Read Chapter 3: “The War Cemetery,” here!
The Lesters left the car in a parking lot and then walked to the nearby river.
“Is this the River Kwai?” asked Brandon.
“Yes, it is,” replied Alice.
There were a few other tourists at the pier. They were waiting for the raft. The Lesters joined that group and waited patiently. After only ten minutes, Brandon exclaimed, “Look, there it is,” pointing at a raft that was coming down the river.
The raft stopped near the pier. The guide greeted the tourists, and asked them to put on the life jackets.
“But I can swim,” objected Brandon.
“It is the company’s rule that every passenger on the raft has to wear a life jacket. It’s for your own protection,” the guide explained.
“You’d better listen,” said Alice. “He knows better than you.”
Everybody put on the life jackets and got onto the raft. It was made of bamboo trees. The guide, sitting in front of the raft, started rowing with only one big oar. The rest of the passengers just had to enjoy the ride. The raft was advancing very slowly, but the Lesters admired the view and the many restaurants built on poles by the river.
“This trip reminds me of the book I’m reading now,” said Alice.
“What’s the title of the book?” asked Brandon.
“It’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Fin.”
“Who wrote the book?” asked Brandon, becoming interested.
“It was written by Mark Twain, a famous American author,” replied Alice.
“What is it about?”
“It is the story of a boy, Huck, and a Negro slave, Jim. The main action takes place on the Mississippi River. The two travel down river on a raft and hope to arrive in a town where Jim will be free,” explained Alice.
“Oh, it’s like our trip. Only that we want to arrive at a bridge,” exclaimed Brandon. “Did they get to their destination?”
“I don’t know, I haven’t finished the book yet,” said Alice.
“When you finish it, tell me how it ends,” commanded Brandon.
“No, I won’t. You should read it by yourself,” replied Alice.
“Yes Brandon, Alice is right,” interfered Mom.
“Reading books is the best way to learn new things about the world,” said Dad.
“Everybody, look. The bridge!” exclaimed one of the other passengers.
Illustration by Eric Barrientos
