The Assiniboine enters the Red at something like a right angle and in this angle was the Nor'-Westers' fort, named after an old-world stronghold, because we imagined our position gave us the same command of the two waterways by which the voyageurs entered and left the north country as Gibraltar has of the Mediterranean3. Governor McDonell had thought to outwit us by building the Hudson's Bay fort a mile further down the current of the Red. It was a sharp trick, for Fort Douglas could intercept4 Nor'-West brigades bound from Montreal to Fort Gibraltar, or from Fort Gibraltar to the Athabasca. Two days after our arrival, Cuthbert Grant, with a band of Bois-Brulés, had gone to Fort Douglas to arrest Captain Miles McDonell for plundering5 Nor'-West posts. The doughty6 governor took[Pg 145] Grant's warrant as a joke and scornfully turned the whole North-West party out of Fort Douglas. On the stockades7 outside were proclamations commanding settlers to take up arms in defense8 of the Hudson's Bay traders and forbidding natives to sell furs to any but our rivals. These things added fuel to the hot anger of the chafing9 Bois-Brulés. A curious race were these mongrel plain-rangers10, with all the savage11 instincts of the wild beast and few of the brutal12 impulses of the beastly man. The descendants of French fathers and Indian mothers, they inherited all the quick, fiery13 daring of the Frenchman, all the endurance, craft and courage of the Indian, and all the indolence of both white man and red. One might cut his enemy's throat and wash his hands in the life blood, or spend years in accomplishing revenge; but it is a question if there is a single instance on record of a Bois-Brulé molesting14 an enemy's family. When the Frenchman married a native woman, he cast off civilization like an ill-fitting coat and virtually became an Indian. When the Scotch15 settler married a native woman, he educated her up to his own level and if she did not become entirely16 civilized17, her children did. One was the wild man, the Ishmaelite of the desert, the other, the tiller of the soil, the Israelite of the plain. Such were the tameless men, of whom Cuthbert Grant was the leader, the leader solely18 from his fitness to lead.
It was late in the afternoon when the warden19 returned from Fort Douglas. I was busy over my[Pg 146] desk. Father Holland was still with us awaiting the departure of traders to the south, and Duncan Cameron was stamping about the room like a caged lion. There came a quick, angry tramp from the hall.
"That's Grant back, and there's no one with him," muttered Cameron with suppressed anger; and in burst the warden himself, his heavy brows dark with fury and his eyes flashing like the fire at a pistol point. Involuntarily I stopped work and the priest glanced across at me with a look which bespoke20 expectation of an explosion. Grant did not storm. That was not his way. He took several turns about the room, mastered himself, and speaking through his teeth said quietly, "There be some fools that enjoy playing with gunpowder22. I'm not one of them! There be some idiots that like teasing tigers. 'Tis not sport to my fancy! There be some pot-valiant braggarts that defy the law. Let them enjoy the breaking of the law!"
"What—what—what?" sputtered23 the Highland24 governor, springing first on one side of Grant and then on the other, all the while rumbling25 out maledictions on Lord Selkirk, and Governor McDonell and Fort Douglas. "What do ye say, mon? Do I understand ye clearly, there's no prisoners with ye?"
"Laughs at the Bois-Brulés. The fool laughs at the Bois-Brulés! I've seen gophers cock their eye at a wolf, before that same wolf made a breakfast of gophers! The fool laughs at your warrant,[Pg 147] Sir! Scouted26 it, Sir! Bundled us out of Fort Douglas like cattle!" The warden went on in a bitter strain to tell of the effect of the posted proclamations on his followers27.
"So the lordly Captain Miles McDonell of the Queen's Rangers, generalissimo of all creation, defies us, does he?" demanded Cameron in great dudgeon, scarcely crediting his ears.
"Aye!" answered Grant, "but he can ill afford to be so high and mighty28. We went through the settlement and half the people are with us——"
"They're heartily30 sick of the country," continued the warden, "and would leave to-morrow if we'd supply the boats. Last winter they nearly starved. The company's generous supply was rancid grease and wormy flour."
