The affair was ostensibly for the Presbyterian Sabbath School, but all Glenoro and the surrounding neighbourhood attended. The people from the Oa and the Flats and even from over on the Tenth flocked to Thompson's grove and swung in the trees and joined the swimming matches and helped on the festivity. Besides the sports and other attractions, there was always a programme of music and speeches after tea. Andrew Johnstone, as superintendent4 of the Sabbath School, was responsible for this part of the entertainment. The young men erected5 a platform of new pine boards from the mill and the young women decorated it with evergreen6 boughs7 and the visiting clergymen and township orators10 seated themselves upon it in dignified11 array. Peter McNabb led the whole assembly in a psalm12 or paraphrase13 and then Mr. Cameron and the Methodist minister and all others honoured with a seat upon the platform delivered addresses to the people seated in semi-circles on the ground. Some of the speeches were sound and edifying14, some were of a lighter15 tone and were sprinkled with judicious16 jokes culled17 from many sources for the occasion. Old Mr. Lawton, an itinerant18 Baptist preacher who, no matter what his peregrinations might be, always happened to be in Glenoro on Dominion Day, had told the same jokes annually19 within the memory of the oldest picnicker, but, as they came only once a year, they were quite fresh after their long rest and the audience laughed at them each season with unabated mirth.
When Mr. Watson participated in the Glenoro picnic for the first time, he was filled with a deep disapproval20. He was an energetic, well-meaning young man, rather injudicious and fiercely patriotic21 after the spread-eagle manner of his cousins across the international boundary. The Glenoro picnic struck him as being nothing short of disloyal. There was not a flag to be seen anywhere in the woods, only one of the speakers mentioned the fact that it was Dominion Day, and then in a mere22 incidental way, and at the closing they actually sang "Praise God from Whom All Blessings23 Flow" instead of "God Save the Queen!" The schoolmaster made up his mind that if he lived till the next first of July, he would show the people what a Dominion Day celebration ought to be. For this purpose he sought the co-operation of the minister. Old Andrew Johnstone was ruining the rising generation, he explained, and it was time somebody showed him that he and his old-fashioned ideas were antediluvian24. John Egerton hesitated at first. He did not like the idea of running counter to his ruling elder, but he secretly agreed with Mr. Watson that that old man had too much to do with the affairs of the church. He felt also that this would be a fine opportunity to come in touch with the boys and girls; so, after some demurring25, he finally yielded and consented to give a helping26 hand in the patriotic demonstration27.
Mr. Watson set to work with wonderful zest28. As the picnic was for the Sabbath school, the children should properly be the entertainers, he declared, so the public school pupils were detained every day after school hours and the minister came down and helped drill them in patriotic songs and exercises. Of course, they needed a musical instrument, so they hired the Temperance Society's organ, and Jessie Hamilton was asked to play. The whole arrangement proved highly satisfactory to the young minister. He found himself looking forward to the practise hour with pleasure, for he would walk down to the Hamiltons', call for Jessie, and together they would stroll across the bridge and up the river road beneath the trees to the school house where they spent an hour in each other's company.
The undertaking29 had its drawbacks as well as its pleasure, however. The chief one was young Neil Neil, a worse imp30 than Sandy even, and an unfailing source of disorder31. He and his bosom32 companion in iniquity33, a wild Irishman from the Flats by the name of Patrick Regan, conspired34 to make the practise hour a burden to both their instructors35. John Egerton was sometimes tempted36 to wonder if Donald Neil was taking his revenge by inciting37 his young relative to acts of rebellion. Then, too, some of the parents grumbled38 because their children did not return home in time to do "the chores." This gave the schoolmaster very little trouble, however. He paid no attention to such base sentiments; patriotism39 must be inculcated in the minds of young Canada, whether the calves40 were fed or not.
But in spite of all discouragements the work progressed. There were flag drills and motion songs, patriotic songs and public spirited recitations and when the programme was finally completed Mr. Watson heaved a sigh of content. There was to be only one speech, for Mr. Egerton insisted that Mr. Ansdell be asked to say "a few words." They quite forgot, however, that the superintendent of the Sabbath school had always given the opening address and that Sim Basketful, though a Methodist, had never missed contributing to the programme. For the postmaster was undoubtedly41 the orator9 of Glenoro and had never before seen a picnic bill between the Oa and the Flats without his name on it in large type. Mr. Watson brushed away any doubts the minister had regarding the innovation. "Was he going to be ruled by Splinterin' Andra, or was he not?" he inquired, and John Egerton had responded that he most decidedly was not, so the preparations went on unabated.
