Inspirational English, Issue 42, Jan/Feb 2018 Inspirational English, Issue 42, Jan Feb 2018 | Page 50

In the Cave
“They will catch us unless we shut this entrance.” said Grasshopperboy.
He took the powder horn, opened it and pinched. He looked at the green claw-like fingers
and thought: - if I cast them they will make the land quake and draw the attention of our
pursuers-
“I’ll try this way.” whispered he.
He spread the powder softly on the contours of the gate. They smoothly joined together and shut the
fugitives in. The cave became dark, the little girl screamed:
“I fear dark!”
Dinkykindy fumbled for her face and pressed her mouth to prevent her from making noise.
“Shut up! There’s nothing to fear .” said he in a hushed voice.
She tried to free herself. Her mouth opened to bite his palm.
He shook her head.
“Would you please.” He tried to be softer.
She nodded. He softened his grip.
She was quiet. He noticed she was not going to cry so he left her and fumbled for the crystal ball.
“It will shed its light on the place.” said he as he patted the ball.
“Shsh!” hushed he. She didn’t say a word but he was afraid she would scream, “Don’t say a word, please.”
She obeyed and came closer to him. They squatted by the ball. They watched.
They saw the police officer inspecting the area.
“Strange,” exclaimed the officer “There are no signs and no prints.” He knelt, stood up and squatted. He
inspected the area again and again. He rubbed his nose and passed his hand on his hair. He looked like
a crazy man.
“He is suspicious!” murmured Grasshopperboy as he was concentrating on the whole scene in the ball.
“Will they take us?” asked the girl.
She couldn’t lose sight of the ball, either.
The crystal ball transmitted the officer puffing out of despair. “Not the littlest sign!” said he. Then, he
ordered his men: “Get back on the helicopter!”
“Thank Heaven and the powder and the man with the impediment!” murmured the boy excitedly.
The monitor reported the scene and still brought them the roar of the aircraft and its headlights. The
criminals looked at the policeman and asked: “Are we going back home without the girl?”
“No!” assured the officer. “We’re looking elsewhere! Now, It’s my case more than yours.”
The day started to shed its lights. The crystal ball still had a high quality of signal. The kids watched the
wicked smile of the officer.
Meet the author
is a senior teacher of English in the Area
of El Kef, Tunisia. He teaches English as a foreign languge
for secondary school students-15 - 20 years old.
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