of St. Joseph which stood in the corner. There was a wreath of leaves along the edge of the pedestal, with a lamp burning amidst them. I rushed across to it and tore the leaves aside.
Yes, yes, there was a thin black line, which disappeared through a small hole in the wall. I tilted148 over the lamp and threw myself on the ground. Next instant came a roar like thunder, the walls wavered and tottered149 around me, the ceiling clattered150 down from above, and over the yell of the terrified Spaniards was heard the terrific shout of the storming column of Grenadiers. As in a dream—a happy dream—I heard it, and then I heard no more.
When I came to my senses two French soldiers were propping151 me up, and my head was singing like a kettle.
I staggered to my feet and looked around me. The plaster had fallen, the furniture was scattered, and there were rents in the bricks, but no signs of a breach. In fact, the walls of the convent had been so solid that the explosion of the magazine had been insufficient152 to throw them down. On the other hand, it had caused such a panic among the defenders153 that our stormers had been able to carry the windows and throw open the doors almost without assistance. As I ran out into the corridor I found it full of troops, and I met Marshal Lannes himself, who was entering with his staff. He stopped and listened eagerly to my story.
“Splendid, Captain Gerard, splendid!” he cried.
“These facts will certainly be reported to the Emperor.”
“I would suggest to your Excellency,” said I, “that I have only finished the work that was planned and carried out by Monsieur Hubert, who gave his life for the cause.”
“His services will not be forgotten,” said the Marshal.
“Meanwhile, Captain Gerard, it is half-past four, and you must be starving after such a night of exertion154. My staff and I will breakfast inside the city. I assure you that you will be an honoured guest.”
“I will follow your Excellency,” said I. “There is a small engagement which detains me.”
He opened his eyes.
“At this hour?”
“Yes, sir,” I answered. “My fellow-officers, whom I never saw until last night, will not be content unless they catch another glimpse of me the first thing this morning.”
“Au revoir, then,” said Marshal Lannes, as he passed upon his way.
I hurried through the shattered door of the convent.
When I reached the roofless house in which we had held the consultation155 the night before, I threw off my gown and I put on the busby and sabre which I had left there.
Then, a Hussar once more, I hurried onward to the grove156 which was our rendezvous157. My brain was still reeling from the concussion158 of the powder, and I was exhausted159 by the many emotions which had shaken me during that terrible night. It is like a dream, all that walk in the first dim grey light of dawn, with the smouldering camp-fires around me and the buzz of the waking army. Bugles160 and drums in every direction were mustering161 the infantry, for the explosion and the shouting had told their own tale. I strode onward until, as I entered the little clump162 of cork163 oaks behind the horse lines, I saw my twelve comrades waiting in a group, their sabres at their sides. They looked at me curiously164 as I approached. Perhaps with my powder-blackened face and my blood-stained hands I seemed a different Gerard to the young captain whom they had made game of the night before.
“Good morning, gentlemen,” said I. “I regret exceedingly if I have kept you waiting, but I have not been master of my own time.”
They said nothing, but they still scanned me with curious eyes. I can see them now, standing in a line before me, tall men and short men, stout men and thin men: Olivier, with his warlike moustache; the thin, eager face of Pelletan; young Oudin, flushed by his first duel; Mortier, with the sword-cut across his wrinkled brow.
I laid aside my busby and drew my sword.
“I have one favour to ask you, gentlemen,” said I.
“Marshal Lannes has invited me to breakfast and I cannot keep him waiting.”
“What do you suggest?” asked Major Olivier.
“That you release me from my promise to give you five minutes each, and that you will permit me to attack you all together.” I stood upon my guard as I spoke.
But their answer was truly beautiful and truly French. With one impulse the twelve swords flew from their scabbards and were raised in salute50. There they stood, the twelve of them, motionless, their heels together, each with his sword upright before his face.
I staggered back from them. I looked from one to the other. For an instant I could not believe my own eyes. They were paying me homage165, these, the men who had jeered166 me! Then I understood it all. I saw the effect that I had made upon them and their desire to make reparation. When a man is weak he can steel himself against danger, but not against emotion.
