Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
abundance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
access
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From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
adepts
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From this reading The old trapper and Sandy were adepts at making arrangements of this kind, and were never at a loss.
afford
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From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
always
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
any
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From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
approach
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From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
arrangements
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From this reading The old trapper and Sandy were adepts at making arrangements of this kind, and were never at a loss.
arrows
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From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
assailants
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From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Our chief danger would lie in being attacked while encamped at night.
attacked
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From this reading Our chief danger would lie in being attacked while encamped at night.
band
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Our chief danger would lie in being attacked while encamped at night.
bows
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From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
branches
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
breastwork
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
broad
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
chief
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From this reading Our chief danger would lie in being attacked while encamped at night.
chose
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From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
concealing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
coursenounUS /course/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
danger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Our chief danger would lie in being attacked while encamped at night.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
difficult
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
encamped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Our chief danger would lie in being attacked while encamped at night.
encounter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
fear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
foes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
grass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
guard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
hobblednounUS /hobbled/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
horses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Our chief danger would lie in being attacked while encamped at night.
kept
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
kind
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old trapper and Sandy were adepts at making arrangements of this kind, and were never at a loss.
lie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Our chief danger would lie in being attacked while encamped at night.
likely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
localities
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
logs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
loss
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old trapper and Sandy were adepts at making arrangements of this kind, and were never at a loss.
making
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From this reading The old trapper and Sandy were adepts at making arrangements of this kind, and were never at a loss.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
mounted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
near
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
nevernounUS /never/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The old trapper and Sandy were adepts at making arrangements of this kind, and were never at a loss.
night
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Our chief danger would lie in being attacked while encamped at night.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old trapper and Sandy were adepts at making arrangements of this kind, and were never at a loss.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
ordinary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
OurdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Our chief danger would lie in being attacked while encamped at night.
partynounUS /party/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
possessed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
possible
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
protected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
road
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
Sandy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old trapper and Sandy were adepts at making arrangements of this kind, and were never at a loss.
shelter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
side
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
sometimes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
spot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
stream
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
surprise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The old trapper and Sandy were adepts at making arrangements of this kind, and were never at a loss.
threw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
trapper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old trapper and Sandy were adepts at making arrangements of this kind, and were never at a loss.
trees
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
uspronounUS /ʌs/
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
Well-armed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Our chief danger would lie in being attacked while encamped at night.
