Chapter XVIII

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

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

forsaken by owner or inhabitants

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

lighted up by or as by fire or flame

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

fear resulting from the awareness of danger

From this reading Another groan, even more terrible than before, seemed to well up out of space, nor could the listening Dolph locate its source, even though positive Teddy must be responsible for the sounds, which were intended to alarm the two rascals.

(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 Upon both their faces astonishment, incredulity, and even a wild, ungovernable fear could be detected, as they stared at each other, and then all around.

a Hebrew shepherd and minor prophet

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

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

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

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

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading Another groan, even more terrible than before, seemed to well up out of space, nor could the listening Dolph locate its source, even though positive Teddy must be responsible for the sounds, which were intended to alarm the two rascals.

a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb

From this reading Crawley jumped to his feet with an oath; and even Gabe raised his head to listen, for to ease the strain on his arm he had been lying down on a blanket.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading Upon both their faces astonishment, incredulity, and even a wild, ungovernable fear could be detected, as they stared at each other, and then all around.

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

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

the feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising

From this reading Upon both their faces astonishment, incredulity, and even a wild, ungovernable fear could be detected, as they stared at each other, and then all around.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Upon both their faces astonishment, incredulity, and even a wild, ungovernable fear could be detected, as they stared at each other, and then all around.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

large and brightly colored handkerchief; often used as a neckerchief

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

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

From this reading Upon both their faces astonishment, incredulity, and even a wild, ungovernable fear could be detected, as they stared at each other, and then all around.

for the reason that

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Crawley jumped to his feet with an oath; and even Gabe raised his head to listen, for to ease the strain on his arm he had been lying down on a blanket.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Another groan, even more terrible than before, seemed to well up out of space, nor could the listening Dolph locate its source, even though positive Teddy must be responsible for the sounds, which were intended to alarm the two rascals.

bedding that keeps a person warm in bed

From this reading Crawley jumped to his feet with an oath; and even Gabe raised his head to listen, for to ease the strain on his arm he had been lying down on a blanket.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Upon both their faces astonishment, incredulity, and even a wild, ungovernable fear could be detected, as they stared at each other, and then all around.

small room on a ship or boat where people sleep

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Upon both their faces astonishment, incredulity, and even a wild, ungovernable fear could be detected, as they stared at each other, and then all around.

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

From this reading Crawley jumped to his feet with an oath; and even Gabe raised his head to listen, for to ease the strain on his arm he had been lying down on a blanket.

perceived or discerned

From this reading Upon both their faces astonishment, incredulity, and even a wild, ungovernable fear could be detected, as they stared at each other, and then all around.

(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality

From this reading Just then a distinct and most dreadful groan was heard.

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

From this reading Another groan, even more terrible than before, seemed to well up out of space, nor could the listening Dolph locate its source, even though positive Teddy must be responsible for the sounds, which were intended to alarm the two rascals.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Crawley jumped to his feet with an oath; and even Gabe raised his head to listen, for to ease the strain on his arm he had been lying down on a blanket.

cause to move by pulling

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading Just then a distinct and most dreadful groan was heard.

plural of “drop” — a shape that is spherical and small

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

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

From this reading Upon both their faces astonishment, incredulity, and even a wild, ungovernable fear could be detected, as they stared at each other, and then all around.

move gently or carefully

From this reading Crawley jumped to his feet with an oath; and even Gabe raised his head to listen, for to ease the strain on his arm he had been lying down on a blanket.

divisible by two

From this reading Crawley jumped to his feet with an oath; and even Gabe raised his head to listen, for to ease the strain on his arm he had been lying down on a blanket.

communicated in words

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading Upon both their faces astonishment, incredulity, and even a wild, ungovernable fear could be detected, as they stared at each other, and then all around.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading Upon both their faces astonishment, incredulity, and even a wild, ungovernable fear could be detected, as they stared at each other, and then all around.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading Crawley jumped to his feet with an oath; and even Gabe raised his head to listen, for to ease the strain on his arm he had been lying down on a blanket.