“Comrades,” I cried, “comrades—!” but I could say no more.
Something seemed to take me by the throat and choke me. And then in an instant Olivier's arms were round me, Pelletan had seized me by the right hand, Mortier by the left, some were patting me on the shoulder, some were clapping me on the back, on every side smiling faces were looking into mine; and so it was that I knew that I had won my footing in the Hussars of Conflans.
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1
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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2
lieutenant
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| n.陆军中尉，海军上尉；代理官员，副职官员 | |
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3
corps
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| n.(通信等兵种的)部队；(同类作的)一组 | |
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regiment
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| n.团，多数，管理；v.组织，编成团，统制 | |
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5
besieging
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| 包围，围困，围攻( besiege的现在分词 ) | |
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6
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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7
horde
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| n.群众，一大群 | |
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8
hatred
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| n.憎恶，憎恨，仇恨 | |
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savage
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| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
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10
besiege
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| vt.包围，围攻，拥在...周围 | |
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11
artillery
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| n.(军)火炮，大炮；炮兵(部队) | |
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12
garrisons
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| 守备部队，卫戍部队( garrison的名词复数 ) | |
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13
garrison
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| n.卫戍部队；驻地，卫戍区；vt.派(兵)驻防 | |
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14
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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15
monasteries
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| 修道院( monastery的名词复数 ) | |
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16
cavalry
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| n.骑兵；轻装甲部队 | |
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17
attained
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| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的过去式和过去分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
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18
slovenly
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| adj.懒散的，不整齐的，邋遢的 | |
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19
zeal
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| n.热心，热情，热忱 | |
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20
specially
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| adv.特定地；特殊地；明确地 | |
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21
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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22
unnatural
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| adj.不自然的；反常的 | |
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23
braggart
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| n.吹牛者；adj.吹牛的，自夸的 | |
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24
liar
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| n.说谎的人 | |
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25
mortification
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| n.耻辱，屈辱 | |
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26
bristles
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| 短而硬的毛发，刷子毛( bristle的名词复数 ) | |
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27
sneering
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| 嘲笑的，轻蔑的 | |
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28
lieutenants
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| n.陆军中尉( lieutenant的名词复数 )；副职官员；空军；仅低于…官阶的官员 | |
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29
indignity
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| n.侮辱，伤害尊严，轻蔑 | |
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30
condescend
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| v.俯就，屈尊；堕落，丢丑 | |
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31
pretext
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| n.借口，托词 | |
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32
waive
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| vt.放弃，不坚持(规定、要求、权力等) | |
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33
pro
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| n.赞成，赞成的意见，赞成者 | |
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34
duel
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| n./v.决斗；(双方的)斗争 | |
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35
agitated
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| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
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36
infantry
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| n.[总称]步兵(部队) | |
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37
eligible
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| adj.有条件被选中的；(尤指婚姻等)合适(意)的 | |
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38
embarrassment
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| n.尴尬；使人为难的人(事物)；障碍；窘迫 | |
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dilemma
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| n.困境，进退两难的局面 | |
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40
regiments
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| （军队的）团( regiment的名词复数 )； 大量的人或物 | |
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41
trenches
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| 深沟，地沟( trench的名词复数 )； 战壕 | |
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42
labyrinth
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| n.迷宫；难解的事物；迷路 | |
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43
debris
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| n.瓦砾堆，废墟，碎片 | |
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44
populous
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| adj.人口稠密的，人口众多的 | |
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45
inscriptions
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| （作者）题词( inscription的名词复数 )； 献词； 碑文； 证劵持有人的登记 | |
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46
wayfarer
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| n.旅人 | |
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47
onward
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| adj.向前的，前进的；adv.向前，前进，在先 | |
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48
barricade
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| n.路障，栅栏，障碍；vt.设路障挡住 | |
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49
supreme
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| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
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50
salute
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| vi.行礼，致意，问候，放礼炮；vt.向…致意，迎接，赞扬；n.招呼，敬礼，礼炮 | |
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51
saluted
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| v.欢迎，致敬( salute的过去式和过去分词 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
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52
severely
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| adv.严格地；严厉地；非常恶劣地 | |
