Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
The porcelain mask
The porcelain mask

Chapter XXIV

Chapter 24 of The porcelain mask is here in full — 206 sentences across 42 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The porcelain mask
Context Illustration Reading 1/41 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.
In a daze the New York detective only realized that the desperate fugitive was escaping from him a second time, and that his flight must be stopped.
As his thoughts cleared a little, it occurred to him that Haskins might try to leave in the police car out in front of the house, but he would have a hard job of that, for the plain-clothes man had the key to the ignition switch in his pocket.
The local constable still lay in a huddled, grotesque heap on the floor, and he had not moved.
Despite his own haste to pursue Haskins--his injury would not stop that--Tish leaned over Ham Griggs, puzzled that there was no evidence of a terrible, lethal wound.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
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 porcelain mask

Chapter XXIV

Chapter 24 of The porcelain mask is here in full — 206 sentences across 42 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/41 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.
Line 2
In a daze the New York detective only realized that the desperate fugitive was escaping from him a second time, and that his flight must be stopped.
/ɪn ə deɪz ðə nuː jɔːrk dɪˈtektɪv ˈoʊnli ˈriːəlaɪzd ðæt ðə ˈdesprɪt ˈfjuːdʒətɪv wɑːz ɪˈskeɪpɪŋ frʌm hɪm ə ˈsekənd taɪm ənd ðæt hɪz flaɪt mʌst biː stɑːpt/
Line 3
As his thoughts cleared a little, it occurred to him that Haskins might try to leave in the police car out in front of the house, but he would have a hard job of that, for the plain-clothes man had the key to the ignition switch in his pocket.
Line 4
The local constable still lay in a huddled, grotesque heap on the floor, and he had not moved.
/ðə ˈloʊkəl ˈkɑːnstəbəl stɪl leɪ ɪn ə ˈhʌdəld ɡroʊˈtesk hiːp ɑːn ðə flɔːr ənd hiː hæd nɑːt muːvd/
Line 5
Despite his own haste to pursue Haskins--his injury would not stop that--Tish leaned over Ham Griggs, puzzled that there was no evidence of a terrible, lethal wound.

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.

daze noun US /deɪz/

the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally

From this reading “In a daze the New York detective only realized that the desperate fugitive was escaping from him a second time, and that his flight must be stopped.”

fugitive noun US /ˈfjuːdʒətɪv/

someone who flees from an uncongenial situation

From this reading “In a daze the New York detective only realized that the desperate fugitive was escaping from him a second time, and that his flight must be stopped.”

ignition noun US /ˌɪɡˈnɪʃən/

the process of initiating combustion or catching fire

From this reading “As his thoughts cleared a little, it occurred to him that Haskins might try to leave in the police car out in front of the house, but he would have a hard job of that, for the plain-clothes man had the key to the ignition switch in his pocket.”

impact noun US /ˌɪmˈpækt/

the striking of one body against another

From this reading “HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.”

lethal adjective US /ˈliːθəl/

of an instrument of certain death

From this reading “Despite his own haste to pursue Haskins--his injury would not stop that--Tish leaned over Ham Griggs, puzzled that there was no evidence of a terrible, lethal wound.”

paralyzing verb US /ˈperəlaɪzɪŋ/

-ing form of “paralyze” — make powerless and unable to function

From this reading “HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.”

switch verb US /swɪtʃ/

change over, change around, as to a new order or sequence

From this reading “As his thoughts cleared a little, it occurred to him that Haskins might try to leave in the police car out in front of the house, but he would have a hard job of that, for the plain-clothes man had the key to the ignition switch in his pocket.”

trickle verb US /ˈtrɪkəl/

run or flow slowly, as in drops or in an unsteady stream

From this reading “HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.”

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.

leaned over verb + particle counted as “lean over”

In this reading “Despite his own haste to pursue Haskins--his injury would not stop that--Tish leaned over Ham Griggs, puzzled that there was no evidence of a terrible, lethal wound.”

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

In this reading “The local constable still lay in a huddled, grotesque heap on the floor, and he had not moved.”

second time noun + noun

In this reading “In a daze the New York detective only realized that the desperate fugitive was escaping from him a second time, and that his flight must be stopped.”

in front preposition + noun

at or in the front

In this reading “As his thoughts cleared a little, it occurred to him that Haskins might try to leave in the police car out in front of the house, but he would have a hard job of that, for the plain-clothes man had the key to the ignition switch in his pocket.”

hard job adjective + noun

In this reading “As his thoughts cleared a little, it occurred to him that Haskins might try to leave in the police car out in front of the house, but he would have a hard job of that, for the plain-clothes man had the key to the ignition switch in his pocket.”

lay in verb + particle

keep or lay aside for future use

In this reading “The local constable still lay in a huddled, grotesque heap on the floor, and he had not moved.”

