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Cleek: the Man of the Forty Faces
Cleek: the Man of the Forty Faces

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Cleek: the Man of the Forty Faces is here in full — 491 sentences across 99 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Cleek: the Man of the Forty Faces
Context Illustration Reading 1/98 · 5 lines
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CLEEK: The Man of the Forty Faces AUTHOR OF "Cleek of Scotland Yard," "The Riddle of the Night," Etc.
The thing wouldn't have happened if any other constable than Collins had been put on point duty at Blackfriars Bridge that morning.
For Collins was young, good-looking, and--knew it.
Nature had gifted him with a susceptible heart and a fond eye for the beauties of femininity.
So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Cleek: the Man of the Forty Faces

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Cleek: the Man of the Forty Faces is here in full — 491 sentences across 99 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/98 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
CLEEK: The Man of the Forty Faces AUTHOR OF "Cleek of Scotland Yard," "The Riddle of the Night," Etc.
Line 2
The thing wouldn't have happened if any other constable than Collins had been put on point duty at Blackfriars Bridge that morning.
Line 3
For Collins was young, good-looking, and--knew it.
Line 4
Nature had gifted him with a susceptible heart and a fond eye for the beauties of femininity.
/ˈneɪtʃər hæd ˈɡɪftəd hɪm wɪð ə səˈseptəbəl hɑːrt ənd ə fɑːnd aɪ fɔːr ðə ˈbjuːtiz ʌv ˌfeməˈnɪnəti/
Line 5
So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

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.

almond noun US /ˈɑːmənd/

small bushy deciduous tree native to Asia and North Africa having pretty pink blossoms and highly prized edible nuts enclosed in a hard green hull; cultivated in southern Australia and California

From this reading “So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.”

femininity noun US /ˌfeməˈnɪnəti/

the trait of behaving in ways considered typical for women

From this reading “Nature had gifted him with a susceptible heart and a fond eye for the beauties of femininity.”

fluff noun US /flʌf/

any light downy material

From this reading “So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.”

maze noun US /meɪz/

complex system of paths or tunnels in which it is easy to get lost

From this reading “So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.”

threading verb US /ˈθredɪŋ/

-ing form of “thread” — to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course

From this reading “So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.”

tinted verb US /ˈtɪntɪd/

past form of “tint” — color lightly

From this reading “So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.”

vehicles noun US /ˈviːhɪkəlz/

plural of “vehicle” — a conveyance that transports people or objects

From this reading “So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.”

willowy adjective US /ˈwɪləwi/

slender and graceful

From this reading “So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.”

All words in this reading · 105

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 Nature had gifted him with a susceptible heart and a fond eye for the beauties of femininity.

almondnounUS /ˈɑːmənd/

small bushy deciduous tree native to Asia and North Africa having pretty pink blossoms and highly prized edible nuts enclosed in a hard green hull; cultivated in southern Australia and California

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading For Collins was young, good-looking, and--knew it.

anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading The thing wouldn't have happened if any other constable than Collins had been put on point duty at Blackfriars Bridge that morning.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The thing wouldn't have happened if any other constable than Collins had been put on point duty at Blackfriars Bridge that morning.

AUTHORnounUS /ˈɔːθər/

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading CLEEK: The Man of the Forty Faces AUTHOR OF "Cleek of Scotland Yard," "The Riddle of the Night," Etc.

beautiesnounUS /ˈbjuːtiz/

plural of “beauty” — the qualities that give pleasure to the senses

From this reading Nature had gifted him with a susceptible heart and a fond eye for the beauties of femininity.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The thing wouldn't have happened if any other constable than Collins had been put on point duty at Blackfriars Bridge that morning.

bigadjectiveUS /bɪɡ/

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

Blackfriars

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

From this reading The thing wouldn't have happened if any other constable than Collins had been put on point duty at Blackfriars Bridge that morning.

BridgenounUS /brɪdʒ/

a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.

From this reading The thing wouldn't have happened if any other constable than Collins had been put on point duty at Blackfriars Bridge that morning.

CLEEK

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

From this reading CLEEK: The Man of the Forty Faces AUTHOR OF "Cleek of Scotland Yard," "The Riddle of the Night," Etc.

CollinsnounUS /ˈkɑːlɪnz/

English writer noted for early detective novels (1824-1889)

From this reading The thing wouldn't have happened if any other constable than Collins had been put on point duty at Blackfriars Bridge that morning.

constablenounUS /ˈkɑːnstəbəl/

a lawman with less authority and jurisdiction than a sheriff

From this reading The thing wouldn't have happened if any other constable than Collins had been put on point duty at Blackfriars Bridge that morning.

CornernounUS /ˈkɔːrnər/

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

DeadadjectiveUS /ded/

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

dutynounUS /ˈduːti/

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading The thing wouldn't have happened if any other constable than Collins had been put on point duty at Blackfriars Bridge that morning.

enchantingadjectiveUS /enˈtʃæntɪŋ/

capturing interest as if by a spell

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

enoughnounUS /ɪˈnʌf/

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

Etc

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

From this reading CLEEK: The Man of the Forty Faces AUTHOR OF "Cleek of Scotland Yard," "The Riddle of the Night," Etc.

eyenounUS /aɪ/

the organ of sight

From this reading Nature had gifted him with a susceptible heart and a fond eye for the beauties of femininity.

eyesnounUS /aɪz/

opinion or judgment

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

facenounUS /feɪs/

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

FacesnounUS /ˈfeɪsəz/

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

From this reading CLEEK: The Man of the Forty Faces AUTHOR OF "Cleek of Scotland Yard," "The Riddle of the Night," Etc.

feetnounUS /fiːt/

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

femininitynounUS /ˌfeməˈnɪnəti/

the trait of behaving in ways considered typical for women

From this reading Nature had gifted him with a susceptible heart and a fond eye for the beauties of femininity.

figurenounUS /ˈfɪɡjər/

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

fluffnounUS /flʌf/

any light downy material

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

fondadjectiveUS /fɑːnd/

having or displaying warmth or affection

From this reading Nature had gifted him with a susceptible heart and a fond eye for the beauties of femininity.

ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For Collins was young, good-looking, and--knew it.

FortyadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrti/

being ten more than thirty

From this reading CLEEK: The Man of the Forty Faces AUTHOR OF "Cleek of Scotland Yard," "The Riddle of the Night," Etc.

FrenchnounUS /frentʃ/

the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

giftedadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪftəd/

endowed with talent or talents

From this reading Nature had gifted him with a susceptible heart and a fond eye for the beauties of femininity.

good-lookingadjectiveUS /ˈɡʊdlʊkɪŋ/

pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion

From this reading For Collins was young, good-looking, and--knew it.

gracefuladjectiveUS /ˈɡreɪsfəl/

characterized by beauty of movement, style, form, or execution

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading The thing wouldn't have happened if any other constable than Collins had been put on point duty at Blackfriars Bridge that morning.

hairnounUS /her/

a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

happenedverbUS /ˈhæpənd/

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading The thing wouldn't have happened if any other constable than Collins had been put on point duty at Blackfriars Bridge that morning.

hatnounUS /hæt/

headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The thing wouldn't have happened if any other constable than Collins had been put on point duty at Blackfriars Bridge that morning.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

heartnounUS /hɑːrt/

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading Nature had gifted him with a susceptible heart and a fond eye for the beauties of femininity.

heldadjectiveUS /held/

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

highlyadverbUS /ˈhaɪli/

to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Nature had gifted him with a susceptible heart and a fond eye for the beauties of femininity.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The thing wouldn't have happened if any other constable than Collins had been put on point duty at Blackfriars Bridge that morning.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading For Collins was young, good-looking, and--knew it.

justadverbUS /dʒʌst/

and nothing more

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

knewverbUS /nuː/

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 For Collins was young, good-looking, and--knew it.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

lookedverbUS /lʊkt/

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

MannounUS /mæn/

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading CLEEK: The Man of the Forty Faces AUTHOR OF "Cleek of Scotland Yard," "The Riddle of the Night," Etc.

Man'snounUS /mænz/

possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

mazenounUS /meɪz/

complex system of paths or tunnels in which it is easy to get lost

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

morningnounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading The thing wouldn't have happened if any other constable than Collins had been put on point duty at Blackfriars Bridge that morning.

NaturenounUS /ˈneɪtʃər/

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading Nature had gifted him with a susceptible heart and a fond eye for the beauties of femininity.

NightnounUS /naɪt/

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

From this reading CLEEK: The Man of the Forty Faces AUTHOR OF "Cleek of Scotland Yard," "The Riddle of the Night," Etc.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading CLEEK: The Man of the Forty Faces AUTHOR OF "Cleek of Scotland Yard," "The Riddle of the Night," Etc.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The thing wouldn't have happened if any other constable than Collins had been put on point duty at Blackfriars Bridge that morning.

