Chapter II

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

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

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

From this reading The man was within arm’s reach of the two sleeping figures, and he was armed; at least, he was using a vicious-looking hunting-knife to cut the pack lashings.

possessive form of “arm” — a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb

From this reading The man was within arm’s reach of the two sleeping figures, and he was armed; at least, he was using a vicious-looking hunting-knife to cut the pack lashings.

(used of persons or the military) characterized by having or bearing arms

From this reading The man was within arm’s reach of the two sleeping figures, and he was armed; at least, he was using a vicious-looking hunting-knife to cut the pack lashings.

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

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

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

From this reading The little pencil sketch made by the old prospector had been put into the envelope containing the Survey maps; and the envelope, as Purdick knew, had been placed between the leaves of the mineralogy book for safe-keeping and carriage.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The man was within arm’s reach of the two sleeping figures, and he was armed; at least, he was using a vicious-looking hunting-knife to cut the pack lashings.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading The little pencil sketch made by the old prospector had been put into the envelope containing the Survey maps; and the envelope, as Purdick knew, had been placed between the leaves of the mineralogy book for safe-keeping and carriage.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading The little pencil sketch made by the old prospector had been put into the envelope containing the Survey maps; and the envelope, as Purdick knew, had been placed between the leaves of the mineralogy book for safe-keeping and carriage.

the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing

From this reading Purdick held his breath.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The little pencil sketch made by the old prospector had been put into the envelope containing the Survey maps; and the envelope, as Purdick knew, had been placed between the leaves of the mineralogy book for safe-keeping and carriage.

temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

assets available for use in the production of further assets

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

a railcar where passengers ride

From this reading The little pencil sketch made by the old prospector had been put into the envelope containing the Survey maps; and the envelope, as Purdick knew, had been placed between the leaves of the mineralogy book for safe-keeping and carriage.

plural of “companion” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

-ing form of “contain” — include or contain; have as a component

From this reading The little pencil sketch made by the old prospector had been put into the envelope containing the Survey maps; and the envelope, as Purdick knew, had been placed between the leaves of the mineralogy book for safe-keeping and carriage.

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

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

deprive of strength or efficiency; make useless or worthless

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading The man was within arm’s reach of the two sleeping figures, and he was armed; at least, he was using a vicious-looking hunting-knife to cut the pack lashings.

a bold outlaw (especially on the American frontier)

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

a flat (usually rectangular) container for a letter, thin package, etc.

From this reading The little pencil sketch made by the old prospector had been put into the envelope containing the Survey maps; and the envelope, as Purdick knew, had been placed between the leaves of the mineralogy book for safe-keeping and carriage.

plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading The man was within arm’s reach of the two sleeping figures, and he was armed; at least, he was using a vicious-looking hunting-knife to cut the pack lashings.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The little pencil sketch made by the old prospector had been put into the envelope containing the Survey maps; and the envelope, as Purdick knew, had been placed between the leaves of the mineralogy book for safe-keeping and carriage.

turned into ice; affected by freezing or by long and severe cold

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

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

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

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

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading Purdick held his breath.

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

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

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

From this reading The man was within arm’s reach of the two sleeping figures, and he was armed; at least, he was using a vicious-looking hunting-knife to cut the pack lashings.

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

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The little pencil sketch made by the old prospector had been put into the envelope containing the Survey maps; and the envelope, as Purdick knew, had been placed between the leaves of the mineralogy book for safe-keeping and carriage.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading The little pencil sketch made by the old prospector had been put into the envelope containing the Survey maps; and the envelope, as Purdick knew, had been placed between the leaves of the mineralogy book for safe-keeping and carriage.

a large number or amount

From this reading The man was within arm’s reach of the two sleeping figures, and he was armed; at least, he was using a vicious-looking hunting-knife to cut the pack lashings.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading It was too late now.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading The man was within arm’s reach of the two sleeping figures, and he was armed; at least, he was using a vicious-looking hunting-knife to cut the pack lashings.

plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading The little pencil sketch made by the old prospector had been put into the envelope containing the Survey maps; and the envelope, as Purdick knew, had been placed between the leaves of the mineralogy book for safe-keeping and carriage.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The little pencil sketch made by the old prospector had been put into the envelope containing the Survey maps; and the envelope, as Purdick knew, had been placed between the leaves of the mineralogy book for safe-keeping and carriage.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

