The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1901-03-22
CHAPTER VII.


ciples and correct associations may
carry an ordinary man to success in
proper channels, hut the successful
villain is necessarily an intellectual
being. In his room IIo,bin gradually
evolved from his discoveries the con-
clusion that he had an active enemy
near at hand, and that plot was
thickenirg about him. Yet who was
there in Richmond that knew enough
of his history to place a finger upon
the blacklist spot in his life? And
why the enmity? Two theories pre-
scented themselves, and only two
love for Frances Brookin and love for
the Broollin wealth. Since it was
clear that the girl had been too long
secluded, and too recently grown to
have formed many friendships in Rich.
mond, evidently the money was the
potent influence in the secret opera
tions about him. But who had been
shot, and why?
Holbin labored under the immense
disadvantage of a man without init
mate friends. He had gravtated rap
idly during his short stay in the city
towards the fast set; men classed
him quickly as Sporty" and women
looked on him with doubt People
who had at heart the interests OF the
latter looked even more coldly upon
the debonair man Of the world The
fact that he was the son of Mrs. John
Brookin was a disadvantage, for So
ciety had never been cnamoured of the
successor to the gentle little lady who
once presided over the Brookin man
sion. Intimates he had, but friends,
none. In his perpleXity over the mys-
terry into which he had been plunged
Ho.bin turned at length to DR.. Brod-
mar. He had seen the doctor upon
rare occasions only, and in some way
he had understood that he was not
favorably regarded by Mrs. Brookin;
but the basis of this lady's dislikes
was, as he knew, not legitimate. DR..
Brodnar, in succeeding to his fathers
practice some years before, had in a
way inherited old Mr.. Broolin, and
that individual had firmly resisted his
new wifes efforts to substitute her
own physician for him. The doctor
was a distant relative Of the dead
wife, one of the few links which
bound the old man to happy past;
and as people grow old they dislike
new family physicians.
No one is quicker to recognize a
ghtforward. honest man than
one who is himself dishonest and
tricky. Holbin estimated Brodnar as
clearheaded, blunt, impoltc fell
low, beyond the comprehension OF
plots and counterplots-a man to be
used if his confidence could be gained
He was, most likely, in a position to
serve him; for it was Raymond's con-
cusion that the shortest way to az
rive at the truth of the shooting lay
in the discovery of the wounded man
And if the victim were not actually
Brodnar's patient Brodnar might cas-
lily identify him. 1t was tribute tC
Rchmond's popular physician that
Holbin decided at once that the best
chance for success lay in a seeming.
ly frank and open statement of the
main facts. The doubtful point was
Louise. Brodnar had been present
at the reading of the will when the
question concerning her was asked
but, he concluded, over hastily
Brodnar could hardly know anything
about her beyond the name that hat
been uttered. He determined, With ;
gamblers quick decision, to play tht
stake, supposing that if he did no
win his loss would be small.
He entered the doctors office upor
the afternoon of the funeral anC
presently the door between the inne-
and outer offices opened. Brodna
stood upon the threshold looking a
him. At once Holbin remarked a sin
gular expression in the physician
face. Afterwards he recalled tha
Brodnar reached back and clotad tn
door behind him.
Doctor" he began, disregarding tn
others stiffness and formality, 81 hav
called to consult you on a certain mat
ter of private nature directly affect
ing the family with which we boil
to some extent, are connected. Hav
you few moments to spare me?" tn
Doctors face had darkened perCept
bly, and was turned asidefor a momen
81 am afraid sir" he said, at length
that you have made a mistake. al
not qualified to advise YOU in any n
spect. know of nothing affecting tn
Brookin family suppose you refe
to the Brookins-iu which we coul
hae a common interest. Good eyenin!
sir" lie turned as if to reentcr III
room behind him. Holbin stood wit
an angry flush upon his face. He re-
ognized instantly that a friendly ser
ice from the doctor was now out Of II
question; but service under NOR
eompulsion might yet be had.
Perhaps you are right" he sal
seeking TO adopt the others freezir
dignity. And yet you may be mista
en-that is, over-hasty. And perhaT
doctor. YOU do not realize that am n
asking a personal favor at your hands
"Nou viii have TO excuse me" Aga
the doctor placed his hand upon u
Soor-knob and prepared to depart.
Il am then to understand" said IT,
bin. distinct sheer in his voice "th
YOU Brookin people prefer that a ffai