The Whistler - Malice

Dr. Jacob Benton is the wealthiest citizen in the town, as well as its most prominent physician and surgeon. He is also proud of the fact that he comes from a long line of highly successful surgeons. His greatest ambition is that his son, Tom, will follow in his footsteps and carry on the family tradition. Jacob also has a nephew, Harvey, the son of his brother, George, who married a girl from the wrong side of the town. Later, George disappeared, leaving Jacob to take care of his young son. After finishing high school, Tom and Harvey entered medical school. Harvey followed through and is to graduate next week. But Jacob's son, Tom, at the end of his third year, wandered over to the east bottoms at the lower end of town and met a girl. He lost interest in medicine and refused to go back to school. After a late night, Jacob sees Tom returning home, and asks him "Where have you been? It's two o'clock in the morning". Tom says "I've been to a house party". Jacob says "Where? On the other side of town?" Tom says "Yes. In the east bottoms". Jacob says "You've seen that girl, that Nita again, haven't you?" Tom says "Yes. What of it?" Jacob says "I've told you time and again that you don't belong over there, with her". Tom says "I like Nita because she's honest and genuine. She's not filled with a lot of silly ideas like Eloise". Jacob says "Eloise is a fine girl. She belongs to an excellent family". Tom says "Oh bosh. Eloise is a phony. Nita is a real person". Jacob says "If you become serious about this girl, you'll be ostracized". Tom says "I know. I know all about poor Uncle George. He went over to the east bottoms and met a girl and went to the dogs. But it wasn't the girl, he was no good in the first place". Jacob says "He was a stubborn fool just like you. Are you in love with this girl?" Tom says "Yes". Jacob says "I'm terribly disappointed in you, Tom. You were wrapped up in your studies until you met her. This girl has made a fool of you. Oh, I could kill her". Tom says "I think I'd better go to bed. Good night". Jacob says "Good night, young idiot. As Tom leaves the room. Jacob says to himself "Something's got to be done about this, at once".