CHAPTER IX AN EXCURSION

"Grab hold of him—do, that's a good fellow! Stop the beast! Whoa, Buttercup, whoa! Oh, dear, won't somebody stop him?"

 

Howard Fenton, seated on Mr. Barton's big black horse, was having a most uncomfortable time in the field by the house. It was the first of a series of lessons in the art of horseback riding that Sam Randall had undertaken to give him.

 

Sam, Tom Clifton and young Bins¹, painful to relate, were roaring with laughter.

 

"Golly, but dis chile neber seed nuthin' like that. Oh, dese city fellers! Golly!" and Sam showed his white teeth again.

 

Buttercup, as if indignant at the awkwardness of his rider, danced and pawed the ground and bobbed his head up and down, while Howard struggled desperately² to hold his seat.

 

"I know I shall fall! Oh, oh, for goodness' sake—if I break my neck, Sam, it's your—oh—oh——"

 

The sentence, ending in a wail³, was too much for Sam. He seized Buttercup by the bridle⁴, while Bins, nearly convulsed with laughter, aided the frightened rider to dismount.

 

"Thanks, old chap," panted Howard. "I know I made an awful spectacle of myself. Talk about jolts⁵, bumps and aching bones—say, does anybody really enjoy riding?"

 

"Oh, listen to him!" cried Sam Bins, with another explosion.

 

"Of course they do," said Randall, loftily, bestowing⁶ a compassionate⁷ look upon the crestfallen⁸ Howard. "Let me show you how to do it," and he vaulted⁹ into the saddle.

 

Fenton gazed after him admiringly, as he rode around in a wide circle, then skilfully¹⁰ drew his spirited steed alongside.

 

"You're a crackerjack, Sam," he exclaimed. "But I'll stick to electric cars and trains."

 

"Oh, dese city fellers," chuckled¹¹ Sam Bins.

 

"Here—I'll take a turn, too," put in Tom Clifton.

 

The smallest member of the Rambler Club also managed Buttercup with ease. Proudly, he put the horse through its paces, and, flushed with triumph, called out, as he rode up, "How's that for riding?"

 

"You country chaps can beat us out in some things, that's sure," laughed Fenton, good-naturedly.

 

"Come ahead—you can learn to ride," urged Sam.

 

"Yes, do. It's as easy as rolling off a log," chimed in Tom.

 

"Nothing easier than falling off a horse, I think," returned Fenton, with a faint smile. "But not to-day, boys. Oh, no! Guess I've had enough."

 

"Oh, dese city fellers," repeated Sam Bins, as he led Buttercup back to the stable.

 

"Wonder how Bob and the other fellows are getting along in the wilderness," said Howard, when the group had turned toward the porch.

 

"Guess they won't leave any bears or moose for Tom and me," grinned Sam. "They are crack shots—that is all except Chubby¹². He never seems to hit a thing, any more."

 

"Hope Dick will get some pictures," put in Tom. "Wish I had a camera, I'd snap some, too."

 

"I say, Howard," exclaimed Sam, suddenly, "Phil Levins, Tom and I are going over to Promontory¹³ this afternoon. I'm teaching Clifton how to swim. Want to take a sail in the 'Spray'? It's a bully¹⁴ day for an outing."

 

"I may come over later, in the 'Dauntless.' Promised pater I'd do some writing for him," replied Fenton. "Guess I can make it, though, and we'll have a little race on the way back."

 

"Good! But the 'Spray' will run away from the 'Dauntless,' old man."

 

"It will—like fun," laughed Fenton, as he took his leave.

 

Phil Levins met the Ramblers at the wharf¹⁵. Just as they were clambering aboard the "Spray," "Little Bill" happened to pass. He surveyed them with a scowl¹⁶.

 

"I'm a-goin' ter take out that boat, some day, an' don't you forgit it. Old Barton says ter me one day—he says, 'Bill'——"

 

These were the words that greeted the boys, and Sam Randall cut them off by exclaiming, "Oh, we're not talking about that now, Bill Dugan."

 

"Ain't you? Well, I'm talking about it, all right. Afear'd I'd hurt the boat, eh? Think you're sich swell¹⁷ sailors, eh? Jist you wait, fellers."

 

"All year, if you want," laughed Sam. "Give the boat a shove, boys. Rattling¹⁸ good breeze, eh? That's it—we're off."

 

The sail quickly filled out, and the boat drew away from the wharf.

 

"Jest you wait," repeated "Little Bill," loudly.

 

"That's what we're doing."

 

"I ain't forgot what that elephant done."

 

"Don't let it worry you, grouchy," and the boys waved their hands toward the disgusted Dugan.

 

The "Spray" was a fast boat, and with a strong, favorable wind, cut through the water at a rapid rate.

 

The dark firs on Hemlock¹⁹ and the crags of Promontory Island, began to loom²⁰ up clear and distinct. It was exhilarating sport, and, as the water foamed²¹ and gurgled and occasionally dashed over the gunwale, the boys began to sing.

 

"This is great," exclaimed Tom Clifton, at length. "We'll have a dandy race, if Fenton comes over."

 

"We ought to give him a handicap."

 

"Sure thing. The 'Dauntless' isn't a patch on the 'Spray' for speed."

 

In a short time, the "Spray" dashed into the passageway beneath the towering crags. Emerging on the other side, they sailed past the site of the former "Idleman's Club" and continued on until a picturesque²² cove²³ appeared in view.

 

"Ease over the sheet, Phil," said Sam. "That's right. Haul it down when I say the word."

 

In a sheltered situation, the "Spray" glided²⁴ smoothly²⁵ over the limpid²⁶ water and entered the cove. At Sam's command, the sail was lowered and an anchor heaved overboard. The boat came to a stop within a few feet of a jutting²⁷ bank, where the water was so clear that the pebbly²⁸ bottom could be plainly seen.

 

"Done like old salts," laughed Sam. "Off with shoes and stockings, fellows; we'll have to wade²⁹."

 

In a few minutes they stood on shore. Then all took seats on a convenient rock.

 

Clouds of dazzling whiteness glistened³⁰ against the deep blue sky, shadows flitted across the surface of the lake and over the rugged³¹ crags above, while now and then a cool, pleasant breeze blew strongly in their faces.

 

They were in a delightful³² cove. A group of willows³³ on the opposite side mirrored themselves in the clear water; pond-lilies and aquatic³⁴ growth bobbed gently on the listless current.

 

"This is where Dave would enjoy himself," observed Sam. "Listen to the birds—say, look at that bit of blue sky," and Sam imitated the "poet's" tones so well that Tom burst out laughing.

 

"Can he really paint and write poetry?" asked Phil Levins.

 

"Oh, Chub can do anything," replied Sam, with conviction. "He's a dandy. But here, Tommy, get off your duds. If you don't look out, you won't be able to swim any better than Fenton can ride."

 

"Oh, suffering catfish," said Tom, flippantly.

 

The boys quickly donned their bathing suits, and walked along the shelving beach to the end of the cove.

 

"Oh, but the water's cold. Hold on there, Sam Randall, don't push."

 

"Don't crowd him," grinned Phil.

 

"Oh, of course not," snickered Sam, and the next minute, Tom, neatly³⁵ tripped, hit the water with a loud splash and a yell.

 

For the next half hour, they had great sport. The water was shallow and well suited to their purpose. Tom made a little progress, and by actual count was able to keep afloat for seventeen seconds. Then he paddled around, while Sam and Phil, both good swimmers, raced out to the end of the cove and back, Sam leading by a few feet.

 

When they were again dressed, the three resumed their place on the rock.

 

"Most time for Fenton to come," observed Phil Levins.

 

"I'll bet he won't turn up," grumbled³⁶ Sam, as he shied a rock into the water. "I'd give a lot to have that race, too."

 

"Let's take a walk," suggested Tom.

 

"Where—up on the cliff?"

 

"No siree! Around the base as far as we can go."

 

"All right, son, we'll do it," agreed Sam. "If Fenton comes along, he'll know how to find us."