To Donald Neil the new arrangement was anything but pleasing. He never seemed to be able to see Jessie any more. She was always trying over some new songs with the minister or reading a book he had given her, or in consultation42 with him over their preparations for the picnic. Donald's opinion of his pastor43 was not improved by this. He was too jealous to be quite impartial44 in his judgment45 and, therefore, did not realise that his rival was more careless than culpable46. Donald's conception of a minister heretofore had been the Glenoro ideal, heightened by Duncan Polite's teachings,—a holy man, set apart from ordinary humanity for the Lord's special work. John Egerton was a revelation to him. Was this the sort of man his uncle worshipped? he asked himself. Was this the sort of man he was to emulate47? He concluded by deciding that if John Egerton was a good sample of the ministry48, then Donald McDonald would have nothing to do with the profession.
Meanwhile, John Egerton went happily on his way, all unconscious that he was doing any harm. As the date of the picnic approached he found, to his intense amusement, that there was still another faction49 in Glenoro church. This one was not at all formidable, however, for it was neither religious nor national, but merely culinary and geographical50, namely, a strong rivalry51 in the production of pies and cakes between the matrons north of Glenoro and those beyond the southern hill. It broke out violently twice a year, at the first of July picnic and at the New Year's tea-meeting. When the date of these functions drew near, it was the custom for the North to muster52 their forces at the house of Andrew Johnstone, while the South flocked to their standard at Donald Fraser's and each made stupendous efforts to out-bake the other. But very rarely was there an advantage on either side. If one party got ahead of the other by so much as a cookie at one festivity, the defeated were sure to produce some unheard-of ammunition53 at the next. One New Year's Eve the South came charging up with thirty different varieties of pie, causing rout54 and dismay in the ranks of the enemy. But on the next Dominion Day the North responded gallantly55 with an eleven-story iced cake looking like a triumphal monument to celebrate their victory, and the balance of power was restored.
This summer, with the inspiring presence of the new minister, efforts were redoubled and for several days before the picnic the houses of the Johnstones and the Frasers were turned into bake-shops, and pies and cookies and tarts56 and story cakes were produced in such quantities and with such elaboration that the producers themselves were rather alarmed.
The great day arrived at last and Nature did her part nobly. It was one of those intensely clear, sunny days which only our Lady of the Sunshine can produce, a day when the thermometer announces that it is very hot, but when Nature denies the slander57 and the blood dances to the time set by the bracing58 air.
The blood was dancing in Mr. Watson's veins60, at any rate. He was up early and had all his plans laid before noon. He collected his pupils at the school house early in the afternoon and gave them copious61 instructions. As soon as a sufficient crowd had collected at the picnic grounds, they were to walk in procession with him down to the grove, and just at their entry into the woods to burst into song and march in twos up to the platform, waving their banners and singing of the glory of Canada. After this they were to be given the freedom of the woods until such time as the performance should commence.
The idea had been Mr. Egerton's and had been planned by him with great care. He felt that the sight would be inspiring enough to please even Splinterin' Andra. For the ruling elder looked with dark disfavour upon any prominent performance by children and his young minister was rather anxious as to the effect the programme would have upon him.
John Egerton assisted his colleague at the school house and then repaired to the grove ahead of the procession, on purpose to be able to report afterwards upon its appearance. When he arrived, the picnic grounds presented a lively and pleasing appearance. Away back among the trees, in the flecking light and shade, the long, white tables were already being laid. White-aproned girls, among whom he recognised Jessie's trim figure, were flitting about them, setting cups and saucers with a musical clatter63. Away in the background, a blue column of smoke rose straight into the treetops from the old stove where Mrs. Fraser and Miss Cotton were superintending the boiling of the tea and at a table near by, piled with baskets, the matrons of the North and South laughed and chatted over their rival productions. Over in an open space of sunlight the boys and young men of the village were engaged in athletic64 sports, jumping, racing59 and throwing the shoulder stone. As he looked, he saw the slim, lithe65 figure of Donald Neil go up over a bar with easy grace, amid the applause of the surrounding spectators. Between the trees to the right flashed a line of blue and silver, where the shouting and splashing of the swimmers had already commenced. Everywhere to right and left there were swings—little swings and big swings. The latter were patronised by young ladies and their attendant swains and manned by two stalwart young men who sent their burden of sober dun-coloured masculinity and fluttering muslin and ribbon swaying far into the treetops, to the accompaniment of many personal and highly mirth-provoking remarks from the crowd waiting to be in the same position.
There was a mingling66 of shouts, laughter, neighing of horses, scraping of turning buggies and clattering67 of dishes, harmonised by that wonderful power which the forest possesses of turning all discordant68 sounds within her bosom to perfect music.
