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儿童英语读物 The Deserted Library Mystery CHAPTER 13 Face to Face with the Stranger

时间:2017-07-06 01:39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)

“You’re right, Benny,” Jessie said in a shaky voice, pointing to a lean man at the counter.

Henry glanced at the tall man hunched1 over the counter and shrugged2. “What’s wrong, Jessie?”

“H-He’s humming.”

“So?” Henry said.

“He’s humming that awful tune3 that I heard the night I went to the pump,” she said softly.

“You can’t accuse a man for humming. You have to be sure, Jessie.” Henry studied the unshaven man thoughtfully.

Fortunately the man didn’t notice them. He was too busy reading the menu.

Violet, too, examined the man from head to foot. “I don’t know,” she said, remembering her encounter with the figure that had dived into the shrubbery. “I thought he was shorter.”

“It’s hard to tell,” Henry answered, “when he’s sitting down.”

The lean man stirred his coffee, still humming the eerie4 tune. He didn’t seem to care who was around him.

Jessie’s eyes grew big, horrified5 at being so close to the stranger. “I-I’m sure!” she stammered6. “I’ll never forget that funny off-key melody! It’s too weird7. He’s the one.”

Henry gave her a sharp look. “Are you positive?”

Jessie stared at the man, nodding slowly. “I’m positive!”

“Then, we’d better phone the sheriff,” he said quietly. He hurried to the table where Pete was sitting with his grandfather.

“Grandfather,” Henry said, keeping an eye on the lean man drinking coffee. “Jessie says that’s the man she heard at the pump. Should you call the sheriff?” Again Henry glanced at the stranger.

“Your grandfather told me all about the prowler and his humming,” Pete said. “No need to call the sheriff, though.” He chuckled8. “Bill Connors comes in here at ten-thirty every day for coffee.” He tilted9 his head in the direction of the sheriff. “That’s Bill at the table next to the window.”

Henry turned to his grandfather. “We’re certain that man at the counter is the intruder,” he said in a low voice.

“You are?” Grandfather asked, talking in a low voice. “You mustn’t make a mistake.”

“I’m sure,” Henry said urgently.

“How do you know?” Grandfather questioned.

“That man is humming the same tune that Jessie heard at Pete’s house.” Henry’s tone was urgent.

“Henry, you could be a detective,” Grandfather said proudly.

Henry said, shaking his head, “It was Benny who spotted10 him.”

“Jessie, go talk to the sheriff,” Grandfather said, turning to find Jessie.

But Jessie had already hurried to the sheriff’s side and sat across from him. “Sir,” she began, “I’m Jessie Alden and we . . .”

The pleasant, round-faced man half turned to face Jessie. “Pete told me all about you kids. You’re staying at his house, aren’t you?” The smiling man took another bite of his doughnut.

Jessie hurriedly told him about the humming prowler.

“Don’t worry,” he said easily, “we’ll catch the man who bothered you!”

“He’s sitting at the end of the counter,” Jessie said quickly.

Sheriff Connors gave the stranger a sideways glance. “Why, that’s Jake Morris. He lives in town and everyone knows him. Jake’s a harmless fellow. You must be mistaken. What makes you think he’s the one?” He gave Jessie a doubtful look.

“I heard him humming the tune that he was humming when I went to the pump one night. He was watching our house!” Jessie bit her underlip, afraid the man would get away. Why didn’t the sheriff do something! Her heart began to pound.

“Now, I can’t arrest everyone who hums a certain tune,” the sheriff said with a grin. “Besides, I don’t hear him humming.”

Jessie glanced at the stranger. Sure enough, he’d stopped. Jessie impatiently tapped her fingers on the tabletop.

When the sheriff noticed how worried she was, he continued in a soothing11 voice, “Don’t you worry, Jessie. We’ll catch the man who tried to rob you.”

“He’s the one. I’m positive!” Jessie exclaimed. “Please, hurry!”

