Though others came speedily to the scene the fire had gained such headway in a short time that the mill was burned down in spite of all that could be done to save it. In vain Tom and Jerry pleaded their innocence. The latter had not seen the two boys prowling about the place, and Tom’s story was ridiculed until he held his tongue in bitter silence. His quarrel with the boss of the previous afternoon was retold, and, with the hatred of their former associates raised against them, the hapless brothers were taken as prisoners, on the serious charge of incendiarism. “That’s good for twenty years apiece,” said ’Squire Hardy, rubbing his hands in a pleased manner. “We’re picking them off, one by one, and now the deacon has got shut off, the work will be easier.” CHAPTER XXVII. “IT NEVER RAINS BUT IT POURS.” A terrible blow to those at Break o’ Day was the misfortune which had fallen upon Tom and Jerry. This seemed but the precursor of even worse troubles to follow. Aunt Vinnie was distracted, and the rest had all they could do to keep her from going to see “her boys,” as useless as would have been such a course. Rob and Joe, the bravest of the little party, did all they could to soothe the sorrow of their friends, trying to solace them with the, to them, hopeless thought that it is always darkest just before dawn. “Do not give up,” said Rob. “Larry and I are earning wages, and we will hope that Tom, Jerry and Mary will be set free when their trials come. Mrs. Cornhill only yesterday seemed very sorry that she had proceeded against Mary.” “But, my boys, how can you save them? Ah, it was the sorriest day of my life when we left the city, with all its wickedness, for this friendless wilderness, where everybody is against us.” “Not all of them, auntie,” said Joe. “Let us not give up.” Deacon Cornhill’s affairs were rapidly growing worse, and the poor man seemed to be failing in strength, as if the ordeal was more than he could stand. Mrs. Cornhill grew fretful, and more than once she accused Rob of bringing the trouble upon them. “It came with you,” she repeated. “If the deacon had not provoked ’Squire Hardy by bringing you and your friends to Break o’ Day, he would never have done what he has against us, and I firmly believe he is at the root of this evil.” Rob would attempt no reply to this rather contradictory speech, but kept on at his work, resolving to be faithful to his benefactor, let the result be what it might. About ten days after the arrest of Tom and Jerry, as Rob was down to the village on business for the deacon, he found that everybody there was wildly excited over a robbery that had been committed the night before, the store and post office having been broken into by burglars and considerable money and property stolen. A crowd of men gathered on the piazza, among whom ’Squire Hardy was conspicuous, were arguing the matter pro and con as Rob drew near.