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The man-killers
The man-killers

Chapter I

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Context Illustration Reading 1/19 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
AUTHOR OF "THE FIGHTING FOOL," "WUNPOST," ETC.
_First printing_ _March, 1921_ _Second_ " _April, 1921_ There was a hush, a boding silence, in Deadman Canyon, and skirling hawks, flying high against the cliffs, settled down and watched expectantly.
A man was riding warily up the Maverick Basin trail, and ahead, like hunting animals, two men were skulking forth to cut him off at the creek.
Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.
A stream of cold water, gushing out of a deep side chasm, formed a swirl in the tepid waters of the creek; and close to its edge a flat stone had been laid, where a man could kneel and drink.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The man-killers

Chapter I

Reading 1/19 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
AUTHOR OF "THE FIGHTING FOOL," "WUNPOST," ETC.
Line 2
_First printing_ _March, 1921_ _Second_ " _April, 1921_ There was a hush, a boding silence, in Deadman Canyon, and skirling hawks, flying high against the cliffs, settled down and watched expectantly.
Line 3
A man was riding warily up the Maverick Basin trail, and ahead, like hunting animals, two men were skulking forth to cut him off at the creek.
Line 4
Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.
Line 5
A stream of cold water, gushing out of a deep side chasm, formed a swirl in the tepid waters of the creek; and close to its edge a flat stone had been laid, where a man could kneel and drink.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Above preposition US /əˈbʌv/

higher than, or over, something

From this reading “Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.”

Against preposition US /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading “_First printing_ _March, 1921_ _Second_ " _April, 1921_ There was a hush, a boding silence, in Deadman Canyon, and skirling hawks, flying high against the cliffs, settled down and watched expectantly.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “A stream of cold water, gushing out of a deep side chasm, formed a swirl in the tepid waters of the creek; and close to its edge a flat stone had been laid, where a man could kneel and drink.”

Beneath preposition US /bɪˈniːθ/

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading “Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “A stream of cold water, gushing out of a deep side chasm, formed a swirl in the tepid waters of the creek; and close to its edge a flat stone had been laid, where a man could kneel and drink.”

Drink noun US /drink/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “A stream of cold water, gushing out of a deep side chasm, formed a swirl in the tepid waters of the creek; and close to its edge a flat stone had been laid, where a man could kneel and drink.”

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

FOOL noun US /fool/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “AUTHOR OF "THE FIGHTING FOOL," "WUNPOST," ETC.”

Second noun US /second/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

Shelves noun US /ʃelvz/

Plural of shelf; the vast wooden or stone structures holding archives.

From this reading “Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.”

Silence noun US /ˈsaɪ.ləns/

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading “_First printing_ _March, 1921_ _Second_ " _April, 1921_ There was a hush, a boding silence, in Deadman Canyon, and skirling hawks, flying high against the cliffs, settled down and watched expectantly.”

Stopped noun US /stopped/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.”

All words in this reading · 111

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

1921

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

From this reading _First printing_ _March, 1921_ _Second_ " _April, 1921_ There was a hush, a boding silence, in Deadman Canyon, and skirling hawks, flying high against the cliffs, settled down and watched expectantly.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading _First printing_ _March, 1921_ _Second_ " _April, 1921_ There was a hush, a boding silence, in Deadman Canyon, and skirling hawks, flying high against the cliffs, settled down and watched expectantly.

AboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/

higher than, or over, something

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading _First printing_ _March, 1921_ _Second_ " _April, 1921_ There was a hush, a boding silence, in Deadman Canyon, and skirling hawks, flying high against the cliffs, settled down and watched expectantly.

age-old

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

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

ahead

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

From this reading A man was riding warily up the Maverick Basin trail, and ahead, like hunting animals, two men were skulking forth to cut him off at the creek.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading _First printing_ _March, 1921_ _Second_ " _April, 1921_ There was a hush, a boding silence, in Deadman Canyon, and skirling hawks, flying high against the cliffs, settled down and watched expectantly.

animals

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

From this reading A man was riding warily up the Maverick Basin trail, and ahead, like hunting animals, two men were skulking forth to cut him off at the creek.

April

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

From this reading _First printing_ _March, 1921_ _Second_ " _April, 1921_ There was a hush, a boding silence, in Deadman Canyon, and skirling hawks, flying high against the cliffs, settled down and watched expectantly.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A man was riding warily up the Maverick Basin trail, and ahead, like hunting animals, two men were skulking forth to cut him off at the creek.

AUTHOR

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF "THE FIGHTING FOOL," "WUNPOST," ETC.

Basin

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

From this reading A man was riding warily up the Maverick Basin trail, and ahead, like hunting animals, two men were skulking forth to cut him off at the creek.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading A stream of cold water, gushing out of a deep side chasm, formed a swirl in the tepid waters of the creek; and close to its edge a flat stone had been laid, where a man could kneel and drink.

beneathprepositionUS /bɪˈniːθ/

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

boding

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

From this reading _First printing_ _March, 1921_ _Second_ " _April, 1921_ There was a hush, a boding silence, in Deadman Canyon, and skirling hawks, flying high against the cliffs, settled down and watched expectantly.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

Canyon

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

From this reading _First printing_ _March, 1921_ _Second_ " _April, 1921_ There was a hush, a boding silence, in Deadman Canyon, and skirling hawks, flying high against the cliffs, settled down and watched expectantly.

chasm

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

From this reading A stream of cold water, gushing out of a deep side chasm, formed a swirl in the tepid waters of the creek; and close to its edge a flat stone had been laid, where a man could kneel and drink.

cliff-dwellers

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

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

cliffs

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

From this reading _First printing_ _March, 1921_ _Second_ " _April, 1921_ There was a hush, a boding silence, in Deadman Canyon, and skirling hawks, flying high against the cliffs, settled down and watched expectantly.

close

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

From this reading A stream of cold water, gushing out of a deep side chasm, formed a swirl in the tepid waters of the creek; and close to its edge a flat stone had been laid, where a man could kneel and drink.

cold

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

From this reading A stream of cold water, gushing out of a deep side chasm, formed a swirl in the tepid waters of the creek; and close to its edge a flat stone had been laid, where a man could kneel and drink.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading A stream of cold water, gushing out of a deep side chasm, formed a swirl in the tepid waters of the creek; and close to its edge a flat stone had been laid, where a man could kneel and drink.

crags

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

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

creek

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

From this reading A man was riding warily up the Maverick Basin trail, and ahead, like hunting animals, two men were skulking forth to cut him off at the creek.

cut

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

From this reading A man was riding warily up the Maverick Basin trail, and ahead, like hunting animals, two men were skulking forth to cut him off at the creek.

Deadman

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

From this reading _First printing_ _March, 1921_ _Second_ " _April, 1921_ There was a hush, a boding silence, in Deadman Canyon, and skirling hawks, flying high against the cliffs, settled down and watched expectantly.

deep

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

From this reading A stream of cold water, gushing out of a deep side chasm, formed a swirl in the tepid waters of the creek; and close to its edge a flat stone had been laid, where a man could kneel and drink.

desolate

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

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

down

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

From this reading _First printing_ _March, 1921_ _Second_ " _April, 1921_ There was a hush, a boding silence, in Deadman Canyon, and skirling hawks, flying high against the cliffs, settled down and watched expectantly.

drink

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

From this reading A stream of cold water, gushing out of a deep side chasm, formed a swirl in the tepid waters of the creek; and close to its edge a flat stone had been laid, where a man could kneel and drink.

edge

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

From this reading A stream of cold water, gushing out of a deep side chasm, formed a swirl in the tepid waters of the creek; and close to its edge a flat stone had been laid, where a man could kneel and drink.

ETC

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF "THE FIGHTING FOOL," "WUNPOST," ETC.

expectantly

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

From this reading _First printing_ _March, 1921_ _Second_ " _April, 1921_ There was a hush, a boding silence, in Deadman Canyon, and skirling hawks, flying high against the cliffs, settled down and watched expectantly.

FIGHTING

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF "THE FIGHTING FOOL," "WUNPOST," ETC.

FirstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading _First printing_ _March, 1921_ _Second_ " _April, 1921_ There was a hush, a boding silence, in Deadman Canyon, and skirling hawks, flying high against the cliffs, settled down and watched expectantly.

flat

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

From this reading A stream of cold water, gushing out of a deep side chasm, formed a swirl in the tepid waters of the creek; and close to its edge a flat stone had been laid, where a man could kneel and drink.

flying

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

From this reading _First printing_ _March, 1921_ _Second_ " _April, 1921_ There was a hush, a boding silence, in Deadman Canyon, and skirling hawks, flying high against the cliffs, settled down and watched expectantly.