"Fine way o' colonizing31 a country," stormed Cameron, "bring men out as settlers and arm them to fight! We'll spike32 his guns by shipping33 a score more away."
"We've spiked34 his guns in a better way," said Grant dryly. "Some of the friendlies are so afraid he'll take their guns away and leave them defenceless unless they fight us, they've sent their arms here for safekeeping. We'll keep them safe, I'll warrant." Grant smiled, showing his white teeth in a way that was not pleasant to see, and somehow reminded me of a dog's snarl35.
"Good! Good! Excellent, Grant." Such strategy pleased Cameron. "See here, mon,[Pg 148] Cuthbert, we've the law on our side—we've the warrants to back the law! We'd better give yon dour36 fool a lesson. He's broken the peace. We haven't. Come out, an' I'll talk it over with ye!"
The two went out, Grant saying as they passed the window—"Let him tamper37 with the fur trade among the Indians and I'll not answer for it! That last order not to sell——" The rest of the remark I lost.
"'Twould serve him well right if they did," returned Cameron, and both men walked beyond hearing.
Father Holland and I were left alone. The fort became ominously38 still. There was a distant clatter39 of receding40 hoofs41; but we were on the south side of the warehouse42 and could not see which way the horses were galloping43.
"I'm afraid—I'm afraid both sides will be rash," observed the priest.
The sun-dial indicated six o'clock. I closed and locked the office desks. We had supper in the deserted44 dining-hall. Afterwards we strolled to the northeast gate, and looking in the direction of Fort Douglas, wondered what scheme could be afoot. Here my testimony45 need not be taken for, or against, either side. All I saw was Duncan Cameron with the other white men of the fort standing46 on a knoll47 some distance from Fort Gibraltar, evidently gazing towards Fort Douglas. Against the sky, above the settlement, there were clouds of rising smoke.[Pg 149]
"Burning hay-ricks?" I questioned.
"Aye, and houses! 'Tis shameless work leaving the people exposed to the blasts of next winter! Shameless, shameless work! Y'r company'll gain nothing by it, Rufus!"
Across the night came faint, short snappings like a fusillade of shots.
"Looting the neutrals," said the priest. "God grant there be no blood on the plains this night! These fool traders don't realize what it means to rouse blood in an Indian! They'll get a lesson yet! Give the red devils a taste of blood and there won't be a white unscalped to the Rockies! I've seen y'r fine, clever rascals48 play the Indian against rivals, and the game always ends the same way. The Indian is a weapon that's quick to cut the hand of the user."
Little did I realize my part in the terrible fulfilment of that prophecy.
"Look alive, lad! Where are y'r wits? What's that?" he cried, suddenly pointing to the river bank.
Up from the cliff sprang a form as if by magic. It came leaping straight to the fort gate.
I saw it was a woman with a shawl over her head like a native.
"Bon soir!" said I after the manner of traders with Indian women; but she rushed blindly on to the gate.
The fort was deserted. Suspicion of treachery[Pg 150] flashed on me. How many more half-breeds were beneath that cliff?
"Stop, huzzie!" I ordered, springing forward and catching50 her so tightly by the wrist that she swung half-way round before she could check herself. She wrenched51 vigorously to get free. "Stop! Be still, you huzzie!"
"Be still—you what?" asked a low, amazed voice that broke in ripples52 and froze my blood. A shawl fluttered to the ground, and there stood before us the apparition53 of a marble face.
"The little—what?" asked the rippling55 voice, that sounded like cold water flowing under ice, and a pair of eyes looked angrily down at the hand with which I was still unconsciously gripping her arm.
"I'd thank you, Sir," she began, with a mock courtesy to the priest, "I'd thank you, Sir, to call off your mastiff."
"Let her go, boy!" roared the priest with a hammering blow across my forearm that brought me to my senses and convinced me she was no wraith56.
