📖 Tom Sawyer – Chapter 20: Becky’s Trouble

The long summer days rolled on. At school, Tom and Becky were often together again, whispering and smiling during lessons. But sometimes Becky’s pride and Tom’s mischief still caused quarrels.

One hot afternoon, Becky arrived early at school. The classroom was empty, except for the teacher’s tall desk. Becky’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. She had heard that the teacher kept a special book inside—something forbidden to the children.

She tiptoed to the desk, opened the drawer, and pulled out a large book with gold letters on the cover. It was Anatomy of the Human Body. Becky opened the pages with trembling fingers. She had never seen such strange drawings before—bones, organs, and muscles!

But suddenly she heard footsteps. In her hurry to hide the book, she tore one of the pages. Panic rushed over her. She pushed the book back into the desk just as the teacher entered.

Becky’s face turned pale. If he finds out, he will punish me in front of everyone, she thought.

When school began, Becky sat silently at her desk, hardly hearing the lesson. At last the teacher picked up his book. He noticed the torn page. His face grew dark. “Who has dared to damage my book?” he thundered.

The class froze. Becky’s hands shook. She wanted to confess, but fear tied her tongue. Tears welled in her eyes.

Then Tom stood up suddenly. “I did it, sir,” he said clearly.

The teacher glared at him, then gave a sharp lecture about carelessness and respect. Tom was punished with extra tasks but not whipped.

Becky’s heart flooded with gratitude. She looked at Tom with new admiration. Later, when the children left the school, Becky ran to him.

“Oh, Tom, you brave, noble boy!” she cried. “You saved me! I’ll never forget it.”

Tom grinned, though his shoulders ached from his punishment. “Don’t worry, Becky. Friends look after each other.”

From that moment, their quarrels seemed small and unimportant. Becky felt safer knowing Tom would protect her. And Tom, though mischievous as ever, learned that real courage was not just about tricks or adventures—it was about standing up for someone you cared for.

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📘 Glossary

• Pride – a feeling of self-importance or dignity

• Mischief – playful troublemaking or naughty behavior

• Sparkled – shone with excitement or light

• Forbidden – not allowed

• Anatomy – the study of the body and its parts

• Organs – parts inside the body (heart, lungs, stomach, etc.)

• Panic – sudden, overwhelming fear

• Confess – to admit to doing something wrong

• Gratitude – thankfulness

• Noble – showing good moral character or courage

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❓ Comprehension Questions

1. What special book did Becky find in the teacher’s desk?

2. How did Becky accidentally damage the book?

3. Why was Becky afraid when the teacher discovered the torn page?

4. What did the teacher do when he saw the damage?

5. Who stood up and took the blame for Becky’s mistake?

6. How was Tom punished?

7. How did Becky feel after Tom saved her?

8. What did Tom say to Becky afterwards?

9. What lesson did Tom learn about courage?

10. How did this event change Tom and Becky’s friendship?

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✅ Answers

1. Anatomy of the Human Body.

2. She tore one of the pages while trying to put it back quickly.

3. She feared public punishment from the teacher.

4. He demanded to know who had damaged the book.

5. Tom.

6. He was given extra tasks and a lecture, but not whipped.

7. She felt grateful and admired his bravery.

8. “Friends look after each other.”

9. That real courage means protecting someone you care about.

10. It made their quarrels seem unimportant and strengthened their bond.