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The Sky Detectives
The Sky Detectives

Chapter XV

Chapter 15 of The Sky Detectives is here in full — 58 sentences across 12 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/11 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
PERK AS A FIRE-FIGHTER It was not far from midnight.
Perk had insisted on taking over the controls, so that Jack might secure a little rest, possibly even pick up a few catnaps in addition.
They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.
Perk was alive to his duties, but this did not keep him from occasionally stretching his neck, so as to look over the coaming of the cockpit, and trying to make out objects that might be dimly detected on the seemingly limitless plain below.
As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.
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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 Sky Detectives

Chapter XV

Chapter 15 of The Sky Detectives is here in full — 58 sentences across 12 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/11 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
PERK AS A FIRE-FIGHTER It was not far from midnight.
Line 2
Perk had insisted on taking over the controls, so that Jack might secure a little rest, possibly even pick up a few catnaps in addition.
Line 3
They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.
/ðeɪ wɜːr æt ə loʊ ˈæltətuːd pərˈhæps nɑːt mɔːr ðæn ə ˈθaʊzənd fiːt ʌp sɪns ðə er wɑːz ə bɪt kuːl ˈhaɪər ənd ɪt wɑːz ˈsɜːrtən ðeɪ stʊd ɪn noʊ ˈdeɪndʒər frʌm kəˈlaɪdɪŋ wɪð ˈmaʊntən piːks waɪl ˈkrɔːsɪŋ ðə waɪd steɪt ʌv ˈteksəs wer ˈnʌθɪŋ seɪv ðə ˈlevəl pleɪnz leɪ bɪˈniːθ/
Line 4
Perk was alive to his duties, but this did not keep him from occasionally stretching his neck, so as to look over the coaming of the cockpit, and trying to make out objects that might be dimly detected on the seemingly limitless plain below.
Line 5
As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.
/æz ə ruːl nekst tuː ˈnʌθɪŋ wɜːrθ waɪl rɪˈwɔːrdɪd ðiːz ˈefərts ənd ˈrɪli hiː kənˈtɪnjuːd ˈduːɪŋ hɪz ˈlɪtəl stʌnt frʌm ʃɪr ˈhæbət bʌt ðer dɪd kʌm ə taɪm wen hiː ʃoʊd ˈsʌdən ˈɪntrəst ənd ˈiːvɪn hæf ərˈoʊz frʌm hɪz siːt tuː ster wɪð ˌɪnˈkriːsɪŋ ɪnˈtensəti/

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.

altitude noun US /ˈæltətuːd/

elevation especially above sea level or above the earth's surface

From this reading “They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.”

cockpit noun US /ˈkɑːkpɪt/

compartment where the pilot sits while flying the aircraft

From this reading “Perk was alive to his duties, but this did not keep him from occasionally stretching his neck, so as to look over the coaming of the cockpit, and trying to make out objects that might be dimly detected on the seemingly limitless plain below.”

colliding verb US /kəˈlaɪdɪŋ/

-ing form of “collide” — be incompatible; be or come into conflict

From this reading “They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.”

controls noun US /kənˈtroʊlz/

plural of “control” — power to direct or determine

From this reading “Perk had insisted on taking over the controls, so that Jack might secure a little rest, possibly even pick up a few catnaps in addition.”

limitless adjective US /ˈlɪmətləs/

without limits in extent or size or quantity

From this reading “Perk was alive to his duties, but this did not keep him from occasionally stretching his neck, so as to look over the coaming of the cockpit, and trying to make out objects that might be dimly detected on the seemingly limitless plain below.”

perk noun US /pɜːrk/

an incidental benefit awarded for certain types of employment (especially if it is regarded as a right)

From this reading “PERK AS A FIRE-FIGHTER It was not far from midnight.”

stunt noun US /stʌnt/

a difficult or unusual or dangerous feat; usually done to gain attention

From this reading “As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.”

Texas noun US /ˈteksəs/

the second largest state; located in southwestern United States on the Gulf of Mexico

From this reading “They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.”

