Tom sneaks onto a skiff that takes him to shore and then goes to Aunt Polly’s house. He sees Aunt Polly, Sid, Mary, and Joe Harper’s mother talking inside. He sneaks in and hides under Aunt Polly’s bed. She and Joe’s mother are sad and regret being so harsh with Joe and Tom. Sid says he thinks Tom could have done better in some ways, but he stops as Aunt Polly cries. Impressed by their grief, Tom begins to think very highly of himself.

He learns that the funerals will be held on Sunday if the boys don’t return by then. Aunt Polly prays for Tom, and he cries with her, and then kisses her after she’s asleep. He takes the skiff and returns to the island by daylight, where Joe and Huck are arguing about whether he’ll return. He announces himself and they make breakfast.

The boys hunt for turtle eggs before swimming. Then they draw a circle in the sand and pretend to be clowns at a circus. Tom writes Becky’s name in the sand with his toe. Tom tries to get them to explore the island again, but they’re unenthusiastic. Joe finally admits he wants to go home.