was midnight. There was a small log raft there which they meant to

capture. Each would bring hooks and lines, and such provision as he

could steal in the most dark and mysterious way--as became outlaws. And

before the afternoon was done, they had all managed to enjoy the sweet

glory of spreading the fact that pretty soon the town would "hear

something." All who got this vague hint were cautioned to "be mum and

wait."

About midnight Tom arrived with a boiled ham and a few trifles,

and stopped in a dense undergrowth on a small bluff overlooking the

meeting-place. It was starlight, and very still. The mighty river lay

like an ocean at rest. Tom listened a moment, but no sound disturbed the

quiet. Then he gave a low, distinct whistle. It was answered from under

the bluff. Tom whistled twice more; these signals were answered in the

same way. Then a guarded voice said:

Who goes there?"

Tom Sawyer, the Black Avenger of the Spanish Main. Name your names."

Huck Finn the Red-Handed, and Joe Harper the Terror of the Seas." Tom

had furnished these titles, from his favorite literature.

"'Tis well. Give the countersign."

Two hoarse whispers delivered the same awful word simultaneously to

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer