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CHAPTER IX ANOTHER TRAIL
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 Alan Fuller left The Monastery1 in a very perplexed2 state of mind, as may be guessed, for the revelations, made by Mr. Sorley startled him considerably3. On the hints given by Miss Grison he had suspected that the man knew something about the Rotherhithe crime, and now the production of the golden peacock seemed to endorse4 his suspicions. According to Jotty--who could not have manufactured such a story--the deceased had been in possession of the ornament5 shortly before his death. Miss Grison also had stated that the same had been given by her to the man, although she admitted having stolen it from the great house. How then did it pass into Mr. Sorley's hands unless that gentleman had committed the crime? Certainly his explanation, or rather his belief, that Miss Grison had restored the peacock to the cupboard when she paid her unexpected visit appeared to be feasible, but before Fuller could entirely6 believe this, it was necessary that Sorley's suggestion should be supported by the woman's acknowledgment. And it must be mentioned as a point in the man's favor that he did not say positively7 Miss Grison had brought back the ornament on that occasion, but only gave out the idea to account for his own production of the article.
 
"And," considered Alan, while plodding8 homeward, "Sorley is not aware that it is known to Moon, Jotty, Dick, and me that the crime on the face of it was committed for the sake of the peacock. Had he known as much, he might have accounted for its coming into his possession by saying that Miss Grison had brought it back. But since he is ignorant, I don't see the use of his making such an excuse. He could easily have said that the ornament had been mislaid, and that he had found it by chance. Or indeed that Miss Grison had hidden the thing when she stole it in some room, without troubling to remove it from the place. Sorley's explanation certainly seems to point to his complete innocence9."
 
But then again, as the young man considered later, Sorley had, within the last few months, purchased a motor bicycle, and had told an obvious falsehood as to the time of possession. On such a machine he could easily cover the fifty miles between London and Belstone twice over in a night by hard riding, and thus might have been in town about the time when the crime was committed without anyone being the wiser. The ownership of the motor bicycle assuredly hinted that the man had acted in this way, and if so, the chances were that he had murdered Grison to recover the peacock. But in that case, he would hardly venture to show his spoil so openly, knowing at what cost he had obtained it, even though unaware10 that the police knew how the dead man had been slain11 on account of the ornament. Certainly he desired Fuller's assistance to unravel12 the problem connected with the golden bird, but then--as Alan thought--he could have produced a drawing of the article, saying that it had been made by himself or someone else before Miss Grison had stolen the fetish of the Inderwicks. In a correct picture drawn13 to scale and colored, there would be quite enough to go upon to guess the riddle14 since the mystery of the peacock was evidently on the surface, and not connected with the interior of the body. Sorley--as he stated, had opened that to find nothing; and, wanting Fuller to help him, he assuredly must have spoken the entire truth.
 
While Alan was thus turning matters over in his bewildered mind, he heard his name called, and looked round to see Marie flying over the snowy ground. She caught up with him breathless and crimson16 with the race, to seize his arm with a reproachful expression.
 
"You are mean," she cried, recovering her breath, "I've been waiting for you to come out and tell me what Uncle Ran said to you. But you left without a word. I saw you passing down the avenue, so followed as hard as I was able. Why do you act in this horrid17, secret way, you disagreeable thing?"
 
Fuller halted and looked at her doubtfully. Since he had imparted to the girl that knowledge regarding Grison's possession of the peacock, which he had obtained from Inspector18 Moon, through Latimer, he certainly did not intend to reveal that Sorley had displayed the ornament in the library. Should he do so, Marie would at once, on what she knew, jump to the conclusion--and very naturally--that her uncle was guilty. Being of an emotional nature she would probably refuse to remain in the house with the man, in which case the truth would have to be told. If it were, and Sorley learned that he was suspected, he would probably place obstacles in the way of what really happened coming to light. That is, assuming he really was the criminal, a fact of which Alan, after thinking over things was by no means certain. And if the man was innocent, he might make an outcry to clear himself, which would be equally prejudicial to the solution of the problem. The more secretly all operations were conducted until positive knowledge was forthcoming, the better it would be for the cause of justice. And in this case, justice consisted in bringing the assassin of Baldwin Grison to the gallows19.
 
"Oh," said Alan lightly, and smiling at her inquiring look, "your uncle only asked me to assist him to learn the riddle of the peacock."
 
"But how can that be done when the peacock is missing?"
 
"Your uncle had drawings of the bird," replied the young man evasively.
 
"I have never seen them," declared Marie rather crossly, "and as the peacock belongs to me, I should see them."
 
"I will show them to you in a few days," answered Alan quickly, and made a mental resolve to prepare the drawings himself. And indeed it was necessary that he should have them, since he could not take the actual bird to town, and required something tangible20 upon which to work. "Don't you bother your uncle about the matter, Marie, or he may withdraw his permission."
 
"What permission?"
 
"That I should become engaged to you."
 
"Oh Alan! oh Alan! oh Alan!" Marie could only gasp21 and blush.
 
