Page 56 - Interchange English 5

The hen was scared for the eagle was so strong. Her husband, the cock
had gone out to search for food and her kids had gone away somewhere
FOR SAMPLE ONLY
to play with other children. She lived alone.

Quickly thinking up a way to avoid any quarrel, the hen answered: “I am

willing, but let me first grow wings like yours, so I can fly as high as you.”

The eagle replied: “I will bring nice feathers for you, and as a sign of our
engagement I will give you this ring. Keep it safely. Tie it around your neck
until I return.”

The hen promised to do so, and the eagle flew away.

When the cock met the hen the next day, he was very much surprised and
annoyed to see the ring around her neck. He said: “Where did you get that
ring? I don’t think you love me any more. You promised to be my mate just
a few days ago. If you still want to keep your promise, throw that ring away

immediately.”

The hen did this and the cock regained his cheerfulness.

But as the week came to an end, the eagle came back with beautiful
feathers to dress the hen. The frightened hen hid herself behind her door
but the eagle soon found her out and was about to gift the beautiful dress
to her when he suddenly gave a cry and said: “But where is the ring that I

gave you? Why are you not wearing it?”

The hen was too scared to answer but at last she said, “Forgive me! I lost
it yesterday. I was walking in the garden when I met a large snake. I was
so frightened that I ran back fast. But when I came back, I saw towards
the house. When I reached it I found that I had lost the ring, and I looked
everywhere for it; but alas! I have not yet found it.”

The eagle looked keenly at the hen and said: “I don’t believe one word
of what you have said. You have hurt me badly and have been unfaithful

48 Interchange Communicative English 5