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Chapter 8 On The Great Alkali Plain
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IN the central portion of the great North American Continent there lies an arid1 and repulsive2 desert, which for many a long year served as a barrier against the advance of civilisation3. From the Sierra Nevada to Nebraska, and from the Yellowstone River in the north to the Colorado upon the south, is a region of desolation and silence. Nor is Nature always in one mood throughout this grim district. It comprises snow-capped and lofty mountains, and dark and gloomy valleys. There are swift-flowing rivers which dash through jagged canons; and there are enormous plains, which in winter are white with snow, and in summer are grey with the saline alkali dust. They all preserve, however, the common characteristics of barrenness, inhospitality, and misery4.

There are no inhabitants of this land of despair. A band of Pawnees or of Blackfeet may occasionally traverse it in order to reach other hunting-grounds, but the hardiest5 of the braves are glad to lose sight of those awesome6 plains, and to find themselves once more upon their prairies. The coyote skulks7 among the scrub, the buzzard flaps heavily through the air, and the clumsy grizzly8 bear lumbers9 through the dark ravines, and picks up such sustenance10 as it can amongst the rocks. These are the sole dwellers11 in the wilderness12.

In the whole world there can be no more dreary13 view than that from the northern slope of the Sierra Blanco. As far as the eye can reach stretches the great flat plain-land, all dusted over with patches of alkali, and intersected by clumps14 of the dwarfish15 chaparral bushes. On the extreme verge16 of the horizon lie a long chain of mountain peaks, with their rugged17 summits flecked with snow. In this great stretch of country there is no sign of life, nor of anything appertaining to life. There is no bird in the steel-blue heaven, no movement upon the dull, grey earth -- above all, there is absolute silence. Listen as one may, there is no shadow of a sound in all that mighty18 wilderness; nothing but silence -- complete and heart-subduing silence.

It has been said there is nothing appertaining to life upon the broad plain. That is hardly true. Looking down from the Sierra Blanco, one sees a pathway traced out across the desert, which winds away and is lost in the extreme distance. It is rutted with wheels and trodden down by the feet of many adventurers. Here and there there are scattered19 white objects which glisten20 in the sun, and stand out against the dull deposit of alkali. Approach, and examine them! They are bones: some large and coarse, others smaller and more delicate. The former have belonged to oxen, and the latter to men. For fifteen hundred miles one may trace this ghastly caravan21 route by these scattered remains22 of those who had fallen by the wayside.

Looking down on this very scene, there stood upon the fourth of May, eighteen hundred and forty-seven, a solitary23 traveller. His appearance was such that he might have been the very genius or demon24 of the region. An observer would have found it difficult to say whether he was nearer to forty or to sixty. His face was lean and haggard, and the brown parchment-like skin was drawn25 tightly over the projecting bones; his long, brown hair and beard were all flecked and dashed with white; his eyes were sunken in his head, and burned with an unnatural26 lustre27; while the hand which grasped his rifle was hardly more fleshy than that of a skeleton. As he stood, he leaned upon his weapon for support, and yet his tall figure and the massive framework of his bones suggested a wiry and vigorous constitution. His gaunt face, however, and his clothes, which hung so baggily28 over his shrivelled limbs, proclaimed what it was that gave him that senile and decrepit29 appearance. The man was dying -- dying from hunger and from thirst.

He had toiled30 painfully down the ravine, and on to this little elevation31, in the vain hope of seeing some signs of water. Now the great salt plain stretched before his eyes, and the distant belt of savage32 mountains, without a sign anywhere of plant or tree, which might indicate the presence of moisture. In all that broad landscape there was no gleam of hope. North, and east, and west he looked with wild questioning eyes, and then he realised that his wanderings had come to an end, and that there, on that barren crag, he was about to die. "Why not here, as well as in a feather bed, twenty years hence," he muttered, as he seated himself in the shelter of a boulder34.

Before sitting down, he had deposited upon the ground his useless rifle, and also a large bundle tied up in a grey shawl, which he had carried slung35 over his right shoulder. It appeared to be somewhat too heavy for his strength, for in lowering it, it came down on the ground with some little violence. Instantly there broke from the grey parcel a little moaning cry, and from it there protruded36 a small, scared face, with very bright brown eyes, and two little speckled, dimpled fists.

"You've hurt me!" said a childish voice reproachfully.

"Have I though," the man answered penitently38, "I didn't go for to do it." As he spoke39 he unwrapped the grey shawl and extricated40 a pretty little girl of about five years of age, whose dainty shoes and smart pink frock with its little linen41 apron42 all bespoke43 a mother's care. The child was pale and wan33, but her healthy arms and legs showed that she had suffered less than her companion.

"How is it now?" he answered anxiously, for she was still rubbing the towsy golden curls which covered the back of her head.

"Kiss it and make it well," she said, with perfect gravity, shoving the injured part up to him. "That's what mother used to do. Where's mother?"

"Mother's gone. I guess you'll see her before long."

"Gone, eh!" said the little girl. "Funny, she didn't say good-bye; she 'most always did if she was just goin' over to Auntie's for tea, and now she's been away three days. Say, it's awful dry, ain't it? Ain't there no water, nor nothing to eat?"

"No, there ain't nothing, dearie. You'll just need to be patient awhile, and then you'll be all right. Put your head up agin me like that, and then you'll feel bullier. It ain't easy to talk when your lips is like leather, but I guess I'd best let you know how the cards lie. What's that you've got?"

"Pretty things! fine things!" cried the little girl enthusiastically, holding up two glittering fragments of mica44. "When we goes back to home I'll give them to brother Bob."

"You'll see prettier things than them soon," said the man confidently. "You just wait a bit. I was going to tell you though -- you remember when we left the river?"

"Oh, yes."

"Well, we reckoned we'd strike another river soon, d'ye see. But there was somethin' wrong; compasses, or map, or somethin', and it didn't turn up. Water ran out. Just except a little drop for the likes of you and -- and ----"

"And you couldn't wash yourself," interrupted his companion gravely, staring up at his grimy visage.

"No, nor drink. And Mr. Bender, he was the fust to go, and then Indian Pete, and then Mrs. McGregor, and then Johnny Hones, and then, dearie, your mother."

"Then mother's a deader too," cried the little girl dropping her face in her pinafore and sobbing45 bitterly.

"Yes, they all went except you and me. Then I thought there was some chance of water in this direction, so I heaved you over my shoulder and we tramped it together. It don't seem as though we've improved matters. There's an almighty46 small chance for us now!"

"Do you mean that we are going to die too?" asked the child, checking her sobs47, and raising her tear-stained face.

"I guess that's about the size of it."

"Why didn't you say so before?" she said, laughing gleefully. "You gave me such a fright. Why, of course, now as long as we die we'll be with mother again."

"Yes, you will, dearie."

"And you too. I'll tell her how awful good you've been. I'll bet she meets us at the door of Heaven with a big pitcher48 of water, and a lot of buckwheat cakes, hot, and toasted on both sides, like Bob and me was fond of. How long will it be first?"

"I don't know -- not very long." The man's eyes were fixed49 upon the northern horizon. In the blue vault50 of the heaven there had appeared three little specks51 which increased in size every moment, so rapidly did they approach. They speedily resolved themselves into three large brown birds, which circled over the heads of the two wanderers, and then settled upon some rocks which overlooked them. They were buzzards, the vultures of the west, whose coming is the forerunner52 of death.

"Cocks and hens," cried the little girl gleefully, pointing at their ill-omened forms, and clapping her hands to make them rise. "Say, did God make this country?"

"In course He did," said her companion, rather startled by this unexpected question.

"He made the country down in Illinois, and He made the Missouri," the little girl continued. "I guess somebody else made the country in these parts. It's not nearly so well done. They forgot the water and the trees."

"What would ye think of offering up prayer?" the man asked diffidently.

"It ain't night yet," she answered.

"It don't matter. It ain't quite regular, but He won't mind that, you bet. You say over them ones that you used to say every night in the waggon53 when we was on the Plains."

"Why don't you say some yourself?" the child asked, with wondering eyes.

"I disremember them," he answered. "I hain't said none since I was half the height o' that gun. I guess it's never too late. You say them out, and I'll stand by and come in on the choruses."

"Then you'll need to kneel down, and me too," she said, laying the shawl out for that purpose. "You've got to put your hands up like this. It makes you feel kind o' good."

It was a strange sight had there been anything but the buzzards to see it. Side by side on the narrow shawl knelt the two wanderers, the little prattling54 child and the reckless, hardened adventurer. Her chubby55 face, and his haggard, angular visage were both turned up to the cloudless heaven in heartfelt entreaty56 to that dread57 being with whom they were face to face, while the two voices -- the one thin and clear, the other deep and harsh -- united in the entreaty for mercy and forgiveness. The prayer finished, they resumed their seat in the shadow of the boulder until the child fell asleep, nestling upon the broad breast of her protector. He watched over her slumber58 for some time, but Nature proved to be too strong for him. For three days and three nights he had allowed himself neither rest nor repose59. Slowly the eyelids60 drooped61 over the tired eyes, and the head sunk lower and lower upon the breast, until the man's grizzled beard was mixed with the gold tresses of his companion, and both slept the same deep and dreamless slumber.

