The Pirate of the Bounding Deep did not seem to appreciate the humor of the situation.
"What do you mean by running in front of us?"
"Why didn't you stop?"
"How long is it since you owned this river?" demanded Dick Travers.
"Children should be seen and not heard," returned Nat, witheringly.
"Then stop talking, and keep your boat out of other people's way."
"See here, Dick Travers, I won't stand any impudence," stormed Nat. "You fellows don't know how to run a boat. Just look at that yard of paint your old tub scraped off!"
"Such a careless lot shouldn't be trusted alone on the mighty1 deep," chuckled2 thin John Hackett, or "Hatchet," as he was sometimes called by the boys.
"I think you will admit, Nat, that you took a big risk in running right in front of us," expostulated Bob.
"Admit nothing," snapped Nat. "Next time, you'd better be more careful, or an awful lot of trouble will suddenly spring up. If this river isn't wide enough, you'd better put out a danger flag for the benefit of the canal-boats."
The Pirates of the Bounding Deep began to laugh again. Their boat suddenly started off, described a circle around the stern of the "Rambler" and then proceeded at full speed in the direction from whence it had come.
"Perhaps it will teach them a lesson," said Dave Brandon. "I wonder if they are going to trail us continually."
"It looks very much that way," admitted Bob. "But we must try to avoid them as much as possible."
The incident had taken place upon a very beautiful reach of the river. The sun was glancing over the tops of an extensive pine forest, through the cool and pleasant depths of which shone arrow-like streaks3 of light, touching4, here and there, the tall, straight trunks and thick masses of underbrush.
"A regular sylvan5 retreat," vouchsafed6 Dave, the nature-lover. "Look at those inviting7 shadows, and that rock, peeping between the tree trunks and glistening8 like silver. It only needs a little singing brook9 to make it an ideal haunt for painter or poet."
He took out his well-thumbed copy of Bryant, and read:
"Beneath the forest's skirt I rest,
Whose branching pines rise dark and high,
And hear the breezes of the West
"I'm hungry as a bear," interrupted the more practical Dick Travers.
Dave closed the book. "Always the material pleasures," he said, with comical severity. "But since the Pirates favor us by their absence, it might be a good plan to lunch."
Accordingly, the prow11 of the "Rambler" was turned shoreward, and the boat was soon snugly12 ensconced by the side of a little bank, and in the midst of a profusion13 of aquatic14 leaves and tall grasses.
Dick Travers and Sam Randall, guns in hand, scrambled15 on shore, while Tom lighted the stove and began his culinary duties.
The tin dishes were soon in place on an improvised16 table of boards, and nothing remained but to await the pleasure of the cook.
It was remarked that Tom did not set about his self-imposed task with any degree of assurance. In a short time, a couple of pots were steaming merrily away, and a rather strange odor began to pervade17 the air.
"Lunch will soon be ready, boys," volunteered Tom. "I only hope Sam and Dick will get back in time to enjoy the feast. Hark!"
The sound of a shot reverberated18 with startling clearness—then another.
"That means disaster to some poor, inoffensive animal," declared Dave, and this proved to be true. When the young hunters returned, each was laden19 with a good-sized rabbit.
Tom dished out a liberal portion of something that had a general resemblance to stew20, and then poured the coffee.
"Hope you'll enjoy it, boys," he said. "It's the first time I ever cooked."
A strange silence suddenly fell over the assemblage as they began to eat.
"It seems just a little—err—I might say burnt," suggested Bob.
"And has perhaps too much salt, just a trifle," murmured Sam.
"Is the coffee solid?" inquired Dick, innocently, as he looked at a cup of astonishing blackness.
"Not more so than mud," replied Tom, who was considerably21 surprised at his own attempt; "it might be improved by a little hot water."
Every one seemed to have lost his appetite. Dave Brandon presently arose, holding his plate. He was seen to make an awkward lurch22. The tin did not escape from his fingers, but its contents described a curve through the air and splashed heavily into the water to become food for the fishes.
"My goodness, how awkward," he sighed, with a solemn expression.
The others envied his skill, but did not try to follow his example. Dick, Bob and Sam, martyrs23 to the cause, munched24 slowly and sadly away, trying to figure out how long it would be before the taste of the food would compel them to stop.