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The thing wouldn't have happened if any other constable than Collins had been put on point duty at Blackfriars Bridge that morning.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

ParisianadjectiveUS /pərˈɪʒən/

of or relating to or characteristic of Paris or its inhabitants

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading The thing wouldn't have happened if any other constable than Collins had been put on point duty at Blackfriars Bridge that morning.

putverbUS /pʊt/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading The thing wouldn't have happened if any other constable than Collins had been put on point duty at Blackfriars Bridge that morning.

ratheradverbUS /ˈræðər/

on the contrary

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

RiddleverbUS /ˈrɪdəl/

pierce with many holes

From this reading CLEEK: The Man of the Forty Faces AUTHOR OF "Cleek of Scotland Yard," "The Riddle of the Night," Etc.

roundnounUS /raʊnd/

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

sawverbUS /sɔː/

cut with a saw

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

ScotlandnounUS /ˈskɑːtlənd/

one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; located on the northern part of the island of Great Britain; famous for bagpipes and plaids and kilts

From this reading CLEEK: The Man of the Forty Faces AUTHOR OF "Cleek of Scotland Yard," "The Riddle of the Night," Etc.

screennounUS /skriːn/

a white or silvered surface where pictures can be projected for viewing

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

shiningadjectiveUS /ˈʃaɪnɪŋ/

marked by exceptional merit

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

shoesnounUS /ʃuːz/

a particular situation

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

showverbUS /ʃoʊ/

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

skirtnounUS /skɜːrt/

cloth covering that forms the part of a garment below the waist

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

SoconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

spotnounUS /spɑːt/

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

susceptibleadjectiveUS /səˈseptəbəl/

(often followed by “of” or “to”) yielding readily to or capable of

From this reading Nature had gifted him with a susceptible heart and a fond eye for the beauties of femininity.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The thing wouldn't have happened if any other constable than Collins had been put on point duty at Blackfriars Bridge that morning.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The thing wouldn't have happened if any other constable than Collins had been put on point duty at Blackfriars Bridge that morning.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading CLEEK: The Man of the Forty Faces AUTHOR OF "Cleek of Scotland Yard," "The Riddle of the Night," Etc.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

thingnounUS /θɪŋ/

a special situation

From this reading The thing wouldn't have happened if any other constable than Collins had been put on point duty at Blackfriars Bridge that morning.

threadingverbUS /ˈθredɪŋ/

-ing form of “thread” — to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

throughprepositionUS /θruː/

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

tintedverbUS /ˈtɪntɪd/

past form of “tint” — color lightly

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

tooadverbUS /tuː/

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

twinklingnounUS /ˈtwɪŋkəlɪŋ/

a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

twonounUS /tuː/

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

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

vehiclesnounUS /ˈviːhɪkəlz/

plural of “vehicle” — a conveyance that transports people or objects

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading For Collins was young, good-looking, and--knew it.

waynounUS /weɪ/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

willowyadjectiveUS /ˈwɪləwi/

slender and graceful

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Nature had gifted him with a susceptible heart and a fond eye for the beauties of femininity.

womannounUS /ˈwʊmən/

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading So when he looked round and saw the woman threading her way through the maze of vehicles at "Dead Man's Corner," with her skirt held up just enough to show two twinkling little feet in French shoes, and over them a graceful, willowy figure, and over that an enchanting, if rather too highly tinted face, with almond eyes and a fluff of shining hair under the screen of a big Parisian hat--that did for him on the spot.

wouldn't

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

From this reading The thing wouldn't have happened if any other constable than Collins had been put on point duty at Blackfriars Bridge that morning.

YardnounUS /jɑːrd/

a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading CLEEK: The Man of the Forty Faces AUTHOR OF "Cleek of Scotland Yard," "The Riddle of the Night," Etc.

youngadjectiveUS /jʌŋ/

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

From this reading For Collins was young, good-looking, and--knew it.

Chapter 1 of Cleek: the Man of the Forty Faces by Thomas W. Hanshew holds 491 sentences, grouped into 99 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 1 of Cleek: the Man of the Forty Faces contain?

Chapter 1 holds 491 sentences of Cleek: the Man of the Forty Faces, unabridged, divided into 99 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of Cleek: the Man of the Forty Faces by Thomas W. Hanshew exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 491 sentences, grouped into 99 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 1 of Cleek: the Man of the Forty Faces?

Work through the 99 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 99 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.

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Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 1 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.

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Vocabulary met early in Cleek: the Man of the Forty Faces

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Chapter 1
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Chapter 2
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Chapter 3
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