Mastiff! That epithet57 stung to the quick. I flung her wrist from me as if it had been hot coals. Now, a woman may tread upon a man—also stamp upon him if she has a mind to—but she must trip it daintily. Otherwise even a worm may turn against its tormentor58. To have idolized that marble creature by day and night, to have[Pg 151] laid our votive offerings on its shrine59, to have hungered for the sound of a woman's lips for weeks, and to hear those lips cuttingly call me a dog—were more than I could stand.
"Ten thousand pardons, Mistress Sutherland!" I said with a pompous60 stiffness which I intended should be mighty crushing. "But when ladies deck themselves out as squaws and climb in and out of windows,"—that was brutal of me; she had done it for Miriam and me—"and announce themselves in unexpected ways, they need not hope to be recognized."
"You waste time with your long speeches," she said, turning from me to Father Holland.
Thereupon I strode off angrily to the river bank.
"Oh, Father Holland," I heard her say as I walked away, "I must go to Pembina! I'm in such trouble! There's a Frenchman——"
Trouble, thought I; she is in trouble and I have been thinking only of my own dignity. And I stood above the river, torn between desire to rush back and wounded pride, that bade me stick it out. Over the plains came the shout of returning plunderers. I could hear the throb62, throb of galloping hoofs beating nearer and nearer over the turf, and reflected that I might make the danger from returning Bois-Brulés the occasion of a reconciliation63.
"Come here, lad!" called Father Holland. I needed no urging. "Ye must rig up in tam-o'-shanter[Pg 152] and tartan, like a Highland settler, and take Mistress Sutherland back to Fort Douglas. She's going to Pembina to meet her father, lad, when I go south to the Missouri. And, lad," the priest hesitated, glancing doubtfully from Miss Sutherland to me, "I'm thinking there's a service ye might do her."
The Little Statue was looking straight at me now, and there were tear-marks about the heavy lashes64. Now, I do not pretend to explain the power, or witchery, a gentle slip of a girl can wield65 with a pair of gray eyes; but when I met the furtive66 glance and saw the white, veined forehead, the arched brows, the tremulous lips, the rounded chin, and the whole face glorified67 by that wonderful mass of hair, I only know, without weapon or design, she dealt me a wound which I bear to this day. What a ruffian I had been! I was ashamed, and my eyes fell before hers. If a libation of blushes could appease68 an offended goddess, I was livid evidence of repentance69. I felt myself flooded in a sudden heat of shame. She must have read my confusion, for she turned away her head to hide mantling70 forgiveness.
"There's a crafty71 Frenchman in the fort has been troubling the lassie. I'm thinking, if ye worked off some o' your anger on him, it moight be for the young man's edification. Be quick! I hear the breeds returning!"
"But I have a message," she said in choking tones.
"From whom?" I asked aimlessly enough.[Pg 153]
"Eric Hamilton!" she answered.
"Eric Hamilton!" both the priest and I shouted.
"Yes—why? What—what—is it? He's wounded, and he wants a Rufus Gillespie, who's with the Nor'-Westers. The Bois-Brulés fired on the fort. Where is Rufus Gillespie?"
"Bless you, lassie! Here—here—here he is!" The holy father thumped72 my back at every word. "Here he is, crazy as a March hare for news of Hamilton!"
"You—Rufus—Gillespie!" So she did not even know my name. Evidently, if she troubled my thoughts, I did not trouble hers.
"He's told me so much about you," she went on, with a little pant of astonishment73. "How brave and good——"
"Pshaw!" I interrupted roughly. "What's the message?"
"Mr. Hamilton wishes to see you at once," she answered coldly.
"Then kill two birds with one stone! Take her home and see Hamilton—and hurry!" urged the priest.
The half-breeds were now very near.
"Put it over your head!" and Father Holland clapped the shawl about Frances Sutherland after the fashion of the half-breed women.
She stood demurely74 behind him while I ran up-stairs in the warehouse to disguise myself in tartan plaid. When I came out, Duncan Cameron was in the gateway75 welcoming Cuthbert Grant[Pg 154] and the Bois-Brulés, as if pillaging76 defenceless settlers were heroic. Victors from war may be inspiring, but a half-breed rabble77, red-handed from deeds of violence, is not a sight to edify78 any man.