The young minister moved about from group to group with a pleasant word for all. He swung with Maggie Hamilton and Annie Fraser and Julia Duffy; he entered keenly into the young men's athletic competitions; he carried water for Miss Cotton and waited on the young ladies at the tables; and finally he strolled over towards the platform where the fathers of Glenoro were gathered. They sat on mossy logs or stumps69, with drooping71 shoulders, smoking their pipes in solemn content, discussing crops and creeds72, horses and heresies73 and enjoying life to the full. Old Andrew Johnstone was there; but Duncan Polite was not with him. Duncan never went anywhere except to church. The ruling elder seemed in a rather mild frame of mind in spite of the fact that the reins74 of government had been taken out of his hands. The young pastor could not know that Duncan Polite's influence had soothed75 his wrath76. He sat beside the old man and chatted away genially77, while Splinterin' Andra watched him solemnly and with a certain wistfulness in his stern face.
But John Egerton did not rest long; he was beginning to wonder why Mr. Watson and his flock had not by this time startled them all into admiration78 by their appearance. The time set for their arrival had long passed and still the burst of music and the gleam of banners which was to herald79 their approach did not come. He arose and walked towards the road to see if they were in sight, when he saw the schoolmaster approaching alone and with a haste which betokened80 disaster. His friend hurried to meet him. "Why, what has happened?" he cried. "Where are the children?"
But Mr. Watson was in a state of speechless wrath. The heat of the summer sun combined with the internal burning of his indignation would have produced apoplexy in a less cadaverous person. Some minutes passed before he could quite explain the situation. When at length he could tell it, it appeared that he had collected his flock at the school in proper order and supplied them all with full instructions. Then he delivered a flag to each boy and a maple branch to each girl, to be waved as they entered the woods singing. Mr. Watson had an eye for the artistic81, and had at first decreed that each flag should march beside a maple bough8; but the proposition was received with such hysterical82 squeals83 and giggles84 from beneath the Canadian emblems85 and such dark looks of terrible rebellion from the red banners that the schoolmaster was compelled to change the order of their going. So the boys led the procession, going two and two, with the girls tripping demurely86 behind, as was compatible with the masculine idea of the fitness of things. The procession marched along quietly enough. Only one digression occurred, when Neil Neil and Patsy Regan halted long enough to hold a muscular dispute as to who should lead the van, a contest in which both the Flag that Braved a Thousand Years and the Maple Leaf Forever were trampled87 in the dust of the highway. The matter was settled by their teacher setting the two belligerents88, with sundry89 cuffs90 and jerks, to march side by side, which they did in perfect peace until they reached the grove.
And then it occurred—the great disaster! Just how it was managed, or whether it was impromptu91 or with malice92 aforethought, the schoolmaster did not know. But just as they entered the leafy path and he was clearing his throat to give the keynote of "Upon the Heights of Queenston," without warning or disturbance93, the flags of their country were flung to the ground and the disloyal young Britons were scurrying94 off through the woods in twenty different directions, leaping over fallen logs, crashing through underbrush and whooping95 like a pack of wild Indians. The crucial moment had proved too much for schoolboy modesty96. Mr. Watson glared around to find himself left with only a handful of embarrassed and giggling97 girls. Just one boy remained, little Tommy Basketful, who was too small to run away and who held to his sister's hand. There was no use trying to have the procession now; the master dismissed the girls in a choking voice and went raging through the woods to find Mr. Egerton, his progress and his wrath accelerated by snatches of the interrupted song coming in high falsetto voice or deep bass98 growl99, from tree-top or hollow stump70.
"I'll wager100 my next year's salary it's that young Turk, Neil, who's at the bottom of it all!" he cried when he had finished the dismal101 recital102 and wiped the perspiration103 from his face. "By Jove, if it isn't a fix! There's Splinterin' Andra over by the platform; he'll never get over it! Yes sir, it's young Neil Neil's done it all, with Patsy Regan's help. They think they're safe because it's holidays, but I'll lay my rawhide104 on to them next term or my name's not George Watson!"
"Never mind," said the minister, with his usual kindly105 cheerfulness, "we shall have the programme at any rate."
"Programme! That's just what we won't have! Those young reprobates106 are gone for good. I know them! The girls can't do the drills alone and there won't be one piece fit to be given!"
The case was certainly more serious than the minister had at first thought. They had advertised their entertainment far and wide and the people were expecting something unique. If Neil Neil would not bring back his rebel band the whole affair would be a complete failure; he and Mr. Watson would be the laughing stock of the community and Splinterin' Andra would be grimly pleased. The young man's face darkened when he reflected that it was Donald Neil's brother who had wrought107 all this mischief108. Was that whole family in league against him? The two looked at each other in dismay.
"Those Neil boys are a bad lot!" Mr. Watson burst forth109 again. "They've been the plague of Glenoro school ever since Donald started—— By Jove!" He started up suddenly, his face aglow110, "I have it! Don can make young Neil do anything. We'll get him to order the young rascal111 back and to bring the others with him! Let's hunt him up!"
