知性英语－地震

（单词翻译）

 
　　Johnny lived with his mother and father in a small town in the mountains.

　　One day there was an earthquake¹ near the town. Many houses were damaged². Everyone thought that there would soon be another earthquake. They were worried that the second earthquake would be worse than the first.

　　"We must send Johnny to a safe place," Johnny's mother said to her husband, "many of our friends are sending their children to relatives³ in other towns."

　　"We'll send him to my brother, Peter," "Johnny's father said, "he lives a long way away. Johnny will be safe with him."

　　He telephoned Johnny's uncle Peter and asked him if he would let Johnny live with him.

　　"He's a good boy," he said, "won't give you any trouble."

　　"All right," Johnny's Uncle Peter said, "but I'm not used⁴ to children. I live a very quiet and peaceful life."

　　"You won't know Johnny's in the house," his father told him.

　　So Johnny, who was five, went to live with his uncle.

　　Two days later, his mother and father received a telegram⁵ from Peter. It said: "I'm returning the child. Please send earthquake."