The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1901-06-01

RANGES lulolHihB hth tint ANa1 th'hA
Holbin had discovered some of the
facts connected with the tragedy. He
assured her that she had no reasons
for apprehension. and outlined his in
terview with Holhin.
CHAPTER VIII.
Leaving the physicians office, Holbin
made his way through the streets,
where excited crowds were discussing
the approaching conflict. He went to
his room. III Is true he had gained no
profitable information concerning the
unknown, yet-and the thought con-
soled him 70 some extent-he 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
him? For the first time then il dawned
upon Holbin that Brodnar was the
friend who came 20 the rescue OF the
wounded man and bore him away.
Everything corroborated Louise, and
II Louise spoke from a clear memory,
then Frances had been observed ten
derby parting from the man she loved.
This mental conclusion filled 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 guilty participant II was bad
hour that Holbin gave 20 his dilemma
in 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, incisiye mind could pierce the
mystery If il could be pierced. But he
hesitated al this stage There were
other secrets besides that which
baffled him. and be was not prepared
10 admit the presence Of Louise in
Richmond.
But why not Frances? No explana-
tions were necessary there; and she
was young and, Of course, easily
frightened. He went at once TO her
room, and upon the plea Of urgent
necessity forced his way in. lie found
her with her cheeks wet with tears and
instantly full Of resentment. She re-
NAMED standing while he was in the
room.
IL have a matter Of great importance.
Frances, TO discuss with you in private,
and much as dislike TO be guilty of in
it," She had regained her calmness by
desperate effort.
ITO you, Mr.. Holbin, | am always Miss
Brookin, and there cannot possibly be
any subject in which we are jointly in
terosted so important as TO necessitate
immediate discussion"
II am sorry if | shall appear abrupt"
he said, but there is a subject, and
there is no time TO waste. Night be-
fore last a 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 plastering back there, and the man
was carried away by DR.. 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."
Mr. Holbin!"
Frances, although forewarned. was
but girl, and could not keep the tell
tale blood from her face.
DO not attempt 10 deceive me. Give
me the name and your reasons"
by what right do you demand this
sir?" Her voice steadied as she looked
him fearlessly in the eyes.
"By the right which your fathers
will confers. For If you take one course
under that will, this, property is his
widows, my mothers; end If you take
the other
"In the meantime" she said coldly,
II have several years in which tc-de.
eide, and during those years neither
you nor your mother can drive me
from this house"
"Drive you, Francesl"
"Aliss Brookinl"
"Come, this is follyl am, whether
willing or unwilling. the present head
OF this family, or at least this house
hold al Richmond will hold me re.
! sponsible for everything that happens
here contrary 70 propriety, and ! must
insist that YOU explain this most re.
me TO ask assistance OF the police, and
thus make the matter public" The
/ girl did not finch
Il am not afraid that you will do
that, Mr.. Holbin; you have too much at
stake Dr. Brodnar, besides has TOLD
you that he was in this room, anc
Richmond will want 20 know why, i
there IS anything wrong afoot, you dc
not hold him responsible. No one has
been in this room until now-eXcep'
by my consent, and IL any crime hal
been committed the criminals ar,
proDably better known TO you than
anyone else am totally In the dark
have no idea why anyone, especial,
woman, should attempt TO shoot Q
/ friend OF mine here"
a womanl Who told you a woman
did it?"
my own eyes. / saw her tracks; ant
now, sir, who told you? Was it th'
woman?"