The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson Summary
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Here you will find a The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson summary (Mark Twain's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.
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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024
Chapters
Chapters The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson Summary Overview
A stranger from the North, aspiring to be a lawyer, arrives in the small town of Dawson's Landing, Missouri. However, not being able to comprehend his sense of humor, the local people brand him as "Pudd'nhead" and deny him their legal work. He manages to survive by doing odd jobs while spending most of his time engaging in scientific experiments, particularly on fingerprints. Roxy, a stunning slave who could be mistaken for a white woman, exchanges her infant son with her master's identical-looking child, who was born the same day, to protect her son from being sold. Her son, Chambers, now referred to as "Tom", grows up as a privileged white man and is set to inherit an estate. On the other hand, her master's child, known as Chambers, grows up as a slave. "Tom" grows up to be a heartless, cowardly man whose gambling debts eventually drive him to rob houses, put Roxy, who is now free, back into slavery, and ultimately kill his uncle, Judge Driscoll, in a failed theft attempt. Luigi and Angelo, one-time sideshow artists, are attractive and charismatic, claiming to be Italian twins and the sons of a dethroned nobleman. They arrive in Dawson's Landing, looking for a peaceful life away from the world's hustle and rent a room in Widow Cooper's house. Luigi had once killed a man who tried stealing an invaluable Indian knife from them. This knife is stolen by "Tom" and used to murder Judge Driscoll. The twins initially gain popularity among the townsfolk, but lose it due to a dispute with "Tom." Following a city election where "Pudd'nhead" is declared mayor, "Tom," desperate for money, murders the Judge using the twins' knife. When his true identity is revealed by "Pudd'nhead" and his scientific evidence during a murder trial, "Tom" is sold to pay off his debts while the twins leave for Europe and "Pudd'nhead" is seen successful, but left without any old friends around to share his triumph.
a whisper to the reader
Twain's introductory "Whisper to the Reader" gives an intriguing preamble to the narrative. He first vouches for the authenticity of the legal scenes in his book, before he shares his experience in Italy, the place where Pudd'nhead Wilson was penned. His legal expertise, Twain claims, is from a Missouri attorney turned failure, who now resides in Florence and is employed in a horsefeed shed belonging to a "Macaroni Vermicelli." This shed is located not far from a location where Dante, as per Twain, used to observe his young lover Beatrice returning from school. Twain further reveals that his writing location is a villa in Florence's outskirts, surrounded by ancient Florentine busts, whose mere presence endorses his work. Comparatively speaking, Twain humorously mentions his own forebears are mere "spring chickens."
chapter 1
Dawson's Landing is a quaint town in Missouri in 1830, nestled by the Mississippi River, and economically supported by the rural areas behind it where enslaved people work. The town, although not growing rapidly, manages to prosper. York Leicester Driscoll, better known as Judge Driscoll, is the town's respected citizen. He is part of an esteemed Virginia family and lives with his wife and sister, Mrs. Rachel Pratt. The absence of children is the only pang in their otherwise serene lives. Pembroke Howard, another lawyer from Virginia and Judge Driscoll's close friend, is also a prominent figure in the town. Percy Northumberland Driscoll, the brother of the judge, is a rich man primarily due to his speculations. All his children have tragically died from illnesses that the primitive town doctors couldn't cure. Percy's wife and a woman he enslaved, Roxana ("Roxy"), birth boys on the same day in February 1830. His wife passes away shortly after, and Roxy ends up caring for both infants. In the same month, David Wilson, a lawyer from New York, moves into town. His witty comment about owning half a dog is misunderstood by the townsfolk, leading them to believe he is intellectually challenged. This misunderstanding ruins his law career and earns him the derogatory nickname "Pudd'nhead." Wilson keeps himself busy with minor jobs and scientific experiments, including the collection of townspeople's fingerprints. One day, he witnesses Roxy, who appears white but is one-sixteenth black, rebuff another slave for being "too black." Roxy has with her two infants, her son Valet de Chambre ("Chambers") and Percy Driscoll's son, Thomas a Becket Driscoll ("Tom"). They look identical except for their clothes: Chambers is dressed simply, while Tom is adorned with fine attire. Wilson interacts with Roxy and takes fingerprints of both boys. Roxy reveals that she can distinguish the boys only when they are undressed.