John Egerton drew back; he knew his relations with Donald Neil had not improved since Jessie had begun to help with the picnic programme and he did not at all relish112 the idea of asking his assistance in his dilemma113. But Mr. Watson was already tearing off impetuously and, as there seemed no other way out of the difficulty and he could not leave his friend to bear the burden alone, he reluctantly followed.
A rapid survey of the grove showed that Donald was not at the sports, nor at the swings. Mr. Egerton noted114 with satisfaction that he was not with Jessie. She had put aside her apron62 and was on one of the big swings with a youth from the Tenth, her muslin dress swaying in the breeze, her brown curls flying. But Mr. Watson would not suffer him to stop one moment to admire the picture.
"He'll be down at the water," he cried, plunging115 headlong into a little path which led to the river. "Come along, we've no time to lose—if I only had my rawhide on that young Turk's back!"
The path they were following dipped suddenly into a little hollow where it was completely concealed116 from the picnickers by thick clumps117 of cedar118 and, at a sudden turn in the most secluded119 part, Mr. Watson almost ran against the object of their search. He was hurrying up from the river; his face was flushed, his hair damp and curly; he had evidently just emerged from the water. He drew back suddenly to let the schoolmaster pass.
"Are you playing tag?" he asked.
But Mr. Watson was in no mood for joking. "You're just the chap we're looking for, Don! Mr. Egerton and I are in a beast of a pickle120. That young brother of yours has got to be looked after; he upset the procession from the school, and he's cleared off with all the other boys and we can't have any programme without them, and our whole entertainment's ruined!"
Donald glanced past him at the minister, standing121 in dignified silence, awaiting the issue, and for an instant a gleam of mischievous122 pleasure flashed in his eyes, a glance John Egerton did not fail to detect and at that moment he would have preferred to let the whole picnic be ruined rather than ask a favour of Donald Neil.
"What have I to do with it?" Donald was asking gravely.
"Oh, you know," returned the schoolmaster in a wheedling123 tone; "you can make Neil do anything. You order him to come back and bring the other chaps, and we'll be eternally grateful; that's a good fellow, Don."
Donald's eyes were beginning to twinkle again; he could not help enjoying his pastor's discomfort124. "Why don't you discipline him yourself?" he asked teasingly. "If he's amenable125 to neither religion nor education"—he glanced at the minister again—"I am afraid I can do nothing with him."
John Egerton's face flushed angrily. "I think you should feel yourself responsible for your brother's action, Mr. McDonald," he said coldly. "I must say he has been an unmitigated nuisance ever since we commenced to practise, and now he promises to spoil everything. If you have the slightest interest in the entertainment, you will see that he does his duty."
Donald looked steadily126 into his pastor's eyes. For an instant a wild desire to refuse help, to even command Neil to see that the programme was a failure, entered his heart. But it was only momentary127; Donald was incapable128 of being petty. But he could not resist the retort, "I couldn't think of assuming such honours in the presence of the clergyman and the schoolmaster, but I can at least produce the cause of this serious mishap129." He put his fingers to his lips and gave three sharp whistles, ending in a long musical note. A moment later a boy came bounding up the path from the river; he was barefooted, his coat was off and he was plainly preparing for a swim. He stopped suddenly a few paces away when he saw who was with his brother and hung his black curly head sheepishly.
"What d'ye want?" he called.
"Come here," said Donald quietly, and Neil obeyed; he knew that whatever judgment was to be meted130 out to him, Don would see that he got justice. "Mr. Egerton and Mr. Watson have something to say to you."
The culprit's bright eyes took on a look of alarm; he wriggled131 his small bare toes in the dead leaves.
Donald pushed him towards the minister half mockingly. "Here," he said with suspicious gravity, "you must judge this grave matter for yourself."
John Egerton's sensitive face flushed hotly. He felt himself to be in an extremely ludicrous position, Mr. Watson stood in the background ready to second anything he might say, but very glad to be able to take a subordinate position in the affair, and Donald leaned back against a tree and looked upon the little scene with an extravagant132 solemnity which was maddening.
At that moment the young clergyman would have enjoyed turning upon the insolent133 fellow standing there with his arms folded so evidently enjoying his discomfiture134 and thrashing him soundly, had he been able to find an excuse. Unhappily he had none, however, and his wrath all burst forth upon the boy.
"What did you mean by breaking up Mr. Watson's procession and leading all the boys away?" he demanded hotly.
Neil's inbred reverence135 for the cloth had suffered somewhat under Mr. Egerton's efforts to teach him to sing, so he answered promptly136, "I never! I jist cut off with the other fellows."
