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The Blue Balloon
The Blue Balloon

Chapter IX · How General Shields Sent a Despatch to General Frémont

Chapter IX of The Blue Balloon, “How General Shields Sent a Despatch to General Frémont,” is here in full — 299 sentences across 60 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/59 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite directionnamely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.
The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.
For in the fury of that charge but little opportunity was likely to arise for either offering or receiving explanations.
Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.
And this they did with a hearty good-will which the roar of cannon and rattle of musketry behind them kept very fully alive.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Blue Balloon

Chapter IX · How General Shields Sent a Despatch to General Frémont

Chapter IX of The Blue Balloon, “How General Shields Sent a Despatch to General Frémont,” is here in full — 299 sentences across 60 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/59 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite directionnamely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.
Line 2
The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.
Line 3
For in the fury of that charge but little opportunity was likely to arise for either offering or receiving explanations.
/fɔːr ɪn ðə ˈfjʊri ʌv ðæt tʃɑːrdʒ bʌt ˈlɪtəl ˌɑːpərˈtuːnəti wɑːz ˈlaɪkli tuː ərˈaɪz fɔːr ˈiːðər ˈɔːfərɪŋ ɔːr rəˈsiːvɪŋ ˌekspləˈneɪʃənz/
Line 4
Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.
/əˈnʌðər ənd ˈiːvɪn mɔːr ˈpoʊtənt ˈriːzən wɑːz ðæt ˌhaʊˈevər ðer ˌɪnkləˈneɪʃənz maɪt hæv ˈprɑːmptɪd ðem tuː sʌtʃ ə step ɪt wɑːz ˌæbsəˈluːtli ˌɪmˈpɑːsəbəl fɔːr ðem tuː ˈkæri ɪt aʊt fɔːr ðə rʌʃ ʌv ðə ˈfedərəl truːps bɪˈhaɪnd ðem swept ðem ˈfɔːrwərd wɪð sʌtʃ æn ˌɪrɪˈzɪstəbəl ˈɪmpəls ðæt ðeɪ hæd noʊ tʃɔɪs bʌt tuː teɪk tuː ðer hiːlz ɪn ðə dərˈekʃən ʌv ˈluːəstən/
Line 5
And this they did with a hearty good-will which the roar of cannon and rattle of musketry behind them kept very fully alive.

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.

Federal adjective US /ˈfedərəl/

national; especially in reference to the government of the United States as distinct from that of its member units

From this reading “The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.”

inclinations noun US /ˌɪnkləˈneɪʃənz/

plural of “inclination” — an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others

From this reading “Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.”

Lewiston noun US /ˈluːəstən/

a town in southwestern Maine to the north of Portland

From this reading “Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.”

potent adjective US /ˈpoʊtənt/

having great influence

From this reading “Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.”

precluded verb US /prɪˈkluːdɪd/

past form of “preclude” — keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading “When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.”

stampede verb US /stæmˈpiːd/

cause to run in panic

From this reading “When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.”

uniforms noun US /ˈjuːnəfɔːrmz/

plural of “uniform” — clothing of distinctive design worn by members of a particular group as a means of identification

From this reading “The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.”

Virginians noun US /vərˈdʒɪnjənz/

plural of “virginian” — a native or resident of Virginia

From this reading “When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

irresistible impulse adjective + noun

an urge to do or say something that might be better left undone or unsaid

In this reading “Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.”

opposite direction adjective + noun

In this reading “When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.”

heartily glad adverb + adjective

In this reading “When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.”

absolutely impossible adverb + adjective

In this reading “Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.”

fully alive adverb + adjective

In this reading “And this they did with a hearty good-will which the roar of cannon and rattle of musketry behind them kept very fully alive.”

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

In this reading “The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.”

of musketry preposition + noun

In this reading “And this they did with a hearty good-will which the roar of cannon and rattle of musketry behind them kept very fully alive.”

run towards verb + particle

In this reading “The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.”

All words in this reading · 117

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.

