📖 Tom Sawyer – Chapter 10 (Adapted)
Title: Haunted by Fear
Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn tried to act normal the day after the murder in the graveyard. But fear clung to them like a shadow.
Whispered Promises
The boys met again in a hidden corner of the town. They swore once more that their blood oath was unbreakable.
“We must never speak of it, Huck,” Tom said.
“Not to anyone,” Huck agreed.
They promised that even in their sleep they would stay silent. If they dreamed of it, they would bite their tongues. That was how afraid they were of Injun Joe.
The Town Reacts
Meanwhile, the town was full of excitement and sorrow. Everyone was talking about the murder. At church, the villagers whispered together. Mothers pulled their children close. Men shook their heads gravely.
Most people believed Muff Potter was guilty. He was known to drink too much and get into trouble. Few bothered to question the story. Only a handful of kind women said they felt sorry for him.
Tom’s heart ached each time he heard the townsfolk condemn Muff. He knew the truth. He wanted to shout it out—but the oath stopped him.
Muff in Jail
One afternoon, Tom crept down to the jail again. He brought Muff Potter some small gifts—tobacco, a few matches, even half an apple.
Muff was touched.
“Bless you, Tom,” he said. “You’re a good lad. You don’t believe I did it, do you?”
Tom couldn’t answer. His throat closed. He just nodded weakly and left.
The guilt grew heavier and heavier on his young heart.
Nightmares and Guilt
That night Tom dreamed of Injun Joe. He dreamed those burning eyes were staring at him from the end of his bed. He woke trembling and sweating.
He tried to pray, but the words stuck in his throat. He remembered the oath. Even to God, he couldn’t speak the truth.
Days passed slowly. Tom became pale, thin, and quiet. Aunt Polly thought he was sick. She gave him medicine, scolded him, and even tried to cheer him with treats. Nothing worked.
The Haunted House Idea
At last, Tom decided he needed to forget his guilt and do something exciting. He whispered his plan to Huck the next evening.
“Let’s go find treasure.”
Huck’s eyes lit up. “Treasure?”
“Yes. Buried treasure. Pirates and robbers always bury gold and silver. If we dig in the right places, we’ll be rich!”
The thought of treasure lifted their spirits for the first time since the murder. They agreed to meet the next night with shovels and try their luck.
But even as Tom walked home, a shadow crossed his heart. He couldn’t escape the image of Injun Joe—or the terrible oath that bound his tongue.
📘 Glossary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Unbreakable | Something that cannot be broken |
| Condemn | To declare someone guilty or wrong |
| Touched | Moved emotionally, feeling kindness or gratitude |
| Trembling | Shaking with fear |
| Oath | A very serious promise |
| Treasure | Valuable things like gold, silver, or jewels |
| Spirits | Feelings or mood (high spirits = happy, low spirits = sad) |
❓ Comprehension Questions
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Why were Tom and Huck afraid to talk about the murder?
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How did the townspeople react to the crime?
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What did Tom secretly bring to Muff Potter in jail?
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Why couldn’t Tom pray or find peace?
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What new idea helped lift Tom’s spirits?
✅ Answers
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Because they were terrified of Injun Joe and bound by their blood oath.
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Most believed Muff Potter was guilty, though a few felt sorry for him.
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Tobacco, matches, and half an apple.
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Because the oath stopped him from telling the truth, even to God.
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He and Huck planned to go treasure hunting.
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