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 Passing the word for a lantern, and slinging himself in a bowline, he ventured into the blackness alongside, and presently reappeared with the cheering news that no damage was done.
againnounUS /again/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading And arming himself with a broad axe, he again disappeared into the outer dark, this time under the watchful eye of the skipper, and presently, with a movement which was like a throb of returning life to every soul on board, the Columbia regained her freedom.
alongside
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Passing the word for a lantern, and slinging himself in a bowline, he ventured into the blackness alongside, and presently reappeared with the cheering news that no damage was done.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A few strokes of an axe and they would be set free.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Passing the word for a lantern, and slinging himself in a bowline, he ventured into the blackness alongside, and presently reappeared with the cheering news that no damage was done.
answer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Charles was hauled on board through the surf alongside like a sodden bundle of clothing, unhurt, but entirely exhausted, having made good his claim to be regarded as one of the world’s silent heroes, a man who to the call of duty returns no dubious answer, but renders swift obedience.
arming
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And arming himself with a broad axe, he again disappeared into the outer dark, this time under the watchful eye of the skipper, and presently, with a movement which was like a throb of returning life to every soul on board, the Columbia regained her freedom.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Charles was hauled on board through the surf alongside like a sodden bundle of clothing, unhurt, but entirely exhausted, having made good his claim to be regarded as one of the world’s silent heroes, a man who to the call of duty returns no dubious answer, but renders swift obedience.
axe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few strokes of an axe and they would be set free.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading A few strokes of an axe and they would be set free.
blackness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Passing the word for a lantern, and slinging himself in a bowline, he ventured into the blackness alongside, and presently reappeared with the cheering news that no damage was done.
board
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And arming himself with a broad axe, he again disappeared into the outer dark, this time under the watchful eye of the skipper, and presently, with a movement which was like a throb of returning life to every soul on board, the Columbia regained her freedom.
bowline
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Passing the word for a lantern, and slinging himself in a bowline, he ventured into the blackness alongside, and presently reappeared with the cheering news that no damage was done.
broad
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And arming himself with a broad axe, he again disappeared into the outer dark, this time under the watchful eye of the skipper, and presently, with a movement which was like a throb of returning life to every soul on board, the Columbia regained her freedom.
bundlenounUS /ˈbʌndəl/
a group of things tied or wrapped together
From this reading Charles was hauled on board through the surf alongside like a sodden bundle of clothing, unhurt, but entirely exhausted, having made good his claim to be regarded as one of the world’s silent heroes, a man who to the call of duty returns no dubious answer, but renders swift obedience.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Charles was hauled on board through the surf alongside like a sodden bundle of clothing, unhurt, but entirely exhausted, having made good his claim to be regarded as one of the world’s silent heroes, a man who to the call of duty returns no dubious answer, but renders swift obedience.
call
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Charles was hauled on board through the surf alongside like a sodden bundle of clothing, unhurt, but entirely exhausted, having made good his claim to be regarded as one of the world’s silent heroes, a man who to the call of duty returns no dubious answer, but renders swift obedience.
Charles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In this hour of paralyzing uncertainty Charles rose to the full height of his manhood.
cheering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Passing the word for a lantern, and slinging himself in a bowline, he ventured into the blackness alongside, and presently reappeared with the cheering news that no damage was done.
claim
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Charles was hauled on board through the surf alongside like a sodden bundle of clothing, unhurt, but entirely exhausted, having made good his claim to be regarded as one of the world’s silent heroes, a man who to the call of duty returns no dubious answer, but renders swift obedience.
clothing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Charles was hauled on board through the surf alongside like a sodden bundle of clothing, unhurt, but entirely exhausted, having made good his claim to be regarded as one of the world’s silent heroes, a man who to the call of duty returns no dubious answer, but renders swift obedience.
Columbia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And arming himself with a broad axe, he again disappeared into the outer dark, this time under the watchful eye of the skipper, and presently, with a movement which was like a throb of returning life to every soul on board, the Columbia regained her freedom.
damage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Passing the word for a lantern, and slinging himself in a bowline, he ventured into the blackness alongside, and presently reappeared with the cheering news that no damage was done.
dark
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And arming himself with a broad axe, he again disappeared into the outer dark, this time under the watchful eye of the skipper, and presently, with a movement which was like a throb of returning life to every soul on board, the Columbia regained her freedom.
disappearednounUS /ˈdisappeared/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading And arming himself with a broad axe, he again disappeared into the outer dark, this time under the watchful eye of the skipper, and presently, with a movement which was like a throb of returning life to every soul on board, the Columbia regained her freedom.
