used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading Egan accused his friends of showing the tops of their hats above the grass, but recalled the words when he discovered the Firefly coming around the head of the island.
acceptableadjectiveUS /ækˈseptəbəl/
worthy of acceptance or satisfactory
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
accusednounUS /əˈkjuːzd/
a defendant in a criminal proceeding
From this reading Egan accused his friends of showing the tops of their hats above the grass, but recalled the words when he discovered the Firefly coming around the head of the island.
additionnounUS /əˈdɪʃən/
a component that is added to something to improve it
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
allottedadjectiveUS /əˈlɑːtɪd/
given as a task
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading It was while they were walking along the beach that they found Barr’s big gun, which lay at the foot of a tree, covered with bushes and calamus grass.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Egan was not aware that her crew had come down there on purpose to keep an eye on him and his party, but such we know to be the fact.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading Egan accused his friends of showing the tops of their hats above the grass, but recalled the words when he discovered the Firefly coming around the head of the island.
artsnounUS /ɑːrts/
studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills)
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
playing or singing with instrumental or vocal accompaniment
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception
From this reading Egan was not aware that her crew had come down there on purpose to keep an eye on him and his party, but such we know to be the fact.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
Barr's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was while they were walking along the beach that they found Barr’s big gun, which lay at the foot of a tree, covered with bushes and calamus grass.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Egan was not aware that her crew had come down there on purpose to keep an eye on him and his party, but such we know to be the fact.
an area of sand sloping down to the water of a sea or lake
From this reading It was while they were walking along the beach that they found Barr’s big gun, which lay at the foot of a tree, covered with bushes and calamus grass.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
BogusadjectiveUS /ˈboʊɡəs/
fraudulent; having a misleading appearance
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
plural of “bush” — a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems
From this reading It was while they were walking along the beach that they found Barr’s big gun, which lay at the foot of a tree, covered with bushes and calamus grass.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Egan accused his friends of showing the tops of their hats above the grass, but recalled the words when he discovered the Firefly coming around the head of the island.
small room on a ship or boat where people sleep
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
calamusnoun
any tropical Asian palm of the genus Calamus; light tough stems are a source of rattan canes
From this reading It was while they were walking along the beach that they found Barr’s big gun, which lay at the foot of a tree, covered with bushes and calamus grass.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Egan was not aware that her crew had come down there on purpose to keep an eye on him and his party, but such we know to be the fact.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading Egan accused his friends of showing the tops of their hats above the grass, but recalled the words when he discovered the Firefly coming around the head of the island.
overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form
From this reading It was while they were walking along the beach that they found Barr’s big gun, which lay at the foot of a tree, covered with bushes and calamus grass.
the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)
From this reading Egan was not aware that her crew had come down there on purpose to keep an eye on him and his party, but such we know to be the fact.
dineverbUS /daɪn/
have supper; eat dinner
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading Egan accused his friends of showing the tops of their hats above the grass, but recalled the words when he discovered the Firefly coming around the head of the island.
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 We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
a Spanish gentleman or nobleman
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
double-barrels
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Egan was not aware that her crew had come down there on purpose to keep an eye on him and his party, but such we know to be the fact.
ducksnounUS /dʌks/
plural of “duck” — small wild or domesticated web-footed broad-billed swimming bird usually having a depressed body and short legs
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
Egan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Egan accused his friends of showing the tops of their hats above the grass, but recalled the words when he discovered the Firefly coming around the head of the island.
enticeverbUS /ɪnˈtaɪs/
provoke someone to do something through (often false or exaggerated) promises or persuasion
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
Eph's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
the organ of sight
From this reading Egan was not aware that her crew had come down there on purpose to keep an eye on him and his party, but such we know to be the fact.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading Egan was not aware that her crew had come down there on purpose to keep an eye on him and his party, but such we know to be the fact.
faithfullyadverbUS /ˈfeɪθfəli/
in a faithful manner
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
FireflynounUS /ˈfaɪərflaɪ/
tropical American click beetle having bright luminous spots
From this reading Egan accused his friends of showing the tops of their hats above the grass, but recalled the words when he discovered the Firefly coming around the head of the island.
inflected form of “fly” — travel through the air; be airborne
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
flocknounUS /flɑːk/
a church congregation guided by a pastor
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading It was while they were walking along the beach that they found Barr’s big gun, which lay at the foot of a tree, covered with bushes and calamus grass.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
set up or found
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
fowlnounUS /faʊl/
a domesticated gallinaceous bird thought to be descended from the red jungle fowl
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading Egan accused his friends of showing the tops of their hats above the grass, but recalled the words when he discovered the Firefly coming around the head of the island.
the act of giving
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
destroyed or killed
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
shoot down, of birds
From this reading Egan accused his friends of showing the tops of their hats above the grass, but recalled the words when he discovered the Firefly coming around the head of the island.
grumblingnounUS /ˈɡrʌmbəlɪŋ/
a loud low dull continuous noise
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
From this reading It was while they were walking along the beach that they found Barr’s big gun, which lay at the foot of a tree, covered with bushes and calamus grass.
