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Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

A picture-story retelling, after Mark Twain (1884)

Written in 1884. Characters use the racial slurs and attitudes of the time; this retelling keeps the story's anti-slavery heart but not the slurs.

The text of our illustrated edition, page by page. Read it with narration.

Tom Sawyer and Huck had found the robbers' gold, six thousand dollars apiece. The Widow Douglas took Huck for her son to sivilize him. He ran off once, but came back when Tom promised him a place in a robber band. — 1Tom Sawyer and Huck had found the robbers' gold, six thousand dollars apiece. The Widow Douglas took Huck for her son to sivilize him. He ran off once, but came back when Tom promised him a place in a robber band.

The widow's sister, Miss Watson, took a set at him with a spelling-book. When she told him about the bad place, Huck said he wished he was there. Since Tom Sawyer wasn't going to the good place, Huck didn't care to go either. — 2The widow's sister, Miss Watson, took a set at him with a spelling-book. When she told him about the bad place, Huck said he wished he was there. Since Tom Sawyer wasn't going to the good place, Huck didn't care to go either.

Alone in his room that night, Huck felt so lonesome he most wished he was dead. He flipped a spider into the candle and it shriveled up, an awful bad sign. He turned around three times, but hadn't much confidence it would help. — 3Alone in his room that night, Huck felt so lonesome he most wished he was dead. He flipped a spider into the candle and it shriveled up, an awful bad sign. He turned around three times, but hadn't much confidence it would help.

At midnight a twig snapped among the trees and a soft "me-yow! me-yow!" came up from the dark. Huck mewed back, put out the light and slid down off the shed roof. Tom Sawyer was waiting under the trees. — 4At midnight a twig snapped among the trees and a soft "me-yow! me-yow!" came up from the dark. Huck mewed back, put out the light and slid down off the shed roof. Tom Sawyer was waiting under the trees.

Creeping past the kitchen, Huck tripped over a root, and Miss Watson's Jim got up to listen. "Who dah?" Then Jim sat down right between the two hidden boys. Huck itched in eleven places and didn't dare scratch, until Jim began to snore. — 5Creeping past the kitchen, Huck tripped over a root, and Miss Watson's Jim got up to listen. "Who dah?" Then Jim sat down right between the two hidden boys. Huck itched in eleven places and didn't dare scratch, until Jim began to snore.

Tom took three candles and left five cents to pay for them, then hung Jim's hat on a branch over his head. Jim said witches had ridden him all over the world, and folks came for miles to hear him tell it. — 6Tom took three candles and left five cents to pay for them, then hung Jim's hat on a branch over his head. Jim said witches had ridden him all over the world, and folks came for miles to hear him tell it.

In a hidden cave, Tom read out the bloody oath of Tom Sawyer's Gang: any boy who told the secrets would have his family killed. Huck had no family, so he offered them Miss Watson. "Oh, she'll do," the boys said. — 7In a hidden cave, Tom read out the bloody oath of Tom Sawyer's Gang: any boy who told the secrets would have his family killed. Huck had no family, so he offered them Miss Watson. "Oh, she'll do," the boys said.

Huck came home at dawn greased and clayey, and Miss Watson gave him a going-over. She said he'd get whatever he prayed for, but no fish-hooks ever came. Huck decided he'd rather belong to the widow's kindly Providence. — 8Huck came home at dawn greased and clayey, and Miss Watson gave him a going-over. She said he'd get whatever he prayed for, but no fish-hooks ever came. Huck decided he'd rather belong to the widow's kindly Providence.

Tom said Spanish merchants and A-rabs with elephants would camp in Cave Hollow. The Gang charged down the hill, but it was only a Sunday-school picnic. Tom blamed magicians. Huck judged it had all the marks of a Sunday-school, and soon quit the Gang. — 9Tom said Spanish merchants and A-rabs with elephants would camp in Cave Hollow. The Gang charged down the hill, but it was only a Sunday-school picnic. Tom blamed magicians. Huck judged it had all the marks of a Sunday-school, and soon quit the Gang.

One winter morning, after spilling the salt, Huck found fresh tracks in the snow by the widow's stile. The left boot-heel had a cross of big nails to keep off the devil, and Huck knew only one man who wore boots like that. — 10One winter morning, after spilling the salt, Huck found fresh tracks in the snow by the widow's stile. The left boot-heel had a cross of big nails to keep off the devil, and Huck knew only one man who wore boots like that.

Out of breath, Huck begged Judge Thatcher to take all his money, the six thousand and the interest too, and to ask no questions. Puzzled, the Judge bought it all "for a consideration" and gave Huck a dollar to sign. — 11Out of breath, Huck begged Judge Thatcher to take all his money, the six thousand and the interest too, and to ask no questions. Puzzled, the Judge bought it all "for a consideration" and gave Huck a dollar to sign.

That night Huck asked Jim what Pap meant to do. Paid with a counterfeit quarter, Jim's magic hair-ball said two angels hovered round the old man, one white and one black, and nobody could tell yet which would fetch him. — 12That night Huck asked Jim what Pap meant to do. Paid with a counterfeit quarter, Jim's magic hair-ball said two angels hovered round the old man, one white and one black, and nobody could tell yet which would fetch him.

When Huck went up to bed, there sat Pap himself, who had climbed in by the shed. He sneered at Huck's clothes and his reading, and took his only dollar for whisky. "I'll give you something better—I'll give you a cowhide." — 13When Huck went up to bed, there sat Pap himself, who had climbed in by the shed. He sneered at Huck's clothes and his reading, and took his only dollar for whisky. "I'll give you something better—I'll give you a cowhide."

Pap went to law for the money, but the new judge wouldn't take Huck from his father and brought Pap home to reform him. Pap wept and signed a pledge, then sneaked out for whisky that night and broke his arm. — 14Pap went to law for the money, but the new judge wouldn't take Huck from his father and brought Pap home to reform him. Pap wept and signed a pledge, then sneaked out for whisky that night and broke his arm.

In the spring Pap caught Huck and rowed him three miles up the river to a lonely log hut hidden in the thick woods of the Illinois shore. He kept the door locked and the key under his head at night, and they lived on fish, game and whisky. — 15In the spring Pap caught Huck and rowed him three miles up the river to a lonely log hut hidden in the thick woods of the Illinois shore. He kept the door locked and the key under his head at night, and they lived on fish, game and whisky.

Pap's hickory beatings grew worse, and once he locked Huck in for three lonesome days. Hunting the cabin over for the hundredth time, Huck found an old rusty saw hidden in the roof, and behind the horse-blanket under the table he began secretly sawing through the big bottom log. — 16Pap's hickory beatings grew worse, and once he locked Huck in for three lonesome days. Hunting the cabin over for the hundredth time, Huck found an old rusty saw hidden in the roof, and behind the horse-blanket under the table he began secretly sawing through the big bottom log.

