used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Better than that, his patrons liked the man as well as his work and they were more than willing to grant him a favor--almost the first he had ever asked of them.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
(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 First, he visited Mrs. Cecil and counseled with her concerning the scheme he had formed: and she having most heartily approved it, he lost no time in mentioning it to each and all who came to his shop.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Better than that, his patrons liked the man as well as his work and they were more than willing to grant him a favor--almost the first he had ever asked of them.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading SETH WINTERS AND HIS FRIENDS Seth Winters was known as the best blacksmith in the country.
approvedadjectiveUS /əˈpruːvd/
established by authority; given authoritative approval
From this reading First, he visited Mrs. Cecil and counseled with her concerning the scheme he had formed: and she having most heartily approved it, he lost no time in mentioning it to each and all who came to his shop.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading SETH WINTERS AND HIS FRIENDS Seth Winters was known as the best blacksmith in the country.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading Better than that, his patrons liked the man as well as his work and they were more than willing to grant him a favor--almost the first he had ever asked of them.
assemblagenounUS /əˈsemblədʒ/
a group of persons together in one place
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading SETH WINTERS AND HIS FRIENDS Seth Winters was known as the best blacksmith in the country.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading Better than that, his patrons liked the man as well as his work and they were more than willing to grant him a favor--almost the first he had ever asked of them.
blacksmithnounUS /ˈblæksmɪθ/
a smith who forges and shapes iron with a hammer and anvil
From this reading SETH WINTERS AND HIS FRIENDS Seth Winters was known as the best blacksmith in the country.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading First, he visited Mrs. Cecil and counseled with her concerning the scheme he had formed: and she having most heartily approved it, he lost no time in mentioning it to each and all who came to his shop.
Cecil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading First, he visited Mrs. Cecil and counseled with her concerning the scheme he had formed: and she having most heartily approved it, he lost no time in mentioning it to each and all who came to his shop.
providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to
From this reading First, he visited Mrs. Cecil and counseled with her concerning the scheme he had formed: and she having most heartily approved it, he lost no time in mentioning it to each and all who came to his shop.
the prevailing context that influences the performance or the outcome of a process
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
consequentlyadverbUS /ˈkɑːnsəkwəntli/
(sentence connectors) because of the reason given
From this reading The horses he shod never went lame, the tires of the wheels he repaired rarely loosened: consequently his patronage was extensive and of the best.
counseledverbUS /ˈkaʊnsəld/
past form of “counsel” — give advice to
From this reading First, he visited Mrs. Cecil and counseled with her concerning the scheme he had formed: and she having most heartily approved it, he lost no time in mentioning it to each and all who came to his shop.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading SETH WINTERS AND HIS FRIENDS Seth Winters was known as the best blacksmith in the country.
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
Dorothy's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading First, he visited Mrs. Cecil and counseled with her concerning the scheme he had formed: and she having most heartily approved it, he lost no time in mentioning it to each and all who came to his shop.
one or the other of two
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
divisible by two
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
at any time
From this reading Better than that, his patrons liked the man as well as his work and they were more than willing to grant him a favor--almost the first he had ever asked of them.
extensiveadjectiveUS /ɪkˈstensɪv/
large in spatial extent or range or scope or quantity
From this reading The horses he shod never went lame, the tires of the wheels he repaired rarely loosened: consequently his patronage was extensive and of the best.
promote over another
From this reading Better than that, his patrons liked the man as well as his work and they were more than willing to grant him a favor--almost the first he had ever asked of them.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Better than that, his patrons liked the man as well as his work and they were more than willing to grant him a favor--almost the first he had ever asked of them.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
having or given a form or shape
From this reading First, he visited Mrs. Cecil and counseled with her concerning the scheme he had formed: and she having most heartily approved it, he lost no time in mentioning it to each and all who came to his shop.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading SETH WINTERS AND HIS FRIENDS Seth Winters was known as the best blacksmith in the country.
brought together in one place
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
let have
From this reading Better than that, his patrons liked the man as well as his work and they were more than willing to grant him a favor--almost the first he had ever asked of them.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Better than that, his patrons liked the man as well as his work and they were more than willing to grant him a favor--almost the first he had ever asked of them.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading First, he visited Mrs. Cecil and counseled with her concerning the scheme he had formed: and she having most heartily approved it, he lost no time in mentioning it to each and all who came to his shop.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The horses he shod never went lame, the tires of the wheels he repaired rarely loosened: consequently his patronage was extensive and of the best.
with gusto and without reservation
From this reading First, he visited Mrs. Cecil and counseled with her concerning the scheme he had formed: and she having most heartily approved it, he lost no time in mentioning it to each and all who came to his shop.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading First, he visited Mrs. Cecil and counseled with her concerning the scheme he had formed: and she having most heartily approved it, he lost no time in mentioning it to each and all who came to his shop.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Better than that, his patrons liked the man as well as his work and they were more than willing to grant him a favor--almost the first he had ever asked of them.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading SETH WINTERS AND HIS FRIENDS Seth Winters was known as the best blacksmith in the country.
homecomingnounUS /ˈhoʊmkʌmɪŋ/
an annual school or university reunion for graduates
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading The horses he shod never went lame, the tires of the wheels he repaired rarely loosened: consequently his patronage was extensive and of the best.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading SETH WINTERS AND HIS FRIENDS Seth Winters was known as the best blacksmith in the country.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading First, he visited Mrs. Cecil and counseled with her concerning the scheme he had formed: and she having most heartily approved it, he lost no time in mentioning it to each and all who came to his shop.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading SETH WINTERS AND HIS FRIENDS Seth Winters was known as the best blacksmith in the country.
lamenounUS /leɪm/
someone who doesn't understand what is going on
From this reading The horses he shod never went lame, the tires of the wheels he repaired rarely loosened: consequently his patronage was extensive and of the best.
found pleasant or attractive; often used as a combining form
From this reading Better than that, his patrons liked the man as well as his work and they were more than willing to grant him a favor--almost the first he had ever asked of them.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
loosenedadjectiveUS /ˈluːsənd/
straightened out
From this reading The horses he shod never went lame, the tires of the wheels he repaired rarely loosened: consequently his patronage was extensive and of the best.
no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered
From this reading First, he visited Mrs. Cecil and counseled with her concerning the scheme he had formed: and she having most heartily approved it, he lost no time in mentioning it to each and all who came to his shop.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Better than that, his patrons liked the man as well as his work and they were more than willing to grant him a favor--almost the first he had ever asked of them.
the force of workers available
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
mentioningverbUS /ˈmenʃənɪŋ/
-ing form of “mention” — make reference to
From this reading First, he visited Mrs. Cecil and counseled with her concerning the scheme he had formed: and she having most heartily approved it, he lost no time in mentioning it to each and all who came to his shop.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Better than that, his patrons liked the man as well as his work and they were more than willing to grant him a favor--almost the first he had ever asked of them.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
used to form the superlative
From this reading First, he visited Mrs. Cecil and counseled with her concerning the scheme he had formed: and she having most heartily approved it, he lost no time in mentioning it to each and all who came to his shop.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading First, he visited Mrs. Cecil and counseled with her concerning the scheme he had formed: and she having most heartily approved it, he lost no time in mentioning it to each and all who came to his shop.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading The horses he shod never went lame, the tires of the wheels he repaired rarely loosened: consequently his patronage was extensive and of the best.
not any; not one
From this reading First, he visited Mrs. Cecil and counseled with her concerning the scheme he had formed: and she having most heartily approved it, he lost no time in mentioning it to each and all who came to his shop.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The horses he shod never went lame, the tires of the wheels he repaired rarely loosened: consequently his patronage was extensive and of the best.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
patronagenounUS /ˈpætrənɪdʒ/
the act of providing approval and support
From this reading The horses he shod never went lame, the tires of the wheels he repaired rarely loosened: consequently his patronage was extensive and of the best.
patronsnounUS /ˈpeɪtrənz/
plural of “patron” — a regular customer
From this reading Better than that, his patrons liked the man as well as his work and they were more than willing to grant him a favor--almost the first he had ever asked of them.
rarelyadverbUS /ˈrerli/
not often
From this reading The horses he shod never went lame, the tires of the wheels he repaired rarely loosened: consequently his patronage was extensive and of the best.
repairedverbUS /rɪˈperd/
past form of “repair” — restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken
From this reading The horses he shod never went lame, the tires of the wheels he repaired rarely loosened: consequently his patronage was extensive and of the best.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
an elaborate and systematic plan of action
From this reading First, he visited Mrs. Cecil and counseled with her concerning the scheme he had formed: and she having most heartily approved it, he lost no time in mentioning it to each and all who came to his shop.
