雙語讀電影 《恐龍當家》第04章 :那個長得像小動物的人類小男孩

The next day, when Poppa and Arlo went out to the silo, they found corn scattered all over the ground. “I’ve had it up to my snout with these critters,” Poppa said angrily. He knew that if the family didn’t have enough corn for the winter, they would struggle to survive. Poppa turned to Arlo. “That’s why you’re gonna catch it.” Arlo smiled as he imagined his print up on top of the silo. He was ready!

Poppa collected some supplies and showed Arlo how to build a trap. He tied a rock to one end of a long rope, set up a net, and had Arlo place a pile of corn on the ground for bait.

When they were finished, he rolled a pumpkin onto the pile to show Arlo how the trap worked. The pumpkin snapped up the rope, and the net fell to the ground as a jingling sound rang out. Then Poppa picked up a huge mallet. “This is how you’re gonna finish the job.” He brought the mallet down fast, smashing the pumpkin to a pulp. “When that critter’s takin’ care of, you’ll put your mark on the silo, right next to mine.”

Arlo’s eyes lit up. “I’ll take care of that critter, Poppa. It won’t stand a chance.”

Arlo then stood guard, pacing back and forth in front of the silo, waiting for the critter to fall into the trap. He tried to mentally prepare for his big moment, taking lots of deep breathes and telling himself over and over again that he could catch the critter... and finish it off.

A bug flew by his face and he scowled at it. “What are you doing, you bug?” Arlo said, practicing his tough voice. “Get out of here!”

He continued pacing, preparing, and trying not to let fear into his thoughts. But in reality, the excitement and determination he so wanted to feel was a lot more like... complete terror.

Just then, Arlo heard the jingling sound of the trap. His heart leapt. He felt a rush of anxiety and a fluttering of fear. He had caught something! He had caught the critter!

What looked like a critter to Arlo was actually a human boy. His two big brown eyes stared out through the net, and Arlo quickly jumped aside, hiding behind a bush.

Arlo peeked out from the safety of his hiding place. The critter was growling and thrashing about in the net. Then he tried to jump at Arlo!

Holding the mallet high above his head, Arlo approached, preparing to whack the trapped pest. “Y-y-you’re dead, critter,” he stuttered.

But Arlo couldn’t help but pause at the sight. The critter was choking from the net around his neck and struggling to breathe. And even though Arlo knew it was his job to catch the critter, he felt sorry for it. It was a living thing; and it just wasn’t in Arlo’s heart to bring the mallet down. Arlo sighed and pulled the trap, freeing his caught critter.

“Okay... you’re free,” said Arlo, hoping it would just run off. But the boy stared at him and then started walking toward him!

“Wh-wh-what are you doing?” Arlo asked, trying to back away. “Just—just leave! Flee!”

But the boy continued to investigate, sniffing and sniffing. Arlo was afraid. He felt like he was about to be attacked! Finally, he tripped and screamed.

Hearing Arlo’s cries, Poppa rushed over—just in time to see the wild pest escaping into the wilderness. “ARLO!” Poppa scolded. “What are you doing?”

“It was was bitin’, comin’ at me and screechin’ ... and I,” Arlo stammered.

“You had a job to do!” Poppa yelled. He looked around and saw the critter’s tracks leading into the wilderness. “You’re gonna finish your job. Right now,” he said, firmly.

Poppa pushed Arlo along and they walked up to the fence. Then Poppa climbed over. To Arlo, it was as if Poppa was climbing right into the mouth of that terrible beast. The towering trees, the darkness, the rushing river, the wild animals... all just waiting to swallow them up.

“Out there?” Arlo asked nervously, his mouth going dry.

Poppa turned to Arlo. “Do you want to be afraid for the rest of your life, Arlo?”

“No.”

“Good. Let’s go.”

Determined, Poppa pushed Arlo over the fence with his tail and the two went in search of the critter.