Chapter III · Chapter 3

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

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

softly bright or radiant

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

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

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

struck with fear, dread, or consternation

From this reading They were appalled by the predicament in which they found themselves.

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

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading As they gazed, before Layson could rush forward to stamp out these sparkling perils, the fire had spread, as the girl, wise in the direful ways of brush-fires, had known at once that it would spread, to the encircling pine-tops, left in a tinder barricade about the clearing by the sawyers and the axemen.

the season when the leaves fall from the trees

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

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

From this reading As they gazed, before Layson could rush forward to stamp out these sparkling perils, the fire had spread, as the girl, wise in the direful ways of brush-fires, had known at once that it would spread, to the encircling pine-tops, left in a tinder barricade about the clearing by the sawyers and the axemen.

a barrier set up by police to stop traffic on a street or road in order to catch a fugitive or inspect traffic etc.

From this reading As they gazed, before Layson could rush forward to stamp out these sparkling perils, the fire had spread, as the girl, wise in the direful ways of brush-fires, had known at once that it would spread, to the encircling pine-tops, left in a tinder barricade about the clearing by the sawyers and the axemen.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading As they gazed, before Layson could rush forward to stamp out these sparkling perils, the fire had spread, as the girl, wise in the direful ways of brush-fires, had known at once that it would spread, to the encircling pine-tops, left in a tinder barricade about the clearing by the sawyers and the axemen.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

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

From this reading As they gazed, before Layson could rush forward to stamp out these sparkling perils, the fire had spread, as the girl, wise in the direful ways of brush-fires, had known at once that it would spread, to the encircling pine-tops, left in a tinder barricade about the clearing by the sawyers and the axemen.

(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

-ing form of “burst” — come open suddenly and violently, as if from internal pressure

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading They were appalled by the predicament in which they found themselves.

a condition that accompanies or influences some event or activity

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

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

From this reading As they gazed, before Layson could rush forward to stamp out these sparkling perils, the fire had spread, as the girl, wise in the direful ways of brush-fires, had known at once that it would spread, to the encircling pine-tops, left in a tinder barricade about the clearing by the sawyers and the axemen.

past form of “communicate” — transmit information

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

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

From this reading As they gazed, before Layson could rush forward to stamp out these sparkling perils, the fire had spread, as the girl, wise in the direful ways of brush-fires, had known at once that it would spread, to the encircling pine-tops, left in a tinder barricade about the clearing by the sawyers and the axemen.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading As they gazed, before Layson could rush forward to stamp out these sparkling perils, the fire had spread, as the girl, wise in the direful ways of brush-fires, had known at once that it would spread, to the encircling pine-tops, left in a tinder barricade about the clearing by the sawyers and the axemen.

facing or experiencing financial trouble or difficulty

From this reading "Oh," she said, distressed, "we're ketched!"

marked by complexity and richness of detail

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

being all around the edges; enclosing

From this reading As they gazed, before Layson could rush forward to stamp out these sparkling perils, the fire had spread, as the girl, wise in the direful ways of brush-fires, had known at once that it would spread, to the encircling pine-tops, left in a tinder barricade about the clearing by the sawyers and the axemen.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

having your attention fixated as though by a spell

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

start firing a weapon

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

A hot glowing body of ignited gas produced by fire.

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

at or to or toward the front

From this reading As they gazed, before Layson could rush forward to stamp out these sparkling perils, the fire had spread, as the girl, wise in the direful ways of brush-fires, had known at once that it would spread, to the encircling pine-tops, left in a tinder barricade about the clearing by the sawyers and the axemen.

set up or found

From this reading They were appalled by the predicament in which they found themselves.

an enclosed chamber in which heat is produced to heat buildings, destroy refuse, smelt or refine ores, etc.

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

past form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes

From this reading As they gazed, before Layson could rush forward to stamp out these sparkling perils, the fire had spread, as the girl, wise in the direful ways of brush-fires, had known at once that it would spread, to the encircling pine-tops, left in a tinder barricade about the clearing by the sawyers and the axemen.

a young female

From this reading As they gazed, before Layson could rush forward to stamp out these sparkling perils, the fire had spread, as the girl, wise in the direful ways of brush-fires, had known at once that it would spread, to the encircling pine-tops, left in a tinder barricade about the clearing by the sawyers and the axemen.

having brief brilliant points or flashes of light

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

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

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

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

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

made warm or hot (“het” is a dialectal variant of “heated”)

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

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

From this reading They were appalled by the predicament in which they found themselves.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

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

From this reading "Oh," she said, distressed, "we're ketched!"

apprehended with certainty

From this reading As they gazed, before Layson could rush forward to stamp out these sparkling perils, the fire had spread, as the girl, wise in the direful ways of brush-fires, had known at once that it would spread, to the encircling pine-tops, left in a tinder barricade about the clearing by the sawyers and the axemen.

plural of “layer” — single thickness of usually some homogeneous substance

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

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

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

a projecting ridge on a mountain or submerged under water

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading As they gazed, before Layson could rush forward to stamp out these sparkling perils, the fire had spread, as the girl, wise in the direful ways of brush-fires, had known at once that it would spread, to the encircling pine-tops, left in a tinder barricade about the clearing by the sawyers and the axemen.

make a logical or causal connection

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

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

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

of an obscure nature

From this reading The thing seemed quite mysterious.

make or become more narrow or restricted

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region

From this reading "Oh," she said, distressed, "we're ketched!"