The sheriff shook his head. “Relax! I’m not arresting anyone because they’re humming a tune!”

In despair, Jessie twisted around. She looked at Henry and shook her head. Again she turned and studied the man at the far end of the counter. If only there were something to prove he was the intruder!

Henry was still standing12 beside Grandfather and Pete when all at once his eyes narrowed. There was no doubt about it—Jessie was right! That man was the guilty one! Out of the man’s back pocket jutted13 a gray work glove. The very glove that matched the one he had found in the library! He pulled it from his pocket. “Sheriff!” Henry said grimly. “See this glove?” Triumphantly14, he held it before the sheriff’s eyes.

The sheriff grunted15. “I see it.”

“It matches the one that man has in his pocket!” Henry slapped the glove back and forth16 in his hands. “Sheriff, this glove was found on a shelf in the library! The prowler wore it when he handled the books in his hunt for the sword.”

The sheriff’s eyes widened. “Is that so?” Gently he placed his doughnut back on the plate and stood.

The thin-faced man glanced at the sheriff.

The sheriff stood up and hitched17 up his belt and holster. He moved toward the man. “Hello, Jake,” he said in a friendly tone. “What are you . . . ?”

Jake’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. He glanced over his shoulder and saw Jessie, Violet, Henry, and Benny. Immediately he jumped up and dashed into the men’s room.

Henry whirled about, and along with the sheriff he rushed at the door, but when Sheriff Connors tried the knob, it was locked!

Benny cried, “He’s gone!”

“Not by a long shot,” the sheriff yelled. Putting his shoulder to the door, he heaved against it with all his might. The door splintered, but remained shut.

Henry shouted, “He’ll go out the back!”

“There’s only a high window,” Pete said reassuringly18.

The sheriff looked at Pete, and Pete looked at the sheriff.

The plump sheriff raced to the front door, but in a flash, Henry was outside ahead of him. Henry’s thoughts raced along with his legs. If the stranger got to his car, he’d escape for sure.

When Henry reached the back of the café, sure enough, the man had crawled out the small high window and was clinging to the windowsill, his long legs dangling19 in midair. He was about to drop to the ground and escape! Henry realized he had to stop him any way that he could! He dived for the man’s legs, wrapping his arms about his ankles and holding on tight! “I’ve got him!” he yelled.

Huffing and puffing20, the sheriff finally appeared around the corner. “Let him go, lad,” he commanded.

By this time Benny and the others had arrived. “You caught the mean man!” Benny shouted. “Good, Henry!”

Henry let go of the man’s legs, and Jake released his hold on the sill, dropping to the ground. He glared at Henry. “You!” he snarled21. His eyes glittered as he glanced at each Alden. “You all meddled22 in things that don’t concern you!”

Jessie shuddered23, glancing at the man’s bony long fingers. “I’m glad you caught him,” she murmured.

“You bet I have,” the sheriff said grimly. “Jake, I can’t believe this. But it must be true. Mike Johnson mentioned someone humming before he switched on the light in his jewelry24 store the night he was robbed.”

Jake glared at the sheriff and shifted uneasily.

Sheriff Connors nodded knowingly. “We’ll find out, Jake, if you’re the one who’s been stealing things around here. A valuable musket25 and an old dagger26 from Lamont’s Antique Store were stolen, too.” He took a breath. “And you must have been the one who robbed Mrs. Tate of her diamond ring!” He scratched his head. “And, by golly, you must have stolen the antique maps from Tom Davis’s map and coin shop. And the set of gold coins he had! Why, if you’re the one, and I think you are, every store owner will be tickled27 pink that you’re behind bars.”

“Hah!” the thin-faced man had a guilty look in his close-set eyes. He knew he’d been found out. “If it hadn’t been for these four kids,” he snarled, “I could have gotten my hands on a Civil War sword!”

“How did you know about the sword?” Jessie asked. “We didn’t tell a soul.”

Jake laughed. “You told one person.” He motioned toward Henry. “He told your grandfather on the phone. I was in a booth here and I overheard him.”

“I never even noticed you,” Henry said.

“Move, Jake!” Sheriff Connors ordered, giving him a shove. “We’re taking a ride to the county station. Won’t the boys be surprised to see you?”

With his hands in the air, Jake walked to the squad28 car, the sheriff in back of him. Before he got in, he gave the Aldens a dark scowl29.

“Whew,” Benny said, mopping his forehead. “I’m glad we caught him. He could have stolen our sword and kept it for himself!”

“You’re right, Benny.” Violet laughed, throwing an arm about Benny’s shoulder. “That sword belongs in a museum. For everyone!”

“The milk and cookies are on me!” Pete said in a loud voice.

Happily everyone followed Pete back into the café. The stranger was going to jail, and they were safe at last!

Benny’s round face lit up when he saw the big chocolate cookies and the cold, frothy milk. “My heart was beating fast when we caught that mean man! It made me hungry!”

Everyone laughed and finished the treat.

Miguel and his father soon stood up to leave.

“Thank you for everything,” Pedro Morales said warmly.

“Yes,” echoed Miguel. “Thank you.” His dark eyes sparkled as he smiled at everyone.

“Mr. Morales,” Grandfather asked, “what will you do without a fishing boat?”

Pedro shrugged. “I have my son. I don’t need anything else!”

“We’ll all stay one more day,” Grandfather Alden said firmly. “Tomorrow I want you to meet me at the boatyard at two o’clock. You are to pick out the best fishing boat afloat!”

Pedro smiled, which lit up his weather-beaten face. “How can I repay you?”

“Bring us some fish once in awhile,” Grandfather answered with a smile.

“Yes,” Benny said loudly. “And lobsters30, too.”

“Every week!” Pedro promised. He left with his arm around Miguel.

The next morning Grandfather and his grandchildren drove to the boatyard. Pedro and Miguel were standing by a large boat, waiting for them.

“Hi!” Benny yelled, racing31 toward Miguel. “I’ll help you choose a boat!”

Miguel grinned. He was lucky to have such wonderful friends.

Row after row of boats surrounded them. Big boats, small boats, fishing boats, speed boats, row boats, and sailboats.

Grandfather, his arms folded, leaned against a blue and white yacht. His eyes twinkled. “Have you picked out a boat, Mr. Morales?” he asked.

Pedro smiled shyly. “No, Mr. Alden,” he responded. “That’s up to you.”

Benny dashed toward a large gray boat with clean long lines. “This one!” he shouted.

Grandfather raised an eyebrow32. “What do you think, Mr. Morales?”

Pedro ran his fingers over the smooth surface. “It’s a beauty. Benny has chosen the best boat on the lot.”

“Then it’s settled,” Grandfather said, placing a hand on Pedro’s shoulder. He motioned to the salesman and completed the sale.

With tears in his eyes, Pedro heartily33 shook Grandfather’s hand. “I’ll never forget you.”

Jessie and Violet hugged Miguel, and the slender boy gazed at them for a moment, then turned away with his father.

Pedro and Miguel stopped once at the entrance and waved, and then they were gone.

“I’ll miss Miguel,” Benny said sadly.

“We all will,” Violet said softly.

Without a word they joined Grandfather and went home.

The next week, Grandfather Alden convinced the City Council that the library should be saved and, because of its age and the hidden sword, be given landmark34 status.

Several months later, he took his grandchildren on a trip to Boston to visit the Boston Museum. Displayed in a beautiful glass case was their Civil War sword. It no longer was in rusty35 pieces but in one long blade.

The blade shimmered36. Nearby was the letter from General Meade.

“We found the sword,” Violet said proudly.

“Yes,” Jessie said. “We found an American treasure. That’s one of the best things we’ve ever done!”

“No,” Benny piped up. “The best thing was helping37 Miguel and his father.”

They laughed, knowing that Benny was right!

And they left the museum feeling warm and good. Not, however, because they’d saved a library and discovered a Civil War sword, but because they’d helped someone as nice as Miguel and his father.


点击收听单词发音收听单词发音  

1 hunched 532924f1646c4c5850b7c607069be416     
(常指因寒冷、生病或愁苦)耸肩弓身的,伏首前倾的
参考例句:
  • He sat with his shoulders hunched up. 他耸起双肩坐着。
  • Stephen hunched down to light a cigarette. 斯蒂芬弓着身子点燃一支烟。
2 shrugged 497904474a48f991a3d1961b0476ebce     
vt.耸肩(shrug的过去式与过去分词形式)
参考例句:
  • Sam shrugged and said nothing. 萨姆耸耸肩膀,什么也没说。
  • She shrugged, feigning nonchalance. 她耸耸肩,装出一副无所谓的样子。 来自《简明英汉词典》
3 tune NmnwW     
n.调子;和谐,协调;v.调音,调节,调整
参考例句:
  • He'd written a tune,and played it to us on the piano.他写了一段曲子,并在钢琴上弹给我们听。
  • The boy beat out a tune on a tin can.那男孩在易拉罐上敲出一首曲子。
4 eerie N8gy0     
adj.怪诞的;奇异的;可怕的;胆怯的
参考例句:
  • It's eerie to walk through a dark wood at night.夜晚在漆黑的森林中行走很是恐怖。
  • I walked down the eerie dark path.我走在那条漆黑恐怖的小路上。
5 horrified 8rUzZU     
a.(表现出)恐惧的
参考例句:
  • The whole country was horrified by the killings. 全国都对这些凶杀案感到大为震惊。
  • We were horrified at the conditions prevailing in local prisons. 地方监狱的普遍状况让我们震惊。
6 stammered 76088bc9384c91d5745fd550a9d81721     
v.结巴地说出( stammer的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • He stammered most when he was nervous. 他一紧张往往口吃。 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》
  • Barsad leaned back in his chair, and stammered, \"What do you mean?\" 巴萨往椅背上一靠,结结巴巴地说,“你是什么意思?” 来自英汉文学 - 双城记
7 weird bghw8     
adj.古怪的,离奇的;怪诞的,神秘而可怕的
参考例句:
  • From his weird behaviour,he seems a bit of an oddity.从他不寻常的行为看来,他好像有点怪。
  • His weird clothes really gas me.他的怪衣裳简直笑死人。
8 chuckled 8ce1383c838073977a08258a1f3e30f8     
轻声地笑( chuckle的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • She chuckled at the memory. 想起这件事她就暗自发笑。
  • She chuckled softly to herself as she remembered his astonished look. 想起他那惊讶的表情,她就轻轻地暗自发笑。
9 tilted 3gtzE5     
v. 倾斜的
参考例句:
  • Suddenly the boat tilted to one side. 小船突然倾向一侧。
  • She tilted her chin at him defiantly. 她向他翘起下巴表示挑衅。
10 spotted 7FEyj     
adj.有斑点的,斑纹的,弄污了的
参考例句:
  • The milkman selected the spotted cows,from among a herd of two hundred.牛奶商从一群200头牛中选出有斑点的牛。
  • Sam's shop stocks short spotted socks.山姆的商店屯积了有斑点的短袜。
11 soothing soothing     
adj.慰藉的;使人宽心的;镇静的
参考例句:
  • Put on some nice soothing music.播放一些柔和舒缓的音乐。
  • His casual, relaxed manner was very soothing.他随意而放松的举动让人很快便平静下来。
12 standing 2hCzgo     
n.持续,地位;adj.永久的,不动的,直立的,不流动的
参考例句:
  • After the earthquake only a few houses were left standing.地震过后只有几幢房屋还立着。
  • They're standing out against any change in the law.他们坚决反对对法律做任何修改。
13 jutted 24c546c23e927de0beca5ea56f7fb23f     
v.(使)突出( jut的过去式和过去分词 );伸出;(从…)突出;高出
参考例句:
  • A row of small windows jutted out from the roof. 有一排小窗户从房顶上突出来。
  • His jaw jutted stubbornly forward; he would not be denied. 他固执地扬起下巴,一副不肯罢休的样子。 来自《简明英汉词典》
14 triumphantly 9fhzuv     
ad.得意洋洋地;得胜地;成功地
参考例句:
  • The lion was roaring triumphantly. 狮子正在发出胜利的吼叫。
  • Robert was looking at me triumphantly. 罗伯特正得意扬扬地看着我。
15 grunted f18a3a8ced1d857427f2252db2abbeaf     
(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
参考例句:
  • She just grunted, not deigning to look up from the page. 她只咕哝了一声,继续看书,不屑抬起头来看一眼。
  • She grunted some incomprehensible reply. 她咕噜着回答了些令人费解的话。
16 forth Hzdz2     
adv.向前;向外,往外
参考例句:
  • The wind moved the trees gently back and forth.风吹得树轻轻地来回摇晃。
  • He gave forth a series of works in rapid succession.他很快连续发表了一系列的作品。
17 hitched fc65ed4d8ef2e272cfe190bf8919d2d2     
(免费)搭乘他人之车( hitch的过去式和过去分词 ); 搭便车; 攀上; 跃上
参考例句:
  • They hitched a ride in a truck. 他们搭乘了一辆路过的货车。
  • We hitched a ride in a truck yesterday. 我们昨天顺便搭乘了一辆卡车。
18 reassuringly YTqxW     
ad.安心,可靠
参考例句:
  • He patted her knee reassuringly. 他轻拍她的膝盖让她放心。
  • The doctor smiled reassuringly. 医生笑了笑,让人心里很踏实。
19 dangling 4930128e58930768b1c1c75026ebc649     
悬吊着( dangle的现在分词 ); 摆动不定; 用某事物诱惑…; 吊胃口
参考例句:
  • The tooth hung dangling by the bedpost, now. 结果,那颗牙就晃来晃去吊在床柱上了。
  • The children sat on the high wall,their legs dangling. 孩子们坐在一堵高墙上,摇晃着他们的双腿。
20 puffing b3a737211571a681caa80669a39d25d3     
v.使喷出( puff的现在分词 );喷着汽(或烟)移动;吹嘘;吹捧
参考例句:
  • He was puffing hard when he jumped on to the bus. 他跳上公共汽车时喘息不已。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
  • My father sat puffing contentedly on his pipe. 父亲坐着心满意足地抽着烟斗。 来自《简明英汉词典》
21 snarled ti3zMA     
v.(指狗)吠,嗥叫, (人)咆哮( snarl的过去式和过去分词 );咆哮着说,厉声地说
参考例句:
  • The dog snarled at us. 狗朝我们低声吼叫。
  • As I advanced towards the dog, It'snarled and struck at me. 我朝那条狗走去时,它狂吠着向我扑来。 来自《简明英汉词典》
22 meddled 982e90620b7d0b2256cdf4782c24285e     
v.干涉,干预(他人事务)( meddle的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • Someone has meddled with the photographs I laid out so carefully. 有人把我精心布置的照片弄乱了。 来自辞典例句
  • The gifts of charity meddled with a man's private affair. 慈善团体的帮助实际上是干涉私人的事务。 来自互联网
23 shuddered 70137c95ff493fbfede89987ee46ab86     
v.战栗( shudder的过去式和过去分词 );发抖;(机器、车辆等)突然震动;颤动
参考例句:
  • He slammed on the brakes and the car shuddered to a halt. 他猛踩刹车,车颤抖着停住了。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • I shuddered at the sight of the dead body. 我一看见那尸体就战栗。 来自《简明英汉词典》
24 jewelry 0auz1     
n.(jewllery)(总称)珠宝
参考例句:
  • The burglars walked off with all my jewelry.夜盗偷走了我的全部珠宝。