chapter 2
Pudd'nhead, two months on, collects more fingerprints from the infants. Soon after, Percy Driscoll discovers he's been robbed yet again, sparking his fury. He confronts his slaves, threatening to send the culprit to a harsh Southern plantation. Roxy is relieved she's innocent this time and, due to her recent spiritual awakening, wouldn't have stolen even under normal circumstances. The text briefly explores Roxy's viewpoint, suggesting anyone in her position might justify such theft. Driscoll's other three slaves admit to the crime, begging for mercy. He decides to sell them locally, much to their relief. That night, Driscoll records his actions in his diary for his son's future reading, feeling quite self-satisfied about his leniency.
chapter 3
Roxy, troubled by Percy Driscoll's recent outburst, fears her son Chambers might be sold off and separated from her. She contemplates killing her son and herself, believing that he'd be safer in heaven. She then dresses Chambers in one of Tom's fine white gowns. Suddenly, she notices how similar the babies look and plans to swap them, ensuring her biological child won't be sold. Roxy recalls a story about a similar swap done by a white woman, which makes her feel her plan is justified. Swiftly, she exchanges the babies' clothes and starts behaving differently towards "Chambers" and "Tom". She's confident no one will detect the swap, especially with Percy Driscoll's other slaves being sold. However, she is slightly concerned about Pudd'nhead Wilson, who is intelligent and working on a fingerprints project. She believes if he doesn't recognize the switch, no one will. To confirm this, she has the children fingerprinted again. Pudd'nhead collects the prints and admires the babies without noticing the swap.
chapter 4
"Tom" matures into an insufferable rascal, contrastingly different from the docile and fit "Chambers". Repeated beatings make "Chambers" submissive, eventually becoming the protector of the timid "Tom", even saving his life once. Embarrassed to be rescued by a slave, "Tom" denies his near-drowning incident and orders "Chambers" to face the taunting crowd. Despite being severely outnumbered, he does so, but "Tom" further attacks him with a knife, almost fatally wounding him. Roxy, although upset with "Tom's" cruelty, secretly enjoys her son's power. When Percy Driscoll dies in 1845, Roxy is freed and Judge Driscoll is appointed as "Tom's" guardian. "Chambers" is secretly bought by the judge to prevent a public scandal, as "Tom" would have likely sold him after Percy's death. Despite losing Percy's fortune, "Tom" is comforted by the judge that he'll inherit his wealth. Now a free woman, Roxy plans to work on a steamboat. While bidding her farewells, she encounters Pudd'nhead Wilson who jokingly offers to take the boys' fingerprints. Her panic makes him question why his experiments disturb her, but he concludes it's due to superstition.
chapter 5
Following Percy Driscoll's demise, Judge Driscoll and his spouse are overjoyed to take in "Tom" as their adopted son. Sadly, the judge's wife passes away shortly after, leaving "Tom" in the care of the judge's sister, Mrs. Pratt. "Tom" is sent off to Yale but fails to excel and returns after only two years, bringing back a pretentious demeanor and stylish outfits, which only serve to amplify the hostility towards him. He soon abandons the outfits but retains the arrogant attitude. He starts visiting St. Louis where he gets involved in unspecified problems, hinted to be related to gambling.
chapter 6
The retired judge spends his days in the company of Pudd'nhead Wilson, the fellow member of his "Freethinkers' Society." Despite the judge's public endorsement, Pudd'nhead continues to be viewed as peculiar by the townsfolk. This perception is further fanned by the judge's promotion of Pudd'nhead's "Calendar," an assortment of witty sayings and observations. The town's reaction mirrors their response to Pudd'nhead's earlier comment about the dog. These maxims seem to be sourced from the same "Calendar" referenced at the start of the book's chapters. Despite their odd reputation, neither Pudd'nhead nor the judge face trouble from the townsfolk due to the judge's prominence and Pudd'nhead's social insignificance.
