One day, Raul was miles away from the small ranch(牧场) house in a large valley. everything seemed to be all right, yet he felt strange and somewhat uneasy. The wind had picked up, and angry, dark clouds rolled across the sky. He could smell the rain coming. And it did. suddenly ,the lightning flashed through the clouds, nearly blinding Raul. The thunder(雷声) was so loud that he buried his head in his hands and rubbed his eyes. Then he heard it. Hoofbeats(蹄声).He looked up .There before him stood a tall, white ho
orse . An old man stared down at him from its back.
“Wh-wh-who are y-y-you?”asked Raul.“My name is Gray Cloud,”the old man answered slowed .“Come with me.”
Raul followed on his horse. A strange feeling came over him. All around them the rain was pouring down, yet not a drop fell on them. They seemed to be heading back toward Raul's home. Raul lost track of time. Then all at once he found hinself at the ranch gate. The old man turned his horse, waved his hand, and smiled. Lightning flashed again. The old man and his horse were gone .
Raul's father ran out across the yard to meet him.“We have been worried sick about you. Are you okay? Hurry. Let's get in out of the rain .”
“Wait,”said Raul.“Have you ever heard of an old man called Gray Cloud?”
“Can't say I … wait. I remember my great-grandfather used to tell storied about a man called Gray Cloud. He died a long time ago. They say he was struck by lightning during a terrible thunderstorm. Why do you ask?”