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The Battle of Life
The Battle of Life

Chapter IV · Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of The Battle of Life is here in full — 191 sentences across 39 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Battle of Life
Context Illustration Reading 1/38 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Cases!’ interposed the client, impatiently.
Don’t talk to me of cases.
The general precedent is in a much larger volume than any of your law books.
Besides, do you think I have lived six weeks in the Doctor’s house for nothing?’
I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and anotherand they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and Ithe worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.
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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.

The Battle of Life

Chapter IV · Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of The Battle of Life 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
Cases!’ interposed the client, impatiently.
Line 2
Don’t talk to me of cases.
Line 3
The general precedent is in a much larger volume than any of your law books.
Line 4
Besides, do you think I have lived six weeks in the Doctor’s house for nothing?’
Line 5
I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and anotherand they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and Ithe worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

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.

Books noun US /bʊks/

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading “The general precedent is in a much larger volume than any of your law books.”

All words in this reading · 96

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.

a

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

From this reading The general precedent is in a much larger volume than any of your law books.

addressing

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

all

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

and

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

another

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

any

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

From this reading The general precedent is in a much larger volume than any of your law books.

as

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

at

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

be

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

been

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

Besides

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

From this reading Besides, do you think I have lived six weeks in the Doctor’s house for nothing?’

better

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

booksnounUS /bʊks/

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading The general precedent is in a much larger volume than any of your law books.

broken

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

brought

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

bruises

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

by

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

Cases

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

From this reading ‘Cases!’ interposed the client, impatiently.

client

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

From this reading ‘Cases!’ interposed the client, impatiently.

collar-bone

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

do

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

From this reading Besides, do you think I have lived six weeks in the Doctor’s house for nothing?’

Doctor's

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

From this reading Besides, do you think I have lived six weeks in the Doctor’s house for nothing?’

Don't

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

From this reading ‘Don’t talk to me of cases.

ever

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

expensive

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

for

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

From this reading Besides, do you think I have lived six weeks in the Doctor’s house for nothing?’

garden

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

general

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

From this reading The general precedent is in a much larger volume than any of your law books.

gravely

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

have

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

From this reading Besides, do you think I have lived six weeks in the Doctor’s house for nothing?’

having

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

he

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

him

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

himself

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

his

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

horses

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

house

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

From this reading Besides, do you think I have lived six weeks in the Doctor’s house for nothing?’

how

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

I

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

From this reading Besides, do you think I have lived six weeks in the Doctor’s house for nothing?’

if

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

impatiently

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

From this reading ‘Cases!’ interposed the client, impatiently.

in

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

From this reading The general precedent is in a much larger volume than any of your law books.

interposed

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

From this reading ‘Cases!’ interposed the client, impatiently.

into

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

is

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

From this reading The general precedent is in a much larger volume than any of your law books.

know

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

knows

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

larger

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

From this reading The general precedent is in a much larger volume than any of your law books.

law

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

From this reading The general precedent is in a much larger volume than any of your law books.

left

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

lived

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

From this reading Besides, do you think I have lived six weeks in the Doctor’s house for nothing?’

Lord

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

many

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

may

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

me

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

From this reading ‘Don’t talk to me of cases.

Mr

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

much

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

From this reading The general precedent is in a much larger volume than any of your law books.

none

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

nothing

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

From this reading Besides, do you think I have lived six weeks in the Doctor’s house for nothing?’

numerous

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

observed

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

of

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

From this reading ‘Don’t talk to me of cases.

one

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

out

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

partner

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

precedent

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

From this reading The general precedent is in a much larger volume than any of your law books.

pretty

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

ribs

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

scrape

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

scrapes

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

sir

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

six

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

From this reading Besides, do you think I have lived six weeks in the Doctor’s house for nothing?’

snapped

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

Snitchey

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

talk

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

From this reading ‘Don’t talk to me of cases.

talks

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

than

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

From this reading The general precedent is in a much larger volume than any of your law books.

that

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

the

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

From this reading ‘Cases!’ interposed the client, impatiently.

them

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

they

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

think

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

From this reading Besides, do you think I have lived six weeks in the Doctor’s house for nothing?’

this

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

three

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

time

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

to

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

From this reading ‘Don’t talk to me of cases.

turn

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

volume

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

From this reading The general precedent is in a much larger volume than any of your law books.

wall

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

Warden's

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

way

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

weeks

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

From this reading Besides, do you think I have lived six weeks in the Doctor’s house for nothing?’

with

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

worst

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

From this reading ‘I think, sir,’ observed Mr. Snitchey, gravely addressing himself to his partner, ‘that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden’s horses have brought him into at one time and another—and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expensive, as none know better than himself, and you, and I—the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor’s garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar-bone, and the Lord knows how many bruises.

you

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

From this reading Besides, do you think I have lived six weeks in the Doctor’s house for nothing?’

your

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

From this reading The general precedent is in a much larger volume than any of your law books.

Chapter 4 of The Battle of Life by Charles Dickens holds 191 sentences, grouped into 39 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, 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 4 of The Battle of Life contain?

Chapter 4 holds 191 sentences of The Battle of Life, unabridged, divided into 39 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 4 of The Battle of Life by Charles Dickens exactly as it stands in the public-domain 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 4 of The Battle of Life?

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.

Can chapter 4 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 4 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 The Battle of Life

Common questions about reading The Battle of Life by Charles Dickens on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Battle of Life?

Yes. All 1692 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #676 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Battle of Life is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #676, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Battle of Life take to read?

About 141 minutes of reading across 339 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Battle of Life section by section

How to work through The Battle of Life section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 9 chapters of The Battle of Life 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 The Battle of Life

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Battle of Life, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Matters
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Battle of Life; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Little
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Battle of Life; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Stalwart
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Battle of Life; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
England
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Battle of Life; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.