英语小说网

The tree house was in a palm tree. Beyond was a bright blue sea. A tall sailing ship was on the horizon. It was just like the picture in the book.

He and Annie looked out the window.

Jack folded the raincoat and put it next to the stack of books. He put on his backpack. Then he went down the ladder.

"Too late!" squawked Polly.

"You can read it on the beach," she said. Without even looking at the cover, she shoved the book into Jack's backpack.

He smelled saltwater.

"Look!" said Annie.

"Wait, we have to study the book first," said Jack. He started to reach for the book. But Annie grabbed it.

Polly was flying in circles above the tree house. Then she swooped down to the ocean.

He heard the sound of waves.

"Come on!" Annie handed Jack his backpack, then started down the ladder.

"Come on, let's follow her! Let's go in the water!" said Annie. She took off her raincoat and dropped it on the floor.

"Okay," Jack said. He took off his raincoat, too.

He sighed. Actually, the water did look wonderful.

Jack felt hot sunlight streaming into the tree house.

Jack ran to his backpack. Annie followed.

He shielded his eyes against the sun. And peered out at the sea.

The water was warm and clear. Jack could see shells and tiny fishes.

The tall sailing ship seemed a bit closer.

"What's wrong?" said Annie. She splashed after him.

"Your boots, Annie," called Jack.

As he stared at the ship's flag, a chill went through him.

When Jack looked out at the sea again, the ship seemed even closer. Now Jack could see its flag.

Jack glanced around. No sign of Polly. Not in the palm trees. Not on the sunlit sand. Not over the bright blue sea.

"Yikes!" said Annie.

He grabbed the book from his backpack. He looked at the cover. For the first time, he and Annie read the title of the book.

She shrugged. "They'll dry out," she said.

"Oh man," he breathed. He started out of the water.

As soon as Annie hit the sand, she ran toward the ocean. Jack watched her wade into the water. She was still wearing her rain boots.

Jack took off his boots and socks. He put them beside his pack. Then he rolled up his jeans. And ran across the hot sand into the waves.

The flag was black. With a skull and crossbones.

"Where's Polly?" said Annie.

"Pirates of the Caribbean," Jack read aloud.