Faithful Frankie

Once there was a small town. In this town lived a trader Mr. Smith, and his horse Frankie. Three days a week, Mr. Smith went to sell fruit and vegetables with Frankie. At nearly every house, someone would come out and buy something.

One morning, just after preparing the cart（马车）, Mr. Smith felt really sick,”I don’t think we can go out today.” He said. Frankie knew his owner was not rich, so when Mr. Smith went into the house to have a rest. Frankie set off with the cart. He knew where to go. He went to the same streets so many times.

Frankie stopped outside the first house, and a woman came out, “What?” she said,” No driver today? Is Mr. Smith sick?” Frankie nodded, “What a good horse you are!”said the woman,” Here, I’ll buy that cabbage, and here’s a little extra（额外的） for your owner.” The woman put the money into an old box. As Frankie walked on , everyone bought something and gave him a little extra.

When Frankie got back home. Mr. Smith found the empty cart and the money box.”What a faithful（忠诚的） horse you are! Thank you!” He said. With some of the extra money, he bought Frankie many carrots and a straw hat to wear on hot days.

Atlantis, a beautiful and wealthy island, is supposed to exist over 11,000 years ago. In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, it was a centre for trade. Its people were very wealthy and powerful. The rulers of Atlantis controlled their people and land, and their power spread to Europe and Africa.

The weather was very good in Atlantis. Therefore, people could grow food all year around. Many different kinds of vegetables, fruits and nuts grew there, and a lot of different animals lived on the islands, including elephants.

Atlantis was the home of Poseidon, the Greek God of the Sea. Poseidon had many sons, who became the first rulers of Atlantis. The island’s many hills , fields and rivers were divided among his sons. The eldest son, Atlas, was the first king of Atlantis. He controlled the island’s central hill and its area nearby.

On the top of the central hill, a temple was built in memory of Poseidon. Inside the temple was a huge gold statue of Poseidon. The rulers of Atlantis discussed laws in the temple.

For centuries the people of Atlantis lived simple, honest and happy lives. However, over time they began to change. They enjoyed the power they had and wanted to have more of it. When the God Zeus saw how corrupt (腐败) the people of Atlantis were, he was very angry and gathered the other gods together. At last the gods agreed with Zeus and decided to sink(使下沉) the island. In one and a half days, the island of Atlantis, its people and its memory were destroyed forever, swallowed(吞) up by the sea.

Jerusha Abbott was walking to Mrs Lippett’s office when she saw the back of a man. He cast a shadow on the hall. He had very long lees and arms and his shadow looked just like a long-leged spider.

Jerusha entered the office. Mrs. Lippett immediately spoke. “Jerusha! I have news for you. Did you see the gentleman who has just left?” “I only saw his back,” Jerusha replied.

“He is one of our most important trustees(理事). He told me not to tell you his name. He doesn’t want you to know it.” “Why is she telling me this?” Jerusha thought to herself. Mrs Lippett continued, “Do you remember Charles Benton and Henry Freize? Well, this gentleman sent them and other boys to college. Until now, he has only chosen boys. He doesn’t really like girls. However, at the meeting today, you were discussed.

Now you are too old to stay at the orphanage. Normally, you would be expected to work, but considering your excellent grades, especially in English, this gentleman has offered to send you to college.”

Jerusha couldn’t believe her ears “To college?” she said. “Yes, this gentleman thinks you have great talent and wants you to become a writer. He will pay your board and tuition(食宿费和学费)for your years. He will also give you an allowance of 35 dollars a month.

In return, you must write a letter every month telling him of your progress. The letters will be written to Mr John Smith. It is not his real name. He will not write you back, so don’t ask him any questions. You must always remember to have a respectful tone,” Jerusha didn’t know what to say. She was full of excitement. She just said, “Yes. Thank you, ma’am.” Then, she left the room.