Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading Now and then, as the Express swung around the curves, he gained a view of the lonely, snow-piled peaks of the San Bernardinos; with old San Gorgonio, lifting above the pine-fringed ridges of the lower Galenas, shining, silvery white, against the blue.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Now and then, as the Express swung around the curves, he gained a view of the lonely, snow-piled peaks of the San Bernardinos; with old San Gorgonio, lifting above the pine-fringed ridges of the lower Galenas, shining, silvery white, against the blue.

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

From this reading Now San Gorgonio Pass--as all men should know--is one of the two eastern gateways to the beautiful heart of Southern California.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

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

From this reading Now and then, as the Express swung around the curves, he gained a view of the lonely, snow-piled peaks of the San Bernardinos; with old San Gorgonio, lifting above the pine-fringed ridges of the lower Galenas, shining, silvery white, against the blue.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading Now and then, as the Express swung around the curves, he gained a view of the lonely, snow-piled peaks of the San Bernardinos; with old San Gorgonio, lifting above the pine-fringed ridges of the lower Galenas, shining, silvery white, against the blue.

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

From this reading Now San Gorgonio Pass--as all men should know--is one of the two eastern gateways to the beautiful heart of Southern California.

providing no shelter or sustenance

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading Now San Gorgonio Pass--as all men should know--is one of the two eastern gateways to the beautiful heart of Southern California.

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

From this reading Now and then, as the Express swung around the curves, he gained a view of the lonely, snow-piled peaks of the San Bernardinos; with old San Gorgonio, lifting above the pine-fringed ridges of the lower Galenas, shining, silvery white, against the blue.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading Now and then, as the Express swung around the curves, he gained a view of the lonely, snow-piled peaks of the San Bernardinos; with old San Gorgonio, lifting above the pine-fringed ridges of the lower Galenas, shining, silvery white, against the blue.

a state in the western United States on the Pacific; the 3rd largest state; known for earthquakes

From this reading Now San Gorgonio Pass--as all men should know--is one of the two eastern gateways to the beautiful heart of Southern California.

a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

an event that involves rising to a higher point (as in altitude or temperature or intensity etc.)

From this reading The Woman with the Disfigured Face The Golden State Limited, with two laboring engines, was climbing the desert side of San Gorgonio Pass.

a state in west central United States in the Rocky Mountains

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

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

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

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

From this reading Now and then, as the Express swung around the curves, he gained a view of the lonely, snow-piled peaks of the San Bernardinos; with old San Gorgonio, lifting above the pine-fringed ridges of the lower Galenas, shining, silvery white, against the blue.

leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch

From this reading The Woman with the Disfigured Face The Golden State Limited, with two laboring engines, was climbing the desert side of San Gorgonio Pass.

having the appearance spoiled

From this reading The Woman with the Disfigured Face The Golden State Limited, with two laboring engines, was climbing the desert side of San Gorgonio Pass.

the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

lying toward or situated in the east

From this reading Now San Gorgonio Pass--as all men should know--is one of the two eastern gateways to the beautiful heart of Southern California.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

plural of “engine” — motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work

From this reading The Woman with the Disfigured Face The Golden State Limited, with two laboring engines, was climbing the desert side of San Gorgonio Pass.

give expression to

From this reading Now and then, as the Express swung around the curves, he gained a view of the lonely, snow-piled peaks of the San Bernardinos; with old San Gorgonio, lifting above the pine-fringed ridges of the lower Galenas, shining, silvery white, against the blue.

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

From this reading The Woman with the Disfigured Face The Golden State Limited, with two laboring engines, was climbing the desert side of San Gorgonio Pass.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

past form of “gain” — obtain

From this reading Now and then, as the Express swung around the curves, he gained a view of the lonely, snow-piled peaks of the San Bernardinos; with old San Gorgonio, lifting above the pine-fringed ridges of the lower Galenas, shining, silvery white, against the blue.

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

From this reading Now and then, as the Express swung around the curves, he gained a view of the lonely, snow-piled peaks of the San Bernardinos; with old San Gorgonio, lifting above the pine-fringed ridges of the lower Galenas, shining, silvery white, against the blue.

an entrance that can be closed by a gate

From this reading It is, therefore, the gateway to the scenes of my story.

plural of “gateway” — an entrance that can be closed by a gate

From this reading Now San Gorgonio Pass--as all men should know--is one of the two eastern gateways to the beautiful heart of Southern California.

having the deep slightly brownish color of gold

From this reading The Woman with the Disfigured Face The Golden State Limited, with two laboring engines, was climbing the desert side of San Gorgonio Pass.