One night Pap came home muddy and drunk, cussing the 'govment' until he tripped over the pork tub. Later the delirium tremens seized him: he screamed about snakes and devils, then chased Huck round and round the cabin with a clasp-knife, calling him the Angel of Death. — 17One night Pap came home muddy and drunk, cussing the 'govment' until he tripped over the pork tub. Later the delirium tremens seized him: he screamed about snakes and devils, then chased Huck round and round the cabin with a clasp-knife, calling him the Angel of Death.

At last Pap dozed against the door with the knife under him, muttering he would rest and then kill Huck. Huck quietly took down the gun, made sure it was loaded, and pointed it at Pap, waiting through the long, still night. — 18At last Pap dozed against the door with the knife under him, muttering he would rest and then kill Huck. Huck quietly took down the gun, made sure it was loaded, and pointed it at Pap, waiting through the long, still night.

In the morning Pap remembered nothing. Out along the rising river, Huck saw a fine empty canoe come drifting by, riding high like a duck. He dived in clothes and all, paddled her ashore, and hid her in a willow-hung creek. Now he could run away by water. — 19In the morning Pap remembered nothing. Out along the rising river, Huck saw a fine empty canoe come drifting by, riding high like a duck. He dived in clothes and all, paddled her ashore, and hid her in a willow-hung creek. Now he could run away by water.

When Pap rowed off, Huck sawed his way out, loaded the canoe, and staged his own murder. He bled a wild pig on the floor, stuck some of his hair to the bloody axe, and dragged a sack of rocks to the river. — 20When Pap rowed off, Huck sawed his way out, loaded the canoe, and staged his own murder. He bled a wild pig on the floor, stuck some of his hair to the bloody axe, and dragged a sack of rocks to the river.

By moonlight Huck slipped past Pap rowing home sober, then lay in the bottom of the canoe and floated among the driftwood past the ferry landing. Before dawn he landed on Jackson's Island, big and dark in mid-river, and hid the canoe in the willows. "Jackson's Island's the place." — 21By moonlight Huck slipped past Pap rowing home sober, then lay in the bottom of the canoe and floated among the driftwood past the ferry landing. Before dawn he landed on Jackson's Island, big and dark in mid-river, and hid the canoe in the willows. "Jackson's Island's the place."

Waking on Jackson's Island, I heard a deep boom. The ferry-boat was firing cannon over the water to make my drownded carcass come up. They floated loaves with quicksilver in them too, and I fished one out. Baker's bread, what the quality eat. — 22Waking on Jackson's Island, I heard a deep boom. The ferry-boat was firing cannon over the water to make my drownded carcass come up. They floated loaves with quicksilver in them too, and I fished one out. Baker's bread, what the quality eat.

The ferry drifted in so close they could have walked ashore on a plank. Pap, Judge Thatcher, Tom Sawyer and half the town peered into the brush for my body. I lay still behind a log, and they never saw me. — 23The ferry drifted in so close they could have walked ashore on a plank. Pap, Judge Thatcher, Tom Sawyer and half the town peered into the brush for my body. I lay still behind a log, and they never saw me.

Days later I stumbled on a camp fire still smoking, and my heart jumped into my lungs. At dawn I found the man beside it: Miss Watson's Jim! He dropped to his knees, sure I was a ghost. "Doan' hurt me!" — 24Days later I stumbled on a camp fire still smoking, and my heart jumped into my lungs. At dawn I found the man beside it: Miss Watson's Jim! He dropped to his knees, sure I was a ghost. "Doan' hurt me!"

Over fried catfish Jim told me he had run off. He'd heard Miss Watson say she could sell him for eight hundred dollars down in New Orleans. Folks would call me a low-down Abolitionist, but I promised not to tell. — 25Over fried catfish Jim told me he had run off. He'd heard Miss Watson say she could sell him for eight hundred dollars down in New Orleans. Folks would call me a low-down Abolitionist, but I promised not to tell.

Jim said the birds meant rain, so we lugged our traps up to a big cavern on the ridge. Sure enough, a regular summer storm broke, blue-black and wild, with lightning as bright as glory. "Jim, this is nice," I says. "I wouldn't want to be nowhere else but here." — 26Jim said the birds meant rain, so we lugged our traps up to a big cavern on the ridge. Sure enough, a regular summer storm broke, blue-black and wild, with lightning as bright as glory. "Jim, this is nice," I says. "I wouldn't want to be nowhere else but here."

The river rose for twelve days until it was over the banks. We paddled the canoe among the trees in the cool shade, and the rabbits and other creatures stranded on the fallen logs got so tame from hunger you could put your hand right on them. — 27The river rose for twelve days until it was over the banks. We paddled the canoe among the trees in the cool shade, and the rabbits and other creatures stranded on the fallen logs got so tame from hunger you could put your hand right on them.

One dawn a frame house came floating down and we climbed in at a window. A dead man lay in the corner, shot in the back. "Doan' look at his face, Huck," Jim said, and covered him. We took clothes, a lantern and more. — 28One dawn a frame house came floating down and we climbed in at a window. A dead man lay in the corner, shot in the back. "Doan' look at his face, Huck," Jim said, and covered him. We took clothes, a lantern and more.

We found eight dollars sewed in an old coat, and I laughed at Jim's talk of bad luck. Then, for a prank, I curled a dead rattlesnake on Jim's blanket. Its mate came, bit Jim on the heel, and laid him up four days. — 29We found eight dollars sewed in an old coat, and I laughed at Jim's talk of bad luck. Then, for a prank, I curled a dead rattlesnake on Jim's blanket. Its mate came, bit Jim on the heel, and laid him up four days.

When the river went down we baited a big hook with a skinned rabbit and caught a catfish as big as a man, over two hundred pounds. He'd have flung us into Illinois, so we just watched him thrash until he drowned. — 30When the river went down we baited a big hook with a skinned rabbit and caught a catfish as big as a man, over two hundred pounds. He'd have flung us into Illinois, so we just watched him thrash until he drowned.

Bored, I dressed up as a girl and slipped over to town after dark. A stranger, Mrs. Judith Loftus, told me men thought Jim had killed me and meant to search the island that very night. My hands shook. — 31Bored, I dressed up as a girl and slipped over to town after dark. A stranger, Mrs. Judith Loftus, told me men thought Jim had killed me and meant to search the island that very night. My hands shook.

Then she threw a lump of lead into my lap, and I clapped my knees together to catch it, the way no girl would. "Come, now, what's your real name?" She'd spotted me for a boy, and kindly sent me off. — 32Then she threw a lump of lead into my lap, and I clapped my knees together to catch it, the way no girl would. "Come, now, what's your real name?" She'd spotted me for a boy, and kindly sent me off.

