Journey to the Next Town

Level: B1

It was already late when we set out for the next town, which according to the map was about fifteen miles away on the other side of the hills. There we felt that we would find a bed for the night. Darkness fell soon after we left the village, but luckily we met no one as we drove swiftly along the narrow winding road that led to the hills. As we climbed higher, it became colder and rain began to fall, making it difficult at times to see the road. I asked John, my companion, to drive more slowly.

After we had travelled for about twenty miles, there was still no sign of the town which was marked on the map. We were beginning to get worried. Then, without warning, the car stopped. A quick examination showed that we had run out of petrol. Although we had little food with us, only a few biscuits and some chocolate, we decided to spend the night in the car.

Our meal was soon over. I tried to go to sleep at once, but John, who was a poor sleeper, got out of the car after a few minutes and went for a walk up the hill. Soon he came running back. From the top of the hill he had seen, in the valley below, the lights of the town we were looking for. We at once unloaded all our luggage and, with a great effort, managed to push the car to the top of the hill. Then we went back for the luggage, loaded the car again and set off down the hill. In less than a quarter of an hour we were in the town, where we found a hotel quite easily.

Glossary

according to- as stated or reported by someone or something

at once- immediately, without delay

companion- a person who travels with you

darkness fell- it became dark quickly and suddenly

examination- looking at or considering something carefully

load- to put a large quantity of things or people onto or into something

luckily- by good luck, fortunately

run out of- to use up or finish the supply of something

set off- to begin a journey 

set out- to leave a place and begin a journey

swiftly- quickly, rapidly, fast

unload- to remove things from a vehicle or ship

valley- an area of low land between hills or mountains

winding- having a curving and twisting shape