You never really know what someone may be going thru/battling
I believe it would be B, vanquish. For one to use such a fancy and strong word, would sound as if one were boasting. Example: "The young man brazenly claimed that he had vanquished the massive bear."
There were no roads or automobiles in the area.
It's clear through the passage that there are no paved roads or cars to get the miners from place to place. They had to carry all of their gear and supplies through dangerous trails by foot, only being able to travel a certain amount each day.
