Chapter XI · A Puzzling Thump

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

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

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

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

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

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

accomplishment of an objective

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

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

From this reading If only, Roger thought, as he made wide-angle and micro-lens exposures, if only Tip, excited, had not fumbled that switch!

the past participle of “be”

From this reading If someone had been set to watch down cellar!

a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

the lowermost portion of a structure partly or wholly below ground level; often used for storage

From this reading If someone had been set to watch down cellar!

a slight indication

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

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

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

-ing form of “depart” — move away from a place into another direction

From this reading Had he gotten the lights on a few seconds sooner, they might have seen what was going on, or could have seen the departing figure.

a licensed medical practitioner

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading If someone had been set to watch down cellar!

operate or control a vehicle

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

in or to another place

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

difficult to describe

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

(of persons) excessively affected by emotion

From this reading If only, Roger thought, as he made wide-angle and micro-lens exposures, if only Tip, excited, had not fumbled that switch!

plural of “exposure” — vulnerability to the elements; to the action of heat or cold or wind or rain

From this reading If only, Roger thought, as he made wide-angle and micro-lens exposures, if only Tip, excited, had not fumbled that switch!

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

From this reading Had he gotten the lights on a few seconds sooner, they might have seen what was going on, or could have seen the departing figure.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading Had he gotten the lights on a few seconds sooner, they might have seen what was going on, or could have seen the departing figure.

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

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

past form of “fumble” — feel about uncertainly or blindly

From this reading If only, Roger thought, as he made wide-angle and micro-lens exposures, if only Tip, excited, had not fumbled that switch!

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

the act of departing

From this reading Had he gotten the lights on a few seconds sooner, they might have seen what was going on, or could have seen the departing figure.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading Had he gotten the lights on a few seconds sooner, they might have seen what was going on, or could have seen the departing figure.

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

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

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

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Had he gotten the lights on a few seconds sooner, they might have seen what was going on, or could have seen the departing figure.

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

From this reading If only, Roger thought, as he made wide-angle and micro-lens exposures, if only Tip, excited, had not fumbled that switch!

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If only, Roger thought, as he made wide-angle and micro-lens exposures, if only Tip, excited, had not fumbled that switch!

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

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

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

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation

From this reading Had he gotten the lights on a few seconds sooner, they might have seen what was going on, or could have seen the departing figure.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

exerting shrewd or devious influence especially for one's own advantage

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

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

From this reading If only, Roger thought, as he made wide-angle and micro-lens exposures, if only Tip, excited, had not fumbled that switch!

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Had he gotten the lights on a few seconds sooner, they might have seen what was going on, or could have seen the departing figure.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading If only, Roger thought, as he made wide-angle and micro-lens exposures, if only Tip, excited, had not fumbled that switch!

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Had he gotten the lights on a few seconds sooner, they might have seen what was going on, or could have seen the departing figure.

and nothing more

From this reading If only, Roger thought, as he made wide-angle and micro-lens exposures, if only Tip, excited, had not fumbled that switch!

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

a set of two similar things considered as a unit

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

relating to photography or obtained by using photography

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

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

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

an unvarying or habitual method or procedure

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

done under pressure

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

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

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

free from danger or the risk of harm

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

plural of “second” — 1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading Had he gotten the lights on a few seconds sooner, they might have seen what was going on, or could have seen the departing figure.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Had he gotten the lights on a few seconds sooner, they might have seen what was going on, or could have seen the departing figure.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading If someone had been set to watch down cellar!

a person, without saying who

From this reading If someone had been set to watch down cellar!

comparatives of “soon” or “early”

From this reading Had he gotten the lights on a few seconds sooner, they might have seen what was going on, or could have seen the departing figure.

of or relating to a spectrum

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

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

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

change over, change around, as to a new order or sequence

From this reading If only, Roger thought, as he made wide-angle and micro-lens exposures, if only Tip, excited, had not fumbled that switch!

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

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

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Had he gotten the lights on a few seconds sooner, they might have seen what was going on, or could have seen the departing figure.

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

From this reading If only, Roger thought, as he made wide-angle and micro-lens exposures, if only Tip, excited, had not fumbled that switch!

the extreme end of something; especially something pointed

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

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

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

suggesting the operation of supernatural influences

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

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

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

look attentively

From this reading If someone had been set to watch down cellar!

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Had he gotten the lights on a few seconds sooner, they might have seen what was going on, or could have seen the departing figure.

during the time that

From this reading While Tip was rushed out to the street, to drive Grover's car to and fro, and all around, in pursuit of the elusive, uncanny pair--or had the man left Doctor Ryder elsewhere?--Roger made the routine photographic study of every place that could give a clue to that almost spectral arrival, manipulation of a safe, and retreat.

of or relating to a fisheye lens

From this reading If only, Roger thought, as he made wide-angle and micro-lens exposures, if only Tip, excited, had not fumbled that switch!