Chapter VII · Chapter 7

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

From this reading THE WATER-HOLE A seasoned African traveller in ordinary circumstances sleeps very soundly, his ear attuned only to certain things.

of or relating to the nations of Africa or their peoples

From this reading THE WATER-HOLE A seasoned African traveller in ordinary circumstances sleeps very soundly, his ear attuned only to certain things.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading So Kingozi hardly stirred on his cork mattress, although the lions roared full-voiced satisfaction when they left the rhinoceros, and the yells of the hyenas rose to a pandemonium when at last they were permitted to join the feast.

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

From this reading So Kingozi hardly stirred on his cork mattress, although the lions roared full-voiced satisfaction when they left the rhinoceros, and the yells of the hyenas rose to a pandemonium when at last they were permitted to join the feast.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading So Kingozi hardly stirred on his cork mattress, although the lions roared full-voiced satisfaction when they left the rhinoceros, and the yells of the hyenas rose to a pandemonium when at last they were permitted to join the feast.

past form of “attune” — adjust or accustom to; bring into harmony with

From this reading THE WATER-HOLE A seasoned African traveller in ordinary circumstances sleeps very soundly, his ear attuned only to certain things.

not in a state of sleep; completely conscious

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

the bodily process of inhalation and exhalation; the process of taking in oxygen from inhaled air and releasing carbon dioxide by exhalation

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Thus he lay quietly through the noises of men working, but came awake at the sound of men marching.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Thus he lay quietly through the noises of men working, but came awake at the sound of men marching.

temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading THE WATER-HOLE A seasoned African traveller in ordinary circumstances sleeps very soundly, his ear attuned only to certain things.

click repeatedly or uncontrollably

From this reading Likewise the nearer familiar noises of men rising to their daily tasks at four o'clock--the yawning, stretching, cracking of firewood, crackling of fire, low-voiced chatter--did not disturb him.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading THE WATER-HOLE A seasoned African traveller in ordinary circumstances sleeps very soundly, his ear attuned only to certain things.

past form of “clasp” — hold firmly and tightly

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

outer bark of the cork oak; used for stoppers for bottles etc.

From this reading So Kingozi hardly stirred on his cork mattress, although the lions roared full-voiced satisfaction when they left the rhinoceros, and the yells of the hyenas rose to a pandemonium when at last they were permitted to join the feast.

a sudden sharp noise

From this reading Likewise the nearer familiar noises of men rising to their daily tasks at four o'clock--the yawning, stretching, cracking of firewood, crackling of fire, low-voiced chatter--did not disturb him.

the residue that remains after animal fat has been rendered

From this reading Likewise the nearer familiar noises of men rising to their daily tasks at four o'clock--the yawning, stretching, cracking of firewood, crackling of fire, low-voiced chatter--did not disturb him.

every day; without missing a day

From this reading Likewise the nearer familiar noises of men rising to their daily tasks at four o'clock--the yawning, stretching, cracking of firewood, crackling of fire, low-voiced chatter--did not disturb him.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Likewise the nearer familiar noises of men rising to their daily tasks at four o'clock--the yawning, stretching, cracking of firewood, crackling of fire, low-voiced chatter--did not disturb him.

move deeply

From this reading Likewise the nearer familiar noises of men rising to their daily tasks at four o'clock--the yawning, stretching, cracking of firewood, crackling of fire, low-voiced chatter--did not disturb him.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading THE WATER-HOLE A seasoned African traveller in ordinary circumstances sleeps very soundly, his ear attuned only to certain things.

divisible by two

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

well known or easily recognized

From this reading Likewise the nearer familiar noises of men rising to their daily tasks at four o'clock--the yawning, stretching, cracking of firewood, crackling of fire, low-voiced chatter--did not disturb him.

a ceremonial dinner party for many people

From this reading So Kingozi hardly stirred on his cork mattress, although the lions roared full-voiced satisfaction when they left the rhinoceros, and the yells of the hyenas rose to a pandemonium when at last they were permitted to join the feast.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

start firing a weapon

From this reading Likewise the nearer familiar noises of men rising to their daily tasks at four o'clock--the yawning, stretching, cracking of firewood, crackling of fire, low-voiced chatter--did not disturb him.

wood used for fuel

From this reading Likewise the nearer familiar noises of men rising to their daily tasks at four o'clock--the yawning, stretching, cracking of firewood, crackling of fire, low-voiced chatter--did not disturb him.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading Likewise the nearer familiar noises of men rising to their daily tasks at four o'clock--the yawning, stretching, cracking of firewood, crackling of fire, low-voiced chatter--did not disturb him.