"What's this ye have, Father?" bawled79 one impudent80 fellow, and he pointed81 sneeringly82 at the figure in the folds of the shawl.
"Let the wench be!" was the priest's reply, and the half-breed lounged past with a laugh.
I was about to offer Frances Sutherland my arm to escort her from the mob, when I felt Father Holland's hard knuckles dig viciously into my ribs83.
"Ye fool ye! Ye blundering idiot!" he whispered, "she's a half-breed. Och! But's time y'r eastern greenness was tannin' a good western russet! Let her follow with bowed head, or you'll have the whole pack on y'r heels!"
With that admonition I strode boldly out, she behind, humble84, with downcast eyes like a half-breed girl.
We ran down the river path through the willows85 and jumping into a canoe swiftly rounded the forks of the Assiniboine and Red. There we left the canoe and fled along a trail beneath the cliff till the shouting of the half-breeds could be no longer heard. At once I turned to offer her my arm. She must have bruised86 her feet through the thin moccasins, for the way was very rough. I saw that she was trembling from fatigue87.
"Permit me," I said, offering my arm as formally[Pg 155] as if she had been some grand lady in an eastern drawing-room.
"Thank you—I'm afraid I must," and she reluctantly placed a light hand on my sleeve.
I did not like that condescending88 compulsion, and now out of danger, I became strangely embarrassed and angry in her presence. The "mastiff" epithet stuck like a barb89 in my boyish chivalry90. Was it the wind, or a low sigh, or a silent weeping, that I heard? I longed to know, but would not turn my head, and my companion was lagging just a step behind. I slackened speed, so did she. Then a voice so low and soft and golden it might have melted a heart of stone—but what is a heart of stone compared to the wounded pride of a young man?—said, "Do you know, I think I rather like mastiffs?"
"Indeed," said I icily, in no mood for raillery.
"Like them for friends, not enemies, to be protected by them, not—not bitten," the voice continued with a provoking emphasis of the plural91 "them."
That fling silenced her and I felt a shiver run down the arm on my sleeve.
"Why, you're shivering," I blundered out. "You must let me put this round you," and I pulled off the plaid and would have placed it on her shoulders, but she resisted.[Pg 156]
"I am not in the least cold," she answered frigidly—which is the only untruth I ever heard her tell—"and you shall not say 'must' to me," and she took her hand from my arm. She spoke21 with a tremor93 that warned me not to insist. Then I knew why she had shivered.
"I quite agree with you, a maladroit mastiff with teeth!"
Mastiff! That insult again! I did not reproffer my arm. We strode forward once more, she with her face turned sideways remote from me, I with my face sideways remote from her, and the plaid trailing from my hand by way of showing her she could have it if she wished. We must have paced along in this amiable95, post-matrimonial fashion for quite a quarter of the mile we had to go, and I was awkwardly conscious of suppressed laughing from her side. It was the rippling voice, that always seemed to me like fountain splash in the sunshine, which broke silence again.
"Really," said the low, thrilling, musical witchery by my side, "really, it's the most wonderful story I have ever heard!"
"Interesting and delightful?" I interrogated100 in sheer amazement101. This girl utterly102 dumfounded[Pg 157] me, and in the conceit103 of youth I thought it strange that any girl could dumfound me.
"What an interesting life you have had, to be sure!"
"I have had?"
"Yes, don't you know you've been talking in torrents104 for the past ten minutes? No? Do you forget?" and she laughed tremulously either from embarrassment105, or cold.
"Well!" said I, befooled into good-humor and laughing back. "If you give me a day's warning, I'll try to keep up with you."
"Ah! There! I've put you through the ice at last! It's been such hard work!"
"Stimulated107 too! You're doing well already!"
"My thanks to my instructor," and catching the spirit of her mockery, I swept her a courtly bow.
