📖 Tom Sawyer – Chapter 15 (Adapted)
Title: Tom’s Secret Return & The Funeral Surprise
Tom’s Secret Visit
Life on Jackson’s Island had been exciting, but after a few days Tom began to feel restless. Huck and Joe were content with fishing, swimming, and roasting meat, but Tom’s heart ached for something else. He couldn’t stop thinking of Aunt Polly, and whether she was crying for him.
One night, while the others slept, Tom slipped away. He swam silently across the Mississippi River and crept into town. The houses were dark, but in Aunt Polly’s home a candle still burned.
Tom climbed through the window and hid in a corner. He overheard Aunt Polly talking with Mary and Sid. Her voice was sad and heavy.
“Poor Tom,” she whispered. “I was too hard on him. If only I could see him again, I’d forgive everything.”
Mary wept softly, and even Sid, usually smug, looked serious. Tom’s heart swelled. He wanted to rush into the room, hug Aunt Polly, and tell her he was alive. But he didn’t. Pirates must keep their adventures secret. Instead, he carefully left a note under Aunt Polly’s pillow before sneaking away into the night.
The Town in Mourning
The next day, church bells tolled. Word spread quickly: the three boys had drowned. Townspeople gathered in groups, whispering about the tragedy. Some remembered the boys’ mischief with a smile, others shook their heads and said they’d warned them often enough.
By Sunday, the church was crowded. Everyone wore dark clothes and spoke in hushed voices. The minister began a solemn sermon, praising the lost boys. People wept openly—especially Aunt Polly, Joe’s mother, and even the Widow Douglas, who felt pity for Huck.
A Shocking Surprise
Just as the minister’s voice grew more emotional, the church doors creaked open. Heads turned. A gasp ran through the congregation.
There stood Tom, Huck, and Joe—alive, sunburnt, and grinning from ear to ear.
For a moment, silence filled the room. Then there was chaos—people shouting, crying, laughing. Aunt Polly fainted, then clutched Tom to her chest, sobbing with joy. Joe’s mother smothered him with kisses, and Huck stood awkwardly until the Widow Douglas gently took his hand.
The boys had returned at the very moment of their own funeral. Their “pirate adventure” had turned into the greatest surprise the town had ever seen.
Forgiveness and Pride
At first, Aunt Polly scolded Tom, calling him a wicked, thoughtless boy. But her tears betrayed her joy. “Oh, Tom,” she said, “don’t ever leave me again.”
Tom promised he would try to be good—but inside, he was glowing with pride. The whole town was talking about them. They weren’t just boys anymore—they were heroes, pirates who had tricked everyone and returned in triumph.
📘 Glossary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Restless | Unable to stay still, wanting change or action |
| Ached | Felt a strong emotional pain or longing |
| Mourning | Public sadness after someone’s death |
| Solemn | Serious and formal |
| Congregation | The group of people in a church service |
| Chaos | Complete confusion and noise |
| Triumph | A great victory or success |
❓ Comprehension Questions
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Why did Tom secretly return to town at night?
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What did he overhear Aunt Polly saying?
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How did the townspeople react to the news of the boys’ disappearance?
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What happened in church on Sunday?
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How did Aunt Polly feel when Tom came back?
✅ Answers
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To see how Aunt Polly was feeling and if she missed him.
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That she regretted being hard on Tom and wished she could forgive him.
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They believed the boys had drowned and mourned them.
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The boys walked in during their own funeral, shocking everyone.
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She scolded him at first, but was full of joy and forgiveness.
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