Chapter VII

something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

any specific behavior

From this reading While the fleet was getting its anchors up from the bottom of the muddy river, they gazed with rising pulse at the unusual activity inside the Chinese batteries; they could see groups of blue-clad soldiers surrounding the big guns in their rocky emplacements.

at or near or toward the stern of a ship or tail of an airplane

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

later than; following

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

united by being of the same opinion

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

(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 Inside of three hours all preparations were completed and the international fleet weighed anchor and, in column, the “Phœnix” leading, steamed boldly down the river.

related by common characteristics or ancestry

From this reading Would the forts open fire upon the allied fleet as it steamed past?

a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving

From this reading Inside of three hours all preparations were completed and the international fleet weighed anchor and, in column, the “Phœnix” leading, steamed boldly down the river.

plural of “anchor” — a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving

From this reading While the fleet was getting its anchors up from the bottom of the muddy river, they gazed with rising pulse at the unusual activity inside the Chinese batteries; they could see groups of blue-clad soldiers surrounding the big guns in their rocky emplacements.

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

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

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

From this reading Would the forts open fire upon the allied fleet as it steamed past?

towards the shore from the water

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

plural of “battery” — group of guns or missile launchers operated together at one place

From this reading While the fleet was getting its anchors up from the bottom of the muddy river, they gazed with rising pulse at the unusual activity inside the Chinese batteries; they could see groups of blue-clad soldiers surrounding the big guns in their rocky emplacements.

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

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading While the fleet was getting its anchors up from the bottom of the muddy river, they gazed with rising pulse at the unusual activity inside the Chinese batteries; they could see groups of blue-clad soldiers surrounding the big guns in their rocky emplacements.

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

From this reading While the fleet was getting its anchors up from the bottom of the muddy river, they gazed with rising pulse at the unusual activity inside the Chinese batteries; they could see groups of blue-clad soldiers surrounding the big guns in their rocky emplacements.

a committee having supervisory powers

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

with boldness, in a bold manner

From this reading Inside of three hours all preparations were completed and the international fleet weighed anchor and, in column, the “Phœnix” leading, steamed boldly down the river.

the lower side of anything

From this reading While the fleet was getting its anchors up from the bottom of the muddy river, they gazed with rising pulse at the unusual activity inside the Chinese batteries; they could see groups of blue-clad soldiers surrounding the big guns in their rocky emplacements.

a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

an occurrence of something

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

a path over which electrical signals can pass

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

any of the Sino-Tibetan languages spoken in China; regarded as dialects of a single language (even though they are mutually unintelligible) because they share an ideographic writing system

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

rid of objects or obstructions such as e.g. trees and brush

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

a line of units following one after another

From this reading Inside of three hours all preparations were completed and the international fleet weighed anchor and, in column, the “Phœnix” leading, steamed boldly down the river.

an officer in command of a military unit

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading Inside of three hours all preparations were completed and the international fleet weighed anchor and, in column, the “Phœnix” leading, steamed boldly down the river.

plural of “consul” — a diplomat appointed by a government to protect its commercial interests and help its citizens in a foreign country

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

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

From this reading While the fleet was getting its anchors up from the bottom of the muddy river, they gazed with rising pulse at the unusual activity inside the Chinese batteries; they could see groups of blue-clad soldiers surrounding the big guns in their rocky emplacements.

a body serving in an administrative capacity

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

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

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

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

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Inside of three hours all preparations were completed and the international fleet weighed anchor and, in column, the “Phœnix” leading, steamed boldly down the river.

plural of “emplacement” — military installation consisting of a prepared position for siting a weapon

From this reading While the fleet was getting its anchors up from the bottom of the muddy river, they gazed with rising pulse at the unusual activity inside the Chinese batteries; they could see groups of blue-clad soldiers surrounding the big guns in their rocky emplacements.

start firing a weapon

From this reading Would the forts open fire upon the allied fleet as it steamed past?

group of aircraft operating together under the same ownership

From this reading Inside of three hours all preparations were completed and the international fleet weighed anchor and, in column, the “Phœnix” leading, steamed boldly down the river.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

of concern to or concerning the affairs of other nations (other than your own)

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

plural of “fort” — a fortified military post where troops are stationed

From this reading Would the forts open fire upon the allied fleet as it steamed past?

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading While the fleet was getting its anchors up from the bottom of the muddy river, they gazed with rising pulse at the unusual activity inside the Chinese batteries; they could see groups of blue-clad soldiers surrounding the big guns in their rocky emplacements.

past form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes

From this reading While the fleet was getting its anchors up from the bottom of the muddy river, they gazed with rising pulse at the unusual activity inside the Chinese batteries; they could see groups of blue-clad soldiers surrounding the big guns in their rocky emplacements.

the act of acquiring something

From this reading While the fleet was getting its anchors up from the bottom of the muddy river, they gazed with rising pulse at the unusual activity inside the Chinese batteries; they could see groups of blue-clad soldiers surrounding the big guns in their rocky emplacements.

destroyed or killed

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

plural of “group” — any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading While the fleet was getting its anchors up from the bottom of the muddy river, they gazed with rising pulse at the unusual activity inside the Chinese batteries; they could see groups of blue-clad soldiers surrounding the big guns in their rocky emplacements.

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

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

plural of “gunboat” — a small shallow-draft boat carrying mounted guns; used by costal patrols

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

plural of “gun” — a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

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

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

fighting; acts of overt warfare

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading Inside of three hours all preparations were completed and the international fleet weighed anchor and, in column, the “Phœnix” leading, steamed boldly down the river.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

English poet (born in 1930)

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

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

From this reading Inside of three hours all preparations were completed and the international fleet weighed anchor and, in column, the “Phœnix” leading, steamed boldly down the river.

relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space

From this reading Inside of three hours all preparations were completed and the international fleet weighed anchor and, in column, the “Phœnix” leading, steamed boldly down the river.

concerning or belonging to all or at least two or more nations

From this reading Inside of three hours all preparations were completed and the international fleet weighed anchor and, in column, the “Phœnix” leading, steamed boldly down the river.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Would the forts open fire upon the allied fleet as it steamed past?

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading While the fleet was getting its anchors up from the bottom of the muddy river, they gazed with rising pulse at the unusual activity inside the Chinese batteries; they could see groups of blue-clad soldiers surrounding the big guns in their rocky emplacements.

a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

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

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

indicating the most important performer or role

From this reading Inside of three hours all preparations were completed and the international fleet weighed anchor and, in column, the “Phœnix” leading, steamed boldly down the river.

the act of departing

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

plural of “merchant” — a businessperson engaged in retail trade

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

(of soil) soft and watery

From this reading While the fleet was getting its anchors up from the bottom of the muddy river, they gazed with rising pulse at the unusual activity inside the Chinese batteries; they could see groups of blue-clad soldiers surrounding the big guns in their rocky emplacements.

make or become more narrow or restricted

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

plural of “nationality” — people having common origins or traditions and often comprising a nation

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

on one occasion

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading Would the forts open fire upon the allied fleet as it steamed past?

the action of opposing something that you disapprove or disagree with

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading Would the forts open fire upon the allied fleet as it steamed past?

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

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

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

From this reading Inside of three hours all preparations were completed and the international fleet weighed anchor and, in column, the “Phœnix” leading, steamed boldly down the river.

operate an airplane

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

bring about abruptly

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading Inside of three hours all preparations were completed and the international fleet weighed anchor and, in column, the “Phœnix” leading, steamed boldly down the river.

made ready or fit or suitable beforehand

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

the activity of protecting someone or something

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

(electronics) a sharp transient wave in the normal electrical state (or a series of such transients)

From this reading While the fleet was getting its anchors up from the bottom of the muddy river, they gazed with rising pulse at the unusual activity inside the Chinese batteries; they could see groups of blue-clad soldiers surrounding the big guns in their rocky emplacements.

