afoot
in preparation or progress
almanac
an annual calendar containing important dates and statistical information such as astronomical data and tide tables
cipher
a secret or disguised way of writing; a code
coruscation
twinkling
disparity
a great difference
dour
relentlessly severe, stern, or gloomy in manner or appearance
evasive
tending to avoid commitment or self-revelation, esp. by responding only indirectly
exiguous
very small in size or amount
gamekeeper
a person employed to breed and protect game, typically for a large estate
garrulous
excessively talkative, esp. on trivial matters
meagre
lean; thin
nugget
a small lump of gold or other precious metal, found ready-formed in the earth
pagination
the sequence of numbers assigned to pages in a book or periodical
pawky
possessing a sly sense of humor
predominant
present as the strongest or main element
remonstrance
a forcefully reproachful protest
scrutinize
examine or inspect closely and thoroughly
shrewd
possessing sharp powers of judgment
solatium
something furnished on someone as a form of compensation
stratum
a layer or a series of layers of rock or earth
buxom
plump, curvaceous, healthy, and hale (usually in reference to a female)
enigmatic
mysterious; cryptic
curt
brusque in speech
altercation
a fight
colliers
coal miners
hue and cry
a loud cry, protest, or alarm
valise
a suitcase
