Premise: Traders followed in his wake, setting up bases in several parts of the Pearl River estuary.

Hypothesis: The traders who followed him were not able to successfully setup any bases.
Answer: no

Premise: and it took me a good ten years to put on some weight and any exercise even when summer would come and i'd mow the lawn i'd lose five to seven pounds just just as soon as the heat kicked in

Hypothesis: I would lose several pounds when the summer came in.
Answer: yes

Premise: And I have little doubt that in that context

Hypothesis: I have reasons to believe it'll not happen in that case.
Answer: it is not possible to tell

Premise: Jon and Thorn turned back to the rest of the group.

Hypothesis: Jon and Thorn turned their backs to the group and fled the area.
Answer: no