The minister's temper was fast slipping from his control. "Don't dare to tell me that!" he cried, snatching the boy's arm. "You know you planned this disgraceful affair!"
But the lad had darted137 a glance at his brother, and the keen instinct of childhood had perceived that Donald was not in league with his judges. So he looked up into the minister's face and said with incisive138 impudence139, "It's a lie!"
John Egerton might have restrained his rage even then, had he not again caught the gleam of laughter in Donald's eyes. The double insult was too much. He promptly caught the saucy140 boy a sounding box upon the ear which sent him sprawling141 upon the ground.
The next instant Donald was in front of him. "Try something nearer your own size, you coward!" he was saying, and barely giving his opponent time to prepare, he planted a blow right between the minister's eyes and sent him reeling back against a tree.
He was up and at Donald in an instant, and so sudden and terrible was his onslaught that the champion boxer142 of Glenoro had a distinct impression that he was meeting his match. Donald was just settling to the fierce joy of battle when the schoolmaster flung himself upon them.
"There's somebody coming! Stop, Donald! For heaven's sake stop, Mr. Egerton!" he implored143 frantically144.
The antagonists145 parted with a sudden awakening146 to their position. The minister was fighting with one of his church members! For an instant the two young men stood back and regarded each other with something like horror. Donald looked at the dark bruise147 on the other's lately handsome face, and, realising who it was he had struck, his generous heart smote148 him.
The approaching group turned off into another path, and as their voices died away a terrible silence fell upon the four. Donald was the first to break it. Duncan Polite's nephew could be courteous149 even in the midst of his anger.
"I beg your pardon, Mr. Egerton," he said with quiet dignity; "I should not have struck you; I forgot your position."
But John Egerton's rage was still shaking him. "I regret very much that my position makes it impossible for me to give you the thrashing you deserve. If I were not the minister of this place——" His voice choked with anger.
Donald's lips grew tight at this reception of his apology. "You are happy in your choice of profession, sir," he said quietly. "It is at least—safe."
The other stepped forward, his hands clenched150. "Do you intend to insult me again?" he demanded, his face white.
"I was merely going to add," said Donald with a smile, "that it's rather hard on the profession."
Mr. Watson caught his pastor round the waist in a determined151 grasp.
"Splinterin' Andra's coming down the path!" he whispered wildly. "He'll be here in two minutes! Don Neil, you ought to be ashamed of yourself! Mr. Egerton," he implored, "for goodness' sake come away!" He dragged the unwilling152 young man out of the pathway. "If this gets out you'll not be able to stay in Glenoro another day! Think of yourself! Think how it would look!"
Donald stood for a moment after they had left, torn between anger and shame. The small cause of all this commotion153 stood shifting from one foot to another and looking up at his big brother with frightened eyes. "I never made the other fellows cut off, Don," he whispered as they stepped quickly out of the way of the elder, "honor bright, I didn't."
"I know," said Donald dully. "It's all right; run off now. And look here, Neil, not a word about this to anyone, remember, and you and the other boys be at the platform when Mr. Watson wants you."
Neil promised and ran swiftly back to the river. Left alone, Donald glanced about anxiously and was much relieved to see no one near. Personally, he did not care if he had been seen, but he knew that Duncan Polite's happiness would be at an end if he knew his nephew had been fighting the minister. With a heavy heart he walked slowly back to where the boys were pitching quoits. He was equally enraged154 at himself for starting the fight and for not insisting upon finishing it, yes, even though all the congregation of Glenoro Presbyterian Church, elders included, had been watching. But above all, the sense of the disgrace he had brought upon himself and all that his uncle held dear weighed upon the boy's heart. Jessie was at leisure now, standing with a group of girls near the swing, but he could not go and ask her to swing with him after what he had done. He was tormented155 by the thought that she might blame him if she knew. So he turned and wandered off alone into the depths of the woods, farther down the river, full of anger and misery156.
The first tables were being filled when he returned. He found an excited group gathered around one of them.
"Mr. Egerton's sick!" cried Wee Andra, as Donald approached; "Watson took him home."
"I wonder if it was a sunstroke, poor young man!" exclaimed Mrs. McNabb, bustling157 about with motherly anxiety. "I'm going to run home and see, and if he isn't any better I'll not come back. Liza, you and Mrs. Johnstone'll have to 'tend to those sandwiches. Dear, dear, isn't it a dreadful pity!"
Mrs. Fraser was already on her way to the afflicted158 one, and in the bustle159 and consternation160 Donald was able to hide his perturbation. He was filled with compunction at the havoc161 he had unwittingly wrought, for he knew the minister's disfigured face prevented his appearance in public.
