Chapter XI

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

From this reading It was eight a. m. by the time Grail reached the fort, for he had stopped on the way to submit to a chemist an envelope containing the remnants of the decoy message.

an unfortunate mishap; especially one causing damage or injury

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

highly skilled

From this reading The chemist agreed with him thoroughly that its disintegration must have been accomplished by means of chemicals.

plural of “acid” — any of various water-soluble compounds having a sour taste and capable of turning litmus red and reacting with a base to form a salt

From this reading He thought a mixture of certain acids, drying into the fiber of the paper, would cause it rapidly to disintegrate and crumble to dust, although he declined to commit himself definitely on the point until he had made a complete analysis.

united by being of the same opinion

From this reading The chemist agreed with him thoroughly that its disintegration must have been accomplished by means of chemicals.

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

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading He thought a mixture of certain acids, drying into the fiber of the paper, would cause it rapidly to disintegrate and crumble to dust, although he declined to commit himself definitely on the point until he had made a complete analysis.

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

From this reading It was eight a. m. by the time Grail reached the fort, for he had stopped on the way to submit to a chemist an envelope containing the remnants of the decoy message.

an investigation of the component parts of a whole and their relations in making up the whole

From this reading He thought a mixture of certain acids, drying into the fiber of the paper, would cause it rapidly to disintegrate and crumble to dust, although he declined to commit himself definitely on the point until he had made a complete analysis.

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

From this reading He thought a mixture of certain acids, drying into the fiber of the paper, would cause it rapidly to disintegrate and crumble to dust, although he declined to commit himself definitely on the point until he had made a complete analysis.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

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

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The chemist agreed with him thoroughly that its disintegration must have been accomplished by means of chemicals.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It was eight a. m. by the time Grail reached the fort, for he had stopped on the way to submit to a chemist an envelope containing the remnants of the decoy message.

past form of “care” — feel concern or interest

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading He thought a mixture of certain acids, drying into the fiber of the paper, would cause it rapidly to disintegrate and crumble to dust, although he declined to commit himself definitely on the point until he had made a complete analysis.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading He thought a mixture of certain acids, drying into the fiber of the paper, would cause it rapidly to disintegrate and crumble to dust, although he declined to commit himself definitely on the point until he had made a complete analysis.

plural of “chemical” — material produced by or used in a reaction involving changes in atoms or molecules

From this reading The chemist agreed with him thoroughly that its disintegration must have been accomplished by means of chemicals.

a scientist who specializes in chemistry

From this reading It was eight a. m. by the time Grail reached the fort, for he had stopped on the way to submit to a chemist an envelope containing the remnants of the decoy message.

possessive form of “colonel” — a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

perform an act, usually with a negative connotation

From this reading He thought a mixture of certain acids, drying into the fiber of the paper, would cause it rapidly to disintegrate and crumble to dust, although he declined to commit himself definitely on the point until he had made a complete analysis.

come or bring to a finish or an end

From this reading He thought a mixture of certain acids, drying into the fiber of the paper, would cause it rapidly to disintegrate and crumble to dust, although he declined to commit himself definitely on the point until he had made a complete analysis.

-ing form of “contain” — include or contain; have as a component

From this reading It was eight a. m. by the time Grail reached the fort, for he had stopped on the way to submit to a chemist an envelope containing the remnants of the decoy message.

fall apart

From this reading He thought a mixture of certain acids, drying into the fiber of the paper, would cause it rapidly to disintegrate and crumble to dust, although he declined to commit himself definitely on the point until he had made a complete analysis.

past form of “decline” — grow worse

From this reading He thought a mixture of certain acids, drying into the fiber of the paper, would cause it rapidly to disintegrate and crumble to dust, although he declined to commit himself definitely on the point until he had made a complete analysis.

a beguiler who leads someone into danger (usually as part of a plot)

From this reading It was eight a. m. by the time Grail reached the fort, for he had stopped on the way to submit to a chemist an envelope containing the remnants of the decoy message.

without question and beyond doubt

From this reading He thought a mixture of certain acids, drying into the fiber of the paper, would cause it rapidly to disintegrate and crumble to dust, although he declined to commit himself definitely on the point until he had made a complete analysis.

carefully thought out in advance

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

the termination of something by causing so much damage to it that it cannot be repaired or no longer exists

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

the act of leaving secretly or without explanation

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

break into parts or components or lose cohesion or unity

From this reading He thought a mixture of certain acids, drying into the fiber of the paper, would cause it rapidly to disintegrate and crumble to dust, although he declined to commit himself definitely on the point until he had made a complete analysis.

in a decomposed state

From this reading The chemist agreed with him thoroughly that its disintegration must have been accomplished by means of chemicals.

