CHAPTER XVIII

Huck describes Colonel Grangerford as dignified, stern, and universally respected, and sketches the genteel routines of the Grangerford household, including adult sons Tom and Bob, proud Charlotte, and gentle Sophia. He learns of a longstanding feud with the equally aristocratic Shepherdsons. While hunting, Buck fires at Harney Shepherdson, revealing the feud’s reflexive violence.

At church, both clans sit armed through a sermon on brotherly love. Later, Sophia privately asks Huck to fetch her Testament; inside, he finds a note reading “HALF-PAST TWO,” which he returns without telling anyone. Huck senses a secret plan but does not warn her family.

The next day brings alarm: Sophia has run off to marry Harney. The Grangerfords arm and ride out, and shooting erupts near the steamboat landing. Huck climbs a tree and witnesses Buck and his cousin Joe pinned down, then pursued as men loop behind on foot. Huck learns that Colonel Grangerford and his two sons have been killed in ambush and that Sophia and Harney have crossed safely.

Gunfire breaks out again; Buck and Joe flee to the river under fire. Both are shot while swimming, and Huck, sickened, later drags their bodies ashore and covers their faces, mourning Buck’s kindness. Blaming himself for not exposing Sophia’s note, Huck resolves never to return to the house.

Huck hurries to the swamp, fears the raft is gone, then hears Jim, who has repaired and hidden the raft with help from local slaves. They push off immediately, letting others believe Huck is dead. Safely midriver, they eat and agree that despite dangers on shore, the raft is their only free and comfortable home.