Chapter XI · Wayfaring

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading When in after-days Cyril looked back to the events of that night, they seemed to him like the course of a bad dream.

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

From this reading When in after-days Cyril looked back to the events of that night, they seemed to him like the course of a bad dream.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading But when some ten English miles had been covered without interruption, it became necessary to leave the road for an old and almost disused cart-track, leading through rough and hilly country.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

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

From this reading But when some ten English miles had been covered without interruption, it became necessary to leave the road for an old and almost disused cart-track, leading through rough and hilly country.

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

From this reading The first part of the journey was easy enough, for the road was good, and he occupied the driving-seat with Paschics, exchanging a word with him occasionally, and keeping him supplied with cigars, for the Queen had entreated them to smoke.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading When in after-days Cyril looked back to the events of that night, they seemed to him like the course of a bad dream.

having undesirable or negative qualities

From this reading When in after-days Cyril looked back to the events of that night, they seemed to him like the course of a bad dream.

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

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading But when some ten English miles had been covered without interruption, it became necessary to leave the road for an old and almost disused cart-track, leading through rough and hilly country.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading But when some ten English miles had been covered without interruption, it became necessary to leave the road for an old and almost disused cart-track, leading through rough and hilly country.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But when some ten English miles had been covered without interruption, it became necessary to leave the road for an old and almost disused cart-track, leading through rough and hilly country.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

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

From this reading But when some ten English miles had been covered without interruption, it became necessary to leave the road for an old and almost disused cart-track, leading through rough and hilly country.

plural of “cigar” — a roll of tobacco for smoking

From this reading The first part of the journey was easy enough, for the road was good, and he occupied the driving-seat with Paschics, exchanging a word with him occasionally, and keeping him supplied with cigars, for the Queen had entreated them to smoke.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading But when some ten English miles had been covered without interruption, it became necessary to leave the road for an old and almost disused cart-track, leading through rough and hilly country.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading When in after-days Cyril looked back to the events of that night, they seemed to him like the course of a bad dream.

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading But when some ten English miles had been covered without interruption, it became necessary to leave the road for an old and almost disused cart-track, leading through rough and hilly country.

Greek missionary; the invention of the Cyrillic alphabet is attributed to him (826-869)

From this reading When in after-days Cyril looked back to the events of that night, they seemed to him like the course of a bad dream.

no longer in use

From this reading But when some ten English miles had been covered without interruption, it became necessary to leave the road for an old and almost disused cart-track, leading through rough and hilly country.

A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.

From this reading When in after-days Cyril looked back to the events of that night, they seemed to him like the course of a bad dream.

having the power of driving or impelling

From this reading There was no more easy driving now.

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

From this reading The first part of the journey was easy enough, for the road was good, and he occupied the driving-seat with Paschics, exchanging a word with him occasionally, and keeping him supplied with cigars, for the Queen had entreated them to smoke.

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading The first part of the journey was easy enough, for the road was good, and he occupied the driving-seat with Paschics, exchanging a word with him occasionally, and keeping him supplied with cigars, for the Queen had entreated them to smoke.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading But when some ten English miles had been covered without interruption, it became necessary to leave the road for an old and almost disused cart-track, leading through rough and hilly country.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading The first part of the journey was easy enough, for the road was good, and he occupied the driving-seat with Paschics, exchanging a word with him occasionally, and keeping him supplied with cigars, for the Queen had entreated them to smoke.

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

From this reading The first part of the journey was easy enough, for the road was good, and he occupied the driving-seat with Paschics, exchanging a word with him occasionally, and keeping him supplied with cigars, for the Queen had entreated them to smoke.

plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading When in after-days Cyril looked back to the events of that night, they seemed to him like the course of a bad dream.

-ing form of “exchange” — give to, and receive from, one another

From this reading The first part of the journey was easy enough, for the road was good, and he occupied the driving-seat with Paschics, exchanging a word with him occasionally, and keeping him supplied with cigars, for the Queen had entreated them to smoke.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading The first part of the journey was easy enough, for the road was good, and he occupied the driving-seat with Paschics, exchanging a word with him occasionally, and keeping him supplied with cigars, for the Queen had entreated them to smoke.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The first part of the journey was easy enough, for the road was good, and he occupied the driving-seat with Paschics, exchanging a word with him occasionally, and keeping him supplied with cigars, for the Queen had entreated them to smoke.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

plural of “fugitive” — someone who flees from an uncongenial situation

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading The first part of the journey was easy enough, for the road was good, and he occupied the driving-seat with Paschics, exchanging a word with him occasionally, and keeping him supplied with cigars, for the Queen had entreated them to smoke.

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

From this reading The first part of the journey was easy enough, for the road was good, and he occupied the driving-seat with Paschics, exchanging a word with him occasionally, and keeping him supplied with cigars, for the Queen had entreated them to smoke.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

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

From this reading The first part of the journey was easy enough, for the road was good, and he occupied the driving-seat with Paschics, exchanging a word with him occasionally, and keeping him supplied with cigars, for the Queen had entreated them to smoke.

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

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

having hills and crags

From this reading But when some ten English miles had been covered without interruption, it became necessary to leave the road for an old and almost disused cart-track, leading through rough and hilly country.

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

From this reading When in after-days Cyril looked back to the events of that night, they seemed to him like the course of a bad dream.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

requiring attention or action

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

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

From this reading When in after-days Cyril looked back to the events of that night, they seemed to him like the course of a bad dream.

(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

an act of delaying or interrupting the continuity

From this reading But when some ten English miles had been covered without interruption, it became necessary to leave the road for an old and almost disused cart-track, leading through rough and hilly country.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading But when some ten English miles had been covered without interruption, it became necessary to leave the road for an old and almost disused cart-track, leading through rough and hilly country.

undertake a journey or trip

From this reading The first part of the journey was easy enough, for the road was good, and he occupied the driving-seat with Paschics, exchanging a word with him occasionally, and keeping him supplied with cigars, for the Queen had entreated them to smoke.

conformity or harmony

From this reading The first part of the journey was easy enough, for the road was good, and he occupied the driving-seat with Paschics, exchanging a word with him occasionally, and keeping him supplied with cigars, for the Queen had entreated them to smoke.

indicating the most important performer or role

From this reading But when some ten English miles had been covered without interruption, it became necessary to leave the road for an old and almost disused cart-track, leading through rough and hilly country.

go away from a place

From this reading But when some ten English miles had been covered without interruption, it became necessary to leave the road for an old and almost disused cart-track, leading through rough and hilly country.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading When in after-days Cyril looked back to the events of that night, they seemed to him like the course of a bad dream.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading When in after-days Cyril looked back to the events of that night, they seemed to him like the course of a bad dream.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading But when some ten English miles had been covered without interruption, it became necessary to leave the road for an old and almost disused cart-track, leading through rough and hilly country.

not caught with the senses or the mind

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading There was no more easy driving now.

absolutely essential

From this reading But when some ten English miles had been covered without interruption, it became necessary to leave the road for an old and almost disused cart-track, leading through rough and hilly country.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading When in after-days Cyril looked back to the events of that night, they seemed to him like the course of a bad dream.

not any; not one

From this reading There was no more easy driving now.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading There was no more easy driving now.

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading The first part of the journey was easy enough, for the road was good, and he occupied the driving-seat with Paschics, exchanging a word with him occasionally, and keeping him supplied with cigars, for the Queen had entreated them to smoke.

held or filled or in use

From this reading The first part of the journey was easy enough, for the road was good, and he occupied the driving-seat with Paschics, exchanging a word with him occasionally, and keeping him supplied with cigars, for the Queen had entreated them to smoke.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading When in after-days Cyril looked back to the events of that night, they seemed to him like the course of a bad dream.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading But when some ten English miles had been covered without interruption, it became necessary to leave the road for an old and almost disused cart-track, leading through rough and hilly country.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading The first part of the journey was easy enough, for the road was good, and he occupied the driving-seat with Paschics, exchanging a word with him occasionally, and keeping him supplied with cigars, for the Queen had entreated them to smoke.

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

From this reading The first part of the journey was easy enough, for the road was good, and he occupied the driving-seat with Paschics, exchanging a word with him occasionally, and keeping him supplied with cigars, for the Queen had entreated them to smoke.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

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

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

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

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

the only fertile female in a colony of social insects such as bees and ants and termites; its function is to lay eggs

From this reading The first part of the journey was easy enough, for the road was good, and he occupied the driving-seat with Paschics, exchanging a word with him occasionally, and keeping him supplied with cigars, for the Queen had entreated them to smoke.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading The first part of the journey was easy enough, for the road was good, and he occupied the driving-seat with Paschics, exchanging a word with him occasionally, and keeping him supplied with cigars, for the Queen had entreated them to smoke.

having or caused by an irregular surface

From this reading But when some ten English miles had been covered without interruption, it became necessary to leave the road for an old and almost disused cart-track, leading through rough and hilly country.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading When in after-days Cyril looked back to the events of that night, they seemed to him like the course of a bad dream.

comparative of “short” — primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

and nothing more

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

move stealthily

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas

From this reading The first part of the journey was easy enough, for the road was good, and he occupied the driving-seat with Paschics, exchanging a word with him occasionally, and keeping him supplied with cigars, for the Queen had entreated them to smoke.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading But when some ten English miles had been covered without interruption, it became necessary to leave the road for an old and almost disused cart-track, leading through rough and hilly country.

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

inflected form of “supply” — give something useful or necessary to

From this reading The first part of the journey was easy enough, for the road was good, and he occupied the driving-seat with Paschics, exchanging a word with him occasionally, and keeping him supplied with cigars, for the Queen had entreated them to smoke.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading But when some ten English miles had been covered without interruption, it became necessary to leave the road for an old and almost disused cart-track, leading through rough and hilly country.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading When in after-days Cyril looked back to the events of that night, they seemed to him like the course of a bad dream.

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

From this reading When in after-days Cyril looked back to the events of that night, they seemed to him like the course of a bad dream.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The first part of the journey was easy enough, for the road was good, and he occupied the driving-seat with Paschics, exchanging a word with him occasionally, and keeping him supplied with cigars, for the Queen had entreated them to smoke.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was no more easy driving now.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading When in after-days Cyril looked back to the events of that night, they seemed to him like the course of a bad dream.

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

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading But when some ten English miles had been covered without interruption, it became necessary to leave the road for an old and almost disused cart-track, leading through rough and hilly country.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

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

From this reading When in after-days Cyril looked back to the events of that night, they seemed to him like the course of a bad dream.

past form of “trace” — follow, discover, or ascertain the course of development of something

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

make an effort or attempt

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

except if; if not

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

not noticed

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

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

From this reading The first part of the journey was easy enough, for the road was good, and he occupied the driving-seat with Paschics, exchanging a word with him occasionally, and keeping him supplied with cigars, for the Queen had entreated them to smoke.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

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

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

at the time that

From this reading When in after-days Cyril looked back to the events of that night, they seemed to him like the course of a bad dream.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

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

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The first part of the journey was easy enough, for the road was good, and he occupied the driving-seat with Paschics, exchanging a word with him occasionally, and keeping him supplied with cigars, for the Queen had entreated them to smoke.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading But when some ten English miles had been covered without interruption, it became necessary to leave the road for an old and almost disused cart-track, leading through rough and hilly country.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading The first part of the journey was easy enough, for the road was good, and he occupied the driving-seat with Paschics, exchanging a word with him occasionally, and keeping him supplied with cigars, for the Queen had entreated them to smoke.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading By this means the first three posting-stations on the road would be missed altogether, a step which was imperative unless the fugitives were simply to be traced from point to point along their way; but time was so precious that Cyril would have been inclined to try whether it was impossible to slip past them unnoticed, if it had not been that the hill-track, though rough, was far shorter than the post-road.