Theshirtwassentinearly,inapie,andeverytimearatbitJimhewouldgetupandwritealittleinhisjournalwhilsttheinkwasfresh;
thepenswasmade,theinscriptionsandsoonwasallcarvedonthegrindstone;
thebed-legwassawedintwo,andwehadetupthesawdust,anditgiveusamostamazingstomach-ache。Wereckonedwewasallgoingtodie,butdidn”t。ItwasthemostundigestiblesawdustIeversee;andTomsaidthesame。ButasIwassaying,we”dgotalltheworkdonenow,atlast;andwewasallprettymuchfaggedout,too,butmainlyJim。TheoldmanhadwroteacoupleoftimestotheplantationbelowOrleanstocomeandgettheirrunawaynigger,buthadn”tgotnoanswer,becausetherewarn”tnosuchplantation;soheallowedhewouldadvertiseJimintheSt。LouisandNewOrleanspapers;andwhenhementionedtheSt。Louisonesitgivemethecoldshivers,andIseewehadn”tnotimetolose。SoTomsaid,nowforthenonnamousletters。
“What”sthem?“Isays。
“Warningstothepeoplethatsomethingisup。Sometimesit”sdoneoneway,sometimesanother。Butthere”salwayssomebodyspyingaroundthatgivesnoticetothegovernorofthecastle。WhenLouisXVI。wasgoingtolightoutoftheTooleriesaservantgirldoneit。It”saverygoodway,andsoisthenonnamousletters。We”llusethemboth。Andit”susualfortheprisoner”smothertochangeclotheswithhim,andshestaysin,andheslidesoutinherclothes。We”lldothat,too。”
“Butlookyhere,Tom,whatdowewanttoWARNanybodyforthatsomething”sup?Letthemfinditoutforthemselves——it”stheirlookout。”
“Yes,Iknow;butyoucan”tdependonthem。It”sthewaythey”veactedfromtheverystart——leftustodoEVERYTHING。They”resoconfidingandmulletheadedtheydon”ttakenoticeofnothingatall。Soifwedon”tGIVE
themnoticetherewon”tbenobodynornothingtointerferewithus,andsoafterallourhardworkandtroublethisescape”llgooffperfectlyflat;won”tamounttonothing——won”tbenothingTOit。”
“Well,asforme,Tom,that”sthewayI”dlike。”
“Shucks!“hesays,andlookeddisgusted。SoIsays:
“ButIain”tgoingtomakenocomplaint。Anywaythatsuitsyousuitsme。Whatyougoingtodoabouttheservant-girl?“
“You”llbeher。Youslidein,inthemiddleofthenight,andhookthatyallergirl”sfrock。”
“Why,Tom,that”llmaketroublenextmorning;because,ofcourse,sheprob”blyhain”tgotanybutthatone。”
“Iknow;butyoudon”twantitbutfifteenminutes,tocarrythenonnamousletterandshoveitunderthefrontdoor。”
“Allright,then,I”lldoit;butIcouldcarryitjustashandyinmyowntogs。”
“Youwouldn”tlooklikeaservant-girlTHEN,wouldyou?“
“No,buttherewon”tbenobodytoseewhatIlooklike,ANYWAY。”
“Thatain”tgotnothingtodowithit。ThethingforustodoisjusttodoourDUTY,andnotworryaboutwhetheranybodySEESusdoitornot。
Hain”tyougotnoprincipleatall?“
“Allright,Iain”tsayingnothing;I”mtheservantgirl。Who”sJim”smother?“
“I”mhismother。I”llhookagownfromAuntSally。”
“Well,then,you”llhavetostayinthecabinwhenmeandJimleaves。”
“Notmuch。I”llstuffJim”sclothesfullofstrawandlayitonhisbedtorepresenthismotherindisguise,andJim”lltaketheniggerwoman”sgownoffofmeandwearit,andwe”llallevadetogether。Whenaprisonerofstyleescapesit”scalledanevasion。It”salwayscalledsowhenakingescapes,f”rinstance。Andthesamewithaking”sson;itdon”tmakenodifferencewhetherhe”sanaturaloneoranunnaturalone。”
SoTomhewrotethenonnamousletter,andIsmouchedtheyallerwench”sfrockthatnight,andputiton,andshoveditunderthefrontdoor,thewayTomtoldmeto。Itsaid:
Beware。Troubleisbrewing。Keepasharplookout。UNKNOWNFRIEND。
Nextnightwestuckapicture,whichTomdrawedinblood,ofaskullandcrossbonesonthefrontdoor;andnextnightanotheroneofacoffinonthebackdoor。Ineverseeafamilyinsuchasweat。Theycouldn”tabeenworsescarediftheplacehadabeenfullofghostslayingforthembehindeverythingandunderthebedsandshiveringthroughtheair。Ifadoorbanged,AuntSallyshejumpedandsaid“ouch!“ifanythingfell,shejumpedandsaid“ouch!“ifyouhappenedtotouchher,whenshewarn”tnoticing,shedonethesame;shecouldn”tfacenowayandbesatisfied,becausesheallowedtherewassomethingbehindhereverytime——soshewasalwaysa-whirlingaroundsudden,andsaying“ouch,“andbeforeshe”dgottwo-thirdsaroundshe”dwhirlbackagain,andsayitagain;andshewasafraidtogotobed,butshedasn”tsetup。Sothethingwasworkingverywell,Tomsaid;hesaidheneverseeathingworkmoresatisfactory。
Hesaiditshoweditwasdoneright。
Sohesaid,nowforthegrandbulge!Sotheverynextmorningatthestreakofdawnwegotanotherletterready,andwaswonderingwhatwebetterdowithit,becauseweheardthemsayatsuppertheywasgoingtohaveaniggeronwatchatbothdoorsallnight。Tomhewentdownthelightning-rodtospyaround;andtheniggeratthebackdoorwasasleep,andhestuckitinthebackofhisneckandcomeback。Thislettersaid:
Don”tbetrayme,Iwishtobeyourfriend。Thereisadesprategangofcut-throatsfromoverintheIndianTerritorygoingtostealyourrunawayniggerto-night,andtheyhavebeentryingtoscareyousoasyouwillstayinthehouseandnotbotherthem。Iamoneofthegang,buthavegotreliggionandwishtoquititandleadanhonestlifeagain,andwillbetraythehelishdesign。Theywillsneakdownfromnorthards,alongthefence,atmidnightexact,withafalsekey,andgointhenigger”scabintogethim。IamtobeoffapieceandblowatinhornifIseeanydanger;butsteadofthatIwillBAlikeasheepsoonastheygetinandnotblowatall;thenwhilsttheyaregettinghischainsloose,youslipthereandlockthemin,andcankillthematyourleasure。Don”tdoanythingbutjustthewayIamtellingyou;ifyoudotheywillsuspicionsomethingandraisewhoop-jamboreehoo。IdonotwishanyrewardbuttoknowIhavedonetherightthing。UNKNOWNFRIEND。
