"Let that other crowd get as far ahead of us as possible," proposed Dick Travers. "It may take them longer to get back, for I'm sure they don't intend to give us any more peace than they can help."
"I think we can afford to forget them for a while," said Bob. "And now, boys, what do you think of building a brush camp, or lean-to?"
"Just the thing," exclaimed Sam Randall, enthusiastically.
A dense2 wood surrounded the valley. Through its cool and shady recesses3, the dark, rich greens of firs and cedars4 could be seen.
"Why not build a lean-to right in the midst of them?" asked Tom Clifton.
"Old Bill Agnew said it was better to camp in the open whenever possible."
"Why so?"
"On account of insects and because it is generally safer. That ridge5 over there looks like a good place. It has a gentle slope, which will be just the thing for our bough6 beds."
"Oh ho, it seems to me there is nothing but work," groaned7 Dave, with a yawn. "Why not sleep on the ground?"
"You lazy duffer!" exclaimed Dick. "Come on; think what fun you'll have making all these things."
The ridge lay some distance inland, but from its elevated position, the motor boat could be kept in view.
Lots were drawn10. To Tom and Dick fell the task of cutting poles and collecting brush for the lean-to, while Dave, with a terrible grimace11, set about chopping sufficient fire-wood for their present needs. Bob Somers and Sam Randall took their guns and started to look for game.
"Let's skirt along the river, if possible," suggested Bob; "perhaps we may get a shot at some ducks."
"Agreed," said Sam; "but that underbrush looks a little thick right here; I guess we'll have to go around."
The boys found that it was not an easy matter to push their way along in any given direction. Growth of all kinds was luxuriant. Tangled12 vines, provided by nature with very sharp little thorns, continually impeded13 their progress, besides causing much discomfort14, as it was hard to entirely15 avoid them.
They were careful to keep their guns pointed16 away from each other, and to keep the triggers free from low-hanging branches or underbrush.
Suddenly a low whirring sound, directly in front, startled both hunters. A flock of ruffed grouse18 rose and flew with lightning-like rapidity among the trees.
"Too late," sighed Bob, lowering his gun. "Next time we must be better prepared."
"Yes, and what a supper we missed," said Sam, regretfully.
They had now come to an open space. Beyond it, along the shore of the river, was a thick clump19 of trees.
"Do I see anything over there?" asked Sam.
"Looks like a lot of birds," answered Bob.
"So do I. Look out, Sam. Don't make so much noise."
"My foot slipped on a stone," said young Randall, apologetically.
The boys worked their way forward with the greatest care.
"Just a little further," said Sam, in scarcely audible tones; "then, oh my, what a supper we may have."
"Don't talk," admonished21 Bob.
He took a long survey through his field-glass.
"Wood-ducks," he whispered, in a scarcely audible voice.
Sam's eyes sparkled. With the utmost care, he followed in Bob's footsteps.
The two finally concealed22 themselves in the midst of a patch of tall, rank grass and reeds. Not daring to even whisper, they slowly crawled forward, never, for an instant, exposing any part of their bodies to view.
Both being good shots, it looked as if their patience would be rewarded.
But, to their consternation23, just at the critical moment, when they were well within range, a shot rang out loudly, followed by a perfect fusillade of others.
The ducks, with cries of alarm, arose en masse, flying swiftly away, while Bob and Sam jumped to their feet, in the greatest disappointment.
The "Nimrod" had rounded a point.
"They spoil everything," declared Bob, in disgusted tones.
Disconsolately26, the return trip was begun.
A series of harsh, rasping cries, issuing from the dim recesses of the woods, betokened27 the presence of a blue jay, while at intervals29 sounded the tap-tap of that busy workman of the forest—the woodpecker.
They concluded to return by the same route, in the hope of stirring up some other game. Fortune favored them this time, a couple of squirrels being bagged, which partly reconciled them to their previous disappointment.
They found, upon returning to camp, that the three other Ramblers had not been idle. Dave pointed with pride to a large pile of wood, while Tom and Dick showed equal satisfaction in exhibiting a mass of pine boughs30, besides a number of poles. Nor was this all. Reposing31 on a flat stone were three good-sized fish.
"Just a little way up the river," responded Dick Travers, proudly.
"We can now have a meal fit for a king," exclaimed Sam.
"How are you going to cook the fish?" asked Tom.
"Oh, I know," said Bob. "Let's find a couple of flat stones, fellows."
"I saw some down near the river," put in Dick.
He sped off, with Tom at his heels.
When it was burning brightly, the stones were placed in the middle of it.
"What is that for?" asked Tom.
"When they get hot as blazes," explained Bob, with a smile, "I'm going to put the fish between 'em, cover the whole business with hot coals, and let our supper bake."
"Another Bill Agnew act," laughed Dave.
"You've guessed it."
