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Captain John's Adventures
Captain John's Adventures

Chapter III

Cover illustration for Captain John's Adventures
Context Illustration Reading 1/11 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
JOHN MAKES SOME ACQUAINTANCES.
John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.
John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.
Directly a ragged boy came up to him with ‘Halloo! there, what are you doing with my horse?’
‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Captain John's Adventures

Chapter III

Reading 1/11 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
JOHN MAKES SOME ACQUAINTANCES.
Line 2
John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.
Line 3
John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.
Line 4
Directly a ragged boy came up to him with ‘Halloo! there, what are you doing with my horse?’
Line 5
‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.

Learner Dictionary

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

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.”

Believe noun US /ˈbelieve/

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

From this reading “‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.”

Between preposition US /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading “John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.”

Captain noun US /ˈcaptain/

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

From this reading “John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.”

Directly noun US /ˈdirectly/

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

From this reading “Directly a ragged boy came up to him with ‘Halloo! there, what are you doing with my horse?’”

Divided noun US /ˈdivided/

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

From this reading “John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.”

Fine noun US /fine/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.”

Gentleman noun US /ˈgentleman/

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

From this reading “‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.”

Hand noun US /hand/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.”

Handsome noun US /ˈhandsome/

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

From this reading “John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.”

JOHN noun US /john/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “JOHN MAKES SOME ACQUAINTANCES.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.”

Must modal verb US /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading “John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.”

Never noun US /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.”

Shouted noun US /shouted/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.”

Spirited adjective US /ˈspɪrɪtɪd/

full of energy and determination

From this reading “‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.”

Stood noun US /stood/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.”

Till preposition US /tɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading “‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.”

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 John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

ACQUAINTANCES

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

From this reading JOHN MAKES SOME ACQUAINTANCES.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

animal

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

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading Directly a ragged boy came up to him with ‘Halloo! there, what are you doing with my horse?’

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

back

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

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

believenounUS /ˈbelieve/

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

From this reading ‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.

belong

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

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

belongs

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

From this reading ‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

boats

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

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

boy

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

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

bridle

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

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

came

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

From this reading Directly a ragged boy came up to him with ‘Halloo! there, what are you doing with my horse?’

captainnounUS /ˈcaptain/

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

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

catching

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

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

caught

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

From this reading ‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.

concluded

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

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

corner

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

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading ‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.

DirectlynounUS /ˈdirectly/

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

From this reading Directly a ragged boy came up to him with ‘Halloo! there, what are you doing with my horse?’

dividednounUS /ˈdivided/

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

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

doing

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

From this reading Directly a ragged boy came up to him with ‘Halloo! there, what are you doing with my horse?’

don't

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

From this reading ‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.

down

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

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

far

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

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

faster

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

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

finenounUS /fine/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

fishing

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

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading ‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.

full

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

From this reading ‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.

galloping

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

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

gentlemannounUS /ˈgentleman/

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

From this reading ‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

Halloo

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

From this reading Directly a ragged boy came up to him with ‘Halloo! there, what are you doing with my horse?’

hand

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

From this reading ‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.

handsomenounUS /ˈhandsome/

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

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

heel

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

From this reading ‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading Directly a ragged boy came up to him with ‘Halloo! there, what are you doing with my horse?’

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

horse

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

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

house

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

From this reading ‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading ‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

indeed

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

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

JOHN

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

From this reading JOHN MAKES SOME ACQUAINTANCES.

John's

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

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

just

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

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

like

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

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

lived

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

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

made

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

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

MAKES

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

From this reading JOHN MAKES SOME ACQUAINTANCES.

moment

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

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Directly a ragged boy came up to him with ‘Halloo! there, what are you doing with my horse?’

nevernounUS /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading ‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.

off

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From this reading ‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

only

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

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

paddling

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

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

people

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

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

ponies

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

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

ragged

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From this reading Directly a ragged boy came up to him with ‘Halloo! there, what are you doing with my horse?’

reached

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From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

ready

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

From this reading ‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.

rein

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

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

rich

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

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

ridden

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

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

ride

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

From this reading ‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.

riding

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

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

run

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

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

saddle

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

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

said

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

From this reading ‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.

satin

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

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

saw

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

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

set

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

From this reading ‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.

shone

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

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

shoutednounUS /shouted/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

side

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

From this reading ‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.

skin

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

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

SOME

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From this reading JOHN MAKES SOME ACQUAINTANCES.

speed

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

From this reading ‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.

spiritedadjectiveUS /ˈspɪrɪtɪd/

full of energy and determination

From this reading ‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.

spring

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

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

steps

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

From this reading ‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.

stoodnounUS /stood/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading ‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.

stop

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

From this reading ‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.

street

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

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

there

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

From this reading Directly a ragged boy came up to him with ‘Halloo! there, what are you doing with my horse?’

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

tillprepositionUS /tɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading ‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

touching

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

From this reading ‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.

up

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

From this reading Directly a ragged boy came up to him with ‘Halloo! there, what are you doing with my horse?’

very

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

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

village

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

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

walked

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

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading John’s time, when he lived at the fishing village, had been divided between riding ponies and paddling boats; but he had never ridden so fine an animal as this,--his skin shone like satin, and his saddle and bridle were so handsome, that the little boy concluded he must belong to some very rich captain indeed.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Directly a ragged boy came up to him with ‘Halloo! there, what are you doing with my horse?’

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading John had not walked far when he saw a horse galloping down the street: the people shouted, which only made the horse run the faster; but just as he reached the corner, John made a spring, and, catching the rein, in a moment he was on his back.

whip

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

From this reading ‘I caught him,’ said John, ‘but I don’t believe he belongs to you;’ so, touching his side with his heel, the spirited horse set off at full speed, and did not stop till he reached a handsome house, on the steps of which stood a gentleman with a whip in his hand, just ready for a ride.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Directly a ragged boy came up to him with ‘Halloo! there, what are you doing with my horse?’

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Directly a ragged boy came up to him with ‘Halloo! there, what are you doing with my horse?’