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The Prairie-Bird
The Prairie-Bird

Chapter V

Chapter 5 of The Prairie-Bird is here in full — 130 sentences across 26 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Prairie-Bird
Context Illustration Reading 1/26 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
REGINALD AND BAPTISTE PAY A VISIT TO WAREAGLE.—AN ATTEMPT AT TREACHERY MEETS WITH SUMMARY PUNISHMENT.
The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and WarEagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.
After walking a few minutes in silence, Baptiste,” said our hero, in French, what was the story told about the horse?
I understood little of what he said in English, and none of what he spoke in his own tongue.”
He told us, Master Reginald, that he was out on a warparty against the Camanchees, a wild tribe of Indians in the South west: they steal horses from the Mexicans, and exchange them with the _Aricarás_, Kioways, Pawnees, and other Missouri Indians.”
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Prairie-Bird

Chapter V

Chapter 5 of The Prairie-Bird is here in full — 130 sentences across 26 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/26 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
REGINALD AND BAPTISTE PAY A VISIT TO WAREAGLE.—AN ATTEMPT AT TREACHERY MEETS WITH SUMMARY PUNISHMENT.
Line 2
The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and WarEagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.
Line 3
After walking a few minutes in silence, “Baptiste,” said our hero, in French, “what was the story told about the horse?
Line 4
I understood little of what he said in English, and none of what he spoke in his own tongue.”
/aɪ ˌʌndərˈstʊd ˈlɪtəl ʌv wʌt hiː sed ɪn ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ ənd nʌn ʌv wʌt hiː spoʊk ɪn hɪz oʊn tʌŋ/
Line 5
He told us, Master Reginald, that he was out on a warparty against the Camanchees, a wild tribe of Indians in the South west: they steal horses from the Mexicans, and exchange them with the _Aricarás_, Kioways, Pawnees, and other Missouri Indians.”

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.

meets noun US /miːts/

plural of “meet” — a meeting at which a number of athletic contests are held

From this reading “REGINALD AND BAPTISTE PAY A VISIT TO WAR–EAGLE.—AN ATTEMPT AT TREACHERY MEETS WITH SUMMARY PUNISHMENT.”

Mexicans noun US /ˈmeksɪkənz/

plural of “mexican” — a native or inhabitant of Mexico

From this reading ““He told us, Master Reginald, that he was out on a war–party against the Camanchees, a wild tribe of Indians in the South west: they steal horses from the Mexicans, and exchange them with the _Aricarás_, Kioways, Pawnees, and other Missouri Indians.””

Missouri noun US /məˈzʊri/

a midwestern state in central United States; a border state during the American Civil War, Missouri was admitted to the Confederacy without actually seceding from the Union

From this reading ““He told us, Master Reginald, that he was out on a war–party against the Camanchees, a wild tribe of Indians in the South west: they steal horses from the Mexicans, and exchange them with the _Aricarás_, Kioways, Pawnees, and other Missouri Indians.””

Pawnees noun US /ˈpɔːˈniːz/

plural of “pawnee” — a member of the Pawnee nation formerly living in Nebraska and Kansas but now largely in Oklahoma

From this reading ““He told us, Master Reginald, that he was out on a war–party against the Camanchees, a wild tribe of Indians in the South west: they steal horses from the Mexicans, and exchange them with the _Aricarás_, Kioways, Pawnees, and other Missouri Indians.””

resume verb US /rɪˈzuːm/

take up or begin anew

From this reading “The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.”

routes noun US /ruːts/

plural of “route” — an established line of travel or access

From this reading “The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.”

summary noun US /ˈsʌməri/

a brief statement that presents the main points in a concise form

From this reading “REGINALD AND BAPTISTE PAY A VISIT TO WAR–EAGLE.—AN ATTEMPT AT TREACHERY MEETS WITH SUMMARY PUNISHMENT.”

treachery noun US /ˈtretʃ.ər.i/

Betrayal of trust; deceptive action or disloyalty against a host or ally.

From this reading “REGINALD AND BAPTISTE PAY A VISIT TO WAR–EAGLE.—AN ATTEMPT AT TREACHERY MEETS WITH SUMMARY PUNISHMENT.”

