70 words to know before reading The Railway Children

1. Networks of tracks for trains to transport passengers and goods.
2. Systems of transportation using locomotives and carriages on fixed rails.

To my dear son Paul Bland, behind whose knowledge of railways my ignorance confidently shelters.

1. Used to emphasize a statement or response.
2. Truly or certainly (often expressing agreement).

life in the Red Villa was over and done with, and they had to live a very different life indeed. The dreadful change came quite suddenly. Peter had a birthday—his tenth. Among his other

1. A large boat, like Noah's Ark.
2. A chest or container, often sacred.

one else could; and with a little glue and some bits of wood and a penknife made all the Noah’s Ark beasts as strong on their pins as ever they were, if not stronger. Peter, with heroic

1. A stout-bodied bird with short legs, often gray or white, commonly found in cities.
2. A domesticated bird used for racing or carrying messages.

I want to get up and have something real to eat.” “What would you like?” Mother asked. “A pigeon-pie,” said Peter, eagerly, “a large pigeon-pie. A very large one.” So Mother asked the Cook to

1. To repair or fix something broken or damaged.
2. To improve or correct a situation or relationship.

words, I’ll give up Saturday afternoon to it, and you shall all help me.” “Can girls help to mend engines?” Peter asked doubtfully. “Of course they can. Girls are just as clever as boys, and

1. Went to get and bring back something.
2. Retrieved or obtained information.

your advice.” “All right,” said Father, “fire away!” So then Peter told the sad tale, and fetched what was left of the engine. “Hum,” said Father, when he had looked the engine over very

1. Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone.
2. A feeling of pity or distress for another's suffering.

for the worst, ’m—p’raps it’s a death in the family or a bank busted or—” “That’ll do, Ruth,” said Mother gently; “you can go.” Then Mother went into the Library. There was more talking.

1. A cylinder of wax with a central wick that is lit to produce light.
2. A unit of luminous intensity.

he said. He unlocked the door and went in and set his lantern on the table. “Got e’er a candle?” said he. “I don’t know where anything is.” Mother spoke rather less cheerfully than usual. He

1. The evening meal, typically lighter than dinner.
2. A social gathering where a light evening meal is served.

a very long way off. There was the table certainly, and there were chairs, but there was no supper. “Let’s look in the other rooms,” said Mother; and they looked. And in each room was the same

1. Dishes, plates, and other tableware made from ceramic or porcelain.
2. Household items used for serving food, such as cups, bowls, and saucers.

in the middle of the room. The chairs were in one corner, and the pots, pans, brooms, and crockery in another. There was no fire, and the black grate showed cold, dead ashes. As the cart man

1. A person employed to carry luggage and other loads.
2. A dark brown beer brewed from malt.

to ask what the white mark was on the coal for. “To mark how much coal there be,” said the Porter, “so as we’ll know if anyone nicks it. So don’t you go off with none in your pockets, young

1. A disorganized pile or mass of things.
2. A large amount or quantity.

and meant to retire for good. Trucks stood on the rails here, and on one side was a great heap of coal—not a loose heap, such as you see in your coal cellar, but a sort of solid building of

1. A two-wheeled horse-drawn vehicle used in ancient times for racing or warfare.
2. A light four-wheeled carriage with a back seat.

All orders carefully attended to. Any shaped lump cut to suit regular customers.” The chariot was packed full of coal. And when it was packed it had to be unpacked again because it was so

1. Vehicles with wheels, typically horse-drawn, for transporting people.
2. The part of a train where passengers sit.

many things that they had not known before—as, for instance, that the things that hook carriages together are called couplings, and that the pipes like great serpents that hang over the

1. A familiar term for one's grandmother.
2. An elderly woman, often used affectionately.

know how fond I am of you. What should I do if you got hurt?” “Are you fonder of us than Granny was of you when you were little?” Phyllis asked. Bobbie made signs to her to stop, but Phyllis