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

From this reading The man was within arm’s reach of the two sleeping figures, and he was armed; at least, he was using a vicious-looking hunting-knife to cut the pack lashings.

plural of “map” — a diagrammatic representation of the earth's surface (or part of it)

From this reading The little pencil sketch made by the old prospector had been put into the envelope containing the Survey maps; and the envelope, as Purdick knew, had been placed between the leaves of the mineralogy book for safe-keeping and carriage.

the branch of geology that studies minerals: their structure and properties and the ways of distinguishing them

From this reading The little pencil sketch made by the old prospector had been put into the envelope containing the Survey maps; and the envelope, as Purdick knew, had been placed between the leaves of the mineralogy book for safe-keeping and carriage.

a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

used to form the superlative

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

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

From this reading It was too late now.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

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

From this reading The little pencil sketch made by the old prospector had been put into the envelope containing the Survey maps; and the envelope, as Purdick knew, had been placed between the leaves of the mineralogy book for safe-keeping and carriage.

and nothing more

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

arrange in a container

From this reading The man was within arm’s reach of the two sleeping figures, and he was armed; at least, he was using a vicious-looking hunting-knife to cut the pack lashings.

a thin cylindrical pointed writing implement; a rod of marking substance encased in wood

From this reading The little pencil sketch made by the old prospector had been put into the envelope containing the Survey maps; and the envelope, as Purdick knew, had been placed between the leaves of the mineralogy book for safe-keeping and carriage.

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading The little pencil sketch made by the old prospector had been put into the envelope containing the Survey maps; and the envelope, as Purdick knew, had been placed between the leaves of the mineralogy book for safe-keeping and carriage.

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

someone who explores an area for mineral deposits

From this reading The little pencil sketch made by the old prospector had been put into the envelope containing the Survey maps; and the envelope, as Purdick knew, had been placed between the leaves of the mineralogy book for safe-keeping and carriage.

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

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading The little pencil sketch made by the old prospector had been put into the envelope containing the Survey maps; and the envelope, as Purdick knew, had been placed between the leaves of the mineralogy book for safe-keeping and carriage.

reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading The man was within arm’s reach of the two sleeping figures, and he was armed; at least, he was using a vicious-looking hunting-knife to cut the pack lashings.

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

-ing form of “rummage” — search haphazardly

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

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

From this reading The little pencil sketch made by the old prospector had been put into the envelope containing the Survey maps; and the envelope, as Purdick knew, had been placed between the leaves of the mineralogy book for safe-keeping and carriage.

the state of being certain that adverse effects will not be caused by some agent under defined conditions

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

cut with a saw

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

preliminary drawing for later elaboration

From this reading The little pencil sketch made by the old prospector had been put into the envelope containing the Survey maps; and the envelope, as Purdick knew, had been placed between the leaves of the mineralogy book for safe-keeping and carriage.

the state of being asleep

From this reading The man was within arm’s reach of the two sleeping figures, and he was armed; at least, he was using a vicious-looking hunting-knife to cut the pack lashings.

plural of “sort” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading The little pencil sketch made by the old prospector had been put into the envelope containing the Survey maps; and the envelope, as Purdick knew, had been placed between the leaves of the mineralogy book for safe-keeping and carriage.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

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

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

a criminal who takes property belonging to someone else with the intention of keeping it or selling it

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

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

From this reading The man was within arm’s reach of the two sleeping figures, and he was armed; at least, he was using a vicious-looking hunting-knife to cut the pack lashings.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading It was too late now.

a track or mark left by something that has passed

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

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

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

an act that exploits or victimizes someone (treats them unfairly)

From this reading The man was within arm’s reach of the two sleeping figures, and he was armed; at least, he was using a vicious-looking hunting-knife to cut the pack lashings.

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

From this reading The man was within arm’s reach of the two sleeping figures, and he was armed; at least, he was using a vicious-looking hunting-knife to cut the pack lashings.

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

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

at the time that

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

in or at the place that

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

during the time that

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE FROZEN TRAIL When Purdick realized that the rummaging cripple was not only a camp thief, but most probably a desperado of sorts, he saw where he had made a capital mistake in not arousing his two companions while it could have been done with safety.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading The man was within arm’s reach of the two sleeping figures, and he was armed; at least, he was using a vicious-looking hunting-knife to cut the pack lashings.