Chapter X

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

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading "We have all heard more or less about strange sights and sounds in places where men have met with violent death," said Mr. James by way of beginning his yarn.

(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 "We have all heard more or less about strange sights and sounds in places where men have met with violent death," said Mr. James by way of beginning his yarn.

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

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

plural of “animal” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading Hunters have told me that no animals ever cross this clearing--that in the dead of winter not even a rabbit track breaks the smooth expanse of snow which is marred only by a ghastly crimson stain where poor old Smith's body was found.

fruit with red or yellow or green skin and sweet to tart crisp whitish flesh

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading "For instance, I have been told that in this very clearing there grows a peculiar red moss which traces in exact outline the spots on the earth where the old trapper Smith's life-blood dyed the sod.

inflected form of “beg” — call upon in supplication; entreat

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading "We have all heard more or less about strange sights and sounds in places where men have met with violent death," said Mr. James by way of beginning his yarn.

the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading Hunters have told me that no animals ever cross this clearing--that in the dead of winter not even a rabbit track breaks the smooth expanse of snow which is marred only by a ghastly crimson stain where poor old Smith's body was found.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

plural of “break” — some abrupt occurrence that interrupts an ongoing activity

From this reading Hunters have told me that no animals ever cross this clearing--that in the dead of winter not even a rabbit track breaks the smooth expanse of snow which is marred only by a ghastly crimson stain where poor old Smith's body was found.

plural of “bush” — a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems

From this reading The fire was slowly dying, and the occasional flickering flames cast fantastic shadows on the hazel bushes and the trees.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading "We have all heard more or less about strange sights and sounds in places where men have met with violent death," said Mr. James by way of beginning his yarn.

put or send forth

From this reading The fire was slowly dying, and the occasional flickering flames cast fantastic shadows on the hazel bushes and the trees.

a tract of land with few or no trees in the middle of a wooded area

From this reading "For instance, I have been told that in this very clearing there grows a peculiar red moss which traces in exact outline the spots on the earth where the old trapper Smith's life-blood dyed the sod.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

a beverage made from cocoa powder and milk and sugar; usually drunk hot

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

past form of “crawl” — move slowly; in the case of people or animals with the body near the ground

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

of a color at the end of the color spectrum (next to orange); resembling the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies

From this reading Hunters have told me that no animals ever cross this clearing--that in the dead of winter not even a rabbit track breaks the smooth expanse of snow which is marred only by a ghastly crimson stain where poor old Smith's body was found.

travel across or pass over

From this reading Hunters have told me that no animals ever cross this clearing--that in the dead of winter not even a rabbit track breaks the smooth expanse of snow which is marred only by a ghastly crimson stain where poor old Smith's body was found.

accepted or habitual practice

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading Hunters have told me that no animals ever cross this clearing--that in the dead of winter not even a rabbit track breaks the smooth expanse of snow which is marred only by a ghastly crimson stain where poor old Smith's body was found.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading "We have all heard more or less about strange sights and sounds in places where men have met with violent death," said Mr. James by way of beginning his yarn.

past form of “disappear” — get lost, as without warning or explanation

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

plural of “dog” — a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

decree or designate beforehand

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

plural of “doughnut” — a toroidal shape

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

let fall to the ground

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

(used of color) artificially produced; not natural

From this reading "For instance, I have been told that in this very clearing there grows a peculiar red moss which traces in exact outline the spots on the earth where the old trapper Smith's life-blood dyed the sod.

in or associated with the process of passing from life or ceasing to be

From this reading The fire was slowly dying, and the occasional flickering flames cast fantastic shadows on the hazel bushes and the trees.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading "For instance, I have been told that in this very clearing there grows a peculiar red moss which traces in exact outline the spots on the earth where the old trapper Smith's life-blood dyed the sod.

plural of “ember” — a hot fragment of wood or coal that is left from a fire and is glowing or smoldering

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

divisible by two

From this reading Hunters have told me that no animals ever cross this clearing--that in the dead of winter not even a rabbit track breaks the smooth expanse of snow which is marred only by a ghastly crimson stain where poor old Smith's body was found.

at any time

From this reading Hunters have told me that no animals ever cross this clearing--that in the dead of winter not even a rabbit track breaks the smooth expanse of snow which is marred only by a ghastly crimson stain where poor old Smith's body was found.