"There! There!" she cried, dropping raillery as soon as I took it up. "You were cross at the window. I was cross on the flats. You nearly wrenched my hand off——"
"Can you blame me?" I asked. "And to pay me back you turned my head and stole my heart——"
"With all my heart, if you'll wear this tartan and stop shivering." I was not ready to consent to an unconditional110 surrender.[Pg 158]
"I hate your 'ifs' and 'buts' and so-much-given-for-so-much-got," she exclaimed with an impatient, little stamp, "but—but—" she added inconsistently, "if—if—you'll keep one end of the plaid for yourself, I'll take the other."
"Ho—ho! I like 'ifs' and 'buts.' Have you more of that kind?" I laughed, whisking the fold about us both. Drawing her hand into mine, I kept it there.
"It isn't so cold as—as that, is it?" asked the voice under the plaid.
"Quite," I returned valiantly111, tightening112 my clasp. She laughed a low, mellow113 laugh that set my heart beating to the tune114 of a trip-hammer. I felt a great intoxication115 of strength that might have razed116 Fort Douglas to the ground and conquered the whole world, which, I dare say, other young men have felt when the same kind of weight hung upon their protection.
"Oh! Little Statue! Why have you been so hard on us?" I began.
"Us?" she asked.
"Because——"
"Because what?"
"No what. Just because!" She was astonished that her decisive reason did not satisfy.
"Because! It's the best and wisest and most wholesome119 reason ever invented. Think what it[Pg 159] avoids saying and what wisdom may be behind it!"
"Only wisdom?"
"You be careful! There'll be another cold plunge120! Tell me about your friend's wife, Miriam," she answered, changing the subject.
And when I related my strange mission and she murmured, "How noble," I became a very Samson of strength, ready to vanquish121 an army of Philistine122 admirers with the jawbone of my inflated123 self-confidence—provided, always, one queen of the combat were looking on.
"Are you cold, now?" I asked, though the trembling had ceased.
No, she was not cold. She was quite comfortable, and the answer came in vibrant124 tones which were as wine to a young man's heart.
"Are you tired, Frances?" and the "No" was accompanied by a little laugh, which spurred more questioning for no other purpose than to hear the music of her voice. Now, what was there in those replies to cause happiness? Why have inane125 answers to inane, timorous126 questions transformed earth into paradise and mortals into angels?
"Very far?" came the response in an amused voice, "find it very far? Yes I do, quite far—oh! No—I don't. Oh! I don't know!" She broke into a joyous128 laugh at her own confusion,[Pg 160] gaining more self-possession as I lost mine; and out she slipped from the plaid.
"I wish it were a thousand times farther," and I gazed ruefully at the folds that trailed empty.
What other absurd things I might have said, I cannot tell; but we were at the fort and I had to wrap the tartan disguise about myself. Stooping, I picked a bunch of dog-roses growing by the path, then felt foolish, for I had not the courage to give them to her, and dropped them without her knowledge. She gave the password at the gate. I was taken for a Selkirk Highlander129 and we easily gained entrance.
A man brushed past us in the gloom of the courtyard. He looked impudently130 down into her face. It was Laplante, and my whole frame filled with a furious resentment131 which I had not guessed could be possible with me.
"That Frenchman," she whispered, but his figure vanished among the buildings. She showed me the council hall where Eric could be found.
"And where do you go?" I asked stupidly.
She indicated the quarters where the settlers had taken refuge. I led her to the door.
"Are you sure you'll be safe?"
"Oh! Yes, quite, as long as the settlers are here; and you, you will let me know when the priest sets out for Pembina?"
"Are there no dark halls in there, unsafe for you?" I questioned.[Pg 161]
"Are you sure you're safe?" I also mounted a step.
"Yes, quite, thank you," and she retreated farther, "and you, have you forgotten you came to see Mr. Hamilton?"
She was on the top step, pulling the latch-string of the great door.
"Stop! Frances—dear!" I cried.
She stood motionless and I felt that this last rashness of an unruly tongue—too frank by far—had finished me.
"What? Can I do anything to repay you for your trouble in bringing me here?"
"I've been repaid," I answered, "but indeed, indeed, long live the Queen! May it please Her Majesty135 to grant a token to her leal and devoted136 knight137——"
"The token that goes with good-nights," and I ventured a pace up the stairs.
"There, Sir Knight," she returned, hastily putting out her hand, which was not what I wanted, but to which I gratefully paid my devoir. "Art satisfied?" she asked.
She lingered on the threshold as if she meant to come down to me, then with a quick turn vanished[Pg 162] behind the gloomy doors, taking all the light of my world with her; but I heard a voice, as of some happy bird in springtime, trilling from the hall where she had gone, and a new song made music in my own heart.
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
tattoo
|
|
| n.纹身，(皮肤上的)刺花纹；vt.刺花纹于 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
knuckles
|
|
| n.（指人）指关节( knuckle的名词复数 )；（指动物）膝关节，踝v.（指人）指关节( knuckle的第三人称单数 )；（指动物）膝关节，踝 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
Mediterranean
|
|
| adj.地中海的；地中海沿岸的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
intercept
|
|
| vt.拦截，截住，截击 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
plundering
|
|
| 掠夺，抢劫( plunder的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
doughty
|
|
| adj.勇猛的，坚强的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
stockades
|
|
| n.（防御用的）栅栏，围桩( stockade的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
8
defense
|
|
| n.防御，保卫；[pl.]防务工事；辩护，答辩 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
chafing
|
|
| n.皮肤发炎v.擦热（尤指皮肤）( chafe的现在分词 )；擦痛；发怒；惹怒 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
rangers
|
|
| 护林者( ranger的名词复数 )； 突击队员 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
savage
|
|
| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
brutal
|
|
| adj.残忍的，野蛮的，不讲理的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
fiery
|
|
| adj.燃烧着的，火红的；暴躁的；激烈的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
molesting
|
|
| v.骚扰( molest的现在分词 )；干扰；调戏；猥亵 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
scotch
|
|
| n.伤口，刻痕；苏格兰威士忌酒；v.粉碎，消灭，阻止；adj.苏格兰(人)的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
entirely
|
|
| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
civilized
|
|
| a.有教养的，文雅的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
solely
|
|
| adv.仅仅，唯一地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
warden
|
|
| n.监察员，监狱长，看守人，监护人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
bespoke
|
|
| adj.（产品）订做的；专做订货的v.预定( bespeak的过去式 )；订（货）；证明；预先请求 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
spoke
|
|
| 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 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
gunpowder
|
|
| n.火药 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
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： |
|
|
|
|
24
highland
|
|
| n.(pl.)高地，山地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
rumbling
|
|
| n. 隆隆声, 辘辘声 adj. 隆隆响的 动词rumble的现在分词 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
scouted
|
|
| 寻找，侦察( scout的过去式和过去分词 )； 物色（优秀运动员、演员、音乐家等） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
followers
|
|
| 追随者( follower的名词复数 )； 用户； 契据的附面； 从动件 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
mighty
|
|
| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
relish
|
|
| n.滋味，享受，爱好，调味品；vt.加调味料，享受，品味；vi.有滋味 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
heartily
|
|
| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
colonizing
|
|
| v.开拓殖民地，移民于殖民地( colonize的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
spike
|
|
| n.长钉，钉鞋；v.以大钉钉牢，使...失效 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
shipping
|
|
| n.船运（发货，运输，乘船） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
spiked
|
|
| adj.有穗的；成锥形的；有尖顶的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
snarl
|
|
| v.吼叫，怒骂，纠缠，混乱；n.混乱，缠结，咆哮 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
dour
|
|
| adj.冷酷的，严厉的；（岩石）嶙峋的；顽强不屈 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
tamper
|
|
| v.干预，玩弄，贿赂，窜改，削弱，损害 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
ominously
|
|
| adv.恶兆地，不吉利地；预示地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
clatter
|
|
| v./n.(使)发出连续而清脆的撞击声 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
receding
|
|
| v.逐渐远离( recede的现在分词 )；向后倾斜；自原处后退或避开别人的注视；尤指问题 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
hoofs
|
|
| n.（兽的）蹄，马蹄( hoof的名词复数 )v.（兽的）蹄，马蹄( hoof的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
warehouse
|
|
| n.仓库；vt.存入仓库 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
galloping