I paddled back and burst into the cavern. "Git up and hump yourself, Jim! They're after us!" Jim never asked a question. In half an hour everything was on the raft, and we slipped silently past the foot of the island. — 33I paddled back and burst into the cavern. "Git up and hump yourself, Jim! They're after us!" Jim never asked a question. In half an hour everything was on the raft, and we slipped silently past the foot of the island.

Hiding by day and drifting by night, Huck and Jim built a snug wigwam on the raft and floated past sleeping towns. St. Louis looked 'like the whole world lit up.' Huck bought meal ashore and borrowed melons and corn. — 34Hiding by day and drifting by night, Huck and Jim built a snug wigwam on the raft and floated past sleeping towns. St. Louis looked 'like the whole world lit up.' Huck bought meal ashore and borrowed melons and corn.

Five nights below St. Louis a great storm broke. By the lightning they saw a steamboat, the Walter Scott, wrecked on a rock and leaning over in the river. Jim wanted to 'let blame' well alone,' but Huck thought of what Tom Sawyer would do. 'Le's land on her, Jim.' — 35Five nights below St. Louis a great storm broke. By the lightning they saw a steamboat, the Walter Scott, wrecked on a rock and leaning over in the river. Jim wanted to 'let blame' well alone,' but Huck thought of what Tom Sawyer would do. 'Le's land on her, Jim.'

Aboard the wrecked steamboat, Huck heard voices. Jim fled for the raft, but Huck crept close and saw robbers Bill and Jake Packard standing over their partner Jim Turner, tied hand and foot. Hidden, Huck heard them plan to leave Turner to drown. — 36Aboard the wrecked steamboat, Huck heard voices. Jim fled for the raft, but Huck crept close and saw robbers Bill and Jake Packard standing over their partner Jim Turner, tied hand and foot. Hidden, Huck heard them plan to leave Turner to drown.

Huck scrambled back to tell Jim they must set the robbers' boat adrift so the Sheriff could catch them. But Jim moaned out terrible news: 'Dey ain' no raf' no mo'; she done broke loose en gone!' Now they were trapped on the wreck with a gang of murderers. — 37Huck scrambled back to tell Jim they must set the robbers' boat adrift so the Sheriff could catch them. But Jim moaned out terrible news: 'Dey ain' no raf' no mo'; she done broke loose en gone!' Now they were trapped on the wreck with a gang of murderers.

Creeping along the half-sunk skylight, they found the robbers' skiff. When Bill and Packard went back inside for Turner's share of the cash, Huck and Jim tumbled in, cut the rope, and glided silently away into the dark, leaving all three robbers stranded. — 38Creeping along the half-sunk skylight, they found the robbers' skiff. When Bill and Packard went back inside for Turner's share of the cash, Huck and Jim tumbled in, cut the rope, and glided silently away into the dark, leaving all three robbers stranded.

Worried now about the men, even murderers, Huck rowed to a ferry-boat at a village. Crying, he told the watchman his family and 'Miss Hooker' were stuck on the wreck. Hearing her uncle was rich Jim Hornback, the watchman hurried off. — 39Worried now about the men, even murderers, Huck rowed to a ferry-boat at a village. Crying, he told the watchman his family and 'Miss Hooker' were stuck on the wreck. Hearing her uncle was rich Jim Hornback, the watchman hurried off.

Soon the wreck came sliding down the river, dim and deep in the water. Huck rowed around her and hollered, but all was dead still. He slipped away to Jim's light, and at dawn they hid the raft and slept like dead people. — 40Soon the wreck came sliding down the river, dim and deep in the water. Huck rowed around her and hollered, but all was dead still. He slipped away to Jim's light, and at dawn they hid the raft and slept like dead people.

Rich with the robbers' boots, books and cigars, Huck read to Jim about kings. Jim thought little of wise King Solomon for wanting to chop a child in two. 'What's de use er dat half a bill?' he asked, and wouldn't see the point. — 41Rich with the robbers' boots, books and cigars, Huck read to Jim about kings. Jim thought little of wise King Solomon for wanting to chop a child in two. 'What's de use er dat half a bill?' he asked, and wouldn't see the point.

Three nights short of Cairo, where they meant to sell the raft and head up the Ohio to the free States, a fog came down. The raft tore loose, leaving Huck alone in the canoe, chasing faint whoops among the islands. — 42Three nights short of Cairo, where they meant to sell the raft and head up the Ohio to the free States, a fog came down. The raft tore loose, leaving Huck alone in the canoe, chasing faint whoops among the islands.

When Huck woke from a long nap, the fog was gone and the stars were out. He found the raft littered with leaves and trash, and Jim asleep at the steering-oar. Huck lay down beside him and pretended he had never been gone. — 43When Huck woke from a long nap, the fog was gone and the stars were out. He found the raft littered with leaves and trash, and Jim asleep at the steering-oar. Huck lay down beside him and pretended he had never been gone.

Jim was overjoyed to see Huck alive, but Huck swore there had been no fog and no islands, only a dream. Jim believed him and solemnly interpreted every part of it. Then Huck pointed to the leaves and the smashed oar. "What does these things stand for?" — 44Jim was overjoyed to see Huck alive, but Huck swore there had been no fog and no islands, only a dream. Jim believed him and solemnly interpreted every part of it. Then Huck pointed to the leaves and the smashed oar. "What does these things stand for?"

Jim studied the trash and didn't smile. His heart had nearly broken when Huck was lost, he said, and Huck only wanted to fool him. 'Trash is what people is dat puts dirt on de head er dey fren's.' — 45Jim studied the trash and didn't smile. His heart had nearly broken when Huck was lost, he said, and Huck only wanted to fool him. 'Trash is what people is dat puts dirt on de head er dey fren's.'

Jim went into the wigwam without another word, and Huck felt so mean he could have kissed Jim's foot. It took fifteen minutes, but he humbled himself and said he was sorry. He never played Jim a mean trick again. — 46Jim went into the wigwam without another word, and Huck felt so mean he could have kissed Jim's foot. It took fifteen minutes, but he humbled himself and said he was sorry. He never played Jim a mean trick again.

The next night they watched hard for Cairo's lights. Jim trembled at being so near freedom and planned to save every cent to buy his wife and children. Huck's conscience scorched him about Miss Watson, until he resolved to paddle ashore and tell. — 47The next night they watched hard for Cairo's lights. Jim trembled at being so near freedom and planned to save every cent to buy his wife and children. Huck's conscience scorched him about Miss Watson, until he resolved to paddle ashore and tell.

When a light showed, Huck took the canoe, meaning to turn Jim in. Jim called after him, 'You's de bes' fren' Jim's ever had; en you's de only fren' ole Jim's got now.' It took all the tuck out of Huck. — 48When a light showed, Huck took the canoe, meaning to turn Jim in. Jim called after him, 'You's de bes' fren' Jim's ever had; en you's de only fren' ole Jim's got now.' It took all the tuck out of Huck.

