Chapter V · “Old Trouble-Maker” Turned Loose

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

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

later than; following

From this reading After getting to bed at midnight it could not be expected that the young people at Silver Ranch would be astir early on the morning following the fire scare.

important European leguminous forage plant with trifoliate leaves and blue-violet flowers grown widely as a pasture and hay crop

From this reading The ponies were snorting and stamping at their breakfasts—great armfuls of alfalfa hay which the horse wranglers had pitched over the fence.

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

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

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

From this reading The ponies were snorting and stamping at their breakfasts—great armfuls of alfalfa hay which the horse wranglers had pitched over the fence.

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

From this reading When she came out upon the veranda that encircled the ranch-house, wreaths of mist hung knee-high in the coulee—mist which, as soon as the sun peeked over the hills, would be dissipated.

out of bed

From this reading After getting to bed at midnight it could not be expected that the young people at Silver Ranch would be astir early on the morning following the fire scare.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading After getting to bed at midnight it could not be expected that the young people at Silver Ranch would be astir early on the morning following the fire scare.

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

From this reading After getting to bed at midnight it could not be expected that the young people at Silver Ranch would be astir early on the morning following the fire scare.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading After getting to bed at midnight it could not be expected that the young people at Silver Ranch would be astir early on the morning following the fire scare.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Maria, the Mexican woman, came up from the cowshed with two brimming pails of milk, for the Silver Ranch boasted a few milch cows at the home place, and there had been sweet butter on the table at supper the night before—something which is usually very scarce on a cattle ranch.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

past form of “boast” — show off

From this reading Maria, the Mexican woman, came up from the cowshed with two brimming pails of milk, for the Silver Ranch boasted a few milch cows at the home place, and there had been sweet butter on the table at supper the night before—something which is usually very scarce on a cattle ranch.

plural of “breakfast” — the first meal of the day (usually in the morning)

From this reading The ponies were snorting and stamping at their breakfasts—great armfuls of alfalfa hay which the horse wranglers had pitched over the fence.

filled to capacity

From this reading Maria, the Mexican woman, came up from the cowshed with two brimming pails of milk, for the Silver Ranch boasted a few milch cows at the home place, and there had been sweet butter on the table at supper the night before—something which is usually very scarce on a cattle ranch.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

an edible emulsion of fat globules made by churning milk or cream; for cooking and table use

From this reading Maria, the Mexican woman, came up from the cowshed with two brimming pails of milk, for the Silver Ranch boasted a few milch cows at the home place, and there had been sweet butter on the table at supper the night before—something which is usually very scarce on a cattle ranch.

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

From this reading When she came out upon the veranda that encircled the ranch-house, wreaths of mist hung knee-high in the coulee—mist which, as soon as the sun peeked over the hills, would be dissipated.

domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age

From this reading Maria, the Mexican woman, came up from the cowshed with two brimming pails of milk, for the Silver Ranch boasted a few milch cows at the home place, and there had been sweet butter on the table at supper the night before—something which is usually very scarce on a cattle ranch.

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

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

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

From this reading After getting to bed at midnight it could not be expected that the young people at Silver Ranch would be astir early on the morning following the fire scare.

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

From this reading When she came out upon the veranda that encircled the ranch-house, wreaths of mist hung knee-high in the coulee—mist which, as soon as the sun peeked over the hills, would be dissipated.

domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age

From this reading Maria, the Mexican woman, came up from the cowshed with two brimming pails of milk, for the Silver Ranch boasted a few milch cows at the home place, and there had been sweet butter on the table at supper the night before—something which is usually very scarce on a cattle ranch.

a barn for cows

From this reading Maria, the Mexican woman, came up from the cowshed with two brimming pails of milk, for the Silver Ranch boasted a few milch cows at the home place, and there had been sweet butter on the table at supper the night before—something which is usually very scarce on a cattle ranch.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

unrestrained by convention or morality

From this reading When she came out upon the veranda that encircled the ranch-house, wreaths of mist hung knee-high in the coulee—mist which, as soon as the sun peeked over the hills, would be dissipated.

