Chapter XXIII · Chapter 23

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

From this reading By the return of the expedition, conveying its contribution from Formentera, the known population of Gallia was raised to a total of thirty-six.

anew

From this reading Had he ascertained the true character of her orbit? had he established any data from which it would be possible to reckon what time must elapse before she would again approach the earth?

equally

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

(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 Manifestly, he had arrived at some knowledge of Gallia’s movements: he had estimated her distance from the sun; he had calculated the diminution of her tangential speed; but there was nothing to show that he had arrived at the conclusions which were of the most paramount interest to them all.

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

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Had he ascertained the true character of her orbit? had he established any data from which it would be possible to reckon what time must elapse before she would again approach the earth?

move towards

From this reading Had he ascertained the true character of her orbit? had he established any data from which it would be possible to reckon what time must elapse before she would again approach the earth?

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading Manifestly, he had arrived at some knowledge of Gallia’s movements: he had estimated her distance from the sun; he had calculated the diminution of her tangential speed; but there was nothing to show that he had arrived at the conclusions which were of the most paramount interest to them all.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading Had he ascertained the true character of her orbit? had he established any data from which it would be possible to reckon what time must elapse before she would again approach the earth?

a physicist who studies astronomy

From this reading The only intelligible words which the astronomer had uttered had been, “My comet!”

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

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

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

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

From this reading Had he ascertained the true character of her orbit? had he established any data from which it would be possible to reckon what time must elapse before she would again approach the earth?

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The only intelligible words which the astronomer had uttered had been, “My comet!”

earlier than; in front of

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

the cognitive process that leads to convictions

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

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

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Manifestly, he had arrived at some knowledge of Gallia’s movements: he had estimated her distance from the sun; he had calculated the diminution of her tangential speed; but there was nothing to show that he had arrived at the conclusions which were of the most paramount interest to them all.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading By the return of the expedition, conveying its contribution from Formentera, the known population of Gallia was raised to a total of thirty-six.

carefully thought out in advance

From this reading Manifestly, he had arrived at some knowledge of Gallia’s movements: he had estimated her distance from the sun; he had calculated the diminution of her tangential speed; but there was nothing to show that he had arrived at the conclusions which were of the most paramount interest to them all.

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

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading Had he ascertained the true character of her orbit? had he established any data from which it would be possible to reckon what time must elapse before she would again approach the earth?

(astronomy) a relatively small extraterrestrial body consisting of a frozen mass that travels around the sun in a highly elliptical orbit

From this reading The only intelligible words which the astronomer had uttered had been, “My comet!”

plural of “conclusion” — a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration

From this reading Manifestly, he had arrived at some knowledge of Gallia’s movements: he had estimated her distance from the sun; he had calculated the diminution of her tangential speed; but there was nothing to show that he had arrived at the conclusions which were of the most paramount interest to them all.

the effort contributed by a person in bringing about a result

From this reading By the return of the expedition, conveying its contribution from Formentera, the known population of Gallia was raised to a total of thirty-six.

act of transferring property title from one person to another

From this reading By the return of the expedition, conveying its contribution from Formentera, the known population of Gallia was raised to a total of thirty-six.

determine the number or amount of

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

a collection of facts from which conclusions may be drawn

From this reading Had he ascertained the true character of her orbit? had he established any data from which it would be possible to reckon what time must elapse before she would again approach the earth?

true confidential information

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

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

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

change toward something smaller or lower

From this reading Manifestly, he had arrived at some knowledge of Gallia’s movements: he had estimated her distance from the sun; he had calculated the diminution of her tangential speed; but there was nothing to show that he had arrived at the conclusions which were of the most paramount interest to them all.

plural of “discovery” — the act of discovering something

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading Manifestly, he had arrived at some knowledge of Gallia’s movements: he had estimated her distance from the sun; he had calculated the diminution of her tangential speed; but there was nothing to show that he had arrived at the conclusions which were of the most paramount interest to them all.

plural of “document” — writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading Had he ascertained the true character of her orbit? had he established any data from which it would be possible to reckon what time must elapse before she would again approach the earth?

pass by

From this reading Had he ascertained the true character of her orbit? had he established any data from which it would be possible to reckon what time must elapse before she would again approach the earth?

brought about or set up or accepted; especially long established

From this reading Had he ascertained the true character of her orbit? had he established any data from which it would be possible to reckon what time must elapse before she would again approach the earth?

past form of “estimate” — judge tentatively or form an estimate of (quantities or time)

From this reading Manifestly, he had arrived at some knowledge of Gallia’s movements: he had estimated her distance from the sun; he had calculated the diminution of her tangential speed; but there was nothing to show that he had arrived at the conclusions which were of the most paramount interest to them all.

drained of energy or effectiveness; extremely tired; completely exhausted

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

a military campaign designed to achieve a specific objective in a foreign country

From this reading By the return of the expedition, conveying its contribution from Formentera, the known population of Gallia was raised to a total of thirty-six.

