Chapter I · In Which I Begin My Story

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

From this reading “Beneath a hemlock grim and dark, Where shrub and vine are intertwining, Our shanty stands, well roofed with bark, On which the cheerful blaze is shining.

a person or thing that is a resource that helps make something easier or possible to do

From this reading Joe was putting the finishing touches to the roof of a bark shanty; Roy Sheldon, with the aid of a double-bladed camp ax, was cutting a supply of hard wood to cook the trout he had just cleaned; and Arthur Hastings was sitting close by picking browse for the beds.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Joe Wayring’s voice rang out loud and clear, and the words of his song were repeated by the echoes from a dozen different points among the hills by which the camp was surrounded on every side.

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

From this reading “Beneath a hemlock grim and dark, Where shrub and vine are intertwining, Our shanty stands, well roofed with bark, On which the cheerful blaze is shining.

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

From this reading “Beneath a hemlock grim and dark, Where shrub and vine are intertwining, Our shanty stands, well roofed with bark, On which the cheerful blaze is shining.

elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)

From this reading Joe was putting the finishing touches to the roof of a bark shanty; Roy Sheldon, with the aid of a double-bladed camp ax, was cutting a supply of hard wood to cook the trout he had just cleaned; and Arthur Hastings was sitting close by picking browse for the beds.

third-person singular of “ascend” — travel up

From this reading The smoke ascends in spiral wreath; With upward curve the sparks are trending; The coffee kettle sings beneath Where sparks and smoke with leaves are blending.”

an edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle

From this reading Joe was putting the finishing touches to the roof of a bark shanty; Roy Sheldon, with the aid of a double-bladed camp ax, was cutting a supply of hard wood to cook the trout he had just cleaned; and Arthur Hastings was sitting close by picking browse for the beds.

tough protective covering of the woody stems and roots of trees and other woody plants

From this reading “Beneath a hemlock grim and dark, Where shrub and vine are intertwining, Our shanty stands, well roofed with bark, On which the cheerful blaze is shining.

plural of “bed” — a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading Joe was putting the finishing touches to the roof of a bark shanty; Roy Sheldon, with the aid of a double-bladed camp ax, was cutting a supply of hard wood to cook the trout he had just cleaned; and Arthur Hastings was sitting close by picking browse for the beds.

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading “Beneath a hemlock grim and dark, Where shrub and vine are intertwining, Our shanty stands, well roofed with bark, On which the cheerful blaze is shining.

a strong flame that burns brightly

From this reading “Beneath a hemlock grim and dark, Where shrub and vine are intertwining, Our shanty stands, well roofed with bark, On which the cheerful blaze is shining.

the act of blending components together thoroughly

From this reading The smoke ascends in spiral wreath; With upward curve the sparks are trending; The coffee kettle sings beneath Where sparks and smoke with leaves are blending.”

shop around; not necessarily buying

From this reading Joe was putting the finishing touches to the roof of a bark shanty; Roy Sheldon, with the aid of a double-bladed camp ax, was cutting a supply of hard wood to cook the trout he had just cleaned; and Arthur Hastings was sitting close by picking browse for the beds.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Joe Wayring’s voice rang out loud and clear, and the words of his song were repeated by the echoes from a dozen different points among the hills by which the camp was surrounded on every side.

temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading Joe Wayring’s voice rang out loud and clear, and the words of his song were repeated by the echoes from a dozen different points among the hills by which the camp was surrounded on every side.

being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits

From this reading “Beneath a hemlock grim and dark, Where shrub and vine are intertwining, Our shanty stands, well roofed with bark, On which the cheerful blaze is shining.

past form of “clean” — make clean by removing dirt, filth, or unwanted substances from

From this reading Joe was putting the finishing touches to the roof of a bark shanty; Roy Sheldon, with the aid of a double-bladed camp ax, was cutting a supply of hard wood to cook the trout he had just cleaned; and Arthur Hastings was sitting close by picking browse for the beds.

rid of obstructions

From this reading Joe Wayring’s voice rang out loud and clear, and the words of his song were repeated by the echoes from a dozen different points among the hills by which the camp was surrounded on every side.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading Joe was putting the finishing touches to the roof of a bark shanty; Roy Sheldon, with the aid of a double-bladed camp ax, was cutting a supply of hard wood to cook the trout he had just cleaned; and Arthur Hastings was sitting close by picking browse for the beds.

