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A Victorious Union
A Victorious Union

Chapter II

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Context Illustration Reading 1/18 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.
On important occasions, as when several boats were ordered upon an expedition, it was not unusual to send the first lieutenant in command.
Though only a single whaleboat would be required for the enterprise in which the commander was so deeply interested, its importance appeared to justify the selection of the executive officer to conduct it; and Christy was directed to suit himself.
Of course the expedition was to be sent out at night, for the cover of the darkness was necessary to render it effectual.
In the afternoon the wind had come around to the south-west, and already a slight fog had obscured the Sand Island Lighthouse.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
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A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

A Victorious Union

Chapter II

Reading 1/18 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.
Line 2
On important occasions, as when several boats were ordered upon an expedition, it was not unusual to send the first lieutenant in command.
Line 3
Though only a single whaleboat would be required for the enterprise in which the commander was so deeply interested, its importance appeared to justify the selection of the executive officer to conduct it; and Christy was directed to suit himself.
Line 4
Of course the expedition was to be sent out at night, for the cover of the darkness was necessary to render it effectual.
Line 5
In the afternoon the wind had come around to the south-west, and already a slight fog had obscured the Sand Island Lighthouse.

Learner Dictionary

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

Afternoon noun US /ˈafternoon/

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

From this reading “In the afternoon the wind had come around to the south-west, and already a slight fog had obscured the Sand Island Lighthouse.”

Already noun US /already/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “In the afternoon the wind had come around to the south-west, and already a slight fog had obscured the Sand Island Lighthouse.”

Around preposition US /ərˈaʊnd/

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading “In the afternoon the wind had come around to the south-west, and already a slight fog had obscured the Sand Island Lighthouse.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.”

Between preposition US /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading “THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.”

Captain noun US /ˈcaptain/

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

From this reading “THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.”

Come noun US /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “In the afternoon the wind had come around to the south-west, and already a slight fog had obscured the Sand Island Lighthouse.”

Continued noun US /ˈcontinued/

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

From this reading “THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.”

Course noun US /course/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Of course the expedition was to be sent out at night, for the cover of the darkness was necessary to render it effectual.”

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “On important occasions, as when several boats were ordered upon an expedition, it was not unusual to send the first lieutenant in command.”

Himself pronoun US /hɪmˈself/

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

From this reading “Though only a single whaleboat would be required for the enterprise in which the commander was so deeply interested, its importance appeared to justify the selection of the executive officer to conduct it; and Christy was directed to suit himself.”

Required noun US /required/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Though only a single whaleboat would be required for the enterprise in which the commander was so deeply interested, its importance appeared to justify the selection of the executive officer to conduct it; and Christy was directed to suit himself.”

Several noun US /ˈseveral/

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

From this reading “On important occasions, as when several boats were ordered upon an expedition, it was not unusual to send the first lieutenant in command.”

Though conjunction US /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “Though only a single whaleboat would be required for the enterprise in which the commander was so deeply interested, its importance appeared to justify the selection of the executive officer to conduct it; and Christy was directed to suit himself.”

Till preposition US /tɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading “THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “On important occasions, as when several boats were ordered upon an expedition, it was not unusual to send the first lieutenant in command.”

Wind noun US /wind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “In the afternoon the wind had come around to the south-west, and already a slight fog had obscured the Sand Island Lighthouse.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “Though only a single whaleboat would be required for the enterprise in which the commander was so deeply interested, its importance appeared to justify the selection of the executive officer to conduct it; and Christy was directed to suit himself.”

All words in this reading · 89

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 THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.

afternoonnounUS /ˈafternoon/

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

From this reading In the afternoon the wind had come around to the south-west, and already a slight fog had obscured the Sand Island Lighthouse.

alreadynounUS /already/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading In the afternoon the wind had come around to the south-west, and already a slight fog had obscured the Sand Island Lighthouse.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading On important occasions, as when several boats were ordered upon an expedition, it was not unusual to send the first lieutenant in command.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.

appeared

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

From this reading Though only a single whaleboat would be required for the enterprise in which the commander was so deeply interested, its importance appeared to justify the selection of the executive officer to conduct it; and Christy was directed to suit himself.

aroundprepositionUS /ərˈaʊnd/

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading In the afternoon the wind had come around to the south-west, and already a slight fog had obscured the Sand Island Lighthouse.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading On important occasions, as when several boats were ordered upon an expedition, it was not unusual to send the first lieutenant in command.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Of course the expedition was to be sent out at night, for the cover of the darkness was necessary to render it effectual.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Though only a single whaleboat would be required for the enterprise in which the commander was so deeply interested, its importance appeared to justify the selection of the executive officer to conduct it; and Christy was directed to suit himself.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.

