He was admitted daily after that, but was warned to keep still about his
adventure and introduce no exciting topic. The Widow Douglas stayed by
to see that he obeyed. At home Tom learned of the Cardiff Hill event;
also that the ragged man s body had eventually been found in the river
near the ferry-landing; he had been drowned while trying to escape,
perhaps.
About a fortnight after Tom s rescue from the cave, he started off to
visit Huck, who had grown plenty strong enough, now, to hear exciting
talk, and Tom had some that would interest him, he thought. Judge
Thatcher s house was on Tom s way, and he stopped to see Becky. The
Judge and some friends set Tom to talking, and some one asked him
ironically if he wouldn t like to go to the cave again. Tom said he
thought he wouldn t mind it. The Judge said:
Well, there are others just like you, Tom, I ve not the least doubt.
But we have taken care of that. Nobody will get lost in that cave any
more.
Why?
Because I had its big door sheathed with boiler iron two weeks ago, and
triple-locked and I ve got the keys.
Tom turned as white as a sheet.
What s the matter, boy! Here, run, somebody! Fetch a glass of water!
The water was brought and thrown into Tom s face.
Ah, now you re all right. What was the matter with you, Tom?
Oh, Judge, Injun Joe s in the cave!
CHAPTER XXXIII
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