Had the wanderer remained awake for another half hour a strange sight would have met his eyes. Far away on the extreme verge of the alkali plain there rose up a little spray of dust, very slight at first, and hardly to be distinguished62 from the mists of the distance, but gradually growing higher and broader until it formed a solid, well-defined cloud. This cloud continued to increase in size until it became evident that it could only be raised by a great multitude of moving creatures. In more fertile spots the observer would have come to the conclusion that one of those great herds63 of bisons which graze upon the prairie land was approaching him. This was obviously impossible in these arid wilds. As the whirl of dust drew nearer to the solitary bluff64 upon which the two castaways were reposing65, the canvas-covered tilts66 of waggons67 and the figures of armed horsemen began to show up through the haze68, and the apparition69 revealed itself as being a great caravan upon its journey for the West. But what a caravan! When the head of it had reached the base of the mountains, the rear was not yet visible on the horizon. Right across the enormous plain stretched the straggling array, waggons and carts, men on horseback, and men on foot. Innumerable women who staggered along under burdens, and children who toddled70 beside the waggons or peeped out from under the white coverings. This was evidently no ordinary party of immigrants, but rather some nomad71 people who had been compelled from stress of circumstances to seek themselves a new country. There rose through the clear air a confused clattering72 and rumbling73 from this great mass of humanity, with the creaking of wheels and the neighing of horses. Loud as it was, it was not sufficient to rouse the two tired wayfarers74 above them.

At the head of the column there rode a score or more of grave ironfaced men, clad in sombre homespun garments and armed with rifles. On reaching the base of the bluff they halted, and held a short council among themselves.

"The wells are to the right, my brothers," said one, a hard-lipped, clean-shaven man with grizzly hair.

"To the right of the Sierra Blanco -- so we shall reach the Rio Grande," said another.

"Fear not for water," cried a third. "He who could draw it from the rocks will not now abandon His own chosen people."

"Amen! Amen!" responded the whole party.

They were about to resume their journey when one of the youngest and keenest-eyed uttered an exclamation75 and pointed76 up at the rugged crag above them. From its summit there fluttered a little wisp of pink, showing up hard and bright against the grey rocks behind. At the sight there was a general reining77 up of horses and unslinging of guns, while fresh horsemen came galloping78 up to reinforce the vanguard. The word `Redskins' was on every lip.

"There can't be any number of Injuns here," said the elderly man who appeared to be in command. "We have passed the Pawnees, and there are no other tribes until we cross the great mountains."

"Shall I go forward and see, Brother Stangerson," asked one of the band.

"And I," "and I," cried a dozen voices.

"Leave your horses below and we will await you here," the Elder answered. In a moment the young fellows had dismounted, fastened their horses, and were ascending79 the precipitous slope which led up to the object which had excited their curiosity. They advanced rapidly and noiselessly, with the confidence and dexterity80 of practised scouts81. The watchers from the plain below could see them flit from rock to rock until their figures stood out against the skyline. The young man who had first given the alarm was leading them. Suddenly his followers82 saw him throw up his hands, as though overcome with astonishment83, and on joining him they were affected84 in the same way by the sight which met their eyes.

On the little plateau which crowned the barren hill there stood a single giant boulder, and against this boulder there lay a tall man, long-bearded and hard-featured, but of an excessive thinness. His placid85 face and regular breathing showed that he was fast asleep. Beside him lay a little child, with her round white arms encircling his brown sinewy86 neck, and her golden haired head resting upon the breast of his velveteen tunic87. Her rosy88 lips were parted, showing the regular line of snow-white teeth within, and a playful smile played over her infantile features. Her plump little white legs terminating in white socks and neat shoes with shining buckles89, offered a strange contrast to the long shrivelled members of her companion. On the ledge90 of rock above this strange couple there stood three solemn buzzards, who, at the sight of the new comers uttered raucous91 screams of disappointment and flapped sullenly92 away.

The cries of the foul93 birds awoke the two sleepers94 who stared about them in bewilderment. The man staggered to his feet and looked down upon the plain which had been so desolate95 when sleep had overtaken him, and which was now traversed by this enormous body of men and of beasts. His face assumed an expression of incredulity as he gazed, and he passed his boney hand over his eyes. "This is what they call delirium96, I guess," he muttered. The child stood beside him, holding on to the skirt of his coat, and said nothing but looked all round her with the wondering questioning gaze of childhood.

The rescuing party were speedily able to convince the two castaways that their appearance was no delusion97. One of them seized the little girl, and hoisted98 her upon his shoulder, while two others supported her gaunt companion, and assisted him towards the waggons.

"My name is John Ferrier," the wanderer explained; "me and that little un are all that's left o' twenty-one people. The rest is all dead o' thirst and hunger away down in the south."

"Is she your child?" asked someone.

"I guess she is now," the other cried, defiantly99; "she's mine 'cause I saved her. No man will take her from me. She's Lucy Ferrier from this day on. Who are you, though?" he continued, glancing with curiosity at his stalwart, sunburned rescuers; "there seems to be a powerful lot of ye."

"Nigh upon ten thousand," said one of the young men; "we are the persecuted100 children of God -- the chosen of the Angel Merona."

"I never heard tell on him," said the wanderer. "He appears to have chosen a fair crowd of ye."

"Do not jest at that which is sacred," said the other sternly. "We are of those who believe in those sacred writings, drawn in Egyptian letters on plates of beaten gold, which were handed unto the holy Joseph Smith at Palmyra. We have come from Nauvoo, in the State of Illinois, where we had founded our temple. We have come to seek a refuge from the violent man and from the godless, even though it be the heart of the desert."

The name of Nauvoo evidently recalled recollections to John Ferrier. "I see," he said, "you are the Mormons."

"We are the Mormons," answered his companions with one voice.

"And where are you going?"

"We do not know. The hand of God is leading us under the person of our Prophet. You must come before him. He shall say what is to be done with you."

They had reached the base of the hill by this time, and were surrounded by crowds of the pilgrims -- pale-faced meek-looking women, strong laughing children, and anxious earnest-eyed men. Many were the cries of astonishment and of commiseration101 which arose from them when they perceived the youth of one of the strangers and the destitution102 of the other. Their escort did not halt, however, but pushed on, followed by a great crowd of Mormons, until they reached a waggon, which was conspicuous103 for its great size and for the gaudiness104 and smartness of its appearance. Six horses were yoked105 to it, whereas the others were furnished with two, or, at most, four a-piece. Beside the driver there sat a man who could not have been more than thirty years of age, but whose massive head and resolute106 expression marked him as a leader. He was reading a brown-backed volume, but as the crowd approached he laid it aside, and listened attentively107 to an account of the episode. Then he turned to the two castaways.

"If we take you with us," he said, in solemn words, "it can only be as believers in our own creed108. We shall have no wolves in our fold. Better far that your bones should bleach109 in this wilderness than that you should prove to be that little speck37 of decay which in time corrupts110 the whole fruit. Will you come with us on these terms?"

"Guess I'll come with you on any terms," said Ferrier, with such emphasis that the grave Elders could not restrain a smile. The leader alone retained his stern, impressive expression.

"Take him, Brother Stangerson," he said, "give him food and drink, and the child likewise. Let it be your task also to teach him our holy creed. We have delayed long enough. Forward! On, on to Zion!"

"On, on to Zion!" cried the crowd of Mormons, and the words rippled111 down the long caravan, passing from mouth to mouth until they died away in a dull murmur112 in the far distance. With a cracking of whips and a creaking of wheels the great waggons got into motion, and soon the whole caravan was winding113 along once more. The Elder to whose care the two waifs had been committed, led them to his waggon, where a meal was already awaiting them.

"You shall remain here," he said. "In a few days you will have recovered from your fatigues114. In the meantime, remember that now and for ever you are of our religion. Brigham Young has said it, and he has spoken with the voice of Joseph Smith, which is the voice of God."

