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儿童英语读物 The Deserted Library Mystery CHAPTER 8 The Locked Door

时间:2017-07-06 01:36来源:互联网 提供网友:qing   字体: [ ]
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    (单词翻译:双击或拖选)

That afternoon it was so windy the Aldens left their bikes at home. They each struggled against the ferocious1 wind to reach the library. Violet and Miguel held Benny’s hands. Henry, leaning against the wind, was the first to the library. He unlocked the door and pushed his way in. The other children followed.

“Whew, what a storm,” Jessie said, collapsing2 in a chair. “I need a rest.”

“Me, too,” Violet agreed.

“Not me!” Benny said. “I’m ready to work!”

Henry laughed as he removed his rain jacket. “It’s no wonder you’re ready to work, Benny. You had a little help in fighting the storm!”

“I know.” Benny grinned impishly. “You look tired. Go and rest, Henry, and I’ll straighten a pile of books.”

“You do that,” Henry said. “But I’ll be working!” He peered at the nearest shelf. To his astonishment3, he saw very fresh fingerprints4. Could they belong to the person Jessie had heard humming the night before?

Casually5, Henry piled books over the telltale prints. There was no sense in alarming everyone, he thought. Why was someone searching the library? Was he looking for the sword?

He turned around and faced his sisters and Miguel. “Let’s work especially hard today and try to find the missing sword point. I think we’re all ready to go home.”

“Not until we find the whole sword, though,” Benny shouted as he came racing6 downstairs. He smiled at Violet and Jessie. “Right?”

“Right,” Jessie answered, laughing at Benny’s determination.

“And I don’t want to quit, either,” Miguel said, stepping forward. “Until I find out what happened to my father, I’ll stay and help everyone. You’ve been kind to me.” He smiled.

“Good!” exclaimed Henry. “We’re kind to you because you’re a splendid fellow, Miguel.”

Miguel felt safe and secure with the Aldens. He wished he would never have to leave.

For a moment, no one said a word. Their hearts went out to Miguel.

Henry broke the silence. “I’ll work upstairs and sort through the books.”

“May I go with you?” Benny asked. “I can help you, Henry.”

“I’m sure you can,” Henry said with a chuckle7.

All afternoon they worked—Benny and Henry upstairs, and Violet, Jessie, and Miguel downstairs. Almost every bookshelf was neat and clean. The books were upright on the shelves, but not a clue turned up as to where the sword point could be.

Finally, Jessie stopped. She glanced at the rattling8 windows and the rain pelting9 against the glass panes10. “I’m ready to go home,” she said. “Are you, Violet?”

Violet rose to her feet, several volumes in her hand. Her face was smudged, and her shirt wrinkled. “Yes,” she said. “I’m more than ready.”

“Did I hear someone say they wanted to go back to the house?” Henry questioned. “In this rain?”

“I don’t care how wet I get,” Benny said, dragging himself down the steps. “I’m hungry and tired, and I want to go home.”

“Shall we make a run for it?” Henry asked. “If we do, we’ll get soaked.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Jessie replied. “I don’t want to stay in this library all night.” She flung her blue coat over her shoulders. “Just think! The person I heard humming might stay here at night.”

Henry gave her a sharp look, but soon realized she hadn’t seen the new fingerprints.

He helped Benny with his red raincoat, then struggled into his own.

Violet buttoned her lavender raincoat but propped11 her purple umbrella by the door. There was no sense in letting the wind whip it inside out. Miguel wore a yellow slicker, just like a fisherman, which he had hidden under the window seat.

“Okay,” Henry yelled. “Let’s run all the way to the house.”

With a whoop12, Benny was the first to rush out the door. The raindrops fell faster now, but Benny didn’t care. He lifted his head to the rain, enjoying the fresh drops on his face.

“I’ll race you!” he challenged, but his words were lost in the roar of the wind. Benny raced down the path. All that could be seen below his red rain gear were his sneakers.

Everyone ran through the mud and the rain. When they reached the house, Benny splashed about in a mud puddle13. “Let’s stay outside and play in the rain.”

“Not a chance,” Jessie said, shivering from the wet cold.

“I thought you were tired,” Violet said to Benny softly, her eyes twinkling.

“I was,” Benny said. “The rain made me awake! It was fun!”

Miguel, drops of water glistening14 on his long lashes15, laughed, too. “It was fun, wasn’t it?”

“All right, you two. Time to remove your wet things. Go upstairs and get into your dry pajamas,” Jessie ordered with a smile.

“Okay, Jessie.” And Benny was upstairs before Henry had his coat off.

Jessie built a blazing fire in the fireplace while everyone changed into warm dry clothes.

Henry, in jeans and a sweater, and Violet, in a violet blouse and jeans, took the leftover16 soup out of the refrigerator and set it on the stove.

