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The Shuttle

Chapter XII

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Context Illustration Reading 1/66 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.
That which the Hall or Manor House believed last night, known only to the four walls of its drawing-room, is discussed over the cottage breakfast tables as though presented in detail through the columns of the Morning Post.
The vicarage, the smithy, the post office, the little provision shop, are instantaneously informed as by magic of such incidents of interest as occur, and are prepared to assist vicariously at any future developments.
Through what agency information is given no one can tell, and, indeed, the agency is of small moment.
Facts of interest are perhaps like flights of swallows and dart chattering from one red roof to another, proclaiming themselves aloud.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Shuttle

Chapter XII

Reading 1/66 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.
Line 2
That which the Hall or Manor House believed last night, known only to the four walls of its drawing-room, is discussed over the cottage breakfast tables as though presented in detail through the columns of the Morning Post.
Line 3
The vicarage, the smithy, the post office, the little provision shop, are instantaneously informed as by magic of such incidents of interest as occur, and are prepared to assist vicariously at any future developments.
Line 4
Through what agency information is given no one can tell, and, indeed, the agency is of small moment.
Line 5
Facts of interest are perhaps like flights of swallows and dart chattering from one red roof to another, proclaiming themselves aloud.

Learner Dictionary

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

Among preposition US /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading “THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.”

Another noun US /ˈanother/

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

From this reading “Facts of interest are perhaps like flights of swallows and dart chattering from one red roof to another, proclaiming themselves aloud.”

Between preposition US /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading “THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.”

FIRST noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.”

Last noun US /last/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “That which the Hall or Manor House believed last night, known only to the four walls of its drawing-room, is discussed over the cottage breakfast tables as though presented in detail through the columns of the Morning Post.”

Least noun US /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The vicarage, the smithy, the post office, the little provision shop, are instantaneously informed as by magic of such incidents of interest as occur, and are prepared to assist vicariously at any future developments.”

Morning noun US /morning/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “That which the Hall or Manor House believed last night, known only to the four walls of its drawing-room, is discussed over the cottage breakfast tables as though presented in detail through the columns of the Morning Post.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “Through what agency information is given no one can tell, and, indeed, the agency is of small moment.”

Over preposition US /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading “That which the Hall or Manor House believed last night, known only to the four walls of its drawing-room, is discussed over the cottage breakfast tables as though presented in detail through the columns of the Morning Post.”

Perhaps noun US /perhaps/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Facts of interest are perhaps like flights of swallows and dart chattering from one red roof to another, proclaiming themselves aloud.”

Rapidity noun US /rəˈpɪdəti/

great speed

From this reading “THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.”

Tell noun US /tell/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Through what agency information is given no one can tell, and, indeed, the agency is of small moment.”

Themselves pronoun US /ðemˈselvz/

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading “Facts of interest are perhaps like flights of swallows and dart chattering from one red roof to another, proclaiming themselves aloud.”

Though conjunction US /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “That which the Hall or Manor House believed last night, known only to the four walls of its drawing-room, is discussed over the cottage breakfast tables as though presented in detail through the columns of the Morning Post.”

Through noun US /ˈthrough/

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

From this reading “THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.”

All words in this reading · 132

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 THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

agency

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

From this reading Through what agency information is given no one can tell, and, indeed, the agency is of small moment.

aloud

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

From this reading Facts of interest are perhaps like flights of swallows and dart chattering from one red roof to another, proclaiming themselves aloud.

amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

anothernounUS /ˈanother/

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

From this reading Facts of interest are perhaps like flights of swallows and dart chattering from one red roof to another, proclaiming themselves aloud.

any

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

apparently

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading The vicarage, the smithy, the post office, the little provision shop, are instantaneously informed as by magic of such incidents of interest as occur, and are prepared to assist vicariously at any future developments.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

assist

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

From this reading The vicarage, the smithy, the post office, the little provision shop, are instantaneously informed as by magic of such incidents of interest as occur, and are prepared to assist vicariously at any future developments.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The vicarage, the smithy, the post office, the little provision shop, are instantaneously informed as by magic of such incidents of interest as occur, and are prepared to assist vicariously at any future developments.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

believed

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

From this reading That which the Hall or Manor House believed last night, known only to the four walls of its drawing-room, is discussed over the cottage breakfast tables as though presented in detail through the columns of the Morning Post.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

breakfast

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

From this reading That which the Hall or Manor House believed last night, known only to the four walls of its drawing-room, is discussed over the cottage breakfast tables as though presented in detail through the columns of the Morning Post.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

canmodal verbUS /kæn/

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Through what agency information is given no one can tell, and, indeed, the agency is of small moment.

chattering

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

From this reading Facts of interest are perhaps like flights of swallows and dart chattering from one red roof to another, proclaiming themselves aloud.

columns

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

From this reading That which the Hall or Manor House believed last night, known only to the four walls of its drawing-room, is discussed over the cottage breakfast tables as though presented in detail through the columns of the Morning Post.

communication

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

communicative

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

cottage

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

From this reading That which the Hall or Manor House believed last night, known only to the four walls of its drawing-room, is discussed over the cottage breakfast tables as though presented in detail through the columns of the Morning Post.

