Chapter XXVI

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

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading A man could see about ten yards before him, and one bound on an evil errand, by cat-like vigilance and circumspection, might have made out the figure of an honest man at that distance, and remained himself unseen.

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

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

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

From this reading There was no moon, and not a star to be seen, yet was it not _pitch_ dark, save under the gigantic trees or in the close shrubberies that surrounded Newton-Hollows.

a wall hanging of heavy handwoven fabric often with pictorial designs

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

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

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A man could see about ten yards before him, and one bound on an evil errand, by cat-like vigilance and circumspection, might have made out the figure of an honest man at that distance, and remained himself unseen.

the season when the leaves fall from the trees

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

of or characteristic of or occurring in autumn

From this reading The night-wind sighed gently through the half-stripped hedges; and the fragrance of the few remaining autumnal flowers floated lightly on the breeze.

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

From this reading There was no moon, and not a star to be seen, yet was it not _pitch_ dark, save under the gigantic trees or in the close shrubberies that surrounded Newton-Hollows.

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading It was a beautiful night for the purpose.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading A man could see about ten yards before him, and one bound on an evil errand, by cat-like vigilance and circumspection, might have made out the figure of an honest man at that distance, and remained himself unseen.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

confined by bonds

From this reading A man could see about ten yards before him, and one bound on an evil errand, by cat-like vigilance and circumspection, might have made out the figure of an honest man at that distance, and remained himself unseen.

a slight wind (usually refreshing)

From this reading The night-wind sighed gently through the half-stripped hedges; and the fragrance of the few remaining autumnal flowers floated lightly on the breeze.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading A man could see about ten yards before him, and one bound on an evil errand, by cat-like vigilance and circumspection, might have made out the figure of an honest man at that distance, and remained himself unseen.

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

From this reading A man could see about ten yards before him, and one bound on an evil errand, by cat-like vigilance and circumspection, might have made out the figure of an honest man at that distance, and remained himself unseen.

knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress

From this reading A man could see about ten yards before him, and one bound on an evil errand, by cat-like vigilance and circumspection, might have made out the figure of an honest man at that distance, and remained himself unseen.

a tract of land with few or no trees in the middle of a wooded area

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

the weather in some location averaged over some long period of time

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

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

From this reading A man could see about ten yards before him, and one bound on an evil errand, by cat-like vigilance and circumspection, might have made out the figure of an honest man at that distance, and remained himself unseen.

a military court to try members of the armed services who are accused of serious breaches of martial law

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading A man could see about ten yards before him, and one bound on an evil errand, by cat-like vigilance and circumspection, might have made out the figure of an honest man at that distance, and remained himself unseen.

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

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

a short trip that is taken in the performance of a necessary task or mission

From this reading A man could see about ten yards before him, and one bound on an evil errand, by cat-like vigilance and circumspection, might have made out the figure of an honest man at that distance, and remained himself unseen.

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

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

morally objectionable behavior

From this reading A man could see about ten yards before him, and one bound on an evil errand, by cat-like vigilance and circumspection, might have made out the figure of an honest man at that distance, and remained himself unseen.

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

From this reading The night-wind sighed gently through the half-stripped hedges; and the fragrance of the few remaining autumnal flowers floated lightly on the breeze.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading A man could see about ten yards before him, and one bound on an evil errand, by cat-like vigilance and circumspection, might have made out the figure of an honest man at that distance, and remained himself unseen.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

past form of “float” — be in motion due to some air or water current

From this reading The night-wind sighed gently through the half-stripped hedges; and the fragrance of the few remaining autumnal flowers floated lightly on the breeze.

plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading The night-wind sighed gently through the half-stripped hedges; and the fragrance of the few remaining autumnal flowers floated lightly on the breeze.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It was a beautiful night for the purpose.

a distinctive odor that is pleasant

From this reading The night-wind sighed gently through the half-stripped hedges; and the fragrance of the few remaining autumnal flowers floated lightly on the breeze.

in a gradual manner

From this reading The night-wind sighed gently through the half-stripped hedges; and the fragrance of the few remaining autumnal flowers floated lightly on the breeze.

so exceedingly large or extensive as to suggest a giant or mammoth

From this reading There was no moon, and not a star to be seen, yet was it not _pitch_ dark, save under the gigantic trees or in the close shrubberies that surrounded Newton-Hollows.

