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Comrades of the Saddle
Comrades of the Saddle

Chapter XXI · Chapter 21

Chapter 21 of Comrades of the Saddle is here in full — 55 sentences across 11 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/11 · 5 lines
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LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.
At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.
Larry was following the edge of grass as they drew near the place where the fire had been started.
As his eyes roved over the billowy plains, they suddenly were attracted by a peculiar furrow that seemed to run through the grass like a channel.
For the moment he was tempted to call the attention of the others to it, and then, fearing their ridicule, decided to find out what it was first.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Comrades of the Saddle

Chapter XXI · Chapter 21

Chapter 21 of Comrades of the Saddle is here in full — 55 sentences across 11 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/11 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.
/ˈlɔːrənsɪz plæn ˈriːəlaɪzɪŋ ðæt ðeɪ wʊd biː ˈeɪbəl tuː ədˈvæns bʌt ˈsloʊli əˈlɔːŋ ðə treɪl ˈɡɪvɪŋ ðer ˈpoʊniz ə tʃæns tuː rest ðə men wɜːr ˈraɪdɪŋ ə stɪf loʊp/
Line 2
At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.
/æt fɜːrst ˈmɪstər ˈwaɪldər hæd ˌɪnˈsɪstəd ðæt ðə θriː ˈjʌŋɡəst bɔɪz rɪˈtɜːrn tuː ðə ræntʃ æz suːn æz tɑːm hæd ʃoʊd ðem ðə treɪl bʌt ðeɪ hæd ˈpliːdɪd soʊ hɑːrd əˈsɜːrtɪŋ ðeɪ wɜːr enˈtaɪtəld tuː əˈkʌmpəni ðə pərˈsuːərz bɪˈkɔːz ʌv ðer dɪˈskʌvəri ʌv ðə treɪl ðæt hiː hæd ˈfaɪnəli kənˈsentɪd ˈmeɪkɪŋ ðə kənˈdɪʃən ˌhaʊˈevər ðæt wen ðeɪ ˈentərd ðə hɪlz ðə bɔɪz mʌst raɪd nekst ðə rɪr wer ɪn keɪs ʌv əˈtæk ðeɪ wʊd nɑːt biː ɪn ðə brʌnt ʌv ɪt/
Line 3
Larry was following the edge of grass as they drew near the place where the fire had been started.
Line 4
As his eyes roved over the billowy plains, they suddenly were attracted by a peculiar furrow that seemed to run through the grass like a channel.
Line 5
For the moment he was tempted to call the attention of the others to it, and then, fearing their ridicule, decided to find out what it was first.

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.

asserting adjective US /əˈsɜːrtɪŋ/

relating to the use of or having the nature of a declaration

From this reading “At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.”

brunt noun US /brʌnt/

main force of a blow etc

From this reading “At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.”

furrow verb US /ˈfɜːroʊ/

hollow out in the form of a furrow or groove

From this reading “As his eyes roved over the billowy plains, they suddenly were attracted by a peculiar furrow that seemed to run through the grass like a channel.”

lawrence's noun US /ˈlɔːrənsɪz/

possessive form of “lawrence” — Roman martyr; supposedly Lawrence was ordered by the police to give up the church's treasure and when he responded by presenting the poor people of Rome he was roasted to death on a gridiron (died in 258)

From this reading “LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.”

lope verb US /loʊp/

run easily

From this reading “LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.”

ponies noun US /ˈpoʊniz/

plural of “pony” — a range horse of the western United States

From this reading “LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.”

pursuers noun US /pərˈsuːərz/

plural of “pursuer” — a person who is pursuing and trying to overtake or capture

From this reading “At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.”

Wilder noun US /ˈwaɪldər/

United States writer and dramatist (1897-1975)

From this reading “At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.”

All words in this reading · 113

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 LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.

ableadjectiveUS /ˈeɪbəl/

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

From this reading LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.

accompanyverbUS /əˈkʌmpəni/

be present or associated with an event or entity

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

advanceverbUS /ədˈvæns/

move forward, also in the metaphorical sense

From this reading LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.

alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading For the moment he was tempted to call the attention of the others to it, and then, fearing their ridicule, decided to find out what it was first.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

assertingadjectiveUS /əˈsɜːrtɪŋ/

relating to the use of or having the nature of a declaration

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

AtprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

attacknounUS /əˈtæk/

(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

attentionnounUS /əˈtenʃən/

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading For the moment he was tempted to call the attention of the others to it, and then, fearing their ridicule, decided to find out what it was first.

attractedverbUS /əˈtræktɪd/

past form of “attract” — direct toward itself or oneself by means of some psychological power or physical attributes

From this reading As his eyes roved over the billowy plains, they suddenly were attracted by a peculiar furrow that seemed to run through the grass like a channel.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.

becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/

for the reason that

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Larry was following the edge of grass as they drew near the place where the fire had been started.

billowyadjective

characterized by great swelling waves or surges

From this reading As his eyes roved over the billowy plains, they suddenly were attracted by a peculiar furrow that seemed to run through the grass like a channel.

boysnounUS /bɔɪz/

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

bruntnounUS /brʌnt/

main force of a blow etc

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading As his eyes roved over the billowy plains, they suddenly were attracted by a peculiar furrow that seemed to run through the grass like a channel.

callverbUS /kɔːl/

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading For the moment he was tempted to call the attention of the others to it, and then, fearing their ridicule, decided to find out what it was first.

casenounUS /keɪs/

an occurrence of something

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

chancenounUS /tʃæns/

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.

channelnounUS /ˈtʃænəl/

a path over which electrical signals can pass

From this reading As his eyes roved over the billowy plains, they suddenly were attracted by a peculiar furrow that seemed to run through the grass like a channel.

conditionnounUS /kənˈdɪʃən/

a state at a particular time

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

consentedverbUS /kənˈsentɪd/

past form of “consent” — give an affirmative reply to; respond favorably to

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

decidedadjectiveUS /ˌdɪˈsaɪdɪd/

recognizable; marked

From this reading For the moment he was tempted to call the attention of the others to it, and then, fearing their ridicule, decided to find out what it was first.

discoverynounUS /dɪˈskʌvəri/

the act of discovering something

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

drewnounUS /druː/

United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)

From this reading Larry was following the edge of grass as they drew near the place where the fire had been started.

edgenounUS /edʒ/

the boundary of a surface

From this reading Larry was following the edge of grass as they drew near the place where the fire had been started.

enteredverbUS /ˈentərd/

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

entitledadjectiveUS /enˈtaɪtəld/

qualified for by right according to law

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

eyesnounUS /aɪz/

opinion or judgment

From this reading As his eyes roved over the billowy plains, they suddenly were attracted by a peculiar furrow that seemed to run through the grass like a channel.

fearingverbUS /ˈfɪrɪŋ/

-ing form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading For the moment he was tempted to call the attention of the others to it, and then, fearing their ridicule, decided to find out what it was first.

finallyadverbUS /ˈfaɪnəli/

after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

findverbUS /faɪnd/

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading For the moment he was tempted to call the attention of the others to it, and then, fearing their ridicule, decided to find out what it was first.

fireverbUS /ˈfaɪər/

start firing a weapon

From this reading Larry was following the edge of grass as they drew near the place where the fire had been started.

firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

followingadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːloʊɪŋ/

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading Larry was following the edge of grass as they drew near the place where the fire had been started.

ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For the moment he was tempted to call the attention of the others to it, and then, fearing their ridicule, decided to find out what it was first.

furrowverbUS /ˈfɜːroʊ/

hollow out in the form of a furrow or groove

From this reading As his eyes roved over the billowy plains, they suddenly were attracted by a peculiar furrow that seemed to run through the grass like a channel.

givingnounUS /ˈɡɪvɪŋ/

the act of giving

From this reading LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.

grassverbUS /ɡræs/

shoot down, of birds

From this reading Larry was following the edge of grass as they drew near the place where the fire had been started.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

hardadjectiveUS /hɑːrd/

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

hillsnounUS /hɪlz/

plural of “hill” — a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading As his eyes roved over the billowy plains, they suddenly were attracted by a peculiar furrow that seemed to run through the grass like a channel.

howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

insistedverbUS /ˌɪnˈsɪstəd/

past form of “insist” — be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

Larry

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

From this reading Larry was following the edge of grass as they drew near the place where the fire had been started.

LAWRENCE'SnounUS /ˈlɔːrənsɪz/

possessive form of “lawrence” — Roman martyr; supposedly Lawrence was ordered by the police to give up the church's treasure and when he responded by presenting the poor people of Rome he was roasted to death on a gridiron (died in 258)

From this reading LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.

likeverbUS /laɪk/

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading As his eyes roved over the billowy plains, they suddenly were attracted by a peculiar furrow that seemed to run through the grass like a channel.

lopeverbUS /loʊp/

run easily

From this reading LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.

makingnounUS /ˈmeɪkɪŋ/

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

mennounUS /men/

the force of workers available

From this reading LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.

momentnounUS /ˈmoʊmənt/

a particular point in time

From this reading For the moment he was tempted to call the attention of the others to it, and then, fearing their ridicule, decided to find out what it was first.

MrnounUS /ˈmɪstər/

a form of address for a man

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

nearadverbUS /nɪr/

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading Larry was following the edge of grass as they drew near the place where the fire had been started.

nextadjectiveUS /nekst/

immediately following in time or order

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

others

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

From this reading For the moment he was tempted to call the attention of the others to it, and then, fearing their ridicule, decided to find out what it was first.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading For the moment he was tempted to call the attention of the others to it, and then, fearing their ridicule, decided to find out what it was first.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading As his eyes roved over the billowy plains, they suddenly were attracted by a peculiar furrow that seemed to run through the grass like a channel.

peculiaradjectiveUS /pəˈkjuːljər/

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading As his eyes roved over the billowy plains, they suddenly were attracted by a peculiar furrow that seemed to run through the grass like a channel.

placenounUS /pleɪs/

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Larry was following the edge of grass as they drew near the place where the fire had been started.

plainsnounUS /pleɪnz/

plural of “plain” — extensive tract of level open land

From this reading As his eyes roved over the billowy plains, they suddenly were attracted by a peculiar furrow that seemed to run through the grass like a channel.

PLANverbUS /plæn/

have the will and intention to carry out some action

From this reading LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.

pleadedverbUS /ˈpliːdɪd/

past form of “plead” — appeal or request earnestly

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

poniesnounUS /ˈpoʊniz/

plural of “pony” — a range horse of the western United States

From this reading LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.

pursuersnounUS /pərˈsuːərz/

plural of “pursuer” — a person who is pursuing and trying to overtake or capture

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

ranchnounUS /ræntʃ/

farm consisting of a large tract of land along with facilities needed to raise livestock (especially cattle)

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

RealizingverbUS /ˈriːəlaɪzɪŋ/

-ing form of “realize” — be fully aware or cognizant of

From this reading LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.

rearnounUS /rɪr/

the back of a military formation or procession

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

restverbUS /rest/

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.

returnverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrn/

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

rideverbUS /raɪd/

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

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

ridiculenounUS /ˈrɪdəkjuːl/

language or behavior intended to mock or humiliate

From this reading For the moment he was tempted to call the attention of the others to it, and then, fearing their ridicule, decided to find out what it was first.

ridingnounUS /ˈraɪdɪŋ/

the sport of sitting on the back of a horse while controlling its movements

From this reading LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.

roved

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

From this reading As his eyes roved over the billowy plains, they suddenly were attracted by a peculiar furrow that seemed to run through the grass like a channel.

runverbUS /rʌn/

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

From this reading As his eyes roved over the billowy plains, they suddenly were attracted by a peculiar furrow that seemed to run through the grass like a channel.

seemedverbUS /siːmd/

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading As his eyes roved over the billowy plains, they suddenly were attracted by a peculiar furrow that seemed to run through the grass like a channel.

showedverbUS /ʃoʊd/

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

slowlyadverbUS /ˈsloʊli/

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

soonadverbUS /suːn/

in the near future

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

startedverbUS /ˈstɑːrtɪd/

past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Larry was following the edge of grass as they drew near the place where the fire had been started.

stiffadjectiveUS /stɪf/

not moving or operating freely

From this reading LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.

suddenlyadverbUS /ˈsʌdənli/

happening unexpectedly

From this reading As his eyes roved over the billowy plains, they suddenly were attracted by a peculiar furrow that seemed to run through the grass like a channel.

temptedverbUS /ˈtemptɪd/

past form of “tempt” — dispose or incline or entice to

From this reading For the moment he was tempted to call the attention of the others to it, and then, fearing their ridicule, decided to find out what it was first.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

thenadverbUS /ðen/

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading For the moment he was tempted to call the attention of the others to it, and then, fearing their ridicule, decided to find out what it was first.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.

threenounUS /θriː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

throughprepositionUS /θruː/

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading As his eyes roved over the billowy plains, they suddenly were attracted by a peculiar furrow that seemed to run through the grass like a channel.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.

TomnounUS /tɑːm/

male cat

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

trailnounUS /treɪl/

a track or mark left by something that has passed

From this reading LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Larry was following the edge of grass as they drew near the place where the fire had been started.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading For the moment he was tempted to call the attention of the others to it, and then, fearing their ridicule, decided to find out what it was first.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

WildernounUS /ˈwaɪldər/

United States writer and dramatist (1897-1975)

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading LAWRENCE'S PLAN Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope.

youngestadjectiveUS /ˈjʌŋɡəst/

superlative of “young” — (used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it.

Chapter 21 of Comrades of the Saddle by Frank V. Webster holds 55 sentences, grouped into 11 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 21 of Comrades of the Saddle contain?

Chapter 21 holds 55 sentences of Comrades of the Saddle, unabridged, divided into 11 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 21 of Comrades of the Saddle by Frank V. Webster exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 55 sentences, grouped into 11 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 21 of Comrades of the Saddle?

Work through the 11 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 11 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 21 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 21 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 Comrades of the Saddle

Common questions about reading Comrades of the Saddle by Frank V. Webster on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Comrades of the Saddle?

Yes. All 2509 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #11890 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Comrades of the Saddle is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #11890, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Comrades of the Saddle take to read?

About 209 minutes of reading across 502 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

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How to work through Comrades of the Saddle section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

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  3. Listen and tap

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Vocabulary met early in Comrades of the Saddle

Words and structures a reader meets early in Comrades of the Saddle, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Exhausted
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Comrades of the Saddle; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Excitement
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Comrades of the Saddle; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Escape
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Comrades of the Saddle; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Larry
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Comrades of the Saddle; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.