(“Confession and Confusion,” “Fear Strikes,” and “The Hero”)

One’s inner sense about what is right or wrong. Noun  "Toby Alvillar struggled with his conscience."

An accepted rule of action.  "He thought and worried and thought; and at last he broke down and did something entirely against principles-he called up a girl." Noun

A person who looks on or watches; observer. Noun  "Ken and Elizabeth were definitely the spectator type."

Unwilling to believe something; skeptical. Adjective  "But after that they went right back to being incredulous."

A proposed explanation. Noun  "There were dozens of theories, more or less realistic, depending on the mood of the moment."

To pass from one person to another. Verb  "Obediently, but with a shaky voice, she transferred the question to Marshall."

Strongly, distinctly, or clearly. Adverb  ”‘But I couldn't call,’ April said, covering her face and trying not to remember so vividly the fingers across her mouth and throat."

An excuse, especially to avoid blame. Noun  “Living right there in the neighborhood, and he couldn't give us an alibi for the nights when the other-for the other times."

Mental or emotional stress. Noun  "She hadn't cried at all until then, and she really didn't want to, but when they both stopped crying, the tension was gone..."

A general understanding, belief, or idea. Noun  "...they said they didn't want him getting an exaggerated notion of his own importance."