Chapter XXVIII · Chapter 28

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

From this reading BUMPUS IS PERPLEXED--MYSTERIOUS COMMUNINGS, AND A CURIOUS LEAVE-TAKING.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading "Yes, it's the biggest puzzler as ever I comed across," said he, filling his pipe; for John, when not roused, got on both mentally and physically by slow stages.

in an alarming manner

From this reading Having relieved his mind of this observation, the seaman proceeded to cut down some tobacco, and looked remarkably grave and solemn as if "it" were not only a puzzler, but an alarmingly serious puzzler.

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

From this reading Having relieved his mind of this observation, the seaman proceeded to cut down some tobacco, and looked remarkably grave and solemn as if "it" were not only a puzzler, but an alarmingly serious puzzler.

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

From this reading BUMPUS IS PERPLEXED--MYSTERIOUS COMMUNINGS, AND A CURIOUS LEAVE-TAKING.

any thing at all

From this reading "Niver know'd its equal," he continued, beginning to smoke, which operation, as the pipe did not "draw" well at first, prevented him from saying anything more.

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

From this reading Having relieved his mind of this observation, the seaman proceeded to cut down some tobacco, and looked remarkably grave and solemn as if "it" were not only a puzzler, but an alarmingly serious puzzler.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading "Niver know'd its equal," he continued, beginning to smoke, which operation, as the pipe did not "draw" well at first, prevented him from saying anything more.

playing or singing with instrumental or vocal accompaniment

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading "Niver know'd its equal," he continued, beginning to smoke, which operation, as the pipe did not "draw" well at first, prevented him from saying anything more.

superlative of “big” — above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading "Yes, it's the biggest puzzler as ever I comed across," said he, filling his pipe; for John, when not roused, got on both mentally and physically by slow stages.

the two together, not just one

From this reading "Yes, it's the biggest puzzler as ever I comed across," said he, filling his pipe; for John, when not roused, got on both mentally and physically by slow stages.

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

From this reading BUMPUS IS PERPLEXED--MYSTERIOUS COMMUNINGS, AND A CURIOUS LEAVE-TAKING.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Having relieved his mind of this observation, the seaman proceeded to cut down some tobacco, and looked remarkably grave and solemn as if "it" were not only a puzzler, but an alarmingly serious puzzler.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading "Yes, it's the biggest puzzler as ever I comed across," said he, filling his pipe; for John, when not roused, got on both mentally and physically by slow stages.

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

From this reading "Yes, it's the biggest puzzler as ever I comed across," said he, filling his pipe; for John, when not roused, got on both mentally and physically by slow stages.

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

From this reading BUMPUS IS PERPLEXED--MYSTERIOUS COMMUNINGS, AND A CURIOUS LEAVE-TAKING.

without stop or interruption

From this reading "Niver know'd its equal," he continued, beginning to smoke, which operation, as the pipe did not "draw" well at first, prevented him from saying anything more.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

-ing form of “converse” — carry on a conversation

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading BUMPUS IS PERPLEXED--MYSTERIOUS COMMUNINGS, AND A CURIOUS LEAVE-TAKING.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading Having relieved his mind of this observation, the seaman proceeded to cut down some tobacco, and looked remarkably grave and solemn as if "it" were not only a puzzler, but an alarmingly serious puzzler.

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

From this reading "Niver know'd its equal," he continued, beginning to smoke, which operation, as the pipe did not "draw" well at first, prevented him from saying anything more.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Having relieved his mind of this observation, the seaman proceeded to cut down some tobacco, and looked remarkably grave and solemn as if "it" were not only a puzzler, but an alarmingly serious puzzler.

cause to move by pulling

From this reading "Niver know'd its equal," he continued, beginning to smoke, which operation, as the pipe did not "draw" well at first, prevented him from saying anything more.

be identical or equivalent to

From this reading "Niver know'd its equal," he continued, beginning to smoke, which operation, as the pipe did not "draw" well at first, prevented him from saying anything more.

at any time

From this reading "Yes, it's the biggest puzzler as ever I comed across," said he, filling his pipe; for John, when not roused, got on both mentally and physically by slow stages.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

any material that fills a space or container

From this reading "Yes, it's the biggest puzzler as ever I comed across," said he, filling his pipe; for John, when not roused, got on both mentally and physically by slow stages.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading "Niver know'd its equal," he continued, beginning to smoke, which operation, as the pipe did not "draw" well at first, prevented him from saying anything more.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading "Niver know'd its equal," he continued, beginning to smoke, which operation, as the pipe did not "draw" well at first, prevented him from saying anything more.

