Chapter II

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

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

become imbued

From this reading A trip to Iceland would scarcely absorb Tom Swift’s attention just now, but the fortune Mr. Damon promised him a share of might be a thing not to be scorned.

matters of personal concern

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading In spite of the inventor’s several sources of income and the great sums already invested in the Swift Construction Company and in other well-paying concerns, Tom never saw the time when he could not make good use of more money.

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

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

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

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

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

From this reading A trip to Iceland would scarcely absorb Tom Swift’s attention just now, but the fortune Mr. Damon promised him a share of might be a thing not to be scorned.

a change for the better; progress in development

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading From the time the reader was introduced to “Tom Swift and His Motor Cycle,” the title of the first book of this series, down to the twenty-fifth volume, the one preceding this present story, “Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive,” the young inventor has found good use for much money.

the two together, not just one

From this reading So, no matter how ridiculous his first proposition might sound, Tom and his father were both ready to listen.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading A trip to Iceland would scarcely absorb Tom Swift’s attention just now, but the fortune Mr. Damon promised him a share of might be a thing not to be scorned.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

the part of the human torso between the neck and the diaphragm or the corresponding part in other vertebrates

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading In spite of the inventor’s several sources of income and the great sums already invested in the Swift Construction Company and in other well-paying concerns, Tom never saw the time when he could not make good use of more money.

plural of “concern” — something that interests you because it is important or affects you

From this reading In spite of the inventor’s several sources of income and the great sums already invested in the Swift Construction Company and in other well-paying concerns, Tom never saw the time when he could not make good use of more money.

the act of constructing something

From this reading In spite of the inventor’s several sources of income and the great sums already invested in the Swift Construction Company and in other well-paying concerns, Tom never saw the time when he could not make good use of more money.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading In spite of the inventor’s several sources of income and the great sums already invested in the Swift Construction Company and in other well-paying concerns, Tom never saw the time when he could not make good use of more money.

an interval during which a recurring sequence of events occurs

From this reading From the time the reader was introduced to “Tom Swift and His Motor Cycle,” the title of the first book of this series, down to the twenty-fifth volume, the one preceding this present story, “Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive,” the young inventor has found good use for much money.

the friend of Phintias who pledged his life that Phintias would return (4th century BC)

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading From the time the reader was introduced to “Tom Swift and His Motor Cycle,” the title of the first book of this series, down to the twenty-fifth volume, the one preceding this present story, “Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive,” the young inventor has found good use for much money.

conspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

using or providing or producing or transmitting or operated by electricity

From this reading From the time the reader was introduced to “Tom Swift and His Motor Cycle,” the title of the first book of this series, down to the twenty-fifth volume, the one preceding this present story, “Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive,” the young inventor has found good use for much money.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading So, no matter how ridiculous his first proposition might sound, Tom and his father were both ready to listen.

assets in the form of money

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading From the time the reader was introduced to “Tom Swift and His Motor Cycle,” the title of the first book of this series, down to the twenty-fifth volume, the one preceding this present story, “Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive,” the young inventor has found good use for much money.

an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another

From this reading A trip to Iceland would scarcely absorb Tom Swift’s attention just now, but the fortune Mr. Damon promised him a share of might be a thing not to be scorned.

set up or found

From this reading From the time the reader was introduced to “Tom Swift and His Motor Cycle,” the title of the first book of this series, down to the twenty-fifth volume, the one preceding this present story, “Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive,” the young inventor has found good use for much money.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading From the time the reader was introduced to “Tom Swift and His Motor Cycle,” the title of the first book of this series, down to the twenty-fifth volume, the one preceding this present story, “Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive,” the young inventor has found good use for much money.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading In spite of the inventor’s several sources of income and the great sums already invested in the Swift Construction Company and in other well-paying concerns, Tom never saw the time when he could not make good use of more money.

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

From this reading In spite of the inventor’s several sources of income and the great sums already invested in the Swift Construction Company and in other well-paying concerns, Tom never saw the time when he could not make good use of more money.

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

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

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

From this reading From the time the reader was introduced to “Tom Swift and His Motor Cycle,” the title of the first book of this series, down to the twenty-fifth volume, the one preceding this present story, “Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive,” the young inventor has found good use for much money.

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

From this reading In spite of the inventor’s several sources of income and the great sums already invested in the Swift Construction Company and in other well-paying concerns, Tom never saw the time when he could not make good use of more money.

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

From this reading A trip to Iceland would scarcely absorb Tom Swift’s attention just now, but the fortune Mr. Damon promised him a share of might be a thing not to be scorned.

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

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

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

From this reading So, no matter how ridiculous his first proposition might sound, Tom and his father were both ready to listen.

an island republic on the island of Iceland; became independent of Denmark in 1944

From this reading A trip to Iceland would scarcely absorb Tom Swift’s attention just now, but the fortune Mr. Damon promised him a share of might be a thing not to be scorned.

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

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

the financial gain (earned or unearned) accruing over a given period of time

From this reading In spite of the inventor’s several sources of income and the great sums already invested in the Swift Construction Company and in other well-paying concerns, Tom never saw the time when he could not make good use of more money.

past form of “introduce” — cause to come to know personally

From this reading From the time the reader was introduced to “Tom Swift and His Motor Cycle,” the title of the first book of this series, down to the twenty-fifth volume, the one preceding this present story, “Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive,” the young inventor has found good use for much money.

someone who is the first to think of or make something

From this reading From the time the reader was introduced to “Tom Swift and His Motor Cycle,” the title of the first book of this series, down to the twenty-fifth volume, the one preceding this present story, “Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive,” the young inventor has found good use for much money.

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

From this reading In spite of the inventor’s several sources of income and the great sums already invested in the Swift Construction Company and in other well-paying concerns, Tom never saw the time when he could not make good use of more money.

past form of “invest” — make an investment

From this reading In spite of the inventor’s several sources of income and the great sums already invested in the Swift Construction Company and in other well-paying concerns, Tom never saw the time when he could not make good use of more money.

and nothing more

From this reading A trip to Iceland would scarcely absorb Tom Swift’s attention just now, but the fortune Mr. Damon promised him a share of might be a thing not to be scorned.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

hear with intention

From this reading So, no matter how ridiculous his first proposition might sound, Tom and his father were both ready to listen.

a wheeled vehicle consisting of a self-propelled engine that is used to draw trains along railway tracks

From this reading From the time the reader was introduced to “Tom Swift and His Motor Cycle,” the title of the first book of this series, down to the twenty-fifth volume, the one preceding this present story, “Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive,” the young inventor has found good use for much money.

engage in

From this reading In spite of the inventor’s several sources of income and the great sums already invested in the Swift Construction Company and in other well-paying concerns, Tom never saw the time when he could not make good use of more money.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading So, no matter how ridiculous his first proposition might sound, Tom and his father were both ready to listen.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading So, no matter how ridiculous his first proposition might sound, Tom and his father were both ready to listen.

the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender

From this reading In spite of the inventor’s several sources of income and the great sums already invested in the Swift Construction Company and in other well-paying concerns, Tom never saw the time when he could not make good use of more money.

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

From this reading In spite of the inventor’s several sources of income and the great sums already invested in the Swift Construction Company and in other well-paying concerns, Tom never saw the time when he could not make good use of more money.

machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion

From this reading From the time the reader was introduced to “Tom Swift and His Motor Cycle,” the title of the first book of this series, down to the twenty-fifth volume, the one preceding this present story, “Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive,” the young inventor has found good use for much money.

a form of address for a man

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading From the time the reader was introduced to “Tom Swift and His Motor Cycle,” the title of the first book of this series, down to the twenty-fifth volume, the one preceding this present story, “Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive,” the young inventor has found good use for much money.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading In spite of the inventor’s several sources of income and the great sums already invested in the Swift Construction Company and in other well-paying concerns, Tom never saw the time when he could not make good use of more money.

not any; not one

From this reading So, no matter how ridiculous his first proposition might sound, Tom and his father were both ready to listen.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading A trip to Iceland would scarcely absorb Tom Swift’s attention just now, but the fortune Mr. Damon promised him a share of might be a thing not to be scorned.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading A trip to Iceland would scarcely absorb Tom Swift’s attention just now, but the fortune Mr. Damon promised him a share of might be a thing not to be scorned.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading From the time the reader was introduced to “Tom Swift and His Motor Cycle,” the title of the first book of this series, down to the twenty-fifth volume, the one preceding this present story, “Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive,” the young inventor has found good use for much money.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading In spite of the inventor’s several sources of income and the great sums already invested in the Swift Construction Company and in other well-paying concerns, Tom never saw the time when he could not make good use of more money.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

existing or coming before

From this reading From the time the reader was introduced to “Tom Swift and His Motor Cycle,” the title of the first book of this series, down to the twenty-fifth volume, the one preceding this present story, “Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive,” the young inventor has found good use for much money.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading From the time the reader was introduced to “Tom Swift and His Motor Cycle,” the title of the first book of this series, down to the twenty-fifth volume, the one preceding this present story, “Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive,” the young inventor has found good use for much money.

past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment

From this reading A trip to Iceland would scarcely absorb Tom Swift’s attention just now, but the fortune Mr. Damon promised him a share of might be a thing not to be scorned.

(logic) a statement that affirms or denies something and is either true or false

From this reading So, no matter how ridiculous his first proposition might sound, Tom and his father were both ready to listen.

a person who enjoys reading

From this reading From the time the reader was introduced to “Tom Swift and His Motor Cycle,” the title of the first book of this series, down to the twenty-fifth volume, the one preceding this present story, “Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive,” the young inventor has found good use for much money.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading So, no matter how ridiculous his first proposition might sound, Tom and his father were both ready to listen.

past form of “result” — issue or terminate (in a specified way, state, etc.); end

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

inspiring scornful pity

From this reading So, no matter how ridiculous his first proposition might sound, Tom and his father were both ready to listen.

cut with a saw

From this reading In spite of the inventor’s several sources of income and the great sums already invested in the Swift Construction Company and in other well-paying concerns, Tom never saw the time when he could not make good use of more money.

only a very short time before

From this reading A trip to Iceland would scarcely absorb Tom Swift’s attention just now, but the fortune Mr. Damon promised him a share of might be a thing not to be scorned.

treated with dislike or contempt

From this reading A trip to Iceland would scarcely absorb Tom Swift’s attention just now, but the fortune Mr. Damon promised him a share of might be a thing not to be scorned.

similar things placed in order or happening one after another

From this reading From the time the reader was introduced to “Tom Swift and His Motor Cycle,” the title of the first book of this series, down to the twenty-fifth volume, the one preceding this present story, “Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive,” the young inventor has found good use for much money.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading In spite of the inventor’s several sources of income and the great sums already invested in the Swift Construction Company and in other well-paying concerns, Tom never saw the time when he could not make good use of more money.

have in common

From this reading A trip to Iceland would scarcely absorb Tom Swift’s attention just now, but the fortune Mr. Damon promised him a share of might be a thing not to be scorned.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So, no matter how ridiculous his first proposition might sound, Tom and his father were both ready to listen.

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

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading So, no matter how ridiculous his first proposition might sound, Tom and his father were both ready to listen.

plural of “source” — the place where something begins, where it springs into being

From this reading In spite of the inventor’s several sources of income and the great sums already invested in the Swift Construction Company and in other well-paying concerns, Tom never saw the time when he could not make good use of more money.

feeling a need to see others suffer

From this reading In spite of the inventor’s several sources of income and the great sums already invested in the Swift Construction Company and in other well-paying concerns, Tom never saw the time when he could not make good use of more money.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading From the time the reader was introduced to “Tom Swift and His Motor Cycle,” the title of the first book of this series, down to the twenty-fifth volume, the one preceding this present story, “Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive,” the young inventor has found good use for much money.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

plural of “sum” — a quantity of money

From this reading In spite of the inventor’s several sources of income and the great sums already invested in the Swift Construction Company and in other well-paying concerns, Tom never saw the time when he could not make good use of more money.

moving very fast

From this reading In spite of the inventor’s several sources of income and the great sums already invested in the Swift Construction Company and in other well-paying concerns, Tom never saw the time when he could not make good use of more money.

possessive form of “swift” — United States meat-packer who began the use of refrigerated railroad cars (1839-1903)

From this reading A trip to Iceland would scarcely absorb Tom Swift’s attention just now, but the fortune Mr. Damon promised him a share of might be a thing not to be scorned.

plural of “swift” — United States meat-packer who began the use of refrigerated railroad cars (1839-1903)

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

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

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

a special situation

From this reading A trip to Iceland would scarcely absorb Tom Swift’s attention just now, but the fortune Mr. Damon promised him a share of might be a thing not to be scorned.

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

From this reading From the time the reader was introduced to “Tom Swift and His Motor Cycle,” the title of the first book of this series, down to the twenty-fifth volume, the one preceding this present story, “Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive,” the young inventor has found good use for much money.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading In spite of the inventor’s several sources of income and the great sums already invested in the Swift Construction Company and in other well-paying concerns, Tom never saw the time when he could not make good use of more money.

a heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with

From this reading From the time the reader was introduced to “Tom Swift and His Motor Cycle,” the title of the first book of this series, down to the twenty-fifth volume, the one preceding this present story, “Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive,” the young inventor has found good use for much money.

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

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

male cat

From this reading So, no matter how ridiculous his first proposition might sound, Tom and his father were both ready to listen.

accumulated wealth in the form of money or jewels etc.

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

a journey for some purpose (usually including the return)

From this reading A trip to Iceland would scarcely absorb Tom Swift’s attention just now, but the fortune Mr. Damon promised him a share of might be a thing not to be scorned.

coming next after the twenty-fourth in position

From this reading From the time the reader was introduced to “Tom Swift and His Motor Cycle,” the title of the first book of this series, down to the twenty-fifth volume, the one preceding this present story, “Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive,” the young inventor has found good use for much money.

the act of using

From this reading In spite of the inventor’s several sources of income and the great sums already invested in the Swift Construction Company and in other well-paying concerns, Tom never saw the time when he could not make good use of more money.

the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object

From this reading From the time the reader was introduced to “Tom Swift and His Motor Cycle,” the title of the first book of this series, down to the twenty-fifth volume, the one preceding this present story, “Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive,” the young inventor has found good use for much money.

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

From this reading THE TREASURE CHEST Since the Swifts had first known Mr. Wakefield Damon that eccentric character had brought to their attention a number of strange affairs, and some of them had resulted in the betterment of his own and the Swifts’ finances.

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

From this reading From the time the reader was introduced to “Tom Swift and His Motor Cycle,” the title of the first book of this series, down to the twenty-fifth volume, the one preceding this present story, “Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive,” the young inventor has found good use for much money.

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

From this reading In spite of the inventor’s several sources of income and the great sums already invested in the Swift Construction Company and in other well-paying concerns, Tom never saw the time when he could not make good use of more money.

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

From this reading So, no matter how ridiculous his first proposition might sound, Tom and his father were both ready to listen.

at the time that

From this reading In spite of the inventor’s several sources of income and the great sums already invested in the Swift Construction Company and in other well-paying concerns, Tom never saw the time when he could not make good use of more money.

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

From this reading A trip to Iceland would scarcely absorb Tom Swift’s attention just now, but the fortune Mr. Damon promised him a share of might be a thing not to be scorned.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading From the time the reader was introduced to “Tom Swift and His Motor Cycle,” the title of the first book of this series, down to the twenty-fifth volume, the one preceding this present story, “Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive,” the young inventor has found good use for much money.