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The Fighting Shepherdess
The Fighting Shepherdess

Chapter X · Chapter 10

Chapter 10 of The Fighting Shepherdess is here in full — 172 sentences across 35 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/34 · 5 lines
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THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.
But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.
But no one could be found to identify the gun, nor could any amount of inquiry unearth an enemy with a grudge sufficiently deep to inspire murder.
Although the room was packed to the doors, nothing startling was anticipated from the coroner's inquest; and while Kate had been summoned as a witness it was not expected that much would be learned from her testimony.
The crowd was concerned chiefly in seeing "how she was taking it."
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Fighting Shepherdess

Chapter X · Chapter 10

Chapter 10 of The Fighting Shepherdess is here in full — 172 sentences across 35 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/34 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.
Line 2
But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.
Line 3
But no one could be found to identify the gun, nor could any amount of inquiry unearth an enemy with a grudge sufficiently deep to inspire murder.
/bʌt noʊ wʌn kʊd biː faʊnd tuː aɪˈdentəfaɪ ðə ɡʌn nɔːr kʊd ˈeni əˈmaʊnt ʌv ˌɪnˈkwaɪriː əˈnɜːrθ æn ˈenəmi wɪð ə ɡrʌdʒ səˈfɪʃəntli diːp tuː ˌɪnˈspaɪr ˈmɜːrdər/
Line 4
Although the room was packed to the doors, nothing startling was anticipated from the coroner's inquest; and while Kate had been summoned as a witness it was not expected that much would be learned from her testimony.
Line 5
The crowd was concerned chiefly in seeing "how she was taking it."

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.

clues noun US /kluːz/

plural of “clue” — a slight indication

From this reading “THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.”

coroner's noun US /ˈkɔːrənərz/

possessive form of “coroner” — a public official who investigates by inquest any death not due to natural causes

From this reading “Although the room was packed to the doors, nothing startling was anticipated from the coroner's inquest; and while Kate had been summoned as a witness it was not expected that much would be learned from her testimony.”

hinged verb US /hɪndʒd/

past form of “hinge” — attach with a hinge

From this reading “But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.”

initial noun US /ˌɪˈnɪʃəl/

the first letter of a word (especially a person's name)

From this reading “THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.”

Mormon noun US /ˈmɔːrmən/

the ancient prophet whose writings were revealed to Joseph Smith who founded the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

From this reading “THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.”

screws noun US /skruːz/

plural of “screw” — someone who guards prisoners

From this reading “THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.”

shotgun noun US /ˈʃɑːtɡʌn/

firearm that is a double-barreled smoothbore shoulder weapon for firing shot at short ranges

From this reading “THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.”

unearth verb US /əˈnɜːrθ/

bring to light

From this reading “But no one could be found to identify the gun, nor could any amount of inquiry unearth an enemy with a grudge sufficiently deep to inspire murder.”

All words in this reading · 109

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 THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

AlthoughconjunctionUS /ˌɔːlˈðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Although the room was packed to the doors, nothing startling was anticipated from the coroner's inquest; and while Kate had been summoned as a witness it was not expected that much would be learned from her testimony.

amountnounUS /əˈmaʊnt/

a quantity of money

From this reading But no one could be found to identify the gun, nor could any amount of inquiry unearth an enemy with a grudge sufficiently deep to inspire murder.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading But no one could be found to identify the gun, nor could any amount of inquiry unearth an enemy with a grudge sufficiently deep to inspire murder.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

anticipatedadjectiveUS /ænˈtɪsəpeɪtɪd/

expected hopefully

From this reading Although the room was packed to the doors, nothing startling was anticipated from the coroner's inquest; and while Kate had been summoned as a witness it was not expected that much would be learned from her testimony.

anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading But no one could be found to identify the gun, nor could any amount of inquiry unearth an enemy with a grudge sufficiently deep to inspire murder.

apprehendverbUS /ˌæprɪˈhend/

get the meaning of something

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

axenounUS /æks/

an edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

axesnounUS /ˈæksɪz/

plural of “ax” — an edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle

From this reading But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.

BANKnounUS /bæŋk/

sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading But no one could be found to identify the gun, nor could any amount of inquiry unearth an enemy with a grudge sufficiently deep to inspire murder.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Although the room was packed to the doors, nothing startling was anticipated from the coroner's inquest; and while Kate had been summoned as a witness it was not expected that much would be learned from her testimony.

beneathprepositionUS /bɪˈniːθ/

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.

buttonnounUS /ˈbʌtən/

a round fastener sewn to shirts and coats etc to fit through buttonholes

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

casenounUS /keɪs/

an occurrence of something

From this reading But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.

chieflyadverbUS /ˈtʃiːfli/

for the most part

From this reading The crowd was concerned chiefly in seeing "how she was taking it."

cluesnounUS /kluːz/

plural of “clue” — a slight indication

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

concernedadjectiveUS /kənˈsɜːrnd/

feeling or showing worry or solicitude

From this reading The crowd was concerned chiefly in seeing "how she was taking it."

coroner'snounUS /ˈkɔːrənərz/

possessive form of “coroner” — a public official who investigates by inquest any death not due to natural causes

From this reading Although the room was packed to the doors, nothing startling was anticipated from the coroner's inquest; and while Kate had been summoned as a witness it was not expected that much would be learned from her testimony.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading But no one could be found to identify the gun, nor could any amount of inquiry unearth an enemy with a grudge sufficiently deep to inspire murder.

cowardlyadjectiveUS /ˈkaʊərdli/

lacking courage; ignobly timid and faint-hearted

From this reading But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.

crowdverbUS /kraʊd/

cause to herd, drive, or crowd together

From this reading The crowd was concerned chiefly in seeing "how she was taking it."

deepadjectiveUS /diːp/

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading But no one could be found to identify the gun, nor could any amount of inquiry unearth an enemy with a grudge sufficiently deep to inspire murder.

differentadjectiveUS /ˈdɪfərənt/

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.

doorsnounUS /dɔːrz/

plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Although the room was packed to the doors, nothing startling was anticipated from the coroner's inquest; and while Kate had been summoned as a witness it was not expected that much would be learned from her testimony.

enemynounUS /ˈenəmi/

an opposing military force

From this reading But no one could be found to identify the gun, nor could any amount of inquiry unearth an enemy with a grudge sufficiently deep to inspire murder.

excitementnounUS /ɪkˈsaɪtmənt/

the feeling of lively and cheerful joy

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

expectedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspektəd/

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading Although the room was packed to the doors, nothing startling was anticipated from the coroner's inquest; and while Kate had been summoned as a witness it was not expected that much would be learned from her testimony.

findingnounUS /ˈfaɪndɪŋ/

the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation

From this reading But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.

foundverbUS /faʊnd/

set up or found

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.

furnishedadjectiveUS /ˈfɜːrnɪʃt/

provided with whatever is necessary for a purpose (as furniture or equipment or authority)

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

grudgenounUS /ɡrʌdʒ/

a resentment strong enough to justify retaliation

From this reading But no one could be found to identify the gun, nor could any amount of inquiry unearth an enemy with a grudge sufficiently deep to inspire murder.

gunnounUS /ɡʌn/

a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)

From this reading But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Although the room was packed to the doors, nothing startling was anticipated from the coroner's inquest; and while Kate had been summoned as a witness it was not expected that much would be learned from her testimony.

hingedverbUS /hɪndʒd/

past form of “hinge” — attach with a hinge

From this reading But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.

how

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

From this reading The crowd was concerned chiefly in seeing "how she was taking it."

identifyverbUS /aɪˈdentəfaɪ/

recognize as being; establish the identity of someone or something

From this reading But no one could be found to identify the gun, nor could any amount of inquiry unearth an enemy with a grudge sufficiently deep to inspire murder.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

ingeniousadjectiveUS /ɪnˈdʒiː.ni.əs/

Clever, original, and remarkably inventive in design and execution.

From this reading But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.

initialnounUS /ˌɪˈnɪʃəl/

the first letter of a word (especially a person's name)

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

inquestnounUS /ˈɪnkwest/

an inquiry into the cause of an unexpected death

From this reading Although the room was packed to the doors, nothing startling was anticipated from the coroner's inquest; and while Kate had been summoned as a witness it was not expected that much would be learned from her testimony.

inquirynounUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪriː/

a search for knowledge

From this reading But no one could be found to identify the gun, nor could any amount of inquiry unearth an enemy with a grudge sufficiently deep to inspire murder.

inspireverbUS /ˌɪnˈspaɪr/

heighten or intensify

From this reading But no one could be found to identify the gun, nor could any amount of inquiry unearth an enemy with a grudge sufficiently deep to inspire murder.

investigationnounUS /ˌɪnvestəˈɡeɪʃən/

an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities

From this reading But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

Joe

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

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

Kate

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

From this reading Although the room was packed to the doors, nothing startling was anticipated from the coroner's inquest; and while Kate had been summoned as a witness it was not expected that much would be learned from her testimony.

learnedadjectiveUS /lɜːrnd/

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading Although the room was packed to the doors, nothing startling was anticipated from the coroner's inquest; and while Kate had been summoned as a witness it was not expected that much would be learned from her testimony.

matternounUS /ˈmætər/

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

MormonnounUS /ˈmɔːrmən/

the ancient prophet whose writings were revealed to Joseph Smith who founded the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

motivenounUS /ˈmoʊtɪv/

the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior

From this reading But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.

muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Although the room was packed to the doors, nothing startling was anticipated from the coroner's inquest; and while Kate had been summoned as a witness it was not expected that much would be learned from her testimony.

murderverbUS /ˈmɜːrdər/

kill intentionally and with premeditation

From this reading But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.

murderernounUS /ˈmɜːrdərər/

a criminal who commits homicide (who performs the unlawful premeditated killing of another human being)

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.

norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading But no one could be found to identify the gun, nor could any amount of inquiry unearth an enemy with a grudge sufficiently deep to inspire murder.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Although the room was packed to the doors, nothing startling was anticipated from the coroner's inquest; and while Kate had been summoned as a witness it was not expected that much would be learned from her testimony.

nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Although the room was packed to the doors, nothing startling was anticipated from the coroner's inquest; and while Kate had been summoned as a witness it was not expected that much would be learned from her testimony.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

ONprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading But no one could be found to identify the gun, nor could any amount of inquiry unearth an enemy with a grudge sufficiently deep to inspire murder.

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.

ownershipnounUS /ˈoʊnərʃɪp/

the relation of an owner to the thing possessed; possession with the right to transfer possession to others

From this reading But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.

packedadjectiveUS /pækt/

extremely crowed or filled to capacity

From this reading Although the room was packed to the doors, nothing startling was anticipated from the coroner's inquest; and while Kate had been summoned as a witness it was not expected that much would be learned from her testimony.

peculiarlyadverbUS /pɪˈkjuːljərli/

uniquely or characteristically

From this reading But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.

Prouty

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

From this reading But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.

PUTSnounUS /pʊts/

plural of “put” — the option to sell a given stock (or stock index or commodity future) at a given price before a given date

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

recognizedadjectiveUS /ˈrekəɡnaɪzd/

generally approved or compelling recognition

From this reading But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.

roomnounUS /ruːm/

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading Although the room was packed to the doors, nothing startling was anticipated from the coroner's inquest; and while Kate had been summoned as a witness it was not expected that much would be learned from her testimony.

ropenounUS /roʊp/

a strong line

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

ropesnounUS /roʊps/

plural of “rope” — a strong line

From this reading But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.

scoresnounUS /skɔːrz/

a large number or amount

From this reading But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.

