Chapter XXX · Chapter 30

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

From this reading This made progress slow, although Hamlin pressed forward recklessly, fully aware of what it would mean should the fugitives emerge first, and thus achieve a clear passage to the river.

to gain with effort

From this reading This made progress slow, although Hamlin pressed forward recklessly, fully aware of what it would mean should the fugitives emerge first, and thus achieve a clear passage to the river.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading A mile or more to the west the river took a sharp bend, disappearing behind the bluffs, and on the open plain, barely visible against the unsullied mantle of snow, were dark specks, apparently moving, but in erratic fashion.

(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 It was all a deserted waste, barren of movement, and no smoke bore evidence of any Indian encampment near by.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading This made progress slow, although Hamlin pressed forward recklessly, fully aware of what it would mean should the fugitives emerge first, and thus achieve a clear passage to the river.

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

From this reading THE FIGHT IN THE SNOW The slope toward the south had not been swept clear by the wind, and the horses broke through the crust to their knees, occasionally stumbling into hollows where the drifts were deep.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading It was all a deserted waste, barren of movement, and no smoke bore evidence of any Indian encampment near by.

from appearances alone

From this reading A mile or more to the west the river took a sharp bend, disappearing behind the bluffs, and on the open plain, barely visible against the unsullied mantle of snow, were dark specks, apparently moving, but in erratic fashion.

(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception

From this reading This made progress slow, although Hamlin pressed forward recklessly, fully aware of what it would mean should the fugitives emerge first, and thus achieve a clear passage to the river.

only a very short time before

From this reading A mile or more to the west the river took a sharp bend, disappearing behind the bluffs, and on the open plain, barely visible against the unsullied mantle of snow, were dark specks, apparently moving, but in erratic fashion.

providing no shelter or sustenance

From this reading It was all a deserted waste, barren of movement, and no smoke bore evidence of any Indian encampment near by.

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

From this reading What was going on there to the right, behind the fringe of low hills, could not be conjectured, but to the left the riders could see clearly for a great distance over the desolate, snow-draped land, down to the dark waters of the Canadian and the shore beyond.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading THE FIGHT IN THE SNOW The slope toward the south had not been swept clear by the wind, and the horses broke through the crust to their knees, occasionally stumbling into hollows where the drifts were deep.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading What was going on there to the right, behind the fringe of low hills, could not be conjectured, but to the left the riders could see clearly for a great distance over the desolate, snow-draped land, down to the dark waters of the Canadian and the shore beyond.

form a curve

From this reading A mile or more to the west the river took a sharp bend, disappearing behind the bluffs, and on the open plain, barely visible against the unsullied mantle of snow, were dark specks, apparently moving, but in erratic fashion.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading What was going on there to the right, behind the fringe of low hills, could not be conjectured, but to the left the riders could see clearly for a great distance over the desolate, snow-draped land, down to the dark waters of the Canadian and the shore beyond.

plural of “bluff” — a high steep bank (usually formed by river erosion)

From this reading A mile or more to the west the river took a sharp bend, disappearing behind the bluffs, and on the open plain, barely visible against the unsullied mantle of snow, were dark specks, apparently moving, but in erratic fashion.

cause to be bored

From this reading It was all a deserted waste, barren of movement, and no smoke bore evidence of any Indian encampment near by.

lacking funds

From this reading THE FIGHT IN THE SNOW The slope toward the south had not been swept clear by the wind, and the horses broke through the crust to their knees, occasionally stumbling into hollows where the drifts were deep.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading What was going on there to the right, behind the fringe of low hills, could not be conjectured, but to the left the riders could see clearly for a great distance over the desolate, snow-draped land, down to the dark waters of the Canadian and the shore beyond.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THE FIGHT IN THE SNOW The slope toward the south had not been swept clear by the wind, and the horses broke through the crust to their knees, occasionally stumbling into hollows where the drifts were deep.

of or relating to Canada or its people

From this reading What was going on there to the right, behind the fringe of low hills, could not be conjectured, but to the left the riders could see clearly for a great distance over the desolate, snow-draped land, down to the dark waters of the Canadian and the shore beyond.

rid of obstructions

From this reading THE FIGHT IN THE SNOW The slope toward the south had not been swept clear by the wind, and the horses broke through the crust to their knees, occasionally stumbling into hollows where the drifts were deep.

without doubt or question

From this reading What was going on there to the right, behind the fringe of low hills, could not be conjectured, but to the left the riders could see clearly for a great distance over the desolate, snow-draped land, down to the dark waters of the Canadian and the shore beyond.