-ing form of “dry” — remove the moisture from and make dry

From this reading He thought a mixture of certain acids, drying into the fiber of the paper, would cause it rapidly to disintegrate and crumble to dust, although he declined to commit himself definitely on the point until he had made a complete analysis.

owed and payable immediately or on demand

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

in accordance with what is appropriate or suitable for the circumstances

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

remove the dust from

From this reading He thought a mixture of certain acids, drying into the fiber of the paper, would cause it rapidly to disintegrate and crumble to dust, although he declined to commit himself definitely on the point until he had made a complete analysis.

being one more than seven

From this reading It was eight a. m. by the time Grail reached the fort, for he had stopped on the way to submit to a chemist an envelope containing the remnants of the decoy message.

a flat (usually rectangular) container for a letter, thin package, etc.

From this reading It was eight a. m. by the time Grail reached the fort, for he had stopped on the way to submit to a chemist an envelope containing the remnants of the decoy message.

a slender and greatly elongated substance capable of being spun into yarn

From this reading He thought a mixture of certain acids, drying into the fiber of the paper, would cause it rapidly to disintegrate and crumble to dust, although he declined to commit himself definitely on the point until he had made a complete analysis.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It was eight a. m. by the time Grail reached the fort, for he had stopped on the way to submit to a chemist an envelope containing the remnants of the decoy message.

a fortified military post where troops are stationed

From this reading It was eight a. m. by the time Grail reached the fort, for he had stopped on the way to submit to a chemist an envelope containing the remnants of the decoy message.

the object of any prolonged endeavor

From this reading It was eight a. m. by the time Grail reached the fort, for he had stopped on the way to submit to a chemist an envelope containing the remnants of the decoy message.

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

From this reading It was eight a. m. by the time Grail reached the fort, for he had stopped on the way to submit to a chemist an envelope containing the remnants of the decoy message.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The chemist agreed with him thoroughly that its disintegration must have been accomplished by means of chemicals.

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

From this reading It was eight a. m. by the time Grail reached the fort, for he had stopped on the way to submit to a chemist an envelope containing the remnants of the decoy message.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The chemist agreed with him thoroughly that its disintegration must have been accomplished by means of chemicals.

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

From this reading He thought a mixture of certain acids, drying into the fiber of the paper, would cause it rapidly to disintegrate and crumble to dust, although he declined to commit himself definitely on the point until he had made a complete analysis.

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

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

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

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

a single distinct event

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading He thought a mixture of certain acids, drying into the fiber of the paper, would cause it rapidly to disintegrate and crumble to dust, although he declined to commit himself definitely on the point until he had made a complete analysis.

an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was eight a. m. by the time Grail reached the fort, for he had stopped on the way to submit to a chemist an envelope containing the remnants of the decoy message.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The chemist agreed with him thoroughly that its disintegration must have been accomplished by means of chemicals.

the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)

From this reading It was eight a. m. by the time Grail reached the fort, for he had stopped on the way to submit to a chemist an envelope containing the remnants of the decoy message.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading He thought a mixture of certain acids, drying into the fiber of the paper, would cause it rapidly to disintegrate and crumble to dust, although he declined to commit himself definitely on the point until he had made a complete analysis.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading The chemist agreed with him thoroughly that its disintegration must have been accomplished by means of chemicals.

a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled

From this reading It was eight a. m. by the time Grail reached the fort, for he had stopped on the way to submit to a chemist an envelope containing the remnants of the decoy message.

an unpredictable outcome that is unfortunate

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

(chemistry) a substance consisting of two or more substances mixed together (not in fixed proportions and not with chemical bonding)

