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Delaware Tom
Delaware Tom

Chapter VII · A Tangled Trail

Chapter VII of Delaware Tom, “A Tangled Trail,” is here in full — 150 sentences across 30 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/30 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.
And then, under the circumstances, he was about the last person who should have been chosen as the forlorn hope, although he was undeniably brave, and usually, keen-witted and far-seeing.
But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.
He swam rapidly down-stream, though the water was not waist-deep, but, in this manner he could proceed more silently than by wading.
He lay low down in the water, that he might present a less fair mark for prying eyes to rest upon, and, hidden in the shadow, he believed that he could succeed in passing the lines of the enemy, unseen.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Delaware Tom

Chapter VII · A Tangled Trail

Chapter VII of Delaware Tom, “A Tangled Trail,” is here in full — 150 sentences across 30 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/30 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.
Line 2
And then, under the circumstances, he was about the last person who should have been chosen as the forlorn hope, although he was undeniably brave, and usually, keen-witted and far-seeing.
Line 3
But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.
Line 4
He swam rapidly down-stream, though the water was not waist-deep, but, in this manner he could proceed more silently than by wading.
Line 5
He lay low down in the water, that he might present a less fair mark for prying eyes to rest upon, and, hidden in the shadow, he believed that he could succeed in passing the lines of the enemy, unseen.
/hiː leɪ loʊ daʊn ɪn ðə ˈwɔːtər ðæt hiː maɪt ˈprezənt ə les fer mɑːrk fɔːr ˈpraɪɪŋ aɪz tuː rest əˈpɑːn ənd ˈhɪdən ɪn ðə ˈʃæd.oʊ hiː bɪˈliːvd ðæt hiː kʊd səkˈsiːd ɪn ˈpæsɪŋ ðə laɪnz ʌv ðə ˈenəmi ənˈsiːn/

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.

beleaguered verb US /bɪˈliːɡərd/

past form of “beleaguer” — annoy persistently

From this reading “Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.”

emigrants noun US /ˈeməɡrənts/

plural of “emigrant” — someone who leaves one country to settle in another

From this reading “Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.”

overestimated verb US /ˌoʊvərˈestəmeɪtɪd/

past form of “overestimate” — make too high an estimate of

From this reading “Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.”

prying noun US /ˈpraɪɪŋ/

offensive inquisitiveness

From this reading “He lay low down in the water, that he might present a less fair mark for prying eyes to rest upon, and, hidden in the shadow, he believed that he could succeed in passing the lines of the enemy, unseen.”

systematic adjective US /ˌsɪstəˈmætɪk/

characterized by order and planning

From this reading “But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.”

undeniably adverb US /ˌʌndɪˈnaɪəbli/

to an undeniable degree or in an undeniable manner

From this reading “And then, under the circumstances, he was about the last person who should have been chosen as the forlorn hope, although he was undeniably brave, and usually, keen-witted and far-seeing.”

vigilant adjective US /ˈvɪdʒələnt/

carefully observant or attentive; on the lookout for possible danger

From this reading “Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.”

wading noun US /ˈweɪdɪŋ/

walking with your feet in shallow water

From this reading “He swam rapidly down-stream, though the water was not waist-deep, but, in this manner he could proceed more silently than by wading.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

forlorn hope adjective + noun

a hopeless or desperate enterprise

In this reading “And then, under the circumstances, he was about the last person who should have been chosen as the forlorn hope, although he was undeniably brave, and usually, keen-witted and far-seeing.”

prying eyes noun + noun

In this reading “He lay low down in the water, that he might present a less fair mark for prying eyes to rest upon, and, hidden in the shadow, he believed that he could succeed in passing the lines of the enemy, unseen.”

under the circumstances preposition + article + noun counted as “under … circumstances”

because of prevailing conditions

In this reading “And then, under the circumstances, he was about the last person who should have been chosen as the forlorn hope, although he was undeniably brave, and usually, keen-witted and far-seeing.”

overpowered by verb + particle counted as “overpower by”

In this reading “But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.”

Main Trail adjective + noun

In this reading “Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.”

succeed in verb + particle

In this reading “He lay low down in the water, that he might present a less fair mark for prying eyes to rest upon, and, hidden in the shadow, he believed that he could succeed in passing the lines of the enemy, unseen.”

in quest preposition + noun

In this reading “Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.”

in order preposition + noun

in a state of proper readiness or preparation or arrangement

In this reading “But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.”

All words in this reading · 121

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 But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading And then, under the circumstances, he was about the last person who should have been chosen as the forlorn hope, although he was undeniably brave, and usually, keen-witted and far-seeing.

althoughconjunctionUS /ˌɔːlˈðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading And then, under the circumstances, he was about the last person who should have been chosen as the forlorn hope, although he was undeniably brave, and usually, keen-witted and far-seeing.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

anxietynounUS /æŋˈzaɪəti/

(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading And then, under the circumstances, he was about the last person who should have been chosen as the forlorn hope, although he was undeniably brave, and usually, keen-witted and far-seeing.

attendverbUS /əˈtend/

be present at (meetings, church services, university), etc.

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

Ayres

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

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading And then, under the circumstances, he was about the last person who should have been chosen as the forlorn hope, although he was undeniably brave, and usually, keen-witted and far-seeing.

beleagueredverbUS /bɪˈliːɡərd/

past form of “beleaguer” — annoy persistently

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

believedverbUS /bɪˈliːvd/

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading He lay low down in the water, that he might present a less fair mark for prying eyes to rest upon, and, hidden in the shadow, he believed that he could succeed in passing the lines of the enemy, unseen.

braveadjectiveUS /breɪv/

possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching

From this reading And then, under the circumstances, he was about the last person who should have been chosen as the forlorn hope, although he was undeniably brave, and usually, keen-witted and far-seeing.

Buenos

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

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

Calhoun

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

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

cautionnounUS /ˈkɑːʃən/

the trait of being cautious; being attentive to possible danger

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

chosennounUS /ˈtʃoʊzən/

one who is the object of choice; who is given preference

From this reading And then, under the circumstances, he was about the last person who should have been chosen as the forlorn hope, although he was undeniably brave, and usually, keen-witted and far-seeing.

circumstancesnounUS /ˈsɜːrkəmstænsəz/

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading And then, under the circumstances, he was about the last person who should have been chosen as the forlorn hope, although he was undeniably brave, and usually, keen-witted and far-seeing.

Clara

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

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading He swam rapidly down-stream, though the water was not waist-deep, but, in this manner he could proceed more silently than by wading.

dangernounUS /ˈdeɪndʒər/

the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

degreenounUS /dɪˈɡriː/

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

delayverbUS /dɪˈleɪ/

cause to be slowed down or delayed

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

desirenounUS /dɪˈzaɪər/

the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

downadjectiveUS /daʊn/

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading He lay low down in the water, that he might present a less fair mark for prying eyes to rest upon, and, hidden in the shadow, he believed that he could succeed in passing the lines of the enemy, unseen.

down-stream

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

From this reading He swam rapidly down-stream, though the water was not waist-deep, but, in this manner he could proceed more silently than by wading.

effortnounUS /ˈefərt/

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

emigrantsnounUS /ˈeməɡrənts/

plural of “emigrant” — someone who leaves one country to settle in another

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

enemynounUS /ˈenəmi/

an opposing military force

From this reading He lay low down in the water, that he might present a less fair mark for prying eyes to rest upon, and, hidden in the shadow, he believed that he could succeed in passing the lines of the enemy, unseen.

eyesnounUS /aɪz/

opinion or judgment

From this reading He lay low down in the water, that he might present a less fair mark for prying eyes to rest upon, and, hidden in the shadow, he believed that he could succeed in passing the lines of the enemy, unseen.

fairadjectiveUS /fer/

free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules

From this reading He lay low down in the water, that he might present a less fair mark for prying eyes to rest upon, and, hidden in the shadow, he believed that he could succeed in passing the lines of the enemy, unseen.

far-seeing

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

From this reading And then, under the circumstances, he was about the last person who should have been chosen as the forlorn hope, although he was undeniably brave, and usually, keen-witted and far-seeing.

fataladjectiveUS /ˈfeɪtəl/

bringing death

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

feltverbUS /felt/

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

forlornadjectiveUS /fərˈlɔːrn/

marked by or showing hopelessness

From this reading And then, under the circumstances, he was about the last person who should have been chosen as the forlorn hope, although he was undeniably brave, and usually, keen-witted and far-seeing.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading And then, under the circumstances, he was about the last person who should have been chosen as the forlorn hope, although he was undeniably brave, and usually, keen-witted and far-seeing.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading And then, under the circumstances, he was about the last person who should have been chosen as the forlorn hope, although he was undeniably brave, and usually, keen-witted and far-seeing.

helpverbUS /help/

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

hiddenadjectiveUS /ˈhɪdən/

not accessible to view

From this reading He lay low down in the water, that he might present a less fair mark for prying eyes to rest upon, and, hidden in the shadow, he believed that he could succeed in passing the lines of the enemy, unseen.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

hopenounUS /hoʊp/

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading And then, under the circumstances, he was about the last person who should have been chosen as the forlorn hope, although he was undeniably brave, and usually, keen-witted and far-seeing.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

journeyverbUS /ˈdʒɜːrni/

undertake a journey or trip

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

keen-witted

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

From this reading And then, under the circumstances, he was about the last person who should have been chosen as the forlorn hope, although he was undeniably brave, and usually, keen-witted and far-seeing.

