Notes

The wind was then much higher, and I heard the master say to John, he had never been out in such a storm. . . .
2 [Suddenly] there was a groan, and a crack, and a splitting sound, and tearing, crashing down among the other trees came an oak, torn up by the roots, and it fell right across the road just before us. I will never say I was not frightened, for I was. I stopped still, and I believe I trembled. . . . John jumped out and was in a moment at my head.
3 “That was a very near touch,” said my master. “What’s to be done now?”
4 “Well, sir, we can’t drive over that tree nor yet get round it; there will be nothing for it, but to go back to the four crossways, and . . . round to the wooden bridge. . . .”
5 So back we went and round by the crossroads; but by the time we got to the bridge, it was very nearly dark. We could just see that the water was over the middle of it; but as that happened sometimes when the floods were out, master did not stop. We were going along at a good pace, but the moment my feet touched the first part of the bridge I felt sure there was something wrong. I dare not go forward, and I made a dead stop. “Go on Beauty,” said my master, and he gave me a touch of the whip, but I dare not stir; he gave me a sharp cut, I jumped, but I dare not go forward.
6 “There’s something wrong, sir,” said John, and he sprang out of the dogcart and came to my head and looked all about. He tried to lead me forward. “Come on, Beauty, what’s the matter?” Of course I could not tell him, but I knew very well that the bridge was not safe.
7 Just then the man at the tollgate on the other side ran out of the house, tossing a torch like one mad.
8 “Hoy, hoy, hoy, halloo, stop!” he cried.
9 “What’s the matter?” shouted my master.
10 “The bridge is broken in the middle, and part of it is carried away; if you come on you’ll be in the river.”
11 “Thank God!” said my master. “You Beauty!” said John, and took the bridle and gently turned me round to the right-hand road by the riverside. The sun had set some time, the wind seemed to have lulled off after that furious blast which tore up the tree. It grew darker and darker, stiller and stiller. I trotted quietly along, the wheels hardly making a sound on the soft road.

The author relates the plot of this story by —
a.
developing interesting characters
c.
comparing and contrasting characters
b.
describing the setting
d.
describing events that happened


Please select the best answer from the choices provided

A
B
C
D
Mark this and return