Chapter XXI

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

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

From this reading The upper room became filled with the quivering air, and more than one wondered how it was the logs withstood the furnace-like blast so long.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Although the two cabins were closer to each other than to the fort, yet the untouched one was in no danger because of the direction of the wind.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

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

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

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

From this reading But as the blaze grew hotter and hotter, it seemed to converge its fierce heat upon the doomed block-house, as the blowpipe melts the obdurate metal.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading The upper room became filled with the quivering air, and more than one wondered how it was the logs withstood the furnace-like blast so long.

for the reason that

From this reading Although the two cabins were closer to each other than to the fort, yet the untouched one was in no danger because of the direction of the wind.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

make a strident sound

From this reading The upper room became filled with the quivering air, and more than one wondered how it was the logs withstood the furnace-like blast so long.

a strong flame that burns brightly

From this reading But as the blaze grew hotter and hotter, it seemed to converge its fierce heat upon the doomed block-house, as the blowpipe melts the obdurate metal.

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

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

a tube that directs air or gas into a flame to concentrate heat

From this reading But as the blaze grew hotter and hotter, it seemed to converge its fierce heat upon the doomed block-house, as the blowpipe melts the obdurate metal.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But as the blaze grew hotter and hotter, it seemed to converge its fierce heat upon the doomed block-house, as the blowpipe melts the obdurate metal.

plural of “cabin” — small room on a ship or boat where people sleep

From this reading Although the two cabins were closer to each other than to the fort, yet the untouched one was in no danger because of the direction of the wind.

(usually followed by “of”) having capacity or ability

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

-ing form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

a tract of land with few or no trees in the middle of a wooded area

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance

From this reading Although the two cabins were closer to each other than to the fort, yet the untouched one was in no danger because of the direction of the wind.

a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration

From this reading CONCLUSION.

be adjacent or come together

From this reading But as the blaze grew hotter and hotter, it seemed to converge its fierce heat upon the doomed block-house, as the blowpipe melts the obdurate metal.

the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury

From this reading Although the two cabins were closer to each other than to the fort, yet the untouched one was in no danger because of the direction of the wind.

past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

a line leading to a place or point

From this reading Although the two cabins were closer to each other than to the fort, yet the untouched one was in no danger because of the direction of the wind.

marked for certain death

From this reading But as the blaze grew hotter and hotter, it seemed to converge its fierce heat upon the doomed block-house, as the blowpipe melts the obdurate metal.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Although the two cabins were closer to each other than to the fort, yet the untouched one was in no danger because of the direction of the wind.

decreasing in amount or degree

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

marked by extreme and violent energy

From this reading But as the blaze grew hotter and hotter, it seemed to converge its fierce heat upon the doomed block-house, as the blowpipe melts the obdurate metal.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading The upper room became filled with the quivering air, and more than one wondered how it was the logs withstood the furnace-like blast so long.

start firing a weapon

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

A hot glowing body of ignited gas produced by fire.

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

a fortified military post where troops are stationed

From this reading Although the two cabins were closer to each other than to the fort, yet the untouched one was in no danger because of the direction of the wind.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

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

From this reading The upper room became filled with the quivering air, and more than one wondered how it was the logs withstood the furnace-like blast so long.

inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading But as the blaze grew hotter and hotter, it seemed to converge its fierce heat upon the doomed block-house, as the blowpipe melts the obdurate metal.

a form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature

From this reading But as the blaze grew hotter and hotter, it seemed to converge its fierce heat upon the doomed block-house, as the blowpipe melts the obdurate metal.

comparative of “hot” — used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning

From this reading But as the blaze grew hotter and hotter, it seemed to converge its fierce heat upon the doomed block-house, as the blowpipe melts the obdurate metal.

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

From this reading The upper room became filled with the quivering air, and more than one wondered how it was the logs withstood the furnace-like blast so long.

