used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The way it all happened was this-- Two men were riding along the trail, one on a piebald broncho, the other on a black mustang.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading But such an opportunity came very seldom, and it was quite an exceptional circumstance that Dan happened to be able to make himself of use on the occasion when Red Derrick was captured in White Wolf Gulch.
accompanyverbUS /əˈkʌmpəni/
be present or associated with an event or entity
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
(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 The way it all happened was this-- Two men were riding along the trail, one on a piebald broncho, the other on a black mustang.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading The way it all happened was this-- Two men were riding along the trail, one on a piebald broncho, the other on a black mustang.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
eagerly desirous
From this reading Everything had been well planned, but they were not fully certain that they were safe, and they were both nervously anxious.
subject to appointment
From this reading They were on their way to the meeting place appointed by their leader, Red Derrick.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading But such an opportunity came very seldom, and it was quite an exceptional circumstance that Dan happened to be able to make himself of use on the occasion when Red Derrick was captured in White Wolf Gulch.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Everything had been well planned, but they were not fully certain that they were safe, and they were both nervously anxious.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading The way it all happened was this-- Two men were riding along the trail, one on a piebald broncho, the other on a black mustang.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Everything had been well planned, but they were not fully certain that they were safe, and they were both nervously anxious.
bronchonoun
an unbroken or imperfectly broken mustang
From this reading The way it all happened was this-- Two men were riding along the trail, one on a piebald broncho, the other on a black mustang.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But such an opportunity came very seldom, and it was quite an exceptional circumstance that Dan happened to be able to make himself of use on the occasion when Red Derrick was captured in White Wolf Gulch.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading They were on their way to the meeting place appointed by their leader, Red Derrick.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading But such an opportunity came very seldom, and it was quite an exceptional circumstance that Dan happened to be able to make himself of use on the occasion when Red Derrick was captured in White Wolf Gulch.
capturedverbUS /ˈkæptʃərd/
past form of “capture” — succeed in representing or expressing something intangible
From this reading But such an opportunity came very seldom, and it was quite an exceptional circumstance that Dan happened to be able to make himself of use on the occasion when Red Derrick was captured in White Wolf Gulch.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading Everything had been well planned, but they were not fully certain that they were safe, and they were both nervously anxious.
a condition that accompanies or influences some event or activity
From this reading But such an opportunity came very seldom, and it was quite an exceptional circumstance that Dan happened to be able to make himself of use on the occasion when Red Derrick was captured in White Wolf Gulch.
covetedadjectiveUS /ˈkʌvətɪd/
greatly desired
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
Dan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
DERRICKnounUS /ˈderɪk/
a framework erected over an oil well to allow drill tubes to be raised and lowered
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
all things; all of a situation
From this reading Everything had been well planned, but they were not fully certain that they were safe, and they were both nervously anxious.
exceptionaladjectiveUS /ɪkˈsepʃənəl/
far beyond what is usual in magnitude or degree
From this reading But such an opportunity came very seldom, and it was quite an exceptional circumstance that Dan happened to be able to make himself of use on the occasion when Red Derrick was captured in White Wolf Gulch.
expeditionsnounUS /ˌekspəˈdɪʃənz/
plural of “expedition” — a military campaign designed to achieve a specific objective in a foreign country
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)
From this reading Everything had been well planned, but they were not fully certain that they were safe, and they were both nervously anxious.
GulchnounUS /ɡʌltʃ/
a narrow gorge with a stream running through it
From this reading But such an opportunity came very seldom, and it was quite an exceptional circumstance that Dan happened to be able to make himself of use on the occasion when Red Derrick was captured in White Wolf Gulch.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Everything had been well planned, but they were not fully certain that they were safe, and they were both nervously anxious.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading But such an opportunity came very seldom, and it was quite an exceptional circumstance that Dan happened to be able to make himself of use on the occasion when Red Derrick was captured in White Wolf Gulch.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading But such an opportunity came very seldom, and it was quite an exceptional circumstance that Dan happened to be able to make himself of use on the occasion when Red Derrick was captured in White Wolf Gulch.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading But such an opportunity came very seldom, and it was quite an exceptional circumstance that Dan happened to be able to make himself of use on the occasion when Red Derrick was captured in White Wolf Gulch.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
a person who rules or guides or inspires others
From this reading They were on their way to the meeting place appointed by their leader, Red Derrick.
engage in
From this reading But such an opportunity came very seldom, and it was quite an exceptional circumstance that Dan happened to be able to make himself of use on the occasion when Red Derrick was captured in White Wolf Gulch.
