Tom's mind now drifts to troubles of a different sort. Becky Thatcher is ill and has been missing from school and Tom is driven to distraction with the thought that his love interest might die. Tom lingers around Becky's house and shows no interest in the normal pursuits of war and piracy. Aunt Polly is moved by Tom's melancholy and tries all manner of water cures on the boy to no avail.
Finally, Aunt Polly hears about a tonic called Pain-killer and orders a good supply. Tom's mood improves almost immediately much to Aunt Polly's relief. Tom's demeanor has nothing to do with the tonic, but rather his boredom with being sad. At least showing interest in the tonic is a way out of his lethargy. Aunt Polly is glad to see.....
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