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The Chums of Scranton High on the Cinder Path
The Chums of Scranton High on the Cinder Path

Chapter XVIII · Chapter 18

Chapter 18 of The Chums of Scranton High on the Cinder Path is here in full — 66 sentences across 14 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Chums of Scranton High on the Cinder Path
Context Illustration Reading 1/13 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.
Each of the many contestants had a large number fastened upon both the front and back of his thin upper garment.
By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.
The boys, as a rule, looked very much like lithe grayhounds, for your natural runner is light of body, and can course along like the wind.
Still, this applies more to short-distance sprinters than those whose specialty is endurance in a fifteen- or twenty-mile race.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Chums of Scranton High on the Cinder Path

Chapter XVIII · Chapter 18

Chapter 18 of The Chums of Scranton High on the Cinder Path is here in full — 66 sentences across 14 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/13 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.
Line 2
Each of the many contestants had a large number fastened upon both the front and back of his thin upper garment.
/iːtʃ ʌv ðə ˈmeni kənˈtestənts hæd ə lɑːrdʒ ˈnʌmbər ˈfæsənd əˈpɑːn boʊθ ðə frʌnt ənd bæk ʌv hɪz θɪn ˈʌpər ˈɡɑːrmənt/
Line 3
By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.
/baɪ ðiːz ðeɪ maɪt biː ˈrekəɡnaɪzd ˈiːvɪn æt ə ˈdɪstəns ənd ˈmeni ˈpɜːrsənz ˈkærid fiːld ɔːr ˈɑːprə ˈɡlæsəz ʌv ˈveriəs taɪps dʒʌst ɑːn ˈpɜːrpəs tuː meɪk aʊt huː iːtʃ ˈrʌnər wɑːz wen hiː keɪm ɪn saɪt ərˈaʊnd ðə bend hæf ə maɪl əˈweɪ tuː ˈoʊ.pən ɑːn ðæt læst stretʃ ðæt wɑːz ˈlaɪkli tuː siː ðə ˈkruːləst wɜːrk ʌv ɔːl ɪf ðə ˌkɑːmpəˈtɪʃən tʃænst tuː biː kiːn/
Line 4
The boys, as a rule, looked very much like lithe grayhounds, for your natural runner is light of body, and can course along like the wind.
Line 5
Still, this applies more to short-distance sprinters than those whose specialty is endurance in a fifteen- or twenty-mile race.

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.

applies verb US /əˈplaɪz/

third-person singular of “apply” — put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose

From this reading “Still, this applies more to short-distance sprinters than those whose specialty is endurance in a fifteen- or twenty-mile race.”

contestants noun US /kənˈtestənts/

plural of “contestant” — a person who participates in competitions

From this reading “Each of the many contestants had a large number fastened upon both the front and back of his thin upper garment.”

cruelest adjective US /ˈkruːləst/

superlative of “cruel” — (of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

From this reading “By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.”

marathon noun US /ˈmerəθɑːn/

any long and arduous undertaking

From this reading “THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.”

runner noun US /ˈrʌnər/

someone who imports or exports without paying duties

From this reading “By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.”

runners noun US /ˈrʌnərz/

plural of “runner” — someone who imports or exports without paying duties

From this reading “THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.”

specialty noun US /ˈspeʃəlti/

an asset of special worth or utility

From this reading “Still, this applies more to short-distance sprinters than those whose specialty is endurance in a fifteen- or twenty-mile race.”

sprinters noun US /ˈsprɪntərz/

plural of “sprinter” — someone who runs a short distance at top speed

From this reading “Still, this applies more to short-distance sprinters than those whose specialty is endurance in a fifteen- or twenty-mile race.”

All words in this reading · 124

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 Each of the many contestants had a large number fastened upon both the front and back of his thin upper garment.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

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

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading The boys, as a rule, looked very much like lithe grayhounds, for your natural runner is light of body, and can course along like the wind.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

appliesverbUS /əˈplaɪz/

third-person singular of “apply” — put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose

From this reading Still, this applies more to short-distance sprinters than those whose specialty is endurance in a fifteen- or twenty-mile race.

aroundprepositionUS /ərˈaʊnd/

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading The boys, as a rule, looked very much like lithe grayhounds, for your natural runner is light of body, and can course along like the wind.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

awayadverbUS /əˈweɪ/

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

backadverbUS /bæk/

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Each of the many contestants had a large number fastened upon both the front and back of his thin upper garment.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

beganverbUS /bɪˈɡæn/

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

bendverbUS /bend/

form a curve

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

bigadjectiveUS /bɪɡ/

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

bodynounUS /ˈbɑːdi/

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

From this reading The boys, as a rule, looked very much like lithe grayhounds, for your natural runner is light of body, and can course along like the wind.

bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/

the two together, not just one

From this reading Each of the many contestants had a large number fastened upon both the front and back of his thin upper garment.

boysnounUS /bɔɪz/

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading The boys, as a rule, looked very much like lithe grayhounds, for your natural runner is light of body, and can course along like the wind.

ByprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

cameverbUS /keɪm/

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

canmodal verbUS /kæn/

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading The boys, as a rule, looked very much like lithe grayhounds, for your natural runner is light of body, and can course along like the wind.

carriedverbUS /ˈkærid/

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

chancedverbUS /tʃænst/

past form of “chance” — be the case by chance

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

competitionnounUS /ˌkɑːmpəˈtɪʃən/

a business relation in which two parties compete to gain customers

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

contestantsnounUS /kənˈtestənts/

plural of “contestant” — a person who participates in competitions

From this reading Each of the many contestants had a large number fastened upon both the front and back of his thin upper garment.

coursenounUS /kɔːrs/

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading The boys, as a rule, looked very much like lithe grayhounds, for your natural runner is light of body, and can course along like the wind.

crowdverbUS /kraʊd/

cause to herd, drive, or crowd together

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

cruelestadjectiveUS /ˈkruːləst/

superlative of “cruel” — (of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

distancenounUS /ˈdɪstəns/

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

EachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Each of the many contestants had a large number fastened upon both the front and back of his thin upper garment.

endurancenounUS /ˈendərəns/

the power to withstand hardship or stress

From this reading Still, this applies more to short-distance sprinters than those whose specialty is endurance in a fifteen- or twenty-mile race.

enteredverbUS /ˈentərd/

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/

divisible by two

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

fastenedadjectiveUS /ˈfæsənd/

firmly closed or secured

From this reading Each of the many contestants had a large number fastened upon both the front and back of his thin upper garment.

fieldnounUS /fiːld/

a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

fifteennounUS /fɪfˈtiːn/

the cardinal number that is the sum of fourteen and one

From this reading Still, this applies more to short-distance sprinters than those whose specialty is endurance in a fifteen- or twenty-mile race.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

frontnounUS /frʌnt/

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading Each of the many contestants had a large number fastened upon both the front and back of his thin upper garment.

garmentnounUS /ˈɡɑːrmənt/

an article of clothing

From this reading Each of the many contestants had a large number fastened upon both the front and back of his thin upper garment.

gatherverbUS /ˈɡæðər/

assemble or get together

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

glassesnounUS /ˈɡlæsəz/

(plural) optical instrument consisting of a frame that holds a pair of lenses for correcting defective vision

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

grayhounds

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

From this reading The boys, as a rule, looked very much like lithe grayhounds, for your natural runner is light of body, and can course along like the wind.

GREATadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

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

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Each of the many contestants had a large number fastened upon both the front and back of his thin upper garment.

halfadjectiveUS /hæf/

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Each of the many contestants had a large number fastened upon both the front and back of his thin upper garment.

how

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

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

increasedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkriːst/

made greater in size or amount or degree

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

interestnounUS /ˈɪntrəst/

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading The boys, as a rule, looked very much like lithe grayhounds, for your natural runner is light of body, and can course along like the wind.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

justadverbUS /dʒʌst/

and nothing more

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

keenadjectiveUS /kiːn/

having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Each of the many contestants had a large number fastened upon both the front and back of his thin upper garment.

lastadjectiveUS /læst/

immediately past

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

lightadjectiveUS /laɪt/

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading The boys, as a rule, looked very much like lithe grayhounds, for your natural runner is light of body, and can course along like the wind.

likeverbUS /laɪk/

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The boys, as a rule, looked very much like lithe grayhounds, for your natural runner is light of body, and can course along like the wind.

likelyadjectiveUS /ˈlaɪkli/

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

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

litheadjectiveUS /laɪð/

gracefully thin and bending and moving with ease

From this reading The boys, as a rule, looked very much like lithe grayhounds, for your natural runner is light of body, and can course along like the wind.

lookedverbUS /lʊkt/

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading The boys, as a rule, looked very much like lithe grayhounds, for your natural runner is light of body, and can course along like the wind.

makeverbUS /meɪk/

engage in

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Each of the many contestants had a large number fastened upon both the front and back of his thin upper garment.

MARATHONnounUS /ˈmerəθɑːn/

any long and arduous undertaking

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

milenounUS /maɪl/

a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

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

From this reading Still, this applies more to short-distance sprinters than those whose specialty is endurance in a fifteen- or twenty-mile race.

muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading The boys, as a rule, looked very much like lithe grayhounds, for your natural runner is light of body, and can course along like the wind.

naturaladjectiveUS /ˈnætʃərəl/

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading The boys, as a rule, looked very much like lithe grayhounds, for your natural runner is light of body, and can course along like the wind.

noticeableadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊtəsəbəl/

capable or worthy of being noticed

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

numbernounUS /ˈnʌmbər/

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading Each of the many contestants had a large number fastened upon both the front and back of his thin upper garment.

numerousadjectiveUS /ˈnuːmərəs/

amounting to a large indefinite number

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/

To move from a closed position.

