Lesson 82 Monster or fish?
What was the monster called?
Fishermen and sailors sometimes claim to have seen monsters in the sea.
Though people have often laughed at stories told by seamen, it is now known that many
of these 'monsters' which have at times been sighted are simply strange fish.
Occasionally, unusual creatures are washed to the shore, but they are rarely
caught out at sea. Some time ago, however, a peculiar fish was caught
near Madagascar. A small fishing boat was carried miles out to sea by the powerful fish
as it pulled on the line. Realizing that this was no ordinary fish, the fisherman
made every effort not to damage it in any way. When it was eventually brought
to shore, it was found to be over thirteen feet long. It had a head like a horse,
big blue eyes, shining silver skin, and a bright red tail. The fish, which has since
been sent to a museum where it is being examined by a scientist,
is called an oarfish. Such creatures have rarely been seen alive by man
as they live at a depth of six hundred feet.
Lesson 83 After the elections
Why did Patrick keep on asking the same question?
The former Prime Minister, Mr. Wentworth Lane, was defeated
in the recent elections. He is now retiring from political life and
has gone abroad. My friend, Patrick, has always been a fanatical opponent of
Mr. Lane's Radical Progressive Party. After the elections,
Patrick went to the former Prime Minister's house.
When he asked if Mr. Lane lived there, the policeman on duty told him
that since his defeat, the ex-Prime Minister had gone abroad. On the following day,
Patrick went to the house again. The same policeman was just walking slowly
past the entrance, when Patrick asked the same question. Though a little
suspicious this time, the policeman gave him the same answer. The day after,
Patrick went to the house once more and asked exactly the same question.
This time, the policeman lost his temper. 'I told you yesterday and the day
before yesterday,' he shouted, 'Mr. Lane was defeated in the elections.
He has retired from political life and gone to live abroad!'
'I know,' answered Patrick, 'but I love to hear you say it!'
Lesson 84 On strike
Who will be driving the buses next week?
Busmen have decided to go on strike next week. The strike is due to begin on Tuesday.
No one knows how long it will last.
The busmen have stated that the strike will continue
until general agreement is reached about pay and working conditions. Most people
believe that the strike will last for at least a week. Many owners of private cars are
going to offer 'free rides' to people on their way to work. This will relieve pressure
on the trains to some extent. Meanwhile, a number of university students
have volunteered to drive buses while the strike lasts. All the students are
expert drivers, but before they drive any of the buses, they will have to
pass a special test. The students are going to take the test in two days' time.
Even so, people are going to find it difficult to get to work. But so far,
the public has expressed its gratitude to the students in letters to the Press.
Only one or two people have objected that the students will drive too fast!