 

在北美大陆的中部,有一大片干旱荒凉的沙漠;多少年来,它一直是文化发展的障碍。从内华达山脉到尼布拉斯卡,从北部的黄石河到南部的科罗拉多,完全是一起荒凉①②沉寂的区域。但是在这篇凉可怕的地区里,大自然的景色也不尽同。这里有大雪封盖的高山峻岭,有阴沉昏暗的深谷,也有湍急的河流,在山石嵯峨的峡谷之间奔流;也有无边的荒原,冬天积雪遍地,夏日则呈现出一起灰色的硷地。虽然如此,一般的特点还是荒芜不毛、寸草不生、无限凄凉。

①②均为美国中西部地名,现均为州。——译者注

在这篇无望的土地上,人烟绝迹。只有波尼人和黑足①人偶尔结队走过这里,前往其他猎区;即使是最勇敢最坚强②的人,也巴不得早日走完这篇可怕的荒原,重新投身到大草原中去。只有山狗躲躲藏藏地在矮丛林中穿行,巨雕缓慢地在空中翱翔,还有那蠢笨的灰熊,出没在阴沉的峡谷里,寻找食物。它们是荒原里绝无仅有的居客。

世界上再也没有什么地方会比布兰卡山脉北麓的景象③更为凄凉的了。极目四望,荒原上只见被矮小的槲树林隔断的一起起盐硷地。地平线的尽头,山峦起伏,积雪皑皑,闪烁着点点银光。在这篇土地上既没有生命,也没有和生命有关的东西。铁青色的天空中飞鸟绝迹,灰暗的大地上不见动静。总之,一起死寂。倾耳静听,在这篇广阔荒芜的大地上,毫无声息,只是一起彻底的、令人灰心绝望的死寂。

有人说,在这广袤的原野上没有一点和生命有关的东西存在,这种说法也不真实。从布兰卡山脉往下观看,可以看见一条小路,曲曲弯弯地穿过沙漠,消逝在遥远的地平线上。这条小路是经过多少车辆辗轧,经过无数冒险家的践踏而形成的。这儿一堆,那儿一堆,到处散布着白森森的东西在日光下闪闪发光,在这篇单调的硷地上显得非常刺眼。走近仔细一看,原来是一堆堆白骨:又大又粗的是牛骨;较小较细的是人骨。在这一千五百英里可怕的商旅道路上,人们是沿着前人倒毙路旁的累累遗骨前进的。

①②波尼人、黑足人均为美国西北部地区原有印第安人的部落名称。——译者注

③布兰卡山脉是美国洛矶山脉的一支,在科罗拉多州境内。——译者注

一八四起年五月四日,一个孤单的旅客从山上俯望着这幅凄惨的情景。从他的外表看来,简直就是这个绝境里的鬼怪精灵。即便是具有观察力的人,也难猜出他究竟是四十岁还是年近六十。他的脸憔悴瘦削,干羊皮似的棕色皮肤紧紧地包着一把突出的骨头。长长的棕色须发已然斑白,深陷的双眼,射出呆滞的目光。握着来复枪的那只手,上面的肌肉比骨架也多不了许多。他站着的时候,要用枪支撑着身体。可是,他那高高的身材、魁伟的体格,可以看出他当初是一个十分健壮的人。但是,他那削瘦的面庞和罩在骨瘦如柴的四肢上的大口袋似的衣服,使他看起来老朽不堪。这个人由于饥渴交起,已临死境了。

他曾经忍受了痛苦,沿着山谷跋涉前进,现在又挣扎着来到这岂不大的高地,他抱着渺茫的希望,但愿能够发现点滴的水源。现在,在他面前展开的只是无边无际的硷地和那远在天边的连绵不断的荒山,看不到一棵树木的踪影,因为有树木生长的地方就可能会有水气。在这篇广阔的土地上,一点希望也没有。他张大疯狂而困惑的眼睛向北方、西方和东方了望了以后,他明白了,漂泊的日子已经到了尽头,自己就要葬身这片荒凉的岩崖之上了。"死在这里,和二十年后死在鹅绒锦被的床上又有什么区别呢?"他喃喃地说着,一面就在一块突出的大石的阴影里坐了下来。

他在坐下之前,先把他那无用的来复枪放在地上,然后又把背在右肩上的用一大块灰色披肩裹着的大包袱放了下来。看来他已经精疲力竭,拿不动了。当他放下包袱的时候,着地很重。因此从这灰色的包袱里发出了哭声,钻出来受惊的、长着明亮的棕色眼睛的脸,并且还伸出了两个胖胖的长着浅涡和雀斑的小拳头。

“你把我摔痛啦。"这个孩子用埋怨的口气稚平地说。

“是吗?"这个男人很抱歉地回答说,“我不是故意的。"说着他就打开了灰色包袱,从里边抱出了一个美丽的小女孩。这个小女孩大约五岁左右,穿着一双精致的小鞋,漂亮的粉红色上衣,麻布围嘴。从这些打扮可以看出,妈妈对她是爱护得无微不至的。这个孩子脸色虽也有些苍白,但是她那结实的胳膊和小腿都说明她所经受的苦难并没有她的同伴多。

“现在怎么样了?"他焦急地问道,因为她还在揉着脑后的蓬乱的金黄色头发。

“你吻吻这里就好了,"她认真地说,并且就把头上碰着的地方指给他看,“妈妈总是这样做的。妈妈哪里去了?”

“妈妈走了。我想不久你就会见到她的。”

小女孩说:“什么,走了吗?真破怪,她还没有和我说再见呢。她以前每次到姑母家吃茶去的时候总要说一声的。可是这回她都走了三天了。喂,嘴干得要命,是不是?难道这里吃的喝的都没有吗?”

“没有,什么也没有,亲爱的。只要你暂时忍一忍,过一会儿就会好的。你把头靠在我身上,啊,就这样你就会舒服些了。我的嘴唇也干得象妻子一样了,说话都有些费劲儿,但是我想我还是把真实情况告诉你吧。你手里拿的什么?”

小女孩拿起两块云母石片给他看,高兴地说:“多漂亮啊!真好!回家我就把它送给小弟弟鲍伯。”

大人确信不疑地说:“不久你就会看到比这更漂亮的东西了。等一会儿。刚才我正要告诉你,你还记得咱们离开那条河的情形吗?”

“哦,记得。”

“好,当时咱们估计不久就会再碰到另一条河。明白吗?可是不知道什么东西出了毛病。是罗盘呢,还是地图,或是别的什么出了毛病,以后就再也没有找到河了。水喝完了,只剩下一点点,留给象你这样的孩子们喝。后来——后来——”

“你连脸都不能洗了,"他的小伙伴严肃地说,打断了他的话头。同时,她抬起头来望着他那张肮脏的脸。

“不但不能洗脸,连喝的也没有了。后来本德先生第一个走了,随后是印第安人品特,接着就是麦克格瑞哥太太、江尼·宏斯,再后,亲爱的,就是你的妈妈了。”

“这么说,妈妈也死了。"小女孩哭着说,一面用围嘴蝍e着脸,痛哭起来。

“对了,他们都走了,只剩下你和我。后来我想也许这边可能找到水。于是我就把你背在肩上,咱们两个人就一步一步地前进。看来情形还是没有好转。咱们现在活下去的希望很小了!”

孩子停止了哭声,仰起淌满泪水的脸问道,“你是说咱们也要死了吗?”

“我想大概是到了这个地步了。”

小女孩开心地笑着说:“为什么你刚才不早点说呢?你吓了我一大跳。你看,不是吗,只要咱们也死了,咱们就能又和妈妈在一起了。”

“对,一定能,小宝贝儿。”

“你也会见到她的。我要告诉妈妈,你待我太好了。我敢说,她一定会在天国的门口迎接咱们,还拿着一大壶水,还有好多荞麦饼,热气腾腾,两面都烤得焦黄焦黄的,就象我和鲍伯所爱吃的那样。可是咱们还要多久才能死呢?”

“我不知道——不会太久了。"这时,大人一面说着,一面凝视着北方的地平线。原来在蓝色的天穹下,出现了三个黑点,黑点越来越大,来势极快。顷刻之间,就看出来是三只褐色的大鸟了,它们在这两个流浪人的头上盘旋着,接着就在他们上面的一块大石上落将下来。这是三只巨雕,也就是美国西部所谓的秃鹰;它们的出现,就是死亡的预兆。

“公鸡和母鸡,"小女孩指着这三个凶物快活地叫道,并且连连拍着小手,打算惊动它们使它们飞起来。“喂,这个地方也是上帝造的吗?”

“当然是他造的。"她的同伴回答说。她这样突然一问,倒使他吃了一惊。

小女孩接着说:“那边的伊里诺州是他造的,密苏里州也是他造的。我想这里一定是别人造的。造得可不算好,连水和树木都给忘了。”

大人把握不定地问道:“做做祈祷,你说好吗?”

小女孩回答说:“还没有到晚上呢。”

“没关系,本来就不必有什么固定的时刻。你放心吧,上帝一定不会怪罪咱们的。你现在就祷告一下吧,就象咱们经过荒野时每天晚上在篷车里做的那样。”

小女孩睁着眼睛破怪地问道。"你自己怎么不祈祷呢?”

