The Picnic and the Plot — The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

Becky Thatcher returns to town, and Tom forgets treasure for a while. They play games, plan a picnic, and Tom talks Becky into visiting the Widow Douglas for ice cream instead of going straight home after the party. He is happy just to be near her again.

Saturday the ferry carries a happy crowd to a picnic three miles downriver. Tom keeps hoping to hear Huck's meow signal, but the treasure must wait. After food and games, everyone explores McDougal's Cave with candles.

They run through twisting passages until night falls and the bell calls them back to the boat. Tom knows the cave better than most boys, but even he does not know the whole endless maze. Becky is thrilled by the dark tunnels and the echoing halls.

While Tom plays, Huck watches the tavern alone. He sees Injun Joe and his partner carry a box up Cardiff Hill toward the Widow Douglas's house. The box looks heavy, like it might hold the stolen gold.

Joe wants revenge on her dead husband, who once had him horsewhipped in public. Huck runs to warn the Welshman, even though he could be killed for telling what he heard. He has no time to find Tom first.