The Treasure in the Forest by H.G. Wells (Pre-Intermediate)

Pre-Intermediate

story

Once upon a time, two treasure seekers named Evans and Hooker set off on an adventurous journey in a small canoe. They paddled through a serene bay toward an untouched island, a place where the lush, deep green forest came close to the beach. The island was surrounded by calm seas, with towering mountains in the distance looking like frozen waves. The sky was bright and clear, making everything beneath it glow.

As they neared the island, Hooker, the man with the carved paddle, stopped paddling. "It should be somewhere around here," he said, stretching his arms straight out. Evans, his companion, sat at the front of the canoe, closely examining a worn, yellow piece of paper—a map. He called Hooker to take a look at it.

"Look, Evans," said Hooker in a low voice, "Here’s the reef, and here’s the gap in it." He pointed to the map. "This curvy line is the river, and this star marks the treasure’s location."

Both men were parched from their journey, and their lips were dry. They studied the land carefully as their canoe drifted slowly. Evans’ eyes were half-closed from exhaustion, and he started dreaming about the treasure they were seeking.

In his dream, Evans saw the night when they had discovered the secret of the treasure. He remembered the moonlit trees, a small fire burning, and three Chinamen talking. They had learned that the treasure was hidden long ago by a shipwrecked crew. The treasure had been reburied by Chang-hi, a Chinaman, who wanted to return for it someday. Evans recalled a fierce struggle where he and Hooker had taken the map from Chang-hi. The dream shifted to a strange and unsettling vision of Chang-hi grinning and threatening him.

Suddenly, Evans woke up. They were entering a lagoon, and Hooker pointed out the landmarks on the map. "We must mark the spot where the river meets the sea," Hooker said.

They paddled to the river mouth, and Hooker tasted the water. "It’s fresh water! Let’s drink," he said. Both men eagerly drank the cool water, relieving their thirst.

Refreshed, they pulled their canoe ashore and walked along the beach until they found the spot marked by a clump of bushes. Evans took a special digging tool from the canoe, while Hooker carried the paddle. They pushed through thick reeds and trees, which soon opened up to a cool, shadowy forest. Tall trees with hanging flowers and swinging vines surrounded them.

"It's almost cold here after the sun outside," said Evans, shivering.

As they walked, they heard the sound of rushing water. "We must be close to the river," Hooker said. They pushed through dense vegetation until they reached a quiet pool in the river. Floating on the water were big leaves and beautiful, waxen flowers.

"Let’s search along the riverbank," said Evans.

As they searched, Evans suddenly stopped and pointed. "Look over there!"

Hooker followed his gaze and saw something blue. It was the figure of a Chinaman lying face down on the ground, with a spade nearby and a pile of stones next to a freshly dug hole.

"Someone has been here before us," said Hooker, his voice trembling.

Evans started to curse and shout angrily, but Hooker approached the hole and saw something glinting in the dirt. "It’s still here!" he cried. Inside the hole were several dull yellow bars—gold ingots. Evans pulled one out, but as he did, a tiny thorn pricked his hand. Ignoring it, he celebrated their find.

"We need to move this gold to the mainland," said Evans. "Let’s carry it to the canoe." He used his jacket to carry the ingots.

As they walked, Evans began to feel weak. "My arms hurt," he said. They set the jacket down and rested. Evans was sweating and breathing heavily.

"Let’s keep moving," urged Hooker.

After a few steps, Evans suddenly dropped the coat and clutched his throat. "Don’t come near me!" he shouted, leaning against a tree.

Hooker watched in horror as Evans’ condition worsened. Evans fell to the ground, convulsing. Hooker saw a small thorn in his own hand, realizing the truth: the thorns were poisoned. It was Chang-hi's trap to protect the treasure.

"Evans!" Hooker cried, but Evans was already silent. Hooker tried to suck the poison out, but it was too late. The pain spread through his body, and he knew he was doomed. He sat down, resting his chin on his hands, and stared at his fallen friend.

High above, a gentle breeze rustled the leaves, and white petals from a flower floated down. Hooker understood Chang-hi’s final, terrible grin and realized that the treasure had claimed its last victims. And so, in the quiet, shadowy forest, the treasure remained hidden, guarded by its deadly secret.

This story warns us about the dangers of greed and the importance of being cautious. Evans and Hooker’s unbridled greed led them to ignore the warnings and ultimately brought about their downfall. It teaches us that wisdom and heedfulness are crucial, and that we should always pay attention to the warnings given by others.

