📖 Tom Sawyer – Chapter 13 (Adapted)
Title: Pirates on the Mississippi
Tom’s Restlessness
After the drama of the trial, Tom felt both proud and uneasy. People praised him for saving Muff Potter, but the shadow of Injun Joe haunted him. Tom needed escape—something bold and adventurous to clear his mind.
He dreamed of being free, far from school, Aunt Polly, and the troubles of St. Petersburg. He wanted to be a pirate.
Gathering the Crew
One afternoon, Tom whispered his idea to Joe Harper, his loyal friend. Joe’s eyes lit up. “A pirate! That’s better than being a soldier or a robber. Where do we go?”
“An island,” Tom answered. “In the middle of the Mississippi River. We’ll take food, fish, and live like real pirates.”
Huckleberry Finn joined them eagerly. He had nothing to lose and loved the thought of adventure. The three boys met secretly, planning their escape. They gathered stolen ham, bacon, bread, hooks, and fishing line. They even “borrowed” a small raft.
The Escape
Late one night, under a sky full of stars, the boys slipped quietly out of town. They pushed the raft into the wide, dark river and let the current carry them. The water shone in the moonlight. The boys felt free, wild, and important.
They laughed, told pirate stories, and made plans. Tom declared himself “Captain Sawyer,” Joe was “Lieutenant Harper,” and Huck was “Chief of the Crew.” They promised never to return until they were famous pirates.
The Island Life
At dawn, they landed on a small island covered with trees. Birds sang, and the river whispered around them. It was their kingdom.
They built a campfire, cooked meat, and ate with great hunger. They swam in the river, explored the woods, and shouted pirate songs until their throats were sore.
That night, they lay on the ground, looking at the stars. The fire cracked beside them. “This is the best day of my life,” Huck said.
Tom agreed. For the first time in weeks, he felt truly happy.
But Not Without Doubt
Yet, as the fire died and the forest grew dark, Tom’s thoughts turned to Aunt Polly. He pictured her searching for him, worried. For a moment, he felt guilty.
But then he reminded himself: pirates do not worry about old aunts. With that, he pulled his jacket tighter and drifted into sleep, dreaming of gold, ships, and freedom.
📘 Glossary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Restless | Unable to relax, wanting change or excitement |
| Pirate | A robber who travels by ship, often stealing on the seas |
| Raft | A flat boat made of wood tied together |
| Current | The natural flow of a river |
| Kingdom | A land or place ruled by someone |
| Crew | The group of people working on a ship |
| Drifted | Moved slowly with the flow of water or sleep |
❓ Comprehension Questions
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Why did Tom want to escape after the trial?
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Who joined Tom in his plan to become pirates?
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How did the boys prepare for their adventure?
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What did they call themselves when they reached the island?
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What made Tom feel guilty at night?
✅ Answers
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Because he wanted freedom and to escape the fear of Injun Joe.
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Joe Harper and Huckleberry Finn.
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They gathered food, fishing gear, and a raft.
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Captain Sawyer, Lieutenant Harper, and Chief of the Crew.
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He thought about Aunt Polly worrying about him.
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