|
|
| adj. 飞驰的, 急性的 动词gallop的现在分词形式 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
deserted
|
|
| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
testimony
|
|
| n.证词；见证，证明 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
standing
|
|
| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
knoll
|
|
| n.小山，小丘 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
rascals
|
|
| 流氓( rascal的名词复数 )； 无赖； （开玩笑说法）淘气的人（尤指小孩）； 恶作剧的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
surmised
|
|
| v.臆测，推断( surmise的过去式和过去分词 )；揣测；猜想 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
catching
|
|
| adj.易传染的，有魅力的，迷人的，接住 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
wrenched
|
|
| v.（猛力地）扭( wrench的过去式和过去分词 )；扭伤；使感到痛苦；使悲痛 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
ripples
|
|
| 逐渐扩散的感觉( ripple的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
apparition
|
|
| n.幽灵，神奇的现象 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
gasped
|
|
| v.喘气( gasp的过去式和过去分词 )；喘息；倒抽气；很想要 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
rippling
|
|
| 起涟漪的，潺潺流水般声音的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
wraith
|
|
| n.幽灵；骨瘦如柴的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
epithet
|
|
| n.（用于褒贬人物等的）表述形容词，修饰语 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
tormentor
|
|
| n. 使苦痛之人, 使苦恼之物, 侧幕 =tormenter | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
shrine
|
|
| n.圣地，神龛，庙；v.将...置于神龛内，把...奉为神圣 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
pompous
|
|
| adj.傲慢的，自大的；夸大的；豪华的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
flare
|
|
| v.闪耀，闪烁；n.潮红；突发 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
throb
|
|
| v.震颤，颤动；(急速强烈地)跳动，搏动 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
reconciliation
|
|
| n.和解，和谐，一致 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
lashes
|
|
| n.鞭挞( lash的名词复数 )；鞭子；突然猛烈的一击；急速挥动v.鞭打( lash的第三人称单数 )；煽动；紧系；怒斥 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
wield
|
|
| vt.行使，运用，支配；挥，使用(武器等) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
furtive
|
|
| adj.鬼鬼崇崇的，偷偷摸摸的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
glorified
|
|
| 美其名的，变荣耀的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
68
appease
|
|
| v.安抚，缓和，平息，满足 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
69
repentance
|
|
| n.懊悔 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
70
mantling
|
|
| 覆巾 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
71
crafty
|
|
| adj.狡猾的，诡诈的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
72
thumped
|
|
| v.重击， （指心脏）急速跳动( thump的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
73
astonishment
|
|
| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
74
demurely
|
|
| adv.装成端庄地，认真地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
75
gateway
|
|
| n.大门口，出入口，途径，方法 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
76
pillaging
|
|
| v.抢劫，掠夺( pillage的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
77
rabble
|
|
| n.乌合之众，暴民；下等人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
78
edify
|
|
| v.陶冶；教化；启发 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
79
bawled
|
|
| v.大叫，大喊( bawl的过去式和过去分词 )；放声大哭；大声叫出；叫卖（货物） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
80
impudent
|
|
| adj.鲁莽的，卑鄙的，厚颜无耻的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
81
pointed
|
|
| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
82
sneeringly
|
|
| 嘲笑地，轻蔑地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
83
ribs
|
|
| n.肋骨( rib的名词复数 )；（船或屋顶等的）肋拱；肋骨状的东西；（织物的）凸条花纹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
84
humble
|
|
| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
85
willows
|
|
| n.柳树( willow的名词复数 )；柳木 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
86
bruised
|
|
| [医]青肿的，瘀紫的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
87
fatigue
|
|
| n.疲劳，劳累 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
88
condescending
|
|
| adj.谦逊的,故意屈尊的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
89
barb
|
|
| n.（鱼钩等的）倒钩，倒刺 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
90
chivalry
|
|
| n.骑士气概，侠义；（男人）对女人彬彬有礼，献殷勤 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
91
plural
|
|
| n.复数；复数形式；adj.复数的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
92
obnoxious
|
|
| adj.极恼人的，讨人厌的，可憎的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
