This came long after the battle at the ’Dobe Walls, and was of the year next before Dull Knife, that Red Richard of the Cheyennes, with one hundred and forty-eight followers1, two-thirds of whom were squaws and pappooses, broke from the soldiers and fought his way to his old home in the North, whipping the cavalry2 once, twice, thrice; yielding only and at last to the lying treachery of Red Cloud and his Sioux police. It was a great trail that last long running fight of Dull Knife, and proved his heart good and his “medicine” strong. Some one some day ought to write the story high among the gallant4 deeds of men. However, here is not the place nor this the time; for what comes after is to be a tale of stratagem5, not battle; politics, not war.
Commonly the face of Dodge6 was as open and frank and care-free as the face of a Waterbury watch. On the occasion in hand it wore a look of occupation and serious business. This business expression was fairly founded; a sheriff for Ford7 County must be selected, the gentleman who had filled that post of trust being undeniably dead.
The passing of that sheriff was curious. One morning he rode forth8, and fording the Arkansas at the Cimarron Crossing, made south and west for Sand Creek9. And thereafter he never rode back. It was understood that he bore official papers to serve upon a certain miscreant10 who dwelt on Sand Creek. The Sand Creek miscreant having bought goods of Mr. Wright, later jeered11 at the suggestion that he pay, and Mr. Wright had been driven to ask aid of the law.
Three days after the sheriff splashed through the Cimarron Crossing his pony12 was picked up by cow people, saddled, bridled14, and in the best of spirits, close by the river where the lush grass grows most to a pony’s taste. It did not escape experienced eyes that, when the pony was thus recovered, the bridle13 reins15 were properly upon its neck and had not been lifted over its head, to hang by the bits and drag about its hoofs16. Later, the missing one’s six-shooter and belt, the latter tooth-marked, together with shreds17 of clothing, scraps18 of leather leggings, and sundry19 bones gnawed20 white, were found an hour’s ride out on the trail. The pistol possessed21 a full furnishment of six unexploded cartridges22. Also, the tooth-marked belt and those fragmentary reminders23, scattered24 here and there and all about for the round area of a mile, offered much to support a belief that the late officer, in his final expression, had become of gustatory moment to coyotes, which grey beggarmen of the plains were many and hungry in those parts.
When the evidence recounted was all in, the wisdom of Dodge made divers25 deductions26. These found setting forth in the remarks of Mr. Wright, the same being delivered to Mr. Short and others in the Long Branch saloon.
“Those bridle reins on the pony’s neck,” observed Mr. Wright, inspired to the explanation by Old Jordan and a local curiosity which appealed to him as among the best intelligences in camp, “those bridle reins on the pony’s neck shows that Dave went out o’ the saddle a heap sudden. If Dave had swung to the grass of his own will he’d have lifted the reins over the pony’s head, so’s to keep that equine standin’ patient to his call.”
“Don’t you reckon, Bob,” broke in Mr. Short, “your Sand Creek bankrupt bushwhacks Dave?”
“No; Dave wasn’t shot out o’ the saddle, the six loads in his gun bein’ plenty on that point. It’s preposterous27 that an old hand like Dave, in an open country, too, could have been rubbed out, an’ never get a shot. Dave wasn’t that easy. Besides, if the Sand Creek hold-up had bumped Dave off, he’d have cinched the pony. Gents, the idea I entertain is that Dave, in a fit of abstraction, permits himself to be bucked28 off. Landin’ on his head that a-way, his neck naturally gets broke.”
The Wright theory having been adopted, Dodge, in addition to the serious business look, took on an atmosphere of disappointment which trenched upon the mournful. Not that the late sheriff’s death preyed29 upon Dodge. Dodge was aware of sheriffs in their evanescence. They were as grass; they came up like the flowers to be cut down. What discouraged Dodge was the commonplace character of that officer’s exit, as so convincingly explained by Mr. Wright. Nothing had been left wherewith to gild30 a story and tantalize31 the envious32 ears of rivalry33. To be chucked from a careless saddle to the dislocation of an equally careless neck was not a proud demise34.
By Western tenets the only honourable35 departure would have been the one usual and official. The sheriff who would quit his constituents36 under noblest conditions must perish in the smoke of conflict, defending communal37 order and the threatened peace of men. Obviously he must not be pitched from his own pony to fatten38 coyotes.
“For,” as Cimarron Bill was moved to observe, “to be bucked into a better life, inadvertent, is as onromatic as bein’ kicked to glory by an ambulance mule39.”