Medlicott
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
a formally arranged gathering
From this reading They were on their way to the meeting place appointed by their leader, Red Derrick.
the force of workers available
From this reading The way it all happened was this-- Two men were riding along the trail, one on a piebald broncho, the other on a black mustang.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
mustangnounUS /ˈmʌstæŋ/
small hardy range horse of the western plains descended from horses brought by the Spanish
From this reading The way it all happened was this-- Two men were riding along the trail, one on a piebald broncho, the other on a black mustang.
nervouslyadverbUS /ˈnɜːrvəsli/
in an anxiously nervous manner
From this reading Everything had been well planned, but they were not fully certain that they were safe, and they were both nervously anxious.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Everything had been well planned, but they were not fully certain that they were safe, and they were both nervously anxious.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading But such an opportunity came very seldom, and it was quite an exceptional circumstance that Dan happened to be able to make himself of use on the occasion when Red Derrick was captured in White Wolf Gulch.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading The way it all happened was this-- Two men were riding along the trail, one on a piebald broncho, the other on a black mustang.
patrolnounUS /pəˈtroʊl/
a detachment used for security or reconnaissance
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
PercynounUS /ˈpɜːrsi/
United States writer whose novels explored human alienation (1916-1990)
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
piebaldadjectiveUS /ˈpaɪbɔːld/
having sections or patches colored differently and usually brightly
From this reading The way it all happened was this-- Two men were riding along the trail, one on a piebald broncho, the other on a black mustang.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading They were on their way to the meeting place appointed by their leader, Red Derrick.
plannedadjectiveUS /plænd/
designed or carried out according to a plan
From this reading Everything had been well planned, but they were not fully certain that they were safe, and they were both nervously anxious.
the force of policemen and officers
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading But such an opportunity came very seldom, and it was quite an exceptional circumstance that Dan happened to be able to make himself of use on the occasion when Red Derrick was captured in White Wolf Gulch.
Rapson
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
RattlesnakenounUS /ˈrætəlsneɪk/
pit viper with horny segments at the end of the tail that rattle when shaken
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
the sport of sitting on the back of a horse while controlling its movements
From this reading The way it all happened was this-- Two men were riding along the trail, one on a piebald broncho, the other on a black mustang.
free from danger or the risk of harm
From this reading Everything had been well planned, but they were not fully certain that they were safe, and they were both nervously anxious.
not often
From this reading But such an opportunity came very seldom, and it was quite an exceptional circumstance that Dan happened to be able to make himself of use on the occasion when Red Derrick was captured in White Wolf Gulch.
any of several noncommissioned officer ranks in the Army or Air Force or Marines ranking above a corporal
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading But such an opportunity came very seldom, and it was quite an exceptional circumstance that Dan happened to be able to make himself of use on the occasion when Red Derrick was captured in White Wolf Gulch.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading They were on their way to the meeting place appointed by their leader, Red Derrick.
in or at that place or location
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were on their way to the meeting place appointed by their leader, Red Derrick.
a special situation
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The way it all happened was this-- Two men were riding along the trail, one on a piebald broncho, the other on a black mustang.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
a track or mark left by something that has passed
From this reading The way it all happened was this-- Two men were riding along the trail, one on a piebald broncho, the other on a black mustang.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The way it all happened was this-- Two men were riding along the trail, one on a piebald broncho, the other on a black mustang.
the act of using
From this reading But such an opportunity came very seldom, and it was quite an exceptional circumstance that Dan happened to be able to make himself of use on the occasion when Red Derrick was captured in White Wolf Gulch.
precisely as stated
From this reading But such an opportunity came very seldom, and it was quite an exceptional circumstance that Dan happened to be able to make himself of use on the occasion when Red Derrick was captured in White Wolf Gulch.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading RED DERRICK If there was one thing more than another that Percy Rapson and Dan Medlicott coveted, it was an opportunity to accompany Sergeant Silk on one of his police expeditions on the Rattlesnake patrol.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading The way it all happened was this-- Two men were riding along the trail, one on a piebald broncho, the other on a black mustang.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading Everything had been well planned, but they were not fully certain that they were safe, and they were both nervously anxious.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The way it all happened was this-- Two men were riding along the trail, one on a piebald broncho, the other on a black mustang.
at the time that
From this reading But such an opportunity came very seldom, and it was quite an exceptional circumstance that Dan happened to be able to make himself of use on the occasion when Red Derrick was captured in White Wolf Gulch.
a Caucasian
From this reading But such an opportunity came very seldom, and it was quite an exceptional circumstance that Dan happened to be able to make himself of use on the occasion when Red Derrick was captured in White Wolf Gulch.
any of various predatory carnivorous canine mammals of North America and Eurasia that usually hunt in packs
From this reading But such an opportunity came very seldom, and it was quite an exceptional circumstance that Dan happened to be able to make himself of use on the occasion when Red Derrick was captured in White Wolf Gulch.
