Chapter I

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

From this reading Sable Lake shone like a mirror among the ragged pines, as it ran back between the rocks, smooth as oil except where a puff of wind streaked its flashing surface with faint blue wrinkles.

any specific behavior

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

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

From this reading _Author of_ "PRESCOTT OF SASKATCHEWAN," "RANCHING FOR SYLVIA," "FOR THE ALLINSON HONOR," "THE SECRET OF THE REEF," ETC.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Sable Lake shone like a mirror among the ragged pines, as it ran back between the rocks, smooth as oil except where a puff of wind streaked its flashing surface with faint blue wrinkles.

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

From this reading Behind it the lonely woods rolled on, south to Lake Superior and north to Hudson Bay.

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

From this reading This belt of tangled forest, where the trees are stunted and the soil is sterile, offers no attraction to homesteader or lumberman.

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

From this reading Sable Lake shone like a mirror among the ragged pines, as it ran back between the rocks, smooth as oil except where a puff of wind streaked its flashing surface with faint blue wrinkles.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

the force by which one object attracts another

From this reading This belt of tangled forest, where the trees are stunted and the soil is sterile, offers no attraction to homesteader or lumberman.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading _Author of_ "PRESCOTT OF SASKATCHEWAN," "RANCHING FOR SYLVIA," "FOR THE ALLINSON HONOR," "THE SECRET OF THE REEF," ETC.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Sable Lake shone like a mirror among the ragged pines, as it ran back between the rocks, smooth as oil except where a puff of wind streaked its flashing surface with faint blue wrinkles.

any heavy material used to stabilize a ship or airship

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf

From this reading Behind it the lonely woods rolled on, south to Lake Superior and north to Hudson Bay.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading Behind it the lonely woods rolled on, south to Lake Superior and north to Hudson Bay.

endless loop of flexible material between two rotating shafts or pulleys

From this reading This belt of tangled forest, where the trees are stunted and the soil is sterile, offers no attraction to homesteader or lumberman.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading Sable Lake shone like a mirror among the ragged pines, as it ran back between the rocks, smooth as oil except where a puff of wind streaked its flashing surface with faint blue wrinkles.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading Sable Lake shone like a mirror among the ragged pines, as it ran back between the rocks, smooth as oil except where a puff of wind streaked its flashing surface with faint blue wrinkles.

lacking funds

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

plural of “car” — a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

suggestive of an elf in strangeness and otherworldliness

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

inflected form of “empty” — make void or empty of contents

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

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

From this reading _Author of_ "PRESCOTT OF SASKATCHEWAN," "RANCHING FOR SYLVIA," "FOR THE ALLINSON HONOR," "THE SECRET OF THE REEF," ETC.

apart from; not including

From this reading Sable Lake shone like a mirror among the ragged pines, as it ran back between the rocks, smooth as oil except where a puff of wind streaked its flashing surface with faint blue wrinkles.

deficient in magnitude; barely perceptible; lacking clarity or brightness or loudness etc

From this reading Sable Lake shone like a mirror among the ragged pines, as it ran back between the rocks, smooth as oil except where a puff of wind streaked its flashing surface with faint blue wrinkles.

a short vivid experience

From this reading Sable Lake shone like a mirror among the ragged pines, as it ran back between the rocks, smooth as oil except where a puff of wind streaked its flashing surface with faint blue wrinkles.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading _Author of_ "PRESCOTT OF SASKATCHEWAN," "RANCHING FOR SYLVIA," "FOR THE ALLINSON HONOR," "THE SECRET OF THE REEF," ETC.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

rock fragments and pebbles

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

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

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

plural of “hammer” — the part of a gunlock that strikes the percussion cap when the trigger is pulled

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

someone who settles lawfully on government land with the intent to acquire title to it

From this reading This belt of tangled forest, where the trees are stunted and the soil is sterile, offers no attraction to homesteader or lumberman.

a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction

From this reading _Author of_ "PRESCOTT OF SASKATCHEWAN," "RANCHING FOR SYLVIA," "FOR THE ALLINSON HONOR," "THE SECRET OF THE REEF," ETC.

a New York river; flows southward into New York Bay; explored by Henry Hudson early in the 17th century

From this reading Behind it the lonely woods rolled on, south to Lake Superior and north to Hudson Bay.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

