Chapter 3 of Ahead of the Show is here in full — 126 sentences across 26 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.
A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.
Chapter III
Chapter 3 of Ahead of the Show is here in full — 126 sentences across 26 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.
AL'S SCHEME. "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?" The manager laughed. "I should say yes. The woods are full of them."
Chapter 3 of Ahead of the Show is here in full — 126 sentences across 26 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.
Reading 1/25 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5
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.
possessive form of “al” — a silvery ductile metallic element found primarily in bauxite
From this reading “AL'S SCHEME.”
plural of “amateur” — someone who pursues a study or sport as a pastime
From this reading “"Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"”
any person at all
From this reading “"Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"”
(used in the plural) the stage of a theater
From this reading “"Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"”
someone who controls resources and expenditures
From this reading “The manager laughed.”
an elaborate and systematic plan of action
From this reading “AL'S SCHEME.”
inflected form of “tread” — put down or press the foot, place the foot
From this reading “"Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"”
plural of “wattle” — a fleshy wrinkled and often brightly colored fold of skin hanging from the neck or throat of certain birds (chickens and turkeys) or lizards
From this reading “"Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"”
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.
In this reading “"Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"”
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.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
a silvery ductile metallic element found primarily in bauxite
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
possessive form of “al” — a silvery ductile metallic element found primarily in bauxite
From this reading AL'S SCHEME.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
plural of “amateur” — someone who pursues a study or sport as a pastime
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
any person at all
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The woods are full of them."
(used in the plural) the stage of a theater
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
be identical or equivalent to
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
at any time
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading The woods are full of them."
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
past form of “laugh” — produce laughter
From this reading The manager laughed.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
someone who controls resources and expenditures
From this reading The manager laughed.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
a form of address for a man
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
and nothing more
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
express in words
From this reading "I should say yes.
an elaborate and systematic plan of action
From this reading AL'S SCHEME.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading "I should say yes.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
infatuated with or enthralled by the theater especially the desire to act
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
express a supposition
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The woods are full of them."
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
the quality of a person's voice
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
inflected form of “tread” — put down or press the foot, place the foot
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
plural of “wattle” — a fleshy wrinkled and often brightly colored fold of skin hanging from the neck or throat of certain birds (chickens and turkeys) or lizards
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
which person or people
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading The woods are full of them."
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
an affirmative
From this reading "I should say yes.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all, and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of anyone who ever trod the boards?"
Chapter 3 of Ahead of the Show by Fred Thorpe holds 126 sentences, grouped into 26 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.
Chapter 3 holds 126 sentences of Ahead of the Show, unabridged, divided into 26 reading sections.
This page carries chapter 3 of Ahead of the Show by Fred Thorpe exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 126 sentences, grouped into 26 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.
Work through the 26 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.
Each of the 26 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.
Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 3 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.
Common questions about reading Ahead of the Show by Fred Thorpe on this page, its source edition and its audio.
Yes. All 3491 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #39454 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.
Project Gutenberg eBook #39454, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.
About 290 minutes of reading across 699 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.
How to work through Ahead of the Show section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.
Choose one of the 32 chapters of Ahead of the Show to begin.
Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.
Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.
Words and structures a reader meets early in Ahead of the Show, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.
