Chapter VII

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

From this reading THE HAND OF FATE For a few days Winn Hardy was the busiest man on Rockhaven.

-ing form of “adjust” — alter or regulate so as to achieve accuracy or conform to a standard

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

(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 By tacit consent that had become a sort of office for the Rockhaven Granite Company, and evening lounging place for not only the men who were at work for Winn, but others interested in the new enterprise, and, in fact, all who were not away on fishing trips.

in addition

From this reading Here, also, Winn met the Rev. Jason Bush, a worthy, if attenuated, parson and pedagogue, who had so astonished Winn that first Sunday and who seemed more interested than any one else in the quarry.

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

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Here, also, Winn met the Rev. Jason Bush, a worthy, if attenuated, parson and pedagogue, who had so astonished Winn that first Sunday and who seemed more interested than any one else in the quarry.

inflected form of “arise” — come into existence; take on form or shape

From this reading He arose early, worked late, and evenings wrote his firm a detailed statement of his progress, or discussed matters with Jess at the store.

filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock

From this reading Here, also, Winn met the Rev. Jason Bush, a worthy, if attenuated, parson and pedagogue, who had so astonished Winn that first Sunday and who seemed more interested than any one else in the quarry.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He arose early, worked late, and evenings wrote his firm a detailed statement of his progress, or discussed matters with Jess at the store.

of an electrical signal; reduced in amplitude with little or no distortion

From this reading Here, also, Winn met the Rev. Jason Bush, a worthy, if attenuated, parson and pedagogue, who had so astonished Winn that first Sunday and who seemed more interested than any one else in the quarry.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading By tacit consent that had become a sort of office for the Rockhaven Granite Company, and evening lounging place for not only the men who were at work for Winn, but others interested in the new enterprise, and, in fact, all who were not away on fishing trips.

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

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading By tacit consent that had become a sort of office for the Rockhaven Granite Company, and evening lounging place for not only the men who were at work for Winn, but others interested in the new enterprise, and, in fact, all who were not away on fishing trips.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems

From this reading Here, also, Winn met the Rev. Jason Bush, a worthy, if attenuated, parson and pedagogue, who had so astonished Winn that first Sunday and who seemed more interested than any one else in the quarry.

superlative of “busy” — actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading THE HAND OF FATE For a few days Winn Hardy was the busiest man on Rockhaven.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading By tacit consent that had become a sort of office for the Rockhaven Granite Company, and evening lounging place for not only the men who were at work for Winn, but others interested in the new enterprise, and, in fact, all who were not away on fishing trips.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading By tacit consent that had become a sort of office for the Rockhaven Granite Company, and evening lounging place for not only the men who were at work for Winn, but others interested in the new enterprise, and, in fact, all who were not away on fishing trips.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading By tacit consent that had become a sort of office for the Rockhaven Granite Company, and evening lounging place for not only the men who were at work for Winn, but others interested in the new enterprise, and, in fact, all who were not away on fishing trips.

permission to do something

From this reading By tacit consent that had become a sort of office for the Rockhaven Granite Company, and evening lounging place for not only the men who were at work for Winn, but others interested in the new enterprise, and, in fact, all who were not away on fishing trips.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading THE HAND OF FATE For a few days Winn Hardy was the busiest man on Rockhaven.

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

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

developed or executed with care and in minute detail

From this reading He arose early, worked late, and evenings wrote his firm a detailed statement of his progress, or discussed matters with Jess at the store.

past form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing

From this reading He arose early, worked late, and evenings wrote his firm a detailed statement of his progress, or discussed matters with Jess at the store.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

make a hole, especially with a pointed power or hand tool

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading He arose early, worked late, and evenings wrote his firm a detailed statement of his progress, or discussed matters with Jess at the store.

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

From this reading Here, also, Winn met the Rev. Jason Bush, a worthy, if attenuated, parson and pedagogue, who had so astonished Winn that first Sunday and who seemed more interested than any one else in the quarry.

a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)

From this reading By tacit consent that had become a sort of office for the Rockhaven Granite Company, and evening lounging place for not only the men who were at work for Winn, but others interested in the new enterprise, and, in fact, all who were not away on fishing trips.