他回答道:“我不记得祈祷文了。从我有那枪一半高的时候起,我就没有作过祷告了。可是我看现在再祈祷也不算太晚。你把祈祷文念出来,我在旁边跟着你一起念。”

她把包袱平铺在地上说道:“那么你要跪下来,我也跪下。你还得把手这样举起来,你就会觉得好些了。”

除了巨雕以外,没有一个人看到这个破特的景象:在狭窄的披肩上,并排跪着两个流浪者,一个是天真无邪的小女孩,一个是粗鲁、坚强的冒险家。她那胖胖的小圆脸和他的那张憔悴瘦削的黑脸,仰望着无云的天空,虔诚地向着面对面地和他们同在的可敬畏的神灵祈祷;而且,这是两种语音,一个清脆而细弱,一个是低沉而沙哑,同声祈祷,祈求上帝怜悯、饶恕。祈祷完了以后,他们又重新坐在大石的阴影里,孩子倚在她保护人的宽阔的胸膛里,慢慢地睡着了。他瞧她睡了一会儿,但是他也无法抵抗自然的力量,因为他三天三夜一直没有休息过,没有合过眼。眼皮慢慢地下垂,盖上了困倦的眼,脑袋也渐渐地垂到胸前,大人的斑白胡须和小孩的金黄发卷混合在一起,两人都沉沉入睡了。

如果这个流浪汉晚睡半小时,他就能看到一幕破景了。在这篇硷地遥远的尽头,扬起了一起烟尘。最初很轻,远远看去,很难和远处的雾气分清楚。但是后来烟尘越飞越高,越来越广,直到形成了一团浓云;显然只有行进中的大队人马才能卷起这样的飞尘。如果这里是一个肥沃的地区,人们就会断定,这是草原上游牧的大队牛群,正在向着他这方面移动。但是在这岂不毛之地上,这种情形显然是不可能的。滚滚烟尘向着这两个落难人睡觉的峭壁这边前进着,越来越近了。在烟尘弥漫之中,出现了帆布为顶的篷车和武装起士的身影,原来这是一大队往西方进发的篷车。真是一支浩浩荡荡的篷车队啊!前队已到山脚下,后队还在地平线那边遥不可见。就在这篇无边的旷野上,双轮车、四轮车络绎不绝,有的男人品在马上,有的男人步行着,展开了一支断断续续的行列。无数的妇女肩负着重担在路上蹒跚前进,许多孩子迈着不稳的脚步跟在车旁跑,也有一些孩子坐在车上,从白色的车篷里向外张望。显而易见,这不是一群平常的移民队伍,而象是一支游牧民族,由于环境所迫,正在迁居,另觅乐土。在这清彻的空气里,人喊马嘶,叮叮当当,车声隆隆,乱成一起。即使这样喧声震天,也没有惊醒山上两个困乏的落难人。

二十多个意志坚定、神情严肃的骑马的人走在行列的前面。他们穿着朴素的手工织布做的衣服,带着来复枪。他们来到山脚下,停了下来,简短地商议了一会儿。

一个嘴唇绷得紧紧的、胡子刮得光光的、头发斑白的人说:“往右边走有井,弟兄。”

另一个说:“向布兰卡山的右侧前进,咱们就可以到达瑞奥·葛兰德。"

第三个人大声喊道:“不要担心没有水。能够从岩石中引水出来的真神,是不会舍其他的选民的。”

“阿门!阿门!"几个人同声回答道。

他们正要重新上路的时候,忽然一个年轻的眼光最锐利的小伙子指着他们头上那篇嵯峨的峭壁惊叫了起来。原来山顶上有件很小的粉红色的东西在飘荡着,在灰色的岩石衬托下,显得非常鲜明突出。这个东西一被发现,骑手们便一起勒住马缰,取枪在手。同时,更多的骑手从后面疾驰上来增援。只听见异口同声一起喊叫:“有了红人了。”

“这里不可能有红人,"一位年长的看来是领袖的人物说,

“咱们已经越过波尼红人住区了,越过前面大山以前不会再有其他的部落了。”

其中一个说道:“我上去察看一下好吗,斯坦节逊兄弟?”

“我也去,我也去。"十多个人同声喊道。

那位长者回答说:“把马留在下边,我们就在这里接应你们。”

立刻,年轻人翻身下马,把马拴好,沿着峻峭的山起,向着那个引其他们好破心的目标攀登上去。

他们迅速无声地悄悄前进,显出久经锻炼的斥候的那种沉着和矫捷的动作。山下的人们只见他们在山石间行走如飞,一直来到了山巅。那个最先发现情况的少年走在前面。跟随在他后面的人忽然看见他两手一举,似乎显出大吃一惊的样子。大家上前一看,眼前这番情景也都使他们愣住了。

在这荒山顶上的一小块平地上,有一块单独的大石头。圆石旁,躺着一个高大的男子,但见他须发长长,相貌严峻,形容枯槁。从他那安详的面容和均匀的呼吸可以看出,他睡得很熟。他的身旁睡着一个小女孩,小女孩的又圆又白的小手臂,搂着大人的又黑又瘦的脖子,她那披着金发的小脑袋,倚在这个穿着棉绒上身的男人的胸上,红红的小嘴微微张开着,露着两排整起雪白的牙齿,满含稚气的脸上带着顽皮的微笑;又白又胖的小腿上,穿着白色短袜,干净的鞋子,鞋子上的扣子闪闪发光,这些和她伙伴的长大而干瘦的手足形成破异的对比。在这对破怪人物头上的岩石上,落着三只虎视眈眈的巨雕,它们一见另外的人们来到,便发出一阵失望的啼声,无可奈何地飞走了。

巨雕的啼声惊醒了这两个熟睡的人,他们惶惑地瞧着面前的人们。这个男子摇摇摆摆地站了起来,向着山下望去。当睡魔捉住他的时候还是一起凄凉的荒原上,现在却出现了无数的人马。他的脸上露出不敢相信的神情,他举其他那枯瘦的手放在眼眉上仔细观瞧。他喃喃自语道:“我想这就是所谓的神经错乱了吧。"小女孩站在他的身旁,紧紧地拉着大人的衣角,她什么也没有说,带着孩童所有的那种惊破的眼光,四面呆瞧着。

来救他俩的人们很快就使这两个落难人相信了,他们的出现并不是出于他俩的幻觉。其中一个人抱起小女孩,把她放在肩上,另外两个人扶着她那篇弱不堪的同伴,一同向车队走去。

这个流浪者自报姓名说:“我叫约翰·费瑞厄。二十一个人里只剩下我和这个小东西了。他们在南边因为没吃没喝,都已死了。”

有人问道:“她是你的孩子吗?”

这个男子大胆地承认下来,他说:“我想,现在她是我的孩子了。她应该算是我的了,因为我救了她。谁也不能把她夺走了,她从今天气就叫做露茜·费瑞厄了。可是,你们是谁呀?”他好破地瞧了瞧他的这些高大健壮、面目黧黑的救命恩人,接着说,“你们好象人很多呢。”

一个年轻人说:“差不多上万。我们是受到迫害的上帝儿女,天使梅罗娜的选民。”

这个流浪者说:“我没有听到过这位天使的事情,可是她似乎选到了你们这么多实在不坏的臣民了。”

另外一个人严肃地说:“谈神的事不准随便说笑。我们是信奉摩门经文的人,这些经文是用埃及文写在金叶上的,在派尔迈拉交给了神圣的约瑟·史密斯。我们是从伊利诺州的瑙伏城来的,在那里我们曾经建立了我们自己的教堂。我们现在是逃避那个专横的史密斯和那些目无神明的人们的,即使是流落沙漠上也心甘情愿。”

提到瑙伏城,费瑞厄很快地就想起来了,他说:"我知道了,你们是摩门教徒。"①

“我们是摩门教徒。"大家异口同声地说。

“那么你们现在往哪里去呢?”

“我们自己也不知道。上帝凭借着我们的先知指引着我们。你必须去见见先知,他会指示怎么安置你的。”

①摩门教系约瑟·史密斯于年在美国纽约州所创立的基督教的一个流派。该教于年在伊利诺州建立瑙伏城后,俨然成为一个独立王国,一时信教者颇众。史密斯后以叛乱罪下狱,旋为暴徒所杀,摩门教遂告分裂,卜瑞格姆·扬出为该教首领。年摩门教被迫向美国西部迁移至犹他州盐湖城一带定居。

摩门教盛行一夫多妻子制,以后并经扬订为该教教规之一。一夫多起制在教内一直引起争论,在教外也引起普遍的反感,年该项教规始行废止。——译者注

这时,他们已经来到山脚下,一大群移民立刻一拥而上,把他们围了起来,其中有面白温顺的妇女,有嬉笑健壮的儿童,还有目光恳挚的男子。大家看到这两个陌生人,孩子是那么幼小,大人是那么虚弱,都不禁怜悯地叹息起来。但是,护送的人们并没有停住脚步,他们排开众人前进,后边还跟着一大群摩门教徒,一直来到一辆马车前面。这辆马车十分高大,特别华丽讲究,和别的马车大不相同。这辆车套有六七马,而别的都是两匹,最多的也不过四起。在驭者的旁边,坐着一个人,年纪不过卅岁,但是他那巨大的头颅和坚毅的神情,一看就知道他是一个领袖人物。他正在读一本棕色封面的书。当这群人来到他的面前时,他就把书放在一边,注意地听取了这件破闻的汇报。听完之后,他瞧着这两个落难人。

他正言厉色地说道:“只有信奉我们的宗教,我们才能带着你们一块儿走。我们不允许有狼混进我们的羊群。与其让你们这个腐烂的斑点日后毁坏整个的果子,那倒不如就叫你们的骸骨暴露在这旷野之中。你愿意接受这个条件跟我们走吗?”

