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The Gringos A Story Of The Old California
The Gringos A Story Of The Old California

Chapter XXI · Chapter 21

Chapter 21 of The Gringos A Story Of The Old California is here in full — 223 sentences across 45 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Gringos A Story Of The Old California
Context Illustration Reading 1/44 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.
Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.
But this was the day of the fiesta; and with the remembrance of that vital fact came a realization that on this day the Picardo ranch would be the Mecca toward which all California was making pilgrimage; and, he feared, the battle-ground of the warring interests and prejudices of the pilgrims themselves.
Dade listened to the voices shouting orders and greetings without as the vaqueros hurried here and there in excited preparations for the event.
He judged that not another man in the valley was in bed at that moment, unless sickness held him there; and for that very reason he pulled a blanket snugger about his ears and tried to make himself believe that he was enjoying to the full his laziness.
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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 Gringos A Story Of The Old California

Chapter XXI · Chapter 21

Chapter 21 of The Gringos A Story Of The Old California is here in full — 223 sentences across 45 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/44 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.
Line 2
Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.
Line 3
But this was the day of the fiesta; and with the remembrance of that vital fact came a realization that on this day the Picardo ranch would be the Mecca toward which all California was making pilgrimage; and, he feared, the battle-ground of the warring interests and prejudices of the pilgrims themselves.
Line 4
Dade listened to the voices shouting orders and greetings without as the vaqueros hurried here and there in excited preparations for the event.
Line 5
He judged that not another man in the valley was in bed at that moment, unless sickness held him there; and for that very reason he pulled a blanket snugger about his ears and tried to make himself believe that he was enjoying to the full his laziness.

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.

committing verb US /kəˈmɪtɪŋ/

inflected form of “commit” — perform an act, usually with a negative connotation

From this reading “FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.”

fiesta noun US /fiˈestə/

an elaborate party (often outdoors)

From this reading “FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.”

laziness noun US /ˈleɪzinəs/

inactivity resulting from a dislike of work

From this reading “He judged that not another man in the valley was in bed at that moment, unless sickness held him there; and for that very reason he pulled a blanket snugger about his ears and tried to make himself believe that he was enjoying to the full his laziness.”

Mecca noun US /ˈmekə/

joint capital (with Riyadh) of Saudi Arabia; located in western Saudi Arabia; as the birthplace of Muhammad it is the holiest city of Islam

From this reading “But this was the day of the fiesta; and with the remembrance of that vital fact came a realization that on this day the Picardo ranch would be the Mecca toward which all California was making pilgrimage; and, he feared, the battle-ground of the warring interests and prejudices of the pilgrims themselves.”

realization noun US /ˈriːləˈzeɪʃən/

coming to understand something clearly and distinctly

From this reading “But this was the day of the fiesta; and with the remembrance of that vital fact came a realization that on this day the Picardo ranch would be the Mecca toward which all California was making pilgrimage; and, he feared, the battle-ground of the warring interests and prejudices of the pilgrims themselves.”

rodeo noun US /ˈroʊdioʊ/

an exhibition of cowboy skills

From this reading “Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.”

shaving noun US /ˈʃeɪvɪŋ/

the act of removing hair with a razor

From this reading “FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.”

warring adjective US /ˈwɔːrɪŋ/

engaged in war

From this reading “But this was the day of the fiesta; and with the remembrance of that vital fact came a realization that on this day the Picardo ranch would be the Mecca toward which all California was making pilgrimage; and, he feared, the battle-ground of the warring interests and prejudices of the pilgrims themselves.”

All words in this reading · 131

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 Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading He judged that not another man in the valley was in bed at that moment, unless sickness held him there; and for that very reason he pulled a blanket snugger about his ears and tried to make himself believe that he was enjoying to the full his laziness.

affordverbUS /əˈfɔːrd/

be able to spare or give up

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

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 But this was the day of the fiesta; and with the remembrance of that vital fact came a realization that on this day the Picardo ranch would be the Mecca toward which all California was making pilgrimage; and, he feared, the battle-ground of the warring interests and prejudices of the pilgrims themselves.

almostadverbUS /ˈɔːlmoʊst/

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

anotherdeterminerUS /əˈnʌðər/

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading He judged that not another man in the valley was in bed at that moment, unless sickness held him there; and for that very reason he pulled a blanket snugger about his ears and tried to make himself believe that he was enjoying to the full his laziness.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

battle-ground

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

From this reading But this was the day of the fiesta; and with the remembrance of that vital fact came a realization that on this day the Picardo ranch would be the Mecca toward which all California was making pilgrimage; and, he feared, the battle-ground of the warring interests and prejudices of the pilgrims themselves.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading But this was the day of the fiesta; and with the remembrance of that vital fact came a realization that on this day the Picardo ranch would be the Mecca toward which all California was making pilgrimage; and, he feared, the battle-ground of the warring interests and prejudices of the pilgrims themselves.

bednounUS /bed/

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

beheldverbUS /biˈheld/

inflected form of “behold” — see with attention

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

believeverbUS /bɪˈliːv/

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading He judged that not another man in the valley was in bed at that moment, unless sickness held him there; and for that very reason he pulled a blanket snugger about his ears and tried to make himself believe that he was enjoying to the full his laziness.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

blanketnounUS /ˈblæŋkət/

bedding that keeps a person warm in bed

From this reading He judged that not another man in the valley was in bed at that moment, unless sickness held him there; and for that very reason he pulled a blanket snugger about his ears and tried to make himself believe that he was enjoying to the full his laziness.

bodynounUS /ˈbɑːdi/

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

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

branchesnounUS /ˈbræntʃəz/

plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But this was the day of the fiesta; and with the remembrance of that vital fact came a realization that on this day the Picardo ranch would be the Mecca toward which all California was making pilgrimage; and, he feared, the battle-ground of the warring interests and prejudices of the pilgrims themselves.

CalifornianounUS /ˌkæləˈfɔːrnjə/

a state in the western United States on the Pacific; the 3rd largest state; known for earthquakes

From this reading But this was the day of the fiesta; and with the remembrance of that vital fact came a realization that on this day the Picardo ranch would be the Mecca toward which all California was making pilgrimage; and, he feared, the battle-ground of the warring interests and prejudices of the pilgrims themselves.

cameverbUS /keɪm/

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

From this reading But this was the day of the fiesta; and with the remembrance of that vital fact came a realization that on this day the Picardo ranch would be the Mecca toward which all California was making pilgrimage; and, he feared, the battle-ground of the warring interests and prejudices of the pilgrims themselves.

committingverbUS /kəˈmɪtɪŋ/

inflected form of “commit” — perform an act, usually with a negative connotation

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

Dade

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

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

DAYnounUS /deɪ/

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

earsnounUS /ɪrz/

plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading He judged that not another man in the valley was in bed at that moment, unless sickness held him there; and for that very reason he pulled a blanket snugger about his ears and tried to make himself believe that he was enjoying to the full his laziness.

easilyadverbUS /ˈiːzəli/

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

enemynounUS /ˈenəmi/

an opposing military force

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

enjoyingverbUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪɪŋ/

-ing form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading He judged that not another man in the valley was in bed at that moment, unless sickness held him there; and for that very reason he pulled a blanket snugger about his ears and tried to make himself believe that he was enjoying to the full his laziness.

eventnounUS /ɪˈvent/

something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading Dade listened to the voices shouting orders and greetings without as the vaqueros hurried here and there in excited preparations for the event.

excitedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsaɪtəd/

(of persons) excessively affected by emotion

From this reading Dade listened to the voices shouting orders and greetings without as the vaqueros hurried here and there in excited preparations for the event.

eyesnounUS /aɪz/

opinion or judgment

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

factnounUS /fækt/

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading But this was the day of the fiesta; and with the remembrance of that vital fact came a realization that on this day the Picardo ranch would be the Mecca toward which all California was making pilgrimage; and, he feared, the battle-ground of the warring interests and prejudices of the pilgrims themselves.

fearedverbUS /fɪrd/

past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading But this was the day of the fiesta; and with the remembrance of that vital fact came a realization that on this day the Picardo ranch would be the Mecca toward which all California was making pilgrimage; and, he feared, the battle-ground of the warring interests and prejudices of the pilgrims themselves.

FIESTAnounUS /fiˈestə/

an elaborate party (often outdoors)

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

fulladjectiveUS /fʊl/

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading He judged that not another man in the valley was in bed at that moment, unless sickness held him there; and for that very reason he pulled a blanket snugger about his ears and tried to make himself believe that he was enjoying to the full his laziness.

greetingsnounUS /ˈɡriːtɪŋz/

plural of “greeting” — (usually plural) an acknowledgment or expression of good will (especially on meeting)

From this reading Dade listened to the voices shouting orders and greetings without as the vaqueros hurried here and there in excited preparations for the event.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

half-dressed

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

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

happyadjectiveUS /ˈhæpi/

enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

hatedadjectiveUS /ˈheɪtəd/

treated with dislike or contempt

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

heldadjectiveUS /held/

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading He judged that not another man in the valley was in bed at that moment, unless sickness held him there; and for that very reason he pulled a blanket snugger about his ears and tried to make himself believe that he was enjoying to the full his laziness.

hereadverbUS /hiːr/

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Dade listened to the voices shouting orders and greetings without as the vaqueros hurried here and there in excited preparations for the event.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading He judged that not another man in the valley was in bed at that moment, unless sickness held him there; and for that very reason he pulled a blanket snugger about his ears and tried to make himself believe that he was enjoying to the full his laziness.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

hurriedadjectiveUS /ˈhɜːrid/

moving rapidly or performed quickly or in great haste

From this reading Dade listened to the voices shouting orders and greetings without as the vaqueros hurried here and there in excited preparations for the event.

idlenessnounUS /ˈaɪdəlnəs/

having no employment

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

idlyadverbUS /ˈaɪdli/

in an idle manner

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

interestsnounUS /ˈɪntrəsts/

plural of “interest” — a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading But this was the day of the fiesta; and with the remembrance of that vital fact came a realization that on this day the Picardo ranch would be the Mecca toward which all California was making pilgrimage; and, he feared, the battle-ground of the warring interests and prejudices of the pilgrims themselves.

JacknounUS /dʒæk/

a small worthless amount

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

jawverbUS /dʒɔː/

talk socially without exchanging too much information

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

judgedverbUS /dʒʌdʒd/

past form of “judge” — determine the result of (a competition)

From this reading He judged that not another man in the valley was in bed at that moment, unless sickness held him there; and for that very reason he pulled a blanket snugger about his ears and tried to make himself believe that he was enjoying to the full his laziness.

lazinessnounUS /ˈleɪzinəs/

inactivity resulting from a dislike of work

From this reading He judged that not another man in the valley was in bed at that moment, unless sickness held him there; and for that very reason he pulled a blanket snugger about his ears and tried to make himself believe that he was enjoying to the full his laziness.

leftnounUS /left/

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

linennounUS /ˈlɪnən/

a fabric woven with fibers from the flax plant

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

listenedverbUS /ˈlɪsənd/

past form of “listen” — hear with intention

From this reading Dade listened to the voices shouting orders and greetings without as the vaqueros hurried here and there in excited preparations for the event.

lookingnounUS /ˈlʊkɪŋ/

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

luxurynounUS /ˈlʌɡʒəri/

something that is an indulgence rather than a necessity

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

lyingnounUS /ˈlaɪɪŋ/

the deliberate act of deviating from the truth

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

makeverbUS /meɪk/

engage in

From this reading He judged that not another man in the valley was in bed at that moment, unless sickness held him there; and for that very reason he pulled a blanket snugger about his ears and tried to make himself believe that he was enjoying to the full his laziness.

makingnounUS /ˈmeɪkɪŋ/

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading But this was the day of the fiesta; and with the remembrance of that vital fact came a realization that on this day the Picardo ranch would be the Mecca toward which all California was making pilgrimage; and, he feared, the battle-ground of the warring interests and prejudices of the pilgrims themselves.

mannounUS /mæn/

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading He judged that not another man in the valley was in bed at that moment, unless sickness held him there; and for that very reason he pulled a blanket snugger about his ears and tried to make himself believe that he was enjoying to the full his laziness.

MeccanounUS /ˈmekə/

joint capital (with Riyadh) of Saudi Arabia; located in western Saudi Arabia; as the birthplace of Muhammad it is the holiest city of Islam

From this reading But this was the day of the fiesta; and with the remembrance of that vital fact came a realization that on this day the Picardo ranch would be the Mecca toward which all California was making pilgrimage; and, he feared, the battle-ground of the warring interests and prejudices of the pilgrims themselves.

mindnounUS /maɪnd/

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

momentnounUS /ˈmoʊmənt/

a particular point in time

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

morningnounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

murderverbUS /ˈmɜːrdər/

kill intentionally and with premeditation

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

newadjectiveUS /nuː/

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He judged that not another man in the valley was in bed at that moment, unless sickness held him there; and for that very reason he pulled a blanket snugger about his ears and tried to make himself believe that he was enjoying to the full his laziness.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

openingnounUS /ˈoʊpənɪŋ/

an open or empty space in or between things

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

ordersnounUS /ˈɔːrdərz/

plural of “order” — (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading Dade listened to the voices shouting orders and greetings without as the vaqueros hurried here and there in excited preparations for the event.

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

Picardo

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

From this reading But this was the day of the fiesta; and with the remembrance of that vital fact came a realization that on this day the Picardo ranch would be the Mecca toward which all California was making pilgrimage; and, he feared, the battle-ground of the warring interests and prejudices of the pilgrims themselves.

pilgrimagenounUS /ˈpɪlɡrəmədʒ/

a journey to a sacred place

From this reading But this was the day of the fiesta; and with the remembrance of that vital fact came a realization that on this day the Picardo ranch would be the Mecca toward which all California was making pilgrimage; and, he feared, the battle-ground of the warring interests and prejudices of the pilgrims themselves.

pilgrimsnounUS /ˈpɪlɡrəmz/

plural of “pilgrim” — someone who journeys in foreign lands

From this reading But this was the day of the fiesta; and with the remembrance of that vital fact came a realization that on this day the Picardo ranch would be the Mecca toward which all California was making pilgrimage; and, he feared, the battle-ground of the warring interests and prejudices of the pilgrims themselves.

prejudicesnounUS /ˈpredʒədɪsɪz/

plural of “prejudice” — a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation

From this reading But this was the day of the fiesta; and with the remembrance of that vital fact came a realization that on this day the Picardo ranch would be the Mecca toward which all California was making pilgrimage; and, he feared, the battle-ground of the warring interests and prejudices of the pilgrims themselves.

preparationsnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃənz/

plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading Dade listened to the voices shouting orders and greetings without as the vaqueros hurried here and there in excited preparations for the event.

pulledverbUS /pʊld/

past form of “pull” — cause to move by pulling

From this reading He judged that not another man in the valley was in bed at that moment, unless sickness held him there; and for that very reason he pulled a blanket snugger about his ears and tried to make himself believe that he was enjoying to the full his laziness.

ranchnounUS /ræntʃ/

farm consisting of a large tract of land along with facilities needed to raise livestock (especially cattle)

From this reading But this was the day of the fiesta; and with the remembrance of that vital fact came a realization that on this day the Picardo ranch would be the Mecca toward which all California was making pilgrimage; and, he feared, the battle-ground of the warring interests and prejudices of the pilgrims themselves.

