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The Texican
The Texican

Chapter III

Cover illustration for The Texican
Context Illustration Reading 1/23 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.
The boys were following in the wake of Upton's round-up and the brands on the calves were freshly made and therefore easy to change, but it called for all of Pecos's professional skill to alter the cow brands to match.
In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.
Spreading this over the old U he retraced the letter through it with a red-hot iron and then extended the brand downward until it formed a neat Wine-glass ( Brand in the shape of a wine-glass.]), scalded rather than seared into the hair.
Such a brand would never look fresh or peel, though it might grow dim with years, and after working the ear-marks over on cow and calf the transformation was complete.
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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 Texican

Chapter III

Reading 1/23 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.
Line 2
The boys were following in the wake of Upton's round-up and the brands on the calves were freshly made and therefore easy to change, but it called for all of Pecos's professional skill to alter the cow brands to match.
Line 3
In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.
Line 4
Spreading this over the old U he retraced the letter through it with a red-hot iron and then extended the brand downward until it formed a neat Wine-glass ( Brand in the shape of a wine-glass.]), scalded rather than seared into the hair.
Line 5
Such a brand would never look fresh or peel, though it might grow dim with years, and after working the ear-marks over on cow and calf the transformation was complete.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “Such a brand would never look fresh or peel, though it might grow dim with years, and after working the ear-marks over on cow and calf the transformation was complete.”

Complete noun US /complete/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Such a brand would never look fresh or peel, though it might grow dim with years, and after working the ear-marks over on cow and calf the transformation was complete.”

DOUBLE noun US /double/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.”

Help noun US /help/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.”

Look noun US /look/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Such a brand would never look fresh or peel, though it might grow dim with years, and after working the ear-marks over on cow and calf the transformation was complete.”

Might modal verb US /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “Such a brand would never look fresh or peel, though it might grow dim with years, and after working the ear-marks over on cow and calf the transformation was complete.”

Never noun US /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Such a brand would never look fresh or peel, though it might grow dim with years, and after working the ear-marks over on cow and calf the transformation was complete.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.”

Order noun US /order/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.”

Over preposition US /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading “THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.”

Passed noun US /passed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.”

Same noun US /same/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.”

Shall modal verb US /ʃæl/

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading “In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.”

Since preposition US /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading “In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.”

Therefore adverb US /ˈðerfɔːr/

for that reason; as a result

From this reading “The boys were following in the wake of Upton's round-up and the brands on the calves were freshly made and therefore easy to change, but it called for all of Pecos's professional skill to alter the cow brands to match.”

Though conjunction US /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “Such a brand would never look fresh or peel, though it might grow dim with years, and after working the ear-marks over on cow and calf the transformation was complete.”

Through noun US /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “Spreading this over the old U he retraced the letter through it with a red-hot iron and then extended the brand downward until it formed a neat Wine-glass ( Brand in the shape of a wine-glass.]), scalded rather than seared into the hair.”

Until preposition US /ənˈtɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading “Spreading this over the old U he retraced the letter through it with a red-hot iron and then extended the brand downward until it formed a neat Wine-glass ( Brand in the shape of a wine-glass.]), scalded rather than seared into the hair.”

While conjunction US /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading “THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “Such a brand would never look fresh or peel, though it might grow dim with years, and after working the ear-marks over on cow and calf the transformation was complete.”

All words in this reading · 132

Every word is available to listen to. 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 THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

adverse

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

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading Such a brand would never look fresh or peel, though it might grow dim with years, and after working the ear-marks over on cow and calf the transformation was complete.

all

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

From this reading The boys were following in the wake of Upton's round-up and the brands on the calves were freshly made and therefore easy to change, but it called for all of Pecos's professional skill to alter the cow brands to match.

alter

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

From this reading The boys were following in the wake of Upton's round-up and the brands on the calves were freshly made and therefore easy to change, but it called for all of Pecos's professional skill to alter the cow brands to match.

