Chapter III

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

From this reading Black Tom and old Stebbins had a hard day’s ride of it, and they drew the rein in a heavily-timbered grove, just as the sun was setting, with the intention of camping there for the night.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

later than; following

From this reading So these veteran prairie-men proceeded with all their caution and kept their senses on the alert for any “sign” of their old enemies, who came down sometimes like the sweep of the whirlwind, and who had the unpleasant trait, after being thoroughly whipped, of not staying whipped.

engaged in or accustomed to close observation

From this reading So these veteran prairie-men proceeded with all their caution and kept their senses on the alert for any “sign” of their old enemies, who came down sometimes like the sweep of the whirlwind, and who had the unpleasant trait, after being thoroughly whipped, of not staying whipped.

(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 They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

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

From this reading Black Tom and old Stebbins had a hard day’s ride of it, and they drew the rein in a heavily-timbered grove, just as the sun was setting, with the intention of camping there for the night.

plural of “animal” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

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

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading Dismounting from their ponies, old Stebbins walked back to the edge of the timber, and carefully made a circuit around it.

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

From this reading Black Tom and old Stebbins had a hard day’s ride of it, and they drew the rein in a heavily-timbered grove, just as the sun was setting, with the intention of camping there for the night.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Dismounting from their ponies, old Stebbins walked back to the edge of the timber, and carefully made a circuit around it.

plural of “bear” — massive plantigrade carnivorous or omnivorous mammals with long shaggy coats and strong claws

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading So these veteran prairie-men proceeded with all their caution and kept their senses on the alert for any “sign” of their old enemies, who came down sometimes like the sweep of the whirlwind, and who had the unpleasant trait, after being thoroughly whipped, of not staying whipped.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading Black Tom and old Stebbins had a hard day’s ride of it, and they drew the rein in a heavily-timbered grove, just as the sun was setting, with the intention of camping there for the night.

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

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading They were well up toward the Black Hills, in a country broken with forest, hill and prairie, and interspersed with streams of every size, from the rivulet and foaming cañon to the broad, serenely-flowing river.

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading They were well up toward the Black Hills, in a country broken with forest, hill and prairie, and interspersed with streams of every size, from the rivulet and foaming cañon to the broad, serenely-flowing river.

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

From this reading So these veteran prairie-men proceeded with all their caution and kept their senses on the alert for any “sign” of their old enemies, who came down sometimes like the sweep of the whirlwind, and who had the unpleasant trait, after being thoroughly whipped, of not staying whipped.

the act of encamping and living in tents in a camp

From this reading Black Tom and old Stebbins had a hard day’s ride of it, and they drew the rein in a heavily-timbered grove, just as the sun was setting, with the intention of camping there for the night.

taking care or paying attention

From this reading Dismounting from their ponies, old Stebbins walked back to the edge of the timber, and carefully made a circuit around it.

the trait of being cautious; being attentive to possible danger

From this reading So these veteran prairie-men proceeded with all their caution and kept their senses on the alert for any “sign” of their old enemies, who came down sometimes like the sweep of the whirlwind, and who had the unpleasant trait, after being thoroughly whipped, of not staying whipped.

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

From this reading They were well up toward the Black Hills, in a country broken with forest, hill and prairie, and interspersed with streams of every size, from the rivulet and foaming cañon to the broad, serenely-flowing river.

an electrical device that provides a path for electrical current to flow

From this reading Dismounting from their ponies, old Stebbins walked back to the edge of the timber, and carefully made a circuit around it.

inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading They were well up toward the Black Hills, in a country broken with forest, hill and prairie, and interspersed with streams of every size, from the rivulet and foaming cañon to the broad, serenely-flowing river.

a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

possessive form of “day” — time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Black Tom and old Stebbins had a hard day’s ride of it, and they drew the rein in a heavily-timbered grove, just as the sun was setting, with the intention of camping there for the night.

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

From this reading Dismounting from their ponies, old Stebbins walked back to the edge of the timber, and carefully made a circuit around it.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading So these veteran prairie-men proceeded with all their caution and kept their senses on the alert for any “sign” of their old enemies, who came down sometimes like the sweep of the whirlwind, and who had the unpleasant trait, after being thoroughly whipped, of not staying whipped.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)

From this reading Black Tom and old Stebbins had a hard day’s ride of it, and they drew the rein in a heavily-timbered grove, just as the sun was setting, with the intention of camping there for the night.

the boundary of a surface

From this reading Dismounting from their ponies, old Stebbins walked back to the edge of the timber, and carefully made a circuit around it.

