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The Sign of the Spider
The Sign of the Spider

Chapter XVI · Chapter 16

Chapter 16 of The Sign of the Spider is here in full — 139 sentences across 28 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Sign of the Spider
Context Illustration Reading 1/27 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
AN ANGEL UNAWARES.
Not much sleep did Laurence get that night--such, indeed, as he obtained being of the "with one eye open" order.
Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.
Still more would he have applauded his own foresight in taking these precautions could he have known that a large portion of the night was spent by his "entertainers" keenly debating the expediency of treacherously putting him to death.
Here, it was urged, was an opportunity such as might never again come their way.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Sign of the Spider

Chapter XVI · Chapter 16

Chapter 16 of The Sign of the Spider is here in full — 139 sentences across 28 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/27 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
AN ANGEL UNAWARES.
/æn ˈeɪndʒəl ˌʌnəˈwerz/
Line 2
Not much sleep did Laurence get that night--such, indeed, as he obtained being of the "with one eye open" order.
Line 3
Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.
Line 4
Still more would he have applauded his own foresight in taking these precautions could he have known that a large portion of the night was spent by his "entertainers" keenly debating the expediency of treacherously putting him to death.
Line 5
Here, it was urged, was an opportunity such as might never again come their way.
/hiːr ɪt wɑːz ɜːrdʒd wɑːz æn ˌɑːpərˈtuːnəti sʌtʃ æz maɪt ˈnevər əˈɡen kʌm ðer weɪ/

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.

debating verb US /dəˈbeɪtɪŋ/

-ing form of “debate” — argue with one another

From this reading “Still more would he have applauded his own foresight in taking these precautions could he have known that a large portion of the night was spent by his "entertainers" keenly debating the expediency of treacherously putting him to death.”

entertainers noun US /ˌentərˈteɪnərz/

plural of “entertainer” — a person who tries to please or amuse

From this reading “Still more would he have applauded his own foresight in taking these precautions could he have known that a large portion of the night was spent by his "entertainers" keenly debating the expediency of treacherously putting him to death.”

expediency noun US /ɪkˈspiːdiənsi/

the quality of being suited to the end in view

From this reading “Still more would he have applauded his own foresight in taking these precautions could he have known that a large portion of the night was spent by his "entertainers" keenly debating the expediency of treacherously putting him to death.”

failings noun US /ˈfeɪlɪŋz/

plural of “failing” — a flaw or weak point

From this reading “Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.”

foresight noun US /ˈfɔːrsaɪt/

providence by virtue of planning prudently for the future

From this reading “Still more would he have applauded his own foresight in taking these precautions could he have known that a large portion of the night was spent by his "entertainers" keenly debating the expediency of treacherously putting him to death.”

plastered adjective US /ˈplæstərd/

(of hair) made smooth by applying a sticky or glossy substance

From this reading “Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.”

scrutinized verb US /ˈskruːtənaɪzd/

past form of “scrutinize” — to look at critically or searchingly, or in minute detail

From this reading “Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.”

wicker noun US /ˈwɪkər/

slender flexible branches or twigs (especially of willow or some canes); used for wickerwork

From this reading “Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.”

All words in this reading · 112

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 Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

againadverbUS /əˈɡen/

anew

From this reading Here, it was urged, was an opportunity such as might never again come their way.

ANdeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading AN ANGEL UNAWARES.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

ANGELnounUS /ˈeɪndʒəl/

spiritual being attendant upon God

From this reading AN ANGEL UNAWARES.

anybodypronounUS /ˈenibədi/

any person at all

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/

any thing at all

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

applaudedverbUS /əˈplɔːdɪd/

past form of “applaud” — clap one's hands or shout after performances to indicate approval

From this reading Still more would he have applauded his own foresight in taking these precautions could he have known that a large portion of the night was spent by his "entertainers" keenly debating the expediency of treacherously putting him to death.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Not much sleep did Laurence get that night--such, indeed, as he obtained being of the "with one eye open" order.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Not much sleep did Laurence get that night--such, indeed, as he obtained being of the "with one eye open" order.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Still more would he have applauded his own foresight in taking these precautions could he have known that a large portion of the night was spent by his "entertainers" keenly debating the expediency of treacherously putting him to death.

