A Crack in the Sea by H.M. Bouwman Part 1 Chapters 7-9

to make or become confused

Old Caesar thought maybe they were addled.

to talk about or hint at without mentioning directly

To allude to their gifts without giving them away.

to change for the better : IMPROVE

Before Kinchen could protest, Caesar swallowed and amended her statement.

a feeling of dislike for someone or something considered not good enough

His rare fountain of words showed his disdain for swimming lessons.

to twist or twine together or around

Their fingers, still entwined, these two little pilgrims.

to put forward as true something that is not true

When asked to read the tale aloud, he'd often feign a sore throat.

being twisted, rugged, or full of knots

Other times -like when he was sick- she studied his wrinkled face and his his gnarled hands.

said, done, or given in an unwilling or doubtful way

Kinchen listened grudgingly.

the inner part of something

Hard to tell in the dim interior of the bag.

very tall and thin

Just entering the lanky years between toddlerhood and puberty.

gentle in personality or behavior

"I'm sorry, child," he said mildly.

to look curiously or carefully

With her knife, she cut the rope that bound the bag shut, yanked the top open, and peered inside.

done or made quickly and without thought of the likely result

"And to stop him from making... a rash mistake."

being a reminder of something else

Reminiscent of Pip's own thatch of hair.

to splash with drops or small bits of something wet

Kinchen jerked back to avoid getting spattered.

having or showing a desire to harm, anger, or defeat someone : having or showing spite

"Your Raft King," she added spitefully.

showing a lack of thought or expression

Her face vacant and unfocused.

the act or power of making choices or decisions without being influenced by other people : WILL

They didn't do anything of their own volition.