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A Hoodoo Machine
A Hoodoo Machine

Chapter V · The Unexpected

Chapter V of A Hoodoo Machine, “The Unexpected,” is here in full — 132 sentences across 27 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/26 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
The unexpected happened at least twice to the motor boys between ten-thirty and eleven o’clock that Thursday morning.
First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.
There was not much talk between the boys during the ride.
McGlory was concerned with his Pauper’s Dream reflections--and Matt had reflections of his own.
Besides his thoughts, which were none too agreeable, Matt had to recall Billy’s instructions for finding the way, and also to be on the alert for any sudden tantrum on the part of the runabout.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

A Hoodoo Machine

Chapter V · The Unexpected

Chapter V of A Hoodoo Machine, “The Unexpected,” is here in full — 132 sentences across 27 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/26 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
The unexpected happened at least twice to the motor boys between ten-thirty and eleven o’clock that Thursday morning.
Line 2
First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.
Line 3
There was not much talk between the boys during the ride.
/ðer wɑːz nɑːt mʌtʃ tɔːk bɪˈtwiːn ðə bɔɪz ˈdʊrɪŋ ðə raɪd/
Line 4
McGlory was concerned with hisPauper’s Dreamreflections--and Matt had reflections of his own.
Line 5
Besides his thoughts, which were none too agreeable, Matt had to recall Billy’s instructions for finding the way, and also to be on the alert for any sudden tantrum on the part of the runabout.
/bɪˈsaɪdz hɪz θɔːts wɪtʃ wɜːr nʌn tuː əˈɡriːəbəl mæt hæd tuː ˈriːkɔːl ˈbɪliz ˌɪnˈstrʌkʃənz fɔːr ˈfaɪndɪŋ ðə weɪ ənd ˈɔːlsoʊ tuː biː ɑːn ðə əˈlɜːrt fɔːr ˈeni ˈsʌdən ˈtæntrəm ɑːn ðə pɑːrt ʌv ðə ˈrʌnəbaʊt/

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.

Billy's noun US /ˈbɪliz/

possessive form of “billy” — a short stout club used primarily by policemen

deposited verb US /dəˈpɑːzɪtɪd/

past form of “deposit” — put, fix, force, or implant

From this reading “First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.”

garage noun US /ɡərˈɑːʒ/

an outbuilding (or part of a building) for housing automobiles

From this reading “First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.”

handsomely adverb US /ˈhænsəmli/

in an attractively handsome manner

From this reading “First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.”

Matt noun US /mæt/

the property of having little or no contrast; lacking highlights or gloss

From this reading “McGlory was concerned with his “Pauper’s Dream” reflections--and Matt had reflections of his own.”

runabout noun US /ˈrʌnəbaʊt/

an open automobile having a front seat and a rumble seat

From this reading “First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.”

tantrum noun US /ˈtæntrəm/

a display of bad temper

From this reading “Besides his thoughts, which were none too agreeable, Matt had to recall Billy’s instructions for finding the way, and also to be on the alert for any sudden tantrum on the part of the runabout.”

Thursday noun US /ˈθɜːrzdeɪ/

the fifth day of the week; the fourth working day

From this reading “The unexpected happened at least twice to the motor boys between ten-thirty and eleven o’clock that Thursday morning.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

five minutes noun + noun

In this reading “First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.”

naturally expected adverb + adjective

In this reading “First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.”

Country Club noun + noun

a suburban club for recreation and socializing

In this reading “First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.”

carried out verb + adjective counted as “carry out”

put in effect

In this reading “First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.”

on the part preposition + article + noun counted as “on … part”

In this reading “Besides his thoughts, which were none too agreeable, Matt had to recall Billy’s instructions for finding the way, and also to be on the alert for any sudden tantrum on the part of the runabout.”

All words in this reading · 80

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.

agreeableadjectiveUS /əˈɡriːəbəl/

conforming to your own liking or feelings or nature

From this reading Besides his thoughts, which were none too agreeable, Matt had to recall Billy’s instructions for finding the way, and also to be on the alert for any sudden tantrum on the part of the runabout.

alertadjectiveUS /əˈlɜːrt/

engaged in or accustomed to close observation

From this reading Besides his thoughts, which were none too agreeable, Matt had to recall Billy’s instructions for finding the way, and also to be on the alert for any sudden tantrum on the part of the runabout.

alsoadverbUS /ˈɔːlsoʊ/

in addition

From this reading Besides his thoughts, which were none too agreeable, Matt had to recall Billy’s instructions for finding the way, and also to be on the alert for any sudden tantrum on the part of the runabout.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading The unexpected happened at least twice to the motor boys between ten-thirty and eleven o’clock that Thursday morning.

anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Besides his thoughts, which were none too agreeable, Matt had to recall Billy’s instructions for finding the way, and also to be on the alert for any sudden tantrum on the part of the runabout.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The unexpected happened at least twice to the motor boys between ten-thirty and eleven o’clock that Thursday morning.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Besides his thoughts, which were none too agreeable, Matt had to recall Billy’s instructions for finding the way, and also to be on the alert for any sudden tantrum on the part of the runabout.

BesidesprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪdz/

in addition to; as well as

From this reading Besides his thoughts, which were none too agreeable, Matt had to recall Billy’s instructions for finding the way, and also to be on the alert for any sudden tantrum on the part of the runabout.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading The unexpected happened at least twice to the motor boys between ten-thirty and eleven o’clock that Thursday morning.

Billy'snounUS /ˈbɪliz/

possessive form of “billy” — a short stout club used primarily by policemen

From this reading Besides his thoughts, which were none too agreeable, Matt had to recall Billy’s instructions for finding the way, and also to be on the alert for any sudden tantrum on the part of the runabout.

boysnounUS /bɔɪz/

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading The unexpected happened at least twice to the motor boys between ten-thirty and eleven o’clock that Thursday morning.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.

carriedverbUS /ˈkærid/

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.

ClubnounUS /klʌb/

a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together

From this reading First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.

concernedadjectiveUS /kənˈsɜːrnd/

feeling or showing worry or solicitude

From this reading McGlory was concerned with his “Pauper’s Dream” reflections--and Matt had reflections of his own.

CountrynounUS /ˈkʌntri/

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.

depositedverbUS /dəˈpɑːzɪtɪd/

past form of “deposit” — put, fix, force, or implant

From this reading First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.

DreamnounUS /driːm/

A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.

From this reading McGlory was concerned with his “Pauper’s Dream” reflections--and Matt had reflections of his own.

duringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading There was not much talk between the boys during the ride.

elevenadjectiveUS /ɪˈlevən/

being one more than ten

From this reading The unexpected happened at least twice to the motor boys between ten-thirty and eleven o’clock that Thursday morning.

expectedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspektəd/

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.

findingnounUS /ˈfaɪndɪŋ/

the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation

From this reading Besides his thoughts, which were none too agreeable, Matt had to recall Billy’s instructions for finding the way, and also to be on the alert for any sudden tantrum on the part of the runabout.

FirstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.

fivenounUS /faɪv/

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Besides his thoughts, which were none too agreeable, Matt had to recall Billy’s instructions for finding the way, and also to be on the alert for any sudden tantrum on the part of the runabout.

garagenounUS /ɡərˈɑːʒ/

an outbuilding (or part of a building) for housing automobiles

From this reading First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading McGlory was concerned with his “Pauper’s Dream” reflections--and Matt had reflections of his own.

handsomelyadverbUS /ˈhænsəmli/

in an attractively handsome manner

From this reading First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.

happenedverbUS /ˈhæpənd/

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading The unexpected happened at least twice to the motor boys between ten-thirty and eleven o’clock that Thursday morning.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading McGlory was concerned with his “Pauper’s Dream” reflections--and Matt had reflections of his own.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.

instructionsnounUS /ˌɪnˈstrʌkʃənz/

a manual usually accompanying a technical device and explaining how to install or operate it

From this reading Besides his thoughts, which were none too agreeable, Matt had to recall Billy’s instructions for finding the way, and also to be on the alert for any sudden tantrum on the part of the runabout.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.

leastadjectiveUS /liːst/

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading The unexpected happened at least twice to the motor boys between ten-thirty and eleven o’clock that Thursday morning.

Malvern

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

From this reading First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.

MattnounUS /mæt/

the property of having little or no contrast; lacking highlights or gloss

From this reading McGlory was concerned with his “Pauper’s Dream” reflections--and Matt had reflections of his own.

McGlory

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

From this reading McGlory was concerned with his “Pauper’s Dream” reflections--and Matt had reflections of his own.

minutesnounUS /ˈmɪnəts/

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.

morningnounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading The unexpected happened at least twice to the motor boys between ten-thirty and eleven o’clock that Thursday morning.

motornounUS /ˈmoʊtər/

machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion

From this reading The unexpected happened at least twice to the motor boys between ten-thirty and eleven o’clock that Thursday morning.

muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading There was not much talk between the boys during the ride.

naturallyadverbUS /ˈnætʃərəli/

as might be expected

From this reading First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.

nonepronounUS /nʌn/

not one, and not any

From this reading Besides his thoughts, which were none too agreeable, Matt had to recall Billy’s instructions for finding the way, and also to be on the alert for any sudden tantrum on the part of the runabout.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading There was not much talk between the boys during the ride.

o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/

according to the clock

From this reading The unexpected happened at least twice to the motor boys between ten-thirty and eleven o’clock that Thursday morning.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Besides his thoughts, which were none too agreeable, Matt had to recall Billy’s instructions for finding the way, and also to be on the alert for any sudden tantrum on the part of the runabout.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.

ownverbUS /oʊn/

have ownership or possession of

From this reading McGlory was concerned with his “Pauper’s Dream” reflections--and Matt had reflections of his own.

partnounUS /pɑːrt/

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Besides his thoughts, which were none too agreeable, Matt had to recall Billy’s instructions for finding the way, and also to be on the alert for any sudden tantrum on the part of the runabout.

