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Truxton King: A Story of Graustark
Truxton King: A Story of Graustark

Chapter V · Chapter 5

Chapter 5 of Truxton King: A Story of Graustark is here in full — 229 sentences across 46 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Truxton King: A Story of Graustark
Context Illustration Reading 1/45 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE COMMITTEE OF TEN It has been said before that Truxton King was the unsuspecting object of interest to two sets of watchers.
The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.
It goes without saying that corporeal admittance to this room was not to be obtained easily.
In fact, one must belong to a certain band of individuals; and, in order to belong to that band, one must have taken a very solemn pledge of eternal secrecy and a primal oath to devote his life to certain purposes, good or evil, according to his conscience.
By means of the friendly Sesame that has opened the way for us to the gentler secrets, we are permitted to enter this forbidding apartment and listen in safety to the ugly business of the Committee of Ten.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Truxton King: A Story of Graustark

Chapter V · Chapter 5

Chapter 5 of Truxton King: A Story of Graustark is here in full — 229 sentences across 46 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/45 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE COMMITTEE OF TEN It has been said before that Truxton King was the unsuspecting object of interest to two sets of watchers.
Line 2
The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.
Line 3
It goes without saying that corporeal admittance to this room was not to be obtained easily.
Line 4
In fact, one must belong to a certain band of individuals; and, in order to belong to that band, one must have taken a very solemn pledge of eternal secrecy and a primal oath to devote his life to certain purposes, good or evil, according to his conscience.
/ɪn fækt wʌn mʌst bɪˈlɔːŋ tuː ə ˈsɜːrtən bænd ʌv ˌɪndəˈvɪdʒəwəlz ənd ɪn ˈɔːrdər tuː bɪˈlɔːŋ tuː ðæt bænd wʌn mʌst hæv ˈteɪkən ə ˈveri ˈsɑːləm pledʒ ʌv ɪˈtɜːrnəl ˈsiːkrəsi ənd ə ˈpraɪməl oʊθ tuː dɪˈvoʊt hɪz laɪf tuː ˈsɜːrtən ˈpɜːrpəsəz ɡʊd ɔːr ˈiːvəl əˈkɔːrdɪŋ tuː hɪz ˈkɑːnʃəns/
Line 5
By means of the friendly Sesame that has opened the way for us to the gentler secrets, we are permitted to enter this forbidding apartment and listen in safety to the ugly business of the Committee of Ten.
/baɪ miːnz ʌv ðə ˈfrendli ˈses.ə.mi ðæt hæz ˈoʊpənd ðə weɪ fɔːr ʌs tuː ðə ˈdʒentlər ˈsiːkrəts wiː ɑːr pərˈmɪtɪd tuː ˈentər ðɪs fərˈbɪdɪŋ əˈpɑːrtmənt ənd ˈlɪsən ɪn ˈseɪfti tuː ðə ˈʌɡli ˈbɪznəs ʌv ðə kəˈmɪti ʌv ten/

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.

admittance noun US /ədˈmɪtəns/

the right to enter

From this reading “It goes without saying that corporeal admittance to this room was not to be obtained easily.”

gentler adjective US /ˈdʒentlər/

comparative of “gentle” — soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe

From this reading “By means of the friendly Sesame that has opened the way for us to the gentler secrets, we are permitted to enter this forbidding apartment and listen in safety to the ugly business of the Committee of Ten.”

primal adjective US /ˈpraɪməl/

serving as an essential component

From this reading “In fact, one must belong to a certain band of individuals; and, in order to belong to that band, one must have taken a very solemn pledge of eternal secrecy and a primal oath to devote his life to certain purposes, good or evil, according to his conscience.”

Sesame noun US /ˈses.ə.mi/

A tropical plant whose seeds are used in food, and the famous magical password 'Open Sesame'.

From this reading “By means of the friendly Sesame that has opened the way for us to the gentler secrets, we are permitted to enter this forbidding apartment and listen in safety to the ugly business of the Committee of Ten.”

surveillance noun US /sərˈveɪləns/

close observation of a person or group (usually by the police)

From this reading “The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.”

thoroughness noun US /ˈθɜːroʊnəs/

conscientiousness in performing all aspects of a task

From this reading “The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.”

unsuspecting adjective US /ˌʌnsəˈspektɪŋ/

not suspicious

From this reading “THE COMMITTEE OF TEN It has been said before that Truxton King was the unsuspecting object of interest to two sets of watchers.”

watchers noun US /ˈwɑːtʃərz/

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

From this reading “THE COMMITTEE OF TEN It has been said before that Truxton King was the unsuspecting object of interest to two sets of watchers.”

All words in this reading · 113

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 The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

accordingadjectiveUS /əˈkɔːrdɪŋ/

(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with

From this reading In fact, one must belong to a certain band of individuals; and, in order to belong to that band, one must have taken a very solemn pledge of eternal secrecy and a primal oath to devote his life to certain purposes, good or evil, according to his conscience.

admittancenounUS /ədˈmɪtəns/

the right to enter

From this reading It goes without saying that corporeal admittance to this room was not to be obtained easily.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading In fact, one must belong to a certain band of individuals; and, in order to belong to that band, one must have taken a very solemn pledge of eternal secrecy and a primal oath to devote his life to certain purposes, good or evil, according to his conscience.

apartmentnounUS /əˈpɑːrtmənt/

a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house

From this reading By means of the friendly Sesame that has opened the way for us to the gentler secrets, we are permitted to enter this forbidding apartment and listen in safety to the ugly business of the Committee of Ten.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading By means of the friendly Sesame that has opened the way for us to the gentler secrets, we are permitted to enter this forbidding apartment and listen in safety to the ugly business of the Committee of Ten.

bandnounUS /bænd/

an unofficial association of people or groups

From this reading In fact, one must belong to a certain band of individuals; and, in order to belong to that band, one must have taken a very solemn pledge of eternal secrecy and a primal oath to devote his life to certain purposes, good or evil, according to his conscience.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading THE COMMITTEE OF TEN It has been said before that Truxton King was the unsuspecting object of interest to two sets of watchers.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading THE COMMITTEE OF TEN It has been said before that Truxton King was the unsuspecting object of interest to two sets of watchers.

belongverbUS /bɪˈlɔːŋ/

be owned by; be in the possession of

From this reading In fact, one must belong to a certain band of individuals; and, in order to belong to that band, one must have taken a very solemn pledge of eternal secrecy and a primal oath to devote his life to certain purposes, good or evil, according to his conscience.

blocksnounUS /blɑːks/

plural of “block” — a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

businessnounUS /ˈbɪznəs/

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading By means of the friendly Sesame that has opened the way for us to the gentler secrets, we are permitted to enter this forbidding apartment and listen in safety to the ugly business of the Committee of Ten.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

canmodal verbUS /kæn/

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

castverbUS /kæst/

put or send forth

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

certainadjectiveUS /ˈsɜːrtən/

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

clearedadjectiveUS /klɪrd/

rid of objects or obstructions such as e.g. trees and brush

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

COMMITTEEnounUS /kəˈmɪti/

a special group delegated to consider some matter

From this reading THE COMMITTEE OF TEN It has been said before that Truxton King was the unsuspecting object of interest to two sets of watchers.

consciencenounUS /ˈkɑːnʃəns/

motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person's thoughts and actions

From this reading In fact, one must belong to a certain band of individuals; and, in order to belong to that band, one must have taken a very solemn pledge of eternal secrecy and a primal oath to devote his life to certain purposes, good or evil, according to his conscience.

considerverbUS /kənˈsɪdər/

deem to be

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

continuallyadverbUS /kənˈtɪnjuːəli/

seemingly without interruption

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

corporealadjective

having material or physical form or substance

From this reading It goes without saying that corporeal admittance to this room was not to be obtained easily.

departmentnounUS /dɪˈpɑːrtmənt/

a specialized division of a large organization

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

devoteverbUS /dɪˈvoʊt/

give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause

From this reading In fact, one must belong to a certain band of individuals; and, in order to belong to that band, one must have taken a very solemn pledge of eternal secrecy and a primal oath to devote his life to certain purposes, good or evil, according to his conscience.

easilyadverbUS /ˈiːzəli/

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading It goes without saying that corporeal admittance to this room was not to be obtained easily.

enterverbUS /ˈentər/

to come or go into

From this reading By means of the friendly Sesame that has opened the way for us to the gentler secrets, we are permitted to enter this forbidding apartment and listen in safety to the ugly business of the Committee of Ten.

eternaladjectiveUS /ɪˈtɜːrnəl/

continuing forever or indefinitely

From this reading In fact, one must belong to a certain band of individuals; and, in order to belong to that band, one must have taken a very solemn pledge of eternal secrecy and a primal oath to devote his life to certain purposes, good or evil, according to his conscience.

evidentadjectiveUS /ˈevədənt/

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

evilnounUS /ˈiːvəl/

morally objectionable behavior

From this reading In fact, one must belong to a certain band of individuals; and, in order to belong to that band, one must have taken a very solemn pledge of eternal secrecy and a primal oath to devote his life to certain purposes, good or evil, according to his conscience.

factnounUS /fækt/

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading By means of the friendly Sesame that has opened the way for us to the gentler secrets, we are permitted to enter this forbidding apartment and listen in safety to the ugly business of the Committee of Ten.

forbiddingadjectiveUS /fərˈbɪdɪŋ/

harshly uninviting or formidable in manner or appearance

From this reading By means of the friendly Sesame that has opened the way for us to the gentler secrets, we are permitted to enter this forbidding apartment and listen in safety to the ugly business of the Committee of Ten.

friendlyadjectiveUS /ˈfrendli/

characteristic of or befitting a friend

From this reading By means of the friendly Sesame that has opened the way for us to the gentler secrets, we are permitted to enter this forbidding apartment and listen in safety to the ugly business of the Committee of Ten.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

gentleradjectiveUS /ˈdʒentlər/

comparative of “gentle” — soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe

From this reading By means of the friendly Sesame that has opened the way for us to the gentler secrets, we are permitted to enter this forbidding apartment and listen in safety to the ugly business of the Committee of Ten.

goesnounUS /ɡoʊz/

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

From this reading It goes without saying that corporeal admittance to this room was not to be obtained easily.

goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/

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

From this reading In fact, one must belong to a certain band of individuals; and, in order to belong to that band, one must have taken a very solemn pledge of eternal secrecy and a primal oath to devote his life to certain purposes, good or evil, according to his conscience.

governmentnounUS /ˈɡʌvərmənt/

the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

Graustark

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

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

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

From this reading THE COMMITTEE OF TEN It has been said before that Truxton King was the unsuspecting object of interest to two sets of watchers.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading In fact, one must belong to a certain band of individuals; and, in order to belong to that band, one must have taken a very solemn pledge of eternal secrecy and a primal oath to devote his life to certain purposes, good or evil, according to his conscience.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading In fact, one must belong to a certain band of individuals; and, in order to belong to that band, one must have taken a very solemn pledge of eternal secrecy and a primal oath to devote his life to certain purposes, good or evil, according to his conscience.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading In fact, one must belong to a certain band of individuals; and, in order to belong to that band, one must have taken a very solemn pledge of eternal secrecy and a primal oath to devote his life to certain purposes, good or evil, according to his conscience.

individualsnounUS /ˌɪndəˈvɪdʒəwəlz/

plural of “individual” — a human being

From this reading In fact, one must belong to a certain band of individuals; and, in order to belong to that band, one must have taken a very solemn pledge of eternal secrecy and a primal oath to devote his life to certain purposes, good or evil, according to his conscience.

interestnounUS /ˈɪntrəst/

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading THE COMMITTEE OF TEN It has been said before that Truxton King was the unsuspecting object of interest to two sets of watchers.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE COMMITTEE OF TEN It has been said before that Truxton King was the unsuspecting object of interest to two sets of watchers.

KingnounUS /kɪŋ/

a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading THE COMMITTEE OF TEN It has been said before that Truxton King was the unsuspecting object of interest to two sets of watchers.

lifenounUS /laɪf/

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading In fact, one must belong to a certain band of individuals; and, in order to belong to that band, one must have taken a very solemn pledge of eternal secrecy and a primal oath to devote his life to certain purposes, good or evil, according to his conscience.

listenverbUS /ˈlɪsən/

hear with intention

From this reading By means of the friendly Sesame that has opened the way for us to the gentler secrets, we are permitted to enter this forbidding apartment and listen in safety to the ugly business of the Committee of Ten.

meansnounUS /miːnz/

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading By means of the friendly Sesame that has opened the way for us to the gentler secrets, we are permitted to enter this forbidding apartment and listen in safety to the ugly business of the Committee of Ten.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading In fact, one must belong to a certain band of individuals; and, in order to belong to that band, one must have taken a very solemn pledge of eternal secrecy and a primal oath to devote his life to certain purposes, good or evil, according to his conscience.

mysterynounUS /ˈmɪstəri/

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

oathnounUS /oʊθ/

profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger

From this reading In fact, one must belong to a certain band of individuals; and, in order to belong to that band, one must have taken a very solemn pledge of eternal secrecy and a primal oath to devote his life to certain purposes, good or evil, according to his conscience.

objectnounUS /ˈɑːbdʒekt/

a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading THE COMMITTEE OF TEN It has been said before that Truxton King was the unsuspecting object of interest to two sets of watchers.

