Chapter XVIII

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

From this reading TRAVELLING APPOINTMENTS—THE DIAMOND OF THE SULTAN OF MATAM—DIAMOND FIELDS—GEORGE MULLER’S DIARY AND SKULL—MARRIAGE CEREMONIES—AGAIN ON THE ROAD—A NOVEL BURIAL-PLACE—ON THE EQUATOR—AN INKY LAKE—THE ASCENT OF BATANG LOEPAR.

generally approved or compelling recognition

From this reading Wienersdorf and his companions gratefully accepted this assistance and made their preparations accordingly.

(sentence connectors) because of the reason given

From this reading Wienersdorf and his companions gratefully accepted this assistance and made their preparations accordingly.

plural of “adventurer” — a person who enjoys taking risks

From this reading On the following day gold washing was resumed, as our adventurers were anxious to collect as much of the precious metal as they possibly could.

anew

From this reading TRAVELLING APPOINTMENTS—THE DIAMOND OF THE SULTAN OF MATAM—DIAMOND FIELDS—GEORGE MULLER’S DIARY AND SKULL—MARRIAGE CEREMONIES—AGAIN ON THE ROAD—A NOVEL BURIAL-PLACE—ON THE EQUATOR—AN INKY LAKE—THE ASCENT OF BATANG LOEPAR.

projectiles to be fired from a gun

From this reading One morning when busy at kotta Rangan Hanoengoh preparing ammunition, La Cueille thought he would make some cartridges.

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

From this reading TRAVELLING APPOINTMENTS—THE DIAMOND OF THE SULTAN OF MATAM—DIAMOND FIELDS—GEORGE MULLER’S DIARY AND SKULL—MARRIAGE CEREMONIES—AGAIN ON THE ROAD—A NOVEL BURIAL-PLACE—ON THE EQUATOR—AN INKY LAKE—THE ASCENT OF BATANG LOEPAR.

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

From this reading TRAVELLING APPOINTMENTS—THE DIAMOND OF THE SULTAN OF MATAM—DIAMOND FIELDS—GEORGE MULLER’S DIARY AND SKULL—MARRIAGE CEREMONIES—AGAIN ON THE ROAD—A NOVEL BURIAL-PLACE—ON THE EQUATOR—AN INKY LAKE—THE ASCENT OF BATANG LOEPAR.

eagerly desirous

From this reading On the following day gold washing was resumed, as our adventurers were anxious to collect as much of the precious metal as they possibly could.

plural of “appointment” — the act of putting a person into a non-elective position

From this reading TRAVELLING APPOINTMENTS—THE DIAMOND OF THE SULTAN OF MATAM—DIAMOND FIELDS—GEORGE MULLER’S DIARY AND SKULL—MARRIAGE CEREMONIES—AGAIN ON THE ROAD—A NOVEL BURIAL-PLACE—ON THE EQUATOR—AN INKY LAKE—THE ASCENT OF BATANG LOEPAR.

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

From this reading On the following day gold washing was resumed, as our adventurers were anxious to collect as much of the precious metal as they possibly could.

an upward slope or grade (as in a road)

From this reading TRAVELLING APPOINTMENTS—THE DIAMOND OF THE SULTAN OF MATAM—DIAMOND FIELDS—GEORGE MULLER’S DIARY AND SKULL—MARRIAGE CEREMONIES—AGAIN ON THE ROAD—A NOVEL BURIAL-PLACE—ON THE EQUATOR—AN INKY LAKE—THE ASCENT OF BATANG LOEPAR.

the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose

From this reading Wienersdorf and his companions gratefully accepted this assistance and made their preparations accordingly.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading One morning when busy at kotta Rangan Hanoengoh preparing ammunition, La Cueille thought he would make some cartridges.

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

From this reading TRAVELLING APPOINTMENTS—THE DIAMOND OF THE SULTAN OF MATAM—DIAMOND FIELDS—GEORGE MULLER’S DIARY AND SKULL—MARRIAGE CEREMONIES—AGAIN ON THE ROAD—A NOVEL BURIAL-PLACE—ON THE EQUATOR—AN INKY LAKE—THE ASCENT OF BATANG LOEPAR.

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

From this reading They had discovered that there would be no difficulties of transport, the faithful Harimaoung Boekit having volunteered to conduct them under the safeguard of thirty Poenans to the Sarawak frontiers.

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

From this reading They had discovered that there would be no difficulties of transport, the faithful Harimaoung Boekit having volunteered to conduct them under the safeguard of thirty Poenans to the Sarawak frontiers.