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

From this reading The night-wind sighed gently through the half-stripped hedges; and the fragrance of the few remaining autumnal flowers floated lightly on the breeze.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading A man could see about ten yards before him, and one bound on an evil errand, by cat-like vigilance and circumspection, might have made out the figure of an honest man at that distance, and remained himself unseen.

plural of “hedge” — a fence formed by a row of closely planted shrubs or bushes

From this reading The night-wind sighed gently through the half-stripped hedges; and the fragrance of the few remaining autumnal flowers floated lightly on the breeze.

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

From this reading A man could see about ten yards before him, and one bound on an evil errand, by cat-like vigilance and circumspection, might have made out the figure of an honest man at that distance, and remained himself unseen.

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

From this reading A man could see about ten yards before him, and one bound on an evil errand, by cat-like vigilance and circumspection, might have made out the figure of an honest man at that distance, and remained himself unseen.

not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent

From this reading A man could see about ten yards before him, and one bound on an evil errand, by cat-like vigilance and circumspection, might have made out the figure of an honest man at that distance, and remained himself unseen.

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

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

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

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

and nothing more

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

without good reason

From this reading The night-wind sighed gently through the half-stripped hedges; and the fragrance of the few remaining autumnal flowers floated lightly on the breeze.

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading A man could see about ten yards before him, and one bound on an evil errand, by cat-like vigilance and circumspection, might have made out the figure of an honest man at that distance, and remained himself unseen.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading A man could see about ten yards before him, and one bound on an evil errand, by cat-like vigilance and circumspection, might have made out the figure of an honest man at that distance, and remained himself unseen.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading A man could see about ten yards before him, and one bound on an evil errand, by cat-like vigilance and circumspection, might have made out the figure of an honest man at that distance, and remained himself unseen.

the natural satellite of the Earth

From this reading There was no moon, and not a star to be seen, yet was it not _pitch_ dark, save under the gigantic trees or in the close shrubberies that surrounded Newton-Hollows.

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

From this reading There was no moon, and not a star to be seen, yet was it not _pitch_ dark, save under the gigantic trees or in the close shrubberies that surrounded Newton-Hollows.

pleasant or pleasing or agreeable in nature or appearance

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

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

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

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

From this reading The night-wind sighed gently through the half-stripped hedges; and the fragrance of the few remaining autumnal flowers floated lightly on the breeze.

not any; not one

From this reading There was no moon, and not a star to be seen, yet was it not _pitch_ dark, save under the gigantic trees or in the close shrubberies that surrounded Newton-Hollows.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading There was no moon, and not a star to be seen, yet was it not _pitch_ dark, save under the gigantic trees or in the close shrubberies that surrounded Newton-Hollows.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading A man could see about ten yards before him, and one bound on an evil errand, by cat-like vigilance and circumspection, might have made out the figure of an honest man at that distance, and remained himself unseen.

a narcotic drug that contains opium or an opium derivative

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading There was no moon, and not a star to be seen, yet was it not _pitch_ dark, save under the gigantic trees or in the close shrubberies that surrounded Newton-Hollows.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading A man could see about ten yards before him, and one bound on an evil errand, by cat-like vigilance and circumspection, might have made out the figure of an honest man at that distance, and remained himself unseen.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

the property of sound that varies with variation in the frequency of vibration

From this reading There was no moon, and not a star to be seen, yet was it not _pitch_ dark, save under the gigantic trees or in the close shrubberies that surrounded Newton-Hollows.

