My grandson Jason was no where to be seen-normal behavior for a ten-year-old. I sat down on a chair and noticed the ladder(梯子)lying on the ground under the big tree beside the driveway. It didn't take Sherlock Holmes to figure out Jason was up in that tree and had accidentally kicked the ladder away. He wasn't about to come down, and he wouldn't let me know he was trapped. I could put up the ladder and rescue him, but then I recalled an event in my youth that I now, more than 50 years later, suddenly understood.
Raymond Cutting was a white haired gentleman, who entered my life when I was Jason's age. My parents said I was free to wander around the village except for the abandoned quarry(采石场)at the foot of a local mountain, but it was an interesting place: full of milky green water and rusty machinery hiding in the bushes. One afternoon I went there with some older boys, who later abandoned me when the sun was low. I tried for an hour to find my way, climbing over fallen trees but got caught in the bushes. Panicked, I cried.
Stopping to catch my breath, I heard someone whistle(吹口哨). "Hello,"said Cutting. "Out for a walk?" I nodded, "I've just been out exploring the old quarry, but I've got to get home now." "If you'd wait a minute, I'll walk back to town with you after I finish this willow whistle."
So we walked back down the path together, and the willow whistle was mine, sounding loud and clear. It suddenly dawned on me what an unusual act of kindness that was-Mr. Cutting had heard me crying, but he didn't play the role of a rescuer. Instead, he whistled so that I could find him.
I got up from the chair and drove my truck right under the big tree, where Jason was. I picked up the ladder and carried it around to the back of the house. When I returned, Jason was sitting in my chair.
"Where have you been?" I asked.
"Exploring, "Jason said. "I am a Cub Scout, you know.”
"Yes, "I smiled and said, "I know.”
4. What do we know about the ten-year-old author and Jason?
A.Neither of them admitted being trapped. | B.Neither of them were fond of exploring. |
C.They both got stuck in the woods. | D.They both cried out for help. |
5. What was Mr. Cutting's kind act to the author?
A.He offered to walk the author home. |
B.He helped the author without hurting his pride. |
C.He punished the boys who left the author behind. |
D.He gave the author his handmade willow whistle. |
6. How did the author help his grandson get down the tree?
A.He placed his chair by the tree. | B.He parked the truck under the tree. |
C.He put the ladder up against the tree. | D.He climbed onto the tree to catch him. |
7. What can we learn from the story?
A.Like father, like son. |
B.Once bitten, twice shy. |
C.God helps those who help themselves. |
D.Have considerations for others while offering help. |