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The Way of the Strong
The Way of the Strong

Chapter XXXII

Chapter 32 of The Way of the Strong is here in full — 645 sentences across 129 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/129 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.
Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.
Abe Hopkinson, and Josh Taylor, the bullet-headed butcher, watched them from the other side of the bar.
"Guess I'd say it's hereditary in flies," said Abe, feeling scientific.
"Wot's hered--hereditry?" demanded the butcher.
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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 Way of the Strong

Chapter XXXII

Chapter 32 of The Way of the Strong is here in full — 645 sentences across 129 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/129 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.
Line 2
Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.
Line 3
Abe Hopkinson, and Josh Taylor, the bullet-headed butcher, watched them from the other side of the bar.
Line 4
"Guess I'd say it's hereditary in flies," said Abe, feeling scientific.
Line 5
"Wot's hered--hereditry?" demanded the butcher.

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.

clammy adjective US /ˈklæmi/

unpleasantly cool and humid

From this reading “STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.”

counters noun US /ˈkaʊntərz/

plural of “counter” — table consisting of a horizontal surface over which business is transacted

From this reading “STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.”

dregs noun US /dreɡz/

sediment that has settled at the bottom of a liquid

From this reading “STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.”

Hopkinson noun US /ˈhɑːpkɪnsən/

American Revolutionary leader and patriot; a signer of the Declaration of Independence (1737-1791)

From this reading “Abe Hopkinson, and Josh Taylor, the bullet-headed butcher, watched them from the other side of the bar.”

idiocy noun US /ˈɪdiəsi/

extreme mental retardation

From this reading “Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.”

quench verb US /kwentʃ/

satisfy

From this reading “STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.”

tumblers noun US /ˈtʌmblərz/

plural of “tumbler” — a gymnast who performs rolls and somersaults and twists etc.

From this reading “STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.”

vagaries noun US /ˈveɪɡəriz/

plural of “vagary” — an unexpected and inexplicable change in something (in a situation or a person's behavior, etc.)

From this reading “Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.”

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.

commit suicide verb + noun

kill oneself

In this reading “STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.”

port wine noun + noun

sweet dark-red dessert wine originally from Portugal

In this reading “Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.”

other side adjective + noun

In this reading “Abe Hopkinson, and Josh Taylor, the bullet-headed butcher, watched them from the other side of the bar.”

inner sides adjective + noun counted as “inner side”

In this reading “Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.”

All words in this reading · 102

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 STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

Abe

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

From this reading Abe Hopkinson, and Josh Taylor, the bullet-headed butcher, watched them from the other side of the bar.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.

afternoonnounUS /ˌæftərˈnuːn/

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

allegedadjectiveUS /əˈledʒd/

declared but not proved

From this reading Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.

amiableadjectiveUS /ˈeɪmiəbəl/

disposed to please

From this reading Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

barnounUS /bɑːr/

a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter

From this reading Abe Hopkinson, and Josh Taylor, the bullet-headed butcher, watched them from the other side of the bar.

bar-room

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

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.

becomeverbUS /bɪˈkʌm/

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/

at or toward the back of something

From this reading Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.

bullet-headedadjective

obstinate and stupid

From this reading Abe Hopkinson, and Josh Taylor, the bullet-headed butcher, watched them from the other side of the bar.

butcherverbUS /ˈbʊtʃər/

kill (animals) usually for food consumption

From this reading Abe Hopkinson, and Josh Taylor, the bullet-headed butcher, watched them from the other side of the bar.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

clammyadjectiveUS /ˈklæmi/

unpleasantly cool and humid

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

commitverbUS /kəˈmɪt/

perform an act, usually with a negative connotation

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

containedadjectiveUS /kənˈteɪnd/

gotten under control

From this reading Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.

counternounUS /ˈkaʊntər/

table consisting of a horizontal surface over which business is transacted

From this reading Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.

countersnounUS /ˈkaʊntərz/

plural of “counter” — table consisting of a horizontal surface over which business is transacted

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

daysnounUS /deɪz/

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

demandedverbUS /dɪˈmændəd/

past form of “demand” — request urgently and forcefully

From this reading "Wot's hered--hereditry?" demanded the butcher.

dregsnounUS /dreɡz/

sediment that has settled at the bottom of a liquid

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

drinkverbUS /drɪŋk/

take in liquids

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

drunkenadjectiveUS /ˈdrʌŋkən/

given to or marked by the consumption of alcohol

From this reading Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.

endeavornounUS /ɪnˈdevər/

a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

Everton

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

From this reading Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.

feelingnounUS /ˈfiːlɪŋ/

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading "Guess I'd say it's hereditary in flies," said Abe, feeling scientific.

fellow-sufferers

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

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

finaladjectiveUS /ˈfaɪnəl/

occurring at or forming an end or termination

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

fliesnounUS /flaɪz/

(theater) the space over the stage (out of view of the audience) used to store scenery (drop curtains)

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

frenzynounUS /ˈfrenzi/

state of violent mental agitation

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Abe Hopkinson, and Josh Taylor, the bullet-headed butcher, watched them from the other side of the bar.

GuessverbUS /ɡes/

expect, believe, or suppose

From this reading "Guess I'd say it's hereditary in flies," said Abe, feeling scientific.

habitnounUS /ˈhæbət/

an established custom

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

hered

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

From this reading "Wot's hered--hereditry?" demanded the butcher.

hereditaryadjectiveUS /hərˈedəteri/

occurring among members of a family usually by heredity

From this reading "Guess I'd say it's hereditary in flies," said Abe, feeling scientific.

hereditry

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

From this reading "Wot's hered--hereditry?" demanded the butcher.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.

HopkinsonnounUS /ˈhɑːpkɪnsən/

American Revolutionary leader and patriot; a signer of the Declaration of Independence (1737-1791)

From this reading Abe Hopkinson, and Josh Taylor, the bullet-headed butcher, watched them from the other side of the bar.

HotelnounUS /hoʊˈtel/

a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services

From this reading Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.

humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/

characteristic of humanity

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

I'd

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

From this reading "Guess I'd say it's hereditary in flies," said Abe, feeling scientific.

idiocynounUS /ˈɪdiəsi/

extreme mental retardation

From this reading Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

inneradjectiveUS /ˈɪnər/

located inward

From this reading Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

it's

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

From this reading "Guess I'd say it's hereditary in flies," said Abe, feeling scientific.

JoshverbUS /dʒɑːʃ/

be silly or tease one another

From this reading Abe Hopkinson, and Josh Taylor, the bullet-headed butcher, watched them from the other side of the bar.

KnounUS /keɪ/

the basic unit of thermodynamic temperature adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.

leftnounUS /left/

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

Lionel

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

From this reading Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.

liquornounUS /ˈlɪkər/

an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Abe Hopkinson, and Josh Taylor, the bullet-headed butcher, watched them from the other side of the bar.

patchesnounUS /ˈpætʃəz/

plural of “patch” — a small contrasting part of something

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

portnounUS /pɔːrt/

a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country

From this reading Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.

proppedverbUS /prɑːpt/

inflected form of “prop” — support by placing against something solid or rigid

From this reading Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.

proprietornounUS /prəˈpraɪətər/

(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business

From this reading Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.

quenchverbUS /kwentʃ/

satisfy

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

RussellnounUS /ˈrʌsəl/

United States religious leader who founded the sect that is now called Jehovah's Witnesses (1852-1916)

From this reading Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.

saidadjectiveUS /sed/

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Guess I'd say it's hereditary in flies," said Abe, feeling scientific.

sayverbUS /seɪ/

express in words

From this reading "Guess I'd say it's hereditary in flies," said Abe, feeling scientific.

scientificadjectiveUS /ˌsaɪənˈtɪfɪk/

of or relating to the practice of science

From this reading "Guess I'd say it's hereditary in flies," said Abe, feeling scientific.

scramblingverbUS /ˈskræmbəlɪŋ/

-ing form of “scramble” — to move hurriedly

From this reading Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.

