used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading When Andy said that, both Tubby and Merritt felt a cold chill pass over them.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
aliveadjectiveUS /əˈlaɪv/
possessing life
From this reading But Merritt was alive to the importance of letting Rob know of the peril that was lying in wait for him on the back trail.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading When Andy said that, both Tubby and Merritt felt a cold chill pass over them.
Andy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Andy said that, both Tubby and Merritt felt a cold chill pass over them.
any thing at all
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
weapons considered collectively
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading But Merritt was alive to the importance of letting Rob know of the peril that was lying in wait for him on the back trail.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
relevant relation or interconnection
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
for the reason that
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
the two together, not just one
From this reading When Andy said that, both Tubby and Merritt felt a cold chill pass over them.
a youthful male person
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
boy'snounUS /bɔɪz/
possessive form of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But Merritt was alive to the importance of letting Rob know of the peril that was lying in wait for him on the back trail.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
chillnounUS /tʃɪl/
coldness due to a cold environment
From this reading When Andy said that, both Tubby and Merritt felt a cold chill pass over them.
plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading When Andy said that, both Tubby and Merritt felt a cold chill pass over them.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading When Andy said that, both Tubby and Merritt felt a cold chill pass over them.
fightersnounUS /ˈfaɪtərz/
plural of “fighter” — someone who fights (or is fighting)
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
start firing a weapon
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
followersnounUS /ˈfɑːloʊərz/
a group of followers or enthusiasts
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But Merritt was alive to the importance of letting Rob know of the peril that was lying in wait for him on the back trail.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading But Merritt was alive to the importance of letting Rob know of the peril that was lying in wait for him on the back trail.
Huerta
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
the quality of being important and worthy of note
From this reading But Merritt was alive to the importance of letting Rob know of the peril that was lying in wait for him on the back trail.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
juttingadjectiveUS /ˈdʒʌtɪŋ/
extending out above or beyond a surface or boundary
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
khakiadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːki/
of a yellowish brown color
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
plural of “lad” — a boy or man
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
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 It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
property that is leased or rented out or let
From this reading But Merritt was alive to the importance of letting Rob know of the peril that was lying in wait for him on the back trail.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
the deliberate act of deviating from the truth
From this reading But Merritt was alive to the importance of letting Rob know of the peril that was lying in wait for him on the back trail.
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 There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
being nothing more than specified
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
Merritt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Andy said that, both Tubby and Merritt felt a cold chill pass over them.
messagesnounUS /ˈmesədʒəz/
plural of “message” — a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
not any; not one
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading When Andy said that, both Tubby and Merritt felt a cold chill pass over them.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
go across or through
From this reading When Andy said that, both Tubby and Merritt felt a cold chill pass over them.
perilnounUS /ˈperəl/
a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
From this reading But Merritt was alive to the importance of letting Rob know of the peril that was lying in wait for him on the back trail.
a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes of others
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
an executive officer of a firm or corporation
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
RegularsnounUS /ˈreɡjələrz/
plural of “regular” — a regular patron
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
revolutionnounUS /ˌrevəˈluːʃən/
a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
take something away by force or without the consent of the owner
From this reading "TRUST ROB!"
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading When Andy said that, both Tubby and Merritt felt a cold chill pass over them.
the act of causing something to go (especially messages)
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
stalksnounUS /stɔːks/
plural of “stalk” — material consisting of seed coverings and small pieces of stem or leaves that have been separated from the seeds
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading When Andy said that, both Tubby and Merritt felt a cold chill pass over them.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading When Andy said that, both Tubby and Merritt felt a cold chill pass over them.
in or at that place or location
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
a track or mark left by something that has passed
From this reading But Merritt was alive to the importance of letting Rob know of the peril that was lying in wait for him on the back trail.
something (as property) held by one party (the trustee) for the benefit of another (the beneficiary)
From this reading "TRUST ROB!"
TubbyadjectiveUS /ˈtʌbi/
short and plump
From this reading When Andy said that, both Tubby and Merritt felt a cold chill pass over them.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
UnitedadjectiveUS /juːˈnaɪtɪd/
characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
not known
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
not usual or common or ordinary
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
VillanounUS /ˈvɪlə/
Mexican revolutionary leader (1877-1923)
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
vindictiveadjectiveUS /vɪnˈdɪktɪv/
disposed to seek revenge or intended for revenge
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
stay in one place and anticipate or expect something
From this reading But Merritt was alive to the importance of letting Rob know of the peril that was lying in wait for him on the back trail.
the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There were many mere lads bearing arms among the followers of Villa and of President Huerta--there always are when revolution stalks through a land and war clouds are in the air--so that the taking of a boy's life did not mean anything unusual to these grim fighters.
at the time that
From this reading When Andy said that, both Tubby and Merritt felt a cold chill pass over them.
which person or people
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading It could be easily understood that if those vindictive Regulars had a chance to fire on the unknown party who wore the khaki of the United States soldiers, and who, they must know, had been sending messages from the rock jutting out above, there was no reason to believe that they would have the least pity because he turned out to be a boy.
