The Adventure of Tom Sawyer 🇬🇧 CC/Subtitles ⚓ by Mark Twain

The adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark twain. To my wife. This book is affectionately dedicated. Preface. Most of the adventures recorded in this book really occurred. One or two were experiences of my own. The rest those of boys who were schoolmates of mine. Huck Finn is drawn from life Tom Sawyer also

But not from an individual he is a combination of the characteristic ex have three boys whom i knew and therefore belongs to the composite order of architecture. The odd superstitions touched upon were all prevalent among children and slaves in the west at the period of this story

That is to say thirty or forty years ago. Although my book is intended mainly for the entertainment of boys and girls. I hope it will not be shunned by men and women on that account. For part of my plan has been to try to pleasantly remind adults

Of what they once were themselves and of how they felt and thought of and talked and what queer enterprises they sometimes engaged in. They offer. Hartford. Eighteen seventy six. The adventures of Tom Sawyer. By Mark twain. Chapter one. Tom plays. Fights and hides. Tom. No answer. Tom. No answer.

What’s gone with that boy i wonder. You Tom. No answer. The old lady pulled her spectacles down and looked over them about the room. Then she put them up and looked out under them. She seldom or never looked through them for so small a thing as a boy. They were her state pair

A pride of her heart and we’re built for style not service. She could as seen through a pair of stove lids just as well. She looked perplexed for a moment and then said. Not fiercely but still loud enough for the furniture to hear. Well i lay if i get hold of you

She did not finish. For by this time she was bending down and punching under the bed with the broom and so she needed breath to punctuate the punches with she resurrected nothing but the cat. I never did see the beat of that boy. She went to the open door and stood in it

And looked out among the tomato vines and chimps and weeds that constituted the garden. And no tone. So she lifted up her voice at an angle calculated for distance and shouted. Yeah. Chow. There was a slight noise behind her and she turned just in time to seize a small boy by

The slack of his round about and arrest his flight. There. I might have thought of that closet what you’ve been doing in there. Nothing. Nothing look at your hand and look at your mouth what is that truck. I don’t know and. While i know it’s jam that’s what it is.

Forty times I’ve said if you didn’t let that jam alone i’d seen you hand me that switch the switch hovered in the air the peril was desperate. Man look behind you at. The old lady world around and snatched her skirts out of danger the lad fled

On the instant scrambled up the high board fence and disappeared over it. His aunt Polly stood surprised a moment and then broke into a gentle laugh. Hang the boy can’t i never learn anything and he played me tricks enough like that for me to be looking out for him by this time. But

Old fools is the biggest fool there is. Can’t learn an old dog new tricks as the Satan is. Put back goodness he never plays them alike two days and how is a body to know what’s coming. He appears to know just how long he can torment me before i get my dander up

And he knows if he can make out to put me off for a min it or make me laugh. It’s all down again and i can’t hit him a lick. I ain’t doing my duty by that boy and that’s the lord’s truth goodness knows.

Spare the rod and spoil the child as the good book says. Amelie enough sin and suffering for us both i know. He’s full of the old scratch but. Lawson me he’s my own dead sister’s boy poor thing and i ain’t got the heart to lash him somehow.

Every time i let him off my conscience does hurt me so and every time i hit him. My old heart most breaks. Well well man that is born of woman is a few days and full of trouble as the scripture says and i reckon it so.

He’ll play hooky this evening and I’ll just be oblique to make him work tomorrow to punish him. It’s mighty hard to make him work Saturdays when all the boys is having holiday but he hates work more than he hates anything else and I’ve got to do some of my duty by him

Or I’ll be the ruination of the child. Tom did play hooky and he had a very good time. He got back home barely in season to help Jim the small colored boy saw next day’s wood and spit the kind Lynn’s before supper.

At least he was there in time to tell his adventures to Jim while Jim did three fourths of the work. Tom’s younger brother or rather half brother Syd was already through with his part of the work picking up chips for he was a quiet boy and had no adventurous troublesome ways.

While Tom was eaten his supper and stealing sugar as opportunity offered and Polly asked him questions that were full of guile and very deep for she wanted to trap him into damaging revealed moments. Like many others simple hearted souls

It was her pet vanity to believe she was endowed with a talent for dark and mysterious diplomacy and she loved to contemplate her most transparent devices as marvels of low cunning. Said she. Tom it was middle and warm in school warranted. Yes some. Powerful warm warranted. Yes hum.

Didn’t you want to go in a swimming Tom. A bit of a scare shot true Tome a touch of uncomfortable suspicion. He searched and police face but it told him nothing so he said. Gnome. Well. Not very much. The old lady reached out her hand and felt Tom shirt and said.

But you ain’t too warm now though and it flattered her to reflect that she had discovered that the shirt was dry without anybody knowing that that was what she had in her mind. But in spite of her. Tom knew where the wind lay now.

So he forced told what might be the next move. Some of us pumped on our heads mine’s damp yet see. Aunt Polly was vexed to think she had overlooked that bit of circumstantial evidence and mr trick. Then she had a new inspiration. Tom.

You didn’t have to undo your shirt collar where i sold it to pump on your head did you. And button your jacket. The trouble vanished out of Tom’s face he opened his jacket his shirt collar was securely sewed. Bother. Well. Go along with you.

I made sure you’d played hooky and business women but. I forgive you Tom. I reckon you’re a kind of a singed cat as the saying is. Better than you’ll look. This time. She was half sorry her cigar gas city had miscarried and half glad that Tom had stumbled into obedient conduct for once.

But Sidney said. Well now if i didn’t think you sewed his collar with white thread but it’s black. Why. I did so it with white Tom but Tom did not wait for the rest as he went out at the door he said. City I’ll lick you for that. In a safe place

Tom examined two large needles which were thrust into the lapels of his jacket and had thread bound about them. One needle carried white thread and the other black. He said. She’d never noticed if it hadn’t been for said. Confound it some time she sews it with whacked

In some time she sells it with black i wish the gemini she’d stick to one or the other i can’t keep a run of them. But i bet you are lame sit for that I’ll learn him. He was not the model boy of the village. He knew the model boy very well though.

And loathe him. Within two minutes or even less he had forgotten all his troubles. Not because his troubles were one whit less heavy and bitter to him than a man’s are to a man. But because a new and powerful interest bore them down and drove them out of his mind for the time.

Just as men’s misfortunes are forgotten in the excitement of new enterprises. This new interest was a valued novelty in whistling. Which he had just acquired from a negro and he was suffering to practice it undisturbed. It consisted in a peculiar. Like turn a sort of

Liquid warble produced by touching the tongue to the roof of the mouth at short intervals in the midst of the music. The reader probably remembers how to do it if he has ever been a boy. Diligence and attention soon gave him the knack of it

And he stroll down the street with his mouthful of Harmony and his soul full of gratitude. He felt much as an astronomer fields who has discovered a new planet. No doubt as far as strong deep unalloyed pleasure is concerned the advantage was with the boy not the astronomer. The summer evenings were long.

It was not dark yet. Presently. Tom checked his whistle. A stranger was before him. A boy a shade larger than himself. A new comer of any age or either sex was an impressive curiosity in the poor little shabby village of st Petersburg. This boy was well dressed too. Well dressed. On a weekday

This was simply astounding. His cap i was a dainty thing his clothes buttoned blue cloth round about was new and natty and so were his. Pantaloons. He had. Shoes on and it was only Friday. He even wore a neck tie. A bright bear bit of ribbon.

He had a city fide air about him that ate into Tom’s vitals. The more Tom stared at the splendid marvel. The higher he turned up his nose at his finery and the shabbier and shabbier his own outfit seemed to him to grow. Neither boy spoke oak. If one moved. The other moved

But only sidewise. In a circle. They kept face to face and eye to eye all the time. Finally. Tom said. I can lick you. I’d like to see you try it. Well i can do it. No you can’t either. Yes i can’t no you can’t i can’t you can’t can’t can’t. An uncomfortable

Pause. Then Tom said. What’s your name. Isn’t any of you your business may be. Where allow make it my business will why don’t you. If you say much i will. Much much much there now. Oh you think you’re mighty smart don’t you.

I could lick you with one hand tied behind me if i wanted to. Well why don’t you do it. You say you can do it well i will if you fool with me oh yes I’ve seen whole families in the same fix. Smarty. You think you’re some now don’t you.

Whoa what a hat. You can lump that had if you don’t like it. I dare you to knock it off an antibody that’ll take a Darryl suck eggs you’re a liar you’re another year of fighting liar and doesn’t take it up or take a walk say.

If you give me much more your sass I’ll take him bounce a rock off in your head a whole of course he will. Well i will. Will why don’t you do it then what do you keep say and you will for why don’t you do it. It’s because you’re afraid

I ain’t afraid you are i ain’t you are. Another pause and more eyeing and sidling around each other. Presently they were shoulder to shoulder. To Tom said. Get away from here. Go away yourself i won’t. I won’t either. So the stood each with a foot placed at an angle as a brace

And bolt shoving with might and main and glowering at each other with hate but neither could get an advantage. As after struggling until both were hot and flushed each relaxed his strain with watchful caution and Tom said. You’re a coward and a pup I’ll tell my big brother on you

And he contrast you with his little finger and I’ll make him do it do. What do i care for your big brother I’ve got a brother that’s bigger than he is and what’s more. He can draw over that fence to. Both brothers were imaginary. That’s a lie

You’re saying so don’t make it so. Tom drew a line in the dust with his big toe and said. I dare you to step over that and I’ll lick you to you can stand up. Anybody that’ll take a Darryl steel sheep. The new boy stepped over promptly and said.

Now you said you do it now let’s see you do it. Don’t she crabbed me now you better look out while you said you’d do it why don’t you do it. Bligh jingle for two cents i will do it. The new boy took two broad cappers out of his pocket

And held them out with derision. Tom struck them to the ground. In an instant both boys were rolling and tumbling in the dirt gripped together like cats and for the space of a minute they tug then pour at each other’s hair and clothes punched and scratched each other’s noses

And covered themselves with dust and glory. Presently the confusion took form and through the fog of battle Tom appeared seated astride the new boy and pounding him with his fists. Holler nuff said he. The boy only struggled to free himself. He was crying mainly from rage. All her nef

And the pounding went on. At last the stranger got out a smothered. Nerf and Tom let ’em up and said. Now that’ll learn you. Better look at who you’re fooling with next time. The new boy went off brushing the dust from his clothes. Sobbing. Sniffling and occasionally looking back

And shaking his head and threatening what he would do to Tom the next time he caught him out. To which Tom responded with jeers and started off in high feather and as soon as his back was turned the new boys snatched up a stone through it

And hit him between the shoulders and then turned tail and ran like an envelope. Tom chased the traitor home and thus found out where he lived. He then held a position at the gate for some time daring the enemy to come outside but the enemy only made faces at him through the window

And declined. At last the enemy’s mother appeared and called Tom a bad vicious vulgar child and ordered him away. So he went away but he said he he loud to lay for that boy. He got home pretty late that night and when he climbed cautiously in at the window he uncovered

An ambitious skate in the person of his hand and when she saw the state his clothes were in her resolution to turn his Saturday holiday into captivity at hard labor became adamantine he needs firmness. Chapter two. The glorious whitewash her. Saturday morning was come and all the summer world was bright and fresh

And brimming with life. There was a song in every heart and if the heart was young the music issued at the lips. There was cheer and every face and a spring in every step. The logo his trees were in bloom and the fragrance of the blossoms fill the air. Cardiff hill

Beyond the village and above it was green with vegetation and lay just far enough away to seem a delectable land dreamy repos full and inviting. Tom appeared on the sidewalk with a bucket of whitewash and a long handled brush. He surveyed the fence and all gladness left him and a deep

Melancholy settled down upon his spirit. Thirty yards of board fence nine feet high. Life to him seemed hollow and existence. But a burden. Sighing he dipped his brush and passed it along the topmost plank. Repeated the operation. Did it again. Compared the insignificant whitewashed streak with the far reaching continent

Of an whitewashed fence. And sat down on a tree box. Discouraged. Jim came skipping out at the gate with a tin pail and singin buffalo gals. Bringing water from the town pump had always been hateful work in Tom’s eyes before but now he did not strike him so.

He remembered that there was company at the pump. White Milan auto and negro boys and girls were always there waiting their turns resting trait and playthings quarreling fighting sky Larkin. And he remembered that although the pump was only one hundred and fifty yards off

Jim never got back with a bucket of water under an hour and even then when somebody generally had to go after him. Tom said. Hey Jim. I’ll fetch the water if you’ll whitewash some. Jim shook his head and said. Hey Mars Tom

Oh mrs she told me i got to go and get this water and not stop fooling around with anybody. She say she spec Mars time grind ask me to whitewash and so she told me to go long and tend to my own business she loud sheet tended a whitewash in.

One never you mind what she said Jim. That’s the way she always talks. Give me the bucket i won’t be gone only a minute she won’t ever know. All i dare say Mars Tom oh mrs she’d taken tired ahead of me deed she would. She.

She never lets anybody wax ’em over the head with their thimble and who cares for that i’d like to know. She talks awful but top don’t hurt. Anyways it don’t if she don’t cry. Jim. I’ll give you a marvel I’ll give you a light alley. Gym began to waver. Wide alley gym

And it’s a bully to aw. Man. That’s a mighty game marvel i tell you. But moss Tom as powerful frayed ole miss and besides if you will I’ll show you my sarto. Jim was only human. This attraction was too much for him. He put down his pale took the white ally

And bent over the tall with absorbing interest while the bandage was being unwind. In another moment he was flying down the street with his pale and a tingling rear. Tom was white washing with vigor and aunt Polly was retiring from the field with a slipper in her hand and triumph in her eye.

But Tom’s energy did not last. He began to think of the fun he had planned for this day and his sorrows multiplied. Soon the free boys would come tripping along an old sorts of delicious expeditions and they would make a world of fun of him for having to work.

The very thought of it burnt him like fire. He got out his worldly wealth and examined it. Bits of toys. Marbles and trash. Enough to buy an exchange of work maybe but not half enough to buy so much as half an hour of pure freedom.

So he returned his straitened means to his pocket and gave up the idea of trying to buy the boys. At this dark and hopeless moment and inspiration burst upon him. Nothing less than a great magnificent. Insp operation. He took up his brush and went tranquil lie to work.

Ben Rogers olv in sight presently. The very boy of old boys whose ridicule he had been dreading. Ben’s gate was the hop skip and jump. Proof enough that his heart was light and his anticipations high. He was eating an apple and giving a long melodious whoop. At intervals followed by a deep toned

Ding dong dong. Ding dong dong. For he was person needing a stew steamboat. As he drew near he slackened speed took the middle of the street leaned far over to starboard and rounded too ponderously and with laborious pomp and circumstance. For he was person aiding

The big Missouri and considered him self to be drawn nine feet of water. He was boat and captain and engine bells combined so he had to imagine himself standing on his own hurricane deck given the orders and executing them. Stop ours or. Learn.

The headway ran almost out in a drew ups slowly toward the sidewalk. Ship up the back. Tingling laying his arm straightened and stiffened down his sides. Centre back on the. The ringling show chow wo show. His right hand meantime his scribing stick lease circles for it was representing a forty foot wheel.

Let her go back on the labarge. The ringling show Joe Joe. The left hand began to describe circles. Stop the starboard. Dangling stop blabber. Come i had all established stop or let their outside turnover slow dangling ling chihuahua. Get out that headline lively now come.

Out with your spring line what are you about there take a turn round that stump with a bite of it stand by that stage now. Let her go. Done with engines are. Dangling lng sht pst pst. Try in the Gauge Cox. Tom went on whitewash and paid no attention to the steamboat.

Ben stared a moment and then said. Hi yeah. You’re up a stump eight you. Know answer. Tom surveyed his last touch with the eye of an aura artist. Then he gave his brush another gentle sweep and surveyed the result as before. Ben ranged up along side of him.

Tom’s mouth watered for the apple but he stuck to his work. Ben said. Hello old chap you got to work hey. Tom Wheeler suddenly and said. What. Hits you Ben i weren’t noticing. Say. I’m going in a swim and i am. Don’t you wish you could

But of course you do other work wouldn’t you. Cards you would. Tom contemplated the boy a bit and said. What do you call work. Why. Ain’t that work. Tom resumed his white washing and answered carelessly. Well. Maybe it is and maybe it ain’t. All i know is it suits Tom Sawyer.

All come now you don’t mean to let on that you like it. The brush continued to move. Lack it. Well. I don’t see why ought to lack it. Does a boy get a chance to whitewash a fence every day. That put the thing in a new light. Ben stopped nibbling his apple.

Tom swept his brush daintily back and forth. Stepped back to note the effect. Added touch here and there. Criticize the effect again. Been watching every move and getting more and more interested more and more absorbed. Presently he said. Say Tom. Let me whitewash a little. Tongue considered was about to consent.

But he altered his mind. No. No. I reckon it wouldn’t hardly do Ben. You see. Ain’t Polly’s awful particular about this fence. Right here on the street you know but if it was the back fence i wouldn’t mind and she wouldn’t. Yes she’s awful particular about this fence

It’s got to be done very very careful. I reckon there ain’t one boy in one thousand maybe two thousand that can do it the way it’s got to be done. No. Is that so. Oh come now let me just try. Only just a little i’d let you view as me Tom. Man.

I’d like to honest engine but aunt Polly. Well. Jim wanted to do it but she wouldn’t let him. See it wanted to do it and she wouldn’t let sit now don’t you see how i’m fixed. If you was to tackle this fence and anything was to happen to

Ah shucks I’ll be just as careful now let me try. Say. I’ll give you the car of my ass apple. Well. Here and no ban now don’t. I’m a feared. I’ll give you all of it. Tom gave up the brush with reluctance in his face but alacrity in his heart

And while the late steamer big Missouri worked and sweated in the sun. The retired artist sat on a barrel in a shade close by dangled his legs munched his apple and planned the slaughter of more innocence. There was no lack of material. Boys happened along every little while they came to jeer

But remained to whitewash. By the time Ben was fact that Tom had traded the next chance to Billy Fisher for a kite in good repair and when he played out Johnny Miller bought in for a dead rat and a string to swing it with and so on and so on. Hour after hour

And when the middle of the afternoon came from being a poor poverty stricken boy in the morning Tom was literally rolling in wealth. He had besides the things before mentioned. Twelve marbles part of a Jew’s harp a piece of blue bottle glass to look through a spool Cannon.

A key that wouldn’t unlock anything a fragment of chalk a glass stopper of a decanter a tin soldier a couple of tadpoles six firecrackers a kitten with only one eye a brass door knob a dog collar but no dog. The handle of a knife four pieces of orange peel and a dilapidated.

If the window sash. He had had a nice good idle time all the while. Plenty of company and the fence had three coats of whitewash on it. If he hadn’t run out of whitewash he would have bankrupted every boy in the village. Tom said to himself

That it was not such a hollow world after all. He had discovered a great law of human action without knowing it. Namely that in order to make a man or a boy covet a thing. It is only necessary to make the thing difficult to attain. It if he had been a great

And wise philosopher like the writer of this book he would now have comprehended that work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do and that play consists of whatever a body is not obliged to do. And this would help him to understand why constructing artificial flowers

Or performing on a treadmill is work while rolling ten pins or climbing mt blanc is only amusement. There are wealthy gentlemen in england who drive for horse passenger coaches twenty or thirty miles on a daily line in the summer because the privilege costs them considerable money

But if they were offered wages for the service who there would turn it into work and then they would resign. The boy amused awhile over the substantial change which had taken place in his worldly circumstances and then wended toward headquarters to report. Chapter three. Busy at war and love.

Tom presented himself before aunt Polly who was sitting by an open window in a pleasant rear word apartment which was bedroom breakfast room dining room and library combined. A bowl me summer air the restful quiet the odor of the flowers and and the drowsing murmur of the bees had had their effect

And she was nodding over her knitting. For she had no company but the cat and it was asleep in her lap. Her spectacles were propped up on her gray head for safety. She had thought that of course Tom had deserted long ago oh

And she wondered at seeing him place himself in her power again in this intrepid way. He said. May and i go and play now aunt. What. Already. How much have you done. It’s all done and. Tom. Don’t lat me. I can’t bear it. I aunt. It is all done. Aunt Polly placed

Small trust in such evidence. She went out to see for herself. And she would have been content to find twenty percent of Tom’s statement true. When she found the entire fence whitewashed and not only whitewashed but elaborately coated and ir recoded and even a streak added to the ground her

Astonishment was almost unspeakable. She said. Well i never. There’s no getting around it you can work when your mind to Tom. And then she diluted the compliment by adding. But it’s powerful seldom your mind too am bound to say.

Well go along and play but mind you get back some time in a week or I’ll tell you. She was so overcome by the splendor her of his achievement that she took him into the closet and selected a choice apple and delivered it to him

Along with an improving lecture upon the added value and flavor a treat took to itself when it came without sin through virtuous effort and while she closed with a happy scriptural flourish she he hooked a doughnut. Then he skipped out and saw sid just starting up the outside stairway

That led to the back rooms on the second floor. Clouds were handy and the air was full of them in a twinkling. They raged around seared like a hail storm and before aunt Polly could collect her surprised faculties and Sally to the rescue six or seven clods had taken personal effect

And Tom was over the fence and gone. There was a gate but as a general thing he was too crowded for time to make use of it his soul was at peace now that he had settled with sid for calling attention into to his black thread and getting him into trouble.

Tom skirted the block and came round into a muddy alley that led by the back of his aunts cow stable he presently got safely beyond the reach of capture and punishment and hastened toward the public square of the village where two military companies of boys had met for conflict according to previous appointment.

Tom was general of one of these armies. Joe Harper a bosom friend. General or the other. These two great commanders did not condescend to fight in-person. That being better suited to the still smaller fry but sat together on an eminence and conducted the field operations by orders delivered through aides de camp.

Tom’s army won a great victory after a long and hard fought battle. Then the dead were counted prisoners exchanged. The terms of the next disagreement agreed upon and the day for the necessary battle appointed. After which the armies fell into line and marched away and Tom turned homeward alone.

As he was passing by the house where Jeff Thatcher lived he saw a new girl in the garden. A lovely little blue eyed creature with yellow hair plaited into two long tails white summer frock and embroidered pencil lets. The fresh crowned hero oh fell without firing a shot. A certain Amy Lawrence

Vanished out of his heart and left not even a memory of herself behind. He had thought he loved her to distraction he had regarded his passion as adoration and behold. It was only a poor little evanescent partiality. He had been months winning her. She had confessed hardly a week ago

He had been the happiest and the proudest boy in the world only seven short days and here in one instant of time she had gone out of his heart like a cash Jewel stranger whose visit is done. He worshipped this new angel with furtive eye till he saw that she had discovered him.

Then he pretended he did not know she was present and began to show off in all sorts of absurd boyish ways in order to win her admiration. He kept up this grotesque foolishness for some time but by and by while he was in the midst of some dangerous gymnastic performances he glanced aside

And saw that the little girl was winding her way toward the house. Tom came up to the fence and leaned on it grieving and hoping she would Terry yet a while longer. She halted a moment on the steps and then moved toward the door. Tom. Heaved a great sigh

As she put her foot on the threshold. But his face lit up right away for she tossed a pansy over the fence a moment before she disappeared. The boy ran around and stopped within a foot or two of the flower and then shaded his eyes with his hand and began to look

Down the street as if he had discovered something of interest going on in that direction. Presently he picked up a straw and began trying to balance it on his nose with him his head tilted far back and as he moved from side to side in his efforts he edged

Nearer and nearer toward the pansy. Finally his bare foot rested upon it his pliant toes closed upon it and he hopped away with the treasure and disappeared earth round the corner. But only for a minute only while he could button the flower inside his jacket. Next his heart. Or next his stomach possibly

For he was not much posted in anatomy and not hyper critical anyway. He returned now and hung about the fence till nightfall showing off as before but the girl. Never exhibited herself again though Tom comforted himself a little with the hope that she had been near some window meantime

And been aware of his attentions. Finally the he rode home reluctantly with his poor head full of visions. All through supper his spirits were so high that his aunt wondered what had got into the child. He took a good scolding about clotting said and did not seem to mind it in the least.

He tried to steal sugar under his aunts very nose and got his knuckles rapped for it he said. Ain’t. You don’t wax said when he takes it. Well. Sit don’t torment a body the way you do you’d be always into that sugar if i weren’t watching you. Presently

She stepped into the kitchen and said happy in his immunity reached for the sugar bowl. A sort of glorying over Tom which was well nigh unbearable but since fingers slipped and the ball dropped and broke. Tom was in ecstasies in such ecstasies that he even controlled his tongue and was silent.

He said to himself that he would not speak a word even when his aunt came in but would sit perfectly still till she asked who did the mischief and then he would tell and there would be nothing so good in the world as to see that pet model catch it.

He was so brimful of exultation that he could hardly hold himself when the old lady came back and stood above the wreck discharging lightened wings of wrath from over her spectacles he said to himself now he’s come in. And the next instant he was sprawling on the floor.

The potent poem was uplifted to strike again when Tom cried i hold on now worry about me for said broke it. And Polly paused perplexed and Tom looked for healing pity but when she got her tongue again she only said. Hm. Well you didn’t get a lick on this i reckon.

You been into some other audacious mischief when i wasn’t around like enough. Then her conscience reproached her and she yearned to say something kind and loving. But she judged that this would be construed into a confession that she had been in the wrong and discipline for bade that. So she kept silence

And went about her affairs with a troubled heart. Tom sulked in a corner and exalted his woes. He knew that in her heart his aunt was on her knees to him and he was more real mostly gratified by the consciousness of it. He would hang out no signals

He would take notice of none. He knew that a yearning glance fell upon him now and then through a film of tears but he refused recognition of it. He pictured himself lying sick on to death and his aunt bending over him beseeching one little forgiving word

But he would turn his face to the wall and die with that word. Unsaid. Ah. How would she feel Van. And he pictured himself brought home from the river dead with his curls all wet and his sore heart at rest. How she would throw herself upon him

And how her tears would fall like rain and her lips Craig god to give her back her boy and she would never never abuse him any more but he would lie there cold and white and make no sign. Of poor little sufferer whose griefs were at an end.

He saw work act upon his feelings with the pathos of these dreams. That he had to keep swallowing he was so like to choke. And his eyes swam in a blur of water which overflowed when he winked and ran down and trickled from the end of his nose.

And such a luxury to him was this petting of his sorrows. That he could not bear to have any worldly cheering us or any grating delight intrude upon it. It was too sacred for such contact. And so presently

When his cousin Mary danced in all alive with the joy of seeing home home again after an age long visit of one week to the country. He got up and moved in clouds and darkness out at one door. As she brought song and sunshine in at the other.

He wandered far from the accustomed haunts of boys and saw the desolate places that were in Harmony with his spirit. A log raft in the river invited him and he seated himself on it’s outer edge and contemplated the dreary vastness of the stream. Wishing the while

That he could only be drowned all at once and unconscious easily without undergoing the uncomfortable routine devised by nature. Then. He thought of his flower. He got it out. Rumpled and wilted and it mightily increased his dismal Felicity. He wondered if she. Would pity her him if she knew. Would she cry.

And wish that she had a right to put her arms around his neck and comfort him. Or would she turn coldly away like all the hollow world. This picture brought such an agony of pleasurable suffering that he was worked it over and over again in his mind

And set it up in new and varied light till he wore it threadbare. At last he Rose up sighing and. Departed in the darkness. About half past nine or ten o’clock he came along the deserted street to where the adored unknown lived. He paused a moment. No sound fell upon his listening ear.

A candle was casting a dull glow upon the curtain have a second story window. Was the sacred presence there. He climbed the fence. Threaded his stealthy way through the plants till he stood under that window. He looked up at it long and with emotion.

Then he laid him down on the go ground under it disposing himself upon his back with his hands clasped upon his breast and holding his poor wilted flower. And thus. He would die. Out in the cold world with no shelter over his homeless head no fresh only hand

To wipe the death the amps from his brow. No loving face to bend pitying lie over him when the great agony came. And thus she would see him when she looked out upon the glad morning and oh who. Would she drop one little tear up upon his poor lifeless form

Would she heave one little sigh to see a bright young life so rudely blighted so untimely cut down. The window end up a maid servants discordant voice profaned the holy calm and a deluge cj of water drench the prone martyrs remains. The strangling hero sprang up with a relieving snort.

There was a whiz as of a missile in the air mingled with the murmur of a curse a sound as of shivering glass followed and a small vague form went over the fence and shot away in the gloom. Not long after as Tom all undressed for bed

Was surveying his drenched garments by the light of a tallow dip sid woke up. But if he had any dim idea of making any references to allusions he thought better of it and held him is peace for there was danger in tomes i. Tom turned in without the added vexation of prayers

And sid made a mental note of the omission. Chapter four. Showing off in Sunday school. The sun Rose upon a tranquil world and beamed down upon the peaceful village like a benediction. Breakfast over and Polly had family worship. It began with a prayer built from the ground up

Of solid courses of scriptural quotations welded together with a thin mortar of originality and from the summit of this she delivered a grim chapter of the mosaic law as from sinai. Then Tom girded up his loins so to speak and went to work to get his verses.

Said had learned his lesson days before. Tom bent all his energies to the memorizing of five verses and he chose as part of the sermon on the mount because he could find no verses that were shorter. At the end of half an hour Tom had a vague general idea of his lesson

But no more for his mind was traversing the whole field of human thought and his hands were busy with distracting recreations. Mary took his book to hear him recite and he tried to find his way through the fog. Blizzard are the are. The. Poor. Yes. Poor. Blizzard are the poor a. In spirit.

In spirit. Blessed are the poor in spirit for they. They. There’s. For theirs. Bless it are the poor in spirit for theirs. Is the kingdom of heaven. Listed are they that mourn for. Sh. For they are. S h a. For they s. H. O i don’t know what it is. Shell.

Oh shall the air. For they shall for they shall. Ugh shall mourn are. Blessed are they that shall. They that. They that shall mourn for they shall. Shao what. Why don’t you tell me Mary what do you want to be so mean for. Oh Tom. You poor thick headed thing.

I’m not teasing you i wouldn’t do that. You must go and learn it again. Don’t you be discouraged Tom you’ll manage it and if you do I’ll give you something the ever so nice. There now that’s a good boy. Alright. What is it Mary. Tell me what it is never you mind Tom

You know if i say it’s nice it is nice. You bet bet so Mary. Alright. I’ll tackle it again. And he did. Tackle it again. And under the double pressure of curiosity and prospective gain he did it with such spirit that he accomplished a shining success. Mary gave him

A brand new bar Barlow knife worth twelve and a half cents and the convulsion of delight that swept his system shook him to his foundations. True the knife would not cut anything but it was a sure enough Barlow and there was inconceivable grandeur in that.

Though where the western boys ever got the idea that such a weapon could possibly be counterfeited to it’s injury is an imposing mystery and will always remain so. Perhaps. Tom contrived to scarifying the cupboard with it and was arranging to begin on the bureau

When he was called off to dress for Sunday school. Mary gave him a tin basin of water and a piece of soap and he went outside the door and set the basin on a little bench there. Then he dipped the soap in the water and laid it down. Turned up his sleeves.

Poured out the water on the ground gently and then entered the key kitchen and began to wipe his face diligently on the towel behind the door but marry remove the towel and said. Now ain’t you ashamed Tom you mustn’t be so bad water won’t hurt you. Tom was a trifle disconcerted.

The basin was refilled and this time he stood over it a little while gathering resolution. Took in a big breath. And began. When he entered the kitchen presently with both eyes shut and groping for the towel with his hands and honorable testimony of soda and water was dripping from his face.

But when he emerged from the towel. He was not yet satisfactory. For the clean territory stopped short at his chin and his jaws like a mask. Below and beyond this line there was a dark expanse of an irrigated soil that spread downward in front and backward around his neck. Mary

Took him in hand and when she was done with him he was a man and a brother without distinction of color and his saturated hair was neatly brushed and it’s short curls walked in into a dainty and symmetrical general effect. He privately smoothed out the curls with labour and

Difficulty and plastered his hair close down to his head or he held curls to be a feminine and his own food his life with bitterness. Then Mary got out a suite of his clothing that had been used only on sundays during two years. They were simply called his. Other clothes.

And so by that we know the size of his wardrobe. The girl put him to rights after he had dressed himself she buttoned his neat round about up to his chin turned his vast shirt collar down over his shoulders. Brushed him off and crowned him with his speckled straw hat. He now looked

Exceedingly improved and uncomfortable. He was fully as uncomfortable as he looked. Four there was a restraint about whole clothes and cleanliness that gold him. He hoped that Mary would forget his shoes. But the hope was blighted. She coated them thoroughly with tallow as was the custom and brought them out.

He lost his temper and said he was always being made to do everything he didn’t want to do but Mary said persuasively. Please Tom. That’s a good boy. So he got into the shoes. Snarling. Mary was soon ready and the three children set out for Sunday school.

A place that Tom hated with his whole heart but sid and Mary were fond of it. Sabbath school hours were from nine to half past ten and then church service. Two of the children always remained for the sermon voluntarily and the other always remained to. For stronger reasons. The churches high-backed

And cushioned pews would seat about three hundred persons. The edifice was but a small plane affair with a sort of. Pine board tree box on top of it for a steeple. At the door Tom dropped back a step and accosted a Sunday dressed comrade. Say Billy that a yellow ticket. Yes.

What do you take far. Will you give a. Piece of licorice in a fishhook. The same. Tom exhibited. They were satisfactory and the property changed hands. Then Tom traded a couple of white alleys for three red tickets and some small trifle or other for a couple of blue ones.

He waylaid other boys as they came and went on buying tickets of various colors ten or fifteen minutes longer. He entered the church now with a swarm of clean and noisy boys and girls proceeded to his seat and started a quarrel with the first boy that came handy. The teacher. A grave

Elderly man interfere feared. Then turned his back a moment and Tom pulled a boy’s hair in the next bench and was absorbed in his book when the boy turned around. Stuck a pin in another boy presently in order to hear him say ouch and got a new reprimand from his teacher.

Tom’s whole class were of a pattern. Restless. Noisy and troublesome. When they came to recite their lessons not one of them knew his verses perfectly but had to be prompted all along. However they worried through and each got his reward in small blue tickets. Each with a passage of scripture on it.

Each blue ticket was pay for for two verses of the recitation. Ten blue tickets equaled a red one and could be exchanged for it. Ten red tickets equaled a yellow one. For ten yellow tickets the superintendent gave a very plainly bound Bible. Worth forty cents in those easy times to the pupil.

How many of my readers would have the industry and application to memorize two thousand verses even for a doorway Bible. And yet Mary had acquired two battles in this way. It was the patient work of two years and a boy of German parentage had one four four or five. He once recited

Three thousand verses without stopping but the strain upon his mental faculties was too great and he was little better than an idiot from that day forth. A grievous misfortune for the school for on great occasions but for company the superintendent as Tom expressed it had always made this boy come out and.

Spread himself. Only the older pupils managed to keep their tickets and stick to their tedious work long enough to get a Bible and so the delivery of one of these prizes was a rare and no noteworthy circumstance. The successful pupil was so great and conspicuous for that day that on the spot

Every scullers heart was fired with a fresh ambition that often lasted a couple of weeks. It is possible that Tom’s mental stomach had never really huh hungered for one of those prizes but unquestionably his entire being had for many a day longed for the glory and the cloth that came with it.

Due course the superintendent stood up in front of the pulpit with a closed him book in his hand and his forefinger inserted between its leaves and commanded attention. When a Sunday school superintendent makes his customary little speech a hymn book in the hand is as necessary

As is the inevitable sheet of music in the hand of a singer who stands forward on the platform and sings a solo at a concert. Though why. Is it me history. For neither the hymn book nor the sheet of music is ever referred to by the sufferer. This superintendent

Was a slim creature of thirty five with a Sandy goat tee and short Sandy hair. He wore a stiff standing collar whose upper edge almost reached his ears and whose sharp points curved forward word abreast the corners of his mouth. A fence that compelled a straight lookout ahead

And a turning of the whole body when a side view was required. His chin was propped on a spreading cravat which was as broad and as long as a bank note and had fringed ends. His boot toads were turned sharply up in the fashion of the day like sleigh runners. In effect

Patiently and laboriously produced by the young men by sitting with their toes pressed against a wall wall for hours together. Mr Walters was very earnest of mean and very sincere and honest at heart and he held sacred things and places in such reverence and so separated them from worldly matters that

Unconsciously to himself his Sunday school voice had acquired a peculiar intonation which was wholly absent on weekdays. He began after this fashion. Now children. I want you all to sit up just as straight and pretty as you can and give me all your attention for a minute or two. There. That is it.

That is the way good little boys and girls should do. I see one little girl who is looking out of the window. I am afraid she thinks i am out there somewhere. Perhaps up in one of the trees may making a speech to the little birds. A passive titter.

I want to tell you how good it makes me feel to see so many bright. Clean little faces assembled in a place like this. Learning to do right and be good. And so forth and so on. It is not necessary to set down the rest of the

Oration it was of a pattern which does not vary and so it is familiar to us all. The last third of the speech was marred by the resumption of fights and other recreations among certain of the bad boys and by fittings and whisperings that extra indeed far and wide

Washing even to the bases of isolated and incorruptible rocks like said and Mary. But now every sound ceased suddenly with the subsidence of mr Walter’s voice and the conclusion of the speech was received with a burst of sight silent gratitude. A good part of the whispering

Had been occasioned by an event which was. More or less rare. The entrance of visitors. Lawyer Thatcher. Accompanied by a very feeble and aged man. A fine portly middle aged dj gentlemen with iron grey hair and a dignified lady who was doubtless the latter’s wife. The lady was leading. A child.

Tom had been restless and full of chafing and re paintings conscience smitten too. He could not meet Amy Lawrence’s eye he could not brook her loving gaze. But when he saw the small newcomer his soul was all ablaze with bliss in a moment. This is the end of disc number one.

Please insert disc number to. The adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark twain. Performance copyright nineteen ninety two by brilliance corporation all rights reserved. To my wife. This book is affectionately dedicated. Preface. Most of the adventures recorded in this book really occurred. One or two were experiences of my own.

The rest those of boys who were schoolmates of mine. Huck Finn is drawn from life Tom Sawyer also but not from an individual he is a combination of the characterised six of three boys whom i knew and therefore belongs to the composite order of architecture.

The odd superstitions touched upon were all prevalent among children and slaves in the west at the period of this story that is to say thirty or forty years ago. Although my book is intended mainly for the entertainment of boys and girls.

I hope it will not be shunned by men and women on that account. For part of my plan has been to try to pleasantly remind adults of what they once were themselves and of how they felt and thought and talked and what queer enterprises they sometimes engaged in. They offer. Hartford.

Eighteen seventy six. The adventures of Tom Sawyer. By Mark twain. Chapter one. Tom plays. Fights and hides. Tom. No answer. Tom. No answer. What’s gone with that boy i wonder. You Tom. No answer. The old lady pulled her spectacles down and looked over them about the room. Then

She put them up and looked out under them. She seldom or never looked through them for so small a thing as a boy. They were her state pair a pride of her heart and were built for style not serve this. She could as seen through a pair of stove lids just as well.

She looked perplexed for a moment and then said. Not fiercely but still loud enough for the furniture to hear. Well i lay if i get hold of you or she did not finish. For by this time she was bending down and punching under the bed with a broom

And so she needed breath to punctuate the punches with she resurrected nothing but the cat. I never did see the beat of that boy. She went to the open door and stood in it and looked out among the tomato vines and chimps and weeds that constituted the garden. And no tone.

So she lifted up her voice at an angle. Calculated for distance and shouted. Yeah. Chow. There was a slight noise behind her and she turned just in time to seize a small boy by the slack of his round about and arrest his flight. There and might have thought of that closet

What you’ve been doing in there. Nothing. Nothing look at your hands and look at your mouth what is that truck. I don’t know and. Well i know it’s jam that’s what it is. Forty times I’ve said if you didn’t let that jam alone i’d send you hand me that switch

The switch hovered in the air the peril was desperate. Man look behind you at. The old lady world around and snatched her skirts out of danger the lad fled on the instant scrambled up the high board fence and disappeared over it. His aunt Polly stood surprised a moment

And then broke into a gentle laugh. Hang the boy can’t i never learn anything and he played me tricks enough like that for me to be looking out for him by this time. But old fools is the biggest fools there is. Can’t learn an old dog new tricks as the saying is.

Put my goodness he never plays them alike two days and how it is a body to know what’s coming. He peers to know just how long he can torment me before i get my dander up and he knows if he can make out to put me off for a minute

Or make me laugh. It’s all down again and i can’t hit him a lick. I ain’t doing my duty by that boy and that’s the lord’s truth goodness knows. Spare the rod and spoil the child as the good book says. Emily enough sin and suffering for us both i know

He’s full of the old scratch but. Losses me he’s my own dead sister’s boy poor thing and i ain’t got the heart to lash him somehow. Every time i let him off my con science does hurt me so and every time i hit him my old heart most brakes. Well well

Man that is born of woman is a few days and full of trouble as the scripture says and i reckon it so. Like hooky this evening and I’ll just be your bleach to make him work tomorrow to punish him.

It’s mighty hard to make him work Saturdays when all the boys is heaven holiday but he hates work more than he hates anything else and I’ve got to do some of my duty by him or I’ll be the ruination of a child. Trump did play hooky and he had a very good time.

He got back home barely in season to help Jim the small colored boy saw next day’s wood and spit the kind Lynn’s before supper. At least he was there in time to tell his adventures to Jim while Jim did three fourths of the work. Tom’s younger brother

Or rather half brother Syd was already through with his part of the work picking up chips for he was a quiet boy and had no adventurous troublesome ways. While Tom was eaten his supper and stealing sugar as opportunity offered and potty asked him questions that were full of guile and very deep

For she wanted to trap him into damaging revealed moments. Like many others simple hearted souls it was her pet vanity to believe she was endowed with a talent for dark and mysterious diplomacy and she loved to contemplate her most transparent devices as marvels of low cunning. Said she. Tom

It was middle and warm in school wanted. Yes m. Powerful warm warrant it. Yes huh. Didn’t you want to go in a swimming Tom. A bit of a scare shot through Tom a touch of uncomfortable suspicion. He searched and police face but it told him nothing so he said. No. Well.