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

From this reading TRAVELLING APPOINTMENTS—THE DIAMOND OF THE SULTAN OF MATAM—DIAMOND FIELDS—GEORGE MULLER’S DIARY AND SKULL—MARRIAGE CEREMONIES—AGAIN ON THE ROAD—A NOVEL BURIAL-PLACE—ON THE EQUATOR—AN INKY LAKE—THE ASCENT OF BATANG LOEPAR.

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading One morning when busy at kotta Rangan Hanoengoh preparing ammunition, La Cueille thought he would make some cartridges.

plural of “cartridge” — ammunition consisting of a cylindrical casing containing an explosive charge and a bullet; fired from a rifle or handgun

From this reading One morning when busy at kotta Rangan Hanoengoh preparing ammunition, La Cueille thought he would make some cartridges.

plural of “ceremony” — a formal event performed on a special occasion

From this reading TRAVELLING APPOINTMENTS—THE DIAMOND OF THE SULTAN OF MATAM—DIAMOND FIELDS—GEORGE MULLER’S DIARY AND SKULL—MARRIAGE CEREMONIES—AGAIN ON THE ROAD—A NOVEL BURIAL-PLACE—ON THE EQUATOR—AN INKY LAKE—THE ASCENT OF BATANG LOEPAR.

get or gather together

From this reading On the following day gold washing was resumed, as our adventurers were anxious to collect as much of the precious metal as they possibly could.

plural of “companion” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading Wienersdorf and his companions gratefully accepted this assistance and made their preparations accordingly.

direct the course of; manage or control

From this reading They had discovered that there would be no difficulties of transport, the faithful Harimaoung Boekit having volunteered to conduct them under the safeguard of thirty Poenans to the Sarawak frontiers.

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

From this reading On the following day gold washing was resumed, as our adventurers were anxious to collect as much of the precious metal as they possibly could.

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

From this reading One morning when busy at kotta Rangan Hanoengoh preparing ammunition, La Cueille thought he would make some cartridges.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading On the following day gold washing was resumed, as our adventurers were anxious to collect as much of the precious metal as they possibly could.

a transparent piece of diamond that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem

From this reading TRAVELLING APPOINTMENTS—THE DIAMOND OF THE SULTAN OF MATAM—DIAMOND FIELDS—GEORGE MULLER’S DIARY AND SKULL—MARRIAGE CEREMONIES—AGAIN ON THE ROAD—A NOVEL BURIAL-PLACE—ON THE EQUATOR—AN INKY LAKE—THE ASCENT OF BATANG LOEPAR.

a daily written record of (usually personal) experiences and observations

From this reading TRAVELLING APPOINTMENTS—THE DIAMOND OF THE SULTAN OF MATAM—DIAMOND FIELDS—GEORGE MULLER’S DIARY AND SKULL—MARRIAGE CEREMONIES—AGAIN ON THE ROAD—A NOVEL BURIAL-PLACE—ON THE EQUATOR—AN INKY LAKE—THE ASCENT OF BATANG LOEPAR.

plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading They had discovered that there would be no difficulties of transport, the faithful Harimaoung Boekit having volunteered to conduct them under the safeguard of thirty Poenans to the Sarawak frontiers.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading They had discovered that there would be no difficulties of transport, the faithful Harimaoung Boekit having volunteered to conduct them under the safeguard of thirty Poenans to the Sarawak frontiers.

an imaginary line around the Earth forming the great circle that is equidistant from the north and south poles

From this reading TRAVELLING APPOINTMENTS—THE DIAMOND OF THE SULTAN OF MATAM—DIAMOND FIELDS—GEORGE MULLER’S DIARY AND SKULL—MARRIAGE CEREMONIES—AGAIN ON THE ROAD—A NOVEL BURIAL-PLACE—ON THE EQUATOR—AN INKY LAKE—THE ASCENT OF BATANG LOEPAR.

steadfast in affection or allegiance

From this reading They had discovered that there would be no difficulties of transport, the faithful Harimaoung Boekit having volunteered to conduct them under the safeguard of thirty Poenans to the Sarawak frontiers.

United States comedian and film actor (1880-1946)

From this reading TRAVELLING APPOINTMENTS—THE DIAMOND OF THE SULTAN OF MATAM—DIAMOND FIELDS—GEORGE MULLER’S DIARY AND SKULL—MARRIAGE CEREMONIES—AGAIN ON THE ROAD—A NOVEL BURIAL-PLACE—ON THE EQUATOR—AN INKY LAKE—THE ASCENT OF BATANG LOEPAR.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading On the following day gold washing was resumed, as our adventurers were anxious to collect as much of the precious metal as they possibly could.

plural of “frontier” — a wilderness at the edge of a settled area of a country

From this reading They had discovered that there would be no difficulties of transport, the faithful Harimaoung Boekit having volunteered to conduct them under the safeguard of thirty Poenans to the Sarawak frontiers.

Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)

From this reading TRAVELLING APPOINTMENTS—THE DIAMOND OF THE SULTAN OF MATAM—DIAMOND FIELDS—GEORGE MULLER’S DIARY AND SKULL—MARRIAGE CEREMONIES—AGAIN ON THE ROAD—A NOVEL BURIAL-PLACE—ON THE EQUATOR—AN INKY LAKE—THE ASCENT OF BATANG LOEPAR.

coins made of gold

From this reading On the following day gold washing was resumed, as our adventurers were anxious to collect as much of the precious metal as they possibly could.

with appreciation; in a grateful manner

From this reading Wienersdorf and his companions gratefully accepted this assistance and made their preparations accordingly.

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

From this reading They had discovered that there would be no difficulties of transport, the faithful Harimaoung Boekit having volunteered to conduct them under the safeguard of thirty Poenans to the Sarawak frontiers.

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

From this reading One morning when busy at kotta Rangan Hanoengoh preparing ammunition, La Cueille thought he would make some cartridges.

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

From this reading They had discovered that there would be no difficulties of transport, the faithful Harimaoung Boekit having volunteered to conduct them under the safeguard of thirty Poenans to the Sarawak frontiers.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading They had discovered that there would be no difficulties of transport, the faithful Harimaoung Boekit having volunteered to conduct them under the safeguard of thirty Poenans to the Sarawak frontiers.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading One morning when busy at kotta Rangan Hanoengoh preparing ammunition, La Cueille thought he would make some cartridges.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Wienersdorf and his companions gratefully accepted this assistance and made their preparations accordingly.

of the color of black ink

From this reading TRAVELLING APPOINTMENTS—THE DIAMOND OF THE SULTAN OF MATAM—DIAMOND FIELDS—GEORGE MULLER’S DIARY AND SKULL—MARRIAGE CEREMONIES—AGAIN ON THE ROAD—A NOVEL BURIAL-PLACE—ON THE EQUATOR—AN INKY LAKE—THE ASCENT OF BATANG LOEPAR.

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

From this reading One morning when busy at kotta Rangan Hanoengoh preparing ammunition, La Cueille thought he would make some cartridges.

a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth

From this reading One morning when busy at kotta Rangan Hanoengoh preparing ammunition, La Cueille thought he would make some cartridges.

a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land

From this reading TRAVELLING APPOINTMENTS—THE DIAMOND OF THE SULTAN OF MATAM—DIAMOND FIELDS—GEORGE MULLER’S DIARY AND SKULL—MARRIAGE CEREMONIES—AGAIN ON THE ROAD—A NOVEL BURIAL-PLACE—ON THE EQUATOR—AN INKY LAKE—THE ASCENT OF BATANG LOEPAR.

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

From this reading TRAVELLING APPOINTMENTS—THE DIAMOND OF THE SULTAN OF MATAM—DIAMOND FIELDS—GEORGE MULLER’S DIARY AND SKULL—MARRIAGE CEREMONIES—AGAIN ON THE ROAD—A NOVEL BURIAL-PLACE—ON THE EQUATOR—AN INKY LAKE—THE ASCENT OF BATANG LOEPAR.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Wienersdorf and his companions gratefully accepted this assistance and made their preparations accordingly.

engage in

From this reading One morning when busy at kotta Rangan Hanoengoh preparing ammunition, La Cueille thought he would make some cartridges.

the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

From this reading TRAVELLING APPOINTMENTS—THE DIAMOND OF THE SULTAN OF MATAM—DIAMOND FIELDS—GEORGE MULLER’S DIARY AND SKULL—MARRIAGE CEREMONIES—AGAIN ON THE ROAD—A NOVEL BURIAL-PLACE—ON THE EQUATOR—AN INKY LAKE—THE ASCENT OF BATANG LOEPAR.

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

From this reading TRAVELLING APPOINTMENTS—THE DIAMOND OF THE SULTAN OF MATAM—DIAMOND FIELDS—GEORGE MULLER’S DIARY AND SKULL—MARRIAGE CEREMONIES—AGAIN ON THE ROAD—A NOVEL BURIAL-PLACE—ON THE EQUATOR—AN INKY LAKE—THE ASCENT OF BATANG LOEPAR.

