Chapter V · A Friend in Need

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

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

plural of “ability” — the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment

From this reading Towards Parge, the detective stood in the relation of pupil to master; for it was Parge who, observing his abilities, had induced him to join the profession, and had never ceased to praise, and blame, and help him on to the best of his ability.

the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment

From this reading Towards Parge, the detective stood in the relation of pupil to master; for it was Parge who, observing his abilities, had induced him to join the profession, and had never ceased to praise, and blame, and help him on to the best of his ability.

a proposal for an appropriate course of action

From this reading It was not the first time he had used Mr. Parge as a finger-post to point out the right path, and in the present instance he was rather vexed with himself that he had not applied before in this quarter for advice and guidance.

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

From this reading As it was, he felt more relieved than astonished, and hastened to obey the summons without delay.

concerned with concrete problems or data rather than with fundamental principles

From this reading It was not the first time he had used Mr. Parge as a finger-post to point out the right path, and in the present instance he was rather vexed with himself that he had not applied before in this quarter for advice and guidance.

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

From this reading As it was, he felt more relieved than astonished, and hastened to obey the summons without delay.

filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock

From this reading As it was, he felt more relieved than astonished, and hastened to obey the summons without delay.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading It was not the first time he had used Mr. Parge as a finger-post to point out the right path, and in the present instance he was rather vexed with himself that he had not applied before in this quarter for advice and guidance.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading Towards Parge, the detective stood in the relation of pupil to master; for it was Parge who, observing his abilities, had induced him to join the profession, and had never ceased to praise, and blame, and help him on to the best of his ability.

(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 But better late than never, thought he, while repairing his error, and making up for his neglect by replying in person to the summons.

put or pin the blame on

From this reading Towards Parge, the detective stood in the relation of pupil to master; for it was Parge who, observing his abilities, had induced him to join the profession, and had never ceased to praise, and blame, and help him on to the best of his ability.

the use of brief expressions

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading But better late than never, thought he, while repairing his error, and making up for his neglect by replying in person to the summons.

past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading Towards Parge, the detective stood in the relation of pupil to master; for it was Parge who, observing his abilities, had induced him to join the profession, and had never ceased to praise, and blame, and help him on to the best of his ability.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

applying to ordinary citizens as contrasted with the military

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

marked by a tendency to find and call attention to errors and flaws

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

marked by rude or peremptory shortness

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

cause to be slowed down or delayed

From this reading As it was, he felt more relieved than astonished, and hastened to obey the summons without delay.

a police officer who investigates crimes

From this reading Towards Parge, the detective stood in the relation of pupil to master; for it was Parge who, observing his abilities, had induced him to join the profession, and had never ceased to praise, and blame, and help him on to the best of his ability.

plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention

From this reading But better late than never, thought he, while repairing his error, and making up for his neglect by replying in person to the summons.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading As it was, he felt more relieved than astonished, and hastened to obey the summons without delay.

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

From this reading It was not the first time he had used Mr. Parge as a finger-post to point out the right path, and in the present instance he was rather vexed with himself that he had not applied before in this quarter for advice and guidance.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading It was not the first time he had used Mr. Parge as a finger-post to point out the right path, and in the present instance he was rather vexed with himself that he had not applied before in this quarter for advice and guidance.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It was not the first time he had used Mr. Parge as a finger-post to point out the right path, and in the present instance he was rather vexed with himself that he had not applied before in this quarter for advice and guidance.

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

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

something that provides direction or advice as to a decision or course of action

From this reading It was not the first time he had used Mr. Parge as a finger-post to point out the right path, and in the present instance he was rather vexed with himself that he had not applied before in this quarter for advice and guidance.

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

From this reading It was not the first time he had used Mr. Parge as a finger-post to point out the right path, and in the present instance he was rather vexed with himself that he had not applied before in this quarter for advice and guidance.

only a very short time before

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

past form of “hasten” — act or move at high speed

From this reading As it was, he felt more relieved than astonished, and hastened to obey the summons without delay.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

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

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

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

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading It was not the first time he had used Mr. Parge as a finger-post to point out the right path, and in the present instance he was rather vexed with himself that he had not applied before in this quarter for advice and guidance.

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

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

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

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

brought about or caused; not spontaneous

From this reading Towards Parge, the detective stood in the relation of pupil to master; for it was Parge who, observing his abilities, had induced him to join the profession, and had never ceased to praise, and blame, and help him on to the best of his ability.

an occurrence of something

From this reading It was not the first time he had used Mr. Parge as a finger-post to point out the right path, and in the present instance he was rather vexed with himself that he had not applied before in this quarter for advice and guidance.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading As it was, he felt more relieved than astonished, and hastened to obey the summons without delay.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

become part of; become a member of a group or organization

From this reading Towards Parge, the detective stood in the relation of pupil to master; for it was Parge who, observing his abilities, had induced him to join the profession, and had never ceased to praise, and blame, and help him on to the best of his ability.

