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Blake's Burden
Blake's Burden

Chapter VIII

Cover illustration for Blake's Burden
Context Illustration Reading 1/35 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE PRAIRIE A strong breeze swept the wide plain, blowing fine sand about, when Blake plodded beside the jaded Indian pony that drew his Red-river cart.
It was loaded with preserved provisions, camp stores, and winter clothes, and he had bought it and the pony because that seemed cheaper than paying for transport.
The settlement for which he was bound stands near the northern edge of the great sweep of grass which stretches across central Canada, and means of communication between it and the outer world were scarce.
Harding, accordingly, had agreed to the purchase of the animal with the idea of selling it afterwards to one of the settlers.
Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.
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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.

Blake's Burden

Chapter VIII

Reading 1/35 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE PRAIRIE A strong breeze swept the wide plain, blowing fine sand about, when Blake plodded beside the jaded Indian pony that drew his Red-river cart.
Line 2
It was loaded with preserved provisions, camp stores, and winter clothes, and he had bought it and the pony because that seemed cheaper than paying for transport.
Line 3
The settlement for which he was bound stands near the northern edge of the great sweep of grass which stretches across central Canada, and means of communication between it and the outer world were scarce.
Line 4
Harding, accordingly, had agreed to the purchase of the animal with the idea of selling it afterwards to one of the settlers.
Line 5
Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

Learner Dictionary

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

About preposition US /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “THE PRAIRIE A strong breeze swept the wide plain, blowing fine sand about, when Blake plodded beside the jaded Indian pony that drew his Red-river cart.”

Across preposition US /əˈkrɔːs/

from one side of something to the other

From this reading “The settlement for which he was bound stands near the northern edge of the great sweep of grass which stretches across central Canada, and means of communication between it and the outer world were scarce.”

Among preposition US /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading “Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.”

Because conjunction US /bɪˈkɔːz/

for the reason that

From this reading “It was loaded with preserved provisions, camp stores, and winter clothes, and he had bought it and the pony because that seemed cheaper than paying for transport.”

Before preposition US /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.”

Beside preposition US /bɪˈsaɪd/

next to; at the side of

From this reading “THE PRAIRIE A strong breeze swept the wide plain, blowing fine sand about, when Blake plodded beside the jaded Indian pony that drew his Red-river cart.”

Between preposition US /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading “The settlement for which he was bound stands near the northern edge of the great sweep of grass which stretches across central Canada, and means of communication between it and the outer world were scarce.”

Camp noun US /camp/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It was loaded with preserved provisions, camp stores, and winter clothes, and he had bought it and the pony because that seemed cheaper than paying for transport.”

Drew noun US /drew/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “THE PRAIRIE A strong breeze swept the wide plain, blowing fine sand about, when Blake plodded beside the jaded Indian pony that drew his Red-river cart.”

Fine noun US /fine/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “THE PRAIRIE A strong breeze swept the wide plain, blowing fine sand about, when Blake plodded beside the jaded Indian pony that drew his Red-river cart.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The settlement for which he was bound stands near the northern edge of the great sweep of grass which stretches across central Canada, and means of communication between it and the outer world were scarce.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “Harding, accordingly, had agreed to the purchase of the animal with the idea of selling it afterwards to one of the settlers.”

Scarce adjective US /skɛrs/

hard to find or in short supply

From this reading “The settlement for which he was bound stands near the northern edge of the great sweep of grass which stretches across central Canada, and means of communication between it and the outer world were scarce.”

Seemed noun US /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It was loaded with preserved provisions, camp stores, and winter clothes, and he had bought it and the pony because that seemed cheaper than paying for transport.”

Short adjective US /ʃɔrt/

brief or direct in expression

From this reading “Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.”

Since preposition US /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading “Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.”

Sometimes noun US /sometimes/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.”

Through noun US /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.”

Wilderness noun US /ˈwɪldərnəs/

a wild area where few people live

From this reading “Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.”