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.

mountain peaks noun + noun counted as “mountain peak”

the summit of a mountain

In this reading “They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.”

pick up verb + adjective

take and lift upward

In this reading “Perk had insisted on taking over the controls, so that Jack might secure a little rest, possibly even pick up a few catnaps in addition.”

insisted on verb + particle counted as “insist on”

In this reading “Perk had insisted on taking over the controls, so that Jack might secure a little rest, possibly even pick up a few catnaps in addition.”

arose from verb + particle counted as “arise from”

In this reading “As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.”

thousand feet noun + noun counted as “thousand foot”

In this reading “They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.”

in addition preposition + noun

In this reading “Perk had insisted on taking over the controls, so that Jack might secure a little rest, possibly even pick up a few catnaps in addition.”

lay beneath verb + particle

In this reading “They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.”

sudden interest adjective + noun

In this reading “As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.”

All words in this reading · 121

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 PERK AS A FIRE-FIGHTER It was not far from midnight.

additionnounUS /əˈdɪʃən/

a component that is added to something to improve it

From this reading Perk had insisted on taking over the controls, so that Jack might secure a little rest, possibly even pick up a few catnaps in addition.

airnounUS /er/

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

aliveadjectiveUS /əˈlaɪv/

possessing life

From this reading Perk was alive to his duties, but this did not keep him from occasionally stretching his neck, so as to look over the coaming of the cockpit, and trying to make out objects that might be dimly detected on the seemingly limitless plain below.

altitudenounUS /ˈæltətuːd/

elevation especially above sea level or above the earth's surface

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

aroseverbUS /ərˈoʊz/

inflected form of “arise” — come into existence; take on form or shape

From this reading As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.

ASconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading PERK AS A FIRE-FIGHTER It was not far from midnight.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Perk was alive to his duties, but this did not keep him from occasionally stretching his neck, so as to look over the coaming of the cockpit, and trying to make out objects that might be dimly detected on the seemingly limitless plain below.

belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading Perk was alive to his duties, but this did not keep him from occasionally stretching his neck, so as to look over the coaming of the cockpit, and trying to make out objects that might be dimly detected on the seemingly limitless plain below.

beneathprepositionUS /bɪˈniːθ/

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

bitnounUS /bɪt/

a small piece or quantity of something

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Perk was alive to his duties, but this did not keep him from occasionally stretching his neck, so as to look over the coaming of the cockpit, and trying to make out objects that might be dimly detected on the seemingly limitless plain below.

catnaps

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

From this reading Perk had insisted on taking over the controls, so that Jack might secure a little rest, possibly even pick up a few catnaps in addition.

certainadjectiveUS /ˈsɜːrtən/

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

coamingnoun

a raised framework around a hatchway on a ship to keep water out

From this reading Perk was alive to his duties, but this did not keep him from occasionally stretching his neck, so as to look over the coaming of the cockpit, and trying to make out objects that might be dimly detected on the seemingly limitless plain below.

cockpitnounUS /ˈkɑːkpɪt/

compartment where the pilot sits while flying the aircraft

From this reading Perk was alive to his duties, but this did not keep him from occasionally stretching his neck, so as to look over the coaming of the cockpit, and trying to make out objects that might be dimly detected on the seemingly limitless plain below.

collidingverbUS /kəˈlaɪdɪŋ/

-ing form of “collide” — be incompatible; be or come into conflict

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

comeverbUS /kʌm/

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

From this reading As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.

continuedadjectiveUS /kənˈtɪnjuːd/

without stop or interruption

From this reading As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.

controlsnounUS /kənˈtroʊlz/

plural of “control” — power to direct or determine

From this reading Perk had insisted on taking over the controls, so that Jack might secure a little rest, possibly even pick up a few catnaps in addition.

cooladjectiveUS /kuːl/

neither warm nor very cold; giving relief from heat

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

crossingnounUS /ˈkrɔːsɪŋ/

traveling across

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

dangernounUS /ˈdeɪndʒər/

the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

detectedadjectiveUS /dɪˈtektəd/

perceived or discerned

From this reading Perk was alive to his duties, but this did not keep him from occasionally stretching his neck, so as to look over the coaming of the cockpit, and trying to make out objects that might be dimly detected on the seemingly limitless plain below.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