Not very much. The old lady reached out her hand and felt Tom shirt and said. But you ain’t too warm now though and it flattered her to reflect that she had discovered that the shirt was dry without anybody knowing that that was what she had in her mind. But in spite of her

Tom knew where the wind lay now. So he forestalled what might be the next move. Some of us pumped on our heads mine’s damp yet see. And potty was vexed to think she had overlooked that bit of circumstantial evidence and mr trick. Then she had a new inspiration. Tom.

You didn’t have to undo your shirt collar where i sold it to pump on your head did you. Unbutton your jacket. The trouble vanished out of Tom’s face he opened his jacket his shirt collar was securely sewed. Bother. Well. Go along with you. I made sure you’d played hooky and as women but.

I forgive you Tom. I reckon you’re a kind of a singed cat as the saying is. Better than you’ll look. This time. She was half sorry her sagacity had miscarried and half glad that Tom had stumbled into obedient conduct for once. But Sidney said. Well now

If i didn’t think you sewed his collar with white thread but it’s black. Why. I did so it with white Tom but Tom did not wait for the rest as he went out at the door he said. City I’ll lick you for that. In a safe place

In some time she sells it with black i wish the gemini she’d stick to wander to other i can’t keep a run of ’em. But i bet you are lam said for that I’ll learn him. He was not the model boy of the village. He knew the model boy very well though.

And low them. Within two minutes or even less he had forgotten all his troubles. Not because his troubles were one whit less heavy and bitter to him than a man’s are to a man. But because a new and powerful interest bore them down and drove them out of his mind for the time.

And he strolled down the street with his mouthful of Harmony and his soul full of gratitude. He felt much as an astronomer fields who has discovered a new planet. No doubt as far as strong one deep unalloyed pleasure is concerned the advantage was with the boy not the astronomer.

The summer evenings were long. It was not dark yet. Presently. Tom checked his whistle. A stranger was before him. A boy a shade larger than himself. A newcomer of any age or either sex was an impressive curiosity in the poor little shabby village of st Petersburg. This boy was well dressed too.

Well dressed on a weekday this was simply astounding. His case cap was a dainty thing his clothes buttoned blue cloth roundabout was new and natty and so were his pantaloons. He had. Shoes on and it was only Friday. He even wore a neck tie. A bright boy a bit of ribbon.

Pause. Then Tom said. What’s your name. Isn’t any of your your business may be. Where allow make it my business will why don’t you. If you say much i will. Much much much. There now. Oh you think you’re mighty smart don’t you.

I could lick you with one hand tied behind me if i wanted to. Wear y don’t you do it. You say you can do it well i will if you fool with me oh yes I’ve seen whole families in the same fix. Smarty. You think you’re some now don’t you.

Whoa what a hat. You can lump that had if you don’t like it. Add dare you to knock it off and anybody that will take a Darryl suck eggs you’re a liar you’re another year of fighting liar and das and take it up or take a walk say

I ain’t afraid you are i ain’t you are. Another pause and more eyeing and sidling around each other. Presently they were shoulder to shoulder. Top mom said. Get away from here. Go away yourself i won’t. I won’t either. So they stood each with a foot placed at an angle as a brace

And bolt shoving with might and main and glowering at each other with hate but neither could get an advantage. At after struggling until both were hot and flushed each relaxed his strain with watchful caution and Tom said. You’re a coward and a pup

I’ll tell my big brother on you and he can trash you with his little finger and I’ll make him do it do. What do i care for your big brother I’ve got a brother that’s bigger than he he is and what’s more. He can draw over that fence to. Both brothers were imaginary.

That’s a lie you’re saying so don’t make it so. Tom drew a line in the dust with his big toe and said. I dare you to step over that and I’ll lick you too you can see. If. Anybody that’ll take a Daryl steel sheet. The new boy stepped over promptly and said.

Now you said you do it now let’s see you do it. Don’t she grabbed me now you better look out while you said you’d do it why don’t you do it. Bligh jingle for two cents i will do it. The new boy took two broad cappers out of his pocket

And cover themselves with dust and glory. Presently the confusion took form and through the fog of battle Tom appeared seated astride the new boy and pounding him with his fists. Holler nuff said he. The boy only struggled to free himself he was crying mainly from rage age. How her nef

And the pounding went on. At last the stranger got out a smothered nerf and Tom let ’em up and said. Now that’ll learn you better look at who you’re fooling with next time. The new boy went off brushing the dust from his clothes sobbing. Sniffling and occasionally looking back

And then turned tail and ran like an envelope. Tom chased the traitor home and thus found out where he lived. He then held a position at the gate for some time daring the enemy to come outside but the enemy only made faces at him through the window and and declined. At last

The enemy’s mother appeared and called Tom a bad vicious vulgar child and ordered him away. So he went away but he said he loud to lay for that boy. He got home pretty late that night and when he climbed cautiously in at the window he uncovered an ambitious skate

In the person of his hand and when she saw the state his clothes were in her resolution to turn his Saturday holiday into captivity at hard labor became adamantine he needs firmness. Chapter two. The glorious white washer. Saturday morning was come and all the summer world was bright and fresh

And brimming with life. There was a song in every heart and if the heart was young the music issued at the lips. There was cheer and every face and a spring in every step. The loco his trees were in bloom and the fragrance of the blossoms fill the air. Cardiff hill

He remembered that there was company at the pump. White Milan auto and negro boys and girls were always there waiting their turns rest in trait and playthings quarreling fighting sky Larkin. And he remembered that although the pump was only one hundred and fifty yards off

Jim never got back with a bucket of water under an hour and even then when somebody generally had to go after him. Tom said. Say Jim. I’ll fetch the water if you’ll whitewash some. Jim shook his head and said. Hey Mars Tom

Oh mrs she told me i got to go and get this water and not stop fooling around with anybody. She say she spec Mars time god asks me to whitewash and so she told me to go long and tender my own business she loud sheet tended a whitewash in.

One never you mind what she said Jim. That’s the way she always talks. Give me the bucket i won’t be gone only a minute she won’t ever know. All i das in Mars Tom oh mrs she’d taken tar to head off often meet deed she would. She.

And it’s a bully to aw. Man. That’s a mighty gay marvel i tell you. But moss Tom as powerful frayed ole miss and besides if you will I’ll show you my sarto. Jim was only human. This attraction was too much for him. He put down his pale took the white ally

And bent over the tall with absorbing interest while the bandage was being on wound. In another moment he was flying down the street with his pale and a tingling rear Tom was white washing with vigor and aunt Polly was retiring from the field with a slipper in her hand and triumph

In her eye. But Tom’s energy did not last. He began to think of the fun he had planned for this day and his sorrows multiplied. Soon the free boys would come tripping along an old sorts of delicious expeditions and they would make a world of fun of him for having to work.

The very thought of it burnt him like fire. He got out his worldly wealth and examined it. Bits of toys marbles and trash. Enough to buy an exchange of work maybe but not half enough to buy so much as half an hour of pure freedom.

Ben Rogers over in sight presently. The very boy of all boys whose ridicule he had been dreading. Ben’s gate was the hop skip and jump. Proof enough that his heart was light and his anticipations high. He was eating an apple and giving a long melodious whoop. At intervals followed by a deep toned

Ding dong dong. Ding dong dong. For he was person needing a steamboat. As he drew near he slackened speed took the middle of the street le leaned far over to starboard and rounded too ponderously and with laborious pomp and circumstance for he was person aiding the big Missouri

And considered himself to be drawn nine feet of water. He was boat and captain and engine bells combined so he had to imagine himself standing on his own hurricane deck given the orders and executing them. Stop arts or. Learn. The headway ran almost out in a drew up slowly toward the sidewalk.

Ship up the back tingling laying his arm straight and and stiffened down his sides. Centre back August Albert. Day ringling show chow wo show. His right hand meantime his scribing stick le circles for it was representing a forty foot wheel. Let her go back and elaborate. Darling ling Cho Cho Cho.

The left hand began to describe circles. Stop the stobart. Dangling stop blabber. Then i had all established stop or let her outside turn over slow dangling ling chao whoa. Get out that headline lively now come. Out with your spring lie what are you about there

Take a turn round that stump with the bite of it stand by that stage now. Let her go. Down with engines are. Dangling link sht pst pst. The Gauge Cox. Charm went on whitewash and paid no attention to the steamboat. Ben stared a moment and then said. Hi yeah.

You’re up a stump eight you. Know answer. Tom surveyed his last touch with the eye of an artist. Then he gave his brush another gentle sweep and surveyed the result as before. Ben ranged up along side of him. Tom’s mouth watered for the apple but he stuck to his work. Ben said.

Hello old chap you got to work hey. Tom wheeled suddenly said. What. Hits you Ben i weren’t noticing. Say. I’m going in a swim and i am. Don’t you wish you good but of course you do other work wouldn’t you. Cards you would. Tom contemplated the boy a bit and said.

What do you call. Work. Why. Ain’t that work. Tom resumed his white washing and answered carelessly. Well. Maybe it is and maybe it ain’t. All i know is it suits Tom Sawyer. All come now you don’t mean to let on that you like it. The brush continued to move. Lack it. Well.

I don’t see why ought to lack it. Does a boy get a chance to whitewash a fence every day. That put the thing in a new light. Ben stopped nibbling his apple. Tom swept his brush daintily back and forth. Stepped back to note the effect. Added touch here and there.

Criticize the effect again. Ben watching every move and getting more and more interested more and more absorbed. Presently he said. Say Tom. Let me whitewash a little. Tom considered. Was about to consent. But he altered his mind. No. No. I reckon it wouldn’t hardly do Ben. You see. Ain’t Polly’s

Awful particular about this fence. Right here on the street you know but if it was the back fence i wouldn’t mind and she wouldn’t. Yes she’s awful particular about this fence it’s got to be done very very careful. Herrick and there ain’t one boy in one thousand maybe two thousand

That can do it the way it’s got to be done. No. Is that so. Oh come now let me just try. Only just a little i’d let you view as me Tom. Man. I’d like to honest engine but aunt Polly. Well. Jim wanted to do it but she wouldn’t let him.

See it wanted to do it and she wouldn’t let sit now don’t you see how i’m fixed. If you was to tackled his fence and anything was to happen to ah shucks I’ll be just as careful now let me try. Say. I’ll give you the car of my ass apple. Well. Here and

No ban now don’t. I’m a feared. I’ll give you all of it. Tom gave up the brush with reluctance in his face but alacrity in his heart and while the late steamer big Missouri worked and sweated in the sun. The retired artist sat on a barrel in a shade close by

Dangled his legs munched his apple and planned the slaughter of more innocence. There was no lack of material. Boys happened along every little while they came to jeer but remained to whitewash. By the time Ben was fact that Tom had traded the next chance to Billy Fisher for a kite in good repair

And when he played out Johnny Miller bought in for a dead rat and a string to swing it with and so on and so on. Hour after hour and when the middle of the afternoon came from being a poor poverty stricken boy in the morning Tom was literally rolling in wealth. He had

Besides the things before mentioned. Twelve marbles part of a Jew’s harp a piece of blue bottle glass to look through a spool Cannon. A key that wouldn’t unlock anything. A fragment of chalk a glass stopper of a decanter a tin soldier a couple of tadpoles six firecrackers a kitten with only one eye

A brass door knob a dog collar but no dog. The handle of a knife four pieces of orange peel and a dilapidated good old window sash. He had had a nice good idle time all the while. Plenty of company and the fence had three coats of whitewash on it.

If he hadn’t run out of whitewash he would have bankrupted every boy in the village. Tom said to himself that it was not such a hello world app after all. He had discovered a great law of human action without knowing it. Namely

That in order to make a man or a boy covet a thing. It is only necessary to make the thing difficult to attain. If he had been a great and wise philosopher Lao the writer of this book he would now have comprehended that work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do

And that play consists of whatever a body is not obliged to do. And this would help him to understand why constructing artificial flowers or performing on a treadmill is work. While rolling ten pins or climbing mt blanc is only amusement. There are wealthy gentlemen in england

Who drive for horse passenger coaches twenty or thirty miles on a daily line in the summer because the privilege costs them considerable money but if they were offered wages for the service who there would turn it into work and then they would resign. The boy amused awhile

Over the substantial change which had taken place in his worldly circumstances and then wended toward headquarters to report. Chapter three. Busy at war and love. Tom presented himself before aunt Polly who was sitting by an open window in a pleasant rearward apartment which was bedroom breakfast room dining room and library combined.

A bowl me summer air. The restful quiet the odor of the flowers and the drowsing murmur of the bees had had their effect and she was nodding over her knitting. For she had no company but the cat and it was asleep in her lap.

Her spectacles were propped up on her gray head for safety. She had thought that of course Tom had deserted long ago oh and she wondered at seeing him place himself in her power again in this intrepid way. He said. May and i go and play now aunt. What. Already.

How much have you done. It’s all done and. Tom. Don’t laugh at me. I can’t bear it. I aunt. It is all done. Aunt Polly placed small trust in such evidence. She went out to see for herself. And she would have been content to find twenty percent of Tom’s statement true.

When she found the entire fence whitewashed and not only whitewashed but elaborately coated and re recoded and even a streak added to the ground her astonishment was almost unspeakable. She said. Well i never. There’s no getting around it you can work when your mind to Tom.

And then she diluted the compliment by adding. But it’s powerful seldom your mind too am bound to say. Well go along and play but mind you get back some time in a week or I’ll tell you. She was so overcome by the splendor or of his achievement

That she took him into the closet and selected a choice apple and delivered it to him along with an improving lecture upon the added value and flavor a treat took to itself when it came without sin through virtuous effort and while she closed with a happy scriptural flourish. He hooked a doughnut.

Then he skipped out and saw sid just starting up the outside stairway that led to the back rooms on the second floor. Clods were handy and the air was full of them in a twinkling. They raged around seared like a hail storm

And before aunt Polly could collect her surprised faculties and Sally to the rescue six or seven clods had taken personal effect and Tom was over the fence and gone. There was a gate but as a general thing he was too crowded for time to make use of it his soul was at peace

Now that he had settled with sid for calling attention to his black thread and getting him into trouble. Tom skirted the block and came round into a muddy alley that led by the back of his aunts cow stable he presently got safely beyond the reach of capture and punishment

And hastened toward the public square of the village where two military companies. His had met for conflict according to previous appointment. Tom was general of one of these armies. Joel Harper a bosom friend. General or the other. These two great commanders did not condescend to fight in person.

That being better suited to this still smaller fry but sat together on an eminence and conducted the field operations by orders delivered through aides de camp. Tom’s army won a great victory after a long and hard fought battle. Then the dead were counted prisoners exchanged. The terms of the next disagreement agreed upon

And the day for the necessary battle appointed. After which the armies fell into line and marched away and Tom turned homeward alone. As he was passing by the house where Jeff Thatcher lived he saw a new girl in the garden. A lovely little blue eyed creature

With yellow hair plated into two long tails white summer frock and embroidered pencil lets. The fresh crowned hero he fell without firing a shot. A certain Amy Lawrence vanished out of his heart and left not even a memory of herself behind. He had thought he loved her to distraction

He had regarded his passion as adoration and behold. It was only a poor little evanescent partiality. He had been months winning her she had confessed hardly a week ago he had been the happiest and the proudest boy in the world only seven short days and here in one instant of time

She had gone out of his heart like a casual you’ll stranger whose visit is done. He worshipped this new angel with furtive eye till he saw that she had discovered him. Then he pretended he did not know she was present and began to show off. In all sorts of absurd boyish ways

In order to win her admiration. He kept up the his grotesque foolishness for some time but by and by while he was in the midst of some dangerous gymnastic performances he glanced aside and saw that the little girl was winding her way toward the house. Tom

Came up to the fence and leaned on it grieving and hoping she would Terry yet a while longer. She halted a moment on the steps and then moved toward the door. Tom. Heaved a great sigh as she put her foot on the threshold. But his face lit up right away

For she tossed a pansy over the fence a moment before she she disappeared. The boy ran around and stopped within a foot or two of the flower and then shaded his eyes with his hand and began to look down street as if he had discovered something of interest going on in that direction.

Presently he picked up a straw and began trying to balance it on his nose with his head tilted far back and as he moved from side to side in his efforts he edged nearer and nearer toward the pansy. Finally his bare foot rested upon it his pliant toes closed upon it

And he hopped away with the treasure and disappeared around around the corner. But only for a minute only while he could button the flower inside his jacket. Next his heart. Or next his stomach possibly for he was not much posted in anatomy and not hyper critical anyway. He returned now

And hung about the fence till nightfall showing off as before but the girl. Never exhibited herself again though Tom comforted himself a little with the hope that she had been near some window meantime and been aware of his attentions. Fine finally he rode home reluctantly with his poor head full of visions.

All through supper his spirits were so high that his aunt wondered what had got into the child. He took a good scolding about clouding said and did not seem to mind it in the least. He tried to steal sugar under his aunts very nose and got his knuckles rapped for it he said.

Ain’t. You don’t wack said when he takes it. Well. Sit don’t torment a body the way you do you’d be always into that sugar if i weren’t watching you. Presently she stepped into the kitchen and said happy in his immunity reached for the sugar bowl. A sort of

Glorying over Tom which was well nigh unbearable but since fingers slipped and the ball dropped and broke. Tom was in ecstasies in such ecstasies that he even controlled his tongue and was silent. He said to himself that he would not speak a word even when his aunt came in but would sit

Perfectly still till she asked who did the mischief and then he would tell and there would be nothing so good in the world as to see see that pet model catch it. He was so brimful of exultation that he could hardly hold himself when the old lady came back

And stood above the wreck discharging lightnings of wrath from over her spectacles he said to himself now it’s come in and the next instant he he was sprawling on the floor. The potent poem was uplifted to strike again when Tom cried i hold on now worry about me for said broke it.

And poly paused perplexed and Tom looked for healing pity but when she got her tongue again she only said. Well you didn’t get a lick on this i reckon. You been into some other audacious mischief when i wasn’t around like enough. Then her conscience reproached her

And she yearned to say something kind and loving. But she judged that this would be construed into a confession that she had been in the wrong and discipline for bade that. So she kept silence and went about her affairs with a troubled heart. Tom sulked in a corner and exalted his woes.

He knew that in her heart his aunt was on her knees to him and he was morosely gratified by the consciousness of it. He would hang out no signals he would take notice of none he knew though but a yearning glance fell upon him now and then through a film of tears

But he refused recognition of it. He pictured himself lying sick unto death and his aunt bending over him beseeching one little forgiving word but he would turn his face to the wall and die with that word. Unsaid. Ah. How would she feel Van. And he pictured himself brought home from the river

Dead with his curls all wet and his sore heart at rest. How she would throw herself upon him and how her tears would fall like rain and her lips pray re god to give her back her boy and she would never never abuse him any more but he would lie there

Cold and white and make no sign. Of poor little sufferer whose griefs were at an end. He so worked upon his feelings with the pathos of these dreams that he had to keep swallowing he was so like to choke and his eyes swam in a blur of water which overflowed when he winked

And ran down and trickled from the end of his nose. And such a luxury to him was this petting of his sorrows. That he could not bear to have any worldly cheering his or any grating delight intrude upon it. It was too sacred for such contact. And so presently

When his cousin Mary danced in all alive with the joy of seeing home again after an age long visit of one week to the country. He got up and moved in clouds and darkness out at one door as she brought song and sunshine in at the other.

He wandered far from the accustomed haunts of boys and sought desolate places that were in Harmony with his spirit. A log raft in the river invited him and he seated himself on it’s outer edge and contemplated the dreary vastness of the stream. Wishing the while

That he could only be drowned all at once and unconscious leave without undergoing the uncomfortable routine devised by nature. Then. He thought of his flower. He got it out. Rumpled and wilted and it mightily increased his dismal Felicity. He wondered if she. Would pity him him if she knew. Would she cry.

And set it up in new and varied life till he wore it threadbare. At last he Rose up sighing and. Departed in the darkness. About half past nine or ten o’clock he came along the deserted street to where the adored unknown lived. He paused a moment. No sound fell upon his listening ear.

A candle was casting a dull glow upon the curtain a second story window. Was the sacred presence there. He climbed the fence. Threaded his stealthy way through the plants till he stood under that window. He looked up at it long and with emotion.

Then he laid him down on the grass round under it disposing himself upon his back with his hands clasped upon his breast and holding his poor wilted flower. And thus. He would die. Out in the cold world with no shelter over his homeless head no friend only hand

To wipe the death the amps from his brow. No loving face to bend pitying lie over him when the great. Agony came. And thus she would see him when she looked out upon the glad morning and oh who. Would she drop one little tear up one his poor lifeless form

Would she heave one little sigh to see a bright young life so rudely blighted so untimely cut down. The window end up a maid servants discordant voice profaned the holy calm and a deluge of water drench the prone martyrs remains. The strangling hero sprang up with a relieving snort.

Was surveying his drenched garments by the light of a tallow dip sid woke up. But if he had any d dem idea of making any. References to illusions he thought better of it and held his peace for there was danger in Tom’s eye. Tom turned in without the added vexation of prayers

And sid made mental note of the omission. Chapter four. Showing off in Sunday school. The sun Rose upon a tranquil world and beamed down upon the peaceful village like a benediction. Breakfast over and Polly had family worship. It began with a prayer built from the ground up of solid courses of scriptural quotations

Welded together with a thin mortar of originality and from the summit of this she delivered a grim chapter of the mosaic law as from sinai. Then Tom girded up his loins so to speak and went to work to get his verses. Said had learned his lesson days before. Tom

Bent all his energies to the memorizing of five verses and he chose part of the sermon on the mount because he could find no verses that were shorter. At the end of half an hour Tom had a vague general idea of his lesson but no more

For his mind was traversing the whole field of human thought and his hands were busy with distracting recreations. Mary took his book to hear him recite and he tried to find his way a through the fog. Blizzard are the are. The. Poor. Yes. Poor. Blizzard are the poor a. In spirit. In spirit.

Blessed are the poor in spirit for they. They. There’s. For theirs. Bless it are the poor in spirit for theirs he is the kingdom of heaven. Ah blessed are they that mourn for they they. Sh. For they are. S h a. For they s h. O i don’t know what it is. Sal.

O shell air. For they shall for they shall. Ugh shall mourn a. Blessed are they that shall. They that. They that shall mourn for they shall. Ah. Share what. Why don’t you tell me Mary what do you want to be so mean for. Oh Tom you poor thick headed thing.

New Barlow knife worth twelve and a half cents and the convert portion of delight that swept his system shook him to his foundations. True. The knife would not cut anything but it was a sure enough Barlow and there was inconceivable grandeur in that. Though where the western boys ever got the idea

That such a weapon could pass sibley be counterfeited to it’s injury is an imposing mystery and will always remain so. Perhaps. Tom contrived to scarifying the cupboard with it and was arranging to begin on the bureau when he was called off to dress for Sunday school.

Mary gave him a tin basin of water and a piece of soap and he went outside the door and set the basin on a little bench there. Then he dipped the soap in the water and laid it down. Turned up his sleeves. Poured out the water on the ground gently and then

Entered the key kitchen and began to wipe his face diligently on the towel behind the door but marry remove the towel and said. Now ain’t you ashamed Tom you mustn’t be so bad water won’t hurt you. Tom was a trifle disconcerted. The basin was refilled and this time he stood

Over it a little while gathering resolution. Took in a big breath. And began. When he entered the kitchen presently with both eyes shut and groping for the towel with his hands and honorable testimony of soda and water was dripping from his face. But when he emerged from the towel.

He was not yet satisfactory. For the clean territory stopped short at his chin and his jaws like a mask. Below and beyond this line there was a dark expanse of an irrigated soil that spread downward in front and backward around his neck. Mary

Took him in hand and when she was done with him he was a man and a brother without distinction of color and his saturated hair was neatly brushed and it’s short curls walked into a dainty and symmetrical general effect. He prive but he smoothed out the curls with labour and

And so by that we know the size of his wardrobe. The girl put him to rights after he had dressed himself. She buttoned his neat round about up to his chin turned his vast shirt collar down over his shoulders brushed him off and crowned him with his speckled straw hat. He now looked

He lost his temper and said he was always being made to do everything he didn’t want to do but Mary said persuasively. Please Tom. That a good boy. So he got into the shoes snarling. Mary was soon ready and the three children set out for Sunday school.

If the police that Tom hated with his whole heart but sid and Mary were fond of it. Sabbath school hours were from nine to half past ten and then church service. Two of the children always remained for the sermon voluntarily and the other always remained to. For stronger reasons.

The churches high backed up and cushioned pews would seat about three hundred persons. The edifice was but a small plane affair with a sort of pine board tree box on top of it for a steeple. At the door Tom dropped back a step and accosted a Sunday dressed comrade. Say Billy

At a yellow ticket. Yes. What did you take far. Will you give. Piece of licorice inefficient. The same. Tom exhibited. They were satisfactory and the property changed hands. Then Tom traded a couple of white alleys for three red tickets and some small trifle or other for a couple of blue ones.

He waylaid other boys as they came and went on on buying tickets of various colors ten or fifteen minutes longer. He entered the church now with a swarm of clean and noisy boys and girls proceeded to his seat and started a quarrel with the first boy that came handy. The teacher. A grave.

Elderly man into her feared. Then turned his back a moment and Tom pulled a boy’s hair in the next bench and was absorbed in his book when the boy turned around. Stuck a pin in another boy presently in order to hear him say ouch and got a new reprimand from his teacher.

Tom’s whole class were of a pattern. Restless. Noisy. And troublesome. When they came to recite their lessons not one of them knew his verses perfectly but had to be prompted all along. However they worried through and each got his reward in small blue tickets. Each with a passage of scripture on it

Each blue ticket was pay for two verses of the recitation. Ten blue tickets equaled a red one and could be exchanged for it. Ten red tickets equaled a yellow one. For two ten yellow tickets the superintendent gave a very plainly bound Bible. Worth forty cents in those easy times to the pupil.

Three thousand verses without stopping but the strain upon his mental faculties was too great and he was little better than an idiot from that day forth. A grievous misfortune for the school for on great occasions before company the superintendent as Tom expressed it had always made this boy come out and. Spread himself.

Only the older pupils managed to keep their tickets and stick to their tedious work long enough to get a Bible and so the delivery of one of these prizes was a rare and noteworthy circumstance. The successful pupil was so great and conspicuous for that day that on the spot

Every scullers heart was fired with a fresh ambition that often lasted a couple of weeks. It is possible that Tom’s mental stomach had never really hungered for one of those prizes but unquestionably his entire being had for many a day longed for the glory and the cloth that came with it.

In due course the superintendent stood up in front of the pulpit with a closed him book in his hand and his forefinger inserted between its leaves and commanded attention. When a Sunday school superintendent makes his customary little speech a hymn book in hand is as necessary

As is the inevitable sheet of music in the hand of a singer who stands forward on the platform and sings a solo at a concert. Though why. Is it miss jury. For neither the hymn book nor the sheet of music is ever referred to by the sufferer. This superintendent

Was a slim creature of thirty five with a Sandy goat and short Sandy hair. He wore a stiff standing collar whose upper edge on almost reached his ears and whose sharp points curved poor word abreast the corners of his mouth. A fence. That compelled a straight lookout ahead

And a turning of the whole body when a side view was required. His chin was propped on a spreading cravat which was as broad as and as long as a bank note and had fringed ends. His boot toads were turned sharply up. In the fashion of the day like sleigh runners. In effect

Patiently and laboriously produced by the young men by sitting with their toes pressed against a wall all for hours together. Mr Walters was very earnest of mean and very sincere and honest at heart and he held sacred things and places in such reverence and so separated them from worldly matters that

Unconsciously to himself his Sunday a school voice had acquired a peculiar intonation which was wholly absent on weekdays. He began after this fashion. Now children. I want you all to sit up just as straight and pretty as you can and give me all your attention for a minute or two. There.

That is it. That is the way good little boys and girls should do. I see one little girl who is looking out of the window. I am afraid she thinks i am out there somewhere. Perhaps up in one of the trees making a speech to the little birds. A passive titter.

Washing even to the bases of isolated and incorruptible rocks like said and Mary. But now every sound ceased suddenly with the subsidence of mr Walter’s voice and the conclusion of the speech was received with a burst of silent gratitude. A good part of the whispering had been occasioned by an event which was.

More or less rare. The entrance of visitors. Lawyer Thatcher. Accompanied by a very feeble and aged man. A fine portly middle aged gentlemen with iron grey hair and a dignified lady who was doubtless the latter’s wife. The lady was leading a child. Tom had been restless and full of chafing and re paintings.

Conscience smitten too. He could not meet Amy Lawrence’s eye he could not brook her loving gaze. But when he saw the small newcomer his soul was all ablaze with bliss in a moment. This is the end of disc number one. Please insert disc number two. This is disc number two.

The next moment he was showing off with all his might cuffing boys pulling hair making faces in a word using every art that seemed likely to fascinate a girl and when her applause. His exhortation had but one alloy. The memory of his humiliation in the this angels

Garden and that record in sand was fast washing out under the waves of happiness that were sweeping over it now. The visitors were given the highest seat of honor. And as soon as mr Walter’s speech was finished he introduced them to the school. The. The man turned out to be a prodigious personage.

No lesser one than the county judge. Altogether the most August creation these children had ever looked upon and they wondered what kind of material he was made of and they half wanted to hear him roar and were half afraid he might two. He was from constantinople twelve miles away. So he had travelled

And seen the world. These very eyes had looked upon the county courthouse which was said to have a tin roof. The awe which these reflections in spy fired was attested by the impressive silence and the ranks of staring eyes. This was the great judge Thatcher. Brother of their own lawyer.

Jeff Thatcher immediately went forward to be familiar with the great man and be envied by the school. It would have been music to his soul to hear the whisperings. Look at him. He’s gone up to. Say. Look he’s a con to shake hands with him. He is shaken hands with him by genes

Don’t you wish you were chef. Mr Walters fell to show off with all sorts of official bustling and activities giving orders delivering judgments discharging directions here there everywhere that he could find a target. The librarian showed off running hither and thither with his arms full of books

And making a deal of the splutter and face that insect authority delights in. The young lady teach years showed off bending sweetly over pupils that were lately being boxed lifting pretty warning fingers at bad little boys and patting good ones lovingly. The young gentleman teachers showed off

With small scoldings and other little displays of authority and fire join attention to discipline. And most of the teachers of both sexes found business up at the library by the pulpit and it was business that frequently had to be done over again two or three times with much seeming vexation.

The little girls showed off in various ways and the little boy boys showed off with such diligence that the air was thick with paper wads and the murmur of scuffling and above it all the great man sat and beamed a majestic judicial smile upon all the house

And warmed himself in the sun of his own grandeur for he was showing off to. There was only one thing wanting to make mr Walters ecstasy complete and that was a chance to deliver a Bible prize and exhibit a prodigy. Several pupils had a few yellow tickets but none had enough

He had been around among the star power pupils inquiring he would have given worlds now to have that German lad back again with a sound mind. And now at this moment when hope was dead. Tom Sawyer came forward with nine yellow tickets. Nine red tickets and ten blue ones and demand ended

A Bible. This was a thunder bolt out of a clear sky. Walters was not expecting an application from this source for the next ten years but there was no getting around it. Here where the certified checks and they were good for their face.

Tom was therefore elevated to a the place with the judge and the other elect and the great news was announced from headquarters. It was the most stunning surprise of the decade and so profound was the sensation that had lifted the new hero up to the judicial ones altitude

And the school had two marvels to gaze upon in place of one. The boys were all eaten up with envy but those that suffered the bitterest pangs. Were those who perceived too late that they themselves had contributed to this hated splendor by trading tickets to Tom for the wealth he had amassed

In selling why white washing privileges. These despise themselves as being the dupes of a wily fraud a guile full snake in the grass. The prize was delivered to Tom with as much effusion as the superintendent could pump up under the circumstances but it lacked somewhat of the true gush

For the poor fellows instinct taught him that there was a mystery here that could not well bear the light perhaps. It was simply a preposterous that this boy had warehoused two thousand sheaves of scriptural wisdom on his premises. A dozen would strain his capacity without a doubt. Amy Lawrence was proud and glad

And she tried to make Tom see it in her face but he wouldn’t look. She wondered. Then she was just a grain troubled. Next a dim suspicion came and went. Came again. She watched. A furtive glance told her world. And then her heart broke and she was jealous and angry

And the tears came and she hated everybody. Tom most of all. She thought. Tom was introduced to the judge but his tongue was tied his breath would hardly come his heart quaked partly because of the awful greatness of the man but mainly because he was her parent.

He would have liked to fall down and worship him if it were in the dock iirc. The judge put his hand on Tom’s head and called him a fine little man and asked him what his name was. The boy stammered. Gasped and got it out. Town. Oh no not Tom it is. Thomas.

Ah that’s it. I thought there was more to it maybe. That’s very well. But you have another one i dare say and you’ll tell it to me won’t you. Tell the gentleman your other name Thomas said Walters and say sir you mustn’t forget your manners. Tami Sawyer sir. That’s it

That’s a good boy fine boy fine manly little fellow. Two thousand versus is a great many. Very very great many. And you never can be sorry for the trouble you took to learn them for knowledge is worth more than anything there is in the world it’s what makes great men and good men.

You’ll be a great man and a good man yourself someday Thomas and then you’ll look back and say. It’s all owing to the precious Sunday school privileges of my boyhood. It’s all owing to my dear teachers that taught me to learn. It’s all owing to the good superintendent who encouraged me

And watched over me and gave me a beautiful Bible. A splendid elegant Bible to keep and have it all for my own always. It’s all owing to right bringing up. That is what you will say Thomas and you wouldn’t take any money for those two thousand verses no indeed you wouldn’t. And now.

You wouldn’t mind telling me and this lady some of the things you’ve learned know i know you wouldn’t while we are proud of little boys at learn now. No doubt you know the names of all the twelve disciples won’t you tell us the names of. The first two that were appointed.

Tom was tugging at a buttonhole and looking sheepish he blushed now and his eyes fell. Mr Walter’s heart sank within him. He said to himself. It is not possible that the boy can answer the simplest question why did the judge ask him. Yet he felt obliged to say speak up and say.

Answer the gentleman Thomas. Don’t be afraid. Palm still hung fire. Now i know you’ll tell me said the lady. The names of the first two disciples were. David and Goliath. Let us draw the curtain of charity over the rest of the scene. Chapter five. The pinch bug and his prey.

About half past ten the cracked bell of the small church began to ring and presently the people began to gather for the morning sermon. The Sunday school children distributed themselves about the house and occupied pews with their parents so as to be under supervision. Aunt Polly came

And Tom and sid and Mary sat with her Tom being placed next the aisle in order that he might be as far away from the open window and the seductive outside summer scenes as possible. The crowd filed up the aisles. The aged and needy postmaster who had seen better days.

The mayor and his wife for they had a mayor there among other unnecessary is. The justice of the peace. The widow Douglas fair smart and forty a generous good hearted soul and well to do. Hill mansion the only palace in the town and the most hospitable and much the most lavish in the

Matter of festivities that st Petersburg could boast. The bent and venerable major and mrs ward. Lawyer river sin the new notable from a distance. Next the bell the village followed by a troop of lawn clad and ribbon decked young heartbreakers. Then all the young clerks in town in a body

For they had stood in the vestibule sucking their caine heads a circling wall of oiled and simpering admirers till the last girl had run their gauntlet. And last of all came the marveled boy. Willie mufson. Taking as hateful care of his mother as if she were cut glass.

He always brought his mother to church and was the pride of all the matrons. The boys all hated him he was so good and besides he he had been thrown up to them so much. His white handkerchief was hanging out of his pocket behind as usual on sundays accidentally. Tom had no handkerchief

And he looked upon boys who had as snobs. The congregation being fully assembled now. The bell rang once more to warn laggards and stragglers and then a solemn hush fell upon the church which was only broken by the tittering and whispering of the choir in the gallery. Acquire always

Tittered and whispered all through service. There was once a church choir that was not ill bred but i have forgotten where it was now. It was a great many years ago and i can scarcely remember anything about it but i think it was in some foreign country. The minister gave out the him

And read it through with a relish in a peculiar style which was much admired in that part of the country. His voice began on a medium key and climbed steadily up till it reached a certain point where it bore with strong emphasis upon the topmost word and then plunged down as if

From a springboard. Shall i be carry it to all the sky is on flowery beds of ease. Whilst others fight to him the prize on sale throw boulud his shoes. He was regarded as a wonderful reader. At church socials he was always called upon to read poetry

And when he was through the ladies would lift up their hands and let them fall helplessly in their laps and wall their eyes and shake their heads as much as to say say. Words cannot express it it is too beautiful too beautiful for this mortal earth. After the hymn had been sung.

The reverend mr sprague turned himself into a bulletin board and read off notices of meetings and societies and things till it seemed that the list would stretch out to the crack of doom. A queer custom which is still kept up in america even in cities away here in this age of abundant newspapers.

Often. The less there is to justify a traditional custom the harder it is to get rid of it. And now the minister prayed. A good generous prayer it was and went into details it pleaded for the church and the little children of the church for the other churches of the village

For the village itself. For the county or the state for the state officers for the united states for the churches of the united states for congress as for the president for the officers of the government for poor sailors tossed by stormy seas for the oppressed millions groaning under the heel of European monarchies

And oriental despotism for such as have the light and the good tidings and yet have not eyes to see nor ears to here with all for the heathen in the far islands of the sea and closed with a supplication that the words he was about to speak might find grace and favour

And be as seed sown in fertile ground yielding in time a grateful harvest of good. Aw man. There was a rustling of dresses and the standing congregation sat down. The boy whose history this book relates did not enjoy the prayer he only endured it. If he even did that much.

He was restive all through it he kept tally of the details of the prayer or unconsciously for he was not listening but he knew the ground of old and the clergyman regular route over it. And when a little trifle of new matter was interlarding his ear detected it

And his whole nature resented it he considered additions unfair and scoundrel early. In the midst of the prayer a fly had lit on the back of the pew in front of him and tortured his spirit by calmly rubbing its hands together. Embracing its head with it’s arms

And polishing it so vigorously that it seemed to almost part company with the body and the slender thread red of a neck was exposed to view. Scraping it’s wings with it’s hind legs and smoothing them to it’s body as if they had been coat tails going through it’s whole toilet

As tranquility as if it knew it was perfectly safe. As indeed it was. For sorely as Tom’s hand is itu-t to grab for it they did not dare. He believed his soul would be instantly destroyed if he did such a thing while the prayer was going on. But with the closing sentence

His hand began to curve and steel forward and the instant the ol man was out the fly was a prick center of war. Isn’t detected the act and made him let it go. The minister gave out his text and droned along monotonously through an argument that was so prosaic

That many ahead by and by began to nod and yet it was an argument that dealt in limitless fire and brimstone and thinned the pre destined a let down to accompany so small as to be hardly worth the saving. Tom counted the pages of the sermon.

After church he always knew how many pages there had been but he seldom knew anything else about the discourse. However this time he was really interested for a little while. The minister he made a grand and moving picture of the assembling together of the world’s hosts at the millennium when the lion

And the lamb should lie down together and a little child shall lead them. But the pathos. The lesson. The moral of the great spectacle were lost upon the boy he only thought one of the conspicuous ness of the principal character before they on looking nation’s his face lit with the thought

And he said to himself that he wished he could be that child. If it was a tame lion. Now he lapsed into suffering again. As the dry argument was resumed. Presently he be fought him of a treasure he had and got it out. It was a large black beetle with formidable jaws.

A pinch bug he called it. It was in a percussion cap box. The first thing the beetle did was to take him by the finger. Unnatural Philip followed the beadle when floundering into the aisle and lit on its back and the hurt finger went into the boy’s mouth.

The beadle lay there working it’s helpless legs unable to turn over. Tom eyed it and longed for it but it was safe out of his reach. Other people uninterested in the sermon found relief in the beadle and they eyed it to. Presently a vagrant poodle dog came idling along sad at heart

Lazy with the summer soft miss and quiet. Weary of captivity sighing for change. He spied the beadle. A drooping tail lifted and wagged he surveyed the prize walked around it smelt at it from a safe distance walked around it again. Grew bolder and took a closer smell then

Lifted his lip and made a gingerly snatch at it just missing it. Made another and another. Began to enjoy the diversion subsided to his stomach with the beadle between his paws and continued his experiments. Grew weary at last and then indifferent and absent minded. His head nodded and little by little

His chin descended and touched the enemy. Who seized it. There was a sharp yelp a flirt of the pools head and the beadle fell a couple of yards away and lid on it’s back once more. The neighboring spectators shook with a gentle inward joy oi.

Several faces went behind fans and handkerchiefs and Tom was entirely happy. The dog looked foolish and probably felt so but there was resentment in his heart too and a craving for revenge so he went to the beadle and began a wary attack on it again

Jumping at it from every point of a circle line. His four paws within an inch of the creature making even closer snatches at it with his teeth and jerking his head till his ears flapped again. But he grew tired once more after awhile

Tried to amuse himself with a fly but found no relief. Followed nant around with his nose close to the floor and quickly wearied of that that. Yawned side forgot the beadle entirely and sat down on it. Then there was a wild yelp of agony and the poodle went sailing up the aisle

The yelps continued and so did the dog he crossed the house in front of the altar he flew down the other aisle he crossed before the doors he clammed load up the home stretch his anguish grew with his progress till presently he was but a wooly comet

Moving in its orbit with the gleam and the speed of light. At last the frantic sufferer sheared from it’s course and sprang into his master’s lap he flung it out of the window and the voice of distress quickly finned away wei and died in the distance. By this time

The whole church was red faced and suffocating with suppressed laughter and the sermon had come to a dead standstill. The discourse was resumed presently but it went lame and halting all possibility of impressiveness being at an end. For even the gravest sentiments were constantly being received with a smothered burst of unholy mirth.

Under cover of some remote pew back as if the poor parson had said a rarely facetious thing. It was a genuine relief to the whole congregation when the ordeal was over and the benediction pronounced. Tom Sawyer went home quite cheerful thinking to himself that there was some satisfaction about divine

Service when there was a bit of variety in it. He had but one marring thought he was willing that the dog should play with his pinch bug but he did not think it was upright in him to carry it off. Chapter six. Tom meet Becky. Monday morning found Tom Sawyer miserable.

Monday morning always found him so. Because it began another week’s slow suffering in school. He generally began that day with wishing he had had no intervening holiday it made the going into captivity and fell stirs again so much more odious. Tom lay thinking. Presently

It occurred to him that he wished he was sick. Then he could stay home from school. Here was a vague possibility. He canvassed his system. No ailment was found and he he investigated again. This time he thought he could detect palicki symptoms and he began to encourage them with considerable hope.

But they soon grew feeble and presently died wholly away. He reflected further. Suddenly he discover heard something. One of his upper front teeth was loose. This was lucky he was about to begin to groan as a starter as he called it when it occurred to him

That if he came into court with that argument his aunt would pull it out and that would hurt. So he thought he would hold the tooth in reserve for the present and seek further. Nothing offered for some little time and then he remembered hearing the doctor tell

About a certain thing that laid up a patient for two or three weeks and threatened to make him lose a finger. So the boy eagerly drew his sword to from under the sheet and held it up for inspection. By now he did not know the necessary symptoms. However

It seemed well worthwhile to chance it so he fell to groaning with considerable spirit. But sid slept an unconscious. Tom groaned louder and fancy that he began to feel pain in the toe oh. No result from said. Tom was panting with his exertions by this time. He took a rest and then

Swelled himself up and fetched a succession of admirable groans. Said snored on. Tom was aggravated he said said. Said. Said and shook him. This course worked well and Tom began to groan again. Said yawned stretched then brought himself up on his elbow with a snort and began to stare at Tom

Tom went on groaning. Sid said. Tom. Say Tom. No response. Here Tom. Tom. What is the matter Tom and he shook him and looked in his face anxiously Tom moaned out oh don’t sit. Don’t jog on me. Why what’s the matter Tom. I must call auntie no. Never mind

It’ll blow over by and by. Maybe. Don’t call anybody. But i must. Don’t grown so Tom it’s awful. How long you been this way. Ours. Ouch oh don’t stir so said you’ll kill me. Tom why did you wake me sooner old Tom don’t it makes my flesh crawl to hear you.

Tom what is the matter. I forgive the everything said. Oh. Everything you’ve ever done to me. When i’m gone oh Tom you ain’t die in are you don’t Tom oh oh don’t. Maybe i forgive everybody he said. Ooh. Tell him so sit. And. Sit. You give my window sash

And my cat with one eye to that new girl let’s come to town and tell her but sid had snatched his clothes and gone. Tom was suffering in reality now so he handsomely was his imagination working and so his groans had gathered quite a genuine tone. Said flew downstairs and said.

Oh aunt Polly come Tom’s dying. Dying. Yes some don’t wait come quick. Rubbish i don’t believe it but she fled upstairs never or the less with sid and Mary at her heels and her face grew white too and her lip trembled. When she reached the bedside she gasped out. You Tom.

Tom what’s the matter with you. All anti am what’s the matter with you what is the matter with you child. Oh auntie the. Mazar towels mortified. The old lady sank down into a chair and laughed a little then cried a little then did both together. This restored her and she said. Tom

What a turn you did give me now you shut up that nonsense and climb out of this. The groans ceased and the pain vanished from the toe. The boy felt a little foolish and he said. And Polly seemed mortified and it hurt so i never minded my tooth at all.

Your tooth indeed what’s the matter with your tooth. One of them’s lengths ended in her eggs perfectly awful. They’re there now don’t begin that groaning again open your mouth. Well. Your tooth is loose but you’re not going to die about that. Mary

Get me a silk thread and a chunk of fire out of the kitchen. Tom said. Oh please auntie don’t pull it out it don’t hurt anymore i wish i may never stir if it does please don’t ante i don’t want to stay home from school. Oh you don’t don’t you

Saw all this row was because you thought you’d get to stay home from school and go a fishing. Tom. Tom i love you so and you seem to try every way you can to break my old heart with your outrageousness. By this time the dental instruments were ready.

The old lady made one end of the silk thread fast to Tom’s tooth with a loop and tied the other to the bedpost. Then she seized the chunk of fire and suddenly thrust it almost into the boy’s face. The tooth hung dangling by the bedpost now. But old trials bring their compensations.

As Tom wended to school after breakfast he was the envy of every boy he met because the gap in his upper row of teeth enabled him to expect her rate in a new and admirable way. He gathered quite a following ring of lads interested in the exhibition and one

That had cut his finger and had been a center of fascination and homage up to this time now found himself suddenly without an adherent and shorn of his glory. His heart was heavy and he said with a disdain which he did not feel that it wasn’t anything to spit like Tom Sawyer

But another boy said sour grapes and he wandered away a dismantled hero. Shortly Tom came upon the juvenile pariah of the village huckleberry Finn son of the town drunkard. Huckleberry was cordially hated and dreaded by all the mothers of the town because he was idle and lawless and vulgar and bad and because.

If children admired him so and delighted in his forbidden society and wished they dared to be like him. Tom was like the rest of the respectable boys in that he envied huckleberry his gaudy outcast condition and was under strict orders not to play with him.

So he played with him every time he got a chance. Huckleberry was always dressed in the cast off clothes of full grown men and they were in perennial bloom and fluttering with rags. His hat was a vast ruin with a wide Crescent lopped out of it’s brim his coat when he wore one

Hung nearly to his heels and had the rear word buttons far down the back. But one suspender supported his trousers. The seat of the trousers bagged low and contained nothing. The fringed legs dragged in the dirt when not rolled up. Huckleberry came and went at his own free will.

He slept on doorsteps in fine weather and in empty hogsheads in wet. He did not have to go to school or to church or call any being master or obey any body. He could go fishing or swimming when and where he chose and stay as long as it suited him.

Nobody forbade him to fight he could sit up as late as he pleased he was always the first boy that went barefoot in the spring and the last to resume leather in the fall. He never had to wash nor put on clean clothes does he could swear wonderfully. In a word

Everything that goes to make life precious that boy had. So thought every harassed hampered respectable boy in st Petersburg. Tom hailed the romantic outcast. Hello huckleberry. Hello yourself and see how you like it. What’s that you got. Dead gat. Let me see him huck. Nah he’s pretty stiff. Where’d you get him.

Bottom often a boy. What did you give. I gave a blue ticket and a boy later that i got at the slaughterhouse. Where’d you get the blue ticket. Bought it off and Ben Rogers two weeks ago for a hoops dick. Say. What is dead cats good for huck. Good for. Your warts with

Now is that so. I know something that’s better. About ye don’t what is it. Why spunk water spunk water i wouldn’t give a dern for spunk water. You would wouldn’t you do you ever try it. Now i hanged a Bob Tanner did. Who told you so.

Why he told Jeff Thatcher and Jeff told Johnny baker and Johnny told Jim Hollis and Jim told Ben Rodgers and Ben told a nigger and the nigger told me there now. Well. What of it. They’ll all lie. Least wise all but the nigger i don’t know him

But i never see a nigger that wouldn’t lie. Shocks now you tell me how Bob Tanner done it huck. Why he took and dipped his hand in a rotten stump where the rainwater was. In the daytime. Certainly. With his face to the stump. Yes. Least Iraq console. Did he say anything.

I don’t reckon he did i don’t know. Ha. Talk about trying to cure warts with spunk water such a blamed fool way is that. Why that ain’t gonna do any good. You got to go all by yourself to the middle of the wood where you know there’s a spunk water stump and just

As it’s midnight yet back up against the stump and jame your handy and ins a. Barley corn barley corn engine meals shorts spunk water spunk water squalor these warts and then walk away quick eleven steps with your eyes shut and then turn around three times and walk home without speaking to anybody

Because if you speak the chalk arm’s busted. Well that sounds like a good way but that ain’t the way Bob Tanner done no sir you can bet he didn’t because he’s the warty is born this town and he wouldn’t have a ward on him if he’d known how to work spunk water.

After golf thousands of warts off of my hands at way hook. I play with frogs so much that I’ve always got considerable many warts. Sometimes i take them off with a bean. Yes beans good I’ve done that. Have you. What’s your way. You’ve taken split the bean

And cut the wort so as to get some blood and then you put the blood on one piece of the bean and taken dig a hole and Bury it about midnight at the crossroads in the dark of the moon and then you burn up the rest of the beef when you see.

That piece that’s got the blood on it will keep drawing and draw and trying to fetch the other piece to it and so that helps the blood to draw the wort and pretty soon. Off she comes. Yes that’s it huck that’s it. Though when you’re burying in it if you say.

Down been off work short come no more to bother me it’s better. That’s the way Joe Harper does and he’s been nearly to coupeville and most ever wears. But say. How do you cure him with that cat. Why. You take your cat and go and get in the graveyard long about midnight

When somebody that was wicked has been buried read and when it’s midnight a devil will come or maybe two or three but you ain’t see him you can only hear something like the wind or maybe hear him talk and when they’re talking that feller away ye heave your cat after him and say.

Gavel follow a corpse cat follow devil warts fall yo cat i’m done with the. Addled fetch any wart. Sounds rat. He ever tried hook. Now but all mother Hopkins told me. Well i reckon it’s so then. Because they say she’s a witch. Say. What Tom i know she is she which pap.

Pap says so his own self he come along one day and he see she was a witch in him so he took up a rock and if she hadn’t dodged eda got her well that Barry nat he rolled off in the shed where he was a lay and drunk and broke his arm.

Why. That’s awful. How did he know she was a witch in the. Lord app can tell easy. Pap says when they keep looking at each rat steady. They are a witch in you. Especially if they mumble because when they mumble their say in the lord’s prayer backwards. Say hooky.

When you can try the cat. Tonight. I reckon they’ll come after old hoss Williams tonight. But they buried him Saturday. Didn’t they get him Saturday night. Hoo ha ha ye talk. How could their charms work till midnight and then it’s Sunday. Devils don’t slosh around much of a Sunday i don’t reckon.

I never thought that. At so. Let me go with you. The charge if he ain’t feared. Feared. Taint likely. Will you meow. Gas and umea back if you get a chance. Last time you kept me a millon around till old Hayes went to throwing rocks at me and says dern that cat

And so i have a breadth through his window but don’t you tell. I won’t. I couldn’t meow that night because auntie was watching me but allow me at this time. Say. What’s that. Nothing but a tick. Where’d you get him. At in the woods. What did you take form. I dunno.

I don’t want to say Helen. Alright. To mighty small take anyway. How anybody can run a takedown that don’t belong to them. Am satisfied with it. It’s a good enough tick for me. Shoe there’s ticks plenty i could have a thousand of them if i wanted to. Well why don’t you

Because you know mighty whale UK can’t. This is a pretty early tick i reckon it’s the first one I’ve seen this year. Say hook. I’ll give you my two for. Less seat. Tom got out a bit of paper and carefully unrolled it. Huckleberry viewed it wistfully. The temptation was very strong.

At last he said. Is it genuine. Tom lifted his lip and showed the vacancy. Well all right said huckleberry. Each trade. Tom and close the tick in the percussion cap box that had lately been the pinch bugs prison and the boys separated. Each feeling wealthier than before.

When Tom reached the little isolated frame school house he strolled in briskly with the manner of one who had come with all honest speed he hung his hat on a peg and flung himself into his seat with businesslike alacrity. The master throned on high in his great splint bottom arm chair was dozing

Load by the drowsy hum of study. The interruption roused him. Thomas Sawyer. Tom knew that when his name was pronounced in full. It meant trouble. Sir. Come up here. Now sir why are you late again as usual. Tom was about to take refuge in a lie

When he saw two long tails of yellow hair hanging down a back that he recognized by the electric sympathy of love and by the. Warm was the only vacant place on the girls side of the schoolhouse. He instantly said. I stopped to talk with huckleberry Finn.

The masters pulse stood still and he stared helplessly. The buzz of study ceased. The pupils wondered if this foolhardy boy had lost his mind. The master said. You. You did what. Stop the talk with huckleberry Finn. There was no mistaking the words. Thomas Sawyer.

This is the most astounding confession i have ever listened to. No mere Farrell will answer for this offense. Take off your jacket. The master’s arm performed until it was tired and the stock of switches notably diminished. Then the order i followed. Now sir go and sit with the girls

And let this be a warning to you. The titter that rippled around the room appeared to abashed the boy but in reality. That result was caused rather more by his worshipful awe of his n unknown idol and the dread pleasure that lay in his high good fortune. He sat down

Upon the end of the pine bench and the girl hitched herself away from him with a toss of her head. Nudges and winks and whispers traversed the room but Tom sat still with his all arms upon the long low desk before him and seemed to study his book.

By and by attention ceased from him and the accustomed school murmur Rose upon the dull air once more. Presently the boy began to steal furtive glances at the girl. She observed it. Made a mouth at him and gave him the back of her head for or the space of a minute.

When she cautiously faced around again. A peach lay before her. She thrust it away. Tom gently put it back. She thrust it away again but with less animosity. Tom patiently returned it to it’s place she. Then she let it remain. Tom scrolled on his slate. Please take it. I got more.

The girl glanced at the words but made no sign. Now the boy began to draw something on the slate hiding his work with his left hand. For a time the girl refused to notice but her human curiosity presently began to manifest itself by hardly perceptible signs. The boy worked on apparently unconscious.

The girl made a sort of noncommittal attempt to see it but the boy did not portray that he was aware of it. At last she gave in and hesitatingly whispered. Let me see it. Tom partly uncovered a dismal caricature of a house with two gable ends to it and a corkscrew of smoke

Issuing from the chimney. Then the girl’s interests began to fasten itself upon the work and she forgot everything else. When it was finished she gazed a moment then whispered. It’s nice. Make a man. The artist erected a man in the front yard that resembled a Derrick. He could have stepped over the house

But the girl was not hyper critical she was satisfied with the monster and whispered. It’s a beautiful man. Now make me coming along. Tome ju ooh an hour glass with a full moon and straw limbs to it and armed the spreading fingers with a portentous fan. The girl said. It’s ever so nice.

I wish i could draw. It’s easy whispered Tom I’ll learn ya. Oh will you. When. At noon. Do you go home to dinner. Asked if you will. Good. That’s a whack. What’s your name. Becky Thatcher. What’s yours. Oh. I know it’s Thomas Sawyer. That’s the name they licked me by

I’m Tom when i’m good. You call me Tom will you. Yes. Now Tom began to scroll something on the slate hiding the words from the girl but she was not backward this time she begged to see. Tom said. Oh it ain’t anything. Yes it is now he tanked. You don’t want to see.

Yes i do indeed add do please let me. You’ll tell. No i won’t deed and deed and doubled eat i won’t. You won’t tell anybody at all. Ever. As long as you live. No i won’t ever tell anybody. Now let me. Whole. You don’t want to see.

Now that you too treat me so i will see. And she put her small hand upon his and a little scuffle ensued Tom pretending to resist in earnest but letting his hand slip by degrees till these words were revealed. I love you. Oh you bad thing and she hit his hand smart rap

But reddened and looked pleased nevertheless. Just at this juncture the boy felt a slow fateful grip closing on his ear and a steady lifting impulse. In that vice he was born across the house and deposited in his own seat under a peppering fire of giggles from the whole school.

Then the master stood over him during a few awful moments and finally moved away to his throne without saying a word but although Tom’s ear tingled his heart. Was jubilant. As the school quieted down Tom made an honest effort to study but a turmoil within him was too great.

In turn he took his place in a reading class and made a batch of it. Then in the geography class and turned lakes into mountains mountains into rivers and rivers into continents till chaos was come again. Then in the spelling class and got turned down by a succession of mere baby words

Till he brought up at the foot and yielded up the pewter metal which he had worn with ostentation for months. Chapter seven. Take running. And a heartbreak. The harder Tom tried to fasten his mind on his book the more his ideas wandered. So at last with a sigh and a yawn

He gave it up. It seemed to him that the noon recess would never come. The air was utterly dead there was no breath stirred during. It was the sleepiness of sleepy days. The drowsing murmur of the five and twenty studying scholars

Soothe the soul like the spell that is in the murmur of bees. Away off in the flaming sunshine Cardiff hill lifted it’s soft green sides through a shimmer ring veil of heat. Tinted with the purple of distance. A few birds floated on lazy wing high in the air.

No other living thing was visible but some cows and they were asleep. Tom’s heart ached to be free or else to have something of inter rest to do to pass the dreary time. His hand wandered into his pocket and his face lit up with a glow of gratitude that was prayer

Though he did not know it. Then furtively that percussion cap box came out. He released the tick and put him on the long flat desk. The creature probably glowed with a gratitude that amounted to prayer too at this moment but it was premature for when he started thankfully to travel off

Tom turned him aside with a pin and made him take a new direction. Tom’s bosom friend sat next him suffering just as Tom had been and now he was deeply and gratefully interested in his entertainment in an instant. This bosom friend was Joe Harper. The two boys were sworn friends all the weak

And embattled enemies on Saturdays. Joe took a pin out of his lapel and began to assist in x you’re sizing the prisoner. The sport grew in interest momentarily. Soon Tom said that they were interfering with each other

And neither getting the fullest benefit of a tick so he put Joe slate on the desk and drew a line down the middle of it from top to bottom. Now said he as long as he is on your side you can stir him up and I’ll let him alone

But if you let him get away and get on my sat your to leave him alone as long as i can keep him from crossing over. All right go ahead start ’em up. The tick escaped from Tom presently and crossed the equator. Joe harassed him awhile

And then he got away and crossed back again. This change of base occurred often. While one boy was worrying the tick with absorbing interest the other would look on with interest as strong the two heads bowed together over the slate and the two souls dead to all things else. At last

Luck seemed to settle and abide with. The tick tried this that and the other course and got as excited and as anxious as the boys themselves but time and again just as he would have victory in his very grasp so to speak and Tom’s fingers would be twitching to begin

Jaws pin would deftly head him off and keep possession. At last Tom could stand it no longer. The temptation was too strong so he reached out and lent a hand with his pin. Joe was angry in a moment said he. Tom you let him alone.

I only just want to stir him up a little Joe no sir it ain’t fair you just let him alone. Blame it i ain’t gonna stir him much led him alone i tell you i won’t you shall he’s on my side of the line. Look here Joe Harper whose is that tick.

I don’t care whose dick he is he’s on my side of the line and you shan’t touch him. Well as just bet i will though he’s might tick and I’ll do what i blame pleased with him or die. A tremendous way wack came down on Tom shoulders and it’s duplicate on Joe’s

And for the space of two minutes the dust continued to fly from the two jackets and the whole school to enjoy it. The boys had been too absorbed to notice the hush that had stolen upon the school a wild before when the master came tip toeing down the room and stood over them

He had contemplated a good part of the performance before he contributed his bit of variety to it. When school broke up at noon Tom flew to Becky Thatcher and whispered in her ear. Put on your bonnet and lead on you’re going home and when you get to the corner

Give the rest of them the slip and turn down through the Lane and come back. I’ll go the other way and come it over i’m the same way. So the one went off with one group of scholars and the other with another. In a little while

The two met at the bottom of the Lane and when they reached the school they had it all to themselves. Then they sat together with a slate before them and Tom gave Becky the pencil and held her hand in his guiding it and so created another surprise ising house.

When the interest in art began to wane the two fell to talking. Tom was swimming in bliss. He said. Do you love rats. No i hate them. Well as i do to. Live ones but i mean dead ones to swing round your head with string. No. I don’t care for rats much anyway.

What i like is chewing gum. Oh i should say so. I wish i had some now. Do you. I’ve got some. I’ll let you chew it awhile but you must give it back to me. That was agreeable so they chewed it turn about and dangle their

Legs against the bench in excess of contentment. Was you ever at a circus said Tom. Yes and my pa’s going to take me again some time if i’m good. I been to the circus three or four times lots of times. Church ain’t shucks to circus.

There’s things going on at a circus all the time. I’m going to be a clown in his circus when grow up. Oh are you. That will be nice they’re so lovely all spotted up. Yes that so and they get slathers of money most a dollar a day Ben Roger says. Sake. Becky.

Was you ever. Engaged. What’s that. Why. Engaged to be married. No. Would you like to. I reckon so. I don’t know. What is it like. Lack. Why. It ain’t lack anything. You only just tell a boy you won’t ever have anybody but him ever ever ever and then you kiss and that’s all.

Anybody can do it. Kiss. But he kiss for. While that you know is too. Well they always do that. Everybody. Wa yes everybody that’s in love with each other. You remember what i wrote on the slate. He. Yes. What was he. I shan’t tell you. Shall i tell you. He. Yes.

But some other time. Now now. No not now. Tomorrow. One now. Now. Please Becky. I whisper it. A whispered. Ever so easy. Betty hesitating and took silence for consent and passed his arm about her waist and whispered the tail. Ever so softly with his mouth close to her ear. And then he added.

Now you whisper it to me. Just the same. She resisted for a while and then said. You turn your face away so you can’t see and then i will. But you mustn’t ever tell anybody will you Tom. Knight you won’t will you. And how indeed indeed i won’t. Now Becky.

He turned his face away. She bent timidly around till her breath stirred his curls and whispered. I. Love. You. Then she sprang away and ran around and around the desks and benches with Tom after her and took refuge in a corner at last with her little white apron to her face.

Tom clasped her about her neck and pleated. Now Becky it’s all done. All over but the kiss. Don’t you be afraid of that. It ain’t anything at all. Please Becky and he tugged at her apron and the hands. By and by she gave up and let her hands drop.

Her face all glowing with the struggle came up and submitted. Tom kissed the red lips and said. Now it’s all done Becky and always after this you know you ain’t ever to love anybody but me and you ain’t ever to marry anybody but me never never and forever. Will you. Know.

I’ll never love anybody but you Tom and I’ll never marry anybody but you. And you ain’t to ever marry anybody but me either. Certainly of course that’s part of it. And always come into school or when we’re going home you’re to walk with me when there ain’t anybody looking

And you choose me and i choose you at parties because that’s the way you do when you’re engaged. It’s so nice. I never heard of it before. Oh it’s ever so gay. Why me and Amy Lawrence. The big eyes told Tom his blunder and he stopped. Confused. Oh Tom.

Then i ain’t the first you’ve ever been engaged to. The child began to cry. Tom said. Oh don’t cry Becky. I don’t care for her any more. Yes you do Tom. You know you do. Tom tried to put his arm about her neck

But she pushed him away and turned her face to the wall and went on crying. Tom tried again with soothing words in his mouth and was repulsed again. Then his pride was up and he strolled away and went outside. He stood about rested lists and uneasy for a while

Glancing at the door every now and then hoping she would repent and come to find him. But she did not. Then he began to feel badly in fear that he was in the wrong. It was a hard struggle with him to make new advances now but he nerves himself to it

And and entered. She was still standing back there in the corner sobbing with her face to the wall. Tom’s heart smote him. He went to her and stood a moment not knowing exactly how to proceed. Then he said hesitatingly. Becky. I. Don’t care for anybody but you. Know reply. But sobs. Becky. Fleetingly.

Becky. Why don’t you say something. More sobs. Tom got out his cheapest Jewel. A brass knob from the top of an andiron and passed it around her so that she could see it and said. Please Becky won’t you take it. She struck it to the floor.

Then Tom marched out of the house and over the hills and far away to return to school no more that day. Presently Becky began to suspect. She ran to the door. He was not inside. She flew around to the play yard. He was not there. Then she called. Tom. Come back Tom.

She listened intently. But there was no answer. She had no companions but silence and loneliness. So she sat down to cry again and upbraid herself and by this time the scholars began to gather again and she had to hide her griefs and still her broken heart and take up the cross

Of a long dreary. Aching afternoon. With none among the strangers about her to exchange sorrows with. Chapter eight. A pirate bold to be. Tom dodged hither and thither through lanes until he was well out of the track of returning scholars and then fell into a moody jog.

He crossed a small branch two or three times because of a prevailing juvenile superstition that to cross water baffled pursuit. Half an hour later he was disappearing behind the Douglas mansion on the summit of Cardiff hill and the schoolhouse was hardly distinguishable away off in the valley behind him.

He entered a dense wood picked his pathless way to the center of it and sat down on a mossy spot under risk spreading oak. There was not even a Zephyr stirring. The dead noonday heat had even still the songs of the birds. Nature lay in a trance that was broken by no sound

But the occasional far off hammering of a woodpecker and this seemed to render the pervading sir silence and sense of loneliness the more profound. The boy’s soul was steeped in melancholy his feelings were in happy accord with his surroundings. He sat long with his elbows on his knees

And his chin in his hands. Meditating. It seemed to him. That life was but a trouble at best and he more than half envy Jimmy Hodges so lately released. It must be very peaceful he thought to lie and slumber and dream forever endeavor with a wind whispering through the trees

And caressing the grass and the flowers over the grave and nothing to bother and grieve about ever any more. If he only had a clean Sunday school record he could be willing to go and be done with it all. Now. As to this girl. What had he done. Nothing.

He had meant the best in the world and been treated like a dog. Like a very dark. She would be sorry someday. Maybe when it was too late. Ah. If he could only die. Temporarily. But the elastic heart of youth cannot be compressed into one constrained shape long at a time. Tom

Presently began to drift insensibly back into the concerns of this life again. What if he turned his back now and disappeared mysteriously. What if he went away. Ever so far away into unknown countries beyond the seas and never came back any more how would she feel then.

The idea of being a clown Rickard to him now only to fill him with disgust for frivolity and jokes and spotted tights were on offense when they intruded themselves upon a spirit that was exalted into the vague August realm of the romantic. This is the end of disc number two. Please insert

Disc number three. This is disc number three. What if he went away. Ever so far away into unknown countries beyond the seas and never came back any more how would she feel then. The idea of being a clown record to him now only to fill him with disgust

For frivolity and joy jokes and spotted tights were an offense when they intruded themselves upon a spirit that was exalted into the vague aug realm of the romantic. Know he would be a soldier and return after long years old war worn and illustrious. No. Better still will he would join the engines

And hunt buffaloes and go on the warpath in the mountain ranges and the trackless great plains of the far west and away in the future come back a great chief bristling with feathers hideous with paint and prance into Sunday school some drowsy summer morning with a blood curdling war or hoop

And sear the eyeballs of all his companions with an a peaceable envy. But no. There was something gaudy or even than this. He would be. A pirate. That was hit. Now his future lay plane before him and glowing with unimaginable splendor. How his name would fill the world and make people shudder.

How gloriously he would go plowing the dancing sees in his long low black holed racer the spirit of this storm with his grizzly flag flying at the four. And at the zenith of his fame how he would suddenly appear at the old village and stock into church brown and weather beaten

In his black velvet doublet and trunks his great Jack boots his crimson sash his belt bristling with horse pistols his crime rusted cutlass had his side his slouch hat with waving plumes his black flag unfurled with a skull and crossbones on it and here with swelling x to see the whisperings.

It’s Tom Sawyer the pirate. The black avenger of the Spanish mane. Yes it was settled his career was determined he would run away from home and enter upon it he would start the very next morning. Therefore he must now begin to get ready. He would collect his resources together.

He went to a rotten log near it hand and began to dig under one end of it with his Barlow knife he soon struck wood that sounded hollow. He put his hand there and uttered this incantation impressively. What hasn’t come here come. What’s here. Stay here. Then he scraped away the dirt

And exposed a pine shingle. He took it up and disclosed a shapely little treasure house whose bottom and sides were of shingles in it lay a marble. Tom’s astonishment was boundless he scratched his head with a perplexed air and said. Well. That beats anything. Then he tossed the marble away pettishly and stood

Cogitated. The truth was that a superstition of his had failed here which he and all his comrades had always looked upon as infallible. If you buried a marble with certain necessary incantations and left it alone a fortnight and then opened the place with the incantation he had just used

You would fight that all the marbles you had ever lost had gathered themselves together their meantime no matter how widely they had been separated. But. Now this thing had actually and unquestionably. Failed. Tom’s whole structure of faith was shaken to its foundations. He had many a time heard of this thing succeeding

But never of it’s failing before. It did not occur to him that he had tried it several times before himself but could never find the hiding places afterward. He puzzled over the matter some time and finally decided that sir some which had interfered and broken the charm.

He thought he would satisfy himself on that point so he searched around till he found a small Sandy spot with a little funnel shaped depression in it he laid himself down and put his mouth close to this depression and cold. Doodlebug doodlebug tell me what i want no.

Doodlebug doodlebug tell me what i want to know. The sand began to work and presently a small black bug appeared for a second and then darted under again in a fright. He died doesn’t tell. So it was a witch that done it i just know noted.

He well knew the futility of trying to contend against witches so he gave up discouraged but it occurred to him that he might as well have the marble he had just thrown away and therefore he went and made a patient sir search for it. But he could not find it.

Now he went back to his treasure house and carefully placed himself just as he had been standing when he tossed the marble away. Then he took another marble from his pocket and tossed it in the same way saying. Brother. Go find your brother. He watched where it stopped and went there and looked.

But it must have fallen short or gone too far so he tried twice more. The last repetition was successful the two marbles lay within a foot of each other. Just hear the blast of a toy tin trumpet came faintly down the green isles of the forest. Tom flung off his jacket and trousers

Turned a suspender into a belt rake the way some brush behind the rotten log disclosing a rude bow and arrow a lath sword and a tin trumpet and in a moment had. These things and bounded away bare legged with fluttering shirt. He presently halted under a great elm blue and answering blast

And then began to tip-toe and look warily out this way and that he said cautiously to an imaginary company. Old man merry men. He paid till i blow. Now appeared Joe Harper as airily clad and elaborately armed as Tom. Tom cold. Hold. Who comes here into Sherwood forest without my pass.

Guy of Gisborne wants no man’s pass who art thou that that. Dares to lol such language said Tom prompting. For they talked by the book from memory. Who art thou that dares to hold such language. I indeed i am Robin hood as i Katy kirk is soon shall know.

Then art thou indeed that famous outlaw right gladly will i dispute with the the passes of the Mary would. Have at the. They took their last both swords dumped their other traps on the ground struck a fencing altitude foot to foot and began a grave careful combat. Two up and two down.

Presently Tom said. Now if you’ve got the hang do it lively. So they went it lively panting and perspiring with the work. By and by Tom shouted. Fall. Fall why don’t you fall. I shan’t why don’t you follow yourself you’re getting the worst of it. Well that ain’t anything.

I can’t fall that ain’t the way it is in the book the book says. Then with one backhanded stroke he slew poor guy of Gisborne year to turn around let me hitchin back. There was no getting around the authorities so Joe turned received the whack and fell. No said Joe getting up

You gotta let me kill you that’s fair. Why can’t do that. It ain’t in the book. Well it’s blamed mean that’s all. We’ll. Say joke you can be fired tuck or much the Miller’s son and lamb me with a quarter staff.

Or I’ll be the sheriff of Nottingham and you be Robin hood little island kill me. This was satisfactory and so these adventures were carried out. Then Tom became Robin hood again and was allowed by the treacherous none to bleed his strength away through his neglected wound and at last Joe

Representing a whole tribe of weeping outlaws dragged him sadly forth gave his bowl into his feeble hands and Tom said. Where this. Arrow falls. There Barry poor Robin hood under the greenwood tree. Then he shot the arrow and fell back and would have died

But he lid on a nettle and sprang up to gailey for a key corpse. The boys dress themselves hid their accoutrements and went off grieving that there were no outlaws any more and wondering what modern civilization could claim to have done to compensate for their loss.

They said they would rather be outlaws a year in Sherwood forest than president of the united states forever. Chapter nine. Tragedy. In the graveyard. At half past nine at night. Tom and sid were sent to bed as usual. They said their prayers and sid was soon asleep. Tom lay awake and waited.

In restless impatience. When it seemed to him that it must be nearly daylight. He heard the clock strike. Ten. This. Was despair. He would have tossed and fidgeted as his nerves demanded but he was afraid he might wake said. So he lay still and stared up into the dark. Everything was dismally still.

Buy and buy out of the steal illness. Little scarcely perceptible noises began to emphasize themselves. The ticking of the clock began to bring itself into notice. All beams began to crack mysteriously. The stairs creaked faintly. Evidently. Spear periods were abroad. A measured muffled snore issued from aunt Polly’s chamber. And now

The tiresome chirping of a cricket. That no human ingenuity could locate. Began. Next the ghastly ticking of a death watch in the wall at the bed’s head made Tom shudder. It meant at somebody’s days were numbered. Then the howl of a far off dog rules on the night air

And was answered by a fainter howl from a remoter distance. Tom was in an agony. At last he was satisfied that time had ceased and eternity begun. He began to doze in spite of himself. The clock chimed eleven but he did not hear it. And then there came.

Mingling with his half formed dreams. A most melancholy caterwauling. A raising of a name spring window disturbed him. A cry of spec you devil and the crash of an empty bottle against the back of his aunt’s woodshed brought him wide awake

And a single minute later he was dressed and out of the window and creeping along the roof of the l on all fours. He meowed with caution once or twice as he went. Then jumped to the roof of the woodshed and thence to the ground. Huckleberry Finn was there with his dead cat.

The boys moved off and disappeared in the gloom. At the end of half an hour they were wading through the tall grass of the graveyard. It was a graveyard of the old fashioned western kind. It was on a hill about a mile and a half from the village.

It had a crazy board fence around it which leaned inward in places and outward the rest of the time but stood upright. Nowhere. Grass and we weeds grew rank over the whole cemetery. All the old graves were sunken in there was not a tombstone on the place

Round topped worm eaten boards staggered over the graves leaning for support and finding none. Sacred to the memory of solon so had been painted on them once yeah but he could no longer have been read on the most of them now even if there had been light. A faint wind

Moaned through the trees and Tom feared it might be the spirits of the dead complaining of being disturbed. The boys talked little and only under their breath. For the time and the place and the pervading solemnity and silence or press asked their spirits. They found the sharp new heap they were seeking

And ensconced themselves within the protection of three great elms that grew in a bunch within a few feet of the grave. Then. They waited in silence for what seemed a long time. The hooting. Of a distant owl was all the sound that troubled the dead stillness. Tom’s reflections grew oppressive. He must

Force some talk. So he said in a whisper. Huck. Do you believe the dead people. Like it for us to be here. Huckleberry whispered. I wished an old. It awful solemn lack. Ain’t it. I bet it is. There was a considerable pause while the boys canvassed this matter inwardly. Then Tom whispered. Say.

Hockey. You can ask Williams hears us talking. Of course he does. Least his spirit does. Tom after a pause. I wish i had said mr Williams. But i never meant any harm. Everybody calls him hos. A body can’t be too particular how they talk about these year dead people Tom. This

Was a damper and conversation died again. Presently Tom seized his comrades arm and said she. What is it Tom and the two clung together with beating hearts. She. That is him. Didn’t you hear it. Ah there. Now you hear it. Laura tong. Who coming to come ensure what we do. I don’t know.

Think they’ll see us oh Tom but can see in the dark same as cat. Orisha hadn’t Kong how comfy feared. I don’t believe that bother us. We ain’t doing any harm. If we keep. Perfectly still me. Maybe they won’t notice us at all. I’ll try to Tom but. Lord. Of all the shiver.

The boys bent their heads together and scarcely breathed. A muffled sound of voices floated up from the far end of the graveyard. See their whispered Tom. Crazy. It’s. Devil fire. Although. This is awful. Some vague figures approached through the gloom swinging an old fashioned tin lantern

That freckled the ground with innumerable little spangles of light. Presently huckleberry whispered with a shudder. It’s the devils sure enough. Three of them. Wanted to work on earth. Can you provide. A try. But don’t you be feared i. Ain’t gonna hurt us. Behind him eat and sleep or she. Should hook. They’re humans.

Won’t miss any way. One of them’s old muff Potter’s voice. Now. Taint so is it. A betta know it. Don’t you stern or budge he ain’t sharp enough to notice us. Drunk the same as usual likely. Blamed old rip. A rat. Keep still. Not stuck. Can’t find it. Here they come again.

Now they’re hot. Cold again. Add again. Red hot. They’re painted rat this time. Say huck. And another hath invoices a tangent do. It so that murder and half breed. I’d rather they was devils of dern said. What can they be of to. That whisper dad holy out now

For the three men had reached the grave and stood within a few feet of the boy boys hadn’t place. Here it is. Said the third voice and the owner of it held the lantern up and reveal the face of young doctor Robinson. Potter and engine Joe where kerry in a hand barrow

With a rope and a couple of shovels on it. They cast down their load and began to open the grave. The doctor put the lantern at the head of the grave and came and sat down with his back against one of the

Elm trees he was so close the boys could have touched him. Hurry man he said in a low voice. The moon might come out at any moment. They growled a response and went on digging. For some time there was no noise but the grading sound of the spades

Discharging they’re afraid of mold and gravel. It was very menang ominous. Finally a spade struck upon the coffin with a dull Woody accent and within another minute or two the men had hoisted it out on the ground. They pried off the lead with their shovels got out the body

And dumped it rudely on the ground. The moon drifted from behind the clue loud and exposed the pallid face. A barrow was got ready and the corpse placed on it covered with a blanket and bound to it’s place with the rope. Potter

Took out a large spring knife and cut off the dangling end of the rope and then said. Now that treasured things ready sob bones and you’ll just add with another five or here she stays. That said talk said in jingle. Look here what does this mean said the doctor.

You required your pain advance and I’ve paid you. Yes and you done more than that said engine Joe approaching the doctor who was now standing. Five years ago you drove me away from your father’s kitchen one night when i come to ask for something to eat

And you said i weren’t there for any good and when i swore i’d get even with you if it took one hundred years your father had me jailed for a vagrant. You think i’d forget. The ancient blood in me for nothing and now i have got you

And you got to settle you know. He was threatening the doctor with his fist in his face by this time. The doctor struck out suddenly and stretch the ruffian on the ground. Potter dropped his knife and exclaimed. Here now don’t you hit my pard

And the next moment he had grappled with the doctor and the two were struggling with my diet and main trampling the grass and tearing the ground with their heels engine Joe sprang to his feet his eyes flaming with passion snatched up Potter’s knife and when creeping

Kept like and stooping round and round about the combatants seeking an opportunity. All at once the doctor flung himself free sees the heavy headboard of Williams’s grave and felled Potter to the earth with it and in the same instant the half breed saw his chance and drove the knife to the hilt

In the young man’s breast. He reeled and fell partly upon Potter flooding him with his blood and in the same moment the cloud loud blotted out the dreadful spectacle and the two frightened boys went speeding away in the dark. Presently when the moon emerged again engine Joe was standing over the two forms

Contemplating them. The doctor murmured in articulately gave a long gas spore two. And was still. The half breed muttered. That scores settled damn you. Then he robbed the body. After which he put the fatal knife in Potter’s open right hand and sat down on the dismantled coffin. Three. For. Five minutes passed

And then Potter began to stir and moan. His hand closed upon the knife he raised it. Glanced at it and let it fall with a shudder. Then he sat up pushing the body from him and gazed at it and then around him confusedly. His eyes met jos. Lord has this Joe he said.

It’s a dirty business said Joe without moving. What did you do it for. I. Never done it. Look here that kind of talk won’t wash. Potter trembled and grew wide. I thought i’d got. Sober. I had no business to drink tonight. But it’s in my head yet. Worse than when we started here.

All in a muddle can’t recollect anything of it partly. Tell me Joe on his now valor. Could i do it. So i never meant to. Put my soul in honor i never meant to Joe. Tell me how it was Joe. Oh it’s awful. At him so. Young and promising. Y.

U two was scuffling and he fetched you one with the headboard and you fell for flat. And then up you come all real and and staggering NYC and snatched the knife and jammed it into him just as he fetched you another awful clip.

In here you’ve laid as dead as a wedge till now. Oh. I didn’t know it as a dune. I wish i may die this minute about there. It was all on account of the whiskey. Am. Very sad when our can. I never used the we’ve been in my life before Joe.

A fall would. Never with weapons. Well I’ll say that. So. Don’t tell. Say you won’t tell Joe. Pitts a good feller. Always lagged you Joe. Stood up for you too. Don’t remember. You won’t tell will you Joe. And the poor creature dropped on his knees before the stolid murderer

And clasped his appealing hands. Know. You’ve always been fair and square with meme of Potter and i won’t go back on you. There now. That’s as fair as a man can say. Oh so you’re an angel. I bless you for this the longest day i will. And Potter began to cry. Come now.

That’s enough of that the sane any time for blubbery. You be off yonder way and I’ll go this. Move now don’t leave any tracks behind you. Potter started on a trot that quickly increased to a run. The half breed stood looking after him. He muttered.

If he’s as much stung with the lick and fadil with the rum as he had the look of be he won’t think of the knife till he’s gone so far he’ll be afraid to come back after it to such a place by him self. Chicken heart. Two or three minutes later

The murdered man a blanketed corpse the leadless coffin and the open grave were under no inspection but the moons. The stillness was complete again. Too. Chapter ten. Dire prophecy of the howling dog. The two boys fu on and on toward the village speechless with horror.

They glanced backward over their shoulders from time to time apprehensively as if they feared they might be followed. Every stump that started up in their path seemed a man and an enemy and made them catch. And as they sped by some outlying cottages at lay near the village

The barking of the aroused watch dogs seemed to give wings to their feet. If we can only get to the old tannery before we break down whispered Tome in short catches between breaths. I can’t stand it. Much longer. Huckleberries hard paintings were his only reply and the boys

Fix their eyes on the goal of their hopes and bent to their our work to win it. They gained steadily on it and that last breast to breast they burst through the open door and fell grateful and exhausted in the sheltering shadows beyond. By and by their pulses slowed down and Tom whispered.

Huckleberry. What do you reckon will come of this. If dr Robinson dies. I reckon han will come of it. Two years oh. Wow i know it Tom. Palm thought awhile then he said. Who’ll tell. We. What are you talking about. Suppose something happen in engine Joe didn’t hang

While he kill us some time or other just as dead jurors were allay in here. That’s just what i was thinking to myself hook. If anybody tails let muff Potter do it if he’s fool enough. He’s generally drunk enough. Tom said nothing. Went on thinking. Presently he whispered. Huck. Muff Potter don’t know.

How can he tell. What’s the reason he don’t know it because he just cut that way when engine Joe done it. He reckoned he could see anything. He reckon he knows anything. By hockey that’s so Tom. And be sad. Looking here. Maybe that whack. Done for him. No. Paint likely Tom.

He had liquor in him i could see that and besides he always has. Will when paps full you may have taken belt him over the head with the church and you couldn’t faze him he says so his own self so it’s the same with muff Potter of course

But if a man was dead sober ara and may be that whack might fetch him. I dunno. After another reflective silence Tom said. Hockey. You sure you can. Keep mum. Tom we got to keep mom. You know that.

That ancient devil wouldn’t make any more a drowned in us than a couple of cats if we used to squeak about this and they didn’t hang him. Now. Looky here Tom. Let’s take and swear to one another that’s what we gotta do swear to keep mum. I’m a creed it’s best thing.

Would you just hold hands and swear that we all know that wouldn’t do for this. It’s good enough for little rubbish ie common things specially with gales because they go back on you anyway and blab if they get in a huff but there ought to be writing about big thing like this. And.

Blood. Tom’s whole being applauded this idea. It was deep and dark and awful. The hour. The circumstances the surroundings were in keeping with it. He picked up a clean pine shingle that lay in the moonlight took a little fragment of red kiel out of his pocket. Got the moon on his work

And painfully scrawled these lines. Emphasizing each slow down stroke by clamping his tongue between his teeth and letting up the pressure on the up strokes. Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer. Swears. They will. Keep mum about this and they wish. They may drop down. Dead in their tracks if they ever. Tell and rot.

Huckleberry was filled with admiration of Tom’s facility in writing and the sublimity of his language he at once took a pin from his lapel and was going to prick his flesh but Tom said. Hold on don’t do that. A pins brass it might have very degrees on it. What’s their degrees it’s poison

That’s what it is. You just swallow some of it once you see. So Tom unwind the thread from one of his needles and each boy pricked the bowl of his thumb and squeezed out a drop of blood. In time after many squeezes Tom i managed to sign his initials

Using the ball of his little finger for a pen. Then he showed huckleberry how to make an h and an f and the oath. Was complete. They buried the shingle close to the wall with some dismal ceremonies and incantations and the fetters that bound their tongues were considered to be locked

And the key thrown away. A figure crept stealthily through a break in the other end of the ruined building now but they did not notice it. Damn whispered huckleberry. Does this keep us from. Ever telling. Always. Of course it does. It don’t make any difference what happens we gotta keep mum.

We dropped down dead. Don’t you know that. Yes i. Reckon that so. They continued to whisper for some little time. Presently a dog set up a long lugubrious howl just outside. Within ten feet of them. The boys clasped each other suddenly in an agony of fried. Which of us does he mean

Gasped huckleberry. I dunno. Peek through the crack quick. Know you Tom. I can’t. I can’t do it hook. Please Tom. Were her tears again. Oh lordy. Thankful whispered Tom. I know his voice. It’s bull harbison. If mr harbison had owned a slave named bull Tom would have spoken of him as harbison bull

But a son or a dog of that name was bull harbison. Oh that’s good. I tell you Tom. As most scared to death. At a bet anything it was a stray dog. The dog howled again. The boy’s hearts sank once more. Oh my. That ain’t no bull harbison whispered huckleberry. Do Tom. Tom

Quaking with fear yielded and put his eye to the crack. His whisper. Was hardly audible when he said. Ooh. It’s a stray. Dog. Quick thumb. Quick. Who does he mean. Hook he must mean us both. Were right together. Oh Tom i reckon we’re garners.

I reckon there ain’t no mistake but we’re all going to have been so wicked. The head fetchit. This comes to playing hooky and doing everything a feller told not to do. I might have been good luck said if i’d try it but no i wouldn’t of course.

But if ever i get off this time i lay out just waller in Sunday schools. And Tom bigger kinda sniffle a little. You bed and huckleberry began to sniffle to. Calm sand it Tom Sawyer you’re just old pie long sad of what i do. Oh lordy lordy lordy i was thou. Heard.

Your strength. Tom choked up golf and whispered. Hook back. Up. His case pack to has. Hockey looked with joy in his heart. Well he has buds and goes. Diddy before. His he did but act like a fool never thought. Oh this is bully you know. Now who can he mean. The howling stopped.

Tom pricked up his ears. She. What’s that. He whispered. Sansa. Like hogs grimm. No. It somebody snoring Tom. That easy. Bout his attack. I believe it’s down at other end. Sound so anyway. Pap used to sleep there sometimes long with the hogs but. Pass bless you he just lists things when he snores.

Besides. I reckon he ain’t ever coming back to this town anymore. The spirit of adventure Rose in the boys’ souls once more. Hockey. Do you dare to go if i lead. I don’t mind too much. Tom. Suppose it’s engine Joe. Tom quayle. But presently. The temptation Rose up strong again

And the boys agreed to try with the understanding that they would take to their heels if the snoring stopped. So they went tip to instill filet down the one behind the other. It had got to within five steps of the snorer. Tom. Stepped on a stick and it broke with a sharp snap.

The man moan and rye of the little and his face came into the moonlight. It was muff Potter. The boy’s hearts had stood still eel and their hopes too when the man moved but their fears passed away now. They tiptoed out through the broken weather boarding

And stopped at a little distance to exchange a parting word. That long lugubrious howl Rose on the night air again. They they turned and saw the strange dog standing within a few feet of where Potter was lying and facing Potter with his nose pointing heavenward. Oh chima needs him

Exclaimed both boys in a breath. Say Tom. They say a stray dog come howling around Johnny Miller’s has bout midnight as much as two weeks ago and a whipper will come in and lid on the banisters and sung the very same evening and there ain’t anybody dead there yet. While i know that.

In suppose there ain’t didn’t Gracie Miller fallen the kitchen fire and burn herself terrible then very next Saturday. Yes but she ain’t dead. In what’s more she’s getting better to. Have read. You wait and see. She’s a goner just as dead sure as muff Potter’s a goner.

That’s what the niggers say and they know all about these kinds of things hook. Then they separated. Cogitated. When Tom crept in at his bedroom window. The night was almost spent. He undressed with excessive caution and fell asleep congratulate ing himself that nobody knew of his escapade.

He was not aware that the gently snoring Syd was awake and had been so for an hour. When Tom awoke Syd was dressed and gone. There was a late look in the light a late sense and the atmosphere. He was startled. Why had he not been cold

Persecuted till he was up as usual. The thought filled him with boardings. Within five minutes he was dead dressed and downstairs feeling sore and drowsy. The family were still at table but they had finished breakfast. There was no voice of rebuke but there were averted as.

There was a silence and an air of solemnity that struck a chill to the culprits heart. He sat down and tried to seem gay but it was uphill work. It rows no smile no response and he lapsed into silence and let his heart sink down to the depths.

After breakfast his aunt took him aside and Tom almost brightened in the hope that he was going to be flogged but it was not so. His aunt wept over him and asked him how he could go and break her old heart so and finally told him to go on

And ruin himself and bring her grey hairs with sorrow to the grave for it was no use for her to try any more. This was worse than a thousand whippings and Tom’s heart was sorcerer now then his body. He cried he pleaded for forgiveness promise to reform over and over again

And then received his dismissal. Feeling that he had won but in him perfect forgiveness and established but. A feeble confidence. He left the presence too miserable to even feel revengeful towards Syd and so the ladders prompt retreat through the back gate was unnecessary.

He moped to school gloomy and sad and took his flogging along with Joe Harper for playing hooky the day beef before with the air of one who’s hurt was busy with heavier woes and wholly dead two trifles. Then he be took himself to his seat. Rested his elbows on his desk

And his jaws in his hands and stared at the wall with the stony stare of suffering that has reached the limit and can no further go. His elbow was pressing against some hard substance. After a long time he slowly and sadly changed his position and took up the subject with his sigh.

It was in a paper. He enrolled it. A long. Lingering. Colossal sigh followed. And his heart. Broke. It was his brass and iron knob. This final feather. Broke. The camel’s back. Chapter. Eleven. Conscience racks Tom. Close upon the hour of noon the whole village was suddenly electrified with the ghastly news.

No need of the as yet undreamed of telegraph the tail flew from man to man from group to group from house to house with little less than telegraphic speed. Of course the schoolmaster gave holiday for that afternoon the town would have thought strangely of him if he had not.

A gory knife had been found close to the murdered man and it had been recognized by somebody as belonging to muff Potter. So the story ran. And it was said that a belated citizen had come upon Potter washing himself in the branch about one or two o’clock in the morning

And that pot her had at once sneaked off. Suspicious circumstances. Especially the washing which was not a habit with Potter. It was also said that the town had been ransacked for this murderer. A public or not slow in the matter of sifting evidence and arriving at a verdict.

But that he could not be found. Horseman had departed down all the roads in every direction and the sheriff was confident that he would be captured before night. All the town was drifting toward the graveyard. Tom’s heartbreak vanished and he joined the procession.

Not because he would not a thousand times rather go anywhere else but because an awful unaccountable fascination drew him on. Arrived at the dreadful place he he wormed his small body through the crowd and saw the dismal spectacle. It seemed to him an age since he was there before.

Somebody pinched his arm he turned and his eyes met huckleberries. Then both look elsewhere at once and wondered if anybody had noticed anything in there our mutual glance. But everybody was talking and intent upon a grisly spectacle before them. Poor fella. Poor young fella. This ought to be a lesson to grave robbers.

Moth butterfly hang for this if the ketchum. This was the drift of remark and the minister said. It was a judgment. His hand is here. Now Tom shivered from head to heel for his eye fell upon the stolid face. Of engine Joe. At this moment. The crowd began to sway and struggle

And voices shouted. It’s him it’s him he’s covered himself op who who from twenty voices. More Potter. Hello he stopped. Lookout his turn and don’t let him get away. People in the branches of the trees over Tom’s head said he wasn’t trying to get away he only looked doubtful and perplexed. Infernal impudence

Said a bystander wanted to come and take a quiet look at his work i reckon didn’t expect Danny company. The crowd fell apart now and the sheriff came through ostentatiously leading Potter by the arm. The poor fellas face was high haggard and his eyes showed the fear that was upon him.

When he stood before the murdered man he shook as with a palsy and he put his face in his hands and burst into tears. I didn’t do friends he sobbed. Var my word and honor. Who has the gears do shouted a voice. This shot seemed to carry home.

Potter lifted his face and looked around him with a pathetic hopelessness in his eyes he saw engine Joe and exclaimed. Oh engine Joe you promised me it never. Is that your knife and it was thrust before him by the sheriff.

Potter would have fallen if they had not caught him and eased him to the ground. Then he said. Something told me if i didn’t come back. Yet. He shuddered then waved his nerveless hand with the vanquished gesture and said. Well Joe. Or. Any more. Then huckleberry and Tom stood dumb and staring

And heard the stone the hearted liar reel off his serene statement. They expecting every moment that the clear sky would deliver god’s lightnings upon his head and wondering to see how long the stroke oak was delayed and when he had finished and stew stood alive and whole.

Their wavering impulse to break their oath and save the poor betrayed prisoners life faded and vanished away for plainly this miscreant had sold himself to Satan and it would be fatal to meddle with the property of such a power as that. Why didn’t you leave. What did you want to come here for

Somebody said. Boo. Hoo curb ho boot. Potter moaned. I wanted to run away but i couldn’t find them anywhere. Error. And he fell to sobbing again. Engine Joe repeated his statement just as calmly a few minutes afterward on the inquest under oath and the boys seeing that the lightnings were still withheld

Were confirmed in their belief that Joe had sold himself to the devil. He was now become to them the most balefully interesting object they had ever looked upon and they could not take their fascinated eyes from his face. They inwardly resolve to watch him nights when opportunity should offer

In the hope of getting a glimpse of his dread master. Engine Joe help to raise the body of the murdered man and put it in a wagon for removal and it was whispered through the shuddering crowd that the wound bled a little. The boys thought

That this happy circumstance would turn suspicion in the right direction. But they were disappointed for more than one villager remarked. It was within three feet of muff Potter when it done it. Tom’s fearful secret and gnawing conscience disturbed his sleep for as much as a week after this and at breakfast one morning

Cid said. Tom you pitch around and talk in your sleep so much that you keep me awake half the time. Tom blanched and dropped his eyes. It’s a bad sign said and Polly gravely. What you got on your mind Tom. Nothing. Nothing to know of.

But the boy’s hands shook so that he spilled his coffee. And you do talk such stuff said said. Last night you said. It’s blood it’s blood that’s what it is you said that over and over and you said don’t torment me so I’ll tell tell what what is you’ll tell.

Everything was swimming before Tom. There is no telling what might have had and now but luckily the concern passed out of ain’t Polly’s face and she came to Tom’s relief without knowing it she said. Show. It’s that dreadful murder. I dream about it most every night myself.

Sometimes i dream it’s me that done it. Mary said she had been affected much the same way. She seemed satisfied. Tom got out of the presence as quick as he plausibly could and after that he complained of toothache for a week and tied up his jaws every night.

He never knew that said lay nightly watching and frequently slip the bandage free and then leaned on his elbow listening a good while at a time and afterward slipped the bandage back to it’s place again. Tom’s distress of mind wore off gradually and the toothache grew irksome and was discarded.

If sid really managed to make anything out of Tom’s disjointed mutterings he kept it to himself. It seemed to Tom that his schoolmates never would get done holding inquests on dead cats and thus keeping his trouble present to his mind. Said notice that Tom never was coroner at one of these inquiries

Though it had been his habit to take the lead in all new enterprises. He noticed too that Tom never acted as a witness and that was strange and said did not overlook the fact that Tom even showed a marked aversion to these inquests and always avoided them when he could. Sit marveled

But said nothing. However even inquests went out of vogue at last and ceased to torture Tom’s conscience. Every day or two during this time of sorrow Tom watched his opportunity and went to the little grated jail window and smuggled such small comforts through to the murderer as he could get hold of.

The jail was a trifling little brick then that stood in a marsh at the edge of the village and no guards were afforded for it indeed it was seldom occupied. These offerings greatly helped to ease Tom’s conscience. The villagers had a strong desire to tar and feather engine Joe

And ride him on a rail for body snatching but so formidable was his character that nobody could be found who was willing to take the lead in the matter so it was dropped. He had been careful to begin both of his inquest states what’s with the fight

Without confessing the grave robbery that preceded it therefore it was deemed wisest not to try the case in the courts at present. Chapter twelve. The cat. And the pain killer. One of the reasons why Tom’s mind had drifted away from it’s secret troubles was that it had found a new

And weighty matter to interest itself about. Becky Thatcher had stopped coming to school. Tom had struggled with his pride a few days and tried to whistle her down the wind but failed. He began to find himself hanging around her father’s house nights and feeling very miserable. She was ill. What

If she should die. There was distraction in the thought. He no longer took an interest as in war. Nor even in piracy. The charm of life was gone. There was nothing but dreariness left. He put his hoop away and his bat. There was no joy in them any more. His aunt was concerned.

She began to try all manner of remedies on him. She was one of those people who are infatuated with patent medicines and all newfangled methods of producing health or mending it. She was an inveterate experimenter in these things

When something fresh in this land came out she was in a fever right away to try it not on herself for she was never ailing but on anybody else that game handy. She was a subscriber for all the health periodicals and phrenological frauds

And the solemn ignorance they were inflated with was breath to her nostrils. All the rot they contained about vento nation and how to go to bed and how to get up and what to eat and what to drink and how much exercise to take and what frame of mind to keep oneself in

And what sort of clothing to wear was all gospel to her and she never observed that her health journals of the current month customarily upset set everything they had recommended the month before. She was as simple hearted and honest as the day was long and so she was an easy victim.

She gathered together her quack periodicals and her quack medicines and thus armed with death went about on her pale horse metaphorically speaking with hell fallowing after. But she never suspected that she was not an angel of healing and the balm of gilead in disguise to the suffering neighbors.

The water treatment was new now and Tom’s low condition was a windfall to her. She had him out at daylight every morning. Stood him up in the woodshed and drowned him with a deluge of cold water. Then ge scrubbed him down with a towel like a file and so brought him to two.

Then she rolled him up in a wet sheet and put him away under blankets till she sweated his soul clean and the yellow stains of it gained through his pores as Tom said. Yet notwithstanding all this the boy grew more and more melancholy and pale and dejected. She added hot baths

Sitz baths shower baths and plunges the boy remained as dismal as a hearse. She began to assist the. The slim oatmeal diet and blister plasters. She calculated his capacity as she would a jugs and filled him up every day with quack cure roles. Tom had become indifferent to persecution by this time.

This phase fill the old lady’s heart with consternation. This in indifference must be broken up at any cost. Now she heard of. Pain killer. For the first time. She ordered a lot at once. She tasted it and was filled with gratitude. It was simply fire in a lick squid form.

She dropped the water treatment and everything else and pinned her faith to painkiller. She gave Tom a teaspoonful and watched with the deepest anxiety for the result. Her troubles were instantly at rest her soul at peace again for the indifference was broken up. The boy could not have shown a Wilder

Heartier interest if she had built a fire under him. Tom felt that it was time to wake up this sort of life might be romantic enough in his blighted condition but it was getting to have too little sentiment and too much distracting variety about it so he thought over various plans for relief

And finally hit upon that of professing to be fond of painkiller he asked for it so often that he became a nuisance and his aunt ended by telling him to help himself and quit bothering her. If it had been said she would have had no no misgivings to aloy her delight

But since it was Tom she watched the bottle clandestinely. She found that the medicine did really diminish but it did not occur to her that the boy was mending the health of a crack in the sitting room floor with it. One day Tom was in the act of dosing the crack

When his aunts yellow cat came along purring eyeing the teaspoon avaricious the end begging for a taste. Tom said. Don’t ask for it unless you want it Peter. But Peter signified that he did want it. You better make sure. Peter was sure. Now you’ve asked for it and I’ll give it to you

Because there ain’t anything mean about me but if you find you don’t like it you mustn’t blame anybody but your own self. Peter was agreeable. So Tom pride his mouth open and poured down the painkiller. Peter sprang a couple of yards in the air

And then delivered a war whoop and set off round and round the room banging against furniture upsetting flowerpots and making general havoc. Next he Rose on his hind feet and pranced around in a frenzy of enjoyment with his head over his shoulder and his voice proclaiming is unimpeachable happiness.

Then he went tearing around the house again spreading chaos and destruction in his path and poly entered in time to see him throw a few double somerset’s deliver a final mighty hoo rah and sail through the open window carrying the rest of the flower pots with him.

The old lady stood p petrified with astonishment peering over her glasses. Tom lay on the floor expiring with laughter. Tom what on earth ails that cat. I don’t know ain’t gasped the boy. Why i never see anything like it what did make him act so. He had to know an alley.

Cats always act so when they’re having. A good damn. They do do they. There was something in the toe home made Tom apprehensive. Yes m. That is. And i believe they do. You do. Yes i’m. The old lady was bending down Tom watching with interest emphasized by anxiety. Too late he divined her

Drift. The wh handle of the tell tale teaspoon was visible under the bed valance. And Polly took it. Held it up. Tom winced and dropped his eyes. And Polly raised him by the usual handle. His ear and cracked his head soundly with her thimble.

Now sir what did you what a treat that poor dumb beast soul for i. Had done it how the pity for him because he hadn’t any aunt hadn’t any aunt you numb skull what has that got to do with it. Heaps. Because if he had one she had a bird a matter itself

She’d roasted his bowels out in that any more feeling than if he was a human. And Polly felt a sudden pang of remorse. This was putting the thing in a new light. What was cruelty to a cat. Might be cruelty to a boy too. She began to soften. She felt sorry.

Her eyes watered a little and she put her hand on Tom’s head and said gently. I was meaning for the best Tom. And Tom. It did do you good. Tom looked up in her face with just a perceptible twinkle peeping through his gravity. I know you was mean and for the best ante

And so was i with Peter. It done him good too. And never see him get around so since oh go along with you Tom before you aggravate me again. And you. Try and see if you can’t be a good boy for once and you need didn’t take any more medicine. Tom reached school

Ahead of time. It was noticed that this strange thing had been occurring every day latterly and now as usual of late he hung about the gate of the schoolyard instead of playing with his comrades. He was sick he said and he looked it.

He tried to sue seemed to be looking everywhere but whither he really was looking. Down the road. Presently Jeff Thatcher hove in sight and Tom’s face lighted. He gazed a moment and then turned sorrowfully away. When Jeff arrived Tom accosted him and led up warily to operate unity’s for remark about Becky

But the giddy lad never could see the bait. Tom watched and watched hoping whenever a frisking fuck came inside and hating the owner of it as soon as he saw she was not the right one. At last fox ceased to appear and he dropped hopeless easily into the dumps

He entered the empty school house and sat down to suffer. Then. One more frock passed in at the gate and Tom’s heart gave a great bound. The next instant he was out and going on like an Indian yellin laughed when chasing boys jumping over the fence at risk of life and limb

Throwing hand. Standing on his head doing all the heroic things he could conceive of and keeping a furtive eye out all the while to see if Becky Thatcher was noticing. But she seemed to be unconscious of it all she never look oct.

Could it be possible that she was not aware that he was there. He carried his exploits to her immediate vicinity. Came war hooping around snatch the boy’s cap hurled it to the roof of the schoolhouse broke through a group of boys tumbling them in every direction

And fell sprawling him self under Becky’s nose almost upsetting her and she turned with her nose in the air and he heard her say. Oomph. Some people think they’re mighty smart always showing off. This is the end of disc number three. Please insert disc number for. This is disc number four.

He carried his exploits to her immediate vicinity. Came war hooping around snatch the boy’s cap hurled it to the roof of the schoolhouse rock through a group of boys tumbling them in every direction and fell sprawling himself under Becky’s nose almost upsetting her and she turned

With her nose in the air and he heard her say. Oomph. Some people think they’re mighty smart always showing off. Tom’s cheeks. Burned he gathered himself up and sneaked off. Crushed and crestfallen. Chapter thirteen. The pirate crew. Set sail. Tom’s mind was made up now. He was gloomy and desperate he was

A forsaken friendless boy he said. Nobody loved him. When they found out what they had driven him to perhaps they would be sorry he had tried to the do right and get along but they would not let him. Since nothing would do them but to be rid of him. Let it be so

And let them blame him for the consequences. Why shouldn’t they. What right had the friendless to complain. Yes they had forced him to it at last. I lead. A life. Of crime. There was no choice. By this time he was far down Meadow Lane and the bell for school to take up

Tinkled faintly upon his ear. He sobbed now to think he should never never hear that old familiar sound any more. It was very hard but. It was for she taught him. Since he was driven out into the cold world he must submit. But he forgave them. Then. With sobs came thick and fast.

Just at this point he met his soul’s sworn comrade. Joe Harper. Hard eyed and with evidently a great and dismal purpose in his heart. Plainly here were two souls with but a single thought. Tom wiping his eyes with his sleeve began to blubber out something about a resolution to escape from hard usage

And lack of sympathy at home by roaming abroad into the great world never to return and ended by hoping that Joe would not forget him. But it transpired that this was a request which Joe had just been bowling to make of Tom and had come to haunt him up for that purpose.

His mother had whipped him for drinking some cream which he had never tasted and knew nothing about. It was plain that she was tired of him and wished him to go. If she felt that way. There was nothing for him to do but succumb them he hoped she would be happy

And never regret having driven her poor boy out into the unfeeling world to suffer and die. As the two boys walked sorrowing along. They made a new compact to stand by each other and be brothers and never separate till death relieved them of their troubles. Then they began to lay their plans.

Joe was for being a hermit and living on crush tests in a remote cave and dying. Some time of cold and want and grief but after listening to Tom he conceded that there were some conspicuous advantages about a life of crime and so he consented to be a pirate.

Three miles below st Petersburg at a point where the Mississippi river was a trifle over a mile wide there was a long narrow wooded island with a shallow bar at the head of it and this offered well as a rendezvous. It was not inhabited. It lay far over toward the farther shore you’re

A breast a dense and almost holy and peopled forest. So Jackson’s island was chosen. Who were to be the subjects of their piracy was a matter that did not occur to them. Then they hunted up huckleberry Finn and he joined them promptly for all careers were one to him he he was indifferent.

They presently separated to meet at a lonely spot on the riverbank two miles above the village at the favorite hour which was midnight. There was a small log graph there which they meant to capture. Each would bring hooks and lines

And such provision as he could steal in the most dark and mysterious way as became outlaws. And before the afternoon was done they had all managed to enjoy the sweet glory of spreading the fact that pretty soon the town would hear something. All who got this vague hint were cautioned to. Be mum

And wait. About midnight Tom arrived with a boiled ham and a few trifles and stopped in a dense undergrowth on a small bluff overlooking the meeting place. It was starlight and very steal. The mighty river lay like an ocean at rest. Tom listened a moment but no sir sound disturbed the quiet.

Then he gave a low distinct whistle. It was answered from under the bluff. Tom whistled twice more. These signals were answered in the same way then a guarded voice said. Who goes there. Tom Sawyer the black that avenger of the Spanish mane. Name your name’s. Huck Finn the red handed

And Joe Harper the terror of the seas. Tom had furnished these titles from his favorite literature. Is well. Give the counter sign. To horse whispers delivered the same awful word simultaneously to the brooding night. Blood. Then Tom tumbled his ham over the bluff and let himself down after it.

Tearing both skin and clothes to some extent in the effort. There was an easy comfortable path along the shore under the bluff but it lacked the advantages of difficulty and danger so valued by a pirate. The terror of the seas had brought a side of bacon

And had about worn himself out with getting it there. Finn the red handed had stolen a skillet and a quantity of half cured leaf tobacco and had also brought a few corncobs to make pipes with but none of the pirates smoked or chewed but himself of. The black avenger of the Spanish mane

Said it would never do to start without some fire. That was a wise thought. Matches were hardly known there in that day. They saw a fire smoldering upon a great raft one hundred yards above and they went stealthily thither and help themselves to a chunk. They made an imposing adventure of it saying

Just every now and then and suddenly halting with finger on lip moving with hands on imaginary dagger hilts and giving orders and dismal whispers that if. The fo stirred to let him have it too a hilt. Because dead men tell no tales. They knew well enough that the raf’s men were

All down at the village laying in stores are having a spree but still. That was no excuse for their conducting this thing in an entire radical way. They shoved off presently Tom and command hook at the after or and Joe at the forward. Tom stood amidships

Gloomy browed and with folded arms and gave his orders in a low stern whisper. Luff and bring her to the wind. As her. Steady. Steady. Steady it is sir. Let her go off a point. And it is sir. As the boys steadily and monotonously drove the raft toward midstream.

It was no doubt understood that these orders were given only for style and were not intended to mean anything in particular. What sales she carrion. Courses topsoils and flying Gibbs her. Send the royals up. Lay out aloft there half a dozen of ye for top master soul lively now. As sir.

Shake out that Maine to glassell sheets and braces now now Hardy’s aye aye sir hello Molly Howard a port standby to meet her when she comes. Part. Part. Now men with a will steady. Steady it is sir. The raft drew beyond the middle of the river.

The boys pointed her head right and then lay on their ores. The river was not high so there was not more than a two or three mile current. Hardly a word was set during the next three quarters of an hour. Now the raft was passing before the distant town around.

Two or three glimmering lights showed where it lay peacefully sleeping beyond the vague vast sweep of star gems water unconscious of the tremendous event that was happening. The black avenger stood still with folded arms looking his last upon the scene of his former joys and his later sufferings and wishing. She.

Could see him now. Abroad on the wild sea facing peril and death with dauntless heart going to his doom with a grim smile on his lips. It was what a small strain on his imagination to remove Jackson’s island beyond i shot of the village and so he looked his last

With a broken and satisfied heart. The other pirates were looking their last two and they all looked so long that they came near letting the current drift them out of the range of the island but they discovered the danger in time and made shift to averted. About two o’clock in the morning

The raft grounded on the bar two hundred yards above the head of the island and they waded back and forth until they had landed their freight. Park of the little rafts belongings consisted of an old sail and this they spread over a nook in the bushes for a tent to shelter their provisions

But they themselves would sleep in the open air in good weather as became outlaws. They built a fire against the side of a great log twenty or thirty steps within the somber depths of the forest and then cooked some bacon in the frying pan for supper

And used up half of the corn palm stock they had brought. It seemed glorious sport to be feasting in that wild for. In the virgin forest of an unexplored and uninhabited island far from the haunts of men and they said they never would return to civilization. The climbing fire lit up their faces

And through it’s ready glare upon the pillared tree trunks of their forest temple and upon the varnished fully huge and festooning vines. When the last crisp slice of bacon was gone and the last allowance of corn pone devoured the boys stretched themselves out on the grass food with contentment.

They could have found a cooler place but they would not deny themselves such a romance antic feature as the roasting campfire. Ain’t it gay said Joe. It’s nuts said Tom. Whoa what would the boys say if they could see us. Say well they just died to be here hey hockey.

Iraq and so said huckleberry. Anyways. I’m suited. I don’t want nothing better than this. I don’t ever get enough to eat generally and here they can’t come and pick at a feller and bully rag him so. It’s just the life for me said Tom. You don’t have to get up mornings

And you don’t have to go to school and watch and. All that blame foolishness. You see. A pirate don’t have to do anything Joe when he says sure but a hermit he has to be praying considerable and then he don’t have any fun anyway all by himself that way.

Oh yes that’s so said Joe but i hadn’t thought much about it you know. I had a good deal rather be a pirate now that I’ve tried it. You see said Tom. People don’t go much on hermits nowadays like they used to in old times but a pirate. Always respected.

And hermits got to sleep on the hardest place he can find and put sackcloth and ashes on his head and stand out in the rain. Was he put sackcloth and ashes on his head for inquired huck. I don’t know but they got to do it hermits always do

You’d have to do that if you hermit. Darned if i would said hook. Well what would you do. When i dunno but i wouldn’t do that. While huck you’d have to. How’d you get around it. Whoa just wouldn’t stand it. That run away. Run away.

While you would be a nice old slouch of a hermit. You’d be a disgrace. A red handed made no response being better employed he had finished gouging out a cob and now he fitted a weed stem to it loaded it with tobacco

And was pressing a coal to the charge and blowing a cloud of fragrant smoke he was in the full bloom of luxurious contentment. The other pirates envied him this majestic vice and secretly resolved to acquire it shortly. Presently huck said. What does pirates have to do. Tom said. Oh

They have just a bully time. Take ships and Burnham and get the money and Bury it in awful places in their island where there’s ghosts and things to watch it and kill everybody in the ship make ’em walk the plank.

And they carry the women to the island said Joe they don’t kill the women. No assented Tom they don’t kill the women there too noble and the women’s all is beautiful too. And don’t they were the bully is close haul no. All gold and silver and diamonds said Joe with enthusiasm. Who

Said huck. While the pirates. Huck Scott and his own clothing forlornly. Iraq in a dress fitting for a parent said he with a regretful pathos in his voice. But i ain’t got none but these. But the other boys told him the fine clothes would come fast enough

After they should have begun their adventures. They made him understand that he these poor rags would do to begin with though it was customary for wealthy pirates to start with a proper wardrobe. Gradually their talk died out and the drowsiness began to steal upon the eyelids of the little waves.

The pipe dropped from the fingers of the red handed and he slept the sleep of the conscience free and the weary. The terror of the seas and the black avenger of the Spanish main had more difficult lt and getting to sleep. They said their prayers inwardly

And lying down since there was nobody there with authority to make them kneel and recite aloud. In truth. They had a mind not to say them at all but they were afraid to proceed to such lengths as that less they might call down a sudden and special thunderbolt from heaven.

Then at once they reached and hovered upon the imminent verge of sleep. But an intruder came now that would not down. It was conscience. They began to feel a vague i fear that they had been doing wrong to run away and next they thought of the stolen meat and then

The real torture came. They tried to argue it away by reminding conscience that they had purloined sweet meats and apples scores of times but conscience was not to be appeased by such thin plausibility. It seemed to them in the end.

That there was no getting around the stubborn fact that taking sweetmeats was only cooking. While taking bacon and hams and such valuables was plain simple stealing and there was a command against that in the Bible. So they inwardly resolve that so long as they remained in the business

Their piracy should not again be sullied with the crime of stealing. Then. Conscience granted a truce and these curiously inconsistent pirates fell peacefully to sleep. Chapter fourteen. Happy camp of the free boosters. When Tom awoke in the morning he wondered where he was he sat up and rubbed his eyes and looked around.

Then he comprehended. It was the cool grey dawn and there was a delicious sense of repose and peace in the deep pervading calm and silence of the the woods. Not a leaf stirred not a sound obtrude upon great nature’s meditation. Beaded dew drops stood upon the leaves and grasses.

A white layer of ashes covered the fire and a thin blue breath of smoke Rose straight into the air air. Joe and huck still slept. Now far away in the woods a bird called. Another answered. Presently the hammering of a woodpecker was heard. Gradually the coup dim gray of the morning whitened

And as gradually sounds multiplied and life manifested itself. The marvel of nature shaking off sleep and going to work unfolded itself to the amusing boy. A little green worm worm came crawling over a dewy leaf lifting two thirds of his body into the air from time to time and sniffing around

Then proceeding again. For he was measuring Tom said and when the worm approached him of it’s own accord he sat as still as a stone with his hope oops rising and falling by turns as the creature still came toward him or seemed inclined to go elsewhere and when at last

It considered a painful moment with it’s curved body in the air and then came decisively down upon Tom’s leg and began a journey over him his whole heart was glad. For that meant that he was going to have a new suit of clothes without the shadow of a doubt a gaudy piratical uniform.

Now a procession of ants appeared from nowhere in particular and went about their labours. Won struggled manfully by with a dead spider five times as big as itself in it’s arms and lugged it straight up a tree trunk. A brown spotted ladybug climbed the dizzy height of a grass blade

And Tom bent down close to it and said. Ladybug ladybug fly away home your house is on fire your children’s alone and she took wing and went off to see about it. Which did not surprise the boy for he knew of old at this insect was credulous about conflagrations

And he had practiced upon in it’s simplicity more than once. A tumble bug came next heaving sturdily at it’s ball and Tom touched the creature to see it shut its legs against it’s body and pretend to be dead. Birds were fairly rioting by this time. A catbird the northern macher

Lit in a tree over Tom’s head and trebled out her imitations of her neighbors in a rapture of enjoyment. Then a shrill j swept down a flash of blue flame and stopped on a twig almost within the boy’s reach cocked his head to one side and eyed the strangers with a consuming curiosity.

Grey squirrel and a big fellow of the fox kind came scurrying along sitting up at intervals to inspect and chatter at the boys for the wild things had probably never seen a human being before and scarcely knew whether to be afraid or not. All nature was wide awake and stirring now.

Alone long lances of sunlight pierced down through the dense foliage far and near and a few butterflies came fluttering upon the scene. Tom stirred up the other pirates and they all clattered away with a shout and in a minute or two were stripped and chasing after and tumbling over each

Other in the shallow limpid water of the white sandbar. They felt no longing for the little village sleeping in the distance beyond the majestic waste of water. A vagrant current or a slight rise in the river had carried off their raft but this only gratified them since it’s going was something like

Burning the bridge between them and civilization. They came back to camp wonderfully refreshed glad hearted and ravenous and they soon had the campfire blazing up again. Huck found a spring of clear cold water close by and the boys made cups of broad oak or hickory leaves and felt that water

Sweetened with such a wild wood charm as that would be a good enough substitute for coffee. While Joe was slicing bacon for breakfast Tom and huck asked him to hold on a minute. They stepped to a promising nook in the river bank and threw in their lines almost immediately they had reward.

Joe i had not had time to get impatient before they were back again with some handsome bass a couple of sung perch and a small catfish provisions enough for quite a family. They fried the fish with the bacon and were astonished for no fish had ever seemed so delicious before or.

They did not know that the quicker a freshwater fish is on the fire after he is caught the better he is. And they reflected little upon what a sauce open air sleeping open air exercise bathing and a large ingredient of hunger makes to. The lay around in the shade after breakfast

While huck had a smoke and then went off through the woods on an exploring expedition. They tramped gaily along over decaying logs through tangled underbrush among solemn monarchs of the forest hung from their crowns to the ground with a drooping regalia of grapevines. Now and then they came upon snug nooks

Carpeted with grass and jewelled with flowers. They found plenty of things to be delighted with but nothing to be astonished at. They discovered that the island was about three miles long and a quarter of a mile wide

And that the shore it lay closest to was only separated from it by a narrow channel hardly two hundred yards wide. They took a swim about every hour so it was close upon the middle of the afternoon when they got back to camp. They were too hungry to stop to fish

But they fared sumptuously upon cold ham and then threw themselves down in the shade to talk. But the talk soon began to drag and then. Tied. The stillness the solemnity that brooded in the woods and the sense of loneliness began to tell upon the spirit it’s of the boys. They fell to. Thinking.

A sort of. Undefined longing crept upon them. This took dim sheep presently. It was budding homesickness. Even thin the red handed was dreaming of his doorsteps and em the hogsheads. But they were all ashamed of their weakness and none was brave enough to speak his thought. For some time now

The boys had been dully conscious of a peculiar sound in the distance. Just as one sometimes is of the ticking of a clock which he takes note distinct note have but now this mysterious sound became more pronounced and forced a recognition. The boys started. Glanced at each other and then

Each assumed a listening attitude. There was a long silence profound and unbroken. Then a deep sigh sullen. Boom came floating down out of the distance. What is it exclaimed Joe under his breath. I wonder said Tom in a whisper. Tank thunder said huckleberry in an awd tone. Because thunder hark said Tom listen.

Don’t talk. They waited a time that seemed an age and then the same muffled. Boom. Troubled the solemn hush. Let’s go and see. They sprang to their feet and hurried to the shore toward the town. They parted the bushes on the bank and peered out over the water.

The little steam ferry boat was about a mile below the village drifting with the current. Her broad deck seemed crowded with people. There were a great many skiffs rowing about her floaty ing with the stream in the neighborhood of the ferryboat

But the boys could not determine what the men in them were doing. Presently a great jet of white smoke burst from the ferry boat side and as it expanded and Rose in a lazy cloud that same dove through both sound was born to the listeners agh again. I know now exclaim Tom.

Somebody’s drowned it. That’s it said huck they done that last summer when bill Turner got. Did they shoot a Cannon over the water and that makes him come up to the top yes and they take loaves of bread and put quicksilver in them and set him afloat

And wherever there’s anybody that shouted their float rat there and stop. Yes I’ve heard about that said Joe. I wonder what makes the bread do that. Oh it ain’t the bread so much said Tom. I reckon it’s mostly what they say over it before they started out.

But they don’t say anything over it said huck. I’ve seen them and they don’t. Well that’s funny said Tom. But maybe they said to themselves. Of course they to anybody might now that. The other boys agree that there was reason in what Tom said. Because an ignorant lump of bread

On instructed by an incantation could not be expected to act very intelligently when sent upon an errand of such gravity. By a jinx i wish i was over there now said Joe. I do too said hook ad gave heaps to know who it is. The boys still listened and watched. Presently.

A revealing thought flashed through Tom’s mind and he exclaimed. Boys. I know who’s drowned it. It’s us. They felt like heroes in an instant here was a gorgeous triumph. They were missed they were mourned hearts were breaking on their account tears were being shed

Accusing memories of and kindnesses to these poor lost leads were rising up and unavailing regrets and remorse were being indulged and best of all the departed were the talk of the whole town and the envy of all the boys as far as this dazzling notoriety was concerned. This was fi and.

It was worthwhile to be a pirate after all. As twilight drew on the ferryboat went back to her accustomed business and the skiffs disappeared. The pirates returned to camp. They were jubilant with vanity over their new grandeur and the illustrious trouble they were making.

They caught fish cooked supper and ate it and then fell the guessing in what the village was thinking and saying about them and the pictures they drew of the public distress on their account were gratifying to look upon from their point of view but when the shadows of night clothes them in.

They gradually ceased to talk and sat gazing into the fire with their minds evident les wandering elsewhere. The excitement was gone now and Tom and Joe could not keep back thoughts of certain persons at home who were not enjoying this fine folic as much as they were. Misgivings came. A grew troubled

And unhappy. A sigh or two escaped. Unawares. By and by Joe timidly ventured upon a round about. Feeler as to how the others might look upon her return to civilization. Not right now but. Tom withered him with derision. Huck being uncommitted as yet joined in with Tom and the waiver or quick Ali

Explained and was glad to get out of the scrape with as little taint of chicken hearted homesickness clinging to his garments as he could. Mutiny was effectually laid to rest for the moment. As the night deepened huck began to nod and presently to snore. Joe followed next. Tom lay upon his elbow

Motionless for some time watching the two intently. At last he got up cautiously on his knees. When searching among the grass and the flickering reflections flung by the campfire. He picked up and inspected several large semi cylinders of a thin white bark of the sycamore

And finally chose to which seemed to suit him. Then he knelt by the fire and painfully wrote something upon each of these with his red keel. One he rolled up and put in his jacket pocket and the other he put in Joe’s hat and removed it to a little distance from the owner

And he also put into the hat certain schoolboy treasures of almost inestimable value. Among them a lump of chalk and India rubber ball. Three fish hooks and one of that kind of marbles known as a sure enough crystal. Then he tiptoed his way cautiously among the trees

Till he felt that he was out of hearing and straightway broke into a keen run in the direction of the sandbar. Chapter fifteen Tom’s stealthy visit home. A few minutes later Tom was in the shoal water of a bar waiting toward the Illinois shore.

Before the depth reached his middle he was halfway over. The current would permit no more waiting now so he struck out confidently to swim the remaining hundred yards. He swam quartering upstream but still was swept downward rather faster than he had expected. However he reached the shore finally

And drifted along till he found a low place and drew himself out. He put his hand on his jacket pocket found his piece of bark safe and then struck though through the woods following the shore with streaming garments. Shortly before ten o’clock he came out into an open place opposite the village

And saw the ferryboat lying in the shadow of the trees and the high bank. Everything was quiet under the blinking stars. He crept down the bank watching with all his eyes slipped into the water swam three or four strokes and climbed into the skiff that did y’all duty at the boat’s stern.