All words in this reading · 109

Every word is available to listen to. 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 THE PRAIRIE A strong breeze swept the wide plain, blowing fine sand about, when Blake plodded beside the jaded Indian pony that drew his Red-river cart.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading THE PRAIRIE A strong breeze swept the wide plain, blowing fine sand about, when Blake plodded beside the jaded Indian pony that drew his Red-river cart.

accordingly

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

From this reading Harding, accordingly, had agreed to the purchase of the animal with the idea of selling it afterwards to one of the settlers.

acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/

from one side of something to the other

From this reading The settlement for which he was bound stands near the northern edge of the great sweep of grass which stretches across central Canada, and means of communication between it and the outer world were scarce.

afterwards

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

From this reading Harding, accordingly, had agreed to the purchase of the animal with the idea of selling it afterwards to one of the settlers.

agreed

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

From this reading Harding, accordingly, had agreed to the purchase of the animal with the idea of selling it afterwards to one of the settlers.

amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading It was loaded with preserved provisions, camp stores, and winter clothes, and he had bought it and the pony because that seemed cheaper than paying for transport.

animal

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

From this reading Harding, accordingly, had agreed to the purchase of the animal with the idea of selling it afterwards to one of the settlers.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

away

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

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/

for the reason that

From this reading It was loaded with preserved provisions, camp stores, and winter clothes, and he had bought it and the pony because that seemed cheaper than paying for transport.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

besideprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪd/

next to; at the side of

From this reading THE PRAIRIE A strong breeze swept the wide plain, blowing fine sand about, when Blake plodded beside the jaded Indian pony that drew his Red-river cart.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading The settlement for which he was bound stands near the northern edge of the great sweep of grass which stretches across central Canada, and means of communication between it and the outer world were scarce.

Blake

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

From this reading THE PRAIRIE A strong breeze swept the wide plain, blowing fine sand about, when Blake plodded beside the jaded Indian pony that drew his Red-river cart.

blowing

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

From this reading THE PRAIRIE A strong breeze swept the wide plain, blowing fine sand about, when Blake plodded beside the jaded Indian pony that drew his Red-river cart.

bought

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

From this reading It was loaded with preserved provisions, camp stores, and winter clothes, and he had bought it and the pony because that seemed cheaper than paying for transport.

bound

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

From this reading The settlement for which he was bound stands near the northern edge of the great sweep of grass which stretches across central Canada, and means of communication between it and the outer world were scarce.

breeze

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

From this reading THE PRAIRIE A strong breeze swept the wide plain, blowing fine sand about, when Blake plodded beside the jaded Indian pony that drew his Red-river cart.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

camp

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

From this reading It was loaded with preserved provisions, camp stores, and winter clothes, and he had bought it and the pony because that seemed cheaper than paying for transport.

Canada

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

From this reading The settlement for which he was bound stands near the northern edge of the great sweep of grass which stretches across central Canada, and means of communication between it and the outer world were scarce.

cart

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

From this reading THE PRAIRIE A strong breeze swept the wide plain, blowing fine sand about, when Blake plodded beside the jaded Indian pony that drew his Red-river cart.

central

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

From this reading The settlement for which he was bound stands near the northern edge of the great sweep of grass which stretches across central Canada, and means of communication between it and the outer world were scarce.

cheaper

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

From this reading It was loaded with preserved provisions, camp stores, and winter clothes, and he had bought it and the pony because that seemed cheaper than paying for transport.

clothes

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

From this reading It was loaded with preserved provisions, camp stores, and winter clothes, and he had bought it and the pony because that seemed cheaper than paying for transport.

communication

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

From this reading The settlement for which he was bound stands near the northern edge of the great sweep of grass which stretches across central Canada, and means of communication between it and the outer world were scarce.

compass

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

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

days

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

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

died

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

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

dints

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

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

drewnounUS /drew/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading THE PRAIRIE A strong breeze swept the wide plain, blowing fine sand about, when Blake plodded beside the jaded Indian pony that drew his Red-river cart.

edge

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

From this reading The settlement for which he was bound stands near the northern edge of the great sweep of grass which stretches across central Canada, and means of communication between it and the outer world were scarce.

finenounUS /fine/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading THE PRAIRIE A strong breeze swept the wide plain, blowing fine sand about, when Blake plodded beside the jaded Indian pony that drew his Red-river cart.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It was loaded with preserved provisions, camp stores, and winter clothes, and he had bought it and the pony because that seemed cheaper than paying for transport.

four

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

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

grass

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

From this reading The settlement for which he was bound stands near the northern edge of the great sweep of grass which stretches across central Canada, and means of communication between it and the outer world were scarce.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The settlement for which he was bound stands near the northern edge of the great sweep of grass which stretches across central Canada, and means of communication between it and the outer world were scarce.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading It was loaded with preserved provisions, camp stores, and winter clothes, and he had bought it and the pony because that seemed cheaper than paying for transport.

