used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading That evening the boys visited the "Springs" proper, and drank of the waters which were supposed to be of a quality to restore all wasted faculties of mind and body.
conforming to your own liking or feelings or nature
From this reading The taste, however, was anything but agreeable to the lads, which was explained to them by the fact that none of their vital forces had been wasted, and, therefore, there was no craving for that which would supply their deficiencies.
(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 That evening the boys visited the "Springs" proper, and drank of the waters which were supposed to be of a quality to restore all wasted faculties of mind and body.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading That evening the boys visited the "Springs" proper, and drank of the waters which were supposed to be of a quality to restore all wasted faculties of mind and body.
any thing at all
From this reading The taste, however, was anything but agreeable to the lads, which was explained to them by the fact that none of their vital forces had been wasted, and, therefore, there was no craving for that which would supply their deficiencies.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He was compelled to postpone his lecture, however, for the boys decided to retire at once, and soon all four were sleeping soundly in the "tavern" which Ethan had recommended.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading That evening the boys visited the "Springs" proper, and drank of the waters which were supposed to be of a quality to restore all wasted faculties of mind and body.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The taste, however, was anything but agreeable to the lads, which was explained to them by the fact that none of their vital forces had been wasted, and, therefore, there was no craving for that which would supply their deficiencies.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
move up and down repeatedly
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)
From this reading That evening the boys visited the "Springs" proper, and drank of the waters which were supposed to be of a quality to restore all wasted faculties of mind and body.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading That evening the boys visited the "Springs" proper, and drank of the waters which were supposed to be of a quality to restore all wasted faculties of mind and body.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The taste, however, was anything but agreeable to the lads, which was explained to them by the fact that none of their vital forces had been wasted, and, therefore, there was no craving for that which would supply their deficiencies.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The taste, however, was anything but agreeable to the lads, which was explained to them by the fact that none of their vital forces had been wasted, and, therefore, there was no craving for that which would supply their deficiencies.
inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something
From this reading He was compelled to postpone his lecture, however, for the boys decided to retire at once, and soon all four were sleeping soundly in the "tavern" which Ethan had recommended.
contrivancesnounUS /kənˈtraɪvənsɪz/
plural of “contrivance” — a device or control that is very useful for a particular job
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
cravingnounUS /ˈkreɪvɪŋ/
an intense desire for some particular thing
From this reading The taste, however, was anything but agreeable to the lads, which was explained to them by the fact that none of their vital forces had been wasted, and, therefore, there was no craving for that which would supply their deficiencies.
recognizable; marked
From this reading He was compelled to postpone his lecture, however, for the boys decided to retire at once, and soon all four were sleeping soundly in the "tavern" which Ethan had recommended.
deficienciesnounUS /dɪˈfɪʃənsiz/
plural of “deficiency” — the state of needing something that is absent or unavailable
From this reading The taste, however, was anything but agreeable to the lads, which was explained to them by the fact that none of their vital forces had been wasted, and, therefore, there was no craving for that which would supply their deficiencies.
discoverersnounUS /dɪˈskʌvərərz/
plural of “discoverer” — someone who is the first to think of or make something
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
inflected form of “drink” — take in liquids
From this reading That evening the boys visited the "Springs" proper, and drank of the waters which were supposed to be of a quality to restore all wasted faculties of mind and body.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
Ethan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was compelled to postpone his lecture, however, for the boys decided to retire at once, and soon all four were sleeping soundly in the "tavern" which Ethan had recommended.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading That evening the boys visited the "Springs" proper, and drank of the waters which were supposed to be of a quality to restore all wasted faculties of mind and body.
past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible
From this reading The taste, however, was anything but agreeable to the lads, which was explained to them by the fact that none of their vital forces had been wasted, and, therefore, there was no craving for that which would supply their deficiencies.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading The taste, however, was anything but agreeable to the lads, which was explained to them by the fact that none of their vital forces had been wasted, and, therefore, there was no craving for that which would supply their deficiencies.
facultiesnounUS /ˈfækəltiz/
plural of “faculty” — one of the inherent cognitive or perceptual powers of the mind
From this reading That evening the boys visited the "Springs" proper, and drank of the waters which were supposed to be of a quality to restore all wasted faculties of mind and body.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
far-offadjective
very far away in space or time
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
FloridanounUS /ˈflɔːrədə/
a state in southeastern United States between the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico; one of the Confederate states during the American Civil War
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The taste, however, was anything but agreeable to the lads, which was explained to them by the fact that none of their vital forces had been wasted, and, therefore, there was no craving for that which would supply their deficiencies.
plural of “force” — a powerful effect or influence
From this reading The taste, however, was anything but agreeable to the lads, which was explained to them by the fact that none of their vital forces had been wasted, and, therefore, there was no craving for that which would supply their deficiencies.
fountainnounUS /ˈfaʊntən/
a structure from which an artificially produced jet of water arises
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading He was compelled to postpone his lecture, however, for the boys decided to retire at once, and soon all four were sleeping soundly in the "tavern" which Ethan had recommended.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The taste, however, was anything but agreeable to the lads, which was explained to them by the fact that none of their vital forces had been wasted, and, therefore, there was no craving for that which would supply their deficiencies.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was compelled to postpone his lecture, however, for the boys decided to retire at once, and soon all four were sleeping soundly in the "tavern" which Ethan had recommended.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He was compelled to postpone his lecture, however, for the boys decided to retire at once, and soon all four were sleeping soundly in the "tavern" which Ethan had recommended.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading The taste, however, was anything but agreeable to the lads, which was explained to them by the fact that none of their vital forces had been wasted, and, therefore, there was no craving for that which would supply their deficiencies.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
introductionnounUS /ˌɪntrəˈdʌkʃən/
the act of beginning something new
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
plural of “lad” — a boy or man
From this reading The taste, however, was anything but agreeable to the lads, which was explained to them by the fact that none of their vital forces had been wasted, and, therefore, there was no craving for that which would supply their deficiencies.
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
lectureverbUS /ˈlektʃər/
deliver a lecture or talk
From this reading He was compelled to postpone his lecture, however, for the boys decided to retire at once, and soon all four were sleeping soundly in the "tavern" which Ethan had recommended.
LONGUE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SHOOTING THE LONGUE SEAUT.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading That evening the boys visited the "Springs" proper, and drank of the waters which were supposed to be of a quality to restore all wasted faculties of mind and body.
belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
not any; not one
From this reading The taste, however, was anything but agreeable to the lads, which was explained to them by the fact that none of their vital forces had been wasted, and, therefore, there was no craving for that which would supply their deficiencies.
not one, and not any
From this reading The taste, however, was anything but agreeable to the lads, which was explained to them by the fact that none of their vital forces had been wasted, and, therefore, there was no craving for that which would supply their deficiencies.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading That evening the boys visited the "Springs" proper, and drank of the waters which were supposed to be of a quality to restore all wasted faculties of mind and body.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
on one occasion
From this reading He was compelled to postpone his lecture, however, for the boys decided to retire at once, and soon all four were sleeping soundly in the "tavern" which Ethan had recommended.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
postponeverbUS /poʊstˈpoʊn/
hold back to a later time
From this reading He was compelled to postpone his lecture, however, for the boys decided to retire at once, and soon all four were sleeping soundly in the "tavern" which Ethan had recommended.
marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness
From this reading That evening the boys visited the "Springs" proper, and drank of the waters which were supposed to be of a quality to restore all wasted faculties of mind and body.
the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone
From this reading That evening the boys visited the "Springs" proper, and drank of the waters which were supposed to be of a quality to restore all wasted faculties of mind and body.
railroadsnounUS /ˈreɪlroʊdz/
plural of “railroad” — line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
recommendedverbUS /ˌrekəˈmendɪd/
past form of “recommend” — push for something
From this reading He was compelled to postpone his lecture, however, for the boys decided to retire at once, and soon all four were sleeping soundly in the "tavern" which Ethan had recommended.
past form of “remind” — put in the mind of someone
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
restoreverbUS /rɪˈstɔːr/
return to its original or usable and functioning condition
From this reading That evening the boys visited the "Springs" proper, and drank of the waters which were supposed to be of a quality to restore all wasted faculties of mind and body.
restoredverbUS /rɪˈstɔːrd/
past form of “restore” — return to its original or usable and functioning condition
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
retireverbUS /rɪˈtaɪr/
go into retirement; stop performing one's work or withdraw from one's position
From this reading He was compelled to postpone his lecture, however, for the boys decided to retire at once, and soon all four were sleeping soundly in the "tavern" which Ethan had recommended.
SEAUT
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SHOOTING THE LONGUE SEAUT.
the act of firing a projectile
From this reading SHOOTING THE LONGUE SEAUT.
marked by correspondence or resemblance
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
the state of being asleep
From this reading He was compelled to postpone his lecture, however, for the boys decided to retire at once, and soon all four were sleeping soundly in the "tavern" which Ethan had recommended.
in the near future
From this reading He was compelled to postpone his lecture, however, for the boys decided to retire at once, and soon all four were sleeping soundly in the "tavern" which Ethan had recommended.
soundlyadverbUS /ˈsaʊndli/
deeply or completely
From this reading He was compelled to postpone his lecture, however, for the boys decided to retire at once, and soon all four were sleeping soundly in the "tavern" which Ethan had recommended.
SpringsnounUS /sprɪŋz/
plural of “spring” — the season of growth
From this reading That evening the boys visited the "Springs" proper, and drank of the waters which were supposed to be of a quality to restore all wasted faculties of mind and body.
plural of “story” — 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 They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
give something useful or necessary to
From this reading The taste, however, was anything but agreeable to the lads, which was explained to them by the fact that none of their vital forces had been wasted, and, therefore, there was no craving for that which would supply their deficiencies.
required or under orders
From this reading That evening the boys visited the "Springs" proper, and drank of the waters which were supposed to be of a quality to restore all wasted faculties of mind and body.
To perceive flavor through the mouth.
From this reading The taste, however, was anything but agreeable to the lads, which was explained to them by the fact that none of their vital forces had been wasted, and, therefore, there was no craving for that which would supply their deficiencies.
tavernnounUS /ˈtævərn/
a building with a bar that is licensed to sell alcoholic drinks
From this reading He was compelled to postpone his lecture, however, for the boys decided to retire at once, and soon all four were sleeping soundly in the "tavern" which Ethan had recommended.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading That evening the boys visited the "Springs" proper, and drank of the waters which were supposed to be of a quality to restore all wasted faculties of mind and body.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading SHOOTING THE LONGUE SEAUT.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The taste, however, was anything but agreeable to the lads, which was explained to them by the fact that none of their vital forces had been wasted, and, therefore, there was no craving for that which would supply their deficiencies.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The taste, however, was anything but agreeable to the lads, which was explained to them by the fact that none of their vital forces had been wasted, and, therefore, there was no craving for that which would supply their deficiencies.
in or at that place or location
From this reading The taste, however, was anything but agreeable to the lads, which was explained to them by the fact that none of their vital forces had been wasted, and, therefore, there was no craving for that which would supply their deficiencies.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading The taste, however, was anything but agreeable to the lads, which was explained to them by the fact that none of their vital forces had been wasted, and, therefore, there was no craving for that which would supply their deficiencies.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading That evening the boys visited the "Springs" proper, and drank of the waters which were supposed to be of a quality to restore all wasted faculties of mind and body.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
past form of “visit” — go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading That evening the boys visited the "Springs" proper, and drank of the waters which were supposed to be of a quality to restore all wasted faculties of mind and body.
vitaladjectiveUS /ˈvaɪtəl/
urgently needed; absolutely necessary
From this reading The taste, however, was anything but agreeable to the lads, which was explained to them by the fact that none of their vital forces had been wasted, and, therefore, there was no craving for that which would supply their deficiencies.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The taste, however, was anything but agreeable to the lads, which was explained to them by the fact that none of their vital forces had been wasted, and, therefore, there was no craving for that which would supply their deficiencies.
wastedadjectiveUS /ˈweɪstɪd/
serving no useful purpose; having no excuse for being
From this reading That evening the boys visited the "Springs" proper, and drank of the waters which were supposed to be of a quality to restore all wasted faculties of mind and body.
United States actress and singer (1896-1977)
From this reading That evening the boys visited the "Springs" proper, and drank of the waters which were supposed to be of a quality to restore all wasted faculties of mind and body.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading That evening the boys visited the "Springs" proper, and drank of the waters which were supposed to be of a quality to restore all wasted faculties of mind and body.
at the time that
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading That evening the boys visited the "Springs" proper, and drank of the waters which were supposed to be of a quality to restore all wasted faculties of mind and body.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The taste, however, was anything but agreeable to the lads, which was explained to them by the fact that none of their vital forces had been wasted, and, therefore, there was no craving for that which would supply their deficiencies.
a young person (especially a young man or boy)
From this reading They were interested in the stories which were told them of the good old times before the introduction of railroads and similar modern contrivances, when people from far and near used to journey to the springs in pursuit of restored youth and strength, stories which "reminded" Bob of the efforts of the early discoverers to find the fountain of youth in the far-off land of Florida.