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Messenger No. 48
Messenger No. 48

Chapter XVIII

Cover illustration for Messenger No. 48
Context Illustration Reading 1/18 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
JAIL LIFE The manager of the minstrel company was, and quite naturally, in a high state of excitement when his people were marched off to the lock-up.
If he was not able to raise sufficient money to pay for the railroad tickets, it was useless to think he could satisfy the claim which alleged justice had against the men.
To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.
An hour after the now saddened minstrels had been lodged behind the bars the manager called upon them.
"I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.
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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.

Messenger No. 48

Chapter XVIII

Reading 1/18 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
JAIL LIFE The manager of the minstrel company was, and quite naturally, in a high state of excitement when his people were marched off to the lock-up.
Line 2
If he was not able to raise sufficient money to pay for the railroad tickets, it was useless to think he could satisfy the claim which alleged justice had against the men.
Line 3
To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.
Line 4
An hour after the now saddened minstrels had been lodged behind the bars the manager called upon them.
Line 5
"I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.

Learner Dictionary

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

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “An hour after the now saddened minstrels had been lodged behind the bars the manager called upon them.”

Against preposition US /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading “If he was not able to raise sufficient money to pay for the railroad tickets, it was useless to think he could satisfy the claim which alleged justice had against the men.”

Anything pronoun US /ˈeniθɪŋ/

any thing at all

From this reading “"I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “An hour after the now saddened minstrels had been lodged behind the bars the manager called upon them.”

Behind preposition US /bɪˈhaɪnd/

at or toward the back of something

From this reading “To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “If he was not able to raise sufficient money to pay for the railroad tickets, it was useless to think he could satisfy the claim which alleged justice had against the men.”

Even noun US /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.”

Except preposition US /ɪkˈsept/

apart from; not including

From this reading “To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.”

Fool noun US /fool/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.”

LIFE noun US /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “JAIL LIFE The manager of the minstrel company was, and quite naturally, in a high state of excitement when his people were marched off to the lock-up.”

Quite noun US /quite/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “JAIL LIFE The manager of the minstrel company was, and quite naturally, in a high state of excitement when his people were marched off to the lock-up.”

Think noun US /think/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “If he was not able to raise sufficient money to pay for the railroad tickets, it was useless to think he could satisfy the claim which alleged justice had against the men.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “An hour after the now saddened minstrels had been lodged behind the bars the manager called upon them.”

Without preposition US /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading “To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.”

All words in this reading · 112

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 JAIL LIFE The manager of the minstrel company was, and quite naturally, in a high state of excitement when his people were marched off to the lock-up.

able

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

From this reading If he was not able to raise sufficient money to pay for the railroad tickets, it was useless to think he could satisfy the claim which alleged justice had against the men.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading An hour after the now saddened minstrels had been lodged behind the bars the manager called upon them.

againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading If he was not able to raise sufficient money to pay for the railroad tickets, it was useless to think he could satisfy the claim which alleged justice had against the men.

alleged

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

From this reading If he was not able to raise sufficient money to pay for the railroad tickets, it was useless to think he could satisfy the claim which alleged justice had against the men.

AndeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading An hour after the now saddened minstrels had been lodged behind the bars the manager called upon them.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading JAIL LIFE The manager of the minstrel company was, and quite naturally, in a high state of excitement when his people were marched off to the lock-up.

announced

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

From this reading "I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.

anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/

any thing at all

From this reading "I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.

baggage

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

From this reading To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.

bankruptcy

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

From this reading To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.

bars

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

From this reading An hour after the now saddened minstrels had been lodged behind the bars the manager called upon them.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading An hour after the now saddened minstrels had been lodged behind the bars the manager called upon them.

behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/

at or toward the back of something

From this reading To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.

called

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

From this reading An hour after the now saddened minstrels had been lodged behind the bars the manager called upon them.

canmodal verbUS /kæn/

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading "I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.

case

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

From this reading To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.

chin

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

From this reading "I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.

claim

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

From this reading If he was not able to raise sufficient money to pay for the railroad tickets, it was useless to think he could satisfy the claim which alleged justice had against the men.

company

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

From this reading JAIL LIFE The manager of the minstrel company was, and quite naturally, in a high state of excitement when his people were marched off to the lock-up.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading If he was not able to raise sufficient money to pay for the railroad tickets, it was useless to think he could satisfy the claim which alleged justice had against the men.

desert

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

From this reading To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

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

From this reading To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.

disconsolate

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

From this reading "I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.

enough

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

From this reading To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.

evennounUS /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.

evening

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

From this reading "I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.

exceptprepositionUS /ɪkˈsept/

apart from; not including

From this reading To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.

excitement

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

From this reading JAIL LIFE The manager of the minstrel company was, and quite naturally, in a high state of excitement when his people were marched off to the lock-up.

foolnounUS /fool/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading If he was not able to raise sufficient money to pay for the railroad tickets, it was useless to think he could satisfy the claim which alleged justice had against the men.

give

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

From this reading "I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.

giving

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

From this reading To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.

go

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

From this reading To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading If he was not able to raise sufficient money to pay for the railroad tickets, it was useless to think he could satisfy the claim which alleged justice had against the men.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading If he was not able to raise sufficient money to pay for the railroad tickets, it was useless to think he could satisfy the claim which alleged justice had against the men.

high

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

From this reading JAIL LIFE The manager of the minstrel company was, and quite naturally, in a high state of excitement when his people were marched off to the lock-up.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading JAIL LIFE The manager of the minstrel company was, and quite naturally, in a high state of excitement when his people were marched off to the lock-up.

hour

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

From this reading An hour after the now saddened minstrels had been lodged behind the bars the manager called upon them.

hours

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

From this reading To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.

I've

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

From this reading "I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.

IfconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If he was not able to raise sufficient money to pay for the railroad tickets, it was useless to think he could satisfy the claim which alleged justice had against the men.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading JAIL LIFE The manager of the minstrel company was, and quite naturally, in a high state of excitement when his people were marched off to the lock-up.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading "I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading If he was not able to raise sufficient money to pay for the railroad tickets, it was useless to think he could satisfy the claim which alleged justice had against the men.

JAIL

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

From this reading JAIL LIFE The manager of the minstrel company was, and quite naturally, in a high state of excitement when his people were marched off to the lock-up.

justice

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

From this reading If he was not able to raise sufficient money to pay for the railroad tickets, it was useless to think he could satisfy the claim which alleged justice had against the men.

kind

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

From this reading "I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.

leaving

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

From this reading To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.

letting

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

From this reading "I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.

LIFEnounUS /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading JAIL LIFE The manager of the minstrel company was, and quite naturally, in a high state of excitement when his people were marched off to the lock-up.

listen

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

From this reading "I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.

lock-up

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

From this reading JAIL LIFE The manager of the minstrel company was, and quite naturally, in a high state of excitement when his people were marched off to the lock-up.

lodged

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

From this reading An hour after the now saddened minstrels had been lodged behind the bars the manager called upon them.

manager

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

From this reading JAIL LIFE The manager of the minstrel company was, and quite naturally, in a high state of excitement when his people were marched off to the lock-up.

marched

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

From this reading JAIL LIFE The manager of the minstrel company was, and quite naturally, in a high state of excitement when his people were marched off to the lock-up.

men

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

From this reading If he was not able to raise sufficient money to pay for the railroad tickets, it was useless to think he could satisfy the claim which alleged justice had against the men.

minstrel

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

From this reading JAIL LIFE The manager of the minstrel company was, and quite naturally, in a high state of excitement when his people were marched off to the lock-up.

minstrels

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

From this reading An hour after the now saddened minstrels had been lodged behind the bars the manager called upon them.

money

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

From this reading If he was not able to raise sufficient money to pay for the railroad tickets, it was useless to think he could satisfy the claim which alleged justice had against the men.