Had the late sheriff gone down before the lawless muzzle40 of some desperate personage, bent41, as runs the phrase, on “standing Dodge on its head,” what exhilarating ceremonies would have been the fruit! The desperate personage, on the hocks of that snuffing out, would have been earnestly lynched. The slain42 sheriff, his head pillowed in his saddle, his guns by his side, would have lain in state. Dodge, crape on its sombrero and with bowed head, would have followed the catafalque, while a brass43 band boomed the dead march; the rites44, conducted in a mood of gloomy elevation45, would have aroused the admiration46 of an entire border. All these good advantages were denied Dodge, and it was that funeral loss which clouded the public brow. The possibilities would now be exhausted47 when the fate of the once sheriff was officially noticed, and the vacancy48 thus arranged had been filled.
And now a new sheriff must be chosen. Dodge, politically speaking, was all there was of Ford County. Politics, in the sinister49 sense of party, had never reared its viper50 head in Dodge; there existed no such commodity of misrule. Also, the station of sheriff was of responsible gravity. Thus, indeed, thought Dodge; and went upon that sheriff-mongering with care.
“My idea of a sheriff,” vouchsafed51 Mr. Short, “is one who, while he does not wear his six-shooters for ornament52, can be relied on not to go shootin’ too promiscuous53. The prosperity of Dodge swings and rattles54 on the boys who drive the herds55. It isn’t commercially expedient56 to put a crimp in one of ’em for trivial cause. Of course, should the most free-handed consumer that ever tossed his dinero across a counter pull his hardware for blood, it is obvious that he must be downed. The demand of the hour is for a sheriff who can discriminate57 on the lines I’ve laid down.”
This and more was said. When discussion had been exhausted Mr. Trask, with a view of focussing suggestion, advanced the name of Mr. Masterson. Mr. Wright, as well as Mr. Short, was prompt with his support.
“For,” said Mr. Wright, “where can you find a cooler head or a quicker gun than Bat’s?”
“But Bat ain’t here none,” explained Cimarron Bill. “He’s down on the Medicine Lodge58, killin’ buffalo59; his camp’s in Walker’s Timber.”
It was apparent that the better element, that is to say, the better shots, favoured Mr. Masterson. An informal count displayed among his supporters such popular towers as Mr. Wright, Mr. Trask, Mr. Short, and Mr. Kelly. Mr. Short was emphatic60 in his partisanship61.
“Not only,” explained Mr. Short, “is Bat cool an’ steady, but, bar Mike Sutton, he’s the best educated sharp in Dodge.”
Cimarron Bill, who seemed born to ride bad ponies62, saddled a bronco whose studied villainy of disposition63 was half atoned64 for by an ability to put one hundred miles between himself and his last feed. Cimarron Bill had been directed to bring in Mr. Masterson.
“An’ don’t tell him what’s in the wind,” warned Mr. Wright. “Bat’s modest, an’ if you spring this on him plumb65 abrupt66 it might shock him so he wouldn’t come.”
“What’ll I tell him, then?” demanded Cimarron Bill. “I shore can’t rope up Bat without a word an’ drag him yere with my pony.”
“Here’s what you do,” said Mr. Short. “Tell him I’m goin’ to run, with Updegraffe up for the opp’sition. Tell him that Walker of the Cross K, an’ B’ar Creek Johnson are ag’in me. That would fetch Bat from the Rio Grande.”
On the south bank of the Medicine Lodge was a horseshoe bend, and the enclosed forty acres, thick-sown of trees, were known as Walker’s Timber. Here was pitched the buffalo camp of Mr. Masterson, and therefrom, aided and abetted67 by his brother Ed and Mr. Tighlman, he issued forth against the buffaloes68, slaying69 them serenely70, to his profit and the fullfed joy of sundry coyotes and ravens71 that attended faithfully his hunting.
It was in the earlier darkness of the evening, and Mr. Masterson was sitting by his campfire, peering into a little memorandum72 book by the dancing light of the flames. In this book, with a stubby pencil, he soberly jotted73 down a record of the day’s kill.
“We’ve made eight hundred and thirty-three robes, Billy,” observed Mr. Masterson to Mr. Tighlman, who was busy over a bake-kettle containing all that was mortal of two hen turkeys—wild and young and lively the night before. “And,” concluded Mr. Masterson, with just a shade of pride in his tones, “I fetched them with precisely74 eight hundred and thirty-three cartridges, the nearest bull four hundred yards away.”
Mr. Tighlman grunted75 applause of the rifle accuracy of Mr. Masterson. Mr. Tighlman was the camp’s cook, having a mysterious genius for biscuits, and knowing to a pinch what baking-powder was required for a best biscuit result.
