Chapter IX · Chapter 9

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

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

later than; following

From this reading After which he felt a little more of a man, with his pride to bear him company.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading Manuel came out from the room which Don Andres used for an office, saluted the señorita with the air of a permanent leave-taking, as well as a greeting, and passed the gringos with face averted.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

in addition

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

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

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

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

From this reading Manuel came out from the room which Don Andres used for an office, saluted the señorita with the air of a permanent leave-taking, as well as a greeting, and passed the gringos with face averted.

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

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

From this reading JERRY SIMPSON, SQUATTER The señorita, it would seem, had lost interest in the white horse as well as in his master.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

being joined in close association

From this reading Dade took both reasons smilingly, and mentally made a vow with a fearsome penalty attached to the breaking of it.

past form of “avert” — prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening

From this reading Manuel came out from the room which Don Andres used for an office, saluted the señorita with the air of a permanent leave-taking, as well as a greeting, and passed the gringos with face averted.

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

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

have

From this reading After which he felt a little more of a man, with his pride to bear him company.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Dade took both reasons smilingly, and mentally made a vow with a fearsome penalty attached to the breaking of it.

the act of breaking something

From this reading Dade took both reasons smilingly, and mentally made a vow with a fearsome penalty attached to the breaking of it.

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

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

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

From this reading Manuel came out from the room which Don Andres used for an office, saluted the señorita with the air of a permanent leave-taking, as well as a greeting, and passed the gringos with face averted.

completely ordinary and unremarkable

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading After which he felt a little more of a man, with his pride to bear him company.

express strong disapproval of

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

the act of constructing something

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

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

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

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

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

cause to be slowed down or delayed

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

a Spanish gentleman or nobleman

From this reading Manuel came out from the room which Don Andres used for an office, saluted the señorita with the air of a permanent leave-taking, as well as a greeting, and passed the gringos with face averted.

chemical process in which one atom or ion or group changes places with another

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

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

From this reading Manuel came out from the room which Don Andres used for an office, saluted the señorita with the air of a permanent leave-taking, as well as a greeting, and passed the gringos with face averted.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading Dade took both reasons smilingly, and mentally made a vow with a fearsome penalty attached to the breaking of it.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading After which he felt a little more of a man, with his pride to bear him company.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Manuel came out from the room which Don Andres used for an office, saluted the señorita with the air of a permanent leave-taking, as well as a greeting, and passed the gringos with face averted.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Manuel came out from the room which Don Andres used for an office, saluted the señorita with the air of a permanent leave-taking, as well as a greeting, and passed the gringos with face averted.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

(usually plural) an acknowledgment or expression of good will (especially on meeting)

From this reading Manuel came out from the room which Don Andres used for an office, saluted the señorita with the air of a permanent leave-taking, as well as a greeting, and passed the gringos with face averted.

plural of “gringo” — a Latin American (disparaging) term for foreigners (especially Americans and Englishmen)

From this reading Manuel came out from the room which Don Andres used for an office, saluted the señorita with the air of a permanent leave-taking, as well as a greeting, and passed the gringos with face averted.

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

From this reading JERRY SIMPSON, SQUATTER The señorita, it would seem, had lost interest in the white horse as well as in his master.

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

From this reading After which he felt a little more of a man, with his pride to bear him company.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

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

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

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

From this reading JERRY SIMPSON, SQUATTER The señorita, it would seem, had lost interest in the white horse as well as in his master.

solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading JERRY SIMPSON, SQUATTER The señorita, it would seem, had lost interest in the white horse as well as in his master.

possessive form of “hunter” — someone who hunts game

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

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

From this reading JERRY SIMPSON, SQUATTER The señorita, it would seem, had lost interest in the white horse as well as in his master.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading JERRY SIMPSON, SQUATTER The señorita, it would seem, had lost interest in the white horse as well as in his master.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading JERRY SIMPSON, SQUATTER The señorita, it would seem, had lost interest in the white horse as well as in his master.

offensive term for a person of German descent

From this reading JERRY SIMPSON, SQUATTER The señorita, it would seem, had lost interest in the white horse as well as in his master.

indicating the most important performer or role

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

the act of departing politely

From this reading Manuel came out from the room which Don Andres used for an office, saluted the señorita with the air of a permanent leave-taking, as well as a greeting, and passed the gringos with face averted.

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

From this reading After which he felt a little more of a man, with his pride to bear him company.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading JERRY SIMPSON, SQUATTER The señorita, it would seem, had lost interest in the white horse as well as in his master.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Dade took both reasons smilingly, and mentally made a vow with a fearsome penalty attached to the breaking of it.