"That is," said Fuller correcting himself, "he does not directly sanction an official engagement. But he says that if I solve the problem and find the jewels that he will agree to our marriage. Meanwhile we can be together as often as we like."
 
"That is as good as an engagement," cried Marie, clapping her hands with delight, "how good of Uncle Ran. I love him for this."
 
"Don't tell him so," interposed Fuller hastily; "he's an odd fish, and if he knows that I have told you of his yielding so far, he may change his mind, my dear."
 
Marie nodded very wisely and solemnly. "I see; I quite understand. I shall say nothing to Uncle Ran."
 
"And ask no questions?"
 
"Not one. But you will tell me everything, won't you?" she said, pressing up to his side in a coaxing22 manner.
 
"Of course," Alan assured her, "whatever discoveries I make regarding the riddle you shall know," and the girl was satisfied with this, not guessing that her lover was withholding23 information connected with the more serious matter of the Rotherhithe murder.
 
Having--as she now presumed--full permission from Sorley to display her preference for Alan, Marie boldly took his arm and walked through the village with him in a most open manner. There was no chance now that her Uncle Ran would appear to make trouble, and the girl declared as she clung to her lover that all their troubles were over. "For of course, such a very clever boy such as you are, dear, will easily solve the riddle."
 
"I hope," replied Fuller doubtfully, "but it is a hard riddle, Marie, and has baffled everyone for over one hundred years."
 
"Well," said Miss Inderwick, arguing from a feminine standpoint, "if anyone had guessed the riddle the jewels would have been sold by this time, and probably the money would have been spent. So it is just as well that the truth has not become known. You will guess the riddle, dear, clever boy that you are, and then we shall become very, very rich, even though the half of what you find goes to Uncle Ran."
 
"Nothing shall go to Uncle Ran," said Alan grimly, "because Uncle Ran has no right to ask for a share--unless, of course, he solves the riddle. The peacock and the treasure it can point out, Marie, both belong to you, so don't go making hasty promises to Mr. Sorley; and above all, dear--mark what I say, little featherhead--don't sign any paper if he asks you to."
 
Marie nodded meditatively25. "I understand what you mean, Alan. Of course Uncle Ran is fond of jewels, and--well then I shall sign nothing without consulting you, dear."
 
"And don't tell him that I advised this."
 
"Of course not; he would take a dislike to you if I did. Don't worry, Alan darling, for I know exactly how to behave."
 
"Behave just as you have done, Marie, and do not let Mr. Sorley believe that anything new is afoot, or that there is any understanding between us."
 
Miss Inderwick nodded vigorously to imply that she knew what she was about, and the two walked on for some distance in silence, over the cobblestone pavement of Belstone main street. Occasional smiles and looks of approval were cast at the young couple by stray villagers, for Alan was a great favorite in his father's parish, and Marie was much more popular than her uncle. The inhabitants of Belstone believed that if Marie became Mrs. Alan Fuller, that the old day of plenty would return to The Monastery in which all would share, for they credited the young man with brains which would enable him to make a great deal of money. And if he did, seeing that he had a generous nature, it was just as well that he should marry the last descendant of the ancient family who had ruled the neighborhood. All public sympathy was on the side of the lovers.
 
But to this Marie and Alan paid no attention, since they were wrapped up in one another. The girl felt quite happy in Fuller's company and occasionally glanced at his meditative24 face. Alan appeared to be thinking deeply, and apparently27 of something not connected with herself. With the natural jealousy28 of a woman in love, Marie could not permit this.
 
"What are you thinking about, dear?" she asked suspiciously.
 
"About Morad-Bakche!"
 
Miss Inderwick opened her eyes on hearing this strange name. "Who is he?"
 
"He is an Indian gentleman, dear, whom I met at Miss Grison's."
 
"Why should you think about him just now when I am here, Alan?"
 
Fuller answered the first part of the question, and passed over the latter. "I am wondering if he has anything to do with the peacock?"
 
This remark put an end to Marie's egotism for the time being. "Why should he have anything to do with it?" she demanded, astonished.
 
"Well," exclaimed the young man quietly, "he has come to England, so he told me to search for some mislaid family property. He is descended29 from that Rajah of Kam to whom George Inderwick was sent by the H.E.I.C., my dear."
 
Marie, having read and re-read the story of Ferrier grasped the connection at once. "Then he knows about the peacock?" she cried in dismay.
 
"That is what I wish to learn. The Begum of Kam certainly gave the jewels we are looking for to George Inderwick, from whom they descend26 to you, so as Morad-Bakche represents the Kam family it is just possible that he has come to get back the gems30 if he can."
 
"He sha'n't have them," cried Marie, becoming flushed, "don't let him take them, Alan."
 
Fuller laughed. "We have to find them first," he remarked coolly. "When we have them in our possession, then we can talk over Morad-Bakche's claim."
 
"He sha'n't have them," murmured Marie, much disturbed; "they are mine. And after all, Alan, he may not have come for the Begum's treasure."
 
