There is a lesson in English extensive reading: translate two boxes of gold! E-mail 570738068@qq.com gives high marks!

One day, Herbert Blantyre received an urgent order to transport two boxes of gold from London to Naples. On the way, he met Major Levinson and Post. Who are these two people? Can Herbert fulfill his mission? Please read the following story.

My name is Herbert Blantyre, and I am a minority shareholder in a bank in Lombardy Street. Minnie and I got married a month ago, and we both went to Ireland for our honeymoon. Four days before the holiday ended, we returned to our cabin in south London. One day, Minnie and I were sitting around in the garden when a telegram came from the maid. Then, I started a series of explorations.

The telegram was sent by my partner, Mr. Swartz Moore. It reads as follows: "We want you to go to Italy immediately to do an important thing without delay. Please come to the office at 6: 30 and leave London Bridge at 9: 15 to catch the night boat to Dover. "

"Herbert, my dear, you don't go. Please don't go, "Minnie pleaded.

"My dear, I have to go. There is no suitable person in the bank to send it except me. I won't be away for long. I have to leave in ten minutes to catch the next train. "

I finally arrived at the bank, where Mr. Swartz Moore was waiting for me. As soon as he saw me, he said, "How is your wife? I'm very sorry, I can't let you enjoy your holiday. Really helpless. We need you to take this gold to Naples. " He pointed to two big boxes and said to me, "These boxes are made of iron. We wrapped leather outside, so that others would think it was just two sample boxes. Both boxes are equipped with combination locks. There is gold worth 250 thousand pounds in it. You must take this gold to Belmisi Nyroos Bank at Toledo Street 172. The king of Naples thought there might be a war, so he needed the money urgently to buy a gun. You must remember that the password of the iron box with a white star on its skin is "Masinisa", and the other one with a black star is "Cordupaso". When you get to Lyon, open the box and see if everything is in good condition. Remember, don't talk to others along the way and don't make any friends. "

"I will pretend to be a traveling salesman," I said.

"Bran, love is a dangerous journey in front of you. You must be careful. Do you have a gun on you? "

I unbuttoned my shirt to reveal a special gun belt with my revolver in it.

Mr. Swarthmore nodded and said, "Very good. But I hope you won't need it all the time. Tomorrow you will go ashore in Paris. I have some letters for you to tell Riverber and Dickens, and then you can continue to take the night train to Marseilles, so that you can catch the boat on Friday. We will send a telegram to Marseille to contact you. Mr. Huck, is the letter from Paris ready? "

"Almost ready. Mr. Wilkins is preparing. "

I arrived in Dover before midnight. As soon as the ship landed, I hired four porters to help me remove the box from the stone steps and put it on the ship to Calais. The first box was lifted smoothly, but when the porters moved the second box, one of the boxes suddenly slipped and was about to fall into the water. At this moment, a big man with a wife in front of me was holding him.

"Brother, hold on! What's wrong? " He said to the doorman.

"I don't know what's going on, but I think this box is so heavy that my back is almost broken."

Just then, someone behind me suddenly said, "Every time I move heavy things, these stone steps always add a lot of trouble." Judging from your luggage, I guess we should be the same age. "

When I went ashore, I looked back and found that the man I talked to just now was a tall and thin man. He has a lanky face, a big nose, a thin coat, a floral vest, tights, a turtleneck shirt and a hard scarf.

I told him that I was a traveling salesman and that my trip to the English Channel in France might not go well.

"Yes, the weather is bad enough tonight," he answered. "I advise you to find a bed quickly. This boat is too crowded. "

I went straight to bed for an hour, then got up and looked around. I saw six passengers sitting at a small table, two of which I have already seen. They were chatting and drinking, so I went over to join their conversation. The tall man is Major Baxter, who once lived in India for several years, and the other is Mr. Levinson.