37th

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

From this reading The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

absolutelyadverbUS /ˌæbsəˈluːtli/

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.

aliveadjectiveUS /əˈlaɪv/

possessing life

From this reading And this they did with a hearty good-will which the roar of cannon and rattle of musketry behind them kept very fully alive.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

AnotherdeterminerUS /əˈnʌðər/

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.

anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.

ariseverbUS /ərˈaɪz/

come into existence; take on form or shape

From this reading For in the fury of that charge but little opportunity was likely to arise for either offering or receiving explanations.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.

bayoneted

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

From this reading The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/

at or toward the back of something

From this reading Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.

boltnounUS /boʊlt/

a discharge of lightning accompanied by thunder

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/

the two together, not just one

From this reading The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.

cannonnounUS /ˈkænən/

a large artillery gun that is usually on wheels

From this reading And this they did with a hearty good-will which the roar of cannon and rattle of musketry behind them kept very fully alive.

carryverbUS /ˈkæri/

move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.

chargeverbUS /tʃɑːrdʒ/

to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle

From this reading For in the fury of that charge but little opportunity was likely to arise for either offering or receiving explanations.

choicenounUS /tʃɔɪs/

the person or thing chosen or selected

From this reading Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.

circumstancesnounUS /ˈsɜːrkəmstænsəz/

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

consultationnounUS /ˌkɑːnsəlˈteɪʃən/

a conference (usually with someone important)

From this reading The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.

coursenounUS /kɔːrs/

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

dangernounUS /ˈdeɪndʒər/

the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury

From this reading The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading And this they did with a hearty good-will which the roar of cannon and rattle of musketry behind them kept very fully alive.

directionnounUS /dərˈekʃən/

a line leading to a place or point

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

downadjectiveUS /daʊn/

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.

dressedadjectiveUS /drest/

dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination

From this reading The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.

eitherdeterminerUS /ˈiːðər/

one or the other of two

From this reading For in the fury of that charge but little opportunity was likely to arise for either offering or receiving explanations.

Ephraim

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

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/

divisible by two

From this reading Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.

explanationsnounUS /ˌekspləˈneɪʃənz/

plural of “explanation” — a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.

From this reading For in the fury of that charge but little opportunity was likely to arise for either offering or receiving explanations.

FederaladjectiveUS /ˈfedərəl/

national; especially in reference to the government of the United States as distinct from that of its member units

From this reading The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.

ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For in the fury of that charge but little opportunity was likely to arise for either offering or receiving explanations.

forwardadverbUS /ˈfɔːrwərd/

at or to or toward the front

From this reading Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.

friendsnounUS /frendz/

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

fullyadverbUS /ˈfʊli/

to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)

From this reading And this they did with a hearty good-will which the roar of cannon and rattle of musketry behind them kept very fully alive.

furynounUS /ˈfjʊri/

a feeling of intense anger

From this reading For in the fury of that charge but little opportunity was likely to arise for either offering or receiving explanations.

gladadjectiveUS /ɡlæd/

showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

good-will

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

From this reading And this they did with a hearty good-will which the roar of cannon and rattle of musketry behind them kept very fully alive.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

heartilyadverbUS /ˈhɑːrtəli/

with gusto and without reservation

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

heartyadjectiveUS /ˈhɑːrti/

showing warm and heartfelt friendliness

From this reading And this they did with a hearty good-will which the roar of cannon and rattle of musketry behind them kept very fully alive.

heelsnounUS /hiːlz/

plural of “heel” — the bottom of a shoe or boot; the back part of a shoe or boot that touches the ground and provides elevation

From this reading Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.

howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.

impossibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpɑːsəbəl/

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.

impulsenounUS /ˈɪmpəls/

an instinctive motive

From this reading Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

inclinationsnounUS /ˌɪnkləˈneɪʃənz/

plural of “inclination” — an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others

From this reading Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.

irresistibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪrɪˈzɪstəbəl/

impossible to resist; overpowering

From this reading Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.

keptadjectiveUS /kept/

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading And this they did with a hearty good-will which the roar of cannon and rattle of musketry behind them kept very fully alive.

LewistonnounUS /ˈluːəstən/

a town in southwestern Maine to the north of Portland

From this reading Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.

likelyadjectiveUS /ˈlaɪkli/

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

From this reading For in the fury of that charge but little opportunity was likely to arise for either offering or receiving explanations.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

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

From this reading For in the fury of that charge but little opportunity was likely to arise for either offering or receiving explanations.

