Chapter VI

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

From this reading Their train was next behind ours when, on the evening of August 13th, after rounding up their stock for the night, a short distance from the wagons, they stopped near the willows by the river and made what proved to be their last camp.

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

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

later than; following

From this reading It transpired that the Holloway party neglected this precaution, at least on one occasion, sometime after passing the head of the Humboldt River.

in addition

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

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

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

separated or at a distance in place or position or time

From this reading Behind them, but not within sight, were several emigrant camps at points varying from a few rods to half a mile apart.

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

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It transpired that the Holloway party neglected this precaution, at least on one occasion, sometime after passing the head of the Humboldt River.

the month following July and preceding September

From this reading Their train was next behind ours when, on the evening of August 13th, after rounding up their stock for the night, a short distance from the wagons, they stopped near the willows by the river and made what proved to be their last camp.

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

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading Their train was next behind ours when, on the evening of August 13th, after rounding up their stock for the night, a short distance from the wagons, they stopped near the willows by the river and made what proved to be their last camp.

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Behind them, but not within sight, were several emigrant camps at points varying from a few rods to half a mile apart.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

plural of “camp” — temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading Behind them, but not within sight, were several emigrant camps at points varying from a few rods to half a mile apart.

plural of “clump” — a grouping of a number of similar things

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

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

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

provide with a covering or cause to be covered

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

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

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

recognizable; marked

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

the act of consuming liquids

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

someone who leaves one country to settle in another

From this reading Behind them, but not within sight, were several emigrant camps at points varying from a few rods to half a mile apart.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading Their train was next behind ours when, on the evening of August 13th, after rounding up their stock for the night, a short distance from the wagons, they stopped near the willows by the river and made what proved to be their last camp.

encouraging or approving or pleasing

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Behind them, but not within sight, were several emigrant camps at points varying from a few rods to half a mile apart.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading Behind them, but not within sight, were several emigrant camps at points varying from a few rods to half a mile apart.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading It transpired that the Holloway party neglected this precaution, at least on one occasion, sometime after passing the head of the Humboldt River.

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

From this reading THE HOLLOWAY MASSACRE.

German philologist noted for his studies of the relation between language and culture (1767-1835)

From this reading It transpired that the Holloway party neglected this precaution, at least on one occasion, sometime after passing the head of the Humboldt River.

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

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

plural of “indian” — a native or inhabitant of India

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

immediately past

From this reading Their train was next behind ours when, on the evening of August 13th, after rounding up their stock for the night, a short distance from the wagons, they stopped near the willows by the river and made what proved to be their last camp.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading It transpired that the Holloway party neglected this precaution, at least on one occasion, sometime after passing the head of the Humboldt River.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Their train was next behind ours when, on the evening of August 13th, after rounding up their stock for the night, a short distance from the wagons, they stopped near the willows by the river and made what proved to be their last camp.

engage in

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

kill a large number of people indiscriminately

From this reading THE HOLLOWAY MASSACRE.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading Behind them, but not within sight, were several emigrant camps at points varying from a few rods to half a mile apart.

reckless or malicious behavior that causes discomfort or annoyance in others

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading Their train was next behind ours when, on the evening of August 13th, after rounding up their stock for the night, a short distance from the wagons, they stopped near the willows by the river and made what proved to be their last camp.

disregarded

From this reading It transpired that the Holloway party neglected this precaution, at least on one occasion, sometime after passing the head of the Humboldt River.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading Their train was next behind ours when, on the evening of August 13th, after rounding up their stock for the night, a short distance from the wagons, they stopped near the willows by the river and made what proved to be their last camp.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading Their train was next behind ours when, on the evening of August 13th, after rounding up their stock for the night, a short distance from the wagons, they stopped near the willows by the river and made what proved to be their last camp.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Behind them, but not within sight, were several emigrant camps at points varying from a few rods to half a mile apart.

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

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading It transpired that the Holloway party neglected this precaution, at least on one occasion, sometime after passing the head of the Humboldt River.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading It transpired that the Holloway party neglected this precaution, at least on one occasion, sometime after passing the head of the Humboldt River.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

the one or ones belonging to us

From this reading Their train was next behind ours when, on the evening of August 13th, after rounding up their stock for the night, a short distance from the wagons, they stopped near the willows by the river and made what proved to be their last camp.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading It transpired that the Holloway party neglected this precaution, at least on one occasion, sometime after passing the head of the Humboldt River.

