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The Mystery of Cleverly: A Story for Boys
The Mystery of Cleverly: A Story for Boys

Chapter XII

Chapter 12 of The Mystery of Cleverly: A Story for Boys is here in full — 122 sentences across 25 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/24 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.
He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.
The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.
He took the elevator and was shot up to the fifth floor with a suddenness that almost took his breath away.
A boy standing at the door of this landing demanded his card, and while Herbert sat there waiting for a reply he noticed that the door was kept locked, and that newcomers were greeted with a large sign which read:
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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 Mystery of Cleverly: A Story for Boys

Chapter XII

Chapter 12 of The Mystery of Cleverly: A Story for Boys is here in full — 122 sentences across 25 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/24 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.
Line 2
He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.
/hiː priˈperd hɪmˈself ˈkerfəli fɔːr ðə ˈfɔːrθˈkʌmɪŋ ˈɪntərvjuː ˈtraɪɪŋ əˈspeʃli ɪn ə hæf ˈkɑːnʃəs weɪ tuː rɪd hɪmˈself ʌv ðə ˈrʌstɪk əˈpɪrəns wɪtʃ hiː felt maɪt ˈlesən hɪz ˈprɑːspekts ɔːr ˌɪmˈper hɪz preˈstiːʒ wɪð ðə ˈnuːzpeɪpər mæn hiː wɑːz əˈbaʊt tuː miːt/
Line 3
The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.
Line 4
He took the elevator and was shot up to the fifth floor with a suddenness that almost took his breath away.
/hiː tʊk ðə ˈeləveɪtər ənd wɑːz ʃɑːt ʌp tuː ðə fɪfθ flɔːr wɪð ə ˈsʌdənnəs ðæt ˈɔːlmoʊst tʊk hɪz breθ əˈweɪ/
Line 5
A boy standing at the door of this landing demanded his card, and while Herbert sat there waiting for a reply he noticed that the door was kept locked, and that newcomers were greeted with a large sign which read:
/ə bɔɪ ˈstændɪŋ æt ðə dɔːr ʌv ðɪs ˈlændɪŋ dɪˈmændəd hɪz kɑːrd ənd waɪl ˈhɜːrbərt sæt ðer ˈweɪtɪŋ fɔːr ə rɪˈplaɪ hiː ˈnoʊtəst ðæt ðə dɔːr wɑːz kept lɑːkt ənd ðæt ˈnuːkʌmərz wɜːr ˈɡriːtəd wɪð ə lɑːrdʒ saɪn wɪtʃ red/

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.

Argus noun US /ˈɑːrɡəs/

(Greek mythology) a giant with 100 eyes; was guardian of the heifer Io and was slain by Hermes

From this reading “METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.”

forthcoming adjective US /ˈfɔːrθˈkʌmɪŋ/

at ease in talking to others

From this reading “He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.”

impair verb US /ˌɪmˈper/

make worse or less effective

From this reading “He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.”

journalism noun US /ˈdʒɜːrnəlɪzəm/

newspapers and magazines collectively

From this reading “METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.”

lessen verb US /ˈlesən/

decrease in size, extent, or range

From this reading “He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.”

newcomers noun US /ˈnuːkʌmərz/

plural of “newcomer” — any new participant in some activity

From this reading “A boy standing at the door of this landing demanded his card, and while Herbert sat there waiting for a reply he noticed that the door was kept locked, and that newcomers were greeted with a large sign which read:”

prestige noun US /preˈstiːʒ/

a high standing achieved through success or influence or wealth etc.

From this reading “He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.”

repress verb US /riˈpres/

put down by force or intimidation

From this reading “The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.”

Word partnerships in these lines

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

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

fifth floor noun + noun

In this reading “He took the elevator and was shot up to the fifth floor with a suddenness that almost took his breath away.”

city editor noun + noun

the newspaper editor in charge of editing local news

In this reading “METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.”

at noon preposition + noun

In this reading “METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.”

large buildings adjective + noun counted as “large building”

In this reading “The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.”

with a suddenness preposition + article + noun counted as “with … suddenness”

In this reading “He took the elevator and was shot up to the fifth floor with a suddenness that almost took his breath away.”

cluster of verb + particle

In this reading “The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.”

looked up verb + adjective counted as “look up”

seek information from

In this reading “The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.”

for the purpose preposition + article + noun counted as “for … purpose”

In this reading “METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.”

All words in this reading · 114

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 He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.

advisedadjectiveUS /ædˈvaɪzd/

having the benefit of careful prior consideration or counsel

From this reading METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.

almostadverbUS /ˈɔːlmoʊst/

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

From this reading The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.

amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.

appearancenounUS /əˈpɪrəns/

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.

ArgusnounUS /ˈɑːrɡəs/

(Greek mythology) a giant with 100 eyes; was guardian of the heifer Io and was slain by Hermes

From this reading METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.

awayadverbUS /əˈweɪ/

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

From this reading He took the elevator and was shot up to the fifth floor with a suddenness that almost took his breath away.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.

bee-hive

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

From this reading The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.

Blakeley

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

From this reading METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.

boynounUS /bɔɪ/

a youthful male person

From this reading A boy standing at the door of this landing demanded his card, and while Herbert sat there waiting for a reply he noticed that the door was kept locked, and that newcomers were greeted with a large sign which read:

breathnounUS /breθ/

the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing

From this reading He took the elevator and was shot up to the fifth floor with a suddenness that almost took his breath away.

buildingsnounUS /ˈbɪldɪŋz/

plural of “building” — a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.

busyadjectiveUS /ˈbɪzi/

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.

callverbUS /kɔːl/

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.

cardnounUS /kɑːrd/

one of a set of small pieces of stiff paper marked in various ways and used for playing games or for telling fortunes

From this reading A boy standing at the door of this landing demanded his card, and while Herbert sat there waiting for a reply he noticed that the door was kept locked, and that newcomers were greeted with a large sign which read:

carefullyadverbUS /ˈkerfəli/

taking care or paying attention

From this reading He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.

centernounUS /ˈsɛn.tər/

The middle point or core of an area.

From this reading The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.

citynounUS /ˈsɪti/

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.

clusterverbUS /ˈklʌstər/

come together as in a cluster or flock

From this reading The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.

consciousadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːnʃəs/

intentionally conceived

From this reading He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.

daynounUS /deɪ/

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.

demandedverbUS /dɪˈmændəd/

past form of “demand” — request urgently and forcefully

From this reading A boy standing at the door of this landing demanded his card, and while Herbert sat there waiting for a reply he noticed that the door was kept locked, and that newcomers were greeted with a large sign which read:

doornounUS /dɔːr/

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading A boy standing at the door of this landing demanded his card, and while Herbert sat there waiting for a reply he noticed that the door was kept locked, and that newcomers were greeted with a large sign which read:

edificenounUS /ˈedəfəs/

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.

editornounUS /ˈedətər/

a person responsible for the editorial aspects of publication; the person who determines the final content of a text (especially of a newspaper or magazine)

From this reading METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.

elevatornounUS /ˈeləveɪtər/

lifting device consisting of a platform or cage that is raised and lowered mechanically in a vertical shaft in order to move people from one floor to another in a building

From this reading He took the elevator and was shot up to the fifth floor with a suddenness that almost took his breath away.

especiallyadverbUS /əˈspeʃli/

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.

feelingnounUS /ˈfiːlɪŋ/

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.

feltverbUS /felt/

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.

fifthnounUS /fɪfθ/

a quantity of liquor equal to one fifth of a United States gallon

From this reading He took the elevator and was shot up to the fifth floor with a suddenness that almost took his breath away.

floornounUS /flɔːr/

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading He took the elevator and was shot up to the fifth floor with a suddenness that almost took his breath away.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.

forthcomingadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrθˈkʌmɪŋ/

at ease in talking to others

From this reading He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.

greetedverbUS /ˈɡriːtəd/

past form of “greet” — express greetings upon meeting someone

From this reading A boy standing at the door of this landing demanded his card, and while Herbert sat there waiting for a reply he noticed that the door was kept locked, and that newcomers were greeted with a large sign which read:

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.

halfadjectiveUS /hæf/

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.

HepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.

