Chapter XII

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

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

(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 The next two or three weeks passed, to all appearance, quietly enough.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

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

From this reading There was, however, an unpleasant feeling in Susanville and around Honey Lake, of danger in the air.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading The next two or three weeks passed, to all appearance, quietly enough.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading There was, however, an unpleasant feeling in Susanville and around Honey Lake, of danger in the air.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The Rangers had now been idle for a tolerably long time.

an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

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

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

the person or thing chosen or selected

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

a special group delegated to consider some matter

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

a person who uses scientific knowledge to solve practical problems

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading The next two or three weeks passed, to all appearance, quietly enough.

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading There was, however, an unpleasant feeling in Susanville and around Honey Lake, of danger in the air.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The Rangers had now been idle for a tolerably long time.

the act of departing

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

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

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

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

From this reading The Rangers had now been idle for a tolerably long time.

a person who does not acknowledge your god

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

an opening into or through something

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

a sweet yellow liquid produced by bees

From this reading There was, however, an unpleasant feeling in Susanville and around Honey Lake, of danger in the air.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading There was, however, an unpleasant feeling in Susanville and around Honey Lake, of danger in the air.

not in action or at work

From this reading The Rangers had now been idle for a tolerably long time.

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

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land

From this reading There was, however, an unpleasant feeling in Susanville and around Honey Lake, of danger in the air.

someone who doesn't understand what is going on

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

the act of departing

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

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 Rangers had now been idle for a tolerably long time.

of or relating to the study of the principles of warfare

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

relating to or involving money

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading The next two or three weeks passed, to all appearance, quietly enough.

not any; not one

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Perhaps, this feeling was not wholly unpleasant.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading The Rangers had now been idle for a tolerably long time.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

on one occasion

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The next two or three weeks passed, to all appearance, quietly enough.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading The next two or three weeks passed, to all appearance, quietly enough.

by chance

From this reading Perhaps, this feeling was not wholly unpleasant.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

with low volume

From this reading The next two or three weeks passed, to all appearance, quietly enough.

plural of “ranger” — a member of the Texas state highway patrol; formerly a mounted lawman who maintained order on the frontier

From this reading The Rangers had now been idle for a tolerably long time.

plural of “rat” — any of various long-tailed rodents similar to but larger than a mouse

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

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

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

witty language used to convey insults or scorn

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

causing difficulty in breathing especially through lack of fresh air and presence of heat

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

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

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

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

From this reading There was, however, an unpleasant feeling in Susanville and around Honey Lake, of danger in the air.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

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

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was, however, an unpleasant feeling in Susanville and around Honey Lake, of danger in the air.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Perhaps, this feeling was not wholly unpleasant.

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

From this reading The next two or three weeks passed, to all appearance, quietly enough.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading The Rangers had now been idle for a tolerably long time.

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

From this reading The next two or three weeks passed, to all appearance, quietly enough.

in an acceptable (but not outstanding) manner

From this reading The Rangers had now been idle for a tolerably long time.

forced to turn and face attackers

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

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

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

offensive or disagreeable; causing discomfort or unhappiness

From this reading There was, however, an unpleasant feeling in Susanville and around Honey Lake, of danger in the air.

the act of supplying fresh air and getting rid of foul air

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.

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

From this reading There was, however, an unpleasant feeling in Susanville and around Honey Lake, of danger in the air.

plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading The next two or three weeks passed, to all appearance, quietly enough.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading Perhaps, this feeling was not wholly unpleasant.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading DANGER IN THE AIR--THE CHOICE OF A CAPTAIN--AN EFFECTUAL SARCASM--GOING LAME--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE"--A MILITARY ENGINEER WITHOUT A COMMISSION--NO VENTILATION--SMOTHERING LIKE RATS IN A HOLE--THE MONETARY SURPRISE--TWO RED-SKINS--LEAVING THEIR GUNS OUTSIDE--TRAPPED--"THE HEATHEN CHINEE" ONCE MORE--SOME QUIET TALK.