兒童英語讀物《神奇樹屋》 第二十二冊 Revolutionary War on Wednesday 06 Crossing the Delaware

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The huge boat rocked in the water. Giant chunks ofice smashed against its sides.

"Thanks a lot, Annie," Jack whispered. He shiveredin the snowy cold. "We're not supposed to go on theirsecret mission with them.""It's okay," she whispered. "Maybe we can helpGeorge Washington.""Are you nuts?" Jack whispered. 'We should be onour way home now."The boat hit a piece of ice. The boat bounced, thendipped into the river.

Jack clung to the wooden side. He hoped theywouldn't turn over. Nobody could survive in this icywater, he thought. It would be like sinking on theTitanic.

The crew fought hard to keep the boat movingforward. They rowed past chunks of ice into asmoother part of the river11Light from oil lamps shone on the water, makingthe ice chunks behind them glow like huge, glitteringjewels.

Jack looked back. Other boats were following them.

They were filled with soldiers, horses, and cannons.

"Where exactly are we going?" Annie whispered.

Jack shrugged. He reached into his bag and pulledout their Revolutionary War book. By the dim lanternlight in the boat, he searched through the book. Hefound a painting of General Washington crossing theDelaware River.

He showed the painting to Annie. They each readthe caption silently:

After George Washington crossed the Delaware, heled his men on a nine-mile march to a British post.

The post was filled with Hessians, German soldiershired by the British to fight for them. The Americanpatriots caught them off guard. The Hessians neverthought the patriots would attack on a stormyChristmas night. It was a great victory for thepatriots. They captured almost 1,000 Hessians. Hardlyany of Washington's men were lost.

"Yay! We won't have to send the captain's letter!"Annie exclaimed.

"Shh!" said Jack.

But George Washington turned around and lookedback at Jack and Annie.

Oh, no, Jack thought, caught again.

He closed his eyes, as if that would make himinvisible.

"He's coming," said Annie.

Jack looked up.

George Washington was making his way backtoward them.

In the next moment, the commander-in-chiefloomed above them like a giant shadow.

"Children?" he asked in a quiet, angry voice.

"Sorry," Jack squeaked.

"Merry Christmas!" said Annie.

But George Washington did not say "MerryChristmas" back.