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 They were moored at but a very short distance from the beach, one of them being anchored, and the rest hanging by their painters in a string, astern of her.
afford
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
afloat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
againnounUS /again/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading We decided to take the boats, five in number besides the punt, over to the mouth of the channel, and anchor them there until we could pick them up again on our way out in the cutter, and then go back after our canoe, so as to prevent the possibility of her falling into the hands of the pirates.
alarm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
anchor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We decided to take the boats, five in number besides the punt, over to the mouth of the channel, and anchor them there until we could pick them up again on our way out in the cutter, and then go back after our canoe, so as to prevent the possibility of her falling into the hands of the pirates.
anchored
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were moored at but a very short distance from the beach, one of them being anchored, and the rest hanging by their painters in a string, astern of her.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/
any thing at all
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
apiece
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
appeared
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
astern
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were moored at but a very short distance from the beach, one of them being anchored, and the rest hanging by their painters in a string, astern of her.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading They were moored at but a very short distance from the beach, one of them being anchored, and the rest hanging by their painters in a string, astern of her.
attached
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
attained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
attempt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
back
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We decided to take the boats, five in number besides the punt, over to the mouth of the channel, and anchor them there until we could pick them up again on our way out in the cutter, and then go back after our canoe, so as to prevent the possibility of her falling into the hands of the pirates.
backed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
beach
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were moored at but a very short distance from the beach, one of them being anchored, and the rest hanging by their painters in a string, astern of her.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading They were moored at but a very short distance from the beach, one of them being anchored, and the rest hanging by their painters in a string, astern of her.
besidesprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪdz/
in addition to; as well as
From this reading We decided to take the boats, five in number besides the punt, over to the mouth of the channel, and anchor them there until we could pick them up again on our way out in the cutter, and then go back after our canoe, so as to prevent the possibility of her falling into the hands of the pirates.
bivouac
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
boat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
boat-anchor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
boats
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
Bob
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/
the two together, not just one
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading They were moored at but a very short distance from the beach, one of them being anchored, and the rest hanging by their painters in a string, astern of her.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading They were moored at but a very short distance from the beach, one of them being anchored, and the rest hanging by their painters in a string, astern of her.
canoe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We decided to take the boats, five in number besides the punt, over to the mouth of the channel, and anchor them there until we could pick them up again on our way out in the cutter, and then go back after our canoe, so as to prevent the possibility of her falling into the hands of the pirates.
carefully
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
carried
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
channel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We decided to take the boats, five in number besides the punt, over to the mouth of the channel, and anchor them there until we could pick them up again on our way out in the cutter, and then go back after our canoe, so as to prevent the possibility of her falling into the hands of the pirates.
considered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
continuednounUS /ˈcontinued/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading We decided to take the boats, five in number besides the punt, over to the mouth of the channel, and anchor them there until we could pick them up again on our way out in the cutter, and then go back after our canoe, so as to prevent the possibility of her falling into the hands of the pirates.
coursenounUS /course/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
cutter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We decided to take the boats, five in number besides the punt, over to the mouth of the channel, and anchor them there until we could pick them up again on our way out in the cutter, and then go back after our canoe, so as to prevent the possibility of her falling into the hands of the pirates.
dared
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
decided
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We decided to take the boats, five in number besides the punt, over to the mouth of the channel, and anchor them there until we could pick them up again on our way out in the cutter, and then go back after our canoe, so as to prevent the possibility of her falling into the hands of the pirates.
direct
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
distance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were moored at but a very short distance from the beach, one of them being anchored, and the rest hanging by their painters in a string, astern of her.
easily
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
end
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
everythingpronounUS /ˈevriθɪŋ/
all things; all of a situation
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
falling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We decided to take the boats, five in number besides the punt, over to the mouth of the channel, and anchor them there until we could pick them up again on our way out in the cutter, and then go back after our canoe, so as to prevent the possibility of her falling into the hands of the pirates.
fate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
five
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We decided to take the boats, five in number besides the punt, over to the mouth of the channel, and anchor them there until we could pick them up again on our way out in the cutter, and then go back after our canoe, so as to prevent the possibility of her falling into the hands of the pirates.
fleet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading They were moored at but a very short distance from the beach, one of them being anchored, and the rest hanging by their painters in a string, astern of her.
gently
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
given
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
go
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We decided to take the boats, five in number besides the punt, over to the mouth of the channel, and anchor them there until we could pick them up again on our way out in the cutter, and then go back after our canoe, so as to prevent the possibility of her falling into the hands of the pirates.
got
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
half-a
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
handsplural nounUS /hændz/
members of a ship’s crew
From this reading We decided to take the boats, five in number besides the punt, over to the mouth of the channel, and anchor them there until we could pick them up again on our way out in the cutter, and then go back after our canoe, so as to prevent the possibility of her falling into the hands of the pirates.
hanging
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were moored at but a very short distance from the beach, one of them being anchored, and the rest hanging by their painters in a string, astern of her.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
hold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
leftnounUS /left/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
lifted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
light
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
low
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
means
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
mentioned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
mile
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
moored
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were moored at but a very short distance from the beach, one of them being anchored, and the rest hanging by their painters in a string, astern of her.
