Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Norwood Press Set up and electrotyped by J. S. Cushing Co. Norwood, Mass., U.S.A.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Perhaps it was Jack Barry's own fault that he had spent three weeks loafing about Batavia without a job.

in addition

From this reading He had been mate of the _Gregg_, when that ancient ark foundered off Kebatu, and also held a clean master's ticket; but somehow he found that masters and mates were a drug on the Batavian market just then; hence his three barren weeks of idleness.

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading "An American has no business with the sea these days," he reflected moodily.

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

From this reading "An American has no business with the sea these days," he reflected moodily.

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading He had been mate of the _Gregg_, when that ancient ark foundered off Kebatu, and also held a clean master's ticket; but somehow he found that masters and mates were a drug on the Batavian market just then; hence his three barren weeks of idleness.

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

From this reading Norwood Press Set up and electrotyped by J. S. Cushing Co. Norwood, Mass., U.S.A.

(Judaism) sacred chest where the ancient Hebrews kept the two tablets containing the Ten Commandments

From this reading He had been mate of the _Gregg_, when that ancient ark foundered off Kebatu, and also held a clean master's ticket; but somehow he found that masters and mates were a drug on the Batavian market just then; hence his three barren weeks of idleness.

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

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

providing no shelter or sustenance

From this reading He had been mate of the _Gregg_, when that ancient ark foundered off Kebatu, and also held a clean master's ticket; but somehow he found that masters and mates were a drug on the Batavian market just then; hence his three barren weeks of idleness.

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

From this reading Perhaps it was Jack Barry's own fault that he had spent three weeks loafing about Batavia without a job.

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

From this reading Perhaps it was Jack Barry's own fault that he had spent three weeks loafing about Batavia without a job.

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

From this reading He had been mate of the _Gregg_, when that ancient ark foundered off Kebatu, and also held a clean master's ticket; but somehow he found that masters and mates were a drug on the Batavian market just then; hence his three barren weeks of idleness.

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

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He had been mate of the _Gregg_, when that ancient ark foundered off Kebatu, and also held a clean master's ticket; but somehow he found that masters and mates were a drug on the Batavian market just then; hence his three barren weeks of idleness.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading "An American has no business with the sea these days," he reflected moodily.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Norwood Press Set up and electrotyped by J. S. Cushing Co. Norwood, Mass., U.S.A.

free from dirt or impurities; or having clean habits

From this reading He had been mate of the _Gregg_, when that ancient ark foundered off Kebatu, and also held a clean master's ticket; but somehow he found that masters and mates were a drug on the Batavian market just then; hence his three barren weeks of idleness.

an odorless very poisonous gas that is a product of incomplete combustion of carbon

From this reading Norwood Press Set up and electrotyped by J. S. Cushing Co. Norwood, Mass., U.S.A.

plural of “cocktail” — a short mixed drink

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

a collection of things that have been combined; an assemblage of separate parts or qualities

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

diplomatic building that serves as the residence or workplace of a consul

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

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

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

possessive form of “country” — a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

United States neurologist noted for his study of the brain and pituitary gland and who identified Cushing's syndrome (1869-1939)

From this reading Norwood Press Set up and electrotyped by J. S. Cushing Co. Norwood, Mass., U.S.A.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading "An American has no business with the sea these days," he reflected moodily.

recognizable; marked

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

administer a drug to

From this reading He had been mate of the _Gregg_, when that ancient ark foundered off Kebatu, and also held a clean master's ticket; but somehow he found that masters and mates were a drug on the Batavian market just then; hence his three barren weeks of idleness.

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

From this reading Norwood Press Set up and electrotyped by J. S. Cushing Co. Norwood, Mass., U.S.A.

having an (over)abundance of flesh

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention

From this reading Perhaps it was Jack Barry's own fault that he had spent three weeks loafing about Batavia without a job.

a boy or man

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

involving financial matters

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

set up or found

From this reading He had been mate of the _Gregg_, when that ancient ark foundered off Kebatu, and also held a clean master's ticket; but somehow he found that masters and mates were a drug on the Batavian market just then; hence his three barren weeks of idleness.

past form of “founder” — fail utterly; collapse

From this reading He had been mate of the _Gregg_, when that ancient ark foundered off Kebatu, and also held a clean master's ticket; but somehow he found that masters and mates were a drug on the Batavian market just then; hence his three barren weeks of idleness.

