Page 79 - The English Carnival 7

We followed him back to the main street where we had first met him, and we watched

him as he proceeded, with no trouble at all, to exchange his new umbrella for another
pound note. This time it was with a tall thin fellow who didn’t even have a coat or hat.
And as soon as the transaction was completed, our little man trotted off down the street
and was lost in the crowd. But this time he went in the opposite direction.

‘You see how clever he is!’ my mother said. ‘He never goes to the same pub twice!’

‘He could go on doing this all night,’ I said.

‘Yes,’ my mother said. ‘Of course. But I’ll bet he prays like mad for rainy days.’

–Roald Dahl

Word Meanings

folly lack of good sense; foolishness

treble three times the normal measure or size

scurried moved quickly with short, rapid steps
barefaced shameless; not concealing one’s actions

bustling moving energetically; being busy and active
superbly in an excellent or outstanding manner

nimbly moving quickly and lightly with ease

sidelong directed to the side; sideways

simper to smile in a self-conscious or coy manner

clasp a fastening device that holds things together

frosty-nosed having a cold and unfriendly manner

favour an act of kindness or a helpful deed

treacherous deceptively unpredictable; dangerous and unstable

pavement the paved part of a road or walkway for pedestrians

edging moving slowly and carefully towards a destination

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The Englsih Carnival-8