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

From this reading Perk was alive to his duties, but this did not keep him from occasionally stretching his neck, so as to look over the coaming of the cockpit, and trying to make out objects that might be dimly detected on the seemingly limitless plain below.

dimlyadverbUS /ˈdɪmli/

in a dim indistinct manner

From this reading Perk was alive to his duties, but this did not keep him from occasionally stretching his neck, so as to look over the coaming of the cockpit, and trying to make out objects that might be dimly detected on the seemingly limitless plain below.

doingverbUS /ˈduːɪŋ/

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.

dutiesnounUS /ˈduːtiz/

plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading Perk was alive to his duties, but this did not keep him from occasionally stretching his neck, so as to look over the coaming of the cockpit, and trying to make out objects that might be dimly detected on the seemingly limitless plain below.

effortsnounUS /ˈefərts/

plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.

evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/

divisible by two

From this reading Perk had insisted on taking over the controls, so that Jack might secure a little rest, possibly even pick up a few catnaps in addition.

faradverbUS /fɑːr/

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading PERK AS A FIRE-FIGHTER It was not far from midnight.

feetnounUS /fiːt/

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

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 Perk had insisted on taking over the controls, so that Jack might secure a little rest, possibly even pick up a few catnaps in addition.

FIRE-FIGHTER

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

From this reading PERK AS A FIRE-FIGHTER It was not far from midnight.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading PERK AS A FIRE-FIGHTER It was not far from midnight.

habitnounUS /ˈhæbət/

an established custom

From this reading As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Perk had insisted on taking over the controls, so that Jack might secure a little rest, possibly even pick up a few catnaps in addition.

halfadjectiveUS /hæf/

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.

higheradjectiveUS /ˈhaɪər/

advanced in complexity or elaboration

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading Perk was alive to his duties, but this did not keep him from occasionally stretching his neck, so as to look over the coaming of the cockpit, and trying to make out objects that might be dimly detected on the seemingly limitless plain below.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Perk was alive to his duties, but this did not keep him from occasionally stretching his neck, so as to look over the coaming of the cockpit, and trying to make out objects that might be dimly detected on the seemingly limitless plain below.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Perk had insisted on taking over the controls, so that Jack might secure a little rest, possibly even pick up a few catnaps in addition.

increasingadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkriːsɪŋ/

becoming greater or larger

From this reading As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.

insistedverbUS /ˌɪnˈsɪstəd/

past form of “insist” — be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge

From this reading Perk had insisted on taking over the controls, so that Jack might secure a little rest, possibly even pick up a few catnaps in addition.

intensitynounUS /ɪnˈtensəti/

the amount of energy transmitted (as by acoustic or electromagnetic radiation)

From this reading As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.

interestnounUS /ˈɪntrəst/

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading PERK AS A FIRE-FIGHTER It was not far from midnight.

JacknounUS /dʒæk/

a small worthless amount

From this reading Perk had insisted on taking over the controls, so that Jack might secure a little rest, possibly even pick up a few catnaps in addition.

keepverbUS /kiːp/

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading Perk was alive to his duties, but this did not keep him from occasionally stretching his neck, so as to look over the coaming of the cockpit, and trying to make out objects that might be dimly detected on the seemingly limitless plain below.

layverbUS /leɪ/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

levelnounUS /ˈlevəl/

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

limitlessadjectiveUS /ˈlɪmətləs/

without limits in extent or size or quantity

From this reading Perk was alive to his duties, but this did not keep him from occasionally stretching his neck, so as to look over the coaming of the cockpit, and trying to make out objects that might be dimly detected on the seemingly limitless plain below.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

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

From this reading Perk had insisted on taking over the controls, so that Jack might secure a little rest, possibly even pick up a few catnaps in addition.