(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate

From this reading It transpired that the Holloway party neglected this precaution, at least on one occasion, sometime after passing the head of the Humboldt River.

plural of “point” — a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading Behind them, but not within sight, were several emigrant camps at points varying from a few rods to half a mile apart.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.

From this reading It transpired that the Holloway party neglected this precaution, at least on one occasion, sometime after passing the head of the Humboldt River.

past form of “prevent” — keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

established beyond doubt

From this reading Their train was next behind ours when, on the evening of August 13th, after rounding up their stock for the night, a short distance from the wagons, they stopped near the willows by the river and made what proved to be their last camp.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

the extended spatial location of something

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

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

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

plural of “rod” — a long thin implement made of metal or wood

From this reading Behind them, but not within sight, were several emigrant camps at points varying from a few rods to half a mile apart.

(mathematics) a miscalculation that results from rounding off numbers to a convenient number of decimals

From this reading Their train was next behind ours when, on the evening of August 13th, after rounding up their stock for the night, a short distance from the wagons, they stopped near the willows by the river and made what proved to be their last camp.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading Behind them, but not within sight, were several emigrant camps at points varying from a few rods to half a mile apart.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading Their train was next behind ours when, on the evening of August 13th, after rounding up their stock for the night, a short distance from the wagons, they stopped near the willows by the river and made what proved to be their last camp.

an instance of visual perception

From this reading Behind them, but not within sight, were several emigrant camps at points varying from a few rods to half a mile apart.

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

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

at some indefinite or unstated time

From this reading It transpired that the Holloway party neglected this precaution, at least on one occasion, sometime after passing the head of the Humboldt River.

the capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

(of a nose) blocked

From this reading Their train was next behind ours when, on the evening of August 13th, after rounding up their stock for the night, a short distance from the wagons, they stopped near the willows by the river and made what proved to be their last camp.

a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

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

From this reading THE HOLLOWAY MASSACRE.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Their train was next behind ours when, on the evening of August 13th, after rounding up their stock for the night, a short distance from the wagons, they stopped near the willows by the river and made what proved to be their last camp.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Behind them, but not within sight, were several emigrant camps at points varying from a few rods to half a mile apart.

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

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

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

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

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

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

create by training and teaching

From this reading Their train was next behind ours when, on the evening of August 13th, after rounding up their stock for the night, a short distance from the wagons, they stopped near the willows by the river and made what proved to be their last camp.

past form of “transpire” — pass through the tissue or substance or its pores or interstices, as of gas

From this reading It transpired that the Holloway party neglected this precaution, at least on one occasion, sometime after passing the head of the Humboldt River.

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

From this reading Their train was next behind ours when, on the evening of August 13th, after rounding up their stock for the night, a short distance from the wagons, they stopped near the willows by the river and made what proved to be their last camp.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

marked by diversity or difference

From this reading Behind them, but not within sight, were several emigrant camps at points varying from a few rods to half a mile apart.

plural of “wagon” — any of various kinds of wheeled vehicles drawn by an animal or a tractor

From this reading Their train was next behind ours when, on the evening of August 13th, after rounding up their stock for the night, a short distance from the wagons, they stopped near the willows by the river and made what proved to be their last camp.

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

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

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

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Their train was next behind ours when, on the evening of August 13th, after rounding up their stock for the night, a short distance from the wagons, they stopped near the willows by the river and made what proved to be their last camp.

at the time that

From this reading Their train was next behind ours when, on the evening of August 13th, after rounding up their stock for the night, a short distance from the wagons, they stopped near the willows by the river and made what proved to be their last camp.

at any time that; every time that

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

during the time that

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

plural of “willow” — any of numerous deciduous trees and shrubs of the genus Salix

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Behind them, but not within sight, were several emigrant camps at points varying from a few rods to half a mile apart.

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

From this reading It was decided that while in this region we would, whenever possible, make our camp some distance from the river, in order that the stock might be prevented from drinking the dangerous river water, also for the reason that the clumps of willows by the stream could be used as a cover by Indians bent on mischief: and they, we now believed, were watching for a favorable opportunity to surprise us.