Chapter IV

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

From this reading Two days earlier a pair of surveying instruments had been damaged by the premature explosion of a blast in a rock cutting, and the boys were returning from a hurry trip to the valley supply camp with replacements.

any specific behavior

From this reading As the steel train rounded one of the canyon curves, the elbow where the branch gulch from the north came in, a scene of strenuous activity came into view.

at or in the front

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading On the opposite side of the river, workmen, clustering like bees in swarming time, were building a trestle designed to carry a railroad track past a hundred-foot stretch where the canyon wall rose almost perpendicularly from the water’s edge.

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

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

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

From this reading As the steel train rounded one of the canyon curves, the elbow where the branch gulch from the north came in, a scene of strenuous activity came into view.

for the reason that

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.

plural of “bee” — any of numerous hairy-bodied insects including social and solitary species

From this reading On the opposite side of the river, workmen, clustering like bees in swarming time, were building a trestle designed to carry a railroad track past a hundred-foot stretch where the canyon wall rose almost perpendicularly from the water’s edge.

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

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

make a strident sound

From this reading Two days earlier a pair of surveying instruments had been damaged by the premature explosion of a blast in a rock cutting, and the boys were returning from a hurry trip to the valley supply camp with replacements.

plural of “box” — a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading Two days earlier a pair of surveying instruments had been damaged by the premature explosion of a blast in a rock cutting, and the boys were returning from a hurry trip to the valley supply camp with replacements.

prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.

a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading As the steel train rounded one of the canyon curves, the elbow where the branch gulch from the north came in, a scene of strenuous activity came into view.

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

From this reading On the opposite side of the river, workmen, clustering like bees in swarming time, were building a trestle designed to carry a railroad track past a hundred-foot stretch where the canyon wall rose almost perpendicularly from the water’s edge.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Two days earlier a pair of surveying instruments had been damaged by the premature explosion of a blast in a rock cutting, and the boys were returning from a hurry trip to the valley supply camp with replacements.

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

From this reading As the steel train rounded one of the canyon curves, the elbow where the branch gulch from the north came in, a scene of strenuous activity came into view.

temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading Two days earlier a pair of surveying instruments had been damaged by the premature explosion of a blast in a rock cutting, and the boys were returning from a hurry trip to the valley supply camp with replacements.

a ravine formed by a river in an area with little rainfall

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

taking care or paying attention

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.

move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading On the opposite side of the river, workmen, clustering like bees in swarming time, were building a trestle designed to carry a railroad track past a hundred-foot stretch where the canyon wall rose almost perpendicularly from the water’s edge.

make loud demands

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

a grouping of a number of similar things

From this reading On the opposite side of the river, workmen, clustering like bees in swarming time, were building a trestle designed to carry a railroad track past a hundred-foot stretch where the canyon wall rose almost perpendicularly from the water’s edge.

combining into a solid mass

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

having or marked by bends or angles; not straight or aligned

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

plural of “curve” — the trace of a point whose direction of motion changes

From this reading As the steel train rounded one of the canyon curves, the elbow where the branch gulch from the north came in, a scene of strenuous activity came into view.

the activity of selecting the scenes to be shown and putting them together to create a film

From this reading Two days earlier a pair of surveying instruments had been damaged by the premature explosion of a blast in a rock cutting, and the boys were returning from a hurry trip to the valley supply camp with replacements.

harmed or injured or spoiled

From this reading Two days earlier a pair of surveying instruments had been damaged by the premature explosion of a blast in a rock cutting, and the boys were returning from a hurry trip to the valley supply camp with replacements.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Two days earlier a pair of surveying instruments had been damaged by the premature explosion of a blast in a rock cutting, and the boys were returning from a hurry trip to the valley supply camp with replacements.

done or made or performed with purpose and intent

From this reading On the opposite side of the river, workmen, clustering like bees in swarming time, were building a trestle designed to carry a railroad track past a hundred-foot stretch where the canyon wall rose almost perpendicularly from the water’s edge.

someone who is a detective

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.

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

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

earlier in time; previously

From this reading Two days earlier a pair of surveying instruments had been damaged by the premature explosion of a blast in a rock cutting, and the boys were returning from a hurry trip to the valley supply camp with replacements.

plural of “echo” — the repetition of a sound resulting from reflection of the sound waves

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

the boundary of a surface

From this reading On the opposite side of the river, workmen, clustering like bees in swarming time, were building a trestle designed to carry a railroad track past a hundred-foot stretch where the canyon wall rose almost perpendicularly from the water’s edge.

being one more than seven

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

hinge joint between the forearm and upper arm and the corresponding joint in the forelimb of a quadruped

From this reading As the steel train rounded one of the canyon curves, the elbow where the branch gulch from the north came in, a scene of strenuous activity came into view.

motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.

a violent release of energy caused by a chemical or nuclear reaction

From this reading Two days earlier a pair of surveying instruments had been damaged by the premature explosion of a blast in a rock cutting, and the boys were returning from a hurry trip to the valley supply camp with replacements.