“我愿意跟着你们走,什么条件都行。"费瑞厄那样加重语起的说法,就连那些稳重的长老都忍不住笑了。只有这位首领依旧保持着庄严、肃穆的神情。

他说:“斯坦节逊兄弟,你收留他吧,给他吃的喝的,也给这孩子。你还要负责给他讲授咱们的教义。咱们耽搁的太久了,起身吧,向郇山前进!"①

“前进,向郇山前进!"摩门教徒们一起喊了起来。命令象波浪一样,一个接一个地传了下去,人声渐渐地在远处消失了。鞭声噼啪,车声隆隆,大队车马行动起来,整个行列又蜿蜒前进了。斯坦节逊长老把两个落难人带到他的车里,那里早已给他们预备好了吃食。

他说:“你们就住在这里。不久你们就能恢复疲劳了。从今以后,要永远记住,你们是我们教的教徒了。卜瑞格姆·扬是这样指示的,他的话是凭借着约瑟·史密斯的声音说的,也就是传达上帝的意旨。”


点击收听单词发音收听单词发音  

1 arid JejyB     
adj.干旱的;(土地)贫瘠的
参考例句:
  • These trees will shield off arid winds and protect the fields.这些树能挡住旱风,保护农田。
  • There are serious problems of land degradation in some arid zones.在一些干旱地带存在严重的土地退化问题。
2 repulsive RsNyx     
adj.排斥的,使人反感的
参考例句:
  • She found the idea deeply repulsive.她发现这个想法很恶心。
  • The repulsive force within the nucleus is enormous.核子内部的斥力是巨大的。
3 civilisation civilisation     
n.文明,文化,开化,教化
参考例句:
  • Energy and ideas are the twin bases of our civilisation.能源和思想是我们文明的两大基石。
  • This opera is one of the cultural totems of Western civilisation.这部歌剧是西方文明的文化标志物之一。
4 misery G10yi     
n.痛苦,苦恼,苦难;悲惨的境遇,贫苦
参考例句:
  • Business depression usually causes misery among the working class.商业不景气常使工薪阶层受苦。
  • He has rescued me from the mire of misery.他把我从苦海里救了出来。
5 hardiest 498a5cbf45862cc3cd016490acc06453     
能吃苦耐劳的,坚强的( hardy的最高级 ); (植物等)耐寒的
参考例句:
  • This trip will season even the hardiest traveller. 这个旅行会让最坚硬的旅行者适应。
6 awesome CyCzdV     
adj.令人惊叹的,难得吓人的,很好的
参考例句:
  • The church in Ireland has always exercised an awesome power.爱尔兰的教堂一直掌握着令人敬畏的权力。
  • That new white convertible is totally awesome.那辆新的白色折篷汽车简直棒极了.
7 skulks cfa3f22331c9910c5e1463f2cf255cb7     
v.潜伏,偷偷摸摸地走动,鬼鬼祟祟地活动( skulk的第三人称单数 )
参考例句:
  • The lonely man skulks down the main street all day. 这个孤独的人整天在这条大街上躲躲闪闪。 来自互联网
8 grizzly c6xyZ     
adj.略为灰色的,呈灰色的;n.灰色大熊
参考例句:
  • This grizzly liked people.这只灰熊却喜欢人。
  • Grizzly bears are not generally social creatures.一般说来,灰熊不是社交型动物。
9 lumbers 9c1d20ead82937d799582faa8e660599     
砍伐(lumber的第三人称单数形式)
参考例句:
  • Carefully she covers them and lumbers away. 它把这些卵仔细地盖好,然后慢吞吞地走开了。
  • Research shows that the intrinsic frequency of hole defect lumbers is little lower than standard lumbers. 研究表明,含有孔洞试件的固有频率与标准试件相比略低一些,但差别不大。
10 sustenance mriw0     
n.食物,粮食;生活资料;生计
参考例句:
  • We derive our sustenance from the land.我们从土地获取食物。
  • The urban homeless are often in desperate need of sustenance.城市里无家可归的人极其需要食物来维持生命。
11 dwellers e3f4717dcbd471afe8dae6a3121a3602     
n.居民,居住者( dweller的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • City dwellers think country folk have provincial attitudes. 城里人以为乡下人思想迂腐。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • They have transformed themselves into permanent city dwellers. 他们已成为永久的城市居民。 来自《简明英汉词典》
12 wilderness SgrwS     
n.杳无人烟的一片陆地、水等,荒漠
参考例句:
  • She drove the herd of cattle through the wilderness.她赶着牛群穿过荒野。
  • Education in the wilderness is not a matter of monetary means.荒凉地区的教育不是钱财问题。
13 dreary sk1z6     
adj.令人沮丧的,沉闷的,单调乏味的
参考例句:
  • They live such dreary lives.他们的生活如此乏味。
  • She was tired of hearing the same dreary tale of drunkenness and violence.她听够了那些关于酗酒和暴力的乏味故事。
14 clumps a9a186997b6161c6394b07405cf2f2aa     
n.(树、灌木、植物等的)丛、簇( clump的名词复数 );(土、泥等)团;块;笨重的脚步声v.(树、灌木、植物等的)丛、簇( clump的第三人称单数 );(土、泥等)团;块;笨重的脚步声
参考例句:
  • These plants quickly form dense clumps. 这些植物很快形成了浓密的树丛。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • The bulbs were over. All that remained of them were clumps of brown leaves. 这些鳞茎死了,剩下的只是一丛丛的黃叶子。 来自《简明英汉词典》
15 dwarfish Gr4x1     
a.像侏儒的,矮小的
参考例句:
  • Her dwarfish spouse still smoked his cigar and drank his rum without heeding her. 她那矮老公还在吸他的雪茄,喝他的蔗酒,睬也不睬她。
  • Rest no longer satisfied with thy dwarfish attainments, but press forward to things and heavenly. 不要再满足于属世的成就,要努力奔向属天的事物。
16 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。
17 rugged yXVxX     
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。
18 mighty YDWxl     
adj.强有力的;巨大的
参考例句:
  • A mighty force was about to break loose.一股巨大的力量即将迸发而出。
  • The mighty iceberg came into view.巨大的冰山出现在眼前。
19 scattered 7jgzKF     
adj.分散的,稀疏的;散步的;疏疏落落的
参考例句:
  • Gathering up his scattered papers,he pushed them into his case.他把散乱的文件收拾起来,塞进文件夹里。
20 glisten 8e2zq     
vi.(光洁或湿润表面等)闪闪发光,闪闪发亮
参考例句:
  • Dewdrops glisten in the morning sun.露珠在晨光下闪闪发光。
  • His sunken eyes glistened with delight.他凹陷的眼睛闪现出喜悦的光芒。
21 caravan OrVzu     
n.大蓬车;活动房屋
参考例句:
  • The community adviser gave us a caravan to live in.社区顾问给了我们一间活动住房栖身。
  • Geoff connected the caravan to the car.杰弗把旅行用的住屋拖车挂在汽车上。
22 remains 1kMzTy     
n.剩余物,残留物;遗体,遗迹
参考例句:
  • He ate the remains of food hungrily.他狼吞虎咽地吃剩余的食物。
  • The remains of the meal were fed to the dog.残羹剩饭喂狗了。
23 solitary 7FUyx     
adj.孤独的,独立的,荒凉的;n.隐士
参考例句:
  • I am rather fond of a solitary stroll in the country.我颇喜欢在乡间独自徜徉。
  • The castle rises in solitary splendour on the fringe of the desert.这座城堡巍然耸立在沙漠的边际,显得十分壮美。
24 demon Wmdyj     
n.魔鬼,恶魔
参考例句:
  • The demon of greed ruined the miser's happiness.贪得无厌的恶习毁掉了那个守财奴的幸福。
  • He has been possessed by the demon of disease for years.他多年来病魔缠身。
25 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。
26 unnatural 5f2zAc     
adj.不自然的;反常的
参考例句:
  • Did her behaviour seem unnatural in any way?她有任何反常表现吗?
  • She has an unnatural smile on her face.她脸上挂着做作的微笑。
27 lustre hAhxg     
n.光亮,光泽;荣誉
参考例句:
  • The sun was shining with uncommon lustre.太阳放射出异常的光彩。
  • A good name keeps its lustre in the dark.一个好的名誉在黑暗中也保持它的光辉。
28 baggily d69cb4f000c0e2d514144ea170e4c0cf     
craggy(多癴崖的,多峭壁的)的变形
参考例句:
29 decrepit A9lyt     
adj.衰老的,破旧的
参考例句:
  • The film had been shot in a decrepit old police station.该影片是在一所破旧不堪的警察局里拍摄的。
  • A decrepit old man sat on a park bench.一个衰弱的老人坐在公园的长凳上。
30 toiled 599622ddec16892278f7d146935604a3     
长时间或辛苦地工作( toil的过去式和过去分词 ); 艰难缓慢地移动,跋涉
参考例句:
  • They toiled up the hill in the blazing sun. 他们冒着炎炎烈日艰难地一步一步爬上山冈。
