Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-03-07


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 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 perpleNity 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 dislilles
was. as he knew, not legitimate. DR..
Brodnar in succeeding to his fathers
| practice some years before, had in q
way inherited old Mr.. 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
i bound the old man to happy past;
and as people grow old they dislike
| new family physicians.
No one is quicker to recognize
4 straightforward, honest man than
one who is himself dishonest and
tricky. Holbin estimated Brodnar as
clear-headed, blunt. impoltic fell
low, beyond the comprehension of
plots and counterplots-a man to be
used il his confidence could be gained.
He was, most likely, in 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. 1t was a tribute to
Richmond's popular physician that
Holbn decided at once that the best
chance for success lay in 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 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 a sin,
gular expression in the physician
face Afterwards he recalled that
Brodnar reached back and closed the
door behind him.
! Doctor" he began, disregarding thu
others stiffness and Formally, Il have
called to consult you on certain mat
!, ter of private nature directly affect
: ing the family with which we both
to some extent, are connected. Hav
you few moments to spare me?" TIL
: doctors face had darkened percepti
bly, and was turned aside for moment
Il am afraid, sir" he said, at length
shat you have made mistake. l an
not qualified to advise you in any re
p spect. / know of nothing affecting tn
S Brookin family suppose you refe
n to the. Broollins-in which we coul
e haze common interest. Good evening
y SIR" He turned as if to reenter tn
e room behind him. Holbin stood wit
d an angry flush upon his face. He rec
l. ognized instantly that friendly ser,
L ice from the doctor was now out of tn
3 question: but service under mors
o compulsion might yet be had.
n Perhaps you are right" he sait
/. seeking to adopt the others freezin
# dignity "And yet you may be mistal
lie en-that is, over-hasty. And perhap
ID doctor, you do not realize that | am nc
"a asking personal favor at your hands
ID you will have to excuse me-" Agai
i the doctor placed his hand upon tn
lie door-knob and prepared to depart.
n 81 am then to understand" said Ho
bin, distinct sneer in his voice. 18th;
at you Brookin people prefer that affair
d. touching the family honor shall
I'd passed upon by strangers. Ihave CON
Id to you, sir, with serious matter, as
n, duty bound. The reception met wit
Or is such that for the future shall re
n upon my own judgment" With fiji
sh show of heat he took up his hat al
s. cane, and with no preteIr;e of DO
O. was turning away when he felt Il
ry doctors hand laid not lightly upon h
ly shoulder. and his stern voice:
tn Explain yourself, sir"
.sUnless / am much mistaken"
said, showing his white teeth slight
"that has been the very thing you r
fused me permission to do"
n ''Sit down." Holbin was not m;
as easily intimidated when conscious tn
~ he held winning cards He read t
.ui bluff doctor easily, and knew that
"a was disturbed.
~ 81 must preface my remarks" he
~ gan. 'by the statement that am n
ny at liberty to give you the name of I
as informant in these matters"
as Are you aware, then. that you
gu come responsible should you repe
otl them 0S