Two men with guns in a skiff were hunting runaway slaves, but Huck couldn't give Jim up. He hinted his sick pap was aboard until the men guessed smallpox, backed off in a fright, and floated him two twenty-dollar gold pieces on a board. — 49Two men with guns in a skiff were hunting runaway slaves, but Huck couldn't give Jim up. He hinted his sick pap was aboard until the men guessed smallpox, backed off in a fright, and floated him two twenty-dollar gold pieces on a board.

Jim, hidden in the river under the stern oar, called it the smartest dodge ever. But at dawn clear Ohio water ran beside the muddy Mississippi: they had passed Cairo in the fog. Then the canoe vanished too. Both blamed the rattlesnake skin. — 50Jim, hidden in the river under the stern oar, called it the smartest dodge ever. But at dawn clear Ohio water ran beside the muddy Mississippi: they had passed Cairo in the fog. Then the canoe vanished too. Both blamed the rattlesnake skin.

With no canoe, they had to drift on downriver. Late one thick grey night a big steamboat came pounding up the channel, straight for their lantern, her furnace doors glowing like red-hot teeth. Jim went overboard one side and Huck the other as she smashed straight through the raft. — 51With no canoe, they had to drift on downriver. Late one thick grey night a big steamboat came pounding up the channel, straight for their lantern, her furnace doors glowing like red-hot teeth. Jim went overboard one side and Huck the other as she smashed straight through the raft.

Swimming ashore after the raft was smashed, Huck was cornered by dogs at a big log house. Calling himself George Jackson, he was let in at gunpoint. Finding he was no Shepherdson, the old Colonel made him welcome. 'There; I reckon it's all right.' — 52Swimming ashore after the raft was smashed, Huck was cornered by dogs at a big log house. Calling himself George Jackson, he was let in at gunpoint. Finding he was no Shepherdson, the old Colonel made him welcome. 'There; I reckon it's all right.'

The Colonel's youngest son, Buck, found Huck dry clothes and begged him to stay forever. Next morning Huck forgot his made-up name and tricked Buck into spelling it. 'G-e-o-r-g-e J-a-x-o-n—there now,' said Buck proudly, and they were fast friends. — 53The Colonel's youngest son, Buck, found Huck dry clothes and begged him to stay forever. Next morning Huck forgot his made-up name and tricked Buck into spelling it. 'G-e-o-r-g-e J-a-x-o-n—there now,' said Buck proudly, and they were fast friends.

Huck admired the fine house, but not the gloomy crayon pictures by Emmeline, a daughter who had died at fifteen. Her last showed a woman with six arms, since Emmeline died before choosing which pair to keep. They gave Huck the fan-tods. — 54Huck admired the fine house, but not the gloomy crayon pictures by Emmeline, a daughter who had died at fifteen. Her last showed a woman with six arms, since Emmeline died before choosing which pair to keep. They gave Huck the fan-tods.

Colonel Grangerford was a gentleman all over, stern, quiet and kind. But when Buck shot at young Harney Shepherdson from behind a bush, Huck learned of the feud, so old nobody remembered how it began, which had already killed three of the Colonel's sons. — 55Colonel Grangerford was a gentleman all over, stern, quiet and kind. But when Buck shot at young Harney Shepherdson from behind a bush, Huck learned of the feud, so old nobody remembered how it began, which had already killed three of the Colonel's sons.

On Sunday everyone rode three miles to church, and the men kept their guns between their knees or propped against the wall. The Shepherdsons did the same. The preacher talked all about brotherly love, and everybody agreed afterwards that it had been a fine sermon. — 56On Sunday everyone rode three miles to church, and the men kept their guns between their knees or propped against the wall. The Shepherdsons did the same. The preacher talked all about brotherly love, and everybody agreed afterwards that it had been a fine sermon.

Gentle Miss Sophia secretly sent Huck back to church for her Testament. A scrap of paper fell out reading 'Half-past two.' When Sophia read it she turned red and glad, hugged Huck, called him the best boy in the world, and swore him to secrecy. — 57Gentle Miss Sophia secretly sent Huck back to church for her Testament. A scrap of paper fell out reading 'Half-past two.' When Sophia read it she turned red and glad, hugged Huck, called him the best boy in the world, and swore him to secrecy.

Huck's servant, Jack, led him into the swamp to see some water-moccasins, but there among the vines lay Jim, nearly crying for joy. The Grangerfords' slaves had hidden and fed him, and they had found the raft, which Jim had mended as good as new. — 58Huck's servant, Jack, led him into the swamp to see some water-moccasins, but there among the vines lay Jim, nearly crying for joy. The Grangerfords' slaves had hidden and fed him, and they had found the raft, which Jim had mended as good as new.

At dawn the house was empty: Sophia had run off to marry Harney Shepherdson, and the men had ridden out with guns. From a cottonwood, Huck watched Buck and his cousin Joe ambushed; the boys leapt into the river and never came back. — 59At dawn the house was empty: Sophia had run off to marry Harney Shepherdson, and the men had ridden out with guns. From a cottonwood, Huck watched Buck and his cousin Joe ambushed; the boys leapt into the river and never came back.

At dark Huck crept to the creek and found Jim waiting on the raft. 'Good lan'! is dat you, honey?' Jim cried. They shoved off at once, and two miles out on the Mississippi, Huck felt safe again. There was no home like a raft. — 60At dark Huck crept to the creek and found Jim waiting on the raft. 'Good lan'! is dat you, honey?' Jim cried. They shoved off at once, and two miles out on the Mississippi, Huck felt safe again. There was no home like a raft.

Two or three days and nights slid by, quiet and smooth and lovely. Huck and Jim ran the raft at night and hid by day. At the first grey of morning they tied up, swam, and sat in the shallows watching daylight come. — 61Two or three days and nights slid by, quiet and smooth and lovely. Huck and Jim ran the raft at night and hid by day. At the first grey of morning they tied up, swam, and sat in the shallows watching daylight come.

At night they let the raft drift and lay on their backs under the stars, arguing whether they were made or just happened. Huck reckoned there were too many to make. 'De moon could a laid 'em,' Jim said, and Huck let that stand. — 62At night they let the raft drift and lay on their backs under the stars, arguing whether they were made or just happened. Huck reckoned there were too many to make. 'De moon could a laid 'em,' Jim said, and Huck let that stand.

One morning Huck paddled up a creek after berries, and two ragged men came tearing down a cowpath, begging him to save them from men and dogs. Huck told them to wade down the creek to throw off the dogs, then took them aboard and paddled off to the tow-head. — 63One morning Huck paddled up a creek after berries, and two ragged men came tearing down a cowpath, begging him to save them from men and dogs. Huck told them to wade down the creek to throw off the dogs, then took them aboard and paddled off to the tow-head.

