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The Bishop's Secret
The Bishop's Secret

Chapter XVII · Chapter 17

Chapter 17 of The Bishop's Secret is here in full — 143 sentences across 29 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/28 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.
Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.
The collected details proved to be of the most meagre description, and when the coroner sat on the body nothing transpired to reveal the name, or even indicate the identity of the assassin who had provided him with a body to sit on.
It really seemed as though the Southberry murder would end in being relegated to the list of undiscovered crimes.
'For I can't work miracles,' explained the indignant Tinkler, when reproached with this result, 'and somehow the case has got out of hand.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Bishop's Secret

Chapter XVII · Chapter 17

Chapter 17 of The Bishop's Secret is here in full — 143 sentences across 29 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/28 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.
Line 2
Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.
Line 3
The collected details proved to be of the most meagre description, and when the coroner sat on the body nothing transpired to reveal the name, or even indicate the identity of the assassin who had provided him with a body to sit on.
Line 4
It really seemed as though the Southberry murder would end in being relegated to the list of undiscovered crimes.
Line 5
'For I can't work miracles,' explained the indignant Tinkler, when reproached with this result, 'and somehow the case has got out of hand.

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.

coroner noun US /ˈkɔːrənər/

a public official who investigates by inquest any death not due to natural causes

From this reading “The collected details proved to be of the most meagre description, and when the coroner sat on the body nothing transpired to reveal the name, or even indicate the identity of the assassin who had provided him with a body to sit on.”

elucidate verb US /ɪˈluːsədeɪt/

make clear and (more) comprehensible

From this reading “Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.”

inquest noun US /ˈɪnkwest/

an inquiry into the cause of an unexpected death

From this reading “THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.”

relegated verb US /ˈreləɡeɪtɪd/

past form of “relegate” — refer to another person for decision or judgment

From this reading “It really seemed as though the Southberry murder would end in being relegated to the list of undiscovered crimes.”

strenuous adjective US /ˈstrenjuːəs/

characterized by or performed with much energy or force

From this reading “Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.”

transpired verb US /trænˈspaɪərd/

past form of “transpire” — pass through the tissue or substance or its pores or interstices, as of gas

From this reading “The collected details proved to be of the most meagre description, and when the coroner sat on the body nothing transpired to reveal the name, or even indicate the identity of the assassin who had provided him with a body to sit on.”

undiscovered adjective US /ˌʌndɪˈskʌvərd/

not discovered

From this reading “It really seemed as though the Southberry murder would end in being relegated to the list of undiscovered crimes.”

zealous adjective US /ˈzeləs/

marked by active interest and enthusiasm

From this reading “Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.”

All words in this reading · 113

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 Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

affairnounUS /əˈfer/

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

assassinnounUS /əˈsæsən/

a murderer (especially one who kills a prominent political figure) who kills by a surprise attack and often is hired to do the deed

From this reading The collected details proved to be of the most meagre description, and when the coroner sat on the body nothing transpired to reveal the name, or even indicate the identity of the assassin who had provided him with a body to sit on.

attentionnounUS /əˈtenʃən/

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading The collected details proved to be of the most meagre description, and when the coroner sat on the body nothing transpired to reveal the name, or even indicate the identity of the assassin who had provided him with a body to sit on.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading It really seemed as though the Southberry murder would end in being relegated to the list of undiscovered crimes.

Beorminster

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

From this reading THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.

bodynounUS /ˈbɑːdi/

the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading The collected details proved to be of the most meagre description, and when the coroner sat on the body nothing transpired to reveal the name, or even indicate the identity of the assassin who had provided him with a body to sit on.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

can't

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

From this reading 'For I can't work miracles,' explained the indignant Tinkler, when reproached with this result, 'and somehow the case has got out of hand.

casenounUS /keɪs/

an occurrence of something

From this reading 'For I can't work miracles,' explained the indignant Tinkler, when reproached with this result, 'and somehow the case has got out of hand.

collectedadjectiveUS /kəˈlektəd/

brought together in one place

From this reading The collected details proved to be of the most meagre description, and when the coroner sat on the body nothing transpired to reveal the name, or even indicate the identity of the assassin who had provided him with a body to sit on.

continuedadjectiveUS /kənˈtɪnjuːd/

without stop or interruption

From this reading THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.

coronernounUS /ˈkɔːrənər/

a public official who investigates by inquest any death not due to natural causes

From this reading The collected details proved to be of the most meagre description, and when the coroner sat on the body nothing transpired to reveal the name, or even indicate the identity of the assassin who had provided him with a body to sit on.