lastadjectiveUS /læst/

immediately past

From this reading And then, under the circumstances, he was about the last person who should have been chosen as the forlorn hope, although he was undeniably brave, and usually, keen-witted and far-seeing.

latteradjectiveUS /ˈlætər/

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

layverbUS /leɪ/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading He lay low down in the water, that he might present a less fair mark for prying eyes to rest upon, and, hidden in the shadow, he believed that he could succeed in passing the lines of the enemy, unseen.

leastadjectiveUS /liːst/

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

lessadverbUS /les/

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading He lay low down in the water, that he might present a less fair mark for prying eyes to rest upon, and, hidden in the shadow, he believed that he could succeed in passing the lines of the enemy, unseen.

linesnounUS /laɪnz/

plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading He lay low down in the water, that he might present a less fair mark for prying eyes to rest upon, and, hidden in the shadow, he believed that he could succeed in passing the lines of the enemy, unseen.

lowadjectiveUS /loʊ/

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading He lay low down in the water, that he might present a less fair mark for prying eyes to rest upon, and, hidden in the shadow, he believed that he could succeed in passing the lines of the enemy, unseen.

madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

maidennounUS /ˈmeɪdən/

an unmarried girl (especially a virgin)

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

MainadjectiveUS /meɪn/

most important element

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

mannernounUS /ˈmænər/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading He swam rapidly down-stream, though the water was not waist-deep, but, in this manner he could proceed more silently than by wading.

markverbUS /mɑːrk/

attach a tag or label to

From this reading He lay low down in the water, that he might present a less fair mark for prying eyes to rest upon, and, hidden in the shadow, he believed that he could succeed in passing the lines of the enemy, unseen.

measurenounUS /ˈmeʒər/

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

missingadjectiveUS /ˈmɪsɪŋ/

not able to be found

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

missionnounUS /ˈmɪʃən/

an organization of missionaries in a foreign land sent to carry on religious work

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading He swam rapidly down-stream, though the water was not waist-deep, but, in this manner he could proceed more silently than by wading.

nearlyadverbUS /ˈnɪrli/

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

ordernounUS /ˈɔːrdər/

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

overestimatedverbUS /ˌoʊvərˈestəmeɪtɪd/

past form of “overestimate” — make too high an estimate of

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

overpoweredverbUS /ˌoʊvərˈpaʊərd/

past form of “overpower” — overcome by superior force

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

passverbUS /pæs/

go across or through

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

passingnounUS /ˈpæsɪŋ/

(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate

From this reading He lay low down in the water, that he might present a less fair mark for prying eyes to rest upon, and, hidden in the shadow, he believed that he could succeed in passing the lines of the enemy, unseen.

performverbUS /pərˈfɔːrm/

carry out or perform an action

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

perilnounUS /ˈperəl/

a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

personnounUS /ˈpɜːrsən/

a human being

From this reading And then, under the circumstances, he was about the last person who should have been chosen as the forlorn hope, although he was undeniably brave, and usually, keen-witted and far-seeing.

possibleadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːsəbəl/

capable of happening or existing

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

presentverbUS /ˈprezənt/

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading He lay low down in the water, that he might present a less fair mark for prying eyes to rest upon, and, hidden in the shadow, he believed that he could succeed in passing the lines of the enemy, unseen.

proceedverbUS /prəˈsiːd/

continue talking

From this reading He swam rapidly down-stream, though the water was not waist-deep, but, in this manner he could proceed more silently than by wading.

prudencenounUS /ˈpruːdəns/

discretion in practical affairs

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

pryingnounUS /ˈpraɪɪŋ/

offensive inquisitiveness

From this reading He lay low down in the water, that he might present a less fair mark for prying eyes to rest upon, and, hidden in the shadow, he believed that he could succeed in passing the lines of the enemy, unseen.

qualitiesnounUS /ˈkwɑːlətiz/

plural of “quality” — an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

questnounUS /kwest/

a search for an alternative that meets cognitive criteria

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

rapidlyadverbUS /ˈræpədli/

with speed

From this reading He swam rapidly down-stream, though the water was not waist-deep, but, in this manner he could proceed more silently than by wading.

red-skin

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

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

restverbUS /rest/

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading He lay low down in the water, that he might present a less fair mark for prying eyes to rest upon, and, hidden in the shadow, he believed that he could succeed in passing the lines of the enemy, unseen.

