used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Waiting for a moment or two, to get accustomed to the darkness, he proceeded to feel his way about, in the hopes of finding something on which to sit and rest; but, after hesitatingly moving round the walls, he came to the conclusion that the hut was bare of all furniture, and if he wished for rest he must sit on the ground.
commonly used or practiced; usual
From this reading Waiting for a moment or two, to get accustomed to the darkness, he proceeded to feel his way about, in the hopes of finding something on which to sit and rest; but, after hesitatingly moving round the walls, he came to the conclusion that the hut was bare of all furniture, and if he wished for rest he must sit on the ground.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Waiting for a moment or two, to get accustomed to the darkness, he proceeded to feel his way about, in the hopes of finding something on which to sit and rest; but, after hesitatingly moving round the walls, he came to the conclusion that the hut was bare of all furniture, and if he wished for rest he must sit on the ground.
anew
From this reading WE MEET AGAIN The place in which George found himself so roughly thrust was pitch dark.
(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 Waiting for a moment or two, to get accustomed to the darkness, he proceeded to feel his way about, in the hopes of finding something on which to sit and rest; but, after hesitatingly moving round the walls, he came to the conclusion that the hut was bare of all furniture, and if he wished for rest he must sit on the ground.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
completely unclothed
From this reading Waiting for a moment or two, to get accustomed to the darkness, he proceeded to feel his way about, in the hopes of finding something on which to sit and rest; but, after hesitatingly moving round the walls, he came to the conclusion that the hut was bare of all furniture, and if he wished for rest he must sit on the ground.
barsnounUS /bɑːrz/
gymnastic apparatus consisting of two parallel wooden rods supported on uprights
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He listened for the sound of retreating footsteps, but, hearing none, concluded that the two men had been told off to mount guard over him, thus making his captivity doubly secure.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He vainly turned from side to side to discover, if possible, what his surroundings were, but he could see nothing.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Waiting for a moment or two, to get accustomed to the darkness, he proceeded to feel his way about, in the hopes of finding something on which to sit and rest; but, after hesitatingly moving round the walls, he came to the conclusion that the hut was bare of all furniture, and if he wished for rest he must sit on the ground.
captivitynounUS /kæpˈtɪvəti/
the state of being imprisoned
From this reading He listened for the sound of retreating footsteps, but, hearing none, concluded that the two men had been told off to mount guard over him, thus making his captivity doubly secure.
clumpingnounUS /ˈklʌmpɪŋ/
the sound of a horse's hoofs hitting on a hard surface
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
having come or been brought to a conclusion
From this reading He listened for the sound of retreating footsteps, but, hearing none, concluded that the two men had been told off to mount guard over him, thus making his captivity doubly secure.
a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration
From this reading Waiting for a moment or two, to get accustomed to the darkness, he proceeded to feel his way about, in the hopes of finding something on which to sit and rest; but, after hesitatingly moving round the walls, he came to the conclusion that the hut was bare of all furniture, and if he wished for rest he must sit on the ground.
(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He vainly turned from side to side to discover, if possible, what his surroundings were, but he could see nothing.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading WE MEET AGAIN The place in which George found himself so roughly thrust was pitch dark.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading Waiting for a moment or two, to get accustomed to the darkness, he proceeded to feel his way about, in the hopes of finding something on which to sit and rest; but, after hesitatingly moving round the walls, he came to the conclusion that the hut was bare of all furniture, and if he wished for rest he must sit on the ground.
discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading He vainly turned from side to side to discover, if possible, what his surroundings were, but he could see nothing.
doublyadverbUS /ˈdʌbli/
to double the degree
From this reading He listened for the sound of retreating footsteps, but, hearing none, concluded that the two men had been told off to mount guard over him, thus making his captivity doubly secure.
the act of escaping physically
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading Waiting for a moment or two, to get accustomed to the darkness, he proceeded to feel his way about, in the hopes of finding something on which to sit and rest; but, after hesitatingly moving round the walls, he came to the conclusion that the hut was bare of all furniture, and if he wished for rest he must sit on the ground.
the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation
From this reading Waiting for a moment or two, to get accustomed to the darkness, he proceeded to feel his way about, in the hopes of finding something on which to sit and rest; but, after hesitatingly moving round the walls, he came to the conclusion that the hut was bare of all furniture, and if he wished for rest he must sit on the ground.
plural of “footstep” — the sound of a step of someone walking
From this reading He listened for the sound of retreating footsteps, but, hearing none, concluded that the two men had been told off to mount guard over him, thus making his captivity doubly secure.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
set up or found
From this reading WE MEET AGAIN The place in which George found himself so roughly thrust was pitch dark.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He vainly turned from side to side to discover, if possible, what his surroundings were, but he could see nothing.
furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy
From this reading Waiting for a moment or two, to get accustomed to the darkness, he proceeded to feel his way about, in the hopes of finding something on which to sit and rest; but, after hesitatingly moving round the walls, he came to the conclusion that the hut was bare of all furniture, and if he wished for rest he must sit on the ground.
Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)
From this reading WE MEET AGAIN The place in which George found himself so roughly thrust was pitch dark.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading Waiting for a moment or two, to get accustomed to the darkness, he proceeded to feel his way about, in the hopes of finding something on which to sit and rest; but, after hesitatingly moving round the walls, he came to the conclusion that the hut was bare of all furniture, and if he wished for rest he must sit on the ground.
the act of giving
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading Waiting for a moment or two, to get accustomed to the darkness, he proceeded to feel his way about, in the hopes of finding something on which to sit and rest; but, after hesitatingly moving round the walls, he came to the conclusion that the hut was bare of all furniture, and if he wished for rest he must sit on the ground.
a person who keeps watch over something or someone
From this reading He listened for the sound of retreating footsteps, but, hearing none, concluded that the two men had been told off to mount guard over him, thus making his captivity doubly secure.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He vainly turned from side to side to discover, if possible, what his surroundings were, but he could see nothing.
(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence
From this reading He listened for the sound of retreating footsteps, but, hearing none, concluded that the two men had been told off to mount guard over him, thus making his captivity doubly secure.
hesitatinglyadverb
with hesitation; in a hesitant manner
From this reading Waiting for a moment or two, to get accustomed to the darkness, he proceeded to feel his way about, in the hopes of finding something on which to sit and rest; but, after hesitatingly moving round the walls, he came to the conclusion that the hut was bare of all furniture, and if he wished for rest he must sit on the ground.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading WE MEET AGAIN The place in which George found himself so roughly thrust was pitch dark.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He vainly turned from side to side to discover, if possible, what his surroundings were, but he could see nothing.
plural of “hope” — a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading Waiting for a moment or two, to get accustomed to the darkness, he proceeded to feel his way about, in the hopes of finding something on which to sit and rest; but, after hesitatingly moving round the walls, he came to the conclusion that the hut was bare of all furniture, and if he wished for rest he must sit on the ground.
temporary military shelter
From this reading Waiting for a moment or two, to get accustomed to the darkness, he proceeded to feel his way about, in the hopes of finding something on which to sit and rest; but, after hesitatingly moving round the walls, he came to the conclusion that the hut was bare of all furniture, and if he wished for rest he must sit on the ground.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading He vainly turned from side to side to discover, if possible, what his surroundings were, but he could see nothing.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading WE MEET AGAIN The place in which George found himself so roughly thrust was pitch dark.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
past form of “listen” — hear with intention
From this reading He listened for the sound of retreating footsteps, but, hearing none, concluded that the two men had been told off to mount guard over him, thus making his captivity doubly secure.
engage in
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading He listened for the sound of retreating footsteps, but, hearing none, concluded that the two men had been told off to mount guard over him, thus making his captivity doubly secure.
come together
From this reading WE MEET AGAIN The place in which George found himself so roughly thrust was pitch dark.
the force of workers available
From this reading He listened for the sound of retreating footsteps, but, hearing none, concluded that the two men had been told off to mount guard over him, thus making his captivity doubly secure.
a particular point in time
From this reading Waiting for a moment or two, to get accustomed to the darkness, he proceeded to feel his way about, in the hopes of finding something on which to sit and rest; but, after hesitatingly moving round the walls, he came to the conclusion that the hut was bare of all furniture, and if he wished for rest he must sit on the ground.
attach to a support
From this reading He listened for the sound of retreating footsteps, but, hearing none, concluded that the two men had been told off to mount guard over him, thus making his captivity doubly secure.
in motion
From this reading Waiting for a moment or two, to get accustomed to the darkness, he proceeded to feel his way about, in the hopes of finding something on which to sit and rest; but, after hesitatingly moving round the walls, he came to the conclusion that the hut was bare of all furniture, and if he wished for rest he must sit on the ground.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
not any; not one
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
not one, and not any
From this reading He listened for the sound of retreating footsteps, but, hearing none, concluded that the two men had been told off to mount guard over him, thus making his captivity doubly secure.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading He vainly turned from side to side to discover, if possible, what his surroundings were, but he could see nothing.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading He listened for the sound of retreating footsteps, but, hearing none, concluded that the two men had been told off to mount guard over him, thus making his captivity doubly secure.
ominousadjectiveUS /ˈɑːmənəs/
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Waiting for a moment or two, to get accustomed to the darkness, he proceeded to feel his way about, in the hopes of finding something on which to sit and rest; but, after hesitatingly moving round the walls, he came to the conclusion that the hut was bare of all furniture, and if he wished for rest he must sit on the ground.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Waiting for a moment or two, to get accustomed to the darkness, he proceeded to feel his way about, in the hopes of finding something on which to sit and rest; but, after hesitatingly moving round the walls, he came to the conclusion that the hut was bare of all furniture, and if he wished for rest he must sit on the ground.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading He listened for the sound of retreating footsteps, but, hearing none, concluded that the two men had been told off to mount guard over him, thus making his captivity doubly secure.
pitchnounUS /pɪtʃ/
the property of sound that varies with variation in the frequency of vibration
From this reading WE MEET AGAIN The place in which George found himself so roughly thrust was pitch dark.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading WE MEET AGAIN The place in which George found himself so roughly thrust was pitch dark.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading He vainly turned from side to side to discover, if possible, what his surroundings were, but he could see nothing.
past form of “proceed” — continue talking
From this reading Waiting for a moment or two, to get accustomed to the darkness, he proceeded to feel his way about, in the hopes of finding something on which to sit and rest; but, after hesitatingly moving round the walls, he came to the conclusion that the hut was bare of all furniture, and if he wished for rest he must sit on the ground.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
rebelnounUS /ˈrebəl/
“Johnny” was applied as a nickname for Confederate soldiers by the Federal soldiers in the American Civil War; “greyback” derived from their grey Confederate uniforms
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading Waiting for a moment or two, to get accustomed to the darkness, he proceeded to feel his way about, in the hopes of finding something on which to sit and rest; but, after hesitatingly moving round the walls, he came to the conclusion that the hut was bare of all furniture, and if he wished for rest he must sit on the ground.
retreatingverbUS /riˈtriːtɪŋ/
-ing form of “retreat” — pull back or move away or backward
From this reading He listened for the sound of retreating footsteps, but, hearing none, concluded that the two men had been told off to mount guard over him, thus making his captivity doubly secure.
roughlyadverbUS /ˈrʌfli/
(of quantities) imprecise but fairly close to correct
From this reading WE MEET AGAIN The place in which George found himself so roughly thrust was pitch dark.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading Waiting for a moment or two, to get accustomed to the darkness, he proceeded to feel his way about, in the hopes of finding something on which to sit and rest; but, after hesitatingly moving round the walls, he came to the conclusion that the hut was bare of all furniture, and if he wished for rest he must sit on the ground.
get by special effort
From this reading He listened for the sound of retreating footsteps, but, hearing none, concluded that the two men had been told off to mount guard over him, thus making his captivity doubly secure.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading He vainly turned from side to side to discover, if possible, what his surroundings were, but he could see nothing.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading He vainly turned from side to side to discover, if possible, what his surroundings were, but he could see nothing.
be seated
From this reading Waiting for a moment or two, to get accustomed to the darkness, he proceeded to feel his way about, in the hopes of finding something on which to sit and rest; but, after hesitatingly moving round the walls, he came to the conclusion that the hut was bare of all furniture, and if he wished for rest he must sit on the ground.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading WE MEET AGAIN The place in which George found himself so roughly thrust was pitch dark.
plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Waiting for a moment or two, to get accustomed to the darkness, he proceeded to feel his way about, in the hopes of finding something on which to sit and rest; but, after hesitatingly moving round the walls, he came to the conclusion that the hut was bare of all furniture, and if he wished for rest he must sit on the ground.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading He listened for the sound of retreating footsteps, but, hearing none, concluded that the two men had been told off to mount guard over him, thus making his captivity doubly secure.
surroundingsnounUS /sərˈaʊndɪŋz/
the environmental condition
From this reading He vainly turned from side to side to discover, if possible, what his surroundings were, but he could see nothing.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading WE MEET AGAIN The place in which George found himself so roughly thrust was pitch dark.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
push forcefully
From this reading WE MEET AGAIN The place in which George found himself so roughly thrust was pitch dark.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading He listened for the sound of retreating footsteps, but, hearing none, concluded that the two men had been told off to mount guard over him, thus making his captivity doubly secure.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He vainly turned from side to side to discover, if possible, what his surroundings were, but he could see nothing.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading He listened for the sound of retreating footsteps, but, hearing none, concluded that the two men had been told off to mount guard over him, thus making his captivity doubly secure.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading He vainly turned from side to side to discover, if possible, what his surroundings were, but he could see nothing.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading He listened for the sound of retreating footsteps, but, hearing none, concluded that the two men had been told off to mount guard over him, thus making his captivity doubly secure.
vainlyadverbUS /ˈveɪnli/
to no avail
From this reading He vainly turned from side to side to discover, if possible, what his surroundings were, but he could see nothing.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading Waiting for a moment or two, to get accustomed to the darkness, he proceeded to feel his way about, in the hopes of finding something on which to sit and rest; but, after hesitatingly moving round the walls, he came to the conclusion that the hut was bare of all furniture, and if he wished for rest he must sit on the ground.
plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading Waiting for a moment or two, to get accustomed to the darkness, he proceeded to feel his way about, in the hopes of finding something on which to sit and rest; but, after hesitatingly moving round the walls, he came to the conclusion that the hut was bare of all furniture, and if he wished for rest he must sit on the ground.
past form of “warn” — notify of danger, potential harm, or risk
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading WE MEET AGAIN The place in which George found himself so roughly thrust was pitch dark.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Waiting for a moment or two, to get accustomed to the darkness, he proceeded to feel his way about, in the hopes of finding something on which to sit and rest; but, after hesitatingly moving round the walls, he came to the conclusion that the hut was bare of all furniture, and if he wished for rest he must sit on the ground.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading WE MEET AGAIN The place in which George found himself so roughly thrust was pitch dark.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He vainly turned from side to side to discover, if possible, what his surroundings were, but he could see nothing.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading He vainly turned from side to side to discover, if possible, what his surroundings were, but he could see nothing.
in or at the place that
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading WE MEET AGAIN The place in which George found himself so roughly thrust was pitch dark.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading The ominous "clumping" of the bars as the rebel soldiers put them in place, warned him that they had no idea of giving him any opportunity of escape, and he must be content for a while at least to remain where he was and make the best of things.
past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish
From this reading Waiting for a moment or two, to get accustomed to the darkness, he proceeded to feel his way about, in the hopes of finding something on which to sit and rest; but, after hesitatingly moving round the walls, he came to the conclusion that the hut was bare of all furniture, and if he wished for rest he must sit on the ground.