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.

few minutes adjective + noun

In this reading “After walking a few minutes in silence, “Baptiste,” said our hero, in French, “what was the story told about the horse?”

few words adjective + noun

In this reading “The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.”

same direction adjective + noun

In this reading “The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.”

wild tribe adjective + noun

In this reading ““He told us, Master Reginald, that he was out on a war–party against the Camanchees, a wild tribe of Indians in the South west: they steal horses from the Mexicans, and exchange them with the _Aricarás_, Kioways, Pawnees, and other Missouri Indians.””

followed by verb + particle counted as “follow by”

In this reading “The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.”

into the forest preposition + article + noun counted as “into … forest”

In this reading “The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.”

own tongue verb + noun

In this reading “I understood little of what he said in English, and none of what he spoke in his own tongue.””

in silence preposition + noun

In this reading “After walking a few minutes in silence, “Baptiste,” said our hero, in French, “what was the story told about the horse?”

All words in this reading · 99

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 REGINALD AND BAPTISTE PAY A VISIT TO WAR–EAGLE.—AN ATTEMPT AT TREACHERY MEETS WITH SUMMARY PUNISHMENT.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading After walking a few minutes in silence, “Baptiste,” said our hero, in French, “what was the story told about the horse?

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading “He told us, Master Reginald, that he was out on a war–party against the Camanchees, a wild tribe of Indians in the South west: they steal horses from the Mexicans, and exchange them with the _Aricarás_, Kioways, Pawnees, and other Missouri Indians.”

ANdeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading REGINALD AND BAPTISTE PAY A VISIT TO WAR–EAGLE.—AN ATTEMPT AT TREACHERY MEETS WITH SUMMARY PUNISHMENT.

ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading REGINALD AND BAPTISTE PAY A VISIT TO WAR–EAGLE.—AN ATTEMPT AT TREACHERY MEETS WITH SUMMARY PUNISHMENT.

appearedverbUS /əˈpɪrd/

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

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

Aricarás

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

From this reading “He told us, Master Reginald, that he was out on a war–party against the Camanchees, a wild tribe of Indians in the South west: they steal horses from the Mexicans, and exchange them with the _Aricarás_, Kioways, Pawnees, and other Missouri Indians.”

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

ATprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading REGINALD AND BAPTISTE PAY A VISIT TO WAR–EAGLE.—AN ATTEMPT AT TREACHERY MEETS WITH SUMMARY PUNISHMENT.

ATTEMPTnounUS /əˈtempt/

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading REGINALD AND BAPTISTE PAY A VISIT TO WAR–EAGLE.—AN ATTEMPT AT TREACHERY MEETS WITH SUMMARY PUNISHMENT.

BAPTISTE

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

From this reading REGINALD AND BAPTISTE PAY A VISIT TO WAR–EAGLE.—AN ATTEMPT AT TREACHERY MEETS WITH SUMMARY PUNISHMENT.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

bringingnounUS /ˈbrɪŋɪŋ/

the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

Camanchees

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

From this reading “He told us, Master Reginald, that he was out on a war–party against the Camanchees, a wild tribe of Indians in the South west: they steal horses from the Mexicans, and exchange them with the _Aricarás_, Kioways, Pawnees, and other Missouri Indians.”

directionnounUS /dərˈekʃən/

a line leading to a place or point

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

EAGLEnounUS /ˈiːɡəl/

any of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight

From this reading REGINALD AND BAPTISTE PAY A VISIT TO WAR–EAGLE.—AN ATTEMPT AT TREACHERY MEETS WITH SUMMARY PUNISHMENT.

EnglishnounUS /ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ/

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading I understood little of what he said in English, and none of what he spoke in his own tongue.”

exchangenounUS /ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒ/

chemical process in which one atom or ion or group changes places with another

From this reading “He told us, Master Reginald, that he was out on a war–party against the Camanchees, a wild tribe of Indians in the South west: they steal horses from the Mexicans, and exchange them with the _Aricarás_, Kioways, Pawnees, and other Missouri Indians.”

fewadjectiveUS /fjuː/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

followedverbUS /ˈfɑːloʊd/

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

forestnounUS /ˈfɔːrəst/

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

FrenchnounUS /frentʃ/

the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France

From this reading After walking a few minutes in silence, “Baptiste,” said our hero, in French, “what was the story told about the horse?

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading “He told us, Master Reginald, that he was out on a war–party against the Camanchees, a wild tribe of Indians in the South west: they steal horses from the Mexicans, and exchange them with the _Aricarás_, Kioways, Pawnees, and other Missouri Indians.”

guidenounUS /ɡaɪd/

someone employed to conduct others

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading I understood little of what he said in English, and none of what he spoke in his own tongue.”

heronounUS /ˈhɪroʊ/

a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength

From this reading After walking a few minutes in silence, “Baptiste,” said our hero, in French, “what was the story told about the horse?

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading I understood little of what he said in English, and none of what he spoke in his own tongue.”

horsenounUS /hɔːrs/

solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

horsesnounUS /ˈhɔːrsəz/

plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading I understood little of what he said in English, and none of what he spoke in his own tongue.”

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

IndianadjectiveUS /ˈɪndiən/

of or relating to or characteristic of India or the East Indies or their peoples or languages or cultures

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

IndiansnounUS /ˈɪndiənz/

plural of “indian” — a native or inhabitant of India

From this reading “He told us, Master Reginald, that he was out on a war–party against the Camanchees, a wild tribe of Indians in the South west: they steal horses from the Mexicans, and exchange them with the _Aricarás_, Kioways, Pawnees, and other Missouri Indians.”

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

journeyverbUS /ˈdʒɜːrni/

undertake a journey or trip

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

Kioways

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

From this reading “He told us, Master Reginald, that he was out on a war–party against the Camanchees, a wild tribe of Indians in the South west: they steal horses from the Mexicans, and exchange them with the _Aricarás_, Kioways, Pawnees, and other Missouri Indians.”

leadingadjectiveUS /ˈliːdɪŋ/

indicating the most important performer or role

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

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

From this reading I understood little of what he said in English, and none of what he spoke in his own tongue.”

MasternounUS /ˈmæstər/

an artist of consummate skill

From this reading “He told us, Master Reginald, that he was out on a war–party against the Camanchees, a wild tribe of Indians in the South west: they steal horses from the Mexicans, and exchange them with the _Aricarás_, Kioways, Pawnees, and other Missouri Indians.”

MEETSnounUS /miːts/

plural of “meet” — a meeting at which a number of athletic contests are held

From this reading REGINALD AND BAPTISTE PAY A VISIT TO WAR–EAGLE.—AN ATTEMPT AT TREACHERY MEETS WITH SUMMARY PUNISHMENT.

MexicansnounUS /ˈmeksɪkənz/

plural of “mexican” — a native or inhabitant of Mexico

From this reading “He told us, Master Reginald, that he was out on a war–party against the Camanchees, a wild tribe of Indians in the South west: they steal horses from the Mexicans, and exchange them with the _Aricarás_, Kioways, Pawnees, and other Missouri Indians.”

minutesnounUS /ˈmɪnəts/

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading After walking a few minutes in silence, “Baptiste,” said our hero, in French, “what was the story told about the horse?

MissourinounUS /məˈzʊri/

a midwestern state in central United States; a border state during the American Civil War, Missouri was admitted to the Confederacy without actually seceding from the Union

From this reading “He told us, Master Reginald, that he was out on a war–party against the Camanchees, a wild tribe of Indians in the South west: they steal horses from the Mexicans, and exchange them with the _Aricarás_, Kioways, Pawnees, and other Missouri Indians.”

nonepronounUS /nʌn/

not one, and not any

From this reading I understood little of what he said in English, and none of what he spoke in his own tongue.”

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading I understood little of what he said in English, and none of what he spoke in his own tongue.”

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading “He told us, Master Reginald, that he was out on a war–party against the Camanchees, a wild tribe of Indians in the South west: they steal horses from the Mexicans, and exchange them with the _Aricarás_, Kioways, Pawnees, and other Missouri Indians.”

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading After walking a few minutes in silence, “Baptiste,” said our hero, in French, “what was the story told about the horse?