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53
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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54
repent
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| v.悔悟，悔改，忏悔，后悔 | |
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55
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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56
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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57
debut
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| n.首次演出，初次露面 | |
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58
briefly
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| adv.简单地，简短地 | |
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59
pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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60
breach
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| n.违反，不履行；破裂；vt.冲破，攻破 | |
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61
chambers
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| n.房间( chamber的名词复数 )；（议会的）议院；卧室；会议厅 | |
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62
flannel
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| n.法兰绒；法兰绒衣服 | |
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63
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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64
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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65
sergeant
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| n.警官，中士 | |
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66
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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67
sentries
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| 哨兵，步兵( sentry的名词复数 ) | |
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68
chestnut
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| n.栗树，栗子 | |
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69
guardian
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| n.监护人；守卫者，保护者 | |
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70
ascended
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| v.上升，攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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71
starry
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| adj.星光照耀的, 闪亮的 | |
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73
cowered
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| v.畏缩，抖缩( cower的过去式 ) | |
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74
crouching
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| v.屈膝，蹲伏( crouch的现在分词 ) | |
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75
protruding
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| v.（使某物）伸出，（使某物）突出( protrude的现在分词 )；凸 | |
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76
musket
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| n.滑膛枪 | |
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77
groan
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| vi./n.呻吟，抱怨；(发出)呻吟般的声音 | |
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78
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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79
scraps
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| 油渣 | |
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80
sentry
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| n.哨兵，警卫 | |
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81
motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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82
vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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83
protruded
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| v.（使某物）伸出，（使某物）突出( protrude的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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84
descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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85
deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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86
cleanse
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| vt.使清洁，使纯洁，清洗 | |
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87
monks
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| n.修道士，僧侣( monk的名词复数 ) | |
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88
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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89
glimmer
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| v.发出闪烁的微光；n.微光，微弱的闪光 | |
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90
latch
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| n.门闩，窗闩；弹簧锁 | |
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91
lodger
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| n.寄宿人，房客 | |
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92
perplexed
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| adj.不知所措的 | |
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93
veins
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| n.纹理；矿脉( vein的名词复数 )；静脉；叶脉；纹理 | |
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94
sob
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| n.空间轨道的轰炸机；呜咽，哭泣 | |
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95
groaning
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| adj. 呜咽的, 呻吟的 动词groan的现在分词形式 | |
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96
amazement
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| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
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97
taper
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| n.小蜡烛，尖细，渐弱；adj.尖细的；v.逐渐变小 | |
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98
lessened
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| 减少的，减弱的 | |
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99
spikes
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| n.穗( spike的名词复数 )；跑鞋；（防滑）鞋钉；尖状物v.加烈酒于( spike的第三人称单数 )；偷偷地给某人的饮料加入（更多）酒精（ 或药物）；把尖状物钉入；打乱某人的计划 | |
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100
wretch
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| n.可怜的人，不幸的人；卑鄙的人 | |
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101
inhuman
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| adj.残忍的，不人道的，无人性的 | |
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102
wretches
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| n.不幸的人( wretch的名词复数 )；可怜的人；恶棍；坏蛋 | |
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103
pang
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| n.剧痛，悲痛，苦闷 | |
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104
chapel
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| n.小教堂，殡仪馆 | |
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105
implore
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| vt.乞求，恳求，哀求 | |
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106
entreat
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| v.恳求，恳请 | |
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107
plight
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| n.困境，境况，誓约，艰难；vt.宣誓，保证，约定 | |
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108
muskets
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| n.火枪，（尤指）滑膛枪( musket的名词复数 ) | |
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109
slung
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| 抛( sling的过去式和过去分词 )； 吊挂； 遣送； 押往 | |
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110
gulp
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| vt.吞咽，大口地吸（气）；vi.哽住；n.吞咽 | |
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111
superstitious
