used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading The fire had spread with a rapidity that would have been astonishing had it been anything but gasolene that supplied fuel for the flames over the after portion of the boat, where the tank had been.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
(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 Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
any thing at all
From this reading The fire had spread with a rapidity that would have been astonishing had it been anything but gasolene that supplied fuel for the flames over the after portion of the boat, where the tank had been.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The three Scouts, swimming strong and fast, saw as soon as they were within plain sight of the launch that she was doomed.
astonishingadjectiveUS /əˈstɑːnɪʃɪŋ/
surprising greatly
From this reading The fire had spread with a rapidity that would have been astonishing had it been anything but gasolene that supplied fuel for the flames over the after portion of the boat, where the tank had been.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
a committee having supervisory powers
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading The fire had spread with a rapidity that would have been astonishing had it been anything but gasolene that supplied fuel for the flames over the after portion of the boat, where the tank had been.
a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces
From this reading Up in the bow, huddled together, and shrieking for help, were two men and two women.
the act of burning something
From this reading THE BURNING LAUNCH The launch fortunately was not very far out.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The fire had spread with a rapidity that would have been astonishing had it been anything but gasolene that supplied fuel for the flames over the after portion of the boat, where the tank had been.
inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
covenounUS /koʊv/
a small inlet
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
the skilled practice of a practical occupation
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
defyingverbUS /dɪˈfaɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “defy” — resist or confront with resistance
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
doomedadjectiveUS /duːmd/
marked for certain death
From this reading The three Scouts, swimming strong and fast, saw as soon as they were within plain sight of the launch that she was doomed.
divisible by two
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading THE BURNING LAUNCH The launch fortunately was not very far out.
quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)
From this reading The three Scouts, swimming strong and fast, saw as soon as they were within plain sight of the launch that she was doomed.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
start firing a weapon
From this reading The fire had spread with a rapidity that would have been astonishing had it been anything but gasolene that supplied fuel for the flames over the after portion of the boat, where the tank had been.
plural of “flame” — the process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke
From this reading The fire had spread with a rapidity that would have been astonishing had it been anything but gasolene that supplied fuel for the flames over the after portion of the boat, where the tank had been.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
fortunatelyadverbUS /ˈfɔːrtʃənətli/
by good fortune
From this reading THE BURNING LAUNCH The launch fortunately was not very far out.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
fuelverbUS /ˈfjuːəl/
provide with a combustible substance that provides energy
From this reading The fire had spread with a rapidity that would have been astonishing had it been anything but gasolene that supplied fuel for the flames over the after portion of the boat, where the tank had been.
gasolenenoun
a volatile flammable mixture of hydrocarbons (hexane and heptane and octane etc.) derived from petroleum; used mainly as a fuel in internal-combustion engines
From this reading The fire had spread with a rapidity that would have been astonishing had it been anything but gasolene that supplied fuel for the flames over the after portion of the boat, where the tank had been.
the act of giving
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
Hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
headwaynounUS /ˈhedweɪ/
vertical space available to allow easy passage under something
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading Up in the bow, huddled together, and shrieking for help, were two men and two women.
huddledadjectiveUS /ˈhʌdəld/
crowded or massed together
From this reading Up in the bow, huddled together, and shrieking for help, were two men and two women.
ten 10s
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
LAUNCHverbUS /lɔːntʃ/
set up or found
From this reading THE BURNING LAUNCH The launch fortunately was not very far out.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
engage in
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
the force of workers available
From this reading Up in the bow, huddled together, and shrieking for help, were two men and two women.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
not any; not one
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading THE BURNING LAUNCH The launch fortunately was not very far out.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading THE BURNING LAUNCH The launch fortunately was not very far out.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The fire had spread with a rapidity that would have been astonishing had it been anything but gasolene that supplied fuel for the flames over the after portion of the boat, where the tank had been.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading The three Scouts, swimming strong and fast, saw as soon as they were within plain sight of the launch that she was doomed.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading The fire had spread with a rapidity that would have been astonishing had it been anything but gasolene that supplied fuel for the flames over the after portion of the boat, where the tank had been.
rapiditynounUS /rəˈpɪdəti/
a rate that is rapid
From this reading The fire had spread with a rapidity that would have been astonishing had it been anything but gasolene that supplied fuel for the flames over the after portion of the boat, where the tank had been.
cut with a saw
From this reading The three Scouts, swimming strong and fast, saw as soon as they were within plain sight of the launch that she was doomed.
