The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-09-08
A MURDER
MYSTERY

eat in an easy chair in his IuxuriouslN
furnished chambers in Piccadilly. gazing
modify at the FIRE. 1t was a duh Novem-
her afternoon. and the thick fog was set
Ting down upon London.
The valet entered the room. Beg par
don sir" ne said IT thought perhaps
YOU'D like the lights on"
NO. not yet" replied his master. 'I'n
ring when I want them
Vivian Joyce. the young man who pre-
ferred the gloom because he found it more
in harmony with his thoughts, was the
elder son of Sir Vivian Joyce, a famous
soldier who had borne himself brilliantly
IN many a hazardous campaign Sir Wv
ian had long since retired from active
service and had settled down in his an
cestral home. a beautiful place at DOLLS
Hill. one of the most picturesque environs
OF the metropolis. Lady Joyce had been
in her day one of the leaders of society
but Of late years had lived a quiet life
throwing herself heart and soul into the
numerous works of charity in which her
husbands enormous wealth allowed her
to take a prominent part
Sir Vivian had one great trouble His
elder son-the young man to whom the
reader has been introduced-had proved
himself to be a reckless spendthrift. the
associate Of gamblers and evil Hvers. and
the young mans wild life had eventually
led to a complete estrangement between
himself and his father.
Lady Joyce, when the rupture came, had
sided with her husband. Her affection was
entirely concentrated on her younger son,
Eric, lad OF seventeen. who, loving and
gentle, was striking contrast to his elder
brother.
Vivian Joyce sat lost in thought until the
room had become enveloped in intense
darkness. He was depressed, and he had
reason TO be. Two days previously he had
written to his father asking for a large
sum OF money, and stating plainly that
unless he received the sum something
would happen which would bring public
disgrace upon the family name.
He had received no answer and he was
beginning to fear that he would have to
pass through an exceedingly disagreeable
experience.
He rose with a groan as he realized what
that experience would probably be. and
was about to ring for lights when his valet
entered. and announcing Her Ladyship,"
ushered Lady Joyce into the presence of
her scapegrace SON
Mother" exclaimed the young man,
Il"
Lady Joyce. q tall, stately and handsome
woman OF about fifty-hve, took no notice
of the greeting until the servant. VINO had
lit the lamp and drawn the curtains. had
left
Then she turned to her son.
Two days ago you wrote TO your father.
He IS away at Cheltenham. saw the let
ter was from you and I opened it
You should have sent Il on" exclaimed
the young man. What wrote Is abso-
lutely true-unless have the sum named
by tomorrow, the consequences win be
serious"
What will the consequences be7"
The young man hesitated. Well" he
exclaimed, after a moments pause. 'it
will have to come out. so you may well
know it now When my father cut down
my allowance and refused TO pay my
debts"
He has paid them once already. You
have had thousands"
''Wen, I've had bad luck. I thought to
get out OF the mess. and got deeper into
it. At any rate. what's done can't be un-
done. and 1 must have five thousand
pounds to meet a bill or the day after to-
morrow it will be presented"
ITO whom?
''TO the man whose name have written
across 1T as the accepter"
Forgery"
Yes. 1 though I should have the money
long ago and have been able to take it up.
But the horses and the cards have been
against me. and now I've got to make a
clean breast OF it. Unless 1 can get the cash
TO the money-Iender who discounted the
bill by u o'clock tomorrow. l shall be ar
rested. and the elder son of Sir Vivian
Joyce will be charged at the Old Bailey
with forgery. thought it better to write to
the governor for the money than let that
happen.
Il was prepared for something of the
sort said Lady Joyce quietly, "and have
realized some property Of my own and
brought you the money"
Mother
The young man came across the room to
take his mothers hands. She waved him
back.
stop. You will give me the name of the
man who holds the bill. and I will send the
money to him by some one I can trust"
cot course. if you wish toll give you
the address,
Vivian joyce wrote a couple of lines or
the back of a card, and handed it to his
mother
That's where the bin is. Theren be nc
difficulty in getting it. So long as he gets
his money that chap never makes fuss OF
asks awkward questions. He has an arts
tocratic connection, and
Il quite understand" said her ladyship
You will consider the bill settled. And
now as to the future; what do you propose
TO do?"
"Oh. now I'm out OF this worry 1 shall
get along on what the governor allows me "
7 don't think you will. You'll get into
debt again; you'll be reckless and dishonor-
able as you always have been; and you'll
rely upon your fathers fear for the honor
Of his name to come to your assistance al
the last moment"
Well, after all, it's his fault I'm his
eldest son and his money viii be mine some
day. He's no business just because I've
been a little extravagant to cut of the
supplies and make me the beggarly allow
snce he does"
Those are your views. Very WELL now
listen to mine. You are going to live or
what my husband gives you; you are never
going to ask for a shilling again
Indeed and why not?''