"It's getting stuffy in here," the major suggested. "Why don't the three of us go to the deck to get some fresh air? My wife is always seasick, so she won't come until the ship docks. "

We came to the deck. I was surprised to find that there were four boxes, exactly the same as my iron box. I can hardly believe my eyes, but they are really there: suitcase, combination lock and everything else, just like it.

"Sir, these boxes are all mine," Mr. Levinson told me. "I want to go to the company. The box contains the best waterproof coat in the world. I have used these boxes for many years. Occasionally, I will encounter similar shapes, which is very troublesome. Sometimes I even get it wrong! However, I believe your box should be much heavier than mine. What's in it? Gas pipes, train seats, knives, or other iron things? "

I didn't answer him.

Levison added, "Sir, I believe your business will do well. Business secrets are not suitable for public discussion. Major, wouldn't you say so? "

"Yes," replied the major, "it's right to be careful."

Then someone shouted, "Look, the lamp in Calais!" " So, everyone began to get busy preparing to get off the boat.

I no longer miss my traveling companion. We parted in Paris and went our separate ways. The major will go to Dromans near Lyon, from there to Marseille and finally to Alexandria. Mr. Levison, like me and the major, is going to Marseilles. But he has many things to do in Paris, so he won't get on the train with us.

After delivering the letter in Paris, I went back to the hotel with a good friend, Riverber. It's about six o'clock at night. Riverbury and I were about to cross the road when a carriage passed in front of us. Mr Levison is sitting in the carriage, and his four iron boxes are beside him. I waved to him, but he didn't seem to see me. In the same street, we met the major and his wife again. They are going to the railway station.

As soon as the major opened his mouth, he said, "This city is terrible. Onions smell everywhere. I really hope that every family can get rid of this taste. " Julia, this is my traveling companion I just met last night. "Then, they continued on their way.

At midnight. I stood at the station and watched my luggage being put on the train. Then a carriage passed by and an Englishman got off. He asked the driver to change a five-franc note in fluent French. On closer inspection, it turned out to be Mr. Levison. However, I was crowded around by the bustling crowd, and he was gone in the blink of an eye.

I found a seat in a carriage where there were two passengers. They all wrapped themselves in thick coats, so I couldn't see their faces clearly.

I fell asleep as soon as the train started. In my sleep, I saw my wife and our home. Then I dreamed that I forgot those passwords. I tried to remember the password, but I couldn't remember it. I was really worried. Then I dreamed of the bank at Toledo Street 172 in Naples. When I am here, I must tell the password of the box, or I will be shot by a whole row of soldiers. I have to tell them the password of the box or the place to hide it, because I seem to have hidden it for some reason. Just then, an earthquake suddenly happened in this city. A big fire rushed in from the window, and I shouted in horror, "God, please tell me those passwords!" " "Then I woke up.

"Zhuoman! Dromont! There are still ten minutes to Dromans! " The conductor shouted.

When I arrived in Dromans, I first went to a restaurant and asked for a cup of coffee. Suddenly, three or four young Englishmen entered the restaurant noisily, leading an elderly and quiet traveling salesman. I was surprised to find that it was Levinson again. They asked the waiter for champagne.

"Yes, yes," said the leader. "Old man, you should drink more. You know, we have won three games. You can definitely win the money back before we arrive in Lyon. "

While drinking wine, Levinson chatted happily about the last game of cards. After a while, the young man drank champagne and went out to smoke. At this moment, Levinson found me.

"Oh, my God, it's you!" He said, "Nice to meet you. My dear friend, you must have some champagne with me. " He shouted to the waiter, "Please give me another bottle of champagne." Then he said to me, "I hope to be with you before I arrive in Lyon." I hate those noisy young people. I can't afford to lose so much money. "

At this time, the waiter had brought champagne, and Levinson immediately took the bottle of wine.

"No," he said, "I never like people opening bottles for me." Then he turned his back on me and opened the cork. He was pouring me wine when suddenly, a man rushed to shake my hand. The man came too hard and ran into Mr. Levison, and the bottle of champagne was broken.