1. The meat of a mature sheep, used as food.
2. (Informal) A term for a dull or stupid person.

to give her the things at the end of the letter, but she says she can’t aford it, and to get mutton for us and she will have the broth. We do not know anybody here but you, because Father is away

1. Informal term for mother.
2. (Anatomy) Milk-secreting gland in female mammals.

but it did not seem to mean anything. And once she woke up suddenly and called out: “Mamma, mamma!” and Bobbie knew she was calling for Granny, and that she had forgotten that it was no use

1. A wild rose (Rosa eglanteria) with fragrant pink flowers and small red hips.
2. Known for its sweet-scented foliage and prickly stems.

little fuss like that. Oh, just look at the roses! I must take them up to her.” “And the sweetbrier,” said Phyllis, sniffing it loudly; “don’t forget the sweetbrier.” “As if I should!” said

1. Inhaled air or a scent quickly through the nose.
2. Detected or discovered something, often subtly.

enough to take them for a ride on an engine—and now there she was. She dried her eyes and sniffed earnestly. “Now, then,” said the fireman, “out with it. What do you mean by it, eh?” “Oh,

1. Magnificent or impressive in appearance.
2. Excellent or very good.

any other grownup saying they were sorry they had been angry.” “Yes,” said Peter, “she is splendid; but it’s rather awful when she’s angry.” “She’s like Avenging and Bright in the song,” said

1. Gentle, kind, or affectionate in manner.
2. Offering something formally, like a bid or resignation.

“lor, love you, no, Miss. No more alike nor what you an’ me are. That little ’un without a tender as went by just now all on her own, that was a tank, that was—she’s off to do some shunting

1. A shrub or small tree with fragrant purple or white flowers.
2. A pale purple color resembling the flowers of the lilac plant.

round and round the garden among the rosebushes that hadn’t any roses yet, only buds, and the lilac bushes and syringas and American currants, and the more she thought of the doctor’s bill, the

1. Happy and cheerful in mood or appearance.
2. (British informal) Very; extremely (e.g., "jolly good").

said the Doctor, as they passed the house. “Yes,” said Bobbie, “but you’d have to be a jolly good shot.” “How do you know I’m not?” said the Doctor. “Now, then, what’s the trouble?” Bobbie

1. People who have been taken prisoner or confined against their will.
2. Animals kept in confinement, such as in zoos or aquariums.

V Prisoners and Captives It was one day when Mother had gone to Maidbridge. She had gone alone, but the children were to

1. A portable device used for rain protection, consisting of a collapsible canopy on a central rod.
2. Something that covers or includes a broad range of elements or functions.

umbrella and made a sharp face, and everyone knew she was the fox who sits under the umbrella in the advertisement. Phyllis tried to make a Magic Carpet of Mother’s waterproof, but it would

1. A spot or stain, especially of ink.
2. To dry or soak up liquid, typically with absorbent material.

Instead, the platform round the door of the station had a dark blot round it, and the dark blot was a crowd of people. “Oh!” cried Peter, with a thrill of joyous excitement, “something’s

1. Worn out or in poor condition from use or age.
2. Dressed in old or worn-out clothes.

touch of the hand she thrust into his, and the kindness of the other hand that stroked his shabby sleeve. She pulled him gently towards the inmost sanctuary of the Station Master. The other

1. Shook involuntarily, typically due to fear, cold, or excitement.
2. Vibrated slightly, often referring to objects or surfaces.

eyes, with shabby clothes of a cut Peter had not seen before—a man whose hands and lips trembled, and who spoke again as his eyes fell on Peter. “No, it’s not French,” said Peter. “Try him with

1. A small square of cloth used for wiping the nose or face.
2. A decorative piece of fabric carried as an accessory.

handkerchief was moderately clean. Standing in front of the stranger, she got out the handkerchief and passed it to him so that the others did not see. “Wait till Mother comes,” Phyllis was

