Chapter XIII · Chapter 13

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

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

point or cause to go (blows, weapons, or objects such as photographic equipment) towards

From this reading Fortunately for me, I did not miss my aim.

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

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

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

From this reading IN WHICH PHIL AND HIS COMPANION ARRIVE AT THE CABIN OF KIT CRUNCHER.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading My bullet evidently passed through the brain of the savage, for he threw up his arms, and dropped over into the bottom of the dugout.

reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading IN WHICH PHIL AND HIS COMPANION ARRIVE AT THE CABIN OF KIT CRUNCHER.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading IN WHICH PHIL AND HIS COMPANION ARRIVE AT THE CABIN OF KIT CRUNCHER.

a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

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

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading His fall disturbed the boat, and detached it from the overhanging branch by which he had secured it, to enable him to fish.

the lower side of anything

From this reading My bullet evidently passed through the brain of the savage, for he threw up his arms, and dropped over into the bottom of the dugout.

that part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers; enclosed within the skull; continuous with the spinal cord

From this reading My bullet evidently passed through the brain of the savage, for he threw up his arms, and dropped over into the bottom of the dugout.

a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading His fall disturbed the boat, and detached it from the overhanging branch by which he had secured it, to enable him to fish.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

a projectile that is fired from a gun

From this reading My bullet evidently passed through the brain of the savage, for he threw up his arms, and dropped over into the bottom of the dugout.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading His fall disturbed the boat, and detached it from the overhanging branch by which he had secured it, to enable him to fish.

small room on a ship or boat where people sleep

From this reading IN WHICH PHIL AND HIS COMPANION ARRIVE AT THE CABIN OF KIT CRUNCHER.

a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading IN WHICH PHIL AND HIS COMPANION ARRIVE AT THE CABIN OF KIT CRUNCHER.

carefully weighed

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

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

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

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

From this reading IN WHICH PHIL AND HIS COMPANION ARRIVE AT THE CABIN OF KIT CRUNCHER.

be contingent upon (something that is elided)

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

showing lack of emotional involvement

From this reading His fall disturbed the boat, and detached it from the overhanging branch by which he had secured it, to enable him to fish.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Fortunately for me, I did not miss my aim.

having the place or position changed

From this reading His fall disturbed the boat, and detached it from the overhanging branch by which he had secured it, to enable him to fish.

inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground

From this reading My bullet evidently passed through the brain of the savage, for he threw up his arms, and dropped over into the bottom of the dugout.

either of two low shelters on either side of a baseball diamond where the players and coaches sit during the game

From this reading My bullet evidently passed through the brain of the savage, for he threw up his arms, and dropped over into the bottom of the dugout.

make void or empty of contents

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

render capable or able for some task

From this reading His fall disturbed the boat, and detached it from the overhanging branch by which he had secured it, to enable him to fish.

the act of escaping physically

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading My bullet evidently passed through the brain of the savage, for he threw up his arms, and dropped over into the bottom of the dugout.

past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading His fall disturbed the boat, and detached it from the overhanging branch by which he had secured it, to enable him to fish.

any of various mostly cold-blooded aquatic vertebrates usually having scales and breathing through gills

From this reading His fall disturbed the boat, and detached it from the overhanging branch by which he had secured it, to enable him to fish.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

by good fortune

From this reading Fortunately for me, I did not miss my aim.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading His fall disturbed the boat, and detached it from the overhanging branch by which he had secured it, to enable him to fish.

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

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

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

From this reading My bullet evidently passed through the brain of the savage, for he threw up his arms, and dropped over into the bottom of the dugout.

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

From this reading His fall disturbed the boat, and detached it from the overhanging branch by which he had secured it, to enable him to fish.

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

From this reading IN WHICH PHIL AND HIS COMPANION ARRIVE AT THE CABIN OF KIT CRUNCHER.

cause to move by striking

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

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

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

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

From this reading IN WHICH PHIL AND HIS COMPANION ARRIVE AT THE CABIN OF KIT CRUNCHER.

of or relating to or characteristic of India or the East Indies or their peoples or languages or cultures

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading My bullet evidently passed through the brain of the savage, for he threw up his arms, and dropped over into the bottom of the dugout.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading His fall disturbed the boat, and detached it from the overhanging branch by which he had secured it, to enable him to fish.

a case for containing a set of articles

From this reading IN WHICH PHIL AND HIS COMPANION ARRIVE AT THE CABIN OF KIT CRUNCHER.

staying power

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

for more time

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Fortunately for me, I did not miss my aim.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading Fortunately for me, I did not miss my aim.

a particular point in time

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading IN WHICH PHIL AND HIS COMPANION ARRIVE AT THE CABIN OF KIT CRUNCHER.

and nothing more

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

above and across; more than

From this reading My bullet evidently passed through the brain of the savage, for he threw up his arms, and dropped over into the bottom of the dugout.

-ing form of “overhang” — project over

From this reading His fall disturbed the boat, and detached it from the overhanging branch by which he had secured it, to enable him to fish.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading My bullet evidently passed through the brain of the savage, for he threw up his arms, and dropped over into the bottom of the dugout.

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

From this reading IN WHICH PHIL AND HIS COMPANION ARRIVE AT THE CABIN OF KIT CRUNCHER.

something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

steal goods; take as spoils

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

the state of being certain that adverse effects will not be caused by some agent under defined conditions

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

From this reading My bullet evidently passed through the brain of the savage, for he threw up his arms, and dropped over into the bottom of the dugout.

plural of “savage” — a member of an uncivilized people

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

past form of “secure” — get by special effort

From this reading His fall disturbed the boat, and detached it from the overhanging branch by which he had secured it, to enable him to fish.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

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

From this reading IN WHICH PHIL AND HIS COMPANION ARRIVE AT THE CABIN OF KIT CRUNCHER.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading My bullet evidently passed through the brain of the savage, for he threw up his arms, and dropped over into the bottom of the dugout.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading My bullet evidently passed through the brain of the savage, for he threw up his arms, and dropped over into the bottom of the dugout.

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

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

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

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

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

From this reading IN WHICH PHIL AND HIS COMPANION ARRIVE AT THE CABIN OF KIT CRUNCHER.

during the time that

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

in the company of; together with

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.

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

From this reading If I had considered the matter a moment longer, probably I should not have had the courage to open the battle; for, if I failed to hit the Indian, my situation would become desperate, and with an empty rifle in my hand, I could only depend upon my legs for safety, while the savages would be able to escape with their prize before the soldiers could be brought up.