Chapter VIII · Melton’s Scout—a Bush Fight

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

From this reading Tom Bantry had been a flatboatman since he was old enough to hold a pole, and now for the first time paused to consider how far he had gone down the road of sin.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The flatboatman rose and looked about him, a wicked light coming over his dark face.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading He was conscious of many evil deeds already performed, but the stain of blood was not upon his soul, and although pledged to his vile companion he could not stand by tamely and witness the murder of so good a man as Samuel Wescott.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading He was conscious of many evil deeds already performed, but the stain of blood was not upon his soul, and although pledged to his vile companion he could not stand by tamely and witness the murder of so good a man as Samuel Wescott.

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

From this reading Tom Bantry had been a flatboatman since he was old enough to hold a pole, and now for the first time paused to consider how far he had gone down the road of sin.

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

From this reading He was conscious of many evil deeds already performed, but the stain of blood was not upon his soul, and although pledged to his vile companion he could not stand by tamely and witness the murder of so good a man as Samuel Wescott.

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

From this reading Tom Bantry had been a flatboatman since he was old enough to hold a pole, and now for the first time paused to consider how far he had gone down the road of sin.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Tom Bantry had been a flatboatman since he was old enough to hold a pole, and now for the first time paused to consider how far he had gone down the road of sin.

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

From this reading He was conscious of many evil deeds already performed, but the stain of blood was not upon his soul, and although pledged to his vile companion he could not stand by tamely and witness the murder of so good a man as Samuel Wescott.

possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching

From this reading But his good intentions had come to naught, and the brave man was dead.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He was conscious of many evil deeds already performed, but the stain of blood was not upon his soul, and although pledged to his vile companion he could not stand by tamely and witness the murder of so good a man as Samuel Wescott.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He was conscious of many evil deeds already performed, but the stain of blood was not upon his soul, and although pledged to his vile companion he could not stand by tamely and witness the murder of so good a man as Samuel Wescott.

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

From this reading But his good intentions had come to naught, and the brave man was dead.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading The flatboatman rose and looked about him, a wicked light coming over his dark face.

a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading He was conscious of many evil deeds already performed, but the stain of blood was not upon his soul, and although pledged to his vile companion he could not stand by tamely and witness the murder of so good a man as Samuel Wescott.

intentionally conceived

From this reading He was conscious of many evil deeds already performed, but the stain of blood was not upon his soul, and although pledged to his vile companion he could not stand by tamely and witness the murder of so good a man as Samuel Wescott.

deem to be

From this reading Tom Bantry had been a flatboatman since he was old enough to hold a pole, and now for the first time paused to consider how far he had gone down the road of sin.

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

From this reading He was conscious of many evil deeds already performed, but the stain of blood was not upon his soul, and although pledged to his vile companion he could not stand by tamely and witness the murder of so good a man as Samuel Wescott.

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

From this reading “They taught me evil, them cusses did,” he muttered.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading The flatboatman rose and looked about him, a wicked light coming over his dark face.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading But his good intentions had come to naught, and the brave man was dead.

performance of moral or religious acts

From this reading He was conscious of many evil deeds already performed, but the stain of blood was not upon his soul, and although pledged to his vile companion he could not stand by tamely and witness the murder of so good a man as Samuel Wescott.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading “They taught me evil, them cusses did,” he muttered.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Tom Bantry had been a flatboatman since he was old enough to hold a pole, and now for the first time paused to consider how far he had gone down the road of sin.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading Tom Bantry had been a flatboatman since he was old enough to hold a pole, and now for the first time paused to consider how far he had gone down the road of sin.

morally objectionable behavior

From this reading He was conscious of many evil deeds already performed, but the stain of blood was not upon his soul, and although pledged to his vile companion he could not stand by tamely and witness the murder of so good a man as Samuel Wescott.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading The flatboatman rose and looked about him, a wicked light coming over his dark face.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Tom Bantry had been a flatboatman since he was old enough to hold a pole, and now for the first time paused to consider how far he had gone down the road of sin.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Tom Bantry had been a flatboatman since he was old enough to hold a pole, and now for the first time paused to consider how far he had gone down the road of sin.

