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The Sword of Gideon
The Sword of Gideon

Chapter XII

Chapter 12 of The Sword of Gideon is here in full — 112 sentences across 23 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/22 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.
"That should be the house for me," Bevill thought, as now he rode back towards it.
"A front room here, on the lower floor, if it may be obtained; the river almost at its feet, boats tied to old posts and stanchions.
All is well.
If danger threatens, as well it may, then have I the way open to me."
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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 Sword of Gideon

Chapter XII

Chapter 12 of The Sword of Gideon is here in full — 112 sentences across 23 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/22 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.
Line 2
"That should be the house for me," Bevill thought, as now he rode back towards it.
Line 3
"A front room here, on the lower floor, if it may be obtained; the river almost at its feet, boats tied to old posts and stanchions.
Line 4
All is well.
/ɔːl ɪz wel/
Line 5
If danger threatens, as well it may, then have I the way open to me."
/ɪf ˈdeɪndʒər ˈθretənz æz wel ɪt meɪ ðen hæv aɪ ðə weɪ ˈoʊ.pən tuː miː/

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.

coach verb US /koʊtʃ/

teach and supervise (someone); act as a trainer or coach (to), as in sports

From this reading “On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.”

gilt adjective US /ɡɪlt/

having the deep slightly brownish color of gold

From this reading “On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.”

monster noun US /ˈmɑːnstər/

an imaginary creature usually having various human and animal parts

From this reading “On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.”

posts noun US /poʊsts/

plural of “post” — the position where someone (as a guard or sentry) stands or is assigned to stand

From this reading “"A front room here, on the lower floor, if it may be obtained; the river almost at its feet, boats tied to old posts and stanchions.”

quay noun US /kiː/

wharf usually built parallel to the shoreline

From this reading “On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.”

significance noun US /səɡˈnɪfɪkəns/

the quality of being significant

From this reading “On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.”

testified verb US /ˈtestəfaɪd/

inflected form of “testify” — give testimony in a court of law

From this reading “On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.”

threatens verb US /ˈθretənz/

third-person singular of “threaten” — pose a threat to; present a danger to

From this reading “If danger threatens, as well it may, then have I the way open to me."”

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.

lower floor verb + noun

In this reading “"A front room here, on the lower floor, if it may be obtained; the river almost at its feet, boats tied to old posts and stanchions.”

front room noun + noun

a room in a private house or establishment where people can sit and talk and relax

In this reading “"A front room here, on the lower floor, if it may be obtained; the river almost at its feet, boats tied to old posts and stanchions.”

rode back verb + particle counted as “ride back”

In this reading “"That should be the house for me," Bevill thought, as now he rode back towards it.”

all things adjective + noun

In this reading “On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.”

All words in this reading · 88

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 On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

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 On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

almostadverbUS /ˈɔːlmoʊst/

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

From this reading "A front room here, on the lower floor, if it may be obtained; the river almost at its feet, boats tied to old posts and stanchions.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

ancientadjectiveUS /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading "A front room here, on the lower floor, if it may be obtained; the river almost at its feet, boats tied to old posts and stanchions.

backadverbUS /bæk/

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading "That should be the house for me," Bevill thought, as now he rode back towards it.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

beneathprepositionUS /bɪˈniːθ/

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

Bevill

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

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

boatsnounUS /boʊts/

plural of “boat” — a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading "A front room here, on the lower floor, if it may be obtained; the river almost at its feet, boats tied to old posts and stanchions.

boreverbUS /bɔːr/

cause to be bored

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

Bracton

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

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

coachverbUS /koʊtʃ/

teach and supervise (someone); act as a trainer or coach (to), as in sports

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

dangernounUS /ˈdeɪndʒər/

the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury

From this reading If danger threatens, as well it may, then have I the way open to me."

feetnounUS /fiːt/

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

From this reading "A front room here, on the lower floor, if it may be obtained; the river almost at its feet, boats tied to old posts and stanchions.

fierce-looking

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

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

floornounUS /flɔːr/

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading "A front room here, on the lower floor, if it may be obtained; the river almost at its feet, boats tied to old posts and stanchions.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

frontnounUS /frʌnt/

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

giltadjectiveUS /ɡɪlt/

having the deep slightly brownish color of gold

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

Gouden

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

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading If danger threatens, as well it may, then have I the way open to me."

havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

hereadverbUS /hiːr/

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

From this reading "A front room here, on the lower floor, if it may be obtained; the river almost at its feet, boats tied to old posts and stanchions.

housenounUS /haʊs/

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading "That should be the house for me," Bevill thought, as now he rode back towards it.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading If danger threatens, as well it may, then have I the way open to me."

