Sample
from


Ghost Stories and Thrillers

Raintree English Readers
Grade 4


retold by

Elizabeth Fowler

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A voice in the night


Just a man

It was a dark, starless night. We were on a small ship in the Pacific Ocean. My friend and captain, Will, was asleep. I was up on deck, on watch. Suddenly a shout came from out of the darkness. 'Ship ahoy!'

I did not answer immediately because I was so astonished. As far as I knew we were nowhere near land. Also the voice did not sound human. It called again from somewhere out on the dark sea.

'Ship ahoy!'

'Hello!' I yelled. 'What are you? What do you want?'

'Don't be afraid,' answered the strange voice. 'I am just a man. I am alone. There is no one else with me.'

'Why don't you come closer?' I asked. I was shaking a little.

'I can't. It wouldn't be safe.' There was silence.

'What do you mean?' I asked. I was becoming more and more amazed. 'Why won't it be safe? Where are you?'

I listened for a minute but there was no answer. I got a lamp, held it up high and stared out into the darkness. I heard a cry and a splash, but I cannot say for sure if I saw anything.

'Hello there!' I called. 'What foolishness is this?' But I only heard the sound of oars splashing in the water as a boat was rowed away.

Then I heard Will's voice. 'What is it? What's all the noise about?' he asked, coming across the deck.

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More of this and other stories in

Ghost Stories and Thrillers
retold by
Elizabeth Fowler

Raintree English Readers
Grade 4
ISBN 967 65 3801 9

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This text is copyright Penerbit Fajar Bakti Sdn. Bhd. (008974-T) 1997.

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If you can read this sample easily, you can enjoy any Raintree English Reader from Grade 1 through to Grade 4.

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