Chapter VIII

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

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

call attention to

From this reading Police headquarters were not slow to employ the press to advertise their wants.

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

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading His description had been circulated, his haunts notified, without there being any successful issue to the broadcast.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

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

From this reading But the escape from Broadmoor of a homicidal maniac is something which is not to be rushed immediately into print.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading His description had been circulated, his haunts notified, without there being any successful issue to the broadcast.

The red fluid that circulates in the heart and blood vessels.

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading Not once but many times had the help of the public been enlisted in a vain endeavour to bring old John Flack to justice.

in a brisk manner

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

broadcast over the airwaves, as in radio or television

From this reading His description had been circulated, his haunts notified, without there being any successful issue to the broadcast.

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

From this reading But the escape from Broadmoor of a homicidal maniac is something which is not to be rushed immediately into print.

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

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But the escape from Broadmoor of a homicidal maniac is something which is not to be rushed immediately into print.

a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

past form of “circulate” — become widely known and passed on

From this reading His description had been circulated, his haunts notified, without there being any successful issue to the broadcast.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

the act or process of complicating

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

the specified day of the month

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

a statement that represents something in words

From this reading His description had been circulated, his haunts notified, without there being any successful issue to the broadcast.

inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose

From this reading Police headquarters were not slow to employ the press to advertise their wants.

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

From this reading Not once but many times had the help of the public been enlisted in a vain endeavour to bring old John Flack to justice.

past form of “enlist” — join the military

From this reading Not once but many times had the help of the public been enlisted in a vain endeavour to bring old John Flack to justice.

the act of escaping physically

From this reading But the escape from Broadmoor of a homicidal maniac is something which is not to be rushed immediately into print.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

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

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

a slick spokesperson who can turn any criticism to the advantage of their employer

From this reading Not once but many times had the help of the public been enlisted in a vain endeavour to bring old John Flack to justice.

a formation of aircraft in flight

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

a person who keeps watch over something or someone

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

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

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

plural of “haunt” — a frequently visited place

From this reading His description had been circulated, his haunts notified, without there being any successful issue to the broadcast.

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

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

(usually plural) the office that serves as the administrative center of an enterprise

From this reading Police headquarters were not slow to employ the press to advertise their wants.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading Not once but many times had the help of the public been enlisted in a vain endeavour to bring old John Flack to justice.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

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

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

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

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

characteristic of or capable of or having a tendency toward killing another human being

From this reading But the escape from Broadmoor of a homicidal maniac is something which is not to be rushed immediately into print.

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading But the escape from Broadmoor of a homicidal maniac is something which is not to be rushed immediately into print.

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

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

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

From this reading But the escape from Broadmoor of a homicidal maniac is something which is not to be rushed immediately into print.

prepare and issue for public distribution or sale

From this reading His description had been circulated, his haunts notified, without there being any successful issue to the broadcast.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading Not once but many times had the help of the public been enlisted in a vain endeavour to bring old John Flack to justice.

the quality of being just or fair

From this reading Not once but many times had the help of the public been enlisted in a vain endeavour to bring old John Flack to justice.

a narrow way or road

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

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

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

an insane person

From this reading But the escape from Broadmoor of a homicidal maniac is something which is not to be rushed immediately into print.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

strongly marked; easily noticeable

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

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

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

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

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

moving quickly and lightly

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Police headquarters were not slow to employ the press to advertise their wants.

inflected form of “notify” — inform (somebody) of something

From this reading His description had been circulated, his haunts notified, without there being any successful issue to the broadcast.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

on one occasion

From this reading Not once but many times had the help of the public been enlisted in a vain endeavour to bring old John Flack to justice.

and nothing more

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

inflected form of “patrol” — maintain the security of by carrying out a patrol

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

-ing form of “peer” — look searchingly

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

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

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

the force of policemen and officers

From this reading Police headquarters were not slow to employ the press to advertise their wants.

exert pressure or force to or upon

From this reading Police headquarters were not slow to employ the press to advertise their wants.

the text appearing in a book, newspaper, or other printed publication

From this reading But the escape from Broadmoor of a homicidal maniac is something which is not to be rushed immediately into print.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading Not once but many times had the help of the public been enlisted in a vain endeavour to bring old John Flack to justice.

done under pressure

From this reading But the escape from Broadmoor of a homicidal maniac is something which is not to be rushed immediately into print.

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

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading Police headquarters were not slow to employ the press to advertise their wants.

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

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading But the escape from Broadmoor of a homicidal maniac is something which is not to be rushed immediately into print.

fastener consisting of a narrow strip of welded metal used to join steel members

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome

From this reading His description had been circulated, his haunts notified, without there being any successful issue to the broadcast.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

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

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

in or at that place or location

From this reading His description had been circulated, his haunts notified, without there being any successful issue to the broadcast.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading Not once but many times had the help of the public been enlisted in a vain endeavour to bring old John Flack to justice.

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

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

in the direction of

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

From this reading Not once but many times had the help of the public been enlisted in a vain endeavour to bring old John Flack to justice.

past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

plural of “want” — a state of extreme poverty

From this reading Police headquarters were not slow to employ the press to advertise their wants.

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

From this reading Police headquarters were not slow to employ the press to advertise their wants.

at the time that

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

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

From this reading But the escape from Broadmoor of a homicidal maniac is something which is not to be rushed immediately into print.

rub with a circular motion

From this reading /When/ a nimble old man dropped from a high wall at midnight and, stopping only to wipe the blood from his hands--for he had come upon a guard patrolling the grounds in his flight--and walked briskly towards London, peering into every side lane for the small car that had been left for him, he brought a new complication into many lives, and for three people at least marked the date of their passing in the Book of Fate.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading His description had been circulated, his haunts notified, without there being any successful issue to the broadcast.