While the soup was simmering, everyone drank hot apple cider and sat before the fireplace. They felt cozy17 and warm as they watched the orange flames.

In the morning, feeling refreshed after a good night’s sleep, they had hot cereal, buttered toast, and cocoa for breakfast, and were ready for a day at the library. Maybe today they would find the rest of the sword. The wind still howled, but the rain had stopped.

“Do you think the Coast Guard will bring in the two fishermen today?” Miguel asked in a low tone, barely above a whisper. His father was always in his thoughts.

Henry glanced out the window at the gray sky and the swaying tree branches. “Not today, Miguel. The wind isn’t as bad as yesterday, but the ocean waves are too high. I’m sure, though, your father will be found safe and sound in a day or two.”

Miguel met Henry’s eyes and his voice was husky. “I wish I were as certain as you that he’s alive. I pray you’re right!”

Benny piped up, changing the subject. “That was a good breakfast.” He jumped up and ran to the door. “I want to see how windy it is.”

“Careful you’re not blown over,” Henry teased.

Benny tried to open the door, but it wouldn’t budge18. He leaned against it with his shoulder and shoved as hard as he could. The door was stuck fast!

“Henry,” Benny panted. “The door won’t open!”

Henry laughed. “The wind is strong, Benny, but I don’t think it’s that strong.” He turned the handle and pushed against the door, but Henry couldn’t open it, either. He pushed three times, but the door remained shut.

“Let’s all try,” Jessie suggested. All five put their shoulders to the door, but it remained closed.

Puzzled, Henry shook his head. “Maybe something has blown in front of the door and jammed it shut.”

“I don’t think so,” Jessie said. Worry lines creased19 her forehead.

“I need to check the door from the outside,” Henry said, “but I have a problem.” He stared at the narrow windows. “The windows are too small. I can’t squeeze through.”

“I could!” Benny shouted. “Let me! Let me!”

Henry nodded. “Okay, Benny, you’re the only one small enough to crawl through.”

Henry opened a window and lifted Benny up. Benny wiggled through the narrow opening and dropped to the ground.

Benny hurried around the cabin to the front door. There, to his surprise, was a heavy branch shoved through the door handle. No wonder it wouldn’t turn. He tugged20 with all his might and was able to pull the branch out. “You can open the door now,” he yelled.

Henry opened the door, and Benny showed him the branch that had locked them in.

“Someone deliberately21 tried to keep us from getting out, didn’t they?” Violet asked.

“I’m afraid so,” Henry answered.

Jessie’s throat tightened22, and her mouth was dry. Was someone trying to keep them from getting to the library? She pulled her sweater tighter around her. What would they find when they reached the library?


