Chapter XXXV

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

From this reading It had been rumored that Windy Batts, who went as a missionary to the Indians, had lost his head.

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

From this reading THE POEM The Clary Grove gang were going to have an important meeting.

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

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

plural of “angel” — spiritual being attendant upon God

From this reading Kit Parsons was expected to divulge a plan for giving the angels another job.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading Kit Parsons was expected to divulge a plan for giving the angels another job.

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

From this reading It had been rumored that Windy Batts, who went as a missionary to the Indians, had lost his head.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He had been desperately sick during the summer, and while lying at death's door a local religious enemy had said the gates of hell would soon shut Kit in where he had ought to have been before he was born.

a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

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

From this reading It had been rumored that Windy Batts, who went as a missionary to the Indians, had lost his head.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading It had been rumored that Windy Batts, who went as a missionary to the Indians, had lost his head.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading He had been desperately sick during the summer, and while lying at death's door a local religious enemy had said the gates of hell would soon shut Kit in where he had ought to have been before he was born.

brought into existence

From this reading He had been desperately sick during the summer, and while lying at death's door a local religious enemy had said the gates of hell would soon shut Kit in where he had ought to have been before he was born.

a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

an old name for sulfur

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

aromatic herb of southern Europe; cultivated in Great Britain as a potherb and widely as an ornamental

From this reading THE POEM The Clary Grove gang were going to have an important meeting.

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

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

possessive form of “death” — the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading He had been desperately sick during the summer, and while lying at death's door a local religious enemy had said the gates of hell would soon shut Kit in where he had ought to have been before he was born.

with great urgency

From this reading He had been desperately sick during the summer, and while lying at death's door a local religious enemy had said the gates of hell would soon shut Kit in where he had ought to have been before he was born.

be of different opinions

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

make known to the public information that was previously known only to a few people or that was meant to be kept a secret

From this reading Kit Parsons was expected to divulge a plan for giving the angels another job.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading He had been desperately sick during the summer, and while lying at death's door a local religious enemy had said the gates of hell would soon shut Kit in where he had ought to have been before he was born.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading He had been desperately sick during the summer, and while lying at death's door a local religious enemy had said the gates of hell would soon shut Kit in where he had ought to have been before he was born.

an opposing military force

From this reading He had been desperately sick during the summer, and while lying at death's door a local religious enemy had said the gates of hell would soon shut Kit in where he had ought to have been before he was born.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading Kit Parsons was expected to divulge a plan for giving the angels another job.

start firing a weapon

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

an association of criminals

From this reading THE POEM The Clary Grove gang were going to have an important meeting.

United States computer entrepreneur whose software company made him the youngest multi-billionaire in the history of the United States (born in 1955)

From this reading He had been desperately sick during the summer, and while lying at death's door a local religious enemy had said the gates of hell would soon shut Kit in where he had ought to have been before he was born.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

the act of giving

From this reading Kit Parsons was expected to divulge a plan for giving the angels another job.

the act of departing

From this reading THE POEM The Clary Grove gang were going to have an important meeting.

a small growth of trees without underbrush

From this reading THE POEM The Clary Grove gang were going to have an important meeting.

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

From this reading It had been rumored that Windy Batts, who went as a missionary to the Indians, had lost his head.

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

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading THE POEM The Clary Grove gang were going to have an important meeting.

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

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading It had been rumored that Windy Batts, who went as a missionary to the Indians, had lost his head.

any place of pain and turmoil

From this reading He had been desperately sick during the summer, and while lying at death's door a local religious enemy had said the gates of hell would soon shut Kit in where he had ought to have been before he was born.

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

From this reading It had been rumored that Windy Batts, who went as a missionary to the Indians, had lost his head.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

of great significance or value

From this reading THE POEM The Clary Grove gang were going to have an important meeting.