FOOLnounUS /fool/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading AUTHOR OF "THE FIGHTING FOOL," "WUNPOST," ETC.

formed

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

From this reading A stream of cold water, gushing out of a deep side chasm, formed a swirl in the tepid waters of the creek; and close to its edge a flat stone had been laid, where a man could kneel and drink.

forth

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

From this reading A man was riding warily up the Maverick Basin trail, and ahead, like hunting animals, two men were skulking forth to cut him off at the creek.

gazed

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

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

gushing

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

From this reading A stream of cold water, gushing out of a deep side chasm, formed a swirl in the tepid waters of the creek; and close to its edge a flat stone had been laid, where a man could kneel and drink.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading A stream of cold water, gushing out of a deep side chasm, formed a swirl in the tepid waters of the creek; and close to its edge a flat stone had been laid, where a man could kneel and drink.

hawks

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

From this reading _First printing_ _March, 1921_ _Second_ " _April, 1921_ There was a hush, a boding silence, in Deadman Canyon, and skirling hawks, flying high against the cliffs, settled down and watched expectantly.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

high

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

From this reading _First printing_ _March, 1921_ _Second_ " _April, 1921_ There was a hush, a boding silence, in Deadman Canyon, and skirling hawks, flying high against the cliffs, settled down and watched expectantly.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading A man was riding warily up the Maverick Basin trail, and ahead, like hunting animals, two men were skulking forth to cut him off at the creek.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

houses

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

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

hunting

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

From this reading A man was riding warily up the Maverick Basin trail, and ahead, like hunting animals, two men were skulking forth to cut him off at the creek.

hush

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

From this reading _First printing_ _March, 1921_ _Second_ " _April, 1921_ There was a hush, a boding silence, in Deadman Canyon, and skirling hawks, flying high against the cliffs, settled down and watched expectantly.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading _First printing_ _March, 1921_ _Second_ " _April, 1921_ There was a hush, a boding silence, in Deadman Canyon, and skirling hawks, flying high against the cliffs, settled down and watched expectantly.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading A stream of cold water, gushing out of a deep side chasm, formed a swirl in the tepid waters of the creek; and close to its edge a flat stone had been laid, where a man could kneel and drink.

knee

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

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

kneel

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

From this reading A stream of cold water, gushing out of a deep side chasm, formed a swirl in the tepid waters of the creek; and close to its edge a flat stone had been laid, where a man could kneel and drink.

laid

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

From this reading A stream of cold water, gushing out of a deep side chasm, formed a swirl in the tepid waters of the creek; and close to its edge a flat stone had been laid, where a man could kneel and drink.

like

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

From this reading A man was riding warily up the Maverick Basin trail, and ahead, like hunting animals, two men were skulking forth to cut him off at the creek.

man

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

From this reading A man was riding warily up the Maverick Basin trail, and ahead, like hunting animals, two men were skulking forth to cut him off at the creek.

March

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

From this reading _First printing_ _March, 1921_ _Second_ " _April, 1921_ There was a hush, a boding silence, in Deadman Canyon, and skirling hawks, flying high against the cliffs, settled down and watched expectantly.

Maverick

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

From this reading A man was riding warily up the Maverick Basin trail, and ahead, like hunting animals, two men were skulking forth to cut him off at the creek.

men

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

From this reading A man was riding warily up the Maverick Basin trail, and ahead, like hunting animals, two men were skulking forth to cut him off at the creek.

mud-wasp's

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

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

nests

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

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

now

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

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AUTHOR OF "THE FIGHTING FOOL," "WUNPOST," ETC.

off

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

From this reading A man was riding warily up the Maverick Basin trail, and ahead, like hunting animals, two men were skulking forth to cut him off at the creek.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

out

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

From this reading A stream of cold water, gushing out of a deep side chasm, formed a swirl in the tepid waters of the creek; and close to its edge a flat stone had been laid, where a man could kneel and drink.

place

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

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

printing

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

From this reading _First printing_ _March, 1921_ _Second_ " _April, 1921_ There was a hush, a boding silence, in Deadman Canyon, and skirling hawks, flying high against the cliffs, settled down and watched expectantly.

riding

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

From this reading A man was riding warily up the Maverick Basin trail, and ahead, like hunting animals, two men were skulking forth to cut him off at the creek.

rifle

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

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

rode

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

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

Scarboroughs

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

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

Second

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

From this reading _First printing_ _March, 1921_ _Second_ " _April, 1921_ There was a hush, a boding silence, in Deadman Canyon, and skirling hawks, flying high against the cliffs, settled down and watched expectantly.

settled

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

From this reading _First printing_ _March, 1921_ _Second_ " _April, 1921_ There was a hush, a boding silence, in Deadman Canyon, and skirling hawks, flying high against the cliffs, settled down and watched expectantly.

shelvesnounUS /ʃelvz/

Plural of shelf; the vast wooden or stone structures holding archives.