All words in this reading · 115

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 In a daze the New York detective only realized that the desperate fugitive was escaping from him a second time, and that his flight must be stopped.

againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading In a daze the New York detective only realized that the desperate fugitive was escaping from him a second time, and that his flight must be stopped.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

bodynounUS /ˈbɑːdi/

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

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

bulletnounUS /ˈbʊlət/

a projectile that is fired from a gun

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading As his thoughts cleared a little, it occurred to him that Haskins might try to leave in the police car out in front of the house, but he would have a hard job of that, for the plain-clothes man had the key to the ignition switch in his pocket.

carnounUS /kɑːr/

a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine

From this reading As his thoughts cleared a little, it occurred to him that Haskins might try to leave in the police car out in front of the house, but he would have a hard job of that, for the plain-clothes man had the key to the ignition switch in his pocket.

clearedadjectiveUS /klɪrd/

rid of objects or obstructions such as e.g. trees and brush

From this reading As his thoughts cleared a little, it occurred to him that Haskins might try to leave in the police car out in front of the house, but he would have a hard job of that, for the plain-clothes man had the key to the ignition switch in his pocket.

constablenounUS /ˈkɑːnstəbəl/

a lawman with less authority and jurisdiction than a sheriff

From this reading The local constable still lay in a huddled, grotesque heap on the floor, and he had not moved.

crimsonadjectiveUS /ˈkrɪmzən/

of a color at the end of the color spectrum (next to orange); resembling the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

dazenounUS /deɪz/

the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally

From this reading In a daze the New York detective only realized that the desperate fugitive was escaping from him a second time, and that his flight must be stopped.

desperateadjectiveUS /ˈdesprɪt/

arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope

From this reading In a daze the New York detective only realized that the desperate fugitive was escaping from him a second time, and that his flight must be stopped.

DespiteprepositionUS /dɪˈspaɪt/

although something is true; in spite of

From this reading Despite his own haste to pursue Haskins--his injury would not stop that--Tish leaned over Ham Griggs, puzzled that there was no evidence of a terrible, lethal wound.

detectivenounUS /dɪˈtektɪv/

a police officer who investigates crimes

From this reading In a daze the New York detective only realized that the desperate fugitive was escaping from him a second time, and that his flight must be stopped.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

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

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

escapingverbUS /ɪˈskeɪpɪŋ/

-ing form of “escape” — run away from confinement

From this reading In a daze the New York detective only realized that the desperate fugitive was escaping from him a second time, and that his flight must be stopped.

evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/

divisible by two

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

evidencenounUS /ˈevədəns/

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading Despite his own haste to pursue Haskins--his injury would not stop that--Tish leaned over Ham Griggs, puzzled that there was no evidence of a terrible, lethal wound.

failedverbUS /feɪld/

past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

fingersnounUS /ˈfɪŋɡərz/

plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

flightnounUS /flaɪt/

a formation of aircraft in flight

From this reading In a daze the New York detective only realized that the desperate fugitive was escaping from him a second time, and that his flight must be stopped.

floornounUS /flɔːr/

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

From this reading The local constable still lay in a huddled, grotesque heap on the floor, and he had not moved.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading As his thoughts cleared a little, it occurred to him that Haskins might try to leave in the police car out in front of the house, but he would have a hard job of that, for the plain-clothes man had the key to the ignition switch in his pocket.

foundverbUS /faʊnd/

set up or found

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

frontnounUS /frʌnt/

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading As his thoughts cleared a little, it occurred to him that Haskins might try to leave in the police car out in front of the house, but he would have a hard job of that, for the plain-clothes man had the key to the ignition switch in his pocket.

fugitivenounUS /ˈfjuːdʒətɪv/

someone who flees from an uncongenial situation

From this reading In a daze the New York detective only realized that the desperate fugitive was escaping from him a second time, and that his flight must be stopped.

