Before You Read: Target Vocabulary
Essential words to understand this chapter easily.
in earnest
/ɪn ˈɜːnɪst/more seriously and with more determination than before
taken aback
/ˈteɪkən əˈbæk/very surprised, shocked, or confused by something unexpected
volley
/ˈvɒli/a number of bullets fired simultaneously together
reverently
/ˈrevərəntli/in a way that shows profound respect and honor
Chapter Text Preview
We ran as fast as we could across the narrow strip of woods that separated us from the stockade. With every step we took, the shouting of the pirates sounded closer and closer behind us. Soon, we could hear their heavy footsteps and the loud cracking of branches as they pushed their way through the bushes. I realized that we were about to fight in earnest, so I checked my weapon. “Captain,” I whispered, “Trelawney is our best shot. Give him your gun; his own got ruined in the water.” They quickly exchanged muskets. Trelawney was calm and collected, just...
Continue Reading in the Interactive Reader
Create a free account to read all chapters, click any highlighted word for pronunciation, and complete interactive post-reading quizzes.