sacrificedverbUS /ˈsækrəfaɪst/

past form of “sacrifice” — endure the loss of

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

searchverbUS /sɜːrtʃ/

try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

shadownounUS /ˈʃæd.oʊ/

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading He lay low down in the water, that he might present a less fair mark for prying eyes to rest upon, and, hidden in the shadow, he believed that he could succeed in passing the lines of the enemy, unseen.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading And then, under the circumstances, he was about the last person who should have been chosen as the forlorn hope, although he was undeniably brave, and usually, keen-witted and far-seeing.

silentlyadverbUS /ˈsaɪləntli/

without speaking

From this reading He swam rapidly down-stream, though the water was not waist-deep, but, in this manner he could proceed more silently than by wading.

succeedverbUS /səkˈsiːd/

attain success or reach a desired goal

From this reading He lay low down in the water, that he might present a less fair mark for prying eyes to rest upon, and, hidden in the shadow, he believed that he could succeed in passing the lines of the enemy, unseen.

swamverbUS /swæm/

inflected form of “swim” — travel through water

From this reading He swam rapidly down-stream, though the water was not waist-deep, but, in this manner he could proceed more silently than by wading.

systematicadjectiveUS /ˌsɪstəˈmætɪk/

characterized by order and planning

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading He swam rapidly down-stream, though the water was not waist-deep, but, in this manner he could proceed more silently than by wading.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

thenadverbUS /ðen/

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading And then, under the circumstances, he was about the last person who should have been chosen as the forlorn hope, although he was undeniably brave, and usually, keen-witted and far-seeing.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

thoroughadjectiveUS /ˈθɜːroʊ/

painstakingly careful and accurate

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading He swam rapidly down-stream, though the water was not waist-deep, but, in this manner he could proceed more silently than by wading.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/

in the direction of

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

TrailnounUS /treɪl/

a track or mark left by something that has passed

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

undeniablyadverbUS /ˌʌndɪˈnaɪəbli/

to an undeniable degree or in an undeniable manner

From this reading And then, under the circumstances, he was about the last person who should have been chosen as the forlorn hope, although he was undeniably brave, and usually, keen-witted and far-seeing.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading And then, under the circumstances, he was about the last person who should have been chosen as the forlorn hope, although he was undeniably brave, and usually, keen-witted and far-seeing.

unseenadjectiveUS /ənˈsiːn/

not seen or perceived

From this reading He lay low down in the water, that he might present a less fair mark for prying eyes to rest upon, and, hidden in the shadow, he believed that he could succeed in passing the lines of the enemy, unseen.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading He lay low down in the water, that he might present a less fair mark for prying eyes to rest upon, and, hidden in the shadow, he believed that he could succeed in passing the lines of the enemy, unseen.

usuallyadverbUS /ˈjuːʒəwəli/

under normal conditions

From this reading And then, under the circumstances, he was about the last person who should have been chosen as the forlorn hope, although he was undeniably brave, and usually, keen-witted and far-seeing.

vigilantadjectiveUS /ˈvɪdʒələnt/

carefully observant or attentive; on the lookout for possible danger

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

wadingnounUS /ˈweɪdɪŋ/

walking with your feet in shallow water

From this reading He swam rapidly down-stream, though the water was not waist-deep, but, in this manner he could proceed more silently than by wading.

waist-deepadverb

up to the waist

From this reading He swam rapidly down-stream, though the water was not waist-deep, but, in this manner he could proceed more silently than by wading.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading And then, under the circumstances, he was about the last person who should have been chosen as the forlorn hope, although he was undeniably brave, and usually, keen-witted and far-seeing.

waternounUS /ˈwɔːtər/

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading He swam rapidly down-stream, though the water was not waist-deep, but, in this manner he could proceed more silently than by wading.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading And then, under the circumstances, he was about the last person who should have been chosen as the forlorn hope, although he was undeniably brave, and usually, keen-witted and far-seeing.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution to a degree nearly fatal.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants.

Chapter 7 of Delaware Tom by Jos. E. (Joseph Edward) Badger holds 150 sentences, grouped into 30 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 7 of Delaware Tom contain?

Chapter 7 holds 150 sentences of Delaware Tom, unabridged, divided into 30 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 7 of Delaware Tom by Jos. E. (Joseph Edward) Badger exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 150 sentences, grouped into 30 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 7 of Delaware Tom?

Work through the 30 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 30 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 7 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 7 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 Delaware Tom

Common questions about reading Delaware Tom by Jos. E. (Joseph Edward) Badger on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Delaware Tom?

Yes. All 2232 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #66227 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Delaware Tom is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #66227, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Delaware Tom take to read?

About 186 minutes of reading across 447 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Delaware Tom section by section

How to work through Delaware Tom section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 12 chapters of Delaware Tom to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Delaware Tom

Words and structures a reader meets early in Delaware Tom, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Delaware
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Delaware Tom; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Traitor
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Delaware Tom; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Guide
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Delaware Tom; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Harry
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Delaware Tom; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.