第8章
加入书架 A- A+
点击下载App,搜索"THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN",免费读到尾

  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

点击下载App,搜索"THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN",免费读到尾