HerbertnounUS /ˈhɜːrbərt/

United States musician and composer and conductor noted for his comic operas (1859-1924)

From this reading METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

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

From this reading He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.

impairverbUS /ˌɪmˈper/

make worse or less effective

From this reading He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.

industrynounUS /ˈɪndəstri/

the people or companies engaged in a particular kind of commercial enterprise

From this reading The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.

interviewverbUS /ˈɪntərvjuː/

conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting

From this reading He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.

introductionnounUS /ˌɪntrəˈdʌkʃən/

the act of beginning something new

From this reading METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.

JOURNALISMnounUS /ˈdʒɜːrnəlɪzəm/

newspapers and magazines collectively

From this reading METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.

keptadjectiveUS /kept/

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading A boy standing at the door of this landing demanded his card, and while Herbert sat there waiting for a reply he noticed that the door was kept locked, and that newcomers were greeted with a large sign which read:

landingnounUS /ˈlændɪŋ/

an intermediate platform in a staircase

From this reading A boy standing at the door of this landing demanded his card, and while Herbert sat there waiting for a reply he noticed that the door was kept locked, and that newcomers were greeted with a large sign which read:

largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/

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

From this reading The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.

lessenverbUS /ˈlesən/

decrease in size, extent, or range

From this reading He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.

letternounUS /ˈletər/

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.

locatedadjectiveUS /ˈloʊkeɪtəd/

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.

lockedverbUS /lɑːkt/

past form of “lock” — fasten with a lock

From this reading A boy standing at the door of this landing demanded his card, and while Herbert sat there waiting for a reply he noticed that the door was kept locked, and that newcomers were greeted with a large sign which read:

lookedverbUS /lʊkt/

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

From this reading The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.

mannounUS /mæn/

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

From this reading He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.

meetverbUS /miːt/

come together

From this reading He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.

METHODSnounUS /ˈmeθədz/

plural of “method” — a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)

From this reading METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.

MODERNadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːdərn/

belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages

From this reading METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.

MrnounUS /ˈmɪstər/

a form of address for a man

From this reading METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.

newcomersnounUS /ˈnuːkʌmərz/

plural of “newcomer” — any new participant in some activity

From this reading A boy standing at the door of this landing demanded his card, and while Herbert sat there waiting for a reply he noticed that the door was kept locked, and that newcomers were greeted with a large sign which read:

newspapernounUS /ˈnuːzpeɪpər/

a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements

From this reading METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.

noonnounUS /nuːn/

the middle of the day

From this reading METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.

noticedadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊtəst/

being perceived or observed

From this reading A boy standing at the door of this landing demanded his card, and while Herbert sat there waiting for a reply he noticed that the door was kept locked, and that newcomers were greeted with a large sign which read:

numberedverbUS /ˈnʌmbərd/

past form of “number” — add up in number or quantity

From this reading The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.

officenounUS /ˈɔːfɪs/

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.

ParknounUS /pɑːrk/

a large area of land preserved in its natural state as public property

From this reading The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.

preparedadjectiveUS /priˈperd/

made ready or fit or suitable beforehand

From this reading He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.

presentingverbUS /prɪˈzentɪŋ/

-ing form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.

prestigenounUS /preˈstiːʒ/

a high standing achieved through success or influence or wealth etc.

From this reading He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.

pridenounUS /praɪd/

a feeling of self-respect and personal worth

From this reading The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.

prospectsnounUS /ˈprɑːspekts/

plural of “prospect” — the possibility of future success

From this reading He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.

purposenounUS /ˈpɜːrpəs/

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

From this reading METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.

readverbUS /red/

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading A boy standing at the door of this landing demanded his card, and while Herbert sat there waiting for a reply he noticed that the door was kept locked, and that newcomers were greeted with a large sign which read:

replynounUS /rɪˈplaɪ/

a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation

From this reading A boy standing at the door of this landing demanded his card, and while Herbert sat there waiting for a reply he noticed that the door was kept locked, and that newcomers were greeted with a large sign which read:

repressverbUS /riˈpres/

put down by force or intimidation

From this reading The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.

ridverbUS /rɪd/

relieve from

From this reading He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.