He laid himself down under the thwarts and waited. Panting. Presently the cracked bell tapped and a voice gave the order to paste off. A minute or two later the skiffs head was standing high up against the boat swell and the voyage was begun. Tom felt happy in his success

For he knew it was the boat’s last tour trip for the night. At the end of a long twelve or fifteen minutes the wheels stopped and Tom slipped overboard and swam ashore in the dusk landing fifty yards downstream out of danger of possible stragglers. He flew along on frequented alleys

And Shaw shortly found himself at his aunt’s back fence. He climbed over approached the l and looked in at the sitting room window for a light was burning their. Their sat and pauly. Said. Mary and Joe Harper’s mother grouped together talking. They were by the bed and the bed was between them

And the door. Tom went to the door and began to softly lift the latch. Then he pressed gently and the door yielded a crack. He continued pushing cautiously and quaking every time it creaked till he judged he might squeeze through through on his knees so he put his head through and began. Warily.

What makes the candle blow so said aunt Polly. Tom hurried up. Why that doors open i believe. Of course it is. No end of strange things now. Go along and shut it said. Tom disappeared under the bed just in time he lay and breathe himself for a time

And then crept to where he could almost touch his aunt’s foot. But as i was saying said aunt Polly. He weren’t. Bad so to say. Only mischievous. Only just. Giddy and. Harum scare him you know. Him aren’t any more responsible than a cold. He never meant any harm.

He was the best hearted behalf it ever was and she began to cry. It was just solar module always full of his doublemint and up to every kind of mischief but he would just islam snow fruit. God if he could be.

It was bless me to faint i went and ripped him for taking melt cream never once recollected that throw it up myself. So. I. Never see him again he wears were. Never. River. Road blues boy and mrs Harper sobbed as if her heart would break. I hope Tom’s better off where he is

Said said. But if he’d been better in some ways said. Tom felt the glare of the old ladies i though he could not see it. Not a word against my tall now that he’s gone. God will take care of him never you trouble yard self sir. Co mrs Harper.

I don’t know how to give him up. I don’t know how to give him up. He was such a comfort to me although he tormented my old heart out of me most. The lord giroux member lord have taken away. Miller’s boob and Maria mobile lord. But it’s so hard oh. So though. I.

Remember Saturday my job busted a firecracker right under my nose and i’m. Not. Sprawling. It’ll be by nova and hull soon. Oh. If it was to do over again i’d hug him. And bless him for it. Yes yes yes or no just how you feel mrs Harper.

I know just exactly how you feel you. No longer ago than yesterday noon my Tom token fill the cat full of pain a killer and i did think the creator would tear the house down and god forgive me. A quiet Tom’s head with my thimble poor boy. Poor. To. Work. Hooper he’s

Out of all his troubles now. And who has words. I ever heard him say was to. Reproach. But this memory was too much for the old lady and she broke entirely down. Tom was snuffling now himself and more in pity of itself than anybody else. He could hear Mary crying

And putting in a candy word for him from time to time. He began to have. A new nobler opinion of himself than ever before. Still he was sufficiently touched by his aunts grief too long to rush out from under the bed and overwhelm her with joy

And the theatrical gorgeousness of the thing appealed strongly to his nature too but he resisted and lie lay still. He went on listening and gathered by odds and ends that it was conjectured at first that the boys had got drowned while taking a swim. Then the small raft had been missed. Next

Certain boys said the missing lads had promised that the village should hear something soon. The wise heads had put this and that together and decided that the lads had gone off on that raft and would turn up at the next town below presently. But toward noon the raft had been found

Lodged against the Missouri shore some five or six miles below lol the village and then hope perished. They must be drowned else hunger would have driven them home by nightfall if not sooner. It was believed that the search for the bodies had been a fruitless effort

Merely because the drowning must have occurred in mid channel since the boys being good swimmers would otherwise have escaped to shore. This was Wednesday night. If the bodies continued missing until Sunday all hope would be given over and the funerals would be preached on that morning. Tom. Shuddered. Mrs Harper

Gave a sobbing good night and turn to go. Then. With a mutual impulse the two bereaved women flung themselves into each other’s arms and had a good consoling cry and then parted. And Polly was tender far beyond and her want in her good night to sid and Mary. Said snaffled a bit

And Mary went off crying with all her heart. And poly knelt down and prayed for Tom so touchingly so appealingly and with such measure less love in her words and her old trembling voice that he was welter in tears again long before she was through. He had to keep still

Long after she went to b. Four she kept making broken-hearted ejaculate runs from time to time tossing unrest fully and turning over but at last she was still only moaning a little in her sleep. Now the boys stole out. Rose gradually by the bedside shaded the can idle light with his hand

And stood. Regarding her. His heart was full of pity for her. He took out his sycamore scroll and placed it by the candle. But something occurred to him and he lingered considering. His face lighted with a happy solution of his thought. He put the bark hastily in his pocket.

Then he bent over and kissed the faded lips and straightway made his stealthy exit. Latching the door door behind him. He threaded his way back to the ferry landing found nobody at large there and walked boldly on board the boat for he knew she was tenant less except that there was a watchman

Who always turned in and slept like a graven image. He untied the skiff at the stern slipped into it and was soon rowing cautiously upstream. When he had pulled a mile above the village he started quartering across and bent himself stoutly to his work. He hit the landing on the other side neatly

For this was a familiar bit of work to him. He was moved to capture the skiff argue doing that it might be considered a ship and therefore legitimate pray for a pirate but he knew a thorough search would be made for it and that might end in revelations so he stepped ashore

And entered the wood. He sat down and took a long rest torturing himself meantime to keep away wake and then started warily down the home stretch. The night was far spent. It was broad daylight before he found himself fairly abreast the island bar he rested again until the sun was well up

And gilding the great river with it’s splendor and then he plunged into the stream. A little later he paused dripping upon the threshold of the camp and heard Joe say. No Tom’s true blue huck and he’ll come back he won’t desert he knows that would be a disgrace to a pirate

And Tom’s too proud for that sort of thing. He’s up to something or other. No now i wonder what. While. The things is ours anyway ain’t they. Pretty near but not yet huck. The riden says they are if the ain’t back here to breakfast. Which he a’s

Exclaimed Tom with fine dramatic effect checked stepping grandly into camp. A sumptuous breakfast of bacon and fish was shortly provided and as the boys set to work upon it Tom recounted and adorned his adventures. They were a vain and boastful company of heroes when the tale was done.

Then Tom hid himself away in a shady nook to sleep till noon moon and the other pirates got ready to fish and explore. Chapter sixteen. First pipes. I’ve lost my knife. After dinner all the gang turned out to hunt for turtle eggs on the bar.

They want about poking sticks into the sand and when they found a soft place they went down on their knees and dug with their hands. Sometimes they would take fifty or sixty eggs out of one hole. They were perfectly round white things a trifle smaller than an English walnut.

They had a famous fried egg feast that night and another on Friday morning. After breakfast they went woop and and prance and out on the bar and chased each other round and round shedden close as they went until they were naked

And then continued the frolic far away up the shoal water of the bar against the stiff current which later trip their legs from under them from time to time and greatly increased the fun. And now and then they stooped in a group and splashed water in each other’s faces with their palms

Gradually approaching each other with a verde faces to avoid the strangling sprays and finally gripping and struggling till the best man ducked his neighbor and then they all went under in a tangle of white legs and arms and came up blowing sputtering laughing and gasping for breath at one and the same time.

When they were well exhausted they would run out and sprawl on the dry hot sand and lie there and cover themselves up with it and by and by break for the water again and go through the original performance once more. Finally it occurred to them that their naked skin

Represented flesh colored tie tights very fairly. So they drew a ring in the sand and had a circus with three clowns in it for none would yield this proudest post to his neighbor. Next they got their marbles and played nucs and ring tar and keeps till that amusement grew stale.

Then Joe and huck had another swim but Tom would not venture because he found that in kicking off his trousers he had kicked his string of rattlesnake rattles off his ankle and he wondered how he had escaped cramped so long without the protection of this mysterious charm.

He did not venture again until he had found it and by that time the other boys were tired and ready to rest. They gradually wandered apart dropped into the dumps and fell to gazing low longingly across the wide river to where the village les drowsing in the sun.

Tom found himself writing Becky in the sand with his big toe he stretched it out and was angry with himself for his weakness. But he wrote it again nevertheless. He could not help it. He erased it once more and then took himself out of temptation by driving the other boys together

And joining them. But Joe’s spirits had gone down almost beyond resurrection he was so homesick that he could hardly endure the misery of it. The tears lay very very near the surface. Huck was melancholy to. Tom was downhearted but tried hard not to show it.

He had a secret which he was not ready to tell yet but if this mutinous depression was not broken up soon he would have to bring it out. He said with a guy great show of cheerfulness. I bet there has been pirates on this album before boys. Will explore it again.

They’ve had treasures here somewhere. Had feared light on a rat and chest all gold and silver a. But it roused only a faint enthusiasm which faded out with no reply. Tom tried one or two other seductions but they failed to. It was discourage and work. Joe said

Poking up the sand with a stick and looking very gloomy. Finally he said. All boys. Whites give it up. I want to go home. And so lonesome. Oh no Joe you’ll feel better by and by said Tom. Just. Think of the fishing nets here. I don’t care for fishing.

I want to go home. But Joe there ain’t such another swim in place anywhere. Swimming is no good. I don’t seem to care for it somehow when there ain’t anybody to say i shan’t go in. I mean to go home. All shucks. Baby you want to see your mother i reckon.

Yes i do want to see my mother and you would too if you had one. Eye in any more baby than you are and Joe sniffle the little. Well we’ll let the cry baby go home to his mother won’t we hook. Poor thing does you won’t see huge murder and so it shall.

You lack in here don’t you hook will stay won’t we. Huck said. Yeah. Without any heart in it. I’ll never speak to you again as long as i live said Joe ryzen. There now and he moved moodily away and began to dress himself. Who cares said Tom. Nobody wanted to

Go long home and get laughed at. Whoa you’re a nice pirate. How can the Yang cry babies will stay what we have. Let him go if he wants to i reckon we can get along without him perhaps. But Tom was uneasy nevertheless

And was alarmed to see Joe go sullenly on with his dressing. And then it was discomforting to see huck eyeing Joe’s preparation so wistfully and keeping up such an ominous silence. Presently without a parting word Joe began to Wade off toward the Illinois shore. Tom’s heart began to sink. He glanced at huck.

Huck could not bear the look and dropped his eyes. Then he said. I want to go to Tom. He was getting so lonesome anyway and now it’ll be worse let’s us go to Tom. I won’t. He can all go if you want to i mean to stay. Tom i better go.

We’ll go along who’s hindering ya. Huck began to pick up his scattered clothes he said. Tom. I wished you’d come to. Now he think it over. We’ll wait for you when we get to shore. Where your way to blame long tan that’s all. Huck started sorrowfully away and Tom stood looking after him

With a strong desire tugging at his heart to yield his pride and go along too. He hoped the boys would stop but they still waited slowly on. It suddenly dawned on Tom. That it was become very lonely and still. He made one final struggle with his pride

And then darted after his comrades yellin. Wait. Wait. I want to tell you something. They presently stopped and turned around. When he got to where they were he be began unfolding his secret and a listened moodily till at last they saw the point he was driving at and then

They set up a war whoop of applause and said it was splendid and said if he had told him at first they wouldn’t have started away he made a plausible excuse but his raw the real reason had been the fear that not even the secret would

Keep them with him any very great length of time and so he had meant to hold it in reserve as a last seduction. The lads came gaily back and went out there sports again with a will chatter in all the time about Tom’s stupendous plan jan and admiring the genius of it.

After a dainty egg and fish dinner Tom said he wanted to learn to smoke now. Joe caught at the idea and said he would like to try to sew hook made pipes and filled them. These novices had never smoked anything before but cigars made of grapevine and they bit the tongue

And were not considered manly anyway. Now they stretched themselves out on their elbows and began to puff. Charitably and with slender confidence. The smoke had an unpleasant taste and they gagged a little but Tom i said. Why it’s just a zz. If i didn’t know this was all i’d have learned long ago.

So would i said Joe. It’s just nothing. Why many a time I’ve looked at people smoking and thought well i wish i could do that but i never thought i could said Tom. That’s just the way with me ain’t it huck you’ve heard me talk just that way haven’t you huck.

I’ll leave it to huck if i haven’t. Yet heaps of times said hook. Well i have to said Tom oh hundreds of times once down by the slaughterhouse don’t you remember hook Bob Tanner was there and Johnny Miller and Jeff Thatcher when i said it don’t you remember ok by me saying that.

Yes that so said hook. That was the day after i lost a white ally. Now. Was the day before. There i told you so said Tom. Hook recollects it. I believe i could smoke this pipe all day said Joe. I don’t feel sick. Neither do i said Tom.

I could smoke it all day. But I’ll bet you Jeff Thatcher couldn’t. Jeff Thatcher why he keel over just with two drudge is let him drive once he’d see. Ha bet he would he and Johnny Miller. Of wish i could see Johnny Miller tackle at once.

Or don’t i said Joe why i bet you Johnny Miller couldn’t any more do this then nothing. Just one little snifter would fetch him. It would Joe. Say. I wish the boys could see us now. So do i. Say. Boys don’t say anything bad it in sometime when they’re around

I’ll come up to you and say. Joe. Got a pipe. I want to smoke and you’ll say kinda careless like as if it weren’t anything you say. Yes i got my old pap and another one but my tobacco ain’t very good and I’ll say. Oh that’s alright if it’s strong enough

And then you’ll out with the pipes and will light up just as calm in the u s the u look. By James that’ll be gay Tom always it was now. So do i and when we tell him we learned when we was off pirate and won’t they wish they’d been along.

A hola record not just bet they will. So the talk ran on but presently it began to flag a trifle and grow disjointed. The silences widened. The expectation. Marvelously increased. Every pour inside the boy’s cheeks became a spouting fountain. They could scarcely bail out the cellars under

Their tongues fast enough to prevent an inundation. Little overflowing down their throat it’s occurred in spite of all they could do and sudden retching followed every time. Both boys were looking very pale and miserable now. Joe’s pipe dropped from his nerveless fingers. Tom’s followed.

Both fountains were going furiously and both pop mps bailing with might and main. Joe said feebly. I’ve. Lost my knife. I can have better go and find it. Tom said with quivering lips and halting utterance. Oh help you. You go. Over that way. Oh rumba the spring. Oh no you needn’t come hook.

Wheaton found it. So hook sat down again and waited an hour. Then he found it lonesome and went to find his comrades. They were wide apart in the woods both very pale. Both fast asleep. But something informed him that if they had had any trouble will they had got rid of it.

They were not talkative at supper that night. They had a humble look and when huck prepared his pipe after the meal and was going to prepare theirs they said no they were not feeling very well something they ate at dinner head disagreed with them. About midnight Joe awoke and called the boys.

There was a brooding oppressiveness in the air that seemed to bold something. The boys huddled themselves together and sought the friendly companionship of a fire. Though the dole dead heat of the breathless atmosphere was sty lifelink. They sat still. Intent and waiting. A solemn hush continued. Beyond the light of the fire

Everything was swallowed up in the blackness of darkness. Presently there came a quivering glow that vaguely reveal the full liege for a moment and then vanished. By and by another came a little stronger. Then. Another. Then a faint moon game sang through the branches of the forest and the boys felt

A fleeting breath upon their cheeks and shattered with the fancy that the spirit of the night had gone bye. There was a pause. Now a weird flash turned night into day and showed every little grass blade separate and distinct that grew about their feet and it showed three white startled faces to.

A deep peal of thunder when rolling and tongue tumbling down the heavens and lost itself in sullen rumblings in the distance. A sweep of chilly air passed by rustling all the leaves and snowing the flaky ashes broadcast about the fire. Another fierce glare lit up the forest and an instant crash followed

That seemed to rend the tree tops right over the boys’ heads they clung together in terror in the thick gloom that followed. A few big raindrops fell pattering upon the leaves. Quick boys go for the tent exclaimed Tom. They sprang away stumbling over roots and among vines in the dark

No to plunging in the same the direction. A furious blast roared through the trees making everything sing as it went one blinding flash after another came and peal on peal of deafening thunder and now a drenching rain poured down and the rising hurricane drove it in sheets along the ground.

The boys cry it out to each other but the roaring wind and the booming thunder blast drowned their voices utterly. However one by one they straggled in at last and took shelter under the tent. Cold scared and streaming with water. But to have company in misery seemed something to be grateful for.

They could not talk the old sail flapped so furiously even if the other noises would have allowed them. The tempest Rose higher and higher and presently the sail tore loose from it’s fastenings and went winging away on the b. The boys seized each other’s hands and fled with many tumbling and bruises

To the shelter of a great oak that stood upon the riverbank. Now the battle was at it’s highest. Under the ceaseless conflagration of lightning that flamed in the skies everything below stood out in clean in cut and shadowless distinctness the bending trees a billowy river white with foam

The driving spray of spewing flakes the dim outlines of the high bluffs on the other side glimpsed through the drifting cloud rack and the slanting veil of rain. Every little while while some giant tree yielded the fight and fell crashing through the younger growth

And the unflagging thunder peals came now in ear splitting explosive bursts keen and sharp and unspeakably appalling. The storm culminated in one matchless this effort that seemed likely to tear the island to pieces burn it up drown it to the tree chops

Blow it away and def ran every creature in it all at one and the same moment. It was a wild night for homeless young heads to be out in. But at last. The battle was done and the forces retired with weaker and weaker threatening and grumblings and peace resumed her sway.

The boys went back to camp a good deal awed but they found there was still do something to be thankful for because the great sycamore the shelter of their beds was a ruin now blasted by the lightnings and they were not under it when the catastrophe happened. Everything in camp was drenched.

The campfire as well. For they were but heedless lads like their generation and had made no provision against rain. Here was matter for dismay for they were soaked through and chilled. They were eloquent in their distress but they presently discover that the fire had eaten so far up

Under the great log it had been built against where it curved upward and separated itself from the ground. That a hand breath or so of it had escaped wedding. So they patiently wrought until with shreds and bark gathered from the undersides of sheltered logs they cooks the fire to burn again.

This is the end of disc number four. Please insert disc number five this is disc number five. They were eloquent in their distress but they presently discover that the fire had eaten so far up under the great log it had been built against where it curved upward and separated itself from the ground

That a hand breath or so of it had escaped wedding. So they patiently wrought a until with shreds and bark gathered from the undersides of sheltered logs they cooks the fire to burn again. Then they piled on great dead bows till they had a roaring furnace and were glad hearted once more.

They dried their boiled ham and had a f feast and after that they sat by the fire and expanded and glorified their midnight adventure until morning. For there was not a dry spot to sleep on anywhere around. As the sun began to steal in upon the boys drowsiness came over them

And they went out on the sandbar and lay down to sleep. They got scorched out by and by and drearily set about getting breakfast. After the meal they felt rusty and stiff jointed and a little ho homesick once more.

Tom saw the signs and fell to cheering up the pirates as well as he could but they cared nothing for marbles or circus or swimming or anything. He reminded them of the imposing secret and raised array of cheer. While it lasted he got them interested in a new device.

This was to knock off being pirates for awhile and be Indians for a change. They were attracted by this idea so it was not long before they were stripped and striped from head to heel with black mud like so many zebras all of them the chiefs of course

And then they went tearing through the woods to attack an English settlement. By and by they separated into three hostile tribes and darted upon each other from ambush with dreadful war hoops and killed and scalped each other by the thousands. It was a gory day. Consequently. It was an extremely satisfactory one.

They assembled in camp toward suppertime hungry and happy but now a difficulty arose. Hostile Indians could not break the bread of hospitality together without first making peace and this was a simple impossibility without smoking a pipe of peace. There was no other process that ever they had heard of. Two of the savages

Almost wished they had remained pirates. However there was no other way. So with such show of cheerfulness as they could muster they called for the pipe and took their whiff as it passed in do form. And behold. They were glad they had gone into savagery for they had gained something.

They found that they could now smoke a little without having to go and hunt for a lost knife. They did not get sick enough to be seriously uncomfortable. They were not likely to fool away this high promise for lack of effort no they practiced cautiously after supper with right fair success

And so they spent a jubal and evening. They were prouder and happier in their new acquirement than they would have been in the scalping and skinning of the six nations. We will leave them to smoke and chatter and brag since we have no further use for them at present. Chapter seventeen. Pirates.

At their own funeral. But there was no hilarity in the little town that same tranquil Saturday afternoon. The Harper’s and aunt Polly’s family were being put into mourning with great grief and many tears and unusual quiet possess the village although it was ordinarily quiet and enough in all conscience.

The villagers conducted their concerns with an absent air and talked little but they sighed often. The Saturday holiday seemed a burden to the children they had no heart in their sports and gradually gave them up. In the afternoon bay Becky Thatcher found herself moping about the deserted schoolhouse yard and feeling very melancholy

But she found nothing there to comfort her. She soliloquies. Oh if i only had a brass and iron knob again. But i haven’t got anything now to remember him by. And she choked back a little sob. Presently she stopped and said to herself. It was right here.

Oh if it was to do over again i wouldn’t say that i wouldn’t say it for the whole world. But he’s gone now. I’ll never never never see him. Anymore. This thought broke her down and she wandered away with tears rolling down her cheeks. Then

Quite a group of boys and girls playmates of Tom and Joe’s came by and stood looking over the paling fence and talking in reverend tones of how Tom did so and so the last time they saw him and how Joe said this and that small trifle.

Pregnant with awful prophecy as they could easily see now and each speaker pointed out the exact spot where the last lad stood at the time. Then added something like. And i was a stand-in. Just so just as i am now and as if you was him i was as close as that

And he smile. Just this way. And then something seemed to. Go all over me like. Awful you know and i never thought but it may and of course. But i can see now. Then there was a dispute about who saw the dead boys last in life and many claimed that dismal distinction

And offered evidence is more or less tampered with by the witness and when it was ultimately decided who did see the departed last and exchange value last words with them. The lucky parties took upon themselves a sort of. Sacred importance and were gaped at and envied by all the rest. One poor chap

Who had no other grandeur to offer said with tolerably manifest pride in the remembrance. Tom Sawyer he licked me once. But that bid for glory was a failure. Most of the boys could say that and so that cheapen the distinction too much. The group loitered away still recalling memories of the lost heroes

In awe at voices. When the Sunday school hour was finished the next morning. The bell began to toll instead of ringing in the usual way. It was a very stu sabbath and the mournful sound seemed in keeping with amusing hush that lay upon nature. The village hers began to gather.

Loitering a moment in the vestibule to converse in whispers about the sad event but there was no whispering in the house. Only the few near-real rustling of dresses as the women gathered to their seats disturb the silence there. None could remember when and the little church had been so full before.

There was finally awaiting pause and expectant doneness and then. Aunt Polly entered. Followed by said and Mary and they by the Harper family all in deep black and the whole congregation the old minister as well Rose reverently and stood until the mourners were seated in the front pew. There was another communing silence.

Broken at intervals by muffled sobs and then. The minister spread his hands abroad and prayed. A moving him was sung and the text followed. I am the resurrection and the life. As the service proceeded the clergyman drew such pictures of the graces

The winning ways and the rare promise of the last lads that every sold there thinking he recognized these pictures felt a pang and remembering that he had persistently blinded himself to them always ways before and had as persistently seen only faults and flaws in the poor boys.

The minister related many a touching incident in the lives of the departed two which illustrated their sweet generous natures and the people could easily see now how noble and beautiful those episodes were and remembered with grief that at the time they occurred they had seemed rank ras galaxies well deserving of the cowhide.

The congregation became more and more moved as the pathetic tale went on till at last the whole company broke down down and joined the weeping mourners in a chorus of anguished sobs the preacher himself giving way to his feelings and crying in the pulpit. There was a rustle in the gallery.

Which nobody noticed. A moment later the church door creaked. The minister raised his streaming eyes above his handkerchief. And stood. Transfixed. First one and then another pair of eyes followed the ministers and then almost with one impulse the congregation Rose and stared while the three dead boys came marching up the aisle

Tom and the lead Joe next and huck a ruin of drooping rags sneaking sheepishly in the rear. They had been hid in the unused gallery listening to their own funeral sermon. Aunt Polly Mary and the Harpers threw themselves upon their restored ones smothered them with kisses and poe poured out thanksgivings while

Poor hawk stood abashed and uncomfortable not knowing exactly what to do or where to hide from so many unwelcoming eyes he wavered and started to slink away but Tom seized him and said. And poly it ain’t fair somebody’s gotta be glad to see huck. And so they shall.

I am glad to see him poor mother list thing. And the loving attentions aunt Polly lavished upon him were the one thing capable of making him more uncomfortable than he was before. Suddenly the minister shouted at the top of his voice. Praise god from whom all blessings flow saying

And put your heart in it. And they did. Hold hundreds swelled up with a triumphant burst and while it shook the rafters Tom Sawyer the pirate looked around upon the envying juveniles about him and confessed in his heart that this was the proudest moment. Of his life. As the sold congregation trooped out

They said they would almost be willing to be made ridiculous again to hear old hundred sung like that once more. Tom got more cuffs and kisses that day. According to aunt Polly’s burying moods. Then he had earned before four in a year and he hardly knew which expressed the most gratefulness to god

And affection for himself. Chapter eighteen. Palm reveals his dream secret. That was Tom’s great secret. The scheme to return home with his brother pirates and attend their own funerals. They had paddled over to the Missouri shore on a log at dusk on Saturday landing five or six miles below the village.

They had slept in the woods at the edge of the town till nearly daylight and add then crept through back lanes and alleys and finish their sleep in the gallery of the church among a chaos of invalid benches. At breakfast Monday morning. Aunt Polly and Mary were very loving to Tom

And very attentive to his wants. There was an unusual amount of talk. In the course of it and pauly said. While i don’t say it wasn’t a fine joke Tom to keep everybody suffer and most a week so you boys had a good time

But it is a pity you could be so hard-hearted as to let me suffer so. If you could come over on a log to go to your funeral you could have come over and give me a hint some way that you weren’t dead but only run off. Yes

You could have done that Tom said Mary. And i believe you would if you had thought of it. Would you Tome. Said aunt Polly her face lighting wistfully. Say now would you if you’d thought of it. Ah. Well i don’t know. Twitter spoiled everything. Tom.

I hope you loved me that much said aunt Polly with aggrieved tone that is comforted the boy. It would have been something if you’d cared enough to think of it even if you didn’t do it. Now ante that ain’t any harm pleaded Mary it’s only Tom’s giddy way he is

Always in such a rush that he never thinks of anything. More’s the pity. Sid would have thought and said would have come and done it do. Tom. You’ll look back some day when it’s too late and wish you’d cared a little more for me when it would have cost you so little. Now

Anti you know i do care for you said Tom. I’d know it better if you acted more like it. I wish now at thought said Tom with a repentant tone. But i dreamed about you any way. That somethin ain’t it. It ain’t much. A cat does that much. But it’s better than nothing.

What did you dream. Why. Wednesday night. I dreamt that use sitting over there by the bed. In seed was sitting by the wood box and Mary next to him. Wow. So we did so we always do. I’m glad your dreams could take even that much trouble about us. And i dreamt that.

Joe Harper’s mother was here. Why. She was here. To do dream any more. Oh lots but it’s. So dim now. Will try to recollect can’t you. Somehow it. Seems to me that the land. The wind blow the. Try harder Tom the wind did blow something. Come.

Tom pressed his fingers on his forehead and anxious minute and then said. I’ve got it now I’ve got it now. He blow the candle. Per se on us. I’ll go on Tom go on. In it seems to me that ye said. Why i believe that that door go on Tom just

Let me steady a moment just a moment. Oh yes he said you believed the door was open. I am sitting here i did. Didn’t i marry. Go on. And then. And then. While our be certain. But it seems like as if you made said go and and. Well. Well.

What did i make him do Tom what did i make him do. You made him you. Oh you made him shut it. While for the land’s sake i never hear the beat of that in all my days. Don’t tell me there ain’t anything in dreams any more.

Serenely Harper shall know of this before am an hour older i’d like to see her get around this with her rubbish about superstition. Go on Tom. Oh it’s all getting chest is brightest day now. Next you said. I weren’t. Bad only. Mischievous and harum scare him and not any more responsible than. Then.

I think it was a cold or something and so it was. Or how Gordon is gracious. Go on Tom. And then. You. Began to cry. So i do. So i did. Not the first time neither. And then. Then. Mrs Harper she began to cry and said Joe was just the same

And she wished she hadn’t whipped him for taking cream when she throated out her own self. Tome. The spirit was upon you you was a proper scion thats what you are is doing. Land alive go on Tom. Well then said he he said. He said. I don’t think i said anything said said.

Yes you did said said Mary. Shut your heads and let Tom go on. What did he say Tom. He said. I think he said he hoped. I was better off where i was gone too. But if i’d been better some time there do you hear that it was his very words

And you shut him up sharp. I lay i did. There must have been an angel there. There was an angel there somewheres. And mrs Harper told about Joe scaring her with a firecracker and you told about Peter and the painkiller just his true as i live. And then.

There was a whole lotta talk about dragging the river for us and but having the funeral Sunday. And then. You an old miss Harper hugged. And cried. And she went. It happened just so. It happened just so as sure as i’m sitting in these very trucks.

Tom you couldn’t told it more like if you’d seen it. And then what go on Tom. Lynn i thought you prayed for me and i could see you and hear every word you said. And. You went to bed and. I was so sorry.

That i took and wrote on a piece of sycamore bark. We ain’t dead we are only ok off being a pirate and put it on the table by the candle. And then. You looked so good. They in their sleep. That. I thought. I went and leaned over and. Kissed you on the lips.

Teach tongue. Did you. I just forgive you everything for that. And she sees the boy in a crushing embrace that made him feel like the guiltiest of villains. It was very kind even though it was only a. Dream said soliloquies just audibly. Shut up said.

A body does just the same in a dream as he’d do if he was awake. He’s a big mile an apple I’ve been saving for you Tom if you was ever found again. Now go along to school. I’m thankful to the good god and father of us all I’ve got you back

That’s long suffering and merciful to them that believe on him and keep his word. Though goodness knows i’m unworthy of it but if only the worthy ones got his blessing things and had his hand to help them over the rough places there’s few enough would smile here

Or ever enter into his rest when the long night comes. Ho long said marry Tom. Take yourselves off. You’ve handed me long enough. The children left for school in the old lady to call on mrs Harper and vanquish her realism with Tom’s marvelous dream. Said had better judgment than to utter the

Thought that was in his mind as he left the house. It was this. Pretty thin. As long a dream as that without any mistakes in it. What a hero Tom was become now. He did not go skipping and prancing but moved with a dignified swagger as became a pirate who

Felt that the public eye was on him and indeed it was. He tried not to seem to see the looks or hear the remarks as he passed along but they were food and drink to him. Smaller boys than himself

Flocked at his heels as proud to be seen with him and tolerated by him as if he had been the drummer at the head of a procession or the elephant leading a menagerie into town. Boys of his own size pretended not to know he had been away at all

But they were consuming with envy nevertheless. They would have given anything to have that swarthy sun tanned skin of his and his glittering notoriety and Tom would not have parted with either for ace a circus. At school the children made so much of him end of Joe

And delivered such eloquent admiration from their eyes that the two heroes were not long in becoming insufferably stuck up. They began to tell their adventures to hungry listeners but they only began then. It was not a thing likely to have an end with imaginations like theirs to furnish material. And finally

When they got out their pipes and went serenely puffing around the very summit of glory was reached. Tom decided that he could be independent of Becky Thatcher now glory was sufficient. He would live for glory. Now that he was distinguished maybe she would be wanting to make up. Well. Later.

She should see that he could be as indifferent as some other people. Presently she arrived. Tom pretended not to see her he moved away and joined a group of boys and girls and began to talk. Soon he observed that she was tripping gaily back and forth with flushed face and dancing eyes

Pretending to be busy chasing schoolmates and screaming with laughter when she made a capture but he noticed that she always made her captures in his vicinity and that she seemed to cast a conscious ai in his direction at such times to. It gratified all the vicious vanity that was in him and so

Instead of winningham it one only set him up the Moore and made him the more diligent to avoid betraying that he knew she was about. Presently she gave over sky larking and moved he resolutely about sighing once or twice and glancing furtively and wistfully toward Tom. Then she observed that now

Tom was talking more particularly to Amy Lawrence than to anyone else. She felt a sharp pang and grew disturbed and uneasy at once. She tried to go away but her feet were treacherous and carried her to the group instead. She he said to a girl almost at Tom’s elbow with sham vivacity.

Why Mary Austin new bad girl why didn’t you come to Sunday school. I did come didn’t you see me. Why no. Did you. Where did you sit. I was in miss Peters class where i always go i saw you. Did huh. Why. It’s funny i didn’t see you.

I wanted to tell you about the picnic. Oh that’s jolly who’s going to give it. My ma’s going to let me have one oh goody. I hope to let me come well she will the picnics for me she’ll let anybody come that i want and i want you. At hever so nice.

When is it going to be. By and by. Maybe about vacation. Oh won’t it be fun. You’re going to have all the girls and boys. Yes everyone that’s friends to me or wants to be. And she glanced ever so furtively at Tom but he talked right along to Amy Lawrence

About the terrible storm on the island and how the light. Or the great sycamore tree all to flinders while he was standing within three feet of it. Oh. May i come said Gracie Miller. Yes. And he said Sally Rogers. Yes. And me too said susie Harper and Joe. Yes

And so on with clapping of joyful hands till all the group had begged for invitations but Tom and Amy. Then Tom turned coolly away still talking and took Amy with him. Becky’s lips trembled and the tears came to her eyes. She hid the signs with a forced gaiety and went on chattering.

But the life had gone out of the picnic now. And out of. Everything else. She got away as soon as she could and hid herself and her had what her sex called. A good cry. Then she sat moody with wounded pride till the bell rang. She roused up now

With a vindictive cast in her eye and gave her plated tails as shake and said she knew what she’d do. At recess Tom continued his flirtation with Amy with jubal and self satisfaction and he kept drifting about to find Becky and lacerate her with the performance. At last he spied her

But there was. A sudden falling of his Mercury. She was city and causally on a little bench behind the schoolhouse. Looking at a picture book with. Alfred temple. And so absorbed were they and their heads so close together over the book

That they did not seem to be conscious of anything in the world besides. Jealousy ran red hot through Tom’s veins. He began to hate himself for throwing away the chance Becky had offered for a reconciliation he called himself a fool and all the hard names he could think of

He wanted to cry with vexation. Amy chatted happily along as they walked for her heart was singing but Tom’s tongue had lost its function. He did not hear what Amy was saying and whenever she paused expectantly he could only stammer an awkward ascent which was as often misplaced as otherwise eyes. He kept

Drifting to the rear of the school house again and again to sear his eyeballs with the hateful spectacle there he could not help it and it maddened him to see as he thought he saw that Becky Thatcher never once suspected that he was even in the land of the living.

But she did see nevertheless and she knew she was winning her fight too and was glad to see him suffer as she had suffered. Amy’s happy prattle became intolerable. Tom hinted at things he had to attend to things that must be done and time was feeding but in vain the girl chirped on.

Tom thought. Oh hang her. Aina Africa to get rid of her. At last he must be attended to those things. And she said artlessly that she would be. Around when school let out and he hastened away. Hating her for it. Any other boy Tom thought grading his teeth

Any bull and the whole town but that st Louis smarty that thinks he dresses so fine and his aristocracy. Oh alright. Alec you the first day you ever saw this town mister and Alex you again you just wait to catch you wrote. Just taken and he went through the motions of

Thrashing an imaginary boy pummeling the air and kicking and gouging. Oh you do do you yeah howler neff do you now then let back learn year and sold the imaginary flogging was finished to his satisfaction. Tom fled home at noon his conscience could not endure any more of Amy’s grateful happiness

And his jealousy could bear no more of the other distress. Becky resumed her picture inspections with Alfred but as the minutes dragged along and no no Tom came to suffer her triumph began to cloud and she lost interest. Gravity and absentmindedness followed and then. Melancholy. Two

Or three times she picked up her ear at a footstep. But it was a fall let’s hope. No Tom came. At last she grew entirely miserable and wished she hadn’t carried it so far. When poor Alfred seeing that he was losing her he did not know how kept exclaiming. Oh

Here’s a jolly one look at this. She lost Patience at last and said. Oh don’t bother me i don’t care for them and burst into tears and got up and walked away. Alfred dropped alongside and was going to try to comfort her but she said. Go away and leave me alone can’t you.

I hate you. So the boy halted wondering what he could have done for she had said she would look at pictures all through the noonan. And she walked on. Crying. Then Alfred went musing into the deserted schoolhouse he was humiliated and angry he easily guessed his way to the truth.

The girl had simply made a convenience of him to vent her spied upon Tom Sawyer. He was far from hating Tom Tom the less when this thought occurred to him. He wished there was some way to get that boy into trouble without much risk to himself. Tom’s spelling book

Fell under his eye here was his opportunity. He gratefully opened to the lesson for the afternoon. And poured ink upon the page. Becky glancing in at a window behind him at the moment saw the act and moved on without discovering herself. She started homeward now intending to find Tom and tell him.

Tom would be thankful and their troubles would be healed. Before she was half way home however she had changed her mind. The thought of Tom’s treatment of her when she was talking about her picnic came scorching back and filled her with shame.

She resolved to let him get whipped on the damaged spelling books account and to hate him forever. Into the bargain. Chapter nineteen. The cruelty of. I didn’t think. Tom arrived at home in a dreary mood. And the first thing his aunt said to him showed him that he had brought his sorrows

To an unpromising market. Tom. I have a notion to skin you alive. And the what have i done. Well you’ve done enough. Here i go over to serenely Harper like an old softie expecting i’m going to make her believe all that rubbish about that dream when lo and

Behold you she’d found out from Joe oh that you was over here and heard all the talk we had that my Tom. I don’t know what is to become of a boy that will act like that. It makes me feel so

Bad to think you could let me go to serenely Harper and make. Such a fool of myself and never say a word. This was a new aspect of a thing. His smartness of the morning had seemed to Tom a good joke before and very ingenious. It merely looked mean and shabby now.

He hung his head and could not think of anything to say for a moment and. Then he said. Auntie. I wish i hadn’t done it. But and. Didn’t think. Oh. Child you never think. You never think of anything but your own selfishness. You could think to come all the way over here from

Jackson’s island in the night to laugh at our troubles and you could think to fool me with a lie about a dream but you couldn’t ever think to pity us and save us from sorrow and the i know now it was mean but i didn’t mean to be mean. At didn’t honest

And besides i didn’t come over here to laugh at you that night. What did you come for then. It was to tell you not to be uneasy about us because we hadn’t got grounded. Tone. Tom i would be the fang fullest soul in this world if i could believe you

Ever had as good a thought as that. But you know you never did. And i know it Tom. Indeed and deed i did ante. I wish i may never stir if i didn’t. Oh. Don’t lie don’t do it. It only makes things one hundred times worse it ain’t a lie and

It’s the truth. I wanted to keep you from grieve and that was all that made me come. I have the world believe that. It would cover up a power of sins Tom. I’d most be glad you’d run off enacted so bad bed. But it ain’t reasonable. Because. Why didn’t you tell me child.

Why. You see when you got to talking about the funeral. I just got all full of that idea of our come in and hadn’t in the church and i couldn’t somehow bear to spoil it. So i just put the bark back in my pocket and kept mum. What bark.

The bark i had rode on to tell you we’d gone pirate and. I wish now you’d waked up when i kissed you. I do honest. The hard lines in his aunt’s face relaxed and a sudden tenderness dawned in her eyes. Kid you. Kiss me Tom. Why yes i did.

Are you sure you did Tom. Wa yes i did anti. Certain sure. What did you kiss me for Tom. Cus i loved you so and you. Laid there moaning. And i was so. Sorry. The word sounded like the truth. The old lady could not hide a tremor in her voice when she said.

Kiss me again Tom. And be off with you to school now and. Don’t bother me anymore. The moment he was gone she ran to a closet and got out the ruin of a jacket which Tom had gone pirating in. Then she stopped with it in her hand and said to herself. Now.

I don’t dare. Poor boy i. Reckon he’s lied about it. But he to. Bless it. Bless his lie. For such a comfort come from it. I hope the lord. I know. The lord will forgive him. Because it was such. Good heartedness in him to tell it.

But i don’t want to find out it’s ally. I won’t look. She put the jacket away and stood by musing a minute. Twice she put out her hand to take the garment again and twice she reframed. Once more she ventured and this time she fortified herself with the thought. It could lie. It’s.

A good lie i. Won’t let it grieve me. So she sought the jacket pocket. A moment later she was reading Tom’s piece of bark through flowing tears and saying. I could forgive the boy now if he committed. A million sins. Chapter twenty. Tom takes Becky’s punishment. There was

Something about aunt Polly’s manner when she kissed Tom that swept away his low spirits and made him light hearted and happy again. He started to school and had the luck of coming upon Becky Thatcher at the head of Meadow Lane his mood.

Always determined his manner without a moment’s hesitation he ran to her and said. I acted mighty mean today Becky. And i’m so sorry. I won’t ever. Ever do that way again as long as ever alive. Please make up. Won’t you. The girl stopped and looked him scornfully in the face.

I’ll thank you to keep yourself to yourself mr Thomas Sawyer I’ll never speak to you again. She tossed her head and passed on. Tom was so stunned that he had not even presence of mind enough to say who carried me smarty until the right pan to say it had gone by.

So he said nothing. But he was in a fan rage nevertheless he moped into the schoolyard wishing she were a boy and imagining how he would drown sir if she were. He presently encountered her and delivered a stinging remark as he passed.

She hurled one in return and the angry breach was complete elite. It seemed to Becky in her hut resentment that she could hardly wait for school to take in she was so impatient to see Tom flogged for the injured spelling book. As she had had any lingering notion of exposing Alfred temple

Tom’s offensive fling had driven it entirely away. Poor girl. She did not know how fast she was nearing trouble herself. The master mr dobbins had reached middle age with an unsatisfied ambition. The darling of his desires was to be a doctor but poverty had decreed that he should be nothing higher

Than a village schoolmaster. Every day he took a mysterious book out of his desk and absorbed himself in it at times when no classes were residing he kept that book under lock and key. There was not an urchin in school but was perishing to have a glimpse of it

But the chance never came. Every boy and girl had a theory about the nature of that book but no two theories were alike and there was no way of getting at the facts in the case. Now. As Becky was passing by the desk which stood near the door she noticed.

That the key was in the lock ok. It was a precious moment. She glanced around. Found herself alone and the next instant she had the book in her hands. The title page. Professor somebody’s anatomy carried no information to her mouth and so she began to turn the leaves. She came at once

Upon a handsomely engraved and colored frontispiece. A human figure. Stark. Naked. At that moment a shadow fell on the page and Tom Sawyer stepped in at the door and caught a glimpse of the picture. Becky snatched at the book to close it

And had the hard luck to tear the pictured plate half down the middle. She thrust the volume into the desk turned the key and burst out crying with shame and vexing nation. Tom Sawyer you are just as mean as you can be to sneak up on a person and.

Look at what they’re looking at. How can i know you was looking at anything. You ought to be ashamed of yourself Tom Sawyer. You know you’re going to tell on me and. Off what shall i do what shall i do do. I’ll be wept and i never was whip in school.

Then she stamped her little foot and said. He’s so mean you want to. I know something that’s going to happen you just wait and you’ll see. Hateful hateful. Hateful and she flung out of the house with a new explosion of crying. Tom stood still rather flustered by this onslaught. Presently

He said to himself. What a curious kind of fool a girl is. Never been licked in school. Shacks. What’s a liquid. That’s just lack a girl. They’re so thin skinned and chicken hearted. Well course i ink on a tallow dobbins on this little fool

Because there’s other laser getting even on her that ain’t so mean. But what of it. All dobbins will ask who it was tore his book. Nobody will answer. Then. He’ll do just the way he always does. Ask first one and then together and when he comes to the red girl he’ll know it

Without any talent. Girls’ faces always tell on them. They ain’t got any backbone. She’ll get licked. Well. It’s a kind of a tight place for Becky Thatcher because there ain’t any way out of it. Tom. Kahn the thing a moment longer and then added. Alright though.

She’d like to see me in just such a fix. Letters sweated out. Tom joined a mob of sky Larkin scholars outside. In a few moments the master arrived in school took in. Tom did not feel a strong interest in his studies.

Every time he stole a glance at the girl side of the room. Becky’s face. Troubled him. Considering all the things. He did not want to pity her. And yet. It was all he could do to help it. He could get up no exhortation that was really worthy the name. Play

The spelling book discovery was made and Tom’s mind was entirely full of his own matters for a while after that. Becky roused up from her lethargy of distress and showed good interest in the proceedings. She did not expect that Tom could get out of his trouble by denying that he spilt the

Ink on the book himself and she was right. The denial only seemed to make the thing worse for Tom. Becky supposed she would be glad of that and she tried to believe she was glad of it. But she found she was not certain. When the worst came to the worst

She had an impulse to get up and tell an Alfred temple but she made an effort and forced herself to keep still because said she to herself. He’ll tell about me tearing the picture sure. I wouldn’t say a word not to save his life. Tom took his weapon

And went back to his seat not at all broken hearted for he thought it was possible that he had unknowingly upset the ink on the spelling book himself in some sky larking bout. He had denied it for form’s sake and because it was custom

And had stuck to the denial from prince a couple. A whole hour drifted by. The master sat nodding in his throne the air was drowsy with the hum of study. By and by mr dobbin straightened himself up. Yawned then unlocked his desk and reached for his book but seemed.

Undecided whether to take it out or leave it. Most of the pupils glanced up languidly but there were two among them that watched his movements with intent eyes. Mr dobbins fingered his book absently for awhile. Then. Took it out and settled himself in his chair to read. Tom shot a glance at Becky.

He had seen a hunted and helpless rabbit look as she did with a gun level at it’s head. Instantly he forgot his quarrel with her. Click. Something must be done done in a flash to but the very immanence of the emergency paralyzed his invention. Good. He had an inspiration he would

Run and snatched the book spring through the door and fly but his resolution shook for one little instant and the chance was lost. The master opened the volume. If Tom only had the wasted operator unity back again. Too late. There was no help for Becky now he said. The next moment. The master

Faced the school. Every i sank under his gaze. There was that in it which smote even the innocent with fear. There was silence while one might count ten. The master was gathering his wrath. Then. He spoke. Who. Tore this book. There was not a sound. One could have heard a pin drop.

The stillness continued. A master searched face after face for signs of guilt. Benjamin Rogers. Did you tear of his book. A denial. Another pause. Joseph Harper. Did you. Another denial. Tom’s an easing as grew more and more intense under the slow torture of these proceedings. The master scan the ranks of boys

Considered a while. Then. Turn to the girls. Amy Lawrence. A shake of the head. Gracie Miller. The same sign. Susan Harper. Did you do this. Another negative. The next girl was Becky Thatcher. Tom was trembling from head to foot with excitement and a sense of the hopelessness of the situation. Rebecca Thatcher

Tom glanced at her face it was white with terror. Did you to know. Look me in the face. Her hands Rose and appeal did you tear this book. I thought shaft black lightning to Tom’s brain he sprang to his feet and shouted. I’ve done it. The school stared in perplexity at this.

Incredible folly. Tom stood a moment to gather his dismembered faculties and when he stepped forward to go to his punishment the surprise the gratitude the adoration that shone upon him out of poor Becky’s eyes seemed pay enough for a hundred floggings. Inspired by the splendor of his own act he

Took without an outcry the most merciless flame that even mr dobbins had ever administered and also received with indifference they added cruelty of a command to remain too two hours after school should be dismissed for he knew who would wait for him outside till his captivity was done. And not count

The tedious time as loss. Either. Tom went to bed that night. Planning vengeance against Alfred temple. Four with shame and repentance Becky had told him all not forgetting her own treachery. But even the longing for vengeance had to give way soon to present her musings and he fell asleep at last with Becky’s

Latest word lingering dreamily in his ear. How. Could you be. So noble. Chapter twenty one. Eloquence and the masters gilded dome. Vacation was approaching. The schoolmaster always severe grew severe and more exacting than ever for he wanted the school to make a good showing on examination day.

His rod and his pharaoh were sold ’em idol now at le least among the smaller pupils. Only the biggest boys and young ladies of eighteen and twenty escaped lashing. Mr dobbins is lashings were very vigorous ones too for although he carried under his wig

A perfectly bald and shiny head he had only reached middle age and there was no sign of feebleness in his muscle. As the great day approached all the tyranny that was it in him came to the surface he seemed to take a vindictive pleasure in punishing the least shortcomings.

The consequence was at the smaller boys spent their days in terror and suffering and their nights in plotting revenge. They threw away no the opportunity to do the master of mischief but he kept ahead all the time. The retribution that followed every vengeful success was so sweeping and majestic

That the boys always retired from the field badly worsted. At last they conspired together and hit upon a plan that promised a dazzling victory. They swore in the sand painters boy told him the scheme and asked his help. He had his own reasons for being delighted

For the master boarded in his father’s family and had given the boy ample cause to hate him. The master’s wife would go on a visit to the country in a few days and there would be nothing to interfere with the plan. The master always prepared himself for great occasions by getting

Pretty well fondled and assigned painters boys said that when the domini had reach the proper condition an examination evening he would. Manage the thing while he napped in his chair. Then he would have him awakened at the right time and hurried away to school. In the fullness of time. The interesting occasion arrived.

At eight in the evening the schoolhouse was brilliantly lighted and adorned with wreaths and festoons of foliage and flowers. The master sat throned in his great chair upon a raised plat form with his blackboard behind him. He was looking. Tolerably mellow.

Three rows of benches on each side and six rows in front of him were occupied by the dignitaries of the town and by the parents of the pupils to his left back of the roles of citizens was a spacious temporary platform upon which were seated the scholars who were to take part

In the exercise sizes of the evening. Rows of small boys washed and dressed to an intolerable state of discomfort. Rows of gawky big boys. Snow banks of girls and young ladies clad in lawn and muslin and conspicuously conscious of their bare arms. Their grey. Ancient trinkets their bit of pink and blue ribbon

And the flowers in their hair. All the rest of the house was filled with non-participating scholars. The exercises began. A very little boy stood up and sheepishly resided. You’d. Thick expect one of my eight to speak in public on the stage. Etc accompanying himself with the painfully exact and

Spasmodic gestures which a machine might have used supposing the machine to be. A trifle out of order. But he got through safely though cruelly scared and got a fine round of applause when he made his manufactured bow and retired. A little shamefaced girl list. Navy had a little lamb. Et cetera performed

A compassion inspiring curtsy got her mead of applause and sat down flushed and happy. Tom Sawyer stepped forward with conceited confidence and soared into the unquenchable and indestructible. Ye of me Liberty or give me death speech with fine fury and frantic gesticulation and broke down in the middle of it.

A ghastly stage frack seized him his legs quaked under him and he was lac to choke. True he had the manifest sympathy of the house but he had the house’s silence too. Which was even worse than its sympathy. The master frown and and this. Completed the disaster. Tom struggled a while and then.

Retired. Utterly defeated. There was a weak attempt at applause but it died early. The boy stood on the burning deck followed also the assyrian came down and other declamatory gems. Then there were reading exercises and a spelling fight. The meager Latin class recited with honor.

The prime feature of the evening was in order now now all original compositions by the young ladies. Each in her turn stepped forward to the edge of the platform cleared her throat held up her manuscript tied with dainty ribbon and proceeded to read with labored attention to. Expression and punctual Asian.

The themes were the same that had been illuminated upon similar occasions by their mothers before them their grandmothers and doubtless all their ancestors in the female line clear back to the crusades. Friendship was one. Memories of other days religion in history dream land the advantage edges of culture.

Forms of political government compared and contrasted. Melancholy. Filial love. Heart longings etc etc. A prevalent feature in these compositions was a nursed and petted melancholy. Another was a wasteful and opulent gush of fine language. Another was a tendency to lug in by the ears particularly prized words and phrases.

Until they were we’re worn entirely out and a peculiarity that conspicuously marked and marred them was the inveterate and intolerable sermon that wagged it’s crippled tail at the end of each and every one of them. No matter what the subject might be a brain wracking effort was made to

See squirm it into some aspect or other that the moral and religious mind could contemplate with edification. The glaring insincerity of the sermons was not sufficient to compass the banishment of the fashion from the schools and it is not sufficient today. It never will be sufficient while the world stands for perhaps.

There is no school in all our land where the young ladies do not feel obliged to close their compositions with a sermon and you will find that the sermon of the most frivolous and the least religious girl in the school is always the longest and the most relentlessly pious. But enough of this.

Homely truth is unpalatable. Let us return to the. Examination. The first composition that was read was one entitled. Is this then life. Perhaps the reader can endure and extract from it. In the common walks of life with what delightful emotions does the youthful mind look forward to some anticipated scene of festivity. Imagination

Is busy sketching Rose tinted pictures of joy. In fancy the voluptuous volt hurry of fashion sees herself amid the festive throng. The observed of all observers. Her graceful form a raid in snowy robes is whirling through the mazes of the joyous dance her eye is brightest

Her step is light artist in the gay assembly. In such delicious fancies time quickly glides by and the welcome hour arrives for her entrance into the elysian world of which she has had such bright dreams. How fairy like does everything appear to her enchanted www vision.

Each new scene is more charming than the last but after a while she finds that beneath this goodly exterior all is vanity. The flattery which once charmed her soul now grates harshly upon her ear. The ballroom has lost it’s charms and with wasted health and in bit her at heart

She turns away with the conviction that earthly pleasures cannot satisfy the longings of the soul. And so forth and so on. There was a buzz of gratification Asian from time to time during the reading accompanied by whispered ejaculation of. House weep.

How eloquent so true etc and after the thing had closed with a peculiarly afflicting sermon the applause was. Enthusiastic. Then arose a slim. Melancholy girl whose face had the. Interesting paleness that comes of pills and indigestion and read a. Poem. This is the end of disc number five. Please insert. Disc number six.

This is disc number six. Then arose a slim melancholy girl whose face had the. Interesting paleness that comes of pills and indigestion and read a. Poem. Two stanzas of it will do. Amazon every maiden’s farewell to Alabama. Alabama good bye i love the well

But yet for a while do i leave the now. Sad yes sad thoughts of be my heart doth swell and burning recollections throng my brow for i have wander erd through thy flowery woods have roamed and read Nutella usos stream have listened to to last sees warring floods

And woud on cu says side Aurora beam. Yet shame and not to bear and or full heart nor blush how to turn behind material eyes tos from no stranger land i now must part tis to no strangers left i yield the size. Welcome and home were mine within this state

Whose veils i leave whose spires fade fast from me me and Cole must be mine eyes and heart and Tate. When dear Alabama they turn cold on the. There were very few there who knew what. Tate meant but the poem was very satisfactory nevertheless. Next appeared a dark complexion

Black eyed black haired young lady who paused in impressive moment assumed a tragic expression and began to read in a measured solemn tone. A vision. Dar and tempestuous was night. Around the throne on high not a single star quivered. But the deep. Into nations of the heavy thunder

Constantly vie braided upon the ear. Whilst the terrific lightning reveled in angry mood through the cloudy chambers of heaven seeming to scorn the power exerted over it’s terror by the illustrious Franklin. Even the boisterous wins unanimously came forth from their mystic homes and blustered about as if to enhance by their aid the

Y u nus of the scene. At such a time. So da. So all. Dreary for human sympathy my very spirit. Said but instead thereof. My dearest friend my counselor my comfort her and guide my joy and grief my second bliss enjoy joy came to my side.

She moved like one of those bright beings pictured in the sunny walks of fancies eaten by the romantic and young. A queen of beauty. Unadorned save by her own transcendent loveliness. So saw was her step. It failed to make even. A sound. And but for the magical through

Imparted by her genial you’ll touch. As other unobtrusive beauties. She would have glided away and perceived. On sought. A strange sadness rested upon her features. Like i see tears upon the robe of December. As she pointed to the contending elements without and bade ne contemplate. The two beings. Presented. This nightmare

Occupied some ten pages of manuscript and wound up with a sermon so destructive of all hope to non presbyterians that it took the first prize. This composition was considered to be the very finest effort of the ii evening. The mayor of the village and delivering the prize to the author of it

Made a warm speech in which he said that it was by far the most eloquent thing he had ever listened to and that Daniel Webster himself might well be proud of it. It may be remarked in passing that the number of compositions in which the word beauteous was over fondled

And human experience referred to as life’s page was up to the usual average. Now the master mellow almost to the verge of geniality put his chair aside turned his back to the the audience and began to draw a map of america on the blackboard to exercise the geography class upon

But he made a sad business of it with his unsteady hand and a smothered titter rippled over the house. He knew what the matter was and set himself to write it he sponged outlines and remade them but he only distorted them more than ever and the tittering was more pronounced

He threw his entire attention upon his work now as if determined not to be put down by the mirth. He felt that all eyes were fastened upon him he imagined he was succeeding and yet that tittering continued it even manifestly increased. And while it might. There was a garret above

Pierced with a scuttle over his head and down through this scuttle came. A cat. Suspended around the haunches by a string. She had a rag tied about her head and jaws to keep her from viewing. As she slowly descended she curved upward and clawed at the string

She swung downward and clawed at the intangible air the tittering Rose higher and higher the cat was within six inches of the observe four-bed teachers head. Down down a little lower and she grabbed his wig with her desperate claws clung to it and was snatched up into the garret in an

Instant with her trophy still in her possession and how the light did Blaze abroad from the masters bald pate for the sign painters boy had gilded it. That broke up the meeting. The boys were avenged. Vacation had. Come. Note. The pretended compositions quoted in this chapter

Are taken without alteration from a volume entitled prose and poetry by a western lady but they are exactly and precisely after the school girl pattern and hence are much happier than any mere imitations could be. Chapter twenty two. Huck Finn quotes scripture. Tom joined the new order of cadets of temperance

Being attracted by the showy character of their regalia. He promised to abstain from smoking chewing and profanity as long as he remained a member. Now he found out a new thing. Name namely. At to promise not to do a thing is the shortest way in the

World to make a body want to go and do that very thing. Tom soon found himself tormented with a desire to drink and swear. The desire grew to be so intense that nothing but the hope of a chow chance to display himself in his red sash kept him from withdrawing from the order.

Fourth of July was coming but he soon gave that up. Gave it up before he had worn his shackles over forty eight hours and fixed his hopes upon old judge Fraser justice of the peace who was apparently on his death the bed and would have a big public funeral

Since he was so high an official. During three days Tom was deeply concerned about the judge’s condition and hungry for news of it. Sometimes his hopes ran high. So high that he would venture to get out his regalia and practice before the looking glass.

But the judge had a most discouraging way of fluctuating. At last he was pronounced upon the mend. And then. Convalescent. Tom was disgusted and felt a sense of injury too. He handed in his resignation at once and that night the judge suffered a relapse and died.

Tom resolved that he would never trust a man like that again. The funeral was a fine thing. The cadets paraded in a style calculated to kill the late member with envy. Tom was a free boy again however there was something in that he could drink and swear now.

But found to his surprise that he did not want to. The simple fact that he could took the desire away and the charm of it. Tom presently wondered define that his coveted vacation was beginning to hang a little heavily on his hands.

He attempted a diary but nothing happened during three days and so he abandoned it. The first of all the negro minstrel shows came to town and made a sensation. Tom and Joe Harper got up a band of performers and were happy for two days. Even

The glorious fourth was in some sense of failure for it rained hard. There was no procession in consequence and the greatest man in the world. As Tom supposed mister Benton an actual united states senator proved an. Overwhelming disappointment. For he was not twenty five feet high.

Nor even anywhere in the neighborhood of it. A circus game. The boys played circus for three days afterwards and tents made of rag carpeting. Admission three pins for boys two for girls. And then. Surfacing was abandoned. Free knowledge is tend to mesmerize her came and went again

And left the village duller and drearier than ever. There were some boys and girls parties but they were so few and so delightful that they only made the aching void between ache the harder. Becky Thatcher was gone to her constantinople home to stay with her parents during vacation so there was no

Bright side to life. Anywhere. The dreadful secret of the murder was a chronic misery it was a very cancer for permanency and pain. Then. Came the measles. During two long weeks Tom lay a prisoner dead to the world and it’s happenings. He was very ill he was interested in nothing.

When he got upon his feet at last and moved feebly downtown a melancholy change had come over everything ng and every creature. There had been a revival and everybody had got religion. Not only the adults but even the boys and girls. Tom went about

Hoping against hope for the sight of one bless it sinful face. But this appointment crossed him everywhere. He found Joe Harper studying a testament and turned sadly away from the depressing spectacle. He sought Ben Rogers and found him visiting the poor with a basket of tracts he hunted up Jim Hollis who.

Attention to the precious blessing of his late measles as a warning. Every boy he encountered added another ton to his depression and when in desperation he flew for refuge at last to the bosom of huckleberry Finn and was received with a scriptural quotation. His heart broke and he crept home and to bed

Realizing that he alone of all the town was lost forever. And. Forever. And that night. There came on a terrific storm with driving rain awful claps of thunder and blinding sheets of lightning. He covered his head with the bedclothes and waited in a horror of suspense for his doom

Or he had not the shadow of a doubt that all this hubbub was all about him. He believed he had taxed the forbearance of the powers above to the extremity of endurance and that this was the result. It might have seemed to him a waste of pomp and ammunition

To kill a bug with a battery of artillery but there seemed nothing incongruous about the getting up such an expensive thunderstorm as this to knock the turf from under an insect like himself. By and by the tempest spent itself and died without accomplishing it’s object. The boy’s first impulse was to be grateful

And reform. His second was to wait. For there might not be any more storms. The next day the doctors were back. Tom had relapsed. The three weeks he spent on his back this time seemed an entire age. When he got abroad at last he was hardly grateful that he had been spared

Remembering how lonely was his estate how companion was and for and he was. He drifted listlessly down the street and found Jim Hollis. Acting as judge in a juvenile court that was trying a cat for murder in the presence of her victim a beard. He found

Joe Harper and huck Finn up an alley eating a stolen meme Alan. Poor lads they. Like Tom. Had suffered. A relapse. Chapter twenty three. The salvation of muff Potter. At last the sleepy atmosphere was stirred and vigorously the murder trial came on in the court.

It became the absorbing topic of village talk immediately. Tom could not get away from it every reference to the murder sent a shudder to his heart for his troubled conscience and fears almost persuaded him that these remarks were put forth in his hearing as feelers.

He did not see how he could be suspected of knowing anything about the murder but still he could not be comfortable in the midst of this gossip. It kept him in a cold shiver all the time. He took huck to a lonely place to have a talk with him. It would be

Some relief to unseal his tongue for a little while to divide his burden of distress with another sufferer. Moreover he wanted to assure himself that hook had remained discreet. Huck. Have you ever told anybody about. That. That what. You know what. All. Cos i haven’t. Never a word.

Never is salutary words so help me. What makes you ask. Well. I was feared. While Tom Sawyer we wouldn’t be alive two days if that got found out you know that. Tom felt more comfortable. After a pause. Huck. They couldn’t anybody get you to tell could they. Get me to tell.

Why i wanted that half breed devil that downed me they could get me to tell. They ain’t no different way. Well. That’s alright then. I reckon we’re safe as long as we keep mum but. Let’s swear again anyway. It’s more sure. I’m agreed. So they swore again with dread solemnity s.

What is the talk around hook I’ve heard the power of it. Talk. Well it’s just muff pi must put him off Potter all the damn. Keeps me in a sweat constant so as i want to hide somewheres. That’s just the same way they go on round me. I reckon he’s a goner.

Don’t you. Feel sorry for him sometimes. Most always. Most always. He ain’t no account but then he ain’t never done anything to hurt anybody just face she’s a little to get money to get drunk on and loafs around considerable but lord we all do that. Least way most of us.

Preachers and such like. But he can be good. He give me half a fish once when the worn enough for two and lots of times he’s kinda stood by me when i was out of luck. Well. He’s mended cat for me hook in knitted hooks and in my line.

I wish we could get him at their. Math we couldn’t get him at Tom and besides. Couldn’t do any good they catch him again. Yes. So they would. But. I hate to hear him abuse him so like the dickens when he never done. That. I do too Tom. Law heart.

I hear him say he’s the bloody is looking villain in this country and a wonder he was never hung before. Yes they talk like that all the time. I’ve heard him say that if he was to get free they’d lynch him and they do it too. The boys had a long talk

But it brought them little comfort. As the twilight drew on they found themselves hanging about the neighborhood of the little isolated jail. Perhaps with an undefined hope that something would happen that might clear away their difficulties. But nothing happened. There seemed to be no angels or fairies interested in this luckless captive.

The boys did as they had often done before went to the cell grading and gave Potter some tobacco and matches. He was on the ground floor and there were no guards. His gratitude for the gifts had always smoked their consciences before. It cut deeper than ever this time. They felt powerfully and

Treacherous to the last degree when Potter said. He is mad good to me boys. Better than anybody else in this town. And i don’t forget it i don’t. Often i says to myself says i. I used to mend all the boys cats and things

And show them where good fishing places was and befriend and what i could. And now. They’ve all forgot old muff when he’s in trouble. But Tom don’t and huck don’t. They don’t forget him says i. And i don’t forget them. Well boys. I’d done an awful thing. Junk and crazy at the time

That’s one way i account for it. And now. I got to swing for it. And it right. Right and. Best to i reckon. Hope so anyway why. Well. We won’t talk a path that. I don’t want to make you feel bad you you befriended me. But what i want to says don’t you.

Ever get drunk then you won’t ever get here. Stand a little further west so. That’s it. Oh. It’s a prime comfort to see faces that’s friendly when a bad is in such a muck the treble and there don’t none come here but your. Good friendly faces. Good. Friendly faces.

Get get up on one another’s backs and let me touch him. Thats it. Shake hands. Yarnell come through the bars but minds too big. Little hands. And weak. But they’ve helped muff Potter a power. And they’d help me more if i could. Tom went home miserable

And his dreams that night were full of horrors. The next day and the day after he hung about the courtroom drawn by an almost irresistible impulse to go in but forcing himself to stay out. Huck was having the same experience they studiously avoided each other.

Each wandered away from time to time but the same dismal fascination always brought them back presently. Tom kept his ears open when idlers sauntered out of the courtroom but in vain variably heard distressing news. The toils were closing more and more relentlessly around poor Potter.

And the second day the village talk was to the effect that engine Joe’s evident stood firm and unshaken and that there was not the slightest question as to what the jury’s verdict would be. Tom was out late that night and came to bed through the window he was in

A tremendous state of excitement it was hours before he got to sleep. All the village flocked to the courthouse the next morning for this was to be the great day. Both sexes were about equally represented in the packed audience. After a long wait the jury filed in and took their places.

Shortly afterward word Potter pale and haggard. Timid and hopeless was brought in. With chains upon him and seated where all the curious eyes could stare at him. No less conspicuous was engine Joe. Started as ever. There was another pause and then the judge arrived and the sheriff proclaimed the opening of the court.

The usual whisperings among the liars and gathering together of papers followed. These details and accompanying delays worked up an atmosphere of preparation that was as impressive as it was fascinating. Now a witness was called who testified that he found muff Potter washing in the brook

At an early hour of the morning that the murder was discovered and that he immediately sneaked away. After some further questioning the counsel for the prosecution said. That the witness. The prisoner raised his eyes for a moment but dropped them again when his own counsel said. I have no questions to ask him.

The next witness proved the finding of the knife near the corpse counsel for the prosecution said. Take the witness. I have no questions to ask him. Potter’s lawyer replied. A third witness swore he had often seen the knife in Potter’s possession. Take the witness. Counsel for Potter. Declined to question him.

The faces of the audience began to betray annoyance. Did this attorney mean to throw away his clients life without an effort. Several witnesses deposed concerning Potter’s guilty behave year when brought to the scene of the murder. They were allowed to leave the stand without being cross questioned.

Every detail of the damaging circumstances that occurred in the graveyard upon that morning which all present remembered so well was brought out by credible witnesses but none of them were cross-examined by Potter’s lawyer. The perplexity and dissatisfaction of the house expressed itself in murmurs and provoked a reproof from the bench.

Counsel for the prosecution now said. By the oaths of citizens whose simple word is above suspicion we have fastened this awful crime beyond all possibility of question upon the unhappy prisoner at the bar. We rest our case here. A groan escaped from poor Potter and he put his face in his hands and

Rocked his body softly to and fro. While a painful silence reigned in the courtroom. Many men were moved and many women’s compassion testified itself in tears. Counsel for the defense. Rose and said. Your honor. In our remarks at the opening of this trial we foreshadowed our purpose to prove that our client

Did this fearful deed while under the influence of a blind and irresponsible delirium produced by a drink. We have. Changed our mind. We shall not offer that plea. Then to the clerk. Called Thomas Sawyer. A puzzled amazement awoke in every face in the house not even accepting Potters. Every i fastened itself

With wondering interest upon Tom as he Rose and took his place upon the stand. The boy looked wild enough for he was badly scared. The oath was is administered. Thomas Sawyer. Where were you on the seventeenth of June about the hour of midnight. Tom glanced at engine Joe’s iron face and his tongue.

Failed him. The audience listened breathless. But the words refused to come. After a few moments however the boy got a little of his strength back and managed to put enough of it into his voice to make part of the house here. In the graveyard. A little bit louder please don’t be afraid.

You were. In the graveyard. A contemptuous smile flitted across engine Joe’s face. Were you anywhere near horse Williams’s grave. Yes sir. Speak up just a trifle louder how near where are you. It near as i am to you. Were you hidden or not. I was head. Where. Behind the elms that’s

On the edge of the grave. Engine Joe gave a barely perceptible start. Anyone with you. Yes sir. I went there with wait. Wait a moment. Never mind mention in your companion’s name we will produce him at the proper time. Did you carry anything there with you. Tom hesitated and looked confused.

Speak out my boy don’t be diffident the truth is always respectable. What did you take there. Only a. A. Dead cat. There was a ripple of mirth which the court checked. We will produce the skeleton of that cat. Now my boy tell us everything that occurred.

Tell it in your own way don’t skip anything and don’t be afraid. Tom began. Hesitatingly at first but as he warmed to his subject his words flowed more and more easily. In a little while every sound ceased but his own voice. Every eye fixed itself upon him.

With parted lips and bated breath the audience who hung upon his words taking no note of time wrapped in the ghastly fascinations of the tail. The strain upon pent emotion reached it’s climax when the boy said. And as the doctor fetched the board around and muff Potter fell

Engine Joe jumped with the knife and. Cry cash. Quick as lightning the half breed sprang for a window tore his way through all the posers and was gone. Chapter twenty four. Splendid days and fearsome knights. Tom was a glittering hero once more the pet of the old the envy of the young.

His name even went into immortal print for the village paper magnified him. There were some that believed he would be president yet. If he escaped hanging. As huge fuel the fickle unreasoning world took muff Potter to it’s bosom and fondled him as lavishly as it had abused him before.

But that sort of conduct is to the world’s credit. Therefore it is not well to find fault with it. Tom’s days were days of splendor and exhortation to him but his nights were seasons of horror. Engine Joe infested all his dreams and always with doom in his eye. Hardly

Any temptation could persuade the boy to stir or abroad after nightfall. Poor huck was in the same state of wretchedness and terror for Tom had told the whole story to the lawyer the night before the great day of the trial

And huck was solar afraid that his share in the business might leak out yet notwithstanding engine Joe’s flight had saved him the suffer ring of testifying in court. The poor fella had got the attorney to promise secrecy but. What of that.

Since Tom’s harassed conscience had managed to drive him to the lawyer’s house by night and ring a dread tail from lips that had been sealed with the dismal list and most formidable of all oaths hux confidence in the human race was well nigh obliterated. Daily

Muff Potter’s gratitude made Tom glad he had spoken but nightly. He wished he had sealed up his tongue. Half the time Tom was afraid Indian Joe would never be captured. The other half he was afraid he would be he felt sure he never could draw a safe breath again

Until that man was dead and he had seen the corpse. Which had been offered the country had been scoured but no engine Joe was found. One of those omniscient and awe inspiring marvels a detective came up from st Louis mouse to round shook his head looked wise and made that sort of

Astounding success says which members of that craft usually achieve. That is to say he found a clue. But you can’t hang a clue for murder. And so after that detective had got through and gone home Tom felt just as insecure as he was before. This slow days drifted on

And each left behind it a slightly lightened weight of apprehension. Chapter twenty five. Seeking the buried treasure. There comes a time in every rightly constructed boy’s life when he has a raging desire to go somewhere and dig for hidden treasure. This desire suddenly came upon Tom one day.

He Sally doubt to find Joe Harper but failed of success. Next he sought Ben Rogers. He had gone fishing. Presently he stumbled upon huck Finn the red handed. Awkward answer. Tom took him to a private place and opened the matter to him. Confidentially. Huck was willing. Huck was always always willing

To take a hand in any enterprise that offered entertainment and required no capital. Or he had a troublesome superabundance of that sort of time which is not money. While dig said hook. Oh. Most anywhere. Why is it hid all around. No indeed it ain’t. It’s hidden mighty particular places hut. Sometimes. On islands

Sometimes in rotten chests under the end of a limb of an old dead tree just where the shadow falls at midnight. But mostly. Under the floor and hands houses. Who has it. While Roberts of course who do you reckon. Sunday school superintendent. I don’t know. If it was mine i wouldn’t had it

Ad spend it and have a good time. So would i but robbers don’t do that way. They always had it and leave it there. Don’t they come after it any more. Now they think they will but they generally forget the marks. Or else they die. Anyway.

He lays there a long time and gets rusty and bind and somebody fans an old yellow paper that tells how to find the marks a paper that’s got to be ciphered over about a week cause it’s mostly signs in hieroglyphics. Arrow lake. How glyph fix

Pictures and things you know that don’t seem to mean anything. He got one of them papers Tom. No. While then how you gonna find the marks. I don’t want any marks. They always buried under a haunted house or on an island or under a dead tree that’s got one limb sticking out. Well

We’ve tried Jackson’s ad and lille and we can chat again some time and there’s the old haunted house up the still house branch and there’s lots of dead Liam trees dead loads of them. Is it under all. Huh talk. Now all. Lynn how you gonna know which one to go for.

Go for all of em. What Tom. It’ll take all summer. Well what of it. Suppose you find a brass pot with a hundred dollars in it all rusty and grey or a rotten Chester full of diamonds how’s that. Huck’s eyes glowed. That bully. Plenty bully enough for me

Just ye give me the hundred dollars and i don’t want no diamonds. Alright but i bet you i ain’t gonna throw off on diamonds some of them is worth twenty dollars a piece. There ain’t any harm early but worth six bits or a dollar. Now. Is that so. Certainly.

Anybody would tell you so ain’t you ever seen one hook. Not as i remember. All kings have slathers of them. While i don’t known old kings Tom. I reckon you don’t. But if you was to go to Europe you’d see a raft of ’em hopping around. Did they hop. Hop.

Your granny now oh. Well what did you say they did for. Shucks i only meant you’d see him not happen of course what do they want to hop for but i mean you just see him scattered around you know in a kinda of a general way like that old humpbacked Richard. Richard.

What’s his other name. He didn’t have any other name kings don’t have any but a given name. Now. But they don’t. Well if they lack at tam all right but. I don’t want to be a king and have only just a given name like a nigger. But say.

Where are you going to dig first. Well. I don’t know. Suppose we tackle that old dead limb tree on the hill the other side is still house branch. Agreed. So they gathered crippled pick and a shovel and set out on their three mile tramp. They arrived hot and panting and threw themselves

Down in the shade of a neighboring elm to rest and have a smoke. Add that this said Tom. So do i. Say huck. If we found a treasure here. What are you going to do with your share. Where. I’ll have pie and a glass of soda. Every day

And I’ll go to every circus that comes along. I bet I’ll have a gay time. Will. Ain’t going to save any of it. Save it. What for. Why so as to have something to live on by and by. Oh that ain’t any use.

Pap would come back to this year town some day and get his claws on it if i didn’t hurry up and i tell you he’d clean it out pretty quick. What are you gonna do with yarn Tom. I’m gonna buy a new drum and sure enough sword.

In a red neck tie in a bullpup and get married. Mary. That’s it. Tom you. Why you ain’t in your right mind. Wait you’ll see. But. That’s the foolish thing you could do. Look at pap and my mother fight. While they used to fat all the time. I remember mad eh well.

That ain’t anything but girl i’m gonna marry won’t fight. Tom. Iraq and they’re all elac. They’ll all coma body. Ne you better think about this awhile. I tell you you better. What’s the name of the gal. It ain’t a gal at all. It’s a girl. It’s all the same i reckon

Some says gales m says girl both is rat like enough anyway what’s her name Tom. I’ll tell you sometime. Not now. Alright that’ll do. Only if you get married. I’ll be more lonesome or than ever. No you won’t you’ll come and live with me.

Now stir out of this and we’ll go to dig in. They worked and sweated for a half an hour. No result. They toiled another half hour still no result huck said. They always buried as deep as this. Sometimes. Not always. Not generally. I reckon we haven’t got the right place.

So they chose a new spot and began again. The labour dragged a little but still they made progress. They pegged away in silence for some time. Finally hook leaned on his shovel swamped the beaded drops from his brow with his sleeve and said. Where he can dig next.

Have to we get this one. I reckon maybe we’ll tackle the old tree that over yonder on Cardiff hill back of the widows. Eric and that’ll be a good one. But won’t the widow take away from us Tom. It’s on her land. She take it away. Maybe she’d like to try at once.

Whoever finds one of these hid treasure he belongs to him. It don’t make any difference whose land it on. That was satisfactory. The work went on. By and by hook said. Blame it. We must be in the wrong place again. What do you think. It is mighty curious hook. I don’t understand it.

Sometimes witches interfere. Eric and maybe that’s what’s trouble now. Shucks witches ain’t got no power in the daytime. Well that’s so. I didn’t think of that. Oh. I know what the matter is. What a blamed lot of fools we are.

He got to find out where the shadow of the limb falls at midnight and that’s where you dig. Well then can sound it we’ve foldaway all these work for nothing. Now hang it all we got to come back in the night. It’s an awful long way can you get out.

Of bed at will. We’ve got to do it tonight too because if somebody sees these holes they’ll know in a minute what’s here and I’ll go for it. Well. I’ll come around and me out and that. All right. Let’s add the tools in the b bushes. The boys were there that night

About the appointed time. They sat in the shadow waiting. It was a lonely place and an hour made solemn by old traditions. Spirits whispered in the rustling leaves. Ghosts lurked in the murky nooks. The deep baying of a hound floated up out of the distance. An owl answered with his support crew note.

The boys were subdued by the solemnity and talked little. By and by they judged that twelve had come. They marked where the shadow fell and began to date. Their hopes commenced to rise their interest grew stronger and their industry kept pace with it. The hole deepened and stew

Deepened but every time time their hearts jumped to hear the pic strike upon something they only suffered a new disappointment. It was only a stone. Or a chunk. At last Tom said. Hey. It ain’t any use huck. Were wrong again. Whoa but we can’t be wrong. We spotted the shattered to adopt.

An hoa it. But then. There’s another thing. What’s that. Why. We only guessed at the time. Lack enough. It was. Too late or too early. Huck dropped his shovel. That’s it said he. That’s the very jebel we got to give this one up. We can’t ever tell the rat time in besides

These kind of things too awful here this time at night with witches and goals to fluttering around so i. Feel as if something’s been hand me all the time in am feared to turn around because maybe there’s others in front or waiting for a chance.

At been creeping all over ever since i got here. Well I’ve been pretty much so to hook. They must always put in a dead man when the buried treasure under a tree to look out for it. Lordy. Yes they do I’ve always heard that. Tom.

Adam lacked a fool around much where there’s dead people. A body’s bound to get into trouble with i’m sure. I don’t like destroy ’em up either. Suppose this one here was to stick his skull loud and say something or don’t Tom it’s awful while it just days. Hook.

I don’t feel comfortable a bit. Said. Tom. Let’s give this place up and chat somewheres else. Well all right. I reckon we better. What’ll it be. Tom considered a while and then said. The haunted house. That’s it. Blaming add on lack hand it has his tongue.

While there dern sat worse than dead people. Dead people might talk maybe but they don’t come sliding around in a shroud when ye notice in and peep over your shoulder all of a sudden and grit their teeth the way a ghost does. I couldn’t sustain such thing is that though. Nobody good.

Well yes but. Ghosts don’t travel around only at night. They won’t hinder us from digging there in the daytime. Wool. That so. But you know mighty well people don’t go about that haunted house in the day nor the night. Well that’s mostly because they don’t like

To go where a remains been murdered any way. But nothing’s ever been seen around that house except in the night. Just some blue lad slipping by the windows. No regular ghosts. Well where you see one of them blue lights flickering around Tom you can bet there’s a ghost mighty close behind it.

It stands to reason. Because you know that they don’t anybody but ghosts use them. Yes that so. But anyway they don’t come around in the daytime so what’s the use of our being feared. Well. Iraq. Will tackle the hand it has if you say so. But i reckon it’s taking chances.

They started down the hill by this time. They’re in the middle of the moonlit valley below them stood the haunted house. Utterly isolated it’s fences gone long ago rank weeds smother in the very doorsteps. The chimney crumbled to ruin in the window sashes vacant a corner of the roof caved in.

The boys gazed awhile. Half expecting to see a blue light flip past a window. Then talking in a low tone as befitted the time and the circumstances. They struck far off to the right to give give the haunted house a wide berth

And took their way homeward through the woods that adorned the rearward side of Cardiff hill. Chapter twenty six. Real robbers sees the box of gold. About noon the next day the boys arrived at the dead tree. They had come for their tools. Tom was impatient to go to the haunted house. Huck was

Measurably so also but suddenly said. Lucky here Tom. Do you know what day it is. Tom mentally ran over the days of the week and then quickly lifted his eyes with a startled look in them. I never once thought of the hook. While i didn’t either but

All at once it popped on to me that it was Friday. Blaming. A body can’t be too careful hook. We might have got into an awful scrape tackling such a thing on Friday. Matt. Better say we were would. There’s some lucky days maybe but Friday ain’t. Any fool knows that.

I don’t reckon you was the first that found it out huck. Well i never said i was did i and Friday in all neither i had a rotten bad dream last night. Dreamt about. Rats it’s. No. Sure sign of trouble. Did they fat. No. Well that’s good huck.

When they don’t fight it’s only a sign that there’s trouble around you know. All we got to do is to look mighty sharp and keep out of it. Will drop this thing for today and play. Do you know robinhood hook. Now. Who’s robinhood.

Why he was one of the greatest men that was ever in england and the best. He was a robber. Crack at wished our was. Hoody de route. Only sheriffs and bishops and rich people and kings and such like but he never bothered the poor he loved him he

Always divided up with them perfectly square. Well he must have been a brick. I bet you he was hook. Oh he was the noblest man that ever was. They ain’t and such men now i can tell you he could lick any man in england with one hand tied behind him

And he could take his uwe boll and plug a ten cent piece every time a mile and a half. What to you bow. I dunno. Some kind of bow of course. In and if you hit that damn only on the edge he would sit down and cry and curse.

But we’ll play Robin hood it’s not be fun I’ll learn ya. I’m agreed. So they play Robin hood all the afternoon now and then casting a yearning eye down upon the haunted house and passing a remark about the morrow’s prospects and possibilities there. As the sun began to sink into the west

They took their way homeward a thwart the long shadows of the trees and soon were buried from sight in the forest of Cardiff hill. On Saturday shortly afternoon the boys were at the dead tree again. They had a smoke and a chat in the shade and then

Dug a little in their last hole not with great hope but merely because Tom said there were so many cases where people had given up treasure after getting down within six inches of it and then somebody else had come along and turned it up with a single thrust of a shovel.

The thing fail this time however saw the boy’s shoulder their tools and went away feeling that they had not trifled with fortune but had fulfilled all the requirements that belong to the business of treasure hunting. When they reach the haunted house there was something so weird and grizzly about the

Dead silence that reigned there under the baking sun and something. So depressing about the loneliness and desolation of the place. That they were afraid for a moment. If you’re in. Then they crept to the door and took a trembling peep. They saw a weed grown floor or less room and plastered.

An ancient fireplace. Vacant windows are ruined staircase and here here there and everywhere hung ragged and abandoned cobwebs. They presently entered. Softly with quickened pulses talking in whispers ears alert to catch the slightest sound and muscles tense and ready for instant retreat. In a little while familiarity modified their fears and they gave

The place a critical and interested examination. Rather admiring their own boldness and wandering at it to. Next they wanted to look upstairs. This was something like cutting off retreat but they got to daring each other and of course there could be but one result. They threw their tools into a corner

And made the ascent. Up there were the same signs of decay. In one corner they found a closet that promised mystery. But the promise was a fraud there was nothing in it. Their courage was up now and well in hand they were about to go down and begin work when. She. Said Tom.