chapter 7
Aunt Patsy, also known as Widow Cooper, and her daughter Rowena, living in Dawson's Landing, announce they have a room available for rent. In response, they receive an intriguing letter from twins Luigi and Angelo Capello from St. Louis. The twins' unusual names and their well-written letter stir interest among the townsfolk, causing them to fantasize about their possible royal backgrounds. When the twins appear, they are dashing and practically indistinguishable, except for a slight difference in complexion. They win over the townspeople with their charm, telling Aunt Patsy they are the children of a nobleman from Florence who had to escape after a conflict. They narrate their journey of being sold to a sideshow after becoming orphans, then breaking free and wandering globally, marketing themselves. As they share this story, a crowd forms outside Aunt Patsy's home, all eager to meet the new arrivals. Rowena is thrilled to be associated with such high-profile individuals. After a long day of introductions, Rowena feels disappointed that the eventful day is ending. However, when the twins start playing a piano duet, she is once again excited, realizing the entertainment isn't over yet. The locals are amazed by the twins' talent, feeling they are witnessing true "masters" for the first time.
chapter 8
The twins swiftly gain popularity in the town. Judge Driscoll takes them out on a show-off drive and introduces them to Pudd'nhead Wilson. They quickly become friends with the latter. Pudd'nhead shares about an unusual sighting he had of what seemed to be a young woman in "Tom"'s room in the judge's house, practicing feminine gestures. He didn't see her face, however. Later, during a visit to Mrs. Pratt, he learns that "Tom" was supposedly not in town, leaving him puzzled about the identity of the woman. Meanwhile, Roxy, who has been working on steamboats as a chambermaid while "Tom" was at Yale, decides to retire due to severe arthritis. She finds her bank has failed and her savings lost, leading her to return to Dawson's Landing. She plans to approach her biological son, "Tom," for financial support. Upon her return, she is taken in by her friends and updated by "Chambers" on "Tom"'s heavy gambling and disinheritance by the judge. Roxy is disheartened, but "Chambers" gives her hope by revealing a new will which reinstates "Tom" as the heir. Roxy has "Chambers" arrange a meeting with "Tom." "Tom," who physically abuses "Chambers," reluctantly agrees to meet Roxy. When Roxy asks for a dollar, he is enraged and she is taken aback by his callousness. She warns him that he will regret this, which scares "Tom." He offers her a dollar, but she demands that he plead with her not to reveal something to his uncle. She frightens him enough to make him kneel and give her five dollars. She promises to reveal a threatening secret to him at the "haunted house" that night and demands a bottle of whiskey before she leaves.
chapter 9
"Tom" visits the "haunted house" where Roxy reveals the truth about his lineage. He threatens her, but she warns him that another man has the same knowledge in writing, making her death inconsequential to "Tom's" secret (although she's actually bluffing about Pudd'nhead's fingerprints). Roxy insists "Tom" acknowledge her as his mother and share a portion of his allowance, despite his initial reluctance. "Tom" confesses his heavy debt and his resort to burglary for repayment. Surprisingly, Roxy condones his actions and offers assistance, which he declines. He requests her to leave town, to which she consents on the condition of regular monetary support. Roxy then expresses her emotional distress caused by "Tom". He counters, stating he was unaware of their maternal relationship. He inquires about his father's identity, to which she reveals it was Colonel Cecil Burleigh Essex, a respected town leader of distinguished Virginian heritage.
chapter 10
"Tom" wakes up after dreaming of his racial heritage, questioning the basis of racial discrimination and why he hadn't pondered over it earlier. When "Chambers" arrives to summon him for breakfast, "Tom" feels a sense of shame realizing the irony of his racial status. The following days become a challenge as "Tom" reassesses his interactions with everyone. He starts behaving more submissively, conforming to the stereotypical expectations of a Black man but soon reverts to his former behavior. He slowly forms a relationship with Roxy, though there's mutual resentment - he finds her overpowering while he respects her assertive nature. Meanwhile, "Tom"'s gambling debts begin to pile up, compelling him to resort to theft. He limits his burglaries to Dawson's Landing, not daring to risk unfamiliar territory. Disguised as a girl, he conducts his thefts until Pudd'nhead Wilson spots him. Following this, he changes into one of Roxy's old dresses and targets the homes of those visiting the twins at Aunt Patsy's. His venture is successful, leaving Pudd'nhead, who remains curious about the girl he spotted at "Tom"'s window, as the only unresolved issue.