"He may, or he may not. I am unprepared to give an opinion. Only it is so strange that he should live at Miss Grison's boarding-house, considering that she knows about the peacock, which is to reveal the whereabouts of what the man probably desires. He didn't get to that boarding-house by chance, I am certain. And Dick fancies also--by his sixth sense, as he declares--that Morad-Bakche may have designs on the treasure."
 
"It is very strange," said Miss Inderwick, pondering over this speech; "but how could he find out that Miss Grison knew about the peacock?"
 
"We must learn. Have you ever seen an Indian gentleman in the village, my dear, or haunting The Monastery?"
 
"No. If I had I should have told you, or would have written about it. We see so few people about here, Alan--strangers that is--that anyone new is quickly noticed."
 
"Well, you may not have seen the man, but others may have. Who is the greatest gossip in the village?"
 
"Oh, Alan, as if you didn't know, when your mother is always talking about her. It's Mrs. Verwin, of course."
 
"Ah yes! and she keeps The Red Fox, our one and only inn. Marie, she is the very person to know, for besides being a gossip, she is the landlady31 of an inn to which a stranger would go even if he only came for the day. Come and let us interview Mrs. Verwin."
 
Marie assented32 eagerly, for the search was like a game, and interested her greatly. The pair simply retraced33 their steps and entered the green space in the centre of Belstone, whence streets and lanes diverged34, to behold36 the shabby old inn facing them directly. It was an ancient Georgian building, ugly without, and comfortable within, and had been more notable in the day of stage-coaches than it was now. Its walls sadly needed a coat of paint, its roof required patching, while both doors and windows would have been the better for a little attention. In fact, there was a half-hearted look about The Red Fox, which showed that the good lady who owned it had given up any idea of making her fortune, and was content to exist for the day without troubling about the morrow. Sometimes tourists stayed in the old place, more frequently artists, attracted by the romantic beauties of The Monastery, for the shabby rooms were fairly comfortable, and the cooking, within limits, was tolerably good. Mrs. Verwin's money mostly came from the pockets of laborers37 and yokels38, who drank the very inferior beer she supplied while they talked over the news of the countryside in the smoky taproom with the sawdust floor, and cumbersome39 settles. In the evening when the day's work was ended, that taproom was the meeting-place of gossips both male and female.
 
And Mrs. Verwin was the greatest and most famous gossip of the lot. How she gathered all the news she did was a mystery to everyone, since she never left her abode40, and worked from morning until night in order to keep things going. But somehow she managed to hear all that was going on both near and far, and used her long tongue freely in discussing what she heard. But that the villagers were so somnolent41 Mrs. Verwin would many and many a time have been in danger of a libel action, but reigning42 as a kind of rural queen, no one was bold enough to bring her to book. If anyone had dared to venture on such a course, he or she would have been excluded for ever from the taproom, and such excommunication was not to be thought of by anyone who desired to see life. And life was nowhere to be seen in Belstone save under the noisy roof of The Red Fox.
 
Mrs. Verwin herself welcomed the young couple the moment they set foot on the threshold, as she had already espied43 them from the window. Being a very stout44 woman, she could scarcely curtsey, but did her best, and invited her visitors into the best parlor45. It was a great honor that the vicar's son and the leading lady of the neighborhood--for that Marie was by virtue46 of descent if not of money--and Mrs. Verwin was quite overwhelmed. As the inn was quite respectable and well-conducted, Alan had no hesitation47 in taking Marie into the place, although Mrs. Fuller would scarcely have been pleased, because she disliked the landlady's too ready tongue. But as that lively, black-eyed dame48 was a good churchwoman and really kind-hearted, the vicar had a better opinion of her.
 
"Lor' sir and miss," cried Mrs. Verwin, energetically dusting a chair for Marie to sit down on. "Who'd ha' thought of you an' Mr. Alan coming to see me, friendly like. And very well you're looking miss, though Mr. Alan there could do with a little red in them pale cheeks of his. London smoke," added Mrs. Verwin in disgust, "and London food, and the milk that blue with watering as the sky is gray to it. Now do have a cup of tea, sir, and----"
 
"No, thank you, Mrs. Verwin," interrupted Alan quickly, for there was no chance of getting a word in edgeways save by cutting short the good lady's voluble speech; "we have only come for five minutes. I want to ask you a question, if you don't mind."
 
"Mind, Mr. Alan, and why should I mind, me being all straight and above the sky-line, respectable as my parents were before me, as anyone who can read is able to see on their tombstones in the right-hand corner of the churchyard looking from the porch. Ask me what you like, sir, whether it means weddings or funerals, or all that goes between in----"
 
"I simply wish to know if during the last year you have seen an Indian gentleman in the village," interrupted Fuller again, and with a look at Marie to show that he desired to conduct the conversation himself.
 
"Well, I never, and to think as you didn't hear of him, stopping here as he was in July last for one night, and saying as the rice he ate was boiled in a way he admired."
 
"Oh, so there was an Indian here?"
 
Mrs. Verwin nodded and placed her stout arms akimbo, with curiosity in her snapping black eyes.
 
