CHAPTER THE LAST

Huckleberry Finn confronts Tom Sawyer privately about the rescue, asking why Tom orchestrated an elaborate escape for Jim when Jim was already free. Tom admits he always knew and had planned a triumphant post-rescue adventure: rafting Jim to the river’s mouth, revealing his freedom, parading him home with a band, and making heroes of them all.

With Jim unchained, Aunt Polly, Uncle Silas, and Aunt Sally praise Jim for helping the doctor nurse Tom. Jim is given comfort and plenty to eat. Tom rewards Jim with forty dollars for patiently playing prisoner and doing it “up so good,” which Jim takes as proof his old fortune-telling signs have come true.

Tom proposes more adventures among Native Americans in the Territory, but Huck claims he has no money, fearing Pap took it from Judge Thatcher. Tom assures Huck the six thousand dollars is still safe and that Pap hasn’t returned.

Pressed by Huck, Jim solemnly reveals that Pap won’t return because the dead man they found in the floating house earlier was Pap. This resolves Huck’s long-standing fear about his father and confirms Huck’s access to his money.

With Tom nearly recovered and proudly wearing his extracted bullet as a watch charm, Huck declares there’s nothing more to write. Anticipating Aunt Sally’s plan to adopt and “sivilize” him, Huck resolves to light out for the Territory ahead of the rest, choosing freedom and the open West over domestic constraints.