The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-03-25
TWO DEBTORS
And the Two interpretations Of a DyinG
Mans Accusation

For once, the course Of justice seemed
swift and sure. Within twenty-four hours
after the assault and robbery, Chester
Earle had recovered sufficiently to give a
clue, to the identity Of the perpetrator OF
the double crime. AS a result, Egbert
Lewes was arrested by the police.
At first the young man protested his
innocence vigorously, but when search Of
his rooms disclosed a sealed package con-
tanning the unique and priceless gems that
had been stolen, he took refuge in gloomy
and. steadfast silence. Inevitably, he was
committed without bail to abide the result
of Mr.. Earle's injuries.
The end came in two days. After having
breathed his accusation, the old bachelor
never spoke again, The terrific blow on
the back Of his head produced an increasing
lesion, bringing Inconsistencies, stupor,
death,
The facts OF the crime we're not compli-
Gated. Mr.. Earle, an elderly dilettante,
had come to town to exhibit privately the
collection of gems which had made his
name famous. Relying, so it was said.
on the fact that he had kept his purpose
secret, he had brought the jewelry with
him; and, at the time Of the attack, was
engaged in brushing and polishing them
in his hotel parlor.
Nc suspicious person was seen about
the hou4e that day, and in all probability
the crime would AVE remained a mystery
had not Mr.. Earle caught a glimpse of his
assailant in the mirror as he approached
from behind with uplifted bludgeon.
Directly after the death Judge Josiah
Marcellus filed the decedent's will at the
S~urrogate's Court and began probate pro-
ceedings. BY the terms Of this document
the estate was bequeathed share and share
alike to the twin daughters of Mr.. Earle's
deceased sister upon their reaching the
age Of 2l years. In case of the death Of
either during minority, the survivor took
the whole.
Flossie and Constance Fielding, popu-
larly called the Fielding twins, were as
different in te mperament as they were
alike in appearance; the former being
light hearted, frivolous, fond of pleasure;
the latter intellectual, reserved, inclined TO
melancholy.
A difference fully as marked showed in
their dress, which was as exuberant in the
one as it was restrained in the other. Their
many friends approved of this exception
to the p~roclivity of twins to similar clothing,
alleging that otherwise it would be impos-
sible to tell them apart.
Mr.. Beavers, Judge Marcellus's Junior
partner, returned duly from his professional
visit to the Earle homestead to find that
eminent jIrist much perturbed in mind.
Mrs. Cynthia Lewes had just called upon
him, urging him by their long intimacy
to undertake the defence of her only child.
Reckless and wild as she admitted Fgbert
had always been, lavish in expenditures,
burdened with debt, che yet could not be-
lieve him capable Of robbery and murder.
The case, however, looked 80 black to the
Judge that he turned with relief from
his discussion of 1t with Abe Cronkite to
greet his young associate.
well, Beavers began the Judge, did
you serve the various citations?"
The Junior partner consulted his memo
randum book.
Il served the following named bene-
ficiaries,' be answered formally. Miss
Anne Cousins, a distant relative, who has
acted as housekeeper for many years;
Mark sewell, NJ. D., the family physician
and friend; Moss, the butler; four serving