Chapter XIX · Chapter 19

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

From this reading CITIZEN SABATIER TURNS TRAITOR The Rue Charonne in the neighborhood of the Chat Rouge was a busy street.

-ing form of “adjoin” — lie adjacent to another or share a boundary

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

anew

From this reading There were stories current of men who had ventured and had never come forth again.

possessing life

From this reading It was an old part of the city, too, built on land once belonging to a monastery whose memory was still kept alive by the names of mean streets and alleys into which byways respectable citizens did not go.

plural of “alley” — a narrow street with walls on both sides

From this reading It was an old part of the city, too, built on land once belonging to a monastery whose memory was still kept alive by the names of mean streets and alleys into which byways respectable citizens did not go.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

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

From this reading It was an old part of the city, too, built on land once belonging to a monastery whose memory was still kept alive by the names of mean streets and alleys into which byways respectable citizens did not go.

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

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

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

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

confidently declared to be so

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

the act of achieving an aim

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

plural of “attempt” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

happiness felt in a secure relationship

From this reading It was an old part of the city, too, built on land once belonging to a monastery whose memory was still kept alive by the names of mean streets and alleys into which byways respectable citizens did not go.

(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness

From this reading It was an old part of the city, too, built on land once belonging to a monastery whose memory was still kept alive by the names of mean streets and alleys into which byways respectable citizens did not go.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading CITIZEN SABATIER TURNS TRAITOR The Rue Charonne in the neighborhood of the Chat Rouge was a busy street.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It was an old part of the city, too, built on land once belonging to a monastery whose memory was still kept alive by the names of mean streets and alleys into which byways respectable citizens did not go.

plural of “byway” — a side road little traveled (as in the countryside)

From this reading It was an old part of the city, too, built on land once belonging to a monastery whose memory was still kept alive by the names of mean streets and alleys into which byways respectable citizens did not go.

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

From this reading CITIZEN SABATIER TURNS TRAITOR The Rue Charonne in the neighborhood of the Chat Rouge was a busy street.

talk socially without exchanging too much information

From this reading CITIZEN SABATIER TURNS TRAITOR The Rue Charonne in the neighborhood of the Chat Rouge was a busy street.

relatively low in price or charging low prices

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

a native or naturalized member of a state or other political community

From this reading CITIZEN SABATIER TURNS TRAITOR The Rue Charonne in the neighborhood of the Chat Rouge was a busy street.

plural of “citizen” — a native or naturalized member of a state or other political community

From this reading It was an old part of the city, too, built on land once belonging to a monastery whose memory was still kept alive by the names of mean streets and alleys into which byways respectable citizens did not go.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading It was an old part of the city, too, built on land once belonging to a monastery whose memory was still kept alive by the names of mean streets and alleys into which byways respectable citizens did not go.

make up

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading There were stories current of men who had ventured and had never come forth again.

carefully weighed

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

a flow of electricity through a conductor

From this reading There were stories current of men who had ventured and had never come forth again.

to a great depth psychologically or emotionally

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading It was an old part of the city, too, built on land once belonging to a monastery whose memory was still kept alive by the names of mean streets and alleys into which byways respectable citizens did not go.

having come or been brought to a conclusion

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

ensure observance of laws and rules

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

divisible by two

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

past form of “exist” — have an existence, be extant

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

an act that fails

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

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

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading There were stories current of men who had ventured and had never come forth again.

an article of clothing

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading It was an old part of the city, too, built on land once belonging to a monastery whose memory was still kept alive by the names of mean streets and alleys into which byways respectable citizens did not go.

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

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

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

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

pitted with cell-like cavities (as a honeycomb)

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

the quality of being important and worthy of note

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

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

From this reading CITIZEN SABATIER TURNS TRAITOR The Rue Charonne in the neighborhood of the Chat Rouge was a busy street.

a quantity that is added

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

morally objectionable behavior

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

past form of “initiate” — bring into being

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

having many complexly arranged elements; elaborate

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

without variation or change, in every case

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was an old part of the city, too, built on land once belonging to a monastery whose memory was still kept alive by the names of mean streets and alleys into which byways respectable citizens did not go.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

the quality of being just or fair

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading It was an old part of the city, too, built on land once belonging to a monastery whose memory was still kept alive by the names of mean streets and alleys into which byways respectable citizens did not go.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading It was an old part of the city, too, built on land once belonging to a monastery whose memory was still kept alive by the names of mean streets and alleys into which byways respectable citizens did not go.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading It was an old part of the city, too, built on land once belonging to a monastery whose memory was still kept alive by the names of mean streets and alleys into which byways respectable citizens did not go.

The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information and knowledge.

