Chapter XXXVII · Chapter 37

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

From this reading SERGEANT-MAJOR RYAN Many months later, on a clear February night, Shafto and Tremenheere stood together outside Headquarters, “somewhere in France,” anxiously observing the signs in the sky.

presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible

From this reading He was challenged and so was his companion; their faces expressed the long strain of a terrible war; both looked years older than their actual age, for, like the sons and daughters of the worshippers of Moloch, “they had passed through the fire.”

how long something has existed

From this reading He was challenged and so was his companion; their faces expressed the long strain of a terrible war; both looked years older than their actual age, for, like the sons and daughters of the worshippers of Moloch, “they had passed through the fire.”

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

From this reading The chill air was full of sounds; a continuous rolling of wheels, rumbling of guns, and the distant scream of a shell.

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

From this reading SERGEANT-MAJOR RYAN Many months later, on a clear February night, Shafto and Tremenheere stood together outside Headquarters, “somewhere in France,” anxiously observing the signs in the sky.

with anxiety or apprehension

From this reading SERGEANT-MAJOR RYAN Many months later, on a clear February night, Shafto and Tremenheere stood together outside Headquarters, “somewhere in France,” anxiously observing the signs in the sky.

being joined in close association

From this reading Shafto, a machine-gun officer attached to the Blanks, had been granted twenty-four hours’ leave, and made a muddy and dangerous journey of fifteen miles to visit his old schoolfellow, now on the staff of a General commanding a division.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Shafto, a machine-gun officer attached to the Blanks, had been granted twenty-four hours’ leave, and made a muddy and dangerous journey of fifteen miles to visit his old schoolfellow, now on the staff of a General commanding a division.

plural of “blank” — a blank character used to separate successive words in writing or printing

From this reading Shafto, a machine-gun officer attached to the Blanks, had been granted twenty-four hours’ leave, and made a muddy and dangerous journey of fifteen miles to visit his old schoolfellow, now on the staff of a General commanding a division.

the two together, not just one

From this reading He was challenged and so was his companion; their faces expressed the long strain of a terrible war; both looked years older than their actual age, for, like the sons and daughters of the worshippers of Moloch, “they had passed through the fire.”

past form of “challenge” — take exception to

From this reading He was challenged and so was his companion; their faces expressed the long strain of a terrible war; both looked years older than their actual age, for, like the sons and daughters of the worshippers of Moloch, “they had passed through the fire.”

coldness due to a cold environment

From this reading The chill air was full of sounds; a continuous rolling of wheels, rumbling of guns, and the distant scream of a shell.

rid of obstructions

From this reading SERGEANT-MAJOR RYAN Many months later, on a clear February night, Shafto and Tremenheere stood together outside Headquarters, “somewhere in France,” anxiously observing the signs in the sky.

used of a height or viewpoint

From this reading Shafto, a machine-gun officer attached to the Blanks, had been granted twenty-four hours’ leave, and made a muddy and dangerous journey of fifteen miles to visit his old schoolfellow, now on the staff of a General commanding a division.

a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading He was challenged and so was his companion; their faces expressed the long strain of a terrible war; both looked years older than their actual age, for, like the sons and daughters of the worshippers of Moloch, “they had passed through the fire.”

continuing in time or space without interruption

From this reading The chill air was full of sounds; a continuous rolling of wheels, rumbling of guns, and the distant scream of a shell.

involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm

From this reading Shafto, a machine-gun officer attached to the Blanks, had been granted twenty-four hours’ leave, and made a muddy and dangerous journey of fifteen miles to visit his old schoolfellow, now on the staff of a General commanding a division.

plural of “daughter” — a female human offspring

From this reading He was challenged and so was his companion; their faces expressed the long strain of a terrible war; both looked years older than their actual age, for, like the sons and daughters of the worshippers of Moloch, “they had passed through the fire.”

arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope

From this reading Shafto was fine-drawn to leanness, heavy lines were scored on his forehead, he had twice been wounded, had taken part in desperate fighting, witnessed many harrowing sights, and lost many friends.

separated in space or coming from or going to a distance

From this reading The chill air was full of sounds; a continuous rolling of wheels, rumbling of guns, and the distant scream of a shell.

an army unit large enough to sustain combat

From this reading Shafto, a machine-gun officer attached to the Blanks, had been granted twenty-four hours’ leave, and made a muddy and dangerous journey of fifteen miles to visit his old schoolfellow, now on the staff of a General commanding a division.

communicated in words

From this reading He was challenged and so was his companion; their faces expressed the long strain of a terrible war; both looked years older than their actual age, for, like the sons and daughters of the worshippers of Moloch, “they had passed through the fire.”

plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading He was challenged and so was his companion; their faces expressed the long strain of a terrible war; both looked years older than their actual age, for, like the sons and daughters of the worshippers of Moloch, “they had passed through the fire.”

the month following January and preceding March

From this reading SERGEANT-MAJOR RYAN Many months later, on a clear February night, Shafto and Tremenheere stood together outside Headquarters, “somewhere in France,” anxiously observing the signs in the sky.

the cardinal number that is the sum of fourteen and one

From this reading Shafto, a machine-gun officer attached to the Blanks, had been granted twenty-four hours’ leave, and made a muddy and dangerous journey of fifteen miles to visit his old schoolfellow, now on the staff of a General commanding a division.

the act of fighting; any contest or struggle

From this reading Shafto was fine-drawn to leanness, heavy lines were scored on his forehead, he had twice been wounded, had taken part in desperate fighting, witnessed many harrowing sights, and lost many friends.

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

From this reading Shafto was fine-drawn to leanness, heavy lines were scored on his forehead, he had twice been wounded, had taken part in desperate fighting, witnessed many harrowing sights, and lost many friends.

start firing a weapon

From this reading He was challenged and so was his companion; their faces expressed the long strain of a terrible war; both looked years older than their actual age, for, like the sons and daughters of the worshippers of Moloch, “they had passed through the fire.”

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He was challenged and so was his companion; their faces expressed the long strain of a terrible war; both looked years older than their actual age, for, like the sons and daughters of the worshippers of Moloch, “they had passed through the fire.”

the part of the face above the eyes

From this reading Shafto was fine-drawn to leanness, heavy lines were scored on his forehead, he had twice been wounded, had taken part in desperate fighting, witnessed many harrowing sights, and lost many friends.

a republic in western Europe; the largest country wholly in Europe

From this reading SERGEANT-MAJOR RYAN Many months later, on a clear February night, Shafto and Tremenheere stood together outside Headquarters, “somewhere in France,” anxiously observing the signs in the sky.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Shafto was fine-drawn to leanness, heavy lines were scored on his forehead, he had twice been wounded, had taken part in desperate fighting, witnessed many harrowing sights, and lost many friends.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading The chill air was full of sounds; a continuous rolling of wheels, rumbling of guns, and the distant scream of a shell.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading Shafto, a machine-gun officer attached to the Blanks, had been granted twenty-four hours’ leave, and made a muddy and dangerous journey of fifteen miles to visit his old schoolfellow, now on the staff of a General commanding a division.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading Shafto, a machine-gun officer attached to the Blanks, had been granted twenty-four hours’ leave, and made a muddy and dangerous journey of fifteen miles to visit his old schoolfellow, now on the staff of a General commanding a division.

plural of “gun” — a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)

From this reading The chill air was full of sounds; a continuous rolling of wheels, rumbling of guns, and the distant scream of a shell.

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

From this reading Shafto, a machine-gun officer attached to the Blanks, had been granted twenty-four hours’ leave, and made a muddy and dangerous journey of fifteen miles to visit his old schoolfellow, now on the staff of a General commanding a division.

extremely painful

From this reading Shafto was fine-drawn to leanness, heavy lines were scored on his forehead, he had twice been wounded, had taken part in desperate fighting, witnessed many harrowing sights, and lost many friends.

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

From this reading He was challenged and so was his companion; their faces expressed the long strain of a terrible war; both looked years older than their actual age, for, like the sons and daughters of the worshippers of Moloch, “they had passed through the fire.”

(usually plural) the office that serves as the administrative center of an enterprise

From this reading SERGEANT-MAJOR RYAN Many months later, on a clear February night, Shafto and Tremenheere stood together outside Headquarters, “somewhere in France,” anxiously observing the signs in the sky.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading Shafto was fine-drawn to leanness, heavy lines were scored on his forehead, he had twice been wounded, had taken part in desperate fighting, witnessed many harrowing sights, and lost many friends.

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

From this reading Shafto, a machine-gun officer attached to the Blanks, had been granted twenty-four hours’ leave, and made a muddy and dangerous journey of fifteen miles to visit his old schoolfellow, now on the staff of a General commanding a division.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading Shafto, a machine-gun officer attached to the Blanks, had been granted twenty-four hours’ leave, and made a muddy and dangerous journey of fifteen miles to visit his old schoolfellow, now on the staff of a General commanding a division.