come together

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

plural of “enemy” — an opposing military force

From this reading So these veteran prairie-men proceeded with all their caution and kept their senses on the alert for any “sign” of their old enemies, who came down sometimes like the sweep of the whirlwind, and who had the unpleasant trait, after being thoroughly whipped, of not staying whipped.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading They were well up toward the Black Hills, in a country broken with forest, hill and prairie, and interspersed with streams of every size, from the rivulet and foaming cañon to the broad, serenely-flowing river.

past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

superlative of “fierce” — marked by extreme and violent energy

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

emitting or filled with bubbles as from carbonation or fermentation

From this reading They were well up toward the Black Hills, in a country broken with forest, hill and prairie, and interspersed with streams of every size, from the rivulet and foaming cañon to the broad, serenely-flowing river.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Black Tom and old Stebbins had a hard day’s ride of it, and they drew the rein in a heavily-timbered grove, just as the sun was setting, with the intention of camping there for the night.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading They were well up toward the Black Hills, in a country broken with forest, hill and prairie, and interspersed with streams of every size, from the rivulet and foaming cañon to the broad, serenely-flowing river.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading They were well up toward the Black Hills, in a country broken with forest, hill and prairie, and interspersed with streams of every size, from the rivulet and foaming cañon to the broad, serenely-flowing river.

powerful brownish-yellow bear of the uplands of western North America

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

a small growth of trees without underbrush

From this reading Black Tom and old Stebbins had a hard day’s ride of it, and they drew the rein in a heavily-timbered grove, just as the sun was setting, with the intention of camping there for the night.

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

From this reading Black Tom and old Stebbins had a hard day’s ride of it, and they drew the rein in a heavily-timbered grove, just as the sun was setting, with the intention of camping there for the night.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading Black Tom and old Stebbins had a hard day’s ride of it, and they drew the rein in a heavily-timbered grove, just as the sun was setting, with the intention of camping there for the night.

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

From this reading Black Tom and old Stebbins had a hard day’s ride of it, and they drew the rein in a heavily-timbered grove, just as the sun was setting, with the intention of camping there for the night.

a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading They were well up toward the Black Hills, in a country broken with forest, hill and prairie, and interspersed with streams of every size, from the rivulet and foaming cañon to the broad, serenely-flowing river.

plural of “hill” — a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading They were well up toward the Black Hills, in a country broken with forest, hill and prairie, and interspersed with streams of every size, from the rivulet and foaming cañon to the broad, serenely-flowing river.

plural of “hunter” — someone who hunts game

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

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

From this reading Black Tom and old Stebbins had a hard day’s ride of it, and they drew the rein in a heavily-timbered grove, just as the sun was setting, with the intention of camping there for the night.

past form of “infest” — invade in great numbers

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading Black Tom and old Stebbins had a hard day’s ride of it, and they drew the rein in a heavily-timbered grove, just as the sun was setting, with the intention of camping there for the night.

past form of “intersperse” — place at intervals in or among

From this reading They were well up toward the Black Hills, in a country broken with forest, hill and prairie, and interspersed with streams of every size, from the rivulet and foaming cañon to the broad, serenely-flowing river.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Black Tom and old Stebbins had a hard day’s ride of it, and they drew the rein in a heavily-timbered grove, just as the sun was setting, with the intention of camping there for the night.

and nothing more

From this reading Black Tom and old Stebbins had a hard day’s ride of it, and they drew the rein in a heavily-timbered grove, just as the sun was setting, with the intention of camping there for the night.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading So these veteran prairie-men proceeded with all their caution and kept their senses on the alert for any “sign” of their old enemies, who came down sometimes like the sweep of the whirlwind, and who had the unpleasant trait, after being thoroughly whipped, of not staying whipped.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading So these veteran prairie-men proceeded with all their caution and kept their senses on the alert for any “sign” of their old enemies, who came down sometimes like the sweep of the whirlwind, and who had the unpleasant trait, after being thoroughly whipped, of not staying whipped.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Dismounting from their ponies, old Stebbins walked back to the edge of the timber, and carefully made a circuit around it.

the force of workers available

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

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

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading Black Tom and old Stebbins had a hard day’s ride of it, and they drew the rein in a heavily-timbered grove, just as the sun was setting, with the intention of camping there for the night.

to, toward, or in the northwest

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading So these veteran prairie-men proceeded with all their caution and kept their senses on the alert for any “sign” of their old enemies, who came down sometimes like the sweep of the whirlwind, and who had the unpleasant trait, after being thoroughly whipped, of not staying whipped.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Black Tom and old Stebbins had a hard day’s ride of it, and they drew the rein in a heavily-timbered grove, just as the sun was setting, with the intention of camping there for the night.