(informal) small and of little importance

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

the part of the face above the eyes

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

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

From this reading Crawley jumped to his feet with an oath; and even Gabe raised his head to listen, for to ease the strain on his arm he had been lying down on a blanket.

plural of “ghost” — a mental representation of some haunting experience

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

an utterance expressing pain or disapproval

From this reading Just then a distinct and most dreadful groan was heard.

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

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

a square piece of cloth used for wiping the eyes or nose or as a costume accessory

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

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

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading Crawley jumped to his feet with an oath; and even Gabe raised his head to listen, for to ease the strain on his arm he had been lying down on a blanket.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Just then a distinct and most dreadful groan was heard.

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

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

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

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

doubt about the truth of something

From this reading Upon both their faces astonishment, incredulity, and even a wild, ungovernable fear could be detected, as they stared at each other, and then all around.

resulting from one's intentions

From this reading Another groan, even more terrible than before, seemed to well up out of space, nor could the listening Dolph locate its source, even though positive Teddy must be responsible for the sounds, which were intended to alarm the two rascals.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Another groan, even more terrible than before, seemed to well up out of space, nor could the listening Dolph locate its source, even though positive Teddy must be responsible for the sounds, which were intended to alarm the two rascals.

past form of “jump” — move forward by leaps and bounds

From this reading Crawley jumped to his feet with an oath; and even Gabe raised his head to listen, for to ease the strain on his arm he had been lying down on a blanket.

and nothing more

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

hear with intention

From this reading Crawley jumped to his feet with an oath; and even Gabe raised his head to listen, for to ease the strain on his arm he had been lying down on a blanket.

the act of hearing attentively

From this reading Another groan, even more terrible than before, seemed to well up out of space, nor could the listening Dolph locate its source, even though positive Teddy must be responsible for the sounds, which were intended to alarm the two rascals.

discover the location of; determine the place of; find by searching or examining

From this reading Another groan, even more terrible than before, seemed to well up out of space, nor could the listening Dolph locate its source, even though positive Teddy must be responsible for the sounds, which were intended to alarm the two rascals.

the deliberate act of deviating from the truth

From this reading Crawley jumped to his feet with an oath; and even Gabe raised his head to listen, for to ease the strain on his arm he had been lying down on a blanket.

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

From this reading Another groan, even more terrible than before, seemed to well up out of space, nor could the listening Dolph locate its source, even though positive Teddy must be responsible for the sounds, which were intended to alarm the two rascals.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Just then a distinct and most dreadful groan was heard.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading Another groan, even more terrible than before, seemed to well up out of space, nor could the listening Dolph locate its source, even though positive Teddy must be responsible for the sounds, which were intended to alarm the two rascals.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading Another groan, even more terrible than before, seemed to well up out of space, nor could the listening Dolph locate its source, even though positive Teddy must be responsible for the sounds, which were intended to alarm the two rascals.

profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger

From this reading Crawley jumped to his feet with an oath; and even Gabe raised his head to listen, for to ease the strain on his arm he had been lying down on a blanket.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Another groan, even more terrible than before, seemed to well up out of space, nor could the listening Dolph locate its source, even though positive Teddy must be responsible for the sounds, which were intended to alarm the two rascals.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Crawley jumped to his feet with an oath; and even Gabe raised his head to listen, for to ease the strain on his arm he had been lying down on a blanket.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Upon both their faces astonishment, incredulity, and even a wild, ungovernable fear could be detected, as they stared at each other, and then all around.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

characterized by or displaying affirmation or acceptance or certainty etc.

From this reading Another groan, even more terrible than before, seemed to well up out of space, nor could the listening Dolph locate its source, even though positive Teddy must be responsible for the sounds, which were intended to alarm the two rascals.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

located or moved above the surround or above the normal position

From this reading Crawley jumped to his feet with an oath; and even Gabe raised his head to listen, for to ease the strain on his arm he had been lying down on a blanket.

plural of “rascal” — a deceitful and unreliable scoundrel

From this reading Another groan, even more terrible than before, seemed to well up out of space, nor could the listening Dolph locate its source, even though positive Teddy must be responsible for the sounds, which were intended to alarm the two rascals.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

worthy of or requiring responsibility or trust; or held accountable

From this reading Another groan, even more terrible than before, seemed to well up out of space, nor could the listening Dolph locate its source, even though positive Teddy must be responsible for the sounds, which were intended to alarm the two rascals.

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

From this reading Another groan, even more terrible than before, seemed to well up out of space, nor could the listening Dolph locate its source, even though positive Teddy must be responsible for the sounds, which were intended to alarm the two rascals.

plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading Another groan, even more terrible than before, seemed to well up out of space, nor could the listening Dolph locate its source, even though positive Teddy must be responsible for the sounds, which were intended to alarm the two rascals.

the place where something begins, where it springs into being

From this reading Another groan, even more terrible than before, seemed to well up out of space, nor could the listening Dolph locate its source, even though positive Teddy must be responsible for the sounds, which were intended to alarm the two rascals.

the unlimited expanse in which everything is located

From this reading Another groan, even more terrible than before, seemed to well up out of space, nor could the listening Dolph locate its source, even though positive Teddy must be responsible for the sounds, which were intended to alarm the two rascals.

past form of “stare” — look at with fixed eyes

From this reading Upon both their faces astonishment, incredulity, and even a wild, ungovernable fear could be detected, as they stared at each other, and then all around.

(of a nose) blocked

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

(physics) deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces

From this reading Crawley jumped to his feet with an oath; and even Gabe raised his head to listen, for to ease the strain on his arm he had been lying down on a blanket.

plaything consisting of a child's toy bear (usually plush and stuffed with soft materials)

From this reading Another groan, even more terrible than before, seemed to well up out of space, nor could the listening Dolph locate its source, even though positive Teddy must be responsible for the sounds, which were intended to alarm the two rascals.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading Another groan, even more terrible than before, seemed to well up out of space, nor could the listening Dolph locate its source, even though positive Teddy must be responsible for the sounds, which were intended to alarm the two rascals.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Another groan, even more terrible than before, seemed to well up out of space, nor could the listening Dolph locate its source, even though positive Teddy must be responsible for the sounds, which were intended to alarm the two rascals.

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

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Upon both their faces astonishment, incredulity, and even a wild, ungovernable fear could be detected, as they stared at each other, and then all around.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Just then a distinct and most dreadful groan was heard.

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

From this reading Upon both their faces astonishment, incredulity, and even a wild, ungovernable fear could be detected, as they stared at each other, and then all around.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Another groan, even more terrible than before, seemed to well up out of space, nor could the listening Dolph locate its source, even though positive Teddy must be responsible for the sounds, which were intended to alarm the two rascals.

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

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Another groan, even more terrible than before, seemed to well up out of space, nor could the listening Dolph locate its source, even though positive Teddy must be responsible for the sounds, which were intended to alarm the two rascals.

incapable of being controlled

From this reading Upon both their faces astonishment, incredulity, and even a wild, ungovernable fear could be detected, as they stared at each other, and then all around.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Another groan, even more terrible than before, seemed to well up out of space, nor could the listening Dolph locate its source, even though positive Teddy must be responsible for the sounds, which were intended to alarm the two rascals.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Upon both their faces astonishment, incredulity, and even a wild, ungovernable fear could be detected, as they stared at each other, and then all around.

having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

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

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Another groan, even more terrible than before, seemed to well up out of space, nor could the listening Dolph locate its source, even though positive Teddy must be responsible for the sounds, which were intended to alarm the two rascals.

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

From this reading Another groan, even more terrible than before, seemed to well up out of space, nor could the listening Dolph locate its source, even though positive Teddy must be responsible for the sounds, which were intended to alarm the two rascals.

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

From this reading Another groan, even more terrible than before, seemed to well up out of space, nor could the listening Dolph locate its source, even though positive Teddy must be responsible for the sounds, which were intended to alarm the two rascals.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading Upon both their faces astonishment, incredulity, and even a wild, ungovernable fear could be detected, as they stared at each other, and then all around.

rub with a circular motion

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Crawley jumped to his feet with an oath; and even Gabe raised his head to listen, for to ease the strain on his arm he had been lying down on a blanket.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading THE CABIN ABANDONED TO THE GHOSTS Amos had just stopped, in order to draw out his red bandana handkerchief, and wipe the drops from his forehead, because it was pretty warm work, fiddling away for half an hour “like a house afire,” as he expressed it.