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

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

considered individually

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading While the fleet was getting its anchors up from the bottom of the muddy river, they gazed with rising pulse at the unusual activity inside the Chinese batteries; they could see groups of blue-clad soldiers surrounding the big guns in their rocky emplacements.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading Inside of three hours all preparations were completed and the international fleet weighed anchor and, in column, the “Phœnix” leading, steamed boldly down the river.

abounding in rocks or stones

From this reading While the fleet was getting its anchors up from the bottom of the muddy river, they gazed with rising pulse at the unusual activity inside the Chinese batteries; they could see groups of blue-clad soldiers surrounding the big guns in their rocky emplacements.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading While the fleet was getting its anchors up from the bottom of the muddy river, they gazed with rising pulse at the unusual activity inside the Chinese batteries; they could see groups of blue-clad soldiers surrounding the big guns in their rocky emplacements.

try to get or reach

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

lacking physical depth; having little spatial extension downward or inward from an outer surface or backward or outward from a center

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading While the fleet was getting its anchors up from the bottom of the muddy river, they gazed with rising pulse at the unusual activity inside the Chinese batteries; they could see groups of blue-clad soldiers surrounding the big guns in their rocky emplacements.

cooked in steam

From this reading Inside of three hours all preparations were completed and the international fleet weighed anchor and, in column, the “Phœnix” leading, steamed boldly down the river.

plural of “store” — a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

closely encircling

From this reading While the fleet was getting its anchors up from the bottom of the muddy river, they gazed with rising pulse at the unusual activity inside the Chinese batteries; they could see groups of blue-clad soldiers surrounding the big guns in their rocky emplacements.

the largest Australian city located in southeastern Australia on the Tasman Sea; state capital of New South Wales; Australia's chief port

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

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

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

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

From this reading While the fleet was getting its anchors up from the bottom of the muddy river, they gazed with rising pulse at the unusual activity inside the Chinese batteries; they could see groups of blue-clad soldiers surrounding the big guns in their rocky emplacements.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Inside of three hours all preparations were completed and the international fleet weighed anchor and, in column, the “Phœnix” leading, steamed boldly down the river.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

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

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

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From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

up to a particular time

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading While the fleet was getting its anchors up from the bottom of the muddy river, they gazed with rising pulse at the unusual activity inside the Chinese batteries; they could see groups of blue-clad soldiers surrounding the big guns in their rocky emplacements.

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

From this reading While the fleet was getting its anchors up from the bottom of the muddy river, they gazed with rising pulse at the unusual activity inside the Chinese batteries; they could see groups of blue-clad soldiers surrounding the big guns in their rocky emplacements.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

a tube in which a body fluid circulates

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

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

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

United States actress and singer (1896-1977)

From this reading Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge to pilot the fleet through the narrow and dangerous channel leading into the shallow waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared for action to be prepared in case the Chinese should precipitate hostilities.

past form of “weigh” — have a certain weight

From this reading Inside of three hours all preparations were completed and the international fleet weighed anchor and, in column, the “Phœnix” leading, steamed boldly down the river.

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

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

during the time that

From this reading While the fleet was getting its anchors up from the bottom of the muddy river, they gazed with rising pulse at the unusual activity inside the Chinese batteries; they could see groups of blue-clad soldiers surrounding the big guns in their rocky emplacements.

in the company of; together with

From this reading While the fleet was getting its anchors up from the bottom of the muddy river, they gazed with rising pulse at the unusual activity inside the Chinese batteries; they could see groups of blue-clad soldiers surrounding the big guns in their rocky emplacements.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading DISSENSIONS Commander Hughes’ plans were agreed upon, though not until after much opposition by the other members of the council, and word was at once despatched to the foreign merchants and consuls ashore to close their stores and houses and seek protection on board the gunboats of their respective nationalities.

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

From this reading Would the forts open fire upon the allied fleet as it steamed past?