broken-hearted, for he thought it was possible that he had unknowingly

upset the ink on the spelling-book himself, in some skylarking bout--he

had denied it for form's sake and because it was custom, and had stuck

to the denial from principle.

A whole hour drifted by, the master sat nodding in his throne, the air

was drowsy with the hum of study. By and by, Mr. Dobbins straightened

himself up, yawned, then unlocked his desk, and reached for his book,

but seemed undecided whether to take it out or leave it. Most of the

pupils glanced up languidly, but there were two among them that watched

his movements with intent eyes. Mr. Dobbins fingered his book absently

for a while, then took it out and settled himself in his chair to read!

Tom shot a glance at Becky. He had seen a hunted and helpless rabbit

look as she did, with a gun levelled at its head. Instantly he forgot

his quarrel with her. Quick--something must be done! done in a flash,

too! But the very imminence of the emergency paralyzed his invention.

Good!--he had an inspiration! He would run and snatch the book, spring

through the door and fly. But his resolution shook for one little

instant, and the chance was lost--the master opened the volume. If Tom

only had the wasted opportunity back again! Too late. There was no help

for Becky now, he said. The next moment the master faced the school.

Every eye sank under his gaze. There was that in it which smote even

the innocent with fear. There was silence while one might count ten

-the master was gathering his wrath. Then he spoke: "Who tore this book?"

There was not a sound. One could have heard a pin drop. The stillness

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer