A Crack in the Sea by H.M. Bouwman Part 3 Chapters 4-9

to get down : DISMOUNT

The five survivors (plus the Turtle) alighted on the surface.

to dip and throw out water (as from a boat)

Now that no one had to run the engine or refill the fuel tank, it was easy to take turns at bailing duty.

a deep split or gap in the earth

A chasm in himself that he could feel growing and growing.

a way of speaking with vowel sounds that are longer than usual

She sounded like herself, still the slow, low-voiced drawl, but more commanding than usual.

a small fault or weakness

"Wildness was his big flaw."

to stare with the mouth open in surprise or wonder

Uncle Truc gaped at Mai.

having a very serious appearance or manner

Mai ran over to her uncle, face grim, but he waved her away.

to pull or drag with effort

Uncle Truc hauled her and the pot back in, dripping.

the arrival or inward flow of a large amount of something (such as money)

But she'd slowed down the influx.

a desire to cause harm to another person

There was no malice in her tone, just matter-of-fact truth.

a dangerous area of water that moves very fast in a circle : whirlpool

Uncle Hung had heard of such a thing: it was called a maelstrom, and it pulled things into it.

a loud sound : a series of loud sounds

Mai laughed suddenly, and her voice pealed out as if she weren't at all tired or thirsty or hungry.

lost in serious or sad thought

He frowned pensively at the rice pot.

a quick series of light sounds

The rain pittered away to nothing.

something (as a head or a mountain) seen or drawn from the side

Her face, in profile to Thanh, looked so strong and beautiful.

a food allowance for one day

Though they were still on rations, Thanh wasn't parched, just thirsty.

to go or move swiftly about, over, or through in search of something

As Mai and Uncle Truc started scouring the boat.

calm and peaceful

Before Mai had started talking to him, the ocean was serene and still.

having the interest or attention held by or as if by magic power

They just stared at him, spellbound.

a sudden strong gust of wind often with rain or snow

He seemed to be in less pain now that the squall had ended.

to put into disorder by rough handling

Then he reached up and tousled his adopted niece's fuzzy head with his free hand.

showing both amusement and a feeling of being tired, annoyed, etc

"Promise?" her mouth twisted wryly.