Griggs

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

From this reading Despite his own haste to pursue Haskins--his injury would not stop that--Tish leaned over Ham Griggs, puzzled that there was no evidence of a terrible, lethal wound.

grotesqueadjectiveUS /ɡroʊˈtesk/

distorted and unnatural in shape or size; abnormal and hideous

From this reading The local constable still lay in a huddled, grotesque heap on the floor, and he had not moved.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

HamnounUS /hæm/

meat cut from the thigh of a hog (usually smoked)

From this reading Despite his own haste to pursue Haskins--his injury would not stop that--Tish leaned over Ham Griggs, puzzled that there was no evidence of a terrible, lethal wound.

handnounUS /hænd/

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

hardadjectiveUS /hɑːrd/

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

HASKINS

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

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

hastenounUS /heɪst/

overly eager speed (and possible carelessness)

From this reading Despite his own haste to pursue Haskins--his injury would not stop that--Tish leaned over Ham Griggs, puzzled that there was no evidence of a terrible, lethal wound.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading As his thoughts cleared a little, it occurred to him that Haskins might try to leave in the police car out in front of the house, but he would have a hard job of that, for the plain-clothes man had the key to the ignition switch in his pocket.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

heapnounUS /hiːp/

a collection of objects laid on top of each other

From this reading The local constable still lay in a huddled, grotesque heap on the floor, and he had not moved.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading In a daze the New York detective only realized that the desperate fugitive was escaping from him a second time, and that his flight must be stopped.

HISdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

housenounUS /haʊs/

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading As his thoughts cleared a little, it occurred to him that Haskins might try to leave in the police car out in front of the house, but he would have a hard job of that, for the plain-clothes man had the key to the ignition switch in his pocket.

huddledadjectiveUS /ˈhʌdəld/

crowded or massed together

From this reading The local constable still lay in a huddled, grotesque heap on the floor, and he had not moved.

ignitionnounUS /ˌɪɡˈnɪʃən/

the process of initiating combustion or catching fire

From this reading As his thoughts cleared a little, it occurred to him that Haskins might try to leave in the police car out in front of the house, but he would have a hard job of that, for the plain-clothes man had the key to the ignition switch in his pocket.

impactnounUS /ˌɪmˈpækt/

the striking of one body against another

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading In a daze the New York detective only realized that the desperate fugitive was escaping from him a second time, and that his flight must be stopped.

injurynounUS /ˈɪndʒəri/

any physical damage to the body caused by violence or accident or fracture etc.

From this reading Despite his own haste to pursue Haskins--his injury would not stop that--Tish leaned over Ham Griggs, puzzled that there was no evidence of a terrible, lethal wound.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading As his thoughts cleared a little, it occurred to him that Haskins might try to leave in the police car out in front of the house, but he would have a hard job of that, for the plain-clothes man had the key to the ignition switch in his pocket.

jobnounUS /dʒɑːb/

the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

From this reading As his thoughts cleared a little, it occurred to him that Haskins might try to leave in the police car out in front of the house, but he would have a hard job of that, for the plain-clothes man had the key to the ignition switch in his pocket.

KEEPSnounUS /kiːps/

plural of “keep” — the financial means whereby one lives

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

keynounUS /kiː/

metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated

From this reading As his thoughts cleared a little, it occurred to him that Haskins might try to leave in the police car out in front of the house, but he would have a hard job of that, for the plain-clothes man had the key to the ignition switch in his pocket.

latteradjectiveUS /ˈlætər/

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

layverbUS /leɪ/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading The local constable still lay in a huddled, grotesque heap on the floor, and he had not moved.

leanedverbUS /liːnd/

past form of “lean” — to incline or bend from a vertical position

From this reading Despite his own haste to pursue Haskins--his injury would not stop that--Tish leaned over Ham Griggs, puzzled that there was no evidence of a terrible, lethal wound.

leaveverbUS /liːv/

go away from a place

From this reading As his thoughts cleared a little, it occurred to him that Haskins might try to leave in the police car out in front of the house, but he would have a hard job of that, for the plain-clothes man had the key to the ignition switch in his pocket.

lethaladjectiveUS /ˈliːθəl/

of an instrument of certain death

From this reading Despite his own haste to pursue Haskins--his injury would not stop that--Tish leaned over Ham Griggs, puzzled that there was no evidence of a terrible, lethal wound.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

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

From this reading As his thoughts cleared a little, it occurred to him that Haskins might try to leave in the police car out in front of the house, but he would have a hard job of that, for the plain-clothes man had the key to the ignition switch in his pocket.