Bellevite

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

From this reading THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.

boats

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

From this reading On important occasions, as when several boats were ordered upon an expedition, it was not unusual to send the first lieutenant in command.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.

called

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

From this reading THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.

captainnounUS /ˈcaptain/

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

From this reading THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.

Christy

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

From this reading Though only a single whaleboat would be required for the enterprise in which the commander was so deeply interested, its importance appeared to justify the selection of the executive officer to conduct it; and Christy was directed to suit himself.

comenounUS /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading In the afternoon the wind had come around to the south-west, and already a slight fog had obscured the Sand Island Lighthouse.

command

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

From this reading On important occasions, as when several boats were ordered upon an expedition, it was not unusual to send the first lieutenant in command.

commander

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

From this reading Though only a single whaleboat would be required for the enterprise in which the commander was so deeply interested, its importance appeared to justify the selection of the executive officer to conduct it; and Christy was directed to suit himself.

conduct

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

From this reading Though only a single whaleboat would be required for the enterprise in which the commander was so deeply interested, its importance appeared to justify the selection of the executive officer to conduct it; and Christy was directed to suit himself.

continuednounUS /ˈcontinued/

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

From this reading THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.

conversation

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

From this reading THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.

coursenounUS /course/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Of course the expedition was to be sent out at night, for the cover of the darkness was necessary to render it effectual.

cover

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

From this reading Of course the expedition was to be sent out at night, for the cover of the darkness was necessary to render it effectual.

darkness

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

From this reading Of course the expedition was to be sent out at night, for the cover of the darkness was necessary to render it effectual.

decision

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

From this reading THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.

deeply

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

From this reading Though only a single whaleboat would be required for the enterprise in which the commander was so deeply interested, its importance appeared to justify the selection of the executive officer to conduct it; and Christy was directed to suit himself.

DEPARTURE

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

From this reading THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.

directed

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

From this reading Though only a single whaleboat would be required for the enterprise in which the commander was so deeply interested, its importance appeared to justify the selection of the executive officer to conduct it; and Christy was directed to suit himself.

effectual

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

From this reading Of course the expedition was to be sent out at night, for the cover of the darkness was necessary to render it effectual.

enterprise

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

From this reading Though only a single whaleboat would be required for the enterprise in which the commander was so deeply interested, its importance appeared to justify the selection of the executive officer to conduct it; and Christy was directed to suit himself.

executive

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

From this reading THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.

EXPEDITION

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

From this reading THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading On important occasions, as when several boats were ordered upon an expedition, it was not unusual to send the first lieutenant in command.

fog

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

From this reading In the afternoon the wind had come around to the south-west, and already a slight fog had obscured the Sand Island Lighthouse.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Though only a single whaleboat would be required for the enterprise in which the commander was so deeply interested, its importance appeared to justify the selection of the executive officer to conduct it; and Christy was directed to suit himself.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

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

From this reading Though only a single whaleboat would be required for the enterprise in which the commander was so deeply interested, its importance appeared to justify the selection of the executive officer to conduct it; and Christy was directed to suit himself.

importance

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

From this reading Though only a single whaleboat would be required for the enterprise in which the commander was so deeply interested, its importance appeared to justify the selection of the executive officer to conduct it; and Christy was directed to suit himself.

important

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

From this reading On important occasions, as when several boats were ordered upon an expedition, it was not unusual to send the first lieutenant in command.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading On important occasions, as when several boats were ordered upon an expedition, it was not unusual to send the first lieutenant in command.

interested

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

From this reading Though only a single whaleboat would be required for the enterprise in which the commander was so deeply interested, its importance appeared to justify the selection of the executive officer to conduct it; and Christy was directed to suit himself.

Island

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

From this reading In the afternoon the wind had come around to the south-west, and already a slight fog had obscured the Sand Island Lighthouse.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading On important occasions, as when several boats were ordered upon an expedition, it was not unusual to send the first lieutenant in command.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Though only a single whaleboat would be required for the enterprise in which the commander was so deeply interested, its importance appeared to justify the selection of the executive officer to conduct it; and Christy was directed to suit himself.

justify

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

From this reading Though only a single whaleboat would be required for the enterprise in which the commander was so deeply interested, its importance appeared to justify the selection of the executive officer to conduct it; and Christy was directed to suit himself.

lieutenant

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

From this reading On important occasions, as when several boats were ordered upon an expedition, it was not unusual to send the first lieutenant in command.