A gloom seemed to be thrown over the whole festivity. The minister's sudden affliction was the one subject of conversation at the tea-table. The usual mirth and jollity gave place to a quiet gravity which might have satisfied even Splinterin' Andra. The schoolmaster did not return, so the original programme was dropped altogether. Instead of the grand-march and chorus which was to open the exercises, they sang the twenty-third psalm, and Mr. Ansdell led in prayer, adding a fervent162 petition that the young pastor might speedily be restored to health. Then there were some speeches after all. Sim Basketful, who was always ready, and old Andrew Johnstone, as was his unfailing custom, gave long, earnest addresses, and they sang the Doxology and went home.
Mrs. Fraser returned just before the assembly broke up with the news that Mr. Egerton was not ill, but had had a nasty accident. Mr. Watson said that he had stumbled and fallen when they were running through the woods, and had cut his face upon a stone. Mrs. Fraser considered it a mercy that he was not killed. Poor young man! In the midst of life they were in death, and likely Providence163 had sent this as a warning to the young people who were careless about their future state.
Miss Cotton didn't know what in the world the minister wanted to go tearing through the bush like that for, anyhow. It wasn't very becoming, she thought, and it was likely if Providence meant any kind of a warning it was for himself.
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1
dominion
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| n.统治，管辖，支配权；领土，版图 | |
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maple
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| n.槭树，枫树，槭木 | |
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grove
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| n.林子，小树林，园林 | |
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superintendent
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| n.监督人，主管，总监；(英国)警务长 | |
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ERECTED
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| adj. 直立的，竖立的，笔直的 vt. 使 ... 直立，建立 | |
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evergreen
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| n.常青树；adj.四季常青的 | |
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boughs
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| 大树枝( bough的名词复数 ) | |
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bough
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| n.大树枝，主枝 | |
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orator
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| n.演说者，演讲者，雄辩家 | |
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orators
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| n.演说者，演讲家( orator的名词复数 ) | |
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dignified
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| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
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psalm
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| n.赞美诗，圣诗 | |
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paraphrase
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| vt.将…释义，改写；n.释义，意义 | |
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edifying
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| adj.有教训意味的，教训性的，有益的v.开导，启发( edify的现在分词 ) | |
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lighter
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| n.打火机，点火器；驳船；v.用驳船运送；light的比较级 | |
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judicious
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| adj.明智的，明断的，能作出明智决定的 | |
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culled
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| v.挑选，剔除( cull的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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itinerant
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annually
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disapproval
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| n.反对，不赞成 | |
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patriotic
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| adj.爱国的，有爱国心的 | |
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mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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blessings
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| n.（上帝的）祝福( blessing的名词复数 )；好事；福分；因祸得福 | |
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24
antediluvian
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| adj.史前的，陈旧的 | |
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25
demurring
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| v.表示异议，反对( demur的现在分词 ) | |
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26
helping
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| n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的 | |
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27
demonstration
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| n.表明，示范，论证，示威 | |
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28
zest
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| n.乐趣；滋味，风味；兴趣 | |
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29
undertaking
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| n.保证，许诺，事业 | |
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30
imp
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| n.顽童 | |
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31
disorder
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| n.紊乱，混乱；骚动，骚乱；疾病，失调 | |
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32
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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33
iniquity
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| n.邪恶；不公正 | |
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34
conspired
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| 密谋( conspire的过去式和过去分词 )； 搞阴谋； （事件等）巧合； 共同导致 | |
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35
instructors
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| 指导者，教师( instructor的名词复数 ) | |
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36
tempted
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| v.怂恿（某人）干不正当的事；冒…的险（tempt的过去分词） | |
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37
inciting
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| 刺激的，煽动的 | |
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38
grumbled
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| 抱怨( grumble的过去式和过去分词 )； 发牢骚； 咕哝； 发哼声 | |
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39
patriotism
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| n.爱国精神，爱国心，爱国主义 | |
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40
calves
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| n.(calf的复数)笨拙的男子，腓；腿肚子( calf的名词复数 )；牛犊；腓；小腿肚v.生小牛( calve的第三人称单数 )；（冰川）崩解；生（小牛等），产（犊）；使（冰川）崩解 | |
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41
undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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42
consultation
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| n.咨询；商量；商议；会议 | |
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43
pastor
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| n.牧师，牧人 | |
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44
impartial
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| adj.(in,to)公正的，无偏见的 | |
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45
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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46
culpable
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| adj.有罪的，该受谴责的 | |
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47
emulate
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| v.努力赶上或超越，与…竞争；效仿 | |
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48
ministry
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| n.(政府的)部；牧师 | |
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49
faction
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| n.宗派，小集团；派别；派系斗争 | |
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50
geographical
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| adj.地理的；地区(性)的 | |
