Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
Jack Manly
Jack Manly

Chapter V

Cover illustration for Jack Manly
Context Illustration Reading 1/9 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE CHASE.
Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.
"Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"
This order was executed with alacrity.
We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Jack Manly

Chapter V

Reading 1/9 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE CHASE.
Line 2
Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.
Line 3
"Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"
Line 4
This order was executed with alacrity.
Line 5
We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

Learner Dictionary

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

Alone noun US /alone/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.”

Among preposition US /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading “Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.”

Between preposition US /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading “We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading “We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.”

Every determiner US /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading “We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.”

Everything pronoun US /ˈevriθɪŋ/

all things; all of a situation

From this reading “"Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"”

Good noun US /good/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.”

Gunwale noun US /ˈɡʌnəl/

the upper edge of a boat’s side

From this reading “Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “"Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"”

Know noun US /know/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.”

Let auxiliary verb US /let/

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading “"Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.”

Musket noun US /ˈmusket/

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

From this reading “Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.”

Order noun US /order/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “This order was executed with alacrity.”

Right noun US /right/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.”

Through noun US /ˈthrough/

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

From this reading “We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.”

Told noun US /told/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.”

Whether conjunction US /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading “Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.”

Without preposition US /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading “Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.”

All words in this reading · 99

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 Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

air

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

alacrity

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

From this reading This order was executed with alacrity.

alonenounUS /alone/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

amauxiliary verbUS /æm/

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

away

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

balls

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

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

blazed

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

bows

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

certain

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

CHASE

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

From this reading THE CHASE.

confused

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

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

crowd

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

Cuffy

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

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

discharge

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

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

distance

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

effect

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

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

everythingpronounUS /ˈevriθɪŋ/

all things; all of a situation

From this reading "Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"

executed

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

From this reading This order was executed with alacrity.

fell

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

fire

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

firearms

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

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

fired

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

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

fly

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

From this reading "Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"

followed

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

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

four

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

goodnounUS /good/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

gunwalenounUS /ˈɡʌnəl/

the upper edge of a boat’s side

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

harmlessly

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

Hartly

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

From this reading "Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading "Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

knocked

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

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

knownounUS /know/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

lads

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

From this reading "Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"

lead

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

letauxiliary verbUS /let/

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading "Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

long-barrelled

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

musketnounUS /ˈmusket/

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

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

Now

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

From this reading "Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

ordernounUS /order/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading This order was executed with alacrity.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

pattered

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

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

pursuer

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

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

rascals

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

reply

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

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

rifle

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

rifles

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

From this reading "Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"

rigging

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

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

rightnounUS /right/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

said

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

From this reading "Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"

schooner's

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

sea

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

sealing-guns

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

From this reading "Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"

sent

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

shots

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

slugs

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

Snowball

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

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

spars

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

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

splinters

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

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

ten

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE CHASE.

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading This order was executed with alacrity.

throughnounUS /ˈthrough/

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

toldnounUS /told/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

twelve

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

uspronounUS /ʌs/

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

valiantly

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading This order was executed with alacrity.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

whirring

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

wide-muzzled

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"