Chapter XXI

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

From this reading We must leave our three valiant champions for a few moments in their present critical position, to speak of one of the important persons of this story, whom we have neglected too long.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

any specific behavior

From this reading Immediately after the departure of the Indians, John Black, with that American activity equalled in no other country, set to work, beginning his clearing.

later than; following

From this reading Immediately after the departure of the Indians, John Black, with that American activity equalled in no other country, set to work, beginning his clearing.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

(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 He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

Having no one else present.

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading Immediately after the departure of the Indians, John Black, with that American activity equalled in no other country, set to work, beginning his clearing.

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

From this reading MOTHER AND DAUGHTER.

any person at all

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

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

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading Immediately after the departure of the Indians, John Black, with that American activity equalled in no other country, set to work, beginning his clearing.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading Immediately after the departure of the Indians, John Black, with that American activity equalled in no other country, set to work, beginning his clearing.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The peril he had incurred, and which he had only escaped by a miracle incomprehensible to him, had caused him to make very earnest reflections.

past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally

From this reading The peril he had incurred, and which he had only escaped by a miracle incomprehensible to him, had caused him to make very earnest reflections.

plural of “champion” — someone who has won first place in a competition

From this reading We must leave our three valiant champions for a few moments in their present critical position, to speak of one of the important persons of this story, whom we have neglected too long.

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

From this reading Immediately after the departure of the Indians, John Black, with that American activity equalled in no other country, set to work, beginning his clearing.

a person who settles in a new colony or moves into new country

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

oppose, as in hostility or a competition

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

(sentence connectors) because of the reason given

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

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

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading Immediately after the departure of the Indians, John Black, with that American activity equalled in no other country, set to work, beginning his clearing.

a sudden and decisive change of government illegally or by force

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

marked by a tendency to find and call attention to errors and flaws

From this reading We must leave our three valiant champions for a few moments in their present critical position, to speak of one of the important persons of this story, whom we have neglected too long.

the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

a female human offspring

From this reading MOTHER AND DAUGHTER.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

attempting to or designed to prevent an opponent from winning or scoring

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

the act of departing

From this reading Immediately after the departure of the Indians, John Black, with that American activity equalled in no other country, set to work, beginning his clearing.

without doubt; certainly

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions

From this reading The peril he had incurred, and which he had only escaped by a miracle incomprehensible to him, had caused him to make very earnest reflections.

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

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

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

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

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

From this reading Immediately after the departure of the Indians, John Black, with that American activity equalled in no other country, set to work, beginning his clearing.

having escaped, especially from confinement

From this reading The peril he had incurred, and which he had only escaped by a miracle incomprehensible to him, had caused him to make very earnest reflections.

regard something as probable or likely

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading We must leave our three valiant champions for a few moments in their present critical position, to speak of one of the important persons of this story, whom we have neglected too long.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading We must leave our three valiant champions for a few moments in their present critical position, to speak of one of the important persons of this story, whom we have neglected too long.

a fortified military post where troops are stationed

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

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

From this reading The peril he had incurred, and which he had only escaped by a miracle incomprehensible to him, had caused him to make very earnest reflections.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading We must leave our three valiant champions for a few moments in their present critical position, to speak of one of the important persons of this story, whom we have neglected too long.

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

From this reading The peril he had incurred, and which he had only escaped by a miracle incomprehensible to him, had caused him to make very earnest reflections.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

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

From this reading The peril he had incurred, and which he had only escaped by a miracle incomprehensible to him, had caused him to make very earnest reflections.

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

From this reading Immediately after the departure of the Indians, John Black, with that American activity equalled in no other country, set to work, beginning his clearing.

uneducated in general; lacking knowledge or sophistication

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading Immediately after the departure of the Indians, John Black, with that American activity equalled in no other country, set to work, beginning his clearing.

of great significance or value

From this reading We must leave our three valiant champions for a few moments in their present critical position, to speak of one of the important persons of this story, whom we have neglected too long.

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

From this reading We must leave our three valiant champions for a few moments in their present critical position, to speak of one of the important persons of this story, whom we have neglected too long.

incapable of being explained or accounted for

From this reading The peril he had incurred, and which he had only escaped by a miracle incomprehensible to him, had caused him to make very earnest reflections.

inflected form of “incur” — make oneself subject to; bring upon oneself; become liable to

From this reading The peril he had incurred, and which he had only escaped by a miracle incomprehensible to him, had caused him to make very earnest reflections.

plural of “indian” — a native or inhabitant of India

From this reading Immediately after the departure of the Indians, John Black, with that American activity equalled in no other country, set to work, beginning his clearing.

not close together in time

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading Immediately after the departure of the Indians, John Black, with that American activity equalled in no other country, set to work, beginning his clearing.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

go away from a place

From this reading We must leave our three valiant champions for a few moments in their present critical position, to speak of one of the important persons of this story, whom we have neglected too 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 We must leave our three valiant champions for a few moments in their present critical position, to speak of one of the important persons of this story, whom we have neglected too long.