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

From this reading By the return of the expedition, conveying its contribution from Formentera, the known population of Gallia was raised to a total of thirty-six.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading By the return of the expedition, conveying its contribution from Formentera, the known population of Gallia was raised to a total of thirty-six.

an ancient region of western Europe that included what is now northern Italy and France and Belgium and part of Germany and the Netherlands

From this reading By the return of the expedition, conveying its contribution from Formentera, the known population of Gallia was raised to a total of thirty-six.

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

From this reading Manifestly, he had arrived at some knowledge of Gallia’s movements: he had estimated her distance from the sun; he had calculated the diminution of her tangential speed; but there was nothing to show that he had arrived at the conclusions which were of the most paramount interest to them all.

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

From this reading Manifestly, he had arrived at some knowledge of Gallia’s movements: he had estimated her distance from the sun; he had calculated the diminution of her tangential speed; but there was nothing to show that he had arrived at the conclusions which were of the most paramount interest to them all.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

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

From this reading Manifestly, he had arrived at some knowledge of Gallia’s movements: he had estimated her distance from the sun; he had calculated the diminution of her tangential speed; but there was nothing to show that he had arrived at the conclusions which were of the most paramount interest to them all.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Manifestly, he had arrived at some knowledge of Gallia’s movements: he had estimated her distance from the sun; he had calculated the diminution of her tangential speed; but there was nothing to show that he had arrived at the conclusions which were of the most paramount interest to them all.

pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

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

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

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

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

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

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

capable of being apprehended or understood

From this reading The only intelligible words which the astronomer had uttered had been, “My comet!”

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading Manifestly, he had arrived at some knowledge of Gallia’s movements: he had estimated her distance from the sun; he had calculated the diminution of her tangential speed; but there was nothing to show that he had arrived at the conclusions which were of the most paramount interest to them all.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Had he ascertained the true character of her orbit? had he established any data from which it would be possible to reckon what time must elapse before she would again approach the earth?

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading By the return of the expedition, conveying its contribution from Formentera, the known population of Gallia was raised to a total of thirty-six.

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading Manifestly, he had arrived at some knowledge of Gallia’s movements: he had estimated her distance from the sun; he had calculated the diminution of her tangential speed; but there was nothing to show that he had arrived at the conclusions which were of the most paramount interest to them all.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading By the return of the expedition, conveying its contribution from Formentera, the known population of Gallia was raised to a total of thirty-six.

the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

the deliberate act of deviating from the truth

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

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

From this reading Manifestly, he had arrived at some knowledge of Gallia’s movements: he had estimated her distance from the sun; he had calculated the diminution of her tangential speed; but there was nothing to show that he had arrived at the conclusions which were of the most paramount interest to them all.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Manifestly, he had arrived at some knowledge of Gallia’s movements: he had estimated her distance from the sun; he had calculated the diminution of her tangential speed; but there was nothing to show that he had arrived at the conclusions which were of the most paramount interest to them all.

plural of “movement” — a change of position that does not entail a change of location

From this reading Manifestly, he had arrived at some knowledge of Gallia’s movements: he had estimated her distance from the sun; he had calculated the diminution of her tangential speed; but there was nothing to show that he had arrived at the conclusions which were of the most paramount interest to them all.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading Had he ascertained the true character of her orbit? had he established any data from which it would be possible to reckon what time must elapse before she would again approach the earth?

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading The only intelligible words which the astronomer had uttered had been, “My comet!”

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Manifestly, he had arrived at some knowledge of Gallia’s movements: he had estimated her distance from the sun; he had calculated the diminution of her tangential speed; but there was nothing to show that he had arrived at the conclusions which were of the most paramount interest to them all.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading By the return of the expedition, conveying its contribution from Formentera, the known population of Gallia was raised to a total of thirty-six.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

and nothing more

From this reading The only intelligible words which the astronomer had uttered had been, “My comet!”

the (usually elliptical) path described by one celestial body in its revolution about another

From this reading Had he ascertained the true character of her orbit? had he established any data from which it would be possible to reckon what time must elapse before she would again approach the earth?

having superior power and influence

From this reading Manifestly, he had arrived at some knowledge of Gallia’s movements: he had estimated her distance from the sun; he had calculated the diminution of her tangential speed; but there was nothing to show that he had arrived at the conclusions which were of the most paramount interest to them all.

past form of “pick” — select carefully from a group

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

the people who inhabit a territory or state

From this reading By the return of the expedition, conveying its contribution from Formentera, the known population of Gallia was raised to a total of thirty-six.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading Had he ascertained the true character of her orbit? had he established any data from which it would be possible to reckon what time must elapse before she would again approach the earth?

located or moved above the surround or above the normal position

From this reading By the return of the expedition, conveying its contribution from Formentera, the known population of Gallia was raised to a total of thirty-six.

in the recent past

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

expect, believe, or suppose

From this reading Had he ascertained the true character of her orbit? had he established any data from which it would be possible to reckon what time must elapse before she would again approach the earth?

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

From this reading By the return of the expedition, conveying its contribution from Formentera, the known population of Gallia was raised to a total of thirty-six.

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

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

From this reading Had he ascertained the true character of her orbit? had he established any data from which it would be possible to reckon what time must elapse before she would again approach the earth?

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Manifestly, he had arrived at some knowledge of Gallia’s movements: he had estimated her distance from the sun; he had calculated the diminution of her tangential speed; but there was nothing to show that he had arrived at the conclusions which were of the most paramount interest to them all.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

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

From this reading Manifestly, he had arrived at some knowledge of Gallia’s movements: he had estimated her distance from the sun; he had calculated the diminution of her tangential speed; but there was nothing to show that he had arrived at the conclusions which were of the most paramount interest to them all.

move hurridly

From this reading Manifestly, he had arrived at some knowledge of Gallia’s movements: he had estimated her distance from the sun; he had calculated the diminution of her tangential speed; but there was nothing to show that he had arrived at the conclusions which were of the most paramount interest to them all.

a message that is stated or declared; a communication (oral or written) setting forth particulars or facts etc

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading Manifestly, he had arrived at some knowledge of Gallia’s movements: he had estimated her distance from the sun; he had calculated the diminution of her tangential speed; but there was nothing to show that he had arrived at the conclusions which were of the most paramount interest to them all.

of superficial relevance if any

From this reading Manifestly, he had arrived at some knowledge of Gallia’s movements: he had estimated her distance from the sun; he had calculated the diminution of her tangential speed; but there was nothing to show that he had arrived at the conclusions which were of the most paramount interest to them all.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

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

From this reading By the return of the expedition, conveying its contribution from Formentera, the known population of Gallia was raised to a total of thirty-six.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Manifestly, he had arrived at some knowledge of Gallia’s movements: he had estimated her distance from the sun; he had calculated the diminution of her tangential speed; but there was nothing to show that he had arrived at the conclusions which were of the most paramount interest to them all.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Manifestly, he had arrived at some knowledge of Gallia’s movements: he had estimated her distance from the sun; he had calculated the diminution of her tangential speed; but there was nothing to show that he had arrived at the conclusions which were of the most paramount interest to them all.

one of three equal parts of a divisible whole

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

being six more than thirty

From this reading By the return of the expedition, conveying its contribution from Formentera, the known population of Gallia was raised to a total of thirty-six.

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

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Had he ascertained the true character of her orbit? had he established any data from which it would be possible to reckon what time must elapse before she would again approach the earth?

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

From this reading By the return of the expedition, conveying its contribution from Formentera, the known population of Gallia was raised to a total of thirty-six.

add up in number or quantity

From this reading By the return of the expedition, conveying its contribution from Formentera, the known population of Gallia was raised to a total of thirty-six.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading Had he ascertained the true character of her orbit? had he established any data from which it would be possible to reckon what time must elapse before she would again approach the earth?

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

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

lacking a signature

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

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

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

communicated in words

From this reading The only intelligible words which the astronomer had uttered had been, “My comet!”

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

From this reading By the return of the expedition, conveying its contribution from Formentera, the known population of Gallia was raised to a total of thirty-six.

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

From this reading Manifestly, he had arrived at some knowledge of Gallia’s movements: he had estimated her distance from the sun; he had calculated the diminution of her tangential speed; but there was nothing to show that he had arrived at the conclusions which were of the most paramount interest to them all.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Had he ascertained the true character of her orbit? had he established any data from which it would be possible to reckon what time must elapse before she would again approach the earth?

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

From this reading Manifestly, he had arrived at some knowledge of Gallia’s movements: he had estimated her distance from the sun; he had calculated the diminution of her tangential speed; but there was nothing to show that he had arrived at the conclusions which were of the most paramount interest to them all.

which person or people

From this reading On learning the details of his friends’ discoveries, Count Timascheff did not hesitate in believing that the exhausted individual who was lying before him was the author alike of the two unsigned documents picked up at sea, and of the third statement so recently brought to hand by the carrier-pigeon.

the words that are spoken

From this reading The only intelligible words which the astronomer had uttered had been, “My comet!”

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

From this reading Had he ascertained the true character of her orbit? had he established any data from which it would be possible to reckon what time must elapse before she would again approach the earth?