Chapter XIV

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

From this reading _Chapter Twenty-Six_ _TOM MOORE’S SERVANT PROVES A FRIEND IN NEED_ Buster ate a hearty supper and fed Lord Castlereagh with the scraps.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading This done, he was about to proceed with the dish-washing, a kind of toil for which he had a more than ordinary contempt and dislike, when the sound of shouting in the street attracted his attention.

not being in a specified place

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading This being the case, he was quite at a loss to account for the sounds of tumult below.

tending to become more severe or wider in scope

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

wait in hiding to attack

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

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

From this reading _Chapter Twenty-Six_ _TOM MOORE’S SERVANT PROVES A FRIEND IN NEED_ Buster ate a hearty supper and fed Lord Castlereagh with the scraps.

aroused to action

From this reading "My heye!" he remarked to the bulldog, whose curiosity was similarly aroused, "wot a rumpussin’.

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

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

establish after a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading This being the case, he was quite at a loss to account for the sounds of tumult below.

goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment

From this reading _Chapter Twenty-Six_ _TOM MOORE’S SERVANT PROVES A FRIEND IN NEED_ Buster ate a hearty supper and fed Lord Castlereagh with the scraps.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading This done, he was about to proceed with the dish-washing, a kind of toil for which he had a more than ordinary contempt and dislike, when the sound of shouting in the street attracted his attention.

past form of “attract” — direct toward itself or oneself by means of some psychological power or physical attributes

From this reading This done, he was about to proceed with the dish-washing, a kind of toil for which he had a more than ordinary contempt and dislike, when the sound of shouting in the street attracted his attention.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading This being the case, he was quite at a loss to account for the sounds of tumult below.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading This being the case, he was quite at a loss to account for the sounds of tumult below.

a youthful male person

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

attack viciously and ferociously

From this reading "My heye!" he remarked to the bulldog, whose curiosity was similarly aroused, "wot a rumpussin’.

an informal form of address for a man

From this reading _Chapter Twenty-Six_ _TOM MOORE’S SERVANT PROVES A FRIEND IN NEED_ Buster ate a hearty supper and fed Lord Castlereagh with the scraps.

an occurrence of something

From this reading This being the case, he was quite at a loss to account for the sounds of tumult below.

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

From this reading _Chapter Twenty-Six_ _TOM MOORE’S SERVANT PROVES A FRIEND IN NEED_ Buster ate a hearty supper and fed Lord Castlereagh with the scraps.

a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled

From this reading _Chapter Twenty-Six_ _TOM MOORE’S SERVANT PROVES A FRIEND IN NEED_ Buster ate a hearty supper and fed Lord Castlereagh with the scraps.

-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike

From this reading This done, he was about to proceed with the dish-washing, a kind of toil for which he had a more than ordinary contempt and dislike, when the sound of shouting in the street attracted his attention.

past form of “convey” — (of information) make known; pass on

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

a state in which you want to learn more about something

From this reading "My heye!" he remarked to the bulldog, whose curiosity was similarly aroused, "wot a rumpussin’.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

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

From this reading This done, he was about to proceed with the dish-washing, a kind of toil for which he had a more than ordinary contempt and dislike, when the sound of shouting in the street attracted his attention.

an inclination to withhold approval from some person or group

From this reading This done, he was about to proceed with the dish-washing, a kind of toil for which he had a more than ordinary contempt and dislike, when the sound of shouting in the street attracted his attention.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading This done, he was about to proceed with the dish-washing, a kind of toil for which he had a more than ordinary contempt and dislike, when the sound of shouting in the street attracted his attention.

past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

any federal law-enforcement officer

From this reading _Chapter Twenty-Six_ _TOM MOORE’S SERVANT PROVES A FRIEND IN NEED_ Buster ate a hearty supper and fed Lord Castlereagh with the scraps.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading This done, he was about to proceed with the dish-washing, a kind of toil for which he had a more than ordinary contempt and dislike, when the sound of shouting in the street attracted his attention.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading _Chapter Twenty-Six_ _TOM MOORE’S SERVANT PROVES A FRIEND IN NEED_ Buster ate a hearty supper and fed Lord Castlereagh with the scraps.