 

Thick vegetation, at times, forced them toward the base of the cliff, while at others they skirted along the bank. Pretty wild flowers nodded in the breeze and brilliant-hued butterflies hovered³⁷ about. Occasionally, a rustle³⁸ amidst the underbrush indicated the presence of some startled creature.

 

Straight ahead, bright in the sunlight, loomed³⁹ the towering walls of Crescent Mountain, its opposite neighbor being partly hidden by the cliff near at hand.

 

At length the end of the island was reached, and the boys only stopped where the cliff, rising straight out of the water, barred further progress.

 

"A daisy view," commented Tom. "Look at the current, Sam—pretty strong even here, eh?"

 

"That's right, Tommy. I wouldn't care to be more than fifty feet from shore. Nice fresh breeze, too, though we don't get so much of it on this side."

 

Sam seated himself, the others following his example. Now and then a stick or branch floated slowly by, occasionally caught by some counter current and swung in to shore, only to again be started on its journey toward the gorge⁴⁰ of Canyon⁴¹ River.

 

Sam picked up a stout⁴² limb and sent it far out, then idly watched the current carrying it away.

 

"Wonder, Tom," he said, reflectively, "what kind of a journey the thing will have. Maybe it will go over that mysterious falls."

 

"I'm sure I don't care. Let's skip back, and see if Fenton has come."

 

"You run over and see, Tommy, like a good fellow."

 

"I will not, you lazy-bones. What are your legs for?"

 

"Lots of things," laughed Sam, as he made a lunge for Tom. But the latter jumped nimbly aside.

 

The boys started to retrace⁴³ their steps and presently reached a point from which the "Spray" could be seen. They saw that no one was on the beach, while the clear expanse of Mountain Lake was unspotted by craft of any kind.

 

"I told you so, Tom Clifton."

 

"Never mind—let's sit down and wait."

 

Suddenly a shout came from Phil Levins, who had lagged in the rear. It was so full of terror, that Sam and Tom looked at each other in wonder and alarm.

 

"What's up now?" gasped⁴⁴ the latter.

 

Phil was waving his arms wildly.

 

"Hurry up—hurry up!" he yelled, frantically⁴⁵, and the Ramblers broke into a run.

 

Over bushes and rocks they dashed, until they caught sight of something which seemed to make their blood run cold. Their faces blanched⁴⁶.

 

A quarter of a mile away, caught in the treacherous⁴⁷ current of Canyon River, was the "Dauntless," her white hull⁴⁸ sparkling in the sunshine and her tapering⁴⁹ mast bobbing back and forth⁵⁰ against the background of cliffs.

 

1 bins   

n.大储藏箱( bin的名词复数 )；宽口箱（如面包箱，垃圾箱等）v.扔掉，丢弃( bin的第三人称单数 )

参考例句：

• Garbage from all sources was deposited in bins on trolleys. 来自各方的垃圾是装在手推车上的垃圾箱里的。 来自辞典例句
• Would you be pleased at the prospect of its being on sale in dump bins? 对于它将被陈列在倾销箱中抛售这件事，你能欣然接受吗？ 来自辞典例句

2 desperately   

adv.极度渴望地，绝望地，孤注一掷地

参考例句：

• He was desperately seeking a way to see her again.他正拼命想办法再见她一面。
• He longed desperately to be back at home.他非常渴望回家。

3 wail   

vt./vi.大声哀号，恸哭；呼啸，尖啸

参考例句：

• Somewhere in the audience an old woman's voice began plaintive wail.观众席里，一位老太太伤心地哭起来。
• One of the small children began to wail with terror.小孩中的一个吓得大哭起来。

4 bridle   

n.笼头，束缚；vt.抑制，约束；动怒

参考例句：

• He learned to bridle his temper.他学会了控制脾气。
• I told my wife to put a bridle on her tongue.我告诉妻子说话要谨慎。

5 jolts   

（使）摇动， （使）震惊( jolt的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• He found that out when he got a few terrific jolts, but he wouldn't give up. 被狠狠地撞回来几次后，他发觉了这一点，但他决不因此罢休。
• Some power bars are loaded with carbohydrates or caffeine for quick jolts. 有些能量条中包含大量的碳水化合物和咖啡因，以达到快速提神的效果。