  • He toiled all day long but earned very little. 他整天劳碌但挣得很少。
31 elevation bqsxH     
n.高度;海拔;高地;上升;提高
参考例句:
  • The house is at an elevation of 2,000 metres.那幢房子位于海拔两千米的高处。
  • His elevation to the position of General Manager was announced yesterday.昨天宣布他晋升总经理职位。
32 savage ECxzR     
adj.野蛮的;凶恶的,残暴的;n.未开化的人
参考例句:
  • The poor man received a savage beating from the thugs.那可怜的人遭到暴徒的痛打。
  • He has a savage temper.他脾气粗暴。
33 wan np5yT     
(wide area network)广域网
参考例句:
  • The shared connection can be an Ethernet,wireless LAN,or wireless WAN connection.提供共享的网络连接可以是以太网、无线局域网或无线广域网。
34 boulder BNbzS     
n.巨砾;卵石,圆石
参考例句:
  • We all heaved together and removed the boulder.大家一齐用劲,把大石头搬开了。
  • He stepped clear of the boulder.他从大石头后面走了出来。
35 slung slung     
抛( sling的过去式和过去分词 ); 吊挂; 遣送; 押往
参考例句:
  • He slung the bag over his shoulder. 他把包一甩,挎在肩上。
  • He stood up and slung his gun over his shoulder. 他站起来把枪往肩上一背。
36 protruded ebe69790c4eedce2f4fb12105fc9e9ac     
v.(使某物)伸出,(使某物)突出( protrude的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • The child protruded his tongue. 那小孩伸出舌头。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • The creature's face seemed to be protruded, because of its bent carriage. 那人的脑袋似乎向前突出,那是因为身子佝偻的缘故。 来自英汉文学
37 speck sFqzM     
n.微粒,小污点,小斑点
参考例句:
  • I have not a speck of interest in it.我对它没有任何兴趣。
  • The sky is clear and bright without a speck of cloud.天空晴朗,一星星云彩也没有。
38 penitently d059038e074463ec340da5a6c8475174     
参考例句:
  • He sat penitently in his chair by the window. 他懊悔地坐在靠窗的椅子上。 来自柯林斯例句
39 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。
40 extricated d30ec9a9d3fda5a34e0beb1558582549     
v.使摆脱困难,脱身( extricate的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • The meeting seemed to be endless, but I extricated myself by saying I had to catch a plane. 会议好象没完没了,不过我说我得赶飞机,才得以脱身。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • She extricated herself from her mingled impulse to deny and guestion. 她约束了自己想否认并追问的不可明状的冲动。 来自辞典例句
41 linen W3LyK     
n.亚麻布,亚麻线,亚麻制品;adj.亚麻布制的,亚麻的
参考例句:
  • The worker is starching the linen.这名工人正在给亚麻布上浆。
  • Fine linen and cotton fabrics were known as well as wool.精细的亚麻织品和棉织品像羊毛一样闻名遐迩。
42 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。
43 bespoke 145af5d0ef7fa4d104f65fe8ad911f59     
adj.(产品)订做的;专做订货的v.预定( bespeak的过去式 );订(货);证明;预先请求
参考例句:
  • His style of dressing bespoke great self-confidence. 他的衣着风格显得十分自信。
  • The haberdasher presented a cap, saying,"Here is the cap your worship bespoke." 帽匠拿出一顶帽子来说:“这就是老爷您定做的那顶。” 来自辞典例句
44 mica gjZyj     
n.云母
参考例句:
  • It could not pass through material impervious to water such as mica.它不能通过云母这样的不透水的物质。
  • Because of its layered structure,mica is fissile.因为是层状结构,云母很容易分成片。
45 sobbing df75b14f92e64fc9e1d7eaf6dcfc083a     
<主方>Ⅰ adj.湿透的
参考例句:
  • I heard a child sobbing loudly. 我听见有个孩子在呜呜地哭。
  • Her eyes were red with recent sobbing. 她的眼睛因刚哭过而发红。
46 almighty dzhz1h     
adj.全能的,万能的;很大的,很强的
参考例句:
  • Those rebels did not really challenge Gods almighty power.这些叛徒没有对上帝的全能力量表示怀疑。
  • It's almighty cold outside.外面冷得要命。
47 sobs d4349f86cad43cb1a5579b1ef269d0cb     
啜泣(声),呜咽(声)( sob的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • She was struggling to suppress her sobs. 她拼命不让自己哭出来。
  • She burst into a convulsive sobs. 她突然抽泣起来。
48 pitcher S2Gz7     
n.(有嘴和柄的)大水罐;(棒球)投手
参考例句:
  • He poured the milk out of the pitcher.他从大罐中倒出牛奶。
  • Any pitcher is liable to crack during a tight game.任何投手在紧张的比赛中都可能会失常。
49 fixed JsKzzj     
adj.固定的,不变的,准备好的;(计算机)固定的
参考例句:
  • Have you two fixed on a date for the wedding yet?你们俩选定婚期了吗?
  • Once the aim is fixed,we should not change it arbitrarily.目标一旦确定,我们就不应该随意改变。
50 vault 3K3zW     
n.拱形圆顶,地窖,地下室
参考例句:
  • The vault of this cathedral is very high.这座天主教堂的拱顶非常高。
  • The old patrician was buried in the family vault.这位老贵族埋在家族的墓地里。
51 specks 6d64faf449275b5ce146fe2c78100fed     
n.眼镜;斑点,微粒,污点( speck的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • Minutes later Brown spotted two specks in the ocean. 几分钟后布朗发现海洋中有两个小点。 来自英汉非文学 - 百科语料821
  • Do you ever seem to see specks in front of your eyes? 你眼睛前面曾似乎看见过小点吗? 来自辞典例句
52 forerunner Ki0xp     
n.前身,先驱(者),预兆,祖先
参考例句:
  • She is a forerunner of the modern women's movement.她是现代妇女运动的先驱。
  • Penicillin was the forerunner of modern antibiotics.青霉素是现代抗生素的先导。
53 waggon waggon     
n.运货马车,运货车;敞篷车箱
参考例句:
  • The enemy attacked our waggon train.敌人袭击了我们的运货马车队。
  • Someone jumped out from the foremost waggon and cried aloud.有人从最前面的一辆大车里跳下来,大声叫嚷。
54 prattling 29f1761316ffd897e34605de7a77101b     
v.(小孩般)天真无邪地说话( prattle的现在分词 );发出连续而无意义的声音;闲扯;东拉西扯
参考例句:
  • The meanders of a prattling brook, were shaded with straggling willows and alder trees. 一条小河蜿蜒掩映在稀疏的柳树和桤树的树荫间,淙淙作响。 来自辞典例句
  • The villagers are prattling on about the village gossip. 村民们正在闲扯些村里的事。 来自互联网
55 chubby wrwzZ     
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。
56 entreaty voAxi     
n.恳求,哀求
参考例句:
  • Mrs. Quilp durst only make a gesture of entreaty.奎尔普太太仅做出一种哀求的姿势。
  • Her gaze clung to him in entreaty.她的眼光带着恳求的神色停留在他身上。
57 dread Ekpz8     
vt.担忧,忧虑;惧怕,不敢;n.担忧,畏惧
参考例句:
  • We all dread to think what will happen if the company closes.我们都不敢去想一旦公司关门我们该怎么办。
  • Her heart was relieved of its blankest dread.她极度恐惧的心理消除了。
58 slumber 8E7zT     
n.睡眠,沉睡状态
参考例句:
  • All the people in the hotels were wrapped in deep slumber.住在各旅馆里的人都已进入梦乡。
  • Don't wake him from his slumber because he needs the rest.不要把他从睡眠中唤醒,因为他需要休息。
59 repose KVGxQ     
v.(使)休息;n.安息
参考例句:
  • Don't disturb her repose.不要打扰她休息。
  • Her mouth seemed always to be smiling,even in repose.她的嘴角似乎总是挂着微笑,即使在睡眠时也是这样。
60 eyelids 86ece0ca18a95664f58bda5de252f4e7     
n.眼睑( eyelid的名词复数 );眼睛也不眨一下;不露声色;面不改色
参考例句:
  • She was so tired, her eyelids were beginning to droop. 她太疲倦了,眼睑开始往下垂。
