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Afloat
Afloat

Chapter XIV

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Context Illustration Reading 1/24 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
BOUND TO SUCCEED No wonder the young scout-master was surprised and thrilled by what he saw as he crouched there amidst the bushes, and stared over their tops.
Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.
Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.
What startled the boys most of all was the fact that they knew several of those who went to make up that strange company.
First, there was Johnny Spreen, the bound boy at the Trotter farm, and who had given them so many points concerning the swamp he knew so well.
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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 XIV

Reading 1/24 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
BOUND TO SUCCEED No wonder the young scout-master was surprised and thrilled by what he saw as he crouched there amidst the bushes, and stared over their tops.
Line 2
Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.
Line 3
Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.
Line 4
What startled the boys most of all was the fact that they knew several of those who went to make up that strange company.
Line 5
First, there was Johnny Spreen, the bound boy at the Trotter farm, and who had given them so many points concerning the swamp he knew so well.

Learner Dictionary

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

Amidst preposition US /əˈmɪdst/

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading “BOUND TO SUCCEED No wonder the young scout-master was surprised and thrilled by what he saw as he crouched there amidst the bushes, and stared over their tops.”

Among preposition US /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading “Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.”

Another noun US /ˈanother/

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

From this reading “Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.”

Directly noun US /ˈdirectly/

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

From this reading “Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.”

Even noun US /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.”

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “First, there was Johnny Spreen, the bound boy at the Trotter farm, and who had given them so many points concerning the swamp he knew so well.”

Looked noun US /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.”

Make noun US /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “What startled the boys most of all was the fact that they knew several of those who went to make up that strange company.”

Might modal verb US /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.”

Over preposition US /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading “BOUND TO SUCCEED No wonder the young scout-master was surprised and thrilled by what he saw as he crouched there amidst the bushes, and stared over their tops.”

Second noun US /second/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.”

Seemed noun US /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.”

Several noun US /ˈseveral/

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

From this reading “What startled the boys most of all was the fact that they knew several of those who went to make up that strange company.”

Still noun US /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.”

Surprised noun US /surprised/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “BOUND TO SUCCEED No wonder the young scout-master was surprised and thrilled by what he saw as he crouched there amidst the bushes, and stared over their tops.”

Third noun US /third/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.”

Those determiner US /ðoʊz/

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

From this reading “What startled the boys most of all was the fact that they knew several of those who went to make up that strange company.”

Though conjunction US /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.”

Through noun US /ˈthrough/

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

From this reading “Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.”

Until preposition US /ənˈtɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading “Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.”

Violent noun US /ˈviolent/

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

From this reading “Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.”

Well noun US /well/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.”

Went noun US /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “What startled the boys most of all was the fact that they knew several of those who went to make up that strange company.”

All words in this reading · 111

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 Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.

all

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

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

amidstprepositionUS /əˈmɪdst/

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading BOUND TO SUCCEED No wonder the young scout-master was surprised and thrilled by what he saw as he crouched there amidst the bushes, and stared over their tops.

amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading BOUND TO SUCCEED No wonder the young scout-master was surprised and thrilled by what he saw as he crouched there amidst the bushes, and stared over their tops.

anothernounUS /ˈanother/

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

From this reading Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.

appeared

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

From this reading Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading BOUND TO SUCCEED No wonder the young scout-master was surprised and thrilled by what he saw as he crouched there amidst the bushes, and stared over their tops.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.

away

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

From this reading Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.

BOUND

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

From this reading BOUND TO SUCCEED No wonder the young scout-master was surprised and thrilled by what he saw as he crouched there amidst the bushes, and stared over their tops.

boy

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

From this reading First, there was Johnny Spreen, the bound boy at the Trotter farm, and who had given them so many points concerning the swamp he knew so well.

boys

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

From this reading What startled the boys most of all was the fact that they knew several of those who went to make up that strange company.

brush

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

From this reading Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.

bunch

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

From this reading Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.

burst

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

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

bushes

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

From this reading BOUND TO SUCCEED No wonder the young scout-master was surprised and thrilled by what he saw as he crouched there amidst the bushes, and stared over their tops.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading BOUND TO SUCCEED No wonder the young scout-master was surprised and thrilled by what he saw as he crouched there amidst the bushes, and stared over their tops.

chums

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

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

commotion

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

From this reading Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.

company

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

From this reading What startled the boys most of all was the fact that they knew several of those who went to make up that strange company.

concerning

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

From this reading First, there was Johnny Spreen, the bound boy at the Trotter farm, and who had given them so many points concerning the swamp he knew so well.

crouched

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

From this reading BOUND TO SUCCEED No wonder the young scout-master was surprised and thrilled by what he saw as he crouched there amidst the bushes, and stared over their tops.

directlynounUS /ˈdirectly/

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

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

Elmer

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

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

EvennounUS /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

fact

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

From this reading What startled the boys most of all was the fact that they knew several of those who went to make up that strange company.

farm

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

From this reading First, there was Johnny Spreen, the bound boy at the Trotter farm, and who had given them so many points concerning the swamp he knew so well.

figure

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

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

FirstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading First, there was Johnny Spreen, the bound boy at the Trotter farm, and who had given them so many points concerning the swamp he knew so well.

followed

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

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

forcing

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

From this reading Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.

fugitives

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

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

given

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

From this reading First, there was Johnny Spreen, the bound boy at the Trotter farm, and who had given them so many points concerning the swamp he knew so well.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading First, there was Johnny Spreen, the bound boy at the Trotter farm, and who had given them so many points concerning the swamp he knew so well.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading BOUND TO SUCCEED No wonder the young scout-master was surprised and thrilled by what he saw as he crouched there amidst the bushes, and stared over their tops.

heading

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

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

hide-out

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

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

Johnny

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

From this reading First, there was Johnny Spreen, the bound boy at the Trotter farm, and who had given them so many points concerning the swamp he knew so well.

knew

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

From this reading What startled the boys most of all was the fact that they knew several of those who went to make up that strange company.

late

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

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

lookednounUS /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

makenounUS /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading What startled the boys most of all was the fact that they knew several of those who went to make up that strange company.

many

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

From this reading First, there was Johnny Spreen, the bound boy at the Trotter farm, and who had given them so many points concerning the swamp he knew so well.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.

more

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

From this reading Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.

most

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

From this reading Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.

NodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading BOUND TO SUCCEED No wonder the young scout-master was surprised and thrilled by what he saw as he crouched there amidst the bushes, and stared over their tops.

NotadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.

number

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

From this reading Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.

obstruction

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

From this reading Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.

out

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

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading BOUND TO SUCCEED No wonder the young scout-master was surprised and thrilled by what he saw as he crouched there amidst the bushes, and stared over their tops.

parties

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

From this reading Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.

points

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

From this reading First, there was Johnny Spreen, the bound boy at the Trotter farm, and who had given them so many points concerning the swamp he knew so well.

procession

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

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

queer

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

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

quickly

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

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

saw

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

From this reading BOUND TO SUCCEED No wonder the young scout-master was surprised and thrilled by what he saw as he crouched there amidst the bushes, and stared over their tops.

scout-master

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

From this reading BOUND TO SUCCEED No wonder the young scout-master was surprised and thrilled by what he saw as he crouched there amidst the bushes, and stared over their tops.

second

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

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

seemednounUS /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

seventy

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

From this reading Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.

several

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

From this reading What startled the boys most of all was the fact that they knew several of those who went to make up that strange company.

six

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

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

sixty

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

From this reading Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading First, there was Johnny Spreen, the bound boy at the Trotter farm, and who had given them so many points concerning the swamp he knew so well.

Spreen

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

From this reading First, there was Johnny Spreen, the bound boy at the Trotter farm, and who had given them so many points concerning the swamp he knew so well.

stared

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

From this reading BOUND TO SUCCEED No wonder the young scout-master was surprised and thrilled by what he saw as he crouched there amidst the bushes, and stared over their tops.

startled

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

From this reading What startled the boys most of all was the fact that they knew several of those who went to make up that strange company.

stillnounUS /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

strange

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

From this reading What startled the boys most of all was the fact that they knew several of those who went to make up that strange company.

SUCCEED

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

From this reading BOUND TO SUCCEED No wonder the young scout-master was surprised and thrilled by what he saw as he crouched there amidst the bushes, and stared over their tops.

surprisednounUS /surprised/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading BOUND TO SUCCEED No wonder the young scout-master was surprised and thrilled by what he saw as he crouched there amidst the bushes, and stared over their tops.

swamp

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

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading BOUND TO SUCCEED No wonder the young scout-master was surprised and thrilled by what he saw as he crouched there amidst the bushes, and stared over their tops.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading BOUND TO SUCCEED No wonder the young scout-master was surprised and thrilled by what he saw as he crouched there amidst the bushes, and stared over their tops.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading First, there was Johnny Spreen, the bound boy at the Trotter farm, and who had given them so many points concerning the swamp he knew so well.

then

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

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

there

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

From this reading BOUND TO SUCCEED No wonder the young scout-master was surprised and thrilled by what he saw as he crouched there amidst the bushes, and stared over their tops.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading What startled the boys most of all was the fact that they knew several of those who went to make up that strange company.

thirdnounUS /third/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

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

From this reading What startled the boys most of all was the fact that they knew several of those who went to make up that strange company.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.

thrilled

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

From this reading BOUND TO SUCCEED No wonder the young scout-master was surprised and thrilled by what he saw as he crouched there amidst the bushes, and stared over their tops.

throughnounUS /ˈthrough/

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

From this reading Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.

TOparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading BOUND TO SUCCEED No wonder the young scout-master was surprised and thrilled by what he saw as he crouched there amidst the bushes, and stared over their tops.

tops

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

From this reading BOUND TO SUCCEED No wonder the young scout-master was surprised and thrilled by what he saw as he crouched there amidst the bushes, and stared over their tops.

Trotter

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

From this reading First, there was Johnny Spreen, the bound boy at the Trotter farm, and who had given them so many points concerning the swamp he knew so well.

unseen

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

From this reading Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.

untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

up

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

From this reading What startled the boys most of all was the fact that they knew several of those who went to make up that strange company.

violentnounUS /ˈviolent/

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

From this reading Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading BOUND TO SUCCEED No wonder the young scout-master was surprised and thrilled by what he saw as he crouched there amidst the bushes, and stared over their tops.

way

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

From this reading Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.

well

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

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

wentnounUS /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading What startled the boys most of all was the fact that they knew several of those who went to make up that strange company.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Even as Elmer, and his chums as well, looked, a figure burst out, quickly followed by a second, a third, and then still more, until in all there were six in the queer procession that seemed to be heading directly for the late hide-out of the swamp fugitives.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading BOUND TO SUCCEED No wonder the young scout-master was surprised and thrilled by what he saw as he crouched there amidst the bushes, and stared over their tops.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading What startled the boys most of all was the fact that they knew several of those who went to make up that strange company.

wonder

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

From this reading BOUND TO SUCCEED No wonder the young scout-master was surprised and thrilled by what he saw as he crouched there amidst the bushes, and stared over their tops.

yards

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

From this reading Not more than sixty or seventy yards away at the most there appeared to be a violent commotion among another bunch of brush, as though a number of unseen parties might be forcing their way through the obstruction.

young

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

From this reading BOUND TO SUCCEED No wonder the young scout-master was surprised and thrilled by what he saw as he crouched there amidst the bushes, and stared over their tops.