realadjectiveUS /riːl/

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

realizationnounUS /ˈriːləˈzeɪʃən/

coming to understand something clearly and distinctly

From this reading But this was the day of the fiesta; and with the remembrance of that vital fact came a realization that on this day the Picardo ranch would be the Mecca toward which all California was making pilgrimage; and, he feared, the battle-ground of the warring interests and prejudices of the pilgrims themselves.

reasonnounUS /ˈriːzən/

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading He judged that not another man in the valley was in bed at that moment, unless sickness held him there; and for that very reason he pulled a blanket snugger about his ears and tried to make himself believe that he was enjoying to the full his laziness.

reluctantlyadverbUS /rɪˈlʌktəntli/

with reluctance

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

remembrancenounUS /riˈmembrəns/

the ability to recall past occurrences

From this reading But this was the day of the fiesta; and with the remembrance of that vital fact came a realization that on this day the Picardo ranch would be the Mecca toward which all California was making pilgrimage; and, he feared, the battle-ground of the warring interests and prejudices of the pilgrims themselves.

restedadjectiveUS /ˈrestəd/

not tired; refreshed as by sleeping or relaxing

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

rodeonounUS /ˈroʊdioʊ/

an exhibition of cowboy skills

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

rollingadjectiveUS /ˈroʊlɪŋ/

uttered with a trill

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

roofnounUS /ruːf/

a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

sameadjectiveUS /seɪm/

Identical; not different.

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

shavingnounUS /ˈʃeɪvɪŋ/

the act of removing hair with a razor

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

sheetsnounUS /ʃiːts/

plural of “sheet” — any broad thin expanse or surface

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

shoutingnounUS /ˈʃaʊtɪŋ/

encouragement in the form of cheers from spectators

From this reading Dade listened to the voices shouting orders and greetings without as the vaqueros hurried here and there in excited preparations for the event.

sicknessnounUS /ˈsɪknəs/

impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism

From this reading He judged that not another man in the valley was in bed at that moment, unless sickness held him there; and for that very reason he pulled a blanket snugger about his ears and tried to make himself believe that he was enjoying to the full his laziness.

snugger

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

From this reading He judged that not another man in the valley was in bed at that moment, unless sickness held him there; and for that very reason he pulled a blanket snugger about his ears and tried to make himself believe that he was enjoying to the full his laziness.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading But this was the day of the fiesta; and with the remembrance of that vital fact came a realization that on this day the Picardo ranch would be the Mecca toward which all California was making pilgrimage; and, he feared, the battle-ground of the warring interests and prejudices of the pilgrims themselves.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading Dade listened to the voices shouting orders and greetings without as the vaqueros hurried here and there in excited preparations for the event.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading But this was the day of the fiesta; and with the remembrance of that vital fact came a realization that on this day the Picardo ranch would be the Mecca toward which all California was making pilgrimage; and, he feared, the battle-ground of the warring interests and prejudices of the pilgrims themselves.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Dade listened to the voices shouting orders and greetings without as the vaqueros hurried here and there in excited preparations for the event.

towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/

in the direction of

From this reading But this was the day of the fiesta; and with the remembrance of that vital fact came a realization that on this day the Picardo ranch would be the Mecca toward which all California was making pilgrimage; and, he feared, the battle-ground of the warring interests and prejudices of the pilgrims themselves.

treenounUS /triː/

a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

triedadjectiveUS /traɪd/

tested and proved useful or correct

From this reading He judged that not another man in the valley was in bed at that moment, unless sickness held him there; and for that very reason he pulled a blanket snugger about his ears and tried to make himself believe that he was enjoying to the full his laziness.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

unlessconjunctionUS /ənˈles/

except if; if not

From this reading He judged that not another man in the valley was in bed at that moment, unless sickness held him there; and for that very reason he pulled a blanket snugger about his ears and tried to make himself believe that he was enjoying to the full his laziness.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

valleynounUS /ˈvæli/

a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river

From this reading He judged that not another man in the valley was in bed at that moment, unless sickness held him there; and for that very reason he pulled a blanket snugger about his ears and tried to make himself believe that he was enjoying to the full his laziness.