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

possessive form of “fireman” — play in which children pretend to put out a fire

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.

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

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.

capable of arousing and holding the attention

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

a narrow gorge with a stream running through it

From this reading As the steel train rounded one of the canyon curves, the elbow where the branch gulch from the north came in, a scene of strenuous activity came into view.

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

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.

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

From this reading On the opposite side of the river, workmen, clustering like bees in swarming time, were building a trestle designed to carry a railroad track past a hundred-foot stretch where the canyon wall rose almost perpendicularly from the water’s edge.

a condition of urgency making it necessary to hurry

From this reading Two days earlier a pair of surveying instruments had been damaged by the premature explosion of a blast in a rock cutting, and the boys were returning from a hurry trip to the valley supply camp with replacements.

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

From this reading Two days earlier a pair of surveying instruments had been damaged by the premature explosion of a blast in a rock cutting, and the boys were returning from a hurry trip to the valley supply camp with replacements.

plural of “instrument” — a device that requires skill for proper use

From this reading Two days earlier a pair of surveying instruments had been damaged by the premature explosion of a blast in a rock cutting, and the boys were returning from a hurry trip to the valley supply camp with replacements.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading As the steel train rounded one of the canyon curves, the elbow where the branch gulch from the north came in, a scene of strenuous activity came into view.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

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

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.

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

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading On the opposite side of the river, workmen, clustering like bees in swarming time, were building a trestle designed to carry a railroad track past a hundred-foot stretch where the canyon wall rose almost perpendicularly from the water’s edge.

a large number or amount

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.

wood of any of various mahogany trees; much used for cabinetwork and furniture

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.

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

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading As the steel train rounded one of the canyon curves, the elbow where the branch gulch from the north came in, a scene of strenuous activity came into view.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.

the work of caring for the sick or injured or infirm

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

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

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading As the steel train rounded one of the canyon curves, the elbow where the branch gulch from the north came in, a scene of strenuous activity came into view.

being directly across from each other; facing

From this reading On the opposite side of the river, workmen, clustering like bees in swarming time, were building a trestle designed to carry a railroad track past a hundred-foot stretch where the canyon wall rose almost perpendicularly from the water’s edge.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

a set of two similar things considered as a unit

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading On the opposite side of the river, workmen, clustering like bees in swarming time, were building a trestle designed to carry a railroad track past a hundred-foot stretch where the canyon wall rose almost perpendicularly from the water’s edge.

past form of “perch” — sit, as on a branch

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.

straight up or down without a break

From this reading On the opposite side of the river, workmen, clustering like bees in swarming time, were building a trestle designed to carry a railroad track past a hundred-foot stretch where the canyon wall rose almost perpendicularly from the water’s edge.

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.

a range horse of the western United States

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

born after a gestation period of less than the normal time

From this reading Two days earlier a pair of surveying instruments had been damaged by the premature explosion of a blast in a rock cutting, and the boys were returning from a hurry trip to the valley supply camp with replacements.

the act of applying force in order to move something away

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight

From this reading On the opposite side of the river, workmen, clustering like bees in swarming time, were building a trestle designed to carry a railroad track past a hundred-foot stretch where the canyon wall rose almost perpendicularly from the water’s edge.

a bar or pair of parallel bars of rolled steel making the railway along which railroad cars or other vehicles can roll

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

plural of “replacement” — the act of furnishing an equivalent person or thing in the place of another

From this reading Two days earlier a pair of surveying instruments had been damaged by the premature explosion of a blast in a rock cutting, and the boys were returning from a hurry trip to the valley supply camp with replacements.

tending to return to an earlier state

From this reading Two days earlier a pair of surveying instruments had been damaged by the premature explosion of a blast in a rock cutting, and the boys were returning from a hurry trip to the valley supply camp with replacements.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading On the opposite side of the river, workmen, clustering like bees in swarming time, were building a trestle designed to carry a railroad track past a hundred-foot stretch where the canyon wall rose almost perpendicularly from the water’s edge.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading On the opposite side of the river, workmen, clustering like bees in swarming time, were building a trestle designed to carry a railroad track past a hundred-foot stretch where the canyon wall rose almost perpendicularly from the water’s edge.

having or caused by an irregular surface

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.

