Rumor is the most 　1　way of spreading stories—by passing them on from mouth 　2　mouth. But civilized countries in normal times have better 　3　of news than rumor. They have radio, television, and newspapers. In times of stress and 　4　, 　5　, rumor 　6　and becomes widespread. At such 　7　the different kinds of news are in 　8　, the press, television, and radio versus the grapevine. Especially 　9　rumors spread when war requires censorship on many important matters. The customary news sources no longer 　10　enough information. Since the people cannot learn 　11　legitimate channels all 　12　they are anxious to learn, they pick up “news” 　13　they can and when this 　14　, rumor thrives.
　　Rumors are often repeated 　15　by those who do not believe the tales. There is a fascination about them. The reason is 　16　the cleverly designed rumor gives expression to something deep in the hearts of the victims—the fears, suspicions, forbidden hopes, or daydreams that they hesitate to 　17　directly. Pessimistic rumors about defeats and disasters show that the people who repeat them are 　18　and anxious. 　19　rumors about record production or peace soon coming point to complacency or confidence—and often to　20　.
______

A.time

B.the times

C.times

D.the time