The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1901-09-26
Copyright, 1sSe. by J. b. LippIncott Cen
pany. All rights reserved
CHAPTER VIII.

where excited crowds were discussing
the approaching conflict. He went 10
his room. II In true he had gained no
profitable information concerning the
unknown, yet -and the thought con-
soled him to some extent-hc had made
two important discoveries: Brodnar
was his enemy. and the shooting had
really occurred. But who was the man.
and why should Brodnar seek TO shield
himf For the first time then II dawned
upon HoIbin that Brodnar was the
friend who came TO the rescue OF the
wounded man and bore him away.
Everything corroborated Louise, and
u Louise spoke from clear memory.
then Frances had been observed ten
derly parting from the man she loved.
This mental conclusion filed him with
rage, despite the fact that he did not
and could not believe the girl guilty Of
serious error. Common sense told him
also that Brodnar would not have been
a party 10 a scandal and the protector
of q guilty participant. IL was bad
hour that Holbip gave to his dilemma
I'm the privacy of his own room. In
his doubt and distress he thought often
OF his mother. who had Richmond So
ciety at her finger ends. and whose
clear, incisive mind could pierce the
mystery IL IL could be pierced. But he
hesitated at this stage. There were
other secrets besides that which bafilcd
him, and he was not prepared to admit
the presence OF Louise h, Richmond.
But why not Frances? No explana-
tions were necessary there; and she
was young and, of course, easily
frightened. lie went at once to her
room. and upon the plea Of urgent
necessity forced his way in. He found
her with her cheeks wet with tears and
instantly full of resentment. She re-
mained standing while he was in the
room.
II have a matter Of great importance,
Frances. to discuss with you in private,
and much as dislike 10 be guilty Of in
trusion there seems TO be no help for
IT," She had regained her calmness by
desperate effort.
ITO you, Mr.. Holbin,I am always Mias
Brookin, and there cannot possibly be
any subject in which we are jointly in
terested so important as to necessitate
immediate discussion"
II am sorry IL shall appear abrupt"
he said, "but there IL subject. and
there Is no time to waste. Night be-
fore last q man sat in this chair, you
kneeled in front Of him, and some one
fired through the window, wounding
him in the head. The ball glanced into
the p.astering back there, and the man
was carried away by DIR. Brodnar, who
is now treating him in his rooms. de.
mand the name of that man and your
reasons for admitting him into this
house."
mir. Holbin!"
Frances, although forewarned, wa.
but q girl. and could not keep the tell
tale blood from her face.
"Do not attempt TO deceive me. Give
me the name and your reasons"
by what right do You demand this
,ir?" Her voice steadied as she looked
aim feariessly in the eyes.
"By the right which your father,
will copfers. For IL you take one cours,
ander that will. this property is hi,
widows, my mothers; and II you TAX,
the other
"In the meantime" she said. coldly
Il have several years in which to de
aide, and during those years neithe'
you nor your mother can drive III,
from this house"
"Drive you. Frances!"
''Miss Brookin!"
"Come, this is folly! I am, whethc,
willing or unwilling, the present heat
Of this family, or ut least this house
hold. All Richmond will hold me re
sponsibe for everything that happen
here contrary to propricty, and mus
insist that you explain this most re
markable occurrence. DO not fore,
me to ask assistance Of the police, ant
Itbus make the matter public" Th'
girl did not finch.
81 am not afraid that you will d,
that, Mr.. Holbin; you have too much a
stake. Dr. Brodnar, besides, has toll
you that he was in this room, an
Richmond will want 10 know why,
there Is anything wrong afoot, you d
not hold him responsible. No one ha
been in this room-until now-excep
by my consent, and ~ any crime ha
been committed the criminals ar
probably better known TO you thar
anyone else. am totally in the dark
have no idea why anyone, especiall
a woman, should attempt TO shoot
friend of mine here"
"A woman! Who told you womar
did it?"
my own eyes. ! saw her tracks; an
now. sir, who told you? Was IL IN
woman"
HoIbln laughed silently.
''You play that rs though II wer
trump" he said. "Perhaps no woman
tracks have ever been there but your
II Is your garden"
'Only, 1 saw them before made an
tracks there" she said, quietly.
~ don't question your honesty, Mis-
Brookin, but others might; and II pee
pie were disposed to judge you kindl
they would simply suggest that yo
had q powerful motive" To this sh
disdained q reply. She had picked u
Brodnar's letter from the table an
moved away, seeing which he said pei
sistently: "You will please answer m
question. I dislike greatly 10 ammo
you. but my duty Is imperative. You
secret will be safe with me; and
must protect the name OF my futur
wife-that you will admit"
"Your wife?. Have you supposed "a
. moment, sir, that shall ever becom
your wife?" Frances came back an
sfnod before him "Whv Mr. HOlbiI