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

From this reading The Woman with the Disfigured Face The Golden State Limited, with two laboring engines, was climbing the desert side of San Gorgonio Pass.

a body of students who are taught together

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

atmospheric moisture or dust or smoke that causes reduced visibility

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

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

From this reading Now and then, as the Express swung around the curves, he gained a view of the lonely, snow-piled peaks of the San Bernardinos; with old San Gorgonio, lifting above the pine-fringed ridges of the lower Galenas, shining, silvery white, against the blue.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading Now San Gorgonio Pass--as all men should know--is one of the two eastern gateways to the beautiful heart of Southern California.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

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

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

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

From this reading Now San Gorgonio Pass--as all men should know--is one of the two eastern gateways to the beautiful heart of Southern California.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It is, therefore, the gateway to the scenes of my story.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Now San Gorgonio Pass--as all men should know--is one of the two eastern gateways to the beautiful heart of Southern California.

doing arduous or unpleasant work

From this reading The Woman with the Disfigured Face The Golden State Limited, with two laboring engines, was climbing the desert side of San Gorgonio Pass.

decrease in size, extent, or range

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

plural of “lie” — a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

-ing form of “lift” — raise from a lower to a higher position

From this reading Now and then, as the Express swung around the curves, he gained a view of the lonely, snow-piled peaks of the San Bernardinos; with old San Gorgonio, lifting above the pine-fringed ridges of the lower Galenas, shining, silvery white, against the blue.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

small in range or scope

From this reading The Woman with the Disfigured Face The Golden State Limited, with two laboring engines, was climbing the desert side of San Gorgonio Pass.

lacking companions or companionship

From this reading Now and then, as the Express swung around the curves, he gained a view of the lonely, snow-piled peaks of the San Bernardinos; with old San Gorgonio, lifting above the pine-fringed ridges of the lower Galenas, shining, silvery white, against the blue.

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

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

move something or somebody to a lower position

From this reading Now and then, as the Express swung around the curves, he gained a view of the lonely, snow-piled peaks of the San Bernardinos; with old San Gorgonio, lifting above the pine-fringed ridges of the lower Galenas, shining, silvery white, against the blue.

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

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

the force of workers available

From this reading Now San Gorgonio Pass--as all men should know--is one of the two eastern gateways to the beautiful heart of Southern California.

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

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading It is, therefore, the gateway to the scenes of my story.

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

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

From this reading Now San Gorgonio Pass--as all men should know--is one of the two eastern gateways to the beautiful heart of Southern California.

the act of making and recording a measurement

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Woman with the Disfigured Face The Golden State Limited, with two laboring engines, was climbing the desert side of San Gorgonio Pass.

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

From this reading Now and then, as the Express swung around the curves, he gained a view of the lonely, snow-piled peaks of the San Bernardinos; with old San Gorgonio, lifting above the pine-fringed ridges of the lower Galenas, shining, silvery white, against the blue.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Now San Gorgonio Pass--as all men should know--is one of the two eastern gateways to the beautiful heart of Southern California.

above and across; more than

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

go across or through

From this reading The Woman with the Disfigured Face The Golden State Limited, with two laboring engines, was climbing the desert side of San Gorgonio Pass.

plural of “peak” — the most extreme possible amount or value

From this reading Now and then, as the Express swung around the curves, he gained a view of the lonely, snow-piled peaks of the San Bernardinos; with old San Gorgonio, lifting above the pine-fringed ridges of the lower Galenas, shining, silvery white, against the blue.

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

From this reading Now and then, as the Express swung around the curves, he gained a view of the lonely, snow-piled peaks of the San Bernardinos; with old San Gorgonio, lifting above the pine-fringed ridges of the lower Galenas, shining, silvery white, against the blue.

a raised horizontal surface

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

plural of “reach” — the limits within which something can be effective

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

plural of “ridge” — a long narrow natural elevation or striation

From this reading Now and then, as the Express swung around the curves, he gained a view of the lonely, snow-piled peaks of the San Bernardinos; with old San Gorgonio, lifting above the pine-fringed ridges of the lower Galenas, shining, silvery white, against the blue.