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

From this reading After which he felt a little more of a man, with his pride to bear him company.

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

From this reading Manuel came out from the room which Don Andres used for an office, saluted the señorita with the air of a permanent leave-taking, as well as a greeting, and passed the gringos with face averted.

an artist of consummate skill

From this reading JERRY SIMPSON, SQUATTER The señorita, it would seem, had lost interest in the white horse as well as in his master.

mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

in your mind

From this reading Dade took both reasons smilingly, and mentally made a vow with a fearsome penalty attached to the breaking of it.

a particular point in time

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

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

From this reading After which he felt a little more of a man, with his pride to bear him company.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Dade took both reasons smilingly, and mentally made a vow with a fearsome penalty attached to the breaking of it.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading Manuel came out from the room which Don Andres used for an office, saluted the señorita with the air of a permanent leave-taking, as well as a greeting, and passed the gringos with face averted.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Manuel came out from the room which Don Andres used for an office, saluted the señorita with the air of a permanent leave-taking, as well as a greeting, and passed the gringos with face averted.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading Manuel came out from the room which Don Andres used for an office, saluted the señorita with the air of a permanent leave-taking, as well as a greeting, and passed the gringos with face averted.

usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

the act of punishing

From this reading Dade took both reasons smilingly, and mentally made a vow with a fearsome penalty attached to the breaking of it.

a laborer who is obliged to do menial work

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

continuing or enduring without marked change in status or condition or place

From this reading Manuel came out from the room which Don Andres used for an office, saluted the señorita with the air of a permanent leave-taking, as well as a greeting, and passed the gringos with face averted.

with pessimism; in a pessimistic manner

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

a feeling of self-respect and personal worth

From this reading After which he felt a little more of a man, with his pride to bear him company.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading Dade took both reasons smilingly, and mentally made a vow with a fearsome penalty attached to the breaking of it.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading Manuel came out from the room which Don Andres used for an office, saluted the señorita with the air of a permanent leave-taking, as well as a greeting, and passed the gringos with face averted.

having a saddle on or being mounted on a saddled animal

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

past form of “salute” — propose a toast to

From this reading Manuel came out from the room which Don Andres used for an office, saluted the señorita with the air of a permanent leave-taking, as well as a greeting, and passed the gringos with face averted.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading JERRY SIMPSON, SQUATTER The señorita, it would seem, had lost interest in the white horse as well as in his master.

concerned chiefly or only with yourself and your advantage to the exclusion of others

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

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

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

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

From this reading JERRY SIMPSON, SQUATTER The señorita, it would seem, had lost interest in the white horse as well as in his master.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

United States divorcee whose marriage to Edward VIII created a constitutional crisis leading to his abdication

From this reading JERRY SIMPSON, SQUATTER The señorita, it would seem, had lost interest in the white horse as well as in his master.

a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

with smiles; in a smiling manner

From this reading Dade took both reasons smilingly, and mentally made a vow with a fearsome penalty attached to the breaking of it.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

someone who settles lawfully on government land with the intent to acquire title to it

From this reading JERRY SIMPSON, SQUATTER The señorita, it would seem, had lost interest in the white horse as well as in his master.

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

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

carry out

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

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

From this reading JERRY SIMPSON, SQUATTER The señorita, it would seem, had lost interest in the white horse as well as in his master.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

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

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading Dade took both reasons smilingly, and mentally made a vow with a fearsome penalty attached to the breaking of it.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading Manuel came out from the room which Don Andres used for an office, saluted the señorita with the air of a permanent leave-taking, as well as a greeting, and passed the gringos with face averted.

precisely as stated

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

make a vow; promise

From this reading Dade took both reasons smilingly, and mentally made a vow with a fearsome penalty attached to the breaking of it.

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

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

(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 JERRY SIMPSON, SQUATTER The señorita, it would seem, had lost interest in the white horse as well as in his master.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

a Caucasian

From this reading JERRY SIMPSON, SQUATTER The señorita, it would seem, had lost interest in the white horse as well as in his master.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Dade took both reasons smilingly, and mentally made a vow with a fearsome penalty attached to the breaking of it.

someone who sees an event and reports what happened

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading That was the construction which Dade pessimistically put upon her smiling assurance that she could never be so selfish as to take Señor Hunter's wonderful Surry and condemn him to some commonplace caballo; though she gave also a better reason than that, which was that her own horse was already saddled--witness the peon leading the animal into the patio at that very moment--and that an exchange would mean delay.

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

From this reading JERRY SIMPSON, SQUATTER The señorita, it would seem, had lost interest in the white horse as well as in his master.