Strictly particular and correct.

From this reading "For instance, I have been told that in this very clearing there grows a peculiar red moss which traces in exact outline the spots on the earth where the old trapper Smith's life-blood dyed the sod.

a wide scope

From this reading Hunters have told me that no animals ever cross this clearing--that in the dead of winter not even a rabbit track breaks the smooth expanse of snow which is marred only by a ghastly crimson stain where poor old Smith's body was found.

ludicrously odd

From this reading The fire was slowly dying, and the occasional flickering flames cast fantastic shadows on the hazel bushes and the trees.

start firing a weapon

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

plural of “flame” — the process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke

From this reading The fire was slowly dying, and the occasional flickering flames cast fantastic shadows on the hazel bushes and the trees.

shining unsteadily

From this reading The fire was slowly dying, and the occasional flickering flames cast fantastic shadows on the hazel bushes and the trees.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

set up or found

From this reading Hunters have told me that no animals ever cross this clearing--that in the dead of winter not even a rabbit track breaks the smooth expanse of snow which is marred only by a ghastly crimson stain where poor old Smith's body was found.

shockingly repellent; inspiring horror

From this reading Hunters have told me that no animals ever cross this clearing--that in the dead of winter not even a rabbit track breaks the smooth expanse of snow which is marred only by a ghastly crimson stain where poor old Smith's body was found.

highly enthusiastic

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

third-person singular of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading "For instance, I have been told that in this very clearing there grows a peculiar red moss which traces in exact outline the spots on the earth where the old trapper Smith's life-blood dyed the sod.

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

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "We have all heard more or less about strange sights and sounds in places where men have met with violent death," said Mr. James by way of beginning his yarn.

of a light brown or yellowish brown color

From this reading The fire was slowly dying, and the occasional flickering flames cast fantastic shadows on the hazel bushes and the trees.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading "We have all heard more or less about strange sights and sounds in places where men have met with violent death," said Mr. James by way of beginning his yarn.

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

From this reading "We have all heard more or less about strange sights and sounds in places where men have met with violent death," said Mr. James by way of beginning his yarn.

plural of “hunter” — someone who hunts game

From this reading Hunters have told me that no animals ever cross this clearing--that in the dead of winter not even a rabbit track breaks the smooth expanse of snow which is marred only by a ghastly crimson stain where poor old Smith's body was found.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "For instance, I have been told that in this very clearing there grows a peculiar red moss which traces in exact outline the spots on the earth where the old trapper Smith's life-blood dyed the sod.

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

From this reading "We have all heard more or less about strange sights and sounds in places where men have met with violent death," said Mr. James by way of beginning his yarn.

an occurrence of something

From this reading "For instance, I have been told that in this very clearing there grows a peculiar red moss which traces in exact outline the spots on the earth where the old trapper Smith's life-blood dyed the sod.

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

From this reading Hunters have told me that no animals ever cross this clearing--that in the dead of winter not even a rabbit track breaks the smooth expanse of snow which is marred only by a ghastly crimson stain where poor old Smith's body was found.

a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

immediately past

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading "We have all heard more or less about strange sights and sounds in places where men have met with violent death," said Mr. James by way of beginning his yarn.

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

From this reading "For instance, I have been told that in this very clearing there grows a peculiar red moss which traces in exact outline the spots on the earth where the old trapper Smith's life-blood dyed the sod.

blemished by injury or rough wear

From this reading Hunters have told me that no animals ever cross this clearing--that in the dead of winter not even a rabbit track breaks the smooth expanse of snow which is marred only by a ghastly crimson stain where poor old Smith's body was found.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Hunters have told me that no animals ever cross this clearing--that in the dead of winter not even a rabbit track breaks the smooth expanse of snow which is marred only by a ghastly crimson stain where poor old Smith's body was found.

the force of workers available

From this reading "We have all heard more or less about strange sights and sounds in places where men have met with violent death," said Mr. James by way of beginning his yarn.

inflected form of “meet” — come together

From this reading "We have all heard more or less about strange sights and sounds in places where men have met with violent death," said Mr. James by way of beginning his yarn.