localadjectiveUS /ˈloʊkəl/

relating to or applicable to or concerned with the administration of a city or town or district rather than a larger area

From this reading The local constable still lay in a huddled, grotesque heap on the floor, and he had not moved.

mannounUS /mæn/

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

From this reading As his thoughts cleared a little, it occurred to him that Haskins might try to leave in the police car out in front of the house, but he would have a hard job of that, for the plain-clothes man had the key to the ignition switch in his pocket.

man'snounUS /mænz/

possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

markverbUS /mɑːrk/

attach a tag or label to

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading As his thoughts cleared a little, it occurred to him that Haskins might try to leave in the police car out in front of the house, but he would have a hard job of that, for the plain-clothes man had the key to the ignition switch in his pocket.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

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

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

movedadjectiveUS /muːvd/

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading The local constable still lay in a huddled, grotesque heap on the floor, and he had not moved.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading In a daze the New York detective only realized that the desperate fugitive was escaping from him a second time, and that his flight must be stopped.

NewadjectiveUS /nuː/

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

From this reading In a daze the New York detective only realized that the desperate fugitive was escaping from him a second time, and that his flight must be stopped.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading Despite his own haste to pursue Haskins--his injury would not stop that--Tish leaned over Ham Griggs, puzzled that there was no evidence of a terrible, lethal wound.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

occurredverbUS /əˈkɜːrd/

inflected form of “occur” — come to pass

From this reading As his thoughts cleared a little, it occurred to him that Haskins might try to leave in the police car out in front of the house, but he would have a hard job of that, for the plain-clothes man had the key to the ignition switch in his pocket.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The local constable still lay in a huddled, grotesque heap on the floor, and he had not moved.

onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/

and nothing more

From this reading In a daze the New York detective only realized that the desperate fugitive was escaping from him a second time, and that his flight must be stopped.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading As his thoughts cleared a little, it occurred to him that Haskins might try to leave in the police car out in front of the house, but he would have a hard job of that, for the plain-clothes man had the key to the ignition switch in his pocket.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading Despite his own haste to pursue Haskins--his injury would not stop that--Tish leaned over Ham Griggs, puzzled that there was no evidence of a terrible, lethal wound.

ownverbUS /oʊn/

have ownership or possession of

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

paralyzingverbUS /ˈperəlaɪzɪŋ/

-ing form of “paralyze” — make powerless and unable to function

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

plain-clothes

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

From this reading As his thoughts cleared a little, it occurred to him that Haskins might try to leave in the police car out in front of the house, but he would have a hard job of that, for the plain-clothes man had the key to the ignition switch in his pocket.

pocketnounUS /ˈpɑːkət/

a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles

From this reading As his thoughts cleared a little, it occurred to him that Haskins might try to leave in the police car out in front of the house, but he would have a hard job of that, for the plain-clothes man had the key to the ignition switch in his pocket.

policenounUS /pəˈliːs/

the force of policemen and officers

From this reading As his thoughts cleared a little, it occurred to him that Haskins might try to leave in the police car out in front of the house, but he would have a hard job of that, for the plain-clothes man had the key to the ignition switch in his pocket.

pressedadjectiveUS /prest/

compacted by ironing

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

pursueverbUS /pərˈsuː/

carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in

From this reading Despite his own haste to pursue Haskins--his injury would not stop that--Tish leaned over Ham Griggs, puzzled that there was no evidence of a terrible, lethal wound.

puzzledadjectiveUS /ˈpʌzəld/

filled with bewilderment

From this reading Despite his own haste to pursue Haskins--his injury would not stop that--Tish leaned over Ham Griggs, puzzled that there was no evidence of a terrible, lethal wound.

realizeverbUS /ˈriːəlaɪz/

be fully aware or cognizant of

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

realizedadjectiveUS /ˈriːəlaɪzd/

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading In a daze the New York detective only realized that the desperate fugitive was escaping from him a second time, and that his flight must be stopped.

secondnounUS /ˈsekənd/

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading In a daze the New York detective only realized that the desperate fugitive was escaping from him a second time, and that his flight must be stopped.

