Before You Read: Target Vocabulary
Essential words to understand this chapter easily.
current
/ˈkʌr.ənt/A continuous, powerful movement of water in the sea or a river in a particular direction.
abate
/əˈbeɪt/To become less strong, severe, or intense.
fatigue
/fəˈtiːɡ/A state of extreme physical or mental tiredness.
consternation
/ˌkɒn.stəˈneɪ.ʃən/A sudden feeling of shock, fear, or confusion caused by something unexpected.
Chapter Text Preview
For nearly five years, my life continued in the same peaceful pattern. Beside my yearly work of planting barley and rice, curing raisins, and hunting, I spent nearly two years making a smaller canoe. Remembering my earlier mistake, I dug a canal half a mile long to bring the boat directly to the water. I fitted a little mast into it, made a sail from old ship canvas, and built dry lockers at both ends to store food and ammunition. I also fixed my umbrella at the back to protect me from the sun. With this boat ready, I planned...
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