📖 Tom Sawyer – Chapter 16 (Adapted)

Title: Becky and Tom Make Up

The Return to School

After the excitement of their funeral surprise, Tom, Huck, and Joe returned to ordinary life in St. Petersburg. At first, they were treated like heroes. Everyone wanted to hear the story of the pirates. But soon, life slipped back into its usual rhythm—chores, lessons, and scoldings.

At school, Tom tried to show off, but Becky Thatcher was not impressed. She remembered their quarrel and still felt hurt. She turned her face away whenever he tried to talk to her. Tom pretended not to care, but inside he felt miserable.

Becky’s Jealous Plan

Becky had her own plan. She wanted Tom to feel the same pain she had felt when he had mentioned Amy Lawrence.

During recess, Becky began talking sweetly with Alfred Temple, the new boy with neat clothes and a proud air. She laughed at his jokes and leaned close to see his drawings. Tom watched from across the yard, his face burning with jealousy. He kicked the dirt and muttered angrily, but he refused to look away.

Becky smiled to herself. Her plan was working.

Trouble with the Teacher’s Book

Later that afternoon, Becky slipped into the empty schoolroom. She had heard that the teacher kept a valuable book in his desk—a book no student was ever allowed to touch. Curious, she opened the desk and carefully lifted out the book.

It was filled with beautiful illustrations. Becky turned the pages, wide-eyed, until she came to a picture of a man and woman standing very close together. She blushed, giggled, and then quickly shut the book.

But in her hurry, the corner of the page tore. Becky gasped. The teacher would be furious! She tried to smooth the page, but the rip was clear.

Tom’s Brave Moment

Just then, Tom entered the room. Becky froze. She expected him to tease her or, worse, tell the teacher.

But when the teacher discovered the torn page and demanded to know who had done it, Tom suddenly spoke up.

“I did it,” Tom said firmly.

Becky stared at him in shock. The teacher scolded Tom harshly, gave him a painful punishment, and sent him back to his seat. Tom took it silently.

Becky’s heart softened instantly. She knew Tom had saved her from trouble.

Friends Again

When school ended, Becky hurried to Tom. Her eyes were full of tears, but her smile was warm.

“Oh, Tom,” she whispered, “that was so noble of you. I’m sorry I was mean. I’ll never be angry with you again.”

Tom’s face lit up. “Then we’re friends again?”

“Always,” Becky promised.

They walked home side by side, the quarrel forgotten, their friendship stronger than ever.

📘 Glossary

Word	Meaning
Rhythm	A regular pattern, routine of life
Quarrel	A fight or argument
Jealousy	Feeling angry because someone else gets attention
Curious	Wanting to know more
Illustrations	Pictures in a book
Blushed	Turned red in the face from embarrassment
Noble	Showing courage, honor, or kindness

❓ Comprehension Questions

Why was Becky still upset with Tom at school?
How did Becky try to make Tom jealous?
What did Becky do with the teacher’s book?
What mistake did she make?
How did Tom save Becky from punishment?
How did Becky feel about Tom after this?

✅ Answers

Because of their earlier quarrel about Amy Lawrence.
She talked sweetly with Alfred Temple to make Tom jealous.
She secretly opened it and looked at the illustrations.
She tore one of the pages by accident.
He took the blame for tearing the book.
She forgave him, promised never to be angry again, and they became close friends once more.

English at Home

Thursday, 4 September 2025