Barney Blake, the Boy Privateer

Chapter VIII

Chapter 8 of Barney Blake, the Boy Privateer is here in full — 191 sentences across 39 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

By Herrick Johnstone • Curated US English Learning Edition

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English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5

ROUND THE HORN--THE PATAGONIANS.

A week after our experience at the bull-fight, we were ready for sea.

It was an easier matter, however, to be ready for sea, than to be able to get to sea.

For several of John Bull's cruisers were watching for us just outside the harbor, determined, if possible, to put a stop to further depredations on British commerce as far as we were concerned.

But, on a stormy night in the early part of August, Captain Joker determined to make an attempt to run the blockade.

Narrator

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LEARNER DICTIONARY

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/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/

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A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Chapter VIII Reading 1/38

Barney Blake, the Boy Privateer Herrick Johnstone

Chapter VIII

Chapter 8 of Barney Blake, the Boy Privateer is here in full — 191 sentences across 39 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

ROUND THE HORN--THE PATAGONIANS. A week after our experience at the bull-fight, we were ready for sea. It was an easier matter, however, to be ready for sea, than to be able to get to sea. For several of John Bull's cruisers were watching for us just outside the harbor, determined, if possible, to put a stop to further depredations on British commerce as far as we were concerned. But, on a stormy night in the early part of August, Captain Joker determined to make an attempt to run the blockade.

Barney Blake, the Boy Privateer

Chapter VIII

Chapter 8 of Barney Blake, the Boy Privateer is here in full — 191 sentences across 39 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/38 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1

ROUND THE HORN--THE PATAGONIANS.

Line 2

A week after our experience at the bull-fight, we were ready for sea.

Line 3

It was an easier matter, however, to be ready for sea, than to be able to get to sea.

/ɪt wɑːz æn ˈiːziər ˈmætər ˌhaʊˈevər tuː biː ˈredi fɔːr siː ðæn tuː biː ˈeɪbəl tuː ɡet tuː siː/

Line 4

For several of John Bull's cruisers were watching for us just outside the harbor, determined, if possible, to put a stop to further depredations on British commerce as far as we were concerned.

/fɔːr ˈsevrəl ʌv dʒɑːn bʊlz ˈkruːzərz wɜːr ˈwɑːtʃɪŋ fɔːr ʌs dʒʌst ˈaʊtˈsaɪd ðə ˈhɑːrbər dɪˈtɜːrmənd ɪf ˈpɑːsəbəl tuː pʊt ə stɑːp tuː ˈfɜːrðər ˌdeprəˈdeɪʃənz ɑːn ˈbrɪtɪʃ ˈkɑːmərs æz fɑːr æz wiː wɜːr kənˈsɜːrnd/

Line 5

But, on a stormy night in the early part of August, Captain Joker determined to make an attempt to run the blockade.

/bʌt ɑːn ə ˈstɔːrmi naɪt ɪn ðə ˈɜːrli pɑːrt ʌv ˈɑːɡəst ˈkæptən ˈdʒoʊkər dɪˈtɜːrmənd tuː meɪk æn əˈtempt tuː rʌn ðə ˌblɑːˈkeɪd/

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.

blockade noun US /ˌblɑːˈkeɪd/

a war measure that isolates some area of importance to the enemy

From this reading “But, on a stormy night in the early part of August, Captain Joker determined to make an attempt to run the blockade.”

Bull's noun US /bʊlz/

possessive form of “bull” — uncastrated adult male of domestic cattle

From this reading “For several of John Bull's cruisers were watching for us just outside the harbor, determined, if possible, to put a stop to further depredations on British commerce as far as we were concerned.”

commerce noun US /ˈkɑːmərs/

transactions (sales and purchases) having the objective of supplying commodities (goods and services)

cruisers noun US /ˈkruːzərz/

plural of “cruiser” — a car in which policemen cruise the streets; equipped with radiotelephonic communications to headquarters

depredations noun US /ˌdeprəˈdeɪʃənz/

plural of “depredation” — an act of plundering and pillaging and marauding

harbor verb US /ˈhɑːrbər/

maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings)

Joker noun US /ˈdʒoʊkər/

a person who enjoys telling or playing jokes

From this reading “But, on a stormy night in the early part of August, Captain Joker determined to make an attempt to run the blockade.”

stormy adjective US /ˈstɔːrmi/

(especially of weather) affected or characterized by storms or commotion

From this reading “But, on a stormy night in the early part of August, Captain Joker determined to make an attempt to run the blockade.”

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.

stormy night adjective + noun

In this reading “But, on a stormy night in the early part of August, Captain Joker determined to make an attempt to run the blockade.”

easier matter adjective + noun counted as “easy matter”

In this reading “It was an easier matter, however, to be ready for sea, than to be able to get to sea.”

early part adjective + noun

In this reading “But, on a stormy night in the early part of August, Captain Joker determined to make an attempt to run the blockade.”

just outside adverb + adjective

In this reading “For several of John Bull's cruisers were watching for us just outside the harbor, determined, if possible, to put a stop to further depredations on British commerce as far as we were concerned.”

make an attempt verb + article + noun counted as “make … attempt”

In this reading “But, on a stormy night in the early part of August, Captain Joker determined to make an attempt to run the blockade.”

All words in this reading · 63

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 A week after our experience at the bull-fight, we were ready for sea.

ableadjectiveUS /ˈeɪbəl/

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading It was an easier matter, however, to be ready for sea, than to be able to get to sea.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading A week after our experience at the bull-fight, we were ready for sea.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading It was an easier matter, however, to be ready for sea, than to be able to get to sea.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading For several of John Bull's cruisers were watching for us just outside the harbor, determined, if possible, to put a stop to further depredations on British commerce as far as we were concerned.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A week after our experience at the bull-fight, we were ready for sea.

attemptnounUS /əˈtempt/

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading But, on a stormy night in the early part of August, Captain Joker determined to make an attempt to run the blockade.

AugustnounUS /ˈɑːɡəst/

the month following July and preceding September

From this reading But, on a stormy night in the early part of August, Captain Joker determined to make an attempt to run the blockade.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading It was an easier matter, however, to be ready for sea, than to be able to get to sea.

blockadenounUS /ˌblɑːˈkeɪd/

a war measure that isolates some area of importance to the enemy

From this reading But, on a stormy night in the early part of August, Captain Joker determined to make an attempt to run the blockade.

BritishnounUS /ˈbrɪtɪʃ/

the people of Great Britain

Bull'snounUS /bʊlz/

possessive form of “bull” — uncastrated adult male of domestic cattle

bull-fight

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

From this reading A week after our experience at the bull-fight, we were ready for sea.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But, on a stormy night in the early part of August, Captain Joker determined to make an attempt to run the blockade.

CaptainnounUS /ˈkæptən/

an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading But, on a stormy night in the early part of August, Captain Joker determined to make an attempt to run the blockade.

commercenounUS /ˈkɑːmərs/

transactions (sales and purchases) having the objective of supplying commodities (goods and services)

concernedadjectiveUS /kənˈsɜːrnd/

feeling or showing worry or solicitude

cruisersnounUS /ˈkruːzərz/

plural of “cruiser” — a car in which policemen cruise the streets; equipped with radiotelephonic communications to headquarters

depredationsnounUS /ˌdeprəˈdeɪʃənz/

plural of “depredation” — an act of plundering and pillaging and marauding

determinedadjectiveUS /dɪˈtɜːrmənd/

characterized by great determination

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 But, on a stormy night in the early part of August, Captain Joker determined to make an attempt to run the blockade.

easieradjectiveUS /ˈiːziər/

comparative of “easy” — posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading It was an easier matter, however, to be ready for sea, than to be able to get to sea.

experienceverbUS /ɪkˈspɪriəns/

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading A week after our experience at the bull-fight, we were ready for sea.

faradverbUS /fɑːr/

to a considerable degree; very much

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A week after our experience at the bull-fight, we were ready for sea.

furtheradverbUS /ˈfɜːrðər/

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

getverbUS /ɡet/

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading It was an easier matter, however, to be ready for sea, than to be able to get to sea.

harborverbUS /ˈhɑːrbər/

maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings)

HORNnounUS /hɔːrn/

a noisemaker (as at parties or games) that makes a loud noise when you blow through it

From this reading ROUND THE HORN--THE PATAGONIANS.

howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading It was an easier matter, however, to be ready for sea, than to be able to get to sea.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading But, on a stormy night in the early part of August, Captain Joker determined to make an attempt to run the blockade.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was an easier matter, however, to be ready for sea, than to be able to get to sea.