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

From this reading "We have all heard more or less about strange sights and sounds in places where men have met with violent death," said Mr. James by way of beginning his yarn.

tiny leafy-stemmed flowerless plants

From this reading "For instance, I have been told that in this very clearing there grows a peculiar red moss which traces in exact outline the spots on the earth where the old trapper Smith's life-blood dyed the sod.

a form of address for a man

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

not any; not one

From this reading Hunters have told me that no animals ever cross this clearing--that in the dead of winter not even a rabbit track breaks the smooth expanse of snow which is marred only by a ghastly crimson stain where poor old Smith's body was found.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Hunters have told me that no animals ever cross this clearing--that in the dead of winter not even a rabbit track breaks the smooth expanse of snow which is marred only by a ghastly crimson stain where poor old Smith's body was found.

occurring from time to time

From this reading The fire was slowly dying, and the occasional flickering flames cast fantastic shadows on the hazel bushes and the trees.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

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

From this reading "For instance, I have been told that in this very clearing there grows a peculiar red moss which traces in exact outline the spots on the earth where the old trapper Smith's life-blood dyed the sod.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The fire was slowly dying, and the occasional flickering flames cast fantastic shadows on the hazel bushes and the trees.

and nothing more

From this reading Hunters have told me that no animals ever cross this clearing--that in the dead of winter not even a rabbit track breaks the smooth expanse of snow which is marred only by a ghastly crimson stain where poor old Smith's body was found.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading "We have all heard more or less about strange sights and sounds in places where men have met with violent death," said Mr. James by way of beginning his yarn.

the line that appears to bound an object

From this reading "For instance, I have been told that in this very clearing there grows a peculiar red moss which traces in exact outline the spots on the earth where the old trapper Smith's life-blood dyed the sod.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading "For instance, I have been told that in this very clearing there grows a peculiar red moss which traces in exact outline the spots on the earth where the old trapper Smith's life-blood dyed the sod.

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading "We have all heard more or less about strange sights and sounds in places where men have met with violent death," said Mr. James by way of beginning his yarn.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading Hunters have told me that no animals ever cross this clearing--that in the dead of winter not even a rabbit track breaks the smooth expanse of snow which is marred only by a ghastly crimson stain where poor old Smith's body was found.

any of various burrowing animals of the family Leporidae having long ears and short tails; some domesticated and raised for pets or food

From this reading Hunters have told me that no animals ever cross this clearing--that in the dead of winter not even a rabbit track breaks the smooth expanse of snow which is marred only by a ghastly crimson stain where poor old Smith's body was found.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "We have all heard more or less about strange sights and sounds in places where men have met with violent death," said Mr. James by way of beginning his yarn.

plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries

From this reading The fire was slowly dying, and the occasional flickering flames cast fantastic shadows on the hazel bushes and the trees.

an optical instrument for aiding the eye in aiming, as on a firearm or surveying instrument

From this reading "We have all heard more or less about strange sights and sounds in places where men have met with violent death," said Mr. James by way of beginning his yarn.

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

From this reading The fire was slowly dying, and the occasional flickering flames cast fantastic shadows on the hazel bushes and the trees.

possessive form of “smith” — Rhodesian statesman who declared independence of Zimbabwe from Great Britain (born in 1919)

From this reading "For instance, I have been told that in this very clearing there grows a peculiar red moss which traces in exact outline the spots on the earth where the old trapper Smith's life-blood dyed the sod.

having a surface free from roughness or bumps or ridges or irregularities

From this reading Hunters have told me that no animals ever cross this clearing--that in the dead of winter not even a rabbit track breaks the smooth expanse of snow which is marred only by a ghastly crimson stain where poor old Smith's body was found.