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

From this reading Black Tom and old Stebbins had a hard day’s ride of it, and they drew the rein in a heavily-timbered grove, just as the sun was setting, with the intention of camping there for the night.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading So these veteran prairie-men proceeded with all their caution and kept their senses on the alert for any “sign” of their old enemies, who came down sometimes like the sweep of the whirlwind, and who had the unpleasant trait, after being thoroughly whipped, of not staying whipped.

plural of “pony” — a range horse of the western United States

From this reading Dismounting from their ponies, old Stebbins walked back to the edge of the timber, and carefully made a circuit around it.

a treeless grassy plain

From this reading They were well up toward the Black Hills, in a country broken with forest, hill and prairie, and interspersed with streams of every size, from the rivulet and foaming cañon to the broad, serenely-flowing river.

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

From this reading So these veteran prairie-men proceeded with all their caution and kept their senses on the alert for any “sign” of their old enemies, who came down sometimes like the sweep of the whirlwind, and who had the unpleasant trait, after being thoroughly whipped, of not staying whipped.

past form of “proceed” — continue talking

From this reading So these veteran prairie-men proceeded with all their caution and kept their senses on the alert for any “sign” of their old enemies, who came down sometimes like the sweep of the whirlwind, and who had the unpleasant trait, after being thoroughly whipped, of not staying whipped.

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

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

the extended spatial location of something

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

control and direct with or as if by reins

From this reading Black Tom and old Stebbins had a hard day’s ride of it, and they drew the rein in a heavily-timbered grove, just as the sun was setting, with the intention of camping there for the night.

sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions

From this reading Black Tom and old Stebbins had a hard day’s ride of it, and they drew the rein in a heavily-timbered grove, just as the sun was setting, with the intention of camping there for the night.

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

From this reading They were well up toward the Black Hills, in a country broken with forest, hill and prairie, and interspersed with streams of every size, from the rivulet and foaming cañon to the broad, serenely-flowing river.

a small stream

From this reading They were well up toward the Black Hills, in a country broken with forest, hill and prairie, and interspersed with streams of every size, from the rivulet and foaming cañon to the broad, serenely-flowing river.

plural of “sens” — street names for marijuana

From this reading So these veteran prairie-men proceeded with all their caution and kept their senses on the alert for any “sign” of their old enemies, who came down sometimes like the sweep of the whirlwind, and who had the unpleasant trait, after being thoroughly whipped, of not staying whipped.

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

From this reading They were well up toward the Black Hills, in a country broken with forest, hill and prairie, and interspersed with streams of every size, from the rivulet and foaming cañon to the broad, serenely-flowing river.

the context and environment in which something is set

From this reading Black Tom and old Stebbins had a hard day’s ride of it, and they drew the rein in a heavily-timbered grove, just as the sun was setting, with the intention of camping there for the night.

a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading So these veteran prairie-men proceeded with all their caution and kept their senses on the alert for any “sign” of their old enemies, who came down sometimes like the sweep of the whirlwind, and who had the unpleasant trait, after being thoroughly whipped, of not staying whipped.

the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)

From this reading They were well up toward the Black Hills, in a country broken with forest, hill and prairie, and interspersed with streams of every size, from the rivulet and foaming cañon to the broad, serenely-flowing river.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So these veteran prairie-men proceeded with all their caution and kept their senses on the alert for any “sign” of their old enemies, who came down sometimes like the sweep of the whirlwind, and who had the unpleasant trait, after being thoroughly whipped, of not staying whipped.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading So these veteran prairie-men proceeded with all their caution and kept their senses on the alert for any “sign” of their old enemies, who came down sometimes like the sweep of the whirlwind, and who had the unpleasant trait, after being thoroughly whipped, of not staying whipped.

-ing form of “stay” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading So these veteran prairie-men proceeded with all their caution and kept their senses on the alert for any “sign” of their old enemies, who came down sometimes like the sweep of the whirlwind, and who had the unpleasant trait, after being thoroughly whipped, of not staying whipped.

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

From this reading Black Tom and old Stebbins had a hard day’s ride of it, and they drew the rein in a heavily-timbered grove, just as the sun was setting, with the intention of camping there for the night.

plural of “stream” — a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading They were well up toward the Black Hills, in a country broken with forest, hill and prairie, and interspersed with streams of every size, from the rivulet and foaming cañon to the broad, serenely-flowing river.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading Black Tom and old Stebbins had a hard day’s ride of it, and they drew the rein in a heavily-timbered grove, just as the sun was setting, with the intention of camping there for the night.

sweep across or over

From this reading So these veteran prairie-men proceeded with all their caution and kept their senses on the alert for any “sign” of their old enemies, who came down sometimes like the sweep of the whirlwind, and who had the unpleasant trait, after being thoroughly whipped, of not staying whipped.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

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

From this reading Black Tom and old Stebbins had a hard day’s ride of it, and they drew the rein in a heavily-timbered grove, just as the sun was setting, with the intention of camping there for the night.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading So these veteran prairie-men proceeded with all their caution and kept their senses on the alert for any “sign” of their old enemies, who came down sometimes like the sweep of the whirlwind, and who had the unpleasant trait, after being thoroughly whipped, of not staying whipped.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Black Tom and old Stebbins had a hard day’s ride of it, and they drew the rein in a heavily-timbered grove, just as the sun was setting, with the intention of camping there for the night.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading So these veteran prairie-men proceeded with all their caution and kept their senses on the alert for any “sign” of their old enemies, who came down sometimes like the sweep of the whirlwind, and who had the unpleasant trait, after being thoroughly whipped, of not staying whipped.

