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"I think on the whole we all get what we deserve," I said. "But
that doesn't prevent its being rather horrible."
Two or three days later my friend and I were taking a walk. We
were strolling along a narrow path through an olive grove.
"There's Wilson," said my friend suddenly. "Don't look, you'll
only frighten him. Go straight on."
I walked with my eyes on the path, but out of the corners of
them I saw a man hiding behind an olive tree. He did not move as we
approached, but I felt that he was watching us. As soon as we had
passed I heard a scamper. Wilson, like a hunted animal, had made for
safety. That was the last I ever saw of him.
He died last year. He had endured that life for six years. He was
found one morning on the mountainside lying quite peacefully as
though he had died in his sleep. From where he lay he had been able
to see those two great rocks called the Faraglioni which stand out of
the sea. It was full moon and he must have gone to see them by
moonlight. Perhaps he died of the beauty of that sight.

***

Assignments

1. Skimming: Skim the reading to gain a general idea of its form, length,
and content. Give the gist of the story.

2. Scanning:
2.1. Put the following events in the chronological order.
1. The year after, war broke out.
2. Wilson’s annuity expired.
3. The doctors couldn’t save Wilson’s daughter.
4. They climbed the mountain, admired the spacious view, and got
back to the inn.
5. Wilson read a great deal on all sorts of subjects.
6. The author was introduced to Wilson.
7. Wilson like a hunted animal, made for safety.
8. Wilson told the author about Tiberius.
9. Wilson went to Naples from Marseilles by boat .
10. Wilson’s daughter went to live with her grandmother.
11. Wilson bought an annuity to last the rest of his life.