naturally

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

From this reading JAIL LIFE The manager of the minstrel company was, and quite naturally, in a high state of excitement when his people were marched off to the lock-up.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading If he was not able to raise sufficient money to pay for the railroad tickets, it was useless to think he could satisfy the claim which alleged justice had against the men.

now

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

From this reading An hour after the now saddened minstrels had been lodged behind the bars the manager called upon them.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading JAIL LIFE The manager of the minstrel company was, and quite naturally, in a high state of excitement when his people were marched off to the lock-up.

off

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

From this reading JAIL LIFE The manager of the minstrel company was, and quite naturally, in a high state of excitement when his people were marched off to the lock-up.

old

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

From this reading "I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.

out

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

From this reading To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.

pay

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

From this reading If he was not able to raise sufficient money to pay for the railroad tickets, it was useless to think he could satisfy the claim which alleged justice had against the men.

people

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

From this reading JAIL LIFE The manager of the minstrel company was, and quite naturally, in a high state of excitement when his people were marched off to the lock-up.

performance

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

From this reading To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.

quitenounUS /quite/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading JAIL LIFE The manager of the minstrel company was, and quite naturally, in a high state of excitement when his people were marched off to the lock-up.

railroad

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

From this reading If he was not able to raise sufficient money to pay for the railroad tickets, it was useless to think he could satisfy the claim which alleged justice had against the men.

raise

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

From this reading If he was not able to raise sufficient money to pay for the railroad tickets, it was useless to think he could satisfy the claim which alleged justice had against the men.

remain

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

From this reading To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.

result

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

From this reading To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.

saddened

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

From this reading An hour after the now saddened minstrels had been lodged behind the bars the manager called upon them.

satisfy

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

From this reading If he was not able to raise sufficient money to pay for the railroad tickets, it was useless to think he could satisfy the claim which alleged justice had against the men.

show

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

From this reading "I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.

so's

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

From this reading "I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.

squire

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

From this reading "I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.

state

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

From this reading JAIL LIFE The manager of the minstrel company was, and quite naturally, in a high state of excitement when his people were marched off to the lock-up.

sufficient

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

From this reading If he was not able to raise sufficient money to pay for the railroad tickets, it was useless to think he could satisfy the claim which alleged justice had against the men.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading JAIL LIFE The manager of the minstrel company was, and quite naturally, in a high state of excitement when his people were marched off to the lock-up.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading An hour after the now saddened minstrels had been lodged behind the bars the manager called upon them.

there

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

From this reading To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.

thinknounUS /think/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading If he was not able to raise sufficient money to pay for the railroad tickets, it was useless to think he could satisfy the claim which alleged justice had against the men.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading "I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.

tickets

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

From this reading If he was not able to raise sufficient money to pay for the railroad tickets, it was useless to think he could satisfy the claim which alleged justice had against the men.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading JAIL LIFE The manager of the minstrel company was, and quite naturally, in a high state of excitement when his people were marched off to the lock-up.

tone

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

From this reading "I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.

town

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

From this reading To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.

trying

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

From this reading "I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.

twenty-four

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

From this reading To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading An hour after the now saddened minstrels had been lodged behind the bars the manager called upon them.

useless

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

From this reading If he was not able to raise sufficient money to pay for the railroad tickets, it was useless to think he could satisfy the claim which alleged justice had against the men.

utter

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

From this reading To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.

visitor

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

From this reading "I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.

walking

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

From this reading To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading JAIL LIFE The manager of the minstrel company was, and quite naturally, in a high state of excitement when his people were marched off to the lock-up.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading "I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading JAIL LIFE The manager of the minstrel company was, and quite naturally, in a high state of excitement when his people were marched off to the lock-up.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading JAIL LIFE The manager of the minstrel company was, and quite naturally, in a high state of excitement when his people were marched off to the lock-up.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading If he was not able to raise sufficient money to pay for the railroad tickets, it was useless to think he could satisfy the claim which alleged justice had against the men.

willing

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

From this reading To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.

won't

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

From this reading "I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.