The adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn continue in this novella as the duo travels to visit Aunt Sally and Uncle Silas in Arkansas. On the riverboat, they meet an old acquaintance who they didn't know was still alive, the twin of a man who still lives near Aunt Sally and Uncle Silas. He tells them how he's in a bind because he conspired in a diamond theft with two partners, and subsequently swindled the two by making off with the diamonds. The reason he's headed home is because he figures he can hide out there as long as he makes himself look like his twin, as long as no one sees the two twins together, he can play like he's his brother. While Tom and Huck agree to be helpful, the last time they see this man, he's jumped ship and is being followed by the two men, and Tom and Huck assume he's a goner.
In time Tom and Huck arrive at Aunt Sally's. Shortly thereafter a man goes missing, the twin of the diamond thief. Eventually, evidence mounts that the murderer is none other than Uncle Silas. Despite the fact that Silas has been a little off, Tom doesn't believe his kind uncle, a pastor, is capable of such a feat. However, Silas confesses, having thwacked the man on the head, he believes that the man must have died from it. Testimony convinces Silas that he must have gone out to bury the man in an act of incredible somnambulism, and while he has no recollection of it, he believes it must be true.
When it comes to the trial, Tom sits in with the incompetent public defender, committed to proving Silas's innocence - despite his Uncle's vociferous admissions. At the last second, Tom does figure it out, and explains what really happened. He's furthermore able to substantiate his claims using no more than the individuals in the courtroom. By the times he's finished, even Uncle Silas acknowledges that he didn't commit a murder.
This is a fine little mystery story, but what makes it really enjoyable is the first-person narration by Huck Finn. While Tom Sawyer does the brainwork to solve the crime, Huck offers a telling that is humorous and whimsical.
If you like "Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "Adventures of Huck Finn" don't miss this follow-up.
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