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The quest of the Silver Swan
The quest of the Silver Swan

Chapter XI

Chapter 11 of The quest of the Silver Swan is here in full — 74 sentences across 15 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/14 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE FIRM OF ADONIRAM PEPPER & CO.
LEAVING his bag and gun case at the hotel.
Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.
“Caleb Wetherbee, New England Hotel.
Water Street,” was the address, and after considerable inquiry he found the street in question.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The quest of the Silver Swan

Chapter XI

Chapter 11 of The quest of the Silver Swan is here in full — 74 sentences across 15 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/14 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE FIRM OF ADONIRAM PEPPER & CO.
Line 2
LEAVING his bag and gun case at the hotel.
/ˈliːvɪŋ hɪz bæɡ ənd ɡʌn keɪs æt ðə hoʊˈtel/
Line 3
Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.
Line 4
“Caleb Wetherbee, New England Hotel.
Line 5
Water Street,” was the address, and after considerable inquiry he found the street in question.
/ˈwɔːtər striːt wɑːz ðə ˈædres ənd ˈæftər kənˈsɪdərəbəl ˌɪnˈkwaɪriː hiː faʊnd ðə striːt ɪn ˈkwestʃən/

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.

address verb US /ˈædres/

speak to

From this reading “Water Street,” was the address, and after considerable inquiry he found the street in question.”

aim verb US /eɪm/

point or cause to go (blows, weapons, or objects such as photographic equipment) towards

From this reading “Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.”

bag noun US /bæɡ/

a flexible container with a single opening

From this reading “LEAVING his bag and gun case at the hotel.”

inquiry noun US /ˌɪnˈkwaɪriː/

a search for knowledge

From this reading “Water Street,” was the address, and after considerable inquiry he found the street in question.”

interview verb US /ˈɪntərvjuː/

conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting

From this reading “Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.”

pepper verb US /ˈpepər/

add pepper to

From this reading “THE FIRM OF ADONIRAM PEPPER & CO.”

sailor noun US /ˈseɪlər/

any member of a ship's crew

From this reading “Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.”

visited verb US /ˈvɪzɪtɪd/

past form of “visit” — go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading “Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.”

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.

following morning adjective + noun

In this reading “Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.”

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

In this reading “Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.”

at the hotel preposition + article + noun counted as “at … hotel”

In this reading “LEAVING his bag and gun case at the hotel.”

started out verb + adjective counted as “start out”

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

In this reading “Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.”

All words in this reading · 55

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.

addressverbUS /ˈædres/

speak to

From this reading Water Street,” was the address, and after considerable inquiry he found the street in question.

ADONIRAM

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

From this reading THE FIRM OF ADONIRAM PEPPER & CO.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading Water Street,” was the address, and after considerable inquiry he found the street in question.

aimverbUS /eɪm/

point or cause to go (blows, weapons, or objects such as photographic equipment) towards

From this reading Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.

alreadyadverbUS /ɔːlˈredi/

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading LEAVING his bag and gun case at the hotel.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading LEAVING his bag and gun case at the hotel.

bagnounUS /bæɡ/

a flexible container with a single opening

From this reading LEAVING his bag and gun case at the hotel.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.

Brandon

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

From this reading Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.

Caleb

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

From this reading “Caleb Wetherbee, New England Hotel.

casenounUS /keɪs/

an occurrence of something

From this reading LEAVING his bag and gun case at the hotel.

Chopmist

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

From this reading Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.

COnounUS /koʊ/

an odorless very poisonous gas that is a product of incomplete combustion of carbon

From this reading THE FIRM OF ADONIRAM PEPPER & CO.

considerableadjectiveUS /kənˈsɪdərəbəl/

large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Water Street,” was the address, and after considerable inquiry he found the street in question.

EnglandnounUS /ˈɪŋɡlənd/

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading “Caleb Wetherbee, New England Hotel.

findverbUS /faɪnd/

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.