plural of “gun” — a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
hatsnounUS /hæts/
plural of “hat” — headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim
From this reading Egan accused his friends of showing the tops of their hats above the grass, but recalled the words when he discovered the Firefly coming around the head of the island.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Egan accused his friends of showing the tops of their hats above the grass, but recalled the words when he discovered the Firefly coming around the head of the island.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading Egan accused his friends of showing the tops of their hats above the grass, but recalled the words when he discovered the Firefly coming around the head of the island.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Egan was not aware that her crew had come down there on purpose to keep an eye on him and his party, but such we know to be the fact.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Egan was not aware that her crew had come down there on purpose to keep an eye on him and his party, but such we know to be the fact.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
HopkinsnounUS /ˈhɑːpkɪnz/
United States educator and theologian (1802-1887)
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
instructedverbUS /ˌɪnˈstrʌktəd/
past form of “instruct” — impart skills or knowledge to
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
and nothing more
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading Egan was not aware that her crew had come down there on purpose to keep an eye on him and his party, but such we know to be the fact.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Egan was not aware that her crew had come down there on purpose to keep an eye on him and his party, but such we know to be the fact.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading It was while they were walking along the beach that they found Barr’s big gun, which lay at the foot of a tree, covered with bushes and calamus grass.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
engage in
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
negronounUS /ˈniːɡroʊ/
a person with African ancestry, "Negro" and "Negroid" are archaic and pejorative today
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
not any; not one
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Egan was not aware that her crew had come down there on purpose to keep an eye on him and his party, but such we know to be the fact.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
ole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Egan was not aware that her crew had come down there on purpose to keep an eye on him and his party, but such we know to be the fact.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
performedverbUS /pərˈfɔːrmd/
past form of “perform” — carry out or perform an action
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
Powell'snounUS /ˈpoʊɪlz/
possessive form of “powell” — United States general who was the first African American to serve as chief of staff; later served as Secretary of State under President George W. Bush (born 1937)
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
past form of “propose” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading Egan was not aware that her crew had come down there on purpose to keep an eye on him and his party, but such we know to be the fact.
the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
past form of “recall” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection
From this reading Egan accused his friends of showing the tops of their hats above the grass, but recalled the words when he discovered the Firefly coming around the head of the island.
traverse or travel on (a body of water)
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
the land along the edge of a body of water
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
the act of firing a projectile
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
shoulderedadjectiveUS /ˈʃoʊldərd/
having shoulders or shoulders as specified; usually used as a combining form
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
the display of a motion picture
From this reading Egan accused his friends of showing the tops of their hats above the grass, but recalled the words when he discovered the Firefly coming around the head of the island.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
stump-tailed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Egan was not aware that her crew had come down there on purpose to keep an eye on him and his party, but such we know to be the fact.
an idea that is suggested
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
carry out
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
terrapins
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Egan was not aware that her crew had come down there on purpose to keep an eye on him and his party, but such we know to be the fact.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
topsadjectiveUS /tɑːps/
of the highest quality
From this reading Egan accused his friends of showing the tops of their hats above the grass, but recalled the words when he discovered the Firefly coming around the head of the island.
a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading It was while they were walking along the beach that they found Barr’s big gun, which lay at the foot of a tree, covered with bushes and calamus grass.
make an effort or attempt
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
hard to endure
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
close enough to be walked to
From this reading It was while they were walking along the beach that they found Barr’s big gun, which lay at the foot of a tree, covered with bushes and calamus grass.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It was while they were walking along the beach that they found Barr’s big gun, which lay at the foot of a tree, covered with bushes and calamus grass.
at the time that
From this reading Egan accused his friends of showing the tops of their hats above the grass, but recalled the words when he discovered the Firefly coming around the head of the island.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading It was while they were walking along the beach that they found Barr’s big gun, which lay at the foot of a tree, covered with bushes and calamus grass.
which person or people
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
marked by extreme lack of restraint or control
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
willetsnounUS /ˈwɪlɪts/
plural of “willet” — large North American shorebird of eastern and Gulf Coasts
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It was while they were walking along the beach that they found Barr’s big gun, which lay at the foot of a tree, covered with bushes and calamus grass.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
the words that are spoken
From this reading Egan accused his friends of showing the tops of their hats above the grass, but recalled the words when he discovered the Firefly coming around the head of the island.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading There being no more ducks in sight for Bogus to try his arts upon, Egan proposed that they should take a short sail, and then go back to Eph’s cabin and dine upon the terrapins which the old negro had been instructed to have ready for them; but just then a flock of shore birds flew over, and at the suggestion of Hopkins, who thought a few willets would make an acceptable addition to their dinner, they shouldered their guns and set out in pursuit of them.
of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk
From this reading We left Don and his party grumbling over the ill luck that had attended their efforts to entice the big flock of ducks they found off Powell’s Island within range of their double-barrels; and Bogus, ole Eph’s stump-tailed yellow dog, which had so faithfully performed his allotted task, trying to make them understand that it was through no fault of his that the wild fowl had gone off without giving them a chance for a shot.
