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Commander Lawless V.C.
Commander Lawless V.C.

Chapter VIII

Chapter 8 of Commander Lawless V.C. is here in full — 206 sentences across 42 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Commander Lawless V.C.
Context Illustration Reading 1/41 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.
Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.
Upon the quivering bridge towering above the narrow, sea-washed decks stood Lawless wrapped in a hooded "lammy" suit, which had once been white but was now the colour of a coal-sack.
In front of him a quartermaster, similarly attired, gripped the little steering-wheel and gazed alternately at the illuminated compass and the tiny light at the bows that showed which way the vessel was heading.
"Ease her a couple of points," said the Lieutenant, recovering his balance after a sudden lurch which had thrown him against the searchlight apparatus.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Commander Lawless V.C.

Chapter VIII

Chapter 8 of Commander Lawless V.C. is here in full — 206 sentences across 42 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/41 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.
Line 2
Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.
Line 3
Upon the quivering bridge towering above the narrow, sea-washed decks stood Lawless wrapped in a hooded "lammy" suit, which had once been white but was now the colour of a coal-sack.
Line 4
In front of him a quartermaster, similarly attired, gripped the little steering-wheel and gazed alternately at the illuminated compass and the tiny light at the bows that showed which way the vessel was heading.
Line 5
"Ease her a couple of points," said the Lieutenant, recovering his balance after a sudden lurch which had thrown him against the searchlight apparatus.
/iːz hɜːr ə ˈkʌpəl ʌv pɔɪnts sed ðə luːˈtenənt rəˈkʌvərɪŋ hɪz ˈbæləns ˈæftər ə ˈsʌdən lɜːrtʃ wɪtʃ hæd θroʊn hɪm əˈɡenst ðə ˈsɜːrtʃlaɪt ˌæpərˈætəs/

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

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

buoy verb US /ˈbuːi/

float on the surface of water

From this reading “THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.”

cascades noun US /kæˈskeɪdz/

a mountain range in the northwestern United States extending through Washington and Oregon and northern California; a part of the Coast Range

From this reading “Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.”

hooded verb US /ˈhʊdɪd/

past form of “hood” — cover with a hood

From this reading “Upon the quivering bridge towering above the narrow, sea-washed decks stood Lawless wrapped in a hooded "lammy" suit, which had once been white but was now the colour of a coal-sack.”

rollers noun US /ˈroʊlərz/

plural of “roller” — a grounder that rolls along the infield

From this reading “Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.”

searchlight noun US /ˈsɜːrtʃlaɪt/

a light source with reflectors that projects a beam of light in a particular direction

From this reading “"Ease her a couple of points," said the Lieutenant, recovering his balance after a sudden lurch which had thrown him against the searchlight apparatus.”

short-lived adjective US /ˈʃɔːrtˈlaɪvd/

lasting a very short time

From this reading “THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.”

southerly adjective US /ˈsʌðərli/

situated in or oriented toward the south

From this reading “THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.”

squalls noun US /skwɔːlz/

plural of “squall” — sudden violent winds; often accompanied by precipitation

From this reading “THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

white foam noun + noun

In this reading “Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.”

clouds rolled verb + adjective counted as “cloud rolled”

In this reading “THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.”

full force adjective + noun

In this reading “Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.”

In front preposition + noun

at or in the front

In this reading “In front of him a quartermaster, similarly attired, gripped the little steering-wheel and gazed alternately at the illuminated compass and the tiny light at the bows that showed which way the vessel was heading.”

throwing up verb + adjective counted as “throw up”

eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth

In this reading “Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.”

Like a shadow verb + article + noun counted as “like … shadow”

In this reading “Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.”

