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Net bandits
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Chapter III
Abbey School
Ambling(缓行) across the playground, Josh paused to watch a football match that was in progress. He enjoyed football — outdoors and indoors(1). As he watched he reminded himself that he hadn't got around to selling his World Cup game. Now that he knew he could win the trophy every time, it had become dead boring. Maybe there was a better version lurking(2) somewhere on the Internet? He could have a surf around while he waited for Tamsyn.
Decision made, Josh picked up speed and pushed through the doors of the Technology Block. To his surprise, he found that Tamsyn was already at the computer and looking as though she wanted to play football herself — with the screen!
“Don't tell me you are getting hooked(3), Tamsyn?”
“Hooked?” spluttered Tamsyn. “I tell you who should be hooked! This ZMASTER nut!”
“Huh?”said Josh.
Tamsyn explained to him about the e-mail she'd received the previous evening, then about her reply. When, finally, she showed him the note she'd found moments earlier, he couldn't help laughing.
“I think he's taken a shine to you(4),” laughed Josh as he read the note Rob had hurriedly fired off.
Dear Tamsy, (See? I learn fast!)
Time for lesson 2. Your flame — which is what we call the sort of fiery blast you sent me yesterday — was a beauty. Thanks very much. I've added it to my collection. You obviously didn't notice my smiley.
“Huh?” said Tamsyn. “What's he on about?”
“Read the next bit,”grinned Josh.
Come again? I can hear you thinking. What's he on about? What I'm on about is the :-) I put after my name.Remember it? It's the way e-mailers show each other how they're feeling, 'cos it's hard to do that in a note. Turn your head sideways so's it's resting on your left shoulder. See? A :-) looks like a smiley face, and that is what I sent you BECAUSE I WAS JOKING!
If I'd been unhappy, I'd have ended with a L and if I'd been very unhappy I'd have sent a :-( ( Get the idea? OK, question time. What am I now? :-)
Answer tomorrow. Yours, ZMASTER.
(To be continued)
Notes:
1. enjoyed football...and indoors: 指既喜欢在场上踢足球，也喜欢在屋里玩电脑足球游戏。
2. 互联网用语，指潜伏在网上观看别人讨论而自己不参与。
3. get hooked: 着迷
4. take a shine to: 喜欢上
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