used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Behind him, in the office, he had left Henricksen and the ruffian known as the 'Admiral' busily engaged with their oxy-acetylene flame, eating a hole into the safe which they hoped and imagined was well filled with gold.
quickly and without warning
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
AdmiralnounUS /ˈædmərəl/
the supreme commander of a fleet; ranks above a vice admiral and below a fleet admiral
From this reading Behind him, in the office, he had left Henricksen and the ruffian known as the 'Admiral' busily engaged with their oxy-acetylene flame, eating a hole into the safe which they hoped and imagined was well filled with gold.
adventurousadjectiveUS /ædˈventʃərəs/
willing to undertake or seeking out new and daring enterprises
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
AlienadjectiveUS /ˈeɪliən/
not contained in or deriving from the essential nature of something
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading Upstairs was the man Ovanovitch, clearing the cases of all their portable valuables, while here, on the main floor, was Spolikoff, a Russian--a man given naturally to deeds of violence--placed there to watch for the very police whom it was our hero's object to summon.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Behind him, in the office, he had left Henricksen and the ruffian known as the 'Admiral' busily engaged with their oxy-acetylene flame, eating a hole into the safe which they hoped and imagined was well filled with gold.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading The very man from whom he wished to keep farthest away was stealing towards him in the semi-darkness.
BehindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Behind him, in the office, he had left Henricksen and the ruffian known as the 'Admiral' busily engaged with their oxy-acetylene flame, eating a hole into the safe which they hoped and imagined was well filled with gold.
the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
From this reading David drew in a deep breath.
busilyadverbUS /ˈbɪzəli/
in a busy manner
From this reading Behind him, in the office, he had left Henricksen and the ruffian known as the 'Admiral' busily engaged with their oxy-acetylene flame, eating a hole into the safe which they hoped and imagined was well filled with gold.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
plural of “case” — an occurrence of something
From this reading Upstairs was the man Ovanovitch, clearing the cases of all their portable valuables, while here, on the main floor, was Spolikoff, a Russian--a man given naturally to deeds of violence--placed there to watch for the very police whom it was our hero's object to summon.
clearingnounUS /ˈklɪrɪŋ/
a tract of land with few or no trees in the middle of a wooded area
From this reading Upstairs was the man Ovanovitch, clearing the cases of all their portable valuables, while here, on the main floor, was Spolikoff, a Russian--a man given naturally to deeds of violence--placed there to watch for the very police whom it was our hero's object to summon.
cowardnounUS /ˈkaʊərd/
a person who shows fear or timidity
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
CriminalsnounUS /ˈkrɪmənəlz/
plural of “criminal” — someone who has committed a crime or has been legally convicted of a crime
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
patron saint of Wales (circa 520-600)
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
deedsnounUS /diːdz/
performance of moral or religious acts
From this reading Upstairs was the man Ovanovitch, clearing the cases of all their portable valuables, while here, on the main floor, was Spolikoff, a Russian--a man given naturally to deeds of violence--placed there to watch for the very police whom it was our hero's object to summon.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading David drew in a deep breath.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading David drew in a deep breath.
the act of consuming food
From this reading Behind him, in the office, he had left Henricksen and the ruffian known as the 'Admiral' busily engaged with their oxy-acetylene flame, eating a hole into the safe which they hoped and imagined was well filled with gold.
employersnounUS /emˈplɔɪərz/
plural of “employer” — a person or firm that employs workers
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
having ones attention or mind or energy engaged
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
at any time
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
farthestadverbUS /ˈfɑːrðəst/
to the greatest distance in space or time (“farthest” is used more often than “furthest” in this physical sense)
From this reading The very man from whom he wished to keep farthest away was stealing towards him in the semi-darkness.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading Behind him, in the office, he had left Henricksen and the ruffian known as the 'Admiral' busily engaged with their oxy-acetylene flame, eating a hole into the safe which they hoped and imagined was well filled with gold.
A hot glowing body of ignited gas produced by fire.
From this reading Behind him, in the office, he had left Henricksen and the ruffian known as the 'Admiral' busily engaged with their oxy-acetylene flame, eating a hole into the safe which they hoped and imagined was well filled with gold.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading Upstairs was the man Ovanovitch, clearing the cases of all their portable valuables, while here, on the main floor, was Spolikoff, a Russian--a man given naturally to deeds of violence--placed there to watch for the very police whom it was our hero's object to summon.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Upstairs was the man Ovanovitch, clearing the cases of all their portable valuables, while here, on the main floor, was Spolikoff, a Russian--a man given naturally to deeds of violence--placed there to watch for the very police whom it was our hero's object to summon.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The very man from whom he wished to keep farthest away was stealing towards him in the semi-darkness.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading Upstairs was the man Ovanovitch, clearing the cases of all their portable valuables, while here, on the main floor, was Spolikoff, a Russian--a man given naturally to deeds of violence--placed there to watch for the very police whom it was our hero's object to summon.
coins made of gold
From this reading Behind him, in the office, he had left Henricksen and the ruffian known as the 'Admiral' busily engaged with their oxy-acetylene flame, eating a hole into the safe which they hoped and imagined was well filled with gold.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
HarborverbUS /ˈhɑːrbər/
maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings)
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
Henricksen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind him, in the office, he had left Henricksen and the ruffian known as the 'Admiral' busily engaged with their oxy-acetylene flame, eating a hole into the safe which they hoped and imagined was well filled with gold.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Upstairs was the man Ovanovitch, clearing the cases of all their portable valuables, while here, on the main floor, was Spolikoff, a Russian--a man given naturally to deeds of violence--placed there to watch for the very police whom it was our hero's object to summon.
hero'snounUS /ˈhɪroʊz/
possessive form of “hero” — a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength
From this reading Upstairs was the man Ovanovitch, clearing the cases of all their portable valuables, while here, on the main floor, was Spolikoff, a Russian--a man given naturally to deeds of violence--placed there to watch for the very police whom it was our hero's object to summon.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Behind him, in the office, he had left Henricksen and the ruffian known as the 'Admiral' busily engaged with their oxy-acetylene flame, eating a hole into the safe which they hoped and imagined was well filled with gold.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
an opening into or through something
From this reading Behind him, in the office, he had left Henricksen and the ruffian known as the 'Admiral' busily engaged with their oxy-acetylene flame, eating a hole into the safe which they hoped and imagined was well filled with gold.
past form of “hope” — expect and wish
From this reading Behind him, in the office, he had left Henricksen and the ruffian known as the 'Admiral' busily engaged with their oxy-acetylene flame, eating a hole into the safe which they hoped and imagined was well filled with gold.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
past form of “imagine” — form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case
From this reading Behind him, in the office, he had left Henricksen and the ruffian known as the 'Admiral' busily engaged with their oxy-acetylene flame, eating a hole into the safe which they hoped and imagined was well filled with gold.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Behind him, in the office, he had left Henricksen and the ruffian known as the 'Admiral' busily engaged with their oxy-acetylene flame, eating a hole into the safe which they hoped and imagined was well filled with gold.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading The very man from whom he wished to keep farthest away was stealing towards him in the semi-darkness.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading Behind him, in the office, he had left Henricksen and the ruffian known as the 'Admiral' busily engaged with their oxy-acetylene flame, eating a hole into the safe which they hoped and imagined was well filled with gold.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading Behind him, in the office, he had left Henricksen and the ruffian known as the 'Admiral' busily engaged with their oxy-acetylene flame, eating a hole into the safe which they hoped and imagined was well filled with gold.
London'snounUS /ˈlʌndənz/
possessive form of “london” — the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
most important element
From this reading Upstairs was the man Ovanovitch, clearing the cases of all their portable valuables, while here, on the main floor, was Spolikoff, a Russian--a man given naturally to deeds of violence--placed there to watch for the very police whom it was our hero's object to summon.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Upstairs was the man Ovanovitch, clearing the cases of all their portable valuables, while here, on the main floor, was Spolikoff, a Russian--a man given naturally to deeds of violence--placed there to watch for the very police whom it was our hero's object to summon.
the force of workers available
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
a particular point in time
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
as might be expected
From this reading Upstairs was the man Ovanovitch, clearing the cases of all their portable valuables, while here, on the main floor, was Spolikoff, a Russian--a man given naturally to deeds of violence--placed there to watch for the very police whom it was our hero's object to summon.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading Upstairs was the man Ovanovitch, clearing the cases of all their portable valuables, while here, on the main floor, was Spolikoff, a Russian--a man given naturally to deeds of violence--placed there to watch for the very police whom it was our hero's object to summon.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading Behind him, in the office, he had left Henricksen and the ruffian known as the 'Admiral' busily engaged with their oxy-acetylene flame, eating a hole into the safe which they hoped and imagined was well filled with gold.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Upstairs was the man Ovanovitch, clearing the cases of all their portable valuables, while here, on the main floor, was Spolikoff, a Russian--a man given naturally to deeds of violence--placed there to watch for the very police whom it was our hero's object to summon.
Ovanovitch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Upstairs was the man Ovanovitch, clearing the cases of all their portable valuables, while here, on the main floor, was Spolikoff, a Russian--a man given naturally to deeds of violence--placed there to watch for the very police whom it was our hero's object to summon.
oxy-acetylene
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind him, in the office, he had left Henricksen and the ruffian known as the 'Admiral' busily engaged with their oxy-acetylene flame, eating a hole into the safe which they hoped and imagined was well filled with gold.
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading Upstairs was the man Ovanovitch, clearing the cases of all their portable valuables, while here, on the main floor, was Spolikoff, a Russian--a man given naturally to deeds of violence--placed there to watch for the very police whom it was our hero's object to summon.
participate in games or sport
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
the force of policemen and officers
From this reading Upstairs was the man Ovanovitch, clearing the cases of all their portable valuables, while here, on the main floor, was Spolikoff, a Russian--a man given naturally to deeds of violence--placed there to watch for the very police whom it was our hero's object to summon.
portableadjectiveUS /ˈpɔːrtəbəl/
easily or conveniently transported
From this reading Upstairs was the man Ovanovitch, clearing the cases of all their portable valuables, while here, on the main floor, was Spolikoff, a Russian--a man given naturally to deeds of violence--placed there to watch for the very police whom it was our hero's object to summon.
preciseadjectiveUS /prɪˈsaɪs/
sharply exact or accurate or delimited
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
robbingverbUS /ˈrɑːbɪŋ/
inflected form of “rob” — take something away by force or without the consent of the owner
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
ruffiannoun
a cruel and brutal fellow
From this reading Behind him, in the office, he had left Henricksen and the ruffian known as the 'Admiral' busily engaged with their oxy-acetylene flame, eating a hole into the safe which they hoped and imagined was well filled with gold.
RussiannounUS /ˈrʌʃən/
a native or inhabitant of Russia
From this reading Upstairs was the man Ovanovitch, clearing the cases of all their portable valuables, while here, on the main floor, was Spolikoff, a Russian--a man given naturally to deeds of violence--placed there to watch for the very police whom it was our hero's object to summon.
free from danger or the risk of harm
From this reading Behind him, in the office, he had left Henricksen and the ruffian known as the 'Admiral' busily engaged with their oxy-acetylene flame, eating a hole into the safe which they hoped and imagined was well filled with gold.
semi-darkness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The very man from whom he wished to keep farthest away was stealing towards him in the semi-darkness.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
Spolikoff
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Upstairs was the man Ovanovitch, clearing the cases of all their portable valuables, while here, on the main floor, was Spolikoff, a Russian--a man given naturally to deeds of violence--placed there to watch for the very police whom it was our hero's object to summon.
stealingnounUS /ˈstiːlɪŋ/
the act of taking something from someone unlawfully
From this reading The very man from whom he wished to keep farthest away was stealing towards him in the semi-darkness.
a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
summonverbUS /ˈsʌmən/
call in an official matter, such as to attend court
From this reading Upstairs was the man Ovanovitch, clearing the cases of all their portable valuables, while here, on the main floor, was Spolikoff, a Russian--a man given naturally to deeds of violence--placed there to watch for the very police whom it was our hero's object to summon.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Behind him, in the office, he had left Henricksen and the ruffian known as the 'Admiral' busily engaged with their oxy-acetylene flame, eating a hole into the safe which they hoped and imagined was well filled with gold.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Upstairs was the man Ovanovitch, clearing the cases of all their portable valuables, while here, on the main floor, was Spolikoff, a Russian--a man given naturally to deeds of violence--placed there to watch for the very police whom it was our hero's object to summon.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Behind him, in the office, he had left Henricksen and the ruffian known as the 'Admiral' busily engaged with their oxy-acetylene flame, eating a hole into the safe which they hoped and imagined was well filled with gold.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
in the direction of
From this reading The very man from whom he wished to keep farthest away was stealing towards him in the semi-darkness.
unexpectedlyadverbUS /ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪdli/
in a way that was not expected
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
on a floor above
From this reading Upstairs was the man Ovanovitch, clearing the cases of all their portable valuables, while here, on the main floor, was Spolikoff, a Russian--a man given naturally to deeds of violence--placed there to watch for the very police whom it was our hero's object to summon.
valuablesnounUS /ˈvæljəbəlz/
plural of “valuable” — something of value
From this reading Upstairs was the man Ovanovitch, clearing the cases of all their portable valuables, while here, on the main floor, was Spolikoff, a Russian--a man given naturally to deeds of violence--placed there to watch for the very police whom it was our hero's object to summon.
precisely as stated
From this reading Upstairs was the man Ovanovitch, clearing the cases of all their portable valuables, while here, on the main floor, was Spolikoff, a Russian--a man given naturally to deeds of violence--placed there to watch for the very police whom it was our hero's object to summon.
an act of aggression (as one against a person who resists)
From this reading Upstairs was the man Ovanovitch, clearing the cases of all their portable valuables, while here, on the main floor, was Spolikoff, a Russian--a man given naturally to deeds of violence--placed there to watch for the very police whom it was our hero's object to summon.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
look attentively
From this reading Upstairs was the man Ovanovitch, clearing the cases of all their portable valuables, while here, on the main floor, was Spolikoff, a Russian--a man given naturally to deeds of violence--placed there to watch for the very police whom it was our hero's object to summon.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading Behind him, in the office, he had left Henricksen and the ruffian known as the 'Admiral' busily engaged with their oxy-acetylene flame, eating a hole into the safe which they hoped and imagined was well filled with gold.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
at the time that
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Behind him, in the office, he had left Henricksen and the ruffian known as the 'Admiral' busily engaged with their oxy-acetylene flame, eating a hole into the safe which they hoped and imagined was well filled with gold.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Upstairs was the man Ovanovitch, clearing the cases of all their portable valuables, while here, on the main floor, was Spolikoff, a Russian--a man given naturally to deeds of violence--placed there to watch for the very police whom it was our hero's object to summon.
which person or people
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Upstairs was the man Ovanovitch, clearing the cases of all their portable valuables, while here, on the main floor, was Spolikoff, a Russian--a man given naturally to deeds of violence--placed there to watch for the very police whom it was our hero's object to summon.
past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish
From this reading The very man from whom he wished to keep farthest away was stealing towards him in the semi-darkness.
in the company of; together with
From this reading London's Alien Criminals If ever David Harbor had felt inclined to play the coward it was at the precise moment, on this adventurous night when he came so abruptly, and so unexpectedly, face to face with one of the men who were engaged in robbing his employers' store.