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

From this reading So Kingozi hardly stirred on his cork mattress, although the lions roared full-voiced satisfaction when they left the rhinoceros, and the yells of the hyenas rose to a pandemonium when at last they were permitted to join the feast.

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

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

only a very short time before

From this reading So Kingozi hardly stirred on his cork mattress, although the lions roared full-voiced satisfaction when they left the rhinoceros, and the yells of the hyenas rose to a pandemonium when at last they were permitted to join the feast.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

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

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Likewise the nearer familiar noises of men rising to their daily tasks at four o'clock--the yawning, stretching, cracking of firewood, crackling of fire, low-voiced chatter--did not disturb him.

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

From this reading THE WATER-HOLE A seasoned African traveller in ordinary circumstances sleeps very soundly, his ear attuned only to certain things.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

plural of “hyena” — doglike nocturnal mammal of Africa and southern Asia that feeds chiefly on carrion

From this reading So Kingozi hardly stirred on his cork mattress, although the lions roared full-voiced satisfaction when they left the rhinoceros, and the yells of the hyenas rose to a pandemonium when at last they were permitted to join the feast.

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

From this reading THE WATER-HOLE A seasoned African traveller in ordinary circumstances sleeps very soundly, his ear attuned only to certain things.

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

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

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

become part of; become a member of a group or organization

From this reading So Kingozi hardly stirred on his cork mattress, although the lions roared full-voiced satisfaction when they left the rhinoceros, and the yells of the hyenas rose to a pandemonium when at last they were permitted to join the feast.

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

From this reading So Kingozi hardly stirred on his cork mattress, although the lions roared full-voiced satisfaction when they left the rhinoceros, and the yells of the hyenas rose to a pandemonium when at last they were permitted to join the feast.

immediately past

From this reading So Kingozi hardly stirred on his cork mattress, although the lions roared full-voiced satisfaction when they left the rhinoceros, and the yells of the hyenas rose to a pandemonium when at last they were permitted to join the feast.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Thus he lay quietly through the noises of men working, but came awake at the sound of men marching.

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 So Kingozi hardly stirred on his cork mattress, although the lions roared full-voiced satisfaction when they left the rhinoceros, and the yells of the hyenas rose to a pandemonium when at last they were permitted to join the feast.

in like or similar manner

From this reading Likewise the nearer familiar noises of men rising to their daily tasks at four o'clock--the yawning, stretching, cracking of firewood, crackling of fire, low-voiced chatter--did not disturb him.

plural of “lion” — large gregarious predatory feline of Africa and India having a tawny coat with a shaggy mane in the male

From this reading So Kingozi hardly stirred on his cork mattress, although the lions roared full-voiced satisfaction when they left the rhinoceros, and the yells of the hyenas rose to a pandemonium when at last they were permitted to join the feast.

filled with a great quantity

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

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

From this reading Likewise the nearer familiar noises of men rising to their daily tasks at four o'clock--the yawning, stretching, cracking of firewood, crackling of fire, low-voiced chatter--did not disturb him.

the act of marching; walking with regular steps (especially in a procession of some kind)

From this reading Thus he lay quietly through the noises of men working, but came awake at the sound of men marching.

a large thick pad filled with resilient material and often incorporating coiled springs, used as a bed or part of a bed

From this reading So Kingozi hardly stirred on his cork mattress, although the lions roared full-voiced satisfaction when they left the rhinoceros, and the yells of the hyenas rose to a pandemonium when at last they were permitted to join the feast.

the force of workers available

From this reading Likewise the nearer familiar noises of men rising to their daily tasks at four o'clock--the yawning, stretching, cracking of firewood, crackling of fire, low-voiced chatter--did not disturb him.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

close at hand

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

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

From this reading Likewise the nearer familiar noises of men rising to their daily tasks at four o'clock--the yawning, stretching, cracking of firewood, crackling of fire, low-voiced chatter--did not disturb him.