JohnnounUS /dʒɑːn/

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

JokernounUS /ˈdʒoʊkər/

a person who enjoys telling or playing jokes

From this reading But, on a stormy night in the early part of August, Captain Joker determined to make an attempt to run the blockade.

justadverbUS /dʒʌst/

and nothing more

makeverbUS /meɪk/

engage in

From this reading But, on a stormy night in the early part of August, Captain Joker determined to make an attempt to run the blockade.

matternounUS /ˈmætər/

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading It was an easier matter, however, to be ready for sea, than to be able to get to sea.

nightnounUS /naɪt/

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading But, on a stormy night in the early part of August, Captain Joker determined to make an attempt to run the blockade.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading A week after our experience at the bull-fight, we were ready for sea.

outsideadjectiveUS /ˈaʊtˈsaɪd/

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

partnounUS /pɑːrt/

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading But, on a stormy night in the early part of August, Captain Joker determined to make an attempt to run the blockade.

PATAGONIANS

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

From this reading ROUND THE HORN--THE PATAGONIANS.

possibleadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːsəbəl/

capable of happening or existing

putverbUS /pʊt/

put into a certain place or abstract location

readyadjectiveUS /ˈredi/

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading A week after our experience at the bull-fight, we were ready for sea.

ROUNDnounUS /raʊnd/

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading ROUND THE HORN--THE PATAGONIANS.

runverbUS /rʌn/

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading But, on a stormy night in the early part of August, Captain Joker determined to make an attempt to run the blockade.

seanounUS /siː/

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading A week after our experience at the bull-fight, we were ready for sea.

severaladjectiveUS /ˈsevrəl/

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

stopverbUS /stɑːp/

come to a halt, stop moving

stormyadjectiveUS /ˈstɔːrmi/

(especially of weather) affected or characterized by storms or commotion

From this reading But, on a stormy night in the early part of August, Captain Joker determined to make an attempt to run the blockade.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading It was an easier matter, however, to be ready for sea, than to be able to get to sea.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading ROUND THE HORN--THE PATAGONIANS.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading It was an easier matter, however, to be ready for sea, than to be able to get to sea.

uspronounUS /ʌs/

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading It was an easier matter, however, to be ready for sea, than to be able to get to sea.

watchingnounUS /ˈwɑːtʃɪŋ/

the act of observing; taking a patient look

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading A week after our experience at the bull-fight, we were ready for sea.

weeknounUS /wiːk/

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading A week after our experience at the bull-fight, we were ready for sea.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading A week after our experience at the bull-fight, we were ready for sea.

Chapter 8 of Barney Blake, the Boy Privateer by Herrick Johnstone holds 191 sentences, grouped into 39 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 Barney Blake, the Boy Privateer contain?

Chapter 8 holds 191 sentences of Barney Blake, the Boy Privateer, unabridged, divided into 39 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 8 of Barney Blake, the Boy Privateer by Herrick Johnstone exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 191 sentences, grouped into 39 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 Barney Blake, the Boy Privateer?

Work through the 39 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 39 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 Barney Blake, the Boy Privateer

Common questions about reading Barney Blake, the Boy Privateer by Herrick Johnstone on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Barney Blake, the Boy Privateer?

Yes. All 1715 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #47290 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Barney Blake, the Boy Privateer is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #47290, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Barney Blake, the Boy Privateer take to read?

About 142 minutes of reading across 343 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

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Vocabulary met early in Barney Blake, the Boy Privateer

Words and structures a reader meets early in Barney Blake, the Boy Privateer, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Bright: A word that appears in the opening chapter of Barney Blake, the Boy Privateer; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Morning: A word that appears in the opening chapter of Barney Blake, the Boy Privateer; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Month: A word that appears in the opening chapter of Barney Blake, the Boy Privateer; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Sailor: A word that appears in the opening chapter of Barney Blake, the Boy Privateer; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.

Chapter VIII

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Vocabulary met early in Barney Blake, the Boy Privateer