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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
accession
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From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
accomplish
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From this reading The matter was urgent, for delay would enable the raiders either to accomplish their object, or, on learning his intention, to make good their retreat over the frontier.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
appear
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From this reading They should not cut up his coolies in future, however tempting and defenceless the prey might appear.
arrived
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From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
attack
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From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
band
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From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The various raids of the kind which had occurred hitherto had been dealt with by the native police, but having received timely warning of this organised and more formidable incursion, Major Keeling meant to make an example of its promoters.
came
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From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
canal
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From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
Commandant
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From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
coolies
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From this reading They should not cut up his coolies in future, however tempting and defenceless the prey might appear.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
crossed
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From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
cut
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From this reading They should not cut up his coolies in future, however tempting and defenceless the prey might appear.
days
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From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
dealt
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From this reading The various raids of the kind which had occurred hitherto had been dealt with by the native police, but having received timely warning of this organised and more formidable incursion, Major Keeling meant to make an example of its promoters.
defenceless
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They should not cut up his coolies in future, however tempting and defenceless the prey might appear.
delay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The matter was urgent, for delay would enable the raiders either to accomplish their object, or, on learning his intention, to make good their retreat over the frontier.
direction
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From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
down
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From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
eitherdeterminerUS /ˈiːðər/
one or the other of two
From this reading The matter was urgent, for delay would enable the raiders either to accomplish their object, or, on learning his intention, to make good their retreat over the frontier.
enable
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From this reading The matter was urgent, for delay would enable the raiders either to accomplish their object, or, on learning his intention, to make good their retreat over the frontier.
engaged
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From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
evident
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
example
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From this reading The various raids of the kind which had occurred hitherto had been dealt with by the native police, but having received timely warning of this organised and more formidable incursion, Major Keeling meant to make an example of its promoters.
exceptprepositionUS /ɪkˈsept/
apart from; not including
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
Ferrers
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From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
force
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
formidableadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrmɪdəbəl/
very difficult to deal with or overcome
From this reading The various raids of the kind which had occurred hitherto had been dealt with by the native police, but having received timely warning of this organised and more formidable incursion, Major Keeling meant to make an example of its promoters.
frontier
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
future
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They should not cut up his coolies in future, however tempting and defenceless the prey might appear.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The matter was urgent, for delay would enable the raiders either to accomplish their object, or, on learning his intention, to make good their retreat over the frontier.
guard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading The various raids of the kind which had occurred hitherto had been dealt with by the native police, but having received timely warning of this organised and more formidable incursion, Major Keeling meant to make an example of its promoters.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
heard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
hiding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
hills
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading They should not cut up his coolies in future, however tempting and defenceless the prey might appear.
hitherto
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The various raids of the kind which had occurred hitherto had been dealt with by the native police, but having received timely warning of this organised and more formidable incursion, Major Keeling meant to make an example of its promoters.
howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading They should not cut up his coolies in future, however tempting and defenceless the prey might appear.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
incursion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The various raids of the kind which had occurred hitherto had been dealt with by the native police, but having received timely warning of this organised and more formidable incursion, Major Keeling meant to make an example of its promoters.
intention
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The matter was urgent, for delay would enable the raiders either to accomplish their object, or, on learning his intention, to make good their retreat over the frontier.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The various raids of the kind which had occurred hitherto had been dealt with by the native police, but having received timely warning of this organised and more formidable incursion, Major Keeling meant to make an example of its promoters.
just
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
Keeling
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From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
kind
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From this reading The various raids of the kind which had occurred hitherto had been dealt with by the native police, but having received timely warning of this organised and more formidable incursion, Major Keeling meant to make an example of its promoters.
labourers
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From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
learning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The matter was urgent, for delay would enable the raiders either to accomplish their object, or, on learning his intention, to make good their retreat over the frontier.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
Major
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
makenounUS /make/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The various raids of the kind which had occurred hitherto had been dealt with by the native police, but having received timely warning of this organised and more formidable incursion, Major Keeling meant to make an example of its promoters.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
matter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The matter was urgent, for delay would enable the raiders either to accomplish their object, or, on learning his intention, to make good their retreat over the frontier.
meant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The various raids of the kind which had occurred hitherto had been dealt with by the native police, but having received timely warning of this organised and more formidable incursion, Major Keeling meant to make an example of its promoters.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading They should not cut up his coolies in future, however tempting and defenceless the prey might appear.
