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On Your Mark! A Story of College Life and Athletics
On Your Mark! A Story of College Life and Athletics

Chapter X

Chapter 10 of On Your Mark! A Story of College Life and Athletics is here in full — 191 sentences across 39 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for On Your Mark! A Story of College Life and Athletics
Context Illustration Reading 1/38 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.
Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.
The latter was a rather stout gentleman, of middle age, with ruddy cheeks, piercing dark eyes, and an expression of extreme self-possession.
He wore a suit of rough gray tweed and leather leggings and carried a shot-gun.
At his side, exhibiting two rows of very white teeth, stood a red and white setter.
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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.

On Your Mark! A Story of College Life and Athletics

Chapter X

Chapter 10 of On Your Mark! A Story of College Life and Athletics is here in full — 191 sentences across 39 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/38 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.
Line 2
Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.
Line 3
The latter was a rather stout gentleman, of middle age, with ruddy cheeks, piercing dark eyes, and an expression of extreme self-possession.
Line 4
He wore a suit of rough gray tweed and leather leggings and carried a shot-gun.
Line 5
At his side, exhibiting two rows of very white teeth, stood a red and white setter.
/æt hɪz saɪd ɪɡˈzɪbɪtɪŋ tuː roʊz ʌv ˈveri waɪt tiːθ stʊd ə red ənd waɪt ˈsetər/

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.

arm's noun US /ɑːrmz/

possessive form of “arm” — a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb

exhibiting verb US /ɪɡˈzɪbɪtɪŋ/

-ing form of “exhibit” — show an attribute, property, knowledge, or skill

From this reading “At his side, exhibiting two rows of very white teeth, stood a red and white setter.”

headless adjective US /ˈhedləs/

not having a head or formed without a head

From this reading “Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.”

leggings noun US /ˈleɡɪŋz/

plural of “legging” — a garment covering the leg (usually extending from the knee to the ankle)

From this reading “He wore a suit of rough gray tweed and leather leggings and carried a shot-gun.”

newcomer noun US /ˈnuːkʌmər/

any new participant in some activity

From this reading “Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.”

setter noun US /ˈsetər/

one who sets written material into type

From this reading “At his side, exhibiting two rows of very white teeth, stood a red and white setter.”

thunderbolt noun US /ˈθʌndərbɔːlt/

a discharge of lightning accompanied by thunder

From this reading “DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.”

tweed noun US /twiːd/

thick woolen fabric used for clothing; originated in Scotland

From this reading “He wore a suit of rough gray tweed and leather leggings and carried a shot-gun.”

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.

middle age noun + noun

the time of life between youth and old age (e.g., between 40 and 60 years of age)

In this reading “The latter was a rather stout gentleman, of middle age, with ruddy cheeks, piercing dark eyes, and an expression of extreme self-possession.”

ruddy cheeks adjective + noun counted as “ruddy cheek”

In this reading “The latter was a rather stout gentleman, of middle age, with ruddy cheeks, piercing dark eyes, and an expression of extreme self-possession.”

white teeth noun + noun

In this reading “At his side, exhibiting two rows of very white teeth, stood a red and white setter.”

icy water adjective + noun

In this reading “Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.”

third person noun + noun

pronouns and verbs that are used to refer to something other than the speaker or addressee of the language in which they occur

In this reading “DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.”

stout gentleman adjective + noun

In this reading “The latter was a rather stout gentleman, of middle age, with ruddy cheeks, piercing dark eyes, and an expression of extreme self-possession.”

dark eyes noun + noun

In this reading “The latter was a rather stout gentleman, of middle age, with ruddy cheeks, piercing dark eyes, and an expression of extreme self-possession.”

whole attitude adjective + noun

In this reading “Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.”

All words in this reading · 105

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 DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

agenounUS /eɪdʒ/

how long something has existed

From this reading The latter was a rather stout gentleman, of middle age, with ruddy cheeks, piercing dark eyes, and an expression of extreme self-possession.

Allan

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

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

Allan's

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

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading The latter was a rather stout gentleman, of middle age, with ruddy cheeks, piercing dark eyes, and an expression of extreme self-possession.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/

any thing at all

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

arm'snounUS /ɑːrmz/

possessive form of “arm” — a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

attitudenounUS /ˈætətuːd/

a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/

the two together, not just one

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

carriedverbUS /ˈkærid/

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading He wore a suit of rough gray tweed and leather leggings and carried a shot-gun.

causedverbUS /kɑːzd/

past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

cheeksnounUS /tʃiːks/

plural of “cheek” — either side of the face below the eyes

From this reading The latter was a rather stout gentleman, of middle age, with ruddy cheeks, piercing dark eyes, and an expression of extreme self-possession.

darknounUS /dɑːrk/

absence of light or illumination

From this reading The latter was a rather stout gentleman, of middle age, with ruddy cheeks, piercing dark eyes, and an expression of extreme self-possession.

DINNERnounUS /ˈdɪnər/

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

duckverbUS /dʌk/

to move (the head or body) quickly downwards or away

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

effectnounUS /ɪˈfekt/

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

enoughnounUS /ɪˈnʌf/

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

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/

divisible by two

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

exhibitingverbUS /ɪɡˈzɪbɪtɪŋ/

-ing form of “exhibit” — show an attribute, property, knowledge, or skill

From this reading At his side, exhibiting two rows of very white teeth, stood a red and white setter.

expressedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsprest/

communicated in words

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

expressionnounUS /ɪkˈspreʃən/

the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading The latter was a rather stout gentleman, of middle age, with ruddy cheeks, piercing dark eyes, and an expression of extreme self-possession.

extremeadjectiveUS /ekˈstriːm/

of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity

From this reading The latter was a rather stout gentleman, of middle age, with ruddy cheeks, piercing dark eyes, and an expression of extreme self-possession.

eyesnounUS /aɪz/

opinion or judgment

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

FORprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

frozenadjectiveUS /ˈfroʊzən/

turned into ice; affected by freezing or by long and severe cold

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

gentlemannounUS /ˈdʒentəlmən/

a man of refinement

From this reading The latter was a rather stout gentleman, of middle age, with ruddy cheeks, piercing dark eyes, and an expression of extreme self-possession.

graynounUS /ɡreɪ/

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading He wore a suit of rough gray tweed and leather leggings and carried a shot-gun.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

headlessadjectiveUS /ˈhedləs/

not having a head or formed without a head

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

heardadjectiveUS /hɜːrd/

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

heldadjectiveUS /held/

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

icyadjectiveUS /ˈaɪsi/

devoid of warmth and cordiality; expressive of unfriendliness or disdain

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

latteradjectiveUS /ˈlætər/

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

From this reading The latter was a rather stout gentleman, of middle age, with ruddy cheeks, piercing dark eyes, and an expression of extreme self-possession.

leathernounUS /ˈleðər/

an animal skin made smooth and flexible by removing the hair and then tanning

From this reading He wore a suit of rough gray tweed and leather leggings and carried a shot-gun.

leggingsnounUS /ˈleɡɪŋz/

plural of “legging” — a garment covering the leg (usually extending from the knee to the ankle)

From this reading He wore a suit of rough gray tweed and leather leggings and carried a shot-gun.

lengthnounUS /leŋkθ/

the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

ludicrousadjectiveUS /ˈluːdəkrəs/

broadly or extravagantly humorous; resembling farce

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

middlenounUS /ˈmɪdəl/

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading The latter was a rather stout gentleman, of middle age, with ruddy cheeks, piercing dark eyes, and an expression of extreme self-possession.

mouthnounUS /maʊθ/

the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

mustachenounUS /ˈmʌstæʃ/

an unshaved growth of hair on the upper lip

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

neitherdeterminerUS /ˈniːðər/

not one and not the other of two

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

newcomernounUS /ˈnuːkʌmər/

any new participant in some activity

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/

To move from a closed position.

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

personnounUS /ˈpɜːrsən/

a human being

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

Pete

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

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

picturenounUS /ˈpɪktʃər/

a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

piercingadjectiveUS /ˈpɪrsɪŋ/

having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

From this reading The latter was a rather stout gentleman, of middle age, with ruddy cheeks, piercing dark eyes, and an expression of extreme self-possession.

politelyadverbUS /pəˈlaɪtli/

in a polite manner

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

presencenounUS /ˈprezəns/

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

presentedverbUS /priˈzentɪd/

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

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

ratheradverbUS /ˈræðər/

on the contrary

From this reading The latter was a rather stout gentleman, of middle age, with ruddy cheeks, piercing dark eyes, and an expression of extreme self-possession.

rednounUS /red/

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading At his side, exhibiting two rows of very white teeth, stood a red and white setter.

regretverbUS /rəˈɡret/

feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

roughadjectiveUS /rʌf/

having or caused by an irregular surface

From this reading He wore a suit of rough gray tweed and leather leggings and carried a shot-gun.

rowsnounUS /roʊz/

plural of “row” — an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line

From this reading At his side, exhibiting two rows of very white teeth, stood a red and white setter.

ruddyadjectiveUS /ˈrʌdi/

inclined to a healthy reddish color often associated with outdoor life

From this reading The latter was a rather stout gentleman, of middle age, with ruddy cheeks, piercing dark eyes, and an expression of extreme self-possession.