Lighthouse

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

From this reading In the afternoon the wind had come around to the south-west, and already a slight fog had obscured the Sand Island Lighthouse.

necessary

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

From this reading Of course the expedition was to be sent out at night, for the cover of the darkness was necessary to render it effectual.

night

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

From this reading Of course the expedition was to be sent out at night, for the cover of the darkness was necessary to render it effectual.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading On important occasions, as when several boats were ordered upon an expedition, it was not unusual to send the first lieutenant in command.

obscured

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

From this reading In the afternoon the wind had come around to the south-west, and already a slight fog had obscured the Sand Island Lighthouse.

occasions

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

From this reading On important occasions, as when several boats were ordered upon an expedition, it was not unusual to send the first lieutenant in command.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.

officer

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

From this reading THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.

OnprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On important occasions, as when several boats were ordered upon an expedition, it was not unusual to send the first lieutenant in command.

only

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

From this reading Though only a single whaleboat would be required for the enterprise in which the commander was so deeply interested, its importance appeared to justify the selection of the executive officer to conduct it; and Christy was directed to suit himself.

ordered

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

From this reading On important occasions, as when several boats were ordered upon an expedition, it was not unusual to send the first lieutenant in command.

out

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

From this reading Of course the expedition was to be sent out at night, for the cover of the darkness was necessary to render it effectual.

reached

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

From this reading THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.

render

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

From this reading Of course the expedition was to be sent out at night, for the cover of the darkness was necessary to render it effectual.

requirednounUS /required/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Though only a single whaleboat would be required for the enterprise in which the commander was so deeply interested, its importance appeared to justify the selection of the executive officer to conduct it; and Christy was directed to suit himself.

Sand

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

From this reading In the afternoon the wind had come around to the south-west, and already a slight fog had obscured the Sand Island Lighthouse.

selection

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

From this reading Though only a single whaleboat would be required for the enterprise in which the commander was so deeply interested, its importance appeared to justify the selection of the executive officer to conduct it; and Christy was directed to suit himself.

send

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

From this reading On important occasions, as when several boats were ordered upon an expedition, it was not unusual to send the first lieutenant in command.

sent

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

From this reading Of course the expedition was to be sent out at night, for the cover of the darkness was necessary to render it effectual.

several

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

From this reading On important occasions, as when several boats were ordered upon an expedition, it was not unusual to send the first lieutenant in command.

single

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

From this reading Though only a single whaleboat would be required for the enterprise in which the commander was so deeply interested, its importance appeared to justify the selection of the executive officer to conduct it; and Christy was directed to suit himself.

slight

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

From this reading In the afternoon the wind had come around to the south-west, and already a slight fog had obscured the Sand Island Lighthouse.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Though only a single whaleboat would be required for the enterprise in which the commander was so deeply interested, its importance appeared to justify the selection of the executive officer to conduct it; and Christy was directed to suit himself.

south-west

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

From this reading In the afternoon the wind had come around to the south-west, and already a slight fog had obscured the Sand Island Lighthouse.

suit

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

From this reading Though only a single whaleboat would be required for the enterprise in which the commander was so deeply interested, its importance appeared to justify the selection of the executive officer to conduct it; and Christy was directed to suit himself.

supper

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

From this reading THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.

ThoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Though only a single whaleboat would be required for the enterprise in which the commander was so deeply interested, its importance appeared to justify the selection of the executive officer to conduct it; and Christy was directed to suit himself.

tillprepositionUS /tɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.

unusual

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

From this reading On important occasions, as when several boats were ordered upon an expedition, it was not unusual to send the first lieutenant in command.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading On important occasions, as when several boats were ordered upon an expedition, it was not unusual to send the first lieutenant in command.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPEDITION The conversation between the captain and the executive officer of the Bellevite was continued till they were called to supper; but a decision had been reached.

whaleboat

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

From this reading Though only a single whaleboat would be required for the enterprise in which the commander was so deeply interested, its importance appeared to justify the selection of the executive officer to conduct it; and Christy was directed to suit himself.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading On important occasions, as when several boats were ordered upon an expedition, it was not unusual to send the first lieutenant in command.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Though only a single whaleboat would be required for the enterprise in which the commander was so deeply interested, its importance appeared to justify the selection of the executive officer to conduct it; and Christy was directed to suit himself.

windnounUS /wind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading In the afternoon the wind had come around to the south-west, and already a slight fog had obscured the Sand Island Lighthouse.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading Though only a single whaleboat would be required for the enterprise in which the commander was so deeply interested, its importance appeared to justify the selection of the executive officer to conduct it; and Christy was directed to suit himself.