dart

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

From this reading Facts of interest are perhaps like flights of swallows and dart chattering from one red roof to another, proclaiming themselves aloud.

darts

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

detail

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

From this reading That which the Hall or Manor House believed last night, known only to the four walls of its drawing-room, is discussed over the cottage breakfast tables as though presented in detail through the columns of the Morning Post.

developments

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

From this reading The vicarage, the smithy, the post office, the little provision shop, are instantaneously informed as by magic of such incidents of interest as occur, and are prepared to assist vicariously at any future developments.

difficult

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

discussed

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

From this reading That which the Hall or Manor House believed last night, known only to the four walls of its drawing-room, is discussed over the cottage breakfast tables as though presented in detail through the columns of the Morning Post.

drawing-room

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

From this reading That which the Hall or Manor House believed last night, known only to the four walls of its drawing-room, is discussed over the cottage breakfast tables as though presented in detail through the columns of the Morning Post.

drowsily

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

English

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

event

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

explainable

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

Facts

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

From this reading Facts of interest are perhaps like flights of swallows and dart chattering from one red roof to another, proclaiming themselves aloud.

far

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

FIRSTnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

flies

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

flights

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

From this reading Facts of interest are perhaps like flights of swallows and dart chattering from one red roof to another, proclaiming themselves aloud.

four

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

From this reading That which the Hall or Manor House believed last night, known only to the four walls of its drawing-room, is discussed over the cottage breakfast tables as though presented in detail through the columns of the Morning Post.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Facts of interest are perhaps like flights of swallows and dart chattering from one red roof to another, proclaiming themselves aloud.

future

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

From this reading The vicarage, the smithy, the post office, the little provision shop, are instantaneously informed as by magic of such incidents of interest as occur, and are prepared to assist vicariously at any future developments.

given

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

From this reading Through what agency information is given no one can tell, and, indeed, the agency is of small moment.

go

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

Hall

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

From this reading That which the Hall or Manor House believed last night, known only to the four walls of its drawing-room, is discussed over the cottage breakfast tables as though presented in detail through the columns of the Morning Post.

House

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

From this reading That which the Hall or Manor House believed last night, known only to the four walls of its drawing-room, is discussed over the cottage breakfast tables as though presented in detail through the columns of the Morning Post.

humanly

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading That which the Hall or Manor House believed last night, known only to the four walls of its drawing-room, is discussed over the cottage breakfast tables as though presented in detail through the columns of the Morning Post.

incidents

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

From this reading The vicarage, the smithy, the post office, the little provision shop, are instantaneously informed as by magic of such incidents of interest as occur, and are prepared to assist vicariously at any future developments.

indeed

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

From this reading Through what agency information is given no one can tell, and, indeed, the agency is of small moment.

India

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

information

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

From this reading Through what agency information is given no one can tell, and, indeed, the agency is of small moment.

informed

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

From this reading The vicarage, the smithy, the post office, the little provision shop, are instantaneously informed as by magic of such incidents of interest as occur, and are prepared to assist vicariously at any future developments.

instantaneously

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

From this reading The vicarage, the smithy, the post office, the little provision shop, are instantaneously informed as by magic of such incidents of interest as occur, and are prepared to assist vicariously at any future developments.

interest

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

From this reading The vicarage, the smithy, the post office, the little provision shop, are instantaneously informed as by magic of such incidents of interest as occur, and are prepared to assist vicariously at any future developments.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

knowledge

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

known

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

From this reading That which the Hall or Manor House believed last night, known only to the four walls of its drawing-room, is discussed over the cottage breakfast tables as though presented in detail through the columns of the Morning Post.

lastnounUS /last/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading That which the Hall or Manor House believed last night, known only to the four walls of its drawing-room, is discussed over the cottage breakfast tables as though presented in detail through the columns of the Morning Post.

leastnounUS /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

lightning

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

like

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

From this reading Facts of interest are perhaps like flights of swallows and dart chattering from one red roof to another, proclaiming themselves aloud.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The vicarage, the smithy, the post office, the little provision shop, are instantaneously informed as by magic of such incidents of interest as occur, and are prepared to assist vicariously at any future developments.

local

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From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

magic

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

From this reading The vicarage, the smithy, the post office, the little provision shop, are instantaneously informed as by magic of such incidents of interest as occur, and are prepared to assist vicariously at any future developments.