93
tremor
|
|
| n.震动，颤动，战栗，兴奋，地震 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
94
maladroit
|
|
| adj.笨拙的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
95
amiable
|
|
| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
96
queried
|
|
| v.质疑，对…表示疑问( query的过去式和过去分词 )；询问 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
97
gaping
|
|
| adj.口的；张口的；敞口的；多洞穴的v.目瞪口呆地凝视( gape的现在分词 )；张开，张大 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
98
perfectly
|
|
| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
99
delightful
|
|
| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
100
interrogated
|
|
| v.询问( interrogate的过去式和过去分词 )；审问；（在计算机或其他机器上）查询 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
101
amazement
|
|
| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
102
utterly
|
|
| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
103
conceit
|
|
| n.自负，自高自大 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
104
torrents
|
|
| n.倾注；奔流( torrent的名词复数 )；急流；爆发；连续不断 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
105
embarrassment
|
|
| n.尴尬；使人为难的人(事物)；障碍；窘迫 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
106
doused
|
|
| v.浇水在…上( douse的过去式和过去分词 )；熄灯[火] | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
107
stimulated
|
|
| a.刺激的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
108
hush
|
|
| int.嘘，别出声；n.沉默，静寂；v.使安静 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
109
slate
|
|
| n.板岩，石板，石片，石板色，候选人名单；adj.暗蓝灰色的，含板岩的；vt.用石板覆盖，痛打，提名，预订 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
110
unconditional
|
|
| adj.无条件的，无限制的，绝对的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
111
valiantly
|
|
| adv.勇敢地，英勇地；雄赳赳 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
112
tightening
|
|
| 上紧，固定，紧密 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
113
mellow
|
|
| adj.柔和的；熟透的；v.变柔和；(使)成熟 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
114
tune
|
|
| n.调子；和谐，协调；v.调音，调节，调整 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
115
intoxication
|
|
| n.wild excitement;drunkenness；poisoning | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
116
razed
|
|
| v.彻底摧毁，将…夷为平地( raze的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
117
gulped
|
|
| v.狼吞虎咽地吃，吞咽( gulp的过去式和过去分词 )；大口地吸（气）；哽住 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
118
scoffed
|
|
| 嘲笑，嘲弄( scoff的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
119
wholesome
|
|
| adj.适合；卫生的；有益健康的；显示身心健康的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
120
plunge
|
|
| v.跳入，(使)投入，(使)陷入；猛冲 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
121
vanquish
|
|
| v.征服，战胜；克服；抑制 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
122
philistine
|
|
| n.庸俗的人；adj.市侩的，庸俗的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
123
inflated
|
|
| adj.（价格）飞涨的；（通货）膨胀的；言过其实的；充了气的v.使充气（于轮胎、气球等）( inflate的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）膨胀；（使）通货膨胀；物价上涨 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
124
vibrant
|
|
| adj.震颤的，响亮的，充满活力的，精力充沛的，(色彩)鲜明的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
125
inane
|
|
| adj.空虚的，愚蠢的，空洞的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
126
timorous
|
|
| adj.胆怯的，胆小的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
127
tempts
|
|
| v.引诱或怂恿（某人）干不正当的事( tempt的第三人称单数 )；使想要 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
128
joyous
|
|
| adj.充满快乐的；令人高兴的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
129
highlander
|
|
| n.高地的人，苏格兰高地地区的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
130
impudently
|
|
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
131
resentment
|
|
| n.怨愤，忿恨 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
132
vowed
|
|
| 起誓，发誓（vow的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
133
doorway
|
|
| n.门口，(喻)入门；门路，途径 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
134
stammered
|
|
| v.结巴地说出( stammer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
135
majesty
|
|
| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
136
devoted
|
|
| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
137
knight
|
|
| n.骑士，武士；爵士 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
138
covet
|
|
| vt.垂涎；贪图(尤指属于他人的东西) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
139
deigns
|
|
| v.屈尊，俯就( deign的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |