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Teddy and Carrots
Teddy and Carrots

Chapter XV

Chapter 15 of Teddy and Carrots is here in full — 156 sentences across 32 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Teddy and Carrots
Context Illustration Reading 1/31 · 5 lines
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THE CONFLAGRATION.
It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.
He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.
"P'rhaps it's jest as well not to flash it up on the boys till after we get the whole thing in style--bootblack's quarters an' all," he said to himself in the hope of cheering his mind.
"When she's in shape I reckon some of the fellers in this town will find out that I can do a thing or two, even if my hair _is_ red!"
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Teddy and Carrots

Chapter XV

Chapter 15 of Teddy and Carrots is here in full — 156 sentences across 32 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/31 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE CONFLAGRATION.
/ðə ˌkɑːnfləˈɡreɪʃən/
Line 2
It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.
Line 3
He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.
Line 4
"P'rhaps it's jest as well not to flash it up on the boys till after we get the whole thing in style--bootblack's quarters an' all," he said to himself in the hope of cheering his mind.
Line 5
"When she's in shape I reckon some of the fellers in this town will find out that I can do a thing or two, even if my hair _is_ red!"

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.

Carrots noun US /ˈkærəts/

plural of “carrot” — deep orange edible root of the cultivated carrot plant

From this reading “It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.”

cheering noun US /ˈtʃɪrɪŋ/

encouragement in the form of cheers from spectators

From this reading “"P'rhaps it's jest as well not to flash it up on the boys till after we get the whole thing in style--bootblack's quarters an' all," he said to himself in the hope of cheering his mind.”

conflagration noun US /ˌkɑːnfləˈɡreɪʃən/

a very intense and uncontrolled fire

From this reading “THE CONFLAGRATION.”

customers noun US /ˈkʌstəmərz/

plural of “customer” — someone who pays for goods or services

From this reading “He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.”

fellers noun US /ˈfelərz/

plural of “feller” — a person who fells trees

From this reading “"When she's in shape I reckon some of the fellers in this town will find out that I can do a thing or two, even if my hair _is_ red!"”

owning verb US /ˈoʊnɪŋ/

-ing form of “own” — have ownership or possession of

From this reading “He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.”

purchased verb US /ˈpɜːrtʃəst/

past form of “purchase” — obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction

From this reading “It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.”

Teddy noun US /ˈtedi/

plaything consisting of a child's toy bear (usually plush and stuffed with soft materials)

From this reading “He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.”

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.

profound secret adjective + noun

In this reading “He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.”

dwell upon verb + particle

In this reading “He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.”

harder task adjective + noun counted as “hard task”

In this reading “It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.”

whole thing adjective + noun

In this reading “"P'rhaps it's jest as well not to flash it up on the boys till after we get the whole thing in style--bootblack's quarters an' all," he said to himself in the hope of cheering his mind.”

with the exception preposition + article + noun counted as “with … exception”

In this reading “He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.”

find out verb + adjective

establish after a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study

In this reading “"When she's in shape I reckon some of the fellers in this town will find out that I can do a thing or two, even if my hair _is_ red!"”

for the benefit preposition + article + noun counted as “for … benefit”

In this reading “He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.”

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

In this reading “It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.”

All words in this reading · 114

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 It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

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

From this reading "P'rhaps it's jest as well not to flash it up on the boys till after we get the whole thing in style--bootblack's quarters an' all," he said to himself in the hope of cheering his mind.

allowedverbUS /əˈlaʊd/

past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading "P'rhaps it's jest as well not to flash it up on the boys till after we get the whole thing in style--bootblack's quarters an' all," he said to himself in the hope of cheering his mind.

attachedadjectiveUS /əˈtætʃt/

being joined in close association

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.

benefitnounUS /ˈbenəfɪt/

financial assistance in time of need

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

bootblack's

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

From this reading "P'rhaps it's jest as well not to flash it up on the boys till after we get the whole thing in style--bootblack's quarters an' all," he said to himself in the hope of cheering his mind.

bootblacking

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

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

boysnounUS /bɔɪz/

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading "P'rhaps it's jest as well not to flash it up on the boys till after we get the whole thing in style--bootblack's quarters an' all," he said to himself in the hope of cheering his mind.

canmodal verbUS /kæn/

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading "When she's in shape I reckon some of the fellers in this town will find out that I can do a thing or two, even if my hair _is_ red!"

CarrotsnounUS /ˈkærəts/

plural of “carrot” — deep orange edible root of the cultivated carrot plant

From this reading It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.

chairnounUS /tʃer/

a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

cheeringnounUS /ˈtʃɪrɪŋ/

encouragement in the form of cheers from spectators

From this reading "P'rhaps it's jest as well not to flash it up on the boys till after we get the whole thing in style--bootblack's quarters an' all," he said to himself in the hope of cheering his mind.

CONFLAGRATIONnounUS /ˌkɑːnfləˈɡreɪʃən/

a very intense and uncontrolled fire

From this reading THE CONFLAGRATION.

customersnounUS /ˈkʌstəmərz/

plural of “customer” — someone who pays for goods or services

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading "When she's in shape I reckon some of the fellers in this town will find out that I can do a thing or two, even if my hair _is_ red!"

doubtfuladjectiveUS /ˈdaʊtfəl/

open to doubt or suspicion

From this reading It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.

down-town

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

From this reading It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.

dwellverbUS /dwel/

think moodily or anxiously about something

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

establishmentnounUS /ɪˈstæblɪʃmənt/

the act of forming or establishing something

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/

divisible by two

From this reading "When she's in shape I reckon some of the fellers in this town will find out that I can do a thing or two, even if my hair _is_ red!"

exceptionnounUS /ɪkˈsepʃən/

a deliberate act of omission

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

factnounUS /fækt/

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

fellersnounUS /ˈfelərz/

plural of “feller” — a person who fells trees

From this reading "When she's in shape I reckon some of the fellers in this town will find out that I can do a thing or two, even if my hair _is_ red!"

findverbUS /faɪnd/

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading "When she's in shape I reckon some of the fellers in this town will find out that I can do a thing or two, even if my hair _is_ red!"

firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

flashverbUS /flæʃ/

gleam or glow intermittently

From this reading "P'rhaps it's jest as well not to flash it up on the boys till after we get the whole thing in style--bootblack's quarters an' all," he said to himself in the hope of cheering his mind.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

getverbUS /ɡet/

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading "P'rhaps it's jest as well not to flash it up on the boys till after we get the whole thing in style--bootblack's quarters an' all," he said to himself in the hope of cheering his mind.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.

hairnounUS /her/

a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss

From this reading "When she's in shape I reckon some of the fellers in this town will find out that I can do a thing or two, even if my hair _is_ red!"

hardadjectiveUS /hɑːrd/

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

harderadverbUS /ˈhɑːrdər/

comparative of “hard” — with effort or force or vigor

From this reading It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

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

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading "P'rhaps it's jest as well not to flash it up on the boys till after we get the whole thing in style--bootblack's quarters an' all," he said to himself in the hope of cheering his mind.

hopenounUS /hoʊp/

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading "P'rhaps it's jest as well not to flash it up on the boys till after we get the whole thing in style--bootblack's quarters an' all," he said to himself in the hope of cheering his mind.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "When she's in shape I reckon some of the fellers in this town will find out that I can do a thing or two, even if my hair _is_ red!"

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.

immediatelyadverbUS /ˌɪˈmiːdiːətli/

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

informationnounUS /ˌɪnfərˈmeɪʃən/

a message received and understood

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

interestnounUS /ˈɪntrəst/

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.

it's

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

From this reading "P'rhaps it's jest as well not to flash it up on the boys till after we get the whole thing in style--bootblack's quarters an' all," he said to himself in the hope of cheering his mind.

jestnounUS /dʒest/

a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter

From this reading "P'rhaps it's jest as well not to flash it up on the boys till after we get the whole thing in style--bootblack's quarters an' all," he said to himself in the hope of cheering his mind.

keepverbUS /kiːp/

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

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

magnificentadjectiveUS /mæɡˈnɪfəsənt/

characterized by grandeur

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

mindnounUS /maɪnd/

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading "P'rhaps it's jest as well not to flash it up on the boys till after we get the whole thing in style--bootblack's quarters an' all," he said to himself in the hope of cheering his mind.

momentnounUS /ˈmoʊmənt/

a particular point in time

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "When she's in shape I reckon some of the fellers in this town will find out that I can do a thing or two, even if my hair _is_ red!"

news-stand

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

From this reading It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading "P'rhaps it's jest as well not to flash it up on the boys till after we get the whole thing in style--bootblack's quarters an' all," he said to himself in the hope of cheering his mind.

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

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

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.

oftenadverbUS /ˈɔːfən/

many times at short intervals

From this reading It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading "When she's in shape I reckon some of the fellers in this town will find out that I can do a thing or two, even if my hair _is_ red!"

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading "When she's in shape I reckon some of the fellers in this town will find out that I can do a thing or two, even if my hair _is_ red!"

owningverbUS /ˈoʊnɪŋ/

-ing form of “own” — have ownership or possession of

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

P'rhaps

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

From this reading "P'rhaps it's jest as well not to flash it up on the boys till after we get the whole thing in style--bootblack's quarters an' all," he said to himself in the hope of cheering his mind.

particularlyadverbUS /ˌpɑːrˈtɪkjələrli/

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

pleasingadjectiveUS /ˈpliːzɪŋ/

giving pleasure and satisfaction

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

portionnounUS /ˈpɔːrʃən/

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

possibilitynounUS /ˌpɑːsəˈbɪlətiː/

a future prospect or potential

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

profoundadjectiveUS /proʊˈfaʊnd/

showing intellectual penetration or emotional depth

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

purchasedverbUS /ˈpɜːrtʃəst/

past form of “purchase” — obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction

From this reading It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.

quartersnounUS /ˈkwɔːrtərz/

housing available for people to live in

From this reading "P'rhaps it's jest as well not to flash it up on the boys till after we get the whole thing in style--bootblack's quarters an' all," he said to himself in the hope of cheering his mind.

reallyadverbUS /ˈrɪli/

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

reckonverbUS /ˈrekən/

expect, believe, or suppose

From this reading "When she's in shape I reckon some of the fellers in this town will find out that I can do a thing or two, even if my hair _is_ red!"

rednounUS /red/

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

From this reading "When she's in shape I reckon some of the fellers in this town will find out that I can do a thing or two, even if my hair _is_ red!"

remainingadjectiveUS /rɪˈmeɪnɪŋ/

not used up

From this reading It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.

saidadjectiveUS /sed/

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "P'rhaps it's jest as well not to flash it up on the boys till after we get the whole thing in style--bootblack's quarters an' all," he said to himself in the hope of cheering his mind.

schemenounUS /skiːm/

an elaborate and systematic plan of action

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

secretnounUS /ˈsiː.krət/

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

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

seemedverbUS /siːmd/

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

shapenounUS /ʃeɪp/

any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)

From this reading "When she's in shape I reckon some of the fellers in this town will find out that I can do a thing or two, even if my hair _is_ red!"

she's

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

From this reading "When she's in shape I reckon some of the fellers in this town will find out that I can do a thing or two, even if my hair _is_ red!"

silentadjectiveUS /ˈsaɪlənt/

marked by absence of sound

From this reading It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading "When she's in shape I reckon some of the fellers in this town will find out that I can do a thing or two, even if my hair _is_ red!"

spokenounUS /spoʊk/

support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

standverbUS /stænd/

be standing; be upright

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

startlingadjectiveUS /ˈstɑːrtlɪŋ/

so remarkably different or sudden as to cause momentary shock or alarm

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

stylenounUS /staɪl/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading "P'rhaps it's jest as well not to flash it up on the boys till after we get the whole thing in style--bootblack's quarters an' all," he said to himself in the hope of cheering his mind.

subjectnounUS /səbˈdʒekt/

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.

tasknounUS /tæsk/

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.

TeddynounUS /ˈtedi/

plaything consisting of a child's toy bear (usually plush and stuffed with soft materials)

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE CONFLAGRATION.

thingnounUS /θɪŋ/

a special situation

From this reading "P'rhaps it's jest as well not to flash it up on the boys till after we get the whole thing in style--bootblack's quarters an' all," he said to himself in the hope of cheering his mind.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading "When she's in shape I reckon some of the fellers in this town will find out that I can do a thing or two, even if my hair _is_ red!"

tillprepositionUS /tɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading "P'rhaps it's jest as well not to flash it up on the boys till after we get the whole thing in style--bootblack's quarters an' all," he said to himself in the hope of cheering his mind.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.

townnounUS /taʊn/

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading "When she's in shape I reckon some of the fellers in this town will find out that I can do a thing or two, even if my hair _is_ red!"

twonounUS /tuː/

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

From this reading "When she's in shape I reckon some of the fellers in this town will find out that I can do a thing or two, even if my hair _is_ red!"

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading "P'rhaps it's jest as well not to flash it up on the boys till after we get the whole thing in style--bootblack's quarters an' all," he said to himself in the hope of cheering his mind.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading "P'rhaps it's jest as well not to flash it up on the boys till after we get the whole thing in style--bootblack's quarters an' all," he said to himself in the hope of cheering his mind.

welladverbUS /wel/

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading "P'rhaps it's jest as well not to flash it up on the boys till after we get the whole thing in style--bootblack's quarters an' all," he said to himself in the hope of cheering his mind.

wentverbUS /went/

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.

wholeadjectiveUS /hoʊl/

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

From this reading "P'rhaps it's jest as well not to flash it up on the boys till after we get the whole thing in style--bootblack's quarters an' all," he said to himself in the hope of cheering his mind.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading "When she's in shape I reckon some of the fellers in this town will find out that I can do a thing or two, even if my hair _is_ red!"

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.

workverbUS /wɜːrk/

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work immediately after it had been purchased.

Chapter 15 of Teddy and Carrots by James Otis holds 156 sentences, grouped into 32 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 15 of Teddy and Carrots contain?

Chapter 15 holds 156 sentences of Teddy and Carrots, unabridged, divided into 32 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 15 of Teddy and Carrots by James Otis exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 156 sentences, grouped into 32 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 15 of Teddy and Carrots?

Work through the 32 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 32 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 15 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 15 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 Teddy and Carrots

Common questions about reading Teddy and Carrots by James Otis on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Teddy and Carrots?

Yes. All 2484 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #35046 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Teddy and Carrots is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #35046, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Teddy and Carrots take to read?

About 207 minutes of reading across 497 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Teddy and Carrots section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 17 chapters of Teddy and Carrots to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

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

Vocabulary met early in Teddy and Carrots

Words and structures a reader meets early in Teddy and Carrots, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Colonial
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Teddy and Carrots; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Press
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Teddy and Carrots; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Simonds
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Teddy and Carrots; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Boston
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Teddy and Carrots; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.