carefullyadverbUS /ˈkerfəli/

taking care or paying attention

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

comeverbUS /kʌm/

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Here, it was urged, was an opportunity such as might never again come their way.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading Still more would he have applauded his own foresight in taking these precautions could he have known that a large portion of the night was spent by his "entertainers" keenly debating the expediency of treacherously putting him to death.

coveringnounUS /ˈkʌvərɪŋ/

a natural object that covers or envelops

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

deathnounUS /deθ/

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading Still more would he have applauded his own foresight in taking these precautions could he have known that a large portion of the night was spent by his "entertainers" keenly debating the expediency of treacherously putting him to death.

debatingverbUS /dəˈbeɪtɪŋ/

-ing form of “debate” — argue with one another

From this reading Still more would he have applauded his own foresight in taking these precautions could he have known that a large portion of the night was spent by his "entertainers" keenly debating the expediency of treacherously putting him to death.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

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

From this reading Not much sleep did Laurence get that night--such, indeed, as he obtained being of the "with one eye open" order.

doornounUS /dɔːr/

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

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

downadjectiveUS /daʊn/

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

entertainersnounUS /ˌentərˈteɪnərz/

plural of “entertainer” — a person who tries to please or amuse

From this reading Still more would he have applauded his own foresight in taking these precautions could he have known that a large portion of the night was spent by his "entertainers" keenly debating the expediency of treacherously putting him to death.

essaynounUS /eˈseɪ/

an analytic or interpretive literary composition

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

expediencynounUS /ɪkˈspiːdiənsi/

the quality of being suited to the end in view

From this reading Still more would he have applauded his own foresight in taking these precautions could he have known that a large portion of the night was spent by his "entertainers" keenly debating the expediency of treacherously putting him to death.

ExpressverbUS /ɪkˈspres/

give expression to

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

eyenounUS /aɪ/

the organ of sight

From this reading Not much sleep did Laurence get that night--such, indeed, as he obtained being of the "with one eye open" order.

failingsnounUS /ˈfeɪlɪŋz/

plural of “failing” — a flaw or weak point

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

foresightnounUS /ˈfɔːrsaɪt/

providence by virtue of planning prudently for the future

From this reading Still more would he have applauded his own foresight in taking these precautions could he have known that a large portion of the night was spent by his "entertainers" keenly debating the expediency of treacherously putting him to death.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

getverbUS /ɡet/

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading Not much sleep did Laurence get that night--such, indeed, as he obtained being of the "with one eye open" order.

handnounUS /hænd/

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Not much sleep did Laurence get that night--such, indeed, as he obtained being of the "with one eye open" order.

HereadverbUS /hiːr/

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

From this reading Here, it was urged, was an opportunity such as might never again come their way.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading Still more would he have applauded his own foresight in taking these precautions could he have known that a large portion of the night was spent by his "entertainers" keenly debating the expediency of treacherously putting him to death.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

ill-advisedadjective

without careful prior deliberation or counsel

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

indeedadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdiːd/

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Not much sleep did Laurence get that night--such, indeed, as he obtained being of the "with one eye open" order.

ingressnoun

(astronomy) the disappearance of a celestial body prior to an eclipse

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

insideadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈsaɪd/

relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Here, it was urged, was an opportunity such as might never again come their way.

keenlyadverbUS /ˈkiːnli/

in a keen or penetrating way

From this reading Still more would he have applauded his own foresight in taking these precautions could he have known that a large portion of the night was spent by his "entertainers" keenly debating the expediency of treacherously putting him to death.

knownadjectiveUS /noʊn/

apprehended with certainty

From this reading Still more would he have applauded his own foresight in taking these precautions could he have known that a large portion of the night was spent by his "entertainers" keenly debating the expediency of treacherously putting him to death.

largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/

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

From this reading Still more would he have applauded his own foresight in taking these precautions could he have known that a large portion of the night was spent by his "entertainers" keenly debating the expediency of treacherously putting him to death.

Laurence

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

From this reading Not much sleep did Laurence get that night--such, indeed, as he obtained being of the "with one eye open" order.

layverbUS /leɪ/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Here, it was urged, was an opportunity such as might never again come their way.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

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

From this reading Still more would he have applauded his own foresight in taking these precautions could he have known that a large portion of the night was spent by his "entertainers" keenly debating the expediency of treacherously putting him to death.

movementnounUS /ˈmuːvmənt/

a change of position that does not entail a change of location

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Not much sleep did Laurence get that night--such, indeed, as he obtained being of the "with one eye open" order.

neededadjectiveUS /ˈniːdəd/

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

neveradverbUS /ˈnevər/

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Here, it was urged, was an opportunity such as might never again come their way.

nightnounUS /naɪt/

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading Not much sleep did Laurence get that night--such, indeed, as he obtained being of the "with one eye open" order.

NotadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Not much sleep did Laurence get that night--such, indeed, as he obtained being of the "with one eye open" order.

obtainedverbUS /əbˈteɪnd/

past form of “obtain” — come into possession of

From this reading Not much sleep did Laurence get that night--such, indeed, as he obtained being of the "with one eye open" order.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Not much sleep did Laurence get that night--such, indeed, as he obtained being of the "with one eye open" order.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Not much sleep did Laurence get that night--such, indeed, as he obtained being of the "with one eye open" order.

openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/

To move from a closed position.

From this reading Not much sleep did Laurence get that night--such, indeed, as he obtained being of the "with one eye open" order.

opportunitynounUS /ˌɑːpərˈtuːnəti/

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading Here, it was urged, was an opportunity such as might never again come their way.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

ordernounUS /ˈɔːrdər/

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

From this reading Not much sleep did Laurence get that night--such, indeed, as he obtained being of the "with one eye open" order.

ownverbUS /oʊn/

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Still more would he have applauded his own foresight in taking these precautions could he have known that a large portion of the night was spent by his "entertainers" keenly debating the expediency of treacherously putting him to death.

partnounUS /pɑːrt/

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

plasteredadjectiveUS /ˈplæstərd/

(of hair) made smooth by applying a sticky or glossy substance

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

portionnounUS /ˈpɔːrʃən/

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Still more would he have applauded his own foresight in taking these precautions could he have known that a large portion of the night was spent by his "entertainers" keenly debating the expediency of treacherously putting him to death.

precautionnounUS /priˈkɔːʃən/

a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

precautionsnounUS /priˈkɔːʃənz/

plural of “precaution” — a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.

From this reading Still more would he have applauded his own foresight in taking these precautions could he have known that a large portion of the night was spent by his "entertainers" keenly debating the expediency of treacherously putting him to death.

puttingnounUS /ˈpʌtɪŋ/

hitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter

From this reading Still more would he have applauded his own foresight in taking these precautions could he have known that a large portion of the night was spent by his "entertainers" keenly debating the expediency of treacherously putting him to death.

quartersnounUS /ˈkwɔːrtərz/

housing available for people to live in

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

rakeverbUS /reɪk/

move through with or as if with a rake

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

rudeadjectiveUS /ruːd/

socially incorrect in behavior

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

sameadjectiveUS /seɪm/

Identical; not different.