1. Sweet, red, juicy fruits with tiny seeds on the surface.
2. Low-growing perennial plants of the rose family.

will you?” Perks narrowed his eyes and then raised his eyebrows. “So it was them strawberries you come down for this afternoon, eh?” said he. This was an awkward moment for Phyllis. To say

1. Fully developed and ready to be eaten or used.
2. Mature or advanced to the point of readiness.

and see if there’s any of them strawberries ripe what I told you about.” “If there are any ripe, and you do give them to me,” said Phyllis, “you won’t mind if I give them to the poor Russian,

1. A small hill or pile of earth, stones, or other material.
2. A raised area in a baseball field where the pitcher stands.

the petticoats rolled up under their arms, ran along the railway, skirting the newly fallen mound of stones and rock and earth, and bent, crushed, twisted trees. They ran at their best pace.

1. A soft, lightweight fabric, often made of wool or cotton, used for clothing like shirts and pajamas.
2. A washcloth or small towel, typically used for washing the face and body.

through the holes,” said Peter. And the holes were cut. The knife was sharp enough to cut flannel with. Two of the flags were set up in heaps of loose stones between the sleepers of the down

1. A skirt worn under a dress or outer skirt for added volume or warmth.
2. Historically, a garment worn by women beneath their dresses for modesty or fashion.

two myself,” said Peter, “because it was my idea to wave something red.” “They’re our petticoats, though,” Phyllis was beginning, but Bobbie interrupted— “Oh, what does it matter who waves

1. With sincere and serious intent or effort.
2. In a deeply heartfelt or passionate manner.

gilt buttons on it, “what did you say the name was—Fryingpansky?” “No, no,” said Bobbie earnestly. “I’ll write it down for you. It doesn’t really look at all like that except when you say it.

1. Neat and well-organized in appearance.
2. To clean or arrange something neatly.

They had all washed their hands and faces, and brushed their hair, and were looking as tidy as they knew how. But Phyllis, always unlucky, had upset a jug of lemonade down the front of her

1. A lightweight, plain-woven cotton fabric.
2. Often used for clothing, curtains, or as a base for embroidery.

put the boiled soap in the hot water and make it all frothy-lathery—and then you shake the muslin and squeeze it, ever so gently, and all the dirt comes out. It’s only clumsy things like

1. Very; extremely (e.g., "awfully nice").
2. In a terrible or dreadful manner (e.g., "behaved awfully").

“I don’t know; it’s different,” said Peter. “It seems so odd to see all of a train. It’s awfully tall, isn’t it?” “We’ve always seen them cut in half by platforms,” said Phyllis. “I wonder if

1. Vertical structures for venting smoke or gases from fireplaces or furnaces.
2. Narrow openings in rock formations resembling man-made chimneys.

to the old life that had once been theirs. Straight down the hill in front of Three Chimneys the daily passage of their six feet began to mark a path across the crisp, short turf. They began

1. Flowering plants of the genus Rosa, known for their fragrant blooms and thorny stems.
2. Symbol of love, beauty, or passion in various cultures.

not asked for; among others peaches and port wine and two chickens, a cardboard box of big red roses with long stalks, and a tall thin green bottle of lavender water, and three smaller fatter

1. Pulling a vehicle or boat behind another using a rope, chain, or hitch.
2. The service of moving disabled or illegally parked vehicles.

so fierce that he did not stop to say anything about his having just as much right on the towing-path as the man himself. Indeed, he did not even think of saying it till some time later. Then

1. A large flat-bottomed boat used for transporting goods on rivers and canals.
2. To move forcefully or clumsily, often in a disruptive manner.