6 bestowing   

砖窑中砖堆上层已烧透的砖

参考例句：

• Apollo, you see, is bestowing the razor on the Triptolemus of our craft. 你瞧，阿波罗正在把剃刀赠给我们这项手艺的特里泼托勒默斯。
• What thanks do we not owe to Heaven for thus bestowing tranquillity, health and competence! 我们要谢谢上苍，赐我们的安乐、健康和饱暖。

7 compassionate   

adj.有同情心的，表示同情的

参考例句：

• She is a compassionate person.她是一个有同情心的人。
• The compassionate judge gave the young offender a light sentence.慈悲的法官从轻判处了那个年轻罪犯。

8 crestfallen   

adj. 挫败的，失望的，沮丧的

参考例句：

• He gathered himself up and sneaked off,crushed and crestfallen.他爬起来，偷偷地溜了，一副垂头丧气、被斗败的样子。
• The youth looked exceedingly crestfallen.那青年看上去垂头丧气极了。

9 vaulted   

adj.拱状的

参考例句：

• She vaulted over the gate and ran up the path. 她用手一撑跃过栅栏门沿着小路跑去。
• The formal living room has a fireplace and vaulted ceilings. 正式的客厅有一个壁炉和拱形天花板。

10 skilfully   

adv. (美skillfully)熟练地

参考例句：

• Hall skilfully weaves the historical research into a gripping narrative. 霍尔巧妙地把历史研究揉进了扣人心弦的故事叙述。
• Enthusiasm alone won't do. You've got to work skilfully. 不能光靠傻劲儿，得找窍门。

11 chuckled   

轻声地笑( chuckle的过去式和过去分词 )

参考例句：

• She chuckled at the memory. 想起这件事她就暗自发笑。
• She chuckled softly to herself as she remembered his astonished look. 想起他那惊讶的表情，她就轻轻地暗自发笑。

12 chubby   

adj.丰满的，圆胖的

参考例句：

• He is stocky though not chubby.他长得敦实，可并不发胖。
• The short and chubby gentleman over there is our new director.那个既矮又胖的绅士是我们的新主任。

13 promontory   

n.海角；岬

参考例句：

• Genius is a promontory jutting out of the infinite.天才是茫茫大地突出的岬角。
• On the map that promontory looks like a nose,naughtily turned up.从地图上面，那个海角就像一只调皮地翘起来的鼻子。

14 bully   

n.恃强欺弱者，小流氓；vt.威胁，欺侮

参考例句：

• A bully is always a coward.暴汉常是懦夫。
• The boy gave the bully a pelt on the back with a pebble.那男孩用石子掷击小流氓的背脊。

15 wharf   

n.码头，停泊处

参考例句：

• We fetch up at the wharf exactly on time.我们准时到达码头。
• We reached the wharf gasping for breath.我们气喘吁吁地抵达了码头。

16 scowl   

vi.(at)生气地皱眉，沉下脸，怒视；n.怒容

参考例句：

• I wonder why he is wearing an angry scowl.我不知道他为何面带怒容。
• The boss manifested his disgust with a scowl.老板面带怒色，清楚表示出他的厌恶之感。

17 swell   

vi.膨胀，肿胀；增长，增强

参考例句：

• The waves had taken on a deep swell.海浪汹涌。
• His injured wrist began to swell.他那受伤的手腕开始肿了。

18 rattling   

adj. 格格作响的, 活泼的, 很好的 adv. 极其, 很, 非常 动词rattle的现在分词

参考例句：

• This book is a rattling good read. 这是一本非常好的读物。
• At that same instant,a deafening explosion set the windows rattling. 正在这时，一声震耳欲聋的爆炸突然袭来，把窗玻璃震得当当地响。

19 hemlock   

n.毒胡萝卜，铁杉

参考例句：

• He was condemned to drink a cup of hemlock.判处他喝一杯毒汁。
• Here is a beech by the side of a hemlock,with three pines at hand.这儿有株山毛榉和一株铁杉长在一起，旁边还有三株松树。

20 loom   

n.织布机，织机；v.隐现，(危险、忧虑等)迫近

参考例句：

• The old woman was weaving on her loom.那位老太太正在织布机上织布。
• The shuttle flies back and forth on the loom.织布机上梭子来回飞动。

21 foamed   

泡沫的

参考例句：

• The beer foamed up and overflowed the glass. 啤酒冒着泡沫，溢出了玻璃杯。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• The man foamed and stormed. 那人大发脾气，暴跳如雷。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》

22 picturesque   

adj.美丽如画的，（语言）生动的，绘声绘色的

参考例句：

• You can see the picturesque shores beside the river.在河边你可以看到景色如画的两岸。
• That was a picturesque phrase.那是一个形象化的说法。

23 cove   

n.小海湾，小峡谷

参考例句：

• The shore line is wooded,olive-green,a pristine cove.岸边一带林木蓊郁，嫩绿一片，好一个山外的小海湾。
• I saw two children were playing in a cove.我看到两个小孩正在一个小海湾里玩耍。

24 glided   

v.滑动( glide的过去式和过去分词 )；掠过；（鸟或飞机 ） 滑翔

参考例句：

• The President's motorcade glided by. 总统的车队一溜烟开了过去。
• They glided along the wall until they were out of sight. 他们沿着墙壁溜得无影无踪。 来自《简明英汉词典》

25 smoothly   

adv.平滑地，顺利地，流利地，流畅地

参考例句：

• The workmen are very cooperative,so the work goes on smoothly.工人们十分合作，所以工作进展顺利。
• Just change one or two words and the sentence will read smoothly.这句话只要动一两个字就顺了。

26 limpid   

adj.清澈的，透明的

参考例句：

• He has a pair of limpid blue eyes.他有一双清澈的蓝眼睛。
• The sky was a limpid blue,as if swept clean of everything.碧空如洗。

27 jutting   

v.（使）突出( jut的现在分词 )；伸出；（从…）突出；高出

参考例句：

• The climbers rested on a sheltered ledge jutting out from the cliff. 登山者在悬崖的岩棚上休息。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• The soldier saw a gun jutting out of some bushes. 那士兵看见丛林中有一枝枪伸出来。 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》

28 pebbly   

多卵石的，有卵石花纹的

参考例句：

• Sometimes the water spread like a sheen over the pebbly bed. 有时河水泛流在圆石子的河床上，晶莹发光。
• The beach is pebbly. 这个海滩上有许多卵石。

29 wade   

v.跋涉，涉水；n.跋涉

参考例句：

• We had to wade through the river to the opposite bank.我们只好涉水过河到对岸。
• We cannot but wade across the river.我们只好趟水过去。

30 glistened   

v.湿物闪耀，闪亮( glisten的过去式和过去分词 )

参考例句：

• Pearls of dew glistened on the grass. 草地上珠露晶莹。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
• Her eyes glistened with tears. 她的眼里闪着泪花。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》

31 rugged   

adj.高低不平的，粗糙的，粗壮的，强健的

参考例句：

• Football players must be rugged.足球运动员必须健壮。
• The Rocky Mountains have rugged mountains and roads.落基山脉有崇山峻岭和崎岖不平的道路。

32 delightful   

adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的

参考例句：

• We had a delightful time by the seashore last Sunday.上星期天我们在海滨玩得真痛快。
• Peter played a delightful melody on his flute.彼得用笛子吹奏了一支欢快的曲子。

33 willows   

n.柳树( willow的名词复数 )；柳木

参考例句：

• The willows along the river bank look very beautiful. 河岸边的柳树很美。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Willows are planted on both sides of the streets. 街道两侧种着柳树。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》

34 aquatic   

adj.水生的，水栖的

参考例句：

• Aquatic sports include swimming and rowing.水上运动包括游泳和划船。
• We visited an aquatic city in Italy.我们在意大利访问过一个水上城市。