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 But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

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

From this reading But better late than never, thought he, while repairing his error, and making up for his neglect by replying in person to the summons.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading But better late than never, thought he, while repairing his error, and making up for his neglect by replying in person to the summons.

an artist of consummate skill

From this reading Towards Parge, the detective stood in the relation of pupil to master; for it was Parge who, observing his abilities, had induced him to join the profession, and had never ceased to praise, and blame, and help him on to the best of his ability.

a particular point in time

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

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

From this reading As it was, he felt more relieved than astonished, and hastened to obey the summons without delay.

a form of address for a man

From this reading It was not the first time he had used Mr. Parge as a finger-post to point out the right path, and in the present instance he was rather vexed with himself that he had not applied before in this quarter for advice and guidance.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

leave undone or leave out

From this reading But better late than never, thought he, while repairing his error, and making up for his neglect by replying in person to the summons.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading But better late than never, thought he, while repairing his error, and making up for his neglect by replying in person to the summons.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It was not the first time he had used Mr. Parge as a finger-post to point out the right path, and in the present instance he was rather vexed with himself that he had not applied before in this quarter for advice and guidance.

a brief written record

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

be obedient to

From this reading As it was, he felt more relieved than astonished, and hastened to obey the summons without delay.

quick to notice; showing quick and keen perception

From this reading Towards Parge, the detective stood in the relation of pupil to master; for it was Parge who, observing his abilities, had induced him to join the profession, and had never ceased to praise, and blame, and help him on to the best of his ability.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Towards Parge, the detective stood in the relation of pupil to master; for it was Parge who, observing his abilities, had induced him to join the profession, and had never ceased to praise, and blame, and help him on to the best of his ability.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

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

From this reading It was not the first time he had used Mr. Parge as a finger-post to point out the right path, and in the present instance he was rather vexed with himself that he had not applied before in this quarter for advice and guidance.

a course of conduct

From this reading It was not the first time he had used Mr. Parge as a finger-post to point out the right path, and in the present instance he was rather vexed with himself that he had not applied before in this quarter for advice and guidance.

a human being

From this reading But better late than never, thought he, while repairing his error, and making up for his neglect by replying in person to the summons.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading It was not the first time he had used Mr. Parge as a finger-post to point out the right path, and in the present instance he was rather vexed with himself that he had not applied before in this quarter for advice and guidance.

an expression of approval and commendation

From this reading Towards Parge, the detective stood in the relation of pupil to master; for it was Parge who, observing his abilities, had induced him to join the profession, and had never ceased to praise, and blame, and help him on to the best of his ability.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading It was not the first time he had used Mr. Parge as a finger-post to point out the right path, and in the present instance he was rather vexed with himself that he had not applied before in this quarter for advice and guidance.

the body of people in a learned occupation

From this reading Towards Parge, the detective stood in the relation of pupil to master; for it was Parge who, observing his abilities, had induced him to join the profession, and had never ceased to praise, and blame, and help him on to the best of his ability.

a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution

From this reading Towards Parge, the detective stood in the relation of pupil to master; for it was Parge who, observing his abilities, had induced him to join the profession, and had never ceased to praise, and blame, and help him on to the best of his ability.

one of four equal parts

From this reading It was not the first time he had used Mr. Parge as a finger-post to point out the right path, and in the present instance he was rather vexed with himself that he had not applied before in this quarter for advice and guidance.

on the contrary

From this reading It was not the first time he had used Mr. Parge as a finger-post to point out the right path, and in the present instance he was rather vexed with himself that he had not applied before in this quarter for advice and guidance.

an abstraction belonging to or characteristic of two entities or parts together

From this reading Towards Parge, the detective stood in the relation of pupil to master; for it was Parge who, observing his abilities, had induced him to join the profession, and had never ceased to praise, and blame, and help him on to the best of his ability.

(of pain or sorrow) made easier to bear

From this reading As it was, he felt more relieved than astonished, and hastened to obey the summons without delay.

-ing form of “repair” — restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken

From this reading But better late than never, thought he, while repairing his error, and making up for his neglect by replying in person to the summons.

-ing form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading But better late than never, thought he, while repairing his error, and making up for his neglect by replying in person to the summons.

precisely, exactly

From this reading It was not the first time he had used Mr. Parge as a finger-post to point out the right path, and in the present instance he was rather vexed with himself that he had not applied before in this quarter for advice and guidance.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading Towards Parge, the detective stood in the relation of pupil to master; for it was Parge who, observing his abilities, had induced him to join the profession, and had never ceased to praise, and blame, and help him on to the best of his ability.

a request to be present

From this reading As it was, he felt more relieved than astonished, and hastened to obey the summons without delay.

taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading As it was, he felt more relieved than astonished, and hastened to obey the summons without delay.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

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

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading But better late than never, thought he, while repairing his error, and making up for his neglect by replying in person to the summons.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading It was not the first time he had used Mr. Parge as a finger-post to point out the right path, and in the present instance he was rather vexed with himself that he had not applied before in this quarter for advice and guidance.

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

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

in the direction of

From this reading Towards Parge, the detective stood in the relation of pupil to master; for it was Parge who, observing his abilities, had induced him to join the profession, and had never ceased to praise, and blame, and help him on to the best of his ability.

not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

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

From this reading But better late than never, thought he, while repairing his error, and making up for his neglect by replying in person to the summons.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading It was not the first time he had used Mr. Parge as a finger-post to point out the right path, and in the present instance he was rather vexed with himself that he had not applied before in this quarter for advice and guidance.

troubled persistently especially with petty annoyances

From this reading It was not the first time he had used Mr. Parge as a finger-post to point out the right path, and in the present instance he was rather vexed with himself that he had not applied before in this quarter for advice and guidance.

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

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

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

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

during the time that

From this reading But better late than never, thought he, while repairing his error, and making up for his neglect by replying in person to the summons.

which person or people

From this reading Towards Parge, the detective stood in the relation of pupil to master; for it was Parge who, observing his abilities, had induced him to join the profession, and had never ceased to praise, and blame, and help him on to the best of his ability.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It was not the first time he had used Mr. Parge as a finger-post to point out the right path, and in the present instance he was rather vexed with himself that he had not applied before in this quarter for advice and guidance.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading As it was, he felt more relieved than astonished, and hastened to obey the summons without delay.

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

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading But that Gebb knew the writer of this curt note, which was hardly civil in its brevity, he would have been much surprised at the untoward chance of its coming at so critical a moment to help him out of his difficulties.