When I played with a symphony orchestra, our union reached an agreement with a major airline about which instruments we could carry on board，and which had to be shipped as luggage. A cellist¹ was dismayed to find that his delicate, expensive wood instrument was consigned² to the rougher handling and cold temperatures of the baggage hold.

我在一个交响乐团演奏时，我们乐团与一家大航空公司达成协议，哪些乐器可以带上飞机，哪些要作为行李运送。一个大提琴手惊慌地发现他那精致、昂贵的木质乐器竟要托运，经受行李舱的低温以及野蛮的装卸。

He neatly³ solved the problem. Cello⁴ in hand, he approached the flight attendant at the gate and asked, "May I bring my clarinet on board?” scanning her list, she replied, "Clarinet is okay. Have a good trip,” and, smiling, waved him on.

他干净利索地解决了这个问题。他手里拿着大提琴，走到门口的空中小姐面前，问道:“我可以将我的单簧管带上飞机吗?”她检视了一下单子，答道:“单簧管可以。祝你旅途愉快。”然后微笑着挥手让他进去了。