a beverage consisting of an infusion of ground coffee beans

From this reading The smoke ascends in spiral wreath; With upward curve the sparks are trending; The coffee kettle sings beneath Where sparks and smoke with leaves are blending.”

prepare a hot meal

From this reading Joe was putting the finishing touches to the roof of a bark shanty; Roy Sheldon, with the aid of a double-bladed camp ax, was cutting a supply of hard wood to cook the trout he had just cleaned; and Arthur Hastings was sitting close by picking browse for the beds.

the trace of a point whose direction of motion changes

From this reading The smoke ascends in spiral wreath; With upward curve the sparks are trending; The coffee kettle sings beneath Where sparks and smoke with leaves are blending.”

the activity of selecting the scenes to be shown and putting them together to create a film

From this reading Joe was putting the finishing touches to the roof of a bark shanty; Roy Sheldon, with the aid of a double-bladed camp ax, was cutting a supply of hard wood to cook the trout he had just cleaned; and Arthur Hastings was sitting close by picking browse for the beds.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading “Beneath a hemlock grim and dark, Where shrub and vine are intertwining, Our shanty stands, well roofed with bark, On which the cheerful blaze is shining.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading The scene of their camp was a spring-hole, located deep in the forest twelve miles from Indian Lake.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading Joe Wayring’s voice rang out loud and clear, and the words of his song were repeated by the echoes from a dozen different points among the hills by which the camp was surrounded on every side.

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

From this reading Joe was putting the finishing touches to the roof of a bark shanty; Roy Sheldon, with the aid of a double-bladed camp ax, was cutting a supply of hard wood to cook the trout he had just cleaned; and Arthur Hastings was sitting close by picking browse for the beds.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading Joe Wayring’s voice rang out loud and clear, and the words of his song were repeated by the echoes from a dozen different points among the hills by which the camp was surrounded on every side.

plural of “echo” — the repetition of a sound resulting from reflection of the sound waves

From this reading Joe Wayring’s voice rang out loud and clear, and the words of his song were repeated by the echoes from a dozen different points among the hills by which the camp was surrounded on every side.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Joe Wayring’s voice rang out loud and clear, and the words of his song were repeated by the echoes from a dozen different points among the hills by which the camp was surrounded on every side.

a decorative texture or appearance of a surface (or the substance that gives it that appearance)

From this reading Joe was putting the finishing touches to the roof of a bark shanty; Roy Sheldon, with the aid of a double-bladed camp ax, was cutting a supply of hard wood to cook the trout he had just cleaned; and Arthur Hastings was sitting close by picking browse for the beds.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Joe was putting the finishing touches to the roof of a bark shanty; Roy Sheldon, with the aid of a double-bladed camp ax, was cutting a supply of hard wood to cook the trout he had just cleaned; and Arthur Hastings was sitting close by picking browse for the beds.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading The scene of their camp was a spring-hole, located deep in the forest twelve miles from Indian Lake.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Joe Wayring’s voice rang out loud and clear, and the words of his song were repeated by the echoes from a dozen different points among the hills by which the camp was surrounded on every side.

not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty

From this reading “Beneath a hemlock grim and dark, Where shrub and vine are intertwining, Our shanty stands, well roofed with bark, On which the cheerful blaze is shining.

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

From this reading Joe was putting the finishing touches to the roof of a bark shanty; Roy Sheldon, with the aid of a double-bladed camp ax, was cutting a supply of hard wood to cook the trout he had just cleaned; and Arthur Hastings was sitting close by picking browse for the beds.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading Joe was putting the finishing touches to the roof of a bark shanty; Roy Sheldon, with the aid of a double-bladed camp ax, was cutting a supply of hard wood to cook the trout he had just cleaned; and Arthur Hastings was sitting close by picking browse for the beds.

United States architect who formed and important architectural firm with John Merven Carrere (1860-1929)

From this reading Joe was putting the finishing touches to the roof of a bark shanty; Roy Sheldon, with the aid of a double-bladed camp ax, was cutting a supply of hard wood to cook the trout he had just cleaned; and Arthur Hastings was sitting close by picking browse for the beds.

