Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
The Span o' Life
The Span o' Life

Chapter XIV

Chapter 14 of The Span o' Life is here in full — 81 sentences across 17 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Span o' Life
Context Illustration Reading 1/16 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.
"My canoe is small for four people, and would be too heavy when we begin the ascent of the Matapediac," he said, "but I will borrow another from the savages, with two men to paddle.
Explain to your woman that she is to go with my servant Andre in the one, and you will follow in the other with me.
She need have no fear; Andre is to be trusted in all things."
These matters being settled, we were made spectators to surely the strangest sight my eyes had ever looked upon.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Span o' Life

Chapter XIV

Chapter 14 of The Span o' Life is here in full — 81 sentences across 17 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/16 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.
Line 2
"My canoe is small for four people, and would be too heavy when we begin the ascent of the Matapediac," he said, "but I will borrow another from the savages, with two men to paddle.
Line 3
Explain to your woman that she is to go with my servant Andre in the one, and you will follow in the other with me.
Line 4
She need have no fear; Andre is to be trusted in all things."
Line 5
These matters being settled, we were made spectators to surely the strangest sight my eyes had ever looked upon.
/ðiːz ˈmætərz ˈbiːɪŋ ˈsetəld wiː wɜːr meɪd ˈspekteɪtərz tuː ˈʃʊrli ðə ˈstreɪndʒɪst saɪt maɪ aɪz hæd ˈevər lʊkt əˈpɑːn/

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.

ascent noun US /əˈsent/

an upward slope or grade (as in a road)

From this reading “"My canoe is small for four people, and would be too heavy when we begin the ascent of the Matapediac," he said, "but I will borrow another from the savages, with two men to paddle.”

borrow verb US /ˈbɑːroʊ/

get temporarily

From this reading “"My canoe is small for four people, and would be too heavy when we begin the ascent of the Matapediac," he said, "but I will borrow another from the savages, with two men to paddle.”

grumbling noun US /ˈɡrʌmbəlɪŋ/

a loud low dull continuous noise

From this reading “LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.”

missionary noun US /ˈmɪʃəneri/

someone who attempts to convert others to a particular doctrine or program

From this reading “LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.”

obstacle noun US /ˈɑːbstəkəl/

something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted

From this reading “LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.”

paddle verb US /ˈpædəl/

propel with a paddle

From this reading “"My canoe is small for four people, and would be too heavy when we begin the ascent of the Matapediac," he said, "but I will borrow another from the savages, with two men to paddle.”

persuading verb US /pərˈsweɪdɪŋ/

-ing form of “persuade” — win approval or support for

From this reading “LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.”

strangest adjective US /ˈstreɪndʒɪst/

superlative of “strange” — being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading “These matters being settled, we were made spectators to surely the strangest sight my eyes had ever looked upon.”

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.

at length preposition + noun

in a lengthy or prolix manner

In this reading “LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.”

begin the ascent verb + article + noun counted as “begin … ascent”

In this reading “"My canoe is small for four people, and would be too heavy when we begin the ascent of the Matapediac," he said, "but I will borrow another from the savages, with two men to paddle.”

two men noun + noun

In this reading “"My canoe is small for four people, and would be too heavy when we begin the ascent of the Matapediac," he said, "but I will borrow another from the savages, with two men to paddle.”

too heavy adverb + adjective

In this reading “"My canoe is small for four people, and would be too heavy when we begin the ascent of the Matapediac," he said, "but I will borrow another from the savages, with two men to paddle.”

looked upon verb + particle counted as “look upon”

look on as or consider

In this reading “These matters being settled, we were made spectators to surely the strangest sight my eyes had ever looked upon.”

strangest sight adjective + noun counted as “strange sight”

In this reading “These matters being settled, we were made spectators to surely the strangest sight my eyes had ever looked upon.”

all things adjective + noun

In this reading “She need have no fear; Andre is to be trusted in all things."”

small difficulty adjective + noun

In this reading “LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.”

All words in this reading · 100

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.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading She need have no fear; Andre is to be trusted in all things."

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

Andre

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

From this reading Explain to your woman that she is to go with my servant Andre in the one, and you will follow in the other with me.

announcedadjectiveUS /əˈnaʊnst/

declared publicly; made widely known

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

anotherdeterminerUS /əˈnʌðər/

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading "My canoe is small for four people, and would be too heavy when we begin the ascent of the Matapediac," he said, "but I will borrow another from the savages, with two men to paddle.

apparentlyadverbUS /əˈperəntli/

from appearances alone

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

ascentnounUS /əˈsent/

an upward slope or grade (as in a road)

From this reading "My canoe is small for four people, and would be too heavy when we begin the ascent of the Matapediac," he said, "but I will borrow another from the savages, with two men to paddle.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading "My canoe is small for four people, and would be too heavy when we begin the ascent of the Matapediac," he said, "but I will borrow another from the savages, with two men to paddle.

beginverbUS /bɪˈɡɪn/

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading "My canoe is small for four people, and would be too heavy when we begin the ascent of the Matapediac," he said, "but I will borrow another from the savages, with two men to paddle.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading These matters being settled, we were made spectators to surely the strangest sight my eyes had ever looked upon.

borrowverbUS /ˈbɑːroʊ/

get temporarily

From this reading "My canoe is small for four people, and would be too heavy when we begin the ascent of the Matapediac," he said, "but I will borrow another from the savages, with two men to paddle.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

canoenounUS /kəˈnuː/

small and light boat; pointed at both ends; propelled with a paddle

From this reading "My canoe is small for four people, and would be too heavy when we begin the ascent of the Matapediac," he said, "but I will borrow another from the savages, with two men to paddle.

chiefnounUS /tʃiːf/

a person who is in charge

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

confidencenounUS /ˈkɑːnfədəns/

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

departverbUS /dɪˈpɑːrt/

move away from a place into another direction

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

difficultynounUS /ˈdɪfəkəlti/

an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

discussionnounUS /dɪˈskʌʃən/

an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

everadverbUS /ˈevər/

at any time

From this reading These matters being settled, we were made spectators to surely the strangest sight my eyes had ever looked upon.

ExplainverbUS /ɪkˈspleɪn/

make plain and comprehensible

From this reading Explain to your woman that she is to go with my servant Andre in the one, and you will follow in the other with me.

eyesnounUS /aɪz/

opinion or judgment

From this reading These matters being settled, we were made spectators to surely the strangest sight my eyes had ever looked upon.

fearverbUS /fɪr/

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading She need have no fear; Andre is to be trusted in all things."

followverbUS /ˈfɑːloʊ/

to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading Explain to your woman that she is to go with my servant Andre in the one, and you will follow in the other with me.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

fournounUS /fɔːr/

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading "My canoe is small for four people, and would be too heavy when we begin the ascent of the Matapediac," he said, "but I will borrow another from the savages, with two men to paddle.

freeverbUS /friː/

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading "My canoe is small for four people, and would be too heavy when we begin the ascent of the Matapediac," he said, "but I will borrow another from the savages, with two men to paddle.

goverbUS /ɡoʊ/

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Explain to your woman that she is to go with my servant Andre in the one, and you will follow in the other with me.

grumblingnounUS /ˈɡrʌmbəlɪŋ/

a loud low dull continuous noise

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading She need have no fear; Andre is to be trusted in all things."

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

heavyadjectiveUS /ˈhevi/

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading "My canoe is small for four people, and would be too heavy when we begin the ascent of the Matapediac," he said, "but I will borrow another from the savages, with two men to paddle.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

INDIANSnounUS /ˈɪndiənz/

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

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading "My canoe is small for four people, and would be too heavy when we begin the ascent of the Matapediac," he said, "but I will borrow another from the savages, with two men to paddle.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

JEANnounUS /dʒiːn/

a coarse durable twill-weave cotton fabric

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

judgedverbUS /dʒʌdʒd/

past form of “judge” — determine the result of (a competition)

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

LEnounUS /lə/

a chronic inflammatory collagen disease affecting connective tissue (skin or joints)

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

lengthnounUS /leŋkθ/

the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

lookedverbUS /lʊkt/

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading These matters being settled, we were made spectators to surely the strangest sight my eyes had ever looked upon.

madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading These matters being settled, we were made spectators to surely the strangest sight my eyes had ever looked upon.

Matapediac

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

From this reading "My canoe is small for four people, and would be too heavy when we begin the ascent of the Matapediac," he said, "but I will borrow another from the savages, with two men to paddle.

mattersnounUS /ˈmætərz/

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading These matters being settled, we were made spectators to surely the strangest sight my eyes had ever looked upon.

mepronounUS /miː/

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Explain to your woman that she is to go with my servant Andre in the one, and you will follow in the other with me.

mennounUS /men/

the force of workers available

From this reading "My canoe is small for four people, and would be too heavy when we begin the ascent of the Matapediac," he said, "but I will borrow another from the savages, with two men to paddle.

MISSIONARYnounUS /ˈmɪʃəneri/

someone who attempts to convert others to a particular doctrine or program

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

MydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "My canoe is small for four people, and would be too heavy when we begin the ascent of the Matapediac," he said, "but I will borrow another from the savages, with two men to paddle.

neednounUS /niːd/

a condition requiring relief

From this reading She need have no fear; Andre is to be trusted in all things."

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

obstaclenounUS /ˈɑːbstəkəl/

something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Explain to your woman that she is to go with my servant Andre in the one, and you will follow in the other with me.

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Explain to your woman that she is to go with my servant Andre in the one, and you will follow in the other with me.

overcomeverbUS /ˈoʊvərkʌm/

win a victory over

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

paddleverbUS /ˈpædəl/

propel with a paddle

From this reading "My canoe is small for four people, and would be too heavy when we begin the ascent of the Matapediac," he said, "but I will borrow another from the savages, with two men to paddle.

partnounUS /pɑːrt/

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

peoplenounUS /ˈpiːpəl/

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading "My canoe is small for four people, and would be too heavy when we begin the ascent of the Matapediac," he said, "but I will borrow another from the savages, with two men to paddle.

PERE

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

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

persuadingverbUS /pərˈsweɪdɪŋ/

-ing form of “persuade” — win approval or support for

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

priestnounUS /priːst/

a clergyman in Christian churches who has the authority to perform or administer various religious rites; one of the Holy Orders

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

saidadjectiveUS /sed/

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "My canoe is small for four people, and would be too heavy when we begin the ascent of the Matapediac," he said, "but I will borrow another from the savages, with two men to paddle.

savagesnounUS /ˈsævədʒəz/

plural of “savage” — a member of an uncivilized people

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

servantnounUS /ˈsɜːrvənt/

a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading Explain to your woman that she is to go with my servant Andre in the one, and you will follow in the other with me.

settledadjectiveUS /ˈsetəld/

established or decided beyond dispute or doubt

From this reading These matters being settled, we were made spectators to surely the strangest sight my eyes had ever looked upon.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Explain to your woman that she is to go with my servant Andre in the one, and you will follow in the other with me.

sightnounUS /saɪt/

an instance of visual perception

From this reading These matters being settled, we were made spectators to surely the strangest sight my eyes had ever looked upon.

smalladjectiveUS /smɔːl/

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

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

spake

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

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

spectatorsnounUS /ˈspekteɪtərz/

plural of “spectator” — a close observer; someone who looks at something (such as an exhibition of some kind)

From this reading These matters being settled, we were made spectators to surely the strangest sight my eyes had ever looked upon.

strangestadjectiveUS /ˈstreɪndʒɪst/

superlative of “strange” — being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading These matters being settled, we were made spectators to surely the strangest sight my eyes had ever looked upon.

surelyadverbUS /ˈʃʊrli/

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading These matters being settled, we were made spectators to surely the strangest sight my eyes had ever looked upon.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Explain to your woman that she is to go with my servant Andre in the one, and you will follow in the other with me.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

ThesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

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

From this reading These matters being settled, we were made spectators to surely the strangest sight my eyes had ever looked upon.

thingsnounUS /θɪŋz/

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading She need have no fear; Andre is to be trusted in all things."

ThoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

TOparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

tooadverbUS /tuː/

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading "My canoe is small for four people, and would be too heavy when we begin the ascent of the Matapediac," he said, "but I will borrow another from the savages, with two men to paddle.

trustedadjectiveUS /ˈtrʌstɪd/

(of persons) worthy of trust or confidence

From this reading She need have no fear; Andre is to be trusted in all things."

twonounUS /tuː/

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

From this reading "My canoe is small for four people, and would be too heavy when we begin the ascent of the Matapediac," he said, "but I will borrow another from the savages, with two men to paddle.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading These matters being settled, we were made spectators to surely the strangest sight my eyes had ever looked upon.

uspronounUS /ʌs/

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

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

whateverdeterminerUS /ˌwʌˈtevər/

any or all of a kind, it does not matter which

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading "My canoe is small for four people, and would be too heavy when we begin the ascent of the Matapediac," he said, "but I will borrow another from the savages, with two men to paddle.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading "My canoe is small for four people, and would be too heavy when we begin the ascent of the Matapediac," he said, "but I will borrow another from the savages, with two men to paddle.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading LE PERE JEAN, MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS Though the priest spake with confidence, I judged he had no small difficulty in persuading the savages to part with us, for there was much discussion and apparently grumbling on the part of the chief; but at length the obstacle, whatever it was, was overcome, and the priest announced we were free to depart.

womannounUS /ˈwʊmən/

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Explain to your woman that she is to go with my servant Andre in the one, and you will follow in the other with me.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading "My canoe is small for four people, and would be too heavy when we begin the ascent of the Matapediac," he said, "but I will borrow another from the savages, with two men to paddle.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Explain to your woman that she is to go with my servant Andre in the one, and you will follow in the other with me.

yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Explain to your woman that she is to go with my servant Andre in the one, and you will follow in the other with me.

Chapter 14 of The Span o' Life by William McLennan holds 81 sentences, grouped into 17 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 14 of The Span o' Life contain?

Chapter 14 holds 81 sentences of The Span o' Life, unabridged, divided into 17 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 14 of The Span o' Life by William McLennan exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 81 sentences, grouped into 17 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 14 of The Span o' Life?

Work through the 17 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 17 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 14 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 14 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 Span o' Life

Common questions about reading The Span o' Life by William McLennan on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Span o' Life?

Yes. All 4268 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #33731 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Span o' Life is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #33731, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Span o' Life take to read?

About 355 minutes of reading across 854 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Span o' Life section by section

How to work through The Span o' Life section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 30 chapters of The Span o' Life 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 Span o' Life

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Span o' Life, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Louisbourg
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Span o' Life; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Quebec
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Span o' Life; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
William
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Span o' Life; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Mclennan
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Span o' Life; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.