donenounUS /done/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Passing the word for a lantern, and slinging himself in a bowline, he ventured into the blackness alongside, and presently reappeared with the cheering news that no damage was done.
dubious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Charles was hauled on board through the surf alongside like a sodden bundle of clothing, unhurt, but entirely exhausted, having made good his claim to be regarded as one of the world’s silent heroes, a man who to the call of duty returns no dubious answer, but renders swift obedience.
dutynounUS /ˈduːti/
a responsibility that must be carried out
From this reading Charles was hauled on board through the surf alongside like a sodden bundle of clothing, unhurt, but entirely exhausted, having made good his claim to be regarded as one of the world’s silent heroes, a man who to the call of duty returns no dubious answer, but renders swift obedience.
entirelynounUS /ˈentirely/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Charles was hauled on board through the surf alongside like a sodden bundle of clothing, unhurt, but entirely exhausted, having made good his claim to be regarded as one of the world’s silent heroes, a man who to the call of duty returns no dubious answer, but renders swift obedience.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading And arming himself with a broad axe, he again disappeared into the outer dark, this time under the watchful eye of the skipper, and presently, with a movement which was like a throb of returning life to every soul on board, the Columbia regained her freedom.
exhausted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Charles was hauled on board through the surf alongside like a sodden bundle of clothing, unhurt, but entirely exhausted, having made good his claim to be regarded as one of the world’s silent heroes, a man who to the call of duty returns no dubious answer, but renders swift obedience.
eye
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And arming himself with a broad axe, he again disappeared into the outer dark, this time under the watchful eye of the skipper, and presently, with a movement which was like a throb of returning life to every soul on board, the Columbia regained her freedom.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few strokes of an axe and they would be set free.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Passing the word for a lantern, and slinging himself in a bowline, he ventured into the blackness alongside, and presently reappeared with the cheering news that no damage was done.
freeadjectiveUS /friː/
acting without enough restraint or discipline
From this reading A few strokes of an axe and they would be set free.
freedom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And arming himself with a broad axe, he again disappeared into the outer dark, this time under the watchful eye of the skipper, and presently, with a movement which was like a throb of returning life to every soul on board, the Columbia regained her freedom.
full
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In this hour of paralyzing uncertainty Charles rose to the full height of his manhood.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Charles was hauled on board through the surf alongside like a sodden bundle of clothing, unhurt, but entirely exhausted, having made good his claim to be regarded as one of the world’s silent heroes, a man who to the call of duty returns no dubious answer, but renders swift obedience.
hauled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Charles was hauled on board through the surf alongside like a sodden bundle of clothing, unhurt, but entirely exhausted, having made good his claim to be regarded as one of the world’s silent heroes, a man who to the call of duty returns no dubious answer, but renders swift obedience.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Charles was hauled on board through the surf alongside like a sodden bundle of clothing, unhurt, but entirely exhausted, having made good his claim to be regarded as one of the world’s silent heroes, a man who to the call of duty returns no dubious answer, but renders swift obedience.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Passing the word for a lantern, and slinging himself in a bowline, he ventured into the blackness alongside, and presently reappeared with the cheering news that no damage was done.
height
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In this hour of paralyzing uncertainty Charles rose to the full height of his manhood.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading And arming himself with a broad axe, he again disappeared into the outer dark, this time under the watchful eye of the skipper, and presently, with a movement which was like a throb of returning life to every soul on board, the Columbia regained her freedom.
heroes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Charles was hauled on board through the surf alongside like a sodden bundle of clothing, unhurt, but entirely exhausted, having made good his claim to be regarded as one of the world’s silent heroes, a man who to the call of duty returns no dubious answer, but renders swift obedience.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Passing the word for a lantern, and slinging himself in a bowline, he ventured into the blackness alongside, and presently reappeared with the cheering news that no damage was done.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading In this hour of paralyzing uncertainty Charles rose to the full height of his manhood.
hour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In this hour of paralyzing uncertainty Charles rose to the full height of his manhood.
InprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In this hour of paralyzing uncertainty Charles rose to the full height of his manhood.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Passing the word for a lantern, and slinging himself in a bowline, he ventured into the blackness alongside, and presently reappeared with the cheering news that no damage was done.
lantern
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Passing the word for a lantern, and slinging himself in a bowline, he ventured into the blackness alongside, and presently reappeared with the cheering news that no damage was done.
lifenounUS /life/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading And arming himself with a broad axe, he again disappeared into the outer dark, this time under the watchful eye of the skipper, and presently, with a movement which was like a throb of returning life to every soul on board, the Columbia regained her freedom.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And arming himself with a broad axe, he again disappeared into the outer dark, this time under the watchful eye of the skipper, and presently, with a movement which was like a throb of returning life to every soul on board, the Columbia regained her freedom.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Charles was hauled on board through the surf alongside like a sodden bundle of clothing, unhurt, but entirely exhausted, having made good his claim to be regarded as one of the world’s silent heroes, a man who to the call of duty returns no dubious answer, but renders swift obedience.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Charles was hauled on board through the surf alongside like a sodden bundle of clothing, unhurt, but entirely exhausted, having made good his claim to be regarded as one of the world’s silent heroes, a man who to the call of duty returns no dubious answer, but renders swift obedience.
manhood
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In this hour of paralyzing uncertainty Charles rose to the full height of his manhood.
movement
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And arming himself with a broad axe, he again disappeared into the outer dark, this time under the watchful eye of the skipper, and presently, with a movement which was like a throb of returning life to every soul on board, the Columbia regained her freedom.
news
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Passing the word for a lantern, and slinging himself in a bowline, he ventured into the blackness alongside, and presently reappeared with the cheering news that no damage was done.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading Passing the word for a lantern, and slinging himself in a bowline, he ventured into the blackness alongside, and presently reappeared with the cheering news that no damage was done.
obedience
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Charles was hauled on board through the surf alongside like a sodden bundle of clothing, unhurt, but entirely exhausted, having made good his claim to be regarded as one of the world’s silent heroes, a man who to the call of duty returns no dubious answer, but renders swift obedience.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In this hour of paralyzing uncertainty Charles rose to the full height of his manhood.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading And arming himself with a broad axe, he again disappeared into the outer dark, this time under the watchful eye of the skipper, and presently, with a movement which was like a throb of returning life to every soul on board, the Columbia regained her freedom.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Charles was hauled on board through the surf alongside like a sodden bundle of clothing, unhurt, but entirely exhausted, having made good his claim to be regarded as one of the world’s silent heroes, a man who to the call of duty returns no dubious answer, but renders swift obedience.
outer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And arming himself with a broad axe, he again disappeared into the outer dark, this time under the watchful eye of the skipper, and presently, with a movement which was like a throb of returning life to every soul on board, the Columbia regained her freedom.
paralyzing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In this hour of paralyzing uncertainty Charles rose to the full height of his manhood.
Passing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Passing the word for a lantern, and slinging himself in a bowline, he ventured into the blackness alongside, and presently reappeared with the cheering news that no damage was done.
presently
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Passing the word for a lantern, and slinging himself in a bowline, he ventured into the blackness alongside, and presently reappeared with the cheering news that no damage was done.
reappeared
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Passing the word for a lantern, and slinging himself in a bowline, he ventured into the blackness alongside, and presently reappeared with the cheering news that no damage was done.
regained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And arming himself with a broad axe, he again disappeared into the outer dark, this time under the watchful eye of the skipper, and presently, with a movement which was like a throb of returning life to every soul on board, the Columbia regained her freedom.
regarded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Charles was hauled on board through the surf alongside like a sodden bundle of clothing, unhurt, but entirely exhausted, having made good his claim to be regarded as one of the world’s silent heroes, a man who to the call of duty returns no dubious answer, but renders swift obedience.
renders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Charles was hauled on board through the surf alongside like a sodden bundle of clothing, unhurt, but entirely exhausted, having made good his claim to be regarded as one of the world’s silent heroes, a man who to the call of duty returns no dubious answer, but renders swift obedience.
returning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And arming himself with a broad axe, he again disappeared into the outer dark, this time under the watchful eye of the skipper, and presently, with a movement which was like a throb of returning life to every soul on board, the Columbia regained her freedom.
returns
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Charles was hauled on board through the surf alongside like a sodden bundle of clothing, unhurt, but entirely exhausted, having made good his claim to be regarded as one of the world’s silent heroes, a man who to the call of duty returns no dubious answer, but renders swift obedience.
rose
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In this hour of paralyzing uncertainty Charles rose to the full height of his manhood.
set
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few strokes of an axe and they would be set free.
silent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Charles was hauled on board through the surf alongside like a sodden bundle of clothing, unhurt, but entirely exhausted, having made good his claim to be regarded as one of the world’s silent heroes, a man who to the call of duty returns no dubious answer, but renders swift obedience.
