The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
The boys were there that night, for the forth evening in a row, at the agreed time. They sat in the shadows waiting and an hour passed while they carried out old traditions. Frozen ghosts blew through the trees and hid in the darkened corners of the woods. In the distance, they could hear the deep howling of a wolf out in the blackness. Above, a lonely owl answered with a recognisable sound. The boys were uncommonly quiet and talked little.
Slowly, they came to realise that it must be around midnight, they marked where the shadow fell and began to dig. In their ears they could feel their excitement rise. Their interest grew stronger and their productivity kept pace with it. The hole deepened and their hearts jumped with anticipation each time the spade hit something solid in the ground. Was this the treasure they sought?
At last, ‘It isn’t any use, Huck, we’re in the wrong place again!’ said Tom. ‘But that can’t be true Tom, we checked and checked. We have to be right this time!’ Huck replied disappointedly. Reluctantly, the boys began to pack up in silence and just like many times before they travelled home empty handed with not the smallest amount of promised treasure. Until the next time, and that was the only happy thought, there will be a next time!!