In paragraph 4 of an occurrence at owl creek bridge how does the narrator describe the steam? What does the man think about the steam? What does this tell you about the mans state of mind

What is the meaning of "full tide" as it is used in this sentence? before i could explain to her the differences of language in this world, she was embarked on the full tide of another subject. a long and involved argument an inaccurate representation a detailed and lively discussion an uncontrollable flood