Tom sat down last, and had hardly started when an exclamation26 escaped his lips: "Frightful27!" he sputtered28. "I didn't suppose that anything in the shape of cooking could be so bad. I'd like to know what could have happened to it, anyway."
"You forgot to put in water, perhaps," laughed Bob.
"And in order to make up for it, used a whole bag of salt, eh?" suggested Dave, slyly.
"And tried to dispose of all our coffee at one shot. There surely can't be much left, after this."
"Never mind," returned Tom, good-naturedly; "perhaps the fish are hungry, and there's enough water in the river to dissolve out the salt. I move that we act in a liberal manner toward them, and begin all over again."
Without a word, his companions arose. Numerous splashes resounded29, tin plates were washed, and a considerable amount of burnt substance scraped from the inside of the pots.
When every vestige30 of Tom's first attempt at cooking had been disposed of, a rabbit stew was decided31 on, and the Ramblers brightened up.
By general consent, the former "chef" was excused from further duty.
Bob skinned and dressed one of the rabbits, and it was soon stewing32 over the fire. Leaving Dave Brandon to keep an eye on it, the boys marched ashore33, each, of course, armed with his gun.
The pine woods proved to be a most alluring34 spot. The Ramblers breathed the fresh scent35 of the trees with pure delight. They caught a glimpse of a few chattering36 squirrels, and stirred up a covey of partridges, but none of their shots took effect. The thought of the rabbit stew caused them to turn back in a very short time.
On catching37 a glimpse of the "Rambler," they gave a merry shout, but no answering hail greeted their ears.
"That's funny," commented Bob. "I didn't think Dave would leave the boat."
"He is probably asleep," said Travers, without hesitation38.
Of course this proved to be the case. The poet laureate was stretched out upon the locker39, wholly oblivious40 of his surroundings, while the stew bubbled and sizzled, sending a most savory41 odor through the air.
"Wake up!" cried Bob Somers, in a heavy voice.
The stout42 boy, with a confused idea that he was back in school, slowly arose, rubbed his eyes, and blinked drowsily43.
"Goodness, it was awful," he mumbled44, with a comical grimace45. "It seemed so natural—I could even see Professor Hopkins."
"Hurrah46! Taste this," broke in Sam Randall. "Here is something fit for a king. Quick, boys, get out the bread and other stuff, while I season this stew."
In a few minutes, five hungry boys were eating ravenously47, and soon not a morsel48 of food remained. The ex-cook was kindly49 allowed to assist in the clearing-up process, then the sharp prow of the "Rambler" began pushing its way out into the stream. Not a sign of the Trailers, as they dubbed50 the Nimrods, could be seen, and their feelings were like those expressed by the poet when he said, "Hope springs eternal in the human breast."
"Perhaps they won't bother us any more," observed Tom Clifton; "that little collision this morning seems to have had a salutary effect."
"Better wait until we get around the next bend," laughed Dave.
The "Rambler," with all power turned on, churned the water into foam51, and the young travelers were treated to a succession of enchanting52 views, hills, dales and patches of woods. The sun's rays, tempered by a gentle breeze, were most pleasant, and, altogether, the boys were in high spirits.
Several hours passed, and it became a question as to where they were to camp for the night.
Finally Bob held up his hand. "Stop her," he said. "Here's a sort of a clearing looks good to me." The bow was turned in shore, and the boys decided to land. They found some difficulty in tying up the boat for the night. Care was also necessary in order that the propeller53 should not become entangled54 with the reeds and thick growth which extended along the shore. But at length the "Rambler" was drawn55 up in safety, whereupon the boys, delighted at the prospect56 of spending the night under the great canopy57 of stars, leaped ashore.
Bob Somers, besides some experience in camping out, had learned many points from "Old Bill" Agnew, a former lumberman who lived at Kingswood. He was therefore not altogether a novice58.
The first thing they did was to carry every needful article ashore. In camp life system is of the greatest value.
Although they had no intention of remaining more than one night, each boy was allotted59 a special task, in order to avoid confusion.