Pauper's

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

From this reading McGlory was concerned with his “Pauper’s Dream” reflections--and Matt had reflections of his own.

preciselyadverbUS /prɪˈsaɪsli/

indicating exactness or preciseness

From this reading First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.

recallverbUS /ˈriːkɔːl/

recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading Besides his thoughts, which were none too agreeable, Matt had to recall Billy’s instructions for finding the way, and also to be on the alert for any sudden tantrum on the part of the runabout.

reflectionsnounUS /rɪˈflekʃənz/

plural of “reflection” — a calm, lengthy, intent consideration

From this reading McGlory was concerned with his “Pauper’s Dream” reflections--and Matt had reflections of his own.

rideverbUS /raɪd/

sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions

From this reading There was not much talk between the boys during the ride.

runaboutnounUS /ˈrʌnəbaʊt/

an open automobile having a front seat and a rumble seat

From this reading First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.

suddenadjectiveUS /ˈsʌdən/

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading Besides his thoughts, which were none too agreeable, Matt had to recall Billy’s instructions for finding the way, and also to be on the alert for any sudden tantrum on the part of the runabout.

talkverbUS /tɔːk/

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading There was not much talk between the boys during the ride.

tantrumnounUS /ˈtæntrəm/

a display of bad temper

From this reading Besides his thoughts, which were none too agreeable, Matt had to recall Billy’s instructions for finding the way, and also to be on the alert for any sudden tantrum on the part of the runabout.

ten-thirty

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

From this reading The unexpected happened at least twice to the motor boys between ten-thirty and eleven o’clock that Thursday morning.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The unexpected happened at least twice to the motor boys between ten-thirty and eleven o’clock that Thursday morning.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading The unexpected happened at least twice to the motor boys between ten-thirty and eleven o’clock that Thursday morning.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.

ThereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was not much talk between the boys during the ride.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.

thoughtsnounUS /θɔːts/

plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Besides his thoughts, which were none too agreeable, Matt had to recall Billy’s instructions for finding the way, and also to be on the alert for any sudden tantrum on the part of the runabout.

ThursdaynounUS /ˈθɜːrzdeɪ/

the fifth day of the week; the fourth working day

From this reading The unexpected happened at least twice to the motor boys between ten-thirty and eleven o’clock that Thursday morning.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading The unexpected happened at least twice to the motor boys between ten-thirty and eleven o’clock that Thursday morning.

tooadverbUS /tuː/

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Besides his thoughts, which were none too agreeable, Matt had to recall Billy’s instructions for finding the way, and also to be on the alert for any sudden tantrum on the part of the runabout.

troublenounUS /ˈtrʌbəl/

a source of difficulty

From this reading First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.

twiceadverbUS /twaɪs/

two times

From this reading The unexpected happened at least twice to the motor boys between ten-thirty and eleven o’clock that Thursday morning.

unexpectedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪd/

not expected or anticipated

From this reading The unexpected happened at least twice to the motor boys between ten-thirty and eleven o’clock that Thursday morning.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading There was not much talk between the boys during the ride.

waynounUS /weɪ/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Besides his thoughts, which were none too agreeable, Matt had to recall Billy’s instructions for finding the way, and also to be on the alert for any sudden tantrum on the part of the runabout.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Besides his thoughts, which were none too agreeable, Matt had to recall Billy’s instructions for finding the way, and also to be on the alert for any sudden tantrum on the part of the runabout.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Besides his thoughts, which were none too agreeable, Matt had to recall Billy’s instructions for finding the way, and also to be on the alert for any sudden tantrum on the part of the runabout.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.

workverbUS /wɜːrk/

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading First, they naturally expected to have trouble with the runabout, but it carried out its work handsomely and deposited them in the Malvern Country Club garage at precisely five minutes of eleven.

Chapter 5 of A Hoodoo Machine by Stanley R. [Adapter] Matthews holds 132 sentences, grouped into 27 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 5 of A Hoodoo Machine contain?

Chapter 5 holds 132 sentences of A Hoodoo Machine, unabridged, divided into 27 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 5 of A Hoodoo Machine by Stanley R. [Adapter] Matthews exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 132 sentences, grouped into 27 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 5 of A Hoodoo Machine?

Work through the 27 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 27 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 5 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 5 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 Hoodoo Machine

Common questions about reading A Hoodoo Machine by Stanley R. [Adapter] Matthews on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of A Hoodoo Machine?

Yes. All 2579 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #53607 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of A Hoodoo Machine is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #53607, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does A Hoodoo Machine take to read?

About 214 minutes of reading across 516 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read A Hoodoo Machine section by section

How to work through A Hoodoo Machine section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 16 chapters of A Hoodoo Machine 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 Hoodoo Machine

Words and structures a reader meets early in A Hoodoo Machine, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Sufferin
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Hoodoo Machine; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Whirligigs
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Hoodoo Machine; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Bubble
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Hoodoo Machine; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Wagon
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Hoodoo Machine; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.