Waterbury Democrat., 1901-03-23
Hls6ss.aI IHs MEi,s r1E3
 &&iS &i hAaRfsi'ANm1l l61
Copyright. 1899. by J. B. Lippincott Con-
 many. All -'-''ts reserved.
CHAPTER VII.

The influences of established prin- ciples and correct associations may carry an ordinary man to success in proper channels, but the successful villain is necessarily an intellectual being. In his room Holbin gradually evolved from his discoveries the con- clusion that he had an active enemy near at hand, and that a plot was thickening about him. Yet who was there in Richmond that knew enough of his history to place a finger upon the blackest spot in his life? And why the enmity? Two theories pre- sented themselves, and only two love for Frances Brookin and love for the Brookin 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 man without inti- mate friends. He had gravitated 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 enamoured 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- tery into which he had been plunged Holbin 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 MT. Brookin, and that individual had firmly resisted his new wife's efforts to substitute her own physician for him. The doctor was . distant relative of the dead wife. one of the few links which bound the old man to a happy past; duO as ptCplc SuoW. Olu SACy 0ASAAAS new family physicians.
 No one is quicker to recognize 1 straightforward, honest man than one who is himself dishonest and tricky. Holbin estimated Brodnar as a clear-headed, blunt, impolitic fel- 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 clusion that the shortest way to ar 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. It was a tribute to Richmonds 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; i; but, he concluded, over hastily, Brodnar could hardly know anything g about her beyond the name that had been uttered. He determined, with a gamblers quick decision, to play the stake, supposing that if he did not win his loss would be small.
 He entered the doctors office upon the afternoon of the funeral and presently the door between the inner and outer offices opened. Brodnar stood upon the threshold looking at him. At once Holbin remarked sin gular expression in the physicians i face. Afterwards he recalled that Brodnar reached back and closed the door behind him.
 Doctor" he began. 6isregarding the others stiffness and fcrmality, q have called to consult you on a certain mat l ter of private nature directly affect ing the family with which we both l to some extent, are connected. Have ! you few moments to spare me?" The doctors face had darkened percepti. b1y and was turned aside for moment,
 II am afraid, sir,' he said, at length "that you have made a mistak am not qualified to advise you in any re- spect. I know of nothing affecting the Brookin family-I suppose you refer to the Brookins-in which we could hae common interest. Good evening sir" He turned as if to reenter the room behind him. Hclbin stood with an angry flush upon his face. He rec ognized instantly that a friendly serv ice from the doctor was now out of tn. 1 question:; but service under mora compulsion might yet be had.
 Perhaps you are right" he said seeking to adopt the others freezing dignity. And yet you may be mistak en-that is, over-hasty. And perhaps doctor, you do not realize that am no
 asking personal favor al your hands.
 'You will have to excuse me-" Agair
 the doctor placed his hand upon thu
 door-knob and prepared to depart.
 q am then to understand" said Ho1
 bin, distinct sheer in his voice, "tha
 you Brookin people prefer that affair
 touching the family honor shall b.
 passed upon by strangers. Ihave com,
 to you, sir, with serious matter, as il
 duty bound. The reception met witt
 is such that for the future shall rel,
 upon my own judgment" With fin