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

From this reading This done, he was about to proceed with the dish-washing, a kind of toil for which he had a more than ordinary contempt and dislike, when the sound of shouting in the street attracted his attention.

an event that happens

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

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

From this reading This done, he was about to proceed with the dish-washing, a kind of toil for which he had a more than ordinary contempt and dislike, when the sound of shouting in the street attracted his attention.

showing warm and heartfelt friendliness

From this reading _Chapter Twenty-Six_ _TOM MOORE’S SERVANT PROVES A FRIEND IN NEED_ Buster ate a hearty supper and fed Lord Castlereagh with the scraps.

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

From this reading "My heye!" he remarked to the bulldog, whose curiosity was similarly aroused, "wot a rumpussin’.

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

From this reading This done, he was about to proceed with the dish-washing, a kind of toil for which he had a more than ordinary contempt and dislike, when the sound of shouting in the street attracted his attention.

of great significance or value

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

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

From this reading _Chapter Twenty-Six_ _TOM MOORE’S SERVANT PROVES A FRIEND IN NEED_ Buster ate a hearty supper and fed Lord Castlereagh with the scraps.

the ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

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

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading This done, he was about to proceed with the dish-washing, a kind of toil for which he had a more than ordinary contempt and dislike, when the sound of shouting in the street attracted his attention.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading _Chapter Twenty-Six_ _TOM MOORE’S SERVANT PROVES A FRIEND IN NEED_ Buster ate a hearty supper and fed Lord Castlereagh with the scraps.

something that is lost

From this reading This being the case, he was quite at a loss to account for the sounds of tumult below.

English scholar remembered for his chronology of Shakespeare's plays and his editions of Shakespeare and Dryden (1741-1812)

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

an artist of consummate skill

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

possessive form of “moore” — United States composer of works noted for their use of the American vernacular (1893-1969)

From this reading _Chapter Twenty-Six_ _TOM MOORE’S SERVANT PROVES A FRIEND IN NEED_ Buster ate a hearty supper and fed Lord Castlereagh with the scraps.

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

From this reading This done, he was about to proceed with the dish-washing, a kind of toil for which he had a more than ordinary contempt and dislike, when the sound of shouting in the street attracted his attention.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "My heye!" he remarked to the bulldog, whose curiosity was similarly aroused, "wot a rumpussin’.

a condition requiring relief

From this reading _Chapter Twenty-Six_ _TOM MOORE’S SERVANT PROVES A FRIEND IN NEED_ Buster ate a hearty supper and fed Lord Castlereagh with the scraps.

a surrounding or nearby region

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

information about recent and important events

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

not any; not one

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading This done, he was about to proceed with the dish-washing, a kind of toil for which he had a more than ordinary contempt and dislike, when the sound of shouting in the street attracted his attention.

on one occasion

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

a judge of a probate court

From this reading This done, he was about to proceed with the dish-washing, a kind of toil for which he had a more than ordinary contempt and dislike, when the sound of shouting in the street attracted his attention.

in other respects or ways

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

someone who takes part in an activity

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

continue talking

From this reading This done, he was about to proceed with the dish-washing, a kind of toil for which he had a more than ordinary contempt and dislike, when the sound of shouting in the street attracted his attention.

third-person singular of “prove” — be shown or be found to be

From this reading _Chapter Twenty-Six_ _TOM MOORE’S SERVANT PROVES A FRIEND IN NEED_ Buster ate a hearty supper and fed Lord Castlereagh with the scraps.

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

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading This being the case, he was quite at a loss to account for the sounds of tumult below.

past form of “remark” — make mention of

From this reading "My heye!" he remarked to the bulldog, whose curiosity was similarly aroused, "wot a rumpussin’.