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

From this reading By tacit consent that had become a sort of office for the Rockhaven Granite Company, and evening lounging place for not only the men who were at work for Winn, but others interested in the new enterprise, and, in fact, all who were not away on fishing trips.

plural of “evening” — the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading He arose early, worked late, and evenings wrote his firm a detailed statement of his progress, or discussed matters with Jess at the store.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading By tacit consent that had become a sort of office for the Rockhaven Granite Company, and evening lounging place for not only the men who were at work for Winn, but others interested in the new enterprise, and, in fact, all who were not away on fishing trips.

an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

From this reading THE HAND OF FATE For a few days Winn Hardy was the busiest man on Rockhaven.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading THE HAND OF FATE For a few days Winn Hardy was the busiest man on Rockhaven.

the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable

From this reading He arose early, worked late, and evenings wrote his firm a detailed statement of his progress, or discussed matters with Jess at the store.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Here, also, Winn met the Rev. Jason Bush, a worthy, if attenuated, parson and pedagogue, who had so astonished Winn that first Sunday and who seemed more interested than any one else in the quarry.

the act of someone who fishes as a diversion

From this reading By tacit consent that had become a sort of office for the Rockhaven Granite Company, and evening lounging place for not only the men who were at work for Winn, but others interested in the new enterprise, and, in fact, all who were not away on fishing trips.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE HAND OF FATE For a few days Winn Hardy was the busiest man on Rockhaven.

plutonic igneous rock having visibly crystalline texture; generally composed of feldspar and mica and quartz

From this reading By tacit consent that had become a sort of office for the Rockhaven Granite Company, and evening lounging place for not only the men who were at work for Winn, but others interested in the new enterprise, and, in fact, all who were not away on fishing trips.

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

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading THE HAND OF FATE For a few days Winn Hardy was the busiest man on Rockhaven.

having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships

From this reading THE HAND OF FATE For a few days Winn Hardy was the busiest man on Rockhaven.

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

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Here, also, Winn met the Rev. Jason Bush, a worthy, if attenuated, parson and pedagogue, who had so astonished Winn that first Sunday and who seemed more interested than any one else in the quarry.

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

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

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

From this reading He arose early, worked late, and evenings wrote his firm a detailed statement of his progress, or discussed matters with Jess at the store.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Here, also, Winn met the Rev. Jason Bush, a worthy, if attenuated, parson and pedagogue, who had so astonished Winn that first Sunday and who seemed more interested than any one else in the quarry.

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

From this reading By tacit consent that had become a sort of office for the Rockhaven Granite Company, and evening lounging place for not only the men who were at work for Winn, but others interested in the new enterprise, and, in fact, all who were not away on fishing trips.

having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern

From this reading By tacit consent that had become a sort of office for the Rockhaven Granite Company, and evening lounging place for not only the men who were at work for Winn, but others interested in the new enterprise, and, in fact, all who were not away on fishing trips.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

(Greek mythology) the husband of Medea and leader of the Argonauts who sailed in quest of the Golden Fleece

From this reading Here, also, Winn met the Rev. Jason Bush, a worthy, if attenuated, parson and pedagogue, who had so astonished Winn that first Sunday and who seemed more interested than any one else in the quarry.

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

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading He arose early, worked late, and evenings wrote his firm a detailed statement of his progress, or discussed matters with Jess at the store.

the production of eggs (especially in birds)

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

-ing form of “lounge” — sit or recline comfortably

From this reading By tacit consent that had become a sort of office for the Rockhaven Granite Company, and evening lounging place for not only the men who were at work for Winn, but others interested in the new enterprise, and, in fact, all who were not away on fishing trips.

a female domestic

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading THE HAND OF FATE For a few days Winn Hardy was the busiest man on Rockhaven.

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading He arose early, worked late, and evenings wrote his firm a detailed statement of his progress, or discussed matters with Jess at the store.

the force of workers available

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

inflected form of “meet” — come together

From this reading Here, also, Winn met the Rev. Jason Bush, a worthy, if attenuated, parson and pedagogue, who had so astonished Winn that first Sunday and who seemed more interested than any one else in the quarry.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

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

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

of an obscure nature

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

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

From this reading By tacit consent that had become a sort of office for the Rockhaven Granite Company, and evening lounging place for not only the men who were at work for Winn, but others interested in the new enterprise, and, in fact, all who were not away on fishing trips.

not any; not one

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading By tacit consent that had become a sort of office for the Rockhaven Granite Company, and evening lounging place for not only the men who were at work for Winn, but others interested in the new enterprise, and, in fact, all who were not away on fishing trips.

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE HAND OF FATE For a few days Winn Hardy was the busiest man on Rockhaven.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading By tacit consent that had become a sort of office for the Rockhaven Granite Company, and evening lounging place for not only the men who were at work for Winn, but others interested in the new enterprise, and, in fact, all who were not away on fishing trips.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE HAND OF FATE For a few days Winn Hardy was the busiest man on Rockhaven.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Here, also, Winn met the Rev. Jason Bush, a worthy, if attenuated, parson and pedagogue, who had so astonished Winn that first Sunday and who seemed more interested than any one else in the quarry.

and nothing more

From this reading By tacit consent that had become a sort of office for the Rockhaven Granite Company, and evening lounging place for not only the men who were at work for Winn, but others interested in the new enterprise, and, in fact, all who were not away on fishing trips.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He arose early, worked late, and evenings wrote his firm a detailed statement of his progress, or discussed matters with Jess at the store.

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

From this reading By tacit consent that had become a sort of office for the Rockhaven Granite Company, and evening lounging place for not only the men who were at work for Winn, but others interested in the new enterprise, and, in fact, all who were not away on fishing trips.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

a person authorized to conduct religious worship

From this reading Here, also, Winn met the Rev. Jason Bush, a worthy, if attenuated, parson and pedagogue, who had so astonished Winn that first Sunday and who seemed more interested than any one else in the quarry.

someone who educates young people

From this reading Here, also, Winn met the Rev. Jason Bush, a worthy, if attenuated, parson and pedagogue, who had so astonished Winn that first Sunday and who seemed more interested than any one else in the quarry.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading By tacit consent that had become a sort of office for the Rockhaven Granite Company, and evening lounging place for not only the men who were at work for Winn, but others interested in the new enterprise, and, in fact, all who were not away on fishing trips.

gradual improvement or growth or development

From this reading He arose early, worked late, and evenings wrote his firm a detailed statement of his progress, or discussed matters with Jess at the store.

a person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influence

From this reading Here, also, Winn met the Rev. Jason Bush, a worthy, if attenuated, parson and pedagogue, who had so astonished Winn that first Sunday and who seemed more interested than any one else in the quarry.

increase the number of rotations per minute

From this reading Here, also, Winn met the Rev. Jason Bush, a worthy, if attenuated, parson and pedagogue, who had so astonished Winn that first Sunday and who seemed more interested than any one else in the quarry.

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

From this reading THE HAND OF FATE For a few days Winn Hardy was the busiest man on Rockhaven.

past form of “secure” — get by special effort

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Here, also, Winn met the Rev. Jason Bush, a worthy, if attenuated, parson and pedagogue, who had so astonished Winn that first Sunday and who seemed more interested than any one else in the quarry.

100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

the context and environment in which something is set

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Here, also, Winn met the Rev. Jason Bush, a worthy, if attenuated, parson and pedagogue, who had so astonished Winn that first Sunday and who seemed more interested than any one else in the quarry.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading By tacit consent that had become a sort of office for the Rockhaven Granite Company, and evening lounging place for not only the men who were at work for Winn, but others interested in the new enterprise, and, in fact, all who were not away on fishing trips.

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

From this reading He arose early, worked late, and evenings wrote his firm a detailed statement of his progress, or discussed matters with Jess at the store.

travel by means of steam power

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services

From this reading He arose early, worked late, and evenings wrote his firm a detailed statement of his progress, or discussed matters with Jess at the store.

first day of the week; observed as a day of rest and worship by most Christians

From this reading Here, also, Winn met the Rev. Jason Bush, a worthy, if attenuated, parson and pedagogue, who had so astonished Winn that first Sunday and who seemed more interested than any one else in the quarry.

implied by or inferred from actions or statements

From this reading By tacit consent that had become a sort of office for the Rockhaven Granite Company, and evening lounging place for not only the men who were at work for Winn, but others interested in the new enterprise, and, in fact, all who were not away on fishing trips.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

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

From this reading THE HAND OF FATE For a few days Winn Hardy was the busiest man on Rockhaven.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

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

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

plural of “trip” — a journey for some purpose (usually including the return)

From this reading By tacit consent that had become a sort of office for the Rockhaven Granite Company, and evening lounging place for not only the men who were at work for Winn, but others interested in the new enterprise, and, in fact, all who were not away on fishing trips.

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

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

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

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

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

From this reading THE HAND OF FATE For a few days Winn Hardy was the busiest man on Rockhaven.

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

From this reading By tacit consent that had become a sort of office for the Rockhaven Granite Company, and evening lounging place for not only the men who were at work for Winn, but others interested in the new enterprise, and, in fact, all who were not away on fishing trips.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

which person or people

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

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

From this reading THE HAND OF FATE For a few days Winn Hardy was the busiest man on Rockhaven.

in the company of; together with

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading What with setting up the steam drill that had been sent him, finding a man to work it, adjusting the derricks, and laying out work for the dozen men Jess had secured, he had no more time than occasionally to think of who the mysterious violin-playing maid might be.

past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading He arose early, worked late, and evenings wrote his firm a detailed statement of his progress, or discussed matters with Jess at the store.

Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.

From this reading Here, also, Winn met the Rev. Jason Bush, a worthy, if attenuated, parson and pedagogue, who had so astonished Winn that first Sunday and who seemed more interested than any one else in the quarry.

inflected form of “write” — produce a literary work

From this reading He arose early, worked late, and evenings wrote his firm a detailed statement of his progress, or discussed matters with Jess at the store.