Читать книгу Всадник без головы / The Headless Horseman онлайн | страница 10
“Sir!” said the planter, hastily descending the steps of the carriage, “we have to thank you for – for—”
“Our lives, father!” cried Henry, supplying the proper words. “I hope, sir, you will favour us with your name?”
mustanger
“A mustanger!” scornfully muttered Calhoun, but only loud enough to be heard by Louise.
“For guide, you will no longer need either myself, or my lazo,” said the hunter of wild horses. “The cypress is in sight: keep straight towards it. After crossing, you will see the flag over the Fort. I must say goodbye.”
Satan himself, astride a Tartarean steed
“Maurice Gerald!” muttered the young Creole, “whoever you are – whence you have come – whither you are going – what you may be – henceforth there is a fate between us! I feel it – I know it– sure as there’s a sky above!”
Answer the following questions:1) What was the reason of the quarrel between Captain Calhoun and Louise?
2) What frightened Woodley Poindexter and his companions? How did they avoid the danger?
3) What is the horseman’s name? How is he known at the Fort? Why?
4) What is Louise’s attitude to Maurice?
Chapter Three
On the banks of the Alamo stood a dwelling, unpretentious as any to be found within the limits of Texas, and certainly as picturesque.
The structure was in shadow, a little retired among the trees; as if the site had been chosen with a view to concealment. It could have been seen but by one passing along the bank of the stream; and then only with the observer directly in front of it. Its rude style of architecture, and russet hue, contributed still further to its inconspicuousness.
The house was a mere cabin – with only a single aperture, the door – if we except the flue of a chimney. The doorway had a door, a light framework of wood, with a horse-skin stretched over it.
In the rear was an open shed, around this was a small enclosure.
corral
The interior of the hut was not without some show of neatness and comfort. The sheeting of mustang-skins covered the walls. The furniture consisted of a bed, a couple of stools and a rude table. Something like a second sleeping place appeared in a remote corner.