(原版)澳大利亞語文第五冊 LESSON 10

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LESSON 10 THE BROKEN BRIDGE

THE BROKEN BRIDGE

ONE day, late in the autumn, my master had to go a long journey on business. I was put into the dog-cart, and John went with his master. I always liked to go in the dog-cart, it was so light, and the high wheels ran along so pleasantly. There had been a great deal of rain, and now the wind was very high and blew the dry leaves across the road in a shower. We went merrily along till we came to the toll-bar and the low wooden bridge. The river banks were rather high, and the bridge, instead of rising, went across just level, so that in the middle, if the river was full, the water would be nearly up to the woodwork and planks; but as there were strong rails on each side, people did not mind it.

A BULLOCK TEAM BY B. E. MINNS

The man at the gate said the river was rising fast, and he feared it would be a bad night. Many of the meadows were under water, and in one low part of the road the water was halfway up to my knees; the bottom was good, and master drove gently, so it did not matter.

When we got to the town, of course I had a good feed; but as the master's business engaged him a long time, we did not start for home till rather late in the afternoon. The wind was then much higher, and I heard the master say to John he had never been out in such a storm; and so I thought, as we went along the skirts ［1］ of a wood, where the great branches were swaying about like twigs, and the rushing sound of the wind through the trees was terrible.

I wish we were well out of this wood, said my master.

Yes, sir, said John, "it would be rather awkward if one of these branches came down upon us."

The words were scarcely out of his mouth, when there was a groan, a crack, and a splitting sound, and tearing, crashing down amongst the other trees, came an oak, torn up by the roots, which fell right across the road just before us. I shall never say I was not frightened, for I was. I stopped still, and I believe I trembled. Of course I did not turn round or run away; I was not brought up to do that. John jumped out and in a moment was at my head.

That was a very near touch, said my master. "What's to be done now?"

Well, sir, we can't drive over that tree nor yet get round it; there will be nothing forit but to go back to the four crossways, and that will be a good six miles before we get round to the wooden bridge again. It will make us late, but the horse is fresh.

So back we went, and round by the cross- roads; but by the time we got to the bridge it was very nearly dark, and we could just see that the water was over the middle of it; but as that happened sometimes when the floods were out, master did not stop.

We were going along at a good pace, but the moment my feet touched the first part of the bridge, I felt sure there was something wrong. I dared not go forward and so I made a dead stop. "Go on, Beauty," said my master, giving me a touch with the whip; but I dared not stir. He gave me a sharp cut; I jumped, but I dared not go forward.

There's something wrong, sir, said John;and he sprang out of the dogcart and came to my head and looked all about. He tried to lead me forward. "Come on, Beauty, what's the matter?" Of course I could not tell him, but I knew very well that the bridge was not safe.

Just then the man at the toll-gate on the other side ran out of the house, tossing a torch ［2］ about like one mad.

Hoy, hoy, hoy, halloo, stop! he cried.

What's the matter? shouted my master.

The bridge is broken in the middle and part of it is carried away; if you come on you'll be into the river.

Thank God! said my master. "You beauty!" said John; and taking the bridle ［3］ , he gently turned me round to the right-hand road by the river side. The sun had set some time, the wind seemed to have lulled ［4］ off after that furious blast which tore up the tree. It grew darker and darker, and more and more still. I trotted quietly along, the wheels hardly making a sound on the soft road.

For a good while neither master nor John spoke; and then the master began to speak in a serious voice. I could not understand much of what they said, but I found they thought that if I had gone on as the master wanted me, most likely the bridge would have given way under us, and horse, chaise ［5］ , master, and man would have fallen into the river; and as the current was flowing very strongly, and there was no light and no help at hand, it was more than likely we should all have been drowned. Master said God had given men reason by which they could find out things for themselves; but He had given animals knowledge which did not depend on reason, much more prompt and perfect in its way, by which they had often saved the lives of men.

At last we came to the park gates, and found the gardener looking out for us. He said that mistress had been in a dreadful way ever since dark, fearing some accident had happened; and that she had sent James off on Justice, the roan ［6］ cob ［7］ , towards the wooden bridge to ask after us.

We saw a light at the hall door and at the upper windows, and as we came up, mistress ran out, saying, "Are you really safe, my dear? Oh! I have been so anxious, fancying all sorts of things. Have you had no accident?"

No, my dear; but if your Black Beauty had not been wiser than we were, we should all have been carried down the river at the wooden bridge.

I heard no more, as they went into the house, and John took me to the stable. Oh! what a good supper he gave me that night—a good bran mash and some crushed beans with my oats, and such a thick bed of straw. I was glad of it, for I was tired.

From "Black Beauty ": ANNA SEWELL

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［1 ］ skirts: Border, edge.

［2 ］ torch: A light carried in the hand.

［3 ］ bridle: The part of harness with which a horse is controlled.

［4 ］ lulled: Died down.

［5 ］ chaise: A light horse carriage.

［6 ］ roan: Reddish coloured.

［7 ］ cob: Strong pony.