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| adj.迷信的 | |
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112
clattering
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| 发出咔哒声（clatter的现在分词形式） | |
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113
frantic
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| adj.狂乱的，错乱的，激昂的 | |
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114
spasm
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| n.痉挛，抽搐；一阵发作 | |
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115
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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116
scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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117
brass
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| n.黄铜；黄铜器，铜管乐器 | |
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118
accosted
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| v.走过去跟…讲话( accost的过去式和过去分词 )；跟…搭讪；（乞丐等）上前向…乞讨；（妓女等）勾搭 | |
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119
aisle
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| n.（教堂、教室、戏院等里的）过道，通道 | |
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120
crammed
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| adj.塞满的，挤满的；大口地吃；快速贪婪地吃v.把…塞满；填入；临时抱佛脚( cram的过去式) | |
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121
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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122
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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123
vacancy
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| n.（旅馆的）空位，空房，（职务的）空缺 | |
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124
rabble
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| n.乌合之众，暴民；下等人 | |
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125
discomfort
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| n.不舒服，不安，难过，困难，不方便 | |
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126
desperately
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| adv.极度渴望地，绝望地，孤注一掷地 | |
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127
crook
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| v.使弯曲；n.小偷，骗子，贼；弯曲(处) | |
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128
odious
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| adj.可憎的，讨厌的 | |
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129
ferocious
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| adj.凶猛的，残暴的，极度的，十分强烈的 | |
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130
nuns
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| n.（通常指基督教的）修女， （佛教的）尼姑( nun的名词复数 ) | |
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131
hesitation
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| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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132
blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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133
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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134
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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135
dame
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| n.女士 | |
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136
vow
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| n.誓(言)，誓约；v.起誓，立誓 | |
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137
beckoned
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| v.（用头或手的动作）示意，召唤( beckon的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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138
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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139
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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140
forefinger
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| n.食指 | |
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141
baroness
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| n.男爵夫人，女男爵 | |
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142
vowed
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| 起誓，发誓（vow的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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143
mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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144
shrill
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| adj.尖声的；刺耳的；v尖叫 | |
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145
heed
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| v.注意，留意；n.注意，留心 | |
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146
crevice
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| n.(岩石、墙等)裂缝；缺口 | |
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147
flattened
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| [医]（水）平扁的，弄平的 | |
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148
tilted
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| v. 倾斜的 | |
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149
tottered
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| v.走得或动得不稳( totter的过去式和过去分词 )；踉跄；蹒跚；摇摇欲坠 | |
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150
clattered
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| 发出咔哒声（clatter的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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151
propping
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| 支撑 | |
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152
insufficient
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| adj.(for，of)不足的，不够的 | |
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153
defenders
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| n.防御者( defender的名词复数 )；守卫者；保护者；辩护者 | |
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154
exertion
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| n.尽力，努力 | |
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155
consultation
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| n.咨询；商量；商议；会议 | |
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156
grove
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| n.林子，小树林，园林 | |
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157
rendezvous
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| n.约会，约会地点，汇合点；vi.汇合，集合；vt.使汇合，使在汇合地点相遇 | |
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158
concussion
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| n.脑震荡；震动 | |
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159
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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160
bugles
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| 妙脆角，一种类似薯片但做成尖角或喇叭状的零食； 号角( bugle的名词复数 )； 喇叭； 匍匐筋骨草； （装饰女服用的）柱状玻璃（或塑料）小珠 | |
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161
mustering
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| v.集合，召集，集结（尤指部队）( muster的现在分词 )；（自他人处）搜集某事物；聚集；激发 | |
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162
clump
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| n.树丛，草丛；vi.用沉重的脚步行走 | |
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163
cork
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| n.软木，软木塞 | |
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164
curiously
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| adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地 | |
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165
homage
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| n.尊敬，敬意，崇敬 | |
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166
jeered
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| v.嘲笑( jeer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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