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Burgo's Romance
Burgo's Romance

Chapter XI

Cover illustration for Burgo's Romance
Context Illustration Reading 1/26 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
A CLUE.
Burgo crossed to the door and stood listening with bated breath and one ear pressed against it, but the silence indoors remained unbroken.
After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.
Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.
Burgo had counted them many a time when a boy, just as he had slidden many a time down the broad, polished oaken balusters.
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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.

Burgo's Romance

Chapter XI

Reading 1/26 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
A CLUE.
Line 2
Burgo crossed to the door and stood listening with bated breath and one ear pressed against it, but the silence indoors remained unbroken.
Line 3
After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.
Line 4
Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.
Line 5
Burgo had counted them many a time when a boy, just as he had slidden many a time down the broad, polished oaken balusters.

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 “After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.”

Again noun US /again/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.”

Against preposition US /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading “Burgo crossed to the door and stood listening with bated breath and one ear pressed against it, but the silence indoors remained unbroken.”

Being auxiliary verb US /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading “Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.”

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.”

Nothing pronoun US /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading “After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “Burgo crossed to the door and stood listening with bated breath and one ear pressed against it, but the silence indoors remained unbroken.”

Remained noun US /ˈremained/

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

From this reading “Burgo crossed to the door and stood listening with bated breath and one ear pressed against it, but the silence indoors remained unbroken.”

Seemed noun US /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.”

Short adjective US /ʃɔrt/

brief or direct in expression

From this reading “After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.”

Silence noun US /ˈsaɪ.ləns/

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading “Burgo crossed to the door and stood listening with bated breath and one ear pressed against it, but the silence indoors remained unbroken.”

Still noun US /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.”

Stood noun US /stood/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Burgo crossed to the door and stood listening with bated breath and one ear pressed against it, but the silence indoors remained unbroken.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Burgo had counted them many a time when a boy, just as he had slidden many a time down the broad, polished oaken balusters.”

Waiting noun US /ˈwaiting/

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

From this reading “After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.”

Went noun US /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.”

All words in this reading · 105

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 A CLUE.

advanced

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.

againnounUS /again/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Burgo crossed to the door and stood listening with bated breath and one ear pressed against it, but the silence indoors remained unbroken.

all

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Burgo crossed to the door and stood listening with bated breath and one ear pressed against it, but the silence indoors remained unbroken.

approach

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.

back

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

From this reading After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.

balusters

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

From this reading Burgo had counted them many a time when a boy, just as he had slidden many a time down the broad, polished oaken balusters.

banging

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

bated

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

From this reading Burgo crossed to the door and stood listening with bated breath and one ear pressed against it, but the silence indoors remained unbroken.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

boy

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

From this reading Burgo had counted them many a time when a boy, just as he had slidden many a time down the broad, polished oaken balusters.

breath

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

From this reading Burgo crossed to the door and stood listening with bated breath and one ear pressed against it, but the silence indoors remained unbroken.

broad

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

From this reading Burgo had counted them many a time when a boy, just as he had slidden many a time down the broad, polished oaken balusters.

Burgo

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

From this reading Burgo crossed to the door and stood listening with bated breath and one ear pressed against it, but the silence indoors remained unbroken.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Burgo crossed to the door and stood listening with bated breath and one ear pressed against it, but the silence indoors remained unbroken.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

came

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

CLUE

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

From this reading A CLUE.

counted

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

From this reading Burgo had counted them many a time when a boy, just as he had slidden many a time down the broad, polished oaken balusters.

crossed

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

From this reading Burgo crossed to the door and stood listening with bated breath and one ear pressed against it, but the silence indoors remained unbroken.

distinct

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

door

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

From this reading Burgo crossed to the door and stood listening with bated breath and one ear pressed against it, but the silence indoors remained unbroken.

down

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

From this reading Burgo had counted them many a time when a boy, just as he had slidden many a time down the broad, polished oaken balusters.

eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

ear

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

From this reading Burgo crossed to the door and stood listening with bated breath and one ear pressed against it, but the silence indoors remained unbroken.

faint

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

flagged

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

followed

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.

full

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

From this reading After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.

gave

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

From this reading After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.

gradually

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Burgo had counted them many a time when a boy, just as he had slidden many a time down the broad, polished oaken balusters.

hall

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.

hearing

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.

hour

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

From this reading After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.

house

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

indoors

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

From this reading Burgo crossed to the door and stood listening with bated breath and one ear pressed against it, but the silence indoors remained unbroken.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Burgo crossed to the door and stood listening with bated breath and one ear pressed against it, but the silence indoors remained unbroken.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

just

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

From this reading Burgo had counted them many a time when a boy, just as he had slidden many a time down the broad, polished oaken balusters.

listened

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

listening

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

From this reading Burgo crossed to the door and stood listening with bated breath and one ear pressed against it, but the silence indoors remained unbroken.

longer

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

From this reading After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.

lower

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

many

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

From this reading Burgo had counted them many a time when a boy, just as he had slidden many a time down the broad, polished oaken balusters.

marked

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

minutes

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

From this reading After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.

more

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

From this reading After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.

nearer

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.

oaken

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Burgo crossed to the door and stood listening with bated breath and one ear pressed against it, but the silence indoors remained unbroken.

parts

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

peculiar

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

polished

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

From this reading Burgo had counted them many a time when a boy, just as he had slidden many a time down the broad, polished oaken balusters.

presently

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

pressed

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

From this reading Burgo crossed to the door and stood listening with bated breath and one ear pressed against it, but the silence indoors remained unbroken.

quarter

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

From this reading After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.

quitted

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

remainednounUS /ˈremained/

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

From this reading Burgo crossed to the door and stood listening with bated breath and one ear pressed against it, but the silence indoors remained unbroken.

rewarded

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

rope

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

From this reading After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.

seemednounUS /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.

shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔrt/

brief or direct in expression

From this reading After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.

silencenounUS /ˈsaɪ.ləns/

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading Burgo crossed to the door and stood listening with bated breath and one ear pressed against it, but the silence indoors remained unbroken.

slidden

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

From this reading Burgo had counted them many a time when a boy, just as he had slidden many a time down the broad, polished oaken balusters.

slowly

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

somewhere

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

sound

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

stair

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

staircase

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

stillnounUS /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.

stoodnounUS /stood/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Burgo crossed to the door and stood listening with bated breath and one ear pressed against it, but the silence indoors remained unbroken.

tap

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Burgo crossed to the door and stood listening with bated breath and one ear pressed against it, but the silence indoors remained unbroken.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Burgo had counted them many a time when a boy, just as he had slidden many a time down the broad, polished oaken balusters.

Then

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

thumping

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Burgo had counted them many a time when a boy, just as he had slidden many a time down the broad, polished oaken balusters.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Burgo crossed to the door and stood listening with bated breath and one ear pressed against it, but the silence indoors remained unbroken.

tug

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

From this reading After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.

twenty-six

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

two

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

From this reading After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.

unbroken

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

From this reading Burgo crossed to the door and stood listening with bated breath and one ear pressed against it, but the silence indoors remained unbroken.

up

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

vigorous

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

From this reading After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.

waiting

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

From this reading After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Then he listened again, and presently he was rewarded by hearing the banging of a door somewhere in the lower parts of the house, followed by a peculiar thumping sound, faint at first, but which gradually came nearer as it quitted the flagged hall and advanced slowly up the oaken staircase, its approach being marked by a distinct tap on each stair, twenty-six in all.

wentnounUS /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading Burgo had counted them many a time when a boy, just as he had slidden many a time down the broad, polished oaken balusters.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading After waiting for full two minutes, but which seemed to him nothing short of a quarter of an hour, he went back and gave a longer and a still more vigorous tug at the rope.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Burgo crossed to the door and stood listening with bated breath and one ear pressed against it, but the silence indoors remained unbroken.