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

From this reading The Woman with the Disfigured Face The Golden State Limited, with two laboring engines, was climbing the desert side of San Gorgonio Pass.

plural of “scene” — the place where some action occurs

From this reading It is, therefore, the gateway to the scenes of my story.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

-ing form of “shimmer” — shine with a weak or fitful light

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

marked by exceptional merit

From this reading Now and then, as the Express swung around the curves, he gained a view of the lonely, snow-piled peaks of the San Bernardinos; with old San Gorgonio, lifting above the pine-fringed ridges of the lower Galenas, shining, silvery white, against the blue.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Now San Gorgonio Pass--as all men should know--is one of the two eastern gateways to the beautiful heart of Southern California.

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

From this reading The Woman with the Disfigured Face The Golden State Limited, with two laboring engines, was climbing the desert side of San Gorgonio Pass.

resembling or reminiscent of silver

From this reading Now and then, as the Express swung around the curves, he gained a view of the lonely, snow-piled peaks of the San Bernardinos; with old San Gorgonio, lifting above the pine-fringed ridges of the lower Galenas, shining, silvery white, against the blue.

an elevated geological formation

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

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

From this reading Now and then, as the Express swung around the curves, he gained a view of the lonely, snow-piled peaks of the San Bernardinos; with old San Gorgonio, lifting above the pine-fringed ridges of the lower Galenas, shining, silvery white, against the blue.

in or characteristic of a region of the United States south of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading Now San Gorgonio Pass--as all men should know--is one of the two eastern gateways to the beautiful heart of Southern California.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading The Woman with the Disfigured Face The Golden State Limited, with two laboring engines, was climbing the desert side of San Gorgonio Pass.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading It is, therefore, the gateway to the scenes of my story.

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

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

inflected form of “swing” — move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting

From this reading Now and then, as the Express swung around the curves, he gained a view of the lonely, snow-piled peaks of the San Bernardinos; with old San Gorgonio, lifting above the pine-fringed ridges of the lower Galenas, shining, silvery white, against the blue.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

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

From this reading The Woman with the Disfigured Face The Golden State Limited, with two laboring engines, was climbing the desert side of San Gorgonio Pass.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Now and then, as the Express swung around the curves, he gained a view of the lonely, snow-piled peaks of the San Bernardinos; with old San Gorgonio, lifting above the pine-fringed ridges of the lower Galenas, shining, silvery white, against the blue.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading It is, therefore, the gateway to the scenes of my story.

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

From this reading Now San Gorgonio Pass--as all men should know--is one of the two eastern gateways to the beautiful heart of Southern California.

create by training and teaching

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

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

From this reading The Woman with the Disfigured Face The Golden State Limited, with two laboring engines, was climbing the desert side of San Gorgonio Pass.

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

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

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

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

a garment that covers the head and face

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading Now and then, as the Express swung around the curves, he gained a view of the lonely, snow-piled peaks of the San Bernardinos; with old San Gorgonio, lifting above the pine-fringed ridges of the lower Galenas, shining, silvery white, against the blue.

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

From this reading The Woman with the Disfigured Face The Golden State Limited, with two laboring engines, was climbing the desert side of San Gorgonio Pass.

a Caucasian

From this reading Now and then, as the Express swung around the curves, he gained a view of the lonely, snow-piled peaks of the San Bernardinos; with old San Gorgonio, lifting above the pine-fringed ridges of the lower Galenas, shining, silvery white, against the blue.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The Woman with the Disfigured Face The Golden State Limited, with two laboring engines, was climbing the desert side of San Gorgonio Pass.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading The Woman with the Disfigured Face The Golden State Limited, with two laboring engines, was climbing the desert side of San Gorgonio Pass.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.

inflected form of “zigzag” — travel along a zigzag path

From this reading As the heavy train zigzagged up the long, barren slope of the mountain, in its effort to lessen the heavy grade, the young man on the platform of the observation car could see, far to the east, the shimmering, sun-filled haze that lies, always, like a veil of mystery, over the vast reaches of the Colorado Desert.