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

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading It was a beautiful night for the purpose.

any of various long-tailed rodents similar to but larger than a mouse

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading A man could see about ten yards before him, and one bound on an evil errand, by cat-like vigilance and circumspection, might have made out the figure of an honest man at that distance, and remained himself unseen.

not used up

From this reading The night-wind sighed gently through the half-stripped hedges; and the fragrance of the few remaining autumnal flowers floated lightly on the breeze.

except for; apart from

From this reading There was no moon, and not a star to be seen, yet was it not _pitch_ dark, save under the gigantic trees or in the close shrubberies that surrounded Newton-Hollows.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading A man could see about ten yards before him, and one bound on an evil errand, by cat-like vigilance and circumspection, might have made out the figure of an honest man at that distance, and remained himself unseen.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading There was no moon, and not a star to be seen, yet was it not _pitch_ dark, save under the gigantic trees or in the close shrubberies that surrounded Newton-Hollows.

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

From this reading There was no moon, and not a star to be seen, yet was it not _pitch_ dark, save under the gigantic trees or in the close shrubberies that surrounded Newton-Hollows.

past form of “sigh” — heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily

From this reading The night-wind sighed gently through the half-stripped hedges; and the fragrance of the few remaining autumnal flowers floated lightly on the breeze.

yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

(astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior

From this reading There was no moon, and not a star to be seen, yet was it not _pitch_ dark, save under the gigantic trees or in the close shrubberies that surrounded Newton-Hollows.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

confined on all sides

From this reading There was no moon, and not a star to be seen, yet was it not _pitch_ dark, save under the gigantic trees or in the close shrubberies that surrounded Newton-Hollows.

(of weather or climate) free from extremes; mild; or characteristic of such weather or climate

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading A man could see about ten yards before him, and one bound on an evil errand, by cat-like vigilance and circumspection, might have made out the figure of an honest man at that distance, and remained himself unseen.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading There was no moon, and not a star to be seen, yet was it not _pitch_ dark, save under the gigantic trees or in the close shrubberies that surrounded Newton-Hollows.

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

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was no moon, and not a star to be seen, yet was it not _pitch_ dark, save under the gigantic trees or in the close shrubberies that surrounded Newton-Hollows.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading The night-wind sighed gently through the half-stripped hedges; and the fragrance of the few remaining autumnal flowers floated lightly on the breeze.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

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

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

in the direction of

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

a track or mark left by something that has passed

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading There was no moon, and not a star to be seen, yet was it not _pitch_ dark, save under the gigantic trees or in the close shrubberies that surrounded Newton-Hollows.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading There was no moon, and not a star to be seen, yet was it not _pitch_ dark, save under the gigantic trees or in the close shrubberies that surrounded Newton-Hollows.

not seen or perceived

From this reading A man could see about ten yards before him, and one bound on an evil errand, by cat-like vigilance and circumspection, might have made out the figure of an honest man at that distance, and remained himself unseen.

the process of paying close and continuous attention

From this reading A man could see about ten yards before him, and one bound on an evil errand, by cat-like vigilance and circumspection, might have made out the figure of an honest man at that distance, and remained himself unseen.

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

From this reading “EUDÆMON” NIGHT-WALKERS--A “NICE JOB”--CLEARING THE PLATE-BASKET--JUST IN TIME--DRUM-HEAD COURT-MARTIAL--FIRST LOVE--A RAT BEHIND THE ARRAS--ON THE TRAIL--AN EFFECTUAL OPIATE It was a soft dark night--such a night as is peculiar to our temperate climate towards the close of autumn.

plural of “yard” — a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading A man could see about ten yards before him, and one bound on an evil errand, by cat-like vigilance and circumspection, might have made out the figure of an honest man at that distance, and remained himself unseen.

but in spite of that

From this reading There was no moon, and not a star to be seen, yet was it not _pitch_ dark, save under the gigantic trees or in the close shrubberies that surrounded Newton-Hollows.