All words in this reading · 122

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

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 BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

AboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/

higher than, or over, something

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/

from one side of something to the other

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading "Ease her a couple of points," said the Lieutenant, recovering his balance after a sudden lurch which had thrown him against the searchlight apparatus.

alternatelyadverbUS /ˈɔːltərnətli/

in an alternating sequence or position

From this reading In front of him a quartermaster, similarly attired, gripped the little steering-wheel and gazed alternately at the illuminated compass and the tiny light at the bows that showed which way the vessel was heading.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

apparatusnounUS /ˌæpərˈætəs/

equipment designed to serve a specific function

From this reading "Ease her a couple of points," said the Lieutenant, recovering his balance after a sudden lurch which had thrown him against the searchlight apparatus.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading In front of him a quartermaster, similarly attired, gripped the little steering-wheel and gazed alternately at the illuminated compass and the tiny light at the bows that showed which way the vessel was heading.

attiredadjectiveUS /əˈtaɪrd/

dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination

From this reading In front of him a quartermaster, similarly attired, gripped the little steering-wheel and gazed alternately at the illuminated compass and the tiny light at the bows that showed which way the vessel was heading.

balanceverbUS /ˈbæləns/

bring into balance or equilibrium

From this reading "Ease her a couple of points," said the Lieutenant, recovering his balance after a sudden lurch which had thrown him against the searchlight apparatus.

battalionnounUS /bəˈtæljən/

an army unit usually consisting of a headquarters and three or more companies

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Upon the quivering bridge towering above the narrow, sea-washed decks stood Lawless wrapped in a hooded "lammy" suit, which had once been white but was now the colour of a coal-sack.

BELLnounUS /bel/

a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

blackadjectiveUS /blæk/

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

bowsnounUS /baʊz/

plural of “bow” — a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

bridgenounUS /brɪdʒ/

a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.

From this reading Upon the quivering bridge towering above the narrow, sea-washed decks stood Lawless wrapped in a hooded "lammy" suit, which had once been white but was now the colour of a coal-sack.

BUOYverbUS /ˈbuːi/

float on the surface of water

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Upon the quivering bridge towering above the narrow, sea-washed decks stood Lawless wrapped in a hooded "lammy" suit, which had once been white but was now the colour of a coal-sack.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

cascadesnounUS /kæˈskeɪdz/

a mountain range in the northwestern United States extending through Washington and Oregon and northern California; a part of the Coast Range

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

cloudsnounUS /klaʊdz/

plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

coal-sack

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

From this reading Upon the quivering bridge towering above the narrow, sea-washed decks stood Lawless wrapped in a hooded "lammy" suit, which had once been white but was now the colour of a coal-sack.

colouradjectiveUS /ˈkʌlər/

having or capable of producing colors

From this reading Upon the quivering bridge towering above the narrow, sea-washed decks stood Lawless wrapped in a hooded "lammy" suit, which had once been white but was now the colour of a coal-sack.

compassnounUS /ˈkʌmpəs/

navigational instrument for finding directions

From this reading In front of him a quartermaster, similarly attired, gripped the little steering-wheel and gazed alternately at the illuminated compass and the tiny light at the bows that showed which way the vessel was heading.

couplenounUS /ˈkʌpəl/

a pair who associate with one another

From this reading "Ease her a couple of points," said the Lieutenant, recovering his balance after a sudden lurch which had thrown him against the searchlight apparatus.

decksnounUS /deks/

plural of “deck” — any of various platforms built into a vessel

From this reading Upon the quivering bridge towering above the narrow, sea-washed decks stood Lawless wrapped in a hooded "lammy" suit, which had once been white but was now the colour of a coal-sack.

drivenadjectiveUS /ˈdrɪvən/

compelled forcibly by an outside agency

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

EaseverbUS /iːz/

move gently or carefully

From this reading "Ease her a couple of points," said the Lieutenant, recovering his balance after a sudden lurch which had thrown him against the searchlight apparatus.

foamnounUS /foʊm/

a mass of small bubbles formed in or on a liquid

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

forcenounUS /fɔːrs/

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

formnounUS /fɔːrm/

the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

frequentlyadverbUS /ˈfriːkwəntli/

many times at short intervals

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

frontnounUS /frʌnt/

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading In front of him a quartermaster, similarly attired, gripped the little steering-wheel and gazed alternately at the illuminated compass and the tiny light at the bows that showed which way the vessel was heading.

fulladjectiveUS /fʊl/

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

galenounUS /ɡeɪl/

a strong wind moving 45-90 knots; force 7 to 10 on Beaufort scale

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

gazedverbUS /ɡeɪzd/

past form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes

From this reading In front of him a quartermaster, similarly attired, gripped the little steering-wheel and gazed alternately at the illuminated compass and the tiny light at the bows that showed which way the vessel was heading.

