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Afloat

Chapter XIII

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Context Illustration Reading 1/22 · 5 lines
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HEN CONDIT'S STRANGE MESSAGE "Is it from Hen?" asked two or three at once, that being the all important fact stamped upon their minds.
At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.
As all the boys knew, Hen Condit was one of the poorest writers in the Hickory Ridge High School.
It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.
"It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."
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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.

Afloat

Chapter XIII

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

Line 1
HEN CONDIT'S STRANGE MESSAGE "Is it from Hen?" asked two or three at once, that being the all important fact stamped upon their minds.
Line 2
At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.
Line 3
As all the boys knew, Hen Condit was one of the poorest writers in the Hickory Ridge High School.
Line 4
It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.
Line 5
"It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

Learner Dictionary

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

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “"It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."”

Anything pronoun US /ˈeniθɪŋ/

any thing at all

From this reading “At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.”

Asked noun US /asked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “HEN CONDIT'S STRANGE MESSAGE "Is it from Hen?" asked two or three at once, that being the all important fact stamped upon their minds.”

Being auxiliary verb US /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading “HEN CONDIT'S STRANGE MESSAGE "Is it from Hen?" asked two or three at once, that being the all important fact stamped upon their minds.”

Brought noun US /ˈbrought/

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

From this reading “It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.”

Forward noun US /forward/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.”

Himself pronoun US /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading “"It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."”

Looked noun US /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.”

Make noun US /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."”

May modal verb US /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading “It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.”

Must modal verb US /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading “At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.”

Once noun US /once/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “HEN CONDIT'S STRANGE MESSAGE "Is it from Hen?" asked two or three at once, that being the all important fact stamped upon their minds.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “As all the boys knew, Hen Condit was one of the poorest writers in the Hickory Ridge High School.”

Same noun US /same/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.”

Since preposition US /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading “It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.”

Sometimes noun US /sometimes/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."”

Tell noun US /tell/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “HEN CONDIT'S STRANGE MESSAGE "Is it from Hen?" asked two or three at once, that being the all important fact stamped upon their minds.”

Well noun US /well/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.”

Without preposition US /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading “"It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.”

All words in this reading · 118

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.

able

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

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

all

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

From this reading HEN CONDIT'S STRANGE MESSAGE "Is it from Hen?" asked two or three at once, that being the all important fact stamped upon their minds.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.

any

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

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/

any thing at all

From this reading At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.

ask

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

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

askednounUS /asked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading HEN CONDIT'S STRANGE MESSAGE "Is it from Hen?" asked two or three at once, that being the all important fact stamped upon their minds.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading HEN CONDIT'S STRANGE MESSAGE "Is it from Hen?" asked two or three at once, that being the all important fact stamped upon their minds.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading HEN CONDIT'S STRANGE MESSAGE "Is it from Hen?" asked two or three at once, that being the all important fact stamped upon their minds.

boy

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

From this reading It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.

boyish

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

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

boys

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

From this reading As all the boys knew, Hen Condit was one of the poorest writers in the Hickory Ridge High School.

broughtnounUS /ˈbrought/

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

From this reading It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.

came

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

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

cold

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

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

Condit

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

From this reading As all the boys knew, Hen Condit was one of the poorest writers in the Hickory Ridge High School.

CONDIT'S

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

From this reading HEN CONDIT'S STRANGE MESSAGE "Is it from Hen?" asked two or three at once, that being the all important fact stamped upon their minds.

couldn't

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

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

deciphered

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

From this reading At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.

declared

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

From this reading It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.

down

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

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

efforts

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

From this reading It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.

Elmer

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

From this reading At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.

else

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

From this reading At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.

fact

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

From this reading HEN CONDIT'S STRANGE MESSAGE "Is it from Hen?" asked two or three at once, that being the all important fact stamped upon their minds.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

forwardnounUS /forward/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading HEN CONDIT'S STRANGE MESSAGE "Is it from Hen?" asked two or three at once, that being the all important fact stamped upon their minds.

frowning

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

From this reading At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.

gift

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

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

got

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

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.

he'd

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

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

HEN

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

From this reading HEN CONDIT'S STRANGE MESSAGE "Is it from Hen?" asked two or three at once, that being the all important fact stamped upon their minds.

hen-tracks

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

From this reading It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.

Hickory

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

From this reading As all the boys knew, Hen Condit was one of the poorest writers in the Hickory Ridge High School.

High

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

From this reading As all the boys knew, Hen Condit was one of the poorest writers in the Hickory Ridge High School.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.

I'm

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

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

important

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

From this reading HEN CONDIT'S STRANGE MESSAGE "Is it from Hen?" asked two or three at once, that being the all important fact stamped upon their minds.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading As all the boys knew, Hen Condit was one of the poorest writers in the Hickory Ridge High School.

Isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading HEN CONDIT'S STRANGE MESSAGE "Is it from Hen?" asked two or three at once, that being the all important fact stamped upon their minds.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading HEN CONDIT'S STRANGE MESSAGE "Is it from Hen?" asked two or three at once, that being the all important fact stamped upon their minds.

It's

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

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

just

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

From this reading At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.

knew

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

From this reading As all the boys knew, Hen Condit was one of the poorest writers in the Hickory Ridge High School.

like

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

From this reading It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.

lookednounUS /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.

lucky

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

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

makenounUS /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.

mepronounUS /miː/

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

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

meaning

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

From this reading At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.

MESSAGE

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

From this reading HEN CONDIT'S STRANGE MESSAGE "Is it from Hen?" asked two or three at once, that being the all important fact stamped upon their minds.

minds

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

From this reading HEN CONDIT'S STRANGE MESSAGE "Is it from Hen?" asked two or three at once, that being the all important fact stamped upon their minds.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.

named

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

From this reading It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.

note

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

From this reading It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.

old

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

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.

once

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

From this reading HEN CONDIT'S STRANGE MESSAGE "Is it from Hen?" asked two or three at once, that being the all important fact stamped upon their minds.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading As all the boys knew, Hen Condit was one of the poorest writers in the Hickory Ridge High School.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading HEN CONDIT'S STRANGE MESSAGE "Is it from Hen?" asked two or three at once, that being the all important fact stamped upon their minds.

other

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

From this reading It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.

out

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

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

paper

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

From this reading It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.

poorest

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

From this reading As all the boys knew, Hen Condit was one of the poorest writers in the Hickory Ridge High School.

pride

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

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

read

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

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

realized

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

From this reading At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.

remarked

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

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

remembered

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

From this reading It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.

Ridge

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From this reading As all the boys knew, Hen Condit was one of the poorest writers in the Hickory Ridge High School.

samenounUS /same/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.

School

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

From this reading As all the boys knew, Hen Condit was one of the poorest writers in the Hickory Ridge High School.

scrawl

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From this reading At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.

set

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

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.

smiling

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

From this reading At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.

some

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

From this reading It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.

sometimes

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

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

sort

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

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

speaking

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

From this reading It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.

stamped

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From this reading HEN CONDIT'S STRANGE MESSAGE "Is it from Hen?" asked two or three at once, that being the all important fact stamped upon their minds.

stating

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

From this reading It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.

STRANGE

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

From this reading HEN CONDIT'S STRANGE MESSAGE "Is it from Hen?" asked two or three at once, that being the all important fact stamped upon their minds.

teacher

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

From this reading It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.

tellnounUS /tell/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading HEN CONDIT'S STRANGE MESSAGE "Is it from Hen?" asked two or three at once, that being the all important fact stamped upon their minds.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading HEN CONDIT'S STRANGE MESSAGE "Is it from Hen?" asked two or three at once, that being the all important fact stamped upon their minds.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading HEN CONDIT'S STRANGE MESSAGE "Is it from Hen?" asked two or three at once, that being the all important fact stamped upon their minds.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading It may be remembered that in speaking of his other note some of them brought this fact forward, stating that a teacher had once declared the boy well named, since his efforts looked like "hen-tracks" on paper.

three

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

From this reading HEN CONDIT'S STRANGE MESSAGE "Is it from Hen?" asked two or three at once, that being the all important fact stamped upon their minds.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

touch

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

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

two

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

From this reading HEN CONDIT'S STRANGE MESSAGE "Is it from Hen?" asked two or three at once, that being the all important fact stamped upon their minds.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading HEN CONDIT'S STRANGE MESSAGE "Is it from Hen?" asked two or three at once, that being the all important fact stamped upon their minds.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading As all the boys knew, Hen Condit was one of the poorest writers in the Hickory Ridge High School.

well

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

From this reading At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading At the same time they realized just as well as anything it must be so, else Elmer would not be smiling and frowning as he deciphered the meaning of the scrawl.

writers

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

From this reading As all the boys knew, Hen Condit was one of the poorest writers in the Hickory Ridge High School.

writing

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

From this reading "It's lucky that I'm able to read any sort of old writing," remarked Elmer, not without a touch of boyish pride; "it's a gift with me, and Hen sometimes came to ask me to tell him what he'd set down, for after it got cold he couldn't well make it out himself."