chapter 11
Judge Driscoll, the twins, and Pudd'nhead Wilson engage in friendly discourse. The twins express interest in Pudd'nhead's "Calendar," while "Tom" also drops by Wilson's home. Despite having encountered the twins during a burglary, he feigns meeting them for the first time. The twins find "Tom" intriguing: Angelo considers him affable and handsome, but Luigi is skeptical and finds "Tom" overly refined. "Tom" begins to ridicule Pudd'nhead's unsuccessful law career and his affinity for fingerprinting. Nevertheless, Pudd'nhead seizes the opportunity to collect fingerprints from "Tom," Luigi, and Angelo. "Tom" mocks him for collecting identical prints from the twins and accuses him of wasting material, but Pudd'nhead simply stores the prints away. Next, "Tom" belittles Pudd'nhead's hobby of palm reading. The twins interject, revealing that their own palms were read in the past and the predictions largely came true. Surprised, "Tom" listens as Pudd'nhead is requested to read their palms. Luigi writes the previous palmist's predictions on a paper, hidden from Pudd'nhead. Astonishingly, Pudd'nhead's reading aligns with the written predictions: Luigi has taken a life. Angelo quickly clarifies that Luigi did it to save him, sketching a picture of the ornate Indian dagger used. He still owns the dagger, adorned with precious gems. "Tom" is relieved to learn of the dagger's value since he has stolen it intending to sell it for a small amount. Pudd'nhead offers to read "Tom"'s palm, but he withdraws his hand abruptly. He assures everyone that he isn't a murderer but then hastily apologizes to Luigi for his remark. Suddenly, an anti-alcohol league representative invites the twins to a pro-alcohol gathering. Despite Angelo's aversion to alcohol, they agree to attend the meeting with "Tom." The twins are promptly made members of the society, but Angelo politely refuses a drink. His eloquence and the explanation of his principles pacify the initially offended crowd. They break into singing "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." However, "Tom" gets drunk and disrespectfully suggests the twins perform a ventriloquist act. Enraged, Luigi kicks "Tom," causing chaos in the crowd. Amidst the pandemonium, someone shouts, "Fire!" The crowd panics and rushes out as the fire brigade floods the building attempting to extinguish a non-existent fire.
chapter 12
One morning, Judge Driscoll and Pembroke Howard, an attorney, enjoy a fishing trip. They unexpectedly meet another man who shares the news of "Tom"'s altercation with Luigi and how "Tom" sought legal recourse from the local court for assault and battery charges. The judge feels disgraced, believing that "Tom" should have upheld their family's old Virginia tradition of handling disputes through personal combat. Later that night, the judge confronts "Tom" and demands that he challenge Luigi to a duel. However, "Tom" displays fear towards Luigi and refuses, resulting in the Judge disowning him once more. Consequently, the judge challenges Luigi himself. Distressed, "Tom" starts devising strategies to settle his debts and regain his uncle's approval. He visits Pudd'nhead Wilson who agrees with the uncle's honorable approach. Pudd'nhead chastises "Tom" for not seeking his uncle's advice immediately after the contentious incident.
chapter 13
Pudd'nhead discusses a new spree of thefts with "Tom", who feigns victimhood. The local law enforcement suspects an old Black woman to be responsible. Pudd'nhead reveals Luigi's valuable dagger has gone missing, with a hefty $500 reward posted. This sends "Tom" into a state of worry, fearing his stolen goods wouldn't pay his debts if he can't sell the dagger. Pudd'nhead assures them the dagger's recovery will expose the culprit, but remains mysterious about the method. Before leaving, the constable and justice request Pudd'nhead to consider running for mayor of the soon-to-be city, Dawson's Landing. Pudd'nhead consents.
chapter 14
Luigi agrees to duel with the judge, earning the judge's respect despite the unworthy cause, "Tom." Believing "Tom" to be his kin, the judge amends his will, restoring "Tom" as his heir. Upon the judge's departure for the duel, "Tom" discovers the amended will. Initially overjoyed, he plans to change his ways, but realizes he still can't settle his debts as pawning Luigi's knife is now out of the question. He visits Roxy, who chides him for his cowardice and attributes it to his Black heritage. He notices her bleeding face - a bullet grazed her during the duel. She informs him that Luigi was shot thrice, hitting his shoulder, hand, and cheekbone. He shares his financial woes with Roxy, who suggests he negotiate with his creditors for high interest over several months, expecting the judge's demise soon. She also threatens to expose his true parentage if he doesn't comply with her advice. A scared and exhausted "Tom" consents.