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

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

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

From this reading This belt of tangled forest, where the trees are stunted and the soil is sterile, offers no attraction to homesteader or lumberman.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Sable Lake shone like a mirror among the ragged pines, as it ran back between the rocks, smooth as oil except where a puff of wind streaked its flashing surface with faint blue wrinkles.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Sable Lake shone like a mirror among the ragged pines, as it ran back between the rocks, smooth as oil except where a puff of wind streaked its flashing surface with faint blue wrinkles.

a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land

From this reading Sable Lake shone like a mirror among the ragged pines, as it ran back between the rocks, smooth as oil except where a puff of wind streaked its flashing surface with faint blue wrinkles.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Sable Lake shone like a mirror among the ragged pines, as it ran back between the rocks, smooth as oil except where a puff of wind streaked its flashing surface with faint blue wrinkles.

lacking companions or companionship

From this reading Behind it the lonely woods rolled on, south to Lake Superior and north to Hudson Bay.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

a person who fells trees

From this reading This belt of tangled forest, where the trees are stunted and the soil is sterile, offers no attraction to homesteader or lumberman.

a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

polished surface that forms images by reflecting light

From this reading Sable Lake shone like a mirror among the ragged pines, as it ran back between the rocks, smooth as oil except where a puff of wind streaked its flashing surface with faint blue wrinkles.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

not any; not one

From this reading This belt of tangled forest, where the trees are stunted and the soil is sterile, offers no attraction to homesteader or lumberman.

full of or characterized by loud and nonmusical sounds

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading Behind it the lonely woods rolled on, south to Lake Superior and north to Hudson Bay.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _Author of_ "PRESCOTT OF SASKATCHEWAN," "RANCHING FOR SYLVIA," "FOR THE ALLINSON HONOR," "THE SECRET OF THE REEF," ETC.

plural of “offer” — the verbal act of offering

From this reading This belt of tangled forest, where the trees are stunted and the soil is sterile, offers no attraction to homesteader or lumberman.

A viscous liquid derived from petroleum or plants, stored in large earthen jars.

From this reading Sable Lake shone like a mirror among the ragged pines, as it ran back between the rocks, smooth as oil except where a puff of wind streaked its flashing surface with faint blue wrinkles.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Behind it the lonely woods rolled on, south to Lake Superior and north to Hudson Bay.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

and nothing more

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

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

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

plural of “pine” — a coniferous tree

From this reading Sable Lake shone like a mirror among the ragged pines, as it ran back between the rocks, smooth as oil except where a puff of wind streaked its flashing surface with faint blue wrinkles.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

plural of “plow” — a farm tool having one or more heavy blades to break the soil and cut a furrow prior to sowing

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

a town in central Arizona

From this reading _Author of_ "PRESCOTT OF SASKATCHEWAN," "RANCHING FOR SYLVIA," "FOR THE ALLINSON HONOR," "THE SECRET OF THE REEF," ETC.

smoke and exhale strongly

From this reading Sable Lake shone like a mirror among the ragged pines, as it ran back between the rocks, smooth as oil except where a puff of wind streaked its flashing surface with faint blue wrinkles.

with speed

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

being or dressed in clothes that are worn or torn

From this reading Sable Lake shone like a mirror among the ragged pines, as it ran back between the rocks, smooth as oil except where a puff of wind streaked its flashing surface with faint blue wrinkles.

line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading Sable Lake shone like a mirror among the ragged pines, as it ran back between the rocks, smooth as oil except where a puff of wind streaked its flashing surface with faint blue wrinkles.

farming for the raising of livestock (particularly cattle)

From this reading _Author of_ "PRESCOTT OF SASKATCHEWAN," "RANCHING FOR SYLVIA," "FOR THE ALLINSON HONOR," "THE SECRET OF THE REEF," ETC.

inflected form of “ring” — sound loudly and sonorously

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

a submerged ridge of rock or coral near the surface of the water

From this reading _Author of_ "PRESCOTT OF SASKATCHEWAN," "RANCHING FOR SYLVIA," "FOR THE ALLINSON HONOR," "THE SECRET OF THE REEF," ETC.

plural of “rock” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading Sable Lake shone like a mirror among the ragged pines, as it ran back between the rocks, smooth as oil except where a puff of wind streaked its flashing surface with faint blue wrinkles.

especially of petals or leaves in bud; having margins rolled inward

From this reading Behind it the lonely woods rolled on, south to Lake Superior and north to Hudson Bay.