moment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
muster
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From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
Nalapuri
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From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
native
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The various raids of the kind which had occurred hitherto had been dealt with by the native police, but having received timely warning of this organised and more formidable incursion, Major Keeling meant to make an example of its promoters.
needed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
new
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
News
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
object
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The matter was urgent, for delay would enable the raiders either to accomplish their object, or, on learning his intention, to make good their retreat over the frontier.
occurred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The various raids of the kind which had occurred hitherto had been dealt with by the native police, but having received timely warning of this organised and more formidable incursion, Major Keeling meant to make an example of its promoters.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The matter was urgent, for delay would enable the raiders either to accomplish their object, or, on learning his intention, to make good their retreat over the frontier.
opportunity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
opposite
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The matter was urgent, for delay would enable the raiders either to accomplish their object, or, on learning his intention, to make good their retreat over the frontier.
organised
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The various raids of the kind which had occurred hitherto had been dealt with by the native police, but having received timely warning of this organised and more formidable incursion, Major Keeling meant to make an example of its promoters.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The matter was urgent, for delay would enable the raiders either to accomplish their object, or, on learning his intention, to make good their retreat over the frontier.
police
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The various raids of the kind which had occurred hitherto had been dealt with by the native police, but having received timely warning of this organised and more formidable incursion, Major Keeling meant to make an example of its promoters.
prey
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They should not cut up his coolies in future, however tempting and defenceless the prey might appear.
promoters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The various raids of the kind which had occurred hitherto had been dealt with by the native police, but having received timely warning of this organised and more formidable incursion, Major Keeling meant to make an example of its promoters.
raiders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
raids
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From this reading The various raids of the kind which had occurred hitherto had been dealt with by the native police, but having received timely warning of this organised and more formidable incursion, Major Keeling meant to make an example of its promoters.
reached
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From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
received
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The various raids of the kind which had occurred hitherto had been dealt with by the native police, but having received timely warning of this organised and more formidable incursion, Major Keeling meant to make an example of its promoters.
request
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
retreat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The matter was urgent, for delay would enable the raiders either to accomplish their object, or, on learning his intention, to make good their retreat over the frontier.
setting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading They should not cut up his coolies in future, however tempting and defenceless the prey might appear.
swoop
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
taking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
tempting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They should not cut up his coolies in future, however tempting and defenceless the prey might appear.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The matter was urgent, for delay would enable the raiders either to accomplish their object, or, on learning his intention, to make good their retreat over the frontier.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The various raids of the kind which had occurred hitherto had been dealt with by the native police, but having received timely warning of this organised and more formidable incursion, Major Keeling meant to make an example of its promoters.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
timely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The various raids of the kind which had occurred hitherto had been dealt with by the native police, but having received timely warning of this organised and more formidable incursion, Major Keeling meant to make an example of its promoters.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
town
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
unfortunate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They should not cut up his coolies in future, however tempting and defenceless the prey might appear.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
urgent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The matter was urgent, for delay would enable the raiders either to accomplish their object, or, on learning his intention, to make good their retreat over the frontier.
various
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The various raids of the kind which had occurred hitherto had been dealt with by the native police, but having received timely warning of this organised and more formidable incursion, Major Keeling meant to make an example of its promoters.
waiting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
warning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The various raids of the kind which had occurred hitherto had been dealt with by the native police, but having received timely warning of this organised and more formidable incursion, Major Keeling meant to make an example of its promoters.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
westwardadverbUS /ˈwɛstwərd/
toward the west
From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The various raids of the kind which had occurred hitherto had been dealt with by the native police, but having received timely warning of this organised and more formidable incursion, Major Keeling meant to make an example of its promoters.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading It was not long before Ferrers’ request for an accession of force reached Major Keeling, but it came at an unfortunate moment, for the Commandant was just setting out in the opposite direction, taking with him every man he could muster except those needed to guard the town.
works
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading News had arrived that a band of Nalapuri raiders had crossed the frontier to the westward two days before, and as nothing more had been heard of them, it was evident they were hiding in the hills and waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and attack the labourers engaged upon the new canal works.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The matter was urgent, for delay would enable the raiders either to accomplish their object, or, on learning his intention, to make good their retreat over the frontier.