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

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

plural of “noise” — sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)

From this reading Likewise the nearer familiar noises of men rising to their daily tasks at four o'clock--the yawning, stretching, cracking of firewood, crackling of fire, low-voiced chatter--did not disturb him.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Likewise the nearer familiar noises of men rising to their daily tasks at four o'clock--the yawning, stretching, cracking of firewood, crackling of fire, low-voiced chatter--did not disturb him.

according to the clock

From this reading Likewise the nearer familiar noises of men rising to their daily tasks at four o'clock--the yawning, stretching, cracking of firewood, crackling of fire, low-voiced chatter--did not disturb him.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading So Kingozi hardly stirred on his cork mattress, although the lions roared full-voiced satisfaction when they left the rhinoceros, and the yells of the hyenas rose to a pandemonium when at last they were permitted to join the feast.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading So Kingozi hardly stirred on his cork mattress, although the lions roared full-voiced satisfaction when they left the rhinoceros, and the yells of the hyenas rose to a pandemonium when at last they were permitted to join the feast.

and nothing more

From this reading THE WATER-HOLE A seasoned African traveller in ordinary circumstances sleeps very soundly, his ear attuned only to certain things.

a judge of a probate court

From this reading THE WATER-HOLE A seasoned African traveller in ordinary circumstances sleeps very soundly, his ear attuned only to certain things.

formed into a structured or coherent whole, particularly on a large scale

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

softened by the addition of cushions or padding

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

a state of extreme confusion and disorder

From this reading So Kingozi hardly stirred on his cork mattress, although the lions roared full-voiced satisfaction when they left the rhinoceros, and the yells of the hyenas rose to a pandemonium when at last they were permitted to join the feast.

inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission

From this reading So Kingozi hardly stirred on his cork mattress, although the lions roared full-voiced satisfaction when they left the rhinoceros, and the yells of the hyenas rose to a pandemonium when at last they were permitted to join the feast.

plural of “precinct” — a district of a city or town marked out for administrative purposes

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

with low volume

From this reading Thus he lay quietly through the noises of men working, but came awake at the sound of men marching.

massive powerful herbivorous odd-toed ungulate of southeast Asia and Africa having very thick skin and one or two horns on the snout

From this reading So Kingozi hardly stirred on his cork mattress, although the lions roared full-voiced satisfaction when they left the rhinoceros, and the yells of the hyenas rose to a pandemonium when at last they were permitted to join the feast.

steal goods; take as spoils

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading Likewise the nearer familiar noises of men rising to their daily tasks at four o'clock--the yawning, stretching, cracking of firewood, crackling of fire, low-voiced chatter--did not disturb him.

past form of “roar” — make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles

From this reading So Kingozi hardly stirred on his cork mattress, although the lions roared full-voiced satisfaction when they left the rhinoceros, and the yells of the hyenas rose to a pandemonium when at last they were permitted to join the feast.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading So Kingozi hardly stirred on his cork mattress, although the lions roared full-voiced satisfaction when they left the rhinoceros, and the yells of the hyenas rose to a pandemonium when at last they were permitted to join the feast.

the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation

From this reading So Kingozi hardly stirred on his cork mattress, although the lions roared full-voiced satisfaction when they left the rhinoceros, and the yells of the hyenas rose to a pandemonium when at last they were permitted to join the feast.

aged or processed

From this reading THE WATER-HOLE A seasoned African traveller in ordinary circumstances sleeps very soundly, his ear attuned only to certain things.

plural of “sleep” — a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended

From this reading THE WATER-HOLE A seasoned African traveller in ordinary circumstances sleeps very soundly, his ear attuned only to certain things.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So Kingozi hardly stirred on his cork mattress, although the lions roared full-voiced satisfaction when they left the rhinoceros, and the yells of the hyenas rose to a pandemonium when at last they were permitted to join the feast.

yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading Thus he lay quietly through the noises of men working, but came awake at the sound of men marching.

past form of “sound” — appear in a certain way

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

deeply or completely

From this reading THE WATER-HOLE A seasoned African traveller in ordinary circumstances sleeps very soundly, his ear attuned only to certain things.