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading "A front room here, on the lower floor, if it may be obtained; the river almost at its feet, boats tied to old posts and stanchions.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

innnounUS /ɪn/

a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

intendedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtendɪd/

resulting from one's intentions

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading All is well.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

justadverbUS /dʒʌst/

and nothing more

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

landnounUS /lænd/

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

Leeuw

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

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

lionnounUS /ˈlaɪən/

large gregarious predatory feline of Africa and India having a tawny coat with a shaggy mane in the male

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

lowerverbUS /ˈloʊər/

move something or somebody to a lower position

From this reading "A front room here, on the lower floor, if it may be obtained; the river almost at its feet, boats tied to old posts and stanchions.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading "A front room here, on the lower floor, if it may be obtained; the river almost at its feet, boats tied to old posts and stanchions.

mepronounUS /miː/

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

From this reading "That should be the house for me," Bevill thought, as now he rode back towards it.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

monsternounUS /ˈmɑːnstər/

an imaginary creature usually having various human and animal parts

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

nameverbUS /neɪm/

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

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

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

observedadjectiveUS /əbˈzɜːrvd/

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

obtainedverbUS /əbˈteɪnd/

past form of “obtain” — come into possession of

From this reading "A front room here, on the lower floor, if it may be obtained; the river almost at its feet, boats tied to old posts and stanchions.

oldadjectiveUS /oʊld/

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading "A front room here, on the lower floor, if it may be obtained; the river almost at its feet, boats tied to old posts and stanchions.

old-worldadjective

characteristic of former times especially in Europe

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

OnprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/

To move from a closed position.

From this reading If danger threatens, as well it may, then have I the way open to me."

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

passedverbUS /pæst/

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

postsnounUS /poʊsts/

plural of “post” — the position where someone (as a guard or sentry) stands or is assigned to stand

From this reading "A front room here, on the lower floor, if it may be obtained; the river almost at its feet, boats tied to old posts and stanchions.

quaynounUS /kiː/

wharf usually built parallel to the shoreline

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

rivernounUS /ˈrɪvər/

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading "A front room here, on the lower floor, if it may be obtained; the river almost at its feet, boats tied to old posts and stanchions.

rodeverbUS /roʊd/

inflected form of “ride” — sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

roomnounUS /ruːm/

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading "A front room here, on the lower floor, if it may be obtained; the river almost at its feet, boats tied to old posts and stanchions.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading "That should be the house for me," Bevill thought, as now he rode back towards it.

sidenounUS /saɪd/

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

signnounUS /saɪn/

a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

significancenounUS /səɡˈnɪfɪkəns/

the quality of being significant

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

stanchions

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

From this reading "A front room here, on the lower floor, if it may be obtained; the river almost at its feet, boats tied to old posts and stanchions.

testifiedverbUS /ˈtestəfaɪd/

inflected form of “testify” — give testimony in a court of law

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

thenadverbUS /ðen/

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading If danger threatens, as well it may, then have I the way open to me."

thingsnounUS /θɪŋz/

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

thoughtnounUS /θɔːt/

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading "That should be the house for me," Bevill thought, as now he rode back towards it.

threatensverbUS /ˈθretənz/

third-person singular of “threaten” — pose a threat to; present a danger to

From this reading If danger threatens, as well it may, then have I the way open to me."

tiedadjectiveUS /taɪd/

bound or secured closely

From this reading "A front room here, on the lower floor, if it may be obtained; the river almost at its feet, boats tied to old posts and stanchions.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

towardsprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrdz/

in the direction of

From this reading "That should be the house for me," Bevill thought, as now he rode back towards it.

Walloonnoun

a member of the French-speaking people living in Belgium

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

waynounUS /weɪ/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading If danger threatens, as well it may, then have I the way open to me."

welladverbUS /wel/

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading All is well.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading On that long quay over which the coach had passed but just now, Bevill Bracton, as he rode by its side, had observed an ancient inn, as all things were ancient in this old-world land--one that bore on its front the name, "Gouden Leeuw," and testified as to what its Walloon significance might be by having beneath it a fierce-looking gilt monster, that might be intended for a lion, as sign.

Chapter 12 of The Sword of Gideon by John Bloundelle-Burton holds 112 sentences, grouped into 23 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 12 of The Sword of Gideon contain?

Chapter 12 holds 112 sentences of The Sword of Gideon, unabridged, divided into 23 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 12 of The Sword of Gideon by John Bloundelle-Burton exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 112 sentences, grouped into 23 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 12 of The Sword of Gideon?

Work through the 23 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 23 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 12 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 12 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 Sword of Gideon

Common questions about reading The Sword of Gideon by John Bloundelle-Burton on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Sword of Gideon?

Yes. All 5106 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #52979 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Sword of Gideon is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #52979, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Sword of Gideon take to read?

About 425 minutes of reading across 1022 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Sword of Gideon section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 36 chapters of The Sword of Gideon 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 Sword of Gideon

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Sword of Gideon, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

North
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Sword of Gideon; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
South
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Sword of Gideon; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Horsemen
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Sword of Gideon; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Spurring
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Sword of Gideon; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.