Mr. Tighlman presently announced supper by beating the side of the bake-kettle with the back of a butcher-knife. The challenge brought Ed Masterson from the drying-grounds, where he had been staking out and scraping, with an instrument that resembled a short-handed adz, the fresh hides of that day’s hunt. Mr. Masterson put away his roster76 of buffalo dead and made ready to compliment Mr. Tighlman in the way in which cooks like best to be praised.
Suddenly there came a sound as of some one crossing the little river. Each of the three seized his rifle and rolled outside the circle of firelight. It was as one hundred to one there abode77 no danger; the Cheyennes had not yet recovered from the calmative influences of the Black Kettle war. Still, it was the careful practice of the plains to distrust all things after dark.
“Go back to your fire,” shouted a voice from out the shadows. “Do you-all prairie dogs reckon that, if I was goin’ to jump your camp, I’d come walloppin’ across in this egregious78 style?”
“It’s Cimarron Bill,” exclaimed Mr. Masterson, discarding his rifle in favour of renewed turkey.
Cimarron Bill tore the saddle off the malevolent79 bronco and hobbled him.
“Whoopee!” he shouted softly, as he pushed in by the fire and pulled the bake-kettle towards him; “I’m hungry enough to eat a saddle cover.”
Cimarron Bill, being exhaustively fed, laid forth his mission mendaciously80. He related the vacancy in the office of sheriff, and said that it was proposed to fill the same with Mr. Short. Cimarron Bill, seeing a chance to tell a little truth, explained that the opposition81 would put up Mr. Updegraffe.
“Who’s behind Updegraffe?” asked Mr. Masterson.
The veracious82 Cimarron Bill enumerated83 Mr. Webster of the Alamo, Mr. Peacock of the Dance Hall, Mr. Walker of the Cross-K, and Bear Creek Johnson.
This set Mr. Masterson on edge.
“We’ll start by sun-up,” quoth Mr. Masterson. “Ed and Billy can pick up the camp.”
When Mr. Masterson discovered how he had been defrauded84 into Dodge, and learned of those honours designed for him, his modesty85 took alarm.
“I didn’t think, Cimarron,” said Mr. Masterson, in tones of reproach, “that you’d cap me up against a game like this!” Then he refused squarely to consider himself a candidate.
“But it’s too late, Bat,” explained Mr. Short. “You’ve already been in the field two days, with Updegraffe in opposition. If you refuse to run they’ll say you crawfished.”
Mr. Short spoke86 with sly triumph, for it was his chicane which had announced Mr. Masterson as a candidate. He had foreseen its value as an argument.
The sagacity of Mr. Short was justified87; Mr. Masterson was plainly staggered. His name had been used; his opponent was in the field; Mr. Masterson could find no avenue of retreat. It was settled; Mr. Masterson must be a candidate for sheriff of Ford.
The great contest of Masterson against Updegraffe had occupied the public four days when Mr. Peacock, Mr. Webster and Mr. Walker, acting88 for Mr. Updegraffe, waited upon Mr. Wright, Mr. Kelly and Mr. Short, who received them on behalf of Mr. Masterson. Mr. Peacock, for the Updegraffe three, made primary explanation. He and his fellow commissioners89 had observed a falling off in trade. The Alamo was not taking in one-half its normal profits; the same was true of the Dance Hall. The Updegraffe committee asked Mr. Short if an abatement90 of prosperity had not occurred at the Long Branch, and put the same question concerning the Alhambra to Mr. Kelly. Mr. Kelly and Mr. Short, being appealed to, confessed a business slackness.
“But you know,” observed Mr. Kelly, philosophically91, “how it is in business; it’s a case of come-an’-go, like the old woman’s soap.”
Mr. Webster believed the falling off due to an election interest which engulfed92 the souls of folk.
“It takes their minds off such amusements as roulette an’ farobank an’ rum,” explained Mr. Webster. “Besides, the people of Dodge are a mighty93 cautious outfit94. Dodge won’t take chances; an’ at a ticklish95 time like this Dodge sobers up.”
“There may be something in that,” mused96 Mr. Short. “But, coming down to the turn, what was it you jack-rabbits wanted to say?”
“This is the proposition,” said Mr. Webster, “an’ we make it for the purpose of gettin’ the racket over without delay. Our idea is to set the time for a week from now, round up the votin’ population in the Plaza97, say at eight o’clock in the evenin’, an’ count noses, Masterson ag’in Updegraffe, high man win. That’s the offer we make. You gents will need an hour to look it over, an’ we’ll return at the end of that time an’ get your answer.”
“How do you figure this?” asked Mr. Wright of his fellow committeemen when the Updegraffe delegation98 had departed. “Is it a deadfall?”
“Strange as it may sound,” responded Mr. Short, “considerin’ what liars99 that outfit is, I’m obliged to admit that for once they’re on the squar’.”
Mr. Kelly coincided with Mr. Short, and it was finally agreed that the proffer100 of the Updegraffe contingent101 should be accepted.
“We’re with you,” said Mr. Short when Mr. Webster and the others returned, “but not on selfish grounds. We base our action on the bluff102 that the peace of Dodge requires protection, an’ that the office of sheriff, now vacant, should be promptly103 filled.”
“Then the election is settled,” said Mr. Webster, who was a practical man, “for eight o’clock in the evenin’, one week from to-day, to be pulled off in the Plaza?”
The canvass105 went forward in lively vein106, albeit107, as Mr. Webster had complained, there was a notable falling away in the local appetite for rum. Plainly, Dodge had turned wary108 in a day that wore a six-shooter, and under circumstances which tested the tempers of men. Evidently, it had determined109 that while this election crisis lasted, its hand should remain steady and its head cool.
It was five days before the one appointed for, as Mr. Webster called it, “a count of noses” in the Plaza. The friends of Mr. Masterson developed an irritating fact. There were, man added to man, four hundred and twelve votes in Dodge; of these a careful canvass betrayed two hundred and twelve as being for Mr. Updegraffe—a round majority of twelve.
This disquieting110 popular condition was chiefly the work of Bear Creek Johnson. The malign111 influence of that disreputable person controlled full forty votes, being the baser spirits; and these now threatened the defeat of Mr. Masterson.
Cimarron Bill, when he grasped the truth, was for cleansing112 Dodge of Bear Creek with a Colt’s-45. These sanitary113 steps, however, were forbidden by Mr. Masterson; at that the worthy114 Cimarron tendered a compromise. He would agree to do no more than mildly wing the offensive Bear Creek.
“No,” said Mr. Masterson, “don’t lay hand to gun. I’m not going to have Abilene and Hays pointing fingers of scorn at Dodge as being unable to elect a peace officer of the county without somebody getting shot. Besides, it isn’t necessary; I’ll beat ’em by strategy.”
Cimarron Bill, withheld115 from that direct aid to Mr. Masterson which his simple nature suggested, groaned116 in his soul. Observing his grief, Mr. Masterson detailed117 Mr. Tighlman to be ever at Cimarron Bill’s elbow, ready to repress that volatile118 recruit in case his feelings got beyond control and sought relief in some sudden bombardment of the felon119 Bear Creek.
That profligate120, thus protected, pursued his election efforts in behalf of Mr. Updegraffe cunningly, being all unchecked. His methods were not unmarked of talent; this should be a specimen121:
“What party be you for?” Bear Creek demanded of an Ishmael who lived precariously122 by chuck-a-luck. The one addressed was of so low a caste that he would accept a wager123 of ten cents. This put him beneath the notice of such as Mr. Short, whose limit was one hundred and two hundred, and in whose temple of fortune, the Long Branch, white chips were rated at fifty dollars a stack. “Which is it? Masterson or Updegraffe?”
“Well,” returned the Ishmael of chuck-a-luck, doubtfully, “I sort o’ allow that Bat Masterson’s the best man.”
“You do!” retorted the abandoned Bear Creek, disgustedly. “Now listen to me. What does a ten-cent hold-up like you want of the best man? You want the worst man, an’ so I tell you! Make it Updegraffe,” concluded Bear Creek, convincingly, “an’ you stay in Dodge. Make it Masterson, an’ he’ll make you an’ every other tinhorn hard to find.”
It was in that fashion the industrious124 Bear Creek piled up the majority of twelve. Unless something was done Mr. Masterson would sup disaster, and even the conservative Mr. Kelly whispered that he really thought the plan of Cimarron Bill, for the abatement of Bear Creek, possessed a merit.
“Let me think this over a bit,” said Mr. Masterson to Mr. Kelly.
That night Mr. Masterson met Mr. Kelly, Mr. Wright and Mr. Short at the Long Branch and laid bare a plan. Its simplicity125 impressed Mr. Masterson’s hearers; Mr. Wright even waxed enthusiastic.
“It shore looks it,” coincided Mr. Short. “In any event we lose nothin’; we can always fall back on the guns.”
At the latter intimation Mr. Kelly nodded solemnly. While not mercurial128, Mr. Kelly was in many of his characteristics one with Cimarron Bill. There were questions over which their honest natures met and sympathised.
Acting on the plan of Mr. Masterson, Mr. Wright and Mr. Short and Mr. Kelly craved129 in their turn a conference with the Updegraffe three.