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

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

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

From this reading After getting to bed at midnight it could not be expected that the young people at Silver Ranch would be astir early on the morning following the fire scare.

confined on all sides

From this reading When she came out upon the veranda that encircled the ranch-house, wreaths of mist hung knee-high in the coulee—mist which, as soon as the sun peeked over the hills, would be dissipated.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading After getting to bed at midnight it could not be expected that the young people at Silver Ranch would be astir early on the morning following the fire scare.

enclose with a fence

From this reading The ponies were snorting and stamping at their breakfasts—great armfuls of alfalfa hay which the horse wranglers had pitched over the fence.

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

From this reading Maria, the Mexican woman, came up from the cowshed with two brimming pails of milk, for the Silver Ranch boasted a few milch cows at the home place, and there had been sweet butter on the table at supper the night before—something which is usually very scarce on a cattle ranch.

start firing a weapon

From this reading After getting to bed at midnight it could not be expected that the young people at Silver Ranch would be astir early on the morning following the fire scare.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading After getting to bed at midnight it could not be expected that the young people at Silver Ranch would be astir early on the morning following the fire scare.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Maria, the Mexican woman, came up from the cowshed with two brimming pails of milk, for the Silver Ranch boasted a few milch cows at the home place, and there had been sweet butter on the table at supper the night before—something which is usually very scarce on a cattle ranch.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Maria, the Mexican woman, came up from the cowshed with two brimming pails of milk, for the Silver Ranch boasted a few milch cows at the home place, and there had been sweet butter on the table at supper the night before—something which is usually very scarce on a cattle ranch.

the act of acquiring something

From this reading After getting to bed at midnight it could not be expected that the young people at Silver Ranch would be astir early on the morning following the fire scare.

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading The ponies were snorting and stamping at their breakfasts—great armfuls of alfalfa hay which the horse wranglers had pitched over the fence.

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

From this reading The ponies were snorting and stamping at their breakfasts—great armfuls of alfalfa hay which the horse wranglers had pitched over the fence.

grass mowed and cured for use as fodder

From this reading The ponies were snorting and stamping at their breakfasts—great armfuls of alfalfa hay which the horse wranglers had pitched over the fence.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

plural of “hill” — a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading When she came out upon the veranda that encircled the ranch-house, wreaths of mist hung knee-high in the coulee—mist which, as soon as the sun peeked over the hills, would be dissipated.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Maria, the Mexican woman, came up from the cowshed with two brimming pails of milk, for the Silver Ranch boasted a few milch cows at the home place, and there had been sweet butter on the table at supper the night before—something which is usually very scarce on a cattle ranch.

solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading The ponies were snorting and stamping at their breakfasts—great armfuls of alfalfa hay which the horse wranglers had pitched over the fence.

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading When she came out upon the veranda that encircled the ranch-house, wreaths of mist hung knee-high in the coulee—mist which, as soon as the sun peeked over the hills, would be dissipated.

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

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

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

From this reading Maria, the Mexican woman, came up from the cowshed with two brimming pails of milk, for the Silver Ranch boasted a few milch cows at the home place, and there had been sweet butter on the table at supper the night before—something which is usually very scarce on a cattle ranch.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading After getting to bed at midnight it could not be expected that the young people at Silver Ranch would be astir early on the morning following the fire scare.

a sock or stocking that reaches up to just below the knees

From this reading When she came out upon the veranda that encircled the ranch-house, wreaths of mist hung knee-high in the coulee—mist which, as soon as the sun peeked over the hills, would be dissipated.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

a dark region of considerable extent on the surface of the moon

From this reading Maria, the Mexican woman, came up from the cowshed with two brimming pails of milk, for the Silver Ranch boasted a few milch cows at the home place, and there had been sweet butter on the table at supper the night before—something which is usually very scarce on a cattle ranch.

a native or inhabitant of Mexico

From this reading Maria, the Mexican woman, came up from the cowshed with two brimming pails of milk, for the Silver Ranch boasted a few milch cows at the home place, and there had been sweet butter on the table at supper the night before—something which is usually very scarce on a cattle ranch.