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 On the following day gold washing was resumed, as our adventurers were anxious to collect as much of the precious metal as they possibly could.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading One morning when busy at kotta Rangan Hanoengoh preparing ammunition, La Cueille thought he would make some cartridges.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading On the following day gold washing was resumed, as our adventurers were anxious to collect as much of the precious metal as they possibly could.

possessive form of “muller” — Swiss chemist who synthesized DDT and discovered its use as an insecticide (1899-1965)

From this reading TRAVELLING APPOINTMENTS—THE DIAMOND OF THE SULTAN OF MATAM—DIAMOND FIELDS—GEORGE MULLER’S DIARY AND SKULL—MARRIAGE CEREMONIES—AGAIN ON THE ROAD—A NOVEL BURIAL-PLACE—ON THE EQUATOR—AN INKY LAKE—THE ASCENT OF BATANG LOEPAR.

not any; not one

From this reading They had discovered that there would be no difficulties of transport, the faithful Harimaoung Boekit having volunteered to conduct them under the safeguard of thirty Poenans to the Sarawak frontiers.

an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story

From this reading TRAVELLING APPOINTMENTS—THE DIAMOND OF THE SULTAN OF MATAM—DIAMOND FIELDS—GEORGE MULLER’S DIARY AND SKULL—MARRIAGE CEREMONIES—AGAIN ON THE ROAD—A NOVEL BURIAL-PLACE—ON THE EQUATOR—AN INKY LAKE—THE ASCENT OF BATANG LOEPAR.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading TRAVELLING APPOINTMENTS—THE DIAMOND OF THE SULTAN OF MATAM—DIAMOND FIELDS—GEORGE MULLER’S DIARY AND SKULL—MARRIAGE CEREMONIES—AGAIN ON THE ROAD—A NOVEL BURIAL-PLACE—ON THE EQUATOR—AN INKY LAKE—THE ASCENT OF BATANG LOEPAR.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading TRAVELLING APPOINTMENTS—THE DIAMOND OF THE SULTAN OF MATAM—DIAMOND FIELDS—GEORGE MULLER’S DIARY AND SKULL—MARRIAGE CEREMONIES—AGAIN ON THE ROAD—A NOVEL BURIAL-PLACE—ON THE EQUATOR—AN INKY LAKE—THE ASCENT OF BATANG LOEPAR.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One morning when busy at kotta Rangan Hanoengoh preparing ammunition, La Cueille thought he would make some cartridges.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading On the following day gold washing was resumed, as our adventurers were anxious to collect as much of the precious metal as they possibly could.

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

From this reading They had discovered that there would be no difficulties of transport, the faithful Harimaoung Boekit having volunteered to conduct them under the safeguard of thirty Poenans to the Sarawak frontiers.

by chance

From this reading On the following day gold washing was resumed, as our adventurers were anxious to collect as much of the precious metal as they possibly could.

characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for

From this reading On the following day gold washing was resumed, as our adventurers were anxious to collect as much of the precious metal as they possibly could.

plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading Wienersdorf and his companions gratefully accepted this assistance and made their preparations accordingly.

-ing form of “prepare” — make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc

From this reading One morning when busy at kotta Rangan Hanoengoh preparing ammunition, La Cueille thought he would make some cartridges.

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

From this reading One morning when busy at kotta Rangan Hanoengoh preparing ammunition, La Cueille thought he would make some cartridges.

past form of “resume” — take up or begin anew

From this reading On the following day gold washing was resumed, as our adventurers were anxious to collect as much of the precious metal as they possibly could.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading TRAVELLING APPOINTMENTS—THE DIAMOND OF THE SULTAN OF MATAM—DIAMOND FIELDS—GEORGE MULLER’S DIARY AND SKULL—MARRIAGE CEREMONIES—AGAIN ON THE ROAD—A NOVEL BURIAL-PLACE—ON THE EQUATOR—AN INKY LAKE—THE ASCENT OF BATANG LOEPAR.

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

From this reading They had discovered that there would be no difficulties of transport, the faithful Harimaoung Boekit having volunteered to conduct them under the safeguard of thirty Poenans to the Sarawak frontiers.

the largest state in Malaysia; located on the northwest of the island of Borneo

From this reading They had discovered that there would be no difficulties of transport, the faithful Harimaoung Boekit having volunteered to conduct them under the safeguard of thirty Poenans to the Sarawak frontiers.

the bony skeleton of the head of vertebrates

From this reading TRAVELLING APPOINTMENTS—THE DIAMOND OF THE SULTAN OF MATAM—DIAMOND FIELDS—GEORGE MULLER’S DIARY AND SKULL—MARRIAGE CEREMONIES—AGAIN ON THE ROAD—A NOVEL BURIAL-PLACE—ON THE EQUATOR—AN INKY LAKE—THE ASCENT OF BATANG LOEPAR.

