VOA慢速英语:'A Horseman in the Sky' by Ambrose Bierce

短语讲解：

1. The older man looked at his only son for a moment, too shocked to speak.

look at 看
例句：She was impelled to look at her husband.
她不由自主地看了看丈夫。

2. In fact, if his commanding officer were to see him, he would order Carter shot immediately.

in fact 事实上; 实际上
例句：In fact, I'd like your autograph.
事实上 我想要你的签名。

3. It was his duty to be sure that no enemy soldier, dressed in gray, spied on the valley, where the union army was hiding.

be sure 确信; 诚然
例句：Can we be sure that she's honest?
我们能相信她是诚实的吗?

4. Suddenly, as if a messenger of fate came to touch him on the shoulder, the young man opened his eyes.

as if 好像， 似乎
例句：It looks as if it had set in for a wet day.
看来今天是要下雨了。