The new comer is none other than the enthusiastic major. He talked to us eagerly.

"ah! Excuse me, let me order another bottle! How are you, my friend? I am lucky to meet you again. Julia is looking after the luggage, so we can talk it over here. Order some more bottles of champagne! How do you say "bottle" in French? I always encounter these annoying things. Julia's friends forgot we were coming and went on holiday. What bad luck What bad luck! Ring the bell. Let's go to the station by carriage! "

Levinson was very annoyed. He said angrily, "I won't come to you for one or two stops." I have to go back to those young people and see if I can win some money back. Goodbye, Major Bertrand. Goodbye, Mr. Brainell. "

I found it a great pleasure to chat with the major. He told me many stories about his early years in India. However, his words are often interrupted by his cautious, wise but loving wife.

Soon, the train came to Sherman and Levinson appeared. He said to me, "fortunately, I didn't lose much this time." However, if you, the major and the major's wife are willing to play a game for a shilling, I am willing to accompany you. "

We all agreed and went our separate ways. I'm with the major's wife, and the major is with Levinson. Our group wins almost every time. Levison is too cautious when playing cards, while the major laughs and often forgets what cards he has played.

However, playing cards can always help people pass the time. We played for a long time and then started chatting. Levison talked about his business.

"What waterproof clothing manufacturers have been looking for for years has finally been discovered by me." He said: "This is how to eliminate the heat of the human body and isolate the rain at the same time. As soon as I got back to London, I sold the secret to Mckinson Waterproof Clothing Company for 10,000 yuan. If they don't agree, I will open my own factory in Paris, call this new fabric Megan Dusso, and use it to make big money. "

"You are really capable!" The major praised.

Then, Mr. Levinson turned the topic to the password lock. He said, "I usually make my own password. My passwords are "Telelette" and "Babagayu". Who would have thought? It takes even a clever thief hours to open a lock. Do you think my password lock is safe? " He asked me.

I nodded and asked the crowd when the train would arrive in Lyon.

"We will arrive in Lyon at 4: 30," said the major. "It's three fifty-five. I don't know why, but I always feel that something will happen before we arrive. I have bad luck every time I travel. Look! What a fast train! The car is so bumpy that I'm sure the train will break down before Marseille. "

I began to feel scared, but I was afraid to show it. I thought to myself: Is that major deliberately giving me a hard time?

"What nonsense. Will you be quiet, major? "You always spoil the fun of other people's travel like this," his wife said reproachfully.

Then, Levison talked about his early life, said that he had worked in a place where scarves were made, and then talked about many other things.

The train began to slow down, suddenly moved forward, then slowed down and finally stopped.

The major stuck his head out of the window when a train guard passed by. The major shouted to him, "Where are we now?"

"Fort Lu Zhe, Sir! It is still 32 kilometers away from Lyon. "

"What the hell happened?"

Someone in the next window replied in English: "They said that a wheel was broken, so let's wait here for two hours. All the luggage will be moved to another luggage compartment. "

"My God!" I shouted loudly.

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Text 2

Two cases of gold (2)

Levison poked his head out of the window, then drew back and said to us, "It's true. The man said it would take at least two hours. This kind of thing always happens, which is really annoying. Let's continue to drink coffee and play cards! However, everyone must take care of their luggage. Why didn't you tell me, Brian, to buy some supper and I'll look after his luggage. Hey! Oh, my God! What are those shiny things beside the lights in the platform? Hello, Mr. Guard, what happened at the station? "

"Sir, those are soldiers," replied the guard. "They are going to the salon, just passing by here. The stationmaster asked them to go to the baggage cart to watch the baggage transfer. No passengers are allowed to approach because there are special government materials on board. "

Levinson spat heavily and whispered something. I guess he is complaining about the railway service in France.

"I said, sir, have you ever seen such a heavy truck?" The major pointed out the window and asked Levinson. I followed him and looked out of the window. I found two country trucks pulled by four strong horses under the fence of the railway station.

