Chapter XXV

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

From this reading It was a cool, invigorating morning on which the Bradfords began their quest.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The mountains about them wore below the snow-line the soft green of spring vegetation, while round their summits a few fleecy clouds vied with the snow in brightness.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading The Stik indicated that the treasure lay in the valley of the Kah Sha River above its junction with Alder Creek.

wood of any of various alder trees; resistant to underwater rot; used for bridges etc

From this reading The Stik indicated that the treasure lay in the valley of the Kah Sha River above its junction with Alder Creek.

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

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

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

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

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

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

moving or going or growing upward

From this reading As the creek was the principal stream above that point, just as the Missouri River carries far more water than the upper Mississippi, it seemed probable that there would be little difficulty, even at this season of flood, in ascending the upper river-valley.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

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

From this reading As the creek was the principal stream above that point, just as the Missouri River carries far more water than the upper Mississippi, it seemed probable that there would be little difficulty, even at this season of flood, in ascending the upper river-valley.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading It was a cool, invigorating morning on which the Bradfords began their quest.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading The mountains about them wore below the snow-line the soft green of spring vegetation, while round their summits a few fleecy clouds vied with the snow in brightness.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

plural of “bradford” — United States printer (born in England) whose press produced the first American prayer book and the New York City's first newspaper (1663-1752)

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

the location of a visual perception along a continuum from black to white

From this reading The mountains about them wore below the snow-line the soft green of spring vegetation, while round their summits a few fleecy clouds vied with the snow in brightness.

plural of “carry” — the act of carrying something

From this reading As the creek was the principal stream above that point, just as the Missouri River carries far more water than the upper Mississippi, it seemed probable that there would be little difficulty, even at this season of flood, in ascending the upper river-valley.

past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible

From this reading The mountains about them wore below the snow-line the soft green of spring vegetation, while round their summits a few fleecy clouds vied with the snow in brightness.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

neither warm nor very cold; giving relief from heat

From this reading It was a cool, invigorating morning on which the Bradfords began their quest.

the total spent for goods or services including money and time and labor

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)

From this reading The Stik indicated that the treasure lay in the valley of the Kah Sha River above its junction with Alder Creek.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

dearly loved

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

made known or openly avowed

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading As the creek was the principal stream above that point, just as the Missouri River carries far more water than the upper Mississippi, it seemed probable that there would be little difficulty, even at this season of flood, in ascending the upper river-valley.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

divisible by two

From this reading As the creek was the principal stream above that point, just as the Missouri River carries far more water than the upper Mississippi, it seemed probable that there would be little difficulty, even at this season of flood, in ascending the upper river-valley.

a journey taken for pleasure

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading As the creek was the principal stream above that point, just as the Missouri River carries far more water than the upper Mississippi, it seemed probable that there would be little difficulty, even at this season of flood, in ascending the upper river-valley.

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

From this reading The mountains about them wore below the snow-line the soft green of spring vegetation, while round their summits a few fleecy clouds vied with the snow in brightness.

(of fabrics) having soft nap produced by brushing

From this reading The mountains about them wore below the snow-line the soft green of spring vegetation, while round their summits a few fleecy clouds vied with the snow in brightness.

the rising of a body of water and its overflowing onto normally dry land

From this reading As the creek was the principal stream above that point, just as the Missouri River carries far more water than the upper Mississippi, it seemed probable that there would be little difficulty, even at this season of flood, in ascending the upper river-valley.

shallow enough to be crossed by walking or riding on an animal or in a vehicle

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

coins made of gold

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading The mountains about them wore below the snow-line the soft green of spring vegetation, while round their summits a few fleecy clouds vied with the snow in brightness.

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

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

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

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

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

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

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

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

past form of “indicate” — be a signal for or a symptom of

From this reading The Stik indicated that the treasure lay in the valley of the Kah Sha River above its junction with Alder Creek.

imparting strength and vitality

From this reading It was a cool, invigorating morning on which the Bradfords began their quest.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading As the creek was the principal stream above that point, just as the Missouri River carries far more water than the upper Mississippi, it seemed probable that there would be little difficulty, even at this season of flood, in ascending the upper river-valley.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The Stik indicated that the treasure lay in the valley of the Kah Sha River above its junction with Alder Creek.

the place where two or more things come together

From this reading The Stik indicated that the treasure lay in the valley of the Kah Sha River above its junction with Alder Creek.

and nothing more

From this reading As the creek was the principal stream above that point, just as the Missouri River carries far more water than the upper Mississippi, it seemed probable that there would be little difficulty, even at this season of flood, in ascending the upper river-valley.

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

From this reading The Stik indicated that the treasure lay in the valley of the Kah Sha River above its junction with Alder Creek.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading The Stik indicated that the treasure lay in the valley of the Kah Sha River above its junction with Alder Creek.

the probability of a specified outcome

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading As the creek was the principal stream above that point, just as the Missouri River carries far more water than the upper Mississippi, it seemed probable that there would be little difficulty, even at this season of flood, in ascending the upper river-valley.

occurring by chance

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

a compact mass

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

a major North American river and the chief river of the United States; rises in northern Minnesota and flows southward into the Gulf of Mexico

From this reading As the creek was the principal stream above that point, just as the Missouri River carries far more water than the upper Mississippi, it seemed probable that there would be little difficulty, even at this season of flood, in ascending the upper river-valley.

a midwestern state in central United States; a border state during the American Civil War, Missouri was admitted to the Confederacy without actually seceding from the Union

From this reading As the creek was the principal stream above that point, just as the Missouri River carries far more water than the upper Mississippi, it seemed probable that there would be little difficulty, even at this season of flood, in ascending the upper river-valley.

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

From this reading As the creek was the principal stream above that point, just as the Missouri River carries far more water than the upper Mississippi, it seemed probable that there would be little difficulty, even at this season of flood, in ascending the upper river-valley.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading It was a cool, invigorating morning on which the Bradfords began their quest.

plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading The mountains about them wore below the snow-line the soft green of spring vegetation, while round their summits a few fleecy clouds vied with the snow in brightness.

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

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

a solid lump of a precious metal (especially gold) as found in the earth

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was a cool, invigorating morning on which the Bradfords began their quest.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading As the creek was the principal stream above that point, just as the Missouri River carries far more water than the upper Mississippi, it seemed probable that there would be little difficulty, even at this season of flood, in ascending the upper river-valley.

the original amount of a debt on which interest is calculated

From this reading As the creek was the principal stream above that point, just as the Missouri River carries far more water than the upper Mississippi, it seemed probable that there would be little difficulty, even at this season of flood, in ascending the upper river-valley.

likely but not certain to be or become true or real

From this reading As the creek was the principal stream above that point, just as the Missouri River carries far more water than the upper Mississippi, it seemed probable that there would be little difficulty, even at this season of flood, in ascending the upper river-valley.

plural of “prospector” — someone who explores an area for mineral deposits

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

a search for an alternative that meets cognitive criteria

From this reading It was a cool, invigorating morning on which the Bradfords began their quest.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading The Stik indicated that the treasure lay in the valley of the Kah Sha River above its junction with Alder Creek.

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

From this reading As the creek was the principal stream above that point, just as the Missouri River carries far more water than the upper Mississippi, it seemed probable that there would be little difficulty, even at this season of flood, in ascending the upper river-valley.

plural of “river” — a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading The mountains about them wore below the snow-line the soft green of spring vegetation, while round their summits a few fleecy clouds vied with the snow in brightness.

a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field

From this reading As the creek was the principal stream above that point, just as the Missouri River carries far more water than the upper Mississippi, it seemed probable that there would be little difficulty, even at this season of flood, in ascending the upper river-valley.

past form of “secure” — get by special effort

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading As the creek was the principal stream above that point, just as the Missouri River carries far more water than the upper Mississippi, it seemed probable that there would be little difficulty, even at this season of flood, in ascending the upper river-valley.

