 a - dead cat.«
    There was a ripple of mirth, which the court checked.
    »We will produce the skeleton of that cat. Now my boy, tell us everything
that occurred - tell it in your own way - don't skip anything, and don't be
afraid.«
    Tom began - hesitatingly at first, but as he warmed to his subject his words
flowed more and more easily; in a little while every sound ceased but his own
voice; every eye fixed itself upon him; with parted lips and bated breath the
audience hung upon his words, taking no note of time, rapt in the ghastly
fascinations of the tale. The strain upon pent emotion reached its climax when
the boy said -
    »- and as the doctor fetched the board around and Muff Potter fell, Injun
Joe jumped with the knife and -«
    Crash! quick as lightning the half-breed sprang for a window, tore his way
through all opposers, and was gone!
 

                                   Chapter 24

Tom was a glittering hero once more - the pet of the old, the envy of the young.
His name even went into immortal print, for the village paper magnified him.
There were some that believed he would be President, yet, if he escaped hanging.
    As usual, the fickle, unreasoning world took Muff Potter to its bosom and
fondled him as lavishly as it had abused him before. But that sort of conduct is
to the world's credit; therefore it is not well to find fault with it.
    Tom's days were days of splendor and exultation to him, but his nights were
seasons of horror. Injun Joe infested all his dreams, and always with doom in
his eye. Hardly any temptation could persuade the boy to stir abroad after
nightfall. Poor Huck was in the same state of wretchedness and terror, for Tom
had told the whole story to the lawyer the night before the great day of the
trial, and Huck was sore afraid that his share in the business might leak out,
yet, notwithstanding Injun Joe's flight had saved him the suffering of
testifying in court. The poor fellow had got the attorney to promise secrecy,
but what of that? Since Tom's harassed conscience had managed to drive him to
the lawyer's house by night and wring a dread tale from lips that had been
sealed with the dismalest and most formidable of oaths, Huck's confidence in the
human race was well nigh obliterated. Daily Muff Potter's gratitude made Tom
glad he had spoken; but nightly he wished he had sealed up his tongue.
