private citizen; civilian
several; various; divergent; conflicting; different; diverse
plain; simple; reserved (behaviour, attitude, etc.); modest; quite; a (little) bit
make; workmanship; preparation
more than anything; above all else
in confusion; in a fluster; in bewilderment; sobbing; tearfully; trembling (voice)
resignation; acceptance; consolation
manners; behavior; behaviour
to say no more; to sink into silence
to harden; to solidify; to become firm; to become certain; to gather (together); to assemble
middle-age; middle age; midlife; one's middle years
(approximate) age; years; elderly; old; older (than); senior
here and there; in twos and threes; sporadically; now and then; from time to time; occasionally
to stand watch; to stand guard; to look out; to open (one's eyes) wide
to make a great fuss; to raise a hue and cry; to make an uproar; to clamour
secret; private; surreptitious
men and women; man and woman; both sexes; both genders
strict (e.g. security); heavy (e.g. guard); showy; pretentious; impressive; imposing
pointed end; tip; point; forefront; vanguard; spearhead
spear; lance; javelin; lance; (arch.) jeering
to set up (a house, store, etc.); to build; to have at the ready (e.g. a gun); to hold in preparation (e.g. a camera); to adopt a posture; to assume a stance; to put on an air
several people; a few people
lack of expression; blank look (on one's face)
idea; plan; fancy; impulse; thought; whim
somewhat; to some extent; to some degree; some; part; portion
usual; ordinary; normal; regular; general; common
the other day; a few days ago
military forces; hosts; troops
to do together; to share; to participate in
people; citizens; subjects; folk
whispering; whisper; secret talk; murmur
impossible; unlikely; improbable
step; stair; grade; rank; counter for breaks in written language (or speech, etc.); dan
bursting out (laughter); breaking out (applause); in a rush; in a surge; suddenly; all of a sudden
bustling; busy; crowded; lively (party, voices, etc.); loud; noisy
with a flap; with a snap; with a thud; with a crash; with a swish; with a rustle
in an instant; instantly; in a moment; instantaneously; in the twinkling of an eye
combat readiness; battle readiness; fighting trim