“It is this, gents, that troubles us,” began Mr. Wright, when the committees found themselves together for the second time. “There are hot and headlong sports on our side as there are on yours. If we convene130 in the Plaza, as we’ve arranged, there’ll be bloodshed. I’m afraid we couldn’t restrain some of the more violent among us; indeed, to be entirely131 frank, I’m afraid I couldn’t even restrain myself. And yet, there’s a way, gents, in which danger may be avoided. Let us abandon that clause which provides for a count of noses in the Plaza. The end in view can be attained132 by having it understood that at eight o’clock the Masterson forces are to rally in the Long Branch, and the Updegraffe people in Mr. Peacock’s Dance Hall. Thus the two sides may be counted separately and the chance of deadly collision eliminated. We will set our watches together so that the count shall occur at eight o’clock sharp. Mr. Kelly for our side will be at the Dance Hall to act with Mr. Peacock in a count of the Updegraffe votes, while Mr. Webster for your interests is welcome to come to the Long Branch to aid Mr. Short in a round-up of the strength of Mr. Masterson. The two forces being out of gunshot of each other, the attendance will be freer and more untrammelled. Following the count Mr. Short and Mr. Kelly, Mr. Webster and Mr. Peacock will come together and declare the result. There of course will be no appeal, unless those appealing aim at civil war.”
As Mr. Wright talked on, suavely133, smoothly134, laying down each feature of his design, a slow look of relief stole into the faces of Mr. Webster and Mr. Peacock. Even the more hardy135 features of Mr. Walker were not untouched.
There had been doubts tugging136 at the Updegraffe three. True, the majority of twelve was theirs, but the weight of valour stood overwhelmingly with Mr. Masterson. The offer of a safe separation of forces was a relief, and Mr. Peacock, Mr. Walker and Mr. Webster lost no time in accepting. Notices were posted proclaiming an election after the scheme laid down by Mr. Wright.
It was election night; only the enterprising and those with votes and guns were abroad in Dodge. The rival clans137 of Masterson and Updegraffe began to gather, respectively, at the Long Branch and the Dance Hall. There was never a ripple138 of disorder139; nothing could be finer than that peace which was. Ten minutes before eight o’clock, the hour fixed140 for the count, the strength of each had convened141.
The Updegraffe people were jubilant; every man belonging to them being in the Dance Hall, that majority of twelve was sure. The minutes went ticking themselves into eternity142, and the watches of Mr. Kelly and Mr. Peacock registered one minute before eight. In sixty seconds the count in the Dance Hall would take place.
At the Long Branch, where the followers of Mr. Masterson filled the rooms, conditions were much the same. There Mr. Webster and Mr. Short would make the tally143. Watch in hand they stood waiting for the moment.
It was at this crisis that Mr. Tighlman pulled his pistol and fired through the Long Branch floor. The report was as a joyful144 signal. Instantly one hundred shots rang out. Indeed, it was a noble din3! The room filled with smoke; excitement mounted! Cimarron Bill, a six-shooter in each faithful hand, was in the midst of the hubbub145, blazing like a piece of fireworks, whooping146 like a Comanche.
The night breeze carried the stirring story of riot and uproar147 to the waiting multitude in the Dance Hall. Those waiting ones looked first their amazement148, then their delight. As by one impulse they tore through the door and made, hotfoot, for the Long Branch. By conservative estimates, founded upon the whole number of shots, there should be at least five dead and fifteen wounded.
As the advance guard arrived at the Long Branch they found Mr. Short outside.
“Bat’s downed Bob Wright,” remarked Mr. Short; “plugged him plumb centre.”
Inside went the hilarious149 Dance Hallers. The astute150 Mr. Short followed, closed the door and set his back against it.
“It’s eight o’clock, Mr. Webster,” remarked Mr. Short. “We must begin to count.” It was observable that in the hand that did not hold the watch Mr. Short held a six-shooter.
Mr. Webster was in a flutter of nerves; he had been the only one in the Long Branch who did not understand and had not anticipated those frantic151 excesses of Mr. Tighlman, Cimarron Bill and others of that heroic firing party. Mr. Webster was in no wise clear as to what had happened. Borne upon by a feeling of something wrong he made a protest.
“Stop!” he cried, “there’s a lot of Updegraffe men in here.”
“No, sir,” responded Mr. Short, coldly, while a gray glimmer152, a kind of danger signal it was, began to show in his eye. “Every gent inside the Long Branch is for Bat Masterson or he wouldn’t be here. Also, to suggest fraud,” concluded Mr. Short, as Mr. Webster seemed about to speak, “would be an attack upon my honour, me ownin’ the joint153.”