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

From this reading He had been mate of the _Gregg_, when that ancient ark foundered off Kebatu, and also held a clean master's ticket; but somehow he found that masters and mates were a drug on the Batavian market just then; hence his three barren weeks of idleness.

a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

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

From this reading Perhaps it was Jack Barry's own fault that he had spent three weeks loafing about Batavia without a job.

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

From this reading "An American has no business with the sea these days," he reflected moodily.

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

From this reading Perhaps it was Jack Barry's own fault that he had spent three weeks loafing about Batavia without a job.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading He had been mate of the _Gregg_, when that ancient ark foundered off Kebatu, and also held a clean master's ticket; but somehow he found that masters and mates were a drug on the Batavian market just then; hence his three barren weeks of idleness.

for this reason

From this reading He had been mate of the _Gregg_, when that ancient ark foundered off Kebatu, and also held a clean master's ticket; but somehow he found that masters and mates were a drug on the Batavian market just then; hence his three barren weeks of idleness.

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

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

having no employment

From this reading He had been mate of the _Gregg_, when that ancient ark foundered off Kebatu, and also held a clean master's ticket; but somehow he found that masters and mates were a drug on the Batavian market just then; hence his three barren weeks of idleness.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Perhaps it was Jack Barry's own fault that he had spent three weeks loafing about Batavia without a job.

a unit of electrical energy equal to the work done when a current of one ampere passes through a resistance of one ohm for one second

From this reading Norwood Press Set up and electrotyped by J. S. Cushing Co. Norwood, Mass., U.S.A.

a small worthless amount

From this reading Perhaps it was Jack Barry's own fault that he had spent three weeks loafing about Batavia without a job.

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

From this reading Perhaps it was Jack Barry's own fault that he had spent three weeks loafing about Batavia without a job.

plural of “job” — the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

and nothing more

From this reading He had been mate of the _Gregg_, when that ancient ark foundered off Kebatu, and also held a clean master's ticket; but somehow he found that masters and mates were a drug on the Batavian market just then; hence his three barren weeks of idleness.

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

From this reading He had been mate of the _Gregg_, when that ancient ark foundered off Kebatu, and also held a clean master's ticket; but somehow he found that masters and mates were a drug on the Batavian market just then; hence his three barren weeks of idleness.

small in range or scope

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

having no employment

From this reading Perhaps it was Jack Barry's own fault that he had spent three weeks loafing about Batavia without a job.

the world of commercial activity where goods and services are bought and sold

From this reading He had been mate of the _Gregg_, when that ancient ark foundered off Kebatu, and also held a clean master's ticket; but somehow he found that masters and mates were a drug on the Batavian market just then; hence his three barren weeks of idleness.

the property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field

From this reading Norwood Press Set up and electrotyped by J. S. Cushing Co. Norwood, Mass., U.S.A.

possessive form of “master” — an artist of consummate skill

From this reading He had been mate of the _Gregg_, when that ancient ark foundered off Kebatu, and also held a clean master's ticket; but somehow he found that masters and mates were a drug on the Batavian market just then; hence his three barren weeks of idleness.

United States poet (1869-1950)

From this reading He had been mate of the _Gregg_, when that ancient ark foundered off Kebatu, and also held a clean master's ticket; but somehow he found that masters and mates were a drug on the Batavian market just then; hence his three barren weeks of idleness.

the officer below the master on a commercial ship

From this reading He had been mate of the _Gregg_, when that ancient ark foundered off Kebatu, and also held a clean master's ticket; but somehow he found that masters and mates were a drug on the Batavian market just then; hence his three barren weeks of idleness.

a pair of people who live together

From this reading He had been mate of the _Gregg_, when that ancient ark foundered off Kebatu, and also held a clean master's ticket; but somehow he found that masters and mates were a drug on the Batavian market just then; hence his three barren weeks of idleness.

in a moody manner

From this reading "An American has no business with the sea these days," he reflected moodily.

not any; not one

From this reading "An American has no business with the sea these days," he reflected moodily.