curving and somewhat round in shape rather than jagged

From this reading As the steel train rounded one of the canyon curves, the elbow where the branch gulch from the north came in, a scene of strenuous activity came into view.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading As the steel train rounded one of the canyon curves, the elbow where the branch gulch from the north came in, a scene of strenuous activity came into view.

a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

an alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon; widely used in construction; mechanical properties can be varied over a wide range

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

-ing form of “storm” — behave violently, as if in state of a great anger

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

characterized by or performed with much energy or force

From this reading As the steel train rounded one of the canyon curves, the elbow where the branch gulch from the north came in, a scene of strenuous activity came into view.

occupy a large, elongated area

From this reading On the opposite side of the river, workmen, clustering like bees in swarming time, were building a trestle designed to carry a railroad track past a hundred-foot stretch where the canyon wall rose almost perpendicularly from the water’s edge.

give something useful or necessary to

From this reading Two days earlier a pair of surveying instruments had been damaged by the premature explosion of a blast in a rock cutting, and the boys were returning from a hurry trip to the valley supply camp with replacements.

past form of “surface” — come to the surface

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.

rise and move, as in waves or billows

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.

the practice of measuring angles and distances on the ground so that they can be accurately plotted on a map

From this reading Two days earlier a pair of surveying instruments had been damaged by the premature explosion of a blast in a rock cutting, and the boys were returning from a hurry trip to the valley supply camp with replacements.

-ing form of “swarm” — be teeming, be abuzz

From this reading On the opposite side of the river, workmen, clustering like bees in swarming time, were building a trestle designed to carry a railroad track past a hundred-foot stretch where the canyon wall rose almost perpendicularly from the water’s edge.

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

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading On the opposite side of the river, workmen, clustering like bees in swarming time, were building a trestle designed to carry a railroad track past a hundred-foot stretch where the canyon wall rose almost perpendicularly from the water’s edge.

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

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.

a mineral that is a complex borosilicate and hydroxide of aluminum containing iron and magnesium and calcium and lithium and sodium; it is usually black but occurs in transparent colored forms that are used as gemstones

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

a line or route along which something travels or moves

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.

create by training and teaching

From this reading As the steel train rounded one of the canyon curves, the elbow where the branch gulch from the north came in, a scene of strenuous activity came into view.

a supporting tower used to support a bridge

From this reading On the opposite side of the river, workmen, clustering like bees in swarming time, were building a trestle designed to carry a railroad track past a hundred-foot stretch where the canyon wall rose almost perpendicularly from the water’s edge.

a journey for some purpose (usually including the return)

From this reading Two days earlier a pair of surveying instruments had been damaged by the premature explosion of a blast in a rock cutting, and the boys were returning from a hurry trip to the valley supply camp with replacements.

plural of “truck” — an automotive vehicle suitable for hauling

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

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

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

not even or uniform as e.g. in shape or texture

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.

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

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river

From this reading Two days earlier a pair of surveying instruments had been damaged by the premature explosion of a blast in a rock cutting, and the boys were returning from a hurry trip to the valley supply camp with replacements.

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading As the steel train rounded one of the canyon curves, the elbow where the branch gulch from the north came in, a scene of strenuous activity came into view.

Risen from sleep; conscious.

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

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 On the opposite side of the river, workmen, clustering like bees in swarming time, were building a trestle designed to carry a railroad track past a hundred-foot stretch where the canyon wall rose almost perpendicularly from the water’s edge.

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

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

possessive form of “water” — binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading On the opposite side of the river, workmen, clustering like bees in swarming time, were building a trestle designed to carry a railroad track past a hundred-foot stretch where the canyon wall rose almost perpendicularly from the water’s edge.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

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

From this reading Two days earlier a pair of surveying instruments had been damaged by the premature explosion of a blast in a rock cutting, and the boys were returning from a hurry trip to the valley supply camp with replacements.

in or at the place that

From this reading As the steel train rounded one of the canyon curves, the elbow where the branch gulch from the north came in, a scene of strenuous activity came into view.

in the company of; together with

From this reading “THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN” The big “consolidation,” its single pair of pony trucks feeling out the way for the eight gripping drive-wheels, was storming up the crooked canyon of the Tourmaline, pushing two flat-car loads of steel rails ahead of it and waking the echoes with its clamor.

plural of “workman” — an employee who performs manual or industrial labor

From this reading On the opposite side of the river, workmen, clustering like bees in swarming time, were building a trestle designed to carry a railroad track past a hundred-foot stretch where the canyon wall rose almost perpendicularly from the water’s edge.

but in spite of that

From this reading The track, rough and uneven because it had not yet been “surfaced,” made the big engine rock and surge from side to side, and Dick and Larry, perched on the fireman’s seat and carefully nursing two mahogany boxes, had to brace themselves to keep their places.