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

operanounUS /ˈɑːprə/

a drama set to music; consists of singing with orchestral accompaniment and an orchestral overture and interludes

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

personsnounUS /ˈpɜːrsənz/

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

plainlyadverbUS /ˈpleɪnli/

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

preliminaryadjectiveUS /prɪˈlɪməneri/

denoting an action or event preceding or in preparation for something more important

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

purposenounUS /ˈpɜːrpəs/

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

RACEnounUS /reɪs/

any competition

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

recognizedadjectiveUS /ˈrekəɡnaɪzd/

generally approved or compelling recognition

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

rulenounUS /ruːl/

a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

From this reading The boys, as a rule, looked very much like lithe grayhounds, for your natural runner is light of body, and can course along like the wind.

runnernounUS /ˈrʌnər/

someone who imports or exports without paying duties

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

runnersnounUS /ˈrʌnərz/

plural of “runner” — someone who imports or exports without paying duties

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

seeverbUS /siː/

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

short-distance

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

From this reading Still, this applies more to short-distance sprinters than those whose specialty is endurance in a fifteen- or twenty-mile race.

showverbUS /ʃoʊ/

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

sightnounUS /saɪt/

an instance of visual perception

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

signsnounUS /saɪnz/

plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

specialtynounUS /ˈspeʃəlti/

an asset of special worth or utility

From this reading Still, this applies more to short-distance sprinters than those whose specialty is endurance in a fifteen- or twenty-mile race.

sprintersnounUS /ˈsprɪntərz/

plural of “sprinter” — someone who runs a short distance at top speed

From this reading Still, this applies more to short-distance sprinters than those whose specialty is endurance in a fifteen- or twenty-mile race.

stagenounUS /steɪdʒ/

any distinct time period in a sequence of events

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

startedverbUS /ˈstɑːrtɪd/

past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

StilladjectiveUS /stɪl/

not in physical motion

From this reading Still, this applies more to short-distance sprinters than those whose specialty is endurance in a fifteen- or twenty-mile race.

stirverbUS /stɜːr/

move an implement through

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

stretchverbUS /stretʃ/

occupy a large, elongated area

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Still, this applies more to short-distance sprinters than those whose specialty is endurance in a fifteen- or twenty-mile race.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

thinadjectiveUS /θɪn/

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading Each of the many contestants had a large number fastened upon both the front and back of his thin upper garment.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading Still, this applies more to short-distance sprinters than those whose specialty is endurance in a fifteen- or twenty-mile race.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Still, this applies more to short-distance sprinters than those whose specialty is endurance in a fifteen- or twenty-mile race.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

trimverbUS /trɪm/

remove the edges from and cut down to the desired size

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

twenty-mile

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

From this reading Still, this applies more to short-distance sprinters than those whose specialty is endurance in a fifteen- or twenty-mile race.

typesnounUS /taɪps/

plural of “type” — a subdivision of a particular kind of thing

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Each of the many contestants had a large number fastened upon both the front and back of his thin upper garment.

upperadjectiveUS /ˈʌpər/

the topmost one of two

From this reading Each of the many contestants had a large number fastened upon both the front and back of his thin upper garment.

variousadjectiveUS /ˈveriəs/

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

vastadjectiveUS /væst/

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading The boys, as a rule, looked very much like lithe grayhounds, for your natural runner is light of body, and can course along like the wind.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading THE GREAT MARATHON RACE It was plainly noticeable how that vast crowd began to stir, and show signs of increased interest when the numerous trim runners entered for the big Marathon started to gather for the preliminary stage of the race.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

whosedeterminerUS /huːz/

belonging to which person

From this reading Still, this applies more to short-distance sprinters than those whose specialty is endurance in a fifteen- or twenty-mile race.

windnounUS /waɪnd/

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading The boys, as a rule, looked very much like lithe grayhounds, for your natural runner is light of body, and can course along like the wind.

workverbUS /wɜːrk/

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

From this reading By these they might be recognized even at a distance; and many persons carried field or opera glasses of various types just on purpose to make out who each runner was when he came in sight around the bend half a mile away, to open on that last stretch that was likely to see the cruelest work of all, if the competition chanced to be keen.

yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading The boys, as a rule, looked very much like lithe grayhounds, for your natural runner is light of body, and can course along like the wind.

Chapter 18 of The Chums of Scranton High on the Cinder Path by Donald Ferguson holds 66 sentences, grouped into 14 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 18 of The Chums of Scranton High on the Cinder Path contain?

Chapter 18 holds 66 sentences of The Chums of Scranton High on the Cinder Path, unabridged, divided into 14 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 18 of The Chums of Scranton High on the Cinder Path by Donald Ferguson exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 66 sentences, grouped into 14 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 18 of The Chums of Scranton High on the Cinder Path?

Work through the 14 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

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