Chapter XXIII · “Happy peace and goodly government.”

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

From this reading “Shut that door!” thundered the baron from over the washbowl in a Pullman car, as he stood half-dressed in a small apartment, taking his morning bath.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “I reckon you want your nose set back about an inch anyhow, and I’m the man that can perform that little blacksmithin’ job right here.”

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

From this reading “Who are you addressin’?” answered a pale-faced young man—who was passing—from under a broad, stiff-brimmed hat, the crown of which was encircled with the skin of a huge rattlesnake.

(used of arms and legs) bent outward with the joint away from the body

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

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

From this reading “I reckon you want your nose set back about an inch anyhow, and I’m the man that can perform that little blacksmithin’ job right here.”

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

From this reading “I reckon you want your nose set back about an inch anyhow, and I’m the man that can perform that little blacksmithin’ job right here.”

past form of “answer” — react verbally

From this reading “Who are you addressin’?” answered a pale-faced young man—who was passing—from under a broad, stiff-brimmed hat, the crown of which was encircled with the skin of a huge rattlesnake.

used to indicate that a statement explains or supports a previous statement

From this reading “I reckon you want your nose set back about an inch anyhow, and I’m the man that can perform that little blacksmithin’ job right here.”

a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house

From this reading “Shut that door!” thundered the baron from over the washbowl in a Pullman car, as he stood half-dressed in a small apartment, taking his morning bath.

in an apologetic manner

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

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

From this reading “Who are you addressin’?” answered a pale-faced young man—who was passing—from under a broad, stiff-brimmed hat, the crown of which was encircled with the skin of a huge rattlesnake.

a state in southwestern United States; site of the Grand Canyon

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

weapons considered collectively

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

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

From this reading “Shut that door!” thundered the baron from over the washbowl in a Pullman car, as he stood half-dressed in a small apartment, taking his morning bath.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading “I reckon you want your nose set back about an inch anyhow, and I’m the man that can perform that little blacksmithin’ job right here.”

a nobleman (in various countries) of varying rank

From this reading “Shut that door!” thundered the baron from over the washbowl in a Pullman car, as he stood half-dressed in a small apartment, taking his morning bath.

a vessel containing liquid in which something is immersed (as to process it or to maintain it at a constant temperature or to lubricate it)

From this reading “Shut that door!” thundered the baron from over the washbowl in a Pullman car, as he stood half-dressed in a small apartment, taking his morning bath.

call upon in supplication; entreat

From this reading “Beg pardon.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

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

From this reading “I reckon you want your nose set back about an inch anyhow, and I’m the man that can perform that little blacksmithin’ job right here.”

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

plural of “boot” — footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

United States pioneer and hero of the Texas revolt against Mexico; he shared command of the garrison that resisted the Mexican attack on the Alamo where he died (1796-1836)

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading “Who are you addressin’?” answered a pale-faced young man—who was passing—from under a broad, stiff-brimmed hat, the crown of which was encircled with the skin of a huge rattlesnake.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading “I reckon you want your nose set back about an inch anyhow, and I’m the man that can perform that little blacksmithin’ job right here.”

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

From this reading “Shut that door!” thundered the baron from over the washbowl in a Pullman car, as he stood half-dressed in a small apartment, taking his morning bath.

without care or concern

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

a hired hand who tends cattle and performs other duties on horseback

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

the Crown (or the reigning monarch) as the symbol of the power and authority of a monarchy

From this reading “Who are you addressin’?” answered a pale-faced young man—who was passing—from under a broad, stiff-brimmed hat, the crown of which was encircled with the skin of a huge rattlesnake.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading “Shut that door!” thundered the baron from over the washbowl in a Pullman car, as he stood half-dressed in a small apartment, taking his morning bath.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

a very dark black

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

confined on all sides

From this reading “Who are you addressin’?” answered a pale-faced young man—who was passing—from under a broad, stiff-brimmed hat, the crown of which was encircled with the skin of a huge rattlesnake.

opinion or judgment

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

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

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading “Shut that door!” thundered the baron from over the washbowl in a Pullman car, as he stood half-dressed in a small apartment, taking his morning bath.

past form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

past form of “gleam” — be shiny, as if wet

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

a flash of light (especially reflected light)

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

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

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

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

From this reading “Shut that door!” thundered the baron from over the washbowl in a Pullman car, as he stood half-dressed in a small apartment, taking his morning bath.

be in charge of, act on, or dispose of

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim

From this reading “Who are you addressin’?” answered a pale-faced young man—who was passing—from under a broad, stiff-brimmed hat, the crown of which was encircled with the skin of a huge rattlesnake.

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

From this reading “Shut that door!” thundered the baron from over the washbowl in a Pullman car, as he stood half-dressed in a small apartment, taking his morning bath.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading “I reckon you want your nose set back about an inch anyhow, and I’m the man that can perform that little blacksmithin’ job right here.”

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

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

From this reading “Shut that door!” thundered the baron from over the washbowl in a Pullman car, as he stood half-dressed in a small apartment, taking his morning bath.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading “Who are you addressin’?” answered a pale-faced young man—who was passing—from under a broad, stiff-brimmed hat, the crown of which was encircled with the skin of a huge rattlesnake.

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

From this reading “I reckon you want your nose set back about an inch anyhow, and I’m the man that can perform that little blacksmithin’ job right here.”

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

From this reading “I reckon you want your nose set back about an inch anyhow, and I’m the man that can perform that little blacksmithin’ job right here.”

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

From this reading “Shut that door!” thundered the baron from over the washbowl in a Pullman car, as he stood half-dressed in a small apartment, taking his morning bath.

a unit of length equal to one twelfth of a foot

From this reading “I reckon you want your nose set back about an inch anyhow, and I’m the man that can perform that little blacksmithin’ job right here.”

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

From this reading “I reckon you want your nose set back about an inch anyhow, and I’m the man that can perform that little blacksmithin’ job right here.”

a square scarf that is folded into a triangle and worn over the head or about the neck

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

edge tool used as a cutting instrument; has a pointed blade with a sharp edge and a handle

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

tied with a knot

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading “I reckon you want your nose set back about an inch anyhow, and I’m the man that can perform that little blacksmithin’ job right here.”

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading “Who are you addressin’?” answered a pale-faced young man—who was passing—from under a broad, stiff-brimmed hat, the crown of which was encircled with the skin of a huge rattlesnake.

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

moderate in type or degree or effect or force; far from extreme

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading “Shut that door!” thundered the baron from over the washbowl in a Pullman car, as he stood half-dressed in a small apartment, taking his morning bath.

the organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract; the prominent part of the face of man or other mammals

From this reading “I reckon you want your nose set back about an inch anyhow, and I’m the man that can perform that little blacksmithin’ job right here.”

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading “Who are you addressin’?” answered a pale-faced young man—who was passing—from under a broad, stiff-brimmed hat, the crown of which was encircled with the skin of a huge rattlesnake.

above and across; more than

From this reading “Shut that door!” thundered the baron from over the washbowl in a Pullman car, as he stood half-dressed in a small apartment, taking his morning bath.

having a pale face

From this reading “Who are you addressin’?” answered a pale-faced young man—who was passing—from under a broad, stiff-brimmed hat, the crown of which was encircled with the skin of a huge rattlesnake.

accept an excuse for

From this reading “Beg pardon.

(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate

From this reading “Who are you addressin’?” answered a pale-faced young man—who was passing—from under a broad, stiff-brimmed hat, the crown of which was encircled with the skin of a huge rattlesnake.

carry out or perform an action

From this reading “I reckon you want your nose set back about an inch anyhow, and I’m the man that can perform that little blacksmithin’ job right here.”

luxurious passenger car; for day or night travel

From this reading “Shut that door!” thundered the baron from over the washbowl in a Pullman car, as he stood half-dressed in a small apartment, taking his morning bath.

pit viper with horny segments at the end of the tail that rattle when shaken

From this reading “Who are you addressin’?” answered a pale-faced young man—who was passing—from under a broad, stiff-brimmed hat, the crown of which was encircled with the skin of a huge rattlesnake.

expect, believe, or suppose

From this reading “I reckon you want your nose set back about an inch anyhow, and I’m the man that can perform that little blacksmithin’ job right here.”

precisely, exactly

From this reading “I reckon you want your nose set back about an inch anyhow, and I’m the man that can perform that little blacksmithin’ job right here.”

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading “I reckon you want your nose set back about an inch anyhow, and I’m the man that can perform that little blacksmithin’ job right here.”

move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut

From this reading “Shut that door!” thundered the baron from over the washbowl in a Pullman car, as he stood half-dressed in a small apartment, taking his morning bath.

a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

a soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal; occurs in argentite and in free form; used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photography

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

a natural protective body covering and site of the sense of touch

From this reading “Who are you addressin’?” answered a pale-faced young man—who was passing—from under a broad, stiff-brimmed hat, the crown of which was encircled with the skin of a huge rattlesnake.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading “Shut that door!” thundered the baron from over the washbowl in a Pullman car, as he stood half-dressed in a small apartment, taking his morning bath.

make steady

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

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

From this reading “Who are you addressin’?” answered a pale-faced young man—who was passing—from under a broad, stiff-brimmed hat, the crown of which was encircled with the skin of a huge rattlesnake.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading “Shut that door!” thundered the baron from over the washbowl in a Pullman car, as he stood half-dressed in a small apartment, taking his morning bath.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading “Shut that door!” thundered the baron from over the washbowl in a Pullman car, as he stood half-dressed in a small apartment, taking his morning bath.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading “Shut that door!” thundered the baron from over the washbowl in a Pullman car, as he stood half-dressed in a small apartment, taking his morning bath.

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

From this reading “Shut that door!” thundered the baron from over the washbowl in a Pullman car, as he stood half-dressed in a small apartment, taking his morning bath.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

past form of “thunder” — move fast, noisily, and heavily

From this reading “Shut that door!” thundered the baron from over the washbowl in a Pullman car, as he stood half-dressed in a small apartment, taking his morning bath.

of the highest quality

From this reading The baron glanced at the gray-clad figure, with its gleaming silk ’kerchief knotted carelessly, and arms akimbo, then down at the high boots with their fair-leather tops, behind which gleamed the ebony and silver handle of a bowie knife, and then, meeting the steady, mild blue eyes of the Arizona cowboy, said apologetically:—

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading “Who are you addressin’?” answered a pale-faced young man—who was passing—from under a broad, stiff-brimmed hat, the crown of which was encircled with the skin of a huge rattlesnake.

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading “I reckon you want your nose set back about an inch anyhow, and I’m the man that can perform that little blacksmithin’ job right here.”

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

From this reading “Who are you addressin’?” answered a pale-faced young man—who was passing—from under a broad, stiff-brimmed hat, the crown of which was encircled with the skin of a huge rattlesnake.

a bathroom sink that is permanently installed and connected to a water supply and drainpipe; where you can wash your hands and face

From this reading “Shut that door!” thundered the baron from over the washbowl in a Pullman car, as he stood half-dressed in a small apartment, taking his morning bath.

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

From this reading “Who are you addressin’?” answered a pale-faced young man—who was passing—from under a broad, stiff-brimmed hat, the crown of which was encircled with the skin of a huge rattlesnake.

which person or people

From this reading “Who are you addressin’?” answered a pale-faced young man—who was passing—from under a broad, stiff-brimmed hat, the crown of which was encircled with the skin of a huge rattlesnake.

in the company of; together with

From this reading “Who are you addressin’?” answered a pale-faced young man—who was passing—from under a broad, stiff-brimmed hat, the crown of which was encircled with the skin of a huge rattlesnake.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “Who are you addressin’?” answered a pale-faced young man—who was passing—from under a broad, stiff-brimmed hat, the crown of which was encircled with the skin of a huge rattlesnake.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading “Who are you addressin’?” answered a pale-faced young man—who was passing—from under a broad, stiff-brimmed hat, the crown of which was encircled with the skin of a huge rattlesnake.

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “I reckon you want your nose set back about an inch anyhow, and I’m the man that can perform that little blacksmithin’ job right here.”