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading Hunters have told me that no animals ever cross this clearing--that in the dead of winter not even a rabbit track breaks the smooth expanse of snow which is marred only by a ghastly crimson stain where poor old Smith's body was found.

surface layer of ground containing a mat of grass and grass roots

From this reading "For instance, I have been told that in this very clearing there grows a peculiar red moss which traces in exact outline the spots on the earth where the old trapper Smith's life-blood dyed the sod.

plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading "We have all heard more or less about strange sights and sounds in places where men have met with violent death," said Mr. James by way of beginning his yarn.

spots before the eyes caused by opaque cell fragments in the vitreous humor and lens

From this reading "For instance, I have been told that in this very clearing there grows a peculiar red moss which traces in exact outline the spots on the earth where the old trapper Smith's life-blood dyed the sod.

a soiled or discolored appearance

From this reading Hunters have told me that no animals ever cross this clearing--that in the dead of winter not even a rabbit track breaks the smooth expanse of snow which is marred only by a ghastly crimson stain where poor old Smith's body was found.

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

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading "We have all heard more or less about strange sights and sounds in places where men have met with violent death," said Mr. James by way of beginning his yarn.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "For instance, I have been told that in this very clearing there grows a peculiar red moss which traces in exact outline the spots on the earth where the old trapper Smith's life-blood dyed the sod.

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

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

in or at that place or location

From this reading "For instance, I have been told that in this very clearing there grows a peculiar red moss which traces in exact outline the spots on the earth where the old trapper Smith's life-blood dyed the sod.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading "For instance, I have been told that in this very clearing there grows a peculiar red moss which traces in exact outline the spots on the earth where the old trapper Smith's life-blood dyed the sod.

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

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading "For instance, I have been told that in this very clearing there grows a peculiar red moss which traces in exact outline the spots on the earth where the old trapper Smith's life-blood dyed the sod.

plural of “trace” — a just detectable amount

From this reading "For instance, I have been told that in this very clearing there grows a peculiar red moss which traces in exact outline the spots on the earth where the old trapper Smith's life-blood dyed the sod.

a line or route along which something travels or moves

From this reading Hunters have told me that no animals ever cross this clearing--that in the dead of winter not even a rabbit track breaks the smooth expanse of snow which is marred only by a ghastly crimson stain where poor old Smith's body was found.

someone who sets traps for animals (usually to obtain their furs)

From this reading "For instance, I have been told that in this very clearing there grows a peculiar red moss which traces in exact outline the spots on the earth where the old trapper Smith's life-blood dyed the sod.

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

From this reading The fire was slowly dying, and the occasional flickering flames cast fantastic shadows on the hazel bushes and the trees.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

precisely as stated

From this reading "For instance, I have been told that in this very clearing there grows a peculiar red moss which traces in exact outline the spots on the earth where the old trapper Smith's life-blood dyed the sod.

acting with or marked by or resulting from great force or energy or emotional intensity

From this reading "We have all heard more or less about strange sights and sounds in places where men have met with violent death," said Mr. James by way of beginning his yarn.

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

From this reading The fire was slowly dying, and the occasional flickering flames cast fantastic shadows on the hazel bushes and the trees.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading "We have all heard more or less about strange sights and sounds in places where men have met with violent death," said Mr. James by way of beginning his yarn.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading "We have all heard more or less about strange sights and sounds in places where men have met with violent death," said Mr. James by way of beginning his yarn.

at the time that

From this reading When the last drop of cocoa had disappeared and the last red apple had followed the "dogs" and doughnuts to their doom, the boys crawled close to the glowing embers of the fire and, following their usual custom, begged Mr. James for a story.

in or at the place that

From this reading "We have all heard more or less about strange sights and sounds in places where men have met with violent death," said Mr. James by way of beginning his yarn.

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

From this reading "For instance, I have been told that in this very clearing there grows a peculiar red moss which traces in exact outline the spots on the earth where the old trapper Smith's life-blood dyed the sod.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading Hunters have told me that no animals ever cross this clearing--that in the dead of winter not even a rabbit track breaks the smooth expanse of snow which is marred only by a ghastly crimson stain where poor old Smith's body was found.

in the company of; together with

From this reading "We have all heard more or less about strange sights and sounds in places where men have met with violent death," said Mr. James by way of beginning his yarn.

the act of giving an account describing incidents or a course of events

From this reading "We have all heard more or less about strange sights and sounds in places where men have met with violent death," said Mr. James by way of beginning his yarn.