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

From this reading Joe was putting the finishing touches to the roof of a bark shanty; Roy Sheldon, with the aid of a double-bladed camp ax, was cutting a supply of hard wood to cook the trout he had just cleaned; and Arthur Hastings was sitting close by picking browse for the beds.

poisonous drug derived from an Eurasian plant of the genus Conium

From this reading “Beneath a hemlock grim and dark, Where shrub and vine are intertwining, Our shanty stands, well roofed with bark, On which the cheerful blaze is shining.

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

From this reading Joe Wayring’s voice rang out loud and clear, and the words of his song were repeated by the echoes from a dozen different points among the hills by which the camp was surrounded on every side.

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

From this reading Joe Wayring’s voice rang out loud and clear, and the words of his song were repeated by the echoes from a dozen different points among the hills by which the camp was surrounded on every side.

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

From this reading The smoke ascends in spiral wreath; With upward curve the sparks are trending; The coffee kettle sings beneath Where sparks and smoke with leaves are blending.”

of or relating to or characteristic of India or the East Indies or their peoples or languages or cultures

From this reading The scene of their camp was a spring-hole, located deep in the forest twelve miles from Indian Lake.

-ing form of “intertwine” — spin, wind, or twist together

From this reading “Beneath a hemlock grim and dark, Where shrub and vine are intertwining, Our shanty stands, well roofed with bark, On which the cheerful blaze is shining.

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

From this reading “Beneath a hemlock grim and dark, Where shrub and vine are intertwining, Our shanty stands, well roofed with bark, On which the cheerful blaze is shining.

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

From this reading Joe Wayring’s voice rang out loud and clear, and the words of his song were repeated by the echoes from a dozen different points among the hills by which the camp was surrounded on every side.

and nothing more

From this reading Joe was putting the finishing touches to the roof of a bark shanty; Roy Sheldon, with the aid of a double-bladed camp ax, was cutting a supply of hard wood to cook the trout he had just cleaned; and Arthur Hastings was sitting close by picking browse for the beds.

a metal pot for stewing or boiling; usually has a lid

From this reading The smoke ascends in spiral wreath; With upward curve the sparks are trending; The coffee kettle sings beneath Where sparks and smoke with leaves are blending.”

a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land

From this reading The scene of their camp was a spring-hole, located deep in the forest twelve miles from Indian Lake.

plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading The smoke ascends in spiral wreath; With upward curve the sparks are trending; The coffee kettle sings beneath Where sparks and smoke with leaves are blending.”

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading The scene of their camp was a spring-hole, located deep in the forest twelve miles from Indian Lake.

characterized by or producing sound of great volume or intensity

From this reading Joe Wayring’s voice rang out loud and clear, and the words of his song were repeated by the echoes from a dozen different points among the hills by which the camp was surrounded on every side.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading The scene of their camp was a spring-hole, located deep in the forest twelve miles from Indian Lake.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Joe Wayring’s voice rang out loud and clear, and the words of his song were repeated by the echoes from a dozen different points among the hills by which the camp was surrounded on every side.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading “Beneath a hemlock grim and dark, Where shrub and vine are intertwining, Our shanty stands, well roofed with bark, On which the cheerful blaze is shining.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading “Beneath a hemlock grim and dark, Where shrub and vine are intertwining, Our shanty stands, well roofed with bark, On which the cheerful blaze is shining.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Joe Wayring’s voice rang out loud and clear, and the words of his song were repeated by the echoes from a dozen different points among the hills by which the camp was surrounded on every side.

the quantity of a crop that is harvested

From this reading Joe was putting the finishing touches to the roof of a bark shanty; Roy Sheldon, with the aid of a double-bladed camp ax, was cutting a supply of hard wood to cook the trout he had just cleaned; and Arthur Hastings was sitting close by picking browse for the beds.

plural of “point” — a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading Joe Wayring’s voice rang out loud and clear, and the words of his song were repeated by the echoes from a dozen different points among the hills by which the camp was surrounded on every side.

hitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter

From this reading Joe was putting the finishing touches to the roof of a bark shanty; Roy Sheldon, with the aid of a double-bladed camp ax, was cutting a supply of hard wood to cook the trout he had just cleaned; and Arthur Hastings was sitting close by picking browse for the beds.

inflected form of “ring” — sound loudly and sonorously

From this reading Joe Wayring’s voice rang out loud and clear, and the words of his song were repeated by the echoes from a dozen different points among the hills by which the camp was surrounded on every side.

recurring again and again

From this reading Joe Wayring’s voice rang out loud and clear, and the words of his song were repeated by the echoes from a dozen different points among the hills by which the camp was surrounded on every side.

a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

From this reading Joe was putting the finishing touches to the roof of a bark shanty; Roy Sheldon, with the aid of a double-bladed camp ax, was cutting a supply of hard wood to cook the trout he had just cleaned; and Arthur Hastings was sitting close by picking browse for the beds.

covered with a roof; having a roof as specified (often used in combination)

From this reading “Beneath a hemlock grim and dark, Where shrub and vine are intertwining, Our shanty stands, well roofed with bark, On which the cheerful blaze is shining.

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

From this reading Joe was putting the finishing touches to the roof of a bark shanty; Roy Sheldon, with the aid of a double-bladed camp ax, was cutting a supply of hard wood to cook the trout he had just cleaned; and Arthur Hastings was sitting close by picking browse for the beds.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading The scene of their camp was a spring-hole, located deep in the forest twelve miles from Indian Lake.

small crude shelter used as a dwelling

From this reading “Beneath a hemlock grim and dark, Where shrub and vine are intertwining, Our shanty stands, well roofed with bark, On which the cheerful blaze is shining.

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

From this reading Joe was putting the finishing touches to the roof of a bark shanty; Roy Sheldon, with the aid of a double-bladed camp ax, was cutting a supply of hard wood to cook the trout he had just cleaned; and Arthur Hastings was sitting close by picking browse for the beds.

marked by exceptional merit

From this reading “Beneath a hemlock grim and dark, Where shrub and vine are intertwining, Our shanty stands, well roofed with bark, On which the cheerful blaze is shining.

a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems

From this reading “Beneath a hemlock grim and dark, Where shrub and vine are intertwining, Our shanty stands, well roofed with bark, On which the cheerful blaze is shining.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading Joe Wayring’s voice rang out loud and clear, and the words of his song were repeated by the echoes from a dozen different points among the hills by which the camp was surrounded on every side.

third-person singular of “sing” — deliver by singing

From this reading The smoke ascends in spiral wreath; With upward curve the sparks are trending; The coffee kettle sings beneath Where sparks and smoke with leaves are blending.”

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading Joe was putting the finishing touches to the roof of a bark shanty; Roy Sheldon, with the aid of a double-bladed camp ax, was cutting a supply of hard wood to cook the trout he had just cleaned; and Arthur Hastings was sitting close by picking browse for the beds.

a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas

From this reading The smoke ascends in spiral wreath; With upward curve the sparks are trending; The coffee kettle sings beneath Where sparks and smoke with leaves are blending.”

a short musical composition with words

From this reading Joe Wayring’s voice rang out loud and clear, and the words of his song were repeated by the echoes from a dozen different points among the hills by which the camp was surrounded on every side.

plural of “spark” — a momentary flash of light

From this reading The smoke ascends in spiral wreath; With upward curve the sparks are trending; The coffee kettle sings beneath Where sparks and smoke with leaves are blending.”

a plane curve traced by a point circling about the center but at increasing distances from the center

From this reading The smoke ascends in spiral wreath; With upward curve the sparks are trending; The coffee kettle sings beneath Where sparks and smoke with leaves are blending.”

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

From this reading The scene of their camp was a spring-hole, located deep in the forest twelve miles from Indian Lake.

plural of “stand” — a support or foundation

From this reading “Beneath a hemlock grim and dark, Where shrub and vine are intertwining, Our shanty stands, well roofed with bark, On which the cheerful blaze is shining.

give something useful or necessary to

From this reading Joe was putting the finishing touches to the roof of a bark shanty; Roy Sheldon, with the aid of a double-bladed camp ax, was cutting a supply of hard wood to cook the trout he had just cleaned; and Arthur Hastings was sitting close by picking browse for the beds.

confined on all sides

From this reading Joe Wayring’s voice rang out loud and clear, and the words of his song were repeated by the echoes from a dozen different points among the hills by which the camp was surrounded on every side.