点击收听单词发音收听单词发音  

1 ferocious ZkNxc     
adj.凶猛的,残暴的,极度的,十分强烈的
参考例句:
  • The ferocious winds seemed about to tear the ship to pieces.狂风仿佛要把船撕成碎片似的。
  • The ferocious panther is chasing a rabbit.那只凶猛的豹子正追赶一只兔子。
2 collapsing 6becc10b3eacfd79485e188c6ac90cb2     
压扁[平],毁坏,断裂
参考例句:
  • Rescuers used props to stop the roof of the tunnel collapsing. 救援人员用支柱防止隧道顶塌陷。
  • The rocks were folded by collapsing into the center of the trough. 岩石由于坍陷进入凹槽的中心而发生褶皱。
3 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。
4 fingerprints 9b456c81cc868e5bdf3958245615450b     
n.指纹( fingerprint的名词复数 )v.指纹( fingerprint的第三人称单数 )
参考例句:
  • Everyone's fingerprints are unique. 每个人的指纹都是独一无二的。
  • They wore gloves so as not to leave any fingerprints behind (them). 他们戴着手套,以免留下指纹。 来自《简明英汉词典》
5 casually UwBzvw     
adv.漠不关心地,无动于衷地,不负责任地
参考例句:
  • She remarked casually that she was changing her job.她当时漫不经心地说要换工作。
  • I casually mentioned that I might be interested in working abroad.我不经意地提到我可能会对出国工作感兴趣。
6 racing 1ksz3w     
n.竞赛,赛马;adj.竞赛用的,赛马用的
参考例句:
  • I was watching the racing on television last night.昨晚我在电视上看赛马。
  • The two racing drivers fenced for a chance to gain the lead.两个赛车手伺机竞相领先。
7 chuckle Tr1zZ     
vi./n.轻声笑,咯咯笑
参考例句:
  • He shook his head with a soft chuckle.他轻轻地笑着摇了摇头。
  • I couldn't suppress a soft chuckle at the thought of it.想到这个,我忍不住轻轻地笑起来。
8 rattling 7b0e25ab43c3cc912945aafbb80e7dfd     
adj. 格格作响的, 活泼的, 很好的 adv. 极其, 很, 非常 动词rattle的现在分词
参考例句:
  • This book is a rattling good read. 这是一本非常好的读物。
  • At that same instant,a deafening explosion set the windows rattling. 正在这时,一声震耳欲聋的爆炸突然袭来,把窗玻璃震得当当地响。
9 pelting b37c694d7cf984648f129136d4020bb8     
微不足道的,无价值的,盛怒的
参考例句:
  • The rain came pelting down. 倾盆大雨劈头盖脸地浇了下来。
  • Hailstones of abuse were pelting him. 阵阵辱骂冰雹般地向他袭来。
10 panes c8bd1ed369fcd03fe15520d551ab1d48     
窗玻璃( pane的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • The sun caught the panes and flashed back at him. 阳光照到窗玻璃上,又反射到他身上。
  • The window-panes are dim with steam. 玻璃窗上蒙上了一层蒸汽。
11 propped 557c00b5b2517b407d1d2ef6ba321b0e     
支撑,支持,维持( prop的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • He sat propped up in the bed by pillows. 他靠着枕头坐在床上。
  • This fence should be propped up. 这栅栏该用东西支一支。
12 whoop qIhys     
n.大叫,呐喊,喘息声;v.叫喊,喘息
参考例句:
  • He gave a whoop of joy when he saw his new bicycle.他看到自己的新自行车时,高兴得叫了起来。
  • Everybody is planning to whoop it up this weekend.大家都打算在这个周末好好欢闹一番。
13 puddle otNy9     
n.(雨)水坑,泥潭
参考例句:
  • The boy hopped the mud puddle and ran down the walk.这个男孩跳过泥坑,沿着人行道跑了。
  • She tripped over and landed in a puddle.她绊了一下,跌在水坑里。
14 glistening glistening     
adj.闪耀的,反光的v.湿物闪耀,闪亮( glisten的现在分词 )
参考例句:
  • Her eyes were glistening with tears. 她眼里闪着晶莹的泪花。
  • Her eyes were glistening with tears. 她眼睛中的泪水闪着柔和的光。 来自《用法词典》
15 lashes e2e13f8d3a7c0021226bb2f94d6a15ec     
n.鞭挞( lash的名词复数 );鞭子;突然猛烈的一击;急速挥动v.鞭打( lash的第三人称单数 );煽动;紧系;怒斥
参考例句:
  • Mother always lashes out food for the children's party. 孩子们聚会时,母亲总是给他们许多吃的。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • Never walk behind a horse in case it lashes out. 绝对不要跟在马后面,以防它突然猛踢。 来自《简明英汉词典》
16 leftover V97zC     
n.剩货,残留物,剩饭;adj.残余的
参考例句:
  • These narrow roads are a leftover from the days of horse-drawn carriages.这些小道是从马车时代沿用下来的。
  • Wonder if that bakery lets us take leftover home.不知道那家糕饼店会不会让我们把卖剩的带回家。
17 cozy ozdx0     
adj.亲如手足的,密切的,暖和舒服的
参考例句:
  • I like blankets because they are cozy.我喜欢毛毯,因为他们是舒适的。
  • We spent a cozy evening chatting by the fire.我们在炉火旁聊天度过了一个舒适的晚上。
18 budge eSRy5     
v.移动一点儿;改变立场
参考例句:
  • We tried to lift the rock but it wouldn't budge.我们试图把大石头抬起来,但它连动都没动一下。
  • She wouldn't budge on the issue.她在这个问题上不肯让步。
19 creased b26d248c32bce741b8089934810d7e9f     
(使…)起折痕,弄皱( crease的过去式和过去分词 ); (皮肤)皱起,使起皱纹; 皱皱巴巴
参考例句:
  • You've creased my newspaper. 你把我的报纸弄皱了。
  • The bullet merely creased his shoulder. 子弹只不过擦破了他肩部的皮肤。
20 tugged 8a37eb349f3c6615c56706726966d38e     
v.用力拉,使劲拉,猛扯( tug的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • She tugged at his sleeve to get his attention. 她拽了拽他的袖子引起他的注意。
  • A wry smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. 他的嘴角带一丝苦笑。 来自《简明英汉词典》
21 deliberately Gulzvq     
adv.审慎地;蓄意地;故意地
参考例句:
  • The girl gave the show away deliberately.女孩故意泄露秘密。
  • They deliberately shifted off the argument.他们故意回避这个论点。
22 tightened bd3d8363419d9ff838bae0ba51722ee9     
收紧( tighten的过去式和过去分词 ); (使)变紧; (使)绷紧; 加紧
参考例句:
  • The rope holding the boat suddenly tightened and broke. 系船的绳子突然绷断了。
  • His index finger tightened on the trigger but then relaxed again. 他的食指扣住扳机,然后又松开了。
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