Chapter XVI · The Smashed Watch

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

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

From this reading Even larger crowds than attended on the first evening, greeted Joe Strong and Professor Rosello at the two following performances.

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

From this reading The wonder of the disappearing trick, as well as the marvels of others, had been well spread throughout Lorilard by the small boys, and by grown persons as well, and many bought tickets determined to “see how it was done.”

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Even larger crowds than attended on the first evening, greeted Joe Strong and Professor Rosello at the two following performances.

playing or singing with instrumental or vocal accompaniment

From this reading Even larger crowds than attended on the first evening, greeted Joe Strong and Professor Rosello at the two following performances.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The wonder of the disappearing trick, as well as the marvels of others, had been well spread throughout Lorilard by the small boys, and by grown persons as well, and many bought tickets determined to “see how it was done.”

inflected form of “buy” — obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction

From this reading The wonder of the disappearing trick, as well as the marvels of others, had been well spread throughout Lorilard by the small boys, and by grown persons as well, and many bought tickets determined to “see how it was done.”

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading The wonder of the disappearing trick, as well as the marvels of others, had been well spread throughout Lorilard by the small boys, and by grown persons as well, and many bought tickets determined to “see how it was done.”

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading “Well, you certainly brought me good luck,” said the professor to Joe at the conclusion of the third night’s performance.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The wonder of the disappearing trick, as well as the marvels of others, had been well spread throughout Lorilard by the small boys, and by grown persons as well, and many bought tickets determined to “see how it was done.”

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading “Well, you certainly brought me good luck,” said the professor to Joe at the conclusion of the third night’s performance.

a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration

From this reading “Well, you certainly brought me good luck,” said the professor to Joe at the conclusion of the third night’s performance.

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

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

a lawyer who pleads cases in court

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

plural of “crowd” — a large number of things or people considered together

From this reading Even larger crowds than attended on the first evening, greeted Joe Strong and Professor Rosello at the two following performances.

characterized by great determination

From this reading The wonder of the disappearing trick, as well as the marvels of others, had been well spread throughout Lorilard by the small boys, and by grown persons as well, and many bought tickets determined to “see how it was done.”

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

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

the act of leaving secretly or without explanation

From this reading The wonder of the disappearing trick, as well as the marvels of others, had been well spread throughout Lorilard by the small boys, and by grown persons as well, and many bought tickets determined to “see how it was done.”

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading The wonder of the disappearing trick, as well as the marvels of others, had been well spread throughout Lorilard by the small boys, and by grown persons as well, and many bought tickets determined to “see how it was done.”

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

divisible by two

From this reading Even larger crowds than attended on the first evening, greeted Joe Strong and Professor Rosello at the two following performances.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading Even larger crowds than attended on the first evening, greeted Joe Strong and Professor Rosello at the two following performances.

a notable achievement

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Even larger crowds than attended on the first evening, greeted Joe Strong and Professor Rosello at the two following performances.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading Even larger crowds than attended on the first evening, greeted Joe Strong and Professor Rosello at the two following performances.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

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

From this reading “Well, you certainly brought me good luck,” said the professor to Joe at the conclusion of the third night’s performance.

past form of “greet” — express greetings upon meeting someone

From this reading Even larger crowds than attended on the first evening, greeted Joe Strong and Professor Rosello at the two following performances.

(of animals) fully developed

From this reading The wonder of the disappearing trick, as well as the marvels of others, had been well spread throughout Lorilard by the small boys, and by grown persons as well, and many bought tickets determined to “see how it was done.”

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

From this reading The wonder of the disappearing trick, as well as the marvels of others, had been well spread throughout Lorilard by the small boys, and by grown persons as well, and many bought tickets determined to “see how it was done.”

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

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

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

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

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

From this reading The wonder of the disappearing trick, as well as the marvels of others, had been well spread throughout Lorilard by the small boys, and by grown persons as well, and many bought tickets determined to “see how it was done.”

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

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The wonder of the disappearing trick, as well as the marvels of others, had been well spread throughout Lorilard by the small boys, and by grown persons as well, and many bought tickets determined to “see how it was done.”

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

From this reading Even larger crowds than attended on the first evening, greeted Joe Strong and Professor Rosello at the two following performances.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

large or big relative to something else

From this reading Even larger crowds than attended on the first evening, greeted Joe Strong and Professor Rosello at the two following performances.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

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

From this reading The wonder of the disappearing trick, as well as the marvels of others, had been well spread throughout Lorilard by the small boys, and by grown persons as well, and many bought tickets determined to “see how it was done.”

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading “Well, you certainly brought me good luck,” said the professor to Joe at the conclusion of the third night’s performance.

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 The wonder of the disappearing trick, as well as the marvels of others, had been well spread throughout Lorilard by the small boys, and by grown persons as well, and many bought tickets determined to “see how it was done.”

plural of “marvel” — something that causes feelings of wonder

From this reading The wonder of the disappearing trick, as well as the marvels of others, had been well spread throughout Lorilard by the small boys, and by grown persons as well, and many bought tickets determined to “see how it was done.”

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading “Well, you certainly brought me good luck,” said the professor to Joe at the conclusion of the third night’s performance.

the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender

From this reading “We took in good money.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

possessive form of “night” — the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading “Well, you certainly brought me good luck,” said the professor to Joe at the conclusion of the third night’s performance.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

easily perceived by the senses or grasped by the mind

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The wonder of the disappearing trick, as well as the marvels of others, had been well spread throughout Lorilard by the small boys, and by grown persons as well, and many bought tickets determined to “see how it was done.”

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Even larger crowds than attended on the first evening, greeted Joe Strong and Professor Rosello at the two following performances.

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

From this reading The wonder of the disappearing trick, as well as the marvels of others, had been well spread throughout Lorilard by the small boys, and by grown persons as well, and many bought tickets determined to “see how it was done.”

have ownership or possession of

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

a dramatic or musical entertainment

From this reading “Well, you certainly brought me good luck,” said the professor to Joe at the conclusion of the third night’s performance.

plural of “performance” — a dramatic or musical entertainment

From this reading Even larger crowds than attended on the first evening, greeted Joe Strong and Professor Rosello at the two following performances.

past form of “perform” — carry out or perform an action

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading The wonder of the disappearing trick, as well as the marvels of others, had been well spread throughout Lorilard by the small boys, and by grown persons as well, and many bought tickets determined to “see how it was done.”

a separate part of a whole

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university

From this reading Even larger crowds than attended on the first evening, greeted Joe Strong and Professor Rosello at the two following performances.

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

From this reading Even larger crowds than attended on the first evening, greeted Joe Strong and Professor Rosello at the two following performances.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading The wonder of the disappearing trick, as well as the marvels of others, had been well spread throughout Lorilard by the small boys, and by grown persons as well, and many bought tickets determined to “see how it was done.”

from a time in the past until now

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

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

From this reading The wonder of the disappearing trick, as well as the marvels of others, had been well spread throughout Lorilard by the small boys, and by grown persons as well, and many bought tickets determined to “see how it was done.”

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading The wonder of the disappearing trick, as well as the marvels of others, had been well spread throughout Lorilard by the small boys, and by grown persons as well, and many bought tickets determined to “see how it was done.”

any distinct time period in a sequence of events

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

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

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

not in physical motion

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading Even larger crowds than attended on the first evening, greeted Joe Strong and Professor Rosello at the two following performances.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Even larger crowds than attended on the first evening, greeted Joe Strong and Professor Rosello at the two following performances.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

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

From this reading Even larger crowds than attended on the first evening, greeted Joe Strong and Professor Rosello at the two following performances.

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

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

one of three equal parts of a divisible whole

From this reading “Well, you certainly brought me good luck,” said the professor to Joe at the conclusion of the third night’s performance.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

in every part of a place, or for the whole of a period

From this reading The wonder of the disappearing trick, as well as the marvels of others, had been well spread throughout Lorilard by the small boys, and by grown persons as well, and many bought tickets determined to “see how it was done.”

plural of “ticket” — 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 The wonder of the disappearing trick, as well as the marvels of others, had been well spread throughout Lorilard by the small boys, and by grown persons as well, and many bought tickets determined to “see how it was done.”

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

From this reading The wonder of the disappearing trick, as well as the marvels of others, had been well spread throughout Lorilard by the small boys, and by grown persons as well, and many bought tickets determined to “see how it was done.”

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading “We took in good money.

a device in which something (usually an animal) can be caught and penned

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

a cunning or deceitful action or device

From this reading The wonder of the disappearing trick, as well as the marvels of others, had been well spread throughout Lorilard by the small boys, and by grown persons as well, and many bought tickets determined to “see how it was done.”

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Even larger crowds than attended on the first evening, greeted Joe Strong and Professor Rosello at the two following performances.

know and comprehend the nature or meaning of

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

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

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

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

From this reading The wonder of the disappearing trick, as well as the marvels of others, had been well spread throughout Lorilard by the small boys, and by grown persons as well, and many bought tickets determined to “see how it was done.”

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading “We took in good money.

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

From this reading The wonder of the disappearing trick, as well as the marvels of others, had been well spread throughout Lorilard by the small boys, and by grown persons as well, and many bought tickets determined to “see how it was done.”

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

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

which person or people

From this reading But the stage-hand who let Joe down through the trap in the floor kept his own counsel, and though many persons said they were sure they knew how the feat was performed and that Joe _must_ go down through the stage, since it was obvious he did not go up in the air, still they could not understand how the piece of paper was not broken.

the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading The wonder of the disappearing trick, as well as the marvels of others, had been well spread throughout Lorilard by the small boys, and by grown persons as well, and many bought tickets determined to “see how it was done.”

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “Well, you certainly brought me good luck,” said the professor to Joe at the conclusion of the third night’s performance.