Originally published in 1895, a dying man instructs his son to reject their family fortune because of its evil origins and his grandfather¿s unsavory past. Yet, his son is enamored by the riches and its potential for good. John Calvert was a successful engineer and heir to a large fortune. While on his deathbed, he tells his son, Dr. Lucian Calvert, the truth about their family¿s money and how it was acquired. His dying wish is that Lucian never touches a dime or use it for personal gain. John fails to leave a will, which causes multiple ¿family members¿ to stake their claim on his wealth.