The Gold

Tom and Huck returned to the cave through the secret entrance Tom had found. Inside, by candlelight, Tom found the cross that Injun Joe had marked on the rock wall. They dug carefully below it and found the iron box — still full of gold coins, exactly as Injun Joe had left it.

They loaded the gold into bags and carried it back to town. The judge and the Widow Douglas counted the money. It was a very large sum — more than anyone in St. Petersburg had ever held in their hands.

The Widow Douglas announced that she would keep Huck's share safe for him, and raise him as if he were her own son. Huck was rich. He had a home, a bed, clean clothes, and regular meals.

He lasted three weeks.