Chapter XXIV · Chapter 24

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

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

aimlessly drifting

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

at or in the front

From this reading They now and then sent out reassuring calls, for those unseen parties ahead continued to make fervent appeals, as though a terrible fear assailed them that the rescuers might go astray and miss them.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading "Forward, but be very careful to keep in my tracks all the time!" called out the naturalist as he started off.

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

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

plural of “appeal” — earnest or urgent request

From this reading They now and then sent out reassuring calls, for those unseen parties ahead continued to make fervent appeals, as though a terrible fear assailed them that the rescuers might go astray and miss them.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading They wound around this way and that.

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

From this reading "Forward, but be very careful to keep in my tracks all the time!" called out the naturalist as he started off.

past form of “assail” — attack someone physically or emotionally

From this reading They now and then sent out reassuring calls, for those unseen parties ahead continued to make fervent appeals, as though a terrible fear assailed them that the rescuers might go astray and miss them.

a formal organization of people or groups of people

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

away from the right path or direction

From this reading They now and then sent out reassuring calls, for those unseen parties ahead continued to make fervent appeals, as though a terrible fear assailed them that the rescuers might go astray and miss them.

stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

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

From this reading "Forward, but be very careful to keep in my tracks all the time!" called out the naturalist as he started off.

cause to slow down or get stuck

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "Forward, but be very careful to keep in my tracks all the time!" called out the naturalist as he started off.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading "Forward, but be very careful to keep in my tracks all the time!" called out the naturalist as he started off.

plural of “call” — a telephone connection

From this reading They now and then sent out reassuring calls, for those unseen parties ahead continued to make fervent appeals, as though a terrible fear assailed them that the rescuers might go astray and miss them.

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

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

exercising caution or showing care or attention

From this reading "Forward, but be very careful to keep in my tracks all the time!" called out the naturalist as he started off.

plural of “consequence” — a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

without stop or interruption

From this reading They now and then sent out reassuring calls, for those unseen parties ahead continued to make fervent appeals, as though a terrible fear assailed them that the rescuers might go astray and miss them.

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

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

plural of “crony” — a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

utter a sudden loud cry

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

without deviation

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

morally objectionable behavior

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

indicating exactness or preciseness

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading They now and then sent out reassuring calls, for those unseen parties ahead continued to make fervent appeals, as though a terrible fear assailed them that the rescuers might go astray and miss them.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

characterized by intense emotion

From this reading They now and then sent out reassuring calls, for those unseen parties ahead continued to make fervent appeals, as though a terrible fear assailed them that the rescuers might go astray and miss them.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

at or to or toward the front

From this reading "Forward, but be very careful to keep in my tracks all the time!" called out the naturalist as he started off.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

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

From this reading They now and then sent out reassuring calls, for those unseen parties ahead continued to make fervent appeals, as though a terrible fear assailed them that the rescuers might go astray and miss them.

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

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

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

From this reading "Forward, but be very careful to keep in my tracks all the time!" called out the naturalist as he started off.

plural of “heel” — the bottom of a shoe or boot; the back part of a shoe or boot that touches the ground and provides elevation

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

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

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

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

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

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

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

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

From this reading "Forward, but be very careful to keep in my tracks all the time!" called out the naturalist as he started off.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

engage in

From this reading They now and then sent out reassuring calls, for those unseen parties ahead continued to make fervent appeals, as though a terrible fear assailed them that the rescuers might go astray and miss them.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading They now and then sent out reassuring calls, for those unseen parties ahead continued to make fervent appeals, as though a terrible fear assailed them that the rescuers might go astray and miss them.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading They now and then sent out reassuring calls, for those unseen parties ahead continued to make fervent appeals, as though a terrible fear assailed them that the rescuers might go astray and miss them.

a form of address for a man

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

remove muck, clear away muck, as in a mine

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "Forward, but be very careful to keep in my tracks all the time!" called out the naturalist as he started off.

an advocate of the doctrine that the world can be understood in scientific terms

From this reading "Forward, but be very careful to keep in my tracks all the time!" called out the naturalist as he started off.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

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

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading "Forward, but be very careful to keep in my tracks all the time!" called out the naturalist as he started off.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading "Forward, but be very careful to keep in my tracks all the time!" called out the naturalist as he started off.

plural of “party” — an organization to gain political power

From this reading They now and then sent out reassuring calls, for those unseen parties ahead continued to make fervent appeals, as though a terrible fear assailed them that the rescuers might go astray and miss them.

operate an airplane

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

United States artist famous for painting with a drip technique; a leader of abstract expressionism in America (1912-1956)

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

restoring confidence and relieving anxiety

From this reading They now and then sent out reassuring calls, for those unseen parties ahead continued to make fervent appeals, as though a terrible fear assailed them that the rescuers might go astray and miss them.

plural of “rescuer” — a person who rescues you from harm or danger

From this reading They now and then sent out reassuring calls, for those unseen parties ahead continued to make fervent appeals, as though a terrible fear assailed them that the rescuers might go astray and miss them.

tending to return to an earlier state

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

take something away by force or without the consent of the owner

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

plural of “scout” — a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia

From this reading They now and then sent out reassuring calls, for those unseen parties ahead continued to make fervent appeals, as though a terrible fear assailed them that the rescuers might go astray and miss them.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading "Forward, but be very careful to keep in my tracks all the time!" called out the naturalist as he started off.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading They now and then sent out reassuring calls, for those unseen parties ahead continued to make fervent appeals, as though a terrible fear assailed them that the rescuers might go astray and miss them.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

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

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading They now and then sent out reassuring calls, for those unseen parties ahead continued to make fervent appeals, as though a terrible fear assailed them that the rescuers might go astray and miss them.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading They now and then sent out reassuring calls, for those unseen parties ahead continued to make fervent appeals, as though a terrible fear assailed them that the rescuers might go astray and miss them.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

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

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

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

From this reading They wound around this way and that.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading They now and then sent out reassuring calls, for those unseen parties ahead continued to make fervent appeals, as though a terrible fear assailed them that the rescuers might go astray and miss them.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading They now and then sent out reassuring calls, for those unseen parties ahead continued to make fervent appeals, as though a terrible fear assailed them that the rescuers might go astray and miss them.

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

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

feeling intense pleasurable excitement

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading "Forward, but be very careful to keep in my tracks all the time!" called out the naturalist as he started off.

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

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

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

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

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

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

a just detectable amount

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

plural of “track” — a line or route along which something travels or moves

From this reading "Forward, but be very careful to keep in my tracks all the time!" called out the naturalist as he started off.

a track or mark left by something that has passed

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

dangerously unstable and unpredictable

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

offensive or disagreeable; causing discomfort or unhappiness

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

not seen or perceived

From this reading They now and then sent out reassuring calls, for those unseen parties ahead continued to make fervent appeals, as though a terrible fear assailed them that the rescuers might go astray and miss them.

precisely as stated

From this reading "Forward, but be very careful to keep in my tracks all the time!" called out the naturalist as he started off.

loud cries made while weeping

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading They wound around this way and that.

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

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

at the time that

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

in or at the place that

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

which person or people

From this reading There were times when Rob, who came directly on the heels of the pilot, could not see the slightest trace of a trail; but he realized that from long association and investigation Mr. Henderson knew exactly where to set his feet, and thus avoid unpleasant consequences.

the least favorable outcome

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.

an injury to living tissue (especially an injury involving a cut or break in the skin)

From this reading They wound around this way and that.

of very poor quality or condition

From this reading RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL When that wailing cry reached their ears it thrilled the scouts through and through, for now they knew that the worst must have happened to the wretched Tony Pollock and his three cronies, adrift in the treacherous muck bog.