Huck Finn means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. Most of the adults in St. Petersburg think he's a menace to society; he's "cordially hated and dreaded by all the mothers in town" (6.43). The kids, on the other hand, wish "they dared to be like him" (6.43). Huck is happy to accompany Tom on almost any adventure, but here's the thing: Huck, despite his reputation, never really has much of a say. He agrees to go to Jackson's Island and he helps look for treasure, but it isn't until the very end of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer – when he goes to the Welshman for help – that Huck really comes out of his shell.