Chapter XVII · Elusive Riches

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

From this reading IN the meantime the quartet at the store were making a night of it.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading With old Pierre Luzon peacefully asleep in the adjoining room, there were many things to speak about.

-ing form of “adjoin” — lie adjacent to another or share a boundary

From this reading With old Pierre Luzon peacefully asleep in the adjoining room, there were many things to speak about.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading Then there was the trip to San Quentin, the breaking of the joyful news to Pierre Luzon in his cell, the delivery of the paroled convict into Tom’s hands, and the clever solution of all further difficulties by hiring an automobile for the journey south.

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

From this reading Then there was the trip to San Quentin, the breaking of the joyful news to Pierre Luzon in his cell, the delivery of the paroled convict into Tom’s hands, and the clever solution of all further difficulties by hiring an automobile for the journey south.

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

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

not straightforward or candid; giving a false appearance of frankness

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

in a state of sleep

From this reading With old Pierre Luzon peacefully asleep in the adjoining room, there were many things to speak about.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading IN the meantime the quartet at the store were making a night of it.

a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine

From this reading Then there was the trip to San Quentin, the breaking of the joyful news to Pierre Luzon in his cell, the delivery of the paroled convict into Tom’s hands, and the clever solution of all further difficulties by hiring an automobile for the journey south.

someone who bakes commercially

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

possessive form of “baker” — someone who bakes commercially

From this reading The narrative was all very interesting, each listener eagerly followed every word, and at the close Tom Baker’s chest had expanded several inches.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

the act of breaking something

From this reading Then there was the trip to San Quentin, the breaking of the joyful news to Pierre Luzon in his cell, the delivery of the paroled convict into Tom’s hands, and the clever solution of all further difficulties by hiring an automobile for the journey south.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Then there was the trip to San Quentin, the breaking of the joyful news to Pierre Luzon in his cell, the delivery of the paroled convict into Tom’s hands, and the clever solution of all further difficulties by hiring an automobile for the journey south.

A small stone room in a prison where an inmate is locked behind iron bars.

From this reading Then there was the trip to San Quentin, the breaking of the joyful news to Pierre Luzon in his cell, the delivery of the paroled convict into Tom’s hands, and the clever solution of all further difficulties by hiring an automobile for the journey south.

the part of the human torso between the neck and the diaphragm or the corresponding part in other vertebrates

From this reading The narrative was all very interesting, each listener eagerly followed every word, and at the close Tom Baker’s chest had expanded several inches.

showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others

From this reading Then there was the trip to San Quentin, the breaking of the joyful news to Pierre Luzon in his cell, the delivery of the paroled convict into Tom’s hands, and the clever solution of all further difficulties by hiring an automobile for the journey south.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading The narrative was all very interesting, each listener eagerly followed every word, and at the close Tom Baker’s chest had expanded several inches.

a person serving a sentence in a jail or prison

From this reading Then there was the trip to San Quentin, the breaking of the joyful news to Pierre Luzon in his cell, the delivery of the paroled convict into Tom’s hands, and the clever solution of all further difficulties by hiring an automobile for the journey south.

plural of “delay” — time during which some action is awaited

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)

From this reading Then there was the trip to San Quentin, the breaking of the joyful news to Pierre Luzon in his cell, the delivery of the paroled convict into Tom’s hands, and the clever solution of all further difficulties by hiring an automobile for the journey south.

wanted intensely

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

an isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading Then there was the trip to San Quentin, the breaking of the joyful news to Pierre Luzon in his cell, the delivery of the paroled convict into Tom’s hands, and the clever solution of all further difficulties by hiring an automobile for the journey south.

stubbornly unyielding

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

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

From this reading The narrative was all very interesting, each listener eagerly followed every word, and at the close Tom Baker’s chest had expanded several inches.

with eagerness; in an eager manner

From this reading The narrative was all very interesting, each listener eagerly followed every word, and at the close Tom Baker’s chest had expanded several inches.

marked by complexity and richness of detail

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading The narrative was all very interesting, each listener eagerly followed every word, and at the close Tom Baker’s chest had expanded several inches.

increased in extent or size or bulk or scope

From this reading The narrative was all very interesting, each listener eagerly followed every word, and at the close Tom Baker’s chest had expanded several inches.

after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading The narrative was all very interesting, each listener eagerly followed every word, and at the close Tom Baker’s chest had expanded several inches.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Then there was the trip to San Quentin, the breaking of the joyful news to Pierre Luzon in his cell, the delivery of the paroled convict into Tom’s hands, and the clever solution of all further difficulties by hiring an automobile for the journey south.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading Then there was the trip to San Quentin, the breaking of the joyful news to Pierre Luzon in his cell, the delivery of the paroled convict into Tom’s hands, and the clever solution of all further difficulties by hiring an automobile for the journey south.

the head of a state government

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

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

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading Then there was the trip to San Quentin, the breaking of the joyful news to Pierre Luzon in his cell, the delivery of the paroled convict into Tom’s hands, and the clever solution of all further difficulties by hiring an automobile for the journey south.

-ing form of “harass” — annoy continually or chronically

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

-ing form of “hire” — engage or hire for work

From this reading Then there was the trip to San Quentin, the breaking of the joyful news to Pierre Luzon in his cell, the delivery of the paroled convict into Tom’s hands, and the clever solution of all further difficulties by hiring an automobile for the journey south.

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

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

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

From this reading IN the meantime the quartet at the store were making a night of it.

plural of “inch” — a unit of length equal to one twelfth of a foot

From this reading The narrative was all very interesting, each listener eagerly followed every word, and at the close Tom Baker’s chest had expanded several inches.

arousing or holding the attention

From this reading The narrative was all very interesting, each listener eagerly followed every word, and at the close Tom Baker’s chest had expanded several inches.

plural of “interview” — the questioning of a person (or a conversation in which information is elicited); often conducted by journalists

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Then there was the trip to San Quentin, the breaking of the joyful news to Pierre Luzon in his cell, the delivery of the paroled convict into Tom’s hands, and the clever solution of all further difficulties by hiring an automobile for the journey south.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading IN the meantime the quartet at the store were making a night of it.

undertake a journey or trip

From this reading Then there was the trip to San Quentin, the breaking of the joyful news to Pierre Luzon in his cell, the delivery of the paroled convict into Tom’s hands, and the clever solution of all further difficulties by hiring an automobile for the journey south.

full of or producing joy

From this reading Then there was the trip to San Quentin, the breaking of the joyful news to Pierre Luzon in his cell, the delivery of the paroled convict into Tom’s hands, and the clever solution of all further difficulties by hiring an automobile for the journey south.

someone who listens attentively

From this reading The narrative was all very interesting, each listener eagerly followed every word, and at the close Tom Baker’s chest had expanded several inches.

the main island of the Philippines

From this reading With old Pierre Luzon peacefully asleep in the adjoining room, there were many things to speak about.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading IN the meantime the quartet at the store were making a night of it.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading With old Pierre Luzon peacefully asleep in the adjoining room, there were many things to speak about.

the time between one event, process, or period and another

From this reading IN the meantime the quartet at the store were making a night of it.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading The narrative was all very interesting, each listener eagerly followed every word, and at the close Tom Baker’s chest had expanded several inches.

information about recent and important events

From this reading Then there was the trip to San Quentin, the breaking of the joyful news to Pierre Luzon in his cell, the delivery of the paroled convict into Tom’s hands, and the clever solution of all further difficulties by hiring an automobile for the journey south.

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

From this reading IN the meantime the quartet at the store were making a night of it.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading IN the meantime the quartet at the store were making a night of it.

plural of “official” — a worker who holds or is invested with an office

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

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

From this reading With old Pierre Luzon peacefully asleep in the adjoining room, there were many things to speak about.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

a promise

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

past form of “parole” — release a criminal from detention and place him on parole

From this reading Then there was the trip to San Quentin, the breaking of the joyful news to Pierre Luzon in his cell, the delivery of the paroled convict into Tom’s hands, and the clever solution of all further difficulties by hiring an automobile for the journey south.

in a peaceful manner

From this reading With old Pierre Luzon peacefully asleep in the adjoining room, there were many things to speak about.

capital of the state of South Dakota; located in central South Dakota on the Missouri river

From this reading With old Pierre Luzon peacefully asleep in the adjoining room, there were many things to speak about.

involving or characteristic of politics or parties or politicians

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

the act of pulling; applying force to move something toward or with you

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading IN the meantime the quartet at the store were making a night of it.

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

From this reading Then there was the trip to San Quentin, the breaking of the joyful news to Pierre Luzon in his cell, the delivery of the paroled convict into Tom’s hands, and the clever solution of all further difficulties by hiring an automobile for the journey south.

past form of “recount” — narrate or give a detailed account of

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

plural of “result” — a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading With old Pierre Luzon peacefully asleep in the adjoining room, there were many things to speak about.

a city in north central California 75 miles to the northeast of San Francisco on the Sacramento River; capital of California

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

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

From this reading Then there was the trip to San Quentin, the breaking of the joyful news to Pierre Luzon in his cell, the delivery of the paroled convict into Tom’s hands, and the clever solution of all further difficulties by hiring an automobile for the journey south.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading The narrative was all very interesting, each listener eagerly followed every word, and at the close Tom Baker’s chest had expanded several inches.

a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances; frequently (but not necessarily) a liquid solution

From this reading Then there was the trip to San Quentin, the breaking of the joyful news to Pierre Luzon in his cell, the delivery of the paroled convict into Tom’s hands, and the clever solution of all further difficulties by hiring an automobile for the journey south.

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading Then there was the trip to San Quentin, the breaking of the joyful news to Pierre Luzon in his cell, the delivery of the paroled convict into Tom’s hands, and the clever solution of all further difficulties by hiring an automobile for the journey south.

express in speech

From this reading With old Pierre Luzon peacefully asleep in the adjoining room, there were many things to speak about.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services

From this reading IN the meantime the quartet at the store were making a night of it.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

the section of an orchestra that plays stringed instruments

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

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

From this reading IN the meantime the quartet at the store were making a night of it.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then there was the trip to San Quentin, the breaking of the joyful news to Pierre Luzon in his cell, the delivery of the paroled convict into Tom’s hands, and the clever solution of all further difficulties by hiring an automobile for the journey south.

in or at that place or location

From this reading With old Pierre Luzon peacefully asleep in the adjoining room, there were many things to speak about.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading With old Pierre Luzon peacefully asleep in the adjoining room, there were many things to speak about.

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

From this reading With old Pierre Luzon peacefully asleep in the adjoining room, there were many things to speak about.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

male cat

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

possessive form of “tom” — male cat

From this reading Then there was the trip to San Quentin, the breaking of the joyful news to Pierre Luzon in his cell, the delivery of the paroled convict into Tom’s hands, and the clever solution of all further difficulties by hiring an automobile for the journey south.

a journey for some purpose (usually including the return)

From this reading Then there was the trip to San Quentin, the breaking of the joyful news to Pierre Luzon in his cell, the delivery of the paroled convict into Tom’s hands, and the clever solution of all further difficulties by hiring an automobile for the journey south.

precisely as stated

From this reading The narrative was all very interesting, each listener eagerly followed every word, and at the close Tom Baker’s chest had expanded several inches.

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

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

exhaust or get tired through overuse or great strain or stress

From this reading Tom Baker recounted in elaborate detail his story of interviews with the governor and state officials at Sacramento, the weary and harassing delays before parole was finally granted, his own dogged determination, together with the artful pulling of political strings that had finally brought about the results desired.

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

From this reading IN the meantime the quartet at the store were making a night of it.

in the company of; together with

From this reading With old Pierre Luzon peacefully asleep in the adjoining room, there were many things to speak about.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading The narrative was all very interesting, each listener eagerly followed every word, and at the close Tom Baker’s chest had expanded several inches.