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

From this reading Tom Bantry had been a flatboatman since he was old enough to hold a pole, and now for the first time paused to consider how far he had gone down the road of sin.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Tom Bantry had been a flatboatman since he was old enough to hold a pole, and now for the first time paused to consider how far he had gone down the road of sin.

destroyed or killed

From this reading Tom Bantry had been a flatboatman since he was old enough to hold a pole, and now for the first time paused to consider how far he had gone down the road of sin.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading He was conscious of many evil deeds already performed, but the stain of blood was not upon his soul, and although pledged to his vile companion he could not stand by tamely and witness the murder of so good a man as Samuel Wescott.

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

From this reading Tom Bantry had been a flatboatman since he was old enough to hold a pole, and now for the first time paused to consider how far he had gone down the road of sin.

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

From this reading Tom Bantry had been a flatboatman since he was old enough to hold a pole, and now for the first time paused to consider how far he had gone down the road of sin.

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

From this reading The flatboatman rose and looked about him, a wicked light coming over his dark face.

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

From this reading He was conscious of many evil deeds already performed, but the stain of blood was not upon his soul, and although pledged to his vile companion he could not stand by tamely and witness the murder of so good a man as Samuel Wescott.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading Tom Bantry had been a flatboatman since he was old enough to hold a pole, and now for the first time paused to consider how far he had gone down the road of sin.

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

From this reading Tom Bantry had been a flatboatman since he was old enough to hold a pole, and now for the first time paused to consider how far he had gone down the road of sin.

plural of “intention” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading But his good intentions had come to naught, and the brave man was dead.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading The flatboatman rose and looked about him, a wicked light coming over his dark face.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading The flatboatman rose and looked about him, a wicked light coming over his dark face.

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

From this reading He was conscious of many evil deeds already performed, but the stain of blood was not upon his soul, and although pledged to his vile companion he could not stand by tamely and witness the murder of so good a man as Samuel Wescott.

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 He was conscious of many evil deeds already performed, but the stain of blood was not upon his soul, and although pledged to his vile companion he could not stand by tamely and witness the murder of so good a man as Samuel Wescott.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading “They taught me evil, them cusses did,” he muttered.

kill intentionally and with premeditation

From this reading He was conscious of many evil deeds already performed, but the stain of blood was not upon his soul, and although pledged to his vile companion he could not stand by tamely and witness the murder of so good a man as Samuel Wescott.

past form of “mutter” — talk indistinctly; usually in a low voice

From this reading “They taught me evil, them cusses did,” he muttered.

a quantity of no importance

From this reading But his good intentions had come to naught, and the brave man was dead.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He was conscious of many evil deeds already performed, but the stain of blood was not upon his soul, and although pledged to his vile companion he could not stand by tamely and witness the murder of so good a man as Samuel Wescott.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Tom Bantry had been a flatboatman since he was old enough to hold a pole, and now for the first time paused to consider how far he had gone down the road of sin.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Tom Bantry had been a flatboatman since he was old enough to hold a pole, and now for the first time paused to consider how far he had gone down the road of sin.

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

From this reading Tom Bantry had been a flatboatman since he was old enough to hold a pole, and now for the first time paused to consider how far he had gone down the road of sin.

above and across; more than

From this reading The flatboatman rose and looked about him, a wicked light coming over his dark face.

past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing

From this reading Tom Bantry had been a flatboatman since he was old enough to hold a pole, and now for the first time paused to consider how far he had gone down the road of sin.

past form of “perform” — carry out or perform an action

From this reading He was conscious of many evil deeds already performed, but the stain of blood was not upon his soul, and although pledged to his vile companion he could not stand by tamely and witness the murder of so good a man as Samuel Wescott.

bound by or as if by an oath

From this reading He was conscious of many evil deeds already performed, but the stain of blood was not upon his soul, and although pledged to his vile companion he could not stand by tamely and witness the murder of so good a man as Samuel Wescott.

a long (usually round) rod of wood or metal or plastic

From this reading Tom Bantry had been a flatboatman since he was old enough to hold a pole, and now for the first time paused to consider how far he had gone down the road of sin.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading Tom Bantry had been a flatboatman since he was old enough to hold a pole, and now for the first time paused to consider how far he had gone down the road of sin.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading The flatboatman rose and looked about him, a wicked light coming over his dark face.

