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A Bookful of Girls
A Bookful of Girls

Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

Chapter 8 of A Bookful of Girls is here in full — 186 sentences across 38 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/37 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
WESTWARD HO!
"Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.
"Pike's Peak or Bust!"
No one looking into the bright young faces turned so bravely westward ho! could have had any doubt as to which of the two alternatives hinted at in that picturesque motto would be fulfilled for them.
On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

A Bookful of Girls

Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

Chapter 8 of A Bookful of Girls is here in full — 186 sentences across 38 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/37 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
WESTWARD HO!
/ˈwestwərd hoʊ/
Line 2
"Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.
Line 3
"Pike's Peak or Bust!"
Line 4
No one looking into the bright young faces turned so bravely westward ho! could have had any doubt as to which of the two alternatives hinted at in that picturesque motto would be fulfilled for them.
/noʊ wʌn ˈlʊkɪŋ ˈɪntuː ðə braɪt jʌŋ ˈfeɪsəz tɜːrnd soʊ ˈbreɪvli ˈwestwərd hoʊ kʊd hæv hæd ˈeni daʊt æz tuː wɪtʃ ʌv ðə tuː ɔːlˈtɜːrnətɪvz ˈhɪntəd æt ɪn ðæt ˈpɪktʃərəsk ˈmɑːtoʊ wʊd biː fʊlˈfɪld fɔːr ðem/
Line 5
On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.
/ɑːn ðeɪ ˈdʒɜːrnid ɑːn ənd ɑːn pæst ˈpɑːpjələs ˈsɪtiz əˈkrɔːs ɡreɪt ˈrɪvərz ˈoʊvər væst pleɪnz braʊn wɪð læst jɪrz ˈstʌbəl ɔːr waɪt wɪð ˈnuːli ˈfɑːlən snoʊ tɪl æt læst ðer keɪm ə ˈmɔːrnɪŋ wen ðeɪ əˈwoʊk ɪn ðə ˈtɪŋɡəlɪŋ dɔːn ənd ˈlʊkɪŋ fɔːrθ əˈkrɔːs maɪlz ʌv ˈʃædoʊi ˈpreri biˈheld ə ɡreɪt waɪt doʊm kʌt klɪr əˈɡenst ə ˈsæfaɪər skaɪ/

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

alternatives noun US /ɔːlˈtɜːrnətɪvz/

plural of “alternative” — one of a number of things from which only one can be chosen

From this reading “No one looking into the bright young faces turned so bravely westward ho! could have had any doubt as to which of the two alternatives hinted at in that picturesque motto would be fulfilled for them.”

intervening adjective US /ˌɪntərˈviːnɪŋ/

occurring or falling between events or points in time

From this reading “"Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.”

journeyed verb US /ˈdʒɜːrnid/

past form of “journey” — undertake a journey or trip

From this reading “"Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.”

marauders noun US /mərˈɔːdərz/

plural of “marauder” — someone who attacks in search of booty

From this reading “"Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.”

populous adjective US /ˈpɑːpjələs/

densely populated

From this reading “On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.”

sapphire adjective US /ˈsæfaɪər/

of something having the color of a blue sapphire

From this reading “On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.”

stubble noun US /ˈstʌbəl/

material consisting of seed coverings and small pieces of stem or leaves that have been separated from the seeds

From this reading “On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.”

tingling adjective US /ˈtɪŋɡəlɪŋ/

exciting by touching lightly so as to cause laughter or twitching movements

From this reading “On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.”

All words in this reading · 119

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/

from one side of something to the other

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

agoadverbUS /əˈɡoʊ/

in the past

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

alternativesnounUS /ɔːlˈtɜːrnətɪvz/

plural of “alternative” — one of a number of things from which only one can be chosen

From this reading No one looking into the bright young faces turned so bravely westward ho! could have had any doubt as to which of the two alternatives hinted at in that picturesque motto would be fulfilled for them.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading No one looking into the bright young faces turned so bravely westward ho! could have had any doubt as to which of the two alternatives hinted at in that picturesque motto would be fulfilled for them.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

awokeverbUS /əˈwoʊk/

inflected form of “awake” — stop sleeping

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading No one looking into the bright young faces turned so bravely westward ho! could have had any doubt as to which of the two alternatives hinted at in that picturesque motto would be fulfilled for them.

beheldverbUS /biˈheld/

inflected form of “behold” — see with attention

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

bravelyadverbUS /ˈbreɪvli/

in a courageous manner

From this reading No one looking into the bright young faces turned so bravely westward ho! could have had any doubt as to which of the two alternatives hinted at in that picturesque motto would be fulfilled for them.

brightadjectiveUS /braɪt/

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading No one looking into the bright young faces turned so bravely westward ho! could have had any doubt as to which of the two alternatives hinted at in that picturesque motto would be fulfilled for them.