Preparations continued, and after an interval28, Bob sang out: "Those stones must be hot enough by this time."
"Red hot, except that you can't see it," laughed Sam. "Hey there, be careful not to roll 'em out on my feet."
Bob laughed.
"Keep out of the way of the cook, then."
The fish were placed between the stones, then covered with hot embers.
"Smells good, fellows, doesn't it?" observed Dave. "I can hardly wait."
The feast was even more delicious than they had been led to expect from the appetizing odor, and Dave voiced the sentiments of all when he declared that nothing could beat a meal out in the open.
The lean-to had to be made quickly, as night was settling over the scene. The boys, therefore, started work with a will. A lean-to might be described as a shelter, having one sloping side, which also acts as the roof, and two vertical34, the front being left open. By driving two stout35 poles into the ground, about a dozen feet apart and securing a cross piece at the top, they readily provided the principal framework. Numerous saplings were next placed at short intervals against it. Dick Travers busied himself forcing the ends into the ground, while the other boys began placing spruce and hemlock36 boughs, in thick layers, upon the sloping top thus formed. The sides were then attended to in the same manner.
By the glare of the camp-fire, the lean-to was completed. Bob and his companions surveyed its cozy37 appearance with much pride, but did not desist from their labors38 until bough beds had been arranged upon the ground within.
"Old Bill couldn't have done better himself," declared Bob. And the others agreed with him.
The fire was replenished39, the dancing tongues of flame lighting40 up the surroundings with a fantastic glare. The Ramblers felt those peculiar41 sensations which come to nearly all amateur woodsmen, especially at night. Never before had the mysteries of nature, as well as the immensity of the star-studded heavens, appealed to their imaginations so vividly42. Insects kept up an incessant43 chant, while from the woods issued numerous familiar voices.
They were far from any human habitation, in a wild region, seldom frequented by any one except an occasional sportsman. It seemed as if they were alone in the midst of a great solitude44.
But suddenly a starlike point of light appeared in the distance, then another and another, until four, all moving in the most erratic45 fashion, advanced slowly toward them.
"What does that mean?" asked Tom Clifton.
The sound of voices reached their ears.
"The Trailers, as I live!" exclaimed Sam Randall. "Just listen to them."
There was no need of this advice. The Nimrods possessed46 lusty voices, and began using them to their fullest capacity. The result, while not harmonious47, proved effective.
And pirates of the deep,
And every one will make a noise
To drive away your sleep."
"That sounds like more trouble," said Bob, with a laugh.
"Of the bounding, bounding deep," echoed the others, in turn.
"And we're just as bad when off the sea,
As real ones on the ocean be."
It was Nat who uttered the last words, which he followed by a series of frightful50 discords51 through the megaphone.
Straight up to the camp-fire, in single file, they came, swinging their lanterns, as they ranged themselves around.
"I told you boys that this cheery blaze must mark the retreat of our friends, the little ancient mariners52, who sail on land and try to catch dickey birds without the use of salt," laughed Nat.
"And we are overflowing53 with joy at this chance meeting," put in John Hackett.
"And likewise have come to inquire if the birds and beasts who once dwelt here have all been shot?" added Kirk Talbot. "I'll explain the idea:
"When hunters brave as these
Go to shooting 'midst the trees,
Will the birdlets fly away,
Or will they boldly laugh—and stay!"
"You all seem to be poet laureates," said Dave Brandon.
"What has been done for a camp?" broke in Nat. "Is it near here? Say, where did that strange looking pile of underbrush come from?"
The Nimrods had discovered the shelter.
"That it is," assented54 Nat, suddenly reverting55 to a serious mood. A trace of sarcasm56 seemed to lurk57 in his tone, however, and the boys, at first, thought he was merely trying to deceive them. But in a moment he caught Bob Somers' eye, and, nodding to him in his most pleasant manner, continued: "We have come with the olive branch of peace. I hope you bear us no ill will, and if any damage has been caused, please accept our apologies."
"We can stand almost any amount, provided it doesn't knock our boat in three or four pieces," returned Bob, who was far from being satisfied that the Nimrods were acting59 in good faith.
"The fact is," said Nat, presently, "this seems to be an ideal place for camping out. Why not cast our fortunes together for a week—what do you say?"
There was a strange sort of eagerness in his voice that did not escape Bob's attention.
"We don't intend to stay a week," he said.
"You surely don't mean that you are going to leave to-morrow?" inquired Nat, now all seriousness.
"Oh, no, only—"
"Then we can join the camp, eh—why not? We can have a grand time and forget any little differences. Besides," he added, after a short pause, "the arrangement will only last for a few days."
This started an open discussion, in which all present had more or less to say, but it finally became so evident that the Nimrods were anxious to make amends60 for the past, that their arguments proved effective. Bob and his companions were, also, quite satisfied that they could take care of themselves should an emergency arise, while they all felt more curiosity in regard to the possible course of the Nimrods than they would have been willing to admit.