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

on one occasion

From this reading As they gazed, before Layson could rush forward to stamp out these sparkling perils, the fire had spread, as the girl, wise in the direful ways of brush-fires, had known at once that it would spread, to the encircling pine-tops, left in a tinder barricade about the clearing by the sawyers and the axemen.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading As they gazed, before Layson could rush forward to stamp out these sparkling perils, the fire had spread, as the girl, wise in the direful ways of brush-fires, had known at once that it would spread, to the encircling pine-tops, left in a tinder barricade about the clearing by the sawyers and the axemen.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

plural of “peril” — a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading As they gazed, before Layson could rush forward to stamp out these sparkling perils, the fire had spread, as the girl, wise in the direful ways of brush-fires, had known at once that it would spread, to the encircling pine-tops, left in a tinder barricade about the clearing by the sawyers and the axemen.

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

From this reading As they gazed, before Layson could rush forward to stamp out these sparkling perils, the fire had spread, as the girl, wise in the direful ways of brush-fires, had known at once that it would spread, to the encircling pine-tops, left in a tinder barricade about the clearing by the sawyers and the axemen.

plural of “point” — a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one

From this reading They were appalled by the predicament in which they found themselves.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading The thing seemed quite mysterious.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

move hurridly

From this reading As they gazed, before Layson could rush forward to stamp out these sparkling perils, the fire had spread, as the girl, wise in the direful ways of brush-fires, had known at once that it would spread, to the encircling pine-tops, left in a tinder barricade about the clearing by the sawyers and the axemen.

the stealing of cattle

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Oh," she said, distressed, "we're ketched!"

plural of “sawyer” — one who is employed to saw wood

From this reading As they gazed, before Layson could rush forward to stamp out these sparkling perils, the fire had spread, as the girl, wise in the direful ways of brush-fires, had known at once that it would spread, to the encircling pine-tops, left in a tinder barricade about the clearing by the sawyers and the axemen.

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

From this reading The thing seemed quite mysterious.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading "Oh," she said, distressed, "we're ketched!"

shining with brilliant points of light like stars

From this reading As they gazed, before Layson could rush forward to stamp out these sparkling perils, the fire had spread, as the girl, wise in the direful ways of brush-fires, had known at once that it would spread, to the encircling pine-tops, left in a tinder barricade about the clearing by the sawyers and the axemen.

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading As they gazed, before Layson could rush forward to stamp out these sparkling perils, the fire had spread, as the girl, wise in the direful ways of brush-fires, had known at once that it would spread, to the encircling pine-tops, left in a tinder barricade about the clearing by the sawyers and the axemen.

walk heavily

From this reading As they gazed, before Layson could rush forward to stamp out these sparkling perils, the fire had spread, as the girl, wise in the direful ways of brush-fires, had known at once that it would spread, to the encircling pine-tops, left in a tinder barricade about the clearing by the sawyers and the axemen.

having a supporting base

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

dried naturally by the sun

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

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

From this reading They were appalled by the predicament in which they found themselves.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading They were appalled by the predicament in which they found themselves.

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

From this reading As they gazed, before Layson could rush forward to stamp out these sparkling perils, the fire had spread, as the girl, wise in the direful ways of brush-fires, had known at once that it would spread, to the encircling pine-tops, left in a tinder barricade about the clearing by the sawyers and the axemen.

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

From this reading They were appalled by the predicament in which they found themselves.

a special situation

From this reading The thing seemed quite mysterious.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

up to a particular time

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

material for starting a fire

From this reading As they gazed, before Layson could rush forward to stamp out these sparkling perils, the fire had spread, as the girl, wise in the direful ways of brush-fires, had known at once that it would spread, to the encircling pine-tops, left in a tinder barricade about the clearing by the sawyers and the axemen.

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

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

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

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.

structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired

From this reading As they gazed, before Layson could rush forward to stamp out these sparkling perils, the fire had spread, as the girl, wise in the direful ways of brush-fires, had known at once that it would spread, to the encircling pine-tops, left in a tinder barricade about the clearing by the sawyers and the axemen.

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

From this reading "Oh," she said, distressed, "we're ketched!"

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

From this reading They were appalled by the predicament in which they found themselves.

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

From this reading They were appalled by the predicament in which they found themselves.

having or prompted by wisdom or discernment

From this reading As they gazed, before Layson could rush forward to stamp out these sparkling perils, the fire had spread, as the girl, wise in the direful ways of brush-fires, had known at once that it would spread, to the encircling pine-tops, left in a tinder barricade about the clearing by the sawyers and the axemen.

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

From this reading The rock against which the fire had been built was all aglow, as if it had been heated in a furnace till red hot--strange circumstance; one that would have fascinated Layson into elaborate investigation had he had the time to think about it--and, beyond it, evidently communicated through it as a link, the rustling leaves of the past autumn, their surface layers sun-dried, were bursting into glittering little points of flame all about the narrow ledge of rock on which they were standing.