SECRETnounUS /ˈsiː.krət/

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

seeverbUS /siː/

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

SergeantnounUS /ˈsɑːrdʒənt/

any of several noncommissioned officer ranks in the Army or Air Force or Marines ranking above a corporal

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

shotnounUS /ʃɑːt/

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

sickadjectiveUS /sɪk/

affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/

not in physical motion

From this reading The local constable still lay in a huddled, grotesque heap on the floor, and he had not moved.

stopverbUS /stɑːp/

come to a halt, stop moving

From this reading Despite his own haste to pursue Haskins--his injury would not stop that--Tish leaned over Ham Griggs, puzzled that there was no evidence of a terrible, lethal wound.

stoppedadjectiveUS /stɑːpt/

(of a nose) blocked

From this reading In a daze the New York detective only realized that the desperate fugitive was escaping from him a second time, and that his flight must be stopped.

StunnedadjectiveUS /stʌnd/

filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

switchverbUS /swɪtʃ/

change over, change around, as to a new order or sequence

From this reading As his thoughts cleared a little, it occurred to him that Haskins might try to leave in the police car out in front of the house, but he would have a hard job of that, for the plain-clothes man had the key to the ignition switch in his pocket.

terribleadjectiveUS /ˈterəbəl/

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading Despite his own haste to pursue Haskins--his injury would not stop that--Tish leaned over Ham Griggs, puzzled that there was no evidence of a terrible, lethal wound.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading Despite his own haste to pursue Haskins--his injury would not stop that--Tish leaned over Ham Griggs, puzzled that there was no evidence of a terrible, lethal wound.

thoughtsnounUS /θɔːts/

plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading As his thoughts cleared a little, it occurred to him that Haskins might try to leave in the police car out in front of the house, but he would have a hard job of that, for the plain-clothes man had the key to the ignition switch in his pocket.

timenounUS /taɪm/

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading In a daze the New York detective only realized that the desperate fugitive was escaping from him a second time, and that his flight must be stopped.

Tish

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

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

trickleverbUS /ˈtrɪkəl/

run or flow slowly, as in drops or in an unsteady stream

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

tryverbUS /traɪ/

make an effort or attempt

From this reading As his thoughts cleared a little, it occurred to him that Haskins might try to leave in the police car out in front of the house, but he would have a hard job of that, for the plain-clothes man had the key to the ignition switch in his pocket.

vitaladjectiveUS /ˈvaɪtəl/

urgently needed; absolutely necessary

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

wantedadjectiveUS /ˈwɔːntɪd/

desired or wished for or sought

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading In a daze the New York detective only realized that the desperate fugitive was escaping from him a second time, and that his flight must be stopped.

welled

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

From this reading HASKINS KEEPS HIS SECRET Stunned and sick from the paralyzing impact of Haskins' bullet, Sergeant Tish did not realize that his own shot had found an even more vital mark; he had failed to see the trickle of crimson that welled from between the wanted man's fingers, as the latter had pressed his hand hard against his body.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading As his thoughts cleared a little, it occurred to him that Haskins might try to leave in the police car out in front of the house, but he would have a hard job of that, for the plain-clothes man had the key to the ignition switch in his pocket.

woundnounUS /waʊnd/

an injury to living tissue (especially an injury involving a cut or break in the skin)

From this reading Despite his own haste to pursue Haskins--his injury would not stop that--Tish leaned over Ham Griggs, puzzled that there was no evidence of a terrible, lethal wound.

YorknounUS /jɔːrk/

the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose

From this reading In a daze the New York detective only realized that the desperate fugitive was escaping from him a second time, and that his flight must be stopped.

Chapter 24 of The porcelain mask by John Jay Chichester holds 206 sentences, grouped into 42 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 24 of The porcelain mask contain?

Chapter 24 holds 206 sentences of The porcelain mask, unabridged, divided into 42 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 24 of The porcelain mask by John Jay Chichester exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 206 sentences, grouped into 42 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 24 of The porcelain mask?

Work through the 42 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 42 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 24 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 24 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 porcelain mask

Common questions about reading The porcelain mask by John Jay Chichester on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The porcelain mask?

Yes. All 0 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #? are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The porcelain mask is used?

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

How long does The porcelain mask take to read?

About 5 minutes of reading across 0 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The porcelain mask section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 0 chapters of The porcelain mask 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 porcelain mask

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

Chapter 1
One of the 0 chapters of The porcelain mask, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.
Chapter 2
One of the 0 chapters of The porcelain mask, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.
Chapter 3
One of the 0 chapters of The porcelain mask, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.