Before You Read: Target Vocabulary
Essential words to understand this chapter easily.
agitated
/ˈædʒɪteɪtɪd/Feeling nervous, restless, or extremely troubled
summons
/ˈsʌmənz/An official message or severe demand ordering someone to appear or face judgment
cutlass
/ˈkʌtləs/A short, broad sword with a curved blade, traditionally used by sailors
iron grip
/ˈaɪən ɡrɪp/A very tight, forceful, and inescapable hold
Chapter Text Preview
Around noon, I went up to the captain’s room with some medicine. He was lying in bed, looking weak and restless. As soon as he saw me, he began to plead in a low, trembling voice. "Jim," he whispered, "you are the only person here worth anything. You know I have always treated you well. Please, Jim, just bring me one small glass of rum. I am feeling terrible and everyone has deserted me." "The doctor told you—" I began. "Doctors know nothing about seafaring men!" he interrupted angrily. "I have lived in deadly, boiling places where men fell dead...
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