Chapter XVII · Chapter 17

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

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading He knew nothing about them, and their loyalty to Barbara Morgan might be of a quality that would not endure through the sort of trouble that seemed to be imminent.

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

From this reading He knew nothing about them, and their loyalty to Barbara Morgan might be of a quality that would not endure through the sort of trouble that seemed to be imminent.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

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

From this reading He knew nothing about them, and their loyalty to Barbara Morgan might be of a quality that would not endure through the sort of trouble that seemed to be imminent.

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

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

the front of the trunk from the neck to the abdomen

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

a projectile that is fired from a gun

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

a person who is in charge

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading The T Down men--those who would come--would stand with him no matter what happened--they would do his will without question.

an unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

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

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

lacking protection or support

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

be contingent upon (something that is elided)

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

showing the way by conducting or leading; imposing direction on

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading The T Down men--those who would come--would stand with him no matter what happened--they would do his will without question.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

past form of “encompass” — include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory

From this reading For some reason the secret force had killed her father, had isolated the ranch, had encompassed it with enemies, and was working slowly and surely to enmesh the girl herself.

put up with something or somebody unpleasant

From this reading He knew nothing about them, and their loyalty to Barbara Morgan might be of a quality that would not endure through the sort of trouble that seemed to be imminent.

plural of “enemy” — an opposing military force

From this reading For some reason the secret force had killed her father, had isolated the ranch, had encompassed it with enemies, and was working slowly and surely to enmesh the girl herself.

join the military

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

entangle or catch in (or as if in) a mesh

From this reading For some reason the secret force had killed her father, had isolated the ranch, had encompassed it with enemies, and was working slowly and surely to enmesh the girl herself.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading For some reason the secret force had killed her father, had isolated the ranch, had encompassed it with enemies, and was working slowly and surely to enmesh the girl herself.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For some reason the secret force had killed her father, had isolated the ranch, had encompassed it with enemies, and was working slowly and surely to enmesh the girl herself.

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

shaping metal by heating and hammering

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

a young female

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

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

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading The T Down men--those who would come--would stand with him no matter what happened--they would do his will without question.

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

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

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

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

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

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

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

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

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

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading For some reason the secret force had killed her father, had isolated the ranch, had encompassed it with enemies, and was working slowly and surely to enmesh the girl herself.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading For some reason the secret force had killed her father, had isolated the ranch, had encompassed it with enemies, and was working slowly and surely to enmesh the girl herself.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

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

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

close in time; about to occur

From this reading He knew nothing about them, and their loyalty to Barbara Morgan might be of a quality that would not endure through the sort of trouble that seemed to be imminent.

an instinctive motive

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

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

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

not close together in time

From this reading For some reason the secret force had killed her father, had isolated the ranch, had encompassed it with enemies, and was working slowly and surely to enmesh the girl herself.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

past form of “kill” — cause to die; put to death, usually intentionally or knowingly

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading He knew nothing about them, and their loyalty to Barbara Morgan might be of a quality that would not endure through the sort of trouble that seemed to be imminent.

a narrow way or road

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

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

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

the quality of being loyal

From this reading He knew nothing about them, and their loyalty to Barbara Morgan might be of a quality that would not endure through the sort of trouble that seemed to be imminent.

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

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading The T Down men--those who would come--would stand with him no matter what happened--they would do his will without question.

the force of workers available

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading He knew nothing about them, and their loyalty to Barbara Morgan might be of a quality that would not endure through the sort of trouble that seemed to be imminent.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

United States anthropologist who studied the Seneca (1818-1881)

From this reading He knew nothing about them, and their loyalty to Barbara Morgan might be of a quality that would not endure through the sort of trouble that seemed to be imminent.

possessive form of “morgan” — United States anthropologist who studied the Seneca (1818-1881)

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

of an obscure nature

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

not any; not one

From this reading The T Down men--those who would come--would stand with him no matter what happened--they would do his will without question.

relating to or constituting or bearing or giving a name

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading He knew nothing about them, and their loyalty to Barbara Morgan might be of a quality that would not endure through the sort of trouble that seemed to be imminent.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

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

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

any cohesive unit such as a military company

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

having great power or force or potency or effect

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone

From this reading He knew nothing about them, and their loyalty to Barbara Morgan might be of a quality that would not endure through the sort of trouble that seemed to be imminent.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading The T Down men--those who would come--would stand with him no matter what happened--they would do his will without question.

farm consisting of a large tract of land along with facilities needed to raise livestock (especially cattle)

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

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

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading For some reason the secret force had killed her father, had isolated the ranch, had encompassed it with enemies, and was working slowly and surely to enmesh the girl herself.

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

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

past form of “result” — issue or terminate (in a specified way, state, etc.); end

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

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

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

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

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

cause to go somewhere

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

performance of duties or provision of space and equipment helpful to others

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading For some reason the secret force had killed her father, had isolated the ranch, had encompassed it with enemies, and was working slowly and surely to enmesh the girl herself.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading He knew nothing about them, and their loyalty to Barbara Morgan might be of a quality that would not endure through the sort of trouble that seemed to be imminent.

be standing; be upright

From this reading The T Down men--those who would come--would stand with him no matter what happened--they would do his will without question.

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

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

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

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading For some reason the secret force had killed her father, had isolated the ranch, had encompassed it with enemies, and was working slowly and surely to enmesh the girl herself.

a base found in DNA (but not in RNA) and derived from pyrimidine; pairs with adenine

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

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

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading He knew nothing about them, and their loyalty to Barbara Morgan might be of a quality that would not endure through the sort of trouble that seemed to be imminent.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading He knew nothing about them, and their loyalty to Barbara Morgan might be of a quality that would not endure through the sort of trouble that seemed to be imminent.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

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

From this reading The T Down men--those who would come--would stand with him no matter what happened--they would do his will without question.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading He knew nothing about them, and their loyalty to Barbara Morgan might be of a quality that would not endure through the sort of trouble that seemed to be imminent.

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

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

a source of difficulty

From this reading He knew nothing about them, and their loyalty to Barbara Morgan might be of a quality that would not endure through the sort of trouble that seemed to be imminent.

as the end result of a succession or process

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

not easy to understand or use

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

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

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading The T Down men--those who would come--would stand with him no matter what happened--they would do his will without question.

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

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

which person or people

From this reading FORGING A LETTER The impulse which had moved Harlan to send Red Linton to the T Down ranch to enlist the services of some of his old friends had resulted from a conviction that he could not depend upon those men of the Rancho Seco outfit who had seemed to him, to be unfriendly to Stroud, the straw-boss.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading The T Down men--those who would come--would stand with him no matter what happened--they would do his will without question.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The T Down men--those who would come--would stand with him no matter what happened--they would do his will without question.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading The T Down men--those who would come--would stand with him no matter what happened--they would do his will without question.

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

From this reading There was no doubt in Harlan's mind that John Haydon was the mysterious "Chief"--the man who had sent into Lane Morgan's breast the bullet that had ultimately killed him; and there was no doubt that some powerful, secret force was at work in the country, and that the force was directing its attention to the Rancho Seco and the defenseless girl who was at the nominal head of it.

actively engaged in paid work

From this reading For some reason the secret force had killed her father, had isolated the ranch, had encompassed it with enemies, and was working slowly and surely to enmesh the girl herself.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading He knew nothing about them, and their loyalty to Barbara Morgan might be of a quality that would not endure through the sort of trouble that seemed to be imminent.