Chapter XXVII · Under Cover

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

From this reading Then could be heard the stealthy footsteps of those who were tracking them to the death, and Jenkins fancied he saw a way out of the dangerous situation.

moving forward

From this reading Stealthily the four crept toward the left, advancing slowly but surely each instant until, just when all began to fancy the plan might be a success, it was Jenkins’ turn to run plump into the arms of one of the enemy.

-ing form of “aid” — give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

frightening because of an awareness of danger

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

(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 Stealthily the four crept toward the left, advancing slowly but surely each instant until, just when all began to fancy the plan might be a success, it was Jenkins’ turn to run plump into the arms of one of the enemy.

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

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

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

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

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

From this reading Pressing the hand of Nelse, who was nearest, he intimated that the boy was to follow him, and the latter, in turn, communicated the command by the same means to Gil and Andy.

the space between two lines or planes that intersect; the inclination of one line to another; measured in degrees or radians

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading Stealthily the four crept toward the left, advancing slowly but surely each instant until, just when all began to fancy the plan might be a success, it was Jenkins’ turn to run plump into the arms of one of the enemy.

establish after a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

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

From this reading Then could be heard the stealthy footsteps of those who were tracking them to the death, and Jenkins fancied he saw a way out of the dangerous situation.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Stealthily the four crept toward the left, advancing slowly but surely each instant until, just when all began to fancy the plan might be a success, it was Jenkins’ turn to run plump into the arms of one of the enemy.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

a youthful male person

From this reading Pressing the hand of Nelse, who was nearest, he intimated that the boy was to follow him, and the latter, in turn, communicated the command by the same means to Gil and Andy.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Stealthily the four crept toward the left, advancing slowly but surely each instant until, just when all began to fancy the plan might be a success, it was Jenkins’ turn to run plump into the arms of one of the enemy.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Pressing the hand of Nelse, who was nearest, he intimated that the boy was to follow him, and the latter, in turn, communicated the command by the same means to Gil and Andy.

the act of closing something

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading Pressing the hand of Nelse, who was nearest, he intimated that the boy was to follow him, and the latter, in turn, communicated the command by the same means to Gil and Andy.

past form of “communicate” — transmit information

From this reading Pressing the hand of Nelse, who was nearest, he intimated that the boy was to follow him, and the latter, in turn, communicated the command by the same means to Gil and Andy.

an open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals)

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

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

From this reading Then could be heard the stealthy footsteps of those who were tracking them to the death, and Jenkins fancied he saw a way out of the dangerous situation.

inflected form of “creep” — move slowly; in the case of people or animals with the body near the ground

From this reading Stealthily the four crept toward the left, advancing slowly but surely each instant until, just when all began to fancy the plan might be a success, it was Jenkins’ turn to run plump into the arms of one of the enemy.

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

From this reading Then could be heard the stealthy footsteps of those who were tracking them to the death, and Jenkins fancied he saw a way out of the dangerous situation.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading Then could be heard the stealthy footsteps of those who were tracking them to the death, and Jenkins fancied he saw a way out of the dangerous situation.

the act of discovering something

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

an opposing military force

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

the act of escaping physically

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

formed or conceived by the imagination

From this reading Then could be heard the stealthy footsteps of those who were tracking them to the death, and Jenkins fancied he saw a way out of the dangerous situation.

something many people believe that is false

From this reading Stealthily the four crept toward the left, advancing slowly but surely each instant until, just when all began to fancy the plan might be a success, it was Jenkins’ turn to run plump into the arms of one of the enemy.

to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading Pressing the hand of Nelse, who was nearest, he intimated that the boy was to follow him, and the latter, in turn, communicated the command by the same means to Gil and Andy.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

plural of “footstep” — the sound of a step of someone walking

From this reading Then could be heard the stealthy footsteps of those who were tracking them to the death, and Jenkins fancied he saw a way out of the dangerous situation.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading Stealthily the four crept toward the left, advancing slowly but surely each instant until, just when all began to fancy the plan might be a success, it was Jenkins’ turn to run plump into the arms of one of the enemy.

plural of “fugitive” — someone who flees from an uncongenial situation

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

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

From this reading Pressing the hand of Nelse, who was nearest, he intimated that the boy was to follow him, and the latter, in turn, communicated the command by the same means to Gil and Andy.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading Pressing the hand of Nelse, who was nearest, he intimated that the boy was to follow him, and the latter, in turn, communicated the command by the same means to Gil and Andy.

being at close quarters

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

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

From this reading Then could be heard the stealthy footsteps of those who were tracking them to the death, and Jenkins fancied he saw a way out of the dangerous situation.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Then could be heard the stealthy footsteps of those who were tracking them to the death, and Jenkins fancied he saw a way out of the dangerous situation.

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

From this reading Pressing the hand of Nelse, who was nearest, he intimated that the boy was to follow him, and the latter, in turn, communicated the command by the same means to Gil and Andy.

the quality of being important and worthy of note

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

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

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

past form of “intimate” — give to understand

From this reading Pressing the hand of Nelse, who was nearest, he intimated that the boy was to follow him, and the latter, in turn, communicated the command by the same means to Gil and Andy.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Stealthily the four crept toward the left, advancing slowly but surely each instant until, just when all began to fancy the plan might be a success, it was Jenkins’ turn to run plump into the arms of one of the enemy.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Stealthily the four crept toward the left, advancing slowly but surely each instant until, just when all began to fancy the plan might be a success, it was Jenkins’ turn to run plump into the arms of one of the enemy.

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

From this reading Then could be heard the stealthy footsteps of those who were tracking them to the death, and Jenkins fancied he saw a way out of the dangerous situation.

and nothing more

From this reading Stealthily the four crept toward the left, advancing slowly but surely each instant until, just when all began to fancy the plan might be a success, it was Jenkins’ turn to run plump into the arms of one of the enemy.