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading So Kingozi hardly stirred on his cork mattress, although the lions roared full-voiced satisfaction when they left the rhinoceros, and the yells of the hyenas rose to a pandemonium when at last they were permitted to join the feast.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

in a strange manner

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

act of expanding by lengthening or widening

From this reading Likewise the nearer familiar noises of men rising to their daily tasks at four o'clock--the yawning, stretching, cracking of firewood, crackling of fire, low-voiced chatter--did not disturb him.

plural of “task” — any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading Likewise the nearer familiar noises of men rising to their daily tasks at four o'clock--the yawning, stretching, cracking of firewood, crackling of fire, low-voiced chatter--did not disturb him.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

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

From this reading THE WATER-HOLE A seasoned African traveller in ordinary circumstances sleeps very soundly, his ear attuned only to certain things.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Likewise the nearer familiar noises of men rising to their daily tasks at four o'clock--the yawning, stretching, cracking of firewood, crackling of fire, low-voiced chatter--did not disturb him.

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

From this reading So Kingozi hardly stirred on his cork mattress, although the lions roared full-voiced satisfaction when they left the rhinoceros, and the yells of the hyenas rose to a pandemonium when at last they were permitted to join the feast.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading THE WATER-HOLE A seasoned African traveller in ordinary circumstances sleeps very soundly, his ear attuned only to certain things.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Thus he lay quietly through the noises of men working, but came awake at the sound of men marching.

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

From this reading Thus he lay quietly through the noises of men working, but came awake at the sound of men marching.

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

From this reading THE WATER-HOLE A seasoned African traveller in ordinary circumstances sleeps very soundly, his ear attuned only to certain things.

a person who changes location

From this reading THE WATER-HOLE A seasoned African traveller in ordinary circumstances sleeps very soundly, his ear attuned only to certain things.

precisely as stated

From this reading THE WATER-HOLE A seasoned African traveller in ordinary circumstances sleeps very soundly, his ear attuned only to certain things.

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

From this reading THE WATER-HOLE A seasoned African traveller in ordinary circumstances sleeps very soundly, his ear attuned only to certain things.

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

From this reading So Kingozi hardly stirred on his cork mattress, although the lions roared full-voiced satisfaction when they left the rhinoceros, and the yells of the hyenas rose to a pandemonium when at last they were permitted to join the feast.

at the time that

From this reading So Kingozi hardly stirred on his cork mattress, although the lions roared full-voiced satisfaction when they left the rhinoceros, and the yells of the hyenas rose to a pandemonium when at last they were permitted to join the feast.

speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

actively engaged in paid work

From this reading Thus he lay quietly through the noises of men working, but came awake at the sound of men marching.

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

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.

gaping open as if threatening to engulf someone or something

From this reading Likewise the nearer familiar noises of men rising to their daily tasks at four o'clock--the yawning, stretching, cracking of firewood, crackling of fire, low-voiced chatter--did not disturb him.

plural of “yell” — a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition

From this reading So Kingozi hardly stirred on his cork mattress, although the lions roared full-voiced satisfaction when they left the rhinoceros, and the yells of the hyenas rose to a pandemonium when at last they were permitted to join the feast.

but in spite of that

From this reading Yet, so strangely is the human mind organized, had during the night a soft whisper of padded feet, even the deep breathing of a beast, sounded within the precincts of the camp, he would instantly have been broad awake, the rifle that stood loaded nearby clasped in his hand.