The Adventures of Tom Sawyer


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requirements that belong to the business of treasure-hunting.  
When they reached the haunted house there was something so weird and  
grisly about the dead silence that reigned there under the baking sun,  
and something so depressing about the loneliness and desolation of the  
place, that they were afraid, for a moment, to venture in. Then they  
crept to the door and took a trembling peep. They saw a weed-grown,  
floorless room, unplastered, an ancient fireplace, vacant windows, a  
ruinous staircase; and here, there, and everywhere hung ragged and  
abandoned cobwebs. They presently entered, softly, with quickened  
pulses, talking in whispers, ears alert to catch the slightest sound,  
and muscles tense and ready for instant retreat.  
In a little while familiarity modified their fears and they gave the  
place a critical and interested examination, rather admiring their own  
boldness, and wondering at it, too. Next they wanted to look up-stairs.  
This was something like cutting off retreat, but they got to daring  
each other, and of course there could be but one result--they threw  
their tools into a corner and made the ascent. Up there were the same  
signs of decay. In one corner they found a closet that promised  
mystery, but the promise was a fraud--there was nothing in it. Their  
courage was up now and well in hand. They were about to go down and  
begin work when--  
"Sh!" said Tom.  
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245 246 247 248 249

Quick Jump
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