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儿童英语读物 The Mystery Girl CHAPTER 10 Last Day at Work

时间:2017-07-19 08:22来源:互联网 提供网友:qing   字体: [ ]
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Everyone started to go into the Aldens’ cabin1. But suddenly Nancy stopped. “I almost forgot,” she said. “I need to make a telephone call. Mr. Taylor, may I use the phone in your cabin?”

“Of course you can,” he said, gesturing toward2 his cabin door. “Go on inside, Nancy. The phone’s on the wall, next to the refrigerator.”

“Thanks.” Nancy started toward his cabin, then turned back. “Don’t worry,” she said to the others. “I won’t be too long. When I come back, I’ll tell you the whole story.”

The others went into the Aldens’ cabin. Jessie got out the things she needed to make pancakes. Henry took out glasses and started pouring orange juice for everyone. Benny and Violet3 put plates and silverware and napkins4 on the table.

Jessie was stirring5 the pancake batter6 when Nancy came back in. She was smiling.

“You look so happy, Nancy,” Violet said.

“I am,” Nancy said. “I just talked to my parents. I haven’t spoken to them since I ran away from home.”

“We were right,” Jessie said. “She was running away.”

Nancy smiled. “Why don’t we all sit down and I’ll tell you everything.”

Everyone found a place to sit. Nancy sat on one of the chairs by the fireplace7. She still looked very happy. “It was so good to hear my parents’ voices,” she said. “I can’t stop smiling.”

“You sound like you love them,” Benny said.

“I do love them, Benny,” Nancy told him.

“Then why did you run away?”

“Let me start from the beginning,” Nancy said. “You see, my family is very wealthy,” she explained. “There was almost nothing I wanted that I didn’t get.”

“That doesn’t sound too terrible,” Mr. Taylor said with a smile.

“No. I know I’m very lucky to have so much,” Nancy said. “But there was one thing I wanted that I didn’t get. That was the chance to make my own decisions about things.”

“Like what?” Henry asked.

“Oh, about how late I could stay out and the places I could go,” Nancy said. “My parents and I even argued about the kind of clothes I should wear. I felt like a baby. It seemed like they were always telling me what to do.”

“And you wanted to decide things for yourself?” Jessie asked.

“That’s right,” Nancy said. “When I graduated from high school, they expected me to go straight to college. They even had the school all picked out.”

“But you didn’t want to go?” Violet asked.

“Actually, I did,” Nancy said with a smile. “But it was just one more thing they were telling me to do. And I got stubborn8 and said I wouldn’t go at all. We had some awful arguments about it. Finally, two weeks ago, I ran away.”

“Two weeks?” Henry said as he passed out glasses of orange juice to everyone. “Then we were right. You never worked, did you? This is your very first job.”

“You’re right, it is,” Nancy admitted. “But you sound like you already guessed. How did you do that?”

“Because you couldn’t work the cash register9 or anything,” Henry said. “If you had worked a lot, you would have known10 how.”

“You’re right,” Nancy said again. She took a sip11 of juice. “I’m sorry I lied to you, Mr. Taylor,” she said. “I needed the job so much.”

Mr. Taylor chuckled12. “I had a feeling you hadn’t worked much,” he told her. “But it’s all right, Nancy. My customers liked you a lot.”

“We all like you a lot, too, Nancy,” Jessie said. “But we kept noticing things about you that didn’t make sense.”

“Like what?” Nancy asked.

Before anyone could answer, there was a knock at the cabin door. It was the young man named Tony. “I’m sorry to bother you,” he said to Henry, who opened the door. “I’m looking for Nancy Baldwin. Have you seen her?”

“Tony!” Nancy cried. She jumped up from the chair as Henry let Tony in. “I called Mother and Dad,” she told him. “I’m coming home. And then I’m going to college.”

Tony looked very happy. “That’s great, Nancy!”

Nancy turned to the others. “This is my brother,” she said. “Tony Baldwin.”

“We thought he might be your brother,” Jessie said. “Or your boyfriend.”

“You mean you’ve met?” Nancy asked.

“Not exactly,” Violet said. “But I saw his picture in your room that morning Jessie and I came to get you. And when he came into the store yesterday, I recognized him.”

“You sure did guess a lot about me,” Nancy said. Suddenly, she looked at Mrs. Edwards, who had been sitting quietly on the couch13, listening to the conversation. “I’m sorry,” she said to Mrs. Edwards. “I know your name. But I still don’t know who you are.”

“I do, Nancy,” Tony said. “Mrs. Edwards is a private investigator14.”

“Wow!” Benny said. “A real one?”

Mrs. Edwards smiled. She had a nice smile. “Yes, a real one,” she said.

“Mother and Dad hired her to find you and keep an eye on you,” Tony explained to Nancy. “They wanted to know you were safe.”

“So that’s why you went into her cabin,” Violet said. “To make sure she was the right Nancy.”

“And that’s why I didn’t want to drive you anywhere this morning,” Mrs. Edwards said to Nancy. “You were in such a hurry, I thought you were running away again.”

“Now I feel silly,” Jessie said to Mrs. Edwards. “I thought you and Nancy might be doing something together to hurt Mr. Taylor’s store.” She told them about the shopping bags. “I'm glad I was wrong.”

“I bought things at the shopping center because I didn’t want to keep coming into the general store,” Mrs. Edwards said. “I didn’t want Nancy to suspect me.”

“I bought my alarm clock there,” Nancy said. “And a few other things. But I would never do anything to hurt Mr. Taylor’s store.”

“We know that now,” Jessie said with a smile.

“I’m going to miss working there,” Nancy said. “Even though I wasn’t very good at it.”

“What did Mom and Dad say when you talked to them?” Tony asked.

“They said they’d try not to tell me what to do so much,” Nancy answered. “I didn’t think they would be so understanding.”

“It’s like when we ran away from Grandfather,” Benny said. “We didn’t know how kind he was.”

“That’s right, Benny,” Violet said. Suddenly, Jessie jumped up from her chair by the table. “Everyone must be starving,” she said. “Let’s have some breakfast.”

“Tell me what else you figured out about me,” Nancy said to the Aldens, as they started to fix breakfast.

While Jessie cooked the pancakes, she and the others took turns telling Nancy everything. They talked about how much trouble she had in the store and how nervous she got when they asked her about her family. Jessie and Violet talked about her ring.

Nancy looked down at her hand. She wasn’t wearing the ring. “My parents gave it to me. I wore it because even though I was mad at them, I missed them, and it reminded me of them. But after you saw it, I put it away. It’s a real emerald.”

“That’s what Jessie and I thought,” Violet said.

“That made us think you weren’t poor, like you said,” Jessie told Nancy. “And Violet noticed that your cabin was bare,” she continued, turning the pancakes over. “If you’d been on your own for a year, you would have had a lot more things.”

“Things like socks and shirts, especially,” Henry said. “Jessie saw you take the T-shirt. You didn’t really steal from Mr. Taylor, did you?”

“Oh, no!” Nancy cried. “I wouldn’t do anything like that. I took some socks and a shirt because when I ran away, I didn’t bring enough clothes. I just didn’t want anyone to start asking why I needed such basic things, so I took them. Then, later, I put the money in the cash register.”

“So that’s what you were doing,” Jessie said. “Henry and I saw you but we couldn’t understand why.”

“And I couldn’t understand why Tony looked so familiar when he came into the store,” Violet said. “Then when we saw you at the picnic spot later, I remembered the picture in your cabin.”

“You followed us to the picnic spot?” Nancy asked.

“We were worried about you,” Jessie said. “We thought you were in some kind of trouble.”

“We were afraid to ask you because we thought you might get scared and run away,” Henry said. “We wanted to help, but we weren’t sure what to do.”

“You helped just by being my friends,” Nancy said. “And you sure did figure out a lot about me.”

“We like mysteries,” Benny told her.

“And you were a mystery, Nancy,” Jessie said.

Everyone laughed. Then Jessie said, “The pancakes are ready. Let’s eat!”

“Good,” Benny said. He looked at Mrs. Edwards. “Do private investigators15 like pancakes?”

“This one does, Benny,” Mrs. Edwards answered.

Everyone got a plate, and Jessie served the pancakes. They were all starting to eat when Aunt Jane arrived.

“Aunt Jane!” Benny shouted, opening the door for her. “Wait until you hear! We solved another mystery!”

“Come eat with us, Aunt Jane,” Jessie said. “We’ll tell you all about it.”

When she had heard the story, Aunt Jane smiled. “You all have certainly been busy,” she said. “Working in a store and helping16 to solve a mystery.”

“And being my friends,” Nancy said. “I’ll miss you all.”

Violet asked, “Will you be leaving soon?”

“As soon as I can,” Nancy said. “But don’t worry, Mr. Taylor. I told my parents I couldn’t go until you found someone to take my place.” She laughed. “Thanks to the Aldens, I can really work in a store now.”

“That’s good, Nancy,” Aunt Jane said. “But you might be able to go very soon.” She turned to Mr. Taylor. “I found someone who wants to work in your store, Jerry,” she said. “Her name is Jenny Parks. She just moved to Elmford, and she has worked in a lot of stores. She’ll come out to see you tomorrow.”

Mr. Taylor looked very happy. “Thank you, Jane,” he said. “That’s wonderful news.”

After breakfast, Mrs. Edwards said good-bye and left. Tony drove17 into Elmford where he had been staying so he could pack his things. The others walked with Mr. Taylor to open the store.

“What a morning this has been,” Nancy said as they all went inside. “So much has happened!”

“I told you we’re always having adventures,” Benny said.

“Yes, you did, Benny,” Nancy laughed.

In just a few minutes, a customer arrived. She walked over to Mr. Taylor. “I just wanted you to know that I’ve tried that new Elmford Shopping Center,” she said to him.

Mr. Taylor looked worried. “Yes?”

The customer nodded. “And your store is much better,” she said firmly. “Your fruit and vegetables are fresher. Your fabric18 is just as good. And your prices are much better.”

Mr. Taylor looked relieved19. “That’s very good to hear,” he said.

“I knew your customers wouldn’t desert you, Jerry,” Aunt Jane said.

“I’m beginning to think you’re right,” Mr. Taylor said.

Aunt Jane was just about to leave when a man came into the store. “Hello, Dick,” she said. “Look, Jerry, it’s Dick Forest, who used to work here.”

“Hi, Mr. Taylor,” Dick said. He looked around and saw Nancy and the Aldens putting out fruit, dusting, and pricing things. “I see you have plenty of people working for you.”

“As a matter of fact, I don’t,” Mr. Taylor said. He explained that Nancy and the Aldens would be leaving soon.

Dick looked very happy. “Then would you hire me again?” he asked.

“Of course I would,” Mr. Taylor said. “But what about your job at the Elmford Shopping Center?”

Dick shook his head. “I quit, Mr. Taylor. I thought it would be a nice place to work. But the people who own it aren’t very friendly. I’m just not happy there.”

“Then you’re welcome to come back here,” Mr. Taylor said. “That way, we’ll both be happy.”

The Aldens smiled at each other. “Everything is turning out great,” Jessie said.

“Now when we all go home, we won’t have to worry about Mr. Taylor not having anyone to work for him,” Henry said.

“I’m glad,” Violet said. “I can’t wait to see Grandfather and tell him about it.”

Benny went over to Jerry Taylor. “Aren’t you glad, Mr. Taylor?” he said. “Now you have someone to take our place.”

“I’m glad about Dick, Benny,” Mr. Taylor said with a smile. He looked at all the Aldens. “But no one can ever replace the four of you.”

“That’s what Grandfather says,” Benny told him.

“He’s right,” Mr. Taylor said.

Violet smiled at Mr. Taylor. “I’m glad everything is working out for you,” she said. “Maybe I could make more signs for your store someday.”

“That would be just fine, Violet,” Mr. Taylor said.

“And maybe when we come to visit Aunt Jane again, we could work here, just for a day,” Benny said.

Mr. Taylor laughed. “You’re all welcome here anytime, and you don’t have to do any work,” he said. “But if I ever do need help again, I’ll know exactly who to turn to.”

“You can count on us anytime, Mr. Taylor,”Benny said.

“Right,” Jessie said.

“Yes,” Violet said. “But now it’s time to go home to Grandfather.”


点击收听单词发音收听单词发音  

1 cabin dSNyS     
n.(结构简单的)小木屋;船舱,机舱
参考例句:
  • They threw up a new cabin in a couple of hours.在几小时之内他们就建起了一座新的小屋。
  • It's very hot in the cabin;let's go on deck.舱室内很热,我们到甲板上去吧。
2 toward on6we     
prep.对于,关于,接近,将近,向,朝
参考例句:
  • Suddenly I saw a tall figure approaching toward the policeman.突然间我看到一个高大的身影朝警察靠近。
  • Upon seeing her,I smiled and ran toward her. 看到她我笑了,并跑了过去。
3 violet 8h3wm     
adj.紫色的;n.紫罗兰
参考例句:
  • She likes to wear violet dresses.他喜欢穿紫色的衣服。
  • Violet is the color of wisdom,peace and strength.紫色是智慧的,和平的和力量的颜色。
4 napkins fa43e4522d81821f0bfbd8e7d4b3244c     
n.餐巾( napkin的名词复数 ); 尿布
参考例句:
  • The boys left their dirty napkins at the table. 男孩子们把他们用过的脏餐巾留在餐桌上。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • A new servant had been recently installed and had forgot the napkins. 最近又换了一个女仆,今天新女仆忘了准备餐巾。 来自英汉文学 - 嘉莉妹妹
5 stirring Fhcz6K     
adj.激动人心的,令人兴奋的;活泼的,活跃的;忙碌的;动摇民心的v.激起(stir的ing形式)
参考例句:
  • She felt a stirring of anger. 她感觉自己忍不住要生气了。
  • I doubt if his deeds would match his stirring words. 我怀疑他的行动是否会与他那激动人心的话是一致的。 来自《简明英汉词典》
6 batter QuazN     
v.接连重击;磨损;n.牛奶面糊;击球员
参考例句:
  • The batter skied to the center fielder.击球手打出一个高飞球到中外野手。
  • Put a small quantity of sugar into the batter.在面糊里放少量的糖。
7 fireplace YjUxz     
n.壁炉,炉灶
参考例句:
  • The fireplace smokes badly.这壁炉冒烟太多。
  • I think we should wall up the fireplace.我想应该封住壁炉。
8 stubborn VGHzT     
adj.难以移动,去除的,固执的,顽固的
参考例句:
  • I can not cope with that boy;he is stubborn.我对付不了那个孩子,他很固执。
  • When he's in his stubborn mood,he isn't easily talked round.他那股牛劲上来了,一时不容易说服。
9 register YSVzM     
n.登记簿,花名册,注册员;v.登记,注册
参考例句:
  • Please list your name in the attendance register.请在点名册上登记你的名字。
  • He was looking over a hotel register.他正在仔细检查旅馆住宿登记表。
10 known hpKzdc     
adj.大家知道的;知名的,已知的
参考例句:
  • He is a known artist.他是一个知名的艺术家。
  • He is known both as a painter and as a statesman.他是知名的画家及政治家。
11 sip Oxawv     
v.小口地喝,抿,呷;n.一小口的量
参考例句:
  • She took a sip of the cocktail.她啜饮一口鸡尾酒。
  • Elizabeth took a sip of the hot coffee.伊丽莎白呷了一口热咖啡。
12 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。
13 couch mzfxf     
n.睡椅,长沙发椅;vt.表达,隐含
参考例句:
  • Lie down on the couch if you're feeling ill.如果你感觉不舒服就躺到沙发上去。
  • The rabbIt'sprang from its grassy couch.兔子从草丛中跳出。
14 investigator zRQzo     
n.研究者,调查者,审查者
参考例句:
  • He was a special investigator for the FBI.他是联邦调查局的特别调查员。
  • The investigator was able to deduce the crime and find the criminal.调查者能够推出犯罪过程并锁定罪犯。
15 investigators e970f9140785518a87fc81641b7c89f7     
n.调查者,审查者( investigator的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • This memo could be the smoking gun that investigators have been looking for. 这份备忘录可能是调查人员一直在寻找的证据。
  • The team consisted of six investigators and two secretaries. 这个团队由六个调查人员和两个秘书组成。 来自《简明英汉词典》
16 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。
17 drove brAxi     
vbl.驾驶,drive的过去式;n.畜群
参考例句:
  • He drove at a speed of sixty miles per hour.他以每小时60英里的速度开车。
  • They drove foreign goods out of the market.他们把外国货驱逐出市场。
18 fabric 3hezG     
n.织物,织品,布;构造,结构,组织
参考例句:
  • The fabric will spot easily.这种织品很容易玷污。
  • I don't like the pattern on the fabric.我不喜欢那块布料上的图案。
19 relieved zkfzT6     
a.如释重负的
参考例句:
  • You'll be relieved to know your jobs are safe. 现在知道你们的工作保住了,可以放心了。
  • Your coming relieved me of the bother of writing a long letter. 你来了,省去我写长信的麻烦了。
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