used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He was determined, therefore, to make an effort to save them; but his half-formed plan was of such a perilous nature that he dared not confide it to Christie, for he knew that the latter would never consent to its being undertaken.
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading Once outside the blockhouse, however, and lost to sight in the darkness, he was free to act as he pleased.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After going a few steps he paused to listen, but no sound save that of night-birds and the lapping of little waves on the lake shore came to his ears.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He was determined, therefore, to make an effort to save them; but his half-formed plan was of such a perilous nature that he dared not confide it to Christie, for he knew that the latter would never consent to its being undertaken.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
marked by assurance; exhibiting confidence
From this reading The silence was profound, and assured him that even the savages, wearied with long fighting, were snatching a few hours of sleep.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
BLOCKHOUSEnounUS /ˈblɑːkhaʊs/
a stronghold that is reinforced for protection from enemy fire; with apertures for defensive fire
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He was determined, therefore, to make an effort to save them; but his half-formed plan was of such a perilous nature that he dared not confide it to Christie, for he knew that the latter would never consent to its being undertaken.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading After going a few steps he paused to listen, but no sound save that of night-birds and the lapping of little waves on the lake shore came to his ears.
an occurrence of something
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
ChristienounUS /ˈkrɪsti/
prolific English writer of detective stories (1890-1976)
From this reading He was determined, therefore, to make an effort to save them; but his half-formed plan was of such a perilous nature that he dared not confide it to Christie, for he knew that the latter would never consent to its being undertaken.
an authoritative direction or instruction to do something
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
confideverbUS /kənˈfaɪd/
reveal in private; tell confidentially
From this reading He was determined, therefore, to make an effort to save them; but his half-formed plan was of such a perilous nature that he dared not confide it to Christie, for he knew that the latter would never consent to its being undertaken.
permission to do something
From this reading He was determined, therefore, to make an effort to save them; but his half-formed plan was of such a perilous nature that he dared not confide it to Christie, for he knew that the latter would never consent to its being undertaken.
past form of “dare” — take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission
From this reading He was determined, therefore, to make an effort to save them; but his half-formed plan was of such a perilous nature that he dared not confide it to Christie, for he knew that the latter would never consent to its being undertaken.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading Once outside the blockhouse, however, and lost to sight in the darkness, he was free to act as he pleased.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
characterized by great determination
From this reading He was determined, therefore, to make an effort to save them; but his half-formed plan was of such a perilous nature that he dared not confide it to Christie, for he knew that the latter would never consent to its being undertaken.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
DONALD
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
From this reading After going a few steps he paused to listen, but no sound save that of night-birds and the lapping of little waves on the lake shore came to his ears.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading He was determined, therefore, to make an effort to save them; but his half-formed plan was of such a perilous nature that he dared not confide it to Christie, for he knew that the latter would never consent to its being undertaken.
divisible by two
From this reading The silence was profound, and assured him that even the savages, wearied with long fighting, were snatching a few hours of sleep.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
plural of “fellow” — a boy or man
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading After going a few steps he paused to listen, but no sound save that of night-birds and the lapping of little waves on the lake shore came to his ears.
the act of fighting; any contest or struggle
From this reading The silence was profound, and assured him that even the savages, wearied with long fighting, were snatching a few hours of sleep.
FIRESnounUS /ˈfaɪərz/
plural of “fire” — the event of something burning (often destructive)
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading Once outside the blockhouse, however, and lost to sight in the darkness, he was free to act as he pleased.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
unflinching in battle or action
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
the act of departing
From this reading After going a few steps he paused to listen, but no sound save that of night-birds and the lapping of little waves on the lake shore came to his ears.
half-formed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was determined, therefore, to make an effort to save them; but his half-formed plan was of such a perilous nature that he dared not confide it to Christie, for he knew that the latter would never consent to its being undertaken.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The silence was profound, and assured him that even the savages, wearied with long fighting, were snatching a few hours of sleep.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading The silence was profound, and assured him that even the savages, wearied with long fighting, were snatching a few hours of sleep.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading Once outside the blockhouse, however, and lost to sight in the darkness, he was free to act as he pleased.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
of or relating to or characteristic of India or the East Indies or their peoples or languages or cultures
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading He was determined, therefore, to make an effort to save them; but his half-formed plan was of such a perilous nature that he dared not confide it to Christie, for he knew that the latter would never consent to its being undertaken.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading He was determined, therefore, to make an effort to save them; but his half-formed plan was of such a perilous nature that he dared not confide it to Christie, for he knew that the latter would never consent to its being undertaken.
evidencing the possession of inside information
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land
From this reading After going a few steps he paused to listen, but no sound save that of night-birds and the lapping of little waves on the lake shore came to his ears.
lappingnounUS /ˈlæpɪŋ/
covering with a design in which one element covers a part of another (as with tiles or shingles)
From this reading After going a few steps he paused to listen, but no sound save that of night-birds and the lapping of little waves on the lake shore came to his ears.
referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)
From this reading He was determined, therefore, to make an effort to save them; but his half-formed plan was of such a perilous nature that he dared not confide it to Christie, for he knew that the latter would never consent to its being undertaken.
hear with intention
From this reading After going a few steps he paused to listen, but no sound save that of night-birds and the lapping of little waves on the lake shore came to his ears.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading After going a few steps he paused to listen, but no sound save that of night-birds and the lapping of little waves on the lake shore came to his ears.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading The silence was profound, and assured him that even the savages, wearied with long fighting, were snatching a few hours of sleep.
no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered
From this reading Once outside the blockhouse, however, and lost to sight in the darkness, he was free to act as he pleased.