  • Jewelry and lace are mostly feminine belongings.珠宝和花边多数是女性用品。
25 musket 46jzO     
n.滑膛枪
参考例句:
  • I hunted with a musket two years ago.两年前我用滑膛枪打猎。
  • So some seconds passed,till suddenly Joyce whipped up his musket and fired.又过了几秒钟,突然,乔伊斯端起枪来开了火。
26 dagger XnPz0     
n.匕首,短剑,剑号
参考例句:
  • The bad news is a dagger to his heart.这条坏消息刺痛了他的心。
  • The murderer thrust a dagger into her heart.凶手将匕首刺进她的心脏。
27 tickled 2db1470d48948f1aa50b3cf234843b26     
(使)发痒( tickle的过去式和过去分词 ); (使)愉快,逗乐
参考例句:
  • We were tickled pink to see our friends on television. 在电视中看到我们的一些朋友,我们高兴极了。
  • I tickled the baby's feet and made her laugh. 我胳肢孩子的脚,使她发笑。
28 squad 4G1zq     
n.班,小队,小团体;vt.把…编成班或小组
参考例句:
  • The squad leader ordered the men to mark time.班长命令战士们原地踏步。
  • A squad is the smallest unit in an army.班是军队的最小构成单位。
29 scowl HDNyX     
vi.(at)生气地皱眉,沉下脸,怒视;n.怒容
参考例句:
  • I wonder why he is wearing an angry scowl.我不知道他为何面带怒容。
  • The boss manifested his disgust with a scowl.老板面带怒色,清楚表示出他的厌恶之感。
30 lobsters 67c1952945bc98558012e9740c2ba11b     
龙虾( lobster的名词复数 ); 龙虾肉
参考例句:
  • I have no idea about how to prepare those cuttlefish and lobsters. 我对如何烹调那些乌贼和龙虾毫无概念。
  • She sold me a couple of live lobsters. 她卖了几只活龙虾给我。
31 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。
32 eyebrow vlOxk     
n.眉毛,眉
参考例句:
  • Her eyebrow is well penciled.她的眉毛画得很好。
  • With an eyebrow raised,he seemed divided between surprise and amusement.他一只眉毛扬了扬,似乎既感到吃惊,又觉有趣。
33 heartily Ld3xp     
adv.衷心地,诚恳地,十分,很
参考例句:
  • He ate heartily and went out to look for his horse.他痛快地吃了一顿,就出去找他的马。
  • The host seized my hand and shook it heartily.主人抓住我的手,热情地和我握手。
34 landmark j2DxG     
n.陆标,划时代的事,地界标
参考例句:
  • The Russian Revolution represents a landmark in world history.俄国革命是世界历史上的一个里程碑。
  • The tower was once a landmark for ships.这座塔曾是船只的陆标。
35 rusty hYlxq     
adj.生锈的;锈色的;荒废了的
参考例句:
  • The lock on the door is rusty and won't open.门上的锁锈住了。
  • I haven't practiced my French for months and it's getting rusty.几个月不用,我的法语又荒疏了。
36 shimmered 7b85656359fe70119e38fa62825e4f8b     
v.闪闪发光,发微光( shimmer的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • The sea shimmered in the sunlight. 阳光下海水闪烁着微光。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • A heat haze shimmered above the fields. 田野上方微微闪烁着一层热气。 来自《简明英汉词典》
37 helping 2rGzDc     
n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的,辅助的
参考例句:
  • The poor children regularly pony up for a second helping of my hamburger. 那些可怜的孩子们总是要求我把我的汉堡包再给他们一份。
  • By doing this, they may at times be helping to restore competition. 这样一来, 他在某些时候,有助于竞争的加强。
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