On the raft the younger stranger wept that he was the rightful Duke of Bridgewater, and Jim waited on him. Then the old baldhead sobbed that he was the lost Dauphin, King of France, so Huck and Jim knelt and called him 'Your Majesty.' — 64On the raft the younger stranger wept that he was the rightful Duke of Bridgewater, and Jim waited on him. Then the old baldhead sobbed that he was the lost Dauphin, King of France, so Huck and Jim knelt and called him 'Your Majesty.'

Huck soon made up his mind that these liars were no kings or dukes, just low-down humbugs and frauds. But he never let on. Pap had taught him the best way to get along with that kind: let them have their own way. — 65Huck soon made up his mind that these liars were no kings or dukes, just low-down humbugs and frauds. But he never let on. Pap had taught him the best way to get along with that kind: let them have their own way.

In a little town, the duke took over a printing-office while the king and Huck went to a camp-meeting. There the king claimed to be a reformed pirate going to save his old crew, and his hat came back with eighty-seven dollars and seventy-five cents. — 66In a little town, the duke took over a printing-office while the king and Huck went to a camp-meeting. There the king claimed to be a reformed pirate going to save his old crew, and his hat came back with eighty-seven dollars and seventy-five cents.

Back on the raft the duke showed off a handbill he had printed: a runaway, a $200 reward, and Jim described to a dot. Whenever anybody came, they could tie Jim up and claim they had caught him. Now they could run by day. — 67Back on the raft the duke showed off a handbill he had printed: a runaway, a $200 reward, and Jim described to a dot. Whenever anybody came, they could tie Jim up and claim they had caught him. Now they could run by day.

Down the river the king and the duke rehearsed their Shakespeare. The duke taught the king to sigh 'Romeo' soft and languishy instead of bellowing like a bull. Then they fought Richard III's sword fight with oak laths, until the king tripped overboard. — 68Down the river the king and the duke rehearsed their Shakespeare. The duke taught the king to sigh 'Romeo' soft and languishy instead of bellowing like a bull. Then they fought Richard III's sword fight with oak laths, until the king tripped overboard.

For encores, the duke pieced together Hamlet's soliloquy from memory. Then he struck a noble attitude and howled a gloriously muddled speech: 'To be, or not to be; that is the bare bodkin…' The king soon learned it and ripped it off first rate. — 69For encores, the duke pieced together Hamlet's soliloquy from memory. Then he struck a noble attitude and howled a gloriously muddled speech: 'To be, or not to be; that is the bare bodkin…' The king soon learned it and ripped it off first rate.

Far down in Arkansas they reached a one-horse town in a big bend, with a circus due that afternoon. The duke hired the court house for their Shakespearean Revival. The muddy streets were full of lazy hogs and loafers begging chaws of tobacco. — 70Far down in Arkansas they reached a one-horse town in a big bend, with a circus due that afternoon. The duke hired the court house for their Shakespearean Revival. The muddy streets were full of lazy hogs and loafers begging chaws of tobacco.

At noon old Boggs rode in on his monthly drunk, roaring threats against Colonel Sherburn. Sherburn calmly warned him to stop by one o'clock. Boggs kept on. At one, Sherburn called 'Boggs!' and shot him dead in the street, then walked away. — 71At noon old Boggs rode in on his monthly drunk, roaring threats against Colonel Sherburn. Sherburn calmly warned him to stop by one o'clock. Boggs kept on. At one, Sherburn called 'Boggs!' and shot him dead in the street, then walked away.

A mob seized clothes-lines to lynch Sherburn and tore down his fence. He stepped out onto his porch roof with a double-barrelled gun and stared them down, then told them scornfully they were cowards: 'The pitifulest thing out is a mob.' The crowd broke and ran. — 72A mob seized clothes-lines to lynch Sherburn and tore down his fence. He stepped out onto his porch roof with a double-barrelled gun and stared them down, then told them scornfully they were cowards: 'The pitifulest thing out is a mob.' The crowd broke and ran.

Huck slipped under the circus tent for free. A drunk man begged to ride, clung to a wild horse, then stood up on its back and flung off seventeen suits. He was one of the circus's own riders, and the crowd howled with delight. — 73Huck slipped under the circus tent for free. A drunk man begged to ride, clung to a wild horse, then stood up on its back and flung off seventeen suits. He was one of the circus's own riders, and the crowd howled with delight.

The Shakespeare drew only twelve people. So the duke billed 'The Royal Nonesuch', LADIES AND CHILDREN NOT ADMITTED, and the courthouse was jammed. The king's painted prance was the whole show, so the men swore to keep quiet and sell the rest of the town. — 74The Shakespeare drew only twelve people. So the duke billed 'The Royal Nonesuch', LADIES AND CHILDREN NOT ADMITTED, and the courthouse was jammed. The king's painted prance was the whole show, so the men swore to keep quiet and sell the rest of the town.

On the third night the same men came back, coats bulging with rotten eggs, cabbages and dead cats. The duke and Huck slipped away and ran for the raft, where the king was waiting. Those rapscallions had taken in four hundred and sixty-five dollars. — 75On the third night the same men came back, coats bulging with rotten eggs, cabbages and dead cats. The duke and Huck slipped away and ran for the raft, where the king was waiting. Those rapscallions had taken in four hundred and sixty-five dollars.

At daybreak Huck found Jim grieving for his family. Jim told how he slapped little 'Lizabeth for not shutting a door; when the wind slammed it behind her, she never flinched. 'Oh, she was plumb deef en dumb, Huck… en I'd ben a-treat'n her so!' — 76At daybreak Huck found Jim grieving for his family. Jim told how he slapped little 'Lizabeth for not shutting a door; when the wind slammed it behind her, she never flinched. 'Oh, she was plumb deef en dumb, Huck… en I'd ben a-treat'n her so!'

Jim hated lying tied up all day in the wigwam, so the duke disguised him in King Lear's gown, a horse-hair wig and blue paint, with a sign: 'Sick Arab—but harmless when not out of his head.' — 77Jim hated lying tied up all day in the wigwam, so the duke disguised him in King Lear's gown, a horse-hair wig and blue paint, with a sign: 'Sick Arab—but harmless when not out of his head.'

The king, in new store clothes, had Huck paddle him upriver, where they picked up a talkative young fellow. The king pumped him dry: Peter Wilks, a tanner, had died, leaving money, three orphaned nieces, and brothers Harvey and deaf-and-dumb William coming from England. — 78The king, in new store clothes, had Huck paddle him upriver, where they picked up a talkative young fellow. The king pumped him dry: Peter Wilks, a tanner, had died, leaving money, three orphaned nieces, and brothers Harvey and deaf-and-dumb William coming from England.

