These two chapters describe the various activities of the entire group in the cave, and the return home, then abruptly change to a narration about Huck Finn’s adventures in town.
Twain does not return to Tom and Becky’s adventures in the cave until Chapter XXXI, but the reader must remember that both Tom and Becky are in the cave with its many passageways and unknown areas. Although the reader is not aware of it yet, this is the scene of Tom’s most perilous adventure and the only one that involves Becky Thatcher. Earlier, Mrs. Thatcher had arranged for Becky to stay with the Harper family, and as a result, Becky and Tom are not missed until church the following morning.
With Tom in the cave, we see Huck Finn acting on his own. Until this point, we have only seen Huck in relation to Tom, and when Tom is around, Tom is the leader of the two. He is the one with the education; he is also the one who is a respected member of society and the one who is expected to know what should be done in any situation. Huck has always been agreeable to Tom’s suggestions and leadership, and he does what Tom wants him to do. However, now that Huck in on his own, we see that he is naturally smart, shrewd, and resourceful.
Huck’s following Injun Joe to the hideout is a dangerous and frightening task, but he follows the two men carefully and overhears their plan to mutilate Widow Douglas’ face, tie her up, and in other ways harm her. Huck’s integrity cannot allow this. However, because he is not welcomed in the homes of the townspeople, he goes to awaken the Welshman, Mr. Jones, and tell him what he has heard. Thus, we see Huck doing the “right thing” in protecting the Widow Douglas because he is both fond of her and does not wish to see her hurt. This leads to the Widow’s desire to protect and take care of Huck.
Huck’s reception and welcome by the Welshman, Mr. Jones, is the most kindness and attention he has ever received, and Huck is not insensitive to this kindness. After the Welshman and his sons have chased Injun Joe away and when Huck returns early the next morning to discover the result—that is, what could have happened to the treasure—the Welshman greets him by commenting that the name of Huck Finn can “open this door night or day el and welcome.” Huck cannot remember ever hearing the word “welcome” by anyone before and is deeply pleased with such kind treatment. Likewise, when he becomes ill, the Widow Douglas comes to care for him because of her own innate kindness. The reader should remember that she does not know at this time that it was Huck who saved her life. Here and elsewhere, Twain begins to be more interested in the character of Huck Finn—his native intelligence and his good moral sense. In fact, Twain’s treatment of Huck in Tom Sawyer foreshadows the later novel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Injun Joe’s evil and wicked nature is again emphasized. He so strongly feels the need of revenge that he will take out his evil hatred on an innocent person.