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading “He told us, Master Reginald, that he was out on a war–party against the Camanchees, a wild tribe of Indians in the South west: they steal horses from the Mexicans, and exchange them with the _Aricarás_, Kioways, Pawnees, and other Missouri Indians.”

ownverbUS /oʊn/

have ownership or possession of

From this reading I understood little of what he said in English, and none of what he spoke in his own tongue.”

partynounUS /ˈpɑːrti/

an organization to gain political power

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

PawneesnounUS /ˈpɔːˈniːz/

plural of “pawnee” — a member of the Pawnee nation formerly living in Nebraska and Kansas but now largely in Oklahoma

From this reading “He told us, Master Reginald, that he was out on a war–party against the Camanchees, a wild tribe of Indians in the South west: they steal horses from the Mexicans, and exchange them with the _Aricarás_, Kioways, Pawnees, and other Missouri Indians.”

PAYverbUS /peɪ/

give money, usually in exchange for goods or services

From this reading REGINALD AND BAPTISTE PAY A VISIT TO WAR–EAGLE.—AN ATTEMPT AT TREACHERY MEETS WITH SUMMARY PUNISHMENT.

preparedadjectiveUS /priˈperd/

made ready or fit or suitable beforehand

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

PUNISHMENTnounUS /ˈpʌnɪʃmənt/

the act of punishing

From this reading REGINALD AND BAPTISTE PAY A VISIT TO WAR–EAGLE.—AN ATTEMPT AT TREACHERY MEETS WITH SUMMARY PUNISHMENT.

rearnounUS /rɪr/

the back of a military formation or procession

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

REGINALD

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

From this reading REGINALD AND BAPTISTE PAY A VISIT TO WAR–EAGLE.—AN ATTEMPT AT TREACHERY MEETS WITH SUMMARY PUNISHMENT.

resumeverbUS /rɪˈzuːm/

take up or begin anew

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

routesnounUS /ruːts/

plural of “route” — an established line of travel or access

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

saidadjectiveUS /sed/

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading After walking a few minutes in silence, “Baptiste,” said our hero, in French, “what was the story told about the horse?

sameadjectiveUS /seɪm/

Identical; not different.

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

securedverbUS /sɪˈkjʊrd/

past form of “secure” — get by special effort

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

silencenounUS /ˈsaɪ.ləns/

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading After walking a few minutes in silence, “Baptiste,” said our hero, in French, “what was the story told about the horse?

SouthnounUS /saʊθ/

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading “He told us, Master Reginald, that he was out on a war–party against the Camanchees, a wild tribe of Indians in the South west: they steal horses from the Mexicans, and exchange them with the _Aricarás_, Kioways, Pawnees, and other Missouri Indians.”

spokenounUS /spoʊk/

support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim

From this reading I understood little of what he said in English, and none of what he spoke in his own tongue.”

stealverbUS /stiːl/

take without the owner's consent

From this reading “He told us, Master Reginald, that he was out on a war–party against the Camanchees, a wild tribe of Indians in the South west: they steal horses from the Mexicans, and exchange them with the _Aricarás_, Kioways, Pawnees, and other Missouri Indians.”

storynounUS /ˈstɔːri/

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading After walking a few minutes in silence, “Baptiste,” said our hero, in French, “what was the story told about the horse?

struckadjectiveUS /strʌk/

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

SUMMARYnounUS /ˈsʌməri/

a brief statement that presents the main points in a concise form

From this reading REGINALD AND BAPTISTE PAY A VISIT TO WAR–EAGLE.—AN ATTEMPT AT TREACHERY MEETS WITH SUMMARY PUNISHMENT.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading “He told us, Master Reginald, that he was out on a war–party against the Camanchees, a wild tribe of Indians in the South west: they steal horses from the Mexicans, and exchange them with the _Aricarás_, Kioways, Pawnees, and other Missouri Indians.”

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

TOparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading REGINALD AND BAPTISTE PAY A VISIT TO WAR–EAGLE.—AN ATTEMPT AT TREACHERY MEETS WITH SUMMARY PUNISHMENT.

toldverbUS /toʊld/

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading After walking a few minutes in silence, “Baptiste,” said our hero, in French, “what was the story told about the horse?

tonguenounUS /tʌŋ/

a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity

From this reading I understood little of what he said in English, and none of what he spoke in his own tongue.”