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

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading "Yes, it's the biggest puzzler as ever I comed across," said he, filling his pipe; for John, when not roused, got on both mentally and physically by slow stages.

death of a person

From this reading Having relieved his mind of this observation, the seaman proceeded to cut down some tobacco, and looked remarkably grave and solemn as if "it" were not only a puzzler, but an alarmingly serious puzzler.

an established custom

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Having relieved his mind of this observation, the seaman proceeded to cut down some tobacco, and looked remarkably grave and solemn as if "it" were not only a puzzler, but an alarmingly serious puzzler.

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

From this reading "Yes, it's the biggest puzzler as ever I comed across," said he, filling his pipe; for John, when not roused, got on both mentally and physically by slow stages.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

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

From this reading "Niver know'd its equal," he continued, beginning to smoke, which operation, as the pipe did not "draw" well at first, prevented him from saying anything more.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

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

From this reading Having relieved his mind of this observation, the seaman proceeded to cut down some tobacco, and looked remarkably grave and solemn as if "it" were not only a puzzler, but an alarmingly serious puzzler.

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

From this reading "Yes, it's the biggest puzzler as ever I comed across," said he, filling his pipe; for John, when not roused, got on both mentally and physically by slow stages.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Having relieved his mind of this observation, the seaman proceeded to cut down some tobacco, and looked remarkably grave and solemn as if "it" were not only a puzzler, but an alarmingly serious puzzler.

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

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

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

From this reading BUMPUS IS PERPLEXED--MYSTERIOUS COMMUNINGS, AND A CURIOUS LEAVE-TAKING.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

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

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading "Niver know'd its equal," he continued, beginning to smoke, which operation, as the pipe did not "draw" well at first, prevented him from saying anything more.

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

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading "Yes, it's the biggest puzzler as ever I comed across," said he, filling his pipe; for John, when not roused, got on both mentally and physically by slow stages.

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

From this reading "Niver know'd its equal," he continued, beginning to smoke, which operation, as the pipe did not "draw" well at first, prevented him from saying anything more.

the act of departing politely

From this reading BUMPUS IS PERPLEXED--MYSTERIOUS COMMUNINGS, AND A CURIOUS LEAVE-TAKING.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Having relieved his mind of this observation, the seaman proceeded to cut down some tobacco, and looked remarkably grave and solemn as if "it" were not only a puzzler, but an alarmingly serious puzzler.

in your mind

From this reading "Yes, it's the biggest puzzler as ever I comed across," said he, filling his pipe; for John, when not roused, got on both mentally and physically by slow stages.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Having relieved his mind of this observation, the seaman proceeded to cut down some tobacco, and looked remarkably grave and solemn as if "it" were not only a puzzler, but an alarmingly serious puzzler.

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

From this reading "Niver know'd its equal," he continued, beginning to smoke, which operation, as the pipe did not "draw" well at first, prevented him from saying anything more.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

of an obscure nature

From this reading BUMPUS IS PERPLEXED--MYSTERIOUS COMMUNINGS, AND A CURIOUS LEAVE-TAKING.

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

From this reading "Niver know'd its equal," he continued, beginning to smoke, which operation, as the pipe did not "draw" well at first, prevented him from saying anything more.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Having relieved his mind of this observation, the seaman proceeded to cut down some tobacco, and looked remarkably grave and solemn as if "it" were not only a puzzler, but an alarmingly serious puzzler.

the act of making and recording a measurement

From this reading Having relieved his mind of this observation, the seaman proceeded to cut down some tobacco, and looked remarkably grave and solemn as if "it" were not only a puzzler, but an alarmingly serious puzzler.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

many times at short intervals

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading "Yes, it's the biggest puzzler as ever I comed across," said he, filling his pipe; for John, when not roused, got on both mentally and physically by slow stages.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

and nothing more

From this reading Having relieved his mind of this observation, the seaman proceeded to cut down some tobacco, and looked remarkably grave and solemn as if "it" were not only a puzzler, but an alarmingly serious puzzler.

the state of being in effect or being operative

From this reading "Niver know'd its equal," he continued, beginning to smoke, which operation, as the pipe did not "draw" well at first, prevented him from saying anything more.

full of difficulty or confusion or bewilderment

From this reading BUMPUS IS PERPLEXED--MYSTERIOUS COMMUNINGS, AND A CURIOUS LEAVE-TAKING.

in accord with physical laws

From this reading "Yes, it's the biggest puzzler as ever I comed across," said he, filling his pipe; for John, when not roused, got on both mentally and physically by slow stages.

