A remarkable train of circumstances in due course involved the lads in a series of incidents which had an important bearing on their future lives, and taught a lesson which young lads cannot learn too often in this world.
Tom and Jim devoted themselves more closely than ever to their school studies, and, as a result, became two of the best-informed pupils at that crude institution of learning.

They grew to be strong, sturdy youths, as fond of athletic sports as they were of study, and with a promise of the right sort of success in life.

Neither dreamed of what the immediate future had in store for them.
A year after the incident of the tiger, Tom's Aunt Cynthia peacefully died, and a few month later, to his almost inconsolable grief, his beloved mother passed away.

Thus he was left an orphan, without brother or sister.
The blow was a crushing one, and for weeks he wished to die and join the dear ones that had gone before.

He grieved until his friends feared he was falling into a decline, and became seriously concerned for him.
It has been truly said, however, that no person in the enjoyment of health and vigor of body can long be crushed by affliction.