Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading They were as fond as ever of excitement, were almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it was not because they did not try.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

plural of “accomplishment” — the action of accomplishing something

From this reading When the boys first arrived in California, they thought themselves expert in all manner of frontier accomplishments.

having fair knowledge of

From this reading But one morning, they rode over to visit Johnny Harris and Dick Thomas--two boys, about their own age, with whom they had become acquainted--and, during the day, they witnessed some feats of skill that made them wonder.

how long something has existed

From this reading But one morning, they rode over to visit Johnny Harris and Dick Thomas--two boys, about their own age, with whom they had become acquainted--and, during the day, they witnessed some feats of skill that made them wonder.

in an enjoyable manner

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

(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 When the boys first arrived in California, they thought themselves expert in all manner of frontier accomplishments.

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

From this reading They were as fond as ever of excitement, were almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it was not because they did not try.

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

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

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

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading When the boys first arrived in California, they thought themselves expert in all manner of frontier accomplishments.

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

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

-ing form of “assist” — give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

for the reason that

From this reading They were as fond as ever of excitement, were almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it was not because they did not try.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading But one morning, they rode over to visit Johnny Harris and Dick Thomas--two boys, about their own age, with whom they had become acquainted--and, during the day, they witnessed some feats of skill that made them wonder.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading When the boys first arrived in California, they thought themselves expert in all manner of frontier accomplishments.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But one morning, they rode over to visit Johnny Harris and Dick Thomas--two boys, about their own age, with whom they had become acquainted--and, during the day, they witnessed some feats of skill that made them wonder.

a state in the western United States on the Pacific; the 3rd largest state; known for earthquakes

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

the act of closing something

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

without variation or change, in every case

From this reading They were as fond as ever of excitement, were almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it was not because they did not try.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading They were as fond as ever of excitement, were almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it was not because they did not try.

someone who is a detective

From this reading But one morning, they rode over to visit Johnny Harris and Dick Thomas--two boys, about their own age, with whom they had become acquainted--and, during the day, they witnessed some feats of skill that made them wonder.

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

From this reading They were as fond as ever of excitement, were almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it was not because they did not try.

a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds

From this reading They were as fond as ever of excitement, were almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it was not because they did not try.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading But one morning, they rode over to visit Johnny Harris and Dick Thomas--two boys, about their own age, with whom they had become acquainted--and, during the day, they witnessed some feats of skill that made them wonder.

having ones attention or mind or energy engaged

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

at any time

From this reading They were as fond as ever of excitement, were almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it was not because they did not try.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading They were as fond as ever of excitement, were almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it was not because they did not try.

the feeling of lively and cheerful joy

From this reading They were as fond as ever of excitement, were almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it was not because they did not try.

having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude

From this reading When the boys first arrived in California, they thought themselves expert in all manner of frontier accomplishments.

plural of “feat” — a notable achievement

From this reading But one morning, they rode over to visit Johnny Harris and Dick Thomas--two boys, about their own age, with whom they had become acquainted--and, during the day, they witnessed some feats of skill that made them wonder.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading When the boys first arrived in California, they thought themselves expert in all manner of frontier accomplishments.

having or displaying warmth or affection

From this reading They were as fond as ever of excitement, were almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it was not because they did not try.

characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

possessive form of “frank” — a member of the ancient Germanic peoples who spread from the Rhine into the Roman Empire in the 4th century

From this reading FRANK'S NEW HOME.

a wilderness at the edge of a settled area of a country

From this reading When the boys first arrived in California, they thought themselves expert in all manner of frontier accomplishments.

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

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

United States author who wrote the stories about Uncle Remus (1848-1908)

From this reading But one morning, they rode over to visit Johnny Harris and Dick Thomas--two boys, about their own age, with whom they had become acquainted--and, during the day, they witnessed some feats of skill that made them wonder.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

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

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading FRANK'S NEW HOME.

plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading They were as fond as ever of excitement, were almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it was not because they did not try.

the pursuit and killing or capture of wild animals regarded as a sport

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading They were as fond as ever of excitement, were almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it was not because they did not try.

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

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading They were as fond as ever of excitement, were almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it was not because they did not try.

a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

“Johnny” was applied as a nickname for Confederate soldiers by the Federal soldiers in the American Civil War; “greyback” derived from their grey Confederate uniforms

From this reading But one morning, they rode over to visit Johnny Harris and Dick Thomas--two boys, about their own age, with whom they had become acquainted--and, during the day, they witnessed some feats of skill that made them wonder.

Roman martyr; supposedly Lawrence was ordered by the police to give up the church's treasure and when he responded by presenting the poor people of Rome he was roasted to death on a gridiron (died in 258)

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading But one morning, they rode over to visit Johnny Harris and Dick Thomas--two boys, about their own age, with whom they had become acquainted--and, during the day, they witnessed some feats of skill that made them wonder.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading When the boys first arrived in California, they thought themselves expert in all manner of frontier accomplishments.

