Chapter XXIX · Malcolm’s Decision

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading “Righto, and, with such able helpers as Slim and Lucky, I really have nothing to fear on that score, and yet, of course, they might need my advice now and then.

tolerating without protest

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

a proposal for an appropriate course of action

From this reading “Righto, and, with such able helpers as Slim and Lucky, I really have nothing to fear on that score, and yet, of course, they might need my advice now and then.

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

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

plural of “argument” — a fact or assertion offered as evidence that something is true

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

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

From this reading “Righto, and, with such able helpers as Slim and Lucky, I really have nothing to fear on that score, and yet, of course, they might need my advice now and then.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading “Uncle Tex was overseer whenever Dad went away, and if our father could trust his judgment, surely we can.”

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading “But who will conduct the V. M. Ranch?

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading “Uncle Tex was overseer whenever Dad went away, and if our father could trust his judgment, surely we can.”

click repeatedly or uncontrollably

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

direct the course of; manage or control

From this reading “But who will conduct the V. M. Ranch?

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

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading “Righto, and, with such able helpers as Slim and Lucky, I really have nothing to fear on that score, and yet, of course, they might need my advice now and then.

an informal term for a father; probably derived from baby talk

From this reading “Uncle Tex was overseer whenever Dad went away, and if our father could trust his judgment, surely we can.”

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

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

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

having or showing great excitement and interest

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

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

From this reading “Uncle Tex was overseer whenever Dad went away, and if our father could trust his judgment, surely we can.”

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading “Righto, and, with such able helpers as Slim and Lucky, I really have nothing to fear on that score, and yet, of course, they might need my advice now and then.

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “Righto, and, with such able helpers as Slim and Lucky, I really have nothing to fear on that score, and yet, of course, they might need my advice now and then.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

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

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

plural of “helper” — a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose

From this reading “Righto, and, with such able helpers as Slim and Lucky, I really have nothing to fear on that score, and yet, of course, they might need my advice now and then.

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

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

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

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading “Righto, and, with such able helpers as Slim and Lucky, I really have nothing to fear on that score, and yet, of course, they might need my advice now and then.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading “Uncle Tex was overseer whenever Dad went away, and if our father could trust his judgment, surely we can.”

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

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

an opinion formed by judging something

From this reading “Uncle Tex was overseer whenever Dad went away, and if our father could trust his judgment, surely we can.”

and nothing more

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

a boy or man

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

past form of “listen” — hear with intention

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

occurring by chance

From this reading “Righto, and, with such able helpers as Slim and Lucky, I really have nothing to fear on that score, and yet, of course, they might need my advice now and then.

the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)

From this reading “But who will conduct the V. M. Ranch?

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

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Tell me that,” the lad protested.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading “Righto, and, with such able helpers as Slim and Lucky, I really have nothing to fear on that score, and yet, of course, they might need my advice now and then.

a condition requiring relief

From this reading “Righto, and, with such able helpers as Slim and Lucky, I really have nothing to fear on that score, and yet, of course, they might need my advice now and then.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading “Righto, and, with such able helpers as Slim and Lucky, I really have nothing to fear on that score, and yet, of course, they might need my advice now and then.

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

From this reading “Righto, and, with such able helpers as Slim and Lucky, I really have nothing to fear on that score, and yet, of course, they might need my advice now and then.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading “Righto, and, with such able helpers as Slim and Lucky, I really have nothing to fear on that score, and yet, of course, they might need my advice now and then.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading “Uncle Tex was overseer whenever Dad went away, and if our father could trust his judgment, surely we can.”

be or do something to a greater degree

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

a person who directs and manages an organization

From this reading “Uncle Tex was overseer whenever Dad went away, and if our father could trust his judgment, surely we can.”

win approval or support for

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

past form of “protest” — utter words of protest

From this reading Tell me that,” the lad protested.

farm consisting of a large tract of land along with facilities needed to raise livestock (especially cattle)

From this reading “But who will conduct the V. M. Ranch?

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading “Righto, and, with such able helpers as Slim and Lucky, I really have nothing to fear on that score, and yet, of course, they might need my advice now and then.

get or find back; recover the use of

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

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

From this reading “Righto, and, with such able helpers as Slim and Lucky, I really have nothing to fear on that score, and yet, of course, they might need my advice now and then.

a number or letter indicating quality (especially of a student's performance)

From this reading “Righto, and, with such able helpers as Slim and Lucky, I really have nothing to fear on that score, and yet, of course, they might need my advice now and then.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

being of delicate or slender build

From this reading “Righto, and, with such able helpers as Slim and Lucky, I really have nothing to fear on that score, and yet, of course, they might need my advice now and then.

the property of being physically or mentally strong

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading “Righto, and, with such able helpers as Slim and Lucky, I really have nothing to fear on that score, and yet, of course, they might need my advice now and then.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading “Uncle Tex was overseer whenever Dad went away, and if our father could trust his judgment, surely we can.”

express in words

From this reading Tell me that,” the lad protested.

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

From this reading “Uncle Tex was overseer whenever Dad went away, and if our father could trust his judgment, surely we can.”

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

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

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading “Righto, and, with such able helpers as Slim and Lucky, I really have nothing to fear on that score, and yet, of course, they might need my advice now and then.

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

From this reading “Righto, and, with such able helpers as Slim and Lucky, I really have nothing to fear on that score, and yet, of course, they might need my advice now and then.

a special situation

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

the process of using your mind to consider something carefully

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

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

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

something (as property) held by one party (the trustee) for the benefit of another (the beneficiary)

From this reading “Uncle Tex was overseer whenever Dad went away, and if our father could trust his judgment, surely we can.”

hard to endure

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

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

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading “Uncle Tex was overseer whenever Dad went away, and if our father could trust his judgment, surely we can.”

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

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

a unit of potential equal to the potential difference between two points on a conductor carrying a current of 1 ampere when the power dissipated between the two points is 1 watt

From this reading “But who will conduct the V. M. Ranch?

precisely as stated

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

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

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading “Uncle Tex was overseer whenever Dad went away, and if our father could trust his judgment, surely we can.”

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

From this reading “Uncle Tex was overseer whenever Dad went away, and if our father could trust his judgment, surely we can.”

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

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

at any time that; every time that

From this reading “Uncle Tex was overseer whenever Dad went away, and if our father could trust his judgment, surely we can.”

which person or people

From this reading Malcolm listened to the enthusiastic chatter of the two girls, who, having read Eleanor’s letter to him were each trying to outdo the other in thinking up arguments that might persuade the lad that accepting the invitation was the very best thing that he could do and just what he should do to regain his strength.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading “But who will conduct the V. M. Ranch?

in the company of; together with

From this reading “Righto, and, with such able helpers as Slim and Lucky, I really have nothing to fear on that score, and yet, of course, they might need my advice now and then.

but in spite of that

From this reading “Righto, and, with such able helpers as Slim and Lucky, I really have nothing to fear on that score, and yet, of course, they might need my advice now and then.