Chapter XXVI · The Ruined City

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

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

later than; following

From this reading After a vast deal of jabbering in their unknown tongue, two of the Indians bound Tubby's hands behind his back while the others stood guard to protect their companions against any sudden move.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

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

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

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

From this reading It would have been worse than useless for Tubby or Fred to have attempted flight, as the stout youth had rightly conjectured.

tried unsuccessfully

From this reading It would have been worse than useless for Tubby or Fred to have attempted flight, as the stout youth had rightly conjectured.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading After a vast deal of jabbering in their unknown tongue, two of the Indians bound Tubby's hands behind his back while the others stood guard to protect their companions against any sudden move.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading It would have been worse than useless for Tubby or Fred to have attempted flight, as the stout youth had rightly conjectured.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading After a vast deal of jabbering in their unknown tongue, two of the Indians bound Tubby's hands behind his back while the others stood guard to protect their companions against any sudden move.

confined by bonds

From this reading After a vast deal of jabbering in their unknown tongue, two of the Indians bound Tubby's hands behind his back while the others stood guard to protect their companions against any sudden move.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

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

From this reading Then came Fred's turn.

an occurrence of something

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

plural of “companion” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading After a vast deal of jabbering in their unknown tongue, two of the Indians bound Tubby's hands behind his back while the others stood guard to protect their companions against any sudden move.

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

From this reading It would have been worse than useless for Tubby or Fred to have attempted flight, as the stout youth had rightly conjectured.

involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading After a vast deal of jabbering in their unknown tongue, two of the Indians bound Tubby's hands behind his back while the others stood guard to protect their companions against any sudden move.

to double the degree

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

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

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

to the same degree (often followed by “as”)

From this reading Resistance would have been equally foolhardy.

-ing form of “examine” — consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

a formation of aircraft in flight

From this reading It would have been worse than useless for Tubby or Fred to have attempted flight, as the stout youth had rightly conjectured.

marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences

From this reading Resistance would have been equally foolhardy.

without good sense or judgment

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It would have been worse than useless for Tubby or Fred to have attempted flight, as the stout youth had rightly conjectured.

Not remembered; lapsed from memory.

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

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

From this reading It would have been worse than useless for Tubby or Fred to have attempted flight, as the stout youth had rightly conjectured.

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

From this reading Then came Fred's turn.

a person who keeps watch over something or someone

From this reading After a vast deal of jabbering in their unknown tongue, two of the Indians bound Tubby's hands behind his back while the others stood guard to protect their companions against any sudden move.

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

From this reading It would have been worse than useless for Tubby or Fred to have attempted flight, as the stout youth had rightly conjectured.

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

From this reading After a vast deal of jabbering in their unknown tongue, two of the Indians bound Tubby's hands behind his back while the others stood guard to protect their companions against any sudden move.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading It would have been worse than useless for Tubby or Fred to have attempted flight, as the stout youth had rightly conjectured.

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

From this reading After a vast deal of jabbering in their unknown tongue, two of the Indians bound Tubby's hands behind his back while the others stood guard to protect their companions against any sudden move.

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

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

plural of “indian” — a native or inhabitant of India

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It would have been worse than useless for Tubby or Fred to have attempted flight, as the stout youth had rightly conjectured.

rapid and indistinct speech

From this reading After a vast deal of jabbering in their unknown tongue, two of the Indians bound Tubby's hands behind his back while the others stood guard to protect their companions against any sudden move.

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

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

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

plural of “native” — an indigenous person who was born in a particular place

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

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

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

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

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It would have been worse than useless for Tubby or Fred to have attempted flight, as the stout youth had rightly conjectured.

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

From this reading After a vast deal of jabbering in their unknown tongue, two of the Indians bound Tubby's hands behind his back while the others stood guard to protect their companions against any sudden move.

past form of “pick” — select carefully from a group

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage

From this reading After a vast deal of jabbering in their unknown tongue, two of the Indians bound Tubby's hands behind his back while the others stood guard to protect their companions against any sudden move.

past form of “render” — cause to become

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

the action of opposing something that you disapprove or disagree with

From this reading Resistance would have been equally foolhardy.

plural of “rifle” — a shoulder firearm with a long barrel and a rifled bore

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

with honesty

From this reading It would have been worse than useless for Tubby or Fred to have attempted flight, as the stout youth had rightly conjectured.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading After a vast deal of jabbering in their unknown tongue, two of the Indians bound Tubby's hands behind his back while the others stood guard to protect their companions against any sudden move.

dependable

From this reading It would have been worse than useless for Tubby or Fred to have attempted flight, as the stout youth had rightly conjectured.

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading After a vast deal of jabbering in their unknown tongue, two of the Indians bound Tubby's hands behind his back while the others stood guard to protect their companions against any sudden move.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading It would have been worse than useless for Tubby or Fred to have attempted flight, as the stout youth had rightly conjectured.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

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

From this reading It would have been worse than useless for Tubby or Fred to have attempted flight, as the stout youth had rightly conjectured.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading After a vast deal of jabbering in their unknown tongue, two of the Indians bound Tubby's hands behind his back while the others stood guard to protect their companions against any sudden move.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then came Fred's turn.

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

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

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

From this reading It would have been worse than useless for Tubby or Fred to have attempted flight, as the stout youth had rightly conjectured.

a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity

From this reading After a vast deal of jabbering in their unknown tongue, two of the Indians bound Tubby's hands behind his back while the others stood guard to protect their companions against any sudden move.

short and plump

From this reading It would have been worse than useless for Tubby or Fred to have attempted flight, as the stout youth had rightly conjectured.

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

From this reading After a vast deal of jabbering in their unknown tongue, two of the Indians bound Tubby's hands behind his back while the others stood guard to protect their companions against any sudden move.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading Then came Fred's turn.

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

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

not known

From this reading After a vast deal of jabbering in their unknown tongue, two of the Indians bound Tubby's hands behind his back while the others stood guard to protect their companions against any sudden move.

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

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

the act of using

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

having no beneficial use or incapable of functioning usefully

From this reading It would have been worse than useless for Tubby or Fred to have attempted flight, as the stout youth had rightly conjectured.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading After a vast deal of jabbering in their unknown tongue, two of the Indians bound Tubby's hands behind his back while the others stood guard to protect their companions against any sudden move.

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

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

plural of “weapon” — any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

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

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

during the time that

From this reading After a vast deal of jabbering in their unknown tongue, two of the Indians bound Tubby's hands behind his back while the others stood guard to protect their companions against any sudden move.

a Caucasian

From this reading This would have been so in any case, but any move against the Indians was now rendered doubly dangerous by the fact that two of the odd-looking little natives had picked up the two rifles the boys had so foolishly forgotten and were examining them in a way that showed that they had knowledge enough of the white man's weapons to use them, should occasion offer.

(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability

From this reading It would have been worse than useless for Tubby or Fred to have attempted flight, as the stout youth had rightly conjectured.

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

From this reading It would have been worse than useless for Tubby or Fred to have attempted flight, as the stout youth had rightly conjectured.

a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading It would have been worse than useless for Tubby or Fred to have attempted flight, as the stout youth had rightly conjectured.