Chapter XX · Chapter 20

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

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading The message, a mystery in itself to Jim, had been clear enough to the man to whom it was sent and had brought him hastening across the fifty miles lying between his ranch in the Dry Lands and the Echo Creek.

later than; following

From this reading During the past night, shortly after the arrival of Garth Conway, Jim had ridden from the range house to the nearest village, something less than a dozen miles down the valley, with orders to telephone a message to Hume.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

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

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

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

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

accomplishment of an objective

From this reading During the past night, shortly after the arrival of Garth Conway, Jim had ridden from the range house to the nearest village, something less than a dozen miles down the valley, with orders to telephone a message to Hume.

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

From this reading In the darkness he had come on as far as he could, until the snow stopped him.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The message, a mystery in itself to Jim, had been clear enough to the man to whom it was sent and had brought him hastening across the fifty miles lying between his ranch in the Dry Lands and the Echo Creek.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading The message, a mystery in itself to Jim, had been clear enough to the man to whom it was sent and had brought him hastening across the fifty miles lying between his ranch in the Dry Lands and the Echo Creek.

in a courageous manner

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading The message, a mystery in itself to Jim, had been clear enough to the man to whom it was sent and had brought him hastening across the fifty miles lying between his ranch in the Dry Lands and the Echo Creek.

a geological formation consisting of an underground enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

rid of obstructions

From this reading The message, a mystery in itself to Jim, had been clear enough to the man to whom it was sent and had brought him hastening across the fifty miles lying between his ranch in the Dry Lands and the Echo Creek.

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

From this reading Sledge Hume had come to the Echo Creek.

with equanimity

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

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

From this reading During the past night, shortly after the arrival of Garth Conway, Jim had ridden from the range house to the nearest village, something less than a dozen miles down the valley, with orders to telephone a message to Hume.

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

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)

From this reading Sledge Hume had come to the Echo Creek.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading In the darkness he had come on as far as he could, until the snow stopped him.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading During the past night, shortly after the arrival of Garth Conway, Jim had ridden from the range house to the nearest village, something less than a dozen miles down the valley, with orders to telephone a message to Hume.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading During the past night, shortly after the arrival of Garth Conway, Jim had ridden from the range house to the nearest village, something less than a dozen miles down the valley, with orders to telephone a message to Hume.

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

From this reading The message, a mystery in itself to Jim, had been clear enough to the man to whom it was sent and had brought him hastening across the fifty miles lying between his ranch in the Dry Lands and the Echo Creek.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading During the past night, shortly after the arrival of Garth Conway, Jim had ridden from the range house to the nearest village, something less than a dozen miles down the valley, with orders to telephone a message to Hume.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

to say again or imitate

From this reading Sledge Hume had come to the Echo Creek.

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

From this reading The message, a mystery in itself to Jim, had been clear enough to the man to whom it was sent and had brought him hastening across the fifty miles lying between his ranch in the Dry Lands and the Echo Creek.

something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading In the darkness he had come on as far as he could, until the snow stopped him.

the cardinal number that is the product of ten and five

From this reading The message, a mystery in itself to Jim, had been clear enough to the man to whom it was sent and had brought him hastening across the fifty miles lying between his ranch in the Dry Lands and the Echo Creek.

(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

realize beforehand

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading During the past night, shortly after the arrival of Garth Conway, Jim had ridden from the range house to the nearest village, something less than a dozen miles down the valley, with orders to telephone a message to Hume.

yet to be or coming

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

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

From this reading During the past night, shortly after the arrival of Garth Conway, Jim had ridden from the range house to the nearest village, something less than a dozen miles down the valley, with orders to telephone a message to Hume.

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

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

-ing form of “hasten” — act or move at high speed

From this reading The message, a mystery in itself to Jim, had been clear enough to the man to whom it was sent and had brought him hastening across the fifty miles lying between his ranch in the Dry Lands and the Echo Creek.

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

From this reading In the darkness he had come on as far as he could, until the snow stopped him.

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

From this reading The message, a mystery in itself to Jim, had been clear enough to the man to whom it was sent and had brought him hastening across the fifty miles lying between his ranch in the Dry Lands and the Echo Creek.

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

From this reading The message, a mystery in itself to Jim, had been clear enough to the man to whom it was sent and had brought him hastening across the fifty miles lying between his ranch in the Dry Lands and the Echo Creek.

(used as intensives reflecting the speaker's attitude) it is sincerely the case that

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading During the past night, shortly after the arrival of Garth Conway, Jim had ridden from the range house to the nearest village, something less than a dozen miles down the valley, with orders to telephone a message to Hume.

Scottish philosopher skeptical philosophy restricted human knowledge to that which can be perceived by the senses (1711-1776)

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

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

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The message, a mystery in itself to Jim, had been clear enough to the man to whom it was sent and had brought him hastening across the fifty miles lying between his ranch in the Dry Lands and the Echo Creek.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading The message, a mystery in itself to Jim, had been clear enough to the man to whom it was sent and had brought him hastening across the fifty miles lying between his ranch in the Dry Lands and the Echo Creek.

