His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer. One day late in the afternoon, while working to support his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby pond.
He dropped his tools and ran to the pond. There, up to his neck in the water, was a terrified boy, crying and struggling to free himself. Obviously the boy did not know how to swim. Fleming jumped into the pond and quickly swam toward the boy. He saved the boy from what could have been a terrible death.
The next day, a very cool carriage pulled up to the Scotsman’s house. A well-dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy Fleming saved the day before.
“I want to repay you,” said the nobleman. “You saved my son’s life.”
“No, I can’t accept any payment for what I did,” the Scottish farmer replied, waving off the offer.
At that moment, the farmer’s own son came to the door of the farmhouse, confused by who was visiting them.
“Is that your son?” the nobleman asked.
“Yes,” the farmer replied proudly.
“I’ll make you a deal. Let me take him with me. I promise you that I will give him a good education. If the boy is anything like his father, he’ll grow up to be a man you can be proud of.”
And he did. In time, Fleming’s son graduated from St. Mary’s Hospital Medical School in London and went on to become a famous doctor.
Years later, the nobleman’s son became seriously ill. Who saved him? The farmer’s son did.
It’s important to help people no matter how successful you are in life. You never know when you are going to be the one who needs the help.
26. What happened to Fleming one afternoon?
A.He fell into a pond by accident. |
B.He fell asleep near a pond. |
C.He made a lot money from his job. |
D.He saved a boy out of a pond. |
27. According to the story, Fleming ________.
A.accepted the nobleman’s payment |
B.didn’t accept money for helping others |
C.hoped to get more money by refusing |
D.asked the nobleman to support his son’s education |
28. Which of the following about Fleming’s son is NOT true?
A.He took the place of the nobleman’s son. |
B.He got a college education. |
C.He became a famous doctor. |
D.He cured the nobleman’s son. |
29. What can we learn from the story?
A.A friend in need is a friend indeed. |
B.Don’t try to get payment for helping others. |
C.An act of kindness always helps. |
D.You can get a lot more by helping the rich. |