Harding

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

From this reading Harding, accordingly, had agreed to the purchase of the animal with the idea of selling it afterwards to one of the settlers.

hepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading It was loaded with preserved provisions, camp stores, and winter clothes, and he had bought it and the pony because that seemed cheaper than paying for transport.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading THE PRAIRIE A strong breeze swept the wide plain, blowing fine sand about, when Blake plodded beside the jaded Indian pony that drew his Red-river cart.

idea

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

From this reading Harding, accordingly, had agreed to the purchase of the animal with the idea of selling it afterwards to one of the settlers.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

Indian

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

From this reading THE PRAIRIE A strong breeze swept the wide plain, blowing fine sand about, when Blake plodded beside the jaded Indian pony that drew his Red-river cart.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was loaded with preserved provisions, camp stores, and winter clothes, and he had bought it and the pony because that seemed cheaper than paying for transport.

jaded

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

From this reading THE PRAIRIE A strong breeze swept the wide plain, blowing fine sand about, when Blake plodded beside the jaded Indian pony that drew his Red-river cart.

leaving

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

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

loaded

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

From this reading It was loaded with preserved provisions, camp stores, and winter clothes, and he had bought it and the pony because that seemed cheaper than paying for transport.

loss

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

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

marked

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

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

means

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

From this reading The settlement for which he was bound stands near the northern edge of the great sweep of grass which stretches across central Canada, and means of communication between it and the outer world were scarce.

near

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

From this reading The settlement for which he was bound stands near the northern edge of the great sweep of grass which stretches across central Canada, and means of communication between it and the outer world were scarce.

northern

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

From this reading The settlement for which he was bound stands near the northern edge of the great sweep of grass which stretches across central Canada, and means of communication between it and the outer world were scarce.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The settlement for which he was bound stands near the northern edge of the great sweep of grass which stretches across central Canada, and means of communication between it and the outer world were scarce.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Harding, accordingly, had agreed to the purchase of the animal with the idea of selling it afterwards to one of the settlers.

outer

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

From this reading The settlement for which he was bound stands near the northern edge of the great sweep of grass which stretches across central Canada, and means of communication between it and the outer world were scarce.

paying

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

From this reading It was loaded with preserved provisions, camp stores, and winter clothes, and he had bought it and the pony because that seemed cheaper than paying for transport.

plain

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

From this reading THE PRAIRIE A strong breeze swept the wide plain, blowing fine sand about, when Blake plodded beside the jaded Indian pony that drew his Red-river cart.

plodded

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

From this reading THE PRAIRIE A strong breeze swept the wide plain, blowing fine sand about, when Blake plodded beside the jaded Indian pony that drew his Red-river cart.

pony

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

From this reading THE PRAIRIE A strong breeze swept the wide plain, blowing fine sand about, when Blake plodded beside the jaded Indian pony that drew his Red-river cart.

poplar

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

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

PRAIRIE

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

From this reading THE PRAIRIE A strong breeze swept the wide plain, blowing fine sand about, when Blake plodded beside the jaded Indian pony that drew his Red-river cart.

preserved

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

From this reading It was loaded with preserved provisions, camp stores, and winter clothes, and he had bought it and the pony because that seemed cheaper than paying for transport.

provisions

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

From this reading It was loaded with preserved provisions, camp stores, and winter clothes, and he had bought it and the pony because that seemed cheaper than paying for transport.

purchase

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

From this reading Harding, accordingly, had agreed to the purchase of the animal with the idea of selling it afterwards to one of the settlers.

railroad

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

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

ran

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

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

Red-river

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

From this reading THE PRAIRIE A strong breeze swept the wide plain, blowing fine sand about, when Blake plodded beside the jaded Indian pony that drew his Red-river cart.

sand

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

From this reading THE PRAIRIE A strong breeze swept the wide plain, blowing fine sand about, when Blake plodded beside the jaded Indian pony that drew his Red-river cart.

