used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
advancementnounUS /ədˈvænsmənt/
encouragement of the progress or growth or acceptance of something
From this reading Officer Harry McCaleb was of an aptness and intelligence promising rapid advancement.
anew
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
agitatedadjectiveUS /ˈædʒəteɪtɪd/
troubled emotionally and usually deeply
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Officer Harry McCaleb was of an aptness and intelligence promising rapid advancement.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
aptnessnoun
a disposition to behave in a certain way
From this reading Officer Harry McCaleb was of an aptness and intelligence promising rapid advancement.
aspirationsnounUS /ˌæspərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “aspiration” — a will to succeed
From this reading It was no secret that he had aspirations looking to success in the detective service; and it was of him that the Captain demanded particulars of the crime.
the feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
backwardadverbUS /ˈbækwərd/
at or to or toward the back or rear
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
betrayingverbUS /bɪˈtreɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “betray” — reveal unintentionally
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Both the Chief and the young patrolman began at once to respond to his quieting influence.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading It was no secret that he had aspirations looking to success in the detective service; and it was of him that the Captain demanded particulars of the crime.
a person who is in charge
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
ConverseverbUS /ˈkɑːnvərs/
carry on a conversation
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act
From this reading It was no secret that he had aspirations looking to success in the detective service; and it was of him that the Captain demanded particulars of the crime.
past form of “demand” — request urgently and forcefully
From this reading It was no secret that he had aspirations looking to success in the detective service; and it was of him that the Captain demanded particulars of the crime.
a police officer who investigates crimes
From this reading It was no secret that he had aspirations looking to success in the detective service; and it was of him that the Captain demanded particulars of the crime.
characterized by great determination
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
one or the other of two
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
enhancedadjectiveUS /enˈhænst/
increased or intensified in value or beauty or quality
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
(of persons) excessively affected by emotion
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
inflected form of “fling” — throw with force or recklessness
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
a long fixed look
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
annoy continually or chronically
From this reading Officer Harry McCaleb was of an aptness and intelligence promising rapid advancement.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Both the Chief and the young patrolman began at once to respond to his quieting influence.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
indomitableadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈdɑːmətəbəl/
impossible to subdue
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc
From this reading Both the Chief and the young patrolman began at once to respond to his quieting influence.
inspiringadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈspaɪrɪŋ/
stimulating or exalting to the spirit
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
the ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
involuntaryadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvɑːlənteri/
not subject to the control of the will
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was no secret that he had aspirations looking to success in the detective service; and it was of him that the Captain demanded particulars of the crime.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
jawverbUS /dʒɔː/
talk socially without exchanging too much information
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading It was no secret that he had aspirations looking to success in the detective service; and it was of him that the Captain demanded particulars of the crime.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
manifestverbUS /ˈmænəfest/
provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
masterfuladjectiveUS /ˈmæstərfəl/
having or revealing supreme mastery or skill
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
McCaleb
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
information about recent and important events
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
not any; not one
From this reading It was no secret that he had aspirations looking to success in the detective service; and it was of him that the Captain demanded particulars of the crime.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading Officer Harry McCaleb was of an aptness and intelligence promising rapid advancement.
having official authority or sanction
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
on one occasion
From this reading Both the Chief and the young patrolman began at once to respond to his quieting influence.
and nothing more
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
win a victory over
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
particularsnounUS /pərˈtɪkjələrz/
plural of “particular” — a fact about some part (as opposed to general)
From this reading It was no secret that he had aspirations looking to success in the detective service; and it was of him that the Captain demanded particulars of the crime.
patrolmannounUS /pəˈtroʊlmæn/
a policeman who patrols a given region
From this reading Both the Chief and the young patrolman began at once to respond to his quieting influence.
by chance
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
the force of policemen and officers
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
in the near future
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
promisingadjectiveUS /ˈprɑːməsɪŋ/
showing possibility of achievement or excellence
From this reading Officer Harry McCaleb was of an aptness and intelligence promising rapid advancement.
quietingverbUS /ˈkwaɪətɪŋ/
-ing form of “quiet” — become quiet or quieter
From this reading Both the Chief and the young patrolman began at once to respond to his quieting influence.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
rapidadjectiveUS /ˈræpəd/
done or occurring in a brief period of time
From this reading Officer Harry McCaleb was of an aptness and intelligence promising rapid advancement.
respondverbUS /rɪˈspɑːnd/
show a response or a reaction to something
From this reading Both the Chief and the young patrolman began at once to respond to his quieting influence.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading It was no secret that he had aspirations looking to success in the detective service; and it was of him that the Captain demanded particulars of the crime.
work done by one person or group that benefits another
From this reading It was no secret that he had aspirations looking to success in the detective service; and it was of him that the Captain demanded particulars of the crime.
the context and environment in which something is set
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
solidadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːləd/
characterized by good substantial quality
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
stunningadjectiveUS /ˈstʌnɪŋ/
commanding attention
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading It was no secret that he had aspirations looking to success in the detective service; and it was of him that the Captain demanded particulars of the crime.
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
tenacitynounUS /təˈnæsɪti/
persistent determination
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
tighteningnounUS /ˈtaɪtənɪŋ/
the act of making something tighter
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE SECOND PROBLEM The fact that John Converse was not given to betraying either surprise or astonishment only enhanced the effect of the involuntary step he took backward in the face of the intelligence flung at him by the Chief of Police.
at the time that
From this reading For a minute, perhaps, he returned the gaze of the agitated official; then the indomitable tenacity of the man began to manifest itself in a setting and tightening of the solid jaw; and when he presently turned to the excited McCaleb, the stunning effect of the news had been entirely overcome--he was quite himself again, masterful, determined, and inspiring confidence.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Both the Chief and the young patrolman began at once to respond to his quieting influence.