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Words and Idioms

Study it with Flashcard

https://quizlet.com/kr/929052299/the-treasure-in-the-forest-by-hg-wells-flash-cards/?i=3en6ue&x=1qqt

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Treasure (noun) - valuable items such as gold or jewels

Journey (noun) - a trip from one place to another

Canoe (noun) - a small, narrow boat

Serene (adjective) - calm and peaceful

Bay (noun) - a body of water partially enclosed by land

Towering (adjective) - extremely tall or high

Companion (noun) - a person or animal with whom one spends a lot of time

Examining (verb) - looking at something carefully

Reef (noun) - a ridge of rocks or coral near the surface of the sea

Parched (adjective) - very dry, especially from heat

Drifted (verb) - moved slowly, especially as a result of outside forces

Adventurous (adjective) - willing to take risks or try out new methods

Lush (adjective) - growing luxuriantly

Glowed (verb) - emitted a steady light

Carved (adjective) - cut into a desired shape

Scrutinizing (verb) - examining closely and critically

Exhaustion (noun) - extreme tiredness

Unsettling (adjective) - causing worry or anxiety

Threatening (verb) - indicating or showing danger

Lagoon (noun) - a shallow body of water separated from the sea

Eagerly (adverb) - with enthusiasm and interest

Relieving (verb) - making something less unpleasant or painful

Shivering (verb) - shaking slightly and uncontrollably as a result of being cold or frightened

Waxen (adjective) - having a smooth, pale surface like wax

Paddled through a serene bay (verb phrase) - moved a canoe through a calm and peaceful bay

Untouched island (noun phrase) - an island that has not been altered or affected

Frozen waves (metaphor) - describing tall, unmoving mountains

Parched from their journey (adjective phrase) - very thirsty after a long trip

Unsettling vision (noun phrase) - a sight or dream that causes worry or anxiety

Carrying the ingots (verb phrase) - transporting the gold bars

Fell to the ground, convulsing (verb phrase) - collapsed while experiencing uncontrollable muscle movements

Doomed to fail (idiom) - certain to fail or suffer a terrible outcome

Rustled the leaves (verb phrase) - made a soft, light sound caused by movement

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Questions

1. What motivates Evans and Hooker to embark on their journey?

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a) A desire for adventure

b) A need to escape their past

c) The pursuit of hidden treasure

d) A quest for knowledge

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2. How do Evans and Hooker discover the location of the treasure?

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a) They find it by accident while exploring the island

b) They decipher a map they took from Chang-hi

c) They follow the directions given by a local guide

d) They receive a tip from a fellow treasure hunter

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3. What physical condition are Evans and Hooker in when they arrive at the island?

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a) Energetic and full of hope

b) Exhausted and thirsty

c) Scared and hesitant

d) Injured and weak

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4. What is the primary reason for Evans’ sudden illness?

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a) Drinking contaminated water

b) Being bitten by a poisonous snake

c) Pricking his hand on a poisoned thorn

d) Suffering from heatstroke

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5. What does the treasure in the story symbolize?

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a) The rewards of perseverance

b) The dangers of greed

c) The mysteries of the unknown

d) The power of friendship

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6. How does the forest setting contribute to the story’s theme?

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a) It represents the beauty of nature

b) It symbolizes the characters' inner peace

c) It creates a sense of mystery and danger

d) It highlights the contrast between civilization and wilderness

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Short Writing Topics

1. Describe how the author uses the setting of the island to build suspense in the story. Include specific examples from the text.

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2. Discuss the theme of greed in "The Treasure in the Forest" and how it ultimately affects the characters of Evans and Hooker.

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3. Analyze the role of the poisoned thorns in the story. How do they contribute to the overall message H.G. Wells is trying to convey?

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Answer Keys

1. c) The pursuit of hidden treasure

2. b) They decipher a map they took from Chang-hi

3. b) Exhausted and thirsty

4. c) Pricking his hand on a poisoned thorn

5. b) The dangers of greed

6. c) It creates a sense of mystery and danger

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Sample Writing

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1. H.G. Wells masterfully uses the setting of the island to build suspense throughout "The Treasure in the Forest." The serene yet mysterious description of the island sets an ominous tone, suggesting hidden dangers. As Evans and Hooker push through the thick, shadowy forest, the dense vegetation and the quiet, almost eerie atmosphere heighten the tension. The sudden discovery of the Chinaman's body in a clear space among the trees introduces a shocking and unsettling element, intensifying the sense of peril. The looming mountains, described as frozen waves, create a feeling of isolation, reinforcing the characters' vulnerability. These elements combined keep readers on edge, anticipating the next twist in the story.

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2. The theme of greed is central to "The Treasure in the Forest" and profoundly impacts Evans and Hooker. Their relentless pursuit of the hidden treasure, driven by greed, blinds them to the potential dangers they face. This single-minded obsession leads them into a deadly trap set by Chang-hi, who cunningly uses poisoned thorns to protect the treasure. Their inability to heed any warning signs or consider the consequences of their actions demonstrates how greed can cloud judgment. Ultimately, this unchecked greed results in their tragic demise, serving as a powerful warning about the destructive power of avarice. Wells uses their fate to illustrate the moral that greed often leads to one's downfall.

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3. The poisoned thorns in "The Treasure in the Forest" are a critical symbol that encapsulates the story’s message about the dangers of greed. These thorns, strategically placed by Chang-hi, serve as a deadly deterrent to protect the treasure. Their presence signifies that the treasure is not merely a reward but a perilous trap for those driven by avarice. When Evans and Hooker fall victim to the thorns, it underscores the idea that greed can lead to self-destruction. The thorns also highlight the cunning and foresight of Chang-hi, contrasting with the reckless greed of Evans and Hooker. Through this symbol, Wells conveys a powerful moral lesson: the pursuit of wealth without caution or moral consideration can lead to catastrophic consequences.

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