Chapter XVII · Chapter 17

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

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading THE REAL THING It happened that same afternoon that Tom and Roy went up to Salmon River Village to purchase some provisions for camp.

united by being of the same opinion

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

passing reference or indirect mention

From this reading "Every man you meet seems to take some interest in the scouts," said Tom, in allusion to the cordial storekeeper.

plural of “amateur” — someone who pursues a study or sport as a pastime

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

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

From this reading The two boys were on their way back from the village and were discussing an interesting discovery which they had made while there.

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

From this reading THE REAL THING It happened that same afternoon that Tom and Roy went up to Salmon River Village to purchase some provisions for camp.

equipment designed to serve a specific function

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading The two boys were on their way back from the village and were discussing an interesting discovery which they had made while there.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading The two boys were on their way back from the village and were discussing an interesting discovery which they had made while there.

temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading THE REAL THING It happened that same afternoon that Tom and Roy went up to Salmon River Village to purchase some provisions for camp.

an occurrence of something

From this reading "Sure, even Mr. Temple's got a light case of it."

a collection of things sharing a common attribute

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

diffusing warmth and friendliness

From this reading "Every man you meet seems to take some interest in the scouts," said Tom, in allusion to the cordial storekeeper.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

the act of discovering something

From this reading The two boys were on their way back from the village and were discussing an interesting discovery which they had made while there.

-ing form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing

From this reading The two boys were on their way back from the village and were discussing an interesting discovery which they had made while there.

inflected form of “eavesdrop” — listen without the speaker's knowledge

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

divisible by two

From this reading "Sure, even Mr. Temple's got a light case of it."

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading "Every man you meet seems to take some interest in the scouts," said Tom, in allusion to the cordial storekeeper.

chemical process in which one atom or ion or group changes places with another

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE REAL THING It happened that same afternoon that Tom and Roy went up to Salmon River Village to purchase some provisions for camp.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The two boys were on their way back from the village and were discussing an interesting discovery which they had made while there.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading "Sure, even Mr. Temple's got a light case of it."

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

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

From this reading The two boys were on their way back from the village and were discussing an interesting discovery which they had made while there.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading THE REAL THING It happened that same afternoon that Tom and Roy went up to Salmon River Village to purchase some provisions for camp.

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

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

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

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

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

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

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

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

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

From this reading "Every man you meet seems to take some interest in the scouts," said Tom, in allusion to the cordial storekeeper.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading "Every man you meet seems to take some interest in the scouts," said Tom, in allusion to the cordial storekeeper.

arousing or holding the attention

From this reading The two boys were on their way back from the village and were discussing an interesting discovery which they had made while there.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE REAL THING It happened that same afternoon that Tom and Roy went up to Salmon River Village to purchase some provisions for camp.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading "Sure, even Mr. Temple's got a light case of it."

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading The two boys were on their way back from the village and were discussing an interesting discovery which they had made while there.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading "Every man you meet seems to take some interest in the scouts," said Tom, in allusion to the cordial storekeeper.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

come together

From this reading "Every man you meet seems to take some interest in the scouts," said Tom, in allusion to the cordial storekeeper.

plural of “message” — a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

a form of address for a man

From this reading "Sure, even Mr. Temple's got a light case of it."

amounting to a large indefinite number

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The two boys were on their way back from the village and were discussing an interesting discovery which they had made while there.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

a feeling of self-respect and personal worth

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

a stock or supply of foods

From this reading THE REAL THING It happened that same afternoon that Tom and Roy went up to Salmon River Village to purchase some provisions for camp.

the acquisition of something for payment

From this reading THE REAL THING It happened that same afternoon that Tom and Roy went up to Salmon River Village to purchase some provisions for camp.

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading THE REAL THING It happened that same afternoon that Tom and Roy went up to Salmon River Village to purchase some provisions for camp.

plural of “receiver” — set that receives radio or tv signals

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

plural of “rial” — the basic unit of money in Yemen; equal to 100 fils

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading THE REAL THING It happened that same afternoon that Tom and Roy went up to Salmon River Village to purchase some provisions for camp.

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

From this reading THE REAL THING It happened that same afternoon that Tom and Roy went up to Salmon River Village to purchase some provisions for camp.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Every man you meet seems to take some interest in the scouts," said Tom, in allusion to the cordial storekeeper.

any of various large food and game fishes of northern waters; usually migrate from salt to fresh water to spawn

From this reading THE REAL THING It happened that same afternoon that Tom and Roy went up to Salmon River Village to purchase some provisions for camp.

Identical; not different.

From this reading THE REAL THING It happened that same afternoon that Tom and Roy went up to Salmon River Village to purchase some provisions for camp.

plural of “scout” — a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading "Every man you meet seems to take some interest in the scouts," said Tom, in allusion to the cordial storekeeper.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

be seated

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading THE REAL THING It happened that same afternoon that Tom and Roy went up to Salmon River Village to purchase some provisions for camp.

a merchant who owns or manages a shop

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

act of expanding by lengthening or widening

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading "Sure, even Mr. Temple's got a light case of it."

carry out

From this reading "Every man you meet seems to take some interest in the scouts," said Tom, in allusion to the cordial storekeeper.

possessive form of “temple” — place of worship consisting of an edifice for the worship of a deity

From this reading "Sure, even Mr. Temple's got a light case of it."

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE REAL THING It happened that same afternoon that Tom and Roy went up to Salmon River Village to purchase some provisions for camp.

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

From this reading THE REAL THING It happened that same afternoon that Tom and Roy went up to Salmon River Village to purchase some provisions for camp.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The two boys were on their way back from the village and were discussing an interesting discovery which they had made while there.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

in or at that place or location

From this reading The two boys were on their way back from the village and were discussing an interesting discovery which they had made while there.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

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

From this reading The two boys were on their way back from the village and were discussing an interesting discovery which they had made while there.

a special situation

From this reading THE REAL THING It happened that same afternoon that Tom and Roy went up to Salmon River Village to purchase some provisions for camp.

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

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

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

From this reading THE REAL THING It happened that same afternoon that Tom and Roy went up to Salmon River Village to purchase some provisions for camp.

male cat

From this reading THE REAL THING It happened that same afternoon that Tom and Roy went up to Salmon River Village to purchase some provisions for camp.

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

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading The two boys were on their way back from the village and were discussing an interesting discovery which they had made while there.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading THE REAL THING It happened that same afternoon that Tom and Roy went up to Salmon River Village to purchase some provisions for camp.

a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading THE REAL THING It happened that same afternoon that Tom and Roy went up to Salmon River Village to purchase some provisions for camp.

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

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The two boys were on their way back from the village and were discussing an interesting discovery which they had made while there.

(used informally) very small

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

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

From this reading THE REAL THING It happened that same afternoon that Tom and Roy went up to Salmon River Village to purchase some provisions for camp.

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

From this reading The two boys were on their way back from the village and were discussing an interesting discovery which they had made while there.

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

From this reading The two boys were on their way back from the village and were discussing an interesting discovery which they had made while there.

during the time that

From this reading The two boys were on their way back from the village and were discussing an interesting discovery which they had made while there.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

belonging to which person

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

medium for communication

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

in the company of; together with

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading This was a wireless apparatus which the storekeeper had shown them with great pride for he was one of that numerous class of wireless amateurs whose a‰rials may be seen stretching from tree-tops to house-tops these days, and since it was his pleasure to sit into the wee hours of the morning with his head receivers on, eavesdropping on the whole world, the two scouts had agreed to exchange messages with him.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Every man you meet seems to take some interest in the scouts," said Tom, in allusion to the cordial storekeeper.