Chapter XIV

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

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

later than; following

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

anew

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

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

From this reading Illinois ends in a hook, which extends so far south and so far east as to bring a part of Illinois to the southward of Kentucky.

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

From this reading Phil recognized this as one of the vagaries of the wonderful river.

confidently declared to be so

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

form a curve

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading Illinois ends in a hook, which extends so far south and so far east as to bring a part of Illinois to the southward of Kentucky.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading No ordinary map shows this, but it is nevertheless true.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

a town at the southern tip of Illinois at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

navigational instrument for finding directions

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

-ing form of “consult” — get or ask advice from

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

very opposed in nature or character or purpose

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

plural of “cut” — a share of the profits

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

a line leading to a place or point

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

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

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

owed and payable immediately or on demand

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

plural of “earthquake” — shaking and vibration at the surface of the earth resulting from underground movement along a fault plane or from volcanic activity

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees

From this reading Illinois ends in a hook, which extends so far south and so far east as to bring a part of Illinois to the southward of Kentucky.

plural of “end” — either extremity of something that has length

From this reading Illinois ends in a hook, which extends so far south and so far east as to bring a part of Illinois to the southward of Kentucky.

liable to sudden unpredictable change

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

third-person singular of “extend” — extend in scope or range or area

From this reading Illinois ends in a hook, which extends so far south and so far east as to bring a part of Illinois to the southward of Kentucky.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Illinois ends in a hook, which extends so far south and so far east as to bring a part of Illinois to the southward of Kentucky.

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

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

set up or found

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

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

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

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

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

fasten with a hook

From this reading Illinois ends in a hook, which extends so far south and so far east as to bring a part of Illinois to the southward of Kentucky.

a midwestern state in north-central United States

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

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

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

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

From this reading No ordinary map shows this, but it is nevertheless true.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

a state in east central United States; a border state during the American Civil War; famous for breeding race horses

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

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 Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

immediately past

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions on one's way of life.

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

the deliberate act of deviating from the truth

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

the capital and largest city situated centrally in Spain; home of an outstanding art museum

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

make a map of; show or establish the features of details of

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

a major North American river and the chief river of the United States; rises in northern Minnesota and flows southward into the Gulf of Mexico

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading No ordinary map shows this, but it is nevertheless true.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

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

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

not any; not one

From this reading No ordinary map shows this, but it is nevertheless true.

the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

and nothing more

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

a judge of a probate court

From this reading No ordinary map shows this, but it is nevertheless true.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

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

From this reading Phil recognized this as one of the vagaries of the wonderful river.

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

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

generally approved or compelling recognition

From this reading Phil recognized this as one of the vagaries of the wonderful river.

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

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

plural of “run” — a score in baseball made by a runner touching all four bases safely

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

plural of “show” — the act of publicly exhibiting or entertaining

From this reading No ordinary map shows this, but it is nevertheless true.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Illinois ends in a hook, which extends so far south and so far east as to bring a part of Illinois to the southward of Kentucky.

in the near future

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

situated in or oriented toward the south

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

toward the south

From this reading Illinois ends in a hook, which extends so far south and so far east as to bring a part of Illinois to the southward of Kentucky.

the unlimited expanse in which everything is located

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

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

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

in a strange manner

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

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

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

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

From this reading Phil recognized this as one of the vagaries of the wonderful river.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

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

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

in the direction of

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading No ordinary map shows this, but it is nevertheless true.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

plural of “vagary” — an unexpected and inexplicable change in something (in a situation or a person's behavior, etc.)

From this reading Phil recognized this as one of the vagaries of the wonderful river.

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

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

in or at the place that

From this reading Consulting his map, he found that the river knew its business, that the boat was in New Madrid Bend, where for a space the strangely erratic river runs north, only to turn again to its southerly course, after having asserted its liberty by running in a contrary direction as it does at Cairo, where a line drawn due north from the southerly point of Illinois cuts through a part of Kentucky, a state lying to the south of Illinois.

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

From this reading Illinois ends in a hook, which extends so far south and so far east as to bring a part of Illinois to the southward of Kentucky.

belonging to which person

From this reading IN THE HOME OF THE EARTHQUAKES One night soon after _The Last of the Flatboats_ left Cairo, Phil’s compass showed that the Mississippi River, whose business it was to run toward the south, was in fact running due north.

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading Phil recognized this as one of the vagaries of the wonderful river.