Lucius

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

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

mennounUS /men/

the force of workers available

From this reading The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.

musketrynoun

musketeers and their muskets collectively

From this reading And this they did with a hearty good-will which the roar of cannon and rattle of musketry behind them kept very fully alive.

namelyadverbUS /ˈneɪmli/

as follows

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.

occurredverbUS /əˈkɜːrd/

inflected form of “occur” — come to pass

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

offeringnounUS /ˈɔːfərɪŋ/

something offered (as a proposal or bid)

From this reading For in the fury of that charge but little opportunity was likely to arise for either offering or receiving explanations.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.

onrushnoun

(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

opportunitynounUS /ˌɑːpərˈtuːnəti/

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading For in the fury of that charge but little opportunity was likely to arise for either offering or receiving explanations.

oppositeadjectiveUS /ˈɑːpəzət/

being directly across from each other; facing

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.

possibilitynounUS /ˌpɑːsəˈbɪlətiː/

a future prospect or potential

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

potentadjectiveUS /ˈpoʊtənt/

having great influence

From this reading Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.

precludedverbUS /prɪˈkluːdɪd/

past form of “preclude” — keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

promptedverbUS /ˈprɑːmptɪd/

past form of “prompt” — give an incentive for action

From this reading Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.

ranverbUS /ræn/

inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.

rattleverbUS /ˈrætəl/

make short successive sounds

From this reading And this they did with a hearty good-will which the roar of cannon and rattle of musketry behind them kept very fully alive.

reasonnounUS /ˈriːzən/

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.

receivingverbUS /rəˈsiːvɪŋ/

-ing form of “receive” — get something; come into possession of

From this reading For in the fury of that charge but little opportunity was likely to arise for either offering or receiving explanations.

recognisedadjectiveUS /ˈrekəɡnaɪzd/

provided with a secure reputation

From this reading The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.

roarverbUS /rɔːr/

make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles

From this reading And this they did with a hearty good-will which the roar of cannon and rattle of musketry behind them kept very fully alive.

runverbUS /rʌn/

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.

rushverbUS /rʌʃ/

move hurridly

From this reading Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.

shotnounUS /ʃɑːt/

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.

stampedeverbUS /stæmˈpiːd/

cause to run in panic

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

stepnounUS /step/

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.

subjectnounUS /səbˈdʒekt/

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

sweptadjectiveUS /swept/

possessing sweep

From this reading Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.

takeverbUS /teɪk/

carry out

From this reading Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading And this they did with a hearty good-will which the roar of cannon and rattle of musketry behind them kept very fully alive.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

towardsprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrdz/

in the direction of

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

troopsnounUS /truːps/

soldiers collectively

From this reading Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.

twonounUS /tuː/

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

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

uniformsnounUS /ˈjuːnəfɔːrmz/

plural of “uniform” — clothing of distinctive design worn by members of a particular group as a means of identification

From this reading The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.

venturedverbUS /ˈventʃərd/

past form of “venture” — proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers

From this reading The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading And this they did with a hearty good-will which the roar of cannon and rattle of musketry behind them kept very fully alive.

VirginiansnounUS /vərˈdʒɪnjənz/

plural of “virginian” — a native or resident of Virginia

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading For in the fury of that charge but little opportunity was likely to arise for either offering or receiving explanations.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.

WhenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading And this they did with a hearty good-will which the roar of cannon and rattle of musketry behind them kept very fully alive.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Another and even more potent reason was that, however their inclinations might have prompted them to such a step, it was absolutely impossible for them to carry it out, for the rush of the Federal troops behind them swept them forward with such an irresistible impulse that they had no choice but to take to their heels in the direction of Lewiston.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading The one, that without any consultation on the subject, they both recognised the danger they ran of being shot down or bayoneted by the men of the 37th, if they ventured to run towards them, dressed as they were in Federal uniforms.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading When the stampede before the onrush of the Virginians occurred, Ephraim and Lucius would have been heartily glad to bolt in the opposite direction—namely, towards their friends; but two circumstances precluded the possibility of such a course.

Chapter 9 of The Blue Balloon by Reginald Horsley holds 299 sentences, grouped into 60 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 9 of The Blue Balloon contain?

Chapter 9 holds 299 sentences of The Blue Balloon, unabridged, divided into 60 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 9 of The Blue Balloon by Reginald Horsley exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 299 sentences, grouped into 60 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 9 of The Blue Balloon?

Work through the 60 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 60 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 9 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 9 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 Blue Balloon

Common questions about reading The Blue Balloon by Reginald Horsley on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Blue Balloon?

Yes. All 4832 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #64039 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Blue Balloon is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #64039, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Blue Balloon take to read?

About 402 minutes of reading across 967 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Blue Balloon section by section

How to work through The Blue Balloon section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 17 chapters of The Blue Balloon 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 Blue Balloon

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Blue Balloon, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Grizzly
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Blue Balloon; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Thirty-three
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Blue Balloon; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Years
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Blue Balloon; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Quite
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Blue Balloon; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.