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

From this reading One morning when busy at kotta Rangan Hanoengoh preparing ammunition, La Cueille thought he would make some cartridges.

A noble monarch or supreme sovereign ruler of an Islamic country or empire.

From this reading TRAVELLING APPOINTMENTS—THE DIAMOND OF THE SULTAN OF MATAM—DIAMOND FIELDS—GEORGE MULLER’S DIARY AND SKULL—MARRIAGE CEREMONIES—AGAIN ON THE ROAD—A NOVEL BURIAL-PLACE—ON THE EQUATOR—AN INKY LAKE—THE ASCENT OF BATANG LOEPAR.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading They had discovered that there would be no difficulties of transport, the faithful Harimaoung Boekit having volunteered to conduct them under the safeguard of thirty Poenans to the Sarawak frontiers.

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

From this reading TRAVELLING APPOINTMENTS—THE DIAMOND OF THE SULTAN OF MATAM—DIAMOND FIELDS—GEORGE MULLER’S DIARY AND SKULL—MARRIAGE CEREMONIES—AGAIN ON THE ROAD—A NOVEL BURIAL-PLACE—ON THE EQUATOR—AN INKY LAKE—THE ASCENT OF BATANG LOEPAR.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Wienersdorf and his companions gratefully accepted this assistance and made their preparations accordingly.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading They had discovered that there would be no difficulties of transport, the faithful Harimaoung Boekit having volunteered to conduct them under the safeguard of thirty Poenans to the Sarawak frontiers.

in or at that place or location

From this reading They had discovered that there would be no difficulties of transport, the faithful Harimaoung Boekit having volunteered to conduct them under the safeguard of thirty Poenans to the Sarawak frontiers.

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

From this reading On the following day gold washing was resumed, as our adventurers were anxious to collect as much of the precious metal as they possibly could.

the cardinal number that is the product of ten and three

From this reading They had discovered that there would be no difficulties of transport, the faithful Harimaoung Boekit having volunteered to conduct them under the safeguard of thirty Poenans to the Sarawak frontiers.

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

From this reading Wienersdorf and his companions gratefully accepted this assistance and made their preparations accordingly.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading One morning when busy at kotta Rangan Hanoengoh preparing ammunition, La Cueille thought he would make some cartridges.

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

From this reading On the following day gold washing was resumed, as our adventurers were anxious to collect as much of the precious metal as they possibly could.

something that serves as a means of transportation

From this reading They had discovered that there would be no difficulties of transport, the faithful Harimaoung Boekit having volunteered to conduct them under the safeguard of thirty Poenans to the Sarawak frontiers.

the act of going from one place to another

From this reading TRAVELLING APPOINTMENTS—THE DIAMOND OF THE SULTAN OF MATAM—DIAMOND FIELDS—GEORGE MULLER’S DIARY AND SKULL—MARRIAGE CEREMONIES—AGAIN ON THE ROAD—A NOVEL BURIAL-PLACE—ON THE EQUATOR—AN INKY LAKE—THE ASCENT OF BATANG LOEPAR.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading They had discovered that there would be no difficulties of transport, the faithful Harimaoung Boekit having volunteered to conduct them under the safeguard of thirty Poenans to the Sarawak frontiers.

past form of “volunteer” — tell voluntarily

From this reading They had discovered that there would be no difficulties of transport, the faithful Harimaoung Boekit having volunteered to conduct them under the safeguard of thirty Poenans to the Sarawak frontiers.

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

From this reading On the following day gold washing was resumed, as our adventurers were anxious to collect as much of the precious metal as they possibly could.

the work of cleansing (usually with soap and water)

From this reading On the following day gold washing was resumed, as our adventurers were anxious to collect as much of the precious metal as they possibly could.

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

From this reading On the following day gold washing was resumed, as our adventurers were anxious to collect as much of the precious metal as they possibly could.

at the time that

From this reading One morning when busy at kotta Rangan Hanoengoh preparing ammunition, La Cueille thought he would make some cartridges.

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

From this reading Wienersdorf and his companions gratefully accepted this assistance and made their preparations accordingly.

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

From this reading They had discovered that there would be no difficulties of transport, the faithful Harimaoung Boekit having volunteered to conduct them under the safeguard of thirty Poenans to the Sarawak frontiers.