"Quite the gentleman he was, though I hope there's nothing wrong with him, meaning courts and docks and lawyers, as is all the sons of Old Nick, asking your pardon, Mr. Alan, for saying so, and yours, miss, for talking about him, as shouldn't be spoke15 of, nohow. Now if----"
 
"There's nothing wrong about him," said Alan, again stopping the flow of the landlady's conversation, or rather monologue49; "but I happened to meet him at Miss Grison's boarding-house in London and----"
 
"Lor' sir," said Mrs. Verwin again, and taking her turn to interrupt, "may I never speak another word, if she don't owe me a good turn for having told him to go there, where he'd be comfortable, though I never could see as Miss Grison, and Louisa's her name, was much of a housekeeper50."
 
"You told Mr. Bakche to go," said Alan, remembering how the Indian had mentioned to Miss Grison that someone in Ceylon had sent him to Thimble Square, "and why?"
 
"Batch51. Yes sir, Batch was the name, and he was a very dark gentleman with eyes like gimblets for boring a person through and through, haughty52 like and grand in his manners, speaking English like a native in spite of his having been reared in a country where they chatter53 French and German, the last a language I never could abide54, since a waiter of that sort went away when the house was full, and I needed all the hands I'd got besides a few more. Oh, Mr. Batch was a gent sure enough, though a son of Ham as we are told in the Bible, your pa, Mr. Alan, having read about them children of Noah only three Sundays back, and then he----"
 
"Why did you send Mr. Bakche to Miss Grison's?" asked Alan impatiently.
 
"Well, I didn't in a way, sir, because it was the peacock as sent him to----"
 
"The peacock," repeated Marie, and looked at Alan anxiously.
 
"And well do you know all about it, miss," cried the voluble Mrs. Verwin, turning to face the speaker, "it being the luck of your family as will never have no fortune till it's brought back again. And that Grison person as was your uncle's clerk took it over twenty years back, as I'm a living woman, which we all said when we heard as he was gone and it was missing. I said and others said as Mr. Sorley should have persecuted----"
 
"Did you tell all this to Mr. Bakche?" questioned Fuller quickly.
 
"And why shouldn't I tell him, Mr. Alan?" inquired Mrs. Verwin, wiping her heated face with a corner of her apron55 and bridling56. "He asked if there wasn't people called Inderwick hereabouts, and I up and told him all about the family. Mr. Batch says, as his father knew some of 'em in his own land, and said as how him he met--not mentioning names, though it was an Inderwick as spoke, and perhaps, miss, a cousin of your very own--well, him as he met mentioned a peacock. So I tells Mr. Batch all about the story of the peacock being the luck of the family, as all the countryside knows, and says as how we believed that Grison person had took it. He said he'd like to ask him or her about the peacock--meaning them Grisons--since he liked to hear them sort of stories, so I recommended her house to him as being comfortable, and heaven forgive me for the lie, seeing Miss Grison--and Louisa's her name--ain't got no more idea of cooking than a cat."
 
"Oh, Mr. Bakche is very comfortable there," said Alan easily, and very glad that he had learned so much; "did Mr. Bakche say nothing about any treasure connected with the peacock?"
 
"No," cried Mrs. Verwin, her face alive with curiosity, "never a word did he mention of a treasure, and where----"
 
Fuller saw that he had made a mistake in hinting a thing which was known only to the Inderwicks to this gossip, and hastened to repair his error. "I am talking of the peacock itself, which is a treasure," he said quickly, "for it is made of gold with precious stones----"
 
"I know, Mr. Alan, of course I know, sir, for didn't I see it on my wedding-day forty years ago, when your dear ma, miss, was alive and well along with your late pa. My husband--poor Verwin as is dead and gone--said as he give me a wedding treat, and he takes me to see The Monastery and asked Squire57 Inderwick to show that blessed peacock. Oh," Mrs. Verwin raised her fat hands and closed her eyes in ecstasy58, "well may you call it a treasure, Mr. Alan, for such glitter I never did see. It was like the New Jerusalem for shine and----"
 
"Well that is the treasure I meant, Mrs. Verwin."
 
"And you never spoke a truer word, Mr. Alan. But I hope sir, and you, miss, as I didn't do wrong in telling Mr. Batch--and a pleasant gentleman, though dark, he was too--about the peacock, for it's a story as we all know for years and years and years. The luck of the Inderwicks! Why I heard my dear, dear pa as is dead these fifty years tell all about the blessed idol59, so I thought t'was no harm to let Mr. Batch know as we'd something in Belstone he hadn't got in his own country, wherever that may be, though they do say as it's across channel somehow, and, if he----"
 
"You didn't do wrong, Mrs. Verwin," said Alan, striking in hastily, as he was anxious to get away with Marie, "and I merely asked about Mr. Bakche because he seemed to know something of Belstone."
 
"He know. Now I ask you, sir, what can he know, staying but for one day, and only giving an eyewink at The Monastery where he----"
 
"Oh, he went there, did he?" asked Fuller, turning back at the door.
 