ScoutsnounUS /skaʊts/
plural of “scout” — a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event
From this reading The three Scouts, swimming strong and fast, saw as soon as they were within plain sight of the launch that she was doomed.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The three Scouts, swimming strong and fast, saw as soon as they were within plain sight of the launch that she was doomed.
a structure that provides privacy and protection from danger
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
the land along the edge of a body of water
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
shriekingnounUS /ˈʃriːkɪŋ/
sharp piercing cry
From this reading Up in the bow, huddled together, and shrieking for help, were two men and two women.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading The three Scouts, swimming strong and fast, saw as soon as they were within plain sight of the launch that she was doomed.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
in the near future
From this reading The three Scouts, swimming strong and fast, saw as soon as they were within plain sight of the launch that she was doomed.
distribute or disperse widely
From this reading The fire had spread with a rapidity that would have been astonishing had it been anything but gasolene that supplied fuel for the flames over the after portion of the boat, where the tank had been.
squallverbUS /skwɔːl/
make high-pitched, whiney noises
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
stormyadjectiveUS /ˈstɔːrmi/
(especially of weather) affected or characterized by storms or commotion
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
stoutest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading The three Scouts, swimming strong and fast, saw as soon as they were within plain sight of the launch that she was doomed.
suppliedverbUS /səˈplaɪd/
inflected form of “supply” — give something useful or necessary to
From this reading The fire had spread with a rapidity that would have been astonishing had it been anything but gasolene that supplied fuel for the flames over the after portion of the boat, where the tank had been.
swimmersnounUS /ˈswɪmərz/
plural of “swimmer” — a trained athlete who participates in swimming meets
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
swimmingnounUS /ˈswɪmɪŋ/
the act of swimming
From this reading The three Scouts, swimming strong and fast, saw as soon as they were within plain sight of the launch that she was doomed.
tanknounUS /tæŋk/
an enclosed armored military vehicle; has a cannon and moves on caterpillar treads
From this reading The fire had spread with a rapidity that would have been astonishing had it been anything but gasolene that supplied fuel for the flames over the after portion of the boat, where the tank had been.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE BURNING LAUNCH The launch fortunately was not very far out.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading The three Scouts, swimming strong and fast, saw as soon as they were within plain sight of the launch that she was doomed.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading Up in the bow, huddled together, and shrieking for help, were two men and two women.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Up in the bow, huddled together, and shrieking for help, were two men and two women.
not favored by fortune; marked or accompanied by or resulting in ill fortune
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Up in the bow, huddled together, and shrieking for help, were two men and two women.
precisely as stated
From this reading THE BURNING LAUNCH The launch fortunately was not very far out.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE BURNING LAUNCH The launch fortunately was not very far out.
plural of “wave” — one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The three Scouts, swimming strong and fast, saw as soon as they were within plain sight of the launch that she was doomed.
in or at the place that
From this reading The fire had spread with a rapidity that would have been astonishing had it been anything but gasolene that supplied fuel for the flames over the after portion of the boat, where the tank had been.
white-capped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Had it been more than a hundred feet or so from shore no one could have done much for the unfortunate party on board, since beyond the shelter of the cove the lake was like a stormy sea, with white-capped waves defying swimmers, and giving even the stoutest of the craft that had been caught in the squall all they could do to make headway against the wind.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading The three Scouts, swimming strong and fast, saw as soon as they were within plain sight of the launch that she was doomed.
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading Up in the bow, huddled together, and shrieking for help, were two men and two women.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The fire had spread with a rapidity that would have been astonishing had it been anything but gasolene that supplied fuel for the flames over the after portion of the boat, where the tank had been.