Then another day when the children thought they would like to fish in the canal, a boy in a barge threw lumps of coal at them, and one of these hit Phyllis on the back of the neck. She was just

1. A person who works on or operates a barge, typically as a crew member or laborer.
2. (Informal) A term for someone who lives or travels on a barge.

to the palings and to crowbars driven into the ground. “What you staring at?” growled the Bargee, crossly. “We weren’t staring,” said Bobbie; “we wouldn’t be so rude.” “Rude be blessed,” said

1. A person who operates or works on a barge, typically transporting goods on rivers or canals.
2. A crew member or captain of a barge.

came Bobbie. She burst open the swing door—crying breathlessly:— “Bill! I want Bill the Bargeman.” There was a stupefied silence. Pots of beer were held in midair, paralysed on their way to

1. The reflexive form of "we," referring to the speaker and others.
2. Used for emphasis to indicate "we" and no one else.

“Mother said we weren’t to ask people for things,” said Bobbie, doubtfully. “For ourselves, she meant, silly, not for other people. I’ll ask the old gentleman too. You see if I don’t,”

1. A tool with a broad blade and handle, used for digging or moving loose material.
2. To lift or move material with a shovel.

took the little engine and looked at it—and the fireman ceased for an instant to shovel coal, and looked, too. “It’s like your precious cheek,” said the engine-driver—“whatever made

1. A small four-wheeled carriage for a baby, pushed by a person on foot.
2. (British) Short for perambulator; another term for a baby stroller.

today.” “Good old girl!” said Mr. Perks, and there was a sound of a kiss. “But what’s that pram doing here? And what’s all these bundles? And where did you get the sweetstuff, and—” The

1. A baby carriage or stroller, used for pushing infants.
2. A device for measuring distances by walking, like a surveyor's wheel.

with me,” he said, “and bring the Roman Chariot.” The Roman Chariot was a very old perambulator that had spent years of retirement in the loft over the coach-house. The children had oiled its

1. People living near or next to each other in a community.
2. Adjacent or nearby things, places, or regions.

described as withering glances of gloomy despair. “So you’ve been round telling the neighbours we can’t make both ends meet? Well, now you’ve disgraced us as deep as you can in the

1. Engaging in an angry argument or disagreement.
2. Fighting or disputing verbally with someone.

her face. “You can help me very much,” said Mother, “by being good and happy and not quarrelling when I’m away”—Roberta and Peter exchanged guilty glances—“for I shall have to be away a good

1. A former British gold coin worth 21 shillings (now obsolete).
2. A term for 21 shillings in pre-decimal British currency.

said Bobbie. “It’s me,” said the voice of Phyllis; “tea’s ready, and a boy’s brought Peter a guinea-pig. Come along down.” And Bobbie had to.

1. Shrubs that produce roses, often cultivated for their flowers.
2. Plants of the genus Rosa, known for thorny stems and fragrant blooms.

bridges, and all. So when Bobbie came back from her last thorny journey with the dead rosebushes, he had got the rake and was using it busily. “I was using the rake,” said Bobbie. “Well, I’m

1. A garden tool with a toothed bar for gathering leaves or smoothing soil.
2. To gather or smooth with a rake.

always being disagreeable about nothing,” said Peter, after some heated argument. “I had the rake first,” said Bobbie, flushed and defiant, holding on to its handle. “Don’t—I tell you I said

1. An angry argument or disagreement.
2. A short, heavy arrow used with a crossbow.

of toothache. “What’s the matter?” said Phyllis. Bobbie wanted to say: “Don’t let’s quarrel. Mother hates it so,” but though she tried hard, she couldn’t. Peter was looking too disagreeable

1. A package or bundle of items wrapped for transport or delivery.
2. A portion or piece of land, often part of a larger property.

heavy, and when she had to wait at the level-crossing while a train went by, she rested the parcel on the top of the gate. And idly she looked at the printing on the paper that the parcel was

1. A breed of dog used for hunting, known for its keen sense of smell or speed.
2. To pursue relentlessly or harass persistently.

XI The Hound in the Red Jersey Bobbie knew the secret now. A sheet of old newspaper wrapped round a

1. A printed publication containing news, articles, and advertisements, usually issued daily or weekly.
2. The organization responsible for producing and distributing such a publication.

