Tom and Huck plan to explore the haunted house on the outskirts of townThey gather supplies, including flashlights and snacks, and sneak out of their homes at nightThe boys encounter strange noises and shadows as they make their way to the houseInside the house, they find old furniture covered in dust and cobwebsSuddenly, they hear footsteps and hide in a closetThey discover that the footsteps belong to Injun Joe, the town outcastInjun Joe reveals that he has been using the house as a hideoutTom and Huck witness Injun Joe committing a crime and must decide whether to report him to the authoritiesThey narrowly escape the house and return home, shaken but determined to keep their secretThe chapter ends with a cliffhanger as the boys struggle with the moral dilemma of what to do next.