The frauds came by steamboat, posing as Harvey and William Wilks. Hearing Peter was dead, the king fell sobbing on a stranger's shoulder, 'Alas, our poor brother—gone!', then made silly hand-signs to the duke, who burst out crying too. — 79The frauds came by steamboat, posing as Harvey and William Wilks. Hearing Peter was dead, the king fell sobbing on a stranger's shoulder, 'Alas, our poor brother—gone!', then made silly hand-signs to the duke, who burst out crying too.

News spread through town in two minutes, and a crowd followed the 'uncles' to the Wilks house. There waited the orphans, Mary Jane, nineteen and most awful beautiful; Susan, fifteen; and Joanna, fourteen, who had a hare-lip. They ran into their uncles' arms. — 80News spread through town in two minutes, and a crowd followed the 'uncles' to the Wilks house. There waited the orphans, Mary Jane, nineteen and most awful beautiful; Susan, fifteen; and Joanna, fourteen, who had a hare-lip. They ran into their uncles' arms.

Peter's letter told where six thousand dollars in gold lay hidden. 'Why, Bilji, it beats the Nonesuch, don't it?' crowed the king. They made up a $415 shortfall themselves, and the duke proposed giving the whole pile to the girls. — 81Peter's letter told where six thousand dollars in gold lay hidden. 'Why, Bilji, it beats the Nonesuch, don't it?' crowed the king. They made up a $415 shortfall themselves, and the duke proposed giving the whole pile to the girls.

The king made a teary speech and gave the girls the six thousand. Dr. Robinson laughed at his fake English accent, called him a fraud, and begged Mary Jane to throw him out. Instead, she handed the king the bag back to invest. — 82The king made a teary speech and gave the girls the six thousand. Dr. Robinson laughed at his fake English accent, called him a fraud, and begged Mary Jane to throw him out. Instead, she handed the king the bag back to invest.

Huck, playing the king's valet, got a cubby in the garret. At supper Joanna quizzed him about England and caught him in lie after lie, like sea baths in Sheffield. 'Honest injun, now, hain't you been telling me a lot of lies?' — 83Huck, playing the king's valet, got a cubby in the garret. At supper Joanna quizzed him about England and caught him in lie after lie, like sea baths in Sheffield. 'Honest injun, now, hain't you been telling me a lot of lies?'

Mary Jane scolded Joanna for shaming a stranger, and her kindness made Huck resolve to get the money back. Hidden behind a curtain, he heard the frauds plan to stay and sell everything, then saw the king hide the bag in the bed's straw tick. — 84Mary Jane scolded Joanna for shaming a stranger, and her kindness made Huck resolve to get the money back. Hidden behind a curtain, he heard the frauds plan to stay and sell everything, then saw the king hide the bag in the bed's straw tick.

Huck snatched the bag before the frauds were halfway downstairs. Before dawn he crept down to hide it outside, but the front door was locked and someone was coming, so he tucked it into the coffin just as Mary Jane came in crying. — 85Huck snatched the bag before the frauds were halfway downstairs. Before dawn he crept down to hide it outside, but the front door was locked and someone was coming, so he tucked it into the coffin just as Mary Jane came in crying.

At the funeral a dog raised a racket in the cellar. The gliding undertaker slipped downstairs; there was a whack, then silence. 'He had a rat!' he whispered. Then he screwed down the lid, and Huck never knew if the money was inside. — 86At the funeral a dog raised a racket in the cellar. The gliding undertaker slipped downstairs; there was a whack, then silence. 'He had a rat!' he whispered. Then he screwed down the lid, and Huck never knew if the money was inside.

The king auctioned off the house and the enslaved servants, splitting the mother from her sons. Huck kept quiet only because he knew the sale was no good. When the frauds found the gold gone, Huck let them blame the sold servants. — 87The king auctioned off the house and the enslaved servants, splitting the mother from her sons. Huck kept quiet only because he knew the sale was no good. When the frauds found the gold gone, Huck let them blame the sold servants.

Huck told Mary Jane the truth: her uncles were frauds. Eyes blazing, she agreed to hide at Mr. Lothrop's and return that night to put a candle in her window. He wrote down where the money was, and she promised to pray for him. — 88Huck told Mary Jane the truth: her uncles were frauds. Eyes blazing, she agreed to hide at Mr. Lothrop's and return that night to put a candle in her window. He wrote down where the money was, and she promised to pray for him.

As the auction ended, the real Harvey and William Wilks arrived. A handwriting test settled nothing, so old Harvey asked what was tattooed on Peter's chest. The king paled, then said, 'a small, thin, blue arrow', but those who laid Peter out saw none. — 89As the auction ended, the real Harvey and William Wilks arrived. A handwriting test settled nothing, so old Harvey asked what was tattooed on Peter's chest. The king paled, then said, 'a small, thin, blue arrow', but those who laid Peter out saw none.

The crowd hauled everyone off to dig up Peter, big Hines gripping Huck's wrist. They dug by lightning in the pouring rain. When the coffin opened, a flash showed the bag of gold on Peter's breast. Hines let go, and Huck ran. — 90The crowd hauled everyone off to dig up Peter, big Hines gripping Huck's wrist. They dug by lightning in the pouring rain. When the coffin opened, a flash showed the bag of gold on Peter's breast. Hines let go, and Huck ran.

Huck raced past Mary Jane's window as her candle flashed on, grabbed a canoe, and reached the raft yelling for Jim to cut loose. For a moment they floated free, then lightning showed a skiff chasing them, the king and duke at the oars. — 91Huck raced past Mary Jane's window as her candle flashed on, grabbed a canoe, and reached the raft yelling for Jim to cut loose. For a moment they floated free, then lightning showed a skiff chasing them, the king and duke at the oars.

The king shook Huck until the duke stopped him. Each fraud accused the other of hiding the gold in the coffin, till the duke choked a confession from the king: ''Nough!—I own up!' Soon they were drunk and snoring, thick as thieves again. — 92The king shook Huck until the duke stopped him. Each fraud accused the other of hiding the gold in the coffin, till the duke choked a confession from the king: ''Nough!—I own up!' Soon they were drunk and snoring, thick as thieves again.

Far down south, where Spanish moss hung from the trees like long grey beards, the frauds worked the villages again. Temperance lectures, a dancing-school, yellocution, doctoring and fortune-telling all failed, and the king and the duke lay about the raft, dead broke and dreadful blue, whispering together in the wigwam. — 93Far down south, where Spanish moss hung from the trees like long grey beards, the frauds worked the villages again. Temperance lectures, a dancing-school, yellocution, doctoring and fortune-telling all failed, and the king and the duke lay about the raft, dead broke and dreadful blue, whispering together in the wigwam.

Below Pikesville the king went to town alone and was found drunk in a low doggery. While the frauds quarrelled, Huck ran back to the raft. 'Set her loose, Jim! we're all right now!' But Jim was gone, and Huck sat down and cried. — 94Below Pikesville the king went to town alone and was found drunk in a low doggery. While the frauds quarrelled, Huck ran back to the raft. 'Set her loose, Jim! we're all right now!' But Jim was gone, and Huck sat down and cried.