ghostlyadjectiveUS /ˈɡoʊstli/

resembling or characteristic of a phantom

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

grippedverbUS /ɡrɪpt/

inflected form of “grip” — hold fast or firmly

From this reading In front of him a quartermaster, similarly attired, gripped the little steering-wheel and gazed alternately at the illuminated compass and the tiny light at the bows that showed which way the vessel was heading.

gustsnounUS /ɡʌsts/

plural of “gust” — a strong current of air

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Upon the quivering bridge towering above the narrow, sea-washed decks stood Lawless wrapped in a hooded "lammy" suit, which had once been white but was now the colour of a coal-sack.

headingnounUS /ˈhedɪŋ/

a line of text serving to indicate what the passage below it is about

From this reading In front of him a quartermaster, similarly attired, gripped the little steering-wheel and gazed alternately at the illuminated compass and the tiny light at the bows that showed which way the vessel was heading.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

highadjectiveUS /haɪ/

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading In front of him a quartermaster, similarly attired, gripped the little steering-wheel and gazed alternately at the illuminated compass and the tiny light at the bows that showed which way the vessel was heading.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading "Ease her a couple of points," said the Lieutenant, recovering his balance after a sudden lurch which had thrown him against the searchlight apparatus.

hoodedverbUS /ˈhʊdɪd/

past form of “hood” — cover with a hood

From this reading Upon the quivering bridge towering above the narrow, sea-washed decks stood Lawless wrapped in a hooded "lammy" suit, which had once been white but was now the colour of a coal-sack.

illuminatedadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈluːməneɪtəd/

provided with artificial light

From this reading In front of him a quartermaster, similarly attired, gripped the little steering-wheel and gazed alternately at the illuminated compass and the tiny light at the bows that showed which way the vessel was heading.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

inkyadjectiveUS /ˈɪŋki/

of the color of black ink

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

itselfpronounUS /ˌɪtˈself/

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

Knat

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

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

lammy

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

From this reading Upon the quivering bridge towering above the narrow, sea-washed decks stood Lawless wrapped in a hooded "lammy" suit, which had once been white but was now the colour of a coal-sack.

lashedverbUS /læʃt/

past form of “lash” — beat severely with a whip or rod

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

LawlessadjectiveUS /ˈlɔːləs/

without law or control

From this reading Upon the quivering bridge towering above the narrow, sea-washed decks stood Lawless wrapped in a hooded "lammy" suit, which had once been white but was now the colour of a coal-sack.

LieutenantnounUS /luːˈtenənt/

a commissioned military officer

From this reading "Ease her a couple of points," said the Lieutenant, recovering his balance after a sudden lurch which had thrown him against the searchlight apparatus.

lightadjectiveUS /laɪt/

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading In front of him a quartermaster, similarly attired, gripped the little steering-wheel and gazed alternately at the illuminated compass and the tiny light at the bows that showed which way the vessel was heading.

LikeverbUS /laɪk/

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading In front of him a quartermaster, similarly attired, gripped the little steering-wheel and gazed alternately at the illuminated compass and the tiny light at the bows that showed which way the vessel was heading.

longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

lowadjectiveUS /loʊ/

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

low-lyingadjective

having a small elevation above the ground or horizon or sea level

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

lurchverbUS /lɜːrtʃ/

walk as if unable to control one's movements

From this reading "Ease her a couple of points," said the Lieutenant, recovering his balance after a sudden lurch which had thrown him against the searchlight apparatus.

metverbUS /met/

inflected form of “meet” — come together

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

moonlessadjective

without a moon or a visible moon

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

narrowverbUS /ˈneroʊ/

make or become more narrow or restricted

From this reading Upon the quivering bridge towering above the narrow, sea-washed decks stood Lawless wrapped in a hooded "lammy" suit, which had once been white but was now the colour of a coal-sack.

