question: CHAPTER XXI

AGAINST TIME

Dixon's prediction proved correct. When I was brought into court a second time there was still no news of Wilkins, and after further testimony of no importance the case was again adjourned. This time, however, bail was allowed, and Boone and Rancher Gordon stood surety for me. The latter was by no means rich, and had, like the rest of us, suffered severe losses of late. Dixon was the first to greet me when I went forth, somewhat moodily, a free man for the time being.

"You don't look either so cheerful or grateful as you ought to be," he said.

"You are wrong in one respect. I am at least sincerely grateful for your efforts."

Dixon, in defiance of traditions, smote me on the shoulder. "Then what's the matter with the cheerfulness?"

"It is not exactly pleasant to have a charge of this description hanging over one indefinitely, and I have already lost time that can never be made up," I said. "Lane will no doubt produce his witness when he considers it opportune, and there is small encouragement to work in the prospect of spending a lengthy time in jail while one's possessions go to ruin."

"You think Lane had a hand in his disappearance?" Dixon asked thoughtfully; and when I nodded, commented: "I can't quite say I do. My reasons are not conclusive, and human nature's curious, anyway; but I'm not sure that Wilkins will, if he can help it, turn up at all. However, in the meantime, the dinner we're both invited to will put heart into you."
1. Who asked if Lane had something to do with the disappearance?
2. Did he think Lane did?
3. Were his reasons sound?
4. What were they invited to?
5. Whose predictions came true?
6. How many times had court been held?
7. And still nothing about Wilkins?
8. Who posted bail?
9. Who didn't have tons of money?
10. Who did he see first?
****
answer: 1. Dixon
2. he's not sure
3. he is not 100%
4. dinner
5. Dixon's
6. Two
7. no news
8. Boone and Rancher Gordon
9. Boone and Rancher Gordonhad had suffered losses
10. Dixon

question: Diving is the sport of jumping or falling into water from a platform or springboard, usually while performing acrobatics. Diving is an internationally recognized sport that is part of the Olympic Games. In addition, unstructured and non-competitive diving is a recreational pastime.

Diving is one of the most popular Olympic sports with spectators. Competitors possess many of the same characteristics as gymnasts and dancers, including strength, flexibility, kinaesthetic judgment and air awareness. Some professional divers were originally gymnasts or dancers as both the sports have similar characteristics to diving. Dmitri Sautin holds the record for most Olympic diving medals won, by winning eight medals in total between 1992 and 2008.

Although diving has been a popular pastime across the world since ancient times, the first modern diving competitions were held in England in the 1880s. The exact origins of the sport are unclear, though it likely derives from the act of diving at the start of swimming races. The 1904 book "Swimming" by Ralph Thomas notes English reports of plunging records dating back to at least 1865. The 1877 edition to "British Rural Sports" by John Henry Walsh makes note of a "Mr. Young" plunging 56 feet in 1870, and also states that 25 years prior, a swimmer named Drake could cover 53 feet.
1. What is the topic of the passage?
2. Is it unpopular in the Olympics?
3. How long has it been popular?
4. What happened in the 1880's
5. Where did it originate?
6. What other sports does it share traits with?
7. How many traits are listed?
8. What are two of them?
9. Who is Dmitri Sautin?
10. Did he win 5 medals?
11. How many did he win?
12. When did he win the first?
13. And the last?
14. When did the fist modern version of the sport begin?
****
answer: 1. Diving
2. no
3. since ancient times
4. first modern diving competitions were held
5. England
6. gymnasts and dancers
7. Four
8. strength, flexibility
9. record for most Olympic diving medals won
10. No
11. eight
12. 1992
13. 2008
14. 1880s

question: CHAPTER XI

DOWN IN THE CORNFIELD

The other boys gathered around in curiosity as Fred brought forth from the stack of cornstalks his missing suitcase. Beside the bag were several newspapers crumpled up into a wad.

"Those must be the newspapers he had the suitcase wrapped in," remarked Walt Baxter.

"More than likely," answered Jack. He picked up the wad of papers and glanced at them. "New York newspapers, too," he cried. "Nappy must have brought them with him from home."

"Was the suitcase locked, Fred?" questioned Randy.

"No. I didn't bother to lock it, because, you see, I had it with me. I only lock a suitcase when I check it."

"Then you'd better take a look inside and see if your duds are all right," advised Andy.

The youngest Rover quickly unstrapped the suitcase and threw back the catch. Then, as Randy sent the rays of the flashlight into the bag, he, as well as the others, uttered various exclamations.

"The mean fellow!"

"Fred, you ought to get after him for this!"

For a quick look inside the suitcase had revealed the fact that Nappy Martell had opened the bag and thrown handfuls of dirt amid the pieces of clothing and the various other articles Fred had packed therein.

"You'll have to have all that laundered stuff done over again before you can wear it," declared Jack. "And you'll have to have those neckties cleaned, too, I am afraid. Say! this is a shame!"

"Just wait! I think I'll be able to get square with Nappy Martell," muttered the youngest Rover.
1. What did they find in the case?
2. Who put it there?
3. Was there anything else in it?
4. Who had done the initial packing?
5. Who was the first to speak about the contents?
6. Did he find it funny?
7. What did he suggest?
8. Did he name any specific types of clothes?
9. What type?
10. Had the case been protected with something to keep it closed?
11. Who suggested he open the case in the first place?
12. What did they use to view inside?
13. Where did he find the case?
14. What was next to it?
15. Were they pristine?
16. Then what condition were they in?
17. Where were they from?
18. What were they used for?
19. Who thought so?
20. Who may they have come from?
****
answer:
1. handfuls of dirt
2. Nappy Martell
3. pieces of clothing
4. Fred
5. Jack
6. no
7. have it all laundered
8. yes
9. neckties
10. yes
11. Andy.
12. a flashlight
13. in a stack of cornstalks
14. newspapers
15. no
16. crumpled up into a wad.
17. New York
18. to wrap the suitcase
19. Walt Baxter.
20. Nappy