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

From this reading Pressing the hand of Nelse, who was nearest, he intimated that the boy was to follow him, and the latter, in turn, communicated the command by the same means to Gil and Andy.

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 Stealthily the four crept toward the left, advancing slowly but surely each instant until, just when all began to fancy the plan might be a success, it was Jenkins’ turn to run plump into the arms of one of the enemy.

a point or extent in space

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

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

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading Pressing the hand of Nelse, who was nearest, he intimated that the boy was to follow him, and the latter, in turn, communicated the command by the same means to Gil and Andy.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Stealthily the four crept toward the left, advancing slowly but surely each instant until, just when all began to fancy the plan might be a success, it was Jenkins’ turn to run plump into the arms of one of the enemy.

a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

a particular point in time

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

(superlative of “near” or “close”) within the shortest distance

From this reading Pressing the hand of Nelse, who was nearest, he intimated that the boy was to follow him, and the latter, in turn, communicated the command by the same means to Gil and Andy.

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

From this reading Pressing the hand of Nelse, who was nearest, he intimated that the boy was to follow him, and the latter, in turn, communicated the command by the same means to Gil and Andy.

a computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the TCP/IP network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Then could be heard the stealthy footsteps of those who were tracking them to the death, and Jenkins fancied he saw a way out of the dangerous situation.

being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

have the will and intention to carry out some action

From this reading Stealthily the four crept toward the left, advancing slowly but surely each instant until, just when all began to fancy the plan might be a success, it was Jenkins’ turn to run plump into the arms of one of the enemy.

sufficiently fat so as to have a pleasing fullness of figure

From this reading Stealthily the four crept toward the left, advancing slowly but surely each instant until, just when all began to fancy the plan might be a success, it was Jenkins’ turn to run plump into the arms of one of the enemy.

the act of pressing; the exertion of pressure

From this reading Pressing the hand of Nelse, who was nearest, he intimated that the boy was to follow him, and the latter, in turn, communicated the command by the same means to Gil and Andy.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

a person who is being chased

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading Stealthily the four crept toward the left, advancing slowly but surely each instant until, just when all began to fancy the plan might be a success, it was Jenkins’ turn to run plump into the arms of one of the enemy.

Identical; not different.

From this reading Pressing the hand of Nelse, who was nearest, he intimated that the boy was to follow him, and the latter, in turn, communicated the command by the same means to Gil and Andy.

cut with a saw

From this reading Then could be heard the stealthy footsteps of those who were tracking them to the death, and Jenkins fancied he saw a way out of the dangerous situation.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time

From this reading Then could be heard the stealthy footsteps of those who were tracking them to the death, and Jenkins fancied he saw a way out of the dangerous situation.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading Stealthily the four crept toward the left, advancing slowly but surely each instant until, just when all began to fancy the plan might be a success, it was Jenkins’ turn to run plump into the arms of one of the enemy.

support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

at a steady rate or pace

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

take without the owner's consent

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

in a stealthy manner

From this reading Stealthily the four crept toward the left, advancing slowly but surely each instant until, just when all began to fancy the plan might be a success, it was Jenkins’ turn to run plump into the arms of one of the enemy.

marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed

From this reading Then could be heard the stealthy footsteps of those who were tracking them to the death, and Jenkins fancied he saw a way out of the dangerous situation.

an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

From this reading Stealthily the four crept toward the left, advancing slowly but surely each instant until, just when all began to fancy the plan might be a success, it was Jenkins’ turn to run plump into the arms of one of the enemy.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading Stealthily the four crept toward the left, advancing slowly but surely each instant until, just when all began to fancy the plan might be a success, it was Jenkins’ turn to run plump into the arms of one of the enemy.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

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

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then could be heard the stealthy footsteps of those who were tracking them to the death, and Jenkins fancied he saw a way out of the dangerous situation.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Then could be heard the stealthy footsteps of those who were tracking them to the death, and Jenkins fancied he saw a way out of the dangerous situation.

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

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

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

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

comparative of “tight” — closely constrained or constricted or constricting

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

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

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

in the direction of

From this reading Stealthily the four crept toward the left, advancing slowly but surely each instant until, just when all began to fancy the plan might be a success, it was Jenkins’ turn to run plump into the arms of one of the enemy.

the pursuit (of a person or animal) by following tracks or marks they left behind

From this reading Then could be heard the stealthy footsteps of those who were tracking them to the death, and Jenkins fancied he saw a way out of the dangerous situation.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading Pressing the hand of Nelse, who was nearest, he intimated that the boy was to follow him, and the latter, in turn, communicated the command by the same means to Gil and Andy.

except if; if not

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

up to a particular time

From this reading Stealthily the four crept toward the left, advancing slowly but surely each instant until, just when all began to fancy the plan might be a success, it was Jenkins’ turn to run plump into the arms of one of the enemy.

of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

precisely as stated

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

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

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Then could be heard the stealthy footsteps of those who were tracking them to the death, and Jenkins fancied he saw a way out of the dangerous situation.

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

From this reading Then could be heard the stealthy footsteps of those who were tracking them to the death, and Jenkins fancied he saw a way out of the dangerous situation.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.

at the time that

From this reading Stealthily the four crept toward the left, advancing slowly but surely each instant until, just when all began to fancy the plan might be a success, it was Jenkins’ turn to run plump into the arms of one of the enemy.

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

From this reading In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.

which person or people

From this reading Then could be heard the stealthy footsteps of those who were tracking them to the death, and Jenkins fancied he saw a way out of the dangerous situation.