MAN

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

Manor

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

From this reading That which the Hall or Manor House believed last night, known only to the four walls of its drawing-room, is discussed over the cottage breakfast tables as though presented in detail through the columns of the Morning Post.

means

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

methods

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

moment

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

From this reading Through what agency information is given no one can tell, and, indeed, the agency is of small moment.

more

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

MorningnounUS /morning/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading That which the Hall or Manor House believed last night, known only to the four walls of its drawing-room, is discussed over the cottage breakfast tables as though presented in detail through the columns of the Morning Post.

mystery

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

natives

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

new

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

news

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

night

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

From this reading That which the Hall or Manor House believed last night, known only to the four walls of its drawing-room, is discussed over the cottage breakfast tables as though presented in detail through the columns of the Morning Post.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

occult

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

occur

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

From this reading The vicarage, the smithy, the post office, the little provision shop, are instantaneously informed as by magic of such incidents of interest as occur, and are prepared to assist vicariously at any future developments.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

office

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

From this reading The vicarage, the smithy, the post office, the little provision shop, are instantaneously informed as by magic of such incidents of interest as occur, and are prepared to assist vicariously at any future developments.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Through what agency information is given no one can tell, and, indeed, the agency is of small moment.

only

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

From this reading That which the Hall or Manor House believed last night, known only to the four walls of its drawing-room, is discussed over the cottage breakfast tables as though presented in detail through the columns of the Morning Post.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading That which the Hall or Manor House believed last night, known only to the four walls of its drawing-room, is discussed over the cottage breakfast tables as though presented in detail through the columns of the Morning Post.

outward

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading That which the Hall or Manor House believed last night, known only to the four walls of its drawing-room, is discussed over the cottage breakfast tables as though presented in detail through the columns of the Morning Post.

pastures

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

perhaps

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

From this reading Facts of interest are perhaps like flights of swallows and dart chattering from one red roof to another, proclaiming themselves aloud.

Post

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

From this reading That which the Hall or Manor House believed last night, known only to the four walls of its drawing-room, is discussed over the cottage breakfast tables as though presented in detail through the columns of the Morning Post.

prepared

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

From this reading The vicarage, the smithy, the post office, the little provision shop, are instantaneously informed as by magic of such incidents of interest as occur, and are prepared to assist vicariously at any future developments.

presented

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

From this reading That which the Hall or Manor House believed last night, known only to the four walls of its drawing-room, is discussed over the cottage breakfast tables as though presented in detail through the columns of the Morning Post.

problem

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

proclaiming

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

From this reading Facts of interest are perhaps like flights of swallows and dart chattering from one red roof to another, proclaiming themselves aloud.

provision

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

From this reading The vicarage, the smithy, the post office, the little provision shop, are instantaneously informed as by magic of such incidents of interest as occur, and are prepared to assist vicariously at any future developments.

rapiditynounUS /rəˈpɪdəti/

great speed

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

red

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

From this reading Facts of interest are perhaps like flights of swallows and dart chattering from one red roof to another, proclaiming themselves aloud.

roof

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

From this reading Facts of interest are perhaps like flights of swallows and dart chattering from one red roof to another, proclaiming themselves aloud.

said

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

shop

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

From this reading The vicarage, the smithy, the post office, the little provision shop, are instantaneously informed as by magic of such incidents of interest as occur, and are prepared to assist vicariously at any future developments.

signs

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

slowest

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

slumbering

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

small

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

From this reading Through what agency information is given no one can tell, and, indeed, the agency is of small moment.

smithy

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

From this reading The vicarage, the smithy, the post office, the little provision shop, are instantaneously informed as by magic of such incidents of interest as occur, and are prepared to assist vicariously at any future developments.

solve

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

strange

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

subtle

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The vicarage, the smithy, the post office, the little provision shop, are instantaneously informed as by magic of such incidents of interest as occur, and are prepared to assist vicariously at any future developments.

swallows

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

From this reading Facts of interest are perhaps like flights of swallows and dart chattering from one red roof to another, proclaiming themselves aloud.

tables

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

From this reading That which the Hall or Manor House believed last night, known only to the four walls of its drawing-room, is discussed over the cottage breakfast tables as though presented in detail through the columns of the Morning Post.

tellnounUS /tell/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Through what agency information is given no one can tell, and, indeed, the agency is of small moment.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Facts of interest are perhaps like flights of swallows and dart chattering from one red roof to another, proclaiming themselves aloud.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading That which the Hall or Manor House believed last night, known only to the four walls of its drawing-room, is discussed over the cottage breakfast tables as though presented in detail through the columns of the Morning Post.

throughnounUS /ˈthrough/

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

too

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

transpiring

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

trees

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

vicarage

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

From this reading The vicarage, the smithy, the post office, the little provision shop, are instantaneously informed as by magic of such incidents of interest as occur, and are prepared to assist vicariously at any future developments.

vicariously

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

From this reading The vicarage, the smithy, the post office, the little provision shop, are instantaneously informed as by magic of such incidents of interest as occur, and are prepared to assist vicariously at any future developments.

village

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

walls

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

From this reading That which the Hall or Manor House believed last night, known only to the four walls of its drawing-room, is discussed over the cottage breakfast tables as though presented in detail through the columns of the Morning Post.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Through what agency information is given no one can tell, and, indeed, the agency is of small moment.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

whompronounUS /huːm/

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE FIRST MAN The mystery of the apparently occult methods of communication among the natives of India, between whom, it is said, news flies by means too strange and subtle to be humanly explainable, is no more difficult a problem to solve than that of the lightning rapidity with which a knowledge of the transpiring of any new local event darts through the slowest, and, as far as outward signs go, the least communicative English village slumbering drowsily among its pastures and trees.