35 neatly   

adv.整洁地，干净地，灵巧地，熟练地

参考例句：

• Sailors know how to wind up a long rope neatly.水手们知道怎样把一条大绳利落地缠好。
• The child's dress is neatly gathered at the neck.那孩子的衣服在领口处打着整齐的皱褶。

36 grumbled   

抱怨( grumble的过去式和过去分词 )； 发牢骚； 咕哝； 发哼声

参考例句：

• He grumbled at the low pay offered to him. 他抱怨给他的工资低。
• The heat was sweltering, and the men grumbled fiercely over their work. 天热得让人发昏，水手们边干活边发着牢骚。

37 hovered   

鸟( hover的过去式和过去分词 )； 靠近（某事物）； （人）徘徊； 犹豫

参考例句：

• A hawk hovered over the hill. 一只鹰在小山的上空翱翔。
• A hawk hovered in the blue sky. 一只老鹰在蓝色的天空中翱翔。

38 rustle   

v.沙沙作响；偷盗(牛、马等)；n.沙沙声声

参考例句：

• She heard a rustle in the bushes.她听到灌木丛中一阵沙沙声。
• He heard a rustle of leaves in the breeze.他听到树叶在微风中发出的沙沙声。

39 loomed   

v.隐约出现，阴森地逼近( loom的过去式和过去分词 )；隐约出现，阴森地逼近

参考例句：

• A dark shape loomed up ahead of us. 一个黑糊糊的影子隐隐出现在我们的前面。
• The prospect of war loomed large in everyone's mind. 战事将起的庞大阴影占据每个人的心。 来自《简明英汉词典》

40 gorge   

n.咽喉，胃，暴食，山峡；v.塞饱，狼吞虎咽地吃

参考例句：

• East of the gorge leveled out.峡谷东面地势变得平坦起来。
• It made my gorge rise to hear the news.这消息令我作呕。

41 canyon   

n.峡谷，溪谷

参考例句：

• The Grand Canyon in the USA is 1900 metres deep.美国的大峡谷1900米深。
• The canyon is famous for producing echoes.这个峡谷以回声而闻名。

42   

参考例句：

43 retrace   

v.折回；追溯，探源

参考例句：

• He retraced his steps to the spot where he'd left the case.他折回到他丢下箱子的地方。
• You must retrace your steps.你必须折回原来走过的路。

44 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：

• She gasped at the wonderful view. 如此美景使她惊讶得屏住了呼吸。
• People gasped with admiration at the superb skill of the gymnasts. 体操运动员的高超技艺令人赞叹。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》

45 frantically   

ad.发狂地, 发疯地

参考例句：

• He dashed frantically across the road. 他疯狂地跑过马路。
• She bid frantically for the old chair. 她发狂地喊出高价要买那把古老的椅子。

46 blanched   

v.使变白( blanch的过去式 )；使（植物）不见阳光而变白；酸洗（金属）使有光泽；用沸水烫（杏仁等）以便去皮

参考例句：

• The girl blanched with fear when she saw the bear coming. 那女孩见熊（向她）走来，吓得脸都白了。 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》
• Their faces blanched in terror. 他们的脸因恐惧而吓得发白。 来自《简明英汉词典》

47 treacherous   

adj.不可靠的，有暗藏的危险的；adj.背叛的，背信弃义的

参考例句：

• The surface water made the road treacherous for drivers.路面的积水对驾车者构成危险。
• The frozen snow was treacherous to walk on.在冻雪上行走有潜在危险。

48 hull   

n.船身；(果、实等的)外壳；vt.去(谷物等)壳

参考例句：

• The outer surface of ship's hull is very hard.船体的外表面非常坚硬。
• The boat's hull has been staved in by the tremendous seas.小船壳让巨浪打穿了。

49 tapering   

adj.尖端细的

参考例句：

• Interest in the scandal seems to be tapering off. 人们对那件丑闻的兴趣似乎越来越小了。
• Nonproductive expenditures keep tapering down. 非生产性开支一直在下降。

50 forth   

adv.向前；向外，往外

参考例句：

• The wind moved the trees gently back and forth.风吹得树轻轻地来回摇晃。
• He gave forth a series of works in rapid succession.他很快连续发表了一系列的作品。