Chapter XV

A few minutes later, Tom found himself wading through the shallow waters of the bar towards the Illinois shore. He had crossed halfway when the depth reached his waist; the current wouldn’t allow him any further progress on foot, so he confidently began swimming the remaining hundred yards. Swimming slightly upstream, he was still carried downstream faster than expected. Eventually, though, he managed to reach the shore and drifted along until he found a low spot where he could climb out. He checked his jacket pocket and confirmed that his piece of bark was safe. Then, with wet clothes clinging to him, Tom pushed through the woods along the shoreline.

Shortly before ten o’clock, he emerged into an open area opposite the village. There, he saw the ferryboat anchored in the shadows cast by the trees and the steep bank. Everything was still under the twinkling stars. He crept down the bank, eyes wide with anticipation, slipped into the water, swam a few strokes, and climbed into the skiff that was tied to the boat’s stern. Lying beneath the thwarts, he waited there breathlessly.

Soon after, the ferry bell rang softly, and a voice called out orders to “cast off.” A couple of minutes later, with the skiff’s bow pressed high against the boat’s side, their journey began. Tom felt elated by his success; he knew this was the boat’s last trip for the night. After what seemed like an endless twelve or fifteen minutes, the wheels stopped, and Tom slipped into the water to swim ashore in the dim light of dawn, landing fifty yards downstream where no late stragglers could find him.

He quickly made his way through less-traveled alleys until he reached his aunt’s back fence. Climbing over, he approached the side extension of her house and peeked inside at the sitting room window, where a light was burning. There sat Aunt Polly, Sid, Mary, and Joe Harper’s mother, gathered around the bed, engaged in conversation. The bed stood between them and the door.

Tom carefully attempted to open the door. As he gently lifted the latch, he heard Aunt Polly’s voice: “What makes the candle blow so?” Realizing the door was ajar, she said, “Of course it is. Strange things are happening now.” She called out for Sid to close it. Just as Tom slipped under the bed, Aunt Polly continued discussing how mischievous but well-meaning her nephew had been.

Tom remained hidden beneath the bed, listening intently before cautiously reaching out to touch his aunt’s foot.

Aunt Polly shared heartfelt stories of her son, likening him to Joe and speaking of their innocent mischief. Tom felt a surge of compassion for his aunt’s grief, wishing he could reveal himself in an extravagant show of joy. But he resisted the urge, staying hidden under the bed.

Listening further, Tom learned that it was initially thought the boys had drowned while swimming; later, they suspected the raft had been carried downstream. As hope faded with the missing bodies presumed lost in mid-channel due to their strong swimming abilities, Tom felt a chill of dread.

Mrs. Harper and Aunt Polly shared a poignant moment, comforting each other before parting. After Mrs. Harper left, Aunt Polly knelt down by her bed, praying for Tom with deep love that moved him to tears even as she prayed. He had to remain silent until she fell asleep, tossing restlessly throughout the night.

Finally, when it seemed safe, Tom crept out and stood beside her bed, candlelight casting shadows on his face. His heart was heavy with pity. Taking out a scroll of sycamore bark, he hesitated before placing it by the candle. A thought struck him, and he quickly put it back in his pocket instead. He bent down to kiss Aunt Polly gently, then quietly left her room.

Tom returned to the ferry landing undetected and boarded the boat silently. He untied the skiff from the stern, entered it, and rowed carefully upstream. After pulling a mile above the village, he began crossing back towards his own side of the river, working diligently. When he reached the other bank skillfully, Tom considered taking the skiff but decided against it to avoid unwanted attention.

He disembarked and returned to the woods, resting until morning. He then ventured out into the stream just as dawn was breaking. By mid-morning, he arrived at the camp where Joe Harper eagerly awaited him. As they sat down for a lavish breakfast of bacon and fish prepared by the others, Tom shared his adventures with dramatic flair.

Exhausted from recounting his escapades, Tom found a shaded spot to rest until noon while the other pirates set out fishing and exploring. The sun rose higher, and they celebrated their makeshift pirate lives, with Tom hiding nearby, dreaming of their next adventure.