The Trailers sat around the fire for about an hour, then, picking up their lanterns and promising61 to return on the morrow, they bade the Ramblers adieu, and retired62 in an orderly and quiet fashion.
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
decided
|
|
| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
dense
|
|
| a.密集的，稠密的，浓密的；密度大的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
recesses
|
|
| n.壁凹( recess的名词复数 )；（工作或业务活动的）中止或暂停期间；学校的课间休息；某物内部的凹形空间v.把某物放在墙壁的凹处( recess的第三人称单数 )；将（墙）做成凹形，在（墙）上做壁龛；休息，休会，休庭 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
cedars
|
|
| 雪松，西洋杉( cedar的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
ridge
|
|
| n.山脊；鼻梁；分水岭 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
bough
|
|
| n.大树枝，主枝 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
groaned
|
|
| v.呻吟( groan的过去式和过去分词 )；发牢骚；抱怨；受苦 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
perfectly
|
|
| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
ted
|
|
| vt.翻晒，撒，撒开 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
drawn
|
|
| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
grimace
|
|
| v.做鬼脸，面部歪扭 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
tangled
|
|
| adj. 纠缠的，紊乱的 动词tangle的过去式和过去分词 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
impeded
|
|
| 阻碍，妨碍，阻止( impede的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
discomfort
|
|
| n.不舒服，不安，难过，困难，不方便 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
entirely
|
|
| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
pointed
|
|
| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
detour
|
|
| n.绕行的路，迂回路；v.迂回，绕道 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
grouse
|
|
| n.松鸡；v.牢骚，诉苦 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
clump
|
|
| n.树丛，草丛；vi.用沉重的脚步行走 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
brace
|
|
| n. 支柱,曲柄,大括号; v. 绷紧,顶住,(为困难或坏事)做准备 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
admonished
|
|
| v.劝告( admonish的过去式和过去分词 )；训诫；（温和地）责备；轻责 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
concealed
|
|
| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
consternation
|
|
| n.大为吃惊，惊骇 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
miserable
|
|
| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
grumbled
|
|
| 抱怨( grumble的过去式和过去分词 )； 发牢骚； 咕哝； 发哼声 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
disconsolately
|
|
| adv.悲伤地，愁闷地；哭丧着脸 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
betokened
|
|
| v.预示，表示( betoken的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
interval
|
|
| n.间隔，间距；幕间休息，中场休息 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
intervals
|
|
| n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 )；间隔时间；[数学]区间；（戏剧、电影或音乐会的）幕间休息 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
boughs
|
|
| 大树枝( bough的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
reposing
|
|
| v.将（手臂等）靠在某人（某物）上( repose的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
queried
|
|
| v.质疑，对…表示疑问( query的过去式和过去分词 )；询问 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
lugging
|
|
| 超载运转能力 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
vertical
|
|
| adj.垂直的，顶点的，纵向的；n.垂直物，垂直的位置 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
hemlock
|
|
| n.毒胡萝卜，铁杉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
cozy
|
|
| adj.亲如手足的，密切的，暖和舒服的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
labors
|
|
| v.努力争取(for)( labor的第三人称单数 )；苦干；详细分析；（指引擎）缓慢而困难地运转 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
replenished
|
|
| 补充( replenish的过去式和过去分词 )； 重新装满 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
lighting
|
|
| n.照明，光线的明暗，舞台灯光 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
peculiar
|
|
| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
vividly
|
|
| adv.清楚地，鲜明地，生动地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
incessant
|
|
| adj.不停的，连续的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
solitude
|
|
| n. 孤独; 独居,荒僻之地,幽静的地方 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
erratic
|
|
| adj.古怪的，反复无常的，不稳定的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
possessed
|
|
| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
harmonious
|
|
| adj.和睦的，调和的，和谐的，协调的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
mighty
|
|
| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
shrieked
|
|
| v.尖叫( shriek的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
frightful
|
|
| adj.可怕的；讨厌的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
discords
|
|
| 不和（discord的复数形式） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
mariners
|
|
| 海员，水手（mariner的复数形式） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
overflowing
|
|
| n. 溢出物,溢流 adj. 充沛的，充满的 动词overflow的现在分词形式 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
assented
|
|
| 同意，赞成( assent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
reverting
|
|
| 恢复( revert的现在分词 )； 重提； 回到…上； 归还 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
sarcasm
|
|
| n.讥讽，讽刺，嘲弄，反话 （adj.sarcastic） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
lurk
|
|
| n.潜伏，潜行；v.潜藏，潜伏，埋伏 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
hatchet
|
|
| n.短柄小斧；v.扼杀 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
acting
|
|
| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
amends
|
|
| n. 赔偿 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
promising
|
|
| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
retired
|
|
| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |