Chapter XIV · Chapter 14

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

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

superlative of “able” — (usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading As the reader may have guessed already, he and Erskine had only been on the _Cormorant_ because it was the policy of the Naval Council to keep two of the ablest men in the service out of sight for a while.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

highly skilled

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

matters of personal concern

From this reading Denis, who had a remarkable gift of tongues, was really one of the most skilful naval _attaches_ in service, and what he didn't know about the naval affairs of Europe was hardly worth learning.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading As the reader may have guessed already, he and Erskine had only been on the _Cormorant_ because it was the policy of the Naval Council to keep two of the ablest men in the service out of sight for a while.

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

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state

From this reading The British army and navy can boast no finer soldiers or sailors, and the Empire no more devoted servants than those who claim Ireland as the land of their birth, and Denis Castellan was one of these.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading The British army and navy can boast no finer soldiers or sailors, and the Empire no more devoted servants than those who claim Ireland as the land of their birth, and Denis Castellan was one of these.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

plural of “attache” — a specialist assigned to the staff of a diplomatic mission

From this reading Denis, who had a remarkable gift of tongues, was really one of the most skilful naval _attaches_ in service, and what he didn't know about the naval affairs of Europe was hardly worth learning.

plural of “battleship” — large and heavily armoured warship

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

for the reason that

From this reading As the reader may have guessed already, he and Erskine had only been on the _Cormorant_ because it was the policy of the Naval Council to keep two of the ablest men in the service out of sight for a while.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

the time when something begins (especially life)

From this reading The British army and navy can boast no finer soldiers or sailors, and the Empire no more devoted servants than those who claim Ireland as the land of their birth, and Denis Castellan was one of these.

show off

From this reading The British army and navy can boast no finer soldiers or sailors, and the Empire no more devoted servants than those who claim Ireland as the land of their birth, and Denis Castellan was one of these.

the people of Great Britain

From this reading The British army and navy can boast no finer soldiers or sailors, and the Empire no more devoted servants than those who claim Ireland as the land of their birth, and Denis Castellan was one of these.

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading He and his brother Denis formed a very curious contrast, which is nevertheless not uncommon in Irish families.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading The British army and navy can boast no finer soldiers or sailors, and the Empire no more devoted servants than those who claim Ireland as the land of their birth, and Denis Castellan was one of these.

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

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

an assertion of a right (as to money or property)

From this reading The British army and navy can boast no finer soldiers or sailors, and the Empire no more devoted servants than those who claim Ireland as the land of their birth, and Denis Castellan was one of these.

plural of “consequence” — a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared

From this reading He and his brother Denis formed a very curious contrast, which is nevertheless not uncommon in Irish families.

large voracious dark-colored long-necked seabird with a distensible pouch for holding fish; used in Asia to catch fish

From this reading As the reader may have guessed already, he and Erskine had only been on the _Cormorant_ because it was the policy of the Naval Council to keep two of the ablest men in the service out of sight for a while.

a body serving in an administrative capacity

From this reading As the reader may have guessed already, he and Erskine had only been on the _Cormorant_ because it was the policy of the Naval Council to keep two of the ablest men in the service out of sight for a while.

(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading He and his brother Denis formed a very curious contrast, which is nevertheless not uncommon in Irish families.

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

From this reading He and his brother Denis formed a very curious contrast, which is nevertheless not uncommon in Irish families.

the termination of something by causing so much damage to it that it cannot be repaired or no longer exists

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

zealous in devotion or affection

From this reading The British army and navy can boast no finer soldiers or sailors, and the Empire no more devoted servants than those who claim Ireland as the land of their birth, and Denis Castellan was one of these.

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

From this reading Denis, who had a remarkable gift of tongues, was really one of the most skilful naval _attaches_ in service, and what he didn't know about the naval affairs of Europe was hardly worth learning.

the domain ruled by an emperor or empress; the region over which imperial dominion is exercised

From this reading The British army and navy can boast no finer soldiers or sailors, and the Empire no more devoted servants than those who claim Ireland as the land of their birth, and Denis Castellan was one of these.

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

From this reading As the reader may have guessed already, he and Erskine had only been on the _Cormorant_ because it was the policy of the Naval Council to keep two of the ablest men in the service out of sight for a while.

the 2nd smallest continent (actually a vast peninsula of Eurasia); the British use “Europe” to refer to all of the continent except the British Isles

From this reading Denis, who had a remarkable gift of tongues, was really one of the most skilful naval _attaches_ in service, and what he didn't know about the naval affairs of Europe was hardly worth learning.

plural of “family” — a social unit living together

From this reading He and his brother Denis formed a very curious contrast, which is nevertheless not uncommon in Irish families.

(comparative of “fine”) greater in quality or excellence

From this reading The British army and navy can boast no finer soldiers or sailors, and the Empire no more devoted servants than those who claim Ireland as the land of their birth, and Denis Castellan was one of these.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

having or given a form or shape

From this reading He and his brother Denis formed a very curious contrast, which is nevertheless not uncommon in Irish families.

plural of “fort” — a fortified military post where troops are stationed

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

something acquired without compensation

From this reading Denis, who had a remarkable gift of tongues, was really one of the most skilful naval _attaches_ in service, and what he didn't know about the naval affairs of Europe was hardly worth learning.

highest in quality

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

past form of “guess” — expect, believe, or suppose

From this reading As the reader may have guessed already, he and Erskine had only been on the _Cormorant_ because it was the policy of the Naval Council to keep two of the ablest men in the service out of sight for a while.

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

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

only a very short time before

From this reading Denis, who had a remarkable gift of tongues, was really one of the most skilful naval _attaches_ in service, and what he didn't know about the naval affairs of Europe was hardly worth learning.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading As the reader may have guessed already, he and Erskine had only been on the _Cormorant_ because it was the policy of the Naval Council to keep two of the ablest men in the service out of sight for a while.

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

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

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

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

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

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

the creation of something in the mind

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

a republic consisting of 26 of 32 counties comprising the island of Ireland; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1921

From this reading The British army and navy can boast no finer soldiers or sailors, and the Empire no more devoted servants than those who claim Ireland as the land of their birth, and Denis Castellan was one of these.

people of Ireland or of Irish extraction

From this reading He and his brother Denis formed a very curious contrast, which is nevertheless not uncommon in Irish families.

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

From this reading He and his brother Denis formed a very curious contrast, which is nevertheless not uncommon in Irish families.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading As the reader may have guessed already, he and Erskine had only been on the _Cormorant_ because it was the policy of the Naval Council to keep two of the ablest men in the service out of sight for a while.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading As the reader may have guessed already, he and Erskine had only been on the _Cormorant_ because it was the policy of the Naval Council to keep two of the ablest men in the service out of sight for a while.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Denis, who had a remarkable gift of tongues, was really one of the most skilful naval _attaches_ in service, and what he didn't know about the naval affairs of Europe was hardly worth learning.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading The British army and navy can boast no finer soldiers or sailors, and the Empire no more devoted servants than those who claim Ireland as the land of their birth, and Denis Castellan was one of these.

the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge

From this reading Denis, who had a remarkable gift of tongues, was really one of the most skilful naval _attaches_ in service, and what he didn't know about the naval affairs of Europe was hardly worth learning.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading As the reader may have guessed already, he and Erskine had only been on the _Cormorant_ because it was the policy of the Naval Council to keep two of the ablest men in the service out of sight for a while.

the force of workers available

From this reading As the reader may have guessed already, he and Erskine had only been on the _Cormorant_ because it was the policy of the Naval Council to keep two of the ablest men in the service out of sight for a while.

a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading The British army and navy can boast no finer soldiers or sailors, and the Empire no more devoted servants than those who claim Ireland as the land of their birth, and Denis Castellan was one of these.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Denis, who had a remarkable gift of tongues, was really one of the most skilful naval _attaches_ in service, and what he didn't know about the naval affairs of Europe was hardly worth learning.

connected with or belonging to or used in a navy

From this reading As the reader may have guessed already, he and Erskine had only been on the _Cormorant_ because it was the policy of the Naval Council to keep two of the ablest men in the service out of sight for a while.

an organization of military vessels belonging to a country and available for sea warfare

From this reading The British army and navy can boast no finer soldiers or sailors, and the Empire no more devoted servants than those who claim Ireland as the land of their birth, and Denis Castellan was one of these.

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading He and his brother Denis formed a very curious contrast, which is nevertheless not uncommon in Irish families.

not any; not one

From this reading The British army and navy can boast no finer soldiers or sailors, and the Empire no more devoted servants than those who claim Ireland as the land of their birth, and Denis Castellan was one of these.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He and his brother Denis formed a very curious contrast, which is nevertheless not uncommon in Irish families.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading As the reader may have guessed already, he and Erskine had only been on the _Cormorant_ because it was the policy of the Naval Council to keep two of the ablest men in the service out of sight for a while.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The British army and navy can boast no finer soldiers or sailors, and the Empire no more devoted servants than those who claim Ireland as the land of their birth, and Denis Castellan was one of these.

and nothing more

From this reading As the reader may have guessed already, he and Erskine had only been on the _Cormorant_ because it was the policy of the Naval Council to keep two of the ablest men in the service out of sight for a while.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The British army and navy can boast no finer soldiers or sailors, and the Empire no more devoted servants than those who claim Ireland as the land of their birth, and Denis Castellan was one of these.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading As the reader may have guessed already, he and Erskine had only been on the _Cormorant_ because it was the policy of the Naval Council to keep two of the ablest men in the service out of sight for a while.

a plan of action adopted by an individual or social group

From this reading As the reader may have guessed already, he and Erskine had only been on the _Cormorant_ because it was the policy of the Naval Council to keep two of the ablest men in the service out of sight for a while.

a port city in southeastern Virginia on the Elizabeth River opposite Norfolk; naval base; shipyards

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

a person who enjoys reading

From this reading As the reader may have guessed already, he and Erskine had only been on the _Cormorant_ because it was the policy of the Naval Council to keep two of the ablest men in the service out of sight for a while.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading Denis, who had a remarkable gift of tongues, was really one of the most skilful naval _attaches_ in service, and what he didn't know about the naval affairs of Europe was hardly worth learning.

unusual or striking

From this reading Denis, who had a remarkable gift of tongues, was really one of the most skilful naval _attaches_ in service, and what he didn't know about the naval affairs of Europe was hardly worth learning.

plural of “sailor” — any member of a ship's crew

From this reading The British army and navy can boast no finer soldiers or sailors, and the Empire no more devoted servants than those who claim Ireland as the land of their birth, and Denis Castellan was one of these.

concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading The British army and navy can boast no finer soldiers or sailors, and the Empire no more devoted servants than those who claim Ireland as the land of their birth, and Denis Castellan was one of these.

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading As the reader may have guessed already, he and Erskine had only been on the _Cormorant_ because it was the policy of the Naval Council to keep two of the ablest men in the service out of sight for a while.

an instance of visual perception

From this reading As the reader may have guessed already, he and Erskine had only been on the _Cormorant_ because it was the policy of the Naval Council to keep two of the ablest men in the service out of sight for a while.

a descent as through liquid (especially through water)

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude

From this reading Denis, who had a remarkable gift of tongues, was really one of the most skilful naval _attaches_ in service, and what he didn't know about the naval affairs of Europe was hardly worth learning.

disposed of to a purchaser

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading The British army and navy can boast no finer soldiers or sailors, and the Empire no more devoted servants than those who claim Ireland as the land of their birth, and Denis Castellan was one of these.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The British army and navy can boast no finer soldiers or sailors, and the Empire no more devoted servants than those who claim Ireland as the land of their birth, and Denis Castellan was one of these.

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

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The British army and navy can boast no finer soldiers or sailors, and the Empire no more devoted servants than those who claim Ireland as the land of their birth, and Denis Castellan was one of these.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading The British army and navy can boast no finer soldiers or sailors, and the Empire no more devoted servants than those who claim Ireland as the land of their birth, and Denis Castellan was one of these.

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

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

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

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

plural of “tongue” — a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity

From this reading Denis, who had a remarkable gift of tongues, was really one of the most skilful naval _attaches_ in service, and what he didn't know about the naval affairs of Europe was hardly worth learning.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading As the reader may have guessed already, he and Erskine had only been on the _Cormorant_ because it was the policy of the Naval Council to keep two of the ablest men in the service out of sight for a while.

not common or ordinarily encountered; unusually great in amount or remarkable in character or kind

From this reading He and his brother Denis formed a very curious contrast, which is nevertheless not uncommon in Irish families.

precisely as stated

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

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

From this reading The British army and navy can boast no finer soldiers or sailors, and the Empire no more devoted servants than those who claim Ireland as the land of their birth, and Denis Castellan was one of these.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Denis, who had a remarkable gift of tongues, was really one of the most skilful naval _attaches_ in service, and what he didn't know about the naval affairs of Europe was hardly worth learning.

at the time that

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

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

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

during the time that

From this reading As the reader may have guessed already, he and Erskine had only been on the _Cormorant_ because it was the policy of the Naval Council to keep two of the ablest men in the service out of sight for a while.

which person or people

From this reading The British army and navy can boast no finer soldiers or sailors, and the Empire no more devoted servants than those who claim Ireland as the land of their birth, and Denis Castellan was one of these.

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

From this reading A CRIME AND A MISTAKE When the destruction of the forts and the sinking of the battleships at Portsmouth had been accomplished, John Castellan made about the greatest mistake in his life, a mistake which had very serious consequences for those to whom he had sold himself and his terrible invention.

an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value

From this reading Denis, who had a remarkable gift of tongues, was really one of the most skilful naval _attaches_ in service, and what he didn't know about the naval affairs of Europe was hardly worth learning.