FIRMadjectiveUS /fɜːrm/

marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable

From this reading THE FIRM OF ADONIRAM PEPPER & CO.

firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.

followingadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːloʊɪŋ/

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.

foundverbUS /faʊnd/

set up or found

From this reading Water Street,” was the address, and after considerable inquiry he found the street in question.

gunnounUS /ɡʌn/

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

From this reading LEAVING his bag and gun case at the hotel.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Water Street,” was the address, and after considerable inquiry he found the street in question.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading LEAVING his bag and gun case at the hotel.

hotelnounUS /hoʊˈtel/

a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services

From this reading LEAVING his bag and gun case at the hotel.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Water Street,” was the address, and after considerable inquiry he found the street in question.

inquirynounUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪriː/

a search for knowledge

From this reading Water Street,” was the address, and after considerable inquiry he found the street in question.

interviewverbUS /ˈɪntərvjuː/

conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting

From this reading Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.

LEAVINGnounUS /ˈliːvɪŋ/

the act of departing

From this reading LEAVING his bag and gun case at the hotel.

morningnounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.

NewadjectiveUS /nuː/

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

From this reading “Caleb Wetherbee, New England Hotel.

ninenounUS /naɪn/

the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one

From this reading Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.

o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/

according to the clock

From this reading Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE FIRM OF ADONIRAM PEPPER & CO.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.

PEPPERverbUS /ˈpepər/

add pepper to

From this reading THE FIRM OF ADONIRAM PEPPER & CO.

purposenounUS /ˈpɜːrpəs/

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

From this reading Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.

questionverbUS /ˈkwestʃən/

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading Water Street,” was the address, and after considerable inquiry he found the street in question.

sailornounUS /ˈseɪlər/

any member of a ship's crew

From this reading Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.

seeingnounUS /ˈsiːɪŋ/

perception by means of the eyes

From this reading Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.

startedverbUS /ˈstɑːrtɪd/

past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.

StreetnounUS /striːt/

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading Water Street,” was the address, and after considerable inquiry he found the street in question.

Tarr

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

From this reading Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE FIRM OF ADONIRAM PEPPER & CO.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.

visitedverbUS /ˈvɪzɪtɪd/

past form of “visit” — go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Water Street,” was the address, and after considerable inquiry he found the street in question.

WaternounUS /ˈwɔːtər/

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading Water Street,” was the address, and after considerable inquiry he found the street in question.

Wetherbee

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

From this reading “Caleb Wetherbee, New England Hotel.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading Brandon Tarr started out by nine o’clock on the following morning, his first aim being to find and interview the sailor who had already visited Chopmist for the purpose of seeing him.

Chapter 11 of The quest of the Silver Swan by W. Bert (Walter Bertram) Foster holds 74 sentences, grouped into 15 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 11 of The quest of the Silver Swan contain?

Chapter 11 holds 74 sentences of The quest of the Silver Swan, unabridged, divided into 15 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 11 of The quest of the Silver Swan by W. Bert (Walter Bertram) Foster exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 74 sentences, grouped into 15 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 11 of The quest of the Silver Swan?

Work through the 15 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 15 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 11 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 11 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 quest of the Silver Swan

Common questions about reading The quest of the Silver Swan by W. Bert (Walter Bertram) Foster on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The quest of the Silver Swan?

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

Which edition of The quest of the Silver Swan is used?

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

How long does The quest of the Silver Swan take to read?

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

How to read The quest of the Silver Swan section by section

How to work through The quest of the Silver Swan section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 0 chapters of The quest of the Silver Swan 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 quest of the Silver Swan

Words and structures a reader meets early in The quest of the Silver Swan, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Chapter 1
One of the 0 chapters of The quest of the Silver Swan, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.
Chapter 2
One of the 0 chapters of The quest of the Silver Swan, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.
Chapter 3
One of the 0 chapters of The quest of the Silver Swan, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.