"Yes sir, he did, saying he'd like to see such a lovely place about which I'd told him such a queer story, for queer he said was the name for the luck of the peacock. I think Mr. Batch was one of them gents who write and who ask others for things as they can't think of themselves, to----"
 
"Yes! Yes. Very probably, Mrs. Verwin. Thanks for answering my questions. I just did so because I chanced to meet this gentleman at Miss Grison's."
 
Alan, and Marie, who had taken scarcely any part in the conversation, managed to get outside the door, but were followed into the open by Mrs. Verwin, talking all the time, and curtseying at intervals60 with difficulty as she said good-bye. "For I do hope miss, and Mr. Alan, sir, as you'll come in again, you not forgetting, miss, as I was kitchen-maid at The Monastery before Verwin came along to make me a happy bride; and so have the interest of the family at heart. Sitting on a throne is where you should be, miss, with all under your pretty feet as you will be when the peacock comes again to its own. And if that Grison person is dead, murdered they say with much blood, and serve him right, I hope as he's sent back the peacock by post, if his sister--Louisa's her name--ain't got it, which is just as likely as not, taking into---- Well good-day, sir--good-day, miss--and bless you both for a nice-looking couple," and Mrs. Verwin's voice arose to a perfect scream, as the distance between her and the visitors increased. Not until they were on the verge35 of the green entering the lane which led to the vicarage, did the sound of her adieux die away.
 
"Marie," said Alan seriously, "if you ever talk so much, I shall divorce you at once. Poor Verwin. He must have been glad to leave the world."
 
"She always makes my head ache," said Marie laughing.
 
"And other people's hearts ache, owing to her gossip. However, she can't make any mischief61 about what we have been talking, since I explained exactly what I meant. So Bakche came down here to ask after the peacock. That shows, as I thought long ago, that he is after the Begum's gems."
 
"What will you do, Alan?" asked Marie anxiously.
 
"Consult Dick, and tell him what I have found out. Meanwhile Marie, you need not tell your uncle what we have discovered."
 
"Mrs. Verwin will probably do that," said Marie darkly.
 
Alan frowned. "We can't stop her tongue, worse luck," he said with a sigh.
 