CountynounUS /ˈkaʊnti/

(United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

crimesnounUS /kraɪmz/

plural of “crime” — (criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act

From this reading It really seemed as though the Southberry murder would end in being relegated to the list of undiscovered crimes.

daynounUS /deɪ/

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.

deathnounUS /deθ/

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

descriptionnounUS /dɪˈskrɪpʃən/

a statement that represents something in words

From this reading The collected details proved to be of the most meagre description, and when the coroner sat on the body nothing transpired to reveal the name, or even indicate the identity of the assassin who had provided him with a body to sit on.

detailsnounUS /dɪˈteɪlz/

true confidential information

From this reading The collected details proved to be of the most meagre description, and when the coroner sat on the body nothing transpired to reveal the name, or even indicate the identity of the assassin who had provided him with a body to sit on.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

effortsnounUS /ˈefərts/

plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

elucidateverbUS /ɪˈluːsədeɪt/

make clear and (more) comprehensible

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

endnounUS /end/

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading It really seemed as though the Southberry murder would end in being relegated to the list of undiscovered crimes.

evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/

divisible by two

From this reading The collected details proved to be of the most meagre description, and when the coroner sat on the body nothing transpired to reveal the name, or even indicate the identity of the assassin who had provided him with a body to sit on.

evidencenounUS /ˈevədəns/

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

excitementnounUS /ɪkˈsaɪtmənt/

the feeling of lively and cheerful joy

From this reading THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.

exertionsnounUS /ɪɡˈzɜːrʃənz/

plural of “exertion” — use of physical or mental energy; hard work

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

expectedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspektəd/

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

explainedverbUS /ɪkˈspleɪnd/

past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible

From this reading 'For I can't work miracles,' explained the indignant Tinkler, when reproached with this result, 'and somehow the case has got out of hand.

failurenounUS /ˈfeɪljər/

an act that fails

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

feelingnounUS /ˈfiːlɪŋ/

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

fevernounUS /ˈfiːvər/

a rise in the temperature of the body; frequently a symptom of infection

From this reading THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.

ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading 'For I can't work miracles,' explained the indignant Tinkler, when reproached with this result, 'and somehow the case has got out of hand.

gatherverbUS /ˈɡæðər/

assemble or get together

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

gotverbUS /ɡɑːt/

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading 'For I can't work miracles,' explained the indignant Tinkler, when reproached with this result, 'and somehow the case has got out of hand.

greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading The collected details proved to be of the most meagre description, and when the coroner sat on the body nothing transpired to reveal the name, or even indicate the identity of the assassin who had provided him with a body to sit on.

handnounUS /hænd/

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading 'For I can't work miracles,' explained the indignant Tinkler, when reproached with this result, 'and somehow the case has got out of hand.

hardestadverbUS /ˈhɑːrdəst/

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

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

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

From this reading 'For I can't work miracles,' explained the indignant Tinkler, when reproached with this result, 'and somehow the case has got out of hand.

heatnounUS /hiːt/

a form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature

From this reading THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.

heldadjectiveUS /held/

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading 'For I can't work miracles,' explained the indignant Tinkler, when reproached with this result, 'and somehow the case has got out of hand.

identitynounUS /aɪˈdentɪtiː/

the distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting entity

From this reading The collected details proved to be of the most meagre description, and when the coroner sat on the body nothing transpired to reveal the name, or even indicate the identity of the assassin who had provided him with a body to sit on.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

indicateverbUS /ˈɪndəkeɪt/

be a signal for or a symptom of

From this reading The collected details proved to be of the most meagre description, and when the coroner sat on the body nothing transpired to reveal the name, or even indicate the identity of the assassin who had provided him with a body to sit on.

indignantadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈdɪɡnənt/

angered at something unjust or wrong

From this reading 'For I can't work miracles,' explained the indignant Tinkler, when reproached with this result, 'and somehow the case has got out of hand.

inquestnounUS /ˈɪnkwest/

an inquiry into the cause of an unexpected death

From this reading THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.