What is it whispered huck blanching with frat. She. Pair. Hear it. Has. One map i’d run cheap steel don’t budge they’re coming right toward the door. The boys stretch themselves upon the floor with their eyes to mat holes in the planking and lay waiting in a misery of fear. They stopped. No. Coming.

Here they are. Don’t whisper another word huck. My goodness i wish i was had this. Two men entered. Each boy said to himself. Mercy old deaf and dumb spaniard that’s been about town once or twice lately. Never saw the other man before. Tether was a ragged unkempt creature

With nothing very pleasant in his face. The spaniard was wrapped in a syrupy he had bushy white whiskers long white hair flowed from under his sombrero and he wore green goggles. When they came i’m in. Tether was talking in a low voice. They sat down on the ground

Facing the door with their backs to the wall and the speaker continued his remarks. His manner became less guarded in his words more distinct as he proceeded. No said he. I thought it all over and i don’t like it it’s dangerous. Dangerous grunted the deaf and dumb spaniard

To the vast surprise of the boys. Milk sop. This voice made the boys gasp and quake. Engine Joes. There was silence for some time then Joe said. What’s any more dangerous than that job up yonder but nothing’s come of it. That’s different away up the river so not another house about won’t ever

Be known that we tried any way long as we didn’t succeed. Well what’s more dangerous than coming here in the daytime anybody would suspicion us that saws. I know that but there weren’t any other places handy after that fool of a job. I want to quit this shani.

I wanted to yesterday only weren’t any use trying to stir outta here with those infernal boys playing over there on the hill ride in full view. Those infernal boys quaked again under the inspiration of this remark and thought how lucky it was that they had remembered it was Friday

And concluded to wait a day. They wished in their hearts they had waited a year. The two men got out some food and made a luncheon. After a long and thoughtful silence engine Joe said. Look here lad. You’ll go back up the river where you belong. Wait there till you hear from me.

I’ll take the chances on dropping into this town just once more for a look. We’ll do that. Dangerous job after I’ve spied around a little and think things look well for it. Then then for Texas. Will leg it together. This was satisfactory. Both men presently fell to yawning and engine Joe said. Her.

Bed for sleep. It’s your turn to watch. He curled down in the weeds and soon began to snore. His comrade stirred him once or twice and he became quiet. Presently the watcher began to nod his head droop btw lower and lower. Both men began to snore now. The boys drew a long

Grateful breath. Tom whispered. NASA chance. Huck said. A cape ad dive they was to wake. Tom urge tuck held back. At last Tom Rose slowly and softly and started alone but the first step he made rung such a hideous creek from the crazy floor that he he sank down almost dead with fright.

He never made a second attempt. The boys lay there counting the dragging moments till it seemed to them that time must be done and eternity growing grey and then. They were grateful to note that at last the sun was setting. Now. One snore ceased. Engine Joe sat up stared around.

Smiled grimly upon his Conrad whose head was drooping upon his knees stirred him up with his foot and said. Air. You’re a watch magnate you. All right though. No nothing’s happen. My have i been asleep. All partly partly. Nearly time for us to be moving part.

What do we do with what little swag we’ve got left. I don’t know. Leave it here as we’ve always done i reckon now used to take it away till we start south six hundred and fifty in silver something to carry. Whoa. All alright. It won’t matter to come here once more. Now.

But i’d say come in the night as we used to do. It’s better. Yes. But look here. It may be a good while before i get the right chance at that job. Accidents might happen. Taint in such a very good place we’ll just regularly Bury it and Bury it deep. Good idea

Said the comrade who walked across the room knelt down raised one of the rear word hearth stones and took out a bag that jingles pleasantly. He subtracted from it twenty or thirty dollars for himself and as much for engine Joe and passed the bag to the lab matter

Who was on his knees in the corner now digging with his bowie knife. The boys forgot all their fears older miseries in an instant. With gloating eyes a watched every movement. Luck. The splendor of it was beyond all imagination. Six hundred dollars was money enough to make half a dozen boys rich.

Here was treasure hunting under the happiest all species there would not be any bothersome uncertainty as to where to dig. They nudged each other every moment. Eloquent nudges and easily understood for they simply meant. Oh but ain’t you glad now we’re here. Joe those knife struck upon something. Hello said he.

What is it said his comrade. Half rotten plank. Or no. It’s a box i believe. A bear a hand and we’ll see what it’s here for. Nevermind i broke a hole. He reached his hand in and drew it out. Man it’s money. The two men examined the handful of coins. They were gold.

The boys above were as excited as themselves and as delighted. Joe’s comrade said. We will make quick work of this there’s an old rusty pick over for amongst the weeds in a corner the other side of the fireplace i saw it a minute ago. He ran and brought the boys pick and shovel.

Engine Joe took the pic looked it over critically shook his head. Muttered something to himself and then began to use it. A box was soon unearthed. It was not very large it was iron bound and had been very strong before the slow years had injured it. The men contemplated the treasurer awhile

In blissful silence. Pard. There’s thousands of dollars here. Said engine Joe. I always said that morales gang used to be around here one summer the stranger observed. I know it said engine Joe and this looks like it i should say. Now you won’t need to do that job. The half read frowned.

Said he. You don’t know me. Least if. You don’t know all about that thing. Taint robbery altogether. It’s revenge. And a wicked light. Flamed in his eyes. I’ll need your help in it. When it’s finished. Then. Texas. Go home to your Nance and your kids and stand by til you hear from me.

Well. If you say so. Little we do with this Bury it again. Yes. Ravishing delight overhead. No by the great sachem no. Profound distress overhead. Add nearly forgot. That pic had fresh earth on it. The boys were sick with terror in a moment. What business as as a pick and shovel here.

What business with fresh earth on them who brought them here and where are they gone. Have you heard anybody seen anybody. What Bury it again and leave them to come and see the ground disturbed. Not exactly not exactly. Will to take it to my then.

Why of course might have thought of that before you mean. Number one no. Number two under the cross. The other places bad. Too common. This is the end of disc number six. Please insert disc number seven. This is disc number seven. What Bury it again

And leave them to come and see the ground disturbed. Not exactly not exactly. Will take it to my then. Why of course might have thought of that before you mean. Number one no. Number two under the cross. The other p laces bad. Too common. Alright. It’s nearly dark enough to start.

Engine Joe got up and went about from window to window cautiously peeping out. Presently he said. Who could have brought those tools here. Do you reckon they can be. Upstairs. The boy’s breath for sooke them. Engine Joe put his hand on his knife. Halted a moment undecided and then. Turned toward the stairway.

The boys thought of the closet. But their strength was gone. The steps came creaking up the stairs. The intolerable distress of the situation walk the stricken resolution of the lads they were about to spring for the closet when there was a coup flesh of rotten timbers and engine Joe landed on the ground

Amid the debris of the ruined stairway he gathered himself up cursing and his comrades said. Now what’s the use of all that. If it’s antibody and air up there let them stay there who cares if they want to jump down now and get into trouble who objects. It’ll be dark in fifteen minutes

And then let him follow us if they want to i’m willing. In my opinion whoever have those things in here caught a sight of us and took us for ghosts or devils or something i bet they’re running yet. Joe grumbled awhile. Then he agreed with his friend that what daylight was left

Ought to be economize in getting things ready for leaving. Shortly afterward they slipped out of the house in the deepening twilight and moved toward the river with their precious box. Tom and huck Rose up weak but vastly relieved and stared after them through the chinks between the logs of the house. Follow.

Not they. They were content to reach ground again without broken necks and take the town where track over the hill. They did not talk much. They were too much absorbed in hating themselves hating the ill luck that made them take the spade and the pick there.

But for that engine Joe never would have suspected. He would have hidden the silver with the gold to wait there till his revenge i was satisfied and then he would have had the misfortune to find that money turn up missing. Bitter. Bitter luck that the tools were ever brought there.

They resolve to keep a lookout for that spaniard when he should come to town spying out for chances to do his revenge full job and follow him to number two. Wherever that might be. Then. A ghastly thought occurred to Tom. Revenge. What if he means. Us hawk. Oh don’t said huck nearly fainting.

They talked it all over and as they enter town they agreed to believe that he might possibly mean somebody else. At least that he might at least mean nobody but Tom since only Tom had testified. Very www very small comfort it was to Tom to be alone endanger.

Company would be a palpable improvement he thought. Chapter twenty seven. Trembling on the trail. The adventure of the day mightily tormented Tom’s dreams at night. Four times he had his hands on that rich treasure and four times it wasted to nothingness in his fingers as sleep forsook him

And wakefulness brought back the hard reality of his misfortune. As he lay in in the early morning recalling the incidents of his great adventure he noticed that they seemed curiously subdued and far away somewhat as if they had happened in another world or in a time long gone by.

Then it occurred to him that the great adventure itself must be a dream. There was one very strong argument in favor of this idea. Namely that a quantity of coin he had seen was too vast to be real.

He had never seen as much as fifty dollars in one mass before and he was like all boys of his age and stage passion in life. In that he imagined that all references to hundreds and thousands were mere fanciful forms of speech and that no such sums really existed in the world.

He never had supposed for a moment that so large as some as one hundred dollars was to be found in actual money in anyone’s possession. If his notions of hidden treasure had been analyzed. They would have been found to consist of a handful of real dimes and a bushel of vague splendid.

Ungraspable dollars. But the incidents of his adventure grew sensibly sharper and clearer under the attrition of thinking them over and so he presently found himself leaning to the impression that the thing might not have been a dream after all. This uncertainty. Must be swept away. He would snatch a hurried breakfast

And go and find huck. Huck was sitting on the gunnel of a flatboat listlessly dangling his feet in the water and looking very melancholy. Tom concluded to let huck lead up to the subject. If he did not do it. Then the adventure would be proved to have been only a dream. Hello huck.

Allow yourself. Silence for a minute. Tom. If we’d have left the Blaine tools at the dead tree we’d got the money. Oh ain’t it awful. Taint a dream then tainted dream. I’ll somehow i most wish it was dogged if i don’t huck. What ain’t a dream. Oh that thing yesterday.

I’ve been half thinking it was. Drain. If them stairs hadn’t broke down you to seeing how much dream it was. Have had dreams and fri with that patch add Spanish devil going for me all through ’em. Ride him. No not rot him for find him. Track the money. Tom will never find him.

A feller don’t have only one chance for such a power and that one’s last. Had feel mighty shaky as to see him anyway. Will so die but i’d like to see him anyway in track a map to his number two. Number two. Yes that’s it. I’ve been thinking about that but

I can’t make nothing out of it. What he reckoned it is. I don’t know. It’s too deep. Say huck. Maybe it’s the number of a house. Goody. No Tom that ain’t it. If it is it ain’t in this one horse town. They ain’t no numbers here. That so. Let me think a minute.

Here. It’s the number of a room. In a tavern you know. Old and the trick. Ain’t only two taverns we can find out quick. You stay here till i come. Tom was off at once. He did not care to have hooks company in public places. He was gone half an hour.

He found that in the best tavern number two had long been occupied by a young lawyer and was still so occupied. In the less ostentatious house number two was a mystery. The tavern keepers young son said it was kept locked all the time

And he never saw anybody go into it or come out of it except at night. He did not know any particular reason for this state of things. Had had some little curiosity but it was rather feeble. Had made the most of the mystery by entertaining himself with the idea that that room was.

Haunted ID. Had noticed that there was a light in there the night before. That’s what i found at hath. I reckon that’s the very number two whereafter. I reckon it is Tom. Now what are you going to do. They may think. Palm thought a long time. Then he said. I’ll tell you.

The back door of that number two is the door that comes out into that little close ally between the tavern and the old rattle trap of a brick store. Now you get hold of all the door keys you can find and I’ll nip all have aunties

In the first dark knight will go there and triumph. Mit keep a lookout for engine Joe because he said he was going to drop into town and spy around once more for a chance to. Get his revenge. If you see him you just follow him

And if he don’t go to that number two that ain’t the place. Lordy i don’t want to follow him by myself. Why it’ll be nice sure. He might never see you and if he did maybe he never think anything. Well. If it’s pretty dark i reckon I’ll track him. I dunno. I dunno.

I’ll try. You bet I’ll follow em if it’s dark hug. While he might have found out he couldn’t get his revenge and be gone right after that money. It’s so Tom it’s so. I’ll follow him i will buy jingles. Now you’re talking. Don’t you ever weaken huck and i won’t. Chapter twenty eight.

In the lair of engine Joe. That night Tom and huck were ready for their adventure. They hung about the neighborhood of the tavern until after nine one watching the alley at distance and the other the tavern door. Nobody entered the alley or left it.

Nobody resembling the spaniard entered or left the tavern door. The knight promised to be a fair one so Tom went home with the understanding that if a considerable degree of darkness came on huck was to come and meow whereupon he would slip out and try the keys. But the night remained clear

And huck closed his watch and retired to bed in an empty the sugar hogs head about twelve. Tuesday the boys had the same ill luck. Also Wednesday but Thursday night promised better. Tom slipped out in good season with his aunt’s old tin lantern and a large towel to blindfolded with.

He hid the lantern in hux sugar hogshead and the watch began. An hour before midnight the tavern closed up and it’s lights. The only ones thereabouts were put out. No spaniard had been seen. Nobody had entered or left the alley everything was auspicious. The blackness of darkness reigned the perfect still illness

Was interrupted only by occasional mutterings of distant thunder. Tom got his lantern lit it in a hogshead wrapped it closely in the towel and the two adventurers crept in the gloom toward the tavern. Huck stood sentry and Tom felt his way into the alley. Then there was a season of waiting anxiety

That way weighed upon her spirits like a mountain. He began to wish he could see a flash from the lantern. It would frighten him but it would at least tell him that Tom was alive yet. It seemed hours since Tom had disappeared. Surely he must have fainted maybe he was dead

Maybe his heart had burn first under terror and excitement. In his uneasiness huck found himself drawing closer and closer to the alley. Fearing all sorts of dreadful things and momentarily expecting some catastrophe to happen that would take away his breath. There was not much to take away

For he seemed only able to inhale it by thimbles and his heart would soon wear itself out the way it was beating. Suddenly. There was a flash of light and Tom came tearing by him run said he run for your life. He needn’t have repeated it once was enough

Huck was making thirty or forty miles an hour before the repetition was uttered. The boys never stopped till they reached the shed of a deserted slaughterhouse at the lower end of the village. Just as they got within it’s shelter the storm burst and the rain poured down.

As soon as Tom got his breath he said. Huck. He was awful at tried to have the keys. Just as soft as a could but they seemed to make such power of racket that i couldn’t hardly get a breath i was so scared. They wouldn’t turn in the lock either. Well.

Without notice in what i was doing. I took hold of the knob and open comes the door. It was locked. I hopped in and shook off the talent. Great Caesar’s ghost. What what did you see Tom. Huck. Almost stepped on the ancient jos and. No. Yes. He was

Laying there sound asleep on the floor with his old patch on his eye and his arms spread out. Hardy. What did you do did he wake up no. Never budged. Drunk i reckon i just grabbed a towel and started. Had never thought of the towel up at. Well i would.

My aunt would make me mighty sick if i lost it. Sick Tom. Did you see that box. Hook i didn’t wait to look around. I didn’t see the box i didn’t see the cross i didn’t see anything but a bottle in a tin cup on the floor bangin Joe yes and i saw

Two barrels and lots more bottles in the room. Don’t you see now what’s the matter with that haunted room. How. Why it’s haunted with whiskey. Maybe all the temperance taverns have got a haunted room hey hug. Well i reckon maybe that’s so. Who’d have thought such a thing. But say Tom

Now’s a mighty good time to get that box if engine Joe’s drunk. He sat. He tried. Huck shuddered. Woah. No i reckon not. And i reckon not huck. Only one bottle alongside engine Joe ain’t enough. If there’d been three he’d be drunk enough and i’d do it.

There is a long pause for reflection and then Tom said. Looking here hook. Let’s not try that thing any more till we know engine Joe’s not in there. It’s too scary. Now. If we watch every night. We’ll be dead sure to see him go out sometime or other

And then we’ll snatch that box quicker than lightning. Well an agreed. I watched the whole night long and I’ll do it every night too if you’ll do the other part of the job. All right i will. All you got to do is trot up hooper street a block and meow

In if i’m asleep you drove some gravel at the window and that’ll fetch me. Agreed and good as wheat. Now huck the storms over and I’ll go home. It’ll begin to be daylight in a couple of hours you go back and watch that long will you.

As said i would Tom and i will. I’ll hunt that tavern every night for a year i sleep all day and I’ll stay and watch all night. That’s all right. Now. Where are you going to sleep. In Ben Rogers hayloft he lets me and so does his paps nigger man uncle Jake.

Adult water for uncle Jake whenever he wants me to in anytime i ask him he gives me a little something to eat even spirit. At mit good nigger Tom. He likes me because i don’t don’t ever act as if ours above him. Sometimes. Have set read down and eat with him.

But but you needn’t tell that. A body’s gotta do things when he’s awful hungry he wouldn’t want to do as a steady thing. Well if i don’t want you in the daytime I’ll let you sleep. I won’t come bothering around.

Anytime you see something’s up in the night just skip right round and meow. Chapter twenty nine. Huck saves a widow. The first thing Tom heard on Friday morning was a glad piece of news. Judge Thatcher’s family had come back to town the night before.

Both engine Joe and the treasure sank into secondary importance for a moment and Becky took the chief place in the boy’s interest. He said. And they had an exhausting good time playing high spy and gully keeper with a crowd of their schoolmate. The day was completed and crowned in a peculiarly satisfactory way.

Becky teased her mother to a point the next day for the long promised and long delayed picnic and she consented. The child’s delight was boundless and Tom’s not more moderate. The invitations were sent up before sunset and straightway the young folks of the village were thrown into a fever of preparation and

Pleasurable anticipation. Thompson excitement enabled him to keep awake until a pretty late hour and he had good hopes of hearing huck’s meow and of heaven his treasure to astonish Becky and the picnickers with next day. But he was disappointed. No signal came that night. Morning came eventually and by ten or eleven o’clock

A giddy and rollicking company were gathered at judge Thatcher’s and everything was ready for restart. It was not the custom for elderly people to mar picnics with their presence. The children were considered safe enough under the wings of a few young ladies of eighteen

And a few young gentlemen of twenty three or thereabouts. The old steam ferryboat was chartered for the occasion. Presently the gay throng filed up the main street laden with provision baskets. Syd was sick and had to miss the fun. Mary remained at home to entertain him. The last thing

Mrs Thatcher’s said to Becky was. You will not get back till late. Perhaps you’d better stay all night with some of the girls that live near the ferry landing child. Then. I’ll stay with susie Harper mama. Very well and mind to behave yourself and don’t be any trouble. Presently as they tripped alarm

Tom said to Becky. Say. I’ll tell you what we’ll do. Stead of going to Joe Harper’s will clamp right up the hill and stop at the widow douglass shall have ice cream he has most every day dead loads of it and she’ll be awful glad to have us. Oh that will be fun.

Then Becky reflected a moment and said. But what will mama say. How does she ever know. The girl turned the idea over in her mind and said reluctantly. I reckon it’s wrong but. But shucks your mother won’t know and so what’s the harm. All she wants is that you’ll be safe

And I’ll bet you she just said go there if she thought of it. I know she would. The widow douglass splendid hospitality was attempting bait. It and Tom’s persuasions presently carried the day. So it was decided to say nothing to anybody about the night’s program. Presently it occurred to Tom

That maybe huck might come this very night and give the signal. The thought took a deal of the spirit out of his anticipations. Still he could not bear to give up the fun at widow douglass and why should he give it up he reasoned. The signal did not come the night before so

Why should it be any more likely to come tonight. The shore fun of the evening outweigh the uncertain treasure and boy like he determined to yield to the stronger inclination and not allow himself to think of the box of money another time that day. Three miles below town

The ferry boat stopped at the mouth of a Woody hollow and tied up. The crowd swarmed ashore and soon the forest distances and craggy heights echoed far and near with shouting and laughter. All the different ways of getting hot and tired were gone through with

And by and by the rovers struggled back to camp fortified with responsible appetites and then the destruction of the good things began. After the feast there was a refreshing season of rest and chat in the shade of spreading oaks. By and by somebody shouted. Who’s ready for the cave. Everybody was.

Bundles of candles were procured and straight way there was a general scamper up the hill. The mouth of a cave was up the hillside and opening shaped like a letter a. It’s massive oaken door stood unbar. Within was a small the chamber chili as an ice house

And walled by nature with solid limestone that was dewy with a cold sweat. It was romantic and mysterious to stand here in the deep gloom and look out upon the green valley shining in the sun. But the impressiveness of the situation quickly wore off and the romping began again.

The moment a candle was lighted there was a general rush upon the owner of it a struggle and a gallant defense followed but the candle was soon knocked down or blown out and then there was a glad clamor of laughter and a new chase. But all things i have an end.

By and by the procession went filing down the steep descent of the main Avenue. The flickering rank of lights dimly revealing the lofty walls of rock almost to their point of junction sixty feet overhead. This main Avenue was not more than eight or ten feet wide. Every few steps other lofty

And still narrower crevices branched from it on either hand for mcdougald cave was but a vast labyrinth of crocodiles that ran into each other and out again then led nowhere. It was said. That one might wander days and nights together through its intricate tangle of rifts and chasms

And never find the end of the cave and that he might go down and down and still down into the earth and it was just the same labyrinth under neath labyrinth and no air and to any of them. No man knew the cave that was an impossible thing.

Most of the young men knew a portion of it and it was not customary to venture much beyond this known portion. Tom Sawyer knew as much of the cave as anyone. The procession moved along the main Avenue some three quarters of a mile and then

Groups and couples began to slip aside into branch avenues fly along the dismal corridors and take each other by surprise at points where the corridors joined again. Parties were able to elude each other for the space of half an hour without going beyond the known ground. By and by

One group after another came straggling back to the mouth of the cave. Painting hilarious smeared from head to foot with tallow drippings daubed with Clay and entirely delighted with the success of the day. Then they were astonished to find that they had been taking

No note of time and that night was about at hand. The clanging bell have been calling for half an hour. However this sort of close to the day’s adventures was romantic and therefore satisfactory. When the ferry boat with her wild freight pushed into the stream nobody cared sixpence for the wasted time

But the captain of the craft. Huck was already upon his watch when the ferryboats lights went glinting past the wharf. He heard no noise on board for the young people were as subdued and still as people usually are who are nearly tired to death. He wondered what boat it was

And why why she did not stop at the wharf and then he dropped her out of his mind and put his attention upon his business. The night was growing cloudy and dark. Ten o’clock came and the noise of vehicles ceased. Scattered lights began to wink out all straggling footpath passengers disappeared the village

It took itself to it’s slumbers and left the small water alone with the silence and the ghosts. Eleven o’clock came and the tavern lights were put out. Darkness everywhere now. Hook waited what seemed a weary long time. But nothing happened. His faith was weakening. Corsair any youth was there really any use.

Why not. Give it up and turn in. A noise fell upon his ear. He was all attention in an instant. The alley door closed softly. He sprang to the corner of the brick store the next moment two men brushed by him and one seemed to have something under his arm. It must be

That box. So they we’re going to remove the treasure. Why called Tom now. It would be absurd the men would get away with the box and never be found again no he would stick to their wake and follow him he would trust to the darkness for security from discovery. So communing with himself

Huck stepped out and glided along be. Men cat-like with bare feet. Allowing them to keep just far enough ahead not to be invisible. They moved up the river street three blocks. Then turned to the left upper cross street. They went straight ahead then

Until he came to the path that led up Cardiff hill. This they took. They passed by the old welshman house halfway up a hill without hesitate ng and still climbed upward. Good thought huck they’ll Bury it in the old quarry. But they never stopped at the quarry. They passed on. Up the summit.

They plunged into the narrow path between the tall sumac bushes and were at once hidden in the gloom. Huck closed up and shortened his distance now for they would never be able to see him. He trotted along awhile though then slackened his pace fearing he was gaining too fast.

Moved on a piece then stopped altogether. Listened. No sound. None. Save that he seemed to hear the beating of his own heart. The hooting of an owl came from over the hill. Ominous sound. But no footsteps. Heavens. Was everything lost. He was about to spring with winged feet

When a man cleared his throat not four feet from him hux heart shot into his throat but he swallowed it again and then he stood there shake looking as if a dozen aig Hughes had taken charge of him at once and so weak that he thought he must surely fall to the ground.

He knew where he was he knew he was within five steps of the style leading into widow douglass grounds. Very well he thought. Let them Bury it there. It won’t be hard to find. Now there was a voice. A very low voice engine jos. Damn her. Maybe she’s got company.

There’s lights laid as it is. I can’t see any. This was that stranger’s voice the stranger of the haunted house. A deadly chill went to huck’s heart. This then. Was the revenge job. His thought was to fly. Then he remembered that the widow Douglas had been kind to him may more than once

And maybe these men were going to murder her. He wished he dared venture to Warner but he knew he didn’t dare they might come and catch him he thought all this and more in the moment that elapsed between the strangers remark and engine Joe’s next which was. Because the bushes in your way.

Now. This way now you see don’t you. Yes. Well there is company there i reckon. Better give it up. Give it up and i just leave in this country forever. Give it up and maybe never have another chance. I tell you again as I’ve told you before i don’t care for her swag.

You may have it but her husband was rough on me. Many times he was rough on me and mainly he was the justice of the peace that jogged me for a vagrant and that ain’t all. It ain’t a millionth part of it he had me horse whipped.

Horse whipped in front of the jail lacked a nigga. With all the town looking on horse whipped. Do you understand he took advantage of me and died but I’ll take it out of her. Oh don’t kill her don’t do that. Q. Who said anything about killing.

I would kill him if he was here. But not her. When you want to get revenge on a woman you don’t kill her. Bosch. You go for her looks. You slit her nostrils your notch her ears like a sow. That god that keep your opinion to yourself. It will be safest for you.

I’ll tired to the bed. If she bleeds to death. Is that my fault. I’ll not cry if she does. My friend. You’ll help in this thing for my sake that’s why you’re here. I might be able alone if you flinch. I’ll kill you. Do you understand that

And if i have to kill you I’ll kill her and then i reckon nobody will ever know much about who done this business. Well. If it’s got to be done. Let’s get at it. The quicker the better i. Am all in the shiver. Do it now and company that look here.

I’ll get suspicious of you first thing you know. No. We’ll wait till the lights are out. There’s no hurry. Huck felt that his silence was going to ensue. A thing still more awful than any amount of murderous talk so he held his breath and stepped gingerly back painted his foot carefully and firmly

After balancing one legged in a precarious way and almost toppling over first on one side and then on the other. He took another step back with the same elaboration and the same risks then another. And another and. A twig snapped under his foot. His breath stopped and he listened. There was no sound.

The stillness was perfect. His gratitude. Was measure lists. Now he turned in his tracks between the walls of sumac bushes turned himself as carefully as if he were a ship and then stepped quickly but cautiously along. When he emerged at the quarry he felt secure

And so he picked up his nimble heels and flew down one down he sped till he reached the welshman he banged at the door and presently the heads of the old man and his two stalwart sons were thrust from windows. What’s around air whose bang and what he won’t. Let me in quick

I’ll tell everything. La. Gloria. Huckleberry Finn quo Nick let me in cut from very thin indeed at an unnamed out many doors adage. Ah but let a man lad and let’s see what’s the trouble. Please don’t ever tell i told you where hooks first words when he got in. Please don’t

Add be killed sure but the wait has been good friends to me sometimes and i to tail. At will tell if you promise she won’t ever say it was me. By George he has got something to tell her he wouldn’t act so exclaimed the old man.

Out with it and nobody here will ever tail lad. Three minutes later the old man and his sons well armed were up the hill and just entering the sumac path on tiptoe their weapons in their hands. Huq accompanied them no farther he hid behind a great Boulder and fell to listening. There was

A lagging. Anc anxious silence and then all of a sudden there was an explosion of firearms and a cry. Huck waited for no particular he sprang away and sped down the hill as fast as his legs could carry him. Chapter thirty. Tom and Becky in the cave.

As the earliest suspicion of dawn appeared on Sunday morning huck came groping up the hill and wrapped gently at the old welshman door. The inmates were asleep but it was asleep that was set on a hair trigger. On account of the exciting episode of the night. A call came from a window.

Are there. Hooked scared voice answered in a low tone. Please. Let me in. It’s only huck Finn. It’s a name that can open this door night or day lad and welcome. He’s were strange words to the vagabond boy’s ears and the pleasant taste he had ever heard

He could not recollect that the closing word had ever been applied in his case before. The door was quickly unlocked and he entered. Hook was given a seat and the old man and his brace of tall sons speed will they dress themselves. Now my boy

I hope you’re good and hungry because breakfast will be ready as soon as the sun’s up and will have a piping hot one to make is of easy about that and the boys hoped you’d turn up and stop your last night. I was also scared said hook. In Iran.

I took out when a pistols went off and i didn’t stop for three mile. I come now because i wanted to know about you know and come before daylight because i didn’t want to run across them devils even if they was dead. Oh poor chap

You do look as if you’d had a hard night of it but there’s a bed here for you when you have had your breakfast. No. They ain’t dead lad we are sorry enough for that you see we knew right where to put our hands on and by your description so we

Crept along on tiptoe till we got within fifteen feet of them. Dark as is seller that sumac path was and just then i found out i was gone to his knees. It was a. It’s kinda luck. I tried to keep it back but. No use. Towards bound to come and it did come.

As in the lead with my pistol raised and when the sneeze started those scoundrels are rustling to get out of the path i sung out. Fire boys and blazed away at the place where the ruslan was so did the boards but they were often a jiffy the villains and we were after him

Down through the woods i judge we never touched them. A fired a shot a piece as they started but their bullets whiz by and didn’t do us any harm. As soon as we lost the sound of their feet we quit Jason and went down and stirred up the constables.

They got a posse together other and went off to guard the river bank and as soon as it is later the sheriff and the gang are going to beat up the woods. My boys will be with him presently. I wish we had some sort of description of those rascals.

Would help a good deal but you couldn’t see what they’re alike in the dark lad i suppose. Ooh yes i saw them downtown and followed them. Splendid describe him describe him my boy. One’s the old deaf and dumb spaniard that’s been around here once or twice and to others a mean looking ragged

That’s enough lad we know the men happened on him in the woods back of the widows one day and they slunk away. Off with your boys and tell the sheriff get your breakfast tomorrow morning. The welshman suns departed at once. As they were leaving the room huck sprang up and exclaimed.

Oh please don’t tell anybody it was me that blowed on them oh please. Rat if you say it hook. Which you ought to have the credit of what you did. Oh no no please don’t tell. When the young men were gone the old welshman said. Or they won’t tell and i won’t. But.

Why don’t you want it known. Huck would not explain further than to say that he already knew too much about one of those men and would not have the man know that he knew anything against him for the whole world he would be killed for no one is sure.

The old man promised secrecy once more and said. How did you come to follow these fellows lad. Where they look in suspicious. Huck was silent while he framed a duly cautious reply. Then he said. Well you see. I’m a kind of a hard lot. Least everybody says so

And i don’t see nothing again it and sometimes i can’t sleep much on account of thinking about it and sort of trying to strike at a new way of doing. That was the way of it last night i couldn’t sleep and so i come along street about midnight of turning it all over

And when i got to that old shaklee brick store by the temperance tavern i backed up again the wall to have another think we’ll. Guess then along comes these two chaps slipping along close by me with something under their arm and i reckon they stole it. One was smokin

And tell the one wanted a lot so they stopped right before me and the cigars lit up their faces and i see that the big one was the deaf and dumb spaniard by his white whiskers in the patch on his eye until the one was a rusty ragged looking devil.

Could you see the rags by the light of the cigars. The staggered hook for a moment. Then he said. Well i don’t know. But. Somehow he seems as if at the hit. And then they went on and you. Followed him yes. That was it. I wanted to see what was up

They sneak along so. I dogged them to the winter style and stood in the dark and heard the ragged one beg for the winter and the spaniard swear he’d spoil her looks just as i told you and your two way what. The deaf and dumb man said all that.

Huck had made another terrible mistake he was trying his best to keep the old man from getting the faintest hint of who the spaniard might be and yet his tongue seemed determined to get him into trouble in spite of all he could do. He made several efforts to creep out of his scrape

But the old man’s i was upon him and he made blunder after blunder. Presently the welshman said. My boy. Don’t be afraid of me i wouldn’t hurt a hair of your head for all the world know. At protect you and protect you. This spaniard is not deaf and dumb you let that slip

Without intending a Jack and covered that up now. You know something about that spaniard that you want to keep dark. Now trust me tell me what it is and trust me i won’t betray you. Huck looked into the old man’s honest eyes a moment. Then bent over and whispered in his ear.

Tanked is spaniard. It’s engine Joe. The welshman almost jumped out of his chair in a moment he said. Clay so plain enough now when you talked about notch in years and slitting noses i judge that that was your own embellishment because white men don’t take that sort of revenge by an engine.

That’s a different matter altogether. During breakfast the talk went on and in the course of it the old man said that the last thing which he and his sons had done before going to bed was to get a lantern and examine the style and it’s vicinity for marks of blood. They found none

But captured a bulky bundle of. Of what what. If the words had been lightning they could not have leaped with a more stunning suddenness from huck’s blanched lips his eyes were staring wide now and his breath suspended waiting for the answer. The welshman started. Stared in return. Three seconds. Five second ns. Ten.

Then replied. Of burglary tools. What’s the matter with you. Huck sank back panting gently but deeply on. Her ugly grateful. The welshman hide him gravely curiously and presently said. Yes. Burglars tools. That appears to relieve you a good deal but what did give you that turn. What were you expecting we’d found.

Huck was in the clothes place. The inquiring i was upon him he would have given anything for material for a plausible answer. Nothing suggested itself. The inquiring i was boring deeper and deeper. A senseless reply offered. There was no time to weigh it so at a venture he uttered. Feebly.

Sunday school books maybe. Poor hook was too distressed to smile but the old man laughed loud and joyously shook up the details of his anatomy from head to foot and ended by saying that such a laugh was money in a man’s pocket because it cut down the doctor’s bills lack everything.

Then he added. Poor old chap. You’re white been jaded you a well a bit no wonder you’re a little flighty and off your balance. Average you’ll come out of it rest and sleep or fetch at all right i hope. Hook was irritated to think he had been such a goose

And betrayed such a suspicious excitement for he had dropped the idea that the parcel brought from the tavern was the treasure as soon as he had heard the talk at the widow style while he had only thought it was not the treasure however he had not known that it wasn’t and so

The suggestion of a captured bundle was too much for his self possession. But on the whole he felt glad the little episode had happened for now he knew beyond all question though that that bundle was not the bundle and so his mind was at rest and exceedingly comfortable. In fact

Everything seemed to be drifting just in the right direction now. The treasure must be still in number to the men would be captured in jail that day and he and Tom would seize the gold that night without any trouble or any fear of interruption. Just as breakfast was completed

There was a knock at the door. Huck jumped for a hiding place for he had no mind to be connected even remotely with the late event. The welshman admitted several ladies and gentlemen among them the widow Douglas and noticed that groups of citizens were climbing up the hill his stare at the style.

So the news had spread. The welshman had to tell the story of the night to the visitors. The widow’s gratitude for her preservation was outspoken. Don’t say a word about it madam. Here’s another that you’re more beholden to the jar to me and my boys maybe but.

He don’t allow me to tell his name we wouldn’t have been there but for him. Of course this excited a curiosity so vast that it almost belittle the main matter. But the welshman allowed it to eat into the vitals of his visitors and through them be transmitted to the whole town

For he refused to part with his secret. When all else had been learned the widow said. I went to sleep reading in bed and slept straight through all that noise why didn’t you come and wake me. Oh he judged it weren’t worthwhile. As fellows weren’t likely to come again

They hadn’t any tools left to work with and what was the use in waking you up and scaring you to death. Math three negro man. If the jazz all the rest of the night they just come back. More visitors came

In the story had to be told and retold for a couple of hours more. There was no sabbath school during day school vacation but everybody was early at church. The stirring event was well canvassed. News came that not a sign of the two villains had been yet i discovered.

When the sermon was finished judge Thatcher’s wife dropped alongside of mrs Harper as she moved down the aisle with the crowd and said. His might Becky gone to sleep all day i just expected she would be tired to death. Your Becky. Yes. With a startled look.

It didn’t she stayed with you last night. Why no. Mrs Thatcher turned pale and sank into a pew just as aunt Polly talking briskly with a friend passed by and pauly said. Good morning mrs Thatcher good morning mrs Harper. I’ve got a boy that’s turned up missing.

I reckon my Tom stayed at your house last night one have you and now he’s afraid to come to church. I’ve got to settle with him. Mrs Thatcher’s shook her head feebly and turned paler than ever. He didn’t stay with us said mrs Harper beginning to look uneasy.

A marked anxiety came into and Polly’s face. Joe Harper. Have you seen my Tom this morning. Now. When did you see him last. And Joe tried to remember but was not sure he could say. The people had stopped moving out of church. Whispers passed along

And a balding an ease in his took possession of every countenance. Children were anxiously questioned and young teachers. They all said they had not noticed whether Tom and Becky were on board the ferryboat on the homeward trip it was dark no one thought of inquiring if anyone was missing. One young man

Finally blurted out his fear that they were still in the cave. Mrs Thatcher swooned away at pauly fell to crying and wringing her hands hands. The alarm swept from lip to lip from group to group from street to street and within five minutes the bells were wildly clanging

And the whole town was up. The Cardiff hill episode sank into instant insignificance the burglars were forgotten horses were saddled skiffs were manned the fairy bow boat ordered out and before the horror was half an hour old two hundred men were pouring down high road and river toward the cave.

All the long afternoon the village seemed empty and dead. Many women visited aunt Polly and mrs Thatcher and tried to comfort them they cried with them too and that it was still better than words. All the tedious night the town waited for news but when the morning dawned at last

All the word that came was. Send more candles and send food. Mrs Thatcher was almost crazed an aunt Polly also. Judge Thatcher sent messages of hope and encouragement from the cave but they conveyed no real cheer. The old welshman came home toward daylight

Spattered with candle grease smeared with Clay and almost worn out he found huck still in the bed that had been provided for him and delirious with fever. The physicians were all at the cave so the widow Douglas came and took charge of the patient.

She said she would do her best by him because whether he was good bad or indifferent he was the lords and nothing that was the lord’s was a thing to be neglected. The welshman said huck had good spots in him and the widow said. You can depend on it. That’s the lord’s Mark

He don’t leave it off he never does. Puts it somewhere on every creature that comes from his hands. Early in the four noon parties of jaded men began to straggle into the village but the strongest of the citizens continued searching. All the news that could be gained

Was that remote misses of the cavern were being ransacked that had never been visited before that every corner and crevice was going to be thoroughly searched. That wherever one wandered through the maze of passages lights were to be seen flitting hither and thither in the dish buttons

And shouting and pistol shots sent their hollow reverberations to the ear down the somber aisles. In one place far from the section usually traversed by tourists the name’s. Becky and Tom had been found traced upon the rocky wall with candy I’ll smoke and near at hand a grease soiled bit of ribbon.

Mrs Thatcher recognize the ribbon and cried over it. She said it was the last relic she should ever have of her child. And that no other memorial of her could ever be so precious because this one parted latest from the living body before the awful death came.

Some said that now and then in the cave. A far away speck of light would glimmer and then a glorious shalt would burst forth and a sor of men go drooping down the echoing owl and then. A sickening disappointment always followed. The children we’re not there. It was only. A searcher’s light. Three

Dreadful days and nights drag their tedious hours along and the village sank into a hopeless stupor. No one had heart for anything. The accidental discovery just made that the proprietor of the temperance tavern kept liquor on his prem mrs scarcely fluttered the public pulse tremendous as the fact was. In a lucid interval

Huck feebly led up to the subject of taverns and finally asked dimly dreading the worst if anything had been discovered at the temperance tavern since he had been ill. Yes. Said the widow. Huck started up in bed wild-eyed. What. What was it. Liquor. And the place has been shut up. Lie down child.

What a turn you did give me. Only tell me just one thing only just one please. Was it. Tom Sawyer that found it. The widow burst into tears. Hush. Hush child hush I’ve told you before you must not talk. You are very. Very sick. Then nothing but liquor had been found.

There would have been a great pow wow if it had been the gold so the treasure was gone forever. Gone forever. But what could she be crying about. Curious that she should try. These thoughts worked their dim way through huck’s mind and under the weariness they gave him he fell asleep.

The widow said to herself. There. He sleep. Pool Rick. Tom Sawyer found it. Pity but somebody could find Tom Sawyer. Ah. There ain’t many left now that’s got hope enough. Or strength enough either. To go on searching. Chapter thirty one. Found and lost again.

Now to return to Tom and Becky’s share in the picnic. They tripped along the murky isles with the rest of the company visiting the familiar wonders of the gave wonders dubbed with rather over descriptive names such as. The drawing room the cathedral Aladdin’s palace and so on.

Presently the hide and sikh frolicking began and Tom and Becky engaged in it with zeal until the exertion began to grow a trifle wearisome. Then they wandered down a sinuous Avenue holding their candles aloft and reading the tangled web work of names dates

Post office addresses and mottos with which the rocky walls had been frescoed. In candle smoke. Still drifting along and talking. They scarcely noticed that they were now in a part of the cave whose walls were not press code. They smoked their own names under an overhanging shelf and moved on. Presently

They came to a place where a little stream of water trickling over a ledge and carrying a limestone sediment with it had in the slow dragging ages formed a laced and ruffled niagara in gleaming and imperishable stone. Tom squeezed his small body b behind it in order to illuminated for Becky’s gratification.

He found that it curtains a sort of steep natural stairway which was enclosed between narrow walls and at once the ambition to be a discoverer seized him. Becky responded to his call and they made a smoke Mark for. Titans and started upon their quest. They wound this way and that

Far down into the secret depths of the cave. Made another Mark and branched off in search of novelties to tell the upper world about. In one place they found a spacious cavern from who ceiling depended a multitude of shining stalactite of the length and circumference of a man’s leg.