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

From this reading Black Tom and old Stebbins had a hard day’s ride of it, and they drew the rein in a heavily-timbered grove, just as the sun was setting, with the intention of camping there for the night.

in an exhaustive manner

From this reading So these veteran prairie-men proceeded with all their caution and kept their senses on the alert for any “sign” of their old enemies, who came down sometimes like the sweep of the whirlwind, and who had the unpleasant trait, after being thoroughly whipped, of not staying whipped.

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

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

the wood of trees cut and prepared for use as building material

From this reading Dismounting from their ponies, old Stebbins walked back to the edge of the timber, and carefully made a circuit around it.

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

From this reading They were well up toward the Black Hills, in a country broken with forest, hill and prairie, and interspersed with streams of every size, from the rivulet and foaming cañon to the broad, serenely-flowing river.

male cat

From this reading Black Tom and old Stebbins had a hard day’s ride of it, and they drew the rein in a heavily-timbered grove, just as the sun was setting, with the intention of camping there for the night.

in the direction of

From this reading They were well up toward the Black Hills, in a country broken with forest, hill and prairie, and interspersed with streams of every size, from the rivulet and foaming cañon to the broad, serenely-flowing river.

a distinguishing feature of your personal nature

From this reading So these veteran prairie-men proceeded with all their caution and kept their senses on the alert for any “sign” of their old enemies, who came down sometimes like the sweep of the whirlwind, and who had the unpleasant trait, after being thoroughly whipped, of not staying whipped.

plural of “trapper” — someone who sets traps for animals (usually to obtain their furs)

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

dangerously unstable and unpredictable

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

a social division of (usually preliterate) people

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

continuing forever or indefinitely

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

offensive or disagreeable; causing discomfort or unhappiness

From this reading So these veteran prairie-men proceeded with all their caution and kept their senses on the alert for any “sign” of their old enemies, who came down sometimes like the sweep of the whirlwind, and who had the unpleasant trait, after being thoroughly whipped, of not staying whipped.

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

From this reading They were well up toward the Black Hills, in a country broken with forest, hill and prairie, and interspersed with streams of every size, from the rivulet and foaming cañon to the broad, serenely-flowing river.

a serviceman who has seen considerable active service

From this reading So these veteran prairie-men proceeded with all their caution and kept their senses on the alert for any “sign” of their old enemies, who came down sometimes like the sweep of the whirlwind, and who had the unpleasant trait, after being thoroughly whipped, of not staying whipped.

something that remunerates

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

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

From this reading Dismounting from their ponies, old Stebbins walked back to the edge of the timber, and carefully made a circuit around it.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

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

From this reading Black Tom and old Stebbins had a hard day’s ride of it, and they drew the rein in a heavily-timbered grove, just as the sun was setting, with the intention of camping there for the night.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading They were well up toward the Black Hills, in a country broken with forest, hill and prairie, and interspersed with streams of every size, from the rivulet and foaming cañon to the broad, serenely-flowing river.

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

From this reading They were well up toward the Black Hills, in a country broken with forest, hill and prairie, and interspersed with streams of every size, from the rivulet and foaming cañon to the broad, serenely-flowing river.

inflected form of “whip” — beat severely with a whip or rod

From this reading So these veteran prairie-men proceeded with all their caution and kept their senses on the alert for any “sign” of their old enemies, who came down sometimes like the sweep of the whirlwind, and who had the unpleasant trait, after being thoroughly whipped, of not staying whipped.

a more or less vertical column of air whirling around itself as it moves over the surface of the Earth

From this reading So these veteran prairie-men proceeded with all their caution and kept their senses on the alert for any “sign” of their old enemies, who came down sometimes like the sweep of the whirlwind, and who had the unpleasant trait, after being thoroughly whipped, of not staying whipped.

a Caucasian

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

which person or people

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading They were in a region infested with grizzly bears and the fiercest of wild animals, and above all with the daring and treacherous Blackfeet--those dreaded red-skins of the North-West, with whom the hunters and trappers are compelled to wage unceasing warfare, and who are more feared than any tribe that the white men encounter.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Black Tom and old Stebbins had a hard day’s ride of it, and they drew the rein in a heavily-timbered grove, just as the sun was setting, with the intention of camping there for the night.