Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
Messenger No. 48
Messenger No. 48

Chapter XV

Cover illustration for Messenger No. 48
Context Illustration Reading 1/20 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.
Not a word had been spoken since Joe made the proposition to purchase his liberty, until fully an hour passed, and then he said in a meek tone:
"Don't you think it is about time to take a rest?
I'm pretty nigh played out."
Jet was only too willing to do so, and said:
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Messenger No. 48

Chapter XV

Reading 1/20 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.
Line 2
Not a word had been spoken since Joe made the proposition to purchase his liberty, until fully an hour passed, and then he said in a meek tone:
Line 3
"Don't you think it is about time to take a rest?
Line 4
I'm pretty nigh played out."
Line 5
Jet was only too willing to do so, and said:

Learner Dictionary

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

About preposition US /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “"Don't you think it is about time to take a rest?”

Against preposition US /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading “ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “Not a word had been spoken since Joe made the proposition to purchase his liberty, until fully an hour passed, and then he said in a meek tone:”

Behind preposition US /bɪˈhaɪnd/

at or toward the back of something

From this reading “ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.”

During preposition US /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading “ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.”

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.”

Himself pronoun US /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading “ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.”

Left noun US /left/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.”

Liberty noun US /ˈlɪb.ər.ti/

The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions on one's way of life.

From this reading “Not a word had been spoken since Joe made the proposition to purchase his liberty, until fully an hour passed, and then he said in a meek tone:”

Passed noun US /passed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Not a word had been spoken since Joe made the proposition to purchase his liberty, until fully an hour passed, and then he said in a meek tone:”

Rest noun US /rest/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"Don't you think it is about time to take a rest?”

Since preposition US /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading “Not a word had been spoken since Joe made the proposition to purchase his liberty, until fully an hour passed, and then he said in a meek tone:”

Take noun US /take/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"Don't you think it is about time to take a rest?”

Think noun US /think/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"Don't you think it is about time to take a rest?”

Those determiner US /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading “ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.”

Thought noun US /thought/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"Don't you think it is about time to take a rest?”

Until preposition US /ənˈtɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading “Not a word had been spoken since Joe made the proposition to purchase his liberty, until fully an hour passed, and then he said in a meek tone:”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.”

All words in this reading · 77

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Not a word had been spoken since Joe made the proposition to purchase his liberty, until fully an hour passed, and then he said in a meek tone:

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading "Don't you think it is about time to take a rest?

againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading Not a word had been spoken since Joe made the proposition to purchase his liberty, until fully an hour passed, and then he said in a meek tone:

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Not a word had been spoken since Joe made the proposition to purchase his liberty, until fully an hour passed, and then he said in a meek tone:

ASSISTANCE

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

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

battle

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

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Not a word had been spoken since Joe made the proposition to purchase his liberty, until fully an hour passed, and then he said in a meek tone:

behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/

at or toward the back of something

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Jet was only too willing to do so, and said:

Don't

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

From this reading "Don't you think it is about time to take a rest?

DuringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

enabled

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

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

fatigue

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

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

fully

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

From this reading Not a word had been spoken since Joe made the proposition to purchase his liberty, until fully an hour passed, and then he said in a meek tone:

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Not a word had been spoken since Joe made the proposition to purchase his liberty, until fully an hour passed, and then he said in a meek tone:

hold

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

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

hour

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

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

I'm

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

From this reading I'm pretty nigh played out."

impossible

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

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Not a word had been spoken since Joe made the proposition to purchase his liberty, until fully an hour passed, and then he said in a meek tone:

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading "Don't you think it is about time to take a rest?

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

Jet

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

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

Joe

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

From this reading Not a word had been spoken since Joe made the proposition to purchase his liberty, until fully an hour passed, and then he said in a meek tone:

knowledge

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

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

leftnounUS /left/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

libertynounUS /ˈlɪb.ər.ti/

The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions on one's way of life.

From this reading Not a word had been spoken since Joe made the proposition to purchase his liberty, until fully an hour passed, and then he said in a meek tone:

made

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

From this reading Not a word had been spoken since Joe made the proposition to purchase his liberty, until fully an hour passed, and then he said in a meek tone:

meek

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

From this reading Not a word had been spoken since Joe made the proposition to purchase his liberty, until fully an hour passed, and then he said in a meek tone:

nigh

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

From this reading I'm pretty nigh played out."

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

only

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

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

out

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

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

overpower

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

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

passednounUS /passed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Not a word had been spoken since Joe made the proposition to purchase his liberty, until fully an hour passed, and then he said in a meek tone:

played

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

From this reading I'm pretty nigh played out."

pretty

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

From this reading I'm pretty nigh played out."

proposition

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

From this reading Not a word had been spoken since Joe made the proposition to purchase his liberty, until fully an hour passed, and then he said in a meek tone:

purchase

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

From this reading Not a word had been spoken since Joe made the proposition to purchase his liberty, until fully an hour passed, and then he said in a meek tone:

reach

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

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

restnounUS /rest/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "Don't you think it is about time to take a rest?

result

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

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

said

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

From this reading Not a word had been spoken since Joe made the proposition to purchase his liberty, until fully an hour passed, and then he said in a meek tone:

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Not a word had been spoken since Joe made the proposition to purchase his liberty, until fully an hour passed, and then he said in a meek tone:

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Jet was only too willing to do so, and said:

spoken

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

From this reading Not a word had been spoken since Joe made the proposition to purchase his liberty, until fully an hour passed, and then he said in a meek tone:

takenounUS /take/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "Don't you think it is about time to take a rest?

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

then

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

From this reading Not a word had been spoken since Joe made the proposition to purchase his liberty, until fully an hour passed, and then he said in a meek tone:

thinknounUS /think/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "Don't you think it is about time to take a rest?

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

thoughtnounUS /thought/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

threatened

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

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "Don't you think it is about time to take a rest?

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

tone

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

From this reading Not a word had been spoken since Joe made the proposition to purchase his liberty, until fully an hour passed, and then he said in a meek tone:

too

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

From this reading Jet was only too willing to do so, and said:

town

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

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading Not a word had been spoken since Joe made the proposition to purchase his liberty, until fully an hour passed, and then he said in a meek tone:

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Jet was only too willing to do so, and said:

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

whompronounUS /huːm/

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

willing

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

From this reading Jet was only too willing to do so, and said:

word

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

From this reading Not a word had been spoken since Joe made the proposition to purchase his liberty, until fully an hour passed, and then he said in a meek tone:

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading ASSISTANCE During the first hour Jet thought it would be impossible for him to hold out to reach the town; but the knowledge of what the result would be, not only to himself, but to those whom he had left behind, enabled him to battle against the fatigue which threatened to overpower him.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Don't you think it is about time to take a rest?