The Weight of Secrets — The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

By noon the whole town knows about the graveyard murder. People say Muff Potter's knife was found near the body, and that Potter was seen washing himself in the creek at night. The sheriff hunts for him while everyone drifts toward the graveyard. School closes for the afternoon because nobody can think of lessons.

Tom cannot stay away even though he is terrified. He and Huck watch from the crowd as Potter returns, confused and crying. Potter begs Injun Joe to tell the truth, but Joe calmly lies and says Potter killed the doctor. Tom and Huck wait for lightning to strike Joe down. When nothing happens, they decide Joe must belong to the devil and that speaking up would be fatal.

Guilt eats Tom alive. He talks in his sleep about blood until Aunt Polly almost catches him. Sid hears him say he will tell, but Aunt Polly thinks she dreamed the murder too. Tom ties up his jaw at night, but the secret still gnaws at him. He sneaks food to Potter in the little jail whenever he can, which helps a little. An innocent man sits in a cell while the real killer walks free, and Tom knows it.