lookverbUS /lʊk/

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Perk was alive to his duties, but this did not keep him from occasionally stretching his neck, so as to look over the coaming of the cockpit, and trying to make out objects that might be dimly detected on the seemingly limitless plain below.

lowadjectiveUS /loʊ/

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

makeverbUS /meɪk/

engage in

From this reading Perk was alive to his duties, but this did not keep him from occasionally stretching his neck, so as to look over the coaming of the cockpit, and trying to make out objects that might be dimly detected on the seemingly limitless plain below.

midnightnounUS /ˈmɪdnaɪt/

12 o'clock at night; the middle of the night

From this reading PERK AS A FIRE-FIGHTER It was not far from midnight.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Perk had insisted on taking over the controls, so that Jack might secure a little rest, possibly even pick up a few catnaps in addition.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

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

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

mountainnounUS /ˈmaʊntən/

a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

necknounUS /nek/

the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body

From this reading Perk was alive to his duties, but this did not keep him from occasionally stretching his neck, so as to look over the coaming of the cockpit, and trying to make out objects that might be dimly detected on the seemingly limitless plain below.

nextadjectiveUS /nekst/

immediately following in time or order

From this reading As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading PERK AS A FIRE-FIGHTER It was not far from midnight.

nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

objectsnounUS /ˈɑːbdʒekts/

plural of “object” — a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading Perk was alive to his duties, but this did not keep him from occasionally stretching his neck, so as to look over the coaming of the cockpit, and trying to make out objects that might be dimly detected on the seemingly limitless plain below.

occasionallyadverbUS /əˈkeɪʒənəli/

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading Perk was alive to his duties, but this did not keep him from occasionally stretching his neck, so as to look over the coaming of the cockpit, and trying to make out objects that might be dimly detected on the seemingly limitless plain below.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Perk had insisted on taking over the controls, so that Jack might secure a little rest, possibly even pick up a few catnaps in addition.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Perk was alive to his duties, but this did not keep him from occasionally stretching his neck, so as to look over the coaming of the cockpit, and trying to make out objects that might be dimly detected on the seemingly limitless plain below.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading Perk had insisted on taking over the controls, so that Jack might secure a little rest, possibly even pick up a few catnaps in addition.

peaksnounUS /piːks/

plural of “peak” — the most extreme possible amount or value

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

perhapsadverbUS /pərˈhæps/

by chance

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

PERKnounUS /pɜːrk/

an incidental benefit awarded for certain types of employment (especially if it is regarded as a right)

From this reading PERK AS A FIRE-FIGHTER It was not far from midnight.

pickverbUS /pɪk/

select carefully from a group

From this reading Perk had insisted on taking over the controls, so that Jack might secure a little rest, possibly even pick up a few catnaps in addition.

plainadjectiveUS /pleɪn/

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading Perk was alive to his duties, but this did not keep him from occasionally stretching his neck, so as to look over the coaming of the cockpit, and trying to make out objects that might be dimly detected on the seemingly limitless plain below.

plainsnounUS /pleɪnz/

plural of “plain” — extensive tract of level open land

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

possiblyadverbUS /ˈpɑːsəbli/

by chance

From this reading Perk had insisted on taking over the controls, so that Jack might secure a little rest, possibly even pick up a few catnaps in addition.

reallyadverbUS /ˈrɪli/

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.

restverbUS /rest/

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading Perk had insisted on taking over the controls, so that Jack might secure a little rest, possibly even pick up a few catnaps in addition.

rewardedverbUS /rɪˈwɔːrdɪd/

past form of “reward” — bestow honor or rewards upon

From this reading As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.

rulenounUS /ruːl/

a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

From this reading As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.

saveprepositionUS /seɪv/

except for; apart from

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

seatnounUS /siːt/

a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)

From this reading As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.

secureverbUS /sɪˈkjʊr/

get by special effort

From this reading Perk had insisted on taking over the controls, so that Jack might secure a little rest, possibly even pick up a few catnaps in addition.

seeminglyadverbUS /ˈsiːmɪŋli/

from appearances alone

From this reading Perk was alive to his duties, but this did not keep him from occasionally stretching his neck, so as to look over the coaming of the cockpit, and trying to make out objects that might be dimly detected on the seemingly limitless plain below.

sheeradjectiveUS /ʃɪr/

complete and without restriction or qualification; sometimes used informally as intensifiers

From this reading As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.

showedverbUS /ʃoʊd/

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

From this reading As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Perk had insisted on taking over the controls, so that Jack might secure a little rest, possibly even pick up a few catnaps in addition.

stareverbUS /ster/

look at with fixed eyes

From this reading As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.