RownounUS /roʊ/

an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line

From this reading The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.

rusticadjectiveUS /ˈrʌstɪk/

characteristic of rural life

From this reading He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.

satnounUS /sæt/

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

From this reading A boy standing at the door of this landing demanded his card, and while Herbert sat there waiting for a reply he noticed that the door was kept locked, and that newcomers were greeted with a large sign which read:

shotnounUS /ʃɑːt/

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading He took the elevator and was shot up to the fifth floor with a suddenness that almost took his breath away.

signnounUS /saɪn/

a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading A boy standing at the door of this landing demanded his card, and while Herbert sat there waiting for a reply he noticed that the door was kept locked, and that newcomers were greeted with a large sign which read:

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.

standingadjectiveUS /ˈstændɪŋ/

having a supporting base

From this reading A boy standing at the door of this landing demanded his card, and while Herbert sat there waiting for a reply he noticed that the door was kept locked, and that newcomers were greeted with a large sign which read:

suddennessnounUS /ˈsʌdənnəs/

the quality of happening with headlong haste or without warning

From this reading He took the elevator and was shot up to the fifth floor with a suddenness that almost took his breath away.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading A boy standing at the door of this landing demanded his card, and while Herbert sat there waiting for a reply he noticed that the door was kept locked, and that newcomers were greeted with a large sign which read:

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading A boy standing at the door of this landing demanded his card, and while Herbert sat there waiting for a reply he noticed that the door was kept locked, and that newcomers were greeted with a large sign which read:

thoughtnounUS /θɔːt/

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading METHODS OF MODERN JOURNALISM Herbert had been advised to call at the Argus office at noon for the purpose of presenting his letter of introduction to Mr. Blakeley, the city editor of that newspaper.

tookverbUS /tʊk/

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading He took the elevator and was shot up to the fifth floor with a suddenness that almost took his breath away.

tryingadjectiveUS /ˈtraɪɪŋ/

hard to endure

From this reading He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.

waitingnounUS /ˈweɪtɪŋ/

the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)

From this reading A boy standing at the door of this landing demanded his card, and while Herbert sat there waiting for a reply he noticed that the door was kept locked, and that newcomers were greeted with a large sign which read:

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.

waynounUS /weɪ/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading A boy standing at the door of this landing demanded his card, and while Herbert sat there waiting for a reply he noticed that the door was kept locked, and that newcomers were greeted with a large sign which read:

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading A boy standing at the door of this landing demanded his card, and while Herbert sat there waiting for a reply he noticed that the door was kept locked, and that newcomers were greeted with a large sign which read:

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading He prepared himself carefully for the forthcoming interview, trying especially in a half conscious way to rid himself of the rustic appearance which he felt might lessen his prospects, or impair his prestige with the newspaper man he was about to meet.

workersnounUS /ˈwɜːrkərz/

plural of “worker” — a person who works at a specific occupation

From this reading The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading The Argus office was located almost in the center of the cluster of large buildings on Park Row, and as Herbert looked up at the edifice he could not repress a feeling of pride at the thought that in a day or so he would be numbered among the busy workers in that bee-hive of industry.

Chapter 12 of The Mystery of Cleverly: A Story for Boys by George Barton holds 122 sentences, grouped into 25 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 12 of The Mystery of Cleverly: A Story for Boys contain?

Chapter 12 holds 122 sentences of The Mystery of Cleverly: A Story for Boys, unabridged, divided into 25 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 12 of The Mystery of Cleverly: A Story for Boys by George Barton exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 122 sentences, grouped into 25 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 12 of The Mystery of Cleverly: A Story for Boys?

Work through the 25 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 25 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 12 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 12 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 Mystery of Cleverly: A Story for Boys

Common questions about reading The Mystery of Cleverly: A Story for Boys by George Barton on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Mystery of Cleverly: A Story for Boys?

Yes. All 2742 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #64386 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Mystery of Cleverly: A Story for Boys is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #64386, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Mystery of Cleverly: A Story for Boys take to read?

About 228 minutes of reading across 549 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Mystery of Cleverly: A Story for Boys section by section

How to work through The Mystery of Cleverly: A Story for Boys section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 25 chapters of The Mystery of Cleverly: A Story for Boys 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 Mystery of Cleverly: A Story for Boys

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Mystery of Cleverly: A Story for Boys, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Fellows
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Mystery of Cleverly: A Story for Boys; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Trouble
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Mystery of Cleverly: A Story for Boys; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Answer
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Mystery of Cleverly: A Story for Boys; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Mocking
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Mystery of Cleverly: A Story for Boys; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.