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

From this reading The Stik indicated that the treasure lay in the valley of the Kah Sha River above its junction with Alder Creek.

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading The mountains about them wore below the snow-line the soft green of spring vegetation, while round their summits a few fleecy clouds vied with the snow in brightness.

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

From this reading The mountains about them wore below the snow-line the soft green of spring vegetation, while round their summits a few fleecy clouds vied with the snow in brightness.

yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading The mountains about them wore below the snow-line the soft green of spring vegetation, while round their summits a few fleecy clouds vied with the snow in brightness.

in the near future

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

the season of growth

From this reading The mountains about them wore below the snow-line the soft green of spring vegetation, while round their summits a few fleecy clouds vied with the snow in brightness.

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

From this reading The Stik indicated that the treasure lay in the valley of the Kah Sha River above its junction with Alder Creek.

a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading As the creek was the principal stream above that point, just as the Missouri River carries far more water than the upper Mississippi, it seemed probable that there would be little difficulty, even at this season of flood, in ascending the upper river-valley.

plural of “summit” — the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development

From this reading The mountains about them wore below the snow-line the soft green of spring vegetation, while round their summits a few fleecy clouds vied with the snow in brightness.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading As the creek was the principal stream above that point, just as the Missouri River carries far more water than the upper Mississippi, it seemed probable that there would be little difficulty, even at this season of flood, in ascending the upper river-valley.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

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

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading It was a cool, invigorating morning on which the Bradfords began their quest.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The mountains about them wore below the snow-line the soft green of spring vegetation, while round their summits a few fleecy clouds vied with the snow in brightness.

in or at that place or location

From this reading As the creek was the principal stream above that point, just as the Missouri River carries far more water than the upper Mississippi, it seemed probable that there would be little difficulty, even at this season of flood, in ascending the upper river-valley.

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

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

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

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

accumulated wealth in the form of money or jewels etc.

From this reading The Stik indicated that the treasure lay in the valley of the Kah Sha River above its junction with Alder Creek.

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

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

enter upon an activity or enterprise

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

the topmost one of two

From this reading As the creek was the principal stream above that point, just as the Missouri River carries far more water than the upper Mississippi, it seemed probable that there would be little difficulty, even at this season of flood, in ascending the upper river-valley.

a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river

From this reading The Stik indicated that the treasure lay in the valley of the Kah Sha River above its junction with Alder Creek.

all the plant life in a particular region or period

From this reading The mountains about them wore below the snow-line the soft green of spring vegetation, while round their summits a few fleecy clouds vied with the snow in brightness.

past form of “vie” — compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others

From this reading The mountains about them wore below the snow-line the soft green of spring vegetation, while round their summits a few fleecy clouds vied with the snow in brightness.

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

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading As the creek was the principal stream above that point, just as the Missouri River carries far more water than the upper Mississippi, it seemed probable that there would be little difficulty, even at this season of flood, in ascending the upper river-valley.

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

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

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

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

during the time that

From this reading The mountains about them wore below the snow-line the soft green of spring vegetation, while round their summits a few fleecy clouds vied with the snow in brightness.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The Stik indicated that the treasure lay in the valley of the Kah Sha River above its junction with Alder Creek.

inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in

From this reading The mountains about them wore below the snow-line the soft green of spring vegetation, while round their summits a few fleecy clouds vied with the snow in brightness.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.

but in spite of that

From this reading HOW THE GREAT NUGGET NEARLY COST THE BRADFORDS DEAR The lump of gold which Lucky had declared was as big as his head had not yet been secured, and the likelihood that many prospectors would come in as soon as the rivers were fordable caused Uncle Will to undertake this excursion at an early day.