環球訊息：A blessing in disguise?(L58)

(資料圖)

The tiny village of Frinley is said to possess a cursed tree. Because the tree was mentioned in a newspaper, the number of visitors to Frinley has now increased. The tree was planted near the church fifty years ago, but it is only in recent years that it has gained an evil reputation.

據說弗林利的一個小村莊有一棵被詛咒的樹。由于這棵樹已經見報，現在去到弗林利的游客數目就增加了。這棵樹在50年前栽種在了教堂附近，但是只有這幾年才得到了這個惡評。

It is said that if anyone touches the tree, he will have bad luck; if he picks a leaf, he will die. Many villagers believe that the tree has already claimed a number of victims. The vicar has been asked to have the tree cut down, but so far he has refused.

據說如果某人摸了這棵樹，他會得到厄運；如果他撿了一片葉子，他就會死掉。許多村民相信這棵樹已經有了很多受害者。人們已經要求牧師把這棵樹砍倒，但至今都被拒絕。

He has pointed out that the tree is a useful source of income, as tourists have been coming from all parts of the country to see it. In spite of all that has been said, the tourists have been picking leaves and cutting their names on the tree-trunk. So far, not one of them has been struck down by sudden death!

他說這棵樹是收入的有效來源，因為全國的游客都絡繹不絕地看它。即使有各種說法，游客們仍然絡繹不絕地拾取葉子并把他們的名字刻在樹干上。至今為止，還沒有一個人暴死呢！

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