? ? ? ? "By jings I wish I was over there, now," said Joe.
? ? ? ? "I do too," said Huck. "I'd give heaps to know who it is."
? ? ? ? The boys still listened and watched. Presently a revealing thought flashed through Tom's mind, and he exclaimed:
? ? ? ? "Boys, I know who's drownded- it's us!"
? ? ? ? They felt like heroes in an instant. Here was a gorgeous triumph; they were missed; they were mourned; hearts were breaking on their account; tears were being shed; accusing memories of unkindnesses to these poor lost lads were rising up, and unavailing regrets and remorse were being indulged; and best of all, the departed were the talk of the whole town, and the envy of all the boys, as far as this dazzling notoriety was concerned. This was fine. It was worth while to be a pirate, after all.
? ? ? ? As twilight drew on, the ferry boat went back to her accustomed business and the skiffs disappeared. The pirates returned to camp. They were jubilant with vanity over their new grandeur and the illustrious trouble they were making.
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