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

From this reading During the past night, shortly after the arrival of Garth Conway, Jim had ridden from the range house to the nearest village, something less than a dozen miles down the valley, with orders to telephone a message to Hume.

plural of “land” — the land on which real estate is located

From this reading The message, a mystery in itself to Jim, had been clear enough to the man to whom it was sent and had brought him hastening across the fifty miles lying between his ranch in the Dry Lands and the Echo Creek.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading During the past night, shortly after the arrival of Garth Conway, Jim had ridden from the range house to the nearest village, something less than a dozen miles down the valley, with orders to telephone a message to Hume.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

a midday meal

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

the deliberate act of deviating from the truth

From this reading The message, a mystery in itself to Jim, had been clear enough to the man to whom it was sent and had brought him hastening across the fifty miles lying between his ranch in the Dry Lands and the Echo Creek.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

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

From this reading The message, a mystery in itself to Jim, had been clear enough to the man to whom it was sent and had brought him hastening across the fifty miles lying between his ranch in the Dry Lands and the Echo Creek.

full of or showing high-spirited merriment

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled

From this reading During the past night, shortly after the arrival of Garth Conway, Jim had ridden from the range house to the nearest village, something less than a dozen miles down the valley, with orders to telephone a message to Hume.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading During the past night, shortly after the arrival of Garth Conway, Jim had ridden from the range house to the nearest village, something less than a dozen miles down the valley, with orders to telephone a message to Hume.

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading The message, a mystery in itself to Jim, had been clear enough to the man to whom it was sent and had brought him hastening across the fifty miles lying between his ranch in the Dry Lands and the Echo Creek.

(superlative of “near” or “close”) within the shortest distance

From this reading During the past night, shortly after the arrival of Garth Conway, Jim had ridden from the range house to the nearest village, something less than a dozen miles down the valley, with orders to telephone a message to Hume.

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

From this reading During the past night, shortly after the arrival of Garth Conway, Jim had ridden from the range house to the nearest village, something less than a dozen miles down the valley, with orders to telephone a message to Hume.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading During the past night, shortly after the arrival of Garth Conway, Jim had ridden from the range house to the nearest village, something less than a dozen miles down the valley, with orders to telephone a message to Hume.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading In the darkness he had come on as far as he could, until the snow stopped him.

plural of “order” — (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading During the past night, shortly after the arrival of Garth Conway, Jim had ridden from the range house to the nearest village, something less than a dozen miles down the valley, with orders to telephone a message to Hume.

above and across; more than

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading During the past night, shortly after the arrival of Garth Conway, Jim had ridden from the range house to the nearest village, something less than a dozen miles down the valley, with orders to telephone a message to Hume.

plural of “play” — a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

farm consisting of a large tract of land along with facilities needed to raise livestock (especially cattle)

From this reading The message, a mystery in itself to Jim, had been clear enough to the man to whom it was sent and had brought him hastening across the fifty miles lying between his ranch in the Dry Lands and the Echo Creek.

an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"

From this reading During the past night, shortly after the arrival of Garth Conway, Jim had ridden from the range house to the nearest village, something less than a dozen miles down the valley, with orders to telephone a message to Hume.

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

From this reading During the past night, shortly after the arrival of Garth Conway, Jim had ridden from the range house to the nearest village, something less than a dozen miles down the valley, with orders to telephone a message to Hume.

100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia

From this reading The message, a mystery in itself to Jim, had been clear enough to the man to whom it was sent and had brought him hastening across the fifty miles lying between his ranch in the Dry Lands and the Echo Creek.

any process serving to define the shape of something

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

for a short time

From this reading During the past night, shortly after the arrival of Garth Conway, Jim had ridden from the range house to the nearest village, something less than a dozen miles down the valley, with orders to telephone a message to Hume.

transport in a sleigh

From this reading Sledge Hume had come to the Echo Creek.

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading In the darkness he had come on as far as he could, until the snow stopped him.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading During the past night, shortly after the arrival of Garth Conway, Jim had ridden from the range house to the nearest village, something less than a dozen miles down the valley, with orders to telephone a message to Hume.

(of a nose) blocked

From this reading In the darkness he had come on as far as he could, until the snow stopped him.

an effortful attempt to attain a goal

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds

From this reading During the past night, shortly after the arrival of Garth Conway, Jim had ridden from the range house to the nearest village, something less than a dozen miles down the valley, with orders to telephone a message to Hume.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading During the past night, shortly after the arrival of Garth Conway, Jim had ridden from the range house to the nearest village, something less than a dozen miles down the valley, with orders to telephone a message to Hume.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

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

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

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

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

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

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

produce a sound as if from a trumpet

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

oblivious of dangers or perils or calmly resolute in facing them

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

up to a particular time

From this reading In the darkness he had come on as far as he could, until the snow stopped him.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

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

From this reading During the past night, shortly after the arrival of Garth Conway, Jim had ridden from the range house to the nearest village, something less than a dozen miles down the valley, with orders to telephone a message to Hume.

a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading During the past night, shortly after the arrival of Garth Conway, Jim had ridden from the range house to the nearest village, something less than a dozen miles down the valley, with orders to telephone a message to Hume.

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

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

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

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

United States film actor who played tough heroes (1907-1979)

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

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

From this reading HUME PLAYS A TRUMP Before Wanda and Wayne had finished making merry over their little luncheon in the cave, each striving bravely to look at the future honestly and unafraid, to look upon the present contentedly, an event had happened that was already shaping their lives in a way which they could not foresee.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The message, a mystery in itself to Jim, had been clear enough to the man to whom it was sent and had brought him hastening across the fifty miles lying between his ranch in the Dry Lands and the Echo Creek.

in the company of; together with

From this reading During the past night, shortly after the arrival of Garth Conway, Jim had ridden from the range house to the nearest village, something less than a dozen miles down the valley, with orders to telephone a message to Hume.