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

scrutinizedverbUS /ˈskruːtənaɪzd/

past form of “scrutinize” — to look at critically or searchingly, or in minute detail

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

secureverbUS /sɪˈkjʊr/

get by special effort

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

shownverbUS /ʃoʊn/

inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

SimpleadjectiveUS /ˈsɪmpəl/

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

sleepnounUS /sliːp/

a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended

From this reading Not much sleep did Laurence get that night--such, indeed, as he obtained being of the "with one eye open" order.

slightestadjectiveUS /ˈslaɪtəst/

superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

spentadjectiveUS /spent/

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading Still more would he have applauded his own foresight in taking these precautions could he have known that a large portion of the night was spent by his "entertainers" keenly debating the expediency of treacherously putting him to death.

stealthyadjectiveUS /ˈstelθi/

marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

stemnounUS /stem/

(linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

sternadjectiveUS /stɜːrn/

of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

StilladjectiveUS /stɪl/

not in physical motion

From this reading Still more would he have applauded his own foresight in taking these precautions could he have known that a large portion of the night was spent by his "entertainers" keenly debating the expediency of treacherously putting him to death.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Not much sleep did Laurence get that night--such, indeed, as he obtained being of the "with one eye open" order.

takingnounUS /ˈteɪkɪŋ/

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading Still more would he have applauded his own foresight in taking these precautions could he have known that a large portion of the night was spent by his "entertainers" keenly debating the expediency of treacherously putting him to death.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Not much sleep did Laurence get that night--such, indeed, as he obtained being of the "with one eye open" order.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Not much sleep did Laurence get that night--such, indeed, as he obtained being of the "with one eye open" order.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Here, it was urged, was an opportunity such as might never again come their way.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Still more would he have applauded his own foresight in taking these precautions could he have known that a large portion of the night was spent by his "entertainers" keenly debating the expediency of treacherously putting him to death.

thinkverbUS /θɪŋk/

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

tookverbUS /tʊk/

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

treacherouslyadverb

in a disloyal and faithless manner

From this reading Still more would he have applauded his own foresight in taking these precautions could he have known that a large portion of the night was spent by his "entertainers" keenly debating the expediency of treacherously putting him to death.

trustnounUS /trʌst/

something (as property) held by one party (the trustee) for the benefit of another (the beneficiary)

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

UNAWARESadverbUS /ˌʌnəˈwerz/

without forethought or plan; inadvertently

From this reading AN ANGEL UNAWARES.

urgedverbUS /ɜːrdʒd/

past form of “urge” — force or impel in an indicated direction

From this reading Here, it was urged, was an opportunity such as might never again come their way.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

wallsnounUS /wɔːlz/

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

waynounUS /weɪ/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Here, it was urged, was an opportunity such as might never again come their way.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

whereforeadverbUS /werˈfɔːr/

an old word meaning “why” or “for that reason”

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

whosoever

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

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

wickernounUS /ˈwɪkər/

slender flexible branches or twigs (especially of willow or some canes); used for wickerwork

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Not much sleep did Laurence get that night--such, indeed, as he obtained being of the "with one eye open" order.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading Simple trust in anybody or anything was not one of his failings, as we think we have shown; wherefore having carefully scrutinized the plastered walls of his rude quarters, he took the precaution to secure the wicker door from the inside, and lay down with his Express, so covering the same that but the very slightest movement of the hand would be needed on his part in order to rake from stem to stern whosoever should be so ill-advised as to essay a stealthy ingress.

Chapter 16 of The Sign of the Spider by Bertram Mitford holds 139 sentences, grouped into 28 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 16 of The Sign of the Spider contain?

Chapter 16 holds 139 sentences of The Sign of the Spider, unabridged, divided into 28 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 16 of The Sign of the Spider by Bertram Mitford exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 139 sentences, grouped into 28 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 16 of The Sign of the Spider?

Work through the 28 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 28 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 16 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 16 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 Sign of the Spider

Common questions about reading The Sign of the Spider by Bertram Mitford on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Sign of the Spider?

Yes. All 5340 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #27476 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Sign of the Spider is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #27476, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Sign of the Spider take to read?

About 445 minutes of reading across 1068 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Sign of the Spider section by section

How to work through The Sign of the Spider section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 31 chapters of The Sign of the Spider 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 Sign of the Spider

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Sign of the Spider, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Company
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Sign of the Spider; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Talking
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Sign of the Spider; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Thing
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Sign of the Spider; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Frequently
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Sign of the Spider; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.