点击收听单词发音收听单词发音  

1 monastery 2EOxe     
n.修道院,僧院,寺院
参考例句:
  • They found an icon in the monastery.他们在修道院中发现了一个圣像。
  • She was appointed the superior of the monastery two years ago.两年前她被任命为这个修道院的院长。
2 perplexed A3Rz0     
adj.不知所措的
参考例句:
  • The farmer felt the cow,went away,returned,sorely perplexed,always afraid of being cheated.那农民摸摸那头牛,走了又回来,犹豫不决,总怕上当受骗。
  • The child was perplexed by the intricate plot of the story.这孩子被那头绪纷繁的故事弄得迷惑不解。
3 considerably 0YWyQ     
adv.极大地;相当大地;在很大程度上
参考例句:
  • The economic situation has changed considerably.经济形势已发生了相当大的变化。
  • The gap has narrowed considerably.分歧大大缩小了。
4 endorse rpxxK     
vt.(支票、汇票等)背书,背署;批注;同意
参考例句:
  • No one is foolish enough to endorse it.没有哪个人会傻得赞成它。
  • I fully endorse your opinions on this subject.我完全拥护你对此课题的主张。
5 ornament u4czn     
v.装饰,美化;n.装饰,装饰物
参考例句:
  • The flowers were put on the table for ornament.花放在桌子上做装饰用。
  • She wears a crystal ornament on her chest.她的前胸戴了一个水晶饰品。
6 entirely entirely     
ad.全部地,完整地;完全地,彻底地
参考例句:
  • The fire was entirely caused by their neglect of duty. 那场火灾完全是由于他们失职而引起的。
  • His life was entirely given up to the educational work. 他的一生统统献给了教育工作。
7 positively vPTxw     
adv.明确地,断然,坚决地;实在,确实
参考例句:
  • She was positively glowing with happiness.她满脸幸福。
  • The weather was positively poisonous.这天气着实讨厌。
8 plodding 5lMz16     
a.proceeding in a slow or dull way
参考例句:
  • They're still plodding along with their investigation. 他们仍然在不厌其烦地进行调查。
  • He is plodding on with negotiations. 他正缓慢艰难地进行着谈判。
9 innocence ZbizC     
n.无罪;天真;无害
参考例句:
  • There was a touching air of innocence about the boy.这个男孩有一种令人感动的天真神情。
  • The accused man proved his innocence of the crime.被告人经证实无罪。
10 unaware Pl6w0     
a.不知道的,未意识到的
参考例句:
  • They were unaware that war was near. 他们不知道战争即将爆发。
  • I was unaware of the man's presence. 我没有察觉到那人在场。
11 slain slain     
杀死,宰杀,杀戮( slay的过去分词 ); (slay的过去分词)
参考例句:
  • The soldiers slain in the battle were burried that night. 在那天夜晚埋葬了在战斗中牺牲了的战士。
  • His boy was dead, slain by the hand of the false Amulius. 他的儿子被奸诈的阿缪利乌斯杀死了。
12 unravel Ajzwo     
v.弄清楚(秘密);拆开,解开,松开
参考例句:
  • He was good with his hands and could unravel a knot or untangle yarn that others wouldn't even attempt.他的手很灵巧,其他人甚至都不敢尝试的一些难解的绳结或缠在一起的纱线,他都能解开。
  • This is the attitude that led him to unravel a mystery that long puzzled Chinese historians.正是这种态度使他解决了长期以来使中国历史学家们大惑不解的谜。
13 drawn MuXzIi     
v.拖,拉,拔出;adj.憔悴的,紧张的
参考例句:
  • All the characters in the story are drawn from life.故事中的所有人物都取材于生活。
  • Her gaze was drawn irresistibly to the scene outside.她的目光禁不住被外面的风景所吸引。
14 riddle WCfzw     
n.谜,谜语,粗筛;vt.解谜,给…出谜,筛,检查,鉴定,非难,充满于;vi.出谜
参考例句:
  • The riddle couldn't be solved by the child.这个谜语孩子猜不出来。
  • Her disappearance is a complete riddle.她的失踪完全是一个谜。
15 spoke XryyC     
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:
  • They sourced the spoke nuts from our company.他们的轮辐螺帽是从我们公司获得的。
  • The spokes of a wheel are the bars that connect the outer ring to the centre.辐条是轮子上连接外圈与中心的条棒。
16 crimson AYwzH     
n./adj.深(绯)红色(的);vi.脸变绯红色
参考例句:
  • She went crimson with embarrassment.她羞得满脸通红。
  • Maple leaves have turned crimson.枫叶已经红了。
17 horrid arozZj     
adj.可怕的;令人惊恐的;恐怖的;极讨厌的
参考例句:
  • I'm not going to the horrid dinner party.我不打算去参加这次讨厌的宴会。
  • The medicine is horrid and she couldn't get it down.这种药很难吃,她咽不下去。
18 inspector q6kxH     
n.检查员,监察员,视察员
参考例句:
  • The inspector was interested in everything pertaining to the school.视察员对有关学校的一切都感兴趣。
  • The inspector was shining a flashlight onto the tickets.查票员打着手电筒查看车票。
19 gallows UfLzE     
n.绞刑架,绞台
参考例句:
  • The murderer was sent to the gallows for his crimes.谋杀犯由于罪大恶极被处以绞刑。
  • Now I was to expiate all my offences at the gallows.现在我将在绞刑架上赎我一切的罪过。
20 tangible 4IHzo     
adj.有形的,可触摸的,确凿的,实际的
参考例句:
  • The policy has not yet brought any tangible benefits.这项政策还没有带来任何实质性的好处。
  • There is no tangible proof.没有确凿的证据。
21 gasp UfxzL     
n.喘息,气喘;v.喘息;气吁吁他说
参考例句:
  • She gave a gasp of surprise.她吃惊得大口喘气。
  • The enemy are at their last gasp.敌人在做垂死的挣扎。
22 coaxing 444e70224820a50b0202cb5bb05f1c2e     