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51
rivalry
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| n.竞争，竞赛，对抗 | |
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52
muster
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| v.集合，收集，鼓起，激起；n.集合，检阅，集合人员，点名册 | |
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53
ammunition
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|
| n.军火，弹药 | |
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54
rout
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| n.溃退，溃败；v.击溃，打垮 | |
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55
gallantly
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| adv. 漂亮地，勇敢地，献殷勤地 | |
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56
tarts
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| n.果馅饼( tart的名词复数 )；轻佻的女人；妓女；小妞 | |
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57
slander
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| n./v.诽谤，污蔑 | |
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58
bracing
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| adj.令人振奋的 | |
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59
racing
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| n.竞赛，赛马；adj.竞赛用的，赛马用的 | |
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60
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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61
copious
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|
| adj.丰富的，大量的 | |
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62
apron
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| n.围裙；工作裙 | |
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63
clatter
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| v./n.(使)发出连续而清脆的撞击声 | |
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64
athletic
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| adj.擅长运动的，强健的；活跃的，体格健壮的 | |
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65
lithe
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| adj.(指人、身体)柔软的，易弯的 | |
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66
mingling
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| adj.混合的 | |
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67
clattering
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| 发出咔哒声（clatter的现在分词形式） | |
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68
discordant
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|
| adj.不调和的 | |
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69
stumps
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|
| （被砍下的树的）树桩( stump的名词复数 )； 残肢； （板球三柱门的）柱； 残余部分 | |
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70
stump
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| n.残株，烟蒂，讲演台；v.砍断，蹒跚而走 | |
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71
drooping
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| adj. 下垂的，无力的 动词droop的现在分词 | |
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72
creeds
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| （尤指宗教）信条，教条( creed的名词复数 ) | |
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73
heresies
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| n.异端邪说，异教( heresy的名词复数 ) | |
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74
reins
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| 感情，激情； 缰( rein的名词复数 )； 控制手段； 掌管； （成人带着幼儿走路以防其走失时用的）保护带 | |
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75
soothed
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|
| v.安慰( soothe的过去式和过去分词 )；抚慰；使舒服；减轻痛苦 | |
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76
wrath
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| n.愤怒，愤慨，暴怒 | |
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77
genially
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|
| adv.亲切地，和蔼地；快活地 | |
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78
admiration
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|
| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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79
herald
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|
| vt.预示...的来临，预告，宣布，欢迎 | |
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80
betokened
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|
| v.预示，表示( betoken的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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81
artistic
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|
| adj.艺术(家)的，美术(家)的；善于艺术创作的 | |
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82
hysterical
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|
| adj.情绪异常激动的，歇斯底里般的 | |
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83
squeals
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| n.长而尖锐的叫声( squeal的名词复数 )v.长声尖叫，用长而尖锐的声音说( squeal的第三人称单数 ) | |
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84
giggles
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|
| n.咯咯的笑( giggle的名词复数 )；傻笑；玩笑；the giggles 止不住的格格笑v.咯咯地笑( giggle的第三人称单数 ) | |
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85
emblems
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|
| n.象征，标记( emblem的名词复数 ) | |
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86
demurely
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|
| adv.装成端庄地，认真地 | |
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87
trampled
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| 踩( trample的过去式和过去分词 )； 践踏； 无视； 侵犯 | |
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88
belligerents
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| n.交战的一方（指国家、集团或个人）( belligerent的名词复数 ) | |
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89
sundry
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| adj.各式各样的，种种的 | |
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90
cuffs
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|
| n.袖口( cuff的名词复数 )v.掌打，拳打( cuff的第三人称单数 ) | |
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91
impromptu
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|
| adj.即席的，即兴的；adv.即兴的(地)，无准备的(地) | |
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92
malice
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| n.恶意，怨恨，蓄意；[律]预谋 | |
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93
disturbance
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| n.动乱，骚动；打扰，干扰；(身心)失调 | |
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94
scurrying
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| v.急匆匆地走( scurry的现在分词 ) | |
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95
whooping
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| 发嗬嗬声的，发咳声的 | |
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96
modesty
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|
| n.谦逊，虚心，端庄，稳重，羞怯，朴素 | |
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97
giggling
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| v.咯咯地笑( giggle的现在分词 ) | |
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98
bass
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| n.男低音(歌手)；低音乐器；低音大提琴 | |
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99
growl
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|
| v.（狗等）嗥叫，（炮等）轰鸣；n.嗥叫，轰鸣 | |
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100
wager
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| n.赌注；vt.押注，打赌 | |
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101
dismal
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| adj.阴沉的，凄凉的，令人忧郁的，差劲的 | |
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102
recital
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| n.朗诵，独奏会，独唱会 | |
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103
perspiration
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| n.汗水；出汗 | |
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104
rawhide
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| n.生牛皮 | |
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105
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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106
reprobates
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| n.道德败坏的人，恶棍( reprobate的名词复数 ) | |
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107
wrought
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| v.引起；以…原料制作；运转；adj.制造的 | |