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

From this reading "My heye!" he remarked to the bulldog, whose curiosity was similarly aroused, "wot a rumpussin’.

food that is discarded (as from a kitchen)

From this reading _Chapter Twenty-Six_ _TOM MOORE’S SERVANT PROVES A FRIEND IN NEED_ Buster ate a hearty supper and fed Lord Castlereagh with the scraps.

a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading _Chapter Twenty-Six_ _TOM MOORE’S SERVANT PROVES A FRIEND IN NEED_ Buster ate a hearty supper and fed Lord Castlereagh with the scraps.

encouragement in the form of cheers from spectators

From this reading This done, he was about to proceed with the dish-washing, a kind of toil for which he had a more than ordinary contempt and dislike, when the sound of shouting in the street attracted his attention.

in like or similar manner

From this reading "My heye!" he remarked to the bulldog, whose curiosity was similarly aroused, "wot a rumpussin’.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading This done, he was about to proceed with the dish-washing, a kind of toil for which he had a more than ordinary contempt and dislike, when the sound of shouting in the street attracted his attention.

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

From this reading This being the case, he was quite at a loss to account for the sounds of tumult below.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading This done, he was about to proceed with the dish-washing, a kind of toil for which he had a more than ordinary contempt and dislike, when the sound of shouting in the street attracted his attention.

a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime

From this reading _Chapter Twenty-Six_ _TOM MOORE’S SERVANT PROVES A FRIEND IN NEED_ Buster ate a hearty supper and fed Lord Castlereagh with the scraps.

a man who is the lover of a man or woman

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

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

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading This done, he was about to proceed with the dish-washing, a kind of toil for which he had a more than ordinary contempt and dislike, when the sound of shouting in the street attracted his attention.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

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

From this reading _Chapter Twenty-Six_ _TOM MOORE’S SERVANT PROVES A FRIEND IN NEED_ Buster ate a hearty supper and fed Lord Castlereagh with the scraps.

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

From this reading This done, he was about to proceed with the dish-washing, a kind of toil for which he had a more than ordinary contempt and dislike, when the sound of shouting in the street attracted his attention.

information about recent and important events

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

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

From this reading This done, he was about to proceed with the dish-washing, a kind of toil for which he had a more than ordinary contempt and dislike, when the sound of shouting in the street attracted his attention.

work hard

From this reading This done, he was about to proceed with the dish-washing, a kind of toil for which he had a more than ordinary contempt and dislike, when the sound of shouting in the street attracted his attention.

male cat

From this reading _Chapter Twenty-Six_ _TOM MOORE’S SERVANT PROVES A FRIEND IN NEED_ Buster ate a hearty supper and fed Lord Castlereagh with the scraps.

a state of commotion and noise and confusion

From this reading This being the case, he was quite at a loss to account for the sounds of tumult below.

being six more than twenty

From this reading _Chapter Twenty-Six_ _TOM MOORE’S SERVANT PROVES A FRIEND IN NEED_ Buster ate a hearty supper and fed Lord Castlereagh with the scraps.

not known

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.

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

From this reading This done, he was about to proceed with the dish-washing, a kind of toil for which he had a more than ordinary contempt and dislike, when the sound of shouting in the street attracted his attention.

at the time that

From this reading This done, he was about to proceed with the dish-washing, a kind of toil for which he had a more than ordinary contempt and dislike, when the sound of shouting in the street attracted his attention.

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

From this reading This done, he was about to proceed with the dish-washing, a kind of toil for which he had a more than ordinary contempt and dislike, when the sound of shouting in the street attracted his attention.

belonging to which person

From this reading "My heye!" he remarked to the bulldog, whose curiosity was similarly aroused, "wot a rumpussin’.

in the company of; together with

From this reading _Chapter Twenty-Six_ _TOM MOORE’S SERVANT PROVES A FRIEND IN NEED_ Buster ate a hearty supper and fed Lord Castlereagh with the scraps.

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

From this reading "My heye!" he remarked to the bulldog, whose curiosity was similarly aroused, "wot a rumpussin’.

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

From this reading For once in his life the boy had failed to ascertain the news of the neighborhood of that day, and as he had been absent when Mrs. Malone conveyed to his master the intelligence of Sweeny’s purposed ambush of Jane’s unknown swain, he had had no tidings concerning that important happening, so was not the active participant in the adventure that he would otherwise have been.