2 . “Wanted: Violin. Can’t pay much. Call...”

That advertisement in the newspaper made me remember my childhood. I, too, had wanted a violin, but we didn’t have the money. Even though times(岁月) were ________, I couldn’t wait any longer to ask. “Daddy, may I have a violin of ________?” Daddy’s face looked ________. But a few weeks later, Daddy went home, with a case in his hand, ________, “Mary, I found this second hand violin for seven dollars.”

The day when I carried my violin to school for my first lesson, no one could know how ________ I was. I practiced, joined the school orchestra(管弦乐队), gave performances … Several years seemed to run even quickly and I found myself in the first violin chair. More years ________, and my violin made every move with me, until one day, I carefully ________ it away.

Now here ________ this wanted advertisement, I discovered the case deep in my closet(储藏室). I put it on the table. Then I picked up the ________, walked to the telephone and called by the ________.

Later in the day, a man of about 30 knocked at the door. “I’ve been expecting someone would ________ my advertisement. My daughter wants a violin so ________,” he said, examining my violin. “How much are you asking?”

I said, “Seven dollars.” “Are you sure?” he asked, ________ he did not believe his ears. “Seven dollars.” I ________ and then added,” I hope your little girl will enjoy it ________ I did at her age.”

I smiled, but I found my tears rolling down my face.

3 . Dorothy and her friends the Scarecrow (稻草人), the Tinman (铁皮人) were walking through the forest with Toto. Suddenly, a great Lion came running at them from the trees. With one blow of his paw, he turned the Scarecrow over and over to the edge of the road, and then he struck at the Tinman with his sharp claws. But, to the Lion’s surprise, he could make no impression on the tin, although the Tinman fell over in the road and lay still. Then little Toto ran up to the Lion and started barking. The Lion was going to hit him too, but Dorothy came between him and the dog, shouting:

“Don’t you dare to bite Toto! A big animal like you is going to bite this poor little dog? You are nothing but a coward (胆小鬼)!”

The Lion’s face suddenly changed from mad to sad.

“I know it,” said the Lion, hanging his head in shame. “I’ve always known it. But how can I help it?” he sighed.

“Look at what you did to Scarecrow!” said Dorothy. She picked up the Scarecrow and set him upon his feet, while she put him into shape again.

“I’m terribly sorry, Scarecrow,” said the Lion. “You seemed so scary that I had to try and make you run away. Usually, when people and animals see me, they run, but you didn’t.”

“Why are you so scared of us?” asked Dorothy. “You’re a lion! Lions are the kings of the forests.”

“I can’t help being scared. Whenever there is danger, my heart beats fast.”

“Well,” said the Tinman, “maybe you can join us. I have no heart and Scarecrow has no brain. Dorothy and the little dog are dying to go home, very far away. We are going to find the Wizard of Oz for help. Why not come with us and ask him for courage?”

“But I am scared to go!” said the Lion.

“Everything will be fine,” comforted Dorothy. “There’s nothing to fear when we are all together. We’ll all become better.”

“Then, if you don’t mind, I’ll go with you,” said the Lion. “As long as I know myself to be a coward, I shall be unhappy!”