Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
A Runaway Brig
A Runaway Brig

Chapter IX

Cover illustration for A Runaway Brig
Context Illustration Reading 1/19 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE HELMSMAN'S MISTAKE.
Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.
By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.
The old sailor had already decided what should be done, and when the question was settled he went at once to the lazaret for such materials as would be needed.
Joe Taylor disappeared in the Sea Bird's engine-room, and the boys were left standing by the rail, where they could discuss the matter privately.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

A Runaway Brig

Chapter IX

Reading 1/19 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE HELMSMAN'S MISTAKE.
Line 2
Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.
Line 3
By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.
Line 4
The old sailor had already decided what should be done, and when the question was settled he went at once to the lazaret for such materials as would be needed.
Line 5
Joe Taylor disappeared in the Sea Bird's engine-room, and the boys were left standing by the rail, where they could discuss the matter privately.

Learner Dictionary

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

Already noun US /already/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The old sailor had already decided what should be done, and when the question was settled he went at once to the lazaret for such materials as would be needed.”

Although noun US /ˈalthough/

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

From this reading “Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.”

Crew noun US /crew/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.”

Disappeared noun US /ˈdisappeared/

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

From this reading “Joe Taylor disappeared in the Sea Bird's engine-room, and the boys were left standing by the rail, where they could discuss the matter privately.”

Done noun US /done/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The old sailor had already decided what should be done, and when the question was settled he went at once to the lazaret for such materials as would be needed.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.”

Left noun US /left/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.”

Might modal verb US /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.”

Once noun US /once/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The old sailor had already decided what should be done, and when the question was settled he went at once to the lazaret for such materials as would be needed.”

Question noun US /ˈquestion/

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

From this reading “The old sailor had already decided what should be done, and when the question was settled he went at once to the lazaret for such materials as would be needed.”

Save preposition US /seɪv/

except for; apart from

From this reading “By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.”

Soon noun US /soon/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.”

Standing noun US /ˈstanding/

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

From this reading “Joe Taylor disappeared in the Sea Bird's engine-room, and the boys were left standing by the rail, where they could discuss the matter privately.”

Under preposition US /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading “By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.”

Went noun US /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The old sailor had already decided what should be done, and when the question was settled he went at once to the lazaret for such materials as would be needed.”

Whereas conjunction US /weˈræz/

in contrast with the fact that

From this reading “By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.”

All words in this reading · 96

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 By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.

agreed

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

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

all

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

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

alreadynounUS /already/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The old sailor had already decided what should be done, and when the question was settled he went at once to the lazaret for such materials as would be needed.

AlthoughnounUS /ˈalthough/

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

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading The old sailor had already decided what should be done, and when the question was settled he went at once to the lazaret for such materials as would be needed.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The old sailor had already decided what should be done, and when the question was settled he went at once to the lazaret for such materials as would be needed.

attempt

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

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

believed

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

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

Bird's

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

From this reading Joe Taylor disappeared in the Sea Bird's engine-room, and the boys were left standing by the rail, where they could discuss the matter privately.

Bob

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

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/

the two together, not just one

From this reading By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.

boys

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

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

brig

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

From this reading By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.

ByprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.

coast

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

From this reading By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.

crafts

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

From this reading By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.

crewnounUS /crew/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.

decided

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

From this reading The old sailor had already decided what should be done, and when the question was settled he went at once to the lazaret for such materials as would be needed.

disappearednounUS /ˈdisappeared/

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

From this reading Joe Taylor disappeared in the Sea Bird's engine-room, and the boys were left standing by the rail, where they could discuss the matter privately.

discuss

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

From this reading Joe Taylor disappeared in the Sea Bird's engine-room, and the boys were left standing by the rail, where they could discuss the matter privately.

donenounUS /done/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The old sailor had already decided what should be done, and when the question was settled he went at once to the lazaret for such materials as would be needed.

doubt

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

From this reading By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.

engine-room

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

From this reading Joe Taylor disappeared in the Sea Bird's engine-room, and the boys were left standing by the rail, where they could discuss the matter privately.

far

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

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The old sailor had already decided what should be done, and when the question was settled he went at once to the lazaret for such materials as would be needed.

gotten

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

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading The old sailor had already decided what should be done, and when the question was settled he went at once to the lazaret for such materials as would be needed.