always

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

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

antique

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

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

blanket

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

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

boys

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

From this reading The boys were following in the wake of Upton's round-up and the brands on the calves were freshly made and therefore easy to change, but it called for all of Pecos's professional skill to alter the cow brands to match.

brand

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

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

brands

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The boys were following in the wake of Upton's round-up and the brands on the calves were freshly made and therefore easy to change, but it called for all of Pecos's professional skill to alter the cow brands to match.

calf

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

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

called

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

From this reading The boys were following in the wake of Upton's round-up and the brands on the calves were freshly made and therefore easy to change, but it called for all of Pecos's professional skill to alter the cow brands to match.

calves

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

From this reading The boys were following in the wake of Upton's round-up and the brands on the calves were freshly made and therefore easy to change, but it called for all of Pecos's professional skill to alter the cow brands to match.

came

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

Carrizo

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

cause

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

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

change

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

From this reading The boys were following in the wake of Upton's round-up and the brands on the calves were freshly made and therefore easy to change, but it called for all of Pecos's professional skill to alter the cow brands to match.

comment

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

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

completenounUS /complete/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Such a brand would never look fresh or peel, though it might grow dim with years, and after working the ear-marks over on cow and calf the transformation was complete.

cow

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

From this reading The boys were following in the wake of Upton's round-up and the brands on the calves were freshly made and therefore easy to change, but it called for all of Pecos's professional skill to alter the cow brands to match.

cows

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

Crittenden

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

CROSS

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

Dalhart

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

dim

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

From this reading Such a brand would never look fresh or peel, though it might grow dim with years, and after working the ear-marks over on cow and calf the transformation was complete.

doctored

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

DOUBLE

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

downward

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

From this reading Spreading this over the old U he retraced the letter through it with a red-hot iron and then extended the brand downward until it formed a neat Wine-glass ( Brand in the shape of a wine-glass.]), scalded rather than seared into the hair.

drearily

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

ear-marks

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

From this reading Such a brand would never look fresh or peel, though it might grow dim with years, and after working the ear-marks over on cow and calf the transformation was complete.

easy

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

From this reading The boys were following in the wake of Upton's round-up and the brands on the calves were freshly made and therefore easy to change, but it called for all of Pecos's professional skill to alter the cow brands to match.

effect

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

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

extended

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

From this reading Spreading this over the old U he retraced the letter through it with a red-hot iron and then extended the brand downward until it formed a neat Wine-glass ( Brand in the shape of a wine-glass.]), scalded rather than seared into the hair.

following

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

From this reading The boys were following in the wake of Upton's round-up and the brands on the calves were freshly made and therefore easy to change, but it called for all of Pecos's professional skill to alter the cow brands to match.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

formed

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

From this reading Spreading this over the old U he retraced the letter through it with a red-hot iron and then extended the brand downward until it formed a neat Wine-glass ( Brand in the shape of a wine-glass.]), scalded rather than seared into the hair.

Four

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

fresh

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

From this reading Such a brand would never look fresh or peel, though it might grow dim with years, and after working the ear-marks over on cow and calf the transformation was complete.

freshly

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

From this reading The boys were following in the wake of Upton's round-up and the brands on the calves were freshly made and therefore easy to change, but it called for all of Pecos's professional skill to alter the cow brands to match.

gathered

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

give

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

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

grow

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

From this reading Such a brand would never look fresh or peel, though it might grow dim with years, and after working the ear-marks over on cow and calf the transformation was complete.

gunny-sack

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

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

hair

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

From this reading Spreading this over the old U he retraced the letter through it with a red-hot iron and then extended the brand downward until it formed a neat Wine-glass ( Brand in the shape of a wine-glass.]), scalded rather than seared into the hair.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Spreading this over the old U he retraced the letter through it with a red-hot iron and then extended the brand downward until it formed a neat Wine-glass ( Brand in the shape of a wine-glass.]), scalded rather than seared into the hair.