chapter 15
The townsfolk of Dawson's Landing are buzzing with the latest happenings. The twins have transformed into local heroes following the duel, and Pudd'nhead Wilson, owing to his association with them, is the town's top choice for mayor. "Tom" crosses paths with the constable and Pudd'nhead, and rudely inquires if the old woman behind the thefts has been apprehended. He sarcastically asks Pudd'nhead if his thief-catching scheme has been successful. He reveals his theory (actually Roxy's idea) that the knife's reward is widely known, whereas the thief's reward is not. Therefore, the thief will try to claim the knife's reward under the pretense of finding or purchasing it. "Tom" further argues that no such knife exists, and the twins fabricated it to propose a reward that will never be fulfilled. In doing so, their generosity and intriguing tale will savor them more favor with the villagers. "Tom"'s argument persuades the constable and even Pudd'nhead starts questioning the twins' authenticity.
chapter 16
"Tom" reconciles with Judge Driscoll, revealing that he avoided dueling Luigi as he was aware Luigi was a killer. The judge appreciates "Tom" for preserving family dignity by not engaging with a criminal and swears to humiliate the twins and shoot Luigi. Both the judge and Roxy are pleased with "Tom"'s behavior. He leaves for St. Louis to trade the stolen items, but they are stolen from him on the riverboat. Roxy, concerned about her son's situation, suggests he sell her as a slave locally. Instead, "Tom" deceives her and sells her to an Arkansas planter, promising he will repurchase her after a year. He settles his debts and feels content with his actions. Roxy, with considerable riverboat experience, realizes she has been sold "down the river" by her son once she departs with her new owner, leaving her distressed.
chapter 17
Dawson's Landing is buzzing with political battles. The twins aim for council seats, but face opposition from Judge Driscoll and "Tom". The judge is so pleased with "Tom"'s newfound maturity that he entrusts him with the safe's combination and the task of vote-buying. During his final campaign speech, the judge labels the twins as scammers, circus acts, and outlaws. He brings up the false knife allegation and insinuates Luigi's violent history. The audience is taken aback. Despite the twins' defeat, Pudd'nhead secures the mayor's seat. Gossip circulates that Luigi plans to issue another duel to the judge post-election recovery. "Tom" departs for St. Louis, satisfied with his contributions.
chapter 18
"Tom" comes across Roxy, an old man, in his St. Louis chamber one evening. He is startled as she is dressed as an old man. He apologizes for selling her into slavery, and she tearfully tells him about the harsh treatment she has faced. Initially, she was treated kindly, but later, she was made to work in the fields and was abused due to the plantation owner's wife's jealousy. When she saw an orphan girl being beaten for trying to help her, she retaliated by attacking the overseer, stealing his horse, and escaping. She found refuge on a steamboat, the Grand Mogul, where she was given new clothes and money by her old friends in the crew. However, she is alarmed when she sees the advertisement for her capture put out by her new master. Roxy's new master has also written to "Tom," threatening him to return Roxy or face consequences. "Tom" is in utter disbelief at Roxy risking his safety by coming to meet him. "Tom" had anticipated Roxy's visit and had a plan in place. However, Roxy outwits him by demanding that he repurchase her freedom by paying her master with his own money and borrowing the rest from Judge Driscoll. She warns him to get the new bill of sale sent to Pudd'nhead Wilson and threatens to expose his real identity, which would result in him being sold into slavery. Roxy also coerces "Tom" to take her back to her hideout by showing him a knife and threatening suicide if captured and murder if he betrays her. After leaving Roxy, "Tom" resolves to steal from his uncle, rather than ask him for money.