The site chosen was on a slight elevation60, and in the open, as mosquitoes and other insects were less likely to trouble them.
"Dick, you get some fire-wood," directed Bob. "Chubby61 and I will cook. Don't be scared, fellows," he added, with a laugh.
"What shall Sam and I do?" asked Tom Clifton.
They trooped off to the woods, and the sound of chopping began. Dick Travers, with his arms full of sticks, was the first to rejoin them.
"Get all the stuff out, Chubby."
"Yes! Dump your wood down here. Better get some small twigs63. Funny thing we didn't forget to bring matches. That's right, Dick. Nothing like having a lot of fuel."
A brisk fire was soon burning.
"Now we'll fix things up in great shape."
Bob trimmed three sticks.
"I'll drive one on each side of the fire, nail another across the top, then hang the kettles with a piece of wire. Want anything better than that, fellows? Fall to—peel some potatoes and onions. What's that, Dick? Yes, go ahead and help Sam and Tom."
Bob Somers placed two logs upon a mass of hot, glowing embers, sufficiently64 far apart to hold a frying-pan. Then some pieces of bacon began to sizzle.
In due course, the delicious odor of rabbit stew filled the air, and, as dusk began creeping on, the club gathered around the camp-fire.
Each helped himself to a plate of hot, savory stew and a cup of steaming coffee.
"This is all right," chuckled Dick.
"Never tasted anything better," said Bob, with his mouth full.
"Huh! You'd better not talk. You're eating with your fingers yourself. This isn't the place to put on any style, is it, Dick?"
"Of course not. Another plate for mine."
"Me, too," chimed in Dave.
"Same here."
Another onslaught on the kettle, and its contents were emptied.
"I feel better," said Dave. "Oh ho, what comes next?"
"Home-made preserves," replied Bob; "open that box, Dick, and take out what you want."
Silence ensued for a few minutes. The Ramblers were busy.
At last, with a sigh of satisfaction, Dave pushed his plate away.
"No, you're not going to turn in just yet," laughed Bob.
"What! Anything else on the programme?"
"Yes, the tin-pan brigade. Grab your plates and stuff. We clean up right after every meal."
"Isn't he the bossy68 thing?" drawled Dave. "Pitch in, fellows, I've got an inspiration for a poem, and—"
"Going to join in the housekeeping?"
"Yes, yes," laughed Dave. "Let up, Sam Randall and Dick Travers, or I'll souse you both in the river."
Cleaning up was finished in short order.
The boys decided to turn in early, for they knew that they had a long day before them.
Beds required some time to make, on account of the inexperience of the young woodsmen. A log was placed at the head of each and over this fragrant71 twigs of hemlock72 and other firs. The stems were kept as much to the bottom of the layer as possible, the boys continuing their work until the beds were thick enough to insure comfort. The finishing touches consisted in spreading rubber blankets, which being finally accomplished73, the Ramblers were supplied with beds that one and all declared to be the best they had ever used.
When night enveloped74 the scene and the cheery light of the fire had died away, the fringe of woods looked very black and mysterious. An old oak, with gaunt, spreading arms, assumed in the dim light a weird75 and fantastic appearance, while stumps76 and bushes, which, before, they had scarcely noticed, seemed like so many motionless figures of threatening mien77. Nor were the nocturnal noises reassuring78. The dismal79 hoot80 of an owl25 came from the woods, the strange cry of a loon81 sounded faintly from afar, twigs snapped sharply, and faint rustlings, almost like footsteps, now coming, now going, mingled82 with the musical soughing of the trees, as they bent83 their branches to the will of the capricious breeze.
It must be confessed that decidedly creepy feelings stole over the Ramblers, which were not lessened84 when the rising moon appeared over the tops of the trees. It had never looked quite so grim to them before, nor did the pale, ghostly beams straggling over the ground impress them in just the same way as those they had seen in town.
At early dawn, they were astir, and after breakfast, which was prepared on the oil-stove, hastily embarked87.
Upon reaching a bend in the river, they looked for signs of the Trailers.
"Don't even hear a sound of their boat," remarked Bob.
"They may be miles ahead by this time," suggested Sam.
