Chapter XII · Chapter 12

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

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

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

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading Sheridan, he said, had gone down the lines, and both Brennan and himself were under orders to follow in another hour.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading What instructions, if any, had been left regarding my case he could not say, but he feared the worst from the unusual secrecy.

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

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games

From this reading Sheridan expected to return to his headquarters that same evening, as the officers of his staff were to give a grand ball.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading What instructions, if any, had been left regarding my case he could not say, but he feared the worst from the unusual secrecy.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

see with attention

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

a long seat for more than one person

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

plural of “blanket” — bedding that keeps a person warm in bed

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Sheridan, he said, had gone down the lines, and both Brennan and himself were under orders to follow in another hour.

befitting or characteristic of a young boy

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

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

From this reading Sheridan, he said, had gone down the lines, and both Brennan and himself were under orders to follow in another hour.

the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

an occurrence of something

From this reading What instructions, if any, had been left regarding my case he could not say, but he feared the worst from the unusual secrecy.

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

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

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

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

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

From this reading What instructions, if any, had been left regarding my case he could not say, but he feared the worst from the unusual secrecy.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

the time after sunrise and before sunset while it is light outside

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

without deviation

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Sheridan, he said, had gone down the lines, and both Brennan and himself were under orders to follow in another hour.

the boundary of a surface

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

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

From this reading Sheridan expected to return to his headquarters that same evening, as the officers of his staff were to give a grand ball.

at any time

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading Sheridan expected to return to his headquarters that same evening, as the officers of his staff were to give a grand ball.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading What instructions, if any, had been left regarding my case he could not say, but he feared the worst from the unusual secrecy.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

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

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading Sheridan, he said, had gone down the lines, and both Brennan and himself were under orders to follow in another hour.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading What instructions, if any, had been left regarding my case he could not say, but he feared the worst from the unusual secrecy.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Sheridan expected to return to his headquarters that same evening, as the officers of his staff were to give a grand ball.

destroyed or killed

From this reading Sheridan, he said, had gone down the lines, and both Brennan and himself were under orders to follow in another hour.

a farewell remark

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope

From this reading Sheridan expected to return to his headquarters that same evening, as the officers of his staff were to give a grand ball.

a barrier that has parallel or crossed bars blocking a passage but admitting air

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

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

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

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

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

(usually plural) the office that serves as the administrative center of an enterprise

From this reading Sheridan expected to return to his headquarters that same evening, as the officers of his staff were to give a grand ball.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Sheridan, he said, had gone down the lines, and both Brennan and himself were under orders to follow in another hour.

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

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading Sheridan, he said, had gone down the lines, and both Brennan and himself were under orders to follow in another hour.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

in an idle manner

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading What instructions, if any, had been left regarding my case he could not say, but he feared the worst from the unusual secrecy.

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

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

a manual usually accompanying a technical device and explaining how to install or operate it

From this reading What instructions, if any, had been left regarding my case he could not say, but he feared the worst from the unusual secrecy.

a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

and nothing more

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

immediately past

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

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 What instructions, if any, had been left regarding my case he could not say, but he feared the worst from the unusual secrecy.

plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading Sheridan, he said, had gone down the lines, and both Brennan and himself were under orders to follow in another hour.

the deliberate act of deviating from the truth

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

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

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

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

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

information about recent and important events

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

not any; not one

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

with much noise or loud and unpleasant sound

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading What instructions, if any, had been left regarding my case he could not say, but he feared the worst from the unusual secrecy.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading Sheridan expected to return to his headquarters that same evening, as the officers of his staff were to give a grand ball.

on one occasion

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

plural of “order” — (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading Sheridan, he said, had gone down the lines, and both Brennan and himself were under orders to follow in another hour.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

have some of the qualities or attributes of something

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

a quality that arouses emotions (especially pity or sorrow)

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

be shown or be found to be

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

-ing form of “regard” — deem to be

From this reading What instructions, if any, had been left regarding my case he could not say, but he feared the worst from the unusual secrecy.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading Sheridan expected to return to his headquarters that same evening, as the officers of his staff were to give a grand ball.

socially incorrect in behavior

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Sheridan, he said, had gone down the lines, and both Brennan and himself were under orders to follow in another hour.

Identical; not different.

From this reading Sheridan expected to return to his headquarters that same evening, as the officers of his staff were to give a grand ball.

express in words

From this reading What instructions, if any, had been left regarding my case he could not say, but he feared the worst from the unusual secrecy.

the trait of keeping things secret

From this reading What instructions, if any, had been left regarding my case he could not say, but he feared the worst from the unusual secrecy.

Irish playwright remembered for his satirical comedies of manners (1751-1816)

From this reading Sheridan, he said, had gone down the lines, and both Brennan and himself were under orders to follow in another hour.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

personnel who assist their superior in carrying out an assigned task

From this reading Sheridan expected to return to his headquarters that same evening, as the officers of his staff were to give a grand ball.

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

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

sensational in appearance or thrilling in effect

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Sheridan expected to return to his headquarters that same evening, as the officers of his staff were to give a grand ball.

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

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

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

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

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

From this reading Sheridan, he said, had gone down the lines, and both Brennan and himself were under orders to follow in another hour.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Sheridan, he said, had gone down the lines, and both Brennan and himself were under orders to follow in another hour.

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading What instructions, if any, had been left regarding my case he could not say, but he feared the worst from the unusual secrecy.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

an indication that something has been present

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

a message informing of danger

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

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

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.

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

From this reading Sheridan, he said, had gone down the lines, and both Brennan and himself were under orders to follow in another hour.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading What instructions, if any, had been left regarding my case he could not say, but he feared the worst from the unusual secrecy.

at the time that

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

showing curiosity

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and just before dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was to prove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the wall directly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, and clattered noisily to the floor.

the least favorable outcome

From this reading What instructions, if any, had been left regarding my case he could not say, but he feared the worst from the unusual secrecy.

inflected form of “wring” — twist and press out of shape

From this reading A STRANGE WAY OUT Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing me some blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture of pathos as he wrung my hand good-bye.