The Heir of the Keelers under a Social Cloud 39 



uttered in a tone almost of anguish, yet knew that nothing but 

 the truth could suffice. 



"Yes, father, he was and, I am ashamed to say, John was the 

 one accused of cheating." 



Joseph Keeler was as one who had been struck a deadly blow, 

 for he turned pale with shame rather than anger at the very 

 suggestion that a son of his could be capable of a dishonourable 

 act. His voice faltered as he slowly proceeded: 



"And was it proved?" 



" Well father, I am so sorry for John, the committee found 

 that he had acted in a manner unbecoming a gentleman; but, 

 inasmuch as he was said to have been intoxicated at the time, 

 the club ruling condoned the offence as not requiring his res- 

 ignation, but he will not be permitted to play again in the club 

 for a year. It is the disgrace, added to this financial trouble, 

 that has driven him into the condition you have seen him, sir." 



There was a silence for some minutes in the library for Tom 

 as if it were of the tomb when it was broken by Joseph Keeler: 



"Tom, my boy, I need not say that this is a lesson for you." 



