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Joseph and His Friend
Joseph and His Friend

Chapter XXII

Chapter 22 of Joseph and His Friend is here in full — 200 sentences across 40 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/40 · 5 lines
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KANUCK.
When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.
The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.
He reached Corry without adventure, and took passage in the train to Oil City, intending to make the latter place the starting-point of his investigations.
The car was crowded, and his companion on the seat was a keen, witty, red-faced man, with an astonishing diamond pin and a gold watch-chain heavy enough to lift an anchor.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Joseph and His Friend

Chapter XXII

Chapter 22 of Joseph and His Friend is here in full — 200 sentences across 40 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/40 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
KANUCK.
Line 2
When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.
/wen hiː set fɔːrθ əˈpɑːn hɪz ˈdʒɜːrni ˈdʒoʊsəf hæd ɪˈnʌf ʌv ˈnætʃərəl ˈʃruːdnəs tuː pərˈsiːv ðæt hɪz oʊn ˈpɜːrsɪnəl ˈɪntrəst ɪn ðə ˌspekjəˈleɪʃən wɜːr ˈbetər kept ˈsiː.krət/
Line 3
The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.
Line 4
He reached Corry without adventure, and took passage in the train to Oil City, intending to make the latter place the starting-point of his investigations.
Line 5
The car was crowded, and his companion on the seat was a keen, witty, red-faced man, with an astonishing diamond pin and a gold watch-chain heavy enough to lift an anchor.

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.

Amaranth noun US /ˈæmərænθ/

seed of amaranth plants used as a native cereal in Central and South America

From this reading “The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.”

Chowder noun US /ˈtʃaʊdər/

a thick soup or stew made with milk and bacon and onions and potatoes

From this reading “The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.”

concentric adjective US /kənˈsentrɪk/

having a common center

From this reading “The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.”

Fluke noun US /fluːk/

a stroke of luck

From this reading “The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.”

geography noun US /dʒiˈɑːɡrəfi/

study of the earth's surface; includes people's responses to topography and climate and soil and vegetation

From this reading “The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.”

investigations noun US /ˌɪnvestəˈɡeɪʃənz/

plural of “investigation” — an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities

From this reading “He reached Corry without adventure, and took passage in the train to Oil City, intending to make the latter place the starting-point of his investigations.”

shrewdness noun US /ˈʃruːdnəs/

intelligence manifested by being astute (as in business dealings)

From this reading “When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.”

wedge noun US /wedʒ/

any shape that is triangular in cross section

From this reading “The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.”

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.

set forth verb + particle

state

In this reading “When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.”

personal interest adjective + noun

In this reading “When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.”

red-faced man adjective + noun

In this reading “The car was crowded, and his companion on the seat was a keen, witty, red-faced man, with an astonishing diamond pin and a gold watch-chain heavy enough to lift an anchor.”

assume the character verb + article + noun counted as “assume … character”

In this reading “The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.”

own personal verb + adjective

In this reading “When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.”

kept secret adjective + noun

In this reading “When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.”

on the seat preposition + article + noun counted as “on … seat”

In this reading “The car was crowded, and his companion on the seat was a keen, witty, red-faced man, with an astonishing diamond pin and a gold watch-chain heavy enough to lift an anchor.”

All words in this reading · 103

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 The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

adventureverbUS /ædˈventʃər/

take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome

From this reading He reached Corry without adventure, and took passage in the train to Oil City, intending to make the latter place the starting-point of his investigations.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

AmaranthnounUS /ˈæmərænθ/

seed of amaranth plants used as a native cereal in Central and South America

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading The car was crowded, and his companion on the seat was a keen, witty, red-faced man, with an astonishing diamond pin and a gold watch-chain heavy enough to lift an anchor.

anchornounUS /ˈæŋkər/

a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving

From this reading The car was crowded, and his companion on the seat was a keen, witty, red-faced man, with an astonishing diamond pin and a gold watch-chain heavy enough to lift an anchor.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

assumeverbUS /əˈsuːm/

take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

astonishingadjectiveUS /əˈstɑːnɪʃɪŋ/

surprising greatly

From this reading The car was crowded, and his companion on the seat was a keen, witty, red-faced man, with an astonishing diamond pin and a gold watch-chain heavy enough to lift an anchor.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

betteradjectiveUS /ˈbetər/

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

carnounUS /kɑːr/

a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine

From this reading The car was crowded, and his companion on the seat was a keen, witty, red-faced man, with an astonishing diamond pin and a gold watch-chain heavy enough to lift an anchor.

characternounUS /ˈkerɪktər/

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

ChowdernounUS /ˈtʃaʊdər/

a thick soup or stew made with milk and bacon and onions and potatoes

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

CitynounUS /ˈsɪti/

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading He reached Corry without adventure, and took passage in the train to Oil City, intending to make the latter place the starting-point of his investigations.

CompaniesnounUS /ˈkʌmpəniːz/

plural of “company” — an institution created to conduct business

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

companionnounUS /kəmˈpænjən/

a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading The car was crowded, and his companion on the seat was a keen, witty, red-faced man, with an astonishing diamond pin and a gold watch-chain heavy enough to lift an anchor.

concentricadjectiveUS /kənˈsentrɪk/

having a common center

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

Corry

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

From this reading He reached Corry without adventure, and took passage in the train to Oil City, intending to make the latter place the starting-point of his investigations.

crowdedadjectiveUS /ˈkraʊdəd/

overfilled or compacted or concentrated

From this reading The car was crowded, and his companion on the seat was a keen, witty, red-faced man, with an astonishing diamond pin and a gold watch-chain heavy enough to lift an anchor.

curiousadjectiveUS /ˈkjʊriəs/

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

daynounUS /deɪ/

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

determinedadjectiveUS /dɪˈtɜːrmənd/

characterized by great determination

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

diamondnounUS /ˈdaɪmənd/

a transparent piece of diamond that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem

From this reading The car was crowded, and his companion on the seat was a keen, witty, red-faced man, with an astonishing diamond pin and a gold watch-chain heavy enough to lift an anchor.

earsnounUS /ɪrz/

plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

enoughnounUS /ɪˈnʌf/

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

From this reading When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.

eyesnounUS /aɪz/

opinion or judgment

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

FlukenounUS /fluːk/

a stroke of luck

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

forthadverbUS /fɔːrθ/

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.

geographynounUS /dʒiˈɑːɡrəfi/

study of the earth's surface; includes people's responses to topography and climate and soil and vegetation

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

goldnounUS /ɡoʊld/

coins made of gold

From this reading The car was crowded, and his companion on the seat was a keen, witty, red-faced man, with an astonishing diamond pin and a gold watch-chain heavy enough to lift an anchor.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.

heavyadjectiveUS /ˈhevi/

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading The car was crowded, and his companion on the seat was a keen, witty, red-faced man, with an astonishing diamond pin and a gold watch-chain heavy enough to lift an anchor.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.

insertedverbUS /ˌɪnˈsɜːrtəd/

past form of “insert” — put or introduce into something

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

intendingverbUS /ˌɪnˈtendɪŋ/

-ing form of “intend” — have in mind as a purpose

From this reading He reached Corry without adventure, and took passage in the train to Oil City, intending to make the latter place the starting-point of his investigations.

interestnounUS /ˈɪntrəst/

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.

investigationsnounUS /ˌɪnvestəˈɡeɪʃənz/

plural of “investigation” — an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities

From this reading He reached Corry without adventure, and took passage in the train to Oil City, intending to make the latter place the starting-point of his investigations.

JosephnounUS /ˈdʒoʊsəf/

leader of the Nez Perce in their retreat from United States troops (1840-1904)

From this reading When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.

journeyverbUS /ˈdʒɜːrni/

undertake a journey or trip

From this reading When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.

KANUCK

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

From this reading KANUCK.

keenadjectiveUS /kiːn/

having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

From this reading The car was crowded, and his companion on the seat was a keen, witty, red-faced man, with an astonishing diamond pin and a gold watch-chain heavy enough to lift an anchor.

keepverbUS /kiːp/

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

keptadjectiveUS /kept/

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.

latteradjectiveUS /ˈlætər/

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

From this reading He reached Corry without adventure, and took passage in the train to Oil City, intending to make the latter place the starting-point of his investigations.

learnverbUS /lɜːrn/

gain knowledge or skills

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

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 The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

liftverbUS /lɪft/

raise from a lower to a higher position

From this reading The car was crowded, and his companion on the seat was a keen, witty, red-faced man, with an astonishing diamond pin and a gold watch-chain heavy enough to lift an anchor.

likeverbUS /laɪk/

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

makeverbUS /meɪk/

engage in

From this reading He reached Corry without adventure, and took passage in the train to Oil City, intending to make the latter place the starting-point of his investigations.

mannounUS /mæn/

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

From this reading The car was crowded, and his companion on the seat was a keen, witty, red-faced man, with an astonishing diamond pin and a gold watch-chain heavy enough to lift an anchor.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

naturaladjectiveUS /ˈnætʃərəl/

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.

neededadjectiveUS /ˈniːdəd/

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.

oilnounUS /ɔɪl/

A viscous liquid derived from petroleum or plants, stored in large earthen jars.

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The car was crowded, and his companion on the seat was a keen, witty, red-faced man, with an astonishing diamond pin and a gold watch-chain heavy enough to lift an anchor.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/

To move from a closed position.