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

From this reading Norwood Press Set up and electrotyped by J. S. Cushing Co. Norwood, Mass., U.S.A.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He had been mate of the _Gregg_, when that ancient ark foundered off Kebatu, and also held a clean master's ticket; but somehow he found that masters and mates were a drug on the Batavian market just then; hence his three barren weeks of idleness.

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

From this reading He had been mate of the _Gregg_, when that ancient ark foundered off Kebatu, and also held a clean master's ticket; but somehow he found that masters and mates were a drug on the Batavian market just then; hence his three barren weeks of idleness.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He had been mate of the _Gregg_, when that ancient ark foundered off Kebatu, and also held a clean master's ticket; but somehow he found that masters and mates were a drug on the Batavian market just then; hence his three barren weeks of idleness.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Perhaps it was Jack Barry's own fault that he had spent three weeks loafing about Batavia without a job.

by chance

From this reading Perhaps it was Jack Barry's own fault that he had spent three weeks loafing about Batavia without a job.

past form of “persevere” — be persistent, refuse to stop

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

exert pressure or force to or upon

From this reading Norwood Press Set up and electrotyped by J. S. Cushing Co. Norwood, Mass., U.S.A.

the body of people in a learned occupation

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

plural of “rebuff” — a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

(especially of incident sound or light) bent or sent back

From this reading "An American has no business with the sea these days," he reflected moodily.

plural of “report” — a written document describing the findings of some individual or group

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading Norwood Press Set up and electrotyped by J. S. Cushing Co. Norwood, Mass., U.S.A.

plural of “sailor” — any member of a ship's crew

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading "An American has no business with the sea these days," he reflected moodily.

past form of “secure” — get by special effort

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Norwood Press Set up and electrotyped by J. S. Cushing Co. Norwood, Mass., U.S.A.

the land along the edge of a body of water

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

in some unspecified way or manner; or by some unspecified means

From this reading He had been mate of the _Gregg_, when that ancient ark foundered off Kebatu, and also held a clean master's ticket; but somehow he found that masters and mates were a drug on the Batavian market just then; hence his three barren weeks of idleness.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading Perhaps it was Jack Barry's own fault that he had spent three weeks loafing about Batavia without a job.

put, fix, force, or implant

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Perhaps it was Jack Barry's own fault that he had spent three weeks loafing about Batavia without a job.

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

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading He had been mate of the _Gregg_, when that ancient ark foundered off Kebatu, and also held a clean master's ticket; but somehow he found that masters and mates were a drug on the Batavian market just then; hence his three barren weeks of idleness.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading "An American has no business with the sea these days," he reflected moodily.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Perhaps it was Jack Barry's own fault that he had spent three weeks loafing about Batavia without a job.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

a commercial document showing that the holder is entitled to something (as to ride on public transportation or to enter a public entertainment)

From this reading He had been mate of the _Gregg_, when that ancient ark foundered off Kebatu, and also held a clean master's ticket; but somehow he found that masters and mates were a drug on the Batavian market just then; hence his three barren weeks of idleness.

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

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

a base containing nitrogen that is found in RNA (but not in DNA) and derived from pyrimidine; pairs with adenine

From this reading Norwood Press Set up and electrotyped by J. S. Cushing Co. Norwood, Mass., U.S.A.

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

From this reading Norwood Press Set up and electrotyped by J. S. Cushing Co. Norwood, Mass., U.S.A.

under normal conditions

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

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

From this reading Perhaps it was Jack Barry's own fault that he had spent three weeks loafing about Batavia without a job.

the capital of the United States in the District of Columbia and a tourist mecca; George Washington commissioned Charles L'Enfant to lay out the city in 1791

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading Perhaps it was Jack Barry's own fault that he had spent three weeks loafing about Batavia without a job.

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

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

at the time that

From this reading Fat jobs were to be had, if a fellow persevered and could grin at rebuffs; but when he discovered that shore jobs for sailors were usually secured through the Consulate, and that his own country's Consulate Service was limited, as service, to cocktails and financial reports to Washington, he decided to avoid that combination and stick to his own profession.

in the company of; together with

From this reading "An American has no business with the sea these days," he reflected moodily.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Perhaps it was Jack Barry's own fault that he had spent three weeks loafing about Batavia without a job.