They walked all about it wondering and admiring and presently left it by one of the numerous passages that opened into it. This shortly brought them to a bewitching spring whose basin was encrusted with a frost work of glittering crystals. It was in the midst of a cavern

Whose walls were supported by many fantastic pillars which had been formed by the joining of great stalactites and stalagmites together the result of the cease less water drip of centuries. Under the roof vast knots of bats had packed themselves together thousands in a bunch. The light disturbed the creatures

And they came flocking down by one hundred squeaking and darting furiously at the candles. Tom knew their ways and that danger of this sort of conduct he seized Becky’s hand and hurried her into the first corridor that offered and none too soon for a bat struck Becky’s light out with it’s

Wing while she was passing out of the cavern. The bats chased the children a good distance but the fugitives plunged into every new passage that offer third and at last got rid of the perilous things. Tom found a subterranean lake shortly

Which stretched it’s dim length away until it’s shape was lost in the shadows. He wanted to explore it’s borders but concluded that it would be best to sit down and rest awhile first. Now. For the first time. The deep stillness of the place laid a clammy hand upon the spirits of the children.

Becky said. Why. I didn’t notice but. It seems. Ever so long since i heard of any of the others. And think of it Becky. We are away down below them. And i don’t know how far away north. Or. South or. East. Or whichever it is. We couldn’t hear them here. Becky grew apprehensive.

I wonder how long we’ve been down here Tom. We better start back. Yes. African we better. Perhaps we better. Can you find the waiter. It’s Allah mixed up crookedness to me. I reckon i could find it. But then the bats. If they put both our candles out it’ll be an awful fix.

Let’s try some other way so as not to go through there. Well. But i hope we won’t get lost. He would be so awful. And the girl shuddered at the thought of the dreadful possibilities. They started through a corridor and traversed it in silence a long way

Glancing at each new opening to see if there was anything for Amelia about the look of it but they were all strange. Every time Tom made an examination Becky would watch his face for an encouraging sign and he would say cheerily. Oh wait sorry. This ain’t the one but

Will come to it right away. But he felt less and less hopeful with each failure and presently began to turn off into diverging avenues at sheer random in desperate hope of finding the one that was wanted. He still said it was all right but there was such a leaden dread at his heart

That the words had lost their ring and sounded just as if he had said. All is lost. Becky clung to his side in an anguish of fear and tried hard to keep back the tears but they would come. At last she said. Hotel. Nevermind the bed let’s go back that way.

We seem to get worse. Worse off all the time. Tom stopped. Listen. Said he. Profound silence. Silence so deep that even their breathing were conspicuous in the hush. Tom shouted. The call went echoing down the empty aisles and died out in the distance in a faint sound that resembled a ripple

Of mocking laughter. Oh. Pyramid them though. Is to horeb said mackey. It is horrid. But i better Becky. They might hear us you know. And he shouted again. The might was even a chillier horror than a ghostly laughter it’s so confessed a perishing hope. That children stood still and listened.

But there was no result. Tom turned upon the back track at once and hurried his steps. It was but a little way while before a certain indecision in his manner revealed another fearful fact to Becky. He could not find his way back. Oh Tom. You didn’t make any marks.

Back yeah it was such a fool. Such a fool. I never thought we might want to come back no. One came flying the way. It’s all mixed up. Tom. Tom were lost. Ugh. We never can get out of his awful place. I bet. Others. This is the end of disc number seven.

Please insert disc number eight. This is disc number eight. Tom. Tom were lost. Ugh. We never can get out of his awful place. Why. Others. She sank to the ground and burst into such a frenzy of crying that Tom was appalled with the idea that she might die or lose her reason.

He sat down by her and put his arms around her. She buried her face in his bosom she clung to him she poured out her terrors her all unavailing regrets and the far echoes turned them all to jeering laughter. Tom begged her to pluck up hope again and she said she could not.

He fell to blaming and abusing himself forgetting her into this miserable situation. This she had a better effect. She said she would try to hope again she would get up and follow wherever he might lead if only he would not talk like that any more

For he was no more to blame than she she said. So they moved on again. Aimlessly simply at random. All they could do was to move keep moving. For a little while hope made a show of reviving. Not with any reason to back it

But only because it is it’s nature to revive when the spring has not been taken out of it by age and familiarity eighty with failure. By and by Tom took Becky’s candle and blew it out. This economy meant so much. Words were not needed. Becky understood and her hope died again.

She knew that Tom had a whole candle and three or four pieces in his pocket yet he must economize. By and by fatigue began to assert its claims. The children tried to pay no attention for it was dreadful to think of sitting down when time was grown to be so precious. Moving

In some direction in any direction was at least progress and may white bear fruit but to sit down was to invite death and shorten it’s pursuit. At last Becky’s frail limbs refused to carry her father. She sat down. Tom rested with her. And they talked of home and the friends there

And the comfortable beds and. Above all. The light. Better he cried and Tom tried to think of some way of comforting her but all his encouragement were grown threadbare with use and sounded like sarcasm. Fatigue bore so heavily upon Becky that she drowsy off to sleep. Tom was grateful

He sat looking into her drawn face and said gross smooth and natural under the influence of pleasant dreams and buy and buy a smile dawned and rested there. The peaceful face reflected somewhat of peace and healing into his own space. And his thoughts wandered away to bygone times and dreamy memories.

While he was deep in his musings Becky woke up with a breezy little laugh. But it was stricken dead upon her lips and a groan followed it. Oh how could i sleep. I wish i never never had wait. No. No i don’t Tom don’t look so i won’t say it again.

I’m glad you slept Becky you feel rested now and we’ll find a way out. We can try Tom. But I’ve seen. Such a beautiful country in my dream. I reckon we’re going there. Maybe not. Maybe not. Cheer up Becky and let’s go on trying. They Rose up and wandered along

Hand in hand and hopeless. They tried to estimate how long they had been in the game but all they knew was that it seemed days and weeks and yet it was plain that this could not be for their candles were not gone yet. A long time after this this. They could not tell

How long. Tom said they must go softly and listen for dripping water. They must find a spring. They found one presently and Tom said it was time to rest again. Both were cruelly tired yet Becky said she though thought she could go on a little farther. She was surprised to hear Tom descent.

She could not understand it. They sat down and Tom fastened his candle to the wall in front of them with some Clay. Fought was soon busy. Nothing was said for some time and Becky he broke the silence. Tom. I am so hungry. Tom took something out of his pocket. Do you remember this.

Said he. Becky almost smiled. It’s our. Wedding cake time. Yes. How wish it was as big as a barrel for it’s all we’ve got. I saved it from the picnic for us to dream and Tom. The way grown up people do with wedding cake. But it’ll be our.

She dropped the sentence where it was. Tom divided the cake and Becky eight with good appetite while Tom nibbled at his moiety. There was abundance of cold water to finish the feast with. By and by Becky suggested that they move on again. Tom was silent a moment. Then he said. Becky. Can you

Buried if i tell you something. Becky’s face paled but she thought she could. Well then Becky. We must stay here. Where there’s water to drink. That little piece. Is. Our last candle. Becky gave loose to tears and wayland. Tom did what he could to comfort her but with little effect.

At length Becky said. Tom. Well Becky. They’ll miss us and hunt for us. For yes they will certainly they will. Maybe they’re hunting for us now Tom. Why Iraq and maybe they are. I hope they are. When would they miss us Tom. When they get back to the boat i reckon.

Comet might be back then. With a notice we hadn’t come. I dunno. But anyway your mother would miss you as soon as they got home. A frightened look in Becky’s face brought Tom to his senses and he saw that he had made a blunder. Becky was not to have gone home that night.

The children became silent and thoughtful. In a moment a new burst of grief from Becky showed Tom that the thing in his mind had struck hers also. That the sabbath morning might be half spent before mrs Thatcher discovered that Becky was not at mrs Harper’s.

The children fastened their eyes upon their bit of candle and watched it melt slowly and pitilessly away. Saw the half inch of wick stay stand alone at last saw the feeble flame rise and fall climb the thin column of smoke linger at it’s top a moment and then. The horror. Of utter

Darkness reigned. How long afterward it was that Becky came to a slow consciousness that she was crying in Tom’s arms. Neither could tell. All that they knew was that. After what seemed a mighty stretch of time. Both awoke out of a dead stupor of sleep leap and resumed their miseries once more.

Tom said it might be Sunday now. Maybe Monday. He tried to get Becky to talk but her sorrows were too oppressive all her hopes were gone. Tom said that they must have been missed long ago and no doubt the sir search was going on he would shout and maybe someone would come.

He tried it but in the darkness the distant echoes sounded so hideous that he tried it no more. The hours wasted away and hunger came to torment the captives again. A portion of Tom’s half of the cake was left. They divided and ate it but they seemed hungrier than before.

The poor morsel of food only whetted desire. By and by Tom said. She. Did you hear that. Both held their breath and listened. There was a sound like the faintest far off. Shout. Instantly Tom answered it and leading Becky by the hand started groping down the corridor in it’s direction.

Presently he listened again. Again the sound was heard and apparent be a little nearer. It’s them said Tom. They’re coming. Come along Becky we’re all right now. The joy of the prisoners was almost overwhelming their speed was slow however because pitfalls were somewhat common and had to be guarded against.

They shortly came to one and had to stop. It might be three feet deep it might be one hundred. There was no passing it at any rate. Tom got down on his breast and reached as far down as he could. No bottom. They must stay there and wait until the searchers came.

They listened. Evidently the distant shouting were growing more distant. A moment or two more and they had gone altogether. The heart sinking misery of it. Tom whooped until he was hoarse but it was of no use. He talked hopefully to Becky but an age of anxious waiting past and no sounds came again.

The children grope their way back to the spring. The weary time dragged on. They slept again and awoke famished and wo stricken. Tom believed it must be Tuesday by this time. Now. An idea struck him. There were some side passages near at hand it would be better to explore some of these than

Bear the weight of the heavy time in idleness he took a kite line from his pocket tied it to a projection and he and Becky started Tom in the lie lead unwinding the line as he groped along. At the end of twenty steps the corridor ended in a jumping off place.

Tom got down on his knees and felt below and then as far around the corner as he could reach with his hands conveniently he made an effort to stretch yet a little will farther to the right and at that moment not twenty yards away a human hand holding a candle

Appeared from behind a rock. Tom lifted up a glorious shout and instantly that hand was followed by the body it belonged to. Engine Joe’s. Tom was paralyzed he could not move he was vastly gratified the next moment to see the spaniard take to his heels and get himself out of sight.

Tom wonder that Joe had not recognized his voice and come over and killed him for testifying in court but the echoes must have disguise the voice. Without doubt that was it he reasoned. Tom’s fright weakened every muscle in his body he said to himself

That if he had strength enough to get back to the spring he would stay there and nothing should tempt him to run the risk of meeting engine Joe again. He was careful to keep from Becky what it was he had seen he told her he had only shouted. For luck. But hunger

And wretchedness rise superior to fears in the long run. Another tedious wait at the spring and another long sleep brought changes. The children awoke tortured with a raging hunger. Tom believed that it must be Wednesday. Or Thursday or even Friday or Saturday now and that the search had been given over.

He proposed to explore another passage. He felt willing to risk engine Joe and all other terrors. But Becky was very weak she had sunk into a dreary apathy and and would not be roused. She said she would wait now where she was and die. It would not be long.

She told Tom to go with the kite line and explore if he chose but she implored him to come back every little while and speak to her and she made him promise that when the awful time came he would stay by her and hold her hand until all was over. Tom kissed her.

With a choking sensation in his throat and made a show of being confident of finding the searchers or an escape from the cave. Then he took the kite line in his hand and went groping down one of the passages on his hands and knees. Distressed with her hunger and sick

With boardings of coming doom. Chapter thirty two. Turn out they’re found. Tuesday afternoon came and waned to the twilight. The village of st Petersburg still mourned. The lost children had not been found. Public prayers had been offered up for them and many and many a private prayer

That had the petitioner’s whole heart in it but still i no good news came from the gave. The majority of the searchers had given up the quest and gone back to their daily vocations saying that it was playing the children could never be found. Mrs Thatcher was very ill

And a great part of the time delirious. Peoples she said it was heartbreaking to hear her call her child and raise her head and listen a whole minute at a time. Then lay it warily down again with a moan. And Polly had drooped into a settled melancholy and her gray hair

Had grown almost white at. The village went to which rest on Tuesday night sad and forlorn. Away in the middle of the night a wild peel burst from the village bells and in a moment the streets were swarming with frantic half clad people who shouted. Burnout turn out the found their found

Tin pans and horns were added to the din the population mast itself and move toward the river met the children coming in an open carriage drawn by shouting citizens thronged around it joined it’s homeward march and swept magnificently up the main street roaring azar after hazare. The village was illuminated

Nobody went to bed again it was the greatest night the little town had ever seen. During the first half hour a procession of villagers filed through judge Thatcher’s house seized the saved ones and kissed them squeezed mrs Thatcher’s hand tried to speak but couldn’t and drifted out

Rape and in tears all over the place. And Polly’s happiness was complete and mrs Thatcher’s nearly so. It would be complete however as soon as the messenger dispatched with the great news to the cave should get the word to her husband. Charm lay upon a sofa with with an eager auditory about him

And told the history of the wonderful adventure putting in many striking additions to adorn it with all and closed with a description of how he left Becky and went on an exploring expedition. How he followed two avenues as far as his kite line would reach how he followed a third

To the fullest stretch of the kite line and was about to turn back when he glimpsed a far off spec that looked like. Daylight. Drop the line and groped toward it. Pushed his head and shoulders through a small hole and saw saw the broad Mississippi roll-in by.

And if it had only happened to be night he would not have seen that speck of daylight and would not have explore that passage any more. He told how he went back for Becky and broke the good news

And she told him not to fret her her with such stuff for she was tired and knew she was going to die and wanted to. He described how he labored with her and convinced her and how she almost died for joy when she had groped

To where she actually saw the blue speck of daylight. How he pushed his way out at the hole and then helped her out. How they sat there and cry for gladness. How some men came along in a skiff and Tom hailed them and told them their situation and their famished condition.

How the men didn’t believe the Lila tail at first because said they. You are five miles down the river below the valley the cave is in. Then took them aboard road to a house gave them supper made them rest till two or three hours after dark and then brought them home.

Before day dawn judge Thatcher and the handful of searchers with him were tracked out in the cave by the twine clues they had strung behind them and informed of the great news. Three days and nights of toil and hunger in the cave were not to be shame taken off at once

As Tom and Becky soon discovered. They were bed ridden all of Wednesday and Thursday and seemed to grow more and more tired and worn all the time. Tom got about a little on Thursday was downtown Friday and nearly as whole as ever on Saturday but Becky did not leave her room until Sunday

And then she looked as if she had passed through a wasting illness. Tom learned of huck’s sickness and went to see him on Friday but could not be admitted to the bedroom. Neither could he on Saturday or Sunday. He was admitted daily after that but was warned to keep still about his adventure

And introduced no exciting topic. The widow Douglas stayed by to see that he obeyed. At home Tom learned of the Cardiff hill event also at the ragged man’s body had eventually been found in the river near the ferry landing he had been drowned while trying to escape perhaps.

About a fortnight after Tom’s rescue from the cave he started off to visit huck who had grown plenty strong enough now to hear exciting talk and Tom had some that would interest him he thought. Judge Thatcher’s house was on Tom’s way and he stopped to see Becky.

The judge and some friends set Tom to talking and someone asked him ironically if he wouldn’t like to go to the cave again. Tom said he thought he wouldn’t mind it. The judge said. Well there are others just like you Tom lived not the least doubt but we have taken care of that.

Nobody will get lost in that cave any more. Why. Because i had it’s big door she’d with boiler iron two weeks ago and triple locked and I’ve got the keys. Tom turned as white as a sheet. What’s the matter boy here or run somebody fetch a glass of water.

The water was brought and thrown into Tom’s face. Ah now you’re alright but what was the matter with you Tom. Oh judge. Engine jos in the cave. Chapter thirty three. The fate. Of engine Joe. Within a few minutes the news had spread

And a dozen skiff loads of men were on their way to mcdougall cave and a ferryboat well filled with passengers soon followed. Tom Sawyer was in the skiff that board judge Thatcher. When the cave door was unlocked. A sorrowful sight presented itself in the dim twilight of the place. Engine Joe

Lay stretched upon the ground. Dead with his face close to the crack of the door as if his longing eyes had been fixed to the latest moment upon the light and the cheer of the free world outside. Tom was touched for he knew by his own experience how this wretch had suffered.

His pity was moved but nevertheless he felt an abounding sense of relief and security now which revealed to him in a degree which he had not fully appreciated before how vast a weight of dread had been lying upon him since the day he lifted his voice against this buddy minded outcast.

Engine Joe’s buoy knife lay close by it’s blade broken into. The great foundation beam of the door had been chipped and hacked through with tedious labor. Useless labor too it was. For the native rock formed to settle outside it. Palm that stubborn material the knife had wrought no effect.

The only damage done was to the knife itself. But if there had been no stony obstruction there the labor would have been useless still for if the beam had been wholly cut away engine Joe could not have squeezed his body under the the door and he knew it.

So he had only hacked that place in order to be doing something. In order to pass the weary time. In order to employ his tortured faculties. Ordinarily one could find half a dozen bits of candle stuck around in the crevices of this vestibule left there by tourists but there were none now.

The prisoner had searched them out and eaten them. He had also contrived to catch a few bats and these are also he had eaten leaving only their claws. The poor unfortunate had starved to death. In one place near at hand a stalagmite had been slowly growing up from the ground for ages.

Builded by the water drip from a stalactite overhead. The captive had broken off the stalagmite and upon the stump had placed a stone wherein he had scooped a shallow hollow to catch the precious drop that fell once in every three minutes with the dreary regularity of a clock tick.

A desert spoonful once in four and twenty hours. That drop was falling when the pyramids were new. When Troy fell when the foul foundations of Rome were laid when Christ was crucified when the conqueror created the British empire when Columbus sailed when the massacre at Lexington was news. It is falling now.

It will still be falling when all these things shall have sunk down the afternoon one of history and the twilight of tradition and been swallowed up in the thick night of oblivion. Has everything a purpose and a mission. Did this drop fall patiently during five thousand years to be ready for this

Fleeting human insects need. And has it. Another important object to accomplish ten thousand years to come. No matter. It is many and many a year since the hapless half breed scooped out the stone to catch the priceless drops but to this day the tourist stairs longest at that pathetic stone

And that slow dropping water when he comes to see the wonders of mcdougald cave. Engine Joe’s cup stands first in the list of the caverns marvels even. Aladdin’s palace cannot rival it. Engine Joe was buried near the mouth of the cave and people flocked there in boats and wagons from the towns

And from all the farms and hamlets for seven miles around. They brought their children and all sorts of provisions and confess that they had had almost as satisfactory at time at the funeral as i could have had at the hanging. This funeral stopped the further growth of one thing.

The petition to the governor for engine job’s pardon. The petition had been largely signed. Many tearful and eloquent meetings had been held and a committee of sappy women been appointed to go in deep mourning and whale around the governor and implore him to be a merciful ass and trample his duty underfoot.

Engine Joe was believed to have killed five citizens of the village but what of that. If he had been Satan himself there would have been plenty of weaklings ready to scribble their names to a pardon petition and drip a tear on it from there permanently impaired and leaky water works.

The morning after the funeral Tom took huck to a private place to have an important talk. Hook had learned all about Tom’s adventure from the welshman and the widow Douglas by this time but Tom said he reckoned there was one thing they had not told him.

That thing was what he wanted to talk about now. Huck’s face satin he said. I know what it is. You got into number two and never found anything but whiskey. Nobody told me it was you but i just node it must have been you soon as i heard about that whiskey business

And i know you hadn’t got the money because you got me some way or other and told me even if you is Monday everybody else. Tom. Something’s always told me we’d never get hold of that swag. While huck. I never told on that tavern keeper.

You know his tavern was all right the Saturday i went to the picnic. Don’t you remember you as a watch there that night. Howard yes. Why it seems bad a year ago. He was that very night that i followed engine job to the winters. You followed. Yes but you keep mum.

I reckon engine Joe’s left friends behind him and i don’t want them souring on me and doing the main tricks. If it hadn’t been for me you’d be down in Texas now our hat. Then huck told his entire adventure in confidence to Tom

Who had only heard of the welshman part of it before. Well said hook presently coming back to the main question. Whoever nipped the whiskey in number to nip the money too i reckon. Anyways it’s a goner for us Tom. Huck that money wasn’t ever in number two. What.

Huck searched his comrades face keenly. Damn. If you got on the track of that money again huck it in the cave. Huck’s eyes blazed. Say it again Tom. The money’s in the cave Tom asked engine now. Is it fun or Ernest. Ernest huck. Just discern as does ever i was in my life.

Will ye go in there with me and help get it out. I bet i will how will if it’s where we can Blaze our way aid to it and not get lost huck we can do that without the least little bit of trouble in the world good as wheat.

What makes you think the monies huck you just wait till we get in there if we don’t find it I’ll agree to give you my drama and everything I’ve got in the world i will buy a jinx. Iraq it a whiz. Wendy say. Right now if you say it. Are you strong enough.

Is it far in the cave. I’ve been on my pins a little three or four days now but i i can’t walk more than a mild Tom. Least i don’t think i could. It’s about five mile into their the way anybody but me i would go hook but there’s a mighty shortcut

That they don’t anybody but me know about. Hook. I’ll take you right to it in a skiff. I’ll float the skiff down there and I’ll pull it back again all by myself you needn’t ever turn your hand over. Let’s talk Randolph Tom. Alright. We want some bread and meat and our pipes

And little bag are due in two or three kite strings and some of these newfangled things they call Lucifer matches. Attack he managed the time i wished i had some when i was in there before. A trifle after noon the boys. Borrowed a small skiff from a citizen who is absent

And got underway at once. When they were several miles below cave hollow Tom said. Now you see this bluff here looks all alike all the way down from the cave hollow no no houses no wood yards bushes all alike but you see that white place up yonder where there’s been a landslide. Well.

That’s one of my marks. Will get ashore now. They landed. Now hut where we’re a stand and you could touch that hole i got out of with a fishing pole. See if you can find it. Huck searched all the place a bat and found nothing. Tom

Proudly marched into a thick clump of sumac bushes and said. Here you are. Look at it huck it’s the snug is toll in this country you just keep mum about it. All along I’ve been wanting to be a robber but i knew i’d got to have a thing like this

And where to run across it was the bother. We’ve got it now and we’ll keep it quiet only we’ll let Joe Harper and Ben Rodgers in because of course there’s got to be a gang or else there wouldn’t be any style about it. Tom Sawyer’s gang. It sounds splendid donate huck.

Who hell he just does Tom. And who we Rob. Oh. Most anybody. Way lay people that’s mostly the way. And kill him. No. Not always had them in the cave till they raise a ransom. What’s a ransom. Money. You make him raise all the can often their friends

And after you’ve kept them a year if it ain’t raised then you kill him that’s the general way only you don’t killed women you shut up the women but you don’t kill them. There are. Beautiful and rich and awfully scared. You take their watches and things

But you always take your hat off and talk polite. They ain’t anybody is polite is robbers you’ll see that in any book. Well the women get to love in you and after they been in the cave a week or two weeks they stop crying and after that you couldn’t get him to leave

If you drove them out they turn right around and come back it’s so in all the books. Whites real bully Tom. I believe it’s better than to be a pirate. Yes it’s better in some ways. Because it’s close to home and circuses and all that. By this time everything was ready

And the boys entered the whole. Tom in the lead. They toiled their way to the farther end of the tunnel then made their spliced kite strings fast and moved on. A few steps brought them to the spring and Tom felt a shudder quiver one old shoe him. He showed hug

The fragment of Candlewick perched on a lump of Clay against the wall and described how he and Becky had watched the flame struggle and expire. The boys began to quiet down to whispers now for the stewardess and gloom of the place oppressed their spirits. They went on and presently

Entered and followed Tom’s other corridor until they reached the jumping off place. The candles revealed the fact that it was not really a precipice but only a steep Clay hill twenty or thirty feet high. Tom whispered. Now I’ll show you something huck. He held his candle aloft and said. Look

As far around the corner as you can see that they’re on the big rock over yonder done with candle smoke. Tom. It’s cross. Now where is your number two. Endured the cross heh. Right yonder where i saw ancient Joe poke up his candle huck. Huck stared at the mystic sign awhile

And then said with a shaky voice. Palm. Whiskey to add here. What. In Lee the treasure. Yes. Leave it. Angel Joe’s ghost is round about their certain. Know it ain’t huck no we didn’t. It would haunt the place where he died. A way out at the mouth of the cave fatma from you.

Know Tommy wouldn’t it would hang around the money and know the ways ghost and so do you. Tom began to fear that hook was right. Misgivings gathered in his mind but presently an idea occurred to him. The cahir hook what fools we’re making of ourselves. Engine Joe’s goals

Ain’t going to come around where there’s a cross. The point was well taken. It had it’s effect. Tom i didn’t think of that but that’s so. Each luck for us that process. I reckon we’ll climb down there and have a hunt for that box. Tom went first

Cutting rude steps in the Clay hill as he descended. Huck followed. For avenues opened out of the small cavern which the great rock stood in. The boys examined three of them with no result. They found a small recess in the one nearest the b base of the rock

With a palette of blankets spread down in it. Also an old suspender some bacon rind and the well gnawed bones of two or three fouls but there was no moneybox. The lads searched and researched this place but in vain. Tom said. He said. Under the cross well.

This comes nearest to be an under the cross. It can’t be under the rack itself because that set salad on the ground. They searched everywhere once more and then sat down discouraged. Huck could suggest nothing. By and by Tom said. Lookie here huck. There’s footprints

And some candle grease on the Clay about one side of this rock but not on the other sides. Now what’s that for. I bet you the money is under the rock and gone to dig in the Clay. That ain’t no bad notion Tom says ed hook with animation. Tom’s.

Real Barlow was out at once and he had not dug four inches before he struck would. Have. You hear that. Huck began to dig and scratch now. Some boards were soon uncovered and removed. They had concealed a natural chasm which led under the rock. Tom

Got into this and held his candle as far under the rock as he could but said he could not see to the end of the rift he proposed to explore. He stooped and passed up under. The narrow way descended gradually he followed it’s winding course first to the right then to the left

Hook at his heels. Tom turned a short curve by and by and exclaimed. My goodness. Look yeah. It was the treasure box sure enough occupying a snug little cavern along with an empty powder keg a couple of guns in leather cases two or three pairs of old moccasins a leather belt

And some other rubbish Wells soaked with the water drip. Got it at last said hook plowing among the tarnished coins with his hand. Map but we’re rich do. Heard how his record we get it’s just too good to believe but we have got it sure i. Say. Let’s not fool round here

Let snake it out let me see if i can lift the box. It weighed about fifty pounds Tom could lift it after an awkward fashion but could not carry it conveniently. I thought so they carried it like it was heavy that day at a haunted house and noticed that

I reckoned i was right to think affection the little bags along. The money was soon in the bags and the boys took it up to the cross rock. Now let’s fetch the guns and things. Said huck. Know huck. Leave them there. They’re just the tricks to have when we go to Robin.

Will Keaton there all the time and will hold our orgies there too it’s an awful snug place for orgies. What’s orgies. Dunno but robbers always have orgies and of course we get to happen to. Come along have we been in here a long time it’s getting late i reckon. Am hungry too.

Will eat and smoke when we get the skiff. They presently emerged into the clump of sumac bushes looked warily out found the coast clear and we’re soon launching and smoking in the skiff. As the sun dipped toward the horizon they pushed out and got underway.

Tom skimmed up the shore through the long twilight chatting cheerily with hook and landed shortly after dark. Now huck. Said Tom. Wheel had the money in the loft of the widows woodshed and outcome up in the morning and we’ll count it in the vat and then

We’ll hunt up a place out in the woods for it where it’ll be safe. Just you lay quiet here and watch the stuff till i run in hook Benny Taylor’s little wagon i won’t be gone a minute. He disappeared and presently returned with the wagon. Put the two small sacks into it

Through some old rags on top of them and started off dragging his cargo behind him. When the boys reached the welshman house they stopped to rest. Just as they were about to move on on the welshman stepped out and said. Hello what was that. Huck and Tom Sawyer. Would

Come along with me boys you are keeping everybody waiting. Here Harry up drought ahead I’ll haul the wagon for you. Why. Is not as light as mit. Got bricks in it are old metal. Old metal said Tom. A judge so. The boys in his title dig more trouble and fool away more time

Hunting up sick bits were the old iron to sell to the foundry than he would to make twice the money had regular work. Right that’s human nature. Hurry along or along. The boys wanted to know what the hurry it was about. Never mind you’ll see when we get to the widow douglass.

Huck said with some apprehension for he was long used to being falsely accused. Mr Jones. We have been doing nothing. The welshman laughed. Add oh no my boy i don’t know about that. Ain’t you and the widow good friends. Well she’s been good friends to me anyways. Alright then.

What do you want to be afraid for. This question was not entirely answered in huck slow mind before he found himself pushed along with charm into mrs Douglas’s drawing room. Mr Jones left the wagon near the door and followed. The place was grandly lighted

And everybody that was of any consequence in the village was there. The thatchers were there the Harpers the Rodgers his aunt Polly said marry the minister the editor and a great many more and all dressed in there our best. The widow received the boys as heartily as anyone

Could well received two such looking beings. They were covered with Clay and candle grease. And poly blushed crimson with humiliation and frowned and shook her head at Tom. Nobody suffered half as much as the two boys did however. Mr Jones said. Wasn’t at home yet so i gave him up

But i stumbled on him and hook right up my door and so i just brought him along in a hurry. And he did just rat said the widow. Come with me boys. She took them to a bedchamber and said. Now wash and dress yourselves her here are two new suits of clothes shirts

Socks. Everything. Complete. Their hux. No no thanks huck mr Jones bought one and add the other but they’ll fit both of you. Get into that we await come down when you are slicked up enough. Then she left. Chapter thirty four. Floods of gold. Hook said. Tom.

We can slope if we can find a rope the wind ain’t half and the ground. Shacks what do you want a slope for. Well i ain’t used to that kind of a crowd. I can’t stand it. I ain’t gone down there Tom. Oh bother eating anything.

I don’t mind it a bit I’ll take care of you. Said appeared. Tom said he. Ante has been waiting for you all the afternoon. Mary get your Sunday clothes ready and everybody’s been fretting about you. Say. Ain’t this grease and Clay on your clothes.

Now mister city you just tend to your own business. What’s all this blow out about anyway. It’s one of the widow’s parties that she’s always having this time it’s for the welshman and his sons an account of that scrape they helped her out of the other night and say.

I can tell you something if you want to know. Well what. Why old mr Jones is going to try to spring something on the people here tonight but I’ll overheard him tell auntie today about it as a secret but i reckon it’s not much of a secret now everybody knows

The widow too for all she tries to let aunt she don’t. Mr Jones was bound huck should be here. Couldn’t get along with his grand secret without huck you know. Secret about what said. About huck tracking the robbers to the widows. I reckon mr Jones was going to make a grand time

Over his surprise but i bet it’ll drop pretty flat. Said chuckled in a very contented and satisfied way. Sit. Was it you that told. Oh never mind who it was. Somebody told that’s enough. Said. There is only one person in this town mean enough to do that and that’s you.

If you’d been in huck’s place you to sneak down the hill and never told anybody on the robbers. You can’t do any but mean things and you can’t bear to see anybody praised for doing good ones. There. No thanks as the way udo says.

And Tom cuft seeds years and helped him to the door with several kicks. Now go and tell auntie if you dare and tomorrow you’ll catch it. Some minutes later the widow’s guests were at the supper table and a dozen children were propped up at little side tables in the same room

After the fashion of that country and that day. At the proper time mr Jones made his little speech in which he thanked the widow for the honor she was doing himself and his sons but said that there was another person whose modesty. And so forth and so on.

He sprung his secret about huck’s share in the adventure in the finest dramatic manner he was master of but the surprise tries it occasioned was largely counterfeit and not as clamorous and diffusive as it might have been under happier circumstances. However the widow made a pretty fair show of astonishment

And heaped so many compliments and so much gratitude upon hook that he almost forgot the nearly intolerable discomfort of his new clothes in the entirely intolerable discomfort of being set up as a target for everybody’s gaze and everybody’s loud nations. The widow said she meant to give huck a home under her roof

And have him as educated and that when she could spare the money she would start him in business in a modest way. Tom’s chance was come he said. Huck don’t need it. Huck’s rich. Nothing but a heavy strain upon the good manners of the company kept back the due

And proper complimentary laugh at this pleasant joke. But the silence was a little awkward. Tom broke it. Huck’s got money. Maybe you don’t believe it but he’s got lots of it. All you needn’t smile. I reckon i can show you. You just wait a minute. Tom ran out of doors.

The company looked at each other with a perplexed interest and inquiring Lee at huck who was tongue tied. Said what ails Tom said aunt Polly he. Well. There ain’t ever any making of that boy out. I never. Tom entered struggling with weight of his sacks and aunt Polly did not finish her sentence.

Tom poured the mass of yellow coin upon on the table and said. There. What did i tell you. Half of it sucks and half of it man. The spectacle took the general breath away all gazed nobody spoke for a moment. Then there was a unanimous call for an explanation.

Tom said he could furnish it and he did. The tail was long but brim full of interest. There was scarcely an interruption from any one to break the charm of it’s flow. When he had finished mr Jones said. I thought i had fixed up a little surprise for this occasion

But it don’t amount to anything now. This one makes it sing made a small i’m willing to allow. The money was counted. The sum amounted to a little over twelve thousand dollars. It was more than any one present had ever seen at one time before though several persons were there who were

Worth considerably more than that in property. Chapter thirty five. Respectable huck joins the gang. The reader may rest satisfied that Tom and huck’s windfall made a mighty stir in the poor little village of st Petersburg. So vast a sum all in actual cash seemed next to incredible.

It was talked about loaded over glorified until the reason of many of the citizens tottered under the strain of the unhealthy excitement. Every haunted house in st Petersburg and the neighbouring villages was dissected plank by plank and it’s foundations dug up and ransacked for hidden treasure author and not by boys but men.

Pretty grave unromantic men too some of them. Wherever Tom and huck appeared they were courted admired stared at. The boys were not able to remember that their remarks had possessed weight before but now their sayings were treasured and repeated. Everything they did seemed somehow to be regarded as remarkable.

They had evidently lost the power of doing and saying commonplace things. Moreover their past history was raked up and discovered to bear marks of concern spicules originality. The village paper published biographical sketches of the boys. The widow Douglas put hucks money out at six percent

And judge Thatcher did the same with Tom’s at and Polly’s request. Each lad had an income now that was simply prodigious. A dollar for every weekday in the year and half of this. It was just what the minister got. No. It was what he was promised. He generally couldn’t collect it.

A dollar and a quarter a week would board lodge and school a boy in those old simple days and clothe them and wash him too for that matter. Judge Thatcher had conceived a great opinion of Tom. He said that no commonplace boy would ever have got his daughter out of the cave.

When Becky told her father in strict confidence how Tom had taken her whipping at school. The judge was visibly moved and when she pleaded grace for the mighty lie which Tom had told in order to shift that whipping from her shoulders to his own.

The judge said with a fine outburst that it was unknowable a generous or magnanimous lie a lie that was worthy to hold up its head and marched down through history breast to breast with George Washington’s lauded truth about the hatchet. Becky thought her father had never looked so tall and so superb

As when he walked the floor and stamped his foot and said that. She went straight off an old Tom about it. Judge Thatcher hope to see Tom a great lawyer or a great soldier some day he said he meant to look to it that Tom should be admitted to the national military academy

And afterward trained in the best law school in the country in order that he might be ready for either career or both. Huck Finn’s wealth and the fact that he was now under the widow douglass protection introduced him into society. And no. Dragged him into it hurled him into it

And his sufferings were almost more than he could bear. The widows servants kept him key clean and neat combed and brushed and they bedded him nightly in unsympathetic sheets that had not one little spot or stain which he could press to his heart and know for a friend. He had to eat

With knife and fork he had to use napkin the cop and plate he had to learn his book he had to go to church he had to talk so properly that speech was become insipid in his mouth. Withers so ever he turned the bars and shackles of civilization shut him in

And bound him hand and foot. He bravely bore his miseries three weeks and then one day. Turned up missing. For forty eight hours the widow hunted for him everywhere in great distress. The public were profoundly concerned they searched high and low they do dragged the river for his body. Early the third morning

Tom Sawyer wisely went poking among some old empty hogsheads down behind the abandoned slaughterhouse and in one of them he found the refugee. Hook had slept there. He had just breakfasted upon some stew lol and odds and ends of food and was lying off now in comfort with his pipe. He was unkempt

And combed and clad in the same old ruin of rags that had made him picturesque in the days when he was free he and happy. Tom routed him out told him the trouble he had been causing and urged him to go home. Huck’s face lost its tranquil content and took a melancholy cast.

He said. Don’t talk about it Tom. I’ve tried it and he don’t work it don’t work Tom. He ain’t for me. I’m used to it. Twitter is good to me and friendly but i can’t stand them ways. She makes me get up just that the same time every morning. She makes me wash

They call me all the thunder she won’t let me sleep in the woodshed. I got to wear them blamed clothes that just smothers me down but. They don’t seem to let any air get through them somehow and there’s so rottenness that i can’t set down or lay down no roll around any wears.

I have slid on a salad Darfur. Well it appears to be years. I’ve got to go to church in sweat and sweat. I hate them ornery sermons. I can’t catch a fly in there i can’t shall i got to wear shoes all Sunday. The witter eat by a bell.

She goes to bed Bob belcher gets up by a bell every thing so awful regular body can’t stand it. While everybody as that way her. Tommy don’t make the difference. I ain’t everybody and i can’t stand it. It’s awful the big tad up so. And. Grub comes too easy.

I don’t take no interest in vittles that way. I got the asked to go efficient i got asked to go in a salmon darned if i Hank but as to do everything. Well add get the talks zone as it wasn’t no comfort.

I’d got the go up in the attic and rip out a while every day to get a taste in my mouth or added dad Tom. The weather wouldn’t let me smoke she wouldn’t let me yell she wouldn’t let me gape no stretch no scratch before folks. Then with a spasm of special

Irritation and injury. And. Then fetch it. She pray you do but town. I never see such a woman. I had the chef Tom i just had to and besides. That schools can open and i had to go through it. While i was can’t stand that Tom. Look here Tom.

Being rich ain’t what it’s cracked up to be. It’s just worry and worry and sweat and sweat in a wish news dead all the time. Now these clothes suits me and this bar suits me and i ain’t ever gonna show aig and many more Tom

I would never got into all this trouble if it hadn’t been for that money. Ne you just take my share of it along with yearn and give me a ten centre sometimes not many times because i don’t give a dern for a thing that it’s tolerable hard to get in you go and

Beg god for me with the witter. I’ll have you know i can’t do that. Team fair. In besides. If you’ll try this thing just a while longer you’ll come to lack it lack it. Yes the way i’d like a hot stove if i was to sit on it long enough. Now Tom.

I won’t be rich and i won’t lie in them custard smothery houses and lack the woods in the river and hogsheads and I’ll stick to em to. Blame it all. Just as we got guns in a cave and all just fixed her up here this durn

Foolishness is get to come up and smile at owl. Toms saw his opportunity. Look here huck. Be enriching gonna keep me back from turn in robber. No. Oh. Good licks i une real dead wood earnest charm. Just as dead earnest does ama sit in here but. Huck.

We can’t let you into the gang. If you ain’t respectable you know. Huck’s joy was quenched. He let me in Tom. Didn’t she let me go for a parrot. Well yes. But that’s different. A robber is more high tone than what a pirate is as a general thing. In most countries they’re

Awful high up in the nobility Dukes and such. Now. Tommy anger always been friendly to me. You and ship me how would you Tom. You won’t do that now. Would you. Tom. Huck. I wouldn’t want to. And i don’t want to but. What would people say. Why they’d say. Hm. Tom Sawyer’s gang

Pretty low characters in it. They mean you hook. You and like that. And i wouldn’t. Huck was silent for some time engaged in a mental struggle. Finally he said. Well. I’ll go back to the witter for a month and tackle it and. See if i can understand it

If you’ll let me belong to the gang Tom. All right huck it’s a ways. Come along old chap and I’ll ask the widow le lead upon your little huck. While ye Tom. Now will you. Have that’s good. If she’ll let up on some of the roughest things. I’ll smoke private and

Cuss private and and crowd through or bust. When you going to start a gang and turn Robert. O brat off we’ll get the boys together and have the initiation tonight maybe have the witch. Have the initiation. What’s that. It’s to swear to stand by one another

And never tell the gang’s secrets even if you chopped all the flinders and kill any bug. All his family that hurts one of the gang. At a. At mighty gay Tom i tell you. Whether i bet it is and all that swearing it’s got to be done at midnight in alone to most

Awful as place you can find. A haunted house is the best but they’re all ripped up now. Will. Is good anyway Tom. Yes so it is and you’ve got to swear on a coffin and sang it with blood. Now that somethin lack. Why it’s a million dams bullard and parrot and.

How stick to the winter till i rock Tom and if i get to be a regular ripper of a robber and everybody talking about it i reckon she’ll be proud she snaked me and out of the wet. Conclusion. So ended this chronicle. It being strictly a history of a boy

It must stop here. The story could not go much further without becoming the history of a man. When one writes a novel about grown people he knows exactly where to stop that is with a marriage but when he rats of juveniles he must stop where he best can.

Most of the characters that perform in this book still live and are prosperous and happy. Some day it may seem worthwhile to take up the story of the younger ones again and see what sort of men and women they turned out to be. Therefore it will be wisest not to read reveal

Any of that part of their lives. At present. We hope you have enjoyed our presentation of the adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark twain. Read by dick hill. Performance copyright nineteen ninety two by brilliance audio all rights reserved. For further information concerning this program or other brilliance audio titles

Please call the following toll free number. One eight hundred two two two three two two five. Or visit our website at www dot brilliance audio dot com. No part of this recording may be played for an audience or reproduced in any way form.

It may not be streamed downloaded broadcast or copied without written permission. Address all inquiries to brilliance audio post office box eight eight seven grand haven Michigan four nine four one seven.

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