TREACHERYnounUS /ˈtretʃ.ər.i/

Betrayal of trust; deceptive action or disloyalty against a host or ally.

From this reading REGINALD AND BAPTISTE PAY A VISIT TO WAR–EAGLE.—AN ATTEMPT AT TREACHERY MEETS WITH SUMMARY PUNISHMENT.

tribenounUS /traɪb/

a social division of (usually preliterate) people

From this reading “He told us, Master Reginald, that he was out on a war–party against the Camanchees, a wild tribe of Indians in the South west: they steal horses from the Mexicans, and exchange them with the _Aricarás_, Kioways, Pawnees, and other Missouri Indians.”

twonounUS /tuː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

understoodadjectiveUS /ˌʌndərˈstʊd/

fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation

From this reading I understood little of what he said in English, and none of what he spoke in his own tongue.”

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

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

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

uspronounUS /ʌs/

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading “He told us, Master Reginald, that he was out on a war–party against the Camanchees, a wild tribe of Indians in the South west: they steal horses from the Mexicans, and exchange them with the _Aricarás_, Kioways, Pawnees, and other Missouri Indians.”

VISITverbUS /ˈvɪzɪt/

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading REGINALD AND BAPTISTE PAY A VISIT TO WAR–EAGLE.—AN ATTEMPT AT TREACHERY MEETS WITH SUMMARY PUNISHMENT.

walkingadjectiveUS /ˈwɔːkɪŋ/

close enough to be walked to

From this reading After walking a few minutes in silence, “Baptiste,” said our hero, in French, “what was the story told about the horse?

WARnounUS /wɔːr/

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading REGINALD AND BAPTISTE PAY A VISIT TO WAR–EAGLE.—AN ATTEMPT AT TREACHERY MEETS WITH SUMMARY PUNISHMENT.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading After walking a few minutes in silence, “Baptiste,” said our hero, in French, “what was the story told about the horse?

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

westnounUS /west/

the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America

From this reading “He told us, Master Reginald, that he was out on a war–party against the Camanchees, a wild tribe of Indians in the South west: they steal horses from the Mexicans, and exchange them with the _Aricarás_, Kioways, Pawnees, and other Missouri Indians.”

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading After walking a few minutes in silence, “Baptiste,” said our hero, in French, “what was the story told about the horse?

whisperedadjectiveUS /ˈwɪspərd/

spoken in soft hushed tones without vibrations of the vocal cords

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

wildadjectiveUS /waɪld/

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading “He told us, Master Reginald, that he was out on a war–party against the Camanchees, a wild tribe of Indians in the South west: they steal horses from the Mexicans, and exchange them with the _Aricarás_, Kioways, Pawnees, and other Missouri Indians.”

WITHprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading REGINALD AND BAPTISTE PAY A VISIT TO WAR–EAGLE.—AN ATTEMPT AT TREACHERY MEETS WITH SUMMARY PUNISHMENT.

wordsnounUS /wɜːrdz/

the words that are spoken

From this reading The other horse being now secured, the party prepared to resume their journey; and as it appeared, after a few words whispered between the Indian and the guide, that their routes were in the same direction, they struck into the forest, Baptiste leading, followed by Reginald, and War–Eagle bringing up the rear with the two horses.

Chapter 5 of The Prairie-Bird by Charles Augustus, Sir Murray holds 130 sentences, grouped into 26 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 5 of The Prairie-Bird contain?

Chapter 5 holds 130 sentences of The Prairie-Bird, unabridged, divided into 26 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 5 of The Prairie-Bird by Charles Augustus, Sir Murray exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 130 sentences, grouped into 26 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 5 of The Prairie-Bird?

Work through the 26 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 26 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 5 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 5 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 Prairie-Bird

Common questions about reading The Prairie-Bird by Charles Augustus, Sir Murray on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Prairie-Bird?

Yes. All 5957 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #47357 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Prairie-Bird is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #47357, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Prairie-Bird take to read?

About 496 minutes of reading across 1192 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Prairie-Bird section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 40 chapters of The Prairie-Bird 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 Prairie-Bird

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Prairie-Bird, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Obvious
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Prairie-Bird; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Print
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Prairie-Bird; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Punctuation
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Prairie-Bird; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Errors
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Prairie-Bird; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.