scenenounUS /siːn/

the place where some action occurs

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

seenverbUS /siːn/

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

self-possessionnoun

the trait of resolutely controlling your own behavior

From this reading The latter was a rather stout gentleman, of middle age, with ruddy cheeks, piercing dark eyes, and an expression of extreme self-possession.

setternounUS /ˈsetər/

one who sets written material into type

From this reading At his side, exhibiting two rows of very white teeth, stood a red and white setter.

shot-gun

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

From this reading He wore a suit of rough gray tweed and leather leggings and carried a shot-gun.

sidenounUS /saɪd/

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading At his side, exhibiting two rows of very white teeth, stood a red and white setter.

smileverbUS /smaɪl/

change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

stiffadjectiveUS /stɪf/

not moving or operating freely

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

stifflyadverbUS /ˈstɪfli/

in a stiff manner

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

stoodverbUS /stʊd/

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

stoutadjectiveUS /staʊt/

dependable

From this reading The latter was a rather stout gentleman, of middle age, with ruddy cheeks, piercing dark eyes, and an expression of extreme self-possession.

suddenlyadverbUS /ˈsʌdənli/

happening unexpectedly

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

suggestverbUS /səˈdʒest/

make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

suggestingverbUS /səˈdʒestɪŋ/

-ing form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

suitverbUS /suːt/

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading He wore a suit of rough gray tweed and leather leggings and carried a shot-gun.

surprisenounUS /sərˈpraɪz/

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

teethnounUS /tiːθ/

the kind and number and arrangement of teeth (collectively) in a person or animal

From this reading At his side, exhibiting two rows of very white teeth, stood a red and white setter.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

thirdnounUS /θɜːrd/

one of three equal parts of a divisible whole

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

thunderboltnounUS /ˈθʌndərbɔːlt/

a discharge of lightning accompanied by thunder

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

tweednounUS /twiːd/

thick woolen fabric used for clothing; originated in Scotland

From this reading He wore a suit of rough gray tweed and leather leggings and carried a shot-gun.

TWOnounUS /tuː/

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

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading At his side, exhibiting two rows of very white teeth, stood a red and white setter.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

waternounUS /ˈwɔːtər/

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

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

whitenounUS /waɪt/

a Caucasian

From this reading At his side, exhibiting two rows of very white teeth, stood a red and white setter.

wholeadjectiveUS /hoʊl/

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

whompronounUS /huːm/

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

From this reading DINNER FOR TWO The regret, politely expressed though it was, had the effect of a thunderbolt on both Allan and Pete, neither of whom had heard or seen anything to suggest the presence of a third person on the scene.

wideadjectiveUS /waɪd/

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading Allan’s surprise was ludicrous enough, but the picture presented by Pete--mouth and eyes wide open and the headless duck held stiffly at arm’s length, his whole attitude suggesting that the icy water in which he stood had suddenly frozen him stiff--caused even the newcomer to smile a little under his mustache.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading The latter was a rather stout gentleman, of middle age, with ruddy cheeks, piercing dark eyes, and an expression of extreme self-possession.

woreverbUS /wɔːr/

inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in

From this reading He wore a suit of rough gray tweed and leather leggings and carried a shot-gun.

Chapter 10 of On Your Mark! A Story of College Life and Athletics by Ralph Henry Barbour holds 191 sentences, grouped into 39 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 10 of On Your Mark! A Story of College Life and Athletics contain?

Chapter 10 holds 191 sentences of On Your Mark! A Story of College Life and Athletics, unabridged, divided into 39 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 10 of On Your Mark! A Story of College Life and Athletics by Ralph Henry Barbour exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 191 sentences, grouped into 39 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 10 of On Your Mark! A Story of College Life and Athletics?

Work through the 39 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 39 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.

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Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 10 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 On Your Mark! A Story of College Life and Athletics

Common questions about reading On Your Mark! A Story of College Life and Athletics by Ralph Henry Barbour on this page, its source edition and its audio.

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Project Gutenberg eBook #45140, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does On Your Mark! A Story of College Life and Athletics take to read?

About 304 minutes of reading across 731 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

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Vocabulary met early in On Your Mark! A Story of College Life and Athletics

Words and structures a reader meets early in On Your Mark! A Story of College Life and Athletics, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Winner
A word that appears in the opening chapter of On Your Mark! A Story of College Life and Athletics; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Clerk
A word that appears in the opening chapter of On Your Mark! A Story of College Life and Athletics; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Course
A word that appears in the opening chapter of On Your Mark! A Story of College Life and Athletics; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Stuck
A word that appears in the opening chapter of On Your Mark! A Story of College Life and Athletics; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.