On the road a boy told him the news: Jim had been caught as a runaway worth two hundred dollars, and a stranger had sold his claim for forty dollars. Now Jim was held at Silas Phelps' place, two miles down. Huck hid his feelings and pretended he was glad. — 95On the road a boy told him the news: Jim had been caught as a runaway worth two hundred dollars, and a stranger had sold his claim for forty dollars. Now Jim was held at Silas Phelps' place, two miles down. Huck hid his feelings and pretended he was glad.

Conscience-stricken, Huck wrote Miss Watson where Jim was. Then he remembered Jim on the river, standing his watch, rejoicing when Huck came out of the fog, calling him his best friend. 'All right, then, I'll go to hell,' he said, and tore it up. — 96Conscience-stricken, Huck wrote Miss Watson where Jim was. Then he remembered Jim on the river, standing his watch, rejoicing when Huck came out of the fog, calling him his best friend. 'All right, then, I'll go to hell,' he said, and tore it up.

Next morning Huck sank the canoe near Phelps's sawmill and met the duke in town, putting up Royal Nonesuch bills. Huck spun a tearful story; the duke sent him forty miles off to find 'Abram Foster,' but Huck doubled back toward Phelps's. — 97Next morning Huck sank the canoe near Phelps's sawmill and met the duke in town, putting up Royal Nonesuch bills. Huck spun a tearful story; the duke sent him forty miles off to find 'Abram Foster,' but Huck doubled back toward Phelps's.

Huck reached the Phelps farm on a hot, lonesome Sunday-like morning, not knowing what he'd say. The hounds made him the hub of a wheel of dogs, until the cook, Lize, came tearing out with a rolling-pin. 'Begone you Tige! you Spot!' — 98Huck reached the Phelps farm on a hot, lonesome Sunday-like morning, not knowing what he'd say. The hounds made him the hub of a wheel of dogs, until the cook, Lize, came tearing out with a rolling-pin. 'Begone you Tige! you Spot!'

'It's you, at last!' cried a woman, hugging Huck. She was Aunt Sally, who had waited days for a nephew. She told Uncle Silas the boy was Tom Sawyer! Huck nearly slumped through the floor, then was glad to know who he was. — 99'It's you, at last!' cried a woman, hugging Huck. She was Aunt Sally, who had waited days for a nephew. She told Uncle Silas the boy was Tom Sawyer! Huck nearly slumped through the floor, then was glad to know who he was.

Fearing the real Tom would give him away, Huck drove up the road to head him off. Tom gaped, taking him for a ghost. Once convinced, he heard Huck's plan to steal Jim out of slavery and, astonishingly, said, 'I'll help you steal him!' — 100Fearing the real Tom would give him away, Huck drove up the road to head him off. Tom gaped, taking him for a ghost. Once convinced, he heard Huck's plan to steal Jim out of slavery and, astonishingly, said, 'I'll help you steal him!'

Half an hour later Tom strolled up as a stranger, William Thompson of Hicksville, Ohio, and was pressed to stay for dinner. Then he leaned over and kissed Aunt Sally on the mouth. She jumped up, scrubbing it off: 'You owdacious puppy!' — 101Half an hour later Tom strolled up as a stranger, William Thompson of Hicksville, Ohio, and was pressed to stay for dinner. Then he leaned over and kissed Aunt Sally on the mouth. She jumped up, scrubbing it off: 'You owdacious puppy!'

Tom said everybody told him she'd like it, then revealed himself as her nephew Sid Sawyer, and she hugged and kissed him over and over. At supper Uncle Silas said the runaway had warned the town against the scoundrels' scandalous show. — 102Tom said everybody told him she'd like it, then revealed himself as her nephew Sid Sawyer, and she hugged and kissed him over and over. At supper Uncle Silas said the runaway had warned the town against the scoundrels' scandalous show.

The boys slid down the lightning-rod to warn the king and duke, but were too late. A torch-lit mob carried the frauds by on a rail, tarred and feathered. Huck felt sorry for the pitiful rascals. 'Human beings can be awful cruel to one another.' — 103The boys slid down the lightning-rod to warn the king and duke, but were too late. A torch-lit mob carried the frauds by on a rail, tarred and feathered. Huck felt sorry for the pitiful rascals. 'Human beings can be awful cruel to one another.'

Walking home, Tom worked it out: at dinner they'd seen a man carry food, including watermelon, into the padlocked hut by the ash-hopper. 'Watermelon shows man, lock shows prisoner.' Jim was there, and Tom chose a fancy plan to dig him out. — 104Walking home, Tom worked it out: at dinner they'd seen a man carry food, including watermelon, into the padlocked hut by the ash-hopper. 'Watermelon shows man, lock shows prisoner.' Jim was there, and Tom chose a fancy plan to dig him out.

At daybreak they went with Nat, who fed the prisoner. In the dark hut Jim sang out, 'Why, Huck!' but Tom swore nobody spoke, and Nat blamed witches. While Nat bit Tom's dime, Tom whispered that they would dig Jim out. — 105At daybreak they went with Nat, who fed the prisoner. In the dark hut Jim sang out, 'Why, Huck!' but Tom swore nobody spoke, and Nat blamed witches. While Nat bit Tom's dime, Tom whispered that they would dig Jim out.

Tom said the escape was far too easy, so he invented difficulties. The boys dug under the hut with case-knives until their hands blistered. At last Tom said, 'Gimme a case-knife,' and took Huck's pickaxe without a word, letting on it was a knife. — 106Tom said the escape was far too easy, so he invented difficulties. The boys dug under the hut with case-knives until their hands blistered. At last Tom said, 'Gimme a case-knife,' and took Huck's pickaxe without a word, letting on it was a knife.

Soon a shirt, a sheet, a spoon, candles and a candlestick had gone missing, and Aunt Sally was boiling mad. Tom still needed a spoon, so Huck kept slipping one up his sleeve and back while she counted, till she was hopelessly muddled. — 107Soon a shirt, a sheet, a spoon, candles and a candlestick had gone missing, and Aunt Sally was boiling mad. Tom still needed a spoon, so Huck kept slipping one up his sleeve and back while she counted, till she was hopelessly muddled.

The rope ladder, torn from a whole sheet, was too big for any pie, so the boys baked it in Uncle Silas's old brass warming-pan. Nat, terrified of witches, looked away as the "witch pie" went into Jim's pan, with tin plates underneath for scratching messages. — 108The rope ladder, torn from a whole sheet, was too big for any pie, so the boys baked it in Uncle Silas's old brass warming-pan. Nat, terrified of witches, looked away as the "witch pie" went into Jim's pan, with tin plates underneath for scratching messages.

Tom decided Jim needed a rock to carve his made-up coat of arms and mournful inscriptions on, so the boys stole the grindstone from the mill. They couldn't budge it, so Jim slipped his chain off the bed-leg and rolled it home while Tom superintended. — 109Tom decided Jim needed a rock to carve his made-up coat of arms and mournful inscriptions on, so the boys stole the grindstone from the mill. They couldn't budge it, so Jim slipped his chain off the bed-leg and rolled it home while Tom superintended.

Every proper prisoner needed pets, Tom said: rats to play the jews-harp to, garter-snakes, spiders, and a flower watered with tears. Jim sagged under all of it. "I never knowed b'fo' 't was so much bother and trouble to be a prisoner." — 110Every proper prisoner needed pets, Tom said: rats to play the jews-harp to, garter-snakes, spiders, and a flower watered with tears. Jim sagged under all of it. "I never knowed b'fo' 't was so much bother and trouble to be a prisoner."

The boys caught fifteen fine rats, but little Thomas Franklin opened the trap under Aunt Sally's bed, and a sack of snakes got loose too. For weeks snakes dropped from the rafters, Aunt Sally whooped, and the boys got a licking every time. — 111The boys caught fifteen fine rats, but little Thomas Franklin opened the trap under Aunt Sally's bed, and a sack of snakes got loose too. For weeks snakes dropped from the rafters, Aunt Sally whooped, and the boys got a licking every time.

When Uncle Silas talked of advertising Jim in the St. Louis papers, Tom sent warnings: a skull-and-crossbones on the front door, a coffin on the back. Aunt Sally jumped at every sound. Then a letter warned that cutthroats would steal the runaway at midnight. — 112When Uncle Silas talked of advertising Jim in the St. Louis papers, Tom sent warnings: a skull-and-crossbones on the front door, a coffin on the back. Aunt Sally jumped at every sound. Then a letter warned that cutthroats would steal the runaway at midnight.

Near midnight, Aunt Sally caught Huck coming up from the cellar with butter under his hat and sent him into the sitting-room, where fifteen armed farmers waited. The butter melted down his forehead. "He's got the brain-fever," cried Aunt Sally, "and they're oozing out!" — 113Near midnight, Aunt Sally caught Huck coming up from the cellar with butter under his hat and sent him into the sitting-room, where fifteen armed farmers waited. The butter melted down his forehead. "He's got the brain-fever," cried Aunt Sally, "and they're oozing out!"

Huck warned Tom that the house was full of armed men. The three crawled out through the tunnel, but Tom's britches caught on the fence and a splinter snapped. "Who's that? Answer, or I'll shoot!" Guns banged and dogs were loosed, but they were the farm's own. — 114Huck warned Tom that the house was full of armed men. The three crawled out through the tunnel, but Tom's britches caught on the fence and a splinter snapped. "Who's that? Answer, or I'll shoot!" Guns banged and dogs were loosed, but they were the farm's own.

They reached the raft, and Huck told Jim he was a free man. But Tom had a bullet in his leg, gladder of it than anyone, and wanted to push off at once. Jim would not budge. "I doan' budge a step out'n dis place 'dout a doctor!" — 115They reached the raft, and Huck told Jim he was a free man. But Tom had a bullet in his leg, gladder of it than anyone, and wanted to push off at once. Jim would not budge. "I doan' budge a step out'n dis place 'dout a doctor!"

Huck sent a kind old doctor to the raft, fell asleep in a lumber-pile, and walked straight into Uncle Silas, who took him home. Neighbours filled the house, Mrs. Hotchkiss loudest of all. Then Aunt Sally remembered she had locked "her boys" in that night. — 116Huck sent a kind old doctor to the raft, fell asleep in a lumber-pile, and walked straight into Uncle Silas, who took him home. Neighbours filled the house, Mrs. Hotchkiss loudest of all. Then Aunt Sally remembered she had locked "her boys" in that night.

That night "Sid" still had not come home. Aunt Sally tucked Huck into bed with tears in her eyes. "You'll be good, won't you? For my sake." After that Huck would not go, not for kingdoms. At dawn she still slept at the window beside a guttering candle. — 117That night "Sid" still had not come home. Aunt Sally tucked Huck into bed with tears in her eyes. "You'll be good, won't you? For my sake." After that Huck would not go, not for kingdoms. At dawn she still slept at the window beside a guttering candle.

Next morning a crowd carried Tom Sawyer up the road on a mattress, with the old doctor beside him and Jim, still in the calico dress, walking behind with his hands tied. Aunt Sally flung herself on Tom. "He's alive, thank God! And that's enough!" — 118Next morning a crowd carried Tom Sawyer up the road on a mattress, with the old doctor beside him and Jim, still in the calico dress, walking behind with his hands tied. Aunt Sally flung herself on Tom. "He's alive, thank God! And that's enough!"

The angry men chained Jim hand and foot and put him on bread and water. Then the old doctor spoke up for him: Jim had come out of hiding to nurse Tom, though it cost him his freedom, and was the faithfullest nurse the doctor ever saw. — 119The angry men chained Jim hand and foot and put him on bread and water. Then the old doctor spoke up for him: Jim had come out of hiding to nurse Tom, though it cost him his freedom, and was the faithfullest nurse the doctor ever saw.

When Tom heard that Jim was in chains, he sat bolt upright. "He ain't no slave; he's as free as any cretur that walks this earth!" Miss Watson's will had freed him. Then Aunt Polly arrived from eleven hundred miles away and hauled Huck from under the bed. — 120When Tom heard that Jim was in chains, he sat bolt upright. "He ain't no slave; he's as free as any cretur that walks this earth!" Miss Watson's will had freed him. Then Aunt Polly arrived from eleven hundred miles away and hauled Huck from under the bed.

Tom had planned a grand steamboat homecoming and torchlight parade for Jim. Instead Jim was simply let out of his chains, and Tom gave him forty dollars for being such a patient prisoner. Then Jim told Huck gravely that the dead man in the floating house had been Pap. — 121Tom had planned a grand steamboat homecoming and torchlight parade for Jim. Instead Jim was simply let out of his chains, and Tom gave him forty dollars for being such a patient prisoner. Then Jim told Huck gravely that the dead man in the floating house had been Pap.

Tom got better and wore his bullet on a watch-guard round his neck. With Pap gone, Huck's money was safe. But Aunt Sally meant to adopt and civilize him, and Huck couldn't stand it. "I reckon I got to light out for the Territory ahead of the rest." — 122Tom got better and wore his bullet on a watch-guard round his neck. With Pap gone, Huck's money was safe. But Aunt Sally meant to adopt and civilize him, and Huck couldn't stand it. "I reckon I got to light out for the Territory ahead of the rest."

Adapted from Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, public domain. Pictures are AI illustrations drawn for this edition.