mouth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We decided to take the boats, five in number besides the punt, over to the mouth of the channel, and anchor them there until we could pick them up again on our way out in the cutter, and then go back after our canoe, so as to prevent the possibility of her falling into the hands of the pirates.
noiselessly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
number
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We decided to take the boats, five in number besides the punt, over to the mouth of the channel, and anchor them there until we could pick them up again on our way out in the cutter, and then go back after our canoe, so as to prevent the possibility of her falling into the hands of the pirates.
oar
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
oars
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
off
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
offing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
often
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading We decided to take the boats, five in number besides the punt, over to the mouth of the channel, and anchor them there until we could pick them up again on our way out in the cutter, and then go back after our canoe, so as to prevent the possibility of her falling into the hands of the pirates.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading They were moored at but a very short distance from the beach, one of them being anchored, and the rest hanging by their painters in a string, astern of her.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading We decided to take the boats, five in number besides the punt, over to the mouth of the channel, and anchor them there until we could pick them up again on our way out in the cutter, and then go back after our canoe, so as to prevent the possibility of her falling into the hands of the pirates.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We decided to take the boats, five in number besides the punt, over to the mouth of the channel, and anchor them there until we could pick them up again on our way out in the cutter, and then go back after our canoe, so as to prevent the possibility of her falling into the hands of the pirates.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading We decided to take the boats, five in number besides the punt, over to the mouth of the channel, and anchor them there until we could pick them up again on our way out in the cutter, and then go back after our canoe, so as to prevent the possibility of her falling into the hands of the pirates.
overtake
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
painter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
painters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were moored at but a very short distance from the beach, one of them being anchored, and the rest hanging by their painters in a string, astern of her.
perfect
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
perfectly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
pick
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We decided to take the boats, five in number besides the punt, over to the mouth of the channel, and anchor them there until we could pick them up again on our way out in the cutter, and then go back after our canoe, so as to prevent the possibility of her falling into the hands of the pirates.
piratesnounUS /ˈpirates/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
placed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/
the main matter or purpose being discussed
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
position
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
possession
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
possibility
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We decided to take the boats, five in number besides the punt, over to the mouth of the channel, and anchor them there until we could pick them up again on our way out in the cutter, and then go back after our canoe, so as to prevent the possibility of her falling into the hands of the pirates.
prevent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We decided to take the boats, five in number besides the punt, over to the mouth of the channel, and anchor them there until we could pick them up again on our way out in the cutter, and then go back after our canoe, so as to prevent the possibility of her falling into the hands of the pirates.
pullednounUS /pulled/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
punt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
pursuit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
quickly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
raised
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
ready
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
remainednounUS /ˈremained/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
restnounUS /rest/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading They were moored at but a very short distance from the beach, one of them being anchored, and the rest hanging by their painters in a string, astern of her.
rounded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
safe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
sat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
secure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
see
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
shore
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔrt/
brief or direct in expression
From this reading They were moored at but a very short distance from the beach, one of them being anchored, and the rest hanging by their painters in a string, astern of her.
small
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
SoconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
stepped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
stern
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
stern-sheets
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
stillnounUS /still/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
string
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were moored at but a very short distance from the beach, one of them being anchored, and the rest hanging by their painters in a string, astern of her.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
swimming
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
takenounUS /take/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
taking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading They were moored at but a very short distance from the beach, one of them being anchored, and the rest hanging by their painters in a string, astern of her.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading They were moored at but a very short distance from the beach, one of them being anchored, and the rest hanging by their painters in a string, astern of her.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
thereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/
for that reason; as a result
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
TheypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were moored at but a very short distance from the beach, one of them being anchored, and the rest hanging by their painters in a string, astern of her.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
thoughtnounUS /thought/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
tow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
tranquil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
transpired
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
unable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
unconcern
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
unlikely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We decided to take the boats, five in number besides the punt, over to the mouth of the channel, and anchor them there until we could pick them up again on our way out in the cutter, and then go back after our canoe, so as to prevent the possibility of her falling into the hands of the pirates.
uspronounUS /ʌs/
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were moored at but a very short distance from the beach, one of them being anchored, and the rest hanging by their painters in a string, astern of her.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
water
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We decided to take the boats, five in number besides the punt, over to the mouth of the channel, and anchor them there until we could pick them up again on our way out in the cutter, and then go back after our canoe, so as to prevent the possibility of her falling into the hands of the pirates.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They were moored at but a very short distance from the beach, one of them being anchored, and the rest hanging by their painters in a string, astern of her.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
whilstconjunctionUS /waɪlst/
an old and formal word for “while”
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
whole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in tow astern of us.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars, whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other boats.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of half-a- mile, for I thought it very unlikely that the pirates would then attempt to overtake us by swimming--the only means of pursuit they now had--even if an alarm were given; but everything still remained perfectly tranquil, and continued so until we had rounded the low point so often mentioned: after which, of course, we _were_ unable to see anything which transpired in the bivouac.