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

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

plural of “indian” — a native or inhabitant of India

From this reading It had been rumored that Windy Batts, who went as a missionary to the Indians, had lost his head.

past form of “indicate” — be a signal for or a symptom of

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

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

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It had been rumored that Windy Batts, who went as a missionary to the Indians, had lost his head.

the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

From this reading Kit Parsons was expected to divulge a plan for giving the angels another job.

a case for containing a set of articles

From this reading Kit Parsons was expected to divulge a plan for giving the angels another job.

has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

relating to or applicable to or concerned with the administration of a city or town or district rather than a larger area

From this reading He had been desperately sick during the summer, and while lying at death's door a local religious enemy had said the gates of hell would soon shut Kit in where he had ought to have been before he was born.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading It had been rumored that Windy Batts, who went as a missionary to the Indians, had lost his head.

the deliberate act of deviating from the truth

From this reading He had been desperately sick during the summer, and while lying at death's door a local religious enemy had said the gates of hell would soon shut Kit in where he had ought to have been before he was born.

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading THE POEM The Clary Grove gang were going to have an important meeting.

having or showing great strength or force or intensity

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

someone who attempts to convert others to a particular doctrine or program

From this reading It had been rumored that Windy Batts, who went as a missionary to the Indians, had lost his head.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

information about recent and important events

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

no person; not anyone

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He had been desperately sick during the summer, and while lying at death's door a local religious enemy had said the gates of hell would soon shut Kit in where he had ought to have been before he was born.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

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

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading He had been desperately sick during the summer, and while lying at death's door a local religious enemy had said the gates of hell would soon shut Kit in where he had ought to have been before he was born.

United States sociologist (1902-1979)

From this reading Kit Parsons was expected to divulge a plan for giving the angels another job.

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

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

have the will and intention to carry out some action

From this reading Kit Parsons was expected to divulge a plan for giving the angels another job.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

a composition written in metrical feet forming rhythmical lines

From this reading THE POEM The Clary Grove gang were going to have an important meeting.

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

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

be shown or be found to be

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

make short successive sounds

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church

From this reading He had been desperately sick during the summer, and while lying at death's door a local religious enemy had said the gates of hell would soon shut Kit in where he had ought to have been before he was born.

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

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

past form of “rumor” — tell or spread rumors

From this reading It had been rumored that Windy Batts, who went as a missionary to the Indians, had lost his head.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut

From this reading He had been desperately sick during the summer, and while lying at death's door a local religious enemy had said the gates of hell would soon shut Kit in where he had ought to have been before he was born.

affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function

From this reading He had been desperately sick during the summer, and while lying at death's door a local religious enemy had said the gates of hell would soon shut Kit in where he had ought to have been before he was born.

one by one; one at a time

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

in the near future

From this reading He had been desperately sick during the summer, and while lying at death's door a local religious enemy had said the gates of hell would soon shut Kit in where he had ought to have been before he was born.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading He had been desperately sick during the summer, and while lying at death's door a local religious enemy had said the gates of hell would soon shut Kit in where he had ought to have been before he was born.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It had been rumored that Windy Batts, who went as a missionary to the Indians, had lost his head.

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

From this reading THE POEM The Clary Grove gang were going to have an important meeting.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

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

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

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

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

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

From this reading THE POEM The Clary Grove gang were going to have an important meeting.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

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

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading It had been rumored that Windy Batts, who went as a missionary to the Indians, had lost his head.

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

From this reading THE POEM The Clary Grove gang were going to have an important meeting.

at the time that

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

in or at the place that

From this reading He had been desperately sick during the summer, and while lying at death's door a local religious enemy had said the gates of hell would soon shut Kit in where he had ought to have been before he was born.

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

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

during the time that

From this reading He had been desperately sick during the summer, and while lying at death's door a local religious enemy had said the gates of hell would soon shut Kit in where he had ought to have been before he was born.

which person or people

From this reading It had been rumored that Windy Batts, who went as a missionary to the Indians, had lost his head.

abounding in or exposed to the wind or breezes

From this reading It had been rumored that Windy Batts, who went as a missionary to the Indians, had lost his head.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading The general satisfaction with which this news had been received by the Clary Grove gang, singly, indicated that it would prove a pleasant topic for discussion, and nobody was likely to disagree with Ole Bar when he said: "Them pizen shooting injuns has riz to a tall and mighty pre-eminence in my mind if they cut off that fire and brimstone croaker's rattle box."