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108
mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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109
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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110
aglow
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| adj.发亮的；发红的；adv.发亮地 | |
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111
rascal
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| n.流氓；不诚实的人 | |
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112
relish
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| n.滋味，享受，爱好，调味品；vt.加调味料，享受，品味；vi.有滋味 | |
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113
dilemma
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| n.困境，进退两难的局面 | |
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114
noted
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| adj.著名的，知名的 | |
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115
plunging
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|
| adj.跳进的，突进的v.颠簸( plunge的现在分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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116
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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117
clumps
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| n.（树、灌木、植物等的）丛、簇( clump的名词复数 )；（土、泥等）团；块；笨重的脚步声v.（树、灌木、植物等的）丛、簇( clump的第三人称单数 )；（土、泥等）团；块；笨重的脚步声 | |
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118
cedar
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| n.雪松，香柏(木) | |
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119
secluded
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| adj.与世隔绝的；隐退的；偏僻的v.使隔开，使隐退( seclude的过去式和过去分词) | |
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120
pickle
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| n.腌汁，泡菜；v.腌，泡 | |
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121
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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122
mischievous
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| adj.调皮的，恶作剧的，有害的，伤人的 | |
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123
wheedling
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| v.骗取（某物），哄骗（某人干某事）( wheedle的现在分词 ) | |
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124
discomfort
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| n.不舒服，不安，难过，困难，不方便 | |
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125
amenable
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| adj.经得起检验的；顺从的；对负有义务的 | |
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126
steadily
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| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
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127
momentary
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| adj.片刻的，瞬息的；短暂的 | |
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128
incapable
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| adj.无能力的，不能做某事的 | |
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129
mishap
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| n.不幸的事，不幸；灾祸 | |
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130
meted
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| v.（对某人）施以，给予（处罚等）( mete的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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131
wriggled
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| v.扭动，蠕动，蜿蜒行进( wriggle的过去式和过去分词 )；（使身体某一部位）扭动；耍滑不做，逃避（应做的事等） | |
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132
extravagant
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| adj.奢侈的；过分的；(言行等)放肆的 | |
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133
insolent
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| adj.傲慢的，无理的 | |
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134
discomfiture
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| n.崩溃；大败；挫败；困惑 | |
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135
reverence
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| n.敬畏，尊敬，尊严；Reverence:对某些基督教神职人员的尊称；v.尊敬，敬畏，崇敬 | |
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136
promptly
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| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
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137
darted
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| v.投掷，投射( dart的过去式和过去分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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138
incisive
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| adj.敏锐的，机敏的，锋利的，切入的 | |
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139
impudence
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| n.厚颜无耻；冒失；无礼 | |
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140
saucy
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| adj.无礼的；俊俏的；活泼的 | |
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141
sprawling
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|
| adj.蔓生的，不规则地伸展的v.伸开四肢坐[躺]( sprawl的现在分词 )；蔓延；杂乱无序地拓展；四肢伸展坐着（或躺着） | |
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142
boxer
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| n.制箱者，拳击手 | |
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143
implored
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| 恳求或乞求（某人）( implore的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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144
frantically
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| ad.发狂地, 发疯地 | |
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145
antagonists
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| 对立[对抗] 者，对手，敌手( antagonist的名词复数 )； 对抗肌； 对抗药 | |
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146
awakening
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| n.觉醒，醒悟 adj.觉醒中的；唤醒的 | |
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147
bruise
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| n.青肿，挫伤；伤痕；vt.打青；挫伤 | |
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148
smote
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| v.猛打，重击，打击( smite的过去式 ) | |
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149
courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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150
clenched
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| v.紧握，抓紧，咬紧( clench的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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151
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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152
unwilling
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| adj.不情愿的 | |
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153
commotion
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| n.骚动，动乱 | |
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154
enraged
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| 使暴怒( enrage的过去式和过去分词 )； 歜； 激愤 | |
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155
tormented
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| 饱受折磨的 | |
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156
misery
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| n.痛苦，苦恼，苦难；悲惨的境遇，贫苦 | |
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157
bustling
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| adj.喧闹的 | |
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158
afflicted
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| 使受痛苦，折磨( afflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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159
bustle
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| v.喧扰地忙乱，匆忙，奔忙；n.忙碌；喧闹 | |
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160
consternation
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| n.大为吃惊，惊骇 | |
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161
havoc
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| n.大破坏，浩劫，大混乱，大杂乱 | |
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162
fervent
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| adj.热的，热烈的，热情的 | |
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163
providence
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| n.深谋远虑，天道，天意；远见；节约；上帝 | |
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