Chapter 1 of The Bell Tone is here in full — 127 sentences across 26 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.
A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.
Chapter I
Chapter 1 of The Bell Tone is here in full — 127 sentences across 26 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.
_It is no use. It's too late. The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk. EVANS BARCLAY, B.S. Fellow IRE. _Jan.
Chapter 1 of The Bell Tone is here in full — 127 sentences across 26 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.
Reading 1/25 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5
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.
an associate that one works with
From this reading “The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.”
American theologian whose sermons and writings stimulated a period of renewed interest in religion in America (1703-1758)
From this reading “The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.”
United States anatomist who identified four pituitary hormones and discovered vitamin E (1882-1971)
From this reading “EVANS BARCLAY, B.S. Fellow IRE.”
plural of “extract” — a solution obtained by steeping or soaking a substance (usually in water)
From this reading “The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.”
(formal) by means of this
From this reading “The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.”
a strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance
From this reading “EVANS BARCLAY, B.S. Fellow IRE.”
a book with blank pages for recording notes or memoranda
From this reading “The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.”
possessive form of “professor” — someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university
From this reading “The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.”
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.
Having no one else present.
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
surprising greatly
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
aerobic rod-shaped spore-producing bacterium; often occurring in chainlike formations; found primarily in soil
From this reading EVANS BARCLAY, B.S. Fellow IRE.
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading EVANS BARCLAY, B.S. Fellow IRE.
dearly loved
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
an occurrence of something
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
rid of obstructions
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
an associate that one works with
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
turn up, loosen, or remove earth
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for normal reproduction; an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
American theologian whose sermons and writings stimulated a period of renewed interest in religion in America (1703-1758)
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
United States anatomist who identified four pituitary hormones and discovered vitamin E (1882-1971)
From this reading EVANS BARCLAY, B.S. Fellow IRE.
plural of “extract” — a solution obtained by steeping or soaking a substance (usually in water)
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
not in accordance with the fact or reality or actuality
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
a boy or man
From this reading EVANS BARCLAY, B.S. Fellow IRE.
set up or found
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
(formal) by means of this
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
English actor of stage and screen (1893-1943)
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
plural of “impression” — a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
a strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance
From this reading EVANS BARCLAY, B.S. Fellow IRE.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _It is no use.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading _It is no use.
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It's too late.
the first month of the year; begins 10 days after the winter solstice
From this reading _Jan.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading It's too late.
putting the wrong interpretation on
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
not any; not one
From this reading _It is no use.
a book with blank pages for recording notes or memoranda
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
possessive form of “professor” — someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
-ing form of “regard” — deem to be
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading EVANS BARCLAY, B.S. Fellow IRE.
refer for judgment or consideration
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading It's too late.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
the act of using
From this reading _It is no use.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The earth--I must dig--alone._ In order to clear up any misunderstanding or false impressions regarding the amazing case of my beloved friend and co-worker, Professor Howard E. Edwards, I submit herewith, extracts from the professor's notebook, which I found on the desk.
Chapter 1 of The Bell Tone by Edmund Harry Leftwich holds 127 sentences, grouped into 26 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.
Chapter 1 holds 127 sentences of The Bell Tone, unabridged, divided into 26 reading sections.
This page carries chapter 1 of The Bell Tone by Edmund Harry Leftwich exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 127 sentences, grouped into 26 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.
Work through the 26 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.
Each of the 26 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.
Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 1 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.
Common questions about reading The Bell Tone by Edmund Harry Leftwich on this page, its source edition and its audio.
Yes. All 127 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #22470 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.
Project Gutenberg eBook #22470, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.
About 10 minutes of reading across 26 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.
How to work through The Bell Tone section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.
Choose one of the 1 chapters of The Bell Tone to begin.
Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.
Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.
Words and structures a reader meets early in The Bell Tone, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.
