9. The Amazing Ride
Magic Tree House 1: Dinosaurs Before Dark / 神奇树屋 / 魔法树屋 / 1: 恐龙谷大冒险1The Pteranodon coasted down to the ground.
2He stared at Jack with his bright, alert eyes.
3What was Jack supposed to do? Climb on? “But I’m too heavy,” thought Jack.
4Don’t think. Just do it.
5Jack looked at the Tyrannosaurus.
6He was starting up the hill. His giant teeth were flashing in the sunlight.
7Okay. Don’t think. Just do it!
8Jack put his book in his pack. Then he eased down onto the Pteranodon’s back.
9He held on tightly.
10The creature moved forward. He spread out his wings—and lifted off the ground!
11They teetered this way. Then that.
12Jack nearly fell off.
13The Pteranodon steadied himself, then rose into the sky.
14Jack looked down. The Tyrannosaurus was chomping the air and staring up at him.
15The Pteranodon glided away.
16He sailed over the hilltop.
17He circled over the valley. Over all the nests filled with babies. Over all the giant duck-billed dinosaurs.
18Then the Pteranodon soared out over the plain—over the Triceratops who was grazing in the high grass.
19It was amazing! It was a miracle!
20Jack felt like a bird. As light as a feather.
21The wind was rushing through his hair. The air smelled sweet and fresh.
22He whooped. He laughed.
23Jack couldn’t believe it. He was riding on the back of an ancient flying reptile!
24The Pteranodon sailed over the stream, over the ferns and bushes.
25Then he carried Jack down to the base of the oak tree.
26When they came to a stop, Jack slid off the creature’s back. And landed on the ground.
27Then the Pteranodon took off again and glided into the sky.
28“Bye, Henry,” whispered Jack.
29“Are you okay?” Annie shouted from the tree house.
30Jack pushed his glasses into place. He kept staring up at the Pteranodon.
31“Jack, are you okay?” Annie called.
32Jack looked up at Annie. He smiled.
33“Thanks for saving my life,” he said. “That was really fun.” “Climb up!” said Annie.
34Jack tried to stand. His legs were wobbly.
35He felt a bit dizzy.
36“Hurry!” shouted Annie. “He’s coming!”
37Jack looked around. The Tyrannosaurus was heading straight toward him!
38Jack bolted to the ladder. He grabbed the sides and started up.
39“Hurry! Hurry!” screamed Annie.
40Jack scrambled into the tree house.
41“He’s coming toward the tree!” Annie cried.
42Suddenly something slammed against the oak tree. The tree house shook like a leaf.
43Jack and Annie tumbled into the books.
44“Make a wish!” cried Annie.
45“We need the book! The one with the picture of Frog Creek!” said Jack.
46“Where is it?”
47He pushed some books aside. He had to find that book about Pennsylvania.
48There it was!
49He grabbed it and tore through it, looking for the photograph of the Frog Creek woods.
50He found it! Jack pointed to the picture.
51“I wish we could go home!” he shouted.
52The wind began to moan. Softly at first.
53“Hurry!” Jack yelled.
54The wind picked up. It was whistling now.
55The tree house started to spin.
56It spun faster and faster.
57Jack closed his eyes. He held on tightly to Annie.
58Then everything was still.
59Absolutely still.