brownnounUS /braʊn/

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

BustverbUS /bʌst/

ruin completely

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

cameverbUS /keɪm/

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

cavalrynounUS /ˈkævəlri/

troops trained to fight on horseback

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

chosennounUS /ˈtʃoʊzən/

one who is the object of choice; who is given preference

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

citiesnounUS /ˈsɪtiz/

plural of “city” — a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

clearverbUS /klɪr/

rid of obstructions

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

continentnounUS /ˈkɑːntənənt/

one of the large landmasses of the earth

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading No one looking into the bright young faces turned so bravely westward ho! could have had any doubt as to which of the two alternatives hinted at in that picturesque motto would be fulfilled for them.

couragenounUS /ˈkɜːrədʒ/

a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

crossedadjectiveUS /krɔːst/

placed crosswise

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

cutverbUS /kʌt/

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

Dan

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

dawnnounUS /dɔːn/

the first light of day

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

distancenounUS /ˈdɪstəns/

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

domenounUS /doʊm/

a concave shape whose distinguishing characteristic is that the concavity faces downward

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

doubtnounUS /daʊt/

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading No one looking into the bright young faces turned so bravely westward ho! could have had any doubt as to which of the two alternatives hinted at in that picturesque motto would be fulfilled for them.

earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

easeverbUS /iːz/

move gently or carefully

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

escortedverbUS /eˈskɔːrtɪd/

past form of “escort” — accompany as an escort

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

facesnounUS /ˈfeɪsəz/

plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading No one looking into the bright young faces turned so bravely westward ho! could have had any doubt as to which of the two alternatives hinted at in that picturesque motto would be fulfilled for them.

fallenadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːlən/

having dropped by the force of gravity

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

Fieldham

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading No one looking into the bright young faces turned so bravely westward ho! could have had any doubt as to which of the two alternatives hinted at in that picturesque motto would be fulfilled for them.

forthadverbUS /fɔːrθ/

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

fulfilledadjectiveUS /fʊlˈfɪld/

completed to perfection

From this reading No one looking into the bright young faces turned so bravely westward ho! could have had any doubt as to which of the two alternatives hinted at in that picturesque motto would be fulfilled for them.

goalnounUS /ɡoʊl/

the state of affairs that a plan is intended to achieve and that (when achieved) terminates behavior intended to achieve it

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

greateradjectiveUS /ˈɡreɪtər/

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

guardnounUS /ɡɑːrd/

a person who keeps watch over something or someone

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading No one looking into the bright young faces turned so bravely westward ho! could have had any doubt as to which of the two alternatives hinted at in that picturesque motto would be fulfilled for them.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading No one looking into the bright young faces turned so bravely westward ho! could have had any doubt as to which of the two alternatives hinted at in that picturesque motto would be fulfilled for them.

hintedverbUS /ˈhɪntəd/

past form of “hint” — drop a hint; intimate by a hint

From this reading No one looking into the bright young faces turned so bravely westward ho! could have had any doubt as to which of the two alternatives hinted at in that picturesque motto would be fulfilled for them.

HOnounUS /hoʊ/

a trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group; occurs together with yttrium; forms highly magnetic compounds

From this reading WESTWARD HO!

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

IndianadjectiveUS /ˈɪndiən/

of or relating to or characteristic of India or the East Indies or their peoples or languages or cultures

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

interveningadjectiveUS /ˌɪntərˈviːnɪŋ/

occurring or falling between events or points in time

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading No one looking into the bright young faces turned so bravely westward ho! could have had any doubt as to which of the two alternatives hinted at in that picturesque motto would be fulfilled for them.

journeyedverbUS /ˈdʒɜːrnid/

past form of “journey” — undertake a journey or trip

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

keepverbUS /kiːp/

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

lastadjectiveUS /læst/

immediately past

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

lessadverbUS /les/

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

lookingnounUS /ˈlʊkɪŋ/

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading No one looking into the bright young faces turned so bravely westward ho! could have had any doubt as to which of the two alternatives hinted at in that picturesque motto would be fulfilled for them.

maraudersnounUS /mərˈɔːdərz/

plural of “marauder” — someone who attacks in search of booty

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

milesnounUS /maɪlz/

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

modernadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːdərn/

belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

morningnounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

mottonounUS /ˈmɑːtoʊ/

a favorite saying of a sect or political group

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

newlyadverbUS /ˈnuːli/

very recently

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

OnprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading No one looking into the bright young faces turned so bravely westward ho! could have had any doubt as to which of the two alternatives hinted at in that picturesque motto would be fulfilled for them.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

pastnounUS /pæst/

the time that has elapsed

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

PeaknounUS /piːk/

the most extreme possible amount or value

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

picturesqueadjectiveUS /ˈpɪktʃərəsk/

suggesting or suitable for a picture; pretty as a picture

From this reading No one looking into the bright young faces turned so bravely westward ho! could have had any doubt as to which of the two alternatives hinted at in that picturesque motto would be fulfilled for them.