scarceadjectiveUS /skɛrs/

hard to find or in short supply

From this reading The settlement for which he was bound stands near the northern edge of the great sweep of grass which stretches across central Canada, and means of communication between it and the outer world were scarce.

scrub

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

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

seemednounUS /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It was loaded with preserved provisions, camp stores, and winter clothes, and he had bought it and the pony because that seemed cheaper than paying for transport.

selling

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

From this reading Harding, accordingly, had agreed to the purchase of the animal with the idea of selling it afterwards to one of the settlers.

settlement

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

From this reading The settlement for which he was bound stands near the northern edge of the great sweep of grass which stretches across central Canada, and means of communication between it and the outer world were scarce.

settlers

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

From this reading Harding, accordingly, had agreed to the purchase of the animal with the idea of selling it afterwards to one of the settlers.

shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔrt/

brief or direct in expression

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

SinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

sometimes

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

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

spent

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

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

stands

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

From this reading The settlement for which he was bound stands near the northern edge of the great sweep of grass which stretches across central Canada, and means of communication between it and the outer world were scarce.

steered

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

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

stores

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

From this reading It was loaded with preserved provisions, camp stores, and winter clothes, and he had bought it and the pony because that seemed cheaper than paying for transport.

stretches

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

From this reading The settlement for which he was bound stands near the northern edge of the great sweep of grass which stretches across central Canada, and means of communication between it and the outer world were scarce.

strong

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

From this reading THE PRAIRIE A strong breeze swept the wide plain, blowing fine sand about, when Blake plodded beside the jaded Indian pony that drew his Red-river cart.

sweep

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

From this reading The settlement for which he was bound stands near the northern edge of the great sweep of grass which stretches across central Canada, and means of communication between it and the outer world were scarce.

swept

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

From this reading THE PRAIRIE A strong breeze swept the wide plain, blowing fine sand about, when Blake plodded beside the jaded Indian pony that drew his Red-river cart.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading It was loaded with preserved provisions, camp stores, and winter clothes, and he had bought it and the pony because that seemed cheaper than paying for transport.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE PRAIRIE A strong breeze swept the wide plain, blowing fine sand about, when Blake plodded beside the jaded Indian pony that drew his Red-river cart.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE PRAIRIE A strong breeze swept the wide plain, blowing fine sand about, when Blake plodded beside the jaded Indian pony that drew his Red-river cart.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

throughnounUS /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Harding, accordingly, had agreed to the purchase of the animal with the idea of selling it afterwards to one of the settlers.

trail

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

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

transport

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

From this reading It was loaded with preserved provisions, camp stores, and winter clothes, and he had bought it and the pony because that seemed cheaper than paying for transport.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading It was loaded with preserved provisions, camp stores, and winter clothes, and he had bought it and the pony because that seemed cheaper than paying for transport.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading The settlement for which he was bound stands near the northern edge of the great sweep of grass which stretches across central Canada, and means of communication between it and the outer world were scarce.

wheels

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

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading THE PRAIRIE A strong breeze swept the wide plain, blowing fine sand about, when Blake plodded beside the jaded Indian pony that drew his Red-river cart.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading The settlement for which he was bound stands near the northern edge of the great sweep of grass which stretches across central Canada, and means of communication between it and the outer world were scarce.

wide

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

From this reading THE PRAIRIE A strong breeze swept the wide plain, blowing fine sand about, when Blake plodded beside the jaded Indian pony that drew his Red-river cart.

wildernessnounUS /ˈwɪldərnəs/

a wild area where few people live

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

winter

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

From this reading It was loaded with preserved provisions, camp stores, and winter clothes, and he had bought it and the pony because that seemed cheaper than paying for transport.

wiry

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

From this reading Since leaving the railroad they had spent four days upon the trail, which sometimes ran plain before them, marked by dints of wheels among the wiry grass, and sometimes died away, leaving them at a loss in a wilderness of sand and short poplar scrub, through which Blake steered by compass.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading It was loaded with preserved provisions, camp stores, and winter clothes, and he had bought it and the pony because that seemed cheaper than paying for transport.

world

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

From this reading The settlement for which he was bound stands near the northern edge of the great sweep of grass which stretches across central Canada, and means of communication between it and the outer world were scarce.