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

operationsnounUS /ˌɑːpərˈeɪʃənz/

financial transactions at a brokerage; having to do with the execution of trades and keeping customer records

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

outsideadjectiveUS /ˈaʊtˈsaɪd/

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

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

ownverbUS /oʊn/

have ownership or possession of

From this reading When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.

passagenounUS /ˈpæsədʒ/

the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading He reached Corry without adventure, and took passage in the train to Oil City, intending to make the latter place the starting-point of his investigations.

perceiveverbUS /pərˈsiːv/

to become aware of through the senses

From this reading When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.

personaladjectiveUS /ˈpɜːrsɪnəl/

concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality

From this reading When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.

pinverbUS /pɪn/

to hold fast or prevent from moving

From this reading The car was crowded, and his companion on the seat was a keen, witty, red-faced man, with an astonishing diamond pin and a gold watch-chain heavy enough to lift an anchor.

placenounUS /pleɪs/

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading He reached Corry without adventure, and took passage in the train to Oil City, intending to make the latter place the starting-point of his investigations.

positionnounUS /pəˈzɪʃən/

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

possibleadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːsəbəl/

capable of happening or existing

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

propertynounUS /ˈprɑːpərti/

something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

reachedverbUS /riːtʃt/

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading He reached Corry without adventure, and took passage in the train to Oil City, intending to make the latter place the starting-point of his investigations.

red-facedadjective

(especially of the face) reddened or suffused with or as if with blood from emotion or exertion

From this reading The car was crowded, and his companion on the seat was a keen, witty, red-faced man, with an astonishing diamond pin and a gold watch-chain heavy enough to lift an anchor.

ringsnounUS /rɪŋz/

gymnastic apparatus consisting of a pair of heavy metal circles (usually covered with leather) suspended by ropes; used for gymnastic exercises

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

seatnounUS /siːt/

a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)

From this reading The car was crowded, and his companion on the seat was a keen, witty, red-faced man, with an astonishing diamond pin and a gold watch-chain heavy enough to lift an anchor.

secretnounUS /ˈsiː.krət/

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.

setverbUS /set/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.

shrewdnessnounUS /ˈʃruːdnəs/

intelligence manifested by being astute (as in business dealings)

From this reading When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.

speculationnounUS /ˌspekjəˈleɪʃən/

a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence

From this reading When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.

starting-point

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

From this reading He reached Corry without adventure, and took passage in the train to Oil City, intending to make the latter place the starting-point of his investigations.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.

tookverbUS /tʊk/

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading He reached Corry without adventure, and took passage in the train to Oil City, intending to make the latter place the starting-point of his investigations.

trainverbUS /treɪn/

create by training and teaching

From this reading He reached Corry without adventure, and took passage in the train to Oil City, intending to make the latter place the starting-point of his investigations.

travellernounUS /ˈtrævələr/

a person who changes location

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

twonounUS /tuː/

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

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

watch-chain

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

From this reading The car was crowded, and his companion on the seat was a keen, witty, red-faced man, with an astonishing diamond pin and a gold watch-chain heavy enough to lift an anchor.

wedgenounUS /wedʒ/

any shape that is triangular in cross section

From this reading The position of the Amaranth property, inserted like a wedge between the Fluke and Chowder Companies, was all the geography he needed; and he determined to assume the character of a curious traveller,—at least for a day or two,—to keep his eyes and ears open, and learn as much as might be possible to one outside the concentric "rings" of oil operations.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.

WhenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading When he set forth upon his journey, Joseph had enough of natural shrewdness to perceive that his own personal interest in the speculation were better kept secret.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading The car was crowded, and his companion on the seat was a keen, witty, red-faced man, with an astonishing diamond pin and a gold watch-chain heavy enough to lift an anchor.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading He reached Corry without adventure, and took passage in the train to Oil City, intending to make the latter place the starting-point of his investigations.

wittyadjectiveUS /ˈwɪti/

combining clever conception and facetious expression

From this reading The car was crowded, and his companion on the seat was a keen, witty, red-faced man, with an astonishing diamond pin and a gold watch-chain heavy enough to lift an anchor.

Chapter 22 of Joseph and His Friend by Bayard Taylor holds 200 sentences, grouped into 40 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 22 of Joseph and His Friend contain?

Chapter 22 holds 200 sentences of Joseph and His Friend, unabridged, divided into 40 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 22 of Joseph and His Friend by Bayard Taylor exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 200 sentences, grouped into 40 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 22 of Joseph and His Friend?

Work through the 40 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 40 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 22 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 22 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 Joseph and His Friend

Common questions about reading Joseph and His Friend by Bayard Taylor on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Joseph and His Friend?

Yes. All 5716 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #54863 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Joseph and His Friend is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #54863, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Joseph and His Friend take to read?

About 476 minutes of reading across 1144 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

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How to work through Joseph and His Friend section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

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  2. Read one section

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  3. Listen and tap

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

Vocabulary met early in Joseph and His Friend

Words and structures a reader meets early in Joseph and His Friend, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Joseph
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Joseph and His Friend; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Rachel
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Joseph and His Friend; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Miller
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Joseph and His Friend; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Little
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Joseph and His Friend; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.