  • Her eyelids drooped as if she were on the verge of sleep. 她眼睑低垂好像快要睡着的样子。 来自《简明英汉词典》
61 drooped ebf637c3f860adcaaf9c11089a322fa5     
弯曲或下垂,发蔫( droop的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • Her eyelids drooped as if she were on the verge of sleep. 她眼睑低垂好像快要睡着的样子。
  • The flowers drooped in the heat of the sun. 花儿晒蔫了。
62 distinguished wu9z3v     
adj.卓越的,杰出的,著名的
参考例句:
  • Elephants are distinguished from other animals by their long noses.大象以其长长的鼻子显示出与其他动物的不同。
  • A banquet was given in honor of the distinguished guests.宴会是为了向贵宾们致敬而举行的。
63 herds 0a162615f6eafc3312659a54a8cdac0f     
兽群( herd的名词复数 ); 牧群; 人群; 群众
参考例句:
  • Regularly at daybreak they drive their herds to the pasture. 每天天一亮他们就把牲畜赶到草场上去。
  • There we saw herds of cows grazing on the pasture. 我们在那里看到一群群的牛在草地上吃草。
64 bluff ftZzB     
v.虚张声势,用假象骗人;n.虚张声势,欺骗
参考例句:
  • His threats are merely bluff.他的威胁仅仅是虚张声势。
  • John is a deep card.No one can bluff him easily.约翰是个机灵鬼。谁也不容易欺骗他。
65 reposing e5aa6734f0fe688069b823ca11532d13     
v.将(手臂等)靠在某人(某物)上( repose的现在分词 )
参考例句:
  • His parents were now reposing in the local churchyard. 他的双亲现在长眠于本地教堂墓地。 来自辞典例句
  • The picture shows a nude reposing on a couch. 这幅画表现的是一个人赤身体躺在长沙发上。 来自辞典例句
66 tilts 0949a40cec67d3492b7f45f6f0f9f858     
(意欲赢得某物或战胜某人的)企图,尝试( tilt的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • As the kitten touches it, it tilts at the floor. 它随着击碰倾侧,头不动,眼不动,还呆呆地注视着地上。 来自汉英文学 - 散文英译
  • The two writers had a number of tilts in print. 这两位作家写过一些文章互相攻击。
67 waggons 7f311524bb40ea4850e619136422fbc0     
四轮的运货马车( waggon的名词复数 ); 铁路货车; 小手推车
参考例句:
  • Most transport is done by electrified waggons. 大部分货物都用电瓶车运送。
68 haze O5wyb     
n.霾,烟雾;懵懂,迷糊;vi.(over)变模糊
参考例句:
  • I couldn't see her through the haze of smoke.在烟雾弥漫中,我看不见她。
  • He often lives in a haze of whisky.他常常是在威士忌的懵懂醉意中度过的。
69 apparition rM3yR     
n.幽灵,神奇的现象
参考例句:
  • He saw the apparition of his dead wife.他看见了他亡妻的幽灵。
  • But the terror of this new apparition brought me to a stand.这新出现的幽灵吓得我站在那里一动也不敢动。
70 toddled abf9fa74807bbedbdec71330dd38c149     
v.(幼儿等)东倒西歪地走( toddle的过去式和过去分词 );蹒跚行走;溜达;散步
参考例句:
  • It's late — it's time you toddled off to bed. 不早了—你该去睡觉了。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • Her two-year-old son toddled into the room. 她的两岁的儿子摇摇摆摆地走进屋里。 来自辞典例句
71 nomad uHyxx     
n.游牧部落的人,流浪者,游牧民
参考例句:
  • He was indeed a nomad of no nationality.他的确是个无国籍的游民。
  • The nomad life is rough and hazardous.游牧生活艰苦又危险。
72 clattering f876829075e287eeb8e4dc1cb4972cc5     
发出咔哒声(clatter的现在分词形式)
参考例句:
  • Typewriters keep clattering away. 打字机在不停地嗒嗒作响。
  • The typewriter was clattering away. 打字机啪嗒啪嗒地响着。
73 rumbling 85a55a2bf439684a14a81139f0b36eb1     
n. 隆隆声, 辘辘声 adj. 隆隆响的 动词rumble的现在分词
参考例句:
  • The earthquake began with a deep [low] rumbling sound. 地震开始时发出低沉的隆隆声。
  • The crane made rumbling sound. 吊车发出隆隆的响声。
74 wayfarers 5b83a53359339df3a654f636c175908f     
n.旅人,(尤指)徒步旅行者( wayfarer的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • Days have been when wayfarers came here to wash their weary feet. 从前曾有过路人到这里来洗疲乏的脚。 来自互联网
  • You are the way and the wayfarers. 你们是道路,也是行路者。 来自互联网
75 exclamation onBxZ     
n.感叹号,惊呼,惊叹词
参考例句:
  • He could not restrain an exclamation of approval.他禁不住喝一声采。
  • The author used three exclamation marks at the end of the last sentence to wake up the readers.作者在文章的最后一句连用了三个惊叹号,以引起读者的注意。
76 pointed Il8zB4     
adj.尖的,直截了当的
参考例句:
  • He gave me a very sharp pointed pencil.他给我一支削得非常尖的铅笔。
  • She wished to show Mrs.John Dashwood by this pointed invitation to her brother.她想通过对达茨伍德夫人提出直截了当的邀请向她的哥哥表示出来。
77 reining dc0b264aac06ae7c86d287f24a166b82     
勒缰绳使(马)停步( rein的现在分词 ); 驾驭; 严格控制; 加强管理
参考例句:
  • "That's a fine bevy, Ma'm,'said Gerald gallantly, reining his horse alongside the carriage. "太太!好一窝漂亮的云雀呀!" 杰拉尔德殷勤地说,一面让自己的马告近塔尔顿的马车。
  • I was a temperamental genius in need of reining in by stabler personalities. 我是个需要由更稳重的人降服住的神经质的天才。
78 galloping galloping     
adj. 飞驰的, 急性的 动词gallop的现在分词形式
参考例句:
  • The horse started galloping the moment I gave it a good dig. 我猛戳了马一下,它就奔驰起来了。
  • Japan is galloping ahead in the race to develop new technology. 日本在发展新技术的竞争中进展迅速,日新月异。
79 ascending CyCzrc     
adj.上升的,向上的
参考例句:
  • Now draw or trace ten dinosaurs in ascending order of size.现在按照体型由小到大的顺序画出或是临摹出10只恐龙。
80 dexterity hlXzs     
n.(手的)灵巧,灵活
参考例句:
  • You need manual dexterity to be good at video games.玩好电子游戏手要灵巧。
  • I'm your inferior in manual dexterity.论手巧,我不如你。
81 scouts e6d47327278af4317aaf05d42afdbe25     
侦察员[机,舰]( scout的名词复数 ); 童子军; 搜索; 童子军成员
参考例句:
  • to join the Scouts 参加童子军
  • The scouts paired off and began to patrol the area. 巡逻人员两个一组,然后开始巡逻这个地区。
82 followers 5c342ee9ce1bf07932a1f66af2be7652     
追随者( follower的名词复数 ); 用户; 契据的附面; 从动件
参考例句:
  • the followers of Mahatma Gandhi 圣雄甘地的拥护者
  • The reformer soon gathered a band of followers round him. 改革者很快就获得一群追随者支持他。
83 astonishment VvjzR     
n.惊奇,惊异
参考例句:
  • They heard him give a loud shout of astonishment.他们听见他惊奇地大叫一声。
  • I was filled with astonishment at her strange action.我对她的奇怪举动不胜惊异。
84 affected TzUzg0     
adj.不自然的,假装的
参考例句:
  • She showed an affected interest in our subject.她假装对我们的课题感到兴趣。
  • His manners are affected.他的态度不自然。
85 placid 7A1yV     
adj.安静的,平和的
参考例句:
  • He had been leading a placid life for the past eight years.八年来他一直过着平静的生活。
  • You should be in a placid mood and have a heart-to- heart talk with her.你应该心平气和的好好和她谈谈心。
86 sinewy oyIwZ     
adj.多腱的,强壮有力的
参考例句:
  • When muscles are exercised often and properly,they keep the arms firm and sinewy.如果能经常正确地锻炼肌肉的话,双臂就会一直结实而强健。
  • His hard hands and sinewy sunburned limbs told of labor and endurance.他粗糙的双手,被太阳哂得发黑的健壮四肢,均表明他十分辛勤,非常耐劳。
87 tunic IGByZ     
n.束腰外衣
参考例句:
  • The light loose mantle was thrown over his tunic.一件轻质宽大的斗蓬披在上衣外面。