12 o'clock at night; the middle of the night

From this reading After getting to bed at midnight it could not be expected that the young people at Silver Ranch would be astir early on the morning following the fire scare.

giving milk; bred or suitable primarily for milk production

From this reading Maria, the Mexican woman, came up from the cowshed with two brimming pails of milk, for the Silver Ranch boasted a few milch cows at the home place, and there had been sweet butter on the table at supper the night before—something which is usually very scarce on a cattle ranch.

a white nutritious liquid secreted by mammals and used as food by human beings

From this reading Maria, the Mexican woman, came up from the cowshed with two brimming pails of milk, for the Silver Ranch boasted a few milch cows at the home place, and there had been sweet butter on the table at supper the night before—something which is usually very scarce on a cattle ranch.

move about in a confused manner

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

become covered with mist

From this reading When she came out upon the veranda that encircled the ranch-house, wreaths of mist hung knee-high in the coulee—mist which, as soon as the sun peeked over the hills, would be dissipated.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading After getting to bed at midnight it could not be expected that the young people at Silver Ranch would be astir early on the morning following the fire scare.

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

From this reading Maria, the Mexican woman, came up from the cowshed with two brimming pails of milk, for the Silver Ranch boasted a few milch cows at the home place, and there had been sweet butter on the table at supper the night before—something which is usually very scarce on a cattle ranch.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading After getting to bed at midnight it could not be expected that the young people at Silver Ranch would be astir early on the morning following the fire scare.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading After getting to bed at midnight it could not be expected that the young people at Silver Ranch would be astir early on the morning following the fire scare.

the ball-shaped capsule containing the vertebrate eye

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

above and across; more than

From this reading When she came out upon the veranda that encircled the ranch-house, wreaths of mist hung knee-high in the coulee—mist which, as soon as the sun peeked over the hills, would be dissipated.

plural of “pail” — a roughly cylindrical vessel that is open at the top

From this reading Maria, the Mexican woman, came up from the cowshed with two brimming pails of milk, for the Silver Ranch boasted a few milch cows at the home place, and there had been sweet butter on the table at supper the night before—something which is usually very scarce on a cattle ranch.

past form of “peek” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading When she came out upon the veranda that encircled the ranch-house, wreaths of mist hung knee-high in the coulee—mist which, as soon as the sun peeked over the hills, would be dissipated.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading After getting to bed at midnight it could not be expected that the young people at Silver Ranch would be astir early on the morning following the fire scare.

(of sound) set to a certain pitch or key; usually used as a combining form

From this reading The ponies were snorting and stamping at their breakfasts—great armfuls of alfalfa hay which the horse wranglers had pitched over the fence.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Maria, the Mexican woman, came up from the cowshed with two brimming pails of milk, for the Silver Ranch boasted a few milch cows at the home place, and there had been sweet butter on the table at supper the night before—something which is usually very scarce on a cattle ranch.

plural of “pony” — a range horse of the western United States

From this reading The ponies were snorting and stamping at their breakfasts—great armfuls of alfalfa hay which the horse wranglers had pitched over the fence.

farm consisting of a large tract of land along with facilities needed to raise livestock (especially cattle)

From this reading After getting to bed at midnight it could not be expected that the young people at Silver Ranch would be astir early on the morning following the fire scare.

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

From this reading When she came out upon the veranda that encircled the ranch-house, wreaths of mist hung knee-high in the coulee—mist which, as soon as the sun peeked over the hills, would be dissipated.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

United States professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

only a very short time before

From this reading Maria, the Mexican woman, came up from the cowshed with two brimming pails of milk, for the Silver Ranch boasted a few milch cows at the home place, and there had been sweet butter on the table at supper the night before—something which is usually very scarce on a cattle ranch.

cause fear in

From this reading After getting to bed at midnight it could not be expected that the young people at Silver Ranch would be astir early on the morning following the fire scare.

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

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

a soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal; occurs in argentite and in free form; used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photography

From this reading After getting to bed at midnight it could not be expected that the young people at Silver Ranch would be astir early on the morning following the fire scare.

the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

inflected form of “slip” — move stealthily

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

an act of forcible exhalation

From this reading The ponies were snorting and stamping at their breakfasts—great armfuls of alfalfa hay which the horse wranglers had pitched over the fence.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading Maria, the Mexican woman, came up from the cowshed with two brimming pails of milk, for the Silver Ranch boasted a few milch cows at the home place, and there had been sweet butter on the table at supper the night before—something which is usually very scarce on a cattle ranch.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

in the near future

From this reading When she came out upon the veranda that encircled the ranch-house, wreaths of mist hung knee-high in the coulee—mist which, as soon as the sun peeked over the hills, would be dissipated.