Levison and I both tried to get close to our luggage, but the guards forbade us to get too close. I watched my suitcase be moved to the new luggage compartment, but I never saw the government supplies. I told the major about this discovery.

"Ah, they are very clever, they are so clever! It may be the queen's jewelry, it may be just a small bag, but it is still easy to be stolen on such a night. " The major replied.

Just then, there was a loud whistle, as if sending out some kind of signal. Four horses set off at once, galloped away and soon disappeared.

Three hours later, we finally arrived in Lyon and changed to another train for Marseille.

"Gentlemen, I want to have a good sleep," the major told us. "I guess the ship will break down next."

"Major, can you stop talking?" His wife scolded again.

After a long time, I also fell asleep. I had nightmares again. I dreamed that I came to a city where the streets were narrow and dark, and someone was watching me behind the curtains. Then, four more men came running towards me, riding horses and waving swords. I only have a glimmer of hope of getting out of danger, and that is to tell them the password. Suddenly, all the horses stepped on me, and I shouted with difficulty, "Cordupaso, Cordupaso." At this time, someone tried to wake me up. I opened my eyes and saw a major.

He said to me, "You are talking in your sleep. Why do you talk in your sleep? This is very dangerous. "

"What did I say?" I asked.

"You talk nonsense about some foreign words." The major replied.

"It seems to be Greek, but I'm not sure." Levinson said.

We finally arrived in Marseilles. I was very happy when I saw those white houses and apricot trees. Next, I will take two boxes of treasures by boat and continue my journey. This should be safer. I realized that I was being watched all the way from Lyon. When I woke up from my dream, I never found the major, the major's wife or Levison staring at me.

We agreed to live together, so everyone stood next to the luggage and discussed which hotel to stay in.

"The Imperial Hotel has the best equipment," the major suggested first. Unfortunately, however, the Imperial Hotel is full.

"Oh, what bad luck!" The major said, "I believe we will have problems when we take the boat later."

He's right. As the steam engine broke down, the ship had to wait for half an hour after midnight to set sail.

"Where are we going?" I asked, "Our journey seems to have been bumpy all the time. Let's go to dinner together! I'll send a telegram first, and then I'll be all right by half past eleven. "

"I'll take you to the hotel near the pier! The store is not big, but it is comfortable to live in it, "Levison said. "It is called Foreign Guest Hotel."

"This is not a very good place," said the major, because he is familiar with this hotel.

"Sir," said Levinson, "the boss there has changed, otherwise I wouldn't introduce you."

"Sorry, I didn't know about it," the major said apologetically.

When we arrived at the hotel, we found it was not only crude but also unsanitary.

The major said to me, "You can send a telegram. I want to take a bath and take a walk during this time. " Then he said to his wife, "Julia, look at the room first."

"I want to go to the store quickly. If it is late, the shop will be closed. " Levinson said. Unfortunately, there are only two double rooms left in the hotel.

"It doesn't matter," said Levison. "Anyway, my friend is going aboard tonight. He doesn't sleep here. The luggage can be put in my room. He may come back early, so give him the key. "

"Finally settled down," said the major. "So far, everything is fine."

When I arrived at the telegraph office, a telegram from England was already waiting for me there. Not many words, but I am deeply surprised and scared:

"You are in danger now, don't stay on the shore. Someone wants to kill you. Ask the police to send you a bodyguard. "

It must be the major. I have fallen into his hands. I can't believe that all his friendly performances are just a trick. Maybe, he is running away with my box now. I quickly sent a telegram to England:

"I arrived in Marseille safely and everything is going well so far."