obtainedverbUS /əbˈteɪnd/

past form of “obtain” — come into possession of

From this reading It goes without saying that corporeal admittance to this room was not to be obtained easily.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE COMMITTEE OF TEN It has been said before that Truxton King was the unsuspecting object of interest to two sets of watchers.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading In fact, one must belong to a certain band of individuals; and, in order to belong to that band, one must have taken a very solemn pledge of eternal secrecy and a primal oath to devote his life to certain purposes, good or evil, according to his conscience.

openedadjectiveUS /ˈoʊpənd/

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading By means of the friendly Sesame that has opened the way for us to the gentler secrets, we are permitted to enter this forbidding apartment and listen in safety to the ugly business of the Committee of Ten.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading In fact, one must belong to a certain band of individuals; and, in order to belong to that band, one must have taken a very solemn pledge of eternal secrecy and a primal oath to devote his life to certain purposes, good or evil, according to his conscience.

ordernounUS /ˈɔːrdər/

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading In fact, one must belong to a certain band of individuals; and, in order to belong to that band, one must have taken a very solemn pledge of eternal secrecy and a primal oath to devote his life to certain purposes, good or evil, according to his conscience.

permittedverbUS /pərˈmɪtɪd/

inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission

From this reading By means of the friendly Sesame that has opened the way for us to the gentler secrets, we are permitted to enter this forbidding apartment and listen in safety to the ugly business of the Committee of Ten.

personsnounUS /ˈpɜːrsənz/

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

pledgeverbUS /pledʒ/

promise solemnly and formally

From this reading In fact, one must belong to a certain band of individuals; and, in order to belong to that band, one must have taken a very solemn pledge of eternal secrecy and a primal oath to devote his life to certain purposes, good or evil, according to his conscience.

policenounUS /pəˈliːs/

the force of policemen and officers

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

primaladjectiveUS /ˈpraɪməl/

serving as an essential component

From this reading In fact, one must belong to a certain band of individuals; and, in order to belong to that band, one must have taken a very solemn pledge of eternal secrecy and a primal oath to devote his life to certain purposes, good or evil, according to his conscience.

purposesnounUS /ˈpɜːrpəsəz/

plural of “purpose” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading In fact, one must belong to a certain band of individuals; and, in order to belong to that band, one must have taken a very solemn pledge of eternal secrecy and a primal oath to devote his life to certain purposes, good or evil, according to his conscience.

roomnounUS /ruːm/

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

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

safetynounUS /ˈseɪfti/

the state of being certain that adverse effects will not be caused by some agent under defined conditions

From this reading By means of the friendly Sesame that has opened the way for us to the gentler secrets, we are permitted to enter this forbidding apartment and listen in safety to the ugly business of the Committee of Ten.

saidadjectiveUS /sed/

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading THE COMMITTEE OF TEN It has been said before that Truxton King was the unsuspecting object of interest to two sets of watchers.

sayingnounUS /ˈseɪɪŋ/

a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations

From this reading It goes without saying that corporeal admittance to this room was not to be obtained easily.

scarceadverbUS /skers/

only a very short time before

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

secrecynounUS /ˈsiːkrəsi/

the trait of keeping things secret

From this reading In fact, one must belong to a certain band of individuals; and, in order to belong to that band, one must have taken a very solemn pledge of eternal secrecy and a primal oath to devote his life to certain purposes, good or evil, according to his conscience.

secretsnounUS /ˈsiːkrəts/

plural of “secret” — something that should remain hidden from others (especially information that is not to be passed on)

From this reading By means of the friendly Sesame that has opened the way for us to the gentler secrets, we are permitted to enter this forbidding apartment and listen in safety to the ugly business of the Committee of Ten.

SesamenounUS /ˈses.ə.mi/

A tropical plant whose seeds are used in food, and the famous magical password 'Open Sesame'.

From this reading By means of the friendly Sesame that has opened the way for us to the gentler secrets, we are permitted to enter this forbidding apartment and listen in safety to the ugly business of the Committee of Ten.

setsnounUS /sets/

plural of “set” — a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used

From this reading THE COMMITTEE OF TEN It has been said before that Truxton King was the unsuspecting object of interest to two sets of watchers.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

sinisteradjectiveUS /ˈsɪnɪstər/

threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

solemnadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːləm/

dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises

From this reading In fact, one must belong to a certain band of individuals; and, in order to belong to that band, one must have taken a very solemn pledge of eternal secrecy and a primal oath to devote his life to certain purposes, good or evil, according to his conscience.

suggestsverbUS /səˈdʒests/

third-person singular of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

surprisingadjectiveUS /sərˈpraɪzɪŋ/

causing surprise or wonder or amazement

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

surveillancenounUS /sərˈveɪləns/

close observation of a person or group (usually by the police)

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading In fact, one must belong to a certain band of individuals; and, in order to belong to that band, one must have taken a very solemn pledge of eternal secrecy and a primal oath to devote his life to certain purposes, good or evil, according to his conscience.