helpnounUS /help/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

Ike

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

iron

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

From this reading Spreading this over the old U he retraced the letter through it with a red-hot iron and then extended the brand downward until it formed a neat Wine-glass ( Brand in the shape of a wine-glass.]), scalded rather than seared into the hair.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The boys were following in the wake of Upton's round-up and the brands on the calves were freshly made and therefore easy to change, but it called for all of Pecos's professional skill to alter the cow brands to match.

letter

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

From this reading Spreading this over the old U he retraced the letter through it with a red-hot iron and then extended the brand downward until it formed a neat Wine-glass ( Brand in the shape of a wine-glass.]), scalded rather than seared into the hair.

looknounUS /look/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Such a brand would never look fresh or peel, though it might grow dim with years, and after working the ear-marks over on cow and calf the transformation was complete.

made

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

From this reading The boys were following in the wake of Upton's round-up and the brands on the calves were freshly made and therefore easy to change, but it called for all of Pecos's professional skill to alter the cow brands to match.

mark

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

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

match

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

From this reading The boys were following in the wake of Upton's round-up and the brands on the calves were freshly made and therefore easy to change, but it called for all of Pecos's professional skill to alter the cow brands to match.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Such a brand would never look fresh or peel, though it might grow dim with years, and after working the ear-marks over on cow and calf the transformation was complete.

month

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

mother's

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

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

neat

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

From this reading Spreading this over the old U he retraced the letter through it with a red-hot iron and then extended the brand downward until it formed a neat Wine-glass ( Brand in the shape of a wine-glass.]), scalded rather than seared into the hair.

necessary

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

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

nevernounUS /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Such a brand would never look fresh or peel, though it might grow dim with years, and after working the ear-marks over on cow and calf the transformation was complete.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

old

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

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

ordernounUS /order/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

passednounUS /passed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

Peaks

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

Pecos

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

Pecos's

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

From this reading The boys were following in the wake of Upton's round-up and the brands on the calves were freshly made and therefore easy to change, but it called for all of Pecos's professional skill to alter the cow brands to match.

peel

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

From this reading Such a brand would never look fresh or peel, though it might grow dim with years, and after working the ear-marks over on cow and calf the transformation was complete.

peeled

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

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

professional

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

From this reading The boys were following in the wake of Upton's round-up and the brands on the calves were freshly made and therefore easy to change, but it called for all of Pecos's professional skill to alter the cow brands to match.

punchers

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

rather

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

From this reading Spreading this over the old U he retraced the letter through it with a red-hot iron and then extended the brand downward until it formed a neat Wine-glass ( Brand in the shape of a wine-glass.]), scalded rather than seared into the hair.

red-hot

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

From this reading Spreading this over the old U he retraced the letter through it with a red-hot iron and then extended the brand downward until it formed a neat Wine-glass ( Brand in the shape of a wine-glass.]), scalded rather than seared into the hair.

requisition

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

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

retraced

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

From this reading Spreading this over the old U he retraced the letter through it with a red-hot iron and then extended the brand downward until it formed a neat Wine-glass ( Brand in the shape of a wine-glass.]), scalded rather than seared into the hair.

roped

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

round-up

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

From this reading The boys were following in the wake of Upton's round-up and the brands on the calves were freshly made and therefore easy to change, but it called for all of Pecos's professional skill to alter the cow brands to match.

samenounUS /same/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

scalded

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

From this reading Spreading this over the old U he retraced the letter through it with a red-hot iron and then extended the brand downward until it formed a neat Wine-glass ( Brand in the shape of a wine-glass.]), scalded rather than seared into the hair.

seared

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

From this reading Spreading this over the old U he retraced the letter through it with a red-hot iron and then extended the brand downward until it formed a neat Wine-glass ( Brand in the shape of a wine-glass.]), scalded rather than seared into the hair.

shallmodal verbUS /ʃæl/

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

shape

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

From this reading Spreading this over the old U he retraced the letter through it with a red-hot iron and then extended the brand downward until it formed a neat Wine-glass ( Brand in the shape of a wine-glass.]), scalded rather than seared into the hair.

shoved

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

show

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

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

side

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

skill

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

From this reading The boys were following in the wake of Upton's round-up and the brands on the calves were freshly made and therefore easy to change, but it called for all of Pecos's professional skill to alter the cow brands to match.

