Based on its context, which is the most precise meaning of the underlined word? For a minute he scarcely realised what this meant, and, although the heat was excessive, he clambered down into the pit close to the bulk to see the Thing more clearly. He fancied even then that the cooling of the body might account for this, but what disturbed that idea was the fact that the ash was falling only from the end of the cylinder.


A. Never
B. Hardly
C. Fully
D. Failed