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

From this reading What was going on there to the right, behind the fringe of low hills, could not be conjectured, but to the left the riders could see clearly for a great distance over the desolate, snow-draped land, down to the dark waters of the Canadian and the shore beyond.

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

From this reading What was going on there to the right, behind the fringe of low hills, could not be conjectured, but to the left the riders could see clearly for a great distance over the desolate, snow-draped land, down to the dark waters of the Canadian and the shore beyond.

the outer layer of the Earth

From this reading THE FIGHT IN THE SNOW The slope toward the south had not been swept clear by the wind, and the horses broke through the crust to their knees, occasionally stumbling into hollows where the drifts were deep.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading What was going on there to the right, behind the fringe of low hills, could not be conjectured, but to the left the riders could see clearly for a great distance over the desolate, snow-draped land, down to the dark waters of the Canadian and the shore beyond.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading THE FIGHT IN THE SNOW The slope toward the south had not been swept clear by the wind, and the horses broke through the crust to their knees, occasionally stumbling into hollows where the drifts were deep.

forsaken by owner or inhabitants

From this reading It was all a deserted waste, barren of movement, and no smoke bore evidence of any Indian encampment near by.

providing no shelter or sustenance

From this reading What was going on there to the right, behind the fringe of low hills, could not be conjectured, but to the left the riders could see clearly for a great distance over the desolate, snow-draped land, down to the dark waters of the Canadian and the shore beyond.

the act of leaving secretly or without explanation

From this reading A mile or more to the west the river took a sharp bend, disappearing behind the bluffs, and on the open plain, barely visible against the unsullied mantle of snow, were dark specks, apparently moving, but in erratic fashion.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading What was going on there to the right, behind the fringe of low hills, could not be conjectured, but to the left the riders could see clearly for a great distance over the desolate, snow-draped land, down to the dark waters of the Canadian and the shore beyond.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading What was going on there to the right, behind the fringe of low hills, could not be conjectured, but to the left the riders could see clearly for a great distance over the desolate, snow-draped land, down to the dark waters of the Canadian and the shore beyond.

plural of “drift” — a force that moves something along

From this reading THE FIGHT IN THE SNOW The slope toward the south had not been swept clear by the wind, and the horses broke through the crust to their knees, occasionally stumbling into hollows where the drifts were deep.

come out into view, as from concealment

From this reading This made progress slow, although Hamlin pressed forward recklessly, fully aware of what it would mean should the fugitives emerge first, and thus achieve a clear passage to the river.

a site where people on holiday can pitch a tent

From this reading It was all a deserted waste, barren of movement, and no smoke bore evidence of any Indian encampment near by.

liable to sudden unpredictable change

From this reading A mile or more to the west the river took a sharp bend, disappearing behind the bluffs, and on the open plain, barely visible against the unsullied mantle of snow, were dark specks, apparently moving, but in erratic fashion.

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading It was all a deserted waste, barren of movement, and no smoke bore evidence of any Indian encampment near by.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading A mile or more to the west the river took a sharp bend, disappearing behind the bluffs, and on the open plain, barely visible against the unsullied mantle of snow, were dark specks, apparently moving, but in erratic fashion.

be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight

From this reading THE FIGHT IN THE SNOW The slope toward the south had not been swept clear by the wind, and the horses broke through the crust to their knees, occasionally stumbling into hollows where the drifts were deep.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading This made progress slow, although Hamlin pressed forward recklessly, fully aware of what it would mean should the fugitives emerge first, and thus achieve a clear passage to the river.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading What was going on there to the right, behind the fringe of low hills, could not be conjectured, but to the left the riders could see clearly for a great distance over the desolate, snow-draped land, down to the dark waters of the Canadian and the shore beyond.

at or to or toward the front

From this reading This made progress slow, although Hamlin pressed forward recklessly, fully aware of what it would mean should the fugitives emerge first, and thus achieve a clear passage to the river.

the outside boundary or surface of something

From this reading What was going on there to the right, behind the fringe of low hills, could not be conjectured, but to the left the riders could see clearly for a great distance over the desolate, snow-draped land, down to the dark waters of the Canadian and the shore beyond.

plural of “fugitive” — someone who flees from an uncongenial situation

From this reading This made progress slow, although Hamlin pressed forward recklessly, fully aware of what it would mean should the fugitives emerge first, and thus achieve a clear passage to the river.

to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)

From this reading This made progress slow, although Hamlin pressed forward recklessly, fully aware of what it would mean should the fugitives emerge first, and thus achieve a clear passage to the river.

the act of departing

From this reading What was going on there to the right, behind the fringe of low hills, could not be conjectured, but to the left the riders could see clearly for a great distance over the desolate, snow-draped land, down to the dark waters of the Canadian and the shore beyond.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading What was going on there to the right, behind the fringe of low hills, could not be conjectured, but to the left the riders could see clearly for a great distance over the desolate, snow-draped land, down to the dark waters of the Canadian and the shore beyond.

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

From this reading THE FIGHT IN THE SNOW The slope toward the south had not been swept clear by the wind, and the horses broke through the crust to their knees, occasionally stumbling into hollows where the drifts were deep.

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

From this reading This made progress slow, although Hamlin pressed forward recklessly, fully aware of what it would mean should the fugitives emerge first, and thus achieve a clear passage to the river.

plural of “hill” — a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading What was going on there to the right, behind the fringe of low hills, could not be conjectured, but to the left the riders could see clearly for a great distance over the desolate, snow-draped land, down to the dark waters of the Canadian and the shore beyond.

plural of “hollow” — a cavity or space in something

From this reading THE FIGHT IN THE SNOW The slope toward the south had not been swept clear by the wind, and the horses broke through the crust to their knees, occasionally stumbling into hollows where the drifts were deep.

plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading THE FIGHT IN THE SNOW The slope toward the south had not been swept clear by the wind, and the horses broke through the crust to their knees, occasionally stumbling into hollows where the drifts were deep.

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

From this reading THE FIGHT IN THE SNOW The slope toward the south had not been swept clear by the wind, and the horses broke through the crust to their knees, occasionally stumbling into hollows where the drifts were deep.

of or relating to or characteristic of India or the East Indies or their peoples or languages or cultures

From this reading It was all a deserted waste, barren of movement, and no smoke bore evidence of any Indian encampment near by.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading THE FIGHT IN THE SNOW The slope toward the south had not been swept clear by the wind, and the horses broke through the crust to their knees, occasionally stumbling into hollows where the drifts were deep.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading This made progress slow, although Hamlin pressed forward recklessly, fully aware of what it would mean should the fugitives emerge first, and thus achieve a clear passage to the river.

plural of “knee” — hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella

From this reading THE FIGHT IN THE SNOW The slope toward the south had not been swept clear by the wind, and the horses broke through the crust to their knees, occasionally stumbling into hollows where the drifts were deep.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading What was going on there to the right, behind the fringe of low hills, could not be conjectured, but to the left the riders could see clearly for a great distance over the desolate, snow-draped land, down to the dark waters of the Canadian and the shore beyond.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading What was going on there to the right, behind the fringe of low hills, could not be conjectured, but to the left the riders could see clearly for a great distance over the desolate, snow-draped land, down to the dark waters of the Canadian and the shore beyond.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading What was going on there to the right, behind the fringe of low hills, could not be conjectured, but to the left the riders could see clearly for a great distance over the desolate, snow-draped land, down to the dark waters of the Canadian and the shore beyond.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading This made progress slow, although Hamlin pressed forward recklessly, fully aware of what it would mean should the fugitives emerge first, and thus achieve a clear passage to the river.

the cloak as a symbol of authority

From this reading A mile or more to the west the river took a sharp bend, disappearing behind the bluffs, and on the open plain, barely visible against the unsullied mantle of snow, were dark specks, apparently moving, but in erratic fashion.

mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading This made progress slow, although Hamlin pressed forward recklessly, fully aware of what it would mean should the fugitives emerge first, and thus achieve a clear passage to the river.

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

From this reading A mile or more to the west the river took a sharp bend, disappearing behind the bluffs, and on the open plain, barely visible against the unsullied mantle of snow, were dark specks, apparently moving, but in erratic fashion.

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

From this reading A mile or more to the west the river took a sharp bend, disappearing behind the bluffs, and on the open plain, barely visible against the unsullied mantle of snow, were dark specks, apparently moving, but in erratic fashion.

a change of position that does not entail a change of location

From this reading It was all a deserted waste, barren of movement, and no smoke bore evidence of any Indian encampment near by.

in motion

From this reading A mile or more to the west the river took a sharp bend, disappearing behind the bluffs, and on the open plain, barely visible against the unsullied mantle of snow, were dark specks, apparently moving, but in erratic fashion.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading It was all a deserted waste, barren of movement, and no smoke bore evidence of any Indian encampment near by.

not any; not one

From this reading It was all a deserted waste, barren of movement, and no smoke bore evidence of any Indian encampment near by.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading THE FIGHT IN THE SNOW The slope toward the south had not been swept clear by the wind, and the horses broke through the crust to their knees, occasionally stumbling into hollows where the drifts were deep.