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

From this reading Although the two cabins were closer to each other than to the fort, yet the untouched one was in no danger because of the direction of the wind.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading But as the blaze grew hotter and hotter, it seemed to converge its fierce heat upon the doomed block-house, as the blowpipe melts the obdurate metal.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading But as the blaze grew hotter and hotter, it seemed to converge its fierce heat upon the doomed block-house, as the blowpipe melts the obdurate metal.

set afire

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

plural of “log” — a segment of the trunk of a tree when stripped of branches

From this reading The upper room became filled with the quivering air, and more than one wondered how it was the logs withstood the furnace-like blast so long.

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 upper room became filled with the quivering air, and more than one wondered how it was the logs withstood the furnace-like blast so long.

plural of “melt” — the process whereby heat changes something from a solid to a liquid

From this reading But as the blaze grew hotter and hotter, it seemed to converge its fierce heat upon the doomed block-house, as the blowpipe melts the obdurate metal.

any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc.

From this reading But as the blaze grew hotter and hotter, it seemed to converge its fierce heat upon the doomed block-house, as the blowpipe melts the obdurate metal.

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

From this reading The upper room became filled with the quivering air, and more than one wondered how it was the logs withstood the furnace-like blast so long.

used to form the superlative

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

not any; not one

From this reading Although the two cabins were closer to each other than to the fort, yet the untouched one was in no danger because of the direction of the wind.

stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing

From this reading But as the blaze grew hotter and hotter, it seemed to converge its fierce heat upon the doomed block-house, as the blowpipe melts the obdurate metal.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The upper room became filled with the quivering air, and more than one wondered how it was the logs withstood the furnace-like blast so long.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Although the two cabins were closer to each other than to the fort, yet the untouched one was in no danger because of the direction of the wind.

with speed

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

a shaky motion

From this reading The upper room became filled with the quivering air, and more than one wondered how it was the logs withstood the furnace-like blast so long.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading The upper room became filled with the quivering air, and more than one wondered how it was the logs withstood the furnace-like blast so long.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading But as the blaze grew hotter and hotter, it seemed to converge its fierce heat upon the doomed block-house, as the blowpipe melts the obdurate metal.

plural of “serpent” — limbless scaly elongate reptile; some are venomous

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

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

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

plural of “spark” — a momentary flash of light

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

a plane curve traced by a point circling about the center but at increasing distances from the center

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

fortification consisting of a fence made of a line of stout posts set firmly for defense

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The upper room became filled with the quivering air, and more than one wondered how it was the logs withstood the furnace-like blast so long.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

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

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

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

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

caused to fall to the ground

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

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

From this reading But as the blaze grew hotter and hotter, it seemed to converge its fierce heat upon the doomed block-house, as the blowpipe melts the obdurate metal.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

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

From this reading Although the two cabins were closer to each other than to the fort, yet the untouched one was in no danger because of the direction of the wind.

still full

From this reading Although the two cabins were closer to each other than to the fort, yet the untouched one was in no danger because of the direction of the wind.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading But as the blaze grew hotter and hotter, it seemed to converge its fierce heat upon the doomed block-house, as the blowpipe melts the obdurate metal.

the topmost one of two

From this reading The upper room became filled with the quivering air, and more than one wondered how it was the logs withstood the furnace-like blast so long.

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

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

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

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

in or at the place that

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

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

From this reading The wind from the south was so strong that most of the large sparks capable of carrying the fire were thrown beyond the block-house, falling about the stockade, on the clearing, and among the trees, where they kindled spiral serpents of flame and smoke, which quickly died of themselves.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The upper room became filled with the quivering air, and more than one wondered how it was the logs withstood the furnace-like blast so long.

inflected form of “withstand” — resist or confront with resistance

From this reading The upper room became filled with the quivering air, and more than one wondered how it was the logs withstood the furnace-like blast so long.

past form of “wonder” — have a wish or desire to know something

From this reading The upper room became filled with the quivering air, and more than one wondered how it was the logs withstood the furnace-like blast so long.

but in spite of that

From this reading Although the two cabins were closer to each other than to the fort, yet the untouched one was in no danger because of the direction of the wind.