This third version of the story, also known as "Hannibal," was started by Twain in November of 1898 and consists of roughly 15,300 words. It is comprised mostly of little Satan performing acts in the village for admiration and astonishment from the townspeople. The story was set in Hannibal, the town Twain (or, I should write Clemens) lived in as a child, and contained many names of acquaintances he had of that time in his life. Twain did not carry the plot as far as he intended to in this version. Twain's notebook contains the following entry (a plot summary), dated November 11-12 of 1898:

Story of little Satan Jr. who came to Hannibal, went to school, was popular and greatly liked by those who knew his secret. The others were jealous and the girls didn't like him because he smelled of brimstone. He was always doing miracles-his pals knew they were miracles, the others thought they were mysteries. He is a good little devil; but swears and breaks the Sabbath. By and by he is converted, and becomes a Methodist, and quits miracling.As he does no more miracles, even his pal(s) fall away and disbelieve in him. When his fortunes and his miseries are at the worst, his papa arrives in state in a glory of hellfire and attended by a multitude of old fashioned and showy friends-and then everybody is at the boy-devil's feet at once and want to curry favor.

Twain put aside his earlier writings of young Satan and was making a new attempt at a more comedic approach. All other versions are in the narration of Theodor Fischer while an unseen reporter narrates these scenes.

Hannibal, Missouri

The major scene of this version contains the young angel, renamed 44, showing up at the village school. He impresses the class with astounding acts of learning, rapid recall, and an incredible memory. He then helps his friends, Tom and Huck, fight off the school bully.

Why did Twain halt this promising idea after such a short attempt? The question is left unanswered. Twain's ideas of presenting 44 as both a boy and angel, a boyhood pal of Tom and Huck, and a character that was to have a profound effect on the village were cut short in December of 1898.