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading THE FIGHT IN THE SNOW The slope toward the south had not been swept clear by the wind, and the horses broke through the crust to their knees, occasionally stumbling into hollows where the drifts were deep.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading This made progress slow, although Hamlin pressed forward recklessly, fully aware of what it would mean should the fugitives emerge first, and thus achieve a clear passage to the river.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading What was going on there to the right, behind the fringe of low hills, could not be conjectured, but to the left the riders could see clearly for a great distance over the desolate, snow-draped land, down to the dark waters of the Canadian and the shore beyond.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading A mile or more to the west the river took a sharp bend, disappearing behind the bluffs, and on the open plain, barely visible against the unsullied mantle of snow, were dark specks, apparently moving, but in erratic fashion.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading A mile or more to the west the river took a sharp bend, disappearing behind the bluffs, and on the open plain, barely visible against the unsullied mantle of snow, were dark specks, apparently moving, but in erratic fashion.

above and across; more than

From this reading What was going on there to the right, behind the fringe of low hills, could not be conjectured, but to the left the riders could see clearly for a great distance over the desolate, snow-draped land, down to the dark waters of the Canadian and the shore beyond.

the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading This made progress slow, although Hamlin pressed forward recklessly, fully aware of what it would mean should the fugitives emerge first, and thus achieve a clear passage to the river.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading A mile or more to the west the river took a sharp bend, disappearing behind the bluffs, and on the open plain, barely visible against the unsullied mantle of snow, were dark specks, apparently moving, but in erratic fashion.

compacted by ironing

From this reading This made progress slow, although Hamlin pressed forward recklessly, fully aware of what it would mean should the fugitives emerge first, and thus achieve a clear passage to the river.

gradual improvement or growth or development

From this reading This made progress slow, although Hamlin pressed forward recklessly, fully aware of what it would mean should the fugitives emerge first, and thus achieve a clear passage to the river.

in a reckless manner

From this reading This made progress slow, although Hamlin pressed forward recklessly, fully aware of what it would mean should the fugitives emerge first, and thus achieve a clear passage to the river.

plural of “rider” — a traveler who actively rides an animal (as a horse or camel)

From this reading What was going on there to the right, behind the fringe of low hills, could not be conjectured, but to the left the riders could see clearly for a great distance over the desolate, snow-draped land, down to the dark waters of the Canadian and the shore beyond.

precisely, exactly

From this reading What was going on there to the right, behind the fringe of low hills, could not be conjectured, but to the left the riders could see clearly for a great distance over the desolate, snow-draped land, down to the dark waters of the Canadian and the shore beyond.

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

From this reading This made progress slow, although Hamlin pressed forward recklessly, fully aware of what it would mean should the fugitives emerge first, and thus achieve a clear passage to the river.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading What was going on there to the right, behind the fringe of low hills, could not be conjectured, but to the left the riders could see clearly for a great distance over the desolate, snow-draped land, down to the dark waters of the Canadian and the shore beyond.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading A mile or more to the west the river took a sharp bend, disappearing behind the bluffs, and on the open plain, barely visible against the unsullied mantle of snow, were dark specks, apparently moving, but in erratic fashion.

the land along the edge of a body of water

From this reading What was going on there to the right, behind the fringe of low hills, could not be conjectured, but to the left the riders could see clearly for a great distance over the desolate, snow-draped land, down to the dark waters of the Canadian and the shore beyond.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading This made progress slow, although Hamlin pressed forward recklessly, fully aware of what it would mean should the fugitives emerge first, and thus achieve a clear passage to the river.

an elevated geological formation

From this reading THE FIGHT IN THE SNOW The slope toward the south had not been swept clear by the wind, and the horses broke through the crust to their knees, occasionally stumbling into hollows where the drifts were deep.

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading This made progress slow, although Hamlin pressed forward recklessly, fully aware of what it would mean should the fugitives emerge first, and thus achieve a clear passage to the river.

a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas

From this reading It was all a deserted waste, barren of movement, and no smoke bore evidence of any Indian encampment near by.

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading THE FIGHT IN THE SNOW The slope toward the south had not been swept clear by the wind, and the horses broke through the crust to their knees, occasionally stumbling into hollows where the drifts were deep.

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

From this reading What was going on there to the right, behind the fringe of low hills, could not be conjectured, but to the left the riders could see clearly for a great distance over the desolate, snow-draped land, down to the dark waters of the Canadian and the shore beyond.

