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The Spoilers of the Valley
The Spoilers of the Valley

Chapter IV · Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of The Spoilers of the Valley is here in full — 312 sentences across 63 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/62 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.
Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.
Phil expected no mercy.
His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.
The well-fed, strong-jawed governor leaned over his desk and looked at his prisoner.
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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 Spoilers of the Valley

Chapter IV · Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of The Spoilers of the Valley is here in full — 312 sentences across 63 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/62 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.
Line 2
Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.
Line 3
Phil expected no mercy.
Line 4
His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.
/hɪz ˈfiːlɪŋz wɜːr ˈblʌntəd baɪ wʌt hiː hæd ɔːlˈredi ɡɔːn θruː soʊ ðə wɜːrst ðæt maɪt ˈhæpən naʊ dɪd nɑːt ˈwɜːri hɪm fɔːr wen hoʊp ʌv rɪˈliːf ɪnˈtaɪərli ɡoʊz wʌt wʌn hæz tuː feɪs ˈluːzəz moʊst ʌv ɪts ˈterərz/
Line 5
The well-fed, strong-jawed governor leaned over his desk and looked at his prisoner.

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.

blunted adjective US /ˈblʌntəd/

made dull or blunt

From this reading “His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.”

enacted verb US /eˈnæktəd/

past form of “enact” — order by virtue of superior authority; decree

From this reading “Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.”

foregoing adjective US /fɔːrˈɡoʊɪŋ/

especially of writing or speech; going before

From this reading “Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.”

Governor's noun US /ˈɡʌvərnərz/

possessive form of “governor” — the head of a state government

From this reading “Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.”

loses verb US /ˈluːzəz/

third-person singular of “lose” — fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense

From this reading “His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.”

scrubbing noun US /ˈskrʌbɪŋ/

the act of cleaning a surface by rubbing it with a brush and soap and water

From this reading “Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.”

ushered verb US /ˈʌʃərd/

past form of “usher” — take (someone) to their seats, as in theaters or auditoriums

From this reading “Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.”

Wayward adjective US /ˈweɪwərd/

resistant to guidance or discipline

From this reading “Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.”

All words in this reading · 98

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 Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.

almostadverbUS /ˈɔːlmoʊst/

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.

alreadyadverbUS /ɔːlˈredi/

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.

bluntedadjectiveUS /ˈblʌntəd/

made dull or blunt

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

confinedadjectiveUS /kənˈfaɪnd/

not invading healthy tissue

From this reading Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.

deathnounUS /deθ/

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.

desknounUS /desk/

a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments

From this reading The well-fed, strong-jawed governor leaned over his desk and looked at his prisoner.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

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

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

differentadjectiveUS /ˈdɪfərənt/

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.

enactedverbUS /eˈnæktəd/

past form of “enact” — order by virtue of superior authority; decree

From this reading Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.

entirelyadverbUS /ɪnˈtaɪərli/

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.

expectedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspektəd/

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading Phil expected no mercy.

facenounUS /feɪs/

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

feelingsnounUS /ˈfiːlɪŋz/

emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

foregoingadjectiveUS /fɔːrˈɡoʊɪŋ/

especially of writing or speech; going before

From this reading Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.

goesnounUS /ɡoʊz/

plural of “go” — a time period for working (after which you will be relieved by someone else)

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

goneadjectiveUS /ɡɔːn/

destroyed or killed

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.

governornounUS /ˈɡʌvərnər/

the head of a state government

From this reading The well-fed, strong-jawed governor leaned over his desk and looked at his prisoner.

Governor'snounUS /ˈɡʌvərnərz/

possessive form of “governor” — the head of a state government

From this reading Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.

happenverbUS /ˈhæpən/

come to pass

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

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

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

heldadjectiveUS /held/

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

HisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

hopenounUS /hoʊp/

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

justadverbUS /dʒʌst/

and nothing more

From this reading Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.