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

From this reading They were as fond as ever of excitement, were almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it was not because they did not try.

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading But one morning, they rode over to visit Johnny Harris and Dick Thomas--two boys, about their own age, with whom they had become acquainted--and, during the day, they witnessed some feats of skill that made them wonder.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

a form of address for a man

From this reading They were as fond as ever of excitement, were almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it was not because they did not try.

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

From this reading FRANK'S NEW HOME.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading They were as fond as ever of excitement, were almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it was not because they did not try.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading They were as fond as ever of excitement, were almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it was not because they did not try.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

many times at short intervals

From this reading They were as fond as ever of excitement, were almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it was not because they did not try.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading But one morning, they rode over to visit Johnny Harris and Dick Thomas--two boys, about their own age, with whom they had become acquainted--and, during the day, they witnessed some feats of skill that made them wonder.

above and across; more than

From this reading But one morning, they rode over to visit Johnny Harris and Dick Thomas--two boys, about their own age, with whom they had become acquainted--and, during the day, they witnessed some feats of skill that made them wonder.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading But one morning, they rode over to visit Johnny Harris and Dick Thomas--two boys, about their own age, with whom they had become acquainted--and, during the day, they witnessed some feats of skill that made them wonder.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

preceding and preparing for something

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

past form of “remark” — make mention of

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

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

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

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

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

inflected form of “ride” — sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions

From this reading But one morning, they rode over to visit Johnny Harris and Dick Thomas--two boys, about their own age, with whom they had become acquainted--and, during the day, they witnessed some feats of skill that made them wonder.

put a saddle on

From this reading They were as fond as ever of excitement, were almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it was not because they did not try.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading They were as fond as ever of excitement, were almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it was not because they did not try.

the exchange of goods for an agreed sum of money

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

an ability that has been acquired by training

From this reading But one morning, they rode over to visit Johnny Harris and Dick Thomas--two boys, about their own age, with whom they had become acquainted--and, during the day, they witnessed some feats of skill that made them wonder.

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

From this reading But one morning, they rode over to visit Johnny Harris and Dick Thomas--two boys, about their own age, with whom they had become acquainted--and, during the day, they witnessed some feats of skill that made them wonder.

the capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading They were as fond as ever of excitement, were almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it was not because they did not try.

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

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading They were as fond as ever of excitement, were almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it was not because they did not try.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading But one morning, they rode over to visit Johnny Harris and Dick Thomas--two boys, about their own age, with whom they had become acquainted--and, during the day, they witnessed some feats of skill that made them wonder.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading When the boys first arrived in California, they thought themselves expert in all manner of frontier accomplishments.

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

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

United States clockmaker who introduced mass production (1785-1859)

From this reading But one morning, they rode over to visit Johnny Harris and Dick Thomas--two boys, about their own age, with whom they had become acquainted--and, during the day, they witnessed some feats of skill that made them wonder.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading When the boys first arrived in California, they thought themselves expert in all manner of frontier accomplishments.

the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading They were as fond as ever of excitement, were almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it was not because they did not try.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

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

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading They were as fond as ever of excitement, were almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it was not because they did not try.

make an effort or attempt

From this reading They were as fond as ever of excitement, were almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it was not because they did not try.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

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

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading But one morning, they rode over to visit Johnny Harris and Dick Thomas--two boys, about their own age, with whom they had become acquainted--and, during the day, they witnessed some feats of skill that made them wonder.

the activity of making visits

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

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

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

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

From this reading They were as fond as ever of excitement, were almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it was not because they did not try.

at the time that

From this reading When the boys first arrived in California, they thought themselves expert in all manner of frontier accomplishments.

which person or people

From this reading Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the time most agreeably.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading But one morning, they rode over to visit Johnny Harris and Dick Thomas--two boys, about their own age, with whom they had become acquainted--and, during the day, they witnessed some feats of skill that made them wonder.

plural of “winter” — the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading They were as fond as ever of excitement, were almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it was not because they did not try.

in the company of; together with

From this reading But one morning, they rode over to visit Johnny Harris and Dick Thomas--two boys, about their own age, with whom they had become acquainted--and, during the day, they witnessed some feats of skill that made them wonder.

past form of “witness” — be a witness to

From this reading But one morning, they rode over to visit Johnny Harris and Dick Thomas--two boys, about their own age, with whom they had become acquainted--and, during the day, they witnessed some feats of skill that made them wonder.

the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading But one morning, they rode over to visit Johnny Harris and Dick Thomas--two boys, about their own age, with whom they had become acquainted--and, during the day, they witnessed some feats of skill that made them wonder.