NorthnounUS /nɔːrθ/

the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Upon the quivering bridge towering above the narrow, sea-washed decks stood Lawless wrapped in a hooded "lammy" suit, which had once been white but was now the colour of a coal-sack.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

on-coming

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

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

onceadverbUS /wʌns/

on one occasion

From this reading Upon the quivering bridge towering above the narrow, sea-washed decks stood Lawless wrapped in a hooded "lammy" suit, which had once been white but was now the colour of a coal-sack.

plungedverbUS /plʌndʒd/

past form of “plunge” — thrust or throw into

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

pointsnounUS /pɔɪnts/

plural of “point” — a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading "Ease her a couple of points," said the Lieutenant, recovering his balance after a sudden lurch which had thrown him against the searchlight apparatus.

quartermasternounUS /ˈkwɔːrtərmæstər/

an army officer who provides clothing and subsistence for troops

From this reading In front of him a quartermaster, similarly attired, gripped the little steering-wheel and gazed alternately at the illuminated compass and the tiny light at the bows that showed which way the vessel was heading.

quiveringnounUS /ˈkwɪvərɪŋ/

a shaky motion

From this reading Upon the quivering bridge towering above the narrow, sea-washed decks stood Lawless wrapped in a hooded "lammy" suit, which had once been white but was now the colour of a coal-sack.

recoveringadjectiveUS /rəˈkʌvərɪŋ/

returning to health after illness or debility

From this reading "Ease her a couple of points," said the Lieutenant, recovering his balance after a sudden lurch which had thrown him against the searchlight apparatus.

reeledverbUS /riːld/

past form of “reel” — walk as if unable to control one's movements

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

ridingnounUS /ˈraɪdɪŋ/

the sport of sitting on the back of a horse while controlling its movements

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

risingadjectiveUS /ˈraɪzɪŋ/

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

rolledadjectiveUS /roʊld/

especially of petals or leaves in bud; having margins rolled inward

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

rollersnounUS /ˈroʊlərz/

plural of “roller” — a grounder that rolls along the infield

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

saidadjectiveUS /sed/

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Ease her a couple of points," said the Lieutenant, recovering his balance after a sudden lurch which had thrown him against the searchlight apparatus.

SeanounUS /siː/

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

sea-washed

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

From this reading Upon the quivering bridge towering above the narrow, sea-washed decks stood Lawless wrapped in a hooded "lammy" suit, which had once been white but was now the colour of a coal-sack.

searchlightnounUS /ˈsɜːrtʃlaɪt/

a light source with reflectors that projects a beam of light in a particular direction

From this reading "Ease her a couple of points," said the Lieutenant, recovering his balance after a sudden lurch which had thrown him against the searchlight apparatus.

shadownounUS /ˈʃæd.oʊ/

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

short-livedadjectiveUS /ˈʃɔːrtˈlaɪvd/

lasting a very short time

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

showedverbUS /ʃoʊd/

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading In front of him a quartermaster, similarly attired, gripped the little steering-wheel and gazed alternately at the illuminated compass and the tiny light at the bows that showed which way the vessel was heading.

similarlyadverbUS /ˈsɪmələrli/

in like or similar manner

From this reading In front of him a quartermaster, similarly attired, gripped the little steering-wheel and gazed alternately at the illuminated compass and the tiny light at the bows that showed which way the vessel was heading.

skynounUS /skaɪ/

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

southerlyadjectiveUS /ˈsʌðərli/

situated in or oriented toward the south

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

southwardsadverb

toward the south

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

squallsnounUS /skwɔːlz/

plural of “squall” — sudden violent winds; often accompanied by precipitation

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

steering-wheel

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

From this reading In front of him a quartermaster, similarly attired, gripped the little steering-wheel and gazed alternately at the illuminated compass and the tiny light at the bows that showed which way the vessel was heading.

stoodverbUS /stʊd/

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading Upon the quivering bridge towering above the narrow, sea-washed decks stood Lawless wrapped in a hooded "lammy" suit, which had once been white but was now the colour of a coal-sack.

suddenadjectiveUS /ˈsʌdən/

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading "Ease her a couple of points," said the Lieutenant, recovering his balance after a sudden lurch which had thrown him against the searchlight apparatus.

suitverbUS /suːt/

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading Upon the quivering bridge towering above the narrow, sea-washed decks stood Lawless wrapped in a hooded "lammy" suit, which had once been white but was now the colour of a coal-sack.

surfacenounUS /ˈsɜːrfəs/

the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

teethnounUS /tiːθ/

the kind and number and arrangement of teeth (collectively) in a person or animal

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

throwingverbUS /ˈθroʊɪŋ/

-ing form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

thrownadjectiveUS /θroʊn/

caused to fall to the ground

From this reading "Ease her a couple of points," said the Lieutenant, recovering his balance after a sudden lurch which had thrown him against the searchlight apparatus.

timenounUS /taɪm/

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

tinyadjectiveUS /ˈtaɪni/

very small

From this reading In front of him a quartermaster, similarly attired, gripped the little steering-wheel and gazed alternately at the illuminated compass and the tiny light at the bows that showed which way the vessel was heading.

toweringadjectiveUS /ˈtaʊərɪŋ/

of imposing height; especially standing out above others

From this reading Upon the quivering bridge towering above the narrow, sea-washed decks stood Lawless wrapped in a hooded "lammy" suit, which had once been white but was now the colour of a coal-sack.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

UponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Upon the quivering bridge towering above the narrow, sea-washed decks stood Lawless wrapped in a hooded "lammy" suit, which had once been white but was now the colour of a coal-sack.

vesselnounUS /ˈvesəl/

a tube in which a body fluid circulates

From this reading In front of him a quartermaster, similarly attired, gripped the little steering-wheel and gazed alternately at the illuminated compass and the tiny light at the bows that showed which way the vessel was heading.

violencenounUS /ˈvaɪələns/

an act of aggression (as one against a person who resists)

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Upon the quivering bridge towering above the narrow, sea-washed decks stood Lawless wrapped in a hooded "lammy" suit, which had once been white but was now the colour of a coal-sack.

wavenounUS /weɪv/

one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

waynounUS /weɪ/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading In front of him a quartermaster, similarly attired, gripped the little steering-wheel and gazed alternately at the illuminated compass and the tiny light at the bows that showed which way the vessel was heading.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Upon the quivering bridge towering above the narrow, sea-washed decks stood Lawless wrapped in a hooded "lammy" suit, which had once been white but was now the colour of a coal-sack.

whitenounUS /waɪt/

a Caucasian

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

white-capped

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

From this reading Like a shadow riding the white-capped rollers, the long, low form of the _Knat_ plunged and reeled southwards in the teeth of the rising gale, her high bows throwing up cascades of ghostly white foam each time she met the full force of an on-coming wave.

windnounUS /waɪnd/

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading THE BELL BUOY Above the inky surface of the North Sea, battalion after battalion of low-lying, black clouds rolled across the moonless sky, driven by a southerly wind that frequently lashed itself into gusts and squalls of short-lived violence.

wrappedadjectiveUS /ræpt/

covered with or as if with clothes or a wrap or cloak

From this reading Upon the quivering bridge towering above the narrow, sea-washed decks stood Lawless wrapped in a hooded "lammy" suit, which had once been white but was now the colour of a coal-sack.

Chapter 8 of Commander Lawless V.C. by Rolf Bennett holds 206 sentences, grouped into 42 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 8 of Commander Lawless V.C. contain?

Chapter 8 holds 206 sentences of Commander Lawless V.C., unabridged, divided into 42 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 8 of Commander Lawless V.C. by Rolf Bennett exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 206 sentences, grouped into 42 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 8 of Commander Lawless V.C.?

Work through the 42 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 42 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 8 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 8 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Commander Lawless V.C.

Common questions about reading Commander Lawless V.C. by Rolf Bennett on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Commander Lawless V.C.?

Yes. All 1854 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #40511 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Commander Lawless V.C. is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #40511, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Commander Lawless V.C. take to read?

About 154 minutes of reading across 371 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Commander Lawless V.C. section by section

How to work through Commander Lawless V.C. section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 9 chapters of Commander Lawless V.C. to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Commander Lawless V.C.

Words and structures a reader meets early in Commander Lawless V.C., each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Commander
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Commander Lawless V.C.; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Lawless
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Commander Lawless V.C.; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Author
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Commander Lawless V.C.; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Adventures
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Commander Lawless V.C.; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.