INSPECTORnounUS /ˌɪnˈspektər/

a high ranking police officer

From this reading THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It really seemed as though the Southberry murder would end in being relegated to the list of undiscovered crimes.

Jentham's

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

From this reading THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.

likelyadjectiveUS /ˈlaɪkli/

has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

listverbUS /lɪst/

give or make a list of; name individually; give the names of

From this reading It really seemed as though the Southberry murder would end in being relegated to the list of undiscovered crimes.

meagreadjective

deficient in amount or quality or extent

From this reading The collected details proved to be of the most meagre description, and when the coroner sat on the body nothing transpired to reveal the name, or even indicate the identity of the assassin who had provided him with a body to sit on.

miraclesnounUS /ˈmɪrəkəlz/

plural of “miracle” — any amazing or wonderful occurrence

From this reading 'For I can't work miracles,' explained the indignant Tinkler, when reproached with this result, 'and somehow the case has got out of hand.

mostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

murderverbUS /ˈmɜːrdər/

kill intentionally and with premeditation

From this reading THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.

mysterynounUS /ˈmɪstəri/

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

nameverbUS /neɪm/

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading The collected details proved to be of the most meagre description, and when the coroner sat on the body nothing transpired to reveal the name, or even indicate the identity of the assassin who had provided him with a body to sit on.

nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading The collected details proved to be of the most meagre description, and when the coroner sat on the body nothing transpired to reveal the name, or even indicate the identity of the assassin who had provided him with a body to sit on.

occupyverbUS /ˈɑːkjəpaɪ/

keep busy with

From this reading THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.

officernounUS /ˈɔːfəsər/

any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The collected details proved to be of the most meagre description, and when the coroner sat on the body nothing transpired to reveal the name, or even indicate the identity of the assassin who had provided him with a body to sit on.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading 'For I can't work miracles,' explained the indignant Tinkler, when reproached with this result, 'and somehow the case has got out of hand.

popularadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːpjələr/

regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public

From this reading THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.

provedadjectiveUS /pruːvd/

established beyond doubt

From this reading The collected details proved to be of the most meagre description, and when the coroner sat on the body nothing transpired to reveal the name, or even indicate the identity of the assassin who had provided him with a body to sit on.

providedverbUS /prəˈvaɪdɪd/

past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to

From this reading The collected details proved to be of the most meagre description, and when the coroner sat on the body nothing transpired to reveal the name, or even indicate the identity of the assassin who had provided him with a body to sit on.

publicnounUS /ˈpʌblɪk/

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.

reallyadverbUS /ˈrɪli/

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading It really seemed as though the Southberry murder would end in being relegated to the list of undiscovered crimes.

relegatedverbUS /ˈreləɡeɪtɪd/

past form of “relegate” — refer to another person for decision or judgment

From this reading It really seemed as though the Southberry murder would end in being relegated to the list of undiscovered crimes.

reproached

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

From this reading 'For I can't work miracles,' explained the indignant Tinkler, when reproached with this result, 'and somehow the case has got out of hand.

reputationnounUS /ˌrepjəˈteɪʃən/

the state of being held in high esteem and honor

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

resultnounUS /rɪˈzʌlt/

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading 'For I can't work miracles,' explained the indignant Tinkler, when reproached with this result, 'and somehow the case has got out of hand.

resultedverbUS /rɪˈzʌltɪd/

past form of “result” — issue or terminate (in a specified way, state, etc.); end

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

revealverbUS /rɪˈviːl/

make visible

From this reading The collected details proved to be of the most meagre description, and when the coroner sat on the body nothing transpired to reveal the name, or even indicate the identity of the assassin who had provided him with a body to sit on.

rosenounUS /roʊz/

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.

satnounUS /sæt/

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading The collected details proved to be of the most meagre description, and when the coroner sat on the body nothing transpired to reveal the name, or even indicate the identity of the assassin who had provided him with a body to sit on.

seemedverbUS /siːmd/

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

From this reading It really seemed as though the Southberry murder would end in being relegated to the list of undiscovered crimes.

sitverbUS /sɪt/

be seated

From this reading The collected details proved to be of the most meagre description, and when the coroner sat on the body nothing transpired to reveal the name, or even indicate the identity of the assassin who had provided him with a body to sit on.

somehowadverbUS /ˈsʌmhaʊ/

in some unspecified way or manner; or by some unspecified means

From this reading 'For I can't work miracles,' explained the indignant Tinkler, when reproached with this result, 'and somehow the case has got out of hand.