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

side

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

From this reading A stream of cold water, gushing out of a deep side chasm, formed a swirl in the tepid waters of the creek; and close to its edge a flat stone had been laid, where a man could kneel and drink.

silencenounUS /ˈsaɪ.ləns/

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading _First printing_ _March, 1921_ _Second_ " _April, 1921_ There was a hush, a boding silence, in Deadman Canyon, and skirling hawks, flying high against the cliffs, settled down and watched expectantly.

skirling

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

From this reading _First printing_ _March, 1921_ _Second_ " _April, 1921_ There was a hush, a boding silence, in Deadman Canyon, and skirling hawks, flying high against the cliffs, settled down and watched expectantly.

skulking

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

From this reading A man was riding warily up the Maverick Basin trail, and ahead, like hunting animals, two men were skulking forth to cut him off at the creek.

stalking

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From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

stone

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

From this reading A stream of cold water, gushing out of a deep side chasm, formed a swirl in the tepid waters of the creek; and close to its edge a flat stone had been laid, where a man could kneel and drink.

stoppednounUS /stopped/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

stream

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

From this reading A stream of cold water, gushing out of a deep side chasm, formed a swirl in the tepid waters of the creek; and close to its edge a flat stone had been laid, where a man could kneel and drink.

stuck

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

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

sun-blackened

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

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

swirl

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

From this reading A stream of cold water, gushing out of a deep side chasm, formed a swirl in the tepid waters of the creek; and close to its edge a flat stone had been laid, where a man could kneel and drink.

tenantless

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

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

tepid

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

From this reading A stream of cold water, gushing out of a deep side chasm, formed a swirl in the tepid waters of the creek; and close to its edge a flat stone had been laid, where a man could kneel and drink.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF "THE FIGHTING FOOL," "WUNPOST," ETC.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

There

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

From this reading _First printing_ _March, 1921_ _Second_ " _April, 1921_ There was a hush, a boding silence, in Deadman Canyon, and skirling hawks, flying high against the cliffs, settled down and watched expectantly.

tight

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

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading A man was riding warily up the Maverick Basin trail, and ahead, like hunting animals, two men were skulking forth to cut him off at the creek.

tragedy

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

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

trail

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

From this reading A man was riding warily up the Maverick Basin trail, and ahead, like hunting animals, two men were skulking forth to cut him off at the creek.

two

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

From this reading A man was riding warily up the Maverick Basin trail, and ahead, like hunting animals, two men were skulking forth to cut him off at the creek.

up

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

From this reading A man was riding warily up the Maverick Basin trail, and ahead, like hunting animals, two men were skulking forth to cut him off at the creek.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

warily

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

From this reading A man was riding warily up the Maverick Basin trail, and ahead, like hunting animals, two men were skulking forth to cut him off at the creek.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading _First printing_ _March, 1921_ _Second_ " _April, 1921_ There was a hush, a boding silence, in Deadman Canyon, and skirling hawks, flying high against the cliffs, settled down and watched expectantly.

watched

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

From this reading _First printing_ _March, 1921_ _Second_ " _April, 1921_ There was a hush, a boding silence, in Deadman Canyon, and skirling hawks, flying high against the cliffs, settled down and watched expectantly.

water

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

From this reading A stream of cold water, gushing out of a deep side chasm, formed a swirl in the tepid waters of the creek; and close to its edge a flat stone had been laid, where a man could kneel and drink.

waters

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

From this reading A stream of cold water, gushing out of a deep side chasm, formed a swirl in the tepid waters of the creek; and close to its edge a flat stone had been laid, where a man could kneel and drink.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading A man was riding warily up the Maverick Basin trail, and ahead, like hunting animals, two men were skulking forth to cut him off at the creek.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading A stream of cold water, gushing out of a deep side chasm, formed a swirl in the tepid waters of the creek; and close to its edge a flat stone had been laid, where a man could kneel and drink.

white

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

From this reading Above them, stuck tight as mud-wasp's nests to the shelves of sun-blackened crags, the white houses of cliff-dwellers, now desolate and tenantless, gazed down upon the age-old tragedy; but the man rode on, his rifle beneath his knee, and at the stalking place of the Scarboroughs he stopped.

WUNPOST

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF "THE FIGHTING FOOL," "WUNPOST," ETC.