Chapter XI · Records a Mysterious Disappearance

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

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading About her in the darkness the lights of other craft twinkled and the curving waterfront of the old town was dimly illumined.

(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 On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

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

From this reading An hour later the _Vagabond_ was swinging quietly from her anchor cable in the harbor of Provincetown.

a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving

From this reading An hour later the _Vagabond_ was swinging quietly from her anchor cable in the harbor of Provincetown.

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

From this reading About her in the darkness the lights of other craft twinkled and the curving waterfront of the old town was dimly illumined.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It was difficult at all times to tell whether he was happy or unhappy.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

small room on a ship or boat where people sleep

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

a telegram sent abroad

From this reading An hour later the _Vagabond_ was swinging quietly from her anchor cable in the harbor of Provincetown.

a beverage consisting of an infusion of ground coffee beans

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

the skilled practice of a practical occupation

From this reading About her in the darkness the lights of other craft twinkled and the curving waterfront of the old town was dimly illumined.

the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

having or marked by a curve or smoothly rounded bend

From this reading About her in the darkness the lights of other craft twinkled and the curving waterfront of the old town was dimly illumined.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading About her in the darkness the lights of other craft twinkled and the curving waterfront of the old town was dimly illumined.

any of various platforms built into a vessel

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

not as far along as normal in development

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

forsaken by owner or inhabitants

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading It was difficult at all times to tell whether he was happy or unhappy.

in a dim indistinct manner

From this reading About her in the darkness the lights of other craft twinkled and the curving waterfront of the old town was dimly illumined.

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

affording satisfaction or pleasure

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

every person

From this reading Good humor had returned and everybody was in the best of spirits; unless, possibly, we except Spencer Floyd.

apart from; not including

From this reading Good humor had returned and everybody was in the best of spirits; unless, possibly, we except Spencer Floyd.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

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

From this reading Good humor had returned and everybody was in the best of spirits; unless, possibly, we except Spencer Floyd.

cooked by frying in fat

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading An hour later the _Vagabond_ was swinging quietly from her anchor cable in the harbor of Provincetown.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

past form of “gleam” — be shiny, as if wet

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Good humor had returned and everybody was in the best of spirits; unless, possibly, we except Spencer Floyd.

a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

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

From this reading Good humor had returned and everybody was in the best of spirits; unless, possibly, we except Spencer Floyd.

enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure

From this reading It was difficult at all times to tell whether he was happy or unhappy.

maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings)

From this reading An hour later the _Vagabond_ was swinging quietly from her anchor cable in the harbor of Provincetown.

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

From this reading It was difficult at all times to tell whether he was happy or unhappy.

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

From this reading An hour later the _Vagabond_ was swinging quietly from her anchor cable in the harbor of Provincetown.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading An hour later the _Vagabond_ was swinging quietly from her anchor cable in the harbor of Provincetown.

a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter

From this reading Good humor had returned and everybody was in the best of spirits; unless, possibly, we except Spencer Floyd.

past form of “illumine” — make lighter or brighter

From this reading About her in the darkness the lights of other craft twinkled and the curving waterfront of the old town was dimly illumined.

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

From this reading An hour later the _Vagabond_ was swinging quietly from her anchor cable in the harbor of Provincetown.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was difficult at all times to tell whether he was happy or unhappy.

the quality of being just or fair

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

plural of “lamp” — an artificial source of visible illumination

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading An hour later the _Vagabond_ was swinging quietly from her anchor cable in the harbor of Provincetown.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation

From this reading About her in the darkness the lights of other craft twinkled and the curving waterfront of the old town was dimly illumined.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

any property detected by the olfactory system

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading An hour later the _Vagabond_ was swinging quietly from her anchor cable in the harbor of Provincetown.

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

From this reading About her in the darkness the lights of other craft twinkled and the curving waterfront of the old town was dimly illumined.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

and nothing more

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It was difficult at all times to tell whether he was happy or unhappy.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading About her in the darkness the lights of other craft twinkled and the curving waterfront of the old town was dimly illumined.

by chance

From this reading Good humor had returned and everybody was in the best of spirits; unless, possibly, we except Spencer Floyd.

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

From this reading An hour later the _Vagabond_ was swinging quietly from her anchor cable in the harbor of Provincetown.

with low volume

From this reading An hour later the _Vagabond_ was swinging quietly from her anchor cable in the harbor of Provincetown.

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading Good humor had returned and everybody was in the best of spirits; unless, possibly, we except Spencer Floyd.

the sport of sitting on the back of a horse while controlling its movements

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

English philosopher and sociologist who applied the theory of natural selection to human societies (1820-1903)

From this reading Good humor had returned and everybody was in the best of spirits; unless, possibly, we except Spencer Floyd.

an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented

From this reading Good humor had returned and everybody was in the best of spirits; unless, possibly, we except Spencer Floyd.

a guest cabin

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

filled with steam or emitting moisture in the form of vapor or mist

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

changing location by moving back and forth

From this reading An hour later the _Vagabond_ was swinging quietly from her anchor cable in the harbor of Provincetown.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

express in words

From this reading It was difficult at all times to tell whether he was happy or unhappy.

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

From this reading An hour later the _Vagabond_ was swinging quietly from her anchor cable in the harbor of Provincetown.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

in or at that place or location

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading It was difficult at all times to tell whether he was happy or unhappy.

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

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading About her in the darkness the lights of other craft twinkled and the curving waterfront of the old town was dimly illumined.

past form of “twinkle” — gleam or glow intermittently

From this reading About her in the darkness the lights of other craft twinkled and the curving waterfront of the old town was dimly illumined.

experiencing or marked by or causing sadness or sorrow or discontent

From this reading It was difficult at all times to tell whether he was happy or unhappy.

except if; if not

From this reading Good humor had returned and everybody was in the best of spirits; unless, possibly, we except Spencer Floyd.

anything that resembles a vagabond in having no fixed place

From this reading An hour later the _Vagabond_ was swinging quietly from her anchor cable in the harbor of Provincetown.

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

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

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

From this reading An hour later the _Vagabond_ was swinging quietly from her anchor cable in the harbor of Provincetown.

the area of a city (such as a harbor or dockyard) alongside a body of water

From this reading About her in the darkness the lights of other craft twinkled and the curving waterfront of the old town was dimly illumined.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Good humor had returned and everybody was in the best of spirits; unless, possibly, we except Spencer Floyd.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading On the _Vagabond’s_ deserted deck only the riding light gleamed, but in the cabin all lamps were doing their best, there was a fine odor of steaming coffee and things fried and the crew and their guest were sitting around the table in the stateroom doing full justice to a dinner all the more enjoyable since so long delayed.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading It was difficult at all times to tell whether he was happy or unhappy.