Southberry

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

From this reading It really seemed as though the Southberry murder would end in being relegated to the list of undiscovered crimes.

spitenounUS /spaɪt/

feeling a need to see others suffer

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

strangeadjectiveUS /streɪndʒ/

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.

strenuousadjectiveUS /ˈstrenjuːəs/

characterized by or performed with much energy or force

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.

thingsnounUS /θɪŋz/

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading 'For I can't work miracles,' explained the indignant Tinkler, when reproached with this result, 'and somehow the case has got out of hand.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading It really seemed as though the Southberry murder would end in being relegated to the list of undiscovered crimes.

throughoutprepositionUS /θruːˈaʊt/

in every part of a place, or for the whole of a period

From this reading THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.

TINKLER

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

From this reading THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.

totalverbUS /ˈtoʊtəl/

add up in number or quantity

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

transpiredverbUS /trænˈspaɪərd/

past form of “transpire” — pass through the tissue or substance or its pores or interstices, as of gas

From this reading The collected details proved to be of the most meagre description, and when the coroner sat on the body nothing transpired to reveal the name, or even indicate the identity of the assassin who had provided him with a body to sit on.

undiscoveredadjectiveUS /ˌʌndɪˈskʌvərd/

not discovered

From this reading It really seemed as though the Southberry murder would end in being relegated to the list of undiscovered crimes.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.

weeknounUS /wiːk/

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading The collected details proved to be of the most meagre description, and when the coroner sat on the body nothing transpired to reveal the name, or even indicate the identity of the assassin who had provided him with a body to sit on.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading The collected details proved to be of the most meagre description, and when the coroner sat on the body nothing transpired to reveal the name, or even indicate the identity of the assassin who had provided him with a body to sit on.

workverbUS /wɜːrk/

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

From this reading 'For I can't work miracles,' explained the indignant Tinkler, when reproached with this result, 'and somehow the case has got out of hand.

workedverbUS /wɜːrkt/

past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

worthyadjectiveUS /ˈwɜːr.ði/

Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading It really seemed as though the Southberry murder would end in being relegated to the list of undiscovered crimes.

ZEALnounUS /ziːl/

a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause)

From this reading THE ZEAL OF INSPECTOR TINKLER The strange affair of Jentham's murder continued to occupy the attention of the Beorminster public throughout the week; and on the day when the inquest was held, popular excitement rose to fever heat.

zealousadjectiveUS /ˈzeləs/

marked by active interest and enthusiasm

From this reading Inspector Tinkler, feeling that the County expected him to do great things worthy of his reputation as a zealous officer, worked his hardest to gather evidence likely to elucidate the mystery of the death; but in spite of the most strenuous exertions, his efforts resulted in total failure.

Chapter 17 of The Bishop's Secret by Fergus Hume holds 143 sentences, grouped into 29 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 17 of The Bishop's Secret contain?

Chapter 17 holds 143 sentences of The Bishop's Secret, unabridged, divided into 29 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 17 of The Bishop's Secret by Fergus Hume exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 143 sentences, grouped into 29 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 17 of The Bishop's Secret?

Work through the 29 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 29 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 17 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 17 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 Bishop's Secret

Common questions about reading The Bishop's Secret by Fergus Hume on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Bishop's Secret?

Yes. All 6504 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #23474 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Bishop's Secret is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #23474, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Bishop's Secret take to read?

About 542 minutes of reading across 1301 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Bishop's Secret section by section

How to work through The Bishop's Secret section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 40 chapters of The Bishop's Secret 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 Bishop's Secret

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Bishop's Secret, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Author
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Bishop's Secret; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Mystery
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Bishop's Secret; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Hansom
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Bishop's Secret; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Defense
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Bishop's Secret; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.