Chapter IX

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

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading Taking the rifle from the long scabbard, he slung it across his back and slipped noiselessly up the ravine.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

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

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

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

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading Half an hour later he stopped suddenly and sniffed, and then glanced quickly around him.

a stream or brook

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

past form of “avoid” — stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Taking the rifle from the long scabbard, he slung it across his back and slipped noiselessly up the ravine.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading At last, reaching a fork, he chose the right-hand lead and pushed on more slowly for a few minutes, and then, picketing the horse, he slipped out of his chaps and boots and put on the pair of moccasins which had been hidden under the saddle flaps.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

plural of “boot” — footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg

From this reading At last, reaching a fork, he chose the right-hand lead and pushed on more slowly for a few minutes, and then, picketing the horse, he slipped out of his chaps and boots and put on the pair of moccasins which had been hidden under the saddle flaps.

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

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

rub with a brush, or as if with a brush

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

a hill that rises abruptly from the surrounding region; has a flat top and sloping sides

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

small room on a ship or boat where people sleep

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

plural of “chap” — a boy or man

From this reading At last, reaching a fork, he chose the right-hand lead and pushed on more slowly for a few minutes, and then, picketing the horse, he slipped out of his chaps and boots and put on the pair of moccasins which had been hidden under the saddle flaps.

inflected form of “choose” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives

From this reading At last, reaching a fork, he chose the right-hand lead and pushed on more slowly for a few minutes, and then, picketing the horse, he slipped out of his chaps and boots and put on the pair of moccasins which had been hidden under the saddle flaps.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading At last, reaching a fork, he chose the right-hand lead and pushed on more slowly for a few minutes, and then, picketing the horse, he slipped out of his chaps and boots and put on the pair of moccasins which had been hidden under the saddle flaps.

a movable airfoil that is part of an aircraft wing; used to increase lift or drag

From this reading At last, reaching a fork, he chose the right-hand lead and pushed on more slowly for a few minutes, and then, picketing the horse, he slipped out of his chaps and boots and put on the pair of moccasins which had been hidden under the saddle flaps.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading At last, reaching a fork, he chose the right-hand lead and pushed on more slowly for a few minutes, and then, picketing the horse, he slipped out of his chaps and boots and put on the pair of moccasins which had been hidden under the saddle flaps.

cutlery used for serving and eating food

From this reading At last, reaching a fork, he chose the right-hand lead and pushed on more slowly for a few minutes, and then, picketing the horse, he slipped out of his chaps and boots and put on the pair of moccasins which had been hidden under the saddle flaps.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

surrounded as with a border or fringe; sometimes used in combination

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Taking the rifle from the long scabbard, he slung it across his back and slipped noiselessly up the ravine.

past form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading Half an hour later he stopped suddenly and sniffed, and then glanced quickly around him.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

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

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

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

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

to a considerable degree

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

not accessible to view

From this reading At last, reaching a fork, he chose the right-hand lead and pushed on more slowly for a few minutes, and then, picketing the horse, he slipped out of his chaps and boots and put on the pair of moccasins which had been hidden under the saddle flaps.

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

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

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

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading At last, reaching a fork, he chose the right-hand lead and pushed on more slowly for a few minutes, and then, picketing the horse, he slipped out of his chaps and boots and put on the pair of moccasins which had been hidden under the saddle flaps.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading Half an hour later he stopped suddenly and sniffed, and then glanced quickly around him.

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

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

“Johnny” was applied as a nickname for Confederate soldiers by the Federal soldiers in the American Civil War; “greyback” derived from their grey Confederate uniforms

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

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 A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

immediately past

From this reading At last, reaching a fork, he chose the right-hand lead and pushed on more slowly for a few minutes, and then, picketing the horse, he slipped out of his chaps and boots and put on the pair of moccasins which had been hidden under the saddle flaps.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading Half an hour later he stopped suddenly and sniffed, and then glanced quickly around him.

take somebody somewhere

From this reading At last, reaching a fork, he chose the right-hand lead and pushed on more slowly for a few minutes, and then, picketing the horse, he slipped out of his chaps and boots and put on the pair of moccasins which had been hidden under the saddle flaps.

diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Taking the rifle from the long scabbard, he slung it across his back and slipped noiselessly up the ravine.

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading At last, reaching a fork, he chose the right-hand lead and pushed on more slowly for a few minutes, and then, picketing the horse, he slipped out of his chaps and boots and put on the pair of moccasins which had been hidden under the saddle flaps.

plural of “moccasin” — soft leather shoe; originally worn by Native Americans

From this reading At last, reaching a fork, he chose the right-hand lead and pushed on more slowly for a few minutes, and then, picketing the horse, he slipped out of his chaps and boots and put on the pair of moccasins which had been hidden under the saddle flaps.

the light of the Moon

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

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

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

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

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

without a sound

From this reading Taking the rifle from the long scabbard, he slung it across his back and slipped noiselessly up the ravine.

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

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading At last, reaching a fork, he chose the right-hand lead and pushed on more slowly for a few minutes, and then, picketing the horse, he slipped out of his chaps and boots and put on the pair of moccasins which had been hidden under the saddle flaps.

a set of two similar things considered as a unit

From this reading At last, reaching a fork, he chose the right-hand lead and pushed on more slowly for a few minutes, and then, picketing the horse, he slipped out of his chaps and boots and put on the pair of moccasins which had been hidden under the saddle flaps.

add pepper to

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

a legal document giving official permission to do something

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

-ing form of “picket” — serve as pickets or post pickets

From this reading At last, reaching a fork, he chose the right-hand lead and pushed on more slowly for a few minutes, and then, picketing the horse, he slipped out of his chaps and boots and put on the pair of moccasins which had been hidden under the saddle flaps.

a full supply

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

move with force

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

past form of “push” — move with force

From this reading At last, reaching a fork, he chose the right-hand lead and pushed on more slowly for a few minutes, and then, picketing the horse, he slipped out of his chaps and boots and put on the pair of moccasins which had been hidden under the saddle flaps.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading At last, reaching a fork, he chose the right-hand lead and pushed on more slowly for a few minutes, and then, picketing the horse, he slipped out of his chaps and boots and put on the pair of moccasins which had been hidden under the saddle flaps.

with speed

From this reading Half an hour later he stopped suddenly and sniffed, and then glanced quickly around him.

a deep narrow steep-sided valley (especially one formed by running water)

From this reading Taking the rifle from the long scabbard, he slung it across his back and slipped noiselessly up the ravine.

the act of physically reaching or thrusting out

From this reading At last, reaching a fork, he chose the right-hand lead and pushed on more slowly for a few minutes, and then, picketing the horse, he slipped out of his chaps and boots and put on the pair of moccasins which had been hidden under the saddle flaps.

inflected form of “ride” — sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

steal goods; take as spoils

From this reading Taking the rifle from the long scabbard, he slung it across his back and slipped noiselessly up the ravine.

located on or directed toward the right

From this reading At last, reaching a fork, he chose the right-hand lead and pushed on more slowly for a few minutes, and then, picketing the horse, he slipped out of his chaps and boots and put on the pair of moccasins which had been hidden under the saddle flaps.

plural of “rock” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

inflected form of “ride” — sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

put a saddle on

From this reading At last, reaching a fork, he chose the right-hand lead and pushed on more slowly for a few minutes, and then, picketing the horse, he slipped out of his chaps and boots and put on the pair of moccasins which had been hidden under the saddle flaps.

a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

a sheath for a sword or dagger or bayonet

From this reading Taking the rifle from the long scabbard, he slung it across his back and slipped noiselessly up the ravine.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

a minor short-term fight

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

inflected form of “slip” — move stealthily

From this reading At last, reaching a fork, he chose the right-hand lead and pushed on more slowly for a few minutes, and then, picketing the horse, he slipped out of his chaps and boots and put on the pair of moccasins which had been hidden under the saddle flaps.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading At last, reaching a fork, he chose the right-hand lead and pushed on more slowly for a few minutes, and then, picketing the horse, he slipped out of his chaps and boots and put on the pair of moccasins which had been hidden under the saddle flaps.

inflected form of “sling” — hurl as if with a sling

From this reading Taking the rifle from the long scabbard, he slung it across his back and slipped noiselessly up the ravine.

past form of “sniff” — perceive by inhaling through the nose

From this reading Half an hour later he stopped suddenly and sniffed, and then glanced quickly around him.

yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

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

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

move hurridly

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

(of a nose) blocked

From this reading Half an hour later he stopped suddenly and sniffed, and then glanced quickly around him.

a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading Half an hour later he stopped suddenly and sniffed, and then glanced quickly around him.

inflected form of “swing” — move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading Taking the rifle from the long scabbard, he slung it across his back and slipped noiselessly up the ravine.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

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

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading At last, reaching a fork, he chose the right-hand lead and pushed on more slowly for a few minutes, and then, picketing the horse, he slipped out of his chaps and boots and put on the pair of moccasins which had been hidden under the saddle flaps.

in or at that place or location

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

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

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

a track or mark left by something that has passed

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

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

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading At last, reaching a fork, he chose the right-hand lead and pushed on more slowly for a few minutes, and then, picketing the horse, he slipped out of his chaps and boots and put on the pair of moccasins which had been hidden under the saddle flaps.

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

From this reading Taking the rifle from the long scabbard, he slung it across his back and slipped noiselessly up the ravine.

a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

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

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

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

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

at the time that

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

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

From this reading A SKIRMISH IN THE NIGHT Saying good night to his two friends, Johnny rode north along the trail, but he had not ridden more than half way to the mouth of his valley when he swung Pepper into an arroyo which he knew led to the south side of the butte behind his cabin.

during the time that

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.

in the company of; together with

From this reading While heavily fringed with brush and trees it was open enough along the dry bed of the stream to permit him to push on at fair speed, and while there were rocks and bowlders in plenty, Pepper easily avoided them in the soft moonlight and went on with confidence.