And out of a first-class carriage a hand waved back. A quite clean hand. It held a newspaper. It was the old gentleman’s hand. After this it became the custom for waves to be exchanged

1. A fast-running, long-eared mammal resembling a large rabbit.
2. (Informal) To move swiftly.

out of their reckoning and had to creep along the face of the hill—there was no sign of the hare or the hounds. “They’ve gone long ago, of course,” said Phyllis, as they leaned on the brick

1. A skilled worker who supervises and directs other workers.
2. The leader of a jury who speaks for the group.

say. Ain’t you never been young yourself, Mr. Bates?” “I ought to report him,” said the foreman. “Why spoil sport’s what I always say.” “Passengers are forbidden to cross the line on any

1. Dogs, especially those used for hunting.
2. To pursue relentlessly or harass.

“There, now,” said Peter, “what did I tell you? Now for the hounds!” Very soon came the hounds—by ones and twos and threes and sixes and sevens—and they also were going slowly and seemed

1. Lacking strength or clarity; barely perceptible.
2. A sudden loss of consciousness.

when she stopped crying, they were able to laugh at her for being such a coward as to faint. When the station was reached, the three were the heroes of an agitated meeting on the platform.

1. A close-fitting, typically knitted garment covering the foot and lower leg.
2. The act of filling or supplying goods in a store or warehouse.

his leg was dreadfully swollen, and it did not seem to be the proper shape. So she cut the stocking down, very slowly and carefully. It was a brown, knitted stocking, and she wondered who had

1. A former British currency unit, equal to 1/20 of a pound or 12 pence.
2. The basic monetary unit of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Somalia.

cheeks. Phyllis hesitated. Then she took the hand, still held out stupidly, that the shillings had been in. “I forgive you,” she said, “even if Peter doesn’t. You’re not in your proper senses,

1. A man or boy; informal term for a male friend.
2. The jaw or cheek of a person or animal.

“bury the hatchet in the fathoms of the past. Shake hands on it. I say, Bobbie, old chap, I am tired.” He was tired for many days after that, and the settle seemed hard and uncomfortable

1. Peace (Latin origin, often used in phrases like "Pax Romana").
2. A passenger or traveler (informal usage in transportation).

soft—” “Not if I pull your hair you won’t,” said Phyllis, springing at him. “He said ‘Pax,’ ” said Bobbie, pulling her away. “Don’t you see,” she whispered as Peter picked up the basket

1. Feeling fear or scared.
2. Afraid or alarmed by something.

“What fun!” said Mother, in the dark, feeling for the matches on the table. “How frightened the poor mice were—I don’t believe they were rats at all.” She struck a match and relighted the

1. Correspondence of sound between words, especially at the end of lines in poetry.
2. A short poem or verse with such sound repetition.

with some interest, for one day she gave Jim a sheet of paper on which she had written a rhyme about Parr, bringing in Paley and Wigsby by name in a most wonderful way, as well as all the

1. A fine-grained rock used for roofing and writing surfaces.
2. A list of candidates for election or appointment.

were very muddy. A lump of wet clay lay between them on the wall, they had each a slip of slate in a very dirty hand, and behind Peter, out of the reach of accidents, were several strange

1. A young salmon or trout in its second stage of development, after the fry stage and before becoming a smolt.
2. A term used in heraldry to describe a fish, often a salmon, depicted in a specific position.

sit with him and hear tales about his school life and the other boys. There was one boy, named Parr, of whom Jim seemed to have formed the lowest possible opinion, and another boy named Wigsby

1. Small squares of fabric used for wiping the nose or face.
2. Decorative cloth accessories carried in pockets or purses.

the train passed the fence where the three children were, newspapers and hands and handkerchiefs were waved madly, till all that side of the train was fluttery with white like the pictures of