Chapter 35 Summary

The problem with Jim's captivity, according to Tom, is that it is "the stupidest arrangement I ever see. You got to invent all the difficulties." For instance, Tom wants to saw the leg of Jim's bed off instead of lifting it and swallow the sawdust. There isn't a moat around Jim's cabin, so Tom proposes to dig one. Of course, it might be a good thing to saw his leg off, but he probably wouldn't understand. Of course, they need to make a ladder out of sheets instead of using a rope ladder. Then, again, Jim will have to keep a journal. All kind of things are introduced into the plan to create complexity and to conform to Tom's idea of tradition. In particular, they decide to use knives instead of picks and shovels. It may take longer, but in a pinch, they...