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

From this reading “Beneath a hemlock grim and dark, Where shrub and vine are intertwining, Our shanty stands, well roofed with bark, On which the cheerful blaze is shining.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The scene of their camp was a spring-hole, located deep in the forest twelve miles from Indian Lake.

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

From this reading Joe was putting the finishing touches to the roof of a bark shanty; Roy Sheldon, with the aid of a double-bladed camp ax, was cutting a supply of hard wood to cook the trout he had just cleaned; and Arthur Hastings was sitting close by picking browse for the beds.

plural of “touch” — the event of something coming in contact with the body

From this reading Joe was putting the finishing touches to the roof of a bark shanty; Roy Sheldon, with the aid of a double-bladed camp ax, was cutting a supply of hard wood to cook the trout he had just cleaned; and Arthur Hastings was sitting close by picking browse for the beds.

-ing form of “trend” — turn sharply; change direction abruptly

From this reading The smoke ascends in spiral wreath; With upward curve the sparks are trending; The coffee kettle sings beneath Where sparks and smoke with leaves are blending.”

flesh of any of several primarily freshwater game and food fishes

From this reading Joe was putting the finishing touches to the roof of a bark shanty; Roy Sheldon, with the aid of a double-bladed camp ax, was cutting a supply of hard wood to cook the trout he had just cleaned; and Arthur Hastings was sitting close by picking browse for the beds.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading The scene of their camp was a spring-hole, located deep in the forest twelve miles from Indian Lake.

directed up

From this reading The smoke ascends in spiral wreath; With upward curve the sparks are trending; The coffee kettle sings beneath Where sparks and smoke with leaves are blending.”

a plant with a weak stem that derives support from climbing, twining, or creeping along a surface

From this reading “Beneath a hemlock grim and dark, Where shrub and vine are intertwining, Our shanty stands, well roofed with bark, On which the cheerful blaze is shining.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading Joe Wayring’s voice rang out loud and clear, and the words of his song were repeated by the echoes from a dozen different points among the hills by which the camp was surrounded on every side.

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

From this reading Joe Wayring’s voice rang out loud and clear, and the words of his song were repeated by the echoes from a dozen different points among the hills by which the camp was surrounded on every side.

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

From this reading Joe Wayring’s voice rang out loud and clear, and the words of his song were repeated by the echoes from a dozen different points among the hills by which the camp was surrounded on every side.

(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 “Beneath a hemlock grim and dark, Where shrub and vine are intertwining, Our shanty stands, well roofed with bark, On which the cheerful blaze is shining.

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

From this reading Joe Wayring’s voice rang out loud and clear, and the words of his song were repeated by the echoes from a dozen different points among the hills by which the camp was surrounded on every side.

in or at the place that

From this reading “Beneath a hemlock grim and dark, Where shrub and vine are intertwining, Our shanty stands, well roofed with bark, On which the cheerful blaze is shining.

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

From this reading “Beneath a hemlock grim and dark, Where shrub and vine are intertwining, Our shanty stands, well roofed with bark, On which the cheerful blaze is shining.

in the company of; together with

From this reading “Beneath a hemlock grim and dark, Where shrub and vine are intertwining, Our shanty stands, well roofed with bark, On which the cheerful blaze is shining.

the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees

From this reading Joe was putting the finishing touches to the roof of a bark shanty; Roy Sheldon, with the aid of a double-bladed camp ax, was cutting a supply of hard wood to cook the trout he had just cleaned; and Arthur Hastings was sitting close by picking browse for the beds.

the words that are spoken

From this reading Joe Wayring’s voice rang out loud and clear, and the words of his song were repeated by the echoes from a dozen different points among the hills by which the camp was surrounded on every side.

flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes

From this reading The smoke ascends in spiral wreath; With upward curve the sparks are trending; The coffee kettle sings beneath Where sparks and smoke with leaves are blending.”