Tom went on whitewashing—paid no attention to the steamboat. Ben stared a moment and then said: “Hi-Yi! You’re up a stump, ain’t you!” No answer. Tom surveyed his last touch with the eye of an artist, then he gave his brush another gentle sweep and surveyed the result, as before.

How does Tom's admiration of his own work move the plot forward?

It causes Ben to question why Tom is whitewashing the fence.

It leads to Ben continuing to eat his apple.

It causes Ben to believe that Tom is good at whitewashing.

It leads to Ben becoming interested in what Tom is doing.