vaqueros

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

From this reading Dade listened to the voices shouting orders and greetings without as the vaqueros hurried here and there in excited preparations for the event.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading He judged that not another man in the valley was in bed at that moment, unless sickness held him there; and for that very reason he pulled a blanket snugger about his ears and tried to make himself believe that he was enjoying to the full his laziness.

vitaladjectiveUS /ˈvaɪtəl/

urgently needed; absolutely necessary

From this reading But this was the day of the fiesta; and with the remembrance of that vital fact came a realization that on this day the Picardo ranch would be the Mecca toward which all California was making pilgrimage; and, he feared, the battle-ground of the warring interests and prejudices of the pilgrims themselves.

voicesnounUS /ˈvɔɪsəz/

plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading Dade listened to the voices shouting orders and greetings without as the vaqueros hurried here and there in excited preparations for the event.

warringadjectiveUS /ˈwɔːrɪŋ/

engaged in war

From this reading But this was the day of the fiesta; and with the remembrance of that vital fact came a realization that on this day the Picardo ranch would be the Mecca toward which all California was making pilgrimage; and, he feared, the battle-ground of the warring interests and prejudices of the pilgrims themselves.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

watchedverbUS /wɑːtʃt/

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading FIESTA DAY Dade, rolling over in bed and at the same moment opening his eyes reluctantly upon the new day, that he hated, beheld Jack half-dressed and shaving his left jaw, and looking as if he were committing murder upon an enemy.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading But this was the day of the fiesta; and with the remembrance of that vital fact came a realization that on this day the Picardo ranch would be the Mecca toward which all California was making pilgrimage; and, he feared, the battle-ground of the warring interests and prejudices of the pilgrims themselves.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading But this was the day of the fiesta; and with the remembrance of that vital fact came a realization that on this day the Picardo ranch would be the Mecca toward which all California was making pilgrimage; and, he feared, the battle-ground of the warring interests and prejudices of the pilgrims themselves.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Dade listened to the voices shouting orders and greetings without as the vaqueros hurried here and there in excited preparations for the event.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading Dade watched him idly; he could afford the luxury of idleness that morning; for rodeo was over, and he was lying between linen sheets on a real bed, under a roof other than the branches of a tree; and if his mind had rested as easily as his body, he would have been almost happy.

Chapter 21 of The Gringos A Story Of The Old California by B. M. Bower holds 223 sentences, grouped into 45 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 21 of The Gringos A Story Of The Old California contain?

Chapter 21 holds 223 sentences of The Gringos A Story Of The Old California, unabridged, divided into 45 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 21 of The Gringos A Story Of The Old California by B. M. Bower exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 223 sentences, grouped into 45 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 21 of The Gringos A Story Of The Old California?

Work through the 45 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 45 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 21 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 21 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 Gringos A Story Of The Old California

Common questions about reading The Gringos A Story Of The Old California by B. M. Bower on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Gringos A Story Of The Old California?

Yes. All 3890 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #12139 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Gringos A Story Of The Old California is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #12139, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Gringos A Story Of The Old California take to read?

About 324 minutes of reading across 778 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Gringos A Story Of The Old California section by section

How to work through The Gringos A Story Of The Old California section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 25 chapters of The Gringos A Story Of The Old California 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 Gringos A Story Of The Old California

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Gringos A Story Of The Old California, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Glimpse
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Gringos A Story Of The Old California; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Savage
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Gringos A Story Of The Old California; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Normally
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Gringos A Story Of The Old California; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Asleep
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Gringos A Story Of The Old California; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.