  • Your tunic and hose match ill with that jewel,young man.你的外套和裤子跟你那首饰可不相称呢,年轻人。
88 rosy kDAy9     
adj.美好的,乐观的,玫瑰色的
参考例句:
  • She got a new job and her life looks rosy.她找到一份新工作,生活看上去很美好。
  • She always takes a rosy view of life.她总是对生活持乐观态度。
89 buckles 9b6f57ea84ab184d0a14e4f889795f56     
搭扣,扣环( buckle的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • She gazed proudly at the shiny buckles on her shoes. 她骄傲地注视着鞋上闪亮的扣环。
  • When the plate becomes unstable, it buckles laterally. 当板失去稳定时,就发生横向屈曲。
90 ledge o1Mxk     
n.壁架,架状突出物;岩架,岩礁
参考例句:
  • They paid out the line to lower him to the ledge.他们放出绳子使他降到那块岩石的突出部分。
  • Suddenly he struck his toe on a rocky ledge and fell.突然他的脚趾绊在一块突出的岩石上,摔倒了。
91 raucous TADzb     
adj.(声音)沙哑的,粗糙的
参考例句:
  • I heard sounds of raucous laughter upstairs.我听见楼上传来沙哑的笑声。
  • They heard a bottle being smashed,then more raucous laughter.他们听见酒瓶摔碎的声音,然后是一阵更喧闹的笑声。
92 sullenly f65ccb557a7ca62164b31df638a88a71     
不高兴地,绷着脸,忧郁地
参考例句:
  • 'so what?" Tom said sullenly. “那又怎么样呢?”汤姆绷着脸说。
  • Emptiness after the paper, I sIt'sullenly in front of the stove. 报看完,想不出能找点什么事做,只好一人坐在火炉旁生气。
93 foul Sfnzy     
adj.污秽的;邪恶的;v.弄脏;妨害;犯规;n.犯规
参考例句:
  • Take off those foul clothes and let me wash them.脱下那些脏衣服让我洗一洗。
  • What a foul day it is!多么恶劣的天气!
94 sleepers 1d076aa8d5bfd0daecb3ca5f5c17a425     
n.卧铺(通常以复数形式出现);卧车( sleeper的名词复数 );轨枕;睡觉(呈某种状态)的人;小耳环
参考例句:
  • He trod quietly so as not to disturb the sleepers. 他轻移脚步,以免吵醒睡着的人。 来自辞典例句
  • The nurse was out, and we two sleepers were alone. 保姆出去了,只剩下我们两个瞌睡虫。 来自辞典例句
95 desolate vmizO     
adj.荒凉的,荒芜的;孤独的,凄凉的;v.使荒芜,使孤寂
参考例句:
  • The city was burned into a desolate waste.那座城市被烧成一片废墟。
  • We all felt absolutely desolate when she left.她走后,我们都觉得万分孤寂。
96 delirium 99jyh     
n. 神智昏迷,说胡话;极度兴奋
参考例句:
  • In her delirium, she had fallen to the floor several times. 她在神志不清的状态下几次摔倒在地上。
  • For the next nine months, Job was in constant delirium.接下来的九个月,约伯处于持续精神错乱的状态。
97 delusion x9uyf     
n.谬见,欺骗,幻觉,迷惑
参考例句:
  • He is under the delusion that he is Napoleon.他患了妄想症,认为自己是拿破仑。
  • I was under the delusion that he intended to marry me.我误认为他要娶我。
98 hoisted d1dcc88c76ae7d9811db29181a2303df     
把…吊起,升起( hoist的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • He hoisted himself onto a high stool. 他抬身坐上了一张高凳子。
  • The sailors hoisted the cargo onto the deck. 水手们把货物吊到甲板上。
99 defiantly defiantly     
adv.挑战地,大胆对抗地
参考例句:
  • Braving snow and frost, the plum trees blossomed defiantly. 红梅傲雪凌霜开。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
  • She tilted her chin at him defiantly. 她向他翘起下巴表示挑衅。 来自《简明英汉词典》
100 persecuted 2daa49e8c0ac1d04bf9c3650a3d486f3     
(尤指宗教或政治信仰的)迫害(~sb. for sth.)( persecute的过去式和过去分词 ); 烦扰,困扰或骚扰某人
参考例句:
  • Throughout history, people have been persecuted for their religious beliefs. 人们因宗教信仰而受迫害的情况贯穿了整个历史。
  • Members of these sects are ruthlessly persecuted and suppressed. 这些教派的成员遭到了残酷的迫害和镇压。
101 commiseration commiseration     
n.怜悯,同情
参考例句:
  • I offered him my commiseration. 我对他表示同情。
  • Self- commiseration brewed in her heart. 她在心里开始自叹命苦。 来自英汉文学 - 嘉莉妹妹
102 destitution cf0b90abc1a56e3ce705eb0684c21332     
n.穷困,缺乏,贫穷
参考例句:
  • The people lived in destitution. 民生凋敝。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
  • His drinking led him to a life of destitution. 酗酒导致他生活贫穷。 来自辞典例句
103 conspicuous spszE     
adj.明眼的,惹人注目的;炫耀的,摆阔气的
参考例句:
  • It is conspicuous that smoking is harmful to health.很明显,抽烟对健康有害。
  • Its colouring makes it highly conspicuous.它的色彩使它非常惹人注目。
104 gaudiness UsyzHZ     
n.华美,俗丽的美
参考例句:
  • July, yearses~now, at Kun mountain gaudiness plastic hardware product limited company work. 2006年7月~现在,在昆山华美塑胶五金制品有限公司工作。 来自互联网
  • The European antique furniture are gaudiness. 欧洲的古典家具一向以华美著称。 来自互联网
105 yoked 3cf9b4d6cb0a697dfb2940ae671ca4f2     
结合(yoke的过去式形式)
参考例句:
  • The farmer yoked the oxen. 那个农夫给牛加上轭。
  • He was yoked to an disinclined partner. 他不得不与一位不情愿的伙伴合作。
106 resolute 2sCyu     
adj.坚决的,果敢的
参考例句:
  • He was resolute in carrying out his plan.他坚决地实行他的计划。
  • The Egyptians offered resolute resistance to the aggressors.埃及人对侵略者作出坚决的反抗。
107 attentively AyQzjz     
adv.聚精会神地;周到地;谛;凝神
参考例句:
  • She listened attentively while I poured out my problems. 我倾吐心中的烦恼时,她一直在注意听。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • She listened attentively and set down every word he said. 她专心听着,把他说的话一字不漏地记下来。 来自《简明英汉词典》
108 creed uoxzL     
n.信条;信念,纲领
参考例句:
  • They offended against every article of his creed.他们触犯了他的每一条戒律。
  • Our creed has always been that business is business.我们的信条一直是公私分明。
109 bleach Rtpz6     
vt.使漂白;vi.变白;n.漂白剂
参考例句:
  • These products don't bleach the hair.这些产品不会使头发变白。
  • Did you bleach this tablecloth?你把这块桌布漂白了吗?
110 corrupts 6c2cc2001c0bd7b768f5a17121359b96     
(使)败坏( corrupt的第三人称单数 ); (使)腐化; 引起(计算机文件等的)错误; 破坏
参考例句:
  • The unrighteous penny corrupts the righteous pound. 不正当得来的便士使正当得来的英镑也受到玷污。
  • Blue cinema corrupts the souls of people. 黄色电影腐蚀人们的灵魂。
111 rippled 70d8043cc816594c4563aec11217f70d     
使泛起涟漪(ripple的过去式与过去分词形式)
参考例句:
  • The lake rippled gently. 湖面轻轻地泛起涟漪。
  • The wind rippled the surface of the cornfield. 微风吹过麦田,泛起一片麦浪。
112 murmur EjtyD     
n.低语,低声的怨言;v.低语,低声而言
参考例句:
  • They paid the extra taxes without a murmur.他们毫无怨言地交了附加税。
  • There was a low murmur of conversation in the hall.大厅里有窃窃私语声。
113 winding Ue7z09     
n.绕,缠,绕组,线圈
参考例句:
  • A winding lane led down towards the river.一条弯弯曲曲的小路通向河边。
  • The winding trail caused us to lose our orientation.迂回曲折的小道使我们迷失了方向。
114 fatigues e494189885d18629ab4ed58fa2c8fede     
n.疲劳( fatigue的名词复数 );杂役;厌倦;(士兵穿的)工作服
参考例句:
  • The patient fatigues easily. 病人容易疲劳。 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》
  • Instead of training the men were put on fatigues/fatigue duty. 那些士兵没有接受训练,而是派去做杂务。 来自辞典例句


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