A well dressed man went into a jewelry（珠宝） shop one day. He ______ that he wished to buy a pearl (珍珠) for his wife's birthday. The ______ didn't matter, for he was rich.

After examining a number of beautiful and ______ pearls, he chose an unusual black one. It would cost ______. He paid, took the black and left.

A few days later, the man ______ and said that his wife liked the pearl ______ much that she wanted another one just like this. It ______ be exactly the same size and quality（质量）______ she wanted to have a ______ of earrings(耳环). The jeweler seemed ______. Then the man suggested that the jeweler advertise in the newspaper to offer $ 25,000 ______ such a pearl. So the jeweler did.

Many people came to him to sell their pearls but nobody ______ a pearl which was the right size and quality. Just when the jeweler had given up, a little old lady came into his ______. She took out such a ______ pearl from her pocket.

"I don't want to ______ my pearl," she said sadly, "It was given to me by my mother, who had received it from her ______ mother. But I really need the ______."

The jeweler was very ______ and quickly paid for the pearl. Then he telephoned the ______ to tell him the good news. ______, the man could never be found again.

Throughout history, people have been the victims of pickpockets. Today, _______ is one of the most rapidly increasing _______. Pickpockets are increasing _______ and developing better methods to practice their skill. _______ one million Americans lose money to pickpockets every year. No one is really safe _______a skilled pickpocket. His victims, or “marks” _______ they are rolled, can be rich or poor, young or old. _______ the 18th century, pickpockets _______in England. Large crowds of people would gather to watch the hanging _______ was supposed to be a warning to other pickpockets. __________, in time the practice was discontinued.

Police officials say that most __________ pickpockets come from South America. __________ these expert pickpockets __________ in special schools called Jingle Bell School. A pickpocket graduates from a J. B. __________ he is able to steal a wallet from a dressed dummy that has __________ inside its pockets!

Some of the __________ places of pickpockets are banks, airports, supermarkets, trains and bus stations. __________a pickpocket will work with another pickpocket __________ his partner. __________ being the victim of a pickpocket, it is __________ to be very careful when in the midst of large gatherings of people.

Miss Green was watching TV. Suddenly the program stopped. “Now we broadcast an important notice from the _______: At about nine this evening, an old woman of 79, named Mrs Humney, was _______ and killed by a robber wearing a green coat. Those who can supply any clue (线索) are requested to _______ to the police.” The _______ news made the lonely girl filled with   _______. She couldn’t help looking around. But she didn’t _______ that a man was already behind the door.

Suddenly the man _______ before Miss Green. The girl didn’t know what to _______. “Just put your necklace on the table, then I’ll _______ whether I shall be safe to stay here for the night,” said the robber. That made her even more terrified, but she tried to __________ herself.

Just then there came the whistle of a police car. Then __________ the door bell. The man said with a pistol (手枪) __________ the girl’s back, “Don’t __________the door. Never let him in.” But the girl got a(n) __________. She asked the man outside the door, “Who is it?” “I’m Bull. Is there   __________ unusual here?” “No, there isn’t.” Immediately she added __________, “Only   __________ and I are here.” “Good night.” Bull replied in the same loud voice.

A few minutes later, the sound of the __________ died away. “It’s well done,” the robber laughed. Almost at the same time the glass was __________ into pieces. The policemen __________ into the room and caught the robber.

“Miss Green, what you said made us take action right away, ” said Bull, “for we know that you have no brother.”