Chapter XXXIV · Parentage of Mike and Judy

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

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

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

From this reading He said he would come back to see her about the time she might be able to return with him.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

the state of being absent

From this reading He left her at the hotel with nearly all the little money he had to bear her expenses during his absence, which he promised should be as short as possible.

be present or associated with an event or entity

From this reading His young wife, Moira, was much too delicate just at this time to accompany him.

plural of “adventurer” — a person who enjoys taking risks

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

later than; following

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

(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 The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

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

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

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

From this reading He left her at the hotel with nearly all the little money he had to bear her expenses during his absence, which he promised should be as short as possible.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading His young wife, Moira, was much too delicate just at this time to accompany him.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading He said he would come back to see her about the time she might be able to return with him.

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

From this reading He left her at the hotel with nearly all the little money he had to bear her expenses during his absence, which he promised should be as short as possible.

have

From this reading He left her at the hotel with nearly all the little money he had to bear her expenses during his absence, which he promised should be as short as possible.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

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

From this reading He said he would come back to see her about the time she might be able to return with him.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury

From this reading His young wife, Moira, was much too delicate just at this time to accompany him.

characterized by great determination

From this reading O’Melaghlin determined to join that expedition.

quietly and steadily persevering especially in detail or exactness

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

plural of “direction” — a line leading to a place or point

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading He left her at the hotel with nearly all the little money he had to bear her expenses during his absence, which he promised should be as short as possible.

a military campaign designed to achieve a specific objective in a foreign country

From this reading O’Melaghlin determined to join that expedition.

plural of “expense” — amounts paid for goods and services that may be currently tax deductible (as opposed to capital expenditures)

From this reading He left her at the hotel with nearly all the little money he had to bear her expenses during his absence, which he promised should be as short as possible.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

the cardinal number that is the product of ten and five

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

-ing form of “form” — create (as an entity)

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

coins made of gold

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

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

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

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

From this reading He left her at the hotel with nearly all the little money he had to bear her expenses during his absence, which he promised should be as short as possible.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

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

From this reading He left her at the hotel with nearly all the little money he had to bear her expenses during his absence, which he promised should be as short as possible.

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

From this reading His young wife, Moira, was much too delicate just at this time to accompany him.

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

From this reading His young wife, Moira, was much too delicate just at this time to accompany him.

a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services

From this reading He left her at the hotel with nearly all the little money he had to bear her expenses during his absence, which he promised should be as short as possible.

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

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

plural of “inquiry” — a search for knowledge

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

become part of; become a member of a group or organization

From this reading O’Melaghlin determined to join that expedition.

and nothing more

From this reading His young wife, Moira, was much too delicate just at this time to accompany him.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading He left her at the hotel with nearly all the little money he had to bear her expenses during his absence, which he promised should be as short as possible.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading He left her at the hotel with nearly all the little money he had to bear her expenses during his absence, which he promised should be as short as possible.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading He said he would come back to see her about the time she might be able to return with him.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

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

From this reading His young wife, Moira, was much too delicate just at this time to accompany him.

the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender

From this reading He left her at the hotel with nearly all the little money he had to bear her expenses during his absence, which he promised should be as short as possible.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading His young wife, Moira, was much too delicate just at this time to accompany him.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading He left her at the hotel with nearly all the little money he had to bear her expenses during his absence, which he promised should be as short as possible.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

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

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

and nothing more

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

a set of two similar things considered as a unit

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment

From this reading He left her at the hotel with nearly all the little money he had to bear her expenses during his absence, which he promised should be as short as possible.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading He said he would come back to see her about the time she might be able to return with him.

possessing material wealth

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

plural of “ridge” — a long narrow natural elevation or striation

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

gossip (usually a mixture of truth and untruth) passed around by word of mouth

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading He said he would come back to see her about the time she might be able to return with him.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading He said he would come back to see her about the time she might be able to return with him.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He said he would come back to see her about the time she might be able to return with him.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading He left her at the hotel with nearly all the little money he had to bear her expenses during his absence, which he promised should be as short as possible.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading He left her at the hotel with nearly all the little money he had to bear her expenses during his absence, which he promised should be as short as possible.

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

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

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

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading His young wife, Moira, was much too delicate just at this time to accompany him.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading His young wife, Moira, was much too delicate just at this time to accompany him.

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

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading His young wife, Moira, was much too delicate just at this time to accompany him.

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

From this reading His young wife, Moira, was much too delicate just at this time to accompany him.

at the time that

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.

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

From this reading He left her at the hotel with nearly all the little money he had to bear her expenses during his absence, which he promised should be as short as possible.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading His young wife, Moira, was much too delicate just at this time to accompany him.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He left her at the hotel with nearly all the little money he had to bear her expenses during his absence, which he promised should be as short as possible.

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

From this reading He said he would come back to see her about the time she might be able to return with him.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading The young pair had been in the city only a few days when, after diligent inquiries in all possible directions, O’Melaghlin heard a rumor of a rich new field of gold in the Black Rock Ridges, some fifty miles from the city, and of a party of adventurers about forming to start for that point.