Chapter XII

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

From this reading It seemed quite home-like to him, entering once more the offices of the Geological Survey, and he spent a pleasant half-hour chatting over his experiences, his later excitements in the Pecos country arousing special interest.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading He was about to go when his friend stopped him with a gesture.

the mental attitude that something is believable and should be accepted as true

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

a native or resident of Alaska

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

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

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

-ing form of “arouse” — call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)

From this reading It seemed quite home-like to him, entering once more the offices of the Geological Survey, and he spent a pleasant half-hour chatting over his experiences, his later excitements in the Pecos country arousing special interest.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading "Wait till I come back," he said.

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

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

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

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

the particular occupation for which you are trained

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

inflected form of “chat” — talk socially without exchanging too much information

From this reading It seemed quite home-like to him, entering once more the offices of the Geological Survey, and he spent a pleasant half-hour chatting over his experiences, his later excitements in the Pecos country arousing special interest.

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

From this reading "Wait till I come back," he said.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading It seemed quite home-like to him, entering once more the offices of the Geological Survey, and he spent a pleasant half-hour chatting over his experiences, his later excitements in the Pecos country arousing special interest.

of extreme importance; vital to the resolution of a crisis

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

having ones attention or mind or energy engaged

From this reading He found his official superior, Mr. Herold, engaged, and so went in to thank his friend Mitchon for the interest that he had shown and the kindly letters he had written.

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

a movement into or inward

From this reading It seemed quite home-like to him, entering once more the offices of the Geological Survey, and he spent a pleasant half-hour chatting over his experiences, his later excitements in the Pecos country arousing special interest.

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

From this reading It seemed quite home-like to him, entering once more the offices of the Geological Survey, and he spent a pleasant half-hour chatting over his experiences, his later excitements in the Pecos country arousing special interest.

plural of “experience” — the accumulation of knowledge or skill that results from direct participation in events or activities

From this reading It seemed quite home-like to him, entering once more the offices of the Geological Survey, and he spent a pleasant half-hour chatting over his experiences, his later excitements in the Pecos country arousing special interest.

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

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

set up or found

From this reading He found his official superior, Mr. Herold, engaged, and so went in to thank his friend Mitchon for the interest that he had shown and the kindly letters he had written.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading He found his official superior, Mr. Herold, engaged, and so went in to thank his friend Mitchon for the interest that he had shown and the kindly letters he had written.

of or relating to or based on geology

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

motion of hands or body to emphasize or help to express a thought or feeling

From this reading He was about to go when his friend stopped him with a gesture.

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

From this reading He was about to go when his friend stopped him with a gesture.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

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

From this reading He found his official superior, Mr. Herold, engaged, and so went in to thank his friend Mitchon for the interest that he had shown and the kindly letters he had written.

a half of an hour

From this reading It seemed quite home-like to him, entering once more the offices of the Geological Survey, and he spent a pleasant half-hour chatting over his experiences, his later excitements in the Pecos country arousing special interest.

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

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

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

From this reading He found his official superior, Mr. Herold, engaged, and so went in to thank his friend Mitchon for the interest that he had shown and the kindly letters he had written.

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

From this reading It seemed quite home-like to him, entering once more the offices of the Geological Survey, and he spent a pleasant half-hour chatting over his experiences, his later excitements in the Pecos country arousing special interest.

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

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

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

From this reading It seemed quite home-like to him, entering once more the offices of the Geological Survey, and he spent a pleasant half-hour chatting over his experiences, his later excitements in the Pecos country arousing special interest.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "Wait till I come back," he said.

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

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading He found his official superior, Mr. Herold, engaged, and so went in to thank his friend Mitchon for the interest that he had shown and the kindly letters he had written.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity

From this reading He found his official superior, Mr. Herold, engaged, and so went in to thank his friend Mitchon for the interest that he had shown and the kindly letters he had written.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading It seemed quite home-like to him, entering once more the offices of the Geological Survey, and he spent a pleasant half-hour chatting over his experiences, his later excitements in the Pecos country arousing special interest.

the literary culture

From this reading He found his official superior, Mr. Herold, engaged, and so went in to thank his friend Mitchon for the interest that he had shown and the kindly letters he had written.

any admirable quality or attribute

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

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

From this reading He found his official superior, Mr. Herold, engaged, and so went in to thank his friend Mitchon for the interest that he had shown and the kindly letters he had written.

plural of “model” — a hypothetical description of a complex entity or process

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading It seemed quite home-like to him, entering once more the offices of the Geological Survey, and he spent a pleasant half-hour chatting over his experiences, his later excitements in the Pecos country arousing special interest.

a form of address for a man

From this reading He found his official superior, Mr. Herold, engaged, and so went in to thank his friend Mitchon for the interest that he had shown and the kindly letters he had written.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

plural of “office” — place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading It seemed quite home-like to him, entering once more the offices of the Geological Survey, and he spent a pleasant half-hour chatting over his experiences, his later excitements in the Pecos country arousing special interest.

having official authority or sanction

From this reading He found his official superior, Mr. Herold, engaged, and so went in to thank his friend Mitchon for the interest that he had shown and the kindly letters he had written.

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

on one occasion

From this reading It seemed quite home-like to him, entering once more the offices of the Geological Survey, and he spent a pleasant half-hour chatting over his experiences, his later excitements in the Pecos country arousing special interest.

above and across; more than

From this reading It seemed quite home-like to him, entering once more the offices of the Geological Survey, and he spent a pleasant half-hour chatting over his experiences, his later excitements in the Pecos country arousing special interest.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

a tributary of the Rio Grande that flows southeastward from New Mexico through western Texas

From this reading It seemed quite home-like to him, entering once more the offices of the Geological Survey, and he spent a pleasant half-hour chatting over his experiences, his later excitements in the Pecos country arousing special interest.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading It seemed quite home-like to him, entering once more the offices of the Geological Survey, and he spent a pleasant half-hour chatting over his experiences, his later excitements in the Pecos country arousing special interest.

plural of “portal” — a grand and imposing entrance (often extended metaphorically)

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading It seemed quite home-like to him, entering once more the offices of the Geological Survey, and he spent a pleasant half-hour chatting over his experiences, his later excitements in the Pecos country arousing special interest.

the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

plural of “river” — a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

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

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Wait till I come back," he said.

possessive form of “season” — a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

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

From this reading He found his official superior, Mr. Herold, engaged, and so went in to thank his friend Mitchon for the interest that he had shown and the kindly letters he had written.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He found his official superior, Mr. Herold, engaged, and so went in to thank his friend Mitchon for the interest that he had shown and the kindly letters he had written.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading It seemed quite home-like to him, entering once more the offices of the Geological Survey, and he spent a pleasant half-hour chatting over his experiences, his later excitements in the Pecos country arousing special interest.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading It seemed quite home-like to him, entering once more the offices of the Geological Survey, and he spent a pleasant half-hour chatting over his experiences, his later excitements in the Pecos country arousing special interest.

(of a nose) blocked

From this reading He was about to go when his friend stopped him with a gesture.

of high or superior quality or performance

From this reading He found his official superior, Mr. Herold, engaged, and so went in to thank his friend Mitchon for the interest that he had shown and the kindly letters he had written.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

express gratitude or show appreciation to

From this reading He found his official superior, Mr. Herold, engaged, and so went in to thank his friend Mitchon for the interest that he had shown and the kindly letters he had written.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

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

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

up to a particular time

From this reading "Wait till I come back," he said.

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

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

a journey for some purpose (usually including the return)

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading "Wait till I come back," he said.

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

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

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

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

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

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

the capital of the United States in the District of Columbia and a tourist mecca; George Washington commissioned Charles L'Enfant to lay out the city in 1791

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading He found his official superior, Mr. Herold, engaged, and so went in to thank his friend Mitchon for the interest that he had shown and the kindly letters he had written.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

at the time that

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He was about to go when his friend stopped him with a gesture.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

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

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading He found his official superior, Mr. Herold, engaged, and so went in to thank his friend Mitchon for the interest that he had shown and the kindly letters he had written.

a late time of life

From this reading THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN It seemed to Roger that he was years older when he entered the gray portals of the Geological Survey building in Washington and walked past the big relief models on the wall, to face what he felt to be the crucial question in his career--whether his season's work in the Survey would merit his acceptance by Rivers for the Alaskan trip.