The Hidden Compass- 適合初級的英語短篇故事

Soft morning light slowly filled the small harbor.

Leo, a young sailor, walked toward his old boat. He wanted to repaint the cracked wood before noon. Fresh paint waited in a bucket near the mast.

First, he needed to remove a tough knot in a rope. He pulled hard, but the knot refused to move. Leo pushed a wrench under the twist to tackle the knot. The wrench slipped, and a paint can rolled across deck. The rolling can hit a toolbox, knocking it against the rail. The rail shook, and an old wooden box fell open.

Small objects scattered, but one item landed near Leo's shoe. He picked it up and brushed away grey dust. It was a rare silver compass, still bright after many years. Discovering the compass helped him overcome the morning trouble. Smiling, Leo stored the compass safely inside his cabin. Then he pulled the rope again and the knot loosened. Paint cans now stood still, and tools rested in place. Leo dipped his brush and touched the first plank.

柔和的晨光慢慢灑滿小港口。

年輕水手利奧走向他的舊船。他想在中午前重新粉刷裂開的木板。新漆桶已放在桅桿旁。

首先，他得解開繩上的死結。利奧用力拉，但結仍不動。他把扳手塞進扭曲處想處理結，可扳手滑脫，漆罐沿甲板滾動。罐子撞到工具箱，又把工具箱撞向欄杆。欄杆晃動，一只舊木盒掉落並打開。

小東西散落，但有一件掉在利奧鞋邊。他撿起並拂去灰塵。那是一個罕見的銀羅盤，多年仍閃亮。找到羅盤讓他順利度過早晨的小麻煩。利奧微笑，把羅盤安全放進船艙。接著他再次拉繩，結終於鬆了。漆罐和工具安靜地待在原處。利奧沾上油漆，塗上第一塊木板。