StatenounUS /steɪt/

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

stoodverbUS /stʊd/

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

stretchingnounUS /ˈstretʃɪŋ/

act of expanding by lengthening or widening

From this reading Perk was alive to his duties, but this did not keep him from occasionally stretching his neck, so as to look over the coaming of the cockpit, and trying to make out objects that might be dimly detected on the seemingly limitless plain below.

stuntnounUS /stʌnt/

a difficult or unusual or dangerous feat; usually done to gain attention

From this reading As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.

suddenadjectiveUS /ˈsʌdən/

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.

takingnounUS /ˈteɪkɪŋ/

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading Perk had insisted on taking over the controls, so that Jack might secure a little rest, possibly even pick up a few catnaps in addition.

TexasnounUS /ˈteksəs/

the second largest state; located in southwestern United States on the Gulf of Mexico

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Perk had insisted on taking over the controls, so that Jack might secure a little rest, possibly even pick up a few catnaps in addition.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Perk had insisted on taking over the controls, so that Jack might secure a little rest, possibly even pick up a few catnaps in addition.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

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

From this reading As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.

TheypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading Perk was alive to his duties, but this did not keep him from occasionally stretching his neck, so as to look over the coaming of the cockpit, and trying to make out objects that might be dimly detected on the seemingly limitless plain below.

thousandnounUS /ˈθaʊzənd/

the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

timenounUS /taɪm/

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Perk was alive to his duties, but this did not keep him from occasionally stretching his neck, so as to look over the coaming of the cockpit, and trying to make out objects that might be dimly detected on the seemingly limitless plain below.

tryingadjectiveUS /ˈtraɪɪŋ/

hard to endure

From this reading Perk was alive to his duties, but this did not keep him from occasionally stretching his neck, so as to look over the coaming of the cockpit, and trying to make out objects that might be dimly detected on the seemingly limitless plain below.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

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

From this reading Perk had insisted on taking over the controls, so that Jack might secure a little rest, possibly even pick up a few catnaps in addition.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading PERK AS A FIRE-FIGHTER It was not far from midnight.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

wideadjectiveUS /waɪd/

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading They were at a low altitude, perhaps not more than a thousand feet up, since the air was a bit cool higher and it was certain they stood in no danger from colliding with mountain peaks while crossing the wide State of Texas, where nothing save the level plains lay beneath.

worthnounUS /wɜːrθ/

an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value

From this reading As a rule next to nothing worth while rewarded these efforts and really he continued doing his little stunt from sheer habit, but there did come a time when he showed sudden interest, and even half arose from his seat to stare with increasing intensity.

Chapter 15 of The Sky Detectives by Ambrose Newcomb holds 58 sentences, grouped into 12 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 15 of The Sky Detectives contain?

Chapter 15 holds 58 sentences of The Sky Detectives, unabridged, divided into 12 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 15 of The Sky Detectives by Ambrose Newcomb exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 58 sentences, grouped into 12 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 15 of The Sky Detectives?

Work through the 12 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 12 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 15 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 15 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 Sky Detectives

Common questions about reading The Sky Detectives by Ambrose Newcomb on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Sky Detectives?

Yes. All 1516 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #45776 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Sky Detectives is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #45776, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Sky Detectives take to read?

About 126 minutes of reading across 304 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Sky Detectives section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 30 chapters of The Sky Detectives 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 Sky Detectives

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

Ralston
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Sky Detectives; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Author
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Sky Detectives; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Eagles
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Sky Detectives; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Goldsmith
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Sky Detectives; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.