Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading It was out of town just then, up-country somewhere, billabonging in true bush-whacker style, but was expected to return in a day or two, when it would be at our service.

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

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

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

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

-ing form of “await” — look forward to the probable occurrence of

From this reading The Sanguine Scot, the Head Stockman, and the Dandy, were in at the Katherine, marking time, as it were, awaiting instructions by wire from the Maluka, while some of the Company “put finishing touches” to their New Year celebrations.

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

From this reading It was out of town just then, up-country somewhere, billabonging in true bush-whacker style, but was expected to return in a day or two, when it would be at our service.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

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

From this reading It was out of town just then, up-country somewhere, billabonging in true bush-whacker style, but was expected to return in a day or two, when it would be at our service.

in a blissful manner

From this reading And every one, with, of course, the exception of those in Darwin, was blissfully unconscious of even the existence of the Maluka’s missus.

a person who exercises control over workers

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

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

From this reading It was out of town just then, up-country somewhere, billabonging in true bush-whacker style, but was expected to return in a day or two, when it would be at our service.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It was out of town just then, up-country somewhere, billabonging in true bush-whacker style, but was expected to return in a day or two, when it would be at our service.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The Sanguine Scot, the Head Stockman, and the Dandy, were in at the Katherine, marking time, as it were, awaiting instructions by wire from the Maluka, while some of the Company “put finishing touches” to their New Year celebrations.

plural of “celebration” — a joyful occasion for special festivities to mark some happy event

From this reading The Sanguine Scot, the Head Stockman, and the Dandy, were in at the Katherine, marking time, as it were, awaiting instructions by wire from the Maluka, while some of the Company “put finishing touches” to their New Year celebrations.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading The Sanguine Scot, the Head Stockman, and the Dandy, were in at the Katherine, marking time, as it were, awaiting instructions by wire from the Maluka, while some of the Company “put finishing touches” to their New Year celebrations.

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

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading And every one, with, of course, the exception of those in Darwin, was blissfully unconscious of even the existence of the Maluka’s missus.

a man who is much concerned with his dress and appearance

From this reading The Sanguine Scot, the Head Stockman, and the Dandy, were in at the Katherine, marking time, as it were, awaiting instructions by wire from the Maluka, while some of the Company “put finishing touches” to their New Year celebrations.

English natural scientist who formulated a theory of evolution by natural selection (1809-1882)

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading It was out of town just then, up-country somewhere, billabonging in true bush-whacker style, but was expected to return in a day or two, when it would be at our service.

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

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

divisible by two

From this reading And every one, with, of course, the exception of those in Darwin, was blissfully unconscious of even the existence of the Maluka’s missus.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading And every one, with, of course, the exception of those in Darwin, was blissfully unconscious of even the existence of the Maluka’s missus.

a deliberate act of omission

From this reading And every one, with, of course, the exception of those in Darwin, was blissfully unconscious of even the existence of the Maluka’s missus.

the state or fact of existing

From this reading And every one, with, of course, the exception of those in Darwin, was blissfully unconscious of even the existence of the Maluka’s missus.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading It was out of town just then, up-country somewhere, billabonging in true bush-whacker style, but was expected to return in a day or two, when it would be at our service.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

the cardinal number that is the product of ten and five

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

a decorative texture or appearance of a surface (or the substance that gives it that appearance)

From this reading The Sanguine Scot, the Head Stockman, and the Dandy, were in at the Katherine, marking time, as it were, awaiting instructions by wire from the Maluka, while some of the Company “put finishing touches” to their New Year celebrations.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The Sanguine Scot, the Head Stockman, and the Dandy, were in at the Katherine, marking time, as it were, awaiting instructions by wire from the Maluka, while some of the Company “put finishing touches” to their New Year celebrations.

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

From this reading The Sanguine Scot, the Head Stockman, and the Dandy, were in at the Katherine, marking time, as it were, awaiting instructions by wire from the Maluka, while some of the Company “put finishing touches” to their New Year celebrations.

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

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

the home and adjacent grounds occupied by a family

From this reading Jack, the Quiet Stockman, was out at the homestead, “seeing to things” there.

ten 10s

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

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

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

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

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

a manual usually accompanying a technical device and explaining how to install or operate it

From this reading The Sanguine Scot, the Head Stockman, and the Dandy, were in at the Katherine, marking time, as it were, awaiting instructions by wire from the Maluka, while some of the Company “put finishing touches” to their New Year celebrations.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

a small worthless amount

From this reading Jack, the Quiet Stockman, was out at the homestead, “seeing to things” there.

and nothing more

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

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

From this reading The Sanguine Scot, the Head Stockman, and the Dandy, were in at the Katherine, marking time, as it were, awaiting instructions by wire from the Maluka, while some of the Company “put finishing touches” to their New Year celebrations.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

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

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

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

From this reading And every one, with, of course, the exception of those in Darwin, was blissfully unconscious of even the existence of the Maluka’s missus.

a distinguishing symbol

From this reading The Sanguine Scot, the Head Stockman, and the Dandy, were in at the Katherine, marking time, as it were, awaiting instructions by wire from the Maluka, while some of the Company “put finishing touches” to their New Year celebrations.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

informal term of address for someone's wife

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

installment plan

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

in or characteristic of a region of the United States north of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was out of town just then, up-country somewhere, billabonging in true bush-whacker style, but was expected to return in a day or two, when it would be at our service.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It was out of town just then, up-country somewhere, billabonging in true bush-whacker style, but was expected to return in a day or two, when it would be at our service.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading It was out of town just then, up-country somewhere, billabonging in true bush-whacker style, but was expected to return in a day or two, when it would be at our service.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading The Sanguine Scot, the Head Stockman, and the Dandy, were in at the Katherine, marking time, as it were, awaiting instructions by wire from the Maluka, while some of the Company “put finishing touches” to their New Year celebrations.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading Jack, the Quiet Stockman, was out at the homestead, “seeing to things” there.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading It was out of town just then, up-country somewhere, billabonging in true bush-whacker style, but was expected to return in a day or two, when it would be at our service.

confidently optimistic and cheerful

From this reading The Sanguine Scot, the Head Stockman, and the Dandy, were in at the Katherine, marking time, as it were, awaiting instructions by wire from the Maluka, while some of the Company “put finishing touches” to their New Year celebrations.

a native or inhabitant of Scotland

From this reading The Sanguine Scot, the Head Stockman, and the Dandy, were in at the Katherine, marking time, as it were, awaiting instructions by wire from the Maluka, while some of the Company “put finishing touches” to their New Year celebrations.

perception by means of the eyes

From this reading Jack, the Quiet Stockman, was out at the homestead, “seeing to things” there.

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading It was out of town just then, up-country somewhere, billabonging in true bush-whacker style, but was expected to return in a day or two, when it would be at our service.

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

From this reading The Sanguine Scot, the Head Stockman, and the Dandy, were in at the Katherine, marking time, as it were, awaiting instructions by wire from the Maluka, while some of the Company “put finishing touches” to their New Year celebrations.

in or at or to some place

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

farmer who breed or raises livestock

From this reading Jack, the Quiet Stockman, was out at the homestead, “seeing to things” there.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading It was out of town just then, up-country somewhere, billabonging in true bush-whacker style, but was expected to return in a day or two, when it would be at our service.

carry out

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

a region marked off for administrative or other purposes

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

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

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The Sanguine Scot, the Head Stockman, and the Dandy, were in at the Katherine, marking time, as it were, awaiting instructions by wire from the Maluka, while some of the Company “put finishing touches” to their New Year celebrations.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading It was out of town just then, up-country somewhere, billabonging in true bush-whacker style, but was expected to return in a day or two, when it would be at our service.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Jack, the Quiet Stockman, was out at the homestead, “seeing to things” there.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Jack, the Quiet Stockman, was out at the homestead, “seeing to things” there.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading And every one, with, of course, the exception of those in Darwin, was blissfully unconscious of even the existence of the Maluka’s missus.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

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

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

plural of “touch” — the event of something coming in contact with the body

From this reading The Sanguine Scot, the Head Stockman, and the Dandy, were in at the Katherine, marking time, as it were, awaiting instructions by wire from the Maluka, while some of the Company “put finishing touches” to their New Year celebrations.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading It was out of town just then, up-country somewhere, billabonging in true bush-whacker style, but was expected to return in a day or two, when it would be at our service.

create by training and teaching

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading It was out of town just then, up-country somewhere, billabonging in true bush-whacker style, but was expected to return in a day or two, when it would be at our service.

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

From this reading It was out of town just then, up-country somewhere, billabonging in true bush-whacker style, but was expected to return in a day or two, when it would be at our service.

not conscious; lacking awareness and the capacity for sensory perception as if asleep or dead

From this reading And every one, with, of course, the exception of those in Darwin, was blissfully unconscious of even the existence of the Maluka’s missus.

to or in the interior of a country or region

From this reading It was out of town just then, up-country somewhere, billabonging in true bush-whacker style, but was expected to return in a day or two, when it would be at our service.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

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

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

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

From this reading To begin somewhere near the beginning, the Maluka—better known at that time as the new Boss for the Elsey—and I, his “missus,” were at Darwin, in the Northern Territory, waiting for the train that was to take us just as far as it could—one hundred and fifty miles—on our way to the Never-Never.

at the time that

From this reading It was out of town just then, up-country somewhere, billabonging in true bush-whacker style, but was expected to return in a day or two, when it would be at our service.

during the time that

From this reading The Sanguine Scot, the Head Stockman, and the Dandy, were in at the Katherine, marking time, as it were, awaiting instructions by wire from the Maluka, while some of the Company “put finishing touches” to their New Year celebrations.

ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc

From this reading The Sanguine Scot, the Head Stockman, and the Dandy, were in at the Katherine, marking time, as it were, awaiting instructions by wire from the Maluka, while some of the Company “put finishing touches” to their New Year celebrations.

in the company of; together with

From this reading And every one, with, of course, the exception of those in Darwin, was blissfully unconscious of even the existence of the Maluka’s missus.

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

From this reading It was out of town just then, up-country somewhere, billabonging in true bush-whacker style, but was expected to return in a day or two, when it would be at our service.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading The Sanguine Scot, the Head Stockman, and the Dandy, were in at the Katherine, marking time, as it were, awaiting instructions by wire from the Maluka, while some of the Company “put finishing touches” to their New Year celebrations.