"I only hope so," said Dick. "The experience of yesterday proves that a few more meetings might lead to considerable trouble."
The river narrowed a bit at this point and the banks presented a more wild and rugged88 appearance the further they went. A bold, rocky cliff jutted89 out straight ahead; the current, accelerated by its more restricted confines, eddied90 and swirled91 around its base.
The "Rambler," at half speed, had almost reached the edge of the promontory92 when they heard a familiar sound.
"The Nimrods!" exclaimed Bob.
His words were hardly spoken before they realized that the rival motor boat had been ensconced behind the bluff93. At that instant, it shot diagonally toward the middle of the river, a roar from the engine indicating that every particle of power had been turned on.
"Here they are!" shouted Nat, with the utmost abandon. "Look sharp ahead there, in the tub! We're going to see how close we can come without hitting you!"
The astonished Ramblers saw a sharp bow rushing toward them. Then there was a terrific impact which seemed to fairly lift their boat from the water, while its occupants were sent sprawling94 in all directions.
点击收听单词发音
1 mighty | |
adj.强有力的;巨大的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
2 chuckled | |
轻声地笑( chuckle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
3 streaks | |
n.(与周围有所不同的)条纹( streak的名词复数 );(通常指不好的)特征(倾向);(不断经历成功或失败的)一段时期v.快速移动( streak的第三人称单数 );使布满条纹 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
4 touching | |
adj.动人的,使人感伤的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
5 sylvan | |
adj.森林的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
6 vouchsafed | |
v.给予,赐予( vouchsafe的过去式和过去分词 );允诺 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
7 inviting | |
adj.诱人的,引人注目的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
8 glistening | |
adj.闪耀的,反光的v.湿物闪耀,闪亮( glisten的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
9 brook | |
n.小河,溪;v.忍受,容让 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
10 foliage | |
n.叶子,树叶,簇叶 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
11 prow | |
n.(飞机)机头,船头 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
12 snugly | |
adv.紧贴地;贴身地;暖和舒适地;安适地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
13 profusion | |
n.挥霍;丰富 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
14 aquatic | |
adj.水生的,水栖的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
15 scrambled | |
v.快速爬行( scramble的过去式和过去分词 );攀登;争夺;(军事飞机)紧急起飞 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
16 improvised | |
a.即席而作的,即兴的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
17 pervade | |
v.弥漫,遍及,充满,渗透,漫延 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
18 reverberated | |
回响,回荡( reverberate的过去式和过去分词 ); 使反响,使回荡,使反射 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
19 laden | |
adj.装满了的;充满了的;负了重担的;苦恼的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
20 stew | |
n.炖汤,焖,烦恼;v.炖汤,焖,忧虑 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
21 considerably | |
adv.极大地;相当大地;在很大程度上 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
22 lurch | |
n.突然向前或旁边倒;v.蹒跚而行 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
23 martyrs | |
n.martyr的复数形式;烈士( martyr的名词复数 );殉道者;殉教者;乞怜者(向人诉苦以博取同情) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
24 munched | |
v.用力咀嚼(某物),大嚼( munch的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
25 owl | |
n.猫头鹰,枭 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
26 exclamation | |
n.感叹号,惊呼,惊叹词 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
27 frightful | |
adj.可怕的;讨厌的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
28 sputtered | |
v.唾沫飞溅( sputter的过去式和过去分词 );发劈啪声;喷出;飞溅出 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
29 resounded | |
v.(指声音等)回荡于某处( resound的过去式和过去分词 );产生回响;(指某处)回荡着声音 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
30 vestige | |
n.痕迹,遗迹,残余 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
31 decided | |
adj.决定了的,坚决的;明显的,明确的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
32 stewing | |
炖 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
33 ashore | |
adv.在(向)岸上,上岸 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
34 alluring | |
adj.吸引人的,迷人的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
35 scent | |
n.气味,香味,香水,线索,嗅觉;v.嗅,发觉 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
36 chattering | |
n. (机器振动发出的)咔嗒声,(鸟等)鸣,啁啾 adj. 喋喋不休的,啾啾声的 动词chatter的现在分词形式 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
37 catching | |
adj.易传染的,有魅力的,迷人的,接住 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
38 hesitation | |
n.犹豫,踌躇 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
39 locker | |
n.更衣箱,储物柜,冷藏室,上锁的人 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
40 oblivious | |