(Old Testament) Hebrew prophet and judge who anointed Saul as king

From this reading He was conscious of many evil deeds already performed, but the stain of blood was not upon his soul, and although pledged to his vile companion he could not stand by tamely and witness the murder of so good a man as Samuel Wescott.

estrangement from god

From this reading Tom Bantry had been a flatboatman since he was old enough to hold a pole, and now for the first time paused to consider how far he had gone down the road of sin.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Tom Bantry had been a flatboatman since he was old enough to hold a pole, and now for the first time paused to consider how far he had gone down the road of sin.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He was conscious of many evil deeds already performed, but the stain of blood was not upon his soul, and although pledged to his vile companion he could not stand by tamely and witness the murder of so good a man as Samuel Wescott.

the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life

From this reading He was conscious of many evil deeds already performed, but the stain of blood was not upon his soul, and although pledged to his vile companion he could not stand by tamely and witness the murder of so good a man as Samuel Wescott.

a soiled or discolored appearance

From this reading He was conscious of many evil deeds already performed, but the stain of blood was not upon his soul, and although pledged to his vile companion he could not stand by tamely and witness the murder of so good a man as Samuel Wescott.

be standing; be upright

From this reading He was conscious of many evil deeds already performed, but the stain of blood was not upon his soul, and although pledged to his vile companion he could not stand by tamely and witness the murder of so good a man as Samuel Wescott.

in a tame manner

From this reading He was conscious of many evil deeds already performed, but the stain of blood was not upon his soul, and although pledged to his vile companion he could not stand by tamely and witness the murder of so good a man as Samuel Wescott.

inflected form of “teach” — impart skills or knowledge to

From this reading “They taught me evil, them cusses did,” he muttered.

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

From this reading Tom Bantry had been a flatboatman since he was old enough to hold a pole, and now for the first time paused to consider how far he had gone down the road of sin.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading “They taught me evil, them cusses did,” he muttered.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading “They taught me evil, them cusses did,” he muttered.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Tom Bantry had been a flatboatman since he was old enough to hold a pole, and now for the first time paused to consider how far he had gone down the road of sin.

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

From this reading Tom Bantry had been a flatboatman since he was old enough to hold a pole, and now for the first time paused to consider how far he had gone down the road of sin.

male cat

From this reading Tom Bantry had been a flatboatman since he was old enough to hold a pole, and now for the first time paused to consider how far he had gone down the road of sin.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading He was conscious of many evil deeds already performed, but the stain of blood was not upon his soul, and although pledged to his vile companion he could not stand by tamely and witness the murder of so good a man as Samuel Wescott.

morally reprehensible

From this reading He was conscious of many evil deeds already performed, but the stain of blood was not upon his soul, and although pledged to his vile companion he could not stand by tamely and witness the murder of so good a man as Samuel Wescott.

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

From this reading Tom Bantry had been a flatboatman since he was old enough to hold a pole, and now for the first time paused to consider how far he had gone down the road of sin.

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

From this reading He was conscious of many evil deeds already performed, but the stain of blood was not upon his soul, and although pledged to his vile companion he could not stand by tamely and witness the murder of so good a man as Samuel Wescott.

morally bad in principle or practice

From this reading The flatboatman rose and looked about him, a wicked light coming over his dark face.

someone who sees an event and reports what happened

From this reading He was conscious of many evil deeds already performed, but the stain of blood was not upon his soul, and although pledged to his vile companion he could not stand by tamely and witness the murder of so good a man as Samuel Wescott.