engage in
From this reading He was determined, therefore, to make an effort to save them; but his half-formed plan was of such a perilous nature that he dared not confide it to Christie, for he knew that the latter would never consent to its being undertaken.
the one or ones belonging to the person speaking
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading He was determined, therefore, to make an effort to save them; but his half-formed plan was of such a perilous nature that he dared not confide it to Christie, for he knew that the latter would never consent to its being undertaken.
night-birds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After going a few steps he paused to listen, but no sound save that of night-birds and the lapping of little waves on the lake shore came to his ears.
not any; not one
From this reading After going a few steps he paused to listen, but no sound save that of night-birds and the lapping of little waves on the lake shore came to his ears.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He was determined, therefore, to make an effort to save them; but his half-formed plan was of such a perilous nature that he dared not confide it to Christie, for he knew that the latter would never consent to its being undertaken.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading After going a few steps he paused to listen, but no sound save that of night-birds and the lapping of little waves on the lake shore came to his ears.
on one occasion
From this reading Once outside the blockhouse, however, and lost to sight in the darkness, he was free to act as he pleased.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
and nothing more
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading Once outside the blockhouse, however, and lost to sight in the darkness, he was free to act as he pleased.
past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
From this reading After going a few steps he paused to listen, but no sound save that of night-birds and the lapping of little waves on the lake shore came to his ears.
perilousadjectiveUS /ˈperələs/
fraught with danger
From this reading He was determined, therefore, to make an effort to save them; but his half-formed plan was of such a perilous nature that he dared not confide it to Christie, for he knew that the latter would never consent to its being undertaken.
have the will and intention to carry out some action
From this reading He was determined, therefore, to make an effort to save them; but his half-formed plan was of such a perilous nature that he dared not confide it to Christie, for he knew that the latter would never consent to its being undertaken.
experiencing or manifesting pleasure
From this reading Once outside the blockhouse, however, and lost to sight in the darkness, he was free to act as he pleased.
showing intellectual penetration or emotional depth
From this reading The silence was profound, and assured him that even the savages, wearied with long fighting, were snatching a few hours of sleep.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
savagesnounUS /ˈsævədʒəz/
plural of “savage” — a member of an uncivilized people
From this reading The silence was profound, and assured him that even the savages, wearied with long fighting, were snatching a few hours of sleep.
except for; apart from
From this reading He was determined, therefore, to make an effort to save them; but his half-formed plan was of such a perilous nature that he dared not confide it to Christie, for he knew that the latter would never consent to its being undertaken.
SAVESnounUS /seɪvz/
plural of “save” — (sports) the act of preventing the opposition from scoring
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
the land along the edge of a body of water
From this reading After going a few steps he paused to listen, but no sound save that of night-birds and the lapping of little waves on the lake shore came to his ears.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading Once outside the blockhouse, however, and lost to sight in the darkness, he was free to act as he pleased.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading The silence was profound, and assured him that even the savages, wearied with long fighting, were snatching a few hours of sleep.
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading The silence was profound, and assured him that even the savages, wearied with long fighting, were snatching a few hours of sleep.
snatchingverbUS /ˈsnætʃɪŋ/
-ing form of “snatch” — to grasp hastily or eagerly
From this reading The silence was profound, and assured him that even the savages, wearied with long fighting, were snatching a few hours of sleep.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading After going a few steps he paused to listen, but no sound save that of night-birds and the lapping of little waves on the lake shore came to his ears.
sparedverbUS /sperd/
past form of “spare” — refrain from harming
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading After going a few steps he paused to listen, but no sound save that of night-birds and the lapping of little waves on the lake shore came to his ears.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading He was determined, therefore, to make an effort to save them; but his half-formed plan was of such a perilous nature that he dared not confide it to Christie, for he knew that the latter would never consent to its being undertaken.
surrenderedverbUS /sərˈendərd/
past form of “surrender” — give up or agree to forgo to the power or possession of another
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading He was determined, therefore, to make an effort to save them; but his half-formed plan was of such a perilous nature that he dared not confide it to Christie, for he knew that the latter would never consent to its being undertaken.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading He was determined, therefore, to make an effort to save them; but his half-formed plan was of such a perilous nature that he dared not confide it to Christie, for he knew that the latter would never consent to its being undertaken.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
tortureverbUS /ˈtɔːrtʃər/
torment emotionally or mentally
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
undertakenverbUS /ˈʌndərteɪkən/
inflected form of “undertake” — enter upon an activity or enterprise
From this reading He was determined, therefore, to make an effort to save them; but his half-formed plan was of such a perilous nature that he dared not confide it to Christie, for he knew that the latter would never consent to its being undertaken.
villagesnounUS /ˈvɪlədʒəz/
plural of “village” — a community of people smaller than a town
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He was determined, therefore, to make an effort to save them; but his half-formed plan was of such a perilous nature that he dared not confide it to Christie, for he knew that the latter would never consent to its being undertaken.
plural of “wave” — one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)
From this reading After going a few steps he paused to listen, but no sound save that of night-birds and the lapping of little waves on the lake shore came to his ears.
weariedadjectiveUS /ˈwɪrid/
exhausted
From this reading The silence was profound, and assured him that even the savages, wearied with long fighting, were snatching a few hours of sleep.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
well-loved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The silence was profound, and assured him that even the savages, wearied with long fighting, were snatching a few hours of sleep.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading DONALD FIRES THE MINE AND SAVES THE BLOCKHOUSE Knowing the savage nature as well as he did, Donald believed that his well-loved friend, as well as every one of the gallant fellows under his command, would be put to death in case they surrendered; or, if they were spared for the time being, it would only be for torture in the Indian villages.