From this reading He thought a mixture of certain acids, drying into the fiber of the paper, would cause it rapidly to disintegrate and crumble to dust, although he declined to commit himself definitely on the point until he had made a complete analysis.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading The chemist agreed with him thoroughly that its disintegration must have been accomplished by means of chemicals.

not any; not one

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

a brief written record

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was eight a. m. by the time Grail reached the fort, for he had stopped on the way to submit to a chemist an envelope containing the remnants of the decoy message.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was eight a. m. by the time Grail reached the fort, for he had stopped on the way to submit to a chemist an envelope containing the remnants of the decoy message.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

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

From this reading He thought a mixture of certain acids, drying into the fiber of the paper, would cause it rapidly to disintegrate and crumble to dust, although he declined to commit himself definitely on the point until he had made a complete analysis.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

have the will and intention to carry out some action

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading He thought a mixture of certain acids, drying into the fiber of the paper, would cause it rapidly to disintegrate and crumble to dust, although he declined to commit himself definitely on the point until he had made a complete analysis.

characterized by deliberate purpose and some degree of planning

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

with speed

From this reading He thought a mixture of certain acids, drying into the fiber of the paper, would cause it rapidly to disintegrate and crumble to dust, although he declined to commit himself definitely on the point until he had made a complete analysis.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading It was eight a. m. by the time Grail reached the fort, for he had stopped on the way to submit to a chemist an envelope containing the remnants of the decoy message.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

past form of “reckon” — expect, believe, or suppose

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

plural of “remnant” — a small part or portion that remains after the main part no longer exists

From this reading It was eight a. m. by the time Grail reached the fort, for he had stopped on the way to submit to a chemist an envelope containing the remnants of the decoy message.

precisely, exactly

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

plural of “rope” — a strong line

From this reading THE SEVERED ROPES.

detached by cutting

From this reading THE SEVERED ROPES.

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

(of a nose) blocked

From this reading It was eight a. m. by the time Grail reached the fort, for he had stopped on the way to submit to a chemist an envelope containing the remnants of the decoy message.

refer for judgment or consideration

From this reading It was eight a. m. by the time Grail reached the fort, for he had stopped on the way to submit to a chemist an envelope containing the remnants of the decoy message.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The chemist agreed with him thoroughly that its disintegration must have been accomplished by means of chemicals.

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

From this reading THE SEVERED ROPES.

a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

in an exhaustive manner

From this reading The chemist agreed with him thoroughly that its disintegration must have been accomplished by means of chemicals.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading He thought a mixture of certain acids, drying into the fiber of the paper, would cause it rapidly to disintegrate and crumble to dust, although he declined to commit himself definitely on the point until he had made a complete analysis.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading It was eight a. m. by the time Grail reached the fort, for he had stopped on the way to submit to a chemist an envelope containing the remnants of the decoy message.

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

From this reading It was eight a. m. by the time Grail reached the fort, for he had stopped on the way to submit to a chemist an envelope containing the remnants of the decoy message.

a line or route along which something travels or moves

From this reading His theory, however, was all that Grail really cared for, since it showed him that he was on the right track, and that the destruction of the note was due to no accident or mischance, but was part of a deliberate and premeditated plan--an incident to be duly reckoned with in any investigation of the colonel’s disappearance.

up to a particular time

From this reading He thought a mixture of certain acids, drying into the fiber of the paper, would cause it rapidly to disintegrate and crumble to dust, although he declined to commit himself definitely on the point until he had made a complete analysis.

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

From this reading It was eight a. m. by the time Grail reached the fort, for he had stopped on the way to submit to a chemist an envelope containing the remnants of the decoy message.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading It was eight a. m. by the time Grail reached the fort, for he had stopped on the way to submit to a chemist an envelope containing the remnants of the decoy message.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The chemist agreed with him thoroughly that its disintegration must have been accomplished by means of chemicals.

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

From this reading He thought a mixture of certain acids, drying into the fiber of the paper, would cause it rapidly to disintegrate and crumble to dust, although he declined to commit himself definitely on the point until he had made a complete analysis.