Pike's

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

pilgrimsnounUS /ˈpɪlɡrəmz/

plural of “pilgrim” — someone who journeys in foreign lands

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

plainsnounUS /pleɪnz/

plural of “plain” — extensive tract of level open land

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

Polly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

populousadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːpjələs/

densely populated

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

prairienounUS /ˈpreri/

a treeless grassy plain

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

respectfuladjectiveUS /rɪˈspektfəl/

full of or exhibiting respect

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

riversnounUS /ˈrɪvərz/

plural of “river” — a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

sapphireadjectiveUS /ˈsæfaɪər/

of something having the color of a blue sapphire

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

schoonernounUS /ˈskuːnər/

a large beer glass

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

shadowyadjectiveUS /ˈʃædoʊi/

filled with shade

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

skynounUS /skaɪ/

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

snownounUS /snoʊ/

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading No one looking into the bright young faces turned so bravely westward ho! could have had any doubt as to which of the two alternatives hinted at in that picturesque motto would be fulfilled for them.

stubblenounUS /ˈstʌbəl/

material consisting of seed coverings and small pieces of stem or leaves that have been separated from the seeds

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading No one looking into the bright young faces turned so bravely westward ho! could have had any doubt as to which of the two alternatives hinted at in that picturesque motto would be fulfilled for them.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading No one looking into the bright young faces turned so bravely westward ho! could have had any doubt as to which of the two alternatives hinted at in that picturesque motto would be fulfilled for them.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

thirty-odd

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

thousandnounUS /ˈθaʊzənd/

the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

tillprepositionUS /tɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

tinglingadjectiveUS /ˈtɪŋɡəlɪŋ/

exciting by touching lightly so as to cause laughter or twitching movements

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

turnedadjectiveUS /tɜːrnd/

moved around an axis or center

From this reading No one looking into the bright young faces turned so bravely westward ho! could have had any doubt as to which of the two alternatives hinted at in that picturesque motto would be fulfilled for them.

twonounUS /tuː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

vastadjectiveUS /væst/

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

venturesomenessnoun

the trait of being adventurous

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

WESTWARDadverbUS /ˈwestwərd/

toward the west

From this reading WESTWARD HO!

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading No one looking into the bright young faces turned so bravely westward ho! could have had any doubt as to which of the two alternatives hinted at in that picturesque motto would be fulfilled for them.

whitenounUS /waɪt/

a Caucasian

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading No one looking into the bright young faces turned so bravely westward ho! could have had any doubt as to which of the two alternatives hinted at in that picturesque motto would be fulfilled for them.

year'snounUS /jɪrz/

possessive form of “year” — a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading On they journeyed, on and on, past populous cities, across great rivers, over vast plains brown with last year's stubble or white with newly fallen snow, till at last there came a morning when they awoke in the tingling dawn, and, looking forth across miles of shadowy prairie, beheld a great white dome cut clear against a sapphire sky.

yearsnounUS /jɪrz/

a late time of life

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

youngadjectiveUS /jʌŋ/

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the chosen motto of those early pilgrims who, thirty-odd years ago, crossed the continent in a "prairie schooner," escorted by a cavalry guard to keep Indian marauders at a respectful distance; and "Pike's Peak or Bust!" was the motto chosen by Polly and Dan, our two young modern pilgrims, as they journeyed with greater ease, but with no less courage and venturesomeness, across the two thousand miles intervening between quiet Fieldham and their goal.

Chapter 8 of A Bookful of Girls by Anna Fuller holds 186 sentences, grouped into 38 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 8 of A Bookful of Girls contain?

Chapter 8 holds 186 sentences of A Bookful of Girls, unabridged, divided into 38 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 8 of A Bookful of Girls by Anna Fuller exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 186 sentences, grouped into 38 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 8 of A Bookful of Girls?

Work through the 38 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 38 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 8 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 8 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading A Bookful of Girls

Common questions about reading A Bookful of Girls by Anna Fuller on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of A Bookful of Girls?

Yes. All 2258 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #28538 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of A Bookful of Girls is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #28538, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does A Bookful of Girls take to read?

About 188 minutes of reading across 452 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read A Bookful of Girls section by section

How to work through A Bookful of Girls section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 11 chapters of A Bookful of Girls to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in A Bookful of Girls

Words and structures a reader meets early in A Bookful of Girls, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Crow's
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Bookful of Girls; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Never
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Bookful of Girls; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Happened
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Bookful of Girls; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Blythe
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Bookful of Girls; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.