TheAdventuresofHuckleberryFinn-Chapter40Chapter40WEwasfeelingprettygoodafterbreakfast,andtookmycanoeandwentovertherivera-fishing,withalunch,andhadagoodtime,andtookalookattheraftandfoundherallright,andgothomelatetosupper,andfoundtheminsuchasweatandworrytheydidn”tknowwhichendtheywasstandingon,andmadeusgorightofftobedtheminutewewasdonesupper,andwouldn”ttelluswhatthetroublewas,andneverletonawordaboutthenewletter,butdidn”tneedto,becauseweknowedasmuchaboutitasanybodydid,andassoonaswewashalfupstairsandherbackwasturnedweslidforthecellarcubboardandloadedupagoodlunchandtookituptoourroomandwenttobed,andgotupabouthalf-pasteleven,andTomputonAuntSally”sdressthathestoleandwasgoingtostartwiththelunch,butsays:
“Where”sthebutter?“
“Ilaidoutahunkofit,“Isays,“onapieceofacorn-pone。”
“Well,youLEFTitlaidout,then——itain”there。”
“Wecangetalongwithoutit,“Isays。
“WecangetalongWITHit,too,“hesays;“justyouslidedowncellarandfetchit。Andthenmoseyrightdownthelightning-rodandcomealong。
I”llgoandstuffthestrawintoJim”sclothestorepresenthismotherindisguise,andbereadytoBAlikeasheepandshovesoonasyougetthere。”
Soouthewent,anddowncellarwentI。Thehunkofbutter,bigasaperson”sfist,waswhereIhadleftit,soItookuptheslabofcorn-ponewithiton,andblowedoutmylight,andstartedupstairsverystealthy,andgotuptothemainfloorallright,butherecomesAuntSallywithacandle,andIclappedthetruckinmyhat,andclappedmyhatonmyhead,andthenextsecondsheseeme;andshesays:
“Youbeendowncellar?“
“Yes”m。”
“Whatyoubeendoingdownthere?“
“Noth”n。”
“NOTH”N!“
“No”m。”
“Well,then,whatpossessedyoutogodowntherethistimeofnight?“
“Idon”tknow”m。”
“Youdon”tKNOW?Don”tanswermethatway。Tom,IwanttoknowwhatyoubeenDOINGdownthere。”
“Ihain”tbeendoingasinglething,AuntSally,IhopetograciousifIhave。”
Ireckonedshe”dletmegonow,andasagenerlthingshewould;butIs”posetherewassomanystrangethingsgoingonshewasjustinasweatabouteverylittlethingthatwarn”tyard-stickstraight;soshesays,verydecided:
“Youjustmarchintothatsetting-roomandstaytheretillIcome。Youbeenuptosomethingyounobusinessto,andIlayI”llfindoutwhatitisbeforeI”Mdonewithyou。”
SoshewentawayasIopenedthedoorandwalkedintothesetting-room。
My,buttherewasacrowdthere!Fifteenfarmers,andeveryoneofthemhadagun。Iwasmostpowerfulsick,andslunktoachairandsetdown。
Theywassettingaround,someofthemtalkingalittle,inalowvoice,andallofthemfidgetyanduneasy,buttryingtolookliketheywarn”t;
butIknowedtheywas,becausetheywasalwaystakingofftheirhats,andputtingthemon,andscratchingtheirheads,andchangingtheirseats,andfumblingwiththeirbuttons。Iwarn”teasymyself,butIdidn”ttakemyhatoff,allthesame。
IdidwishAuntSallywouldcome,andgetdonewithme,andlickme,ifshewantedto,andletmegetawayandtellTomhowwe”doverdonethisthing,andwhatathunderinghornet”s-nestwe”dgotourselvesinto,sowecouldstopfoolingaroundstraightoff,andclearoutwithJimbeforetheseripsgotoutofpatienceandcomeforus。
Atlastshecomeandbeguntoaskmequestions,butICOULDN”Tanswerthemstraight,Ididn”tknowwhichendofmewasup;becausethesemenwasinsuchafidgetnowthatsomewaswantingtostartrightNOWandlayforthemdesperadoes,andsayingitwarn”tbutafewminutestomidnight;
andotherswastryingtogetthemtoholdonandwaitforthesheep-signal;
andherewasAuntypeggingawayatthequestions,andmea-shakingalloverandreadytosinkdowninmytracksIwasthatscared;andtheplacegettinghotterandhotter,andthebutterbeginningtomeltandrundownmyneckandbehindmyears;andprettysoon,whenoneofthemsays,“I”M
forgoingandgettinginthecabinFIRSTandrightNOW,andcatchingthemwhentheycome,“Imostdropped;andastreakofbuttercomea-tricklingdownmyforehead,andAuntSallysheseeit,andturnswhiteasasheet,andsays:
“Fortheland”ssake,whatISthematterwiththechild?He”sgotthebrain-feverasshoreasyou”reborn,andthey”reoozingout!“
Andeverybodyrunstosee,andshesnatchesoffmyhat,andoutcomesthebreadandwhatwasleftofthebutter,andshegrabbedme,andhuggedme,andsays:
“Oh,whataturnyoudidgiveme!andhowgladandgratefulIamitain”tnoworse;forluck”sagainstus,anditneverrainsbutitpours,andwhenIseethattruckIthoughtwe”dlostyou,forIknowedbythecolorandallitwasjustlikeyourbrainswouldbeif——Dear,dear,whyd”ntyouTELLmethatwaswhatyou”dbeendowntherefor,Iwouldn”tacared。
Nowclerouttobed,anddon”tlemmeseenomoreofyoutillmorning!“
Iwasupstairsinasecond,anddownthelightningrodinanotherone,andshinningthroughthedarkforthelean-to。Icouldn”thardlygetmywordsout,Iwassoanxious;butItoldTomasquickasIcouldwemustjumpforitnow,andnotaminutetolose——thehousefullofmen,yonder,withguns!
Hiseyesjustblazed;andhesays:
“No!——isthatso?AIN”Titbully!Why,Huck,ifitwastodooveragain,IbetIcouldfetchtwohundred!Ifwecouldputitofftill”
“Hurry!HURRY!“Isays。“Where”sJim?“
“Rightatyourelbow;ifyoureachoutyourarmyoucantouchhim。He”sdressed,andeverything”sready。Nowwe”llslideoutandgivethesheepsignal。”
Butthenweheardthetrampofmencomingtothedoor,andheardthembegintofumblewiththepadlock,andheardamansay:
“ITOLDyouwe”dbetoosoon;theyhaven”tcome——thedoorislocked。
Here,I”lllocksomeofyouintothecabin,andyoulayfor”eminthedarkandkill”emwhentheycome;andtherestscatteraroundapiece,andlistenifyoucanhear”emcoming。”
Sointheycome,butcouldn”tseeusinthedark,andmosttrodonuswhilstwewashustlingtogetunderthebed。Butwegotunderallright,andoutthroughthehole,swiftbutsoft——Jimfirst,menext,andTomlast,whichwasaccordingtoTom”sorders。Nowwewasinthelean-to,andheardtrampingsclosebyoutside。Sowecrepttothedoor,andTomstoppedusthereandputhiseyetothecrack,butcouldn”tmakeoutnothing,itwassodark;andwhisperedandsaidhewouldlistenforthestepstogetfurther,andwhenhenudgedusJimmustglideoutfirst,andhimlast。
Sohesethiseartothecrackandlistened,andlistened,andlistened,andthestepsa-scrapingaroundoutthereallthetime;andatlasthenudgedus,andweslidout,andstoopeddown,notbreathing,andnotmakingtheleastnoise,andslippedstealthytowardsthefenceinInjunfile,andgottoitallright,andmeandJimoverit;butTom”sbritchescatchedfastonasplinteronthetoprail,andthenhehearthestepscoming,sohehadtopullloose,whichsnappedthesplinterandmadeanoise;andashedroppedinourtracksandstartedsomebodysingsout:
“Who”sthat?Answer,orI”llshoot!“
Butwedidn”tanswer;wejustunfurledourheelsandshoved。Thentherewasarush,andaBANG,BANG,BANG!andthebulletsfairlywhizzedaroundus!Weheardthemsingout:
“Heretheyare!They”vebrokefortheriver!After”em,boys,andturnloosethedogs!“
Soheretheycome,fulltilt。Wecouldhearthembecausetheyworebootsandyelled,butwedidn”twearnobootsanddidn”tyell。Wewasinthepathtothemill;andwhentheygotprettycloseontouswedodgedintothebushandletthemgoby,andthendroppedinbehindthem。They”dhadallthedogsshutup,sotheywouldn”tscareofftherobbers;butbythistimesomebodyhadletthemloose,andheretheycome,makingpowwowenoughforamillion;buttheywasourdogs;sowestoppedinourtrackstilltheycatchedup;andwhentheyseeitwarn”tnobodybutus,andnoexcitementtoofferthem,theyonlyjustsaidhowdy,andtorerightaheadtowardstheshoutingandclattering;andthenweup-steamagain,andwhizzedalongafterthemtillwewasnearlytothemill,andthenstruckupthroughthebushtowheremycanoewastied,andhoppedinandpulledfordearlifetowardsthemiddleoftheriver,butdidn”tmakenomorenoisethanwewasobleegedto。Thenwestruckout,easyandcomfortable,fortheislandwheremyraftwas;andwecouldhearthemyellingandbarkingateachotherallupanddownthebank,tillwewassofarawaythesoundsgotdimanddiedout。AndwhenwesteppedontotheraftIsays:
“NOW,oldJim,you”reafreemanagain,andIbetyouwon”teverbeaslavenomore。”
“Enamightygoodjobitwuz,too,Huck。It”uzplannedbeautiful,enit”uzdonebeautiful;endeyain”tNOBODYkingitupaplandat”smo”
mixed-upensplendiddenwhatdatonewuz。”
Wewasallgladaswecouldbe,butTomwasthegladdestofallbecausehehadabulletinthecalfofhisleg。
WhenmeandJimheardthatwedidn”tfeelsobrashaswhatwedidbefore。
Itwashurtinghimconsiderable,andbleeding;sowelaidhiminthewigwamandtoreuponeoftheduke”sshirtsfortobandagehim,buthesays:
“Gimmetherags;Icandoitmyself。Don”tstopnow;don”tfoolaroundhere,andtheevasionboomingalongsohandsome;manthesweeps,andsetherloose!Boys,wedoneitelegant!——”deedwedid。IwishWE”DahadthehandlingofLouisXVI。,therewouldn”tabeenno”SonofSaintLouis,ascendtoheaven!”wrotedowninHISbiography;no,sir,we”dawhoopedhimovertheBORDER——that”swhatwe”dadonewithHIM——anddoneitjustasslickasnothingatall,too。Manthesweeps——manthesweeps!“
ButmeandJimwasconsulting——andthinking。Andafterwe”dthoughtaminute,Isays:
“Sayit,Jim。”
Sohesays:
“Well,den,disisdewayitlooktome,Huck。EfitwuzHIMdat”uzbein”sotfree,enoneerdeboyswuztogitshot,wouldhesay,”Goonensaveme,nemmine”boutadoctorf”rtosavedisone?”IsdatlikeMarsTomSawyer?Wouldhesaydat?YouBEThewouldn”t!WELL,den,isJIMgywnetosayit?No,sah——Idoan”budgeastepout”ndisplace”doutaDOCTOR,notifit”sfortyyear!“
Iknowedhewaswhiteinside,andIreckonedhe”dsaywhathedidsay——soitwasallrightnow,andItoldTomIwasa-goingforadoctor。
Heraisedconsiderablerowaboutit,butmeandJimstucktoitandwouldn”tbudge;sohewasforcrawlingoutandsettingtheraftloosehimself;butwewouldn”tlethim。Thenhegiveusapieceofhismind,butitdidn”tdonogood。
Sowhenheseesmegettingthecanoeready,hesays:
“Well,then,ifyoureboundtogo,I”lltellyouthewaytodowhenyougettothevillage。Shutthedoorandblindfoldthedoctortightandfast,andmakehimsweartobesilentasthegrave,andputapursefullofgoldinhishand,andthentakeandleadhimallaroundthebackalleysandeverywheresinthedark,andthenfetchhimhereinthecanoe,inaroundaboutwayamongsttheislands,andsearchhimandtakehischalkawayfromhim,anddon”tgiveitbacktohimtillyougethimbacktothevillage,orelsehewillchalkthisraftsohecanfinditagain。It”sthewaytheyalldo。”
SoIsaidIwould,andleft,andJimwastohideinthewoodswhenheseethedoctorcomingtillhewasgoneagain。
TheAdventuresofHuckleberryFinn-Chapter41Chapter41THEdoctorwasanoldman;averynice,kind-lookingoldmanwhenIgothimup。ItoldhimmeandmybrotherwasoveronSpanishIslandhuntingyesterdayafternoon,andcampedonapieceofaraftwefound,andaboutmidnighthemustakickedhisguninhisdreams,foritwentoffandshothimintheleg,andwewantedhimtogooverthereandfixitandnotsaynothingaboutit,norletanybodyknow,becausewewantedtocomehomethiseveningandsurprisethefolks。
“Whoisyourfolks?“hesays。
“ThePhelpses,downyonder。”
“Oh,“hesays。Andafteraminute,hesays:
“How”dyousayhegotshot?“
“Hehadadream,“Isays,“anditshothim。”
“Singulardream,“hesays。
Sohelituphislantern,andgothissaddle-bags,andwestarted。Butwhenheseesthecanoehedidn”tlikethelookofher——saidshewasbigenoughforone,butdidn”tlookprettysafefortwo。Isays:
“Oh,youneedn”tbeafeard,sir,shecarriedthethreeofuseasyenough。”
“Whatthree?“
“Why,meandSid,and——and——andTHEGUNS;that”swhatImean。”
“Oh,“hesays。
Butheputhisfootonthegunnelandrockedher,andshookhishead,andsaidhereckonedhe”dlookaroundforabiggerone。Buttheywasalllockedandchained;sohetookmycanoe,andsaidformetowaittillhecomeback,orIcouldhuntaroundfurther,ormaybeIbettergodownhomeandgetthemreadyforthesurpriseifIwantedto。ButIsaidIdidn”t;
soItoldhimjusthowtofindtheraft,andthenhestarted。
Istruckanideaprettysoon。Isaystomyself,spos”nhecan”tfixthatlegjustinthreeshakesofasheep”stail,asthesayingis?spos”nittakeshimthreeorfourdays?Whatarewegoingtodo?——layaroundtheretillheletsthecatoutofthebag?No,sir;IknowwhatI”LLdo。
I”llwait,andwhenhecomesbackifhesayshe”sgottogoanymoreI”llgetdownthere,too,ifIswim;andwe”lltakeandtiehim,andkeephim,andshoveoutdowntheriver;andwhenTom”sdonewithhimwe”llgivehimwhatit”sworth,orallwegot,andthenlethimgetashore。
SothenIcreptintoalumber-piletogetsomesleep;andnexttimeIwakedupthesunwasawayupovermyhead!Ishotoutandwentforthedoctor”shouse,buttheytoldmehe”dgoneawayinthenightsometimeorother,andwarn”tbackyet。Well,thinksI,thatlookspowerfulbadforTom,andI”lldigoutfortheislandrightoff。SoawayIshoved,andturnedthecorner,andnearlyrammedmyheadintoUncleSilas”sstomach!
Hesays:
“Why,TOM!Whereyoubeenallthistime,yourascal?“
“Ihain”tbeennowheres,“Isays,“onlyjusthuntingfortherunawaynigger——meandSid。”
“Why,whereeverdidyougo?“hesays。“Youraunt”sbeenmightyuneasy。”
“Sheneedn”t,“Isays,“becausewewasallright。Wefollowedthemenandthedogs,buttheyoutrunus,andwelostthem;butwethoughtweheardthemonthewater,sowegotacanoeandtookoutafterthemandcrossedover,butcouldn”tfindnothingofthem;sowecruisedalongup-shoretillwegotkindoftiredandbeatout;andtiedupthecanoeandwenttosleep,andneverwakeduptillaboutanhourago;thenwepaddledoverheretohearthenews,andSid”satthepost-officetoseewhathecanhear,andI”ma-branchingouttogetsomethingtoeatforus,andthenwe”regoinghome。”
Sothenwewenttothepost-officetoget“Sid“;butjustasIsuspicioned,hewarn”tthere;sotheoldmanhegotaletteroutoftheoffice,andwewaitedawhilelonger,butSiddidn”tcome;sotheoldmansaid,comealong,letSidfootithome,orcanoeit,whenhegotdonefoolingaround——butwewouldride。Icouldn”tgethimtoletmestayandwaitforSid;
andhesaidtherewarn”tnouseinit,andImustcomealong,andletAuntSallyseewewasallright。
WhenwegothomeAuntSallywasthatgladtoseemeshelaughedandcriedboth,andhuggedme,andgivemeoneofthemlickingsofhernthatdon”tamounttoshucks,andsaidshe”dserveSidthesamewhenhecome。
Andtheplacewasplumfulloffarmersandfarmers”wives,todinner;
andsuchanotherclackabodyneverheard。OldMrs。Hotchkisswastheworst;
hertonguewasa-goingallthetime。Shesays:
“Well,SisterPhelps,I”veransackedthat-aircabinover,an”Ib”lievetheniggerwascrazy。IsaystoSisterDamrell——didn”tI,SisterDamrell?——
s”I,he”scrazy,s”I——them”stheverywordsIsaid。Youallhearnme:he”scrazy,s”I;everythingshowsit,s”I。Lookatthat-airgrindstone,s”I;wanttotellME”tanycretur”t”sinhisrightmind”sagoin”toscrabbleallthemcrazythingsontoagrindstone,s”I?Heresich”n”sichapersonbustedhisheart;”n”hereso”n”sopeggedalongforthirty-sevenyear,”n”allthat——natcherlsono”Louissomebody,”n”sicheverlast”nrubbage。He”splumbcrazy,s”I;it”swhatIsaysinthefustplace,it”swhatIsaysinthemiddle,”n”it”swhatIsayslast”n”allthetime——
thenigger”scrazy——crazy”sNebokoodneezer,s”I。”
“An”lookatthat-airladdermadeout”nrags,SisterHotchkiss,“saysoldMrs。Damrell;“whatinthenameo”goodnessCOULDheeverwantof”
“TheverywordsIwasa-sayin”nolongeragoth”nthisminutetoSisterUtterback,”n”she”lltellyousoherself。Sh-she,lookatthat-airragladder,sh-she;”n”s”I,yes,LOOKatit,s”I——whatCOULDhea-wantedofit,s”I。Sh-she,SisterHotchkiss,sh-she”
“Buthowinthenation”dtheyeverGITthatgrindstoneINthere,ANYWAY?”n”whodugthat-airHOLE?”n”who”
“MyveryWORDS,BrerPenrod!Iwasa-sayin”——passthat-airsassero”m”lasses,won”tye?——Iwasa-sayin”toSisterDunlap,jistthisminute,howDIDtheygitthatgrindstoneinthere,s”I。WithoutHELP,mindyou——”thoutHELP!THAT”Swher”tis。Don”ttellME,s”I;thereWUZhelp,s”I;”n”ther”wuzaPLENTYhelp,too,s”I;ther”sbenaDOZENa-helpin”thatnigger,”n”IlayI”dskineverylastniggeronthisplacebutI”Dfindoutwhodoneit,s”I;”n”moreover,s”I”
“ADOZENsaysyou!——FORTYcouldn”tadoneeverythingthat”sbeendone。Lookatthemcase-knifesawsandthings,howtediousthey”vebeenmade;lookatthatbed-legsawedoffwith”m,aweek”sworkforsixmen;
lookatthatniggermadeout”nstrawonthebed;andlookat”
“YoumayWELLsayit,BrerHightower!It”sjistasIwasa-sayin”toBrerPhelps,hisownself。S”e,whatdoYOUthinkofit,SisterHotchkiss,s”e?Thinko”what,BrerPhelps,s”I?Thinko”thatbed-legsawedoffthataway,s”e?THINKofit,s”I?IlayitneversawedITSELFoff,s”I——somebodySAWEDit,s”I;that”smyopinion,takeitorleaveit,itmayn”tbeno”count,s”I,butsichas”tis,it”smyopinion,s”I,”n”ifanybodyk”nstartabetterone,s”I,lethimDOit,s”I,that”sall。IsaystoSisterDunlap,s”I”
“Why,dogmycats,theymustabenahouse-fullo”niggersinthereeverynightforfourweekstoadoneallthatwork,SisterPhelps。Lookatthatshirt——everylastinchofitkiveredoverwithsecretAfricanwrit”ndonewithblood!Mustabenaraftuv”matitrightalong,allthetime,amost。Why,I”dgivetwodollarstohaveitreadtome;”n”asfortheniggersthatwroteit,I”lowI”dtake”n”lash”mt”ll”
“PeopletoHELPhim,BrotherMarples!Well,Ireckonyou”dTHINKsoifyou”dabeeninthishouseforawhileback。Why,they”vestoleeverythingtheycouldlaytheirhandson——andwea-watchingallthetime,mindyou。
Theystolethatshirtrightoffo”theline!andasforthatsheettheymadetheragladderoutof,ther”ain”tnotellinghowmanytimestheyDIDN”Tstealthat;andflour,andcandles,andcandlesticks,andspoons,andtheoldwarming-pan,andmostathousandthingsthatIdisremembernow,andmynewcalicodress;andmeandSilasandmySidandTomontheconstantwatchdayANDnight,asIwasa-tellingyou,andnotaoneofuscouldcatchhidenorhairnorsightnorsoundofthem;andhereatthelastminute,loandbeholdyou,theyslidesrightinunderournosesandfoolsus,andnotonlyfoolsUSbuttheInjunTerritoryrobberstoo,andactulygetsAWAYwiththatniggersafeandsound,andthatwithsixteenmenandtwentytwodogsrightontheirveryheelsatthatverytime!Itellyou,itjustbangsanythingIeverHEARDof。Why,SPERITScouldn”tadonebetterandbeennosmarter。AndIreckontheymustaBEENsperits——because,YOUknowourdogs,andther”ain”tnobetter;well,themdogsneverevengotontheTRACKof”monce!YouexplainTHATtomeifyoucan!——ANY
ofyou!“
“Well,itdoesbeat”
“Lawsalive,Inever”
“Sohelpme,Iwouldn”tabe”
“HOUSE-thievesaswellas”
“Goodnessgracioussakes,I”dabenafeardtoliveinsicha”
“”FraidtoLIVE!——why,IwasthatscaredIdasn”thardlygotobed,orgetup,orlaydown,orSETdown,SisterRidgeway。Why,they”dstealthevery——why,goodnesssakes,youcanguesswhatkindofaflusterI
wasinbythetimemidnightcomelastnight。IhopetograciousifIwarn”tafraidthey”dstealsomeo”thefamily!IwasjusttothatpassIdidn”thavenoreasoningfacultiesnomore。ItlooksfoolishenoughNOW,inthedaytime;butIsaystomyself,there”smytwopoorboysasleep,”wayupstairsinthatlonesomeroom,andIdeclaretogoodnessIwasthatuneasy”tIcrep”upthereandlocked”emin!IDID。Andanybodywould。Because,youknow,whenyougetscaredthatway,anditkeepsrunningon,andgettingworseandworseallthetime,andyourwitsgetstoaddling,andyougettodoingallsortso”wildthings,andbyandbyyouthinktoyourself,spos”nIwasaboy,andwasawayupthere,andthedoorain”tlocked,andyou”Shestopped,lookingkindofwondering,andthensheturnedherheadaroundslow,andwhenhereyelitonme——Igotupandtookawalk。
SaysItomyself,IcanexplainbetterhowwecometonotbeinthatroomthismorningifIgoouttoonesideandstudyoveritalittle。SoIdoneit。ButIdasn”tgofur,orshe”dasentforme。Andwhenitwaslateinthedaythepeopleallwent,andthenIcomeinandtoldherthenoiseandshootingwakedupmeand“Sid,“andthedoorwaslocked,andwewantedtoseethefun,sowewentdownthelightningrod,andbothofusgothurtalittle,andwedidn”tneverwanttotryTHATnomore。AndthenIwentonandtoldherallwhatItoldUncleSilasbefore;andthenshesaidshe”dforgiveus,andmaybeitwasallrightenoughanyway,andaboutwhatabodymightexpectofboys,forallboyswasaprettyharum-scarumlotasfurasshecouldsee;andso,aslongasnoharmhadn”tcomeofit,shejudgedshebetterputinhertimebeinggratefulwewasaliveandwellandshehadusstill,steadoffrettingoverwhatwaspastanddone。
Sothenshekissedme,andpattedmeonthehead,anddroppedintoakindofabrownstudy;andprettysoonjumpsup,andsays:
“Why,lawsamercy,it”smostnight,andSidnotcomeyet!WhatHASbecomeofthatboy?“
Iseemychance;soIskipsupandsays:
“I”llrunrightuptotownandgethim,“Isays。
“Noyouwon”t,“shesays。“You”llstayrightwher”youare;ONE”Senoughtobelostatatime。Ifheain”theretosupper,youruncle”llgo。”
Well,hewarn”ttheretosupper;sorightaftersupperunclewent。
Hecomebackabouttenalittlebituneasy;hadn”trunacrossTom”strack。AuntSallywasagoodDEALuneasy;butUncleSilashesaidtherewarn”tnooccasiontobe——boyswillbeboys,hesaid,andyou”llseethisoneturnupinthemorningallsoundandright。Soshehadtobesatisfied。
Butshesaidshe”dsetupforhimawhileanyway,andkeepalightburningsohecouldseeit。
AndthenwhenIwentuptobedshecomeupwithmeandfetchedhercandle,andtuckedmein,andmotheredmesogoodIfeltmean,andlikeIcouldn”tlookherintheface;andshesetdownonthebedandtalkedwithmealongtime,andsaidwhatasplendidboySidwas,anddidn”tseemtowanttoeverstoptalkingabouthim;andkeptaskingmeeverynowandthenifIreckonedhecouldagotlost,orhurt,ormaybedrownded,andmightbelayingatthisminutesomewheressufferingordead,andshenotbyhimtohelphim,andsothetearswoulddripdownsilent,andIwouldtellherthatSidwasallright,andwouldbehomeinthemorning,sure;andshewouldsqueezemyhand,ormaybekissme,andtellmetosayitagain,andkeeponsayingit,becauseitdonehergood,andshewasinsomuchtrouble。Andwhenshewasgoingawayshelookeddowninmyeyessosteadyandgentle,andsays:
“Thedoorain”tgoingtobelocked,Tom,andthere”sthewindowandtherod;butyou”llbegood,WON”Tyou?Andyouwon”tgo?ForMYsake。”
LawsknowsIWANTEDtogobadenoughtoseeaboutTom,andwasallintendingtogo;butafterthatIwouldn”tawent,notforkingdoms。
ButshewasonmymindandTomwasonmymind,soIsleptveryrestless。
AndtwiceIwentdowntherodawayinthenight,andslippedaroundfront,andseehersettingtherebyhercandleinthewindowwithhereyestowardstheroadandthetearsinthem;andIwishedIcoulddosomethingforher,butIcouldn”t,onlytoswearthatIwouldn”tneverdonothingtogrieveheranymore。AndthethirdtimeIwakedupatdawn,andsliddown,andshewasthereyet,andhercandlewasmostout,andheroldgrayheadwasrestingonherhand,andshewasasleep。
TheAdventuresofHuckleberryFinn-Chapter42Chapter42THEoldmanwasuptownagainbeforebreakfast,butcouldn”tgetnotrackofTom;andbothofthemsetatthetablethinking,andnotsayingnothing,andlookingmournful,andtheircoffeegettingcold,andnoteatinganything。
Andbyandbytheoldmansays:
“DidIgiveyoutheletter?“
“Whatletter?“
“TheoneIgotyesterdayoutofthepost-office。”
“No,youdidn”tgivemenoletter。”
“Well,Imustaforgotit。”
Soherummagedhispockets,andthenwentoffsomewhereswherehehadlaiditdown,andfetchedit,andgiveittoher。Shesays:
“Why,it”sfromSt。Petersburg——it”sfromSis。”
Iallowedanotherwalkwoulddomegood;butIcouldn”tstir。Butbeforeshecouldbreakitopenshedroppeditandrun——forsheseesomething。
AndsodidI。ItwasTomSawyeronamattress;andthatolddoctor;andJim,inHERcalicodress,withhishandstiedbehindhim;andalotofpeople。Ihidtheletterbehindthefirstthingthatcomehandy,andrushed。
SheflungherselfatTom,crying,andsays:
“Oh,he”sdead,he”sdead,Iknowhe”sdead!“
AndTomheturnedhisheadalittle,andmutteredsomethingorother,whichshowedhewarn”tinhisrightmind;thensheflungupherhands,andsays:
“He”salive,thankGod!Andthat”senough!“andshesnatchedakissofhim,andflewforthehousetogetthebedready,andscatteringordersrightandleftattheniggersandeverybodyelse,asfastashertonguecouldgo,everyjumpoftheway。
IfollowedthementoseewhattheywasgoingtodowithJim;andtheolddoctorandUncleSilasfollowedafterTomintothehouse。Themenwasveryhuffy,andsomeofthemwantedtohangJimforanexampletoalltheotherniggersaroundthere,sotheywouldn”tbetryingtorunawaylikeJimdone,andmakingsucharaftoftrouble,andkeepingawholefamilyscaredmosttodeathfordaysandnights。Buttheotherssaid,don”tdoit,itwouldn”tansweratall;heain”tournigger,andhisownerwouldturnupandmakeuspayforhim,sure。Sothatcooledthemdownalittle,becausethepeoplethat”salwaysthemostanxiousfortohanganiggerthathain”tdonejustrightisalwaystheveryonesthatain”tthemostanxioustopayforhimwhenthey”vegottheirsatisfactionoutofhim。
TheycussedJimconsiderble,though,andgivehimacuffortwosidetheheadonceinawhile,butJimneversaidnothing,andheneverletontoknowme,andtheytookhimtothesamecabin,andputhisownclothesonhim,andchainedhimagain,andnottonobed-legthistime,buttoabigstapledroveintothebottomlog,andchainedhishands,too,andbothlegs,andsaidhewarn”ttohavenothingbutbreadandwatertoeatafterthistillhisownercome,orhewassoldatauctionbecausehedidn”tcomeinacertainlengthoftime,andfilledupourhole,andsaidacoupleoffarmerswithgunsmuststandwatcharoundaboutthecabineverynight,andabulldogtiedtothedoorinthedaytime;andaboutthistimetheywasthroughwiththejobandwastaperingoffwithakindofgenerlgood-byecussing,andthentheolddoctorcomesandtakesalook,andsays:
“Don”tbenorougheronhimthanyou”reobleegedto,becauseheain”tabadnigger。WhenIgottowhereIfoundtheboyIseeIcouldn”tcutthebulletoutwithoutsomehelp,andhewarn”tinnoconditionformetoleavetogoandgethelp;andhegotalittleworseandalittleworse,andafteralongtimehewentoutofhishead,andwouldn”tletmecomea-nighhimanymore,andsaidifIchalkedhisrafthe”dkillme,andnoendofwildfoolishnesslikethat,andIseeIcouldn”tdoanythingatallwithhim;soIsays,IgottohaveHELPsomehow;andtheminuteIsaysitoutcrawlsthisniggerfromsomewheresandsayshe”llhelp,andhedoneit,too,anddoneitverywell。OfcourseIjudgedhemustbearunawaynigger,andthereIWAS!andthereIhadtostickrightstraightalongalltherestofthedayandallnight。Itwasafix,Itellyou!Ihadacoupleofpatientswiththechills,andofcourseI”doflikedtorunuptotownandseethem,butIdasn”t,becausetheniggermightgetaway,andthenI”dbetoblame;andyetneveraskiffcomecloseenoughformetohail。SothereIhadtostickplumbuntildaylightthismorning;andIneverseeaniggerthatwasabetternussorfaithfuller,andyethewasriskinghisfreedomtodoit,andwasalltiredout,too,andIseeplainenoughhe”dbeenworkedmainhardlately。Ilikedtheniggerforthat;Itellyou,gentlemen,aniggerlikethatisworthathousanddollars——andkindtreatment,too。IhadeverythingIneeded,andtheboywasdoingaswellthereashewouldadoneathome——better,maybe,becauseitwassoquiet;butthereIWAS,withbothof”monmyhands,andthereIhadtosticktillaboutdawnthismorning;thensomemeninaskiffcomeby,andasgoodluckwouldhaveittheniggerwassettingbythepalletwithhisheadproppedonhiskneessoundasleep;soImotionedtheminquiet,andtheyslippeduponhimandgrabbedhimandtiedhimbeforeheknowedwhathewasabout,andweneverhadnotrouble。Andtheboybeinginakindofaflightysleep,too,wemuffledtheoarsandhitchedtherafton,andtowedheroververyniceandquiet,andtheniggernevermadetheleastrownorsaidawordfromthestart。Heain”tnobadnigger,gentlemen;
that”swhatIthinkabouthim。”
Somebodysays:
“Well,itsoundsverygood,doctor,I”mobleegedtosay。”
Thentheotherssoftenedupalittle,too,andIwasmightythankfultothatolddoctorfordoingJimthatgoodturn;andIwasgladitwasaccordingtomyjudgmentofhim,too;becauseIthoughthehadagoodheartinhimandwasagoodmanthefirsttimeIseehim。ThentheyallagreedthatJimhadactedverywell,andwasdeservingtohavesomenoticetookofit,andreward。Soeveryoneofthempromised,rightoutandhearty,thattheywouldn”tcusshimnomore。
Thentheycomeoutandlockedhimup。Ihopedtheywasgoingtosayhecouldhaveoneortwoofthechainstookoff,becausetheywasrottenheavy,orcouldhavemeatandgreenswithhisbreadandwater;buttheydidn”tthinkofit,andIreckoneditwarn”tbestformetomixin,butIjudgedI”dgetthedoctor”syarntoAuntSallysomehoworotherassoonasI”dgotthroughthebreakersthatwaslayingjustaheadofme——explanations,Imean,ofhowIforgottomentionaboutSidbeingshotwhenIwastellinghowhimandmeputinthatdrattednightpaddlingaroundhuntingtherunawaynigger。
ButIhadplentytime。AuntSallyshestucktothesick-roomalldayandallnight,andeverytimeIseeUncleSilasmooningaroundIdodgedhim。
NextmorningIheardTomwasagooddealbetter,andtheysaidAuntSallywasgonetogetanap。SoIslipstothesick-room,andifIfoundhimawakeIreckonedwecouldputupayarnforthefamilythatwouldwash。
Buthewassleeping,andsleepingverypeaceful,too;andpale,notfire-facedthewayhewaswhenhecome。SoIsetdownandlaidforhimtowake。InabouthalfanhourAuntSallycomesglidingin,andthereIwas,upastumpagain!Shemotionedmetobestill,andsetdownbyme,andbeguntowhisper,andsaidwecouldallbejoyfulnow,becauseallthesymptomswasfirst-rate,andhe”dbeensleepinglikethatforeversolong,andlookingbetterandpeacefullerallthetime,andtentoonehe”dwakeupinhisrightmind。
Sowesettherewatching,andbyandbyhestirsabit,andopenedhiseyesverynatural,andtakesalook,andsays:
“Hello!——why,I”matHOME!How”sthat?Where”stheraft?“
“It”sallright,“Isays。
“AndJIM?“
“Thesame,“Isays,butcouldn”tsayitprettybrash。Buthenevernoticed,butsays:
“Good!Splendid!NOWwe”reallrightandsafe!DidyoutellAunty?“
Iwasgoingtosayyes;butshechippedinandsays:“Aboutwhat,Sid?“
“Why,aboutthewaythewholethingwasdone。”
“Whatwholething?“
“Why,THEwholething。Thereain”tbutone;howwesettherunawayniggerfree——meandTom。”
“Goodland!Settherun——WhatISthechildtalkingabout!Dear,dear,outofhisheadagain!“
“NO,Iain”toutofmyHEAD;IknowallwhatI”mtalkingabout。WeDID
sethimfree——meandTom。Welaidouttodoit,andweDONEit。Andwedoneitelegant,too。”He”dgotastart,andshenevercheckedhimup,justsetandstaredandstared,andlethimclipalong,andIseeitwarn”tnouseforMEtoputin。“Why,Aunty,itcostusapowerofwork——weeksofit——hoursandhours,everynight,whilstyouwasallasleep。Andwehadtostealcandles,andthesheet,andtheshirt,andyourdress,andspoons,andtinplates,andcase-knives,andthewarming-pan,andthegrindstone,andflour,andjustnoendofthings,andyoucan”tthinkwhatworkitwastomakethesaws,andpens,andinscriptions,andonethingoranother,andyoucan”tthinkHALFthefunitwas。Andwehadtomakeupthepicturesofcoffinsandthings,andnonnamouslettersfromtherobbers,andgetupanddownthelightning-rod,anddigtheholeintothecabin,andmadetheropeladderandsenditincookedupinapie,andsendinspoonsandthingstoworkwithinyourapronpocket”
“Mercysakes!“
“——andloadupthecabinwithratsandsnakesandsoon,forcompanyforJim;andthenyoukeptTomheresolongwiththebutterinhishatthatyoucomenearspilingthewholebusiness,becausethemencomebeforewewasoutofthecabin,andwehadtorush,andtheyheardusandletdriveatus,andIgotmyshare,andwedodgedoutofthepathandletthemgoby,andwhenthedogscometheywarn”tinterestedinus,butwentforthemostnoise,andwegotourcanoe,andmadefortheraft,andwasallsafe,andJimwasafreeman,andwedoneitallbyourselves,andWASN”Titbully,Aunty!“
“Well,Ineverheardthelikesofitinallmyborndays!SoitwasYOU,youlittlerapscallions,that”sbeenmakingallthistrouble,andturnedeverybody”switscleaninsideoutandscaredusallmosttodeath。
I”veasgoodanotionaseverIhadinmylifetotakeitouto”youthisveryminute。Tothink,hereI”vebeen,nightafternight,a——YOUjustgetwellonce,youyoungscamp,andIlayI”lltantheOldHarryouto”
botho”ye!“
ButTom,heWASsoproudandjoyful,hejustCOULDN”Tholdin,andhistonguejustWENTit——shea-chippingin,andspittingfireallalong,andbothofthemgoingitatonce,likeacatconvention;andshesays:
“WELL,yougetalltheenjoymentyoucanoutofitNOW,formindItellyouifIcatchyoumeddlingwithhimagain”
“MeddlingwithWHO?“Tomsays,droppinghissmileandlookingsurprised。
“WithWHO?Why,therunawaynigger,ofcourse。Who”dyoureckon?“
Tomlooksatmeverygrave,andsays:
“Tom,didn”tyoujusttellmehewasallright?Hasn”thegotaway?“
“HIM?“saysAuntSally;“therunawaynigger?”Deedhehasn”t。They”vegothimback,safeandsound,andhe”sinthatcabinagain,onbreadandwater,andloadeddownwithchains,tillhe”sclaimedorsold!“
Tomrosesquareupinbed,withhiseyehot,andhisnostrilsopeningandshuttinglikegills,andsingsouttome:
“Theyhain”tnoRIGHTtoshuthimup!SHOVE!——anddon”tyouloseaminute。Turnhimloose!heain”tnoslave;he”sasfreeasanycreturthatwalksthisearth!“
“WhatDOESthechildmean?“
“ImeaneverywordISAY,AuntSally,andifsomebodydon”tgo,I”LL
go。I”veknowedhimallhislife,andsohasTom,there。OldMissWatsondiedtwomonthsago,andshewasashamedsheeverwasgoingtosellhimdowntheriver,andSAIDso;andshesethimfreeinherwill。”
“ThenwhatonearthdidYOUwanttosethimfreefor,seeinghewasalreadyfree?“
“Well,thatISaquestion,Imustsay;andjustlikewomen!Why,IwantedtheADVENTUREofit;andI”dawadedneck-deepinbloodto——goodnessalive,AUNTPOLLY!“
Ifshewarn”tstandingrightthere,justinsidethedoor,lookingassweetandcontentedasanangelhalffullofpie,IwishImaynever!
AuntSallyjumpedforher,andmosthuggedtheheadoffofher,andcriedoverher,andIfoundagoodenoughplaceformeunderthebed,foritwasgettingprettysultryforus,seemedtome。AndIpeepedout,andinalittlewhileTom”sAuntPollyshookherselflooseandstoodtherelookingacrossatTomoverherspectacles——kindofgrindinghimintotheearth,youknow。Andthenshesays:
“Yes,youBETTERturny”rheadaway——IwouldifIwasyou,Tom。”
“Oh,dearyme!“saysAuntSally;“IShechangedso?Why,thatain”tTOM,it”sSid;Tom”s——Tom”s——why,whereisTom?Hewashereaminuteago。”
“Youmeanwhere”sHuckFINN——that”swhatyoumean!IreckonIhain”traisedsuchascampasmyTomalltheseyearsnottoknowhimwhenISEE
him。ThatWOULDbeaprettyhowdy-do。Comeoutfromunderthatbed,HuckFinn。”
SoIdoneit。Butnotfeelingbrash。
AuntSallyshewasoneofthemixed-upest-lookingpersonsIeversee——exceptone,andthatwasUncleSilas,whenhecomeinandtheytolditalltohim。Itkindofmadehimdrunk,asyoumaysay,andhedidn”tknownothingatalltherestoftheday,andpreachedaprayer-meetingsermonthatnightthatgavehimarattlingruputation,becausetheoldestmanintheworldcouldn”taunderstoodit。SoTom”sAuntPolly,shetoldallaboutwhoIwas,andwhat;andIhadtoupandtellhowIwasinsuchatightplacethatwhenMrs。PhelpstookmeforTomSawyer——shechippedinandsays,“Oh,goonandcallmeAuntSally,I”musedtoitnow,and”tain”tnoneedtochange“——thatwhenAuntSallytookmeforTomSawyerIhadtostandit——therewarn”tnootherway,andIknowedhewouldn”tmind,becauseitwouldbenutsforhim,beingamystery,andhe”dmakeanadventureoutofit,andbeperfectlysatisfied。Andsoitturnedout,andheletontobeSid,andmadethingsassoftashecouldforme。
AndhisAuntPollyshesaidTomwasrightaboutoldMissWatsonsettingJimfreeinherwill;andso,sureenough,TomSawyerhadgoneandtookallthattroubleandbothertosetafreeniggerfree!andIcouldn”teverunderstandbefore,untilthatminuteandthattalk,howheCOULDhelpabodysetaniggerfreewithhisbringing-up。
Well,AuntPollyshesaidthatwhenAuntSallywrotetoherthatTomandSIDhadcomeallrightandsafe,shesaystoherself:
“Lookatthat,now!Imighthaveexpectedit,lettinghimgooffthatwaywithoutanybodytowatchhim。SonowIgottogoandtrapseallthewaydowntheriver,elevenhundredmile,andfindoutwhatthatcreetur”suptoTHIStime,aslongasIcouldn”tseemtogetanyansweroutofyouaboutit。”
“Why,Ineverheardnothingfromyou,“saysAuntSally。
“Well,Iwonder!Why,IwroteyoutwicetoaskyouwhatyoucouldmeanbySidbeinghere。”
“Well,Inevergot”em,Sis。”
AuntPollysheturnsaroundslowandsevere,andsays:
“You,Tom!“
“Well——WHAT?“hesays,kindofpettish。
“DontyouwhatME,youimpudentthing——handoutthemletters。”
“Whatletters?“
“THEMletters。Ibebound,ifIhavetotakeaholtofyouI”ll”
“They”reinthetrunk。There,now。Andthey”rejustthesameastheywaswhenIgotthemoutoftheoffice。Ihain”tlookedintothem,Ihain”ttouchedthem。ButIknowedthey”dmaketrouble,andIthoughtifyouwarn”tinnohurry,I”d”
“Well,youDOneedskinning,thereain”tnomistakeaboutit。AndI
wroteanotheronetotellyouIwascoming;andIs”posehe”
“No,itcomeyesterday;Ihain”treadityet,butIT”Sallright,I”vegotthatone。”
Iwantedtooffertobettwodollarsshehadn”t,butIreckonedmaybeitwasjustassafetonotto。SoIneversaidnothing。
TheAdventuresofHuckleberryFinn-Chapter43Chapter43THEfirsttimeIcatchedTomprivateIaskedhimwhatwashisidea,timeoftheevasion?——whatitwashe”dplannedtodoiftheevasionworkedallrightandhemanagedtosetaniggerfreethatwasalreadyfreebefore?
Andhesaid,whathehadplannedinhisheadfromthestart,ifwegotJimoutallsafe,wasforustorunhimdowntheriverontheraft,andhaveadventuresplumbtothemouthoftheriver,andthentellhimabouthisbeingfree,andtakehimbackuphomeonasteamboat,instyle,andpayhimforhislosttime,andwritewordaheadandgetoutalltheniggersaround,andhavethemwaltzhimintotownwithatorchlightprocessionandabrass-band,andthenhewouldbeahero,andsowouldwe。ButIreckoneditwasaboutaswellthewayitwas。
WehadJimoutofthechainsinnotime,andwhenAuntPollyandUncleSilasandAuntSallyfoundouthowgoodhehelpedthedoctornurseTom,theymadeaheapoffussoverhim,andfixedhimupprime,andgivehimallhewantedtoeat,andagoodtime,andnothingtodo。Andwehadhimuptothesick-room,andhadahightalk;andTomgiveJimfortydollarsforbeingprisonerforussopatient,anddoingitupsogood,andJimwaspleasedmosttodeath,andbustedout,andsays:
“DAH,now,Huck,whatItellyou?——whatItellyouupdahonJacksonislan”?ITOLEyouIgotahairybreas”,enwhat”sdesignunit;enI
TOLEyouIbenrichwunst,engwinetertoberichAGIN;enit”scometrue;
enheahsheis!DAH,now!doan”talktoME——signsisSIGNS,mineItellyou;enIknowedjis””swell”atI”uzgwineterberichaginasI”sastannin”
heahdisminute!“
AndthenTomhetalkedalongandtalkedalong,andsays,le”sallthreeslideoutofhereoneofthesenightsandgetanoutfit,andgoforhowlingadventuresamongsttheInjuns,overintheTerritory,foracoupleofweeksortwo;andIsays,allright,thatsuitsme,butIain”tgotnomoneyfortobuytheoutfit,andIreckonIcouldn”tgetnonefromhome,becauseit”slikelypap”sbeenbackbeforenow,andgotitallawayfromJudgeThatcheranddrunkitup。
“No,hehain”t,“Tomsays;“it”sallthereyet——sixthousanddollarsandmore;andyourpaphain”teverbeenbacksince。Hadn”twhenIcomeaway,anyhow。”
Jimsays,kindofsolemn:
“Heain”ta-comin”backnomo”,Huck。”
Isays:
“Why,Jim?“
“Nemminewhy,Huck——butheain”tcomin”backnomo。”
ButIkeptathim;soatlasthesays:
“Doan”you”memberdehousedatwasfloat”ndownderiver,endeywuzamanindah,kiveredup,enIwentinenunkiveredhimanddidn”letyoucomein?Well,den,youkingityo”moneywhenyouwantsit,kasedatwuzhim。”
Tom”smostwellnow,andgothisbulletaroundhisneckonawatch-guardforawatch,andisalwaysseeingwhattimeitis,andsothereain”tnothingmoretowriteabout,andIamrottengladofit,becauseifI”daknowedwhatatroubleitwastomakeabookIwouldn”tatackledit,andain”ta-goingtonomore。ButIreckonIgottolightoutfortheTerritoryaheadoftherest,becauseAuntSallyshe”sgoingtoadoptmeandsivilizeme,andIcan”tstandit。Ibeentherebefore。
TheEnd