adj.易忘的,遗忘的,忘却的,健忘的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
41 savory | |
adj.风味极佳的,可口的,味香的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
43 drowsily | |
adv.睡地,懒洋洋地,昏昏欲睡地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
44 mumbled | |
含糊地说某事,叽咕,咕哝( mumble的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
45 grimace | |
v.做鬼脸,面部歪扭 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
46 hurrah | |
int.好哇,万岁,乌拉 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
47 ravenously | |
adv.大嚼地,饥饿地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
48 morsel | |
n.一口,一点点 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
49 kindly | |
adj.和蔼的,温和的,爽快的;adv.温和地,亲切地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
50 dubbed | |
v.给…起绰号( dub的过去式和过去分词 );把…称为;配音;复制 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
51 foam | |
v./n.泡沫,起泡沫 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
52 enchanting | |
a.讨人喜欢的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
53 propeller | |
n.螺旋桨,推进器 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
54 entangled | |
adj.卷入的;陷入的;被缠住的;缠在一起的v.使某人(某物/自己)缠绕,纠缠于(某物中),使某人(自己)陷入(困难或复杂的环境中)( entangle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
55 drawn | |
v.拖,拉,拔出;adj.憔悴的,紧张的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
56 prospect | |
n.前景,前途;景色,视野 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
57 canopy | |
n.天篷,遮篷 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
58 novice | |
adj.新手的,生手的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
59 allotted | |
分配,拨给,摊派( allot的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
60 elevation | |
n.高度;海拔;高地;上升;提高 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
61 chubby | |
adj.丰满的,圆胖的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
62 boughs | |
大树枝( bough的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
63 twigs | |
细枝,嫩枝( twig的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
64 sufficiently | |
adv.足够地,充分地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
65 primitive | |
adj.原始的;简单的;n.原(始)人,原始事物 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
66 savage | |
adj.野蛮的;凶恶的,残暴的;n.未开化的人 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
67 doze | |
v.打瞌睡;n.打盹,假寐 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
68 bossy | |
adj.爱发号施令的,作威作福的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
69 hustled | |
催促(hustle的过去式与过去分词形式) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
70 standing | |
n.持续,地位;adj.永久的,不动的,直立的,不流动的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
71 fragrant | |
adj.芬香的,馥郁的,愉快的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
72 hemlock | |
n.毒胡萝卜,铁杉 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
73 accomplished | |
adj.有才艺的;有造诣的;达到了的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
74 enveloped | |
v.包围,笼罩,包住( envelop的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
75 weird | |
adj.古怪的,离奇的;怪诞的,神秘而可怕的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
76 stumps | |
(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 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
77 mien | |
n.风采;态度 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
78 reassuring | |
a.使人消除恐惧和疑虑的,使人放心的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
79 dismal | |
adj.阴沉的,凄凉的,令人忧郁的,差劲的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
80 hoot | |
n.鸟叫声,汽车的喇叭声; v.使汽车鸣喇叭 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
81 loon | |
n.狂人 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
82 mingled | |
混合,混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 ); 混进,与…交往[联系] | |
参考例句: |
|
|
83 bent | |
n.爱好,癖好;adj.弯的;决心的,一心的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
84 lessened | |
减少的,减弱的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
85 refreshing | |
adj.使精神振作的,使人清爽的,使人喜欢的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
86 slumber | |
n.睡眠,沉睡状态 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
87 embarked | |
乘船( embark的过去式和过去分词 ); 装载; 从事 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
88 rugged | |
adj.高低不平的,粗糙的,粗壮的,强健的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
89 jutted | |
v.(使)突出( jut的过去式和过去分词 );伸出;(从…)突出;高出 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
90 eddied | |
起漩涡,旋转( eddy的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
91 swirled | |
v.旋转,打旋( swirl的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
92 promontory | |
n.海角;岬 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
93 bluff | |
v.虚张声势,用假象骗人;n.虚张声势,欺骗 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
94 sprawling | |
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) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
欢迎访问英文小说网 |