Spreading

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

From this reading Spreading this over the old U he retraced the letter through it with a red-hot iron and then extended the brand downward until it formed a neat Wine-glass ( Brand in the shape of a wine-glass.]), scalded rather than seared into the hair.

Springs

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

square

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

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

SuchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Such a brand would never look fresh or peel, though it might grow dim with years, and after working the ear-marks over on cow and calf the transformation was complete.

summit

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Spreading this over the old U he retraced the letter through it with a red-hot iron and then extended the brand downward until it formed a neat Wine-glass ( Brand in the shape of a wine-glass.]), scalded rather than seared into the hair.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

then

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

From this reading Spreading this over the old U he retraced the letter through it with a red-hot iron and then extended the brand downward until it formed a neat Wine-glass ( Brand in the shape of a wine-glass.]), scalded rather than seared into the hair.

thereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/

for that reason; as a result

From this reading The boys were following in the wake of Upton's round-up and the brands on the calves were freshly made and therefore easy to change, but it called for all of Pecos's professional skill to alter the cow brands to match.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading Spreading this over the old U he retraced the letter through it with a red-hot iron and then extended the brand downward until it formed a neat Wine-glass ( Brand in the shape of a wine-glass.]), scalded rather than seared into the hair.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Such a brand would never look fresh or peel, though it might grow dim with years, and after working the ear-marks over on cow and calf the transformation was complete.

throughnounUS /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading Spreading this over the old U he retraced the letter through it with a red-hot iron and then extended the brand downward until it formed a neat Wine-glass ( Brand in the shape of a wine-glass.]), scalded rather than seared into the hair.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

transformation

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

From this reading Such a brand would never look fresh or peel, though it might grow dim with years, and after working the ear-marks over on cow and calf the transformation was complete.

U

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading Spreading this over the old U he retraced the letter through it with a red-hot iron and then extended the brand downward until it formed a neat Wine-glass ( Brand in the shape of a wine-glass.]), scalded rather than seared into the hair.

Upton's

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

From this reading The boys were following in the wake of Upton's round-up and the brands on the calves were freshly made and therefore easy to change, but it called for all of Pecos's professional skill to alter the cow brands to match.

wake

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

From this reading The boys were following in the wake of Upton's round-up and the brands on the calves were freshly made and therefore easy to change, but it called for all of Pecos's professional skill to alter the cow brands to match.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

water

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

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading The boys were following in the wake of Upton's round-up and the brands on the calves were freshly made and therefore easy to change, but it called for all of Pecos's professional skill to alter the cow brands to match.

wet

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

From this reading In order not to cause adverse comment it is necessary that the cow and calf shall show the same mark and since the mother's brand was always old and peeled Pecos called into requisition a square of wet gunny-sack or blanket to help give the antique effect.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading THE DOUBLE CROSS A month passed, drearily; and while Ike Crittenden and his punchers gathered U cows on one side of the Four Peaks and shoved them over the summit Pecos Dalhart roped them as they came in to Carrizo Springs for water and doctored over their brands.

Wine-glass

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

From this reading Spreading this over the old U he retraced the letter through it with a red-hot iron and then extended the brand downward until it formed a neat Wine-glass ( Brand in the shape of a wine-glass.]), scalded rather than seared into the hair.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Spreading this over the old U he retraced the letter through it with a red-hot iron and then extended the brand downward until it formed a neat Wine-glass ( Brand in the shape of a wine-glass.]), scalded rather than seared into the hair.

working

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

From this reading Such a brand would never look fresh or peel, though it might grow dim with years, and after working the ear-marks over on cow and calf the transformation was complete.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading Such a brand would never look fresh or peel, though it might grow dim with years, and after working the ear-marks over on cow and calf the transformation was complete.

years

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

From this reading Such a brand would never look fresh or peel, though it might grow dim with years, and after working the ear-marks over on cow and calf the transformation was complete.