a tube with a small bowl at one end; used for smoking tobacco

From this reading "Yes, it's the biggest puzzler as ever I comed across," said he, filling his pipe; for John, when not roused, got on both mentally and physically by slow stages.

past form of “prevent” — keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading "Niver know'd its equal," he continued, beginning to smoke, which operation, as the pipe did not "draw" well at first, prevented him from saying anything more.

past form of “proceed” — continue talking

From this reading Having relieved his mind of this observation, the seaman proceeded to cut down some tobacco, and looked remarkably grave and solemn as if "it" were not only a puzzler, but an alarmingly serious puzzler.

the excess of revenues over outlays in a given period of time (including depreciation and other non-cash expenses)

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

a particularly baffling problem that is said to have a correct solution

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

(of pain or sorrow) made easier to bear

From this reading Having relieved his mind of this observation, the seaman proceeded to cut down some tobacco, and looked remarkably grave and solemn as if "it" were not only a puzzler, but an alarmingly serious puzzler.

to a remarkable degree or extent

From this reading Having relieved his mind of this observation, the seaman proceeded to cut down some tobacco, and looked remarkably grave and solemn as if "it" were not only a puzzler, but an alarmingly serious puzzler.

precisely, exactly

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

past form of “rouse” — become active

From this reading "Yes, it's the biggest puzzler as ever I comed across," said he, filling his pipe; for John, when not roused, got on both mentally and physically by slow stages.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations

From this reading "Niver know'd its equal," he continued, beginning to smoke, which operation, as the pipe did not "draw" well at first, prevented him from saying anything more.

a man who serves as a sailor

From this reading Having relieved his mind of this observation, the seaman proceeded to cut down some tobacco, and looked remarkably grave and solemn as if "it" were not only a puzzler, but an alarmingly serious puzzler.

concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

From this reading Having relieved his mind of this observation, the seaman proceeded to cut down some tobacco, and looked remarkably grave and solemn as if "it" were not only a puzzler, but an alarmingly serious puzzler.

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading "Yes, it's the biggest puzzler as ever I comed across," said he, filling his pipe; for John, when not roused, got on both mentally and physically by slow stages.

a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas

From this reading "Niver know'd its equal," he continued, beginning to smoke, which operation, as the pipe did not "draw" well at first, prevented him from saying anything more.

dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises

From this reading Having relieved his mind of this observation, the seaman proceeded to cut down some tobacco, and looked remarkably grave and solemn as if "it" were not only a puzzler, but an alarmingly serious puzzler.

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

From this reading Having relieved his mind of this observation, the seaman proceeded to cut down some tobacco, and looked remarkably grave and solemn as if "it" were not only a puzzler, but an alarmingly serious puzzler.

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

plural of “stage” — any distinct time period in a sequence of events

From this reading "Yes, it's the biggest puzzler as ever I comed across," said he, filling his pipe; for John, when not roused, got on both mentally and physically by slow stages.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

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

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

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

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

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

From this reading Having relieved his mind of this observation, the seaman proceeded to cut down some tobacco, and looked remarkably grave and solemn as if "it" were not only a puzzler, but an alarmingly serious puzzler.

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

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

leaves of the tobacco plant dried and prepared for smoking or ingestion

From this reading Having relieved his mind of this observation, the seaman proceeded to cut down some tobacco, and looked remarkably grave and solemn as if "it" were not only a puzzler, but an alarmingly serious puzzler.

plural of “topic” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

a formal word for “on”

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

precisely as stated

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

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

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading "Niver know'd its equal," he continued, beginning to smoke, which operation, as the pipe did not "draw" well at first, prevented him from saying anything more.

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

From this reading Having relieved his mind of this observation, the seaman proceeded to cut down some tobacco, and looked remarkably grave and solemn as if "it" were not only a puzzler, but an alarmingly serious puzzler.

at the time that

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

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

From this reading "Niver know'd its equal," he continued, beginning to smoke, which operation, as the pipe did not "draw" well at first, prevented him from saying anything more.

in the company of; together with

From this reading "It's a puzzler," said Jo Bumpus to himself,--for Jo was much in the habit of conversing with himself; and a very good habit it is, one that is often attended with much profit to the individual, when the conversation is held upon right topics and in a proper spirit,--"it's a puzzler, it is; that's a fact."

an affirmative

From this reading "Yes, it's the biggest puzzler as ever I comed across," said he, filling his pipe; for John, when not roused, got on both mentally and physically by slow stages.