chapter 19
Luigi's challenge to duel is rejected by Judge Driscoll, who feels it would taint his honor to fight an assassin. Despite Pudd’nhead Wilson's attempt to persuade him, the Judge stays resolute. He also informs Luigi about the local "law" compelling them to attempt to kill each other on sight. Later that night, Luigi and his brother take a stroll. The same night, "Tom" arrives at Dawson's Landing and sneaks into the Judge's house. Finding the judge asleep with his money scattered around, "Tom" accidentally disturbs him while lunging at the cash with the twins' Indian knife. Panicking, "Tom" stabs the judge and flees to his room, quickly disguising himself in women's clothing. The twins return home to find the dead judge and are later apprehended by neighbors. "Tom" manages to slip away undetected in his disguise and heads back to St. Louis. He reads about his uncle’s death and the suspicion falling on one of the twins in the newspaper. Having inherited his uncle's wealth, "Tom" pays Roxy’s master, sends the bill of sale to Pudd’nhead, and then starts his journey back to Dawson's Landing, pretending to be shocked by the tragic news. Pudd'nhead Wilson takes control of the murder scene until the arrival of the constable, and detains the twins, despite their insistence of innocence and lack of blood evidence. Pudd'nhead, spotting some fingerprints on the knife, initiates his investigation. The twins are indicted and jailed. Pudd'nhead considers the woman previously accused of thefts but finds no matching fingerprints among his female collection. He is certain of the twins' innocence but also refuses to suspect "Tom" due to the belief of his absence during the murder. Pudd'nhead is under pressure to solve the murder using the fingerprints on the knife, as the twins face possible execution. Meanwhile, "Tom" feigns grieving over the Judge's death, fooling everyone with his act.
chapter 20
The trial of the twins commences, with Pudd'nhead Wilson being their counsel. Only he and Aunt Patsy, their hostess, stand with them though Pudd'nhead's faith in their innocence falters. Notably in attendance are Roxy, clutching her bill of sale, and "Tom", who irked Roxy by implying the twins unintentionally helped them by murdering Judge Driscoll. Despite this, "Tom" has been generously sponsoring Roxy. Pembroke Howard, the prosecutor, singles out the lost election and rejected duel as the motive for the crime, further highlighting the judge's public comment that the twins should locate their knife for their next assassination. The twins seem to be in a tight spot. Pudd'nhead's defense includes three witness testimonies from women who saw "Tom" in female attire exiting the judge's residence, arguing for the presence of a second party who needs to be identified for a just trial. After the court is dismissed for the day, a self-satisfied "Tom" exits, proud of his disguise and proof annihilation. Pudd'nhead revisits his female fingerprint collection at his home. "Tom" drops by to ridicule him and casually handles a few slides, one of which carries Roxy's old prints. He tells Pudd'nhead that he and "Chambers" were merely seven months old when those prints were taken and inquires about a specific line on Roxy's print. Observing it against the light, Pudd'nhead is taken aback by something but brushes it off as tiredness when "Tom" questions him. After "Tom's" departure, Pudd'nhead retrieves "Tom's" old prints. The print "Tom" left on Roxy's slide aligns perfectly with the ones on the knife, as do "Tom's" latest prints. On examining "Tom's" infant prints, Pudd'nhead is surprised to find that they do not coincide with the others. As he contemplates this inconsistency and falls asleep, a dream offers him clarity and he promptly validates it against his collection. This revelation seemingly cracks Roxy's secret.
chapter 21
Pudd'nhead readies an elaborate presentation for the court. Arriving at the trial the following day, he tells the judge about his fresh evidence. With a flair for the dramatic and a couple of calculated hunches, Pudd'nhead persuasively argues the twins' innocence. He introduces the concept of fingerprinting to a skeptical audience, even demonstrating it using prints from spectators. This evidence exonerates the twins, however, Pudd'nhead withholds the identity of the real murderer momentarily. Instead, he first reveals the truth about Roxy's infant swap. Ultimately, he accuses "Tom" of being the killer and reveals him as a black slave named Chambers. Upon hearing this, "Tom", also known as Chambers, collapses and is apprehended. Roxy implores God for mercy.
conclusion
The townsfolk's perspective on Pudd'nhead and the twins immediately changes. The twins, weary of their newfound fame, leave for Europe. "Chambers", or Tom, attains his freedom and becomes the heir to the judge's property. However, due to his upbringing as a slave and his black dialect, he finds it difficult to adapt to "the white man's parlor." Neither can he consider returning to the slave quarters, leaving him isolated and despondent. Tom continues to provide for Roxy, who has become a humble church-goer seeking redemption. Chambers, who was formerly known as "Tom," admits to the crime and receives a lifetime sentence. Yet, the creditors who were only paid partially after the death of Percy Driscoll (Tom's father) reemerge. They assert that Chambers, who was actually a slave, should have been sold years prior to compensate them. They argue that if Chambers had been sold, the judge wouldn't have been murdered, suggesting that the confusion about Chambers' identity, not Chambers himself, is the root cause of the murder. The governor of Missouri concurs and pardons Chambers/"Tom," who is swiftly sold "down the river."