skippernounUS /ˈskɪpər/
the captain of a small ship or boat
From this reading And arming himself with a broad axe, he again disappeared into the outer dark, this time under the watchful eye of the skipper, and presently, with a movement which was like a throb of returning life to every soul on board, the Columbia regained her freedom.
slinging
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Passing the word for a lantern, and slinging himself in a bowline, he ventured into the blackness alongside, and presently reappeared with the cheering news that no damage was done.
sodden
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Charles was hauled on board through the surf alongside like a sodden bundle of clothing, unhurt, but entirely exhausted, having made good his claim to be regarded as one of the world’s silent heroes, a man who to the call of duty returns no dubious answer, but renders swift obedience.
soul
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And arming himself with a broad axe, he again disappeared into the outer dark, this time under the watchful eye of the skipper, and presently, with a movement which was like a throb of returning life to every soul on board, the Columbia regained her freedom.
strokes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few strokes of an axe and they would be set free.
surf
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Charles was hauled on board through the surf alongside like a sodden bundle of clothing, unhurt, but entirely exhausted, having made good his claim to be regarded as one of the world’s silent heroes, a man who to the call of duty returns no dubious answer, but renders swift obedience.
swift
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Charles was hauled on board through the surf alongside like a sodden bundle of clothing, unhurt, but entirely exhausted, having made good his claim to be regarded as one of the world’s silent heroes, a man who to the call of duty returns no dubious answer, but renders swift obedience.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Passing the word for a lantern, and slinging himself in a bowline, he ventured into the blackness alongside, and presently reappeared with the cheering news that no damage was done.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In this hour of paralyzing uncertainty Charles rose to the full height of his manhood.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A few strokes of an axe and they would be set free.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading In this hour of paralyzing uncertainty Charles rose to the full height of his manhood.
throb
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And arming himself with a broad axe, he again disappeared into the outer dark, this time under the watchful eye of the skipper, and presently, with a movement which was like a throb of returning life to every soul on board, the Columbia regained her freedom.
throughnounUS /ˈthrough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Charles was hauled on board through the surf alongside like a sodden bundle of clothing, unhurt, but entirely exhausted, having made good his claim to be regarded as one of the world’s silent heroes, a man who to the call of duty returns no dubious answer, but renders swift obedience.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading And arming himself with a broad axe, he again disappeared into the outer dark, this time under the watchful eye of the skipper, and presently, with a movement which was like a throb of returning life to every soul on board, the Columbia regained her freedom.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In this hour of paralyzing uncertainty Charles rose to the full height of his manhood.
uncertainty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In this hour of paralyzing uncertainty Charles rose to the full height of his manhood.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading And arming himself with a broad axe, he again disappeared into the outer dark, this time under the watchful eye of the skipper, and presently, with a movement which was like a throb of returning life to every soul on board, the Columbia regained her freedom.
unhurt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Charles was hauled on board through the surf alongside like a sodden bundle of clothing, unhurt, but entirely exhausted, having made good his claim to be regarded as one of the world’s silent heroes, a man who to the call of duty returns no dubious answer, but renders swift obedience.
ventured
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Passing the word for a lantern, and slinging himself in a bowline, he ventured into the blackness alongside, and presently reappeared with the cheering news that no damage was done.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Passing the word for a lantern, and slinging himself in a bowline, he ventured into the blackness alongside, and presently reappeared with the cheering news that no damage was done.
watchful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And arming himself with a broad axe, he again disappeared into the outer dark, this time under the watchful eye of the skipper, and presently, with a movement which was like a throb of returning life to every soul on board, the Columbia regained her freedom.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading And arming himself with a broad axe, he again disappeared into the outer dark, this time under the watchful eye of the skipper, and presently, with a movement which was like a throb of returning life to every soul on board, the Columbia regained her freedom.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading Charles was hauled on board through the surf alongside like a sodden bundle of clothing, unhurt, but entirely exhausted, having made good his claim to be regarded as one of the world’s silent heroes, a man who to the call of duty returns no dubious answer, but renders swift obedience.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Passing the word for a lantern, and slinging himself in a bowline, he ventured into the blackness alongside, and presently reappeared with the cheering news that no damage was done.
word
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Passing the word for a lantern, and slinging himself in a bowline, he ventured into the blackness alongside, and presently reappeared with the cheering news that no damage was done.
world's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Charles was hauled on board through the surf alongside like a sodden bundle of clothing, unhurt, but entirely exhausted, having made good his claim to be regarded as one of the world’s silent heroes, a man who to the call of duty returns no dubious answer, but renders swift obedience.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading A few strokes of an axe and they would be set free.