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading THE FIGHT IN THE SNOW The slope toward the south had not been swept clear by the wind, and the horses broke through the crust to their knees, occasionally stumbling into hollows where the drifts were deep.

plural of “speck” — a very small spot

From this reading A mile or more to the west the river took a sharp bend, disappearing behind the bluffs, and on the open plain, barely visible against the unsullied mantle of snow, were dark specks, apparently moving, but in erratic fashion.

-ing form of “stumble” — walk unsteadily

From this reading THE FIGHT IN THE SNOW The slope toward the south had not been swept clear by the wind, and the horses broke through the crust to their knees, occasionally stumbling into hollows where the drifts were deep.

possessing sweep

From this reading THE FIGHT IN THE SNOW The slope toward the south had not been swept clear by the wind, and the horses broke through the crust to their knees, occasionally stumbling into hollows where the drifts were deep.

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

From this reading THE FIGHT IN THE SNOW The slope toward the south had not been swept clear by the wind, and the horses broke through the crust to their knees, occasionally stumbling into hollows where the drifts were deep.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading THE FIGHT IN THE SNOW The slope toward the south had not been swept clear by the wind, and the horses broke through the crust to their knees, occasionally stumbling into hollows where the drifts were deep.

in or at that place or location

From this reading What was going on there to the right, behind the fringe of low hills, could not be conjectured, but to the left the riders could see clearly for a great distance over the desolate, snow-draped land, down to the dark waters of the Canadian and the shore beyond.

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

From this reading This made progress slow, although Hamlin pressed forward recklessly, fully aware of what it would mean should the fugitives emerge first, and thus achieve a clear passage to the river.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading THE FIGHT IN THE SNOW The slope toward the south had not been swept clear by the wind, and the horses broke through the crust to their knees, occasionally stumbling into hollows where the drifts were deep.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading This made progress slow, although Hamlin pressed forward recklessly, fully aware of what it would mean should the fugitives emerge first, and thus achieve a clear passage to the river.

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

From this reading THE FIGHT IN THE SNOW The slope toward the south had not been swept clear by the wind, and the horses broke through the crust to their knees, occasionally stumbling into hollows where the drifts were deep.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading A mile or more to the west the river took a sharp bend, disappearing behind the bluffs, and on the open plain, barely visible against the unsullied mantle of snow, were dark specks, apparently moving, but in erratic fashion.

in the direction of

From this reading THE FIGHT IN THE SNOW The slope toward the south had not been swept clear by the wind, and the horses broke through the crust to their knees, occasionally stumbling into hollows where the drifts were deep.

spotlessly clean and fresh

From this reading A mile or more to the west the river took a sharp bend, disappearing behind the bluffs, and on the open plain, barely visible against the unsullied mantle of snow, were dark specks, apparently moving, but in erratic fashion.

capable of being seen; or open to easy view

From this reading A mile or more to the west the river took a sharp bend, disappearing behind the bluffs, and on the open plain, barely visible against the unsullied mantle of snow, were dark specks, apparently moving, but in erratic fashion.

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

From this reading What was going on there to the right, behind the fringe of low hills, could not be conjectured, but to the left the riders could see clearly for a great distance over the desolate, snow-draped land, down to the dark waters of the Canadian and the shore beyond.

any materials unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted

From this reading It was all a deserted waste, barren of movement, and no smoke bore evidence of any Indian encampment near by.

United States actress and singer (1896-1977)

From this reading What was going on there to the right, behind the fringe of low hills, could not be conjectured, but to the left the riders could see clearly for a great distance over the desolate, snow-draped land, down to the dark waters of the Canadian and the shore beyond.

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

From this reading THE FIGHT IN THE SNOW The slope toward the south had not been swept clear by the wind, and the horses broke through the crust to their knees, occasionally stumbling into hollows where the drifts were deep.

the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America

From this reading A mile or more to the west the river took a sharp bend, disappearing behind the bluffs, and on the open plain, barely visible against the unsullied mantle of snow, were dark specks, apparently moving, but in erratic fashion.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading This made progress slow, although Hamlin pressed forward recklessly, fully aware of what it would mean should the fugitives emerge first, and thus achieve a clear passage to the river.

in or at the place that

From this reading THE FIGHT IN THE SNOW The slope toward the south had not been swept clear by the wind, and the horses broke through the crust to their knees, occasionally stumbling into hollows where the drifts were deep.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading THE FIGHT IN THE SNOW The slope toward the south had not been swept clear by the wind, and the horses broke through the crust to their knees, occasionally stumbling into hollows where the drifts were deep.

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

From this reading This made progress slow, although Hamlin pressed forward recklessly, fully aware of what it would mean should the fugitives emerge first, and thus achieve a clear passage to the river.