Sharpe

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

From this reading Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.

sidenounUS /saɪd/

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

From this reading Abe Hopkinson, and Josh Taylor, the bullet-headed butcher, watched them from the other side of the bar.

sidesnounUS /saɪdz/

plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.

smilingnounUS /ˈsmaɪlɪŋ/

a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement

From this reading Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.

spilledverbUS /spɪld/

past form of “spill” — cause or allow (a liquid substance) to run or flow from a container

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

SPREADINGnounUS /ˈspredɪŋ/

process or result of distributing or extending over a wide expanse of space

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

stickverbUS /stɪk/

put, fix, force, or implant

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

STRIKEverbUS /straɪk/

deliver a sharp blow, as with the hand, fist, or weapon

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

strivingnounUS /ˈstraɪvɪŋ/

an effortful attempt to attain a goal

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

suicidenounUS /ˈsuːəsaɪd/

the act of killing yourself

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

sultryadjectiveUS /ˈsʌltri/

sexually exciting or gratifying

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

TaylornounUS /ˈteɪlər/

United States composer and music critic (1885-1966)

From this reading Abe Hopkinson, and Josh Taylor, the bullet-headed butcher, watched them from the other side of the bar.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Abe Hopkinson, and Josh Taylor, the bullet-headed butcher, watched them from the other side of the bar.

thirstnounUS /θɜːrst/

a physiological need to drink

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

TROUBLESnounUS /ˈtrʌbəlz/

plural of “trouble” — a source of difficulty

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

tumblernounUS /ˈtʌmblər/

a gymnast who performs rolls and somersaults and twists etc.

From this reading Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.

tumblersnounUS /ˈtʌmblərz/

plural of “tumbler” — a gymnast who performs rolls and somersaults and twists etc.

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

twonounUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.

unnaturaladjectiveUS /ənˈnætʃərəl/

not in accordance with or determined by nature; contrary to nature

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

vagariesnounUS /ˈveɪɡəriz/

plural of “vagary” — an unexpected and inexplicable change in something (in a situation or a person's behavior, etc.)

From this reading Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.

victimsnounUS /ˈvɪktəmz/

plural of “victim” — an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

warmadjectiveUS /wɔːrm/

having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

watchedverbUS /wɑːtʃt/

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading Abe Hopkinson, and Josh Taylor, the bullet-headed butcher, watched them from the other side of the bar.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading STRIKE TROUBLES SPREADING It was a sultry afternoon, one of those clammy days when flies stick and become victims of the drink habit, striving to quench unnatural thirst at patches of spilled liquor on bar-room counters, and, in a final frenzy, endeavor to commit suicide in the dregs of warm tumblers left by their human fellow-sufferers.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.

winenounUS /waɪn/

fermented juice (of grapes especially)

From this reading Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Lionel K. Sharpe, the proprietor of the Russell Hotel at Everton, was propped behind his counter, smiling with amiable idiocy at the vagaries of two drunken flies scrambling about the inner sides of a tumbler, which contained the dregs of what was alleged to be port wine.

Wot's

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

From this reading "Wot's hered--hereditry?" demanded the butcher.

Chapter 32 of The Way of the Strong by Ridgwell Cullum holds 645 sentences, grouped into 129 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 32 of The Way of the Strong contain?

Chapter 32 holds 645 sentences of The Way of the Strong, unabridged, divided into 129 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 32 of The Way of the Strong by Ridgwell Cullum exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 645 sentences, grouped into 129 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 32 of The Way of the Strong?

Work through the 129 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 129 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 32 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 32 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 Way of the Strong

Common questions about reading The Way of the Strong by Ridgwell Cullum on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Way of the Strong?

Yes. All 13505 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #35776 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Way of the Strong is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #35776, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Way of the Strong take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 2701 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Way of the Strong section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 40 chapters of The Way of the Strong 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 Way of the Strong

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

Author
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Way of the Strong; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Twins
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Way of the Strong; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Suffering
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Way of the Strong; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Creek
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Way of the Strong; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.