Found

Tom squeezed through a narrow gap in the rock and came out in bright sunshine on the bank of the Mississippi River. He called back to Becky, and together they helped each other through.

They were miles from the town and too weak to walk far. A passing boat brought them home. The whole of St. Petersburg had believed they were dead.

Aunt Polly wept. Becky's parents held their daughter without speaking. The town celebrated all night.

A few days later, Tom heard that the judge had ordered the cave entrance to be sealed with a heavy iron door — to prevent any other children from getting lost inside.

Tom went pale. "Injun Joe is still in there," he said quietly.

Men rushed to open the door. Just inside, they found Injun Joe — dead. He had survived on candle wax and the water dripping from the rocks, but had not been able to find a way out. He was buried near the cave entrance.