How does Tom explain that it is worth digging for treasure?

Interesting question! In the book The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, Tom encourages Huckleberry Finn to hunt for treasure with him by demonstrating the entertainment and financial benefits that hunting for treasure could offer.

In the book, Huck generally agrees to Tom’s requests. Because of Huck's freedom, Huck generally is able to acquiesce to Tom and his ideas. Furthermore, he does not possess much money; thus, as long as Tom’s ideas do not...

Interesting question! In the book The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, Tom encourages Huckleberry Finn to hunt for treasure with him by demonstrating the entertainment and financial benefits that hunting for treasure could offer.

In the book, Huck generally agrees to Tom’s requests. Because of Huck's freedom, Huck generally is able to acquiesce to Tom and his ideas. Furthermore, he does not possess much money; thus, as long as Tom’s ideas do not mandate financial commitments, Huck is generally agreeable. As the text shows:

“Huck was always willing to take a hand in any enterprise that offered entertainment and required no capital, for he had a troublesome superabundance of that sort of time which is not money.”

Furthermore, Tom utilizes this knowledge about Huck to illustrate that searching for hidden treasure is worthwhile. First, Tom demonstrates that hunting for treasure is worthwhile by appealing to Huck's desire for entertainment. Tom realizes that Huck enjoys spending time with him. He also makes the task more enjoyable by playing "Robin Hood" with Huck while searching for the treasure.

Not only this, but Tom indicates to Huck that they will find money; thus, ameliorating Huck’s financial situation. As Tom illustrates:

“Suppose you find a brass pot with a hundred dollars in it, all rusty and gray, or rotten chest full of di’monds. How’s that?”

Therefore, Tom appeals to Huck’s desires for entertainment and money. Because Tom knows Huck, he is able to appeal to Huck’s desires and demonstrate that it is worth digging for hidden treasure.