HELMSMAN'S

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

From this reading THE HELMSMAN'S MISTAKE.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Joe Taylor disappeared in the Sea Bird's engine-room, and the boys were left standing by the rail, where they could discuss the matter privately.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

Joe

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

From this reading By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.

lazaret

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

From this reading The old sailor had already decided what should be done, and when the question was settled he went at once to the lazaret for such materials as would be needed.

leftnounUS /left/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.

lost

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

From this reading By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.

lower

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

From this reading By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.

made

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

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

making

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

From this reading By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.

materials

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

From this reading The old sailor had already decided what should be done, and when the question was settled he went at once to the lazaret for such materials as would be needed.

matter

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

From this reading Joe Taylor disappeared in the Sea Bird's engine-room, and the boys were left standing by the rail, where they could discuss the matter privately.

member

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

From this reading By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

MISTAKE

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

From this reading THE HELMSMAN'S MISTAKE.

needed

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

From this reading The old sailor had already decided what should be done, and when the question was settled he went at once to the lazaret for such materials as would be needed.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

old

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

From this reading The old sailor had already decided what should be done, and when the question was settled he went at once to the lazaret for such materials as would be needed.

once

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

From this reading The old sailor had already decided what should be done, and when the question was settled he went at once to the lazaret for such materials as would be needed.

port

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

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

privately

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

From this reading Joe Taylor disappeared in the Sea Bird's engine-room, and the boys were left standing by the rail, where they could discuss the matter privately.

questionnounUS /ˈquestion/

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

From this reading The old sailor had already decided what should be done, and when the question was settled he went at once to the lazaret for such materials as would be needed.

rail

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

From this reading Joe Taylor disappeared in the Sea Bird's engine-room, and the boys were left standing by the rail, where they could discuss the matter privately.

reach

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

From this reading By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.

repair

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

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

sailor

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

From this reading The old sailor had already decided what should be done, and when the question was settled he went at once to the lazaret for such materials as would be needed.

sails

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

From this reading By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.

saveprepositionUS /seɪv/

except for; apart from

From this reading By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.

Sea

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

From this reading Joe Taylor disappeared in the Sea Bird's engine-room, and the boys were left standing by the rail, where they could discuss the matter privately.

settled

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

From this reading The old sailor had already decided what should be done, and when the question was settled he went at once to the lazaret for such materials as would be needed.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

sink

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

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

soon

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

From this reading By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.

standingnounUS /ˈstanding/

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

From this reading Joe Taylor disappeared in the Sea Bird's engine-room, and the boys were left standing by the rail, where they could discuss the matter privately.

steamer

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

From this reading By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The old sailor had already decided what should be done, and when the question was settled he went at once to the lazaret for such materials as would be needed.

Taylor

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

From this reading By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE HELMSMAN'S MISTAKE.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

there

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

From this reading By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading Joe Taylor disappeared in the Sea Bird's engine-room, and the boys were left standing by the rail, where they could discuss the matter privately.

three

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

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

trying

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

From this reading By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.

tug

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

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.

wentnounUS /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The old sailor had already decided what should be done, and when the question was settled he went at once to the lazaret for such materials as would be needed.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Joe Taylor disappeared in the Sea Bird's engine-room, and the boys were left standing by the rail, where they could discuss the matter privately.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading The old sailor had already decided what should be done, and when the question was settled he went at once to the lazaret for such materials as would be needed.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading The old sailor had already decided what should be done, and when the question was settled he went at once to the lazaret for such materials as would be needed.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading Joe Taylor disappeared in the Sea Bird's engine-room, and the boys were left standing by the rail, where they could discuss the matter privately.

whereasconjunctionUS /weˈræz/

in contrast with the fact that

From this reading By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Although the three boys had agreed with Bob that an attempt be made to so far repair the tug that she might be gotten into port, all of them believed she should have been left to sink.

worked

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

From this reading By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading By making Joe Taylor a member of the crew the brig could be worked under lower sails, and there was little doubt but that she would soon reach the coast; whereas, by trying to save the steamer both crafts might be lost.