Before You Read: Target Vocabulary
Essential words to understand this chapter easily.
tempest
/ˈtɛmpɪst/A violent, windy storm accompanied by rain, hail, or snow
schooner
/ˈskuːnər/A fast sailing ship with two or more masts
shudder
/ˈʃʌdər/A sudden shaking movement caused by fear, cold, or strong emotion
helm
/hɛlm/The wheel or tiller used to steer a ship or boat
Chapter Text Preview
On August 8, a sudden and violent storm struck the quiet coastal town of Whitby. The day had started out warm and pleasant, but by evening, dark, unnatural clouds covered the sky. A crowd of locals and visitors gathered on the high cliffs by the old churchyard to watch the wild sea. As the tempest broke, the wind roared like thunder, and thick sea-fog drifted over the water like cold ghosts. Through the blinding mist, the harbor searchlight spotted a foreign schooner rushing toward the shore. She was sailing at full speed with all her sails set, heading straight for...
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