-ing form of “stamp” — walk heavily

From this reading The ponies were snorting and stamping at their breakfasts—great armfuls of alfalfa hay which the horse wranglers had pitched over the fence.

move an implement through

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

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

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

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

From this reading Maria, the Mexican woman, came up from the cowshed with two brimming pails of milk, for the Silver Ranch boasted a few milch cows at the home place, and there had been sweet butter on the table at supper the night before—something which is usually very scarce on a cattle ranch.

having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading Maria, the Mexican woman, came up from the cowshed with two brimming pails of milk, for the Silver Ranch boasted a few milch cows at the home place, and there had been sweet butter on the table at supper the night before—something which is usually very scarce on a cattle ranch.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading Maria, the Mexican woman, came up from the cowshed with two brimming pails of milk, for the Silver Ranch boasted a few milch cows at the home place, and there had been sweet butter on the table at supper the night before—something which is usually very scarce on a cattle ranch.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading After getting to bed at midnight it could not be expected that the young people at Silver Ranch would be astir early on the morning following the fire scare.

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

From this reading After getting to bed at midnight it could not be expected that the young people at Silver Ranch would be astir early on the morning following the fire scare.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The ponies were snorting and stamping at their breakfasts—great armfuls of alfalfa hay which the horse wranglers had pitched over the fence.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Maria, the Mexican woman, came up from the cowshed with two brimming pails of milk, for the Silver Ranch boasted a few milch cows at the home place, and there had been sweet butter on the table at supper the night before—something which is usually very scarce on a cattle ranch.

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

From this reading After getting to bed at midnight it could not be expected that the young people at Silver Ranch would be astir early on the morning following the fire scare.

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

From this reading Maria, the Mexican woman, came up from the cowshed with two brimming pails of milk, for the Silver Ranch boasted a few milch cows at the home place, and there had been sweet butter on the table at supper the night before—something which is usually very scarce on a cattle ranch.

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

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading When she came out upon the veranda that encircled the ranch-house, wreaths of mist hung knee-high in the coulee—mist which, as soon as the sun peeked over the hills, would be dissipated.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

under normal conditions

From this reading Maria, the Mexican woman, came up from the cowshed with two brimming pails of milk, for the Silver Ranch boasted a few milch cows at the home place, and there had been sweet butter on the table at supper the night before—something which is usually very scarce on a cattle ranch.

a porch along the outside of a building (sometimes partly enclosed)

From this reading When she came out upon the veranda that encircled the ranch-house, wreaths of mist hung knee-high in the coulee—mist which, as soon as the sun peeked over the hills, would be dissipated.

precisely as stated

From this reading Maria, the Mexican woman, came up from the cowshed with two brimming pails of milk, for the Silver Ranch boasted a few milch cows at the home place, and there had been sweet butter on the table at supper the night before—something which is usually very scarce on a cattle ranch.

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

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

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

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

at the time that

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

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

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

which person or people

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

in the company of; together with

From this reading But Ruth, who was used to being up with the sun at the Red Mill—and sometimes a little before the orb of day—slipped out of the big room in which the six girls were domiciled when she heard the first stir about the corrals.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Maria, the Mexican woman, came up from the cowshed with two brimming pails of milk, for the Silver Ranch boasted a few milch cows at the home place, and there had been sweet butter on the table at supper the night before—something which is usually very scarce on a cattle ranch.

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

From this reading After getting to bed at midnight it could not be expected that the young people at Silver Ranch would be astir early on the morning following the fire scare.

plural of “wrangler” — someone who argues noisily or angrily

From this reading The ponies were snorting and stamping at their breakfasts—great armfuls of alfalfa hay which the horse wranglers had pitched over the fence.

plural of “wreath” — flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes

From this reading When she came out upon the veranda that encircled the ranch-house, wreaths of mist hung knee-high in the coulee—mist which, as soon as the sun peeked over the hills, would be dissipated.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading After getting to bed at midnight it could not be expected that the young people at Silver Ranch would be astir early on the morning following the fire scare.