TENnounUS /ten/

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading THE COMMITTEE OF TEN It has been said before that Truxton King was the unsuspecting object of interest to two sets of watchers.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE COMMITTEE OF TEN It has been said before that Truxton King was the unsuspecting object of interest to two sets of watchers.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE COMMITTEE OF TEN It has been said before that Truxton King was the unsuspecting object of interest to two sets of watchers.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading It goes without saying that corporeal admittance to this room was not to be obtained easily.

thoroughnessnounUS /ˈθɜːroʊnəs/

conscientiousness in performing all aspects of a task

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading THE COMMITTEE OF TEN It has been said before that Truxton King was the unsuspecting object of interest to two sets of watchers.

TowernounUS /ˈtaʊər/

a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

Truxton

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

From this reading THE COMMITTEE OF TEN It has been said before that Truxton King was the unsuspecting object of interest to two sets of watchers.

twonounUS /tuː/

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

From this reading THE COMMITTEE OF TEN It has been said before that Truxton King was the unsuspecting object of interest to two sets of watchers.

uglyadjectiveUS /ˈʌɡli/

displeasing to the senses

From this reading By means of the friendly Sesame that has opened the way for us to the gentler secrets, we are permitted to enter this forbidding apartment and listen in safety to the ugly business of the Committee of Ten.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

undergroundadjectiveUS /ˈʌndərɡraʊnd/

under the level of the ground

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

unsuspectingadjectiveUS /ˌʌnsəˈspektɪŋ/

not suspicious

From this reading THE COMMITTEE OF TEN It has been said before that Truxton King was the unsuspecting object of interest to two sets of watchers.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

uspronounUS /ʌs/

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

From this reading By means of the friendly Sesame that has opened the way for us to the gentler secrets, we are permitted to enter this forbidding apartment and listen in safety to the ugly business of the Committee of Ten.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading In fact, one must belong to a certain band of individuals; and, in order to belong to that band, one must have taken a very solemn pledge of eternal secrecy and a primal oath to devote his life to certain purposes, good or evil, according to his conscience.

visitingnounUS /ˈvɪzɪtɪŋ/

the activity of making visits

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading THE COMMITTEE OF TEN It has been said before that Truxton King was the unsuspecting object of interest to two sets of watchers.

watchedverbUS /wɑːtʃt/

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

watchersnounUS /ˈwɑːtʃərz/

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

From this reading THE COMMITTEE OF TEN It has been said before that Truxton King was the unsuspecting object of interest to two sets of watchers.

waynounUS /weɪ/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading By means of the friendly Sesame that has opened the way for us to the gentler secrets, we are permitted to enter this forbidding apartment and listen in safety to the ugly business of the Committee of Ten.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading The fact that he was under the surveillance of the government police, is not surprising when we consider the evident thoroughness of that department; but that he should be continually watched by persons of a more sinister cast suggests a mystery which can be cleared up by visiting a certain underground room, scarce two blocks from the Tower of Graustark.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading It goes without saying that corporeal admittance to this room was not to be obtained easily.

Chapter 5 of Truxton King: A Story of Graustark by George Barr McCutcheon holds 229 sentences, grouped into 46 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 5 of Truxton King: A Story of Graustark contain?

Chapter 5 holds 229 sentences of Truxton King: A Story of Graustark, unabridged, divided into 46 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 5 of Truxton King: A Story of Graustark by George Barr McCutcheon exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 229 sentences, grouped into 46 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 5 of Truxton King: A Story of Graustark?

Work through the 46 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 46 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 5 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 5 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 Truxton King: A Story of Graustark

Common questions about reading Truxton King: A Story of Graustark by George Barr McCutcheon on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Truxton King: A Story of Graustark?

Yes. All 7951 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #14284 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Truxton King: A Story of Graustark is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #14284, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Truxton King: A Story of Graustark take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 1591 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Truxton King: A Story of Graustark section by section

How to work through Truxton King: A Story of Graustark section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 23 chapters of Truxton King: A Story of Graustark 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 Truxton King: A Story of Graustark

Words and structures a reader meets early in Truxton King: A Story of Graustark, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Rawboned
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Truxton King: A Story of Graustark; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Rangy
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Truxton King: A Story of Graustark; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Young
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Truxton King: A Story of Graustark; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Fellow
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Truxton King: A Story of Graustark; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.