an artist's brush made of sable hairs

From this reading Sable Lake shone like a mirror among the ragged pines, as it ran back between the rocks, smooth as oil except where a puff of wind streaked its flashing surface with faint blue wrinkles.

one of the three prairie provinces in west central Canada

From this reading _Author of_ "PRESCOTT OF SASKATCHEWAN," "RANCHING FOR SYLVIA," "FOR THE ALLINSON HONOR," "THE SECRET OF THE REEF," ETC.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading _Author of_ "PRESCOTT OF SASKATCHEWAN," "RANCHING FOR SYLVIA," "FOR THE ALLINSON HONOR," "THE SECRET OF THE REEF," ETC.

inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light

From this reading Sable Lake shone like a mirror among the ragged pines, as it ran back between the rocks, smooth as oil except where a puff of wind streaked its flashing surface with faint blue wrinkles.

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

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

having a surface free from roughness or bumps or ridges or irregularities

From this reading Sable Lake shone like a mirror among the ragged pines, as it ran back between the rocks, smooth as oil except where a puff of wind streaked its flashing surface with faint blue wrinkles.

the state of being covered with unclean things

From this reading This belt of tangled forest, where the trees are stunted and the soil is sterile, offers no attraction to homesteader or lumberman.

plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading Behind it the lonely woods rolled on, south to Lake Superior and north to Hudson Bay.

cause (a liquid) to spatter about, especially with force

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

incapable of reproducing

From this reading This belt of tangled forest, where the trees are stunted and the soil is sterile, offers no attraction to homesteader or lumberman.

marked with or as if with stripes or linear discolorations

From this reading Sable Lake shone like a mirror among the ragged pines, as it ran back between the rocks, smooth as oil except where a puff of wind streaked its flashing surface with faint blue wrinkles.

inferior in size or quality

From this reading This belt of tangled forest, where the trees are stunted and the soil is sterile, offers no attraction to homesteader or lumberman.

of high or superior quality or performance

From this reading Behind it the lonely woods rolled on, south to Lake Superior and north to Hudson Bay.

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

From this reading Sable Lake shone like a mirror among the ragged pines, as it ran back between the rocks, smooth as oil except where a puff of wind streaked its flashing surface with faint blue wrinkles.

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

From this reading _Author of_ "PRESCOTT OF SASKATCHEWAN," "RANCHING FOR SYLVIA," "FOR THE ALLINSON HONOR," "THE SECRET OF THE REEF," ETC.

in a confused mass

From this reading This belt of tangled forest, where the trees are stunted and the soil is sterile, offers no attraction to homesteader or lumberman.

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

From this reading _Author of_ "PRESCOTT OF SASKATCHEWAN," "RANCHING FOR SYLVIA," "FOR THE ALLINSON HONOR," "THE SECRET OF THE REEF," ETC.

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

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

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

From this reading This belt of tangled forest, where the trees are stunted and the soil is sterile, offers no attraction to homesteader or lumberman.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

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

From this reading Behind it the lonely woods rolled on, south to Lake Superior and north to Hudson Bay.

a line or route along which something travels or moves

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

spanning or crossing or on the farther side of a continent

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

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

From this reading This belt of tangled forest, where the trees are stunted and the soil is sterile, offers no attraction to homesteader or lumberman.

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

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

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 At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

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

From this reading At one place a new transcontinental railroad cut its way through the forest; hammers rang and noisy gravel plows emptied the ballast cars along the half-graded track; but these sounds of human activity were quickly lost and in a mile or two only the splash of water and the elfin sighing in the pine-tops broke the deep silence of the woods.

in or at the place that

From this reading Sable Lake shone like a mirror among the ragged pines, as it ran back between the rocks, smooth as oil except where a puff of wind streaked its flashing surface with faint blue wrinkles.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading Sable Lake shone like a mirror among the ragged pines, as it ran back between the rocks, smooth as oil except where a puff of wind streaked its flashing surface with faint blue wrinkles.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Sable Lake shone like a mirror among the ragged pines, as it ran back between the rocks, smooth as oil except where a puff of wind streaked its flashing surface with faint blue wrinkles.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading Behind it the lonely woods rolled on, south to Lake Superior and north to Hudson Bay.

plural of “wrinkle” — a slight depression or fold in the smoothness of a surface

From this reading Sable Lake shone like a mirror among the ragged pines, as it ran back between the rocks, smooth as oil except where a puff of wind streaked its flashing surface with faint blue wrinkles.