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

From this reading SERGEANT-MAJOR RYAN Many months later, on a clear February night, Shafto and Tremenheere stood together outside Headquarters, “somewhere in France,” anxiously observing the signs in the sky.

undertake a journey or trip

From this reading Shafto, a machine-gun officer attached to the Blanks, had been granted twenty-four hours’ leave, and made a muddy and dangerous journey of fifteen miles to visit his old schoolfellow, now on the staff of a General commanding a division.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading SERGEANT-MAJOR RYAN Many months later, on a clear February night, Shafto and Tremenheere stood together outside Headquarters, “somewhere in France,” anxiously observing the signs in the sky.

the quality of being meager

From this reading Shafto was fine-drawn to leanness, heavy lines were scored on his forehead, he had twice been wounded, had taken part in desperate fighting, witnessed many harrowing sights, and lost many friends.

go away from a place

From this reading Shafto, a machine-gun officer attached to the Blanks, had been granted twenty-four hours’ leave, and made a muddy and dangerous journey of fifteen miles to visit his old schoolfellow, now on the staff of a General commanding a division.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading He was challenged and so was his companion; their faces expressed the long strain of a terrible war; both looked years older than their actual age, for, like the sons and daughters of the worshippers of Moloch, “they had passed through the fire.”

plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading Shafto was fine-drawn to leanness, heavy lines were scored on his forehead, he had twice been wounded, had taken part in desperate fighting, witnessed many harrowing sights, and lost many friends.

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 He was challenged and so was his companion; their faces expressed the long strain of a terrible war; both looked years older than their actual age, for, like the sons and daughters of the worshippers of Moloch, “they had passed through the fire.”

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading He was challenged and so was his companion; their faces expressed the long strain of a terrible war; both looked years older than their actual age, for, like the sons and daughters of the worshippers of Moloch, “they had passed through the fire.”

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading Shafto was fine-drawn to leanness, heavy lines were scored on his forehead, he had twice been wounded, had taken part in desperate fighting, witnessed many harrowing sights, and lost many friends.

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

From this reading Shafto, a machine-gun officer attached to the Blanks, had been granted twenty-four hours’ leave, and made a muddy and dangerous journey of fifteen miles to visit his old schoolfellow, now on the staff of a General commanding a division.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Shafto, a machine-gun officer attached to the Blanks, had been granted twenty-four hours’ leave, and made a muddy and dangerous journey of fifteen miles to visit his old schoolfellow, now on the staff of a General commanding a division.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading SERGEANT-MAJOR RYAN Many months later, on a clear February night, Shafto and Tremenheere stood together outside Headquarters, “somewhere in France,” anxiously observing the signs in the sky.

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

From this reading Shafto, a machine-gun officer attached to the Blanks, had been granted twenty-four hours’ leave, and made a muddy and dangerous journey of fifteen miles to visit his old schoolfellow, now on the staff of a General commanding a division.

a tyrannical power to be propitiated by human subservience or sacrifice

From this reading He was challenged and so was his companion; their faces expressed the long strain of a terrible war; both looked years older than their actual age, for, like the sons and daughters of the worshippers of Moloch, “they had passed through the fire.”

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading SERGEANT-MAJOR RYAN Many months later, on a clear February night, Shafto and Tremenheere stood together outside Headquarters, “somewhere in France,” anxiously observing the signs in the sky.

(of soil) soft and watery

From this reading Shafto, a machine-gun officer attached to the Blanks, had been granted twenty-four hours’ leave, and made a muddy and dangerous journey of fifteen miles to visit his old schoolfellow, now on the staff of a General commanding a division.

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

From this reading SERGEANT-MAJOR RYAN Many months later, on a clear February night, Shafto and Tremenheere stood together outside Headquarters, “somewhere in France,” anxiously observing the signs in the sky.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Shafto, a machine-gun officer attached to the Blanks, had been granted twenty-four hours’ leave, and made a muddy and dangerous journey of fifteen miles to visit his old schoolfellow, now on the staff of a General commanding a division.

quick to notice; showing quick and keen perception

From this reading SERGEANT-MAJOR RYAN Many months later, on a clear February night, Shafto and Tremenheere stood together outside Headquarters, “somewhere in France,” anxiously observing the signs in the sky.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Shafto, a machine-gun officer attached to the Blanks, had been granted twenty-four hours’ leave, and made a muddy and dangerous journey of fifteen miles to visit his old schoolfellow, now on the staff of a General commanding a division.

any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading Shafto, a machine-gun officer attached to the Blanks, had been granted twenty-four hours’ leave, and made a muddy and dangerous journey of fifteen miles to visit his old schoolfellow, now on the staff of a General commanding a division.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Shafto, a machine-gun officer attached to the Blanks, had been granted twenty-four hours’ leave, and made a muddy and dangerous journey of fifteen miles to visit his old schoolfellow, now on the staff of a General commanding a division.

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading He was challenged and so was his companion; their faces expressed the long strain of a terrible war; both looked years older than their actual age, for, like the sons and daughters of the worshippers of Moloch, “they had passed through the fire.”

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading SERGEANT-MAJOR RYAN Many months later, on a clear February night, Shafto and Tremenheere stood together outside Headquarters, “somewhere in France,” anxiously observing the signs in the sky.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading SERGEANT-MAJOR RYAN Many months later, on a clear February night, Shafto and Tremenheere stood together outside Headquarters, “somewhere in France,” anxiously observing the signs in the sky.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Shafto was fine-drawn to leanness, heavy lines were scored on his forehead, he had twice been wounded, had taken part in desperate fighting, witnessed many harrowing sights, and lost many friends.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading He was challenged and so was his companion; their faces expressed the long strain of a terrible war; both looked years older than their actual age, for, like the sons and daughters of the worshippers of Moloch, “they had passed through the fire.”

uttered with a trill

From this reading The chill air was full of sounds; a continuous rolling of wheels, rumbling of guns, and the distant scream of a shell.

a loud low dull continuous noise

From this reading The chill air was full of sounds; a continuous rolling of wheels, rumbling of guns, and the distant scream of a shell.

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

From this reading SERGEANT-MAJOR RYAN Many months later, on a clear February night, Shafto and Tremenheere stood together outside Headquarters, “somewhere in France,” anxiously observing the signs in the sky.

an acquaintance that you go to school with

From this reading Shafto, a machine-gun officer attached to the Blanks, had been granted twenty-four hours’ leave, and made a muddy and dangerous journey of fifteen miles to visit his old schoolfellow, now on the staff of a General commanding a division.

past form of “score” — gain points in a game

From this reading Shafto was fine-drawn to leanness, heavy lines were scored on his forehead, he had twice been wounded, had taken part in desperate fighting, witnessed many harrowing sights, and lost many friends.

utter a sudden loud cry

From this reading The chill air was full of sounds; a continuous rolling of wheels, rumbling of guns, and the distant scream of a shell.

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

From this reading SERGEANT-MAJOR RYAN Many months later, on a clear February night, Shafto and Tremenheere stood together outside Headquarters, “somewhere in France,” anxiously observing the signs in the sky.

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

From this reading SERGEANT-MAJOR RYAN Many months later, on a clear February night, Shafto and Tremenheere stood together outside Headquarters, “somewhere in France,” anxiously observing the signs in the sky.

ammunition consisting of a cylindrical metal casing containing an explosive charge and a projectile; fired from a large gun

From this reading The chill air was full of sounds; a continuous rolling of wheels, rumbling of guns, and the distant scream of a shell.

an optical instrument for aiding the eye in aiming, as on a firearm or surveying instrument

From this reading Shafto was fine-drawn to leanness, heavy lines were scored on his forehead, he had twice been wounded, had taken part in desperate fighting, witnessed many harrowing sights, and lost many friends.

plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading SERGEANT-MAJOR RYAN Many months later, on a clear February night, Shafto and Tremenheere stood together outside Headquarters, “somewhere in France,” anxiously observing the signs in the sky.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading SERGEANT-MAJOR RYAN Many months later, on a clear February night, Shafto and Tremenheere stood together outside Headquarters, “somewhere in France,” anxiously observing the signs in the sky.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He was challenged and so was his companion; their faces expressed the long strain of a terrible war; both looked years older than their actual age, for, like the sons and daughters of the worshippers of Moloch, “they had passed through the fire.”

in or at or to some place

From this reading SERGEANT-MAJOR RYAN Many months later, on a clear February night, Shafto and Tremenheere stood together outside Headquarters, “somewhere in France,” anxiously observing the signs in the sky.

plural of “son” — a male human offspring

From this reading He was challenged and so was his companion; their faces expressed the long strain of a terrible war; both looked years older than their actual age, for, like the sons and daughters of the worshippers of Moloch, “they had passed through the fire.”

plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading The chill air was full of sounds; a continuous rolling of wheels, rumbling of guns, and the distant scream of a shell.

personnel who assist their superior in carrying out an assigned task

From this reading Shafto, a machine-gun officer attached to the Blanks, had been granted twenty-four hours’ leave, and made a muddy and dangerous journey of fifteen miles to visit his old schoolfellow, now on the staff of a General commanding a division.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading SERGEANT-MAJOR RYAN Many months later, on a clear February night, Shafto and Tremenheere stood together outside Headquarters, “somewhere in France,” anxiously observing the signs in the sky.

(physics) deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces

From this reading He was challenged and so was his companion; their faces expressed the long strain of a terrible war; both looked years older than their actual age, for, like the sons and daughters of the worshippers of Moloch, “they had passed through the fire.”

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading Shafto was fine-drawn to leanness, heavy lines were scored on his forehead, he had twice been wounded, had taken part in desperate fighting, witnessed many harrowing sights, and lost many friends.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading He was challenged and so was his companion; their faces expressed the long strain of a terrible war; both looked years older than their actual age, for, like the sons and daughters of the worshippers of Moloch, “they had passed through the fire.”

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading He was challenged and so was his companion; their faces expressed the long strain of a terrible war; both looked years older than their actual age, for, like the sons and daughters of the worshippers of Moloch, “they had passed through the fire.”

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

From this reading SERGEANT-MAJOR RYAN Many months later, on a clear February night, Shafto and Tremenheere stood together outside Headquarters, “somewhere in France,” anxiously observing the signs in the sky.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading He was challenged and so was his companion; their faces expressed the long strain of a terrible war; both looked years older than their actual age, for, like the sons and daughters of the worshippers of Moloch, “they had passed through the fire.”

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

From this reading He was challenged and so was his companion; their faces expressed the long strain of a terrible war; both looked years older than their actual age, for, like the sons and daughters of the worshippers of Moloch, “they had passed through the fire.”

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading He was challenged and so was his companion; their faces expressed the long strain of a terrible war; both looked years older than their actual age, for, like the sons and daughters of the worshippers of Moloch, “they had passed through the fire.”

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

From this reading Shafto, a machine-gun officer attached to the Blanks, had been granted twenty-four hours’ leave, and made a muddy and dangerous journey of fifteen miles to visit his old schoolfellow, now on the staff of a General commanding a division.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading SERGEANT-MAJOR RYAN Many months later, on a clear February night, Shafto and Tremenheere stood together outside Headquarters, “somewhere in France,” anxiously observing the signs in the sky.

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

From this reading SERGEANT-MAJOR RYAN Many months later, on a clear February night, Shafto and Tremenheere stood together outside Headquarters, “somewhere in France,” anxiously observing the signs in the sky.

being four more than twenty

From this reading Shafto, a machine-gun officer attached to the Blanks, had been granted twenty-four hours’ leave, and made a muddy and dangerous journey of fifteen miles to visit his old schoolfellow, now on the staff of a General commanding a division.

two times

From this reading Shafto was fine-drawn to leanness, heavy lines were scored on his forehead, he had twice been wounded, had taken part in desperate fighting, witnessed many harrowing sights, and lost many friends.

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading Shafto, a machine-gun officer attached to the Blanks, had been granted twenty-four hours’ leave, and made a muddy and dangerous journey of fifteen miles to visit his old schoolfellow, now on the staff of a General commanding a division.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading He was challenged and so was his companion; their faces expressed the long strain of a terrible war; both looked years older than their actual age, for, like the sons and daughters of the worshippers of Moloch, “they had passed through the fire.”

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

From this reading He was challenged and so was his companion; their faces expressed the long strain of a terrible war; both looked years older than their actual age, for, like the sons and daughters of the worshippers of Moloch, “they had passed through the fire.”

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

From this reading Shafto was fine-drawn to leanness, heavy lines were scored on his forehead, he had twice been wounded, had taken part in desperate fighting, witnessed many harrowing sights, and lost many friends.

plural of “wheel” — a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines)

From this reading The chill air was full of sounds; a continuous rolling of wheels, rumbling of guns, and the distant scream of a shell.

past form of “witness” — be a witness to

From this reading Shafto was fine-drawn to leanness, heavy lines were scored on his forehead, he had twice been wounded, had taken part in desperate fighting, witnessed many harrowing sights, and lost many friends.

plural of “worshipper” — a person who has religious faith

From this reading He was challenged and so was his companion; their faces expressed the long strain of a terrible war; both looked years older than their actual age, for, like the sons and daughters of the worshippers of Moloch, “they had passed through the fire.”

people who are wounded

From this reading Shafto was fine-drawn to leanness, heavy lines were scored on his forehead, he had twice been wounded, had taken part in desperate fighting, witnessed many harrowing sights, and lost many friends.

a late time of life

From this reading He was challenged and so was his companion; their faces expressed the long strain of a terrible war; both looked years older than their actual age, for, like the sons and daughters of the worshippers of Moloch, “they had passed through the fire.”