Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
A Maid of the Silver Sea
A Maid of the Silver Sea

Chapter XXV

Cover illustration for A Maid of the Silver Sea
Context Illustration Reading 1/42 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.
Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.
The birds had all crept out of their hiding-places, and were wheeling and diving and making up for lost time and busily discussing late events at the tops of their voices whenever their bills were not otherwise occupied.
Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.
He levied on the puffins again, and, after a meal, prowled curiously about his rock to see what damage the storm had done, but to his surprise found almost none.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

A Maid of the Silver Sea

Chapter XXV

Reading 1/42 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.
Line 2
Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.
Line 3
The birds had all crept out of their hiding-places, and were wheeling and diving and making up for lost time and busily discussing late events at the tops of their voices whenever their bills were not otherwise occupied.
Line 4
Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.
Line 5
He levied on the puffins again, and, after a meal, prowled curiously about his rock to see what damage the storm had done, but to his surprise found almost none.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

About preposition US /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “He levied on the puffins again, and, after a meal, prowled curiously about his rock to see what damage the storm had done, but to his surprise found almost none.”

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “He levied on the puffins again, and, after a meal, prowled curiously about his rock to see what damage the storm had done, but to his surprise found almost none.”

Again noun US /again/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He levied on the puffins again, and, after a meal, prowled curiously about his rock to see what damage the storm had done, but to his surprise found almost none.”

Along preposition US /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading “Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.”

Come noun US /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading “Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.”

Diet noun US /ˈdiet/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.”

Done noun US /done/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He levied on the puffins again, and, after a meal, prowled curiously about his rock to see what damage the storm had done, but to his surprise found almost none.”

During preposition US /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading “Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.”

Even noun US /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.”

Ever noun US /ever/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.”

Except preposition US /ɪkˈsept/

apart from; not including

From this reading “Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.”

Found noun US /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He levied on the puffins again, and, after a meal, prowled curiously about his rock to see what damage the storm had done, but to his surprise found almost none.”

Himself pronoun US /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading “HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.”

Imagine noun US /ˈimagine/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.”

Meanwhile noun US /ˈmeanwhile/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.”

Next noun US /next/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.”

None pronoun US /nʌn/

not one, and not any

From this reading “He levied on the puffins again, and, after a meal, prowled curiously about his rock to see what damage the storm had done, but to his surprise found almost none.”

Quarrel noun US /ˈkwɔːrəl/

an angry argument or disagreement

From this reading “Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.”

Quite noun US /quite/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.”

Right noun US /right/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.”

Seemed noun US /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.”

Soon noun US /soon/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.”

Sure noun US /sure/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.”

Themselves pronoun US /ðemˈselvz/

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading “Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The birds had all crept out of their hiding-places, and were wheeling and diving and making up for lost time and busily discussing late events at the tops of their voices whenever their bills were not otherwise occupied.”

Wheeling noun US /ˈwheeling/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “The birds had all crept out of their hiding-places, and were wheeling and diving and making up for lost time and busily discussing late events at the tops of their voices whenever their bills were not otherwise occupied.”

Whenever conjunction US /weˈnevər/

at any time that; every time that

From this reading “The birds had all crept out of their hiding-places, and were wheeling and diving and making up for lost time and busily discussing late events at the tops of their voices whenever their bills were not otherwise occupied.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading “Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.”

All words in this reading · 124

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading He levied on the puffins again, and, after a meal, prowled curiously about his rock to see what damage the storm had done, but to his surprise found almost none.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading He levied on the puffins again, and, after a meal, prowled curiously about his rock to see what damage the storm had done, but to his surprise found almost none.

againnounUS /again/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He levied on the puffins again, and, after a meal, prowled curiously about his rock to see what damage the storm had done, but to his surprise found almost none.

all

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.

almost

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He levied on the puffins again, and, after a meal, prowled curiously about his rock to see what damage the storm had done, but to his surprise found almost none.

alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.

assistance

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.

Bernel

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.

bills

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The birds had all crept out of their hiding-places, and were wheeling and diving and making up for lost time and busily discussing late events at the tops of their voices whenever their bills were not otherwise occupied.

birds

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The birds had all crept out of their hiding-places, and were wheeling and diving and making up for lost time and busily discussing late events at the tops of their voices whenever their bills were not otherwise occupied.

blazed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.

blessed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.

busily

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The birds had all crept out of their hiding-places, and were wheeling and diving and making up for lost time and busily discussing late events at the tops of their voices whenever their bills were not otherwise occupied.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.

change

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.

comenounUS /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.

cormorants

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.

crept

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The birds had all crept out of their hiding-places, and were wheeling and diving and making up for lost time and busily discussing late events at the tops of their voices whenever their bills were not otherwise occupied.

curiously

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He levied on the puffins again, and, after a meal, prowled curiously about his rock to see what damage the storm had done, but to his surprise found almost none.

damage

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He levied on the puffins again, and, after a meal, prowled curiously about his rock to see what damage the storm had done, but to his surprise found almost none.

day

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.

dietnounUS /ˈdiet/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.

discussing

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The birds had all crept out of their hiding-places, and were wheeling and diving and making up for lost time and busily discussing late events at the tops of their voices whenever their bills were not otherwise occupied.

diving

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The birds had all crept out of their hiding-places, and were wheeling and diving and making up for lost time and busily discussing late events at the tops of their voices whenever their bills were not otherwise occupied.

donenounUS /done/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He levied on the puffins again, and, after a meal, prowled curiously about his rock to see what damage the storm had done, but to his surprise found almost none.

dry

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.

duringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.

evennounUS /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.

events

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The birds had all crept out of their hiding-places, and were wheeling and diving and making up for lost time and busily discussing late events at the tops of their voices whenever their bills were not otherwise occupied.

evernounUS /ever/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.

exceptprepositionUS /ɪkˈsept/

apart from; not including

From this reading Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.

foundnounUS /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He levied on the puffins again, and, after a meal, prowled curiously about his rock to see what damage the storm had done, but to his surprise found almost none.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.

get

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.

gobbling

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading The birds had all crept out of their hiding-places, and were wheeling and diving and making up for lost time and busily discussing late events at the tops of their voices whenever their bills were not otherwise occupied.

happy

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.

HEpronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.

HELD

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.

hidden

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.

hiding-places

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The birds had all crept out of their hiding-places, and were wheeling and diving and making up for lost time and busily discussing late events at the tops of their voices whenever their bills were not otherwise occupied.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.

hot

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.

HOW

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.

imaginenounUS /ˈimagine/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.

late

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The birds had all crept out of their hiding-places, and were wheeling and diving and making up for lost time and busily discussing late events at the tops of their voices whenever their bills were not otherwise occupied.

levied

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He levied on the puffins again, and, after a meal, prowled curiously about his rock to see what damage the storm had done, but to his surprise found almost none.

lost

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The birds had all crept out of their hiding-places, and were wheeling and diving and making up for lost time and busily discussing late events at the tops of their voices whenever their bills were not otherwise occupied.

making

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The birds had all crept out of their hiding-places, and were wheeling and diving and making up for lost time and busily discussing late events at the tops of their voices whenever their bills were not otherwise occupied.

many

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.

meal

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He levied on the puffins again, and, after a meal, prowled curiously about his rock to see what damage the storm had done, but to his surprise found almost none.

meanwhilenounUS /ˈmeanwhile/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.

moment

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.

Nance

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.

neighbours

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.

net

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.

nextnounUS /next/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.

night

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.

nonepronounUS /nʌn/

not one, and not any

From this reading He levied on the puffins again, and, after a meal, prowled curiously about his rock to see what damage the storm had done, but to his surprise found almost none.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The birds had all crept out of their hiding-places, and were wheeling and diving and making up for lost time and busily discussing late events at the tops of their voices whenever their bills were not otherwise occupied.

occupied

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The birds had all crept out of their hiding-places, and were wheeling and diving and making up for lost time and busily discussing late events at the tops of their voices whenever their bills were not otherwise occupied.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He levied on the puffins again, and, after a meal, prowled curiously about his rock to see what damage the storm had done, but to his surprise found almost none.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.

otherwise

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The birds had all crept out of their hiding-places, and were wheeling and diving and making up for lost time and busily discussing late events at the tops of their voices whenever their bills were not otherwise occupied.

out

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.

prowled

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He levied on the puffins again, and, after a meal, prowled curiously about his rock to see what damage the storm had done, but to his surprise found almost none.

puffins

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.

quarrelnounUS /ˈkwɔːrəl/

an angry argument or disagreement

From this reading Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.

quarrelsome

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.

quitenounUS /quite/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.

ravenous

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.

rightnounUS /right/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.

ROCK

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.

see

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He levied on the puffins again, and, after a meal, prowled curiously about his rock to see what damage the storm had done, but to his surprise found almost none.

seemednounUS /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.

served

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.

soaked

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.

soon

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.

sorry

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.

spare

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.

spread

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.

storm

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.

sun

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.

surenounUS /sure/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.

surprise

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He levied on the puffins again, and, after a meal, prowled curiously about his rock to see what damage the storm had done, but to his surprise found almost none.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The birds had all crept out of their hiding-places, and were wheeling and diving and making up for lost time and busily discussing late events at the tops of their voices whenever their bills were not otherwise occupied.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.

themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.

there

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.

things

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.

tide

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The birds had all crept out of their hiding-places, and were wheeling and diving and making up for lost time and busily discussing late events at the tops of their voices whenever their bills were not otherwise occupied.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.

tops

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The birds had all crept out of their hiding-places, and were wheeling and diving and making up for lost time and busily discussing late events at the tops of their voices whenever their bills were not otherwise occupied.

unwilling

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.

up

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The birds had all crept out of their hiding-places, and were wheeling and diving and making up for lost time and busily discussing late events at the tops of their voices whenever their bills were not otherwise occupied.

vigour

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.

voices

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The birds had all crept out of their hiding-places, and were wheeling and diving and making up for lost time and busily discussing late events at the tops of their voices whenever their bills were not otherwise occupied.

warm

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The birds had all crept out of their hiding-places, and were wheeling and diving and making up for lost time and busily discussing late events at the tops of their voices whenever their bills were not otherwise occupied.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading He levied on the puffins again, and, after a meal, prowled curiously about his rock to see what damage the storm had done, but to his surprise found almost none.

wheelingnounUS /ˈwheeling/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading The birds had all crept out of their hiding-places, and were wheeling and diving and making up for lost time and busily discussing late events at the tops of their voices whenever their bills were not otherwise occupied.

wheneverconjunctionUS /weˈnevər/

at any time that; every time that

From this reading The birds had all crept out of their hiding-places, and were wheeling and diving and making up for lost time and busily discussing late events at the tops of their voices whenever their bills were not otherwise occupied.

WhereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading Where they had all hidden themselves during the storm, he could not imagine, but there seemed to be as many of them as ever, and they were all quite happy and quarrelsome, except the cormorants, who were so ravenous that they could not spare a moment from their diving and gobbling, even to quarrel with their neighbours.

wholesome

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading HOW HE HELD THE ROCK The sun blazed hot next day, and he spread himself out in it to warm, and all his soaked things in it to dry, and blessed it for its wholesome vigour.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Nance or Bernel would be sure to come as soon as the tide served at night, and he would net be sorry for a change of diet; meanwhile, he could get along all right with the unwilling assistance of the puffins.