Now the honour of Mr. Short, next to Mr. Short’s six-shooter, was the most feverish154 thing in Dodge. The mere155 mention of it sent a shiver through Mr. Webster. Without parley156 he surrendered tamely, and the count at the Long Branch began. The total proved satisfactory; the returns gave Mr. Masterson two hundred and sixty votes.
“Let us go over to the Dance Hall,” said Mr. Wright, “and see what Kelly and Peacock have to report.”
They were saved the journey; Mr. Kelly and Mr. Peacock, the latter bewildered and fear-ridden in the face of the unknown, just then came into the Long Branch. “Only thirty-three for Updegraffe,” said Mr. Kelly. “That’s correct, ain’t it, Peacock?”
“Mr. Masterson, it would appear, is elected,” observed Mr. Wright, benignantly, “by a majority of two hundred and twenty-seven. It is a tribute to his popularity. The whole vote, however, is much smaller than I looked for,” and Mr. Wright beamed.
“I think,” said Mr. Kelly, judgmatically, “that thar’s a passel of Updegraffe people stampedin’ about the streets. But, of course, since they weren’t in the Dance Hall, me an’ Peacock had no authority to incloode ’em; did we, Peacock?”
Mr. Peacock mopped his moonlike countenance159 and shook his head in forlornest fashion. He was too much cast down to oppose the word of Mr. Kelly.
Bear Creek Johnson, eye aflame, a-bristle for trouble, pushed through. Cimarron Bill, who was the soul of business at a time like this, met the outraged160 Bear Creek in the door.
“Whatever do you reckon you’re after?” queried161 Cimarron Bill, maintaining the while a dangerous eye.
Bear Creek Johnson surveyed Cimarron Bill, running him up and down with an uneasy, prudent162 glance. He smelled disaster off him as folk smell fire in a house.
“Me?” he returned, mildly. “Which I simply comes pirootin’ over to move we make the ’lection of Bat Masterson yoonanimous.”
Thus did the ruse163 de guerre of Mr. Masterson result in victory; thus was he made sheriff of Ford.
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followers
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| 追随者( follower的名词复数 )； 用户； 契据的附面； 从动件 | |
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cavalry
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din
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| n.喧闹声，嘈杂声 | |
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gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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stratagem
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dodge
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Ford
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forth
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creek
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miscreant
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jeered
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pony
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bridle
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bridled
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| 给…套龙头( bridle的过去式和过去分词 )； 控制； 昂首表示轻蔑（或怨忿等）； 动怒，生气 | |
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reins
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hoofs
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shreds
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scraps
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sundry
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gnawed
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| 咬( gnaw的过去式和过去分词 )； （长时间） 折磨某人； （使）苦恼； （长时间）危害某事物 | |
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possessed
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cartridges
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| 子弹( cartridge的名词复数 )； （打印机的）墨盒； 录音带盒； （唱机的）唱头 | |
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reminders
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| n.令人回忆起…的东西( reminder的名词复数 )；提醒…的东西；（告知该做某事的）通知单；提示信 | |
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24
scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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divers
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| adj.不同的；种种的 | |
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deductions
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| 扣除( deduction的名词复数 )； 结论； 扣除的量； 推演 | |
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27
preposterous
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| adj.荒谬的，可笑的 | |
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28
bucked
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| adj.快v.（马等）猛然弓背跃起( buck的过去式和过去分词 )；抵制；猛然震荡；马等尥起后蹄跳跃 | |
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29
preyed
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| v.掠食( prey的过去式和过去分词 )；掠食；折磨；（人）靠欺诈为生 | |
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30
gild
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| vt.给…镀金，把…漆成金色，使呈金色 | |
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31
tantalize
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| vt.使干着急，逗弄 | |
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32
envious
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| adj.嫉妒的，羡慕的 | |
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33
rivalry
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| n.竞争，竞赛，对抗 | |
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34
demise
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| n.死亡；v.让渡，遗赠，转让 | |
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35
honourable
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| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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36
constituents
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| n.选民( constituent的名词复数 )；成分；构成部分；要素 | |
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37
communal
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| adj.公有的，公共的，公社的，公社制的 | |
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38
fatten
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| v.使肥，变肥 | |
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39
mule
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| n.骡子，杂种，执拗的人 | |
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40
muzzle
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| n.鼻口部；口套；枪(炮)口；vt.使缄默 | |
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41
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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42
slain
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| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
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43
brass
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| n.黄铜；黄铜器，铜管乐器 | |
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44
rites
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| 仪式，典礼( rite的名词复数 ) | |
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45
elevation
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| n.高度；海拔；高地；上升；提高 | |
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46
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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47
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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48
vacancy
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| n.（旅馆的）空位，空房，（职务的）空缺 | |
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49
sinister
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| adj.不吉利的，凶恶的，左边的 | |
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50
viper
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| n.毒蛇；危险的人 | |
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51
vouchsafed
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| v.给予，赐予( vouchsafe的过去式和过去分词 )；允诺 | |
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52
ornament
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| v.装饰，美化；n.装饰，装饰物 | |