Canadian explorer (born in England) who explored the Mackenzie River and who was first to cross North America by land north of Mexico (1764-1820)

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

most important element

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

of greater importance or stature or rank

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

engage in

From this reading The peril he had incurred, and which he had only escaped by a miracle incomprehensible to him, had caused him to make very earnest reflections.

United States writer of novels and short stories (1819-1891)

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

pose a threat to; present a danger to

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

any amazing or wonderful occurrence

From this reading The peril he had incurred, and which he had only escaped by a miracle incomprehensible to him, had caused him to make very earnest reflections.

plural of “moment” — a particular point in time

From this reading We must leave our three valiant champions for a few moments in their present critical position, to speak of one of the important persons of this story, whom we have neglected too long.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading MOTHER AND DAUGHTER.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading We must leave our three valiant champions for a few moments in their present critical position, to speak of one of the important persons of this story, whom we have neglected too long.

disregarded

From this reading We must leave our three valiant champions for a few moments in their present critical position, to speak of one of the important persons of this story, whom we have neglected too long.

not any; not one

From this reading Immediately after the departure of the Indians, John Black, with that American activity equalled in no other country, set to work, beginning his clearing.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading We must leave our three valiant champions for a few moments in their present critical position, to speak of one of the important persons of this story, whom we have neglected too long.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading We must leave our three valiant champions for a few moments in their present critical position, to speak of one of the important persons of this story, whom we have neglected too long.

and nothing more

From this reading The peril he had incurred, and which he had only escaped by a miracle incomprehensible to him, had caused him to make very earnest reflections.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Immediately after the departure of the Indians, John Black, with that American activity equalled in no other country, set to work, beginning his clearing.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading We must leave our three valiant champions for a few moments in their present critical position, to speak of one of the important persons of this story, whom we have neglected too long.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading The peril he had incurred, and which he had only escaped by a miracle incomprehensible to him, had caused him to make very earnest reflections.

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading We must leave our three valiant champions for a few moments in their present critical position, to speak of one of the important persons of this story, whom we have neglected too long.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading We must leave our three valiant champions for a few moments in their present critical position, to speak of one of the important persons of this story, whom we have neglected too long.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading We must leave our three valiant champions for a few moments in their present critical position, to speak of one of the important persons of this story, whom we have neglected too long.

plural of “reflection” — a calm, lengthy, intent consideration

From this reading The peril he had incurred, and which he had only escaped by a miracle incomprehensible to him, had caused him to make very earnest reflections.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Immediately after the departure of the Indians, John Black, with that American activity equalled in no other country, set to work, beginning his clearing.

a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

express in speech

From this reading We must leave our three valiant champions for a few moments in their present critical position, to speak of one of the important persons of this story, whom we have neglected too long.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading We must leave our three valiant champions for a few moments in their present critical position, to speak of one of the important persons of this story, whom we have neglected too long.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Immediately after the departure of the Indians, John Black, with that American activity equalled in no other country, set to work, beginning his clearing.

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

From this reading We must leave our three valiant champions for a few moments in their present critical position, to speak of one of the important persons of this story, whom we have neglected too long.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading We must leave our three valiant champions for a few moments in their present critical position, to speak of one of the important persons of this story, whom we have neglected too long.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

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

From this reading We must leave our three valiant champions for a few moments in their present critical position, to speak of one of the important persons of this story, whom we have neglected too long.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading We must leave our three valiant champions for a few moments in their present critical position, to speak of one of the important persons of this story, whom we have neglected too long.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

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

From this reading We must leave our three valiant champions for a few moments in their present critical position, to speak of one of the important persons of this story, whom we have neglected too long.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading We must leave our three valiant champions for a few moments in their present critical position, to speak of one of the important persons of this story, whom we have neglected too long.

plural of “trapper” — someone who sets traps for animals (usually to obtain their furs)

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

Possessing or showing courage or determination; heroic. (Dũng cảm, quả cảm, anh hùng.)

From this reading We must leave our three valiant champions for a few moments in their present critical position, to speak of one of the important persons of this story, whom we have neglected too long.

precisely as stated

From this reading The peril he had incurred, and which he had only escaped by a miracle incomprehensible to him, had caused him to make very earnest reflections.

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

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading We must leave our three valiant champions for a few moments in their present critical position, to speak of one of the important persons of this story, whom we have neglected too long.

in or at the place that

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.

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

From this reading The peril he had incurred, and which he had only escaped by a miracle incomprehensible to him, had caused him to make very earnest reflections.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading We must leave our three valiant champions for a few moments in their present critical position, to speak of one of the important persons of this story, whom we have neglected too long.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Immediately after the departure of the Indians, John Black, with that American activity equalled in no other country, set to work, beginning his clearing.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading Immediately after the departure of the Indians, John Black, with that American activity equalled in no other country, set to work, beginning his clearing.

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

From this reading He understood that in the isolated spot where he was, he could not expect assistance from anyone; that he must alone confront the danger that would doubtlessly menace him; and that, consequently, he must, before all else, think about defending the settlement against a _coup de main_, Major Melville had heard, through his _engagés_ and trappers, of the colonist; but the latter was perfectly ignorant that he was only ten miles from Fort Mackenzie.