I hurried back to the hotel in the alley near the pier. I just turned the corner when a man ran out of the door and grabbed my arm. He works in the hotel. He nervously said to me in French, "Hurry! Come on! Major Baxter wants you to go to his room without delay. "

I ran into the hotel and rushed into the bedroom in one breath. I saw Shao Jiao pacing back and forth nervously in the room, while his wife stood by the window watching. As soon as he saw me, he grabbed my hand and said, "I'm a policeman." My name is Arnold. That Levison is a famous thief. He is opening your box. You must help me catch him. I always knew what he was going to do, but I wanted to catch him at the crime scene. Mr. Blantyre, do you have a gun? We must prevent his death. I have a stick myself. "

"I left my gun in my bedroom." I said.

"That's too bad! But it doesn't matter, he may not think so much. Now you must rush through that door at the same time as me. These foreign locks have never worked so well. He lives at 15. Be careful and don't make any noise. "

We came to gate 15 and listened carefully. We heard the sound of coins falling into the bag. Then I heard Levinson laughing and saying what I heard in my dream: "Cordupaso, haha! Haha! "

At the order of the major, we both ran into the door at the same time. The door shook and then it was knocked open. I saw Leveson standing next to the open box, with his ankle buried in the pile of money and a revolver in his hand. He wore a thick belt around his waist, full of gold pockets, and half a bag of gold piled at his feet. He didn't say anything. There are some ropes hanging on the window. It seems that he is sending gold from here to the path below, or he is going to do so. He whistled, and we immediately heard the sound of the car speeding away.

"Surrender, I know you," the major shouted. "Surrender quickly, you are under arrest now."

Levison's only answer is the gun in his hand. Fortunately, none of us were hurt because I forgot to load the gun.

Levinson angrily threw the pistol at the major, then quickly opened the window and jumped down.

I jumped in and shouted for help. Arnold stayed in his room, guarding the money.

Soon, a large group of soldiers, sailors and others caught up with Leveson. The street lamp just came on, half bright and half dark. We chased after him, and many fists hit him, and countless hands reached out to catch him. He escaped from one man, knocked down the second man, and then jumped over the third man. When we were about to catch him, he suddenly tripped over something and plunged into the port. He let out a cry and disappeared into the dark water. I ran to the bottom stone steps and waited for the result. At the same time, the police got on a boat and fished with a hook.

"These old thieves are too cunning! I met him in Toulon. As soon as I saw that face, I remembered who he was. He must have dived to the bottom of the boat. What boat is he hiding in now? You won't find him. " It was an old police officer with gray hair who said this. He took me to the salvage boat.

"Found it! Look, here he comes! " Another policeman shouted, bent down, grabbed a corpse's hair and dragged it out of the water.

"Ah, this is a sly thief." People in a boat behind us said so. I turned around and saw it was Arnold. "Sir, I just came to see how things are going. You don't have to worry about money. Julia is watching. I told you this man would be arrested one day. Mr. Blantyre, he's almost there. As long as he can get the money, he can even kill you while you are asleep. However, he never found me following him. Now, his name can finally be deleted from the wanted list, which is really good news. Come on, brothers, drag the body to the shore and untie the money from him. The money finally did a good thing for him-let him sink into the water. "

After returning to the hotel, Arnold told me from beginning to end. It turned out that when I set out from London on the first night, he received the task from the London headquarters and asked him to follow me and monitor Levison. But he never got a chance to tell my partner the news. In addition, Leveson bribed the train driver and deliberately stopped the train at Luzhburg, because his companion was waiting there in a carriage. They had planned to carry luggage in the dark, but this plan failed because Arnold had written to the Paris authorities asking them to send troops to guard the station. Besides, the bottle of champagne that Arnold knocked over was secretly poisoned. After the failure, Leveson tried again and again. Unfortunately, the password I leaked in my sleep enabled him to open one of the boxes, and the ship failed to set sail on time-according to our guess, it was purely an accident-which created his last chance.

I left Marseilles that night. Thanks to Arnold's protection all the way, the gold is intact. The rest of the journey was relaxing and enjoyable. Since then, the banking business is booming, and Minnie and I live a happy life.