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53
promiscuous
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| adj.杂乱的，随便的 | |
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54
rattles
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| （使）发出格格的响声， （使）作嘎嘎声( rattle的第三人称单数 )； 喋喋不休地说话； 迅速而嘎嘎作响地移动，堕下或走动； 使紧张，使恐惧 | |
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55
herds
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| 兽群( herd的名词复数 )； 牧群； 人群； 群众 | |
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56
expedient
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| adj.有用的，有利的；n.紧急的办法，权宜之计 | |
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57
discriminate
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| v.区别，辨别，区分；有区别地对待 | |
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58
lodge
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| v.临时住宿，寄宿，寄存，容纳；n.传达室，小旅馆 | |
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59
buffalo
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| n.(北美)野牛；(亚洲)水牛 | |
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60
emphatic
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| adj.强调的，着重的；无可置疑的，明显的 | |
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61
Partisanship
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| n. 党派性, 党派偏见 | |
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62
ponies
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| 矮种马，小型马( pony的名词复数 )； ￡25 25 英镑 | |
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63
disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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64
atoned
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| v.补偿，赎（罪）( atone的过去式和过去分词 )；补偿，弥补，赎回 | |
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65
plumb
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| adv.精确地，完全地；v.了解意义，测水深 | |
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66
abrupt
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| adj.突然的，意外的；唐突的，鲁莽的 | |
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67
abetted
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| v.教唆（犯罪）( abet的过去式和过去分词 )；煽动；怂恿；支持 | |
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68
buffaloes
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| n.水牛（分非洲水牛和亚洲水牛两种）( buffalo的名词复数 )；（南非或北美的）野牛；威胁；恐吓 | |
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69
slaying
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| 杀戮。 | |
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70
serenely
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| adv.安详地，宁静地，平静地 | |
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71
ravens
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| n.低质煤；渡鸦( raven的名词复数 ) | |
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72
memorandum
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| n.备忘录，便笺 | |
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73
jotted
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| v.匆忙记下( jot的过去式和过去分词 )；草草记下，匆匆记下 | |
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74
precisely
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| adv.恰好，正好，精确地，细致地 | |
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75
grunted
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| （猪等）作呼噜声( grunt的过去式和过去分词 )； （指人）发出类似的哼声； 咕哝着说 | |
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76
roster
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| n.值勤表，花名册 | |
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77
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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78
egregious
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| adj.非常的，过分的 | |
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79
malevolent
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| adj.有恶意的，恶毒的 | |
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80
mendaciously
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81
opposition
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| n.反对，敌对 | |
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82
veracious
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| adj.诚实可靠的 | |
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83
enumerated
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| v.列举，枚举，数( enumerate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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84
defrauded
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| v.诈取，骗取( defraud的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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85
modesty
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| n.谦逊，虚心，端庄，稳重，羞怯，朴素 | |
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86
spoke
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| 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 | |
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87
justified
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| a.正当的，有理的 | |
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88
acting
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| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
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89
commissioners
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| n.专员( commissioner的名词复数 )；长官；委员；政府部门的长官 | |
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90
abatement
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| n.减(免)税，打折扣，冲销 | |
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91
philosophically
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| adv.哲学上；富有哲理性地；贤明地；冷静地 | |
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92
engulfed
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| v.吞没，包住( engulf的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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93
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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94
outfit
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| n.（为特殊用途的）全套装备，全套服装 | |
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95
ticklish
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| adj.怕痒的；问题棘手的；adv.怕痒地；n.怕痒，小心处理 | |
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96
mused
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| v.沉思，冥想( muse的过去式和过去分词 )；沉思自语说（某事） | |
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97
plaza
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| n.广场，市场 | |
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98
delegation
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| n.代表团；派遣 | |
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99
liars
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| 说谎者( liar的名词复数 ) | |
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100
proffer
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| v.献出，赠送；n.提议，建议 | |
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101
contingent
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| adj.视条件而定的；n.一组，代表团，分遣队 | |
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102
bluff
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| v.虚张声势，用假象骗人；n.虚张声势，欺骗 | |
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103
promptly
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| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
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104
adjourned
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| （使）休会， （使）休庭( adjourn的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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105
canvass
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| v.招徕顾客，兜售；游说；详细检查，讨论 | |
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106
vein
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| n.血管，静脉；叶脉，纹理；情绪；vt.使成脉络 | |
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107
albeit