v.哄,用好话劝说( coax的现在分词 );巧言骗取;哄劝,劝诱;“锻炼”效应
参考例句:
  • No amount of coaxing will make me change my mind. 任你费尽口舌也不会说服我改变主意。
  • It took a lot of coaxing before he agreed. 劝说了很久他才同意。 来自辞典例句
23 withholding 7eXzD6     
扣缴税款
参考例句:
  • She was accused of withholding information from the police. 她被指控对警方知情不报。
  • The judge suspected the witness was withholding information. 法官怀疑见证人在隐瞒情况。
24 meditative Djpyr     
adj.沉思的,冥想的
参考例句:
  • A stupid fellow is talkative;a wise man is meditative.蠢人饶舌,智者思虑。
  • Music can induce a meditative state in the listener.音乐能够引导倾听者沉思。
25 meditatively 1840c96c2541871bf074763dc24f786a     
adv.冥想地
参考例句:
  • The old man looked meditatively at the darts board. 老头儿沉思不语,看着那投镖板。 来自英汉文学
  • "Well,'said the foreman, scratching his ear meditatively, "we do need a stitcher. “这--"工头沉思地搔了搔耳朵。 "我们确实需要一个缝纫工。 来自英汉文学 - 嘉莉妹妹
26 descend descend     
vt./vi.传下来,下来,下降
参考例句:
  • I hope the grace of God would descend on me.我期望上帝的恩惠。
  • We're not going to descend to such methods.我们不会沦落到使用这种手段。
27 apparently tMmyQ     
adv.显然地;表面上,似乎
参考例句:
  • An apparently blind alley leads suddenly into an open space.山穷水尽,豁然开朗。
  • He was apparently much surprised at the news.他对那个消息显然感到十分惊异。
28 jealousy WaRz6     
n.妒忌,嫉妒,猜忌
参考例句:
  • Some women have a disposition to jealousy.有些女人生性爱妒忌。
  • I can't support your jealousy any longer.我再也无法忍受你的嫉妒了。
29 descended guQzoy     
a.为...后裔的,出身于...的
参考例句:
  • A mood of melancholy descended on us. 一种悲伤的情绪袭上我们的心头。
  • The path descended the hill in a series of zigzags. 小路呈连续的之字形顺着山坡蜿蜒而下。
30 gems 74ab5c34f71372016f1770a5a0bf4419     
growth; economy; management; and customer satisfaction 增长
参考例句:
  • a crown studded with gems 镶有宝石的皇冠
  • The apt citations and poetic gems have adorned his speeches. 贴切的引语和珠玑般的诗句为他的演说词增添文采。
31 landlady t2ZxE     
n.女房东,女地主
参考例句:
  • I heard my landlady creeping stealthily up to my door.我听到我的女房东偷偷地来到我的门前。
  • The landlady came over to serve me.女店主过来接待我。
32 assented 4cee1313bb256a1f69bcc83867e78727     
同意,赞成( assent的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • The judge assented to allow the prisoner to speak. 法官同意允许犯人申辩。
  • "No," assented Tom, "they don't kill the women -- they're too noble. “对,”汤姆表示赞同地说,“他们不杀女人——真伟大!
33 retraced 321f3e113f2767b1b567ca8360d9c6b9     
v.折回( retrace的过去式和过去分词 );回忆;回顾;追溯
参考例句:
  • We retraced our steps to where we started. 我们折回我们出发的地方。 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》
  • We retraced our route in an attempt to get back on the right path. 我们折返,想回到正确的路上。 来自《简明英汉词典》
34 diverged db5a93fff259ad3ff2017a64912fa156     
分开( diverge的过去式和过去分词 ); 偏离; 分歧; 分道扬镳
参考例句:
  • Who knows when we'll meet again? 不知几时咱们能再见面!
  • At what time do you get up? 你几时起床?
35 verge gUtzQ     
n.边,边缘;v.接近,濒临
参考例句:
  • The country's economy is on the verge of collapse.国家的经济已到了崩溃的边缘。
  • She was on the verge of bursting into tears.她快要哭出来了。
36 behold jQKy9     
v.看,注视,看到
参考例句:
  • The industry of these little ants is wonderful to behold.这些小蚂蚁辛勤劳动的样子看上去真令人惊叹。
  • The sunrise at the seaside was quite a sight to behold.海滨日出真是个奇景。
37 laborers c8c6422086151d6c0ae2a95777108e3c     
n.体力劳动者,工人( laborer的名词复数 );(熟练工人的)辅助工
参考例句:
  • Laborers were trained to handle 50-ton compactors and giant cranes. 工人们接受操作五十吨压土机和巨型起重机的训练。 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》
  • Wage-labour rests exclusively on competition between the laborers. 雇佣劳动完全是建立在工人的自相竞争之上的。 来自英汉非文学 - 共产党宣言
38 yokels 758e976de0fa4f73342648b517a84274     
n.乡下佬,土包子( yokel的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • The quaint field noises, the yokels'whistling, and the splash of water-fowl, each seemed to him enchanted. 那种新奇的,田野上的喧声,那种庄稼汉打着的唿哨,那种水禽的溅水声,他觉得每一样都是令人销魂的。 来自辞典例句
  • One of the local yokels helped me change the tire. 一个乡巴佬帮我换了车胎。 来自互联网
39 cumbersome Mnizj     
adj.笨重的,不便携带的
参考例句:
  • Although the machine looks cumbersome,it is actually easy to use.尽管这台机器看上去很笨重,操作起来却很容易。
  • The furniture is too cumbersome to move.家具太笨,搬起来很不方便。
40 abode hIby0     
n.住处,住所
参考例句:
  • It was ten months before my father discovered his abode.父亲花了十个月的功夫,才好不容易打听到他的住处。
  • Welcome to our humble abode!欢迎光临寒舍!
41 somnolent YwLwA     
adj.想睡的,催眠的;adv.瞌睡地;昏昏欲睡地;使人瞌睡地
参考例句:
  • The noise of the stream had a pleasantly somnolent effect.小河潺潺的流水声有宜人的催眠效果。
  • The sedative makes people very somnolent.这种镇静剂会让人瞌睡。
42 reigning nkLzRp     
adj.统治的,起支配作用的
参考例句:
  • The sky was dark, stars were twinkling high above, night was reigning, and everything was sunk in silken silence. 天很黑,星很繁,夜阑人静。
  • Led by Huang Chao, they brought down the reigning house after 300 years' rule. 在黄巢的带领下,他们推翻了统治了三百年的王朝。
43 espied 980e3f8497fb7a6bd10007d67965f9f7     
v.看到( espy的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • One day a youth espied her as he was hunting.She saw him and recognized him as her own son, mow grown a young man. 一日,她被一个正在行猎的小伙子看见了,她认出来这个猎手原来是自己的儿子,现在已长成为一个翩翩的少年。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • In a little while he espied the two giants. 一会儿就看见了那两个巨人。 来自辞典例句
44     
参考例句:
45 parlor v4MzU     
n.店铺,营业室;会客室,客厅
参考例句:
  • She was lying on a small settee in the parlor.她躺在客厅的一张小长椅上。
  • Is there a pizza parlor in the neighborhood?附近有没有比萨店?
46 virtue BpqyH     
n.德行,美德;贞操;优点;功效,效力
参考例句:
  • He was considered to be a paragon of virtue.他被认为是品德尽善尽美的典范。
  • You need to decorate your mind with virtue.你应该用德行美化心灵。
47 hesitation tdsz5     
n.犹豫,踌躇
参考例句:
  • After a long hesitation, he told the truth at last.踌躇了半天,他终于直说了。
  • There was a certain hesitation in her manner.她的态度有些犹豫不决。
48 dame dvGzR0     
n.女士
参考例句:
  • The dame tell of her experience as a wife and mother.这位年长妇女讲了她作妻子和母亲的经验。
  • If you stick around,you'll have to marry that dame.如果再逗留多一会,你就要跟那个夫人结婚。
49 monologue sElx2     
n.长篇大论,(戏剧等中的)独白
参考例句:
  • The comedian gave a long monologue of jokes.喜剧演员讲了一长段由笑话组成的独白。
  • He went into a long monologue.他一个人滔滔不绝地讲话。
50 housekeeper 6q2zxl     
n.管理家务的主妇,女管家
参考例句:
  • A spotless stove told us that his mother is a diligent housekeeper.炉子清洁无瑕就表明他母亲是个勤劳的主妇。
  • She is an economical housekeeper and feeds her family cheaply.她节约持家,一家人吃得很省。
51 batch HQgyz     
n.一批(组,群);一批生产量
参考例句:
  • The first batch of cakes was burnt.第一炉蛋糕烤焦了。
  • I have a batch of letters to answer.我有一批信要回复。
52 haughty 4dKzq     
adj.傲慢的,高傲的
参考例句:
  • He gave me a haughty look and walked away.他向我摆出傲慢的表情后走开。
  • They were displeased with her haughty airs.他们讨厌她高傲的派头。
53 chatter BUfyN     
vi./n.喋喋不休;短促尖叫;(牙齿)打战
参考例句:
  • Her continuous chatter vexes me.她的喋喋不休使我烦透了。
  • I've had enough of their continual chatter.我已厌烦了他们喋喋不休的闲谈。
54 abide UfVyk     
vi.遵守;坚持;vt.忍受
参考例句:
  • You must abide by the results of your mistakes.你必须承担你的错误所造成的后果。
  • If you join the club,you have to abide by its rules.如果你参加俱乐部,你就得遵守它的规章。
55 apron Lvzzo     
n.围裙;工作裙
参考例句:
  • We were waited on by a pretty girl in a pink apron.招待我们的是一位穿粉红色围裙的漂亮姑娘。
  • She stitched a pocket on the new apron.她在新围裙上缝上一只口袋。
56 bridling a7b16199fc3c7bb470d10403db2646e0     
给…套龙头( bridle的现在分词 ); 控制; 昂首表示轻蔑(或怨忿等); 动怒,生气
参考例句:
  • Suellen, bridling, always asked news of Mr. Kennedy. 苏伦也克制着经常探询肯尼迪先生的情况。
  • We noticed sever al men loitering about the bridling last night. 昨天夜里我们看到有几个人在楼附近荡来荡去。
57 squire 0htzjV     
n.护卫, 侍从, 乡绅
参考例句:
  • I told him the squire was the most liberal of men.我告诉他乡绅是世界上最宽宏大量的人。
  • The squire was hard at work at Bristol.乡绅在布里斯托尔热衷于他的工作。
58 ecstasy 9kJzY     
n.狂喜,心醉神怡,入迷
参考例句:
  • He listened to the music with ecstasy.他听音乐听得入了神。
  • Speechless with ecstasy,the little boys gazed at the toys.小孩注视着那些玩具,高兴得说不出话来。
59 idol Z4zyo     
n.偶像,红人,宠儿
参考例句:
  • As an only child he was the idol of his parents.作为独子,他是父母的宠儿。
  • Blind worship of this idol must be ended.对这个偶像的盲目崇拜应该结束了。
60 intervals f46c9d8b430e8c86dea610ec56b7cbef     
n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 );间隔时间;[数学]区间;(戏剧、电影或音乐会的)幕间休息
参考例句:
  • The forecast said there would be sunny intervals and showers. 预报间晴,有阵雨。
  • Meetings take place at fortnightly intervals. 每两周开一次会。
61 mischief jDgxH     
n.损害,伤害,危害;恶作剧,捣蛋,胡闹
参考例句:
  • Nobody took notice of the mischief of the matter. 没有人注意到这件事情所带来的危害。
  • He seems to intend mischief.看来他想捣蛋。


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