From this reading It was an old part of the city, too, built on land once belonging to a monastery whose memory was still kept alive by the names of mean streets and alleys into which byways respectable citizens did not go.

the force of workers available

From this reading There were stories current of men who had ventured and had never come forth again.

the residence of a religious community

From this reading It was an old part of the city, too, built on land once belonging to a monastery whose memory was still kept alive by the names of mean streets and alleys into which byways respectable citizens did not go.

kill intentionally and with premeditation

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

verbal abuse; a crude substitute for argument

From this reading It was an old part of the city, too, built on land once belonging to a monastery whose memory was still kept alive by the names of mean streets and alleys into which byways respectable citizens did not go.

a surrounding or nearby region

From this reading CITIZEN SABATIER TURNS TRAITOR The Rue Charonne in the neighborhood of the Chat Rouge was a busy street.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading There were stories current of men who had ventured and had never come forth again.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It was an old part of the city, too, built on land once belonging to a monastery whose memory was still kept alive by the names of mean streets and alleys into which byways respectable citizens did not go.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading CITIZEN SABATIER TURNS TRAITOR The Rue Charonne in the neighborhood of the Chat Rouge was a busy street.

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

From this reading It was an old part of the city, too, built on land once belonging to a monastery whose memory was still kept alive by the names of mean streets and alleys into which byways respectable citizens did not go.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

on one occasion

From this reading It was an old part of the city, too, built on land once belonging to a monastery whose memory was still kept alive by the names of mean streets and alleys into which byways respectable citizens did not go.

and nothing more

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading It was an old part of the city, too, built on land once belonging to a monastery whose memory was still kept alive by the names of mean streets and alleys into which byways respectable citizens did not go.

pass into or through, often by overcoming resistance

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

the state of having little or no money and few or no material possessions

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

the property of having material worth (often indicated by the amount of money something would bring if sold)

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

one of four equal parts

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

characterized by socially or conventionally acceptable morals

From this reading It was an old part of the city, too, built on land once belonging to a monastery whose memory was still kept alive by the names of mean streets and alleys into which byways respectable citizens did not go.

makeup consisting of a pink or red powder applied to the cheeks

From this reading CITIZEN SABATIER TURNS TRAITOR The Rue Charonne in the neighborhood of the Chat Rouge was a busy street.

European strong-scented perennial herb with grey-green bitter-tasting leaves; an irritant similar to poison ivy

From this reading CITIZEN SABATIER TURNS TRAITOR The Rue Charonne in the neighborhood of the Chat Rouge was a busy street.

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

From this reading CITIZEN SABATIER TURNS TRAITOR The Rue Charonne in the neighborhood of the Chat Rouge was a busy street.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

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

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

not in physical motion

From this reading It was an old part of the city, too, built on land once belonging to a monastery whose memory was still kept alive by the names of mean streets and alleys into which byways respectable citizens did not go.

plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading There were stories current of men who had ventured and had never come forth again.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading CITIZEN SABATIER TURNS TRAITOR The Rue Charonne in the neighborhood of the Chat Rouge was a busy street.

plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

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

From this reading CITIZEN SABATIER TURNS TRAITOR The Rue Charonne in the neighborhood of the Chat Rouge was a busy street.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

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

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

someone who betrays his country by committing treason

From this reading CITIZEN SABATIER TURNS TRAITOR The Rue Charonne in the neighborhood of the Chat Rouge was a busy street.

cheap showy jewelry or ornament on clothing

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

plural of “turn” — a circular segment of a curve

From this reading CITIZEN SABATIER TURNS TRAITOR The Rue Charonne in the neighborhood of the Chat Rouge was a busy street.

past form of “venture” — proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers

From this reading There were stories current of men who had ventured and had never come forth again.

plural of “warren” — United States writer and poet (1905-1989)

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

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

From this reading CITIZEN SABATIER TURNS TRAITOR The Rue Charonne in the neighborhood of the Chat Rouge was a busy street.

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

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

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

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

which person or people

From this reading There were stories current of men who had ventured and had never come forth again.

belonging to which person

From this reading It was an old part of the city, too, built on land once belonging to a monastery whose memory was still kept alive by the names of mean streets and alleys into which byways respectable citizens did not go.

in the company of; together with

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

lacking in usefulness or value

From this reading With some of the inhabitants, it was asserted, the attainment of an almost worthless trinket, or a single coin, or even a garment, was considered cheap as the price of murder; and so intricate were the streets, so honeycombed with secret hiding-places known only to the initiated, that attempts to enforce justice had almost invariably ended in failure.

a late time of life

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.

but in spite of that

From this reading Its importance as a business quarter had been on the increase for some years, yet in the adjoining back streets extreme poverty existed and there were warrens of iniquity into which the law had feared to penetrate too deeply.