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| conj.即使；纵使；虽然 | |
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108
wary
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| adj.谨慎的，机警的，小心的 | |
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109
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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110
disquieting
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| adj.令人不安的，令人不平静的v.使不安，使忧虑，使烦恼( disquiet的现在分词 ) | |
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111
malign
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| adj.有害的；恶性的；恶意的；v.诽谤，诬蔑 | |
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112
cleansing
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| n. 净化(垃圾) adj. 清洁用的 动词cleanse的现在分词 | |
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113
sanitary
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| adj.卫生方面的，卫生的，清洁的，卫生的 | |
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114
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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115
withheld
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| withhold过去式及过去分词 | |
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116
groaned
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| v.呻吟( groan的过去式和过去分词 )；发牢骚；抱怨；受苦 | |
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117
detailed
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| adj.详细的，详尽的，极注意细节的，完全的 | |
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118
volatile
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| adj.反复无常的，挥发性的，稍纵即逝的，脾气火爆的；n.挥发性物质 | |
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119
felon
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| n.重罪犯；adj.残忍的 | |
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120
profligate
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| adj.行为不检的；n.放荡的人，浪子，肆意挥霍者 | |
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121
specimen
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| n.样本，标本 | |
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122
precariously
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| adv.不安全地；危险地；碰机会地；不稳定地 | |
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123
wager
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| n.赌注；vt.押注，打赌 | |
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124
industrious
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| adj.勤劳的，刻苦的，奋发的 | |
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125
simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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126
smiting
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| v.猛打，重击，打击( smite的现在分词 ) | |
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127
poker
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| n.扑克；vt.烙制 | |
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128
mercurial
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| adj.善变的，活泼的 | |
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129
craved
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| 渴望，热望( crave的过去式 )； 恳求，请求 | |
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130
convene
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| v.集合，召集，召唤，聚集，集合 | |
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131
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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132
attained
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| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的过去式和过去分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
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133
suavely
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134
smoothly
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| adv.平滑地，顺利地，流利地，流畅地 | |
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135
hardy
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| adj.勇敢的，果断的，吃苦的；耐寒的 | |
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136
tugging
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| n.牵引感v.用力拉，使劲拉，猛扯( tug的现在分词 ) | |
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137
clans
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| 宗族( clan的名词复数 )； 氏族； 庞大的家族； 宗派 | |
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138
ripple
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| n.涟波，涟漪，波纹，粗钢梳；vt.使...起涟漪，使起波纹； vi.呈波浪状，起伏前进 | |
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139
disorder
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| n.紊乱，混乱；骚动，骚乱；疾病，失调 | |
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140
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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141
convened
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| 召开( convene的过去式 )； 召集； （为正式会议而）聚集； 集合 | |
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142
eternity
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| n.不朽，来世；永恒，无穷 | |
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143
tally
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| n.计数器，记分，一致，测量；vt.计算，记录，使一致；vi.计算，记分，一致 | |
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144
joyful
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| adj.欢乐的，令人欢欣的 | |
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145
hubbub
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| n.嘈杂；骚乱 | |
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146
whooping
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| 发嗬嗬声的，发咳声的 | |
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147
uproar
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| n.骚动，喧嚣，鼎沸 | |
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148
amazement
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| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
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149
hilarious
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| adj.充满笑声的，欢闹的；[反]depressed | |
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150
astute
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| adj.机敏的，精明的 | |
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151
frantic
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| adj.狂乱的，错乱的，激昂的 | |
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152
glimmer
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| v.发出闪烁的微光；n.微光，微弱的闪光 | |
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153
joint
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| adj.联合的，共同的；n.关节，接合处；v.连接，贴合 | |
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154
feverish
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| adj.发烧的，狂热的，兴奋的 | |
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155
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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156
parley
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| n.谈判 | |
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157
gasped
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| v.喘气( gasp的过去式和过去分词 )；喘息；倒抽气；很想要 | |
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158
assent
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| v.批准，认可；n.批准，认可 | |
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159
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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160
outraged
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| a.震惊的，义愤填膺的 | |
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161
queried
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| v.质疑，对…表示疑问( query的过去式和过去分词 )；询问 | |
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162
prudent
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| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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163
ruse
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| n.诡计，计策；诡计 | |
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