SCREWSnounUS /skruːz/

plural of “screw” — someone who guards prisoners

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

seeingnounUS /ˈsiːɪŋ/

perception by means of the eyes

From this reading The crowd was concerned chiefly in seeing "how she was taking it."

seemedverbUS /siːmd/

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

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The crowd was concerned chiefly in seeing "how she was taking it."

shotgunnounUS /ˈʃɑːtɡʌn/

firearm that is a double-barreled smoothbore shoulder weapon for firing shot at short ranges

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

showedverbUS /ʃoʊd/

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.

simpleadjectiveUS /ˈsɪmpəl/

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

snownounUS /snoʊ/

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

solutionnounUS /səˈluːʃən/

a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances; frequently (but not necessarily) a liquid solution

From this reading But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.

soonadverbUS /suːn/

in the near future

From this reading But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.

startlingadjectiveUS /ˈstɑːrtlɪŋ/

so remarkably different or sudden as to cause momentary shock or alarm

From this reading Although the room was packed to the doors, nothing startling was anticipated from the coroner's inquest; and while Kate had been summoned as a witness it was not expected that much would be learned from her testimony.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

sufficientlyadverbUS /səˈfɪʃəntli/

to a sufficient degree

From this reading But no one could be found to identify the gun, nor could any amount of inquiry unearth an enemy with a grudge sufficiently deep to inspire murder.

summonedverbUS /ˈsʌmənd/

past form of “summon” — call in an official matter, such as to attend court

From this reading Although the room was packed to the doors, nothing startling was anticipated from the coroner's inquest; and while Kate had been summoned as a witness it was not expected that much would be learned from her testimony.

takingnounUS /ˈteɪkɪŋ/

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading The crowd was concerned chiefly in seeing "how she was taking it."

testimonynounUS /ˈtestəmoʊni/

a solemn statement made under oath

From this reading Although the room was packed to the doors, nothing startling was anticipated from the coroner's inquest; and while Kate had been summoned as a witness it was not expected that much would be learned from her testimony.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

unearthverbUS /əˈnɜːrθ/

bring to light

From this reading But no one could be found to identify the gun, nor could any amount of inquiry unearth an enemy with a grudge sufficiently deep to inspire murder.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading But investigation showed that the axe and rope were no different from scores of other axes and ropes in Prouty, and it was soon recognized that the solution of the case hinged upon the ownership of the gun and the finding of a motive for this peculiarly cowardly and ingenious murder.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading Although the room was packed to the doors, nothing startling was anticipated from the coroner's inquest; and while Kate had been summoned as a witness it was not expected that much would be learned from her testimony.

windownounUS /ˈwɪndoʊ/

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS In the initial excitement it had seemed a simple matter to apprehend the murderer of Mormon Joe with such clues as were furnished by the axe, the rope, the shotgun and the button, which were found in the snow beneath the window.

witnessnounUS /ˈwɪtnəs/

someone who sees an event and reports what happened

From this reading Although the room was packed to the doors, nothing startling was anticipated from the coroner's inquest; and while Kate had been summoned as a witness it was not expected that much would be learned from her testimony.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading Although the room was packed to the doors, nothing startling was anticipated from the coroner's inquest; and while Kate had been summoned as a witness it was not expected that much would be learned from her testimony.

Chapter 10 of The Fighting Shepherdess by Caroline Lockhart holds 172 sentences, grouped into 35 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 10 of The Fighting Shepherdess contain?

Chapter 10 holds 172 sentences of The Fighting Shepherdess, unabridged, divided into 35 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 10 of The Fighting Shepherdess by Caroline Lockhart exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 172 sentences, grouped into 35 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 10 of The Fighting Shepherdess?

Work through the 35 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 35 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 10 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 10 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 Fighting Shepherdess

Common questions about reading The Fighting Shepherdess by Caroline Lockhart on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Fighting Shepherdess?

Yes. All 6209 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #23296 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Fighting Shepherdess is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #23296, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Fighting Shepherdess take to read?

About 517 minutes of reading across 1242 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Fighting Shepherdess section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 30 chapters of The Fighting Shepherdess 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 Fighting Shepherdess

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

Frontispiece
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Fighting Shepherdess; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Leone
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Fighting Shepherdess; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Bracker
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Fighting Shepherdess; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Second
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Fighting Shepherdess; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.