SETHnounUS /seθ/
(Old Testament) third son of Adam and Eve; given by God in place of the murdered Abel
From this reading SETH WINTERS AND HIS FRIENDS Seth Winters was known as the best blacksmith in the country.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading First, he visited Mrs. Cecil and counseled with her concerning the scheme he had formed: and she having most heartily approved it, he lost no time in mentioning it to each and all who came to his shop.
shodadjectiveUS /ʃɑːd/
wearing footgear
From this reading The horses he shod never went lame, the tires of the wheels he repaired rarely loosened: consequently his patronage was extensive and of the best.
do one's shopping
From this reading First, he visited Mrs. Cecil and counseled with her concerning the scheme he had formed: and she having most heartily approved it, he lost no time in mentioning it to each and all who came to his shop.
smithynoun
a workplace where metal is worked by heating and hammering
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
plural of “sort” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
strayedverbUS /streɪd/
past form of “stray” — move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
sunnyadjectiveUS /ˈsʌni/
bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
surroundingadjectiveUS /sərˈaʊndɪŋ/
closely encircling
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Better than that, his patrons liked the man as well as his work and they were more than willing to grant him a favor--almost the first he had ever asked of them.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Better than that, his patrons liked the man as well as his work and they were more than willing to grant him a favor--almost the first he had ever asked of them.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading SETH WINTERS AND HIS FRIENDS Seth Winters was known as the best blacksmith in the country.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Better than that, his patrons liked the man as well as his work and they were more than willing to grant him a favor--almost the first he had ever asked of them.
in or at that place or location
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Better than that, his patrons liked the man as well as his work and they were more than willing to grant him a favor--almost the first he had ever asked of them.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading First, he visited Mrs. Cecil and counseled with her concerning the scheme he had formed: and she having most heartily approved it, he lost no time in mentioning it to each and all who came to his shop.
tiresnounUS /ˈtaɪərz/
plural of “tire” — hoop that covers a wheel
From this reading The horses he shod never went lame, the tires of the wheels he repaired rarely loosened: consequently his patronage was extensive and of the best.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Better than that, his patrons liked the man as well as his work and they were more than willing to grant him a favor--almost the first he had ever asked of them.
vehiclesnounUS /ˈviːhɪkəlz/
plural of “vehicle” — a conveyance that transports people or objects
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
past form of “visit” — go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading First, he visited Mrs. Cecil and counseled with her concerning the scheme he had formed: and she having most heartily approved it, he lost no time in mentioning it to each and all who came to his shop.
waiting-place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading SETH WINTERS AND HIS FRIENDS Seth Winters was known as the best blacksmith in the country.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
(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 Better than that, his patrons liked the man as well as his work and they were more than willing to grant him a favor--almost the first he had ever asked of them.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading The horses he shod never went lame, the tires of the wheels he repaired rarely loosened: consequently his patronage was extensive and of the best.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Better than that, his patrons liked the man as well as his work and they were more than willing to grant him a favor--almost the first he had ever asked of them.
wheelsnounUS /wiːlz/
plural of “wheel” — a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines)
From this reading The horses he shod never went lame, the tires of the wheels he repaired rarely loosened: consequently his patronage was extensive and of the best.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
which person or people
From this reading First, he visited Mrs. Cecil and counseled with her concerning the scheme he had formed: and she having most heartily approved it, he lost no time in mentioning it to each and all who came to his shop.
disposed or inclined toward
From this reading Better than that, his patrons liked the man as well as his work and they were more than willing to grant him a favor--almost the first he had ever asked of them.
WINTERSnounUS /ˈwɪntərz/
plural of “winter” — the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading SETH WINTERS AND HIS FRIENDS Seth Winters was known as the best blacksmith in the country.
in the company of; together with
From this reading First, he visited Mrs. Cecil and counseled with her concerning the scheme he had formed: and she having most heartily approved it, he lost no time in mentioning it to each and all who came to his shop.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading The result was that on a sunny morning, not long after Dorothy's homecoming, there gathered before the little smithy an assemblage of all sorts and conditions of men and vehicles, which filled the road for a long distance either way, and even strayed into the surrounding woods for a more comfortable waiting-place.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Better than that, his patrons liked the man as well as his work and they were more than willing to grant him a favor--almost the first he had ever asked of them.
