The basic goodness of the two boys is revealed in their concern about the fate of Muff Potter. When they recall all of the little things that Muff has done for them, their consciences are aroused, and they conclude that actually Muff is a simple, harmless person who would never hurt anyone. Yet in spite of their consciences, they know that if they tell, they will both be dead within a short period of time. Thus weighing everything, they again renew the pledge never to tell.
The entire trial is centered upon Tom’s reactions; Huck does not even attend the trial, but rather, he waits outside the courtroom. During Muff Potter’s time in jail and throughout much of the trial, all the evidence seems to prove Muff Potter’s guilt, and, until the last day of the trial, Tom’s chief concern is for his own safety.
In this chapter, however, we see Tom’s moral integrity emerge. During the course of the trial, Tom sees justice being perverted, and he, of course, recognizes the evil—and guilt—of Injun Joe. Although he is still frightened to reveal the truth, Tom begins to change. Then he mysteriously disappears at night, and it is not until later that Twain lets the reader know of Tom’s whereabouts. When Tom is called to the witness stand, we realize that Tom has revealed to Muff Potter’s defense lawyer what he witnessed in the cemetery on the night of the murder. On the witness stand, in spite of the real danger to himself, Tom bravely tells the truth. This is his most mature, heroic, and courageous action.
The trial scene is presented almost entirely from Tom’s point of view. Through his eyes, we see Muff Potter as pale, weak, haggard, and hopeless. In fact, Tom had considered helping Muff escape, but he knows it would be useless because the man is too incompetent and would be caught immediately. In contrast to the weak and pathetic Potter, Injun Joe is a confident man of action. When Injun Joe realizes that he has been identified as the murderer, he wastes no time; he simply escapes as rapidly as possible.
Huck has also matured, but in a different way. Until Tom broke his solemn oath and testified in court, Huck had implicit faith in the value of oaths. Now, however, he is completely disillusioned, and his faith in the efficacy of oaths is shattered. In fact, his belief in the honesty and integrity of human beings in general is destroyed; he is now completely disillusioned, but he has become less gullible and more mature.
Conceivably, Tom’s maturity is complete with his testimony against Injun Joe; his adventure, however, has not reached a climax.