Langford

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

From this reading Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.

leanedverbUS /liːnd/

past form of “lean” — to incline or bend from a vertical position

From this reading The well-fed, strong-jawed governor leaned over his desk and looked at his prisoner.

lifenounUS /laɪf/

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.

lookedverbUS /lʊkt/

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

From this reading The well-fed, strong-jawed governor leaned over his desk and looked at his prisoner.

losesverbUS /ˈluːzəz/

third-person singular of “lose” — fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

mannounUS /mæn/

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.

mealsnounUS /miːlz/

plural of “meal” — the food served and eaten at one time

From this reading Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.

mercynounUS /ˈmɜːrsi/

leniency and compassion shown toward offenders by a person or agency charged with administering justice

From this reading Phil expected no mercy.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

mostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

naturenounUS /ˈneɪtʃər/

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading Phil expected no mercy.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

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

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.

officenounUS /ˈɔːfɪs/

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.

Pederstone's

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

From this reading Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.

Phil

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

From this reading Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.

placenounUS /pleɪs/

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.

powernounUS /ˈpaʊər/

possession of controlling influence

From this reading Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.

presencenounUS /ˈprezəns/

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.

PrisonnounUS /ˈprɪzən/

a correctional institution where persons are confined while on trial or for punishment

From this reading Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.

prisonernounUS /ˈprɪzənər/

a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war

From this reading The well-fed, strong-jawed governor leaned over his desk and looked at his prisoner.

privateadjectiveUS /ˈpraɪvət/

confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy

From this reading Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.

Ralston

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

From this reading Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.

refreshedadjectiveUS /riˈfreʃt/

with restored energy

From this reading Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.

reliefnounUS /rɪˈliːf/

the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

scenenounUS /siːn/

the place where some action occurs

From this reading Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.

scrubbingnounUS /ˈskrʌbɪŋ/

the act of cleaning a surface by rubbing it with a brush and soap and water

From this reading Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.

sleepnounUS /sliːp/

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

From this reading Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.

smithynoun

a workplace where metal is worked by heating and hammering

From this reading Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

somewhatadverbUS /ˈsʌmˈwʌt/

to a small degree or extent

From this reading Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.

strong-jawed

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

From this reading The well-fed, strong-jawed governor leaned over his desk and looked at his prisoner.

takingnounUS /ˈteɪkɪŋ/

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.

terrorsnounUS /ˈterərz/

plural of “terror” — an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.

throughprepositionUS /θruː/

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

twonounUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.

Ukalla

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

From this reading Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.

unfortunateadjectiveUS /ənˈfɔːrtʃənət/

not favored by fortune; marked or accompanied by or resulting in ill fortune

From this reading Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.

usheredverbUS /ˈʌʃərd/

past form of “usher” — take (someone) to their seats, as in theaters or auditoriums

From this reading Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.

Vernock

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

From this reading Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.

WaywardadjectiveUS /ˈweɪwərd/

resistant to guidance or discipline

From this reading Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.

well-fedadjective

properly nourished

From this reading The well-fed, strong-jawed governor leaned over his desk and looked at his prisoner.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading Wayward Langford While the foregoing was taking place in Pederstone's smithy at Vernock, a scene of a different nature was being enacted in the Governor's private office at Ukalla Prison.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading Phil Ralston, somewhat refreshed from a scrubbing, a good sleep and two prison meals, had just been ushered into the presence of the man who held power almost of life and death over every unfortunate confined there.

worryverbUS /ˈwɜːri/

be worried, concerned, anxious, troubled, or uneasy

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

worstnounUS /wɜːrst/

the least favorable outcome

From this reading His feelings were blunted by what he had already gone through, so the worst that might happen now did not worry him; for, when hope of relief entirely goes, what one has to face loses most of its terrors.

Chapter 4 of The Spoilers of the Valley by Robert Watson holds 312 sentences, grouped into 63 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 4 of The Spoilers of the Valley contain?

Chapter 4 holds 312 sentences of The Spoilers of the Valley, unabridged, divided into 63 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 4 of The Spoilers of the Valley by Robert Watson exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 312 sentences, grouped into 63 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 4 of The Spoilers of the Valley?

Work through the 63 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 63 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 4 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 4 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 Spoilers of the Valley

Common questions about reading The Spoilers of the Valley by Robert Watson on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Spoilers of the Valley?

Yes. All 7776 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #29588 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Spoilers of the Valley is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #29588, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Spoilers of the Valley take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 1556 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Spoilers of the Valley section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 25 chapters of The Spoilers of the Valley 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 Spoilers of the Valley

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

Author
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Spoilers of the Valley; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Valley
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Spoilers of the Valley; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Above
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Spoilers of the Valley; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Twinkling
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Spoilers of the Valley; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.