Two Boys and a Fortune; Or, The Tyler Will

by Matthew White

"Two Boys and a Fortune; Or, The Tyler Will" by Matthew White is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around two young brothers, Roy and Rex Pell, alongside their family, as they encounter the complexities arising from the unexpected legacy of a miserly old man named Mr. Tyler, who leaves his fortune to their mother after a heroic act by Roy. This situation sets off a chain of events where the boys grapple with newfound wealth, familial responsibilities, and the ensuing drama around their relationships and desires. At the start of the book, readers are introduced to the Pell siblings during a sweltering July afternoon as they fish by Riddle Creek. An unexpected occurrence involving Mr. Tyler on a trestle bridge prompts Roy to act heroically, saving the elderly man from potential disaster. Following this event, Mr. Tyler expresses a desire to make a will